A Husband, His Wife, & Late Night Giggles

It was the middle of the night and Husband and I were in bed. I was sound asleep; he was lying next to me, quietly thinking, as is his way sometimes. At any rate, a noise startled both of us (it woke me up and broke his train of thought) and for some reason, it was flat out HILARIOUS. Try as I might to block it out and go back to sleep, I got a case of the giggles instead. What didn't help was that my husband started laughing too, and making jokes about the situation.



So there we were, giggling, laughing, and whispering like crazy. I was worried that we might wake the children because we were laughing so much! My husband isn't one that always knows how to laugh quietly. And anyone that knows him will tell you that his laugh alone will make you want to laugh, too--even if you don't know what he's laughing about. We were in pretty bad shape!



It took about 10-15 minutes or so before we could gather ourselves enough to stop all of the fun we were having. We finally went to sleep, and had a peaceful night's rest. That night's fun and laughter made me think of this:



 So. True. :o)



READ MORE - A Husband, His Wife, & Late Night Giggles

Wisdom (& A Laugh) From The 5 Year Old

At lunch today, my son looks over at me, with all sincerity on his face, and warns me. . .

J.R.: "Mommy, don't ever eat grass!!!"

Me: "Okay. . .don't eat grass?!"

J.R.: "Yes, because it tastes bad and it can choke you!"

Me: (Silently wondering how he knows this and weighing what my response should be...)

J.R.: "Yeah, I used to eat it," he says, as he gazes out of the patio door, looking upon the backyard, where I'm certain this experience has taken place.

 Me: (Trying so hard to keep a straight face because he's so serious. I'm struggling not to fall out of my chair with laughter!!)

LOL!!!

HILARIOUS

Gotta love these years!

READ MORE - Wisdom (& A Laugh) From The 5 Year Old

A Simple Blessing, A Great God

I had a concern, something that was bothering me, just a little bit.

You see, my husband and I agreed that a certain purchase needed to be made, but he hadn't yet given me the "green light" to go ahead and make the purchase.

My husband is a man of his word, so I knew he would give me the green light, but I didn't know when.



Well, a bit of impatience began to creep up. I would think to myself, making the purchase now would benefit me in these ways. . . and I would ramble out a long list of why now was better. So when talking to myself wasn't enough (don't laugh, you know you do it, too!! LOL), I began to "motivate" my husband. You know, little comments here and there, just in case he forgot--translation: I was beginning to get on his nerves! (Never a good idea, Ladies!!)



So, I had a different conversation with myself. Stacie, just because Husband isn't "reacting" to the delay in the purchase, doesn't mean that he doesn't understand the importance of it. Stacie, have you gone to God to help you be patient in the time of waiting???



Well, I went to God and told Him all of what I was feeling. . .several times. . .especially when I wanted to "remind" my husband about the purchase. Well guess what??? Not only did my Heavenly Father give me patience, but He also reminded me that there was work on my part that needed to be done: Stacie, have you finalized the items to be purchased? If your husband asks you right now what the final cost would be, would you be able to give him an answer?



Mmm. In other words, before I go around reminding others what needs to be done, I need to be about my own business first! So, I set to work on doing my part. I still had moments when I wanted to remind my husband, but quickly remembered that before I opened my mouth, I should continue my work and continue to pray.



Well, what do you know! In a random conversation today, Husband gave me the green light!!! But the part that's even more amazing than that is the way God blessed my efforts. You see, I am not perfect. I didn't even get all of "my part" completed. But, I got a good chunk of it finished and because of the Holy Spirit's power, I managed not to nag my husband.



God blessed my efforts! I tried to do it His way and He finished the rest, which reminds me of the Scripture: ". . .being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;" (Philipians1:6) 



What a loving Father, Who gives me good things even when I don't deserve it, Who works in my favor in exchange for all of my worries. What a model for parenting. . . blessing my children for their faithful efforts, for giving it a try.

READ MORE - A Simple Blessing, A Great God

Cast Iron Memories

My dear Granny, God rest her soul, used to cook with cast iron ALL. THE. TIME.' My Granny was originally from the deep south, Mississippi to be exact, before moving north. When I was younger, she would tell me stories that began with, "Girl, way down in the country. . . " Any time I see a cast iron skillet, I think of her, corn bread, Sunday dinners, the way she sang, how she walked, what her hands were like, her facial expression when she'd look up from reading her Bible or the newspaper (smile!). . .a cast iron skillet just brings back all these memories for me.



Well, fast forward some years, and I'm in my mother-in-law's kitchen, new to the family, helping out with dinner. There my mother-in-law is at her stove, frying chicken drumettes (VERY good I might add!), with a fork and a cast iron skillet. I was flooded with memories all over again.



Last Thanksgiving, my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and I were talking about various cookware, and looking through those wild Black Friday ads. I was telling them about my Granny's cast iron, the good food she cooked, and how it always reminded me of her. I said I would love to have a few pieces from my Granny's set from back home (she had cast iron cookware in all shapes and sizes), but the shipping cost alone for something like that would be outrageous.



Fast forward a few months. . .it's my birthday. My mother-in-law ordered a few pieces of cast iron cookware as a gift for me. I was completely surprised but even more, I was touched that she even remembered that from our conversation. SO SWEET and so unexpected! So, I got on the phone with my dad (who is "Mr. Everything-I-cook-could-be-on-Food-Network!") to double check what I could cook in it, what I couldn't, how to clean it and care for it. . . and after all, I knew he would know because my Granny was his mother.



So, I tried just a few things so far. . .nothing spectacular. But I'm so thrilled just to know it's in my kitchen! Who would think that a cast iron skillet could make a woman so happy?

Baked chicken on top of

carrotts, celery, and green pepers

in the Dutch oven

And the beloved skillet,

full of biscuits!







Linked with:

READ MORE - Cast Iron Memories

A Psalm of Promises

I've been doing the "Run to Him" Bible Study this winter, which is a study of various Psalms. Oh, it has been a blessing! Each week, we study a Psalm, with different things to look for in the passage each day. Days 3 and 4 are my favorite, because we note the promises and commands listed in the Scripture.



This week, we're studying Psalm 34, and today I'm looking at the promises! This Psalm is so rich and full of the promises of God. . .it has just been a blessing to me this week. This verse sums it all up:

"Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good;

Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!"

-Psalm 34:8

I encourage you to read Psalm 34. Then afterward, try God. Give Him a chance. Put your trust in Him. Rest securely in His promises, for He is a Promise-Keeper!

If you want to join in the bible study, click here:

READ MORE - A Psalm of Promises

Little Moments

I was invited to a tea party/picnic by my younger daughter, TM. So there we sat on the floor with all of our "food" and tea party items, along with a few stuffed animals. My oldest daughter decided to join us, and told us that whenever we sipped our tea, we had to "stick our pinkies out"! Strawberries, grapes, chicken legs, corn-on-the-cob, crossaints, waffles, hotdogs and more--what a spread! Good "food," fun, and lady-like fellowship!

This wasn't our tea party today, but this is an

example of the "spread" my girls usually have! :)

Later on, while the girls went outside to play, my son asked me if I could watch him play the computer. So, I told him that I would sit next to him and watch him. (He sure is good at the pizza game!) He was even more thrilled when I brought my laptop over and we sat, side-by-side, both "doing the computer" as he says. Every now and then, he'd glance over and smile at me or give me a little kiss on my arm! LOL

Me and JR, taken last winter. . .Valentine's Day.

It's the little moments like these that I cherish! It's so sweet!!!! (I'm a mushy mom.) It is also very informative: my girls want me to be actively engaged, participating, joining in. My son wants me to just be near, accompany him, observe. Very interesting. . .  I love those little people!



I'm thankful for little moments with my children!

READ MORE - Little Moments

Is It My Neighbors?

Last year, when I did this gratitude challenge, I mentioned my good neighbors. Well, it turns out, I have to mention them again! They are a sweet, sweet couple who live across the street. They look out for us, without being nosey and that is something I greatly appreciate. We have shared great laughs, blizzards, wind storms, earthquakes, personal grief, and many blessings. Let me tell you what I think they may be up to now. . .



Thursdays is recycling day in our neighborhood. And in our home, I am in charge of the recycling, mostly because I'm the one who doesn't mind retrieving items out of the regular trash to place with the recyclable items. Anyway, our city gave everyone these large recycling bins on wheels. So, on Thursday mornings, I wheel my bin out to the curb for pick up. These days, however, I'm doing a bit of a waddle-walk down the driveway, because of my sweet "tummy" blessing, who, if God be pleased, is on his way in a few weeks. :)



Well, around lunch time, I usually go out to retrieve the bin and wheel it back up the driveway. For the past couple of weeks, I look out the front door, and the bin is gone! I look over near the garage, and there the bin is, perfectly placed in its spot. To some that's not a big deal, but let me tell you, it's a small thing that brings me so much joy. Although physically, I must look a sight wheeling that bin up the driveway, it isn't too much to handle. And, Husband is more than willing to take care of it for me, but it's just something I don't mind doing. Even still, to go outside and see that the bin has been returned, with no evidence of who's done it, well, that just brings a huge grin to my face!



I see my good neighbors pretty regularly and neither of them has mentioned it, which makes it even more special. They aren't looking for praise or recognition; they just want to be helpful. (I'm pretty sure it's them!) And something that small makes my heart glad. So, once again, if God says the same, I see another tasty, homemade pound cake in their future (especially since I know it's their favorite cake)!



I thank God for my neighbors!

READ MORE - Is It My Neighbors?

Lights Are Back On

So, I know this is such a random post. But, we've been without power for a couple of days (hurricane Irene!) and we are thrilled for it to be back on. I know that there are those who have gone without power for much longer than that, so I am not being insensitive or unrealistic. But every now and then, you have to celebrate the small victories. SO GLAD!



Post to come soon on our first day of school. . .with no lights!

READ MORE - Lights Are Back On

Ohhh, It's Too Hot!!

My goodness! I don't know about you all, my dear friends, but where I am, it is just downright, scorching hot. The temperatures are 103 degrees or higher--and that is in the shade. . .which of course puts the heat index at 115-120!! The normal high temps are usually around 88 degrees or so.



I'm struggling to go get the mail or the newspaper without coming back in the house just drenched. My poor kids aren't getting to spend that much needed time to run and play outside. And even my little furry friends (our dogs) have been limited to 5 minute bouts--no more than 10--to go outside before they're called back in.



So, with all of that said, I am so thankful for the air conditioner. I know that may sound silly to some, but I am so thankful. Normally, Husband and I try to keep costs low by using fans to cool the most frequented areas of our home. But this week, the fans just weren't getting the job done.



I know that I can survive without the air conditioner. Actually, in some ways it can be considered a luxury, but it is one simple pleasure that I am truly grateful for.



Stay cool!

READ MORE - Ohhh, It's Too Hot!!

Ahhh! A Clean Refrigerator

One of the "projects" on my to-do list was to tackle my refrigerator--cleaning AND organizing. It was out of control!! The inspiration for this project was my lovely blogging friend, Lady Rose. . . click here to see what inspired me.



B E F O R E . . .

I'd just started cleaning the top-left shelf,

then I remembered to snap a pic.

A F T E R . . .



Much better!



I've been accustomed to putting foods and drinks in the 'fridge any way they could fit. Other than using the meat, fruit, and veggie drawers, nothing else was organized. Things were just put in where ever they found a spot. Bread all over the place, leftovers among the water pitchers. Sad. . . I know. Even when I clean my refrigerator out in general, it never occurred to me to keep it organized, similar to the way I keep my pantry shelves. Please, don't ask why. But here's to turning over a new leaf. :o)  (I did the same for my freezer, too!)



A big thank you to my daughters for all of their unsolicited help--I sincerely was thrilled to have assistance. (Even my son "helped" every now and again in between all of the imaginary battles he fought today!)



And a sweet thank you to Lady Rose for inspiring me!

READ MORE - Ahhh! A Clean Refrigerator

A Passover Dinner?



Me and SJ (summer 2010)

So, I was reading about the Passover to my children yesterday and how it commemorates the events leading up to the Israelites' exodus out of Egypt (Exodus 12).



SJ looks up and says, "Wait a minute; are we Jewish?!" I told her no and went on to explain how Hebrew/Jewish culture is found in the Bible.



A bit disappointed, she said, "Oh. I wanted to celebrate a Passover dinner, too!"



LOL!! It can be so hard to maintain composure and a straight face sometimes! My kids CRACK ME UP!



I guess I'll have to learn to cook lamb and unleavened bread!

READ MORE - A Passover Dinner?

No Pictures

The other day, my Husband was outside doing our spring mulching. The children and I had been enjoying a pajama day, but when our son woke up from his nap and realized that Daddy was outside, he couldn't get out there fast enough. He raced back upstairs to get dressed . . . by himself! (Let me just remind everyone that he's 3 years old! A few things were on backwards, but he was dressed!)



Anyway, while I prepared dinner, I could see the two of them, out in the backyard, from my kitchen window. Oh, how sweet to see Daddy's helper tagging along. He "helped" push the wheelbarrow and shovel and rake the mulch in place. Oh, how my heart melted when they stopped to rest and I saw my Husband just looking at our boy, with a tender smile on his face. My son running around laughing, without a care in the world, except that he was out back with Daddy.



Oh, how badly I wanted to take a picture, to try to capture the moment. But I knew to do that for my own memories would ruin the moment for the two of them. It was just so sweet.



So, I have no pictures for you, no fancy photos, no images of that special moment. Instead, I will pattern myself after Mary, the mother of Jesus, (who had no camera or a blog, for that matter!) and I will ponder these things in my heart, keeping them safe.

"But Mary treasured up all these things

and pondered them in her heart."

Luke 2:19 (NIV)

READ MORE - No Pictures

Hilarious Bedtime Babblings. . .

Last night, my children had me in stitches!!!



So, I was brushing my girls' hair before bedtime and my 7 year old daughter came up to me and said, "Mom, why did the Israelites have to fight the Philippines--wait a minute, uhm, the Philistines?" LOL!!



After a brief discussion about the consequences a nation faces when they make a mockery of God and His people, the conversation then turned to hawks. (Yes, hawks--don't ask me how!) My 5 year old daughter was trying to figure out if hawks were nocturnal animals. We talked about what nocturnal meant and my thoughts on the matter, although I wasn't completely sure.



My 5 year old said, "Mommy, I think you and Daddy are nocturnal!! Every time we go to bed, you guys are still awake!" LOL



At about this time, my 3 year old comes running from his room calling "Mommy, Mommy!" He had been in bed for about 15 minutes or so. I'm like, "what is it, son?" He said, "Mommy, you closed my door. Now, it's dark in my room and now, I can't see my eyes!!!!" LOL!!!!!!!!!!

(Never mind that he's been going to bed with his door closed for a long time now.)



So, we got him all set up with a night-light which was fine. . . until the night-light cast shadows he was unfamiliar with and then he thought, forget it! Let's go back to the darkness!



Oh, my kids are such a blessing and such sweet comic relief!





{This post is linked HERE at RaisingHomemakers}

READ MORE - Hilarious Bedtime Babblings. . .

COFFEE!

I recently "discovered" instant coffee! Can you believe it? What rock have I been living under to not know about instant coffee? LOL! I always thought it had to be brewed (don't laugh at me too loudly!) I am the only "coffee drinker" in my house; Husband is just not into it! I used to have a coffee-maker, but I got rid of it because it wasn't efficient for just one person to use. While I enjoy the taste (and smell!) of coffee, I only drink it from time to time. But when I get the urge to have a taste, it comes on pretty strong!



So instead of getting it at a coffee shop (and spending way too much!), I picked up some instant, decaffeinated coffee! Yummy! I just pour a pre-packaged, single serving size of coffee into a mug, add hot water, and there I have it--instant coffee. I add a little french vanilla creamer and sugar and I'm good to go! I am solely into coffee for the taste, not for the caffeine, so this works well for me. It is extra cold here, so this has been a welcomed treat!

READ MORE - COFFEE!

Wood-burning Stove



A quick snap shot before Husband

adds another piece of firewood.

I am thankful for this warm and cozy fire in our old wood-burning stove.



When we first moved here, we were unsure of how to operate it and keep a nice fire going. (City folks, right?! LOL)

We even considered having it removed, freeing up space in the living room, calling it "dangerous" because of our small children.



Well . . .



We were blessed with lots of free firewood a few years ago. (Not to mention that huge tree branch that fell a couple of weeks back.)

Husband can light it and keep the fire roaring! It really warms our home. (Thanks, Husband.)

My children know to stay away from the stove, just as they do in the kitchen.

We are doing just fine with the space we have.



The old, wood-burning stove. . .

I am thankful for it, especially on a cold night like tonight.

READ MORE - Wood-burning Stove

A Great Movie

Today, I am thankful for one of my favorite movies, The Nativity Story!!!!



OK, so I know a movie is not, by any means, on the same level of God's grace, mercy, or His saving power. But, I'm still thankful for it.



In The Nativity Story, Jesus' birth is retold and depicted with such powerful imagery. Every time I watch it, I am reminded anew of God's great love toward us. I am reminded to worship in awe as the shepherds and wise men did, and how to have blind faith in God, like Mary and Joseph. It is such a beautiful movie.



Another reason I am thankful is that this movie arrived today on my doorstep for free! I completed some online surveys for Zoompanel, earned some points, which I redeemed for a prize--one of my favorite movies! You gotta love FREE things!



So, this Thanksgiving weekend, I will not be found at a department store trying to shop 'til I drop at 4 in the morning! LOL!! Instead, I'll be curling up under a blanket, watching one of my favorites, The Nativity Story!

{This post is linked here.}

Thank God for The Nativity Story!

(the real one and the movie!)

{Click here for the reason behind this post.}

{Please note that I am not, in any way,

receiving any compensation from anyone for

mentioning The Nativity Story or Zoompanel in my blog post.}

READ MORE - A Great Movie

Fun, Fun, Fun

Today, I am thankful for fun.



We generally have fun as a family and enjoy being around each other. Just about every day, there is laughter (sometimes uncontrollable!) about something. My children are giddy little balls of energy, Husband is happy and well-pleased, and my heart is overjoyed!



As you know by now, my family is undoubtedly imperfect! But we have a lot of FUN together. Whether it's around the table for a meal, playing games, random conversation, or a spontaneous tickle session! Sometimes we run around chasing each other and play "hide-n-seek" (which is more like us peeking around corners because Husband is known for jumping out and randomly scaring each of us!).



We genuinely enjoy each other's company. That is such a blessing because we don't have to do something "big," expensive or extravagant to have fun with each other. Those things can be a blast (don't get me wrong!) but they are not the norm. It's in our regular, daily lives that we find the most pleasure as a family. FUN times all around.



Today I am thankful for FUN.

{This post is linked here.}

{Click here for the reason behind this post.}

READ MORE - Fun, Fun, Fun

A Boy and His Praise

My son and I were out running errands and we were listening to the radio in the van. We were about to get out and go into the store, but he said, "wait Mommy, I want to hear this song!" So there we were in the parking lot, listening to the music, praising and worshiping the Lord together!


Our own little jam session (which happens a lot around here!).

Fun times!




One of J.R.'s favorite songs...enjoy!

"I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth."

-Psalm 34:1

"Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy Name." -Psalm 103:1

READ MORE - A Boy and His Praise

Autumn Sunrise



Photo by Heart and Soul Reflections



 The Autumn sun, rising. . .

Shining its morning light in my kitchen.

Offering warmth and that feel-good "I'm at home" feeling.

It's like all my good memories at once.

Pouring in through the windows, in every corner.

My mom says, "Stacie, the sunrise in your home is so pretty.

I just love it."

Husband says, "Did we leave the lights on downstairs?"

Autumn sun. . .bright and brilliant.

"His splendor was like the sunrise;

rays flashed from His hand,

where His power was hidden." (Habakkuk 3:3)

READ MORE - Autumn Sunrise

Listening In

 



 

Sitting at the kitchen table clipping coupons, I could hear my children in the other rooms. . .

One riding on a toy horse, pretending she's a character from a movie, laughing and singing. . .

The other two at the computer, sister showing brother how to do a little art work, having their own conversation. . .

So sweet and carefree; so I listen in as long as I can. . .

Their voices, their laughter, their words, the love they share. . .

. . . I am grateful.

READ MORE - Listening In