Thanksgiving

I figured I better get my journaling done about Thanksgiving, because before I know it, Christmas will have come & gone too..

The night before Thanksgiving, we had a Brendsel get together at the Hartford bowling alley.  It was an 'ugly sweater' party and it was so fun seeing everyone dressed up.  It had been a few years since we had gotten together for the Holiday's, but hoping this is a new tradition.  It worked out well!

Derek insisted he wear his Mom's Christmas sweatshirt that said 'Be Naughty, Save Santa The Trip!' 

 Some of the 2nd cousin's on the Brendsel side

 The group!  We were even missing quite a few!

The little kids had a gift exchange.  This was Brigs' 1st Christmas gift & he wanted to eat the bag!

 Boston got his 1st Ben 10 toy!

 Brigham got sippy cups & a toy remote!

 Me & some of my cousins.  Keisha, Katie, Tash, Me, Taya & Lacey

 
On Thanksgiving day we went to church & then headed to Hardwick, MN to spend the day with my grandparents and extended Johnson family.  Back up a minute.  We headed to Hardwick after we went home and changed vehicles due to a nail in one of our tires on my vehicle, and a completely flat tire.  So thankful for the gentleman that pointed it out to us while we were getting soda's at the gas station! 

My Dad, Lisa and my sister & her family went to Hardwick too, so it was a house full, but my grandparents love that!   The weather was beautiful so we spent some time outside looking at all of my my grandpa's 'toys' in his work shop and riding 4 wheeler.  Boston just loves all of the outdoor things we get to do when we are there and it truly makes me miss small town living.  Of course we are not deprived of outdoor things living in Sioux Falls, but unless you have lived in a small town, you'll just never know how different it is.

Boston & his Great-Grandpa Bud going for a ride.

 While we spent an hour outside, Derek got Brigham to take a nap.  He rarely ever falls asleep in our arms, so it was just precious to see him all cuddled up with his daddy.

 Boston & I were a little sleepy too.  We napped the whole way home! 

We hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving festivities with your family!

'Snoop' is in the house!

And I'm not referring to Snoop Dogg the rapper!  A package appeared at our front door tonight with a note for Boston & Brigham.  It read:

Dear Boston & Brigham,

Your mommy sent a letter to the North Pole requesting that I send one of my magical elves to watch over you until Christmas.  I sure hope you are good boys so that on Christmas night, I can stop by with my sleigh & reindeer and leave you both something special.  But please don't forget the real reason we celebrate Christmas.  It is not all about the presents, or Santa & his elves.  Christmas is about celebrating Jesus' birth.  Love to you from Santa's Workshop!

Love, Santa Claus

Boston just stared at me with HUGE eyes as I read the letter from Santa.  He ripped open the package as fast as he could and as soon as he saw the box, he said 'Your not going to believe this Mom!'  Santa had sent an 'Elf On A Shelf'!  An Elf he immediately named Snoop! 

I wanted to start this tradition last year, but Christmas came and went and we didn't get around to it.  Boston & I watched the 'Elf On A Shelf' movie over the weekend (very cute movie!) and during the movie I got this wild idea to tell Boston that I had sent a letter to Santa, asking him to send us a magical elf.  Boston really loved the movie, which made the surprise of a magical elf so much more fun tonight!  As soon as Derek got home from work he told him all about Snoop, and we read the book again.  I can't wait to see all of the fun places that Snoop will hang out in the next month!   

Meet Snoop!  At first I thought he was a little creepy looking but now I think he's cute! 

Boston with the package!

 This is when Boston recognizes the Elf on the box from the movie and just can't believe Santa got my letter!

 Boston had gone downstairs with Derek, so I helped Snoop find his first place to rest and then I headed downstairs too.  After a few minutes, Derek asked Boston to go upstairs and grab the Elf On A Shelf book so that he could read it with him.  30 seconds later Boston comes flying down the steps (I think he missed a few on the way!) and said "He's out of the box!  At first I didn't believe but now I really do!".  He was just SO EXCITED!

Here is Snoop perched up overlooking the foyer.  I wonder where Snoop will be tomorrow?! 

My plate is full.

I love being a stay at home mom, I really do, but lately I have felt so overwhelmed with my duties.  I just feel like my plate is full and that life is so crazy busy.  One day leads to the next, and a week passes by faster than I ever imagined possible.  I've been in a funk too, overly crabby and on edge.  These past few days I have felt like it's been at it's worst and I have been racking my brain to figure out how I can simplify the craziness, if that is even possible. 

The first few months of being a stay at home mom, I loved being home.  Brigham was a newborn, so I loved not having to leave the house for days at a time if we didn't want too.  As he got a bit older though, and as the adjustment to 2 kids had calmed, the days at home got a little long.  It didn't take long for me to find plenty of groups to join, kids to babysit, or activities to get involved in, as our church is very good about these types of ministries.  Now though, I feel like I am over-committed and I am wanting the simpleness back. 

The Holidays always seem to bring on a little extra anxiety for me.  Shopping for the oodles of gifts we have to buy & the financial burden that it can bring.  Trying to get the best deal and buy that perfect gift for the lucky person whose name you have.  The decorating and going from one family get together to the next.  It's just a lot..

On top of all of this craziness, I feel God calling me to reach out in different ways but I have NO idea where I am supposed to find the time for it.  I'm whining I know.  I chose this stay at home mom life, and even though right. this. very. second. I am thinking working a full time job and finding daycare for the boys would be easier, I wouldn't do it.  This blog entry really has no beginning or end.  It was for me to vent, to be honest with myself & everyone reading that I feel like I'm spinning in circles.  I am sure there are other who feel the exact same, or who are even busier than I am.  I really just felt like today it finally hit me.  I have taken on too many things, have started too many projects and have an unrealistic expectation that I can accomplish everything while still trying to be my best for my husband and kids.  I have decided to try and simplify things, prioritize my projects & goals and find a balance with my time at home, babysitting & extra curricular activities.  I just did the 25 Days Of Thanks project, and to be honest, I feel like I have over looked so many Blessings lately because of the chaos. 

Goal for December:  Relax.  Enjoy. & Love every single minute of every day.  If I feel like my weekly calendar is looking a little crazy, it's my own fault and up to me to simplify it for the next week.  If I don't post any new recipe's for a month, or my Crafternoon's seem to have come to a halt, it's not that I'm locked up in a treatment center for that addiction I've talked about, it's because I'm taking a little extra time for ME. 

P.S.  Honey, if your reading this, I won that silly little poll I posted on our blog. 28- 5 :)  Looks like from now on you'll be going in and ordering your own sandwich, or you'll be writing down specific instructions on how you'd like yours done.  Love ya!   

 

Broccoli, Grape & Pasta Salad

I always volunteer to bring a salad when their is a family gathering because I have mastered a few that everyone seem to love.  This year though I figured it was about time I change it up.  It's usually a given that I am either bringing Broccoli Salad or 7 Layer Salad, and I didn't want everyone getting bored with my food!  I found this Broccoli, Grape & Pasta Salad recipe on Pinterest.  It said 'If you're a broccoli salad fan, you'll love the combination of these colorful ingredients,' so I gave it a whirl!

Broccoli, Grape & Pasta Salad-courtesy of Pinterest

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 (16-oz.) package bow-tie pasta
• 1 pound fresh broccoli
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup sugar
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• 1/3 cup diced red onion
• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
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• 2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
• 8 cooked bacon slices, crumbled

Preheat oven to 350°. Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through.  Prepare pasta according to package directions.  Meanwhile, cut broccoli florets from stems, and separate florets into small pieces using tip of a paring knife. Peel away tough outer layer of stems, and finely chop stems.  Whisk together mayonnaise and next 4 ingredients in a large bowl; add broccoli, hot cooked pasta, and grapes, and stir to coat. Cover and chill 3 hours. Stir bacon and pecans into salad just before serving.

It was definitely a nice change, but when I make it again I am going to double the 'sauce' as it seemed a bit dry.  Very tasty, but as my cousin Nick said 'I would pick the regular Broccoli Salad over this one'.  Sorry I don't have my own picture to share, but if you click on the link you'll see a picture of the salad ready to serve! 

Last week I also tried this Cheddar Beer Chicken recipe that I also found on Pinterest.  I saw the word 'beer' and assumed it would be super delicious.  :)  It was edible, but it was not a favorite for anyone in the family, so it's not officially making the blog.  It reminded me of a stew, but with chicken instead of beef. 

'Flowers For A Fund'

If this poem doesn't get you to keep reading to see what the 'Flowers For A Fund' is all about, I'm not sure what will..

Fab Five-By Jason Gerdes

As I unscramble my thoughts thinking about what to write,

What I am truly thankful for on this chilly November night.

My thoughts come together to make five tiny words,

Boston, Brigham, Jeremiah, Grace, and Izzy, five little Gerds.

Not being able to have kids has been tough on Shana and me,

We know its all part of God’s plan, whatever that may be.

Being parents someday is something we will always want,

But right now God’s given us the chance to be an uncle and aunt.

We feel so blessed that were able to share in there lives every day,

Whether its reading blogs about them or watching them when they play.

Boston is the oldest, the born leader of this energetic pack,

Who loves to get down and wrestle, always on the attack.

He is a ball of energy, with a little swagger when he walks,

With an uncanny sense of humor that you hear when he talks.

Jeremiah is next in line on the nieces and nephews family tree,

He has two best friends, Buzz and the ever loveable Woody.

His laugh is so precious, we love hearing his voice on the phone,

Watching him play with Reggie, as he goes and fetches his bone.

Born just over eight months ago is sweet little Isabelle Mae,

She’s growing up so fast that you see something new each day.

Just by turning your head she will have crawled across the room,

Before you’ll know it, she’ll be walking down the aisle with a groom.

Two weeks after Izzy was born, along came little Brigs,

Who has his fathers eyes and the calmness of papa Jigs.

Having both parents in his corner, his future looks very bright,

He just has to figure out that its OK to sleep through the night.

That leaves us with Grace, the youngest of the Fab Five,

Born three weeks early and happy to say, she’s healthy and alive.

We are extremely excited and looking forward to the day,

When Grace finally gets to meet her aunt Shana and uncle Ja.

Being the oldest in my family, and not having any kids yet,

Means only one thing, at Christmas more gifts they will get.

We may spoil them a little bit, its what we want to do,

Until that day of joy comes when we’ll be parents too.

We are very thankful for the parents of our nieces and nephews,

We know our time will come, when we can walk in their shoes.

In the spirit of this joyful season, we would like to say,

Give thanks for the blessings Gods given you on this Thanksgiving Day

As I read this poem yesterday, tears trickled down my face.  Being a mother, and being able to easily get pregnant and have my own babies is something I have taken for granted at times.  My heart aches for my brother in-law and sister in-law (Jason & Shana Gerdes) as they wait patiently for God to place a child in their arms through adoption.  I can't imagine how hard it was for them to watch all of us add babies to our families this year when they so badly want that for themselves. 

Jason & Shana are unable to have their own children and have already gotten several steps into the adoption process.  The oodles of paperwork and home study are complete, so it's just a matter of waiting, and for the finances to come together.  I'm so excited for them and wish it would happen tomorrow, but if you know anything about the adoption process, that most likely won't happen.  It's something that will happen on God's time and not ours. I cannot say enough good things about these two.  They have been such a blessing to our boys (and to us!).  Not only do they babysit anytime we need them, but they spoil them rotten with gifts at birthdays & Christmas, but most importantly they just truly love our kids like they would their own.  The cost of an adoption is around $25,000.  Yikes.. that's a lot of money.  I wish I had the entire twenty five thousand sitting around to give to them, but I don't, so I have this brilliant idea to sell my hair clips and give ALL of the money I earn to their adoption fund!  (Flowers For A Fund!)  ;)

Here is a picture of some of the things I have put together & have on hand.  I am hoping to get some donated fabric, ribbon & old t-shirts in the near future so that I can try out new flowers, have a variety of colors to chose from & have LOTS of clips on hand!  If you are interested in donating supplies or purchasing some clips, please message me!  I can be reached very easily via my email, blog or facebook. 

All clips are $5 and ALL of the money earned will go to Jason & Shana to use for their adoption.  Please pass this along to anyone you know that may be interested.  If I can't keep up making flowers on my own I may be looking for some help! 

This was my first attempt at a t-shirt headband & flower!  I can't wait to try these out on my nieces!

Brigham-8 Month Update!

Brigham is 8 months old, and such a Blessing!  Here are some things I'd like to remember about him at this stage.

• Absolutely love Yogurt Melts, all the fruits and orange vegetables, but won't eat a single green vegetable! 
• Loves his blankie when he's sleepy, and will even snuggle his bib or washcloth in the bathtub and suck his fingers.  It's so cute.
• He has so much hair!  There is a long piece of curl in the back that I just love. 
• Nap time:  Some days he takes a later morning nap, and an afternoon nap, but other days he just takes a 2-3 hour nap in the afternoon.  It really just depends what we have going on for the day! 
• Bed time:  Ever since the time change he has started going to bed by 7:30.  Some nights it's earlier, and other's a little later.  He is usually up by 7 am.
• His toys must be boring because he loves playing with everything that isn't a TOY!  The remote, the plants, the dog's food & water dishes, paper, and kitchen utensils.
• He is crawling everywhere and standing up next to everything!
• No mama or dada yet, but he loves playing copy cat to the hollering and screeching noises we make at him!
• He drools like crazy but will not keep a bib on!
• He LOVES his brother, and his brother loves him!  They make each other laugh and it's just a precious thing to watch!
• His nicknames are:  Bubba (but you are FAR from a Bubba!) & Brigs.  Daddy calls you Brigs the most, and Grandpa Ron likes to call you Jigs. 
• He is so smiley!
• 3 teeth are through, (2 on bottom & 1 on top) and 2 more little specs (on top) are on their way out!
• He found his 'boy part' and that's all he wants to play with in the bath tub! 
• Other than 1 ear infection he has been healthy and we are so thankful!

'The Great Subway Debate of 2011'

If you read my '20/25 Days of Thanks' post, you'll know what this rant is all about..  If you haven't, go read it now before you continue..

My husband calls it 'The Great Subway Debate of 2011'.  He read my blog update on Sunday and hasn't stopped talking about it since.  He called me yesterday from work to tell me that everyone at Billion was on his side, and that the consensus was that it was my fault for not toasting a hot sub, even if Derek hadn't requested it. 

He even called up his buddy Evan & his wife Jen to get both of their opinions on the matter.  They are Derek's 'go-to' couple when we have an argument about something silly and he needs an outsiders opinion.  Evan was on my side:  Derek hadn't requested it toasted so he shouldn't be bitching.  Jen on the other hand (I can't believe you are on Gerd's side Jen!) thinks I should know my husband well enough to know exactly how he likes his sandwich :) 

He's never going to let me forget this.  He compares it to 'The Great Dome Dog Debate of 2003' when Evan got him a plain hot dog at a Vikings game.  Derek still says 'Who doesn't put ketchup on their hot dog?!'

I have a poll set up on the home page of our blog, so please put in your vote!  I'm real curious to see what others think about this, and I'm positive I will come out winning in the end! :)

So to put this to rest, I packed Derek some snacks for work today, along with a little note...

'Love keeps no record of wrongs..'  It's the verse Derek brings up many times throughout the year when I get upset about something and can't get over it!

Love you honey, but I'm right on this!

 

20/25 Days of Thanks

I am also thankful for forgiveness, as my husband just got mad at me over his sandwich from Subway.  I didn't have it toasted for him & I forgot to tell them to go easy on the marinara sauce from the meatballs..  I forgive him for yelling at me and for not thanking me for running in and getting him the damn sandwich.  :) 

Click below to see all the other reasons I am thankful this month!
http://thegerdesfam.blogspot.com/p/i-am-thankful-for.html

Ornament Wreath

I love this, but it took a gazillion ornaments & it was a bit time consuming!  However, it looks fabulous hanging up.  I love adding a few new Christmas decorations to our home each year, so with the shutter Christmas Card holder & this fun Christmas wreath I think we're set!  The house is looking very festive! 

Like it?!  Want one?!  $35 and you can you have one!  Only a few available, just message me!

P.S.  All 7 shutters are SOLD!  Hopefully more to come though!

 

Zesty Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

I'm going to give y'all a few seconds to guess where I stumbled across this fantastic, 'dummy recipe'..  Ok, think.. one, one thousand, two, one thousand, three, one thousand, four..

Ok times up.  You guessed it!  Pinterest!  I told you I needed help..

Zesty Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken- courtesy of Pinterest

6 frozen boneless chicken breasts
1-12oz. bottle of BBQ sauce  (I used Famous Dave's Devil's Spit BBQ sauce because I knew my husband would love it!)
1/2 cup Italian Salad Dressing
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

Put chicken in crock pot.  In bowl, mix BBQ sauce, Italian salad dressing, brown sugar & Worcestershire sauce.  Pour over chicken.  Cover & cook 3-4 hours on high, or 6-8 hours on low.  When it's all cooked, shred it up and serve it on buns.  To be honest I had no idea how to 'shred it up', but it was so tender it literally fell apart!  I just used 2 forks to help it along and it took just a few minutes!

O-H  M-Y G-O-S-H!  This was fantastic.  It felt like we had Famous Dave's delivered for supper!  This would be awesome for a birthday party or family get together when you are stumped on what to serve and don't want to have the same ole' BBQ sandwiches or hamburgers & brats!   Seriously, you have to try this!

Pinterest Anonymous.. Sign me up.

If there was a treatment center for people with addictions to Pinterest, I would be checking myself in for some help.  I am in LOVE with the site and have found a new hobby for myself!  Now if only there were more hours in the day...

I pinned a craft idea several months ago but just got around to finishing it!  Who knew that an old shutter had such endless possibilities!?!  I have SO many craft idea's for shutters and I can't wait to get busy with a few other things I have in mind.  I think my husband is anxious for me to get busy with those projects too, as he is tired of the stack of shutters in our garage!   

Tired of hanging your Christmas cards in the same ole spot?  Sick of them just getting thrown in a basket or plastered to your fridge!? 

I was, so I made myself a Christmas Card Holder out of an old shutter!

Once Christmas has passed, keep it hanging up and pin pictures of your own family with different clothes pins! 

 The burnt red shutter measures 47x14 and you can hang it vertically or horizontally! I have 3 of them for SALE! $20/each and that includes 12 holiday clothes pins! Email me if your interested! (jlj14@hotmail.com) First come, first serve! If there is a lot of interest, more will be coming!

 What a fun, contemporary way to display your cards!  I just LOVE this idea!

Clothes pin's are decorated with scrapbook paper for the holidays!

16/25 Days of Thanks

25 days just isn't near enough time to list all of the things I am thankful for.  I am more Blessed than I ever imagined possible. 

A few Wednesday mornings a month I help out with Story Hour at our church.  Today the kids made cards for someone they were thankful for.  This one little boy said he was thankful for his mom and dad, so he drew a picture of them on his card.  He drew a big round circle with a few arms poking out and 2 eyes for the face, and then drew another big round circle with arms and only one eye.. right in the center of the face.  When I asked him what he had drawn he said 'That's my dad.  He's a one-eyed zombie.  My mom is a zombie too but with 2 eyes.'  He was so proud of his drawing, but we couldn't help but chuckle at his comments!

Check out my updated '25 Days of Thanks' link!
http://thegerdesfam.blogspot.com/p/i-am-thankful-for.html

My mood = emotional mess..

Have you ever had that overwhelming feeling that everything is falling apart around you, but your doing ok?  I have had a very emotional week.  I feel like so many of my friends are struggling right now, and my heart is heavy for each of them.  I go to sleep worrying about each of them & their own issues, I cry for them, and I pray for them,  yet I still seem so helpless. 

Sunday and Monday half of my graduating class gathered together in our home town to mourn the loss of a friend & classmate.  It was extremely heartbreaking and I still find myself crying about it on and off throughout the day.  I keep thinking 'Why would this be part of God's plan for Gary?'.  Many of us from our class married & had kids years before Gary.  I know he struggled with that, and wanted it so badly for himself.  So why, after just a year of being married would God suddenly take him from his wife and son?  He was just getting to experience all of those things about life he had waited so long for.  Several of the guys that I grew up spending a lot of time with were Gary's pall bearers.  Watching them unload their friends casket from the hearse at the cemetary was a site I will never forget.  We are too young for this... Gary's dad spoke at the funeral.  I know he was a very quiet man, so for him to get up in front of a church full of people was so touching.  He sobbed.  We all sobbed.  I am just really struggling with this...and am so sad for all of my other friends going through trials.  This too shall pass.. are about the only words of wisdom I can offer.  I have been there, felt alone, felt like everything in my life had fallen apart and that I was to blame for it all.  God got me through it all, and I'm just really trying to encourage my friends to lean on Him as well.

Ok, so enough of the depressing stuff, although that's really just what kind of mood I'm in lately..

Brigham's ear infection is all cleared up!  He checked out great yesterday at the doctor and got the 2nd and final dose of his flu shot.  After I had gotten Brigham's pants down for his shot the nurse grabbed ahold of one of his legs and said 'You have the perfect little legs for shots!'. (Rolly & Chunky!)  I just replied 'He gets those legs from his mama!'.  :)

Boston came home from school today and told us that Mr. Covey had 'a talk' with all of the boys in his class about playing rough and pushing each other.  I immediately emailed his teacher to find out what was going on because Boston was in trouble a month or so ago for this very same issue.  I was a very proud mama after I read her response.  She said Boston had gotten much better and that he had actually broken up a pushing incident between 2 of his classmates yesterday.  Derek and I have really been encouraging him to be a leader and not a follower.  We are very proud of how he's maturing this year! 

That's about all for tonight.  I'm heading to bed early.  Looking forward to having Derek home all day tomorrow.  We are digging out the Christmas decorations & putting lights up on the house! 
Tis the Season! 

Boston loves to tape & cut!  He thought we needed to have an 'art work' wall in the kitchen today.  :)

 Ignore the junk on the table.  That's called baby proofing!  He is into anything & everything that he can get his hands on!  I'm positive he sucked on a piece of dog food & then had a leaf for dessert! 

Our week in cell phone pics!

So it's been a bit of a crazy week without Derek around so I don't feel I have the time or energy to journal with words what we've all been up too.  So instead, I'm sharing my cell phone pictures from the week.  Derek is home tomorrow night around 9:30 and I will be waiting anxiously to see his handsome face!  I miss him :)

Boston slept in our room all week.  He had his own little bed along side of mine.  Neither of us sleep well if we attempt to sleep in the same bed.  He squirms WAY too much for me!   

Brigham is finally starting to like the Gerber puffs & yogurt bites.  He shoves a piece in, and then sucks on his fingers to dissolve it. 

 This is where the boys spent most of the week.  KIDDING! They thought it was fun though to pretend being locked up! 

 Boston made this today.  He asked me how to spell 'Dad, Your A Rock Star'. 

He misses his daddy too!

 This squirmy worm likes to crawl away during his morning diaper & clothes change! 

I love his wild hair-do's in the morning! 

 I've been busy 'crafting'.  I will be blogging about this soon, but hair clips are FOR SALE!!  $5/each.  ALL proceeds go to Jason & Shana Gerdes' adoption fund!  I'm so excited to help them out!

Horrible picture quality, but you get the idea.  2 more teeth, both on the top. (4 teeth now!) 

You can see 2 white little nubs/fangs! 

10/25 Days of Thanks.. Today I am thankful for my Faith

I can't imagine my life without God in it. 

I can't imagine not having reassurance of eternal life in heaven.

I can't imagine mourning the loss of a loved one and not having peace that they were with Jesus in heaven.

Today I mourn the loss of a friend and classmate.  The second person I grew up going to school with who died due to the result of a tragic vehicle accident.  I don't understand why God didn't heal Gary.  He was far too young, recently married, and has left behind a 1 year old son who will grow up without his daddy.  Even though I don't understand it, I have faith that this was God's plan for Gary's life and that Gary is rejoicing in the heavens. 

Day #10 My faith & understanding that this is my temporary home.

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Fathers house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. John 14:1-4

If you would like to view my '25 Days of Thanks' click here.

I had one of those 'God' moments today..

I saw a girl standing at the stoplight near Walmart & Louise with a sign that read:

'Life is hard sometimes, but you do what you got to do.'

Normally I drive right by.  Or I think thoughts in my head like 'Get a job, the rest of us work!', or 'I'm sure she'll use all that money on drugs or alcohol at the end of the day.'  I have never once given money to someone on the side of the road.

Today was different.  I sat at the red light, 2 cars back, and something about the look in her eyes just tugged at my heart.  I quickly grabbed my wallet and looked for some cash.  I hardly ever have cash on me, but today I did.  I grabbed all the cash out of my wallet, waved it at her, and rolled down my passenger window.  She came up to the window, took the cash and said 'Thank you mam.  Have a nice day.'

I looked her in the eye's and said 'God Bless You' and drove off. 

I turned the corner with tears in my eyes and headed for home.  I am so Blessed to have what I have.  I can't imagine a life without my own home, a warm bed, clean clothes, or food in the fridge.  Unfortunately, this poor girl standing outside today probably didn't imagine her life being this way either.  She had a backpack sitting on the ground next to her.  That could very well be ALL she has. 

The Holiday's are upon us, and there are so many ways to give to those in need.  If you are Blessed like I am, consider reaching out this Holiday Season to those less fortunate. 

I promise you, it'll make your heart feel good. 

Day #7  My Home.  It's warm & full of love, and it is a privilege to have clean clothes to fold.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.  Joshua 24:15

5/25 Days of Thanks

This is so much fun I should do it every day of the year! 
Click on the link below to see what I'm thankful for today, and always.


http://thegerdesfam.blogspot.com/p/i-am-thankful-for.html

I am thankful for..

Boston has been asking a lot of questions lately about the Bible stories he is learning at school. At least 5 times a day he'll ask 'Mama, did God make cars with tv's in them?', or 'Mama, God made my toys right?'.  I think 'God made everything!' is the theme at school this week, and he sure asks about anything and everything! 

Tuesday on the way to school Boston said 'Woooah!  The sky is beautiful!' in the sweetest, softest little voice.   I glanced out my window to the sky, with the sun rising over the tree's and I couldn't help but smile.  He was right, the sky was beautiful!  It really made me stop and think about all the things God has created that I take for granted and all that I have to be thankful for.  For the next 25 days I am going to blog about something I am thankful for in my life.  I've created a '25 Days of Thanks' page at the top of my blog so I can keep all 25 of them in one place!  In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, I encourage you to count your own Blessings and thank Him for all of them!  Every little thing is truly incredible.

Mexican Casserole/Enchilada's

I have gotten a lot of positive feedback about the 'Dinner For Dummies' portion of my blog, and have even gotten requests for more recipes!  I am so flattered!  My Menu Board is working out quite well!  I love knowing what's for supper all week, and then grocery shopping accordingly! 

This is a recipe I have had for a few years, but it's a good one!  It's called Easy Mexican Casserole... I think it was the word 'easy' that lured me in :)

Easy Mexican Casserole-courtesy of Lisa Liston
1 lb. hamberger
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1/2 cup water
1 can refried beans
soft taco shells 

Mix all four ingrediants together & fill taco shells.  Place in a greased baking dish.

 Combine the following and pour over the top of the taco shells.

1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream

Top with grated cheese and bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until bubbly.. then enjoy!

It's a family favorite for us! Boston's comment tonight as we were eating supper was:

 'They are really really good Mom.  That means super good! What did you all put in these?'

If you would like me to try a recipe that is a family favorite of your's, please share!  Casserole, Soup or Desserts.  Anything is welcome!  It just might make the blog :)