tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56542570277231206712024-03-12T20:27:59.046-07:00Coffee and Praise CoffeeandPraisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06791651348535316369noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654257027723120671.post-14372236914972486682015-06-11T20:34:00.000-07:002015-06-11T20:46:13.517-07:00So, You Want To Meet Our DaughterI write this in hopes of encouraging other mommies and daddies facing similar circumstances, as well as for helping all those in our lives understand why we are making certain choices.<br />
<br />
Ben and I have been blessed with large families, many wonderful friends, and a loving and supportive church family. While we are so, incredibly, grateful for this fact, challenges tend to arise.<br />
<br />
In all reality, if you do not share my address, I should not have to care how my decisions affect your life. Yes, this means that I have taken our dogs feelings into consideration over yours. It's the truth. Deal with it.<br />
<br />
There comes a point in time when you realize just how technically challenging it will be to have your second child. Depending on your personal circumstances, simply becoming pregnant with your second may be included in that challenge. While my Ben and I had no issues this time around, and other mommies would probably want to shoot me if I told them how easy and beautiful of a pregnancy this has been, the most important, most difficult, part of this process is still on it's way - DELIVERY.<br />
<br />
Looking back, the dynamics of having our son were easy. The only "person" we had to worry about was our sweet boxer girl (the cats don't really count in this situation). We could spend a day, a week, a month, in the hospital and as long as we had someone to take care of our girl, we would manage.<br />
<br />
*For the record, we only spent three days in the hospital with our son.<br />
<br />
Some things that would be helpful to know:<br />
<br />
1. Our son was born via unplanned/non-emergency c-section at 10lbs 1oz and 22" - we do not know how he fit in my tummy<br />
2. Our daughter has potential to be larger than our son<br />
3. She is currently breech<br />
<br />
Being able to plan our baby girls birth was not something we had wanted originally. My hospital will allow a v-bac (vaginal birth after c-section) as long as I go into labor on my own. Because birthing our children naturally has always been so important to me (we tried with our Bear) this was the planned route up until about two months ago.<br />
<br />
Other helpful things to know:<br />
<br />
1. Our son will only fall asleep in his bed or in the car seat, with the car moving. We are OK with this, as he has always been a fabulous sleeper and goes to bed, typically, drama free<br />
2. Our son is very routine. Every morning he asks for a banana and sits either on the couch or at his little table in the kitchen to eat said banana while I make my morning coffee. After his banana he wants to snuggle on the couch and help you eat your: eggs/bagel/yogurt/muffin, etc. etc. and drink his milk sippy.<br />
3. Our son naps from 12pm -2pm He might be ready at 11:30am if he was up early, but 99% of the time, this is a sure thing.<br />
<br />
We are unwilling to mess this up. We have a smart, happy, loving, all good things, little boy. We love him more than anything.We love our daughter more than anything. Their meeting should be as stress and drama free as we can make it.<br />
<br />
Once we started to think of how our suddenly and surely stressed leaving would affect our Bear, pushing for a natural delivery started to feel selfish (to us, you do what feels right for you and your family!). After spending many evenings discussing the process we decided that opting for a scheduled c-section was the healthiest choice. Of course, she could still decide to come at any time. Should I go into labor we will still do a c-section (potentially large, breech, baby - she is not to be messed with!) and just leave a little more hurriedly than we would have on her scheduled date.<br />
<br />
We also started to think of the dynamic of how to introduce Bear to his sister for the first time, how we want visitors to greet him, when we want visitors, etc.<br />
<br />
This is what we decided would be best for our family:<br />
<br />
There will be a sign on the door asking that all visitors please greet Barrett first and hand him a toy from the bin that we will have by the door (it's currently full of little toy "cas" aka cars). This way he doesn't feel overshadowed or unloved and he knows everyone is there to love and support him just as much as Paxton (his sister). He will be very aware of who is coming in and out and how they acknowledge him. Paxton will not.<br />
<br />
We do not want people to just come in and out at their leisure. We will be focusing on getting to know our daughter, learning how to function as a family of four, and recovering. Also, we do not know what size room we will be given and don't want too many people at one time (nobody really gets to visit in this case anyways). To avoid this, we ask that a text, phone call, Facebook message, etc. be sent asking when a good time to pop in would be. This is for our sake, as well as your own. And please, don't be offended if we tell you it's not a good time.<br />
<br />
We only want visitors during certain hours. Ben will be staying at the house with Bear and coming to see Paxton and me once their morning banana and snuggle time has been complete. Once they arrive we want time for me to spend with Bear and Ben to take Paxton. Quite frankly, we want some alone time. Ben will take Bear home to nap then come back after he wakes, stay until close to bed time then go home again.<br />
<br />
We are doing everything we can to focus on our little, growing, family during this time. We want this experience to be as stress free and positive as possible, especially as we are currently planning on this being our last pregnancy. <br />
<br />
There seems to be confusion during the most important times of our lives, as to where priorities lie. I hope this has helped to shed light on why we've made the decisions we've made and that if you are currently/planning to be expecting that I have encouraged you to do what is best for your (share the same address) family.<br />
<br />
We are so insanely excited for this next chapter in our lives and are blessed to have so many who want to share in all of our special moments. Just please remember, they are our special moments to share.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0rTNb6bp30NrF0WwNWKNRb6Xsb9IqBBTl_WAo7CKhSSMEdS8s42ly35riOvTm2AM3wiR0GYoq9KIJkkLaoKmcqb_TLAnt2Zp1FFNTV-g4zitLhbOt9KayhswyBadZptW7Rc726eMj8p5/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0rTNb6bp30NrF0WwNWKNRb6Xsb9IqBBTl_WAo7CKhSSMEdS8s42ly35riOvTm2AM3wiR0GYoq9KIJkkLaoKmcqb_TLAnt2Zp1FFNTV-g4zitLhbOt9KayhswyBadZptW7Rc726eMj8p5/s320/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />CoffeeandPraisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06791651348535316369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654257027723120671.post-56190892695209807052015-02-05T11:39:00.001-08:002015-02-05T11:43:04.187-08:00Bacon Cheddar Broccoli SoupI love winter. Beautiful ice and snow covered trees, everything looking clean and sparkling, snuggling under layers and layers of blankets, fuzzy socks, seeing your breath while walking through the pure white snow as it crunches under your feet... and soup.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The thing about soup, especially home made, is that you have to be in the right mood for it, or at least I do. The day was clear and crisp, just the right amount of chilly, so we loaded up and headed out to grab the few things missing from my refrigerator and pantry. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our local "weather guessers", as my husband so accurately refers to meteorologist, had been pushing the "major winter storm" that was supposed to hit us later that evening. The result? My favorite grocery store was a complete mad house. The only thing that sweetened the trip was the attention my Bear got while wearing his shades, even after we had entered the store I had people coming up to me asking "is this the little boy who was wearing sunglasses? He is so cute!" What should have been an 15 minute shopping trip took us almost 45 minutes, what resulted, however, was well worth the hassle.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLK1zOqXaBWSHgdxwaUKGP0jkUZf4bp03CFcKgLfKDGAbRQ50P8kcn5GhAtpjDwXEBzy-WmlsaQi_ey7mrF-6F3gLQ6Lm74PD12Iy80OHNvj77rTo3nvLrttzMzouHhdE4Nktcbvk5sH7/s1600/Broccoli+Soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLK1zOqXaBWSHgdxwaUKGP0jkUZf4bp03CFcKgLfKDGAbRQ50P8kcn5GhAtpjDwXEBzy-WmlsaQi_ey7mrF-6F3gLQ6Lm74PD12Iy80OHNvj77rTo3nvLrttzMzouHhdE4Nktcbvk5sH7/s1600/Broccoli+Soup.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out with my little stud muffin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I hope you and your family enjoy this classic as much as my boys and I did. From the heart of my kitchen to yours.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Bacon Cheddar Broccoli Soup</u></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Makes 8-10 servings</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 Stick unsalted butter</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 Yellow onion, diced/sliced </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(I diced mine so my toddler could better handle the pieces)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4 cloves of garlic, Mashed, not diced</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(the cloves should be very loose so that they fall apart during the saute process)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4 Cups half and half</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
6 Cups chicken stock</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 Cup corn starch</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 Teaspoon nutmeg</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4 Bay leaves</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3 Large carrots, diced/sliced<br />
(again, I diced for my toddler)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 Heads broccoli (about 8 cups), chopped </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
16 Ounces sharp cheddar, shredded</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 Pound bacon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Salt and pepper to taste</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In large soup pot, place butter, onion, and garlic, on low-medium heat. Stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Place bacon on cooking sheet, sprinkle with pepper (if desired), and place in cool oven.<br />
Set oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook until bacon is firm and crispy.<br />
Once desired crispness is achieved, remove from tray onto paper towel to cool. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once onion is translucent, slowly stir in chicken stock and half and half, making sure not to allow a boil as this will cause your broth to break. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Combine corn starch with just enough cool water until mixture is smooth. Add to broth. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Add bay leaves and nutmeg</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Allow broth to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Add broccoli and carrots, simmer until vegetables are tender</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Break/crush bacon to desired size, add bacon and cheddar to soup, mix well. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remove bay leaves</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Season to taste</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enjoy! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I served this soup in an home made <a href="http://coffeeandpraise.blogspot.com/2015/02/crispy-bread-bowls.html" target="_blank">crispy bread bowl</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PELDu41XjHhIcpq7q1fW9Kku6IL0X_1KOsBatpLnzKPZ5vCPsTPg8wWVAfTm9sJOPrHNlaB5SvB3kx4iPFMwjW8whtXvGhKUOK5ZewWWY0IwqXZryPbhK2gxw3LgbbP4VuxVyUFstdkZ/s1600/Broccoli+soup3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PELDu41XjHhIcpq7q1fW9Kku6IL0X_1KOsBatpLnzKPZ5vCPsTPg8wWVAfTm9sJOPrHNlaB5SvB3kx4iPFMwjW8whtXvGhKUOK5ZewWWY0IwqXZryPbhK2gxw3LgbbP4VuxVyUFstdkZ/s1600/Broccoli+soup3.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBEfREgsYDuCoHsKmb0ghDahQIVjOIMvps5yaJYmt3Z0_LUpzh7B7ifiUQ4EJwpneavJOoFwqFoJUXxym6bZyJRPLmudF0DO5z-pc-DoIo-6TW-q1AYrivXhk2H1oXL0ro16ZmuTxtVH5/s1600/broccoli+soup2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBEfREgsYDuCoHsKmb0ghDahQIVjOIMvps5yaJYmt3Z0_LUpzh7B7ifiUQ4EJwpneavJOoFwqFoJUXxym6bZyJRPLmudF0DO5z-pc-DoIo-6TW-q1AYrivXhk2H1oXL0ro16ZmuTxtVH5/s1600/broccoli+soup2.jpg" height="266" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool man in his shades </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpU9e57KWOIcCNJTZTMvw1qnmK7VISebfAzUWOSglX6QY0jnHPIW_sVrheDopDvEJ9OQmdFFzfSr65C6-2XCSyHfzDOtPf-G0v8m4M43qjYcJVrBIAoo6nqVmzLf9cbCctMDPEaTc7N8Q/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpU9e57KWOIcCNJTZTMvw1qnmK7VISebfAzUWOSglX6QY0jnHPIW_sVrheDopDvEJ9OQmdFFzfSr65C6-2XCSyHfzDOtPf-G0v8m4M43qjYcJVrBIAoo6nqVmzLf9cbCctMDPEaTc7N8Q/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
. </div>
CoffeeandPraisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06791651348535316369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654257027723120671.post-82068597438050885192015-02-05T11:28:00.000-08:002015-02-05T11:40:36.510-08:00 Crispy Bread BowlsI have a confession, I have never been a huge fan of bread bowls. Do I love bread? Yes. Do I enjoy soggy bread? No.<br />
<br />
My husband, however, would eat pretty much anything from the center of a loaf of bread. So, as a special treat for him, I decided to serve our <a href="http://coffeeandpraise.blogspot.com/2015/02/bacon-cheddar-broccoli-soup.html" target="_blank">bacon cheddar broccoli</a> soup from, you guessed it, a bread bowl.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllb_QHJPDP5m3KoAFt4_sD6tlxA7432y5G2AVYCgrMvFdZwGK0QCs1eqOHpMZArgQVYMcOkh8f-OFlqwSS0Yg9IoPZs2QGBV1kHZpPPFT9nTzJDJC7gVlHzM4eK9jYvCEd6mCFC1rPKYH/s1600/Crispy+Bread+Bowls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllb_QHJPDP5m3KoAFt4_sD6tlxA7432y5G2AVYCgrMvFdZwGK0QCs1eqOHpMZArgQVYMcOkh8f-OFlqwSS0Yg9IoPZs2QGBV1kHZpPPFT9nTzJDJC7gVlHzM4eK9jYvCEd6mCFC1rPKYH/s1600/Crispy+Bread+Bowls.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This recipe is insanely easy, and just as tasty.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Crispy Bread Bowls</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 1/2 C warm water </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 Tbs vegetable oil</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3 C all purpose flour</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 C bread flour</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 1/2 Tsp salt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 1/2 Tsp active dry yeast</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Place all ingredients in bread machine in the order listed, unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer of your machine. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Select dough only setting</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let your machine work it's magic</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*If you do not have a bread machine</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Combine all ingredients in large bowl, mixing until well blended. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let rest for 15 minutes, covered, in warm dry place. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kneed for 10-15 minutes on lightly floured surface, cover and let rest for 30 minutes in warm dry place. Punch dough down and kneed again until dough is smooth and elastic. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cover and let rest again for 30 minutes. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Follow remaining instructions.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once machine has completed its cycle, punch dough down and remove to lightly floured surface. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cut dough in half, working one half into a single loaf and the other half into two round loaves (or four round loaves, however many bowls you need. I only needed two).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Place loaves on pizza stone or on lightly greased baking sheet, cover and let rise until loaves are double in size, about 30 minutes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bake until loaves are golden and sound hollow when gently tapped (30-45 minutes)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remove and let cool on wire rack.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once completely cool, gently cut, using serrated knife angled towards center of loaf, around the top of your bowl. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remove top and hollow out loaf by gently pulling bread from the center. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once bowl has been created, place bowls back into oven for 5-10 minutes to crisp the inside.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remove to plate, fill with soup, replace top (if desired).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enjoy! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*You can also season your bread by adding some Italian seasoning and/or Parmesan cheese (or any other dry ingredient) to dough before working into loaves. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpkfZ-mx5M1NntyBsDHyoFgVksxbZgkpiYNXwbiuhTb3UzCRkZMDEpmQKQUUUdw3xZkCR-n7Pnmjfewm04_6o18f1PITmO4KfU4t7LhS-3O8yM0tEN6ZG5xJ8De9KB1NIGYH6PJuDDjnWd/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpkfZ-mx5M1NntyBsDHyoFgVksxbZgkpiYNXwbiuhTb3UzCRkZMDEpmQKQUUUdw3xZkCR-n7Pnmjfewm04_6o18f1PITmO4KfU4t7LhS-3O8yM0tEN6ZG5xJ8De9KB1NIGYH6PJuDDjnWd/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
CoffeeandPraisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06791651348535316369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654257027723120671.post-30318658593383587482015-02-01T10:47:00.002-08:002015-02-01T11:02:55.606-08:00Pumpkin Raisin MuffinsThere comes a point, for me anyways, after the holiday season where my love of pumpkin dwindles... yes, even to the extent that the amazingness of a PSL cannot bring it back to life. So, when I was hit by the baking bug a couple of days ago, and pumpkin actually sounded appealing again, I went straight for an all around crowd-pleaser, the muffin. Not only did this new concoction not disappoint, I have been asked for the recipe by several people (one of the best things about a muffin is how easily they are shared). Even at three days old, the last muffin was as good as the first, not always an accomplished feat for something containing pumpkin and whole wheat.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5itV7wi7ZzUdtZGSuCjP6ivsgkscIvPsaVjFfSzJznnJCs7vqn4zBiflbe5O21qdSxAVI-PJTNlnjLqSZijjULwihaxlbIBysbGPBqBuYGzfUNzcbMhioHNUDayr3vysIJhsc35VlbBTE/s1600/pmuffin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5itV7wi7ZzUdtZGSuCjP6ivsgkscIvPsaVjFfSzJznnJCs7vqn4zBiflbe5O21qdSxAVI-PJTNlnjLqSZijjULwihaxlbIBysbGPBqBuYGzfUNzcbMhioHNUDayr3vysIJhsc35VlbBTE/s1600/pmuffin1.jpg" height="271" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
From my kitchen to yours, the recipe:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Pumpkin Raisin Muffins</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 cup all-purpose flour</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 cup whole wheat flour</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 cup packed brown sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 tsp baking powder</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 teaspoon ginger</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 teaspoon cloves</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 allspice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 teaspoon salt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 teaspoon baking soda</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 egg, lightly beaten</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 teaspoon vanilla</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 cup pumpkin</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 cup skim milk</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 cup vegetable oil</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 cup old fashioned oats</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 cup raisins</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In large mixing bowl, combine first eleven ingredients and set aside.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Combine egg, vanilla, pumpkin, milk, and oil, add to dry ingredients until just moist.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*Never over mix a muffin!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fold in oats and raisins<br />
Spoon into greased/lined muffin tins until 3/4 full<br />
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.<br />
Cool in tin, on wire rack, for 5 minutes then continue cooling, removed from pan, upside down on wire rack.<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE946PQgvPRhOHD8IXH57Sxdbw8hjiFo4ZdQIKrZGuGOLXPSSVV6yzbrYK5MZ3jbbGxhQIRO-v4k89EFaZp3abSLQuSWAGevnT0O377IDOXH3mOzZkwp4_wgj3Vg8zDEy4CLiBPCDjeumo/s1600/pmuffin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE946PQgvPRhOHD8IXH57Sxdbw8hjiFo4ZdQIKrZGuGOLXPSSVV6yzbrYK5MZ3jbbGxhQIRO-v4k89EFaZp3abSLQuSWAGevnT0O377IDOXH3mOzZkwp4_wgj3Vg8zDEy4CLiBPCDjeumo/s1600/pmuffin2.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
These muffins really do taste as good as they smell! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Of course, if you really want to duplicate my recipe, you'll be blasting Frank Sinatra and dancing around the kitchen with your son.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdks93cL8d7QErxn0gwrXOEdaRDy7yBuVKC0fiIHp4Bo4cCFb20x8lVCHahlWQP89Wtp1EXoEaheXSewmJ2YXKdiu3t5hC1exkbhysv8ONFdRFbJaz1irbqC6HvqyREN03mCMYEfGSxTzi/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdks93cL8d7QErxn0gwrXOEdaRDy7yBuVKC0fiIHp4Bo4cCFb20x8lVCHahlWQP89Wtp1EXoEaheXSewmJ2YXKdiu3t5hC1exkbhysv8ONFdRFbJaz1irbqC6HvqyREN03mCMYEfGSxTzi/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
CoffeeandPraisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06791651348535316369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654257027723120671.post-45431813787117774302015-01-29T19:04:00.000-08:002015-01-30T09:36:35.152-08:00Cucumber SammiesI first learned this recipe while working at <a href="http://www.whiteoakinn.com/" target="_blank">The White Oak Inn</a>. These lovely little sandwiches, aka "sammies", would be served for teas and special events, along with an assortment of other wonderful goodies, and I was always excited to help dispose of leftovers.<br />
<br />
While I cannot claim that the following recipe is an exact copy of what I used to help make years ago, the most important aspects remain: simple, fresh, quick, and healthy, not to mention super yummy. Oh, and my kiddo loves them too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9qmwSiYAYjMUaOLH5rx_Pd98Mx0zillR6o-45jhJ1OFWDY3MsELieimbrlk0gsE_n5UMxVd_9kSMxrMDfStMn2qxwvZnFrIlT51p3A5Vqi2gLKj7vrR2RpK11cCHAyGkyFvidHl0hGRH/s1600/Sammies1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9qmwSiYAYjMUaOLH5rx_Pd98Mx0zillR6o-45jhJ1OFWDY3MsELieimbrlk0gsE_n5UMxVd_9kSMxrMDfStMn2qxwvZnFrIlT51p3A5Vqi2gLKj7vrR2RpK11cCHAyGkyFvidHl0hGRH/s1600/Sammies1.jpg" height="195" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Cucumber Sammies </u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 Medium cucumber</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/3 Block cream cheese (about 2.5 ounces)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 Tbs Dill paste </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Fresh is preferred if you can find it. Add to taste. Flavor will increase once combination has been chilled)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sea Salt, to taste</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whole wheat bread</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFMjNmRoW9n6-rZublFYw1koslFs1tm8WxmRHJbBoN9RU5ivwea65qan9NBOvDvB-bJ2kVO86e3si8YxCNVWLjbGT0ywOH7-REunCZZSgNM03YfOPMVX3yszb7vF3GdP-QEGIrcPSEhks/s1600/Sammies4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFMjNmRoW9n6-rZublFYw1koslFs1tm8WxmRHJbBoN9RU5ivwea65qan9NBOvDvB-bJ2kVO86e3si8YxCNVWLjbGT0ywOH7-REunCZZSgNM03YfOPMVX3yszb7vF3GdP-QEGIrcPSEhks/s1600/Sammies4.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whip cream cheese and salt together until light and fluffy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wash, peel if desired, and finely dice cucumber</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fold cucumber and dill into cream cheese until blended</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cover, directly on top of mixture to prevent drying, and chill for 30+ minutes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Spread onto whole wheat bread</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enjoy! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, it really is that simple! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsKddnhT9eDT8VUWCBwx74Slf4S7tiwzcauVGFoZIvYfwvwc9twbMNG4EU4LDM4itg4YVL1UliAVUqnRU0DYNdVge-AzoEq2A4bu3zCulDlfiJ-EqMc4rvZjQu146rZbINzYjOQ_C_CIw/s1600/Sammies3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsKddnhT9eDT8VUWCBwx74Slf4S7tiwzcauVGFoZIvYfwvwc9twbMNG4EU4LDM4itg4YVL1UliAVUqnRU0DYNdVge-AzoEq2A4bu3zCulDlfiJ-EqMc4rvZjQu146rZbINzYjOQ_C_CIw/s1600/Sammies3.jpg" height="320" width="203" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*Replace cream cheese with low fat cream cheese for an even healthier version</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFvANo5KYLWjmQccescLFUd00U4IQ8pIpndUM7IUM-DeLZGIWe_oqlThrGgfmYeZc34NaTNbm2RtDoX-IG61F5iE-T0ajNVd0FvFRqquALczE_9liLJOKXuPygN4YzyRcIOB3P3vSo9n1/s1600/Sammies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFvANo5KYLWjmQccescLFUd00U4IQ8pIpndUM7IUM-DeLZGIWe_oqlThrGgfmYeZc34NaTNbm2RtDoX-IG61F5iE-T0ajNVd0FvFRqquALczE_9liLJOKXuPygN4YzyRcIOB3P3vSo9n1/s1600/Sammies2.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpO0DUBDCc9MW42auWD2AQWEMtht0t-pDpseO7aO9DFIS_r_awyOGFzJOQit7Q2tOwQ6FQ6c5G_EOKhmUoUpFLFCEjLGSvstKALs9YDqQlhuMggfAI7ebopxlJQTt2NaPdnbmTvZdy9crX/s1600/Sammies5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpO0DUBDCc9MW42auWD2AQWEMtht0t-pDpseO7aO9DFIS_r_awyOGFzJOQit7Q2tOwQ6FQ6c5G_EOKhmUoUpFLFCEjLGSvstKALs9YDqQlhuMggfAI7ebopxlJQTt2NaPdnbmTvZdy9crX/s1600/Sammies5.jpg" height="268" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcxuFvg5Sl5JXHjGtSjh_497PeOcIZMPTKXd7r8cH_yVhMiPIfFHkw2EQ5lM1JKNMTk9-fRSz4gghCfwsrmmRZZgl4jarKK64DCwfzFR_YnppTTKAJiQ0YJNIubtr4W5HFKlWZ7GDc_pU/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcxuFvg5Sl5JXHjGtSjh_497PeOcIZMPTKXd7r8cH_yVhMiPIfFHkw2EQ5lM1JKNMTk9-fRSz4gghCfwsrmmRZZgl4jarKK64DCwfzFR_YnppTTKAJiQ0YJNIubtr4W5HFKlWZ7GDc_pU/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
CoffeeandPraisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06791651348535316369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654257027723120671.post-7228895432818742252015-01-14T19:08:00.000-08:002015-01-14T19:08:41.578-08:00I Am Not JustAmong all the wonderful gifts I received over the Christmas season was a delightful bag of Losantiville Blend coffee and a handsome new mug. I must say this blend has quickly become one of my favorites.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllSqORoTTXwluSUR4ccaaxmCQhBFKJPnb3bQ_Wih_PlEeB7opI-CB4QRCDO06ACCF3g0kJ2SKg4mrtmSOPv6L7X-kTDSU8VGXyGLa58I3IHv4-Sq_f_lphTLisrFehS5EV7olslO8ivpj/s1600/Just.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllSqORoTTXwluSUR4ccaaxmCQhBFKJPnb3bQ_Wih_PlEeB7opI-CB4QRCDO06ACCF3g0kJ2SKg4mrtmSOPv6L7X-kTDSU8VGXyGLa58I3IHv4-Sq_f_lphTLisrFehS5EV7olslO8ivpj/s1600/Just.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the cat scratches on my beautiful table. No more cats. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you had told me ten years ago that I would be sitting here as a stay at home mom I would have told you that you were out of your mind. The plan was never to stay home, the plan was to be practicing dietetics and nutrition in a well known hospital, as an clinical dietitian, while a loving daycare provider looks after my children. I love to work. I love being busy. I love knowing that I know what I'm doing and that I am doing it well, maybe even better than my colleagues - because I'm one of those extreme competitive types who loves winning and tries her best to lose with dignity and grace... something I am not always successful with, you know, when I lose (please note sarcasm).<br />
<br />
Never in a million years would I change my mind about staying home to raise my children. By no means am I coming down or judging working parents either. We parents need to stick together! God opened doors for me to be able to stay home and I walked through them terrified and rejoicing. I have the utmost respect for working parents. Once my family is ready, I will return to what most refer to as the "working world" and join them.<br />
<br />
Recently I have noticed a trend in how I am refereed to by those in my life, who do not understand the complexities of full time mommahood, as "just staying home" or "just a stay at home mom" or "not working".<br />
<br />
EXCUSE ME?<br />
<br />
Fueled by my frustration of this misconception, I took to the mommy support groups I take part in via social media, asking for feedback from other stay at home mommas, and boy did I get it! Turns out I am not the only stay at home parent who feels the attitude towards us change. So, for the sake of all stay at home parents, allow me to set the record straight on what we "just" do all day.<br />
<br />
A stay at home parent is never off the clock, there are no 8-15 hour days, only 24 hour days. There are no lunch breaks, no potty breaks, no vacation days, sick days, or paid holidays, and no alone time in the car as we travel back and forth. Meals are rarely consumed at anything other than room temperature, showers are strategically planned, and we are almost always wearing something our child was eating. There are no promotions, no raises, little to no adult interaction ... no, we aren't complaining, we love what we do and whom we do it all for, just stating the facts.<br />
<br />
Are there days when we just stay in our pajamas? You bet there are. Why? Because we don't just throw a load of laundry in from time to time. We sort, wash, dry, fold, hang, iron, and put away the clothes on our families backs. Maybe we decided against getting dressed today because we've been up all night with a sick/teething/growing/who knows/who cares it's 2am kiddo, who needs to be snuggled on the couch while watching the same Veggie Tales movie over and over. Maybe we're not as done up as you feel is appropriate because sleep was replaced by the following days 'To Do' list running over and over again in our heads: "drop off dry cleaning, don't forget to pick up more toilet paper, start dinner by 2:00 so it's ready by 6:00 and you can leave at 6:30... bread, we have no bread. Shoot. Do I really want to make bread? Yes, yes, I do. Do I have time to make bread? No. Pick up bread and toilet paper... Kiddo needs a bath, do I bathe him in the morning or before bed? In the morning, we will be out too late for a nighty night bath..."<br />
<br />
Do you have electric, water, gas, TV and internet, a working phone, food in the house, etc.? You're welcome. Due to the fact we are just home all day, we'll make sure the bills get paid, the shopping is done, the errands ran, the kids dropped off/picked up... we handle all of these tasks, not because we seek acknowledgement but, because we value the time we get to spend together as a family, time that we prefer not be hindered by daily chores.<br />
<br />
When you come into our home and are greeted with a clean and orderly place to gather, that's because we also keep up with the housework. We were even nice enough to take out the trash containing dirty diapers. You know, just because we had the time.<br />
<br />
Our family is clean and fed. Our pets aren't starving or smelly. Our grass is cut, the garden weeded, snow is shoveled... we just had an extra few minutes, no big deal.<br />
<br />
We are their teacher, tutor, counselor, lunch lady (or gent), janitor, maintenance, coach, doctor, nurse, chauffeur. We don't just help with homework and sign papers, we transport to and from football practice, dance recital, youth group, the mall so that they can "hang". We attend their games, their performances, their debates, and somehow muster up enough energy and enthusiasm to cheer them on, every step of the way. We don't just kiss the "boo-boos" and wipe away tears, we are up every two hours checking temperatures and administering medicine when our children are sick. We evaluate what and how much has exited their tummies so as to better understand what they're fighting. We are keeping track of what food may have caused that rash or how many fruits starting with the letter 'P' are required before we see the desired potty results. We keep our family organized and running like a well oiled machine, making, traveling to, and attending all Dr. appointments, specialist appointments, and events, just because we're so darn good at what we do.<br />
<br />
We deal with an immense amount of stress and pressure. You think your boss acts like a child from time to time... our boss IS a child. No, we do not let our children run our lives, but when kiddo decides not to nap there is very little you can do about that. So whatever you were planning on accomplishing during those few precious minutes, will just have to wait. Or when you find out that practice was moved from Monday night at 7:00 to Wednesday night at 6:30, that family dinner you had planned for Wednesday will just have to be rescheduled.<br />
<br />
Several stay at home parents also run a business out of their home. I started selling my baked goods when Bear was young but as he became more and more mobile my ability to spend hours in the kitchen disappeared, as did my little baking business. I am now a Scentsy consultant, throwing and hosting parties, taking and placing orders, keeping everything organized and on track, answering questions, etc. all while my little man keeps me company. Because, apparently, I just wasn't busy enough.<br />
<br />
There also seems to be some misconception as to why we are home. Yes, of course it is because we love and value our children and desire a relationship with them. That being said, we may also be home because of health related issues, because we will actually save money by not spending money on childcare, etc. The list goes on and on.<br />
<br />
So the next time you find yourself wondering what we stay at home parents do all day, answer yourself with just a little bit of everything. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhB6glYEmyoTePEqwon3dmNXOiXu_1j3cBzihXmx93E8iipwl5fGS7m9jwZEblnAlORILlO4dGcITcOt_Neo7-8Dklv0lBTJEy4WNB4uZjwXwzc2-KLhADfDoLkoW7GCgQ9MRoCxq667J/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhB6glYEmyoTePEqwon3dmNXOiXu_1j3cBzihXmx93E8iipwl5fGS7m9jwZEblnAlORILlO4dGcITcOt_Neo7-8Dklv0lBTJEy4WNB4uZjwXwzc2-KLhADfDoLkoW7GCgQ9MRoCxq667J/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
.CoffeeandPraisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06791651348535316369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654257027723120671.post-47638391579561415462015-01-06T17:29:00.002-08:002015-01-06T17:29:55.340-08:00Social Media Part 2 - The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly In my first post regarding social media, I tell you about the weekend we un-installed ourselves from all social media. For the full story check out <a href="http://coffeeandpraise.blogspot.com/2014/10/social-media-part-1-our-weekend-without.html" target="_blank">Social Media Part 1 - Our Weekend Without</a>.<br />
<br />
<u>The Good</u><br />
<br />
Social media, Facebook specifically, is an amazing tool for staying connected with friends and family. Ben and I don't have huge families, but we are spread all over the world. We have close friends and family in Oregon, Tennessee, Georgia, California, New York, Arizona, England, Latvia... the list goes on. Without Facebook we would not be able to stay nearly as connected to these loved ones as we do. Testament to the power social media holds is when Bens cousin, whom I had not met yet, stopped by our house on her way to NY from OR. "I feel like I know you so well already because of Facebook" she said.<br />
<br />
Memory sharing has been made incredibly simple. Have a picture with several friends? No problem, tag them and they automatically have access to the photo as well. Celebrate a significant event with family and friends? Tag them in your status and you can all share together.<br />
<br />
Because of networks such as Facebook, Instaram, and Twitter small, perhaps unknown, businesses have the means necessary to promote and spread awareness of their existence, for little to no charge. What an amazing tool! These businesses can then connect and learn from others in their arena and continue to grow and become known. The degree of separation has dropped and continues to drop, significantly!<br />
<br />
Through the powers of social media there is not one single person who should ever feel alone. Despite your interests, genetics, etc. you have the ability to connect with others similar to you. Seriously. Several years ago my husband decided to create the group 'Ben Potters of the World Unite' and if there is a Ben Potter on Facebook, and they know the group exists, they're in it. Why? Because they are the Ben Potters of the world, and they've united. I don't know, I am not a Ben Potter. There are several of the other BP's that he has made more personal connections with over the years, whether through common interests or the simple fact that most of us are now at an age where we are becoming parents and are blowing up news feeds with pictures, video, and statuses all about our little monsters.<br />
<br />
Pinterest is a fabulous way to sort, organize, and share all your creative thoughts, recipes, DIY projects, etc., without having to mess with paper clippings and filling your house with peg boards. My goodness, can you imagine if you had to pin everything in real life that you have virtually? Not only would it take significantly more time but what a mess!<br />
<br />
What we have available to us is an amazingly diverse way in which to stay connected and be a <b>positive influence</b> in the lives of others.<br />
<br />
<u>The Bad</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
Obviously, social media takes time out of our day, significantly more time than we should be dedicating to something that, in all reality, we have, can, and at times should, live without. We spend so much time catching up on what is happening in other peoples lives that we miss what is happening in our own. Take time to unplug. Get home from work and put your phone away, you'll hear it should you actually get a phone call. Shock everyone when you're fully present at family events in place of playing on your phone.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LqR1e04HgNxuLbsB9-2s9_fzk-UA3pgTSllw1voATzoLQHKLVyyMiqypvNQJvHMsMFW6N3oj3LZGDxE0uDROz62wifsWdP8GDFDnjsL4srxz6VIdx9puOf-xcz9Fe7VVafgNF5RJBXp-/s1600/SM2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LqR1e04HgNxuLbsB9-2s9_fzk-UA3pgTSllw1voATzoLQHKLVyyMiqypvNQJvHMsMFW6N3oj3LZGDxE0uDROz62wifsWdP8GDFDnjsL4srxz6VIdx9puOf-xcz9Fe7VVafgNF5RJBXp-/s1600/SM2.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Like most everyone else I know, I have the Bible app on my phone, and it truly is fantastic. How is this bad? I can remember seeing my parents reading their Bibles as a child, there was no question in what they were doing. Seeing them reading made me want to read mine too, so I would. What example am I setting to my children if they never see me reading the actual Book? There is no way for them to know if I'm reading the Bible, playing Words With Friends, or going pin crazy on Pinterest, and that's not OK with me. I want them to grow up seeing me with my nose buried deep in scripture, hopefully inspiring them to do the same.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<u>The Ugly</u><br />
<br />
Social media tends to get a bad rap, especially from those who, perhaps, don't truly understand its purpose. Of course, just like everything else, this reputation stems from those who misuse/abuse the system. You know the type of person I'm talking about. There is a time and place for social media; places such as work, church, driving, family meals, dates, weddings, funerals, etc. are <b><u>not</u></b> it.<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuGB9mDCY79wKnkfA79L6U0haNKITNMTsGxhH9TRAnJ730U4mTB3Onfk6AY0nNKngd_nKMwXc1iLIFcOhOYjrwBPXrmSdm3UaoHdPls9DjW3eNaW6d0J-h1ceT7WB9vs0crPDXSGAmGJj/s1600/Facebook+ecard.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuGB9mDCY79wKnkfA79L6U0haNKITNMTsGxhH9TRAnJ730U4mTB3Onfk6AY0nNKngd_nKMwXc1iLIFcOhOYjrwBPXrmSdm3UaoHdPls9DjW3eNaW6d0J-h1ceT7WB9vs0crPDXSGAmGJj/s1600/Facebook+ecard.png" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Along with there being a time and place, there are also appropriate topics of discussion and inappropriate topics. Freedom of speech is an amazingly important and beautiful thing, there are those that take this freedom way too far though. Angry with your husband? Take it up with him and leave us out of it. Having family drama? The world doesn't need to know, focus on how to resolve the issues and love on your family. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of the worst things I have seen social media provide is the ability for people to put their noses where they have no business being. You are entitled to your opinion, however, when you start stating your personal opinions as if they are factual... then we have problems, potentially, big problems. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKYRlib2QKakr9cQyEt3QUK0kVwErsbHA88f8oZiNRpJ6h5FWSIOF4gambsPKWgZ0iQGi2TgnrX8JZHuVzXe1Ay81Uvb2y45YT-02bjXjMBU0IaPvSV-MnOMoWmyQb2jSR5ywqt1Ae3Ec/s1600/Facebook+ecard2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKYRlib2QKakr9cQyEt3QUK0kVwErsbHA88f8oZiNRpJ6h5FWSIOF4gambsPKWgZ0iQGi2TgnrX8JZHuVzXe1Ay81Uvb2y45YT-02bjXjMBU0IaPvSV-MnOMoWmyQb2jSR5ywqt1Ae3Ec/s1600/Facebook+ecard2.png" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Whatever happened to "if you can't say something nice, say nothing at all"? Speaking the truth in love doesn't mean you can say whatever you want with a smile on your face or by the addition of a heart emoji. We are instructed to <a href="http://biblehub.com/galatians/6-1.htm" target="_blank">restore that person gently</a> not advertise what we feel they have done wrong to all our social media buddies. How much less drama there would be if people would realize that not everything needs to be said! Not everyone needs to stay in your life either, we are given <a href="http://biblehub.com/context/matthew/18-15.htm" target="_blank">clear direction</a> as to how to handle those who have sinned/sinned against us, and it does not involve lengthy status updates. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let's all make the decision to be more present in our own lives, in our own present. We only get one here and now, let's not spend all of it browsing social media. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPHqdy-ALncKqw07dT2xbF1j9W7-_MqYdZvpozhZ6thY7qTNMu0W1qwopVSGzZS2FDZujeNq3cYjvRR269e45oPpLKMy4FYBWN4h4fMRWKqdrCU83_Xgmt-af4ZFmLtEl7hQ4KDnp_yZi/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPHqdy-ALncKqw07dT2xbF1j9W7-_MqYdZvpozhZ6thY7qTNMu0W1qwopVSGzZS2FDZujeNq3cYjvRR269e45oPpLKMy4FYBWN4h4fMRWKqdrCU83_Xgmt-af4ZFmLtEl7hQ4KDnp_yZi/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" height="200" width="148" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://amandabpotter.scentsy.us/" target="_blank">Get your Scentsy on! </a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
CoffeeandPraisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06791651348535316369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654257027723120671.post-55818538330365636452014-11-23T10:09:00.003-08:002014-11-23T10:09:45.733-08:00What I've Learned From My 1 Year OldA dear friend messaged me a few weeks back saying she had a bag of coffee for me, "the coffee fairy stopped by and there is more than I can drink". I have the best friends. Today I'm drinking Dunkin' Doughnuts Original Blend. After weeks of being sick and coffee tasting horrible, I warmly welcome this glorious substance back into my life.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTjImKJiHFO1c6iDbvO4K6QvncjX2L6Ei9m58tGLx7Kj9y8LBm8vJxVCHlt4feTFDpQzncalw-8j-ZLT20dYAbU9hVIVk2DDP3JH0wOfSUb4CnxiFlSKvUFh2rO4zme_twQqXxZOut-QI/s1600/coffee+for+lessons+learned.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTjImKJiHFO1c6iDbvO4K6QvncjX2L6Ei9m58tGLx7Kj9y8LBm8vJxVCHlt4feTFDpQzncalw-8j-ZLT20dYAbU9hVIVk2DDP3JH0wOfSUb4CnxiFlSKvUFh2rO4zme_twQqXxZOut-QI/s1600/coffee+for+lessons+learned.jpg" height="200" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">2.5 pounds of the good stuff</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I cannot begin to describe to you the joy our son has added to our lives. While not every moment has been pleasant, every single instance has been sweetened by his being ours to love. To say that I am blessed to be his momma is a severe understatement. I am honored. I am thrilled. I am overwhelmingly, completely, and unashamedly in love with and grateful for this incredible little blond by who is currently standing beside me watching his movie.<br />
<br />
There are so many things my precious little boy has taught me over these past, now, almost fourteen months. Here are some of my favorites.<br />
<br />
* Cloth diapers aren't scary.<br />
Look up cloth diapers and you will find a plethora of options. Everything from the originals that are held together by pins, to the more modern versions that include velcro/snaps/buttons... After asking several other cloth diapering mommies we finally settled on a brand and dove in. Of course, after you've decided to go the cloth route, and have determined what sort and brand is right for you, comes learning how to care for the diapers. Depending on which route you choose, they're quite the upfront investment, though the overall savings are absolutely worth it. My methods may not work for everyone but here is what I have learned being a cloth diaper toting momma:<br />
1. You don't have to purchase specific detergent manufactured and marketed for cloth diapers. What you do need is a fragrance free, color free, and bleach free detergent. Yep, that's it. Diapers come out perfectly clean, my son has never had a diaper rash, and we aren't breaking the bank on laundry detergent. Another perk, we don't have to buy multiple kinds of detergent, one bottle for everyone.<br />
2. Dirty diapers do not need to be soaked. I've found it much easier if you don't soak them! When baby is exclusively breastfed there is no need to soak even the dirty diapers, just throw them in and be amazed when everything comes out looking and smelling clean. Once your precious little stinker starts into solids the game changes. I tried the soaking method for months and found it, disgusting. The last thing I want to deal with is more poo! For goodness sake. So, one day I decided enough was enough, and I didn't soak the dirty diapers. What did I do? I let them sit for a few hours so the poo would dry enough to be scraped off with toilet paper and then thrown into the toilet. Did this work? YES. Is this a gazillion times nicer than soaking and scrubbing poo diapers? YES, YES. My life changed for the better after this discovery.<br />
<br />
*Veggie Tales are a gift straight from the hand of God.<br />
Now, before you go judging me for allowing my young son TV time, let me assure you, he is an insanely active little boy and thirty minutes of TV time here and there will not hurt him. There are so many reasons why I love Veggie Tales, besides the fact his attention is held so well: they are colorful, educational, always positive, and teach important life lessons along with scripture. I love watching him clap along to Silly Songs with Larry, or dancing to the theme song. Several months ago my poor little guy was struggling with teething. Every day he would wake between one and two in the morning with a low grade fever, and cry until we sat together on the couch to watch Jonah - over, and over, and over again. This was our routine for a solid week. SO much better than Barney!<br />
<br />
*No amount of love can shield my hate of snot and drool.<br />
Years ago we were visiting with a very dear friend who owns a St. Bernard. As I'm sure you're aware, this particular breed is known for the immense amount of slobber they produce. As we all sit, quietly watching our movie, the very loving, very drooling dog came and rested his chin on my lap. For a moment I didn't realize what exactly had happened, then he lifted his head... as strings of thick slobbery drool ran between my lap and his mouth. Of course I handled the situation as any sane, dog loving, adult would and began gagging, wriggling, and making ultrasonic high pitched sounds indicating my disapproval. My reaction when my drooling, runny nosed, perfect child comes and slimes me... pretty much the same.<br />
<br />
*"Sleep when baby sleeps" - Lies! All lies!<br />
For the first few weeks this may ring true, but we soon find out just how deceptive this phrase is. Nappy time is my time. For the last several months I have been given one, two hour period in which to be productive. Yes, I can accomplish things while he is awake. At this very moment he is standing on my foot while hanging from my arm. I know, I'm impressed too. There are tasks much more efficiently conquered while he is napping, things like baking, anything regarding bleach (I will not use any heavy cleaning product around him due to fumes), yoga... Could I nap while he naps? Of course! I'm sleepy! But, I am so much happier having used those most valuable minutes being productive. Bills are easier to pay when I'm not constantly instructing my son not to slam a cupboard door or to stop trying to tickle the cat (who is, as far as we can tell, not a fan of tickling). Even if he were being a complete angel, odds are he is talking my ear off or wanting to have a tickle fight. These are things I never want him to feel are unacceptable or unappreciated. So while baby sleeps, momma gets busy.<br />
<br />
*Green beans. He loves them! He hates them! Sydney will eat them!<br />
When the time came to introduce "real food" we veered away from the norm and started with green beans. I'm sure there is someone out there with a green bean allergy, but I've never heard of them so, I figured this was a safe starting food. Not only was he not allergic (surprise!) but he really loved them. He would gobble them down, no problem. Now that he is big enough to handle the real deal we've had a very different outcome. Our faithful pup, Sydney, is extremely helpful when it comes to cleaning up. Barrett has figured out that food doesn't even have to hit the floor for her to "clean up" after him. Every time we have green beans, unless they are hidden in another food, he will grab one, lean as far over in his chair as possible, and wiggle his hand to a anxiously awaiting Sydney. This is, of course, equal amounts of adorable and frustrating. What's the lesson here? Kids will be kids. This seems like some sort of right of passage that he has a food he sneaks to the dog. For now I will let it slide... but only for now.<br />
<br />
*Document!<br />
I did not keep a pregnancy journal and, while there are several things I wish to erase from my memory regarding those first 14 weeks, I wish I had. What I have been doing is keeping a journal of precious memories and events. While this is mostly for my benefit there is part of me that hopes he and his wife will want to sit down one day and read through all my little memories of his life. One of my latest entries: "you were talking to your daddy on speaker phone tonight. When I asked you to tell daddy you love him you leaned forward and kissed the phone. You are the most precious thing in this world". I'm also writing of how Ben interacts with him, memories that Barrett may be too young to create but will know happened because of my scribbles. Someday when I'm 80 years old and my children are writing their own memories I will be able to go through my journal and re-live that moment. I'm sure by the time all is said and done, I will have several journals full of memories I want to keep alive forever.<br />
<br />
*Boy's got reach<br />
The routine when cleaning his room and putting clothes away is that Bear plays with his blocks while mommy works. I think he actually gets excited to see me grab his laundry basket because he knows what we are about to do. A few weeks ago I had turned my back for a few seconds to hang his pajamas in the closet. When I turned around he was holding the dish of his <a href="https://amandabpotter.scentsy.us/" target="_blank">Scentsy</a> warmer, wax dripped all down his arm. The warmer had been on the second highest shelf in his room, high enough that I didn't think he could reach it. Thank God for how these warmers are designed! Scentsy wax does not warm to more than 2 degrees higher than our body temp, it never gets warm enough to burn you, and is food grade so if he were to have ingested any of it he would be completely safe. I cleaned him up, looked for any signs of skin irritation (he wasn't even red) and moved his warmer to the highest shelf. I'm still amazed that he was able to reach the warmer at all. Never again will I underestimate the reach of my insanely curious, fearless, little boy.<br /><br />*Cuddle, all the time<br />
Everyone is always saying how quickly kids grown up, and they aren't joking. My once perfectly snugly little boy now wants to be put down to play, as he should, which means that our cuddle time has been severely cut back. Once upon a time I could cuddle and snuggle him all day if I chose to, and I did. Time really does fly, especially as a parent. Not only has snuggle time been reduced but it's been replaced with stair climbing, ball throwing, couch conquering, and literally running around the house. I love watching him grow up. I love his energy, his giggles, the way he loves to have tickle fights. Part of me wishes he would have stayed that tiny baby a lot longer tho. Snuggle your baby, mush all over them. When choosing between snuggle time and dishes always, always, always, choose snuggle time. They really do grow up too quickly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
*I can totally do this... with a little help from my friends.<br />
I will not be perfect. I will not remember everything I have read or everything I have been told. I will grow impatient, weary. There will be days when I want a vacation from my child, knowing that the moment I step foot out of the house I will miss him terribly. I will beat myself up over things that are irrelevant in the end. I will feel confident in my ability only to have that confidence slapped across my face when I realize I could have handled a situation better. Support groups, whether via social media, family, friends, etc. are vital to my confidence and sanity. Google is a great tool, but, GASP! there are things you simply cannot find easily, if at all. Nurse lines may have hours but, as all you mommies I'm sure will agree, we do not. When I have a question at four in the morning or am feeling overwhelmed at nine in the evening I have someone to go to. I have surrounded myself with other mommies, those who have bravely gone before me and are full of useful advice and council. Never be afraid to ask a fellow mommy for support. Don't be afraid to make or admit to a mistake. Every mommy is different because every child is different. Learn from each other. Support each other. You'll be a better mommy for it. I know I have been.<br />
<br />
What have you learned from your little one?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpz2IsEH-UtCKTrJNMZ3gavFLDgGulX3Jw_yriN1nDLgvKAMYrxHcddhmqVPLFRB5tIxODwjSjiuuHDZVnUf1VBWS86rkjfiIc-1ZTY3hYi2AL2thTvt8XwBsYyKHpq8-TzkJm-B5QOL7f/s1600/2+bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpz2IsEH-UtCKTrJNMZ3gavFLDgGulX3Jw_yriN1nDLgvKAMYrxHcddhmqVPLFRB5tIxODwjSjiuuHDZVnUf1VBWS86rkjfiIc-1ZTY3hYi2AL2thTvt8XwBsYyKHpq8-TzkJm-B5QOL7f/s1600/2+bear.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Barrett just hours old</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9B6SYI4rsC5j-i0c3Do425FvV5jHVZS2z_fLVl-lU1WstrEUgXXObplU6p6VYdcPpPjVdyF8BnMT3HKV6hPE3YAVD90fd3HoylmFFqd9LeRjnMJkS4gDlC-7F3FqQsN4vIB1qJuQ0zuQ/s1600/1+bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9B6SYI4rsC5j-i0c3Do425FvV5jHVZS2z_fLVl-lU1WstrEUgXXObplU6p6VYdcPpPjVdyF8BnMT3HKV6hPE3YAVD90fd3HoylmFFqd9LeRjnMJkS4gDlC-7F3FqQsN4vIB1qJuQ0zuQ/s1600/1+bear.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Our little pirate is 1 year old!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPUWKPk8Py3Pb9HqLDjS3iXCCC3jzhPLmp_6tQIaoQkYbVFbC78s1R4-q3MdtfJRTbZf09uIzavqNiPvXmlWfIiBl6BjUIfn3ChA-m8_7bihqK7dBfADLWlz71mquRf6sgtDQDJ2Fb75q/s1600/3+bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPUWKPk8Py3Pb9HqLDjS3iXCCC3jzhPLmp_6tQIaoQkYbVFbC78s1R4-q3MdtfJRTbZf09uIzavqNiPvXmlWfIiBl6BjUIfn3ChA-m8_7bihqK7dBfADLWlz71mquRf6sgtDQDJ2Fb75q/s1600/3+bear.jpg" height="269" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Eating his pears, yesterday morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18pbs4Ei4agC0GBR47HFF035YVEoRuY5c19l3UpKEuTrQDYcjRh3YQ_-D4f-rgD8o99_9IWbt99eudfDDSKKpYU3uOr2Y6knA8g-d1QVMcgXq86f0h9pW7Qe5khwzMNRY7TgvK-CzcE1r/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18pbs4Ei4agC0GBR47HFF035YVEoRuY5c19l3UpKEuTrQDYcjRh3YQ_-D4f-rgD8o99_9IWbt99eudfDDSKKpYU3uOr2Y6knA8g-d1QVMcgXq86f0h9pW7Qe5khwzMNRY7TgvK-CzcE1r/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
CoffeeandPraisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06791651348535316369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654257027723120671.post-11841714886361829662014-10-28T12:51:00.000-07:002014-10-31T11:24:55.827-07:00Best Ever Vegetable Soup I love the fall. The changing leaves, bon fires, snugly blankets, fuzzy socks, and soup. While my garden didn't produce the massive tomato crop I was hoping for, I was able to can several jars of the red stuff. So, when my husband looked at me the other night and asked "what's for dinner, babe?" my taste buds went straight for tomato soup, which quickly evolved into the best ever vegetable soup I have ever made.<br />
<br />
This soup is hardy, flavorful, quick, and easy to make, as well as meat free and inexpensive.<br />
<br />
Can you say, WINNING! <br />
<br />
Back before Ben and I started dating, we were exchanging e-mails (yes, we are that old), during which he dedicated an entire message to trying to impress me with his cooking skills. To the best of my memory (oh, how I wish I would have saved those messages!), his email went something like this:<br />
<br />
"After my run I decided to make dinner. Soup sounded good so I threw some together and I must say, it was quite tasty"<br />
<br />
OK, I'm sure there was more to his message than that, but this is the part that has stuck with me these thirteen years. His cooking skills impressed me then, and impress me still.<br />
<br />
One of the most important things when making soup is allowing enough time for all the flavors to meld together. If you don't have at least an hour, don't make soup from scratch. Ever wonder why soups taste so much better after they've sat in the cooler overnight and have been reheated? It's because all of those wonderful ingredients spent the night together and got to know each other better. This soup is no exception to the rule, though straight from the fresh pot was "quite tasty" too.<br />
<br />
This recipe fed my family of three for several meals so feel free to cut it in half or freeze the remainder :-)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1Xp9BHChR-UzDYaRSqb3JbDYj7khtYjKNZwJuJEgth280HdOdYk8q0B69qXfOLDrUTB_l9T0O5aYsi3tmAoyBfy7iDwWKWH6yWD5ZUIqIH4juHqPG-z0quY-8GKcqaU8WZjaD4B1mWuv/s1600/veg+soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1Xp9BHChR-UzDYaRSqb3JbDYj7khtYjKNZwJuJEgth280HdOdYk8q0B69qXfOLDrUTB_l9T0O5aYsi3tmAoyBfy7iDwWKWH6yWD5ZUIqIH4juHqPG-z0quY-8GKcqaU8WZjaD4B1mWuv/s1600/veg+soup.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ingredients:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 quarts canned tomato </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(diced, halved, whatever your preference)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 quarts water</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(I like to fill the empty tomato jar to make sure I have all the flavor)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 can three bean blend - drained </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(black, pinto, kidney)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 can black beans - drained </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3 cups green beans*</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 cups kale*</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1Tbs basil</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1Tbs parsley</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1Tbs black pepper</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1Tbs onion powder</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1Tbs garlic salt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1Tbs sea salt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 medium yellow squash**</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 head broccoli**</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4 carrots**<br />
4 stalks celery**</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
12oz Tricolor rotini </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
*Frozen</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
**Fresh (seeded/diced)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In a large soup pot, combine all ingredients except the pasta. Bring to medium simmer until carrots are just tender. Add rotini, lower heat and allow to slow simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until pasta is al dente. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan and Romano cheese. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enjoy! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
See, I told ya it was easy ;-) </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6GnuqXejO0ZPIcmSWAQ1cZiZFSCdYS6yt3WgOw5LdpKOdI3Pg3lVXwtAi1s149oboj5H_JLFbS_qVRDs8bQyMVlRgRqu2Wn7CklbP4pVsrG87bG5OuqAJbBaOxTlr0X5w4_uZTnfIHXX/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6GnuqXejO0ZPIcmSWAQ1cZiZFSCdYS6yt3WgOw5LdpKOdI3Pg3lVXwtAi1s149oboj5H_JLFbS_qVRDs8bQyMVlRgRqu2Wn7CklbP4pVsrG87bG5OuqAJbBaOxTlr0X5w4_uZTnfIHXX/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />CoffeeandPraisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06791651348535316369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654257027723120671.post-41910158931845857902014-10-22T10:55:00.002-07:002014-10-22T10:56:03.818-07:00Oatmeal Dinner Rolls <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
With the holidays coming up, if you're anything like me, you're starting to compile your special recipes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-dUcs9F1Ohi1pEM8pBTAVjGEB0NUmnwSZgPEhLnx-03n9wxkhNgZu5mKCxMQbpGtC9DBf7xxZ4X28FMiw8REkYcBAYNoPWv2J_Rcia8KXq0nHHmS3eCo5XAfUV2bLbrdvdsE4fx6ZgHy/s1600/Graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-dUcs9F1Ohi1pEM8pBTAVjGEB0NUmnwSZgPEhLnx-03n9wxkhNgZu5mKCxMQbpGtC9DBf7xxZ4X28FMiw8REkYcBAYNoPWv2J_Rcia8KXq0nHHmS3eCo5XAfUV2bLbrdvdsE4fx6ZgHy/s1600/Graphic.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I stumbled upon this recipe several years ago while looking for something to make for Thanksgiving. My mom had stacks of recipe books, catalogs, etc. and I sat on the dining room floor and sorted through all of them. Finally, I found a recipe I felt worth trying in an old <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/oatmeal-dinner-rolls" target="_blank">Taste of Home</a> catalog (click on link for original recipe).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving" target="_blank">Thanksgiving</a> is, by far, my favorite holiday so I wanted my contribution to be meaningful, full of love, tasty, healthy-ish (it is a holiday after all).<br />
<br />
I wanted to serve a little piece of me.<br />
<br />
Not only are these rolls fun to make, they are delicious. There was not one roll left after our Thanksgiving dinner, a chef/bakers true sign of success. These rolls have been a Thanksgiving tradition ever since.<br />
<br />
Through the years I have altered the recipe slightly from the original to better suite my personal preferences.<br />
<br />
So, here it is, a little piece of my heart for you to serve to your family.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
From my kitchen to yours.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Oatmeal Dinner Rolls</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRQnhI3er4GHfzHxvtdnhNiVIpOpkuXHB1qKM5Vmw92v65V3JY25b1tTnREHOaXHX_G8LC9vpnHVgcjGakB_2ZYYx9t2hhpP1JSDTmZcLaiHFpH_WLLsPN082027yDK7vjyhqS_8xS5MR/s1600/Oatmeal+dinner+rolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRQnhI3er4GHfzHxvtdnhNiVIpOpkuXHB1qKM5Vmw92v65V3JY25b1tTnREHOaXHX_G8LC9vpnHVgcjGakB_2ZYYx9t2hhpP1JSDTmZcLaiHFpH_WLLsPN082027yDK7vjyhqS_8xS5MR/s1600/Oatmeal+dinner+rolls.jpg" height="290" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ingredients:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2C water</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1C Quick Oats</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3 Tbs Butter</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 1/2 Tsp Active Dry Yeast</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/3C Warm Water</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/3C Packed Brown Sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1Tbs Sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 1/2 Tsp Salt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4 3/4 - 5 1/4C All Purpose Flour</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In saucepan, bring water to a boil; add oats and butter, cooking for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let stand 10 minutes. Add sugars and salt. Let oat mixture rest until lukewarm (about 20 minutes).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In a large mixing bowl combine warm water and yeast, stirring gently until all yeast is dissolved.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*Don't use hot water as it will kill the yeast</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Add oat mixture to yeast and stir gently, then add 4C flour and combine until smooth. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*Too much flour will result in a very dense roll. You can go up to 5C if you wish, but tread carefully</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Turn dough onto floured surface and kneed until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*Give your hands a quick douse in non stick spray to prevent the dough from sticking</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Place dough in greased bowl, turning once to grease both sides. Cover and let rest in a warm, draft free, place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Punch dough down and let rest for 10 minutes. Shape into balls ( bigger gets you more, smaller gets you less... you get the idea) and place in greased baking pan (round, square... you want them to just be touching). Cover and let rise again until doubled, about 30 minutes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes or until desired level of golden has been achieved.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remove and let cool on wire rack.</div>
<br />
** Try adding some cinnamon to your dough or sprinkle some cinnamon sugar over them just before baking<br />
<br />
ENJOY! :-)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmVJVtaMnqXzx8yVrhxHQyeG_-eWcrip6jwIWORWkZUqsQu1DHG3wfrvRRv3iERBHwNZIVFcFsCvWjSol8_UBQqP62NqWWoJ4RWHry6Aol8t_I6Ei3owbdN800aUebcVdwreDaGe6ONWc/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmVJVtaMnqXzx8yVrhxHQyeG_-eWcrip6jwIWORWkZUqsQu1DHG3wfrvRRv3iERBHwNZIVFcFsCvWjSol8_UBQqP62NqWWoJ4RWHry6Aol8t_I6Ei3owbdN800aUebcVdwreDaGe6ONWc/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" height="200" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
CoffeeandPraisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06791651348535316369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654257027723120671.post-56410572821738200562014-10-20T19:24:00.006-07:002014-10-20T20:33:10.267-07:00Social Media Part 1 - Our Weekend WithoutI remember my very first day on The Facebook (as it was originally called) back in 2004. I was greeted by a very two dimensional blue and white page with designated areas for your profile picture, about me section, and the ability to connect with students from your university as well as select others. You were not permitted access without a .edu email address. Everything you could possibly imagine doing on The Facebook could be accomplished in under five minutes - and that was if you were really bored and needed to stretch your time. Soon I was connected with over 500 students, all of whom I knew personally through a shared class or exchange of an originally overpriced, underused, text book. There were no hours spent scrolling through the news feed, no games to play, etc. just a clean and simple way to connect with other students.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBzmjPjZ52ttlcMy0MfT8ToeOqTzaPgGDqLzPKRKmf5sNXz8id1yBuGHt4WkAfP7fkgGVwGGZqBulDTjVcokc3lKeMx6VHW9PbFP4q63LMvX3sSoaZoOZw2JdylQFE6cQElDBjhzUgPF4u/s1600/The+Facebook.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBzmjPjZ52ttlcMy0MfT8ToeOqTzaPgGDqLzPKRKmf5sNXz8id1yBuGHt4WkAfP7fkgGVwGGZqBulDTjVcokc3lKeMx6VHW9PbFP4q63LMvX3sSoaZoOZw2JdylQFE6cQElDBjhzUgPF4u/s1600/The+Facebook.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Facebook 2004</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ahhh... back when life was less complicated. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Today I not only maintain my Facebook account (they dropped the "The" back in 2005, probably because nobody ever said it) but also spend time on Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and Snapchat. I am almost always involved in one or more of these forms of social media. Now, I will say, that it is not always for personal reasons but because I am a <a href="https://amandabpotter.scentsy.us/" target="_blank">Scentsy</a> consultant and rely heavily on the involvement of others. <br />
<br />
Family time is precious in this household. Rarely do we have an entire weekend with no commitments. When we realized how little Ben would be home for the month of September, and how hectic all of October was destined to be, we decided to set an entire weekend aside to just be "us".<br />
<br />
As Friday approached I started thinking of how nice it would be to have as little distraction as possible for our family weekend. After checking to see what Ben thought, we agreed that we were going to un-plug from all social media starting Friday afternoon. We let our friends and family know that all communication would need to be via phone and then completely un-installed social media from our lives. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Friday night was football night! Ben played TE/DE throughout his high school years so deciding to attend the homecoming game of his alma mater was a give in. While at the game we were completely focused on being together, letting our little man be as involved as possible in all that was going on.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yBj1OVNsMDCtAKXu-eQhWLDLDObhi5OWBTsubms1Kqcbv5wqDpH1dU9jGwnOId63hFVXOVXNsEzmi1lhgxO9_zAcAFteY7KGweuVQ1eaQdwLQ5vcB7-FtMO73iOhvGbeX6jvznO8hWai/s1600/boys+on+field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yBj1OVNsMDCtAKXu-eQhWLDLDObhi5OWBTsubms1Kqcbv5wqDpH1dU9jGwnOId63hFVXOVXNsEzmi1lhgxO9_zAcAFteY7KGweuVQ1eaQdwLQ5vcB7-FtMO73iOhvGbeX6jvznO8hWai/s1600/boys+on+field.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barrett on the field with daddy </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We walked a few laps, reminiscing about our high school days and how much we've missed the field. I attended every game I could, sitting in the same general spot on the bleachers and at half time enjoying a sour apple blow pop. </div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FZhKvsgv0kxq0PxxQpj8Qc3WVvQLzgriF1k7xVtWCqxNbyONxBIsCLa2F5D36sRWyfgI85z1hY-EK63mrnzd0CsVXqzqd0JlurZgahyl4X8SNc-oGW8SNCug5OXMoNJfD0oy22_gVUQO/s1600/Sucker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FZhKvsgv0kxq0PxxQpj8Qc3WVvQLzgriF1k7xVtWCqxNbyONxBIsCLa2F5D36sRWyfgI85z1hY-EK63mrnzd0CsVXqzqd0JlurZgahyl4X8SNc-oGW8SNCug5OXMoNJfD0oy22_gVUQO/s1600/Sucker.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing momma's sucker </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
Not only was this our sons first football game, but his first taste of halftime tradition.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Saturday we left Bear with grandma and headed off to one of my most favoritest places, <a href="https://www.cedarpoint.com/" target="_blank">Cedar Point</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFV3M-Tc9RXBPsM258JQDeECYf1qQGjjJurlExWX2u9iDj6fnriS6qGU9has8vz3KE5bA3CjnDdFecuQkRokuUTiNuKWgNvvXhKQLLeU8B3PWpacVEL7Am-Hcdtliic15IG8a3l9mYIqh/s1600/Coaster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFV3M-Tc9RXBPsM258JQDeECYf1qQGjjJurlExWX2u9iDj6fnriS6qGU9has8vz3KE5bA3CjnDdFecuQkRokuUTiNuKWgNvvXhKQLLeU8B3PWpacVEL7Am-Hcdtliic15IG8a3l9mYIqh/s1600/Coaster.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gatekeeper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Without the distraction of social media, we talked the entire drive, both ways. In place of browsing through news feeds and pictures while standing in line we talked, we stood in silence observing everyone else being "together alone" or "alone together" or however you want to phrase it when nobody is paying attention to anyone else because they're staring at their phones. For an entire 15 hours we only looked at our phones to check up on our boy or for directions to Starbucks. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNr2e21JJRSuDcDJ4JMFXNOSD39D3pJpWu-zuFlm40xHPWDeQQqFKmzIgaWPRYO5ox3iP_rAlRLCAsxOAiHSURbfBj2ZfEIPJ0s85auTX7zZs5Nj_ZcG1Klm4jqpkPXsWm5OKy_VOVaXW/s1600/coaster2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNr2e21JJRSuDcDJ4JMFXNOSD39D3pJpWu-zuFlm40xHPWDeQQqFKmzIgaWPRYO5ox3iP_rAlRLCAsxOAiHSURbfBj2ZfEIPJ0s85auTX7zZs5Nj_ZcG1Klm4jqpkPXsWm5OKy_VOVaXW/s1600/coaster2.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mantis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sunday after church we ran home to grab our sweet boxer girl, Sydney, then off we went to our favorite orchard for apple picking, <a href="http://branstoolorchards.com/" target="_blank">Branstool Orchards</a>. Barrett was able to pick his own apples, with some help from daddy, and we all enjoyed the perfectly sunny day.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimY_ZceDPCAbKYmu_hArDL6L5528EAYYa4lHkCwB8N-W-5XySi8E4i_47tue94QalPxG6n2Bi94Mt-oOGiglfvW37eBGaJT0DTD9DLMAaIxupJ8XEvennNig8JNI4kC8rH5FkAzlRsQ2gw/s1600/sm4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimY_ZceDPCAbKYmu_hArDL6L5528EAYYa4lHkCwB8N-W-5XySi8E4i_47tue94QalPxG6n2Bi94Mt-oOGiglfvW37eBGaJT0DTD9DLMAaIxupJ8XEvennNig8JNI4kC8rH5FkAzlRsQ2gw/s1600/sm4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little family </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EzIKcEBtmXAtMHnDSCSuR8qnwE35Dplz7L9jq2ELmeTc79ahs69eb_mGSRS2_SKRe0BvH8rtSW3g26PW3iAqFTfpt-dtR3JtS9sObSyyaWs291nWwdZMDC6J-WWCQ4-HZefo7LlLw42O/s1600/sm5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EzIKcEBtmXAtMHnDSCSuR8qnwE35Dplz7L9jq2ELmeTc79ahs69eb_mGSRS2_SKRe0BvH8rtSW3g26PW3iAqFTfpt-dtR3JtS9sObSyyaWs291nWwdZMDC6J-WWCQ4-HZefo7LlLw42O/s1600/sm5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear and the first apple he picked</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
After an entire 48 hours (plus a few on Friday) without any of the distractions we have come to welcome into our lives, I can honestly tell you that we did not miss social media at all, and I don't think it missed us either. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Monday came and with it the re-installment of social media to our lives. We aren't on nearly as much as before our sabbatical, and I intend to keep it that way. Now when Ben gets home from work our phones are placed on a shelf, where we will check them from time to time. Instead of being so concerned and giving so much attention to what's going on everywhere else I want to be fully present here, in my home, with my perfect little family. Don't worry, I'll still be bombarding your news feeds with pictures and video of my son and random facts about our day, just not as often. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the weeks since our little experiment we have made great sides in removing ourselves from being as dependent upon social media and even television (we don't have cable, just Netflix and Hulu and are still parked on the couch way too often!). The difference has been so refreshing!<br />
<br />
Ben and I have decided to replace our TV time (normally about an hour after the kiddo is asleep) with craft time. I am trying my hand at wine bottle art and he has taken to stippling. We make tea, sit at the kitchen table, put on some music and let the creative sides of our brains take over. Conversation is fluid as we bounce ideas off of the other and will pause randomly to sing along to one of our favorite songs.<br />
<br />
Even if you're not into arts and crafts, even if Football and amusement parks aren't your thing, I encourage you to "un-plug" for a day, or three. Be fully present in your here and now.<br />
<br />
Who knows, you may just like it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedm9z65fPyu8BHRaOp-0_Uk5onBNw7YiqPQsskvnYdUNAPDpVfwdgLwKLcD828iJTCSBRnN7DXwVwzoCc_ieWlSkBIu5tlPrnxdg6KJL-BjzlYX_v_9GShQnUfbJkGYhb0ICjiroSDZdT/s1600/sm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedm9z65fPyu8BHRaOp-0_Uk5onBNw7YiqPQsskvnYdUNAPDpVfwdgLwKLcD828iJTCSBRnN7DXwVwzoCc_ieWlSkBIu5tlPrnxdg6KJL-BjzlYX_v_9GShQnUfbJkGYhb0ICjiroSDZdT/s1600/sm2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Messy fun is the best </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqSbBZgigl8KTyasKe-83vpDQOik4Fi1NQ_qUWItArQjtvPf9B0ko1A16qynteFVk0-uCzsqqSTxqfbGp4qdOtwU82czimVlT0HGipjmMpUuhPqExdBae2dgSjbAu5M0HidAubpaMZNci/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></div>
<br /></div>
CoffeeandPraisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06791651348535316369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654257027723120671.post-52328112631544748122014-09-20T15:24:00.001-07:002014-09-20T15:24:58.735-07:009 Things I Wish Were True of Myself Today's mug choice was an easy one. Ben always brings back a surprise when he travels, this round produced a coffee mug, my new favorite.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDiPjsPbfEfTG1aGJnKBHv2y3d7aZlZJJVwmq3lSNkpmx7sF1XNqKAu8TZN12ls4JQ3XbkqCipoc90LuSqwkmc4iA2yIZunaOrmFQfaCjQOjH6BZhuF8TNaxbP3Am-GTKI6d0y2Lfff5p/s1600/lies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDiPjsPbfEfTG1aGJnKBHv2y3d7aZlZJJVwmq3lSNkpmx7sF1XNqKAu8TZN12ls4JQ3XbkqCipoc90LuSqwkmc4iA2yIZunaOrmFQfaCjQOjH6BZhuF8TNaxbP3Am-GTKI6d0y2Lfff5p/s1600/lies.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siren by Starbucks </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our routine when Ben flies out is simple: arrive at least an hour early, grab coffee, hang out and wait for flight to take off. Nothing special but having this time is essential to my sanity while he is away.<br />
<br />
I am always picking up and oogling over coffee mugs and accessories while we are in the shop. I had picked up this gem and gave it an approving nod while we waited for my Cinnamon Dolce Late and his Double Barrel Late and didn't think he'd noticed. We hadn't even pulled away from passenger pick up when he handed me a bag containing my new mug and a 75% dark chocolate bar. He remembered, after being gone for a week, and gave me chocolate.<br />
<br />
Whether your husband travels for military, recreation, or business, if you're like me, having our guys away is never a fun time.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here are the nine things I tell myself every time we're preparing for him to leave, that I wish were true. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. The house will be in perfect order when we leave for the airport</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Rarely is this the case, and in all honesty, is almost always quite the opposite. The last thing I want to do in the day(s) before he leaves is spend our family time cleaning/doing yard work. All those things can be taken care of while he is away and I am by myself while our boy is asleep. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That pile of laundry - it can wait</div>
<div>
Those dirty dishes - they will be there tomorrow</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2. I won't be grouchy</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Maybe it's just me but preparing for my husband to be away for more than a day is far from my favorite thing. Will we survive, yes. Will I be happy about it, no. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3. I'll conduct myself as the "perfect military wife" </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You know, gracefully floating through the air with my hair perfectly done, in a classy dress, arm in arm with my SeaBee, while our son showers him in hugs and kisses; no evil look will phase me, disrespect at TSA will be brushed off my shoulders, and everyone will read my demeanor as "she's got her act together".</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
How things really went down: I wore a tee shirt and jeans, my hair up in one of my worst attempts at a cute messy bun, because our son is a grouchy, teething, mommy-clinging mess and I had to rush to get ready. I did walk arm in arm with my man, while our son showered both of us in drool or cried because he was in his stroller (how dare we not let him run amuck through the airport, putting his mouth on everything and everyone... I HATE teething!). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The judgmental glances of onlookers bothers me, to the point where I would love to go over and smack it right off their faces. Babies cry, they make messes - get over it! The TSA agent who waved my husband through the gate then watched, disapprovingly, as I struggled to take my shoes off (I shouldn't have had to), and place the stroller, diaper bag, shoes, and baby toys that fell from my bag, into buckets and onto the conveyor. During which time the other TSA agent repeatedly told me to remove all liquids from my bag (not my first go around buddy, I didn't bring any liquids!) and did all but step directly in front of me while repeating that sentence over and over. They deserved a good smack too. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Nobody was thinking I had my act together, because I most certainly did not. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
4. I won't choke up when he kisses me and our son goodbye</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I do. Every time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
5. I won't wait until the plane takes off to leave the terminal</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I stand there, or in this case walk in circles pushing my fussy boy in his stroller praying he doesn't start screaming because I just may join him, and wait to see the plane move away from the gate. There is no way I want to be on our way home should his flight become delayed after boarding. This has already happened once and we lost over two extra hours. Never again. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
6. Things around the world are not as bad as the media makes them out to be and he will be perfectly safe</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
They are, if not worse, and I am not a fan. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
7. I will confidently enter my house and go on as if he were simply in another room</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What really happens: I slowly pull up to our house, watching carefully for any sign that we have been tampered with. I park and lock the doors, watching in the windows for flashlights, movement, anything that is not as it should be.<br />
<br />
*I just wrote, and quickly erased my system but, trust me, there is one and it is extensive. Let's leave it at when I say we are locked down, I mean it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
8. I will not check to make sure we are locked and secure 3+ times before being able to fall asleep</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I will. I just will. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
9. I will not fall asleep running my emergency plan through my brain</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are alternate versions of this plan but it always ends the same: Do not let them reach the baby<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm so grateful to have been brought up memorizing scripture. Here are some of my absolute favorites, especially when home alone.<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ 2 Timothy 1:7</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ Psalm 91:7 </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWzQBqMY7brV2y42wJH7Mf81WHntUlcDga-oyfTk5anyE93HDzI1I64altr28PeGdd1OApJg5s5UMXqgoUKVAQ3ctTKdQlTF8f0cOc7nkPOiv-7rGsSYHoI-NUMlqmgECY6WB34sHEfWP/s1600/love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWzQBqMY7brV2y42wJH7Mf81WHntUlcDga-oyfTk5anyE93HDzI1I64altr28PeGdd1OApJg5s5UMXqgoUKVAQ3ctTKdQlTF8f0cOc7nkPOiv-7rGsSYHoI-NUMlqmgECY6WB34sHEfWP/s1600/love.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4xe5y1ZKDLdmhpyVk0HZ8ezBoqj7o2uVKmhdIH_p9grG3mj_d3OtgOLdRnR6B7Den-kkO68iTCzPpPYYT2c6zt_LZ8P74GZsuEvVLYnGaaAay30XqOGsCe6PT6DcLAGemcnW93d6wvQ_/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4xe5y1ZKDLdmhpyVk0HZ8ezBoqj7o2uVKmhdIH_p9grG3mj_d3OtgOLdRnR6B7Den-kkO68iTCzPpPYYT2c6zt_LZ8P74GZsuEvVLYnGaaAay30XqOGsCe6PT6DcLAGemcnW93d6wvQ_/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://amandabpotter.scentsy.us/" target="_blank">Scentsy, we make perfect scents! </a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
CoffeeandPraisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06791651348535316369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654257027723120671.post-19910758483693347832014-09-11T08:37:00.000-07:002014-09-11T08:37:48.992-07:00It Is Time, a 13th Anniversary Reflection<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKf9WiLTsCbbvIKgbvbE2sMkyhdRhpKO2owuwBukgko6KEsNwOI_fuxVofJm-_Jl1hGd2NuPeyq1g4sIyJ7nBpQk-EHvad12Cc8WI3obYDN1mAoSGsgXK2CSEP7DfuNthjUwOTeZisleiy/s1600/AUSAFlag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKf9WiLTsCbbvIKgbvbE2sMkyhdRhpKO2owuwBukgko6KEsNwOI_fuxVofJm-_Jl1hGd2NuPeyq1g4sIyJ7nBpQk-EHvad12Cc8WI3obYDN1mAoSGsgXK2CSEP7DfuNthjUwOTeZisleiy/s1600/AUSAFlag.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo taken from www.politicalears.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
As I sit here this morning, sipping my coffee and reflecting on everything going on in the world, I am saddened and almost feel guilty that my precious son will have to pay for the mistakes of a past generation. That is, if the current one doesn't get their heads screwed on straight and demand America to be what she was intended for: equality, opportunity (notice not equal opportunity - you get what you work for), growth as individuals and as a nation brought together by one commonality, the desire for freedom to live and believe however we chose - without consequence. <br />
<br />
It's time to throw political party aside and come together because we want what is best for our country and the brave men and women who defend her.<br />
<br />
It's time to worry less about if your neighbor goes to church or not and focus on simply being a good neighbor.<br />
<br />
It's time to stop the "it's all about me", "I do what I want", and "who asked you" mindset and look for ways we can be helpful to one another, to be willing to take direction from someone who's already driven the road, and take constructive criticism without harboring offense.<br />
<br />
It's time to respect each others decisions and stop trying to tell everyone how we feel they should live their lives. How about we focus on living our own lives, and living them well. Then, if someone likes what they see in us, and they want it too, they will be more willing to hear what we have to say. <br />
<br />
It's time to take pride in our nation again, pride in ourselves, and pride in what we accomplish for ourselves and for our children. Not in a gloating manner, but rather as motivation. Motivation to be better the next time, motivation to create the best world possible for the future generation.<br />
<br />
It's time to take responsibility for our own lives and stop waiting for a 'miracle' or, the government or, a job to turn our lives into what we've always wanted. WE control our destiny.<br />
<br />
It's time to take responsibility for our own nation and stop waiting for a 'miracle' or the government to do their jobs and turn our land into what it once was and was always meant to be. WE control our children's future nation. WE can make this great nation the greatest it's ever been.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Of course, this is all just my opinion, and you have the freedom to disagree :-)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVXlziys8kL2m-3TTXT-rc_TkYS4tjKWql0hf4vurrIwsV9Pc-2ieju8nMsJUJ5h0a548gy6GSh4cwX-U8GRpaZSmTlPuk2OF7u8gqImc8weXGwqtqRDVDlUAhePbV_elbs-EqC8OXirb/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVXlziys8kL2m-3TTXT-rc_TkYS4tjKWql0hf4vurrIwsV9Pc-2ieju8nMsJUJ5h0a548gy6GSh4cwX-U8GRpaZSmTlPuk2OF7u8gqImc8weXGwqtqRDVDlUAhePbV_elbs-EqC8OXirb/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
<br />
CoffeeandPraisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06791651348535316369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654257027723120671.post-27194857560931860402014-08-28T20:08:00.000-07:002014-08-28T20:08:30.081-07:00Worth The Change Due to the nature of today, I've only just had time to write. My coffee has been replaced with tea and I'm sipping from a mug you've already heard all about.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqO2QECNNfTxoAocVaJP9Lx9TMFVsVFXHW1s035acsKhsmCKzDvWv8Kir15e7ed0Ch__Wi3OSt7RSHY3GNHlPW1WPxMHHDMtosUgXFe74FlEzc2wAXcv_xfRhSsd5r4Ix7q1pZEHYhw8bS/s1600/Comparison2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqO2QECNNfTxoAocVaJP9Lx9TMFVsVFXHW1s035acsKhsmCKzDvWv8Kir15e7ed0Ch__Wi3OSt7RSHY3GNHlPW1WPxMHHDMtosUgXFe74FlEzc2wAXcv_xfRhSsd5r4Ix7q1pZEHYhw8bS/s1600/Comparison2.jpg" height="281" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Republic of Tea: Red Tea = Amazing in a mug</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So we'll just jump in.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
They say one of the most difficult things a person can change is what they believe to be true.<br />
<br />
To say I have always had a positive self image would be a lie. To say I currently have a positive self image would also be a lie, but I'm working on it.<br />
<br />
I can remember my first crush, way back in kindergarten. My little girl friend and I each had a boy we were crushing on and had decided that we were going to kiss them on the cheek. I remember like it was yesterday. We looked at each other, gave the nod, and off we went. I watched as she leaned in and planted her sweet little kiss on her crush and he blushed and smiled. This gave me confidence, so I went over and kissed the cheek of my crush. My response was much different. He was NOT happy with me, quite frankly, he was mad and it was all my fault.<br />
<br />
Thus started my feeling like a boy would never like me because every other girl was better than I was. Yes, in kindergarten, as early as that. This is my first memory of comparing myself to someone else. There must be something wrong with me. She must be better than me. I'm not good enough.<br />
<br />
As we all know, crushes come and go, and GASP! there were even a few times when I was on the receiving end of someone else's crush. Thank God my last and final crush just so happens to be on the love of my life, whom, I am most blessed to say, loves me back just as much (if not more it feels at times) as I love him.<br />
<br />
OK, OK, yes, I am head over heels crushing on Robert Downy Jr. but celeb crushes don't count in the real world, right?<br />
<br />
I have lived most of my life comparing myself to others when the only person I should be comparing myself to is who I was yesterday. She is the one I need to be better than. She is my competition. She is the one I need to beat.<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrbabFL07vWGn_NxGBlOyUtYzPhtrbj39op4TNV1Qd_mAwizQD-BK_1ZbRfYu-MuKT3EBHIi1ct5xooOO2OBsxrYUKdGec355ZMkOVJj-SygVQwOqIMPk2dQrUlKW9LyCccTMiQKEKGmn/s1600/Comparison+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrbabFL07vWGn_NxGBlOyUtYzPhtrbj39op4TNV1Qd_mAwizQD-BK_1ZbRfYu-MuKT3EBHIi1ct5xooOO2OBsxrYUKdGec355ZMkOVJj-SygVQwOqIMPk2dQrUlKW9LyCccTMiQKEKGmn/s1600/Comparison+.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
While taking General Psychology my freshman year of college we had to participate in experimental studies. I was chosen to participate in the comparison study. I was the perfect subject. I was given a notebook in which to write every single time I compared myself to someone else and why I had done so. There were categories such as Physical Appearance, Personality, Intelligence, etc. Wow, did that notebook fill up fast! And by fast I mean within days, in every single category. <br />
<br />
I found that every few minutes I had to open my notebook and jot down what was wrong with me, because that's how comparison works, it doesn't exist to distinguish how we are different from another, it exists to make us feel inferior to another person.<br />
<br />
I do feel that things such as constructive criticism, goal setting, pushing yourself, etc. are perfectly healthy and acceptable things, as long as they are being done out of wanting to better yourself, and not out of trying to be someone else.<br />
<br />
Since becoming a mother I have grown more and more aware of how damaging this mindset can be.<br />
<br />
When my son and future children hear me talk about myself I don't want them to hear such negativity as "I look fat today... I hate my hair... I'm not smart enough to understand that... How dumb am I?... I wish I was as charming as "so 'n' so"... my voice sounds terrible... my butt is too big... my eyes are too small..."<br />
<br />
I want them to experience their momma being the woman God has created her to be - me, myself and I! I want them to see me walking in the confidence of knowing that I am a one of kind, daughter of The King. I want desperately for them to never, ever, struggle as I have with self image and feelings of inferiority. I desperately desire for them to focus on bettering themselves, on being the unique, perfectly and wonderfully made, person God has created them to be. In a world where aging is looked down upon and status holds more value than it's worth, I want them to be confident in themselves and it starts with me being the example.<br />
<br />
My opinion of myself is setting the standard for how my children view the world. That is something worth changing your beliefs over.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~ Psalm 139:14</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart;..." </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Jeremiah 1:5</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-aCrt8wJTn_TLLxcXgXbvHK_4_ZHdIePZFzrGVyQLM8bpdORiq66SqJwmgU5BX1925B-oySkL777gHUsvdbHygRQ-yU15bTwszCYsxM4rS1FMsPO5EmH7YWhzZHpFOpEmwQTpRpCAK0s/s1600/Comparison1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-aCrt8wJTn_TLLxcXgXbvHK_4_ZHdIePZFzrGVyQLM8bpdORiq66SqJwmgU5BX1925B-oySkL777gHUsvdbHygRQ-yU15bTwszCYsxM4rS1FMsPO5EmH7YWhzZHpFOpEmwQTpRpCAK0s/s1600/Comparison1.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear and me earlier this evening </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JZu1bReZ_AKXS58ZKtkE8trQcoAQLkAyZs12RwZOgE_85ShyphenhyphennBO76JufS61mLfWqJKIykGm2mQggNGtkBJ9jiFlZp3htpHgNPLtCozXQ-B78NXUgX-CetXZQmL9Ybgv4s7-vbcgxrsyM/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JZu1bReZ_AKXS58ZKtkE8trQcoAQLkAyZs12RwZOgE_85ShyphenhyphennBO76JufS61mLfWqJKIykGm2mQggNGtkBJ9jiFlZp3htpHgNPLtCozXQ-B78NXUgX-CetXZQmL9Ybgv4s7-vbcgxrsyM/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />CoffeeandPraisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06791651348535316369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654257027723120671.post-41880502923514918452014-08-12T13:28:00.000-07:002014-08-12T13:28:45.107-07:00A New AdventureThis morning our quaint little town finally updated to include a Panera, and I love, love, LOVE, it! This morning my youngest sister and I set out to make sure were were part of the first 500 customers in order to receive our free travel mugs with 2 weeks of free refills. We split a pecan roll and cinnamon roll and sat and sipped our free coffees under the soft morning sun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03nnTzXzA6lL2Xun9D1iiwPQ-bq6xcu8fzKYfW1FfBwqA5uOjTr-Wj6H1Gj3-PovJvgPC49NEoRocqnGrhdKTTzqB1KTKyo56sM8MZyPAswxYa-wd6BqrewYAaO8CNGOFVQ1pTv8C4jJU/s1600/Scentsy+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03nnTzXzA6lL2Xun9D1iiwPQ-bq6xcu8fzKYfW1FfBwqA5uOjTr-Wj6H1Gj3-PovJvgPC49NEoRocqnGrhdKTTzqB1KTKyo56sM8MZyPAswxYa-wd6BqrewYAaO8CNGOFVQ1pTv8C4jJU/s1600/Scentsy+Pic.jpg" height="320" width="188" /></a></div>
<br />
I grabbed a mug full of their dark roast and my sis grabbed their hazelnut blend. While this was not my first visit to a Panera, this was my first experience with their regular brewed coffee. Neither of us were disappointed. Of course, we tried each others coffee picks, so I can tell you that, while I am not always the biggest hazelnut fan, I did enjoy their blend.<br />
<br />
Both Ben and I have five years of university under our belts, an experience I cherish and a degree I am proud to hold. With those five years, however, comes a rather hefty student loan debt. Yep, that ugly, nasty, four letter word: D.E.B.T. and while school loans are the only form of it we have, they are driving us crazy.<br />
<br />
Being blessed with the ability to stay home and take care of our son is one of the most amazing things in the world. Not only are we saving a ton on childcare, but I am experiencing all of his 'firsts' first hand, something I wouldn't trade for all the money in the world. In no way am I being negative towards the working mom, she is amazing and I admire her for all she does.<br />
<br />
While we are able to stay afloat on one income there have been several sacrifices made, primarily the stress placed on my husband of knowing he is our only source of income. So, today I made a move to help relieve some of that pressure. I became an independent Scentsy consultant. Not only am I thrilled that I will be able to run my business completely from home, with our little man by my side, I actually really enjoy the product.<br />
<br />
I am anxious and excited to see where all this new adventure takes me. So! Here I go, jumping in head first! You can help by visiting my website: <a href="https://amandabpotter.scentsy.us/" target="_blank">https://amandabpotter.scentsy.us</a> and by liking my facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/potterscentsy?ref_type=bookmark" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/potterscentsy?ref_type=bookmark</a> for updates on my personal goals and product information.<br />
<br />
Proverbs 31:24 "She makes linen garments and sells them..."<br />
<br />
Ok, so not quite a linen garment, but a business none the less.<br />
<br />
Whew! I'm already wondering what I've gotten myself into!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9HYDLkGsRDV_75TeCiXwLcBP2FvyK9s-2VOiL9lpvmVDJ6T83cJwYzuLHQ6jWsMk_sCXmXjiVwu-BJeM73pna8LzjWSyFR4tw8jaZcnm-6zv56OPu7KzAkL_xZuJi2x6ofBf-DGV5huQ/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9HYDLkGsRDV_75TeCiXwLcBP2FvyK9s-2VOiL9lpvmVDJ6T83cJwYzuLHQ6jWsMk_sCXmXjiVwu-BJeM73pna8LzjWSyFR4tw8jaZcnm-6zv56OPu7KzAkL_xZuJi2x6ofBf-DGV5huQ/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />CoffeeandPraisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06791651348535316369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654257027723120671.post-51704933261530890162014-08-05T10:27:00.000-07:002014-08-06T06:29:59.193-07:0013 Reasons Why I'll Never Ask When You Plan to Start Your FamilyThis morning I grabbed my Dollar General mug. This mug carries no great significance, other than the fact it contains coffee, but was so cute sitting on the discount shelf that I had to snatch it up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDj0GMxc1_4qc6jXTZAmClXBWNCnJvl9-lkW4o4HRrNLYetap-bler_FMupPsF_w84QebDFvR9JKu_gWxAW0rQeG5rJd4iRzVKyL6mPJi4PkYYG0QmObv8UjF4ZBfSFxTPGT9KiyS4kTrE/s1600/aug+5+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDj0GMxc1_4qc6jXTZAmClXBWNCnJvl9-lkW4o4HRrNLYetap-bler_FMupPsF_w84QebDFvR9JKu_gWxAW0rQeG5rJd4iRzVKyL6mPJi4PkYYG0QmObv8UjF4ZBfSFxTPGT9KiyS4kTrE/s1600/aug+5+post.jpg" height="320" width="281" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I've been testing out different brands and blends of coffee, in attempts to find one that only requires cream or sugar but not both at the same time. I still have a few pesky baby pounds to lose and with as much coffee as I consume, this should do the trick. Anyways, I'm drinking Seattle's Best No. 5 with just a little sugar and am really enjoying it. Their cinnamon blend will forever be my favorite but this will do.<br />
<br />
My Love and I were married for just over six years before our perfect little man was born. In those six years I cannot count the times we were asked, in variable forms, "so, when will you start your family?" a question that brought me near tears on more than one occasion. There was a time when I wasn't sure we would ever be able to have a child. Not everyone publicizes their struggles, this does not mean that they don't exist.<br />
<br />
Here are 13 reasons why you will never hear me ask this question:<br />
<br />
* The answer is simply none of my business.<br />
<br />
* You have already started your family by getting married. The size of which is to be determined by you, your spouse, and God.<br />
<br />
* Maybe you don't have the desire to have children, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.<br />
<br />
* Maybe you are not able to have children.<br />
<br />
* Maybe you and your spouse are having marital issues that you want to resolve before having a child<br />
<br />
* Maybe you're saving to adopt<br />
<br />
* Maybe you and your spouse have been trying, you're both perfectly fine, and it just hasn't happened yet<br />
<br />
* Maybe you have not yet achieved personal goals that you desire to accomplish before becoming a parent<br />
<br />
* Maybe you're scared<br />
<br />
* Maybe you already have one child and have decided that he/she is enough<br />
<br />
* Maybe you've tried every fertility drug out there and nothing has worked yet<br />
<br />
* Maybe you've been pregnant and experienced loss<br />
<br />
* Maybe non of this matters, because, as stated before, this is <b>none of my business</b>!<br />
<br />
<br />
If you're a family member or a close enough friend to be 'framily' (hating myself for using that term but it's just so stinking catchy!) and feel you have some sort of right to ask, do everyone a favor and ask your questions privately and face to face.<br />
<br />
Maybe the question that we should all ask a lot more often is "how can I pray for you?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_iDVIsgLwz0mu7DG2d90GJ573aJuvRHCbe3SeebvSeirqM3kQRsCfsmWGJfJsE3rV1S5-BOfimAkmrOP3D-F_ywV5oisd_N7jY6t12H-g6GPXaZ5HnkZy0ZlX3TAqoE3ueLRcWefe-b7/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_iDVIsgLwz0mu7DG2d90GJ573aJuvRHCbe3SeebvSeirqM3kQRsCfsmWGJfJsE3rV1S5-BOfimAkmrOP3D-F_ywV5oisd_N7jY6t12H-g6GPXaZ5HnkZy0ZlX3TAqoE3ueLRcWefe-b7/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />CoffeeandPraisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06791651348535316369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654257027723120671.post-69936402460312480952014-07-31T09:17:00.001-07:002014-07-31T09:17:08.060-07:00Worthy of The CallToday I grabbed what I refer to as my 'drama mug'<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4EbXalTnaNAy425wIBhNgqBj8b61HAVzV9CCD1E_HAYQxSOC6J9sP-xEsViyki6z5covqcyNo3XMRL2MU6z1ejqi3crFogYeYZ-bP7kLBvoGWgt-qap32pIwnCMfpKF33OUFG-zCJmU4/s1600/drama+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4EbXalTnaNAy425wIBhNgqBj8b61HAVzV9CCD1E_HAYQxSOC6J9sP-xEsViyki6z5covqcyNo3XMRL2MU6z1ejqi3crFogYeYZ-bP7kLBvoGWgt-qap32pIwnCMfpKF33OUFG-zCJmU4/s1600/drama+.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
This mug was originally given to my sister, Jules, by a guy that was crushing on her in high school. How I attained it I'm not quite sure! She knows I have it and I have offered it back several times. Every time I drink from this mug I am reminded of how much I love my sister and how far our relationship has come. We were far from friends during my high school years. What we have now is a beautiful, loving, trusting, friendship that I would value and protect even if we did not share DNA. I love my sisters!<br />
<br />
While flipping through the pages in Bears kids Bible I stopped on the story of John the Baptist, a passage I am more than familiar with and have even done studies and taught on several times. I'm not sure if it was the simplicity of wording, the fact I was reading aloud to my son, or my current heart and mindset, but this passage hit me in a new way.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicM-XgcfRRk5NOH9Li3VRHePVOZzW0pbc78afSJqW3uk1ovPhqh-FNVCPKhXMNxTVhawepS1wAd1SOhNRT6Le1BXRhO5A6WDqLh8MVGNuvLZMeqxiS_DDtV5PS9FfqgGFNVv3bVe3D8OJ4/s1600/bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicM-XgcfRRk5NOH9Li3VRHePVOZzW0pbc78afSJqW3uk1ovPhqh-FNVCPKhXMNxTVhawepS1wAd1SOhNRT6Le1BXRhO5A6WDqLh8MVGNuvLZMeqxiS_DDtV5PS9FfqgGFNVv3bVe3D8OJ4/s1600/bible.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">100 Bible Stories 100 Bible Songs<br /> created by Stephen Elkins </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
John did what Jesus asked of him, despite his feelings of inadequacy. In John 1:27 we hear John the Baptist say " He (Jesus) is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie".<br />
<br />
What would have happened if John had looked at Jesus and said, 'I'm not worthy Lord, don't make me do this. I don't want to fail you. I'm not good enough. What if I drop you in the water and make a fool of myself? I won't be able to show my face out of shame. Pick someone else'.<br />
<br />
John wasn't exactly new at baptizing. Matthew 3:5-6 tells us "People went out to him (John) from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan river". He was comfortable baptizing those he knew were not the Christ. He had developed a comfort zone, one that was demolished, or at very least expanded, when he did what Jesus asked of him.<br />
<br />
How has the Holy Spirit been asking you to step up and out of your comfort zone? Will you be willing to place your fear and self doubt aside and trust in His calling? You can do it. Trust me, it's worth it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-SwmSnPIgMPIhCJyz7f7KdgRVwxX7UFK_lf9MS3VOmyYqsjIwyTYIaNjoP8VlwYz62Mt0V8zho9RnGcLFqS_SSkvM8sm4-DhJ3rECD93XdQELhl0GcDbAKeY0hcF0a5ofjA4jwYENRTd/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-SwmSnPIgMPIhCJyz7f7KdgRVwxX7UFK_lf9MS3VOmyYqsjIwyTYIaNjoP8VlwYz62Mt0V8zho9RnGcLFqS_SSkvM8sm4-DhJ3rECD93XdQELhl0GcDbAKeY0hcF0a5ofjA4jwYENRTd/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />CoffeeandPraisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06791651348535316369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654257027723120671.post-69974229600036977732014-07-24T11:45:00.000-07:002014-07-24T11:45:18.372-07:00Mopping the Kitchen Floor This morning I chose Ben's blue mug. <div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOu-4oU8GL7RiNmzTqCC3CuJFZjlJ-nao6g2k3wwhEC7nIurjnsTd-eeQqAXDEDsPpk_sQWlC4WDqdD_bvy1XjvJb1plqyg48Fq7HU4-nwzrIsqTRvIDNv-tr6r2T-YR1RJg0WddfiBRo1/s1600/feel+like+it+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOu-4oU8GL7RiNmzTqCC3CuJFZjlJ-nao6g2k3wwhEC7nIurjnsTd-eeQqAXDEDsPpk_sQWlC4WDqdD_bvy1XjvJb1plqyg48Fq7HU4-nwzrIsqTRvIDNv-tr6r2T-YR1RJg0WddfiBRo1/s1600/feel+like+it+.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Ben shares in my affinity for coffee and their receptacles, so he is always on the look out for our next mug just as much as I am.<br />
<br />For the last several days I have been brought to the passage of scripture where Jesus is praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, just before his execution. Seriously, for at least four days, I have fallen asleep and been awakened with this passage on my heart. Until yesterday, I really wasn't sure why either.<br />
<br />Correct me if I'm wrong but, I believe we're all guilty of not accomplishing something because we 'don't feel like it'. For me, this is almost always mopping the floors. I could vacuum all day, brooms are OK, but hand me a mop and all of a sudden I've lost all motivation. Why? Not a clue. I just really hate moping the floor. Maybe because having wet socks is such a pet peeve of mine. Whatever the reason, the fact remains, the floor must be mopped.<br />
<br />'Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, "<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done</b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">.</span></span>" An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.' ~ Luke 22: 39-46<br />
<br /><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus didn't feel like being crucified (who can blame him!), and earnestly sought out the face of God for another way for our sins to be forgiven. BUT! He submitted His will for the plan and purpose that God had set before Him, taking up the cross and dying so that our sins could be forgiven and our souls gain unending, undeniable, access to the throne of the Father. WOW!</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Another passage that means so much more to me now is the passage that speaks of how we are to operate as a Christian househo<span style="font-family: inherit;">ld, specifically, </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Colossians 3:23 'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not people', and in Ephesians 6:7 'Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people' and again in Colossians 3:17 ' And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.' </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Whatever we do, whether we feel like doing it or not, no matter how trivial and mundane the task, we are instructed to proceed as if Christ himself had asked us to accomplish it. Yes, even mopping the kitchen floor!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">On that note, I have bathrooms that need a good cleaning so I'm going to dust my mop off and get busy! </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbuRqmFq8qTnuQPnKGGrodxh8UfiuSc-COn9sFEq4Vn1jVGy_wJFJ6Y-DNj-XBFo1NfsJdFAmA3Zns1ZNIFGK4RNGSEG-wxQCuGY_-strx-gLiAY1bjY3AjKhKro41cK_Ax-sGFzrvgfx/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbuRqmFq8qTnuQPnKGGrodxh8UfiuSc-COn9sFEq4Vn1jVGy_wJFJ6Y-DNj-XBFo1NfsJdFAmA3Zns1ZNIFGK4RNGSEG-wxQCuGY_-strx-gLiAY1bjY3AjKhKro41cK_Ax-sGFzrvgfx/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
CoffeeandPraisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06791651348535316369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654257027723120671.post-11673973418247094172014-07-21T09:42:00.002-07:002014-07-21T09:42:39.518-07:00A Seabee Wife's Beginning Today I chose my U.S. Navy Seabee mug.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPlqnBTH7FmxMI3tfLwlRVLKfVSFZFZxTG6H6N2ORJpNZQpp0oWHVZLoX2f7GbsZg7qTVqmP8Esq3DxJ0O-y7RxE1pH2AAhlE4549uosUL-9CL_sCPSh-X9nDySpmlpKk6FnOecJ8NGxQ/s1600/seabee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPlqnBTH7FmxMI3tfLwlRVLKfVSFZFZxTG6H6N2ORJpNZQpp0oWHVZLoX2f7GbsZg7qTVqmP8Esq3DxJ0O-y7RxE1pH2AAhlE4549uosUL-9CL_sCPSh-X9nDySpmlpKk6FnOecJ8NGxQ/s1600/seabee.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
Drill weekend is never convenient. I was not feeling myself yesterday and knowing that Ben had to leave for the weekend wasn't helping. When he decided to leave early this morning, in place of last night, I was elated. Yes, even with the 4:00am wake up. I would love to sit here and tell you that I am fully prepared and confident for when "the call" comes and we're pushed into deployment mode, but in all reality, I don't think there is ever a way to be fully prepared. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For those reading who may not understand the contract, a reservist is active reserve for 6 years, during which they must take at least one deployment, and inactive reserve for 2 years of an 8 year contract.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ben and I celebrated 7 years of marriage on July 13th, we have been a couple for almost 13 years, and have known each other for over 20 years. The idea of an entire year without him home, especially now that we are parents, is a difficult thing to wrap my head and emotions around. The 7 months he was gone for basic training and A-School were hard, and that was back when it was just me and the furry babies. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Back in high school we started discussing our post graduation options. When Ben said he would like to be a Navy Seal someday I knew right away how great he would be (he still would). I also knew that I did not want that type of relationship. I expressed that he would have my full support, I would write, I would pray, I would always be a listening ear, but I would not be in a relationship with a Seal. I wanted a home, a family, a husband who was around and that I was allowed to know where he was when he wasn't home. Their lifestyle simply does not align with having a successful family life (for most, not all), and there is nothing wrong with that, as long as you're aware of what you're getting yourself into. He decided not to join, and I always felt like I had done both him and our military a great disservice.<br />
<br />
I went through a time where I was jealous of his desire to join the military.<br />
<i><br /></i>
Why isn't our life enough? Why can't he be happy and fulfilled without joining? Aren't I good enough, exciting enough? Why does he want to be away from me? Don't I make him happy?...<br />
<br />
I was struggling with my own insecurities and feelings of being insufficient, and could not see that his love and relationship with me had nothing to do with his desire to join.<br />
<br />
Being in our military is part of what God has called Ben to do. Once I got over myself enough to realize that, that his desire to join had nothing to do with me or his happiness with me, that God Himself had placed those desires in his heart. I was humbled. I was corrected. I was mortified at the thought that I was holding him back from achieving his full potential as a man of God. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I cannot stress enough the importance of supporting, edifying, praying for, and pushing (by positive reinforcement) your spouse. Don't take it personally when they have desires you don't understand, instead pray about how you should respond. The idea for Ben to join the Navy after college was not his, it was mine. He had given up, "I'm too old", "they probably wouldn't take me", he said. "You're never allowed to be old" I would say (Ben is a little younger than me, so if he's old, I'm old and that is just not ok with me), "they will love you. You're exactly what they're looking for".<br />
<br />
We started doing our homework, researching the different rates (jobs) within the Navy and where he felt he would best fit in. We contacted a local recruiter and the process began. Let me encourage you, if you or someone you know is considering joining. DO. YOUR. HOMEWORK. Talk to others who are already serving, don't just take the rate they offer you. Know your options, know your rights.<br />
<br />
Ben needed to join to be complete, a fact I wasn't ignorant of and am, finally, not intimidated by. I'm by no means taking credit for his success. He has gone above and beyond, as he always does, and there are no words to express my pride, love, and admiration for the man he is continuously becoming.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
*This does not mean that I am always thrilled with how our government functions or appreciate the continual change of schedule. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
How can you encourage your spouse? Whatever their life's desire is (as long as it's healthy for them, their relationship with God, and with you/family), SUPPORT! Pray for them, encourage them, pray together. Don't let your fears, insecurities, vulnerability get in between your spouse and what God has called them to do. Let me encourage you in this, their calling will complement your own. I have always been very patriotic and even considered joining the military myself several times ( I even had a pretty incredible offer! ), I am incredibly sensitive towards our troops and will befriend and defend them all if I can. Now I realize that this patriotism is not just part of my character, it is part of my calling. I support our great nation, I support our troops, past and present, and I support my husband.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>"Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing."</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11</b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
CoffeeandPraisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06791651348535316369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654257027723120671.post-87325405537921426112014-06-13T06:35:00.002-07:002014-06-13T06:35:10.978-07:00Love is a Battlefield Today I'm drinking from my teal Christmas mug.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPf4pPzmRuzOgInonTdTIHYv91DpGio465Lqgmq4t1b0AvilfClZRaqiKDkJoC4zoBjkDwtkAWgOsWnWbcVtn6fEqhwOPLQsrfTHjzebtZN9T-HDKwMKpQOxxn8pYddqOd6DNJXvHBDYU/s1600/love+is+a+battle+field+v.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPf4pPzmRuzOgInonTdTIHYv91DpGio465Lqgmq4t1b0AvilfClZRaqiKDkJoC4zoBjkDwtkAWgOsWnWbcVtn6fEqhwOPLQsrfTHjzebtZN9T-HDKwMKpQOxxn8pYddqOd6DNJXvHBDYU/s1600/love+is+a+battle+field+v.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
My family knows how to bless me. This past Christmas my youngest sister gave me this lovely mug, filled with chocolate (second best thing to being filled with coffee and much easier to wrap).<br />
<br />
Growing up my sister Julia and I fought all the time (she is almost 4.5 years younger). Our poor mother. Stacey (11 years younger) and I, though we've had our arguments, never had a full blown fight. Now the three of us share a love and relationship that can withstand any disagreement and opposition.<br />
<br />
One of the things, I feel, a lot of couples get wrong is the idea that love and happiness go together 100% of the time. Don't get me wrong, happiness is a great part of being in love but, let's face it, being truly in love may make you miserable from time to time too.<br />
<br />
"... for better or worse..." maybe they (whomever "they" may be) should consider changing this to "for better and worse" because, I guarantee you, you will see both.<br />
<br />
I'm not being pessimistic, it's not in my nature. Personally I fancy myself as more of a rational/realist who errs on the side of romantic/giddy/nostalgic/sentimental with a strong dash of don't-mess-with-me.<br />
<br />
For those thinking this is about my personal life, well of course it is! Nothing is more personal than love and your opinion on the matter. To set the record straight, and I mean in stone, concrete, without wavering, etc., etc. my Ben and I are as solid as they come. We have attained a level of open and honest that only comes through hardship. When I tell you that he is my best friend and we know everything about each other I'm not just throwing out lovey dovey BS, I mean it. I will also tell you that we have not always been this way but had to learn some lessons and grow together the hard way. Take it from me,while learning from others mistakes may be the easier route, learning from your own mistakes, you'll never forget the lesson.<br />
<br />
When I think about true examples of real love, one of the couples I think about, and am so incredibly grateful for and blessed by, are my grandfather and late grandmother.<br />
<br />
They used to drive down to visit us in their motor home and stay for a few days. We would always go grocery shopping and buy BBQ beef, BBQ chips, buns, bagel chips, cherry pie, lemonade, and potato salad. After our shopping was done we would all sit around the little table in the back of the motor home, say grace, and dig in. My grandpa would cut one piece from the pie and then say "I see my piece" and gesture that we all had to share the small, cut piece and he was going to eat the remainder of the pie. Of course, as little girls, we would fall for it every time.<br />
<br />
We would drive back home (I even was allowed behind the wheel a few times!) and everyone but one of us girls would be evacuated so that we could spend time with grandpa. We all knew what this meant: the big bad wolf wanted to steal all of our Cracker Jacks so we had to eat them all before he could get to them! This was done with all of us, one at a time. Our special time with grandpa as he told us stories and we ate our Cracker Jacks. <br />
<br />
Grandma always had stories too. We heard all about how she and grandpa used to go out dancing and singing with their friends, she told us Bible stories, and all about our mom and aunts and uncle when they were our age. Our grammar was corrected, our speech perfected, our singing appreciated. Grandma could quote every movie she had ever watched, which was a lot, and she could sing every song she had ever heard. Grandma gave all her attention to you when she spoke with you, and you knew better than to interrupt when she wasn't! She conducted herself with a grace and love that I aspire to attain. She also operated under the don't-mess-with-me standards. I have had the greatest examples in my life. I am so blessed.<br />
<br />
All these lovely memories of my grandparents together are intermingled with the memories of them fighting. I mean FIGHTING. Not physical fist fights of course, but verbally there was blood on the ground. Grandpa would try to tell Grandma that she remembered something wrong or said something wrong, "No, Helen, you've got it all wrong..." to which my grandmother would reply, with great robust and authority " I most certainly do NOT!" and it would escalate from there. Lots of yelling, doors slamming... we were removed from the motor home on more than one occasion. Every time, after a few minutes or so, they would come out, all smiles as if nothing had happened.<br />
<br />
How is this relevant? How is this not relevant??<br />
<br />
Knowing how to love fully goes hand in hand with knowing how to fight and recover. You're two different people, with two different sets of thought patterns, emotions, skills, interests, etc. If you're not having disagreements than that means one of you is conforming to avoid confrontation. Now obviously you don't have to fight the way my grandparents did. Sometimes all you need is a nice sit down over a cup of coffee to express your feelings and get everything out on the table.<br />
<br />
I'm the angry passionate one in the relationship. When I'm upset with you, you know it. Ben, on the other hand, is very internal. He can be upset about something for<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"days, weeks, months, who knows" </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ Eeyore </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
and nobody would ever know. There have been times when I've had to pry his frustrations out of him. What I have noticed, which is a lovely thing, is that we are rubbing off on one another. While I'm still very open about my feelings, I will give myself some time to calm down and consider why I'm upset and if it's really worth the fight. Ben has started to voice his frustrations more frequently, venting about everything from work to well, that's pretty much it as of late.<br />
<br />
It seems today love is just a feeling. Everyone is walking around looking for someone to make them feel "all warm and fuzzy" or "butterflies" or whatever kids are saying now days. Well, everyone is wrong. Love is a decision, a way of life, a mindset. Love is a painful, beautiful, difficult, life altering, way of living. Love is not something that can be confused with fever or indigestion.<br />
<br />
To listen to my grandparents argue one might have made the assumption that they didn't really love each other. What a horrible misconception that would have been.<br />
<br />
My grandparents were married for 69 years when my beautiful grandmother passed. Never have I witnessed my grandfather so quiet and meek. He wrote a beautiful letter that the pastor read aloud at my grandmothers funeral, a letter full of love and memories. He wrote about her kindness, her faithfulness, her generosity...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Her smile is adding to the glory of Heaven now" </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I'm not one to cry, but I teared up there.<br />
<br />
He also wrote of his new theme song, which is beautiful and so perfectly fitting:<br />
<br />
<div style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where the blue of the night</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Meets the gold of the day</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Someone waits for me</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And the gold of her hair</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Crowns the blue of her eyes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Like a halo, tenderly</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If only I could see her</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh how happy I would be</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where the blue of the night</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Meets the gold of the day</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Someone waits for me</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">~Where the Blue of the Night</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, don't let Disney movies fool you (though Frozen was pretty accurate, from my standpoint and relationship with my sisters anyways). Love is not a fairy tale. Love is more than shivers up your spine and wet sloppy kisses. Sometimes love is a pain in your rear, a tear down your face, a smile from across the room that melts your heart. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="border: 0px none; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text 1Cor-13-4" id="en-NIV-28670">"Love is patient,<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28670I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></span> love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.</span><span class="text 1Cor-13-5" id="en-NIV-28671"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span>It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking,<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28671K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></span> it is not easily angered,<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28671L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></span> it keeps no record of wrongs.</span><span class="text 1Cor-13-6" id="en-NIV-28672"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Love does not delight in evil<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28672N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></span> but rejoices with the truth.</span><span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-NIV-28673"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span>It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent;">1 Corinthians 13: 4-7</span><span style="background-color: transparent; text-align: left;"> </span></div>
</span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">*Notice it says "not <b>easily</b> angered" not "<b>never</b> angered"</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.” </span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;">~</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Friedrich Nietzsche</span></div>
</span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“You don't love someone because they're perfect, you love them in spite of the fact that they're not.” </span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;">~</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jodi Picoult</span></div>
</span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="bqQuoteLink" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 26px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Love does not begin and end the way we seem to think it does. Love is a battle, love is a war; love is a growing up."</span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">~James A. Baldwin</span></div>
</span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
<blockquote style="line-height: 20px; margin-top: 6px; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztZqEzhrLeeVN9qLrkgdCeSgkBJrctbv3n7QUMhZl3fvj_Asd4CNvlm-RuIlOVb1gje4-PcDqEdM8A-HbvrlwM9pEaN5lbLAejXwbOwC3prtlekA3gTJehE0NbWqHXdHHkK_ytoseTpA/s1600/20.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo taken from dailypicksandflicks.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
</div>
<div style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
CoffeeandPraisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06791651348535316369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654257027723120671.post-91572494967865591072014-06-06T09:47:00.004-07:002014-06-06T09:48:03.213-07:00I Will See You AgainThis morning I chose my 'I love you' mug.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjWFHjFjsLQ344IXj1qkZaBMP7xUu88-AVhYVVzQSq_UDaZQ92X3HsRotBDdiYT7rf28d4WGCwaKqeyimVLCQYchcPXj-s_e4nJ9fmCeZgk0bAlsHExixKPhVDn6faLVvA4UQ7hT8TKAm/s1600/fffddd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjWFHjFjsLQ344IXj1qkZaBMP7xUu88-AVhYVVzQSq_UDaZQ92X3HsRotBDdiYT7rf28d4WGCwaKqeyimVLCQYchcPXj-s_e4nJ9fmCeZgk0bAlsHExixKPhVDn6faLVvA4UQ7hT8TKAm/s1600/fffddd.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
When I was somewhere around the age of 7 years old, my mom bought this mug for me while we were out grocery shopping. I was sitting in the cart, you know, up by the handles, and I dropped it before we even made it out the door. I was crushed, she could tell. Without making a fuss that I had wasted money, caused a scene, and made a mess, my mom simply turned around and bought the mug for me again. "I'll hold onto it this time" she said. I have very few memories from that age, but my first coffee mug... it's only fitting that I would remember this story. <br />
<br />
<br />
To say the last eight days have been hectic would be like saying D Day was a cake walk. HOORAH! to all our active duty, reservists, and veterans. Thank you for your service!<br />
<br />
*Thank a soldier. You will never regret it, they will never forget it.<br />
<br />
All at the same time I have everything and nothing to say.<br />
<br />
Within a 72 hour period I went from fearing for my mother, to grieving the loss of my grandmother (my mothers mother).<br />
<br />
The grieving process is sweetened by the knowledge that she lives still, in the splendor of His glory, in Heaven. No longer suffering, no longer bound by the confines of this world. My grandmother passed with the peace of knowing that she was going to meet her Heavenly Father, knowing that, some day, we will all be together again.<br />
<br />
Maybe I need more coffee (when do I not?), but I am so happy for her. Don't get me wrong, my heart is heavy for my grandfather and those she left behind, all of whom miss her terribly. She passed knowing that her family was happy, healthy, and serving the Lord. She passed confident in her relationship with Christ.<br />
<br />
I cannot think of a better way to honor her life than to ask the following question<br />
<br />
If your life ended today, would you get to meet my grandmother in Heaven?<br />
<br />
Jesus' blood has the power to cover all sin, ALL SIN. When we ask for His forgiveness, and welcome Him into our lives, that blood covers our sin, giving us the key to the gates of Heaven.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ 1 John 1:8-9</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lord knows I'm not a perfect person, but I have been forgiven by my loving Heavenly Father and have been shrouded with the Blood of Jesus. My life has a purpose and peace that is beyond my understanding. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Jesus answered, <span style="color: red;"><b>I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me</b></span>."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">~ John 14:6</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, that whomever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">~ John 1:16</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Jesus said, “<span style="color: red;"><b>I came that they may have life and have it abundantly</b></span>” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">~ John 10:10</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you need Jesus in your life, if you're ready to be forgiven, if you're ready for peace beyond understanding, if you're ready for the craziest ride of your life, follow this link and click the blue tabs at the top of the page. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://peacewithgod.jesus.net/?" target="_blank">http://peacewithgod.jesus.net/?</a><br />
<br />
<br />
I love you grandma. We shall see you again!CoffeeandPraisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06791651348535316369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654257027723120671.post-71036952978752943552014-05-23T17:14:00.000-07:002014-07-24T09:36:31.062-07:00Let Go - One Mans Trash Should Probably Just Be Thrown Away<div>
No, this post is not dedicated to the ever popular Frozen movie, nor it's theme song. Honestly, I've not even seen the movie or heard the song yet, though I expect this to be fixed soon. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Today I was blessed to spend several hours with my beautiful sister-in-law and cutie pie nephew on a bargain hunting adventure. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Every year one of our local communities, Apple Valley, holds their garage sales. There are literally sales on every corner, full of all sorts of things from antiques to, well, TRASH.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The saying goes, "One mans trash is another mans treasure" Well, I'm here to tell you, that one man should probably just throw his junk away and stop trying to shove it on everyone else. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There's another saying that comes to mind that, I feel, is relevant "ain't nobody got time for that"<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I cannot tell you how many people were trying to sell things that should have just been placed in a dumpster (several years ago, at that). I'm talking about worn out shoes, broken coffee mugs, stained clothing... Give these things away, sure - if someone wants to take them. But trying to sell them... not even I am interested in your chipped black coffee mug for $0.50 or your worn to the soul shoes for $2</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Every year AV holds these sales and every year you see people put out the same things as the year before. This begs the question, WHY? Their basements and garages must be full of items they no longer want but aren't willing to admit that no one else sees any value in. These items could be donated to homeless shelters, or simply thrown away, but instead they are held onto - kept alive to fight another garage sale. 'Maybe next year we will get our $0.15 for that broken picture frame.'</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
*I will say, we found some sick deals today. I spent less than $40 on three DVD's, a like new walker, two toys, two dressy outfits (pants, button down shirts, vests), a sweatshirt with his daddy's number on it, and a nice top for Barrett along with a sweet leather jacket and Adidas running jacket for myself. My sister bought a motorized Hummer for my nephew for $20, among the many other deals she found today. Ahhh... shopping high. Nothing like bargain hunt success! - Oh, and hunting in a pack is that much more satisfying :) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways, back to my point. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We are all holding onto things that we should be letting go of. Whether it's time to pass them along to the next person who can use them or time to throw them away completely. The fact is, it's time to let go. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
No, I'm not just talking about that pair of shoes you haven't worn for the last five years or those pair of jeans you've convinced yourself you'll fit into again. Not the power tool given to you for Christmas that you have every intention of basing a project around. Not that god awful necklace that matches nothing...yet. Though you may want to consider having a garage sale yourself if any of this rings a bell. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
...Did I mention we will be having a massive garage sale ourselves in the next few weeks?...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm talking about attitudes, mindsets, experiences. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We all have experiences we've learned from, advice that has seen us through many a hard time, treasured memories and lessons learned, that we want to pass along to others so that they too may benefit from them. These are sale table worthy things, the type of things that people are searching for, that are desired, collected, placed on a shelf with a light hanging over them to accent their importance... you get the idea. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We also have junk - hurt, painful experiences/words, that we carry and, sometimes, try to unload onto other people. These things need to be placed where they truly belong - in the dumpster. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Spring cleaning dons an entirely new and, let's face it, more satisfying meaning when we apply it to more than just our home. It's time to clean out our personal lives, polishing what we value enough to hold on to, releasing what my benefit others, and throwing away all that hinders us from moving freely in our lives.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQ01JBotSbR57Wp6dY1wAFSAiIqlpSgRvX9mOONCXwaNWQRNtuyg0u9lf3IY0y9iCQePp8Nugf-hwjiK2kyglMFXauaSoH5VFd4_I80tSaee7uRA_nRLS0LsTaxs-Smj-uILZsq1jg8xn/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQ01JBotSbR57Wp6dY1wAFSAiIqlpSgRvX9mOONCXwaNWQRNtuyg0u9lf3IY0y9iCQePp8Nugf-hwjiK2kyglMFXauaSoH5VFd4_I80tSaee7uRA_nRLS0LsTaxs-Smj-uILZsq1jg8xn/s1600/Coffee+and+Praise+End+Official.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
CoffeeandPraisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06791651348535316369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654257027723120671.post-44081153861224184272014-05-19T08:38:00.000-07:002014-05-19T08:46:13.181-07:00Spite vs MightThis mornings coffee is held in my teal birthday mug.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8LcXRl6i4dAbGSPUZLNwT5vnP5z6TjPbbYQTzX2bDt_uzR73s5Gd0H5-tK7P7Fho2yPZIuheQaelQAsNGG705IrjJvieUbJHGYhmguFoDOm4FBmVv9ZGRPArBxkjvaD32nN7p2dEJGgH/s1600/cfepic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8LcXRl6i4dAbGSPUZLNwT5vnP5z6TjPbbYQTzX2bDt_uzR73s5Gd0H5-tK7P7Fho2yPZIuheQaelQAsNGG705IrjJvieUbJHGYhmguFoDOm4FBmVv9ZGRPArBxkjvaD32nN7p2dEJGgH/s1600/cfepic.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A few years ago Ben presented me with this lovely mug on my birthday. I loved it so much that I even took it with me to church on Sunday mornings in place of a travel mug. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ben made this mornings cup of coffee so I'm honestly not sure what I'm consuming, other than caffeine. After such a fun, busy, weekend caffeine is all that matters. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After my sophomore year of college I became the Wellness Educator for the Kent State University, Student Recreation and Wellness Center (SRWC). Along with my WE duties, I also took on some reception work. While I do not enjoy sitting around, I do love the organization and relationships built in an office environment. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
*Funny bunny trail: My supervisors name was Ben Cope (great guy, always stole my venison trail bologna when I brought it for lunch, haha). My second week in the office, one of the girls came in and asked how my weekend had gone "Oh, it was very nice" I said, "Ben and I went for sushi and then walked around town for a bit" She looked at me with shock/disgust in her eyes as she said "You know he's married right?? With CHILDREN??" I burst out laughing (which she didn't appreciate) and said "No, no, MY Ben, my husband's name is Ben! Not Ben Cope!!" We both had a good laugh over the mix up. Later on that day, Ben Cope popped his head into my office and, with a huge smirk on his face, said, "Amanda! I hear we had a sushi date over the weekend!"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Forgiveness. No matter who you are, at some point in your life, you will be on both the giving and receiving end of forgiveness. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'll never forget the night I backed into Ben's car. He loved that car (still does, he's still driving it!!). It was a Wednesday night and the cell group that Phil (Ben's brother from another mother) and I co-hosted had ended. As I backed out to leave I gently bumped Ben's car. I mean, so softly that I almost didn't realize it had happened at all. Ben noticed though (he was headed to his car when it happened) and, while both vehicles were fine, I knocked his front license plate loose. "Didn't you look?" he said "of course I looked!" I answered, getting defensive. "Well, I'll just reattach it later" he said "it's not that bad" - "I'm sorry" I told him, feeling like an idiot and searching his face for indication as to how in trouble I was. "It's OK babe" he replied, pulling me in for a hug, "no big deal." That was the end of it, no bringing it up later to make fun of me in front of our friends. He never mentioned it when he got pulled over for not having his front plate attached. I was forgiven, end of story. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Peter asks Jesus in Matthew 18:21 how many times we are to forgive those who have sinned against us. In Matthew 18:22 <span style="text-align: center;">Jesus answered, </span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times"</span></blockquote>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;">One day, as I sat at the reception desk, one of our personal trainers came in and started a conversation based around forgiveness. "So let me ask you" he said, "what if someone killed your husband? Would you be able to forgive them?" I sat for a moment, not wanting to miss an opportunity to shine Christ's love and contemplating Matthew 18:22 when I was given some clarity. "I'm sure it would take time" I replied "and even then, one time would not be enough" he sat on what was referred to as "Amanda's Counseling Couch" and asked "what do you mean, one time would not be enough?" I answered "I might be able to walk in forgiveness towards that person for an hour, a day, a year... but at some point I will relive the hurt and anger that he caused in my life, and I will have to choose to forgive him all over again. Forgiveness isn't a one and done deal. We have to walk it out, we have to live it." He seemed satisfied with my response, got up from the couch, and left the office for a few hours. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thank God for the Holy Spirit alive in me to give the right answers! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude." </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">-Martin Luther King Jr. </span></blockquote>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Becoming spiteful is such an easy thing to do, even encouraged in some cases. There is power in forgiveness, not just for the one forgiven but, just as much, if not more so, for the one who is forgiving. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"Throughout life people will make you mad, disrespect you and treat you bad. Let God deal with the things they do, 'cause hate in your heart will consume you too."</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">-Will Smith </span></blockquote>
<br />
Choose to forgive, as many times as you have to. <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">"When you forgive, you in no way change the past - but you sure do change the future"</span><span style="font-size: large;">- Bernard Meltzer </span></span></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
</blockquote>
<br />CoffeeandPraisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06791651348535316369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654257027723120671.post-71187614644145525302014-05-12T11:19:00.000-07:002014-05-12T11:29:35.494-07:001st Mother's Day <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Seeing as how this post is dedicated to the awesomeness of my first Mother's Day, this morning I am drinking from my new travel mug</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was on our worship team yesterday morning so I needed to be early for sound check. Ben and Barrett left before I did to "run some errands". When I pulled into the parking lot they were there waiting for me, holding my new, coffee filled, travel mug and a breakfast bar. "Happy Mother's Day, my love" Ben said as he handed me my treats, "we will see you in a couple hours". </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvT0Qpit6GaGZfSiqSpq9OOClOPijOlV7IEJPVmTKvwRep62nKrbfpRvnQWK5HJpAPopSI9FgBIKqyMSJ6Z1TngArLyjf27XLnYWp_iq4MXf8Hz9ifwfmRr06hgtxnhYqjbQhJJQ-tWkeU/s1600/newmug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvT0Qpit6GaGZfSiqSpq9OOClOPijOlV7IEJPVmTKvwRep62nKrbfpRvnQWK5HJpAPopSI9FgBIKqyMSJ6Z1TngArLyjf27XLnYWp_iq4MXf8Hz9ifwfmRr06hgtxnhYqjbQhJJQ-tWkeU/s1600/newmug.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steel, Teal, and Ceramic </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have become a rather large fan of ceramic travel mugs. Not only are they excellent for keeping coffee warm, they don't affect the flavor, no matter how old they get. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I knew Ben was up to something for Mother's Day, but I must admit, I was incredibly surprised and blessed by how special he made the day. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Guys, it's noteworthy that he didn't break the bank to accomplish this. Sometimes the most simple of gestures can mean the most. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"I'm giving you a full, uninterrupted, nights sleep" he told me Saturday night, "I will sleep upstairs with Barrett and Sydney and you can have our room all to yourself"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For the most part Barrett sleeps through the night, maybe waking because he needs a diaper change or because he spat his binky out of reach. I still wake however, even if just to look at the monitor and make sure he's breathing. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
*I may veer more towards the paranoid side of parenting </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtWTsLlHwWSC3BqBd1jEaquaFjEayR65oTHN4dyTHdIhCQu4AI-cuS7A7SVXpoo8kDnZup_1EEJuckZP21vC7iUYkiJj8PjVD7XpGwMyXKhgzfBAyU7Cgs4dxxrIWrOFI7xbUI-wWqN1Y/s1600/lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtWTsLlHwWSC3BqBd1jEaquaFjEayR65oTHN4dyTHdIhCQu4AI-cuS7A7SVXpoo8kDnZup_1EEJuckZP21vC7iUYkiJj8PjVD7XpGwMyXKhgzfBAyU7Cgs4dxxrIWrOFI7xbUI-wWqN1Y/s1600/lunch.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother's Day Lunch </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After church ended we headed home. I was greeted by beautiful flowers, a card, and told lunch was being taken care of and that I was to nap. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;">The gift of sleep is a beautiful thing. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"You're going to want to change" Ben told me once I woke (I was still in my church outfit) "and wear your old tennis shoes" - "Where are we going?" I asked, getting excited that wearing old shoes meant we're going to be outside "We are going to go explore" he said, with a huge smile on his face. "Sydney is coming too"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ben and I have been together for almost 13 years. We have always talked about going to Mohican State Park to spend a day hiking/biking. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We pulled onto the grounds and found our parking spot. I was so excited! The park is beautifully maintained with free access. There are multiple different trails to choose from and Ben had researched the best one for families. The weather was perfect, sunny with a breeze. We could not have asked for a better day. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5N7y_IyHN5cJOWaerOKylZf6ovii6TTmwTXkz_HE8kMn156voliqSDV5Wvxl8f0Fy6hML1vnPkzyp0M7uZsKUon2KuhVqmFlU6WNcbYHovqm1IQqGvFnPVwAtfGDvpWC1Fie6B-TUfm4/s1600/1MD+Mom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5N7y_IyHN5cJOWaerOKylZf6ovii6TTmwTXkz_HE8kMn156voliqSDV5Wvxl8f0Fy6hML1vnPkzyp0M7uZsKUon2KuhVqmFlU6WNcbYHovqm1IQqGvFnPVwAtfGDvpWC1Fie6B-TUfm4/s1600/1MD+Mom.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Binky in the woods </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We walked, taking in the sounds, smells, and sights of grounds we'd never walked before. The trail was only a little over a mile so an hour and a half later we were back at the car. Ben had timed everything perfectly. Barrett fell asleep as we buckled him into his seat. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHecWa9tAv1qa2H2wW_8t3637OG6Kml1zfccLNuthLXnJaGWdAz_6_yaAVRtfEVGq9n7PBnRrvL3fga7xUSrlimBra42jxF4ZK0EVdfghgY7OYBU00xR5qJ6bhm37qzHzCzfYJPdbZTp20/s1600/dirty+boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHecWa9tAv1qa2H2wW_8t3637OG6Kml1zfccLNuthLXnJaGWdAz_6_yaAVRtfEVGq9n7PBnRrvL3fga7xUSrlimBra42jxF4ZK0EVdfghgY7OYBU00xR5qJ6bhm37qzHzCzfYJPdbZTp20/s1600/dirty+boys.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting dirty </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;">We were hot, muddy, messes and I loved it. Even Barrett got some dirt on his shoes. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXFqwy9gQ8VVqaGSMfCX5Xh872beIkNL15MKtq59NMo0AUuUmk9w5GsPAIz-lDUnJmHqyEPTMhPdY5jRmUGJIqp_hsZDAx3TfHbq43LAs2YmpgHWfvbQa_yxNq3WsLQGAA76xpaK0n0CD/s1600/piggy+ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXFqwy9gQ8VVqaGSMfCX5Xh872beIkNL15MKtq59NMo0AUuUmk9w5GsPAIz-lDUnJmHqyEPTMhPdY5jRmUGJIqp_hsZDAx3TfHbq43LAs2YmpgHWfvbQa_yxNq3WsLQGAA76xpaK0n0CD/s1600/piggy+ride.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piggy's in the woods</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our jogging stroller was no match for the muddy, rut filled, trails and was quickly returned to the car. Barrett didn't mind though. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The decision was made that we would stop and get some ice cream on the way home. "I know exactly where we are going" Ben said, as he took us to The Dairy. Back in high school we used to visit on a regular basis. I cannot remember the last time we were there. As he pulled in we noticed how incredibly crowded they were. Neither of us felt like waking our sleeping boy, or waiting in line, so we went on to plan b. "I hear good things about Whit's all the time" I said as we drove along "OK, we'll check them out" he said. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Let me tell you, I am now a huge Whit's fan! Frozen custard. Oh. My. Gosh. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwxNwCX3OQ5WXjB5b9wftwQORgGYTMSAbwzTa9s69Ex787iMRyc7NjBAnHPdDHRvDPoCYDAZoPKEx2xDZKiubDwq51M98xjUTF0poRLN9D9I3ATG53Bbcp3R76XcoGP3DUNPkSqrellnO/s1600/whits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwxNwCX3OQ5WXjB5b9wftwQORgGYTMSAbwzTa9s69Ex787iMRyc7NjBAnHPdDHRvDPoCYDAZoPKEx2xDZKiubDwq51M98xjUTF0poRLN9D9I3ATG53Bbcp3R76XcoGP3DUNPkSqrellnO/s1600/whits.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cold coffee flavor, of course! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We had each gotten their smallest size and neither of us could finish in one sitting (next time, which will be soon, we will split a small). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Once we got home Ben helped me weed the flower beds, and plant my Mothers Day flowers from the church, while Barrett played in his pac-n-play and Sydney napped in the grass. We had just finished when we felt the first few raindrops. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As the rain came pouring down Ben informed me that dinner was taken care of and I was not to touch any of the dirty dishes. "I'm handling it, you just sit and relax." </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So I did, and it was lovely. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What a perfect day, full of flowers and memories. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I should note, Ben does an excellent job of making me feel loved and appreciated every day. I have been blessed with a man who lives Ephesians 5:25</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her"</blockquote>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
CoffeeandPraisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06791651348535316369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5654257027723120671.post-72445331558187811652014-05-09T10:28:00.000-07:002014-05-12T08:08:24.729-07:00A Barrett Story - Part 2This mornings coffee is being sipped from this lovely hand made mug<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRK-pPgYgs_n9k6LIwLQAieiUjvFxOvfdIYxfvZ1xtE30b8eIeejF92SeVtnuLtIxLGXD-B2Xt3T8PLlR_OiF1zsKWwEYYuqAYvfCNdGFw6BbOsgt8sw44A1it5s1whQxZWvRbrpb7LfS/s1600/Barrett+Story+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRK-pPgYgs_n9k6LIwLQAieiUjvFxOvfdIYxfvZ1xtE30b8eIeejF92SeVtnuLtIxLGXD-B2Xt3T8PLlR_OiF1zsKWwEYYuqAYvfCNdGFw6BbOsgt8sw44A1it5s1whQxZWvRbrpb7LfS/s1600/Barrett+Story+2.JPG" height="310" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This particular mug is very special because Ben's Grandma St. Helen made it. I love the earth tones, the shape, the size, and how warm my coffee stays in this mug. Ben's grandparents live in Oregon. We haven't been out to OR since 2006 when Ben proposed (that's a great story, for another time), but plan on visiting as soon as possible.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
OK, back to October 6th, 2013...<br />
<br />
I was given royal treatment at our birthing center. "What room would you like? Oh, this one is biggest, let's put you in here", the nurse who admitted us chattered, as we walked into a massive labor and delivery room. I didn't care about the room.<br />
<br />
How is this baby not here yet? Why isn't he coming on his own? What if we wait another week to see if he comes without help? Oh God, they're going to give me an IV. - My mind was going a mile a minute and room size was not priority on the list. In the end I was very grateful to have the largest room.<br />
<br />
I was given a hospital gown and told to make myself comfortable. Comfortable, right. After changing I didn't want to get on the bed, so I didn't. I stood, talking with Ben and Julie, until the nurse came in and said "you can get in the bed, it's all yours." As it turns out, I wouldn't be on my feet again for quite some time. Standing was the right decision.<br />
<br />
Typically I am the chilly one, known to wear sweaters and jackets even in the middle of summer. Not this time. "It's warm in here" I said, looking around the room for the thermostat "can we turn it down?" Ben went over to adjust the temperature, "How cold do you want it?" he asked. "As low as it will go" I replied, "and did you remember my fan?"<br />
<br />
I've always been on the claustrophobic side and being pregnant had only emphasized this. Having cold airflow was going to be vital to my comfort during this delivery.<br />
<br />
What felt like hours later, the head nurse came in to do my IV. "We've had an emergency and all our staff and nurses are in the delivery room" she started "It's been a while, but I'm sure I remember how to do one of these"<br />
<br />
YOU'RE SURE YOU REMEMBER? Girl, you're about to run a needle up my vein and you're "sure you remember how"<br />
<br />
I have never liked needles. I can remember going in for shots as a child, clinging to the table legs and screaming because I hated them so much. My poor mother. In this moment, as I watched my, hopefully competent, nurse prepare the IV and begin to sanitize my hand, everything in me screamed 'get on the floor and cling to the bed legs!'<br />
<br />
"I really don't like needles" I told her, "so I'm going to turn my face, close my eyes, and hum. Please just tell me when you're done." She smiled and said "yes ma'am". Just as I was closing my eyes I caught a glimpse of the needle, the giant 18 gauge needle, that she was about to shove into my flesh.<br />
<br />
*A 22 gauge needle is typically used. The higher the gauge, the smaller the needle.<br />
<br />
I could feel the panic rushing over me, and she hadn't even started yet. Let me tell you, this was by far the most painful part of my entire labor and delivery experience. I cried, not just a few tears either. "I covered the needle so you don't have to look at it" she said as she gave my shoulder a squeeze. "Thank you" I replied through my tears.<br />
<br />
After a few minutes the pain in my hand subsided (no I wasn't hooked up to painkillers) and I was able to "relax" a bit. The room had finally started to cool off and breathing felt easier. I could feel how tired and anxious I was. Around 10:00pm we finally started the inducement process. My Dr wanted me well rested for the next day, so he had given instructions for a sleeping pill to be administered.<br />
<br />
When trying to juggle a house, pets, and having a baby, things become tricky. We had decided that Ben would go home after I fell asleep and make sure everything was ready for baby and me the next day. Julie stayed with me all night.<br />
<br />
I woke the next day, somewhere around 7:00am, and was very pleased to hear that we had made quite a bit of progress over night. My Dr. came in at 8:00am to check on me, "Wow, it's cold in here!" he said, "I want to make sure you enjoy this experience, Amanda" he said with a smile "that way you'll want to do it again." I looked at him and said "as long as my son gets here safe and healthy, I will enjoy the experience." Ben arrived right around this time. "It's really cold in here babe"<br />
<br />
One of my favorite nurses from the office, Jolie, had just transferred back into the birthing center a week or two before I was set to deliver. During my last appointment with her we had discussed how wonderful it would be for her to be with me during delivery. She knew how important it was to me that this was done as naturally as possible. When she walked into my room: "Wow, it's cold in here. Amanda! I was hoping it was you!"<br />
<br />
What a blessing to have her with us. She went and got blankets for my mom and sisters and made sure we never lacked for anything.<br />
<br />
My water broke around 8:30am and we were moving! My mom and Stacey arrived somewhere around 10:00 "Wow, it's cold in here!" she said, with a huge smile on her face.<br />
<br />
Yes, my fan was on as well. Ben was wearing all of his warm Navy gear, including his hat!<br />
<br />
Jolie knew how important it was to me that I have my baby naturally. Being induced kinda put a kink in that plan. She made sure that my pitocin drip was at it's lowest setting to affect me and fought for me every time my Dr. recommended it be increased. "What level is she on currently?" he asked, "she's making great progress on a 2" Jolie replied. "Bump her up to at least a 5" he told her. "She wants to do it on her own" Jolie said.<br />
<br />
*A pitocin drip maxes out at 20<br />
<br />
She was a God send.<br />
<br />
After several hours of contractions I was exhausted and frustrated. My boy wasn't dropping and had started to work against the contractions. "Jolie, I think I would like a dose of Nubain" - "are you sure? You're doing great and it will only make you sleepy" - "I'll still feel my contractions right?" she nodded, "yes, please. I'd like to try and sleep a little" - "Coming right up". I made this request only twice, and while the pain remained the same, I was able to sleep a little.<br />
<br />
Ben and I had opted out of birthing classes. I knew that, in the moment, I was going to handle things my way. Yoga breathing. If there is one thing I can tell you to practice it would be deep, controlled, focused breathing.<br />
<br />
Contractions were coming about every minute and lasting for at least 30 seconds.<br />
<br />
~During a contraction: "Ben, hand. Sucker." - He took my sucker (all I was allowed to have besides ice chips) while I squeezed his hand, closed my eyes, and focused on my breathing and feeling my body prepare for it's finest moment<br />
~After a contraction: "Thank you, may I have my sucker back now please?"<br />
<br />
This was the routine for 11 hours.<br />
<br />
*There was one time when I only had Ben's finger. " I think you may have broken it" he said after my contraction subsided a little and I finally let go. "I said 'hand', you were too slow" I said, as he massaged and wiggled his finger around "nope, not broken".<br />
<br />
After 10 hours of labor my Dr recommended I get an epidural to help my body relax, in hopes that this would help baby to relax and finally start to crown. The anesthesiologist was sent to my room and as we talked he asked "you're not ready to give up yet are you?" - "No" - "you can always call me back if you need me. I don't want to start this unless you're 100% sure" - "Thank you, I'm not ready yet"<br />
<br />
Again, Jolie was amazing. She was my nurse, my cheerleader, and my friend who wanted to see me do things my way. She was my backbone when I felt weak and she was my brick wall of protection when my wishes were questioned. I could probably write and entire blog post dedicated to her and the conversations we had during my 12.5 hour labor.<br />
<br />
After hitting the 11 hour mark I could sense the worry in Ben and my family. "Amanda, I'd really like you to try the epidural. If we don't see progress soon we will have to consider our alternatives" Dr S said as he looked over my charts. Barrett was continuing to have negative reactions to the contractions, working against them instead of with them. "If your charts looked different you could keep going, but we don't want to put you or your baby at risk. You're exhausted, Amanda, and you want to be able to enjoy your baby when he gets here. We want to avoid an emergency situation." I felt so defeated as I agreed, "OK, I'll take the epidural now"<br />
<br />
We tried with the epidural for an hour (now up to 12 hours of labor), and still no progress. Having contractions that you don't feel was odd. I had grown accustom to how they felt and to see the numbers jump and feel nothing was such a weird experience. "At this point I'm concerned that he is being held up by the umbilical cord. His heart rate is fine, but his leg or arm might be caught. There has to be a reason he hasn't come down and is working against your contractions. I think it's time to consider a c-section, Amanda. Take a few minutes and let me know how you feel"<br />
<br />
As soon as the words "c-section" came from my Dr's mouth Ben dropped his head into his hands. My mom and sisters had tears welling in their eyes.<br />
<br />
Despite all that was going on, I had peace. I didn't need time to think it over.<br />
<br />
"Let's do it"<br />
<br />
I was prepped for surgery and the anesthesiologist came in to remove my epidural needle and prepare for a spinal tap. "Do you have any concerns Amanda?" he asked. "yes, will the room be cool enough? I'm struggling with claustrophobia and if I don't feel cold air movement I might panic." He smiled and said, "I can tell you like it chilly. I'll fan you myself if I need to. We will make sure you're comfortable."<br />
<br />
I was wheeled into the OR, given my spinal tap (which I almost fell asleep during), and laid on the table. I kept asking if Ben was in the room yet, I didn't want him to miss anything. They assured me that they wouldn't start without him. As soon as he came in I felt so much better. Then, the spinal tap kicked in, really in. "I'm not breathing" I started saying, feeling panic rush over me. "Amanda, you're talking, you're breathing. The ST has numbed you up to your chin so you can't feel your rib cage rising and falling. You're breathing, just keep talking to me."<br />
<br />
Yes, that makes sense. As much as I tried, I couldn't control the panic. This is not how it was supposed to be! I was supposed to go into labor on my own, to experience pushing and the joy on my husbands face as he saw his son for the first time. I was supposed to experience his birth, not be hidden behind a curtain waiting for him to be taken from my body.<br />
<br />
"tell me your address Amanda" - "204... I still can't breathe" - "Where were you born Amanda?" - "Newark...I'm not feeling well" - "Put your hands over your mouth so you can feel your breath" - "ok, that's a little better" - "tell me your address again"<br />
<br />
My anesthesiologist did a wonderful job.<br />
<br />
All of my panicked thoughts were hushed as I started to pay attention to what the Dr's and nurses were saying.<br />
<br />
"do you see the size of that head"<br />
-oh no, our son looks like Stewie from Family Guy!<br />
<br />
"I may have to make the incision longer"<br />
-WHAT?<br />
<br />
"Oh wow"<br />
-Oh no<br />
<br />
"I severely underestimated the size of this baby, Amanda"<br />
-How big is he?<br />
<br />
- Anesthesiologist to Ben: "You're going to want to watch this part." Ben was amazing, all of his focus had been on me and keeping me calm.<br />
<br />
"You have a beautiful baby boy, Amanda! A BIG beautiful boy!"<br />
-How big is he??<br />
<br />
Ben, "He's here and he's perfect baby! I'm so proud of you! He's big, he's really big!"<br />
<br />
Ben was so perfect, running back and forth from me to baby and back again.<br />
<br />
I hadn't heard him cry yet. I wasn't going to be happy until I heard him..."waaaaa"<br />
<br />
I was so happy! All in one instant I no longer noticed the room temperature, or the fact that I "couldn't breathe" My baby was here, he was healthy, he was big, and he was crying.<br />
<br />
The nurse brought him over to me and placed his perfect little face next to mine. I kissed him and told him how much I loved him and that I couldn't wait to hold him.<br />
<br />
Then, just as quickly as I was wheeled in, I was taken back to my room. "What's his name?" everyone was asking Ben, but he still wouldn't budge. Once we were back in the room with my mom and sisters he finally said, "everyone, meet Barrett"<br />
<br />
Barrett Michael Potter was born on October 7th, 2013 at 9:48pm weighing 10lbs 1oz, 22" long and already wearing a size 3mo.<br />
<br />
I was weak and exhausted when they brought him in to me. They actually had to help me hold him. He was perfect.<br />
<br />
He still is.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYrPx9KBLmxRxmrfkVGeS9cpLrSNXB1gaRymIytf-6FTvvNH6-3E7tgJ_3XLLOP0Kpc7nEE5BdgrctXogzjQ4LJlM2vkph7TF3yY-obp8a3ATppjGbfxdlK5rChdLsQjosCXbGLid5Fwg/s1600/baby+bump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYrPx9KBLmxRxmrfkVGeS9cpLrSNXB1gaRymIytf-6FTvvNH6-3E7tgJ_3XLLOP0Kpc7nEE5BdgrctXogzjQ4LJlM2vkph7TF3yY-obp8a3ATppjGbfxdlK5rChdLsQjosCXbGLid5Fwg/s1600/baby+bump.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last baby bump picture, taken at 40 weeks </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrThRluOPpe_m9E-HG48p9Hdu1jwF5dZ7zm5ZEfsKvlWbh1XThtTXr8U5YyJo7acmAkwmk9z9gYZJUsPBnIhzx2J1vP1Whz3l_ocmNIWC7MyuSXaUTI-vR7lH2sHELNTMUcZ34pjM1Rrd/s1600/coming+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrThRluOPpe_m9E-HG48p9Hdu1jwF5dZ7zm5ZEfsKvlWbh1XThtTXr8U5YyJo7acmAkwmk9z9gYZJUsPBnIhzx2J1vP1Whz3l_ocmNIWC7MyuSXaUTI-vR7lH2sHELNTMUcZ34pjM1Rrd/s1600/coming+home.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming home outfit, size 3months</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Zz5-KgWr-p3Xhb_wGDtDviwWfouj8zyhpVtvsCCxozwTmx6BtgaRgg_xWXPNZtS6M7enO1QTJ-A_KBrhyphenhyphenJqYm36cWFQAihvqtRupW18G-M1ainApQdoa9REr_rEtoDLapO3JBcqKEuC0/s1600/daddy+and+boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Zz5-KgWr-p3Xhb_wGDtDviwWfouj8zyhpVtvsCCxozwTmx6BtgaRgg_xWXPNZtS6M7enO1QTJ-A_KBrhyphenhyphenJqYm36cWFQAihvqtRupW18G-M1ainApQdoa9REr_rEtoDLapO3JBcqKEuC0/s1600/daddy+and+boy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy holding his boy the night he was born</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuKaRsNcYBnz9FE6cKllKHLQ9vaK5PzYuXKqKzdqcKt_3xX-MQW9-l3PB1S5IDjnx3HUsHquGcmeC1PzeIET20E37naBu_7eK3nQukcoMlvR1hI4HyErYH-slm6f8PkdRK5KMnf_SSfKF/s1600/happy+baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuKaRsNcYBnz9FE6cKllKHLQ9vaK5PzYuXKqKzdqcKt_3xX-MQW9-l3PB1S5IDjnx3HUsHquGcmeC1PzeIET20E37naBu_7eK3nQukcoMlvR1hI4HyErYH-slm6f8PkdRK5KMnf_SSfKF/s1600/happy+baby.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy baby, two days old<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
"You will increase my honor and comfort me once again. I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praise to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Isreal. My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you- I, whom you have redeemed." - Psalm 71:21-23<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />CoffeeandPraisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06791651348535316369noreply@blogger.com0