Saturday, July 31, 2010

Whew, Life!!!!


Well, in the past three weeks, I've had to: adjust to my oldest child leaving for basic training--GO ARMY!!!--, go on vacation to the beach (I know... poor, pitiful me), send my hubby and my two "middle kids" off to church camp while baby girl & I visited my parents, drive 3 1/2 hours for an appointment at the international adoption clinic, begin teaching a Bible study, and get ready to start our homeschooling year (this coming Monday.) So many things happening, and so many changes. I'm so glad that one thing never changes:

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Homemade Sugar Cookies
















As you can see, my kiddos were in a baking mood this week. :) They had so much fun making and decorating these cookies, and so did I. And, once again, I did NOT eat any. Out of sheer habit, I almost licked the dough-covered spoon, and then I remembered that I couldn't do that anymore! It also made me realize that I probably consumed WAY too many calories by just sampling everything I cooked or baked. It's nice that I'm more conscious now of what goes into my body. It's been a long journey, and one I'm still on, but I'm thankful for it.

Baking Pretzels
















We had a blast making these, and NO, I didn't eat any!!! I stayed true to my Atkins lifestyle. :)

Sunday, July 25, 2010

So Long, Insecurity--Bible Study Kicked off Today

Today we just shared about our insecurities & had discussion. We also read several Bible verses that speak truth into our hearts and minds regarding our security & identity in Jesus: Psalm 8:3-5, Isaiah 43:7, Jeremiah 31:3, Isaiah 61, Luke 4:16-30, Galatians 5:1, & 2 Corinthians 3:17-18. This week we'll be reading Chapters 1 & 2 of So Long, Insecurity & be prepared to discuss them on Sunday. I'm praying for each and every one of us undertaking this task of allowing God to cleanse us of insecurity so that we can walk in freedom.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Adjusting to a New Season of Life

Well, tomorrow will make 10 days since my son left for basic training. I've been able to talk to him on the phone once & received one letter from him. It is really hard to get used to this. I know that he's in God's hands, and I have peace in that knowledge; however, I just MISS him! It is so hard to walk past his room. It is so empty...so quiet...so neat...so much a reminder that my little boy is now a man and that life is changing so much for us. I must make a confession now: I turned the TV on in his room tonight & left it on just so there would be some activity in there. I know that I have to let him go, but it is really hard to do. I'm a mom, you know! Plus, he is my oldest, so I'm new at this whole "when your kids are grown" thing. I'm just counting down the days until his graduation. I am so proud of him and can't wait to see him again!

Monday, July 12, 2010

Countdown: Day 30











Today my "future" soldier became my soldier. These are pics of his last day at home before he left for basic: playing guitar with his daddy, getting some love from his mom & sisters, shooting waterguns with his little brother, and his final menu request before he left: steak, baked beans, potato salad, & Snicker Bar pie. We're missing him already, but we know he's in God's hands and we find our strength there.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Countdown: Day 29


Here's my future soldier with some friends at his 2nd going away party.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Countdown: Day 27


Here's my future soldier holding his little brother, who appears to be pretty stressed about something.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Countdown: Day 25




Here's a note my younger son wrote as a prayer for his older brother-our future soldier. Also, here's a pic of my future soldier recovering from having his wisdom teeth removed yesterday.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Countdown: Day 24


Here's my future soldier holding his youngest little sister for the first time. :)

Monday, July 5, 2010

Countdown: Day 23


Here's my future soldier the morning of his first Christmas. He was ready for all those gifts!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Countdown: Day 22


Here's my future soldier and me at his going away party. I'm going to miss those hugs when he's gone!

Future Soldier's Going Away Party #1
















My family gave my future soldier an awesome going away party yesterday. We actually managed quite a few laughs among the tears. I'm so blessed by my wonderful parents, sister, brother-in-law, aunts, & uncles. They threw quite a party!!!

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Countdown: Day 21


Here's my future soldier, getting in some party time while he still can.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Wow! What Bargains!


I got these today at Fred's Dollar Store--for $1.50 each. We'll be using these for our homeschooling studies.

Countdown: Day 20 & Happy Birthday


My future soldier celebrates his 18th birthday today...wow, where did the time go? Meanwhile, enjoy this pic of him eating cake on his 2nd birthday. We were both so young then! LOL

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Countdown: Day 19


Here's my future soldier with his daddy...proving that you're never too old for a kiss from your parents! LOL

Self-Care That's Not So Fun

As promised in my previous post, I am now going to talk about self-care that's not so much fun. This kind of self-care involves thin...