Thursday, December 31, 2009

We are alive...


I promise we are alive. We are loving our new home, and had an awesome Christmas. We are anxious to what 2010 has in store... here's a sneak preview. I am running the Indy Mini, so I am sure you will hear a LOT about it!

Here are the post that are in progress:
- Christmas 2009
- New House 2009
- New Year, New You....

When the madness stops (this is me assuming it will) I promise I will put these post up!

***** NEWS FLASH... this also begins my countdown... 30 days til 30! *****************


Thursday, December 24, 2009

Home for the Holidays


I must start this post by saying that "my God shall supply ALL your needs, according to HIS riches!" His ways are not ours, Praise the Lord.

Our housing situation has been one of woes and tears, but we trusted God had a plan. On Wednesday, December 23... we bought a home AND moved in that day! We put an offer on the house about 3 weeks ago and it was accepted. Eric and I decided not to tell ANYONE, this was going to be something that he and I prayed about and followed God's calling on. And NO ONE knew until we closed on Wednesday at 9. I had to tell my friend Kelly because she kept JH for me while we started to move! We called Eric's parents and told them, but we did NOT tell my parents.... we had a plan!

They were coming for Christmas on Wednesday and we told them there was a house that we wanted them to look at. So if they could meet us at the house that would be great. Mom said when dad got in the car he looked at her and said, "they have moved." Mom's response was there is NO way, Kendra could not keep that from me and she would have wanted me to bring all of her decorative stuff (curtains, prints, etc.) Well we both pulled up to the house at the same time, and we smiled real big and said. "welcome home for the holiday". TO which they responded... WHAT, we didn't bring our work clothes!

It has been a whirlwind of the past 2 days, but we are loving every moment. When the movers set up my kitchen table I started to cry.... just felt like home! Our garage is still FULL of boxes, and will be for a while I am assuming! But this is what we have wanted...

I will post more pictures I promise... but we are taking a moment to celebrate the birth of our LORD. The holy child, welcome to our world!

PS... yes we set up our tree and even put out a few decorations! We have officially LOST our minds!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Favorite Christmas Memories

I have been thinking a lot about my favorite Christmas memories... there are so many and each one is near and dear to my heart so I thought I would write them down for keepsake:) or at least for me!!

1) Christmas has ALWAYS been about Jesus in my family... we celebrate his birth first then the rest follows. Always with a muffin and singing Happy Birthday Jesus to the King. It is a tradition I keep as I left home and one we continue with John Hunter
2) For some reason my mom and dad have ALWAYS chosen one or two wrapping papers and wrap all the gift in that... it makes wrapping easy and it makes the tree look great!
3) One present on Christmas Eve, dont ask for two or you wont get one.... well at least that is what my mom says:)
if you have minite share with me what your favorite Christmas memory is...

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Monster Cookie Recipe


Several of you have asked for the Monster cookie recipe.... I just made ANOTHER batch for Eric to take to work tomorrow. They are some yummy! Today I used chocolate chip and butterscotch along with nuts... I must say they are YUMMY!

Monster Cookies:
3 eggs
8oz brown sugar
1 c. white sugar
1/2 c. butter melted
1 1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 c peanut butter
4 1/2 c oats
8oz chocolate chips

OPTIONAL:
1c. M&M
1c. coconut
1c. nuts (i use chopped pecans)
1c butterscotch morsels

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Perfect Saturday Night

This is the perfect Saturday night... we are bummed because we could not go to Cincy for a Christmas party, but we made the best of it. We went and looked at Christmas lights, went to Hamilton Towne Center for a little shopping, in the snow:) And then to the store to fix some dinner!

I made some cookies, cleaned the house, and now we are curled up on the couch watching a movie... let me just say perfect!

Monday, December 14, 2009

Gift Ideas


So here are a few gift ideas I thought I would share. These are mixes that you can make and jar and give out as gifts.

Rich and Creamy Hot Chocolate
4 cups powdered mmilk
1 cup cocoa powder
2 cups of sugar
dash of salk

Mix all ingredients together in the place in the container of your choice. Add a tag with the following instructions:

Per cup: Spoon 1/4 cup of mix into a mug. Add 1 cup of boiling water and stir until dissolved...

This gift I put in small bag tied with a cute ribbon, and then placed in a mug I got at a the dollar tree... should have taken a picture (oops)

cappuccino mix that is great as well
1/2 cup powdered creamer
2/3 cup of sugar
1/2 cup instant coffee

Add the following ingredients to above mix to make these different flavors:
Orange- 2 orange-flavored hard candies
Mocha- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
Cinnamon- 1 tsp. cinnamon

Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is a fine powder. Place the mix in your container of choice. Add a tag with the following instructions:

Per Cup: Spoon 3 tablespoons of mix into a mug. Add 1 cup of boiling water and stir!

Sickness Get Behind Me


Well sickness has entered the White House... better this week than next huh? Well, yesterday JH and I were doing a little shopping at Target and all of the sudden he started yelling and holding his head saying it hurt "wrealllly bad" Poor thing. We came home gave him some meds and he took an almost 3 hour nap before we went to Nolan's party (more blogging on that later).

On the way home he asked if we could go and see the doctor because his ears hurt. Of course at this point it was too late. He was running a fever and we check on him throughout the night.... this morning we went to the doctor were we discovered... DOUBLE EAR INFECTION.
Poor thing, we have been laying low today, and have had the best time. He is pretty tired seeing how he didn't take a great nap. But he is chillin on the couch while I make dinner watching a Christmas movie...

Eric too is sick. His started with a sinus infection, the strep, and now it is getting into his chest. Poor babe! He is pitiful when he is sick. But he has gone to work for a bit, and now home for a long winters nap. We just bought a new humidifer, so I am hoping that this puts the sickness behind us! Say a little pray for us...
I am hoping to go do some Christmas shopping tonight after the BOYS go to bed, and set my DVR for the new show, Sing along... I am pumped! What about you, what are you into tonight?

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Holiday Pretzel Treats


Here is another fun "cookie" to make!

1 bag of ROUND/ SQUARE pretzels (synder brand sells these)
1 bag of hersery kisses ( used candy cane ones, but whatever, the hugs would be good too, as well as plain kisses)
1 bag of holiday mix M&M's

Preheat oven to 350,
cover cookie sheet with wax paper
Place pretzels down on wax paper (in rows)
Place unwrapped kissed on top of pretzels
Put in oven for 5-7 seven min, or until kiss is melted
Once out of the oven, place an M&M in the middle of the melted kiss and let cool!

So yummy, and super fun to do with a 3 year old in tow!

Friday, December 11, 2009

Christmas Cards 2009




I don't know if you know this about me or not, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE, Christmas cards! I start thinking about them LONG before the tree is up. Although I don't think they need to be anything spectacular in this day and age where we all email, blog, and text, there is something about going to the mailbox and seeing something OTHER than the 20% off bed, bath, and beyond, and bills.

Some of my favorite memories with my Gran where helping her with her Christmas cards. This was a MAJOR undertaking. Hundreds of Christmas cards went out EVERY year, and as she aged the list got smaller, the letter got shorter, but the cards still went out. I get my love of Christmas cards from her. I don't care about cost, I MUST have the Christmas stamp.... I DIGRESS, could the PLEASE make Forever Christmas stamp. This would be so helpful for the people who have the same obsession as me....

Anyhoo... what do you love about Christmas Cards? Do you love them, do you hate them? tell you your thoughts... I would love to hear!

PS... here is our Christmas card this year... and yes, I love the pants

Better Late than Never


The Sunday after Thanksgiving we went to our dear friend Sarah's Birthday Party... JH had a blast and it was a GREAT way to work off some Thanksgiving food! Here are some fun pictures that captured the moment.

Oh another thing, JH calls everything "boy or girl". As in the other day we were passing Cici's pizza and Santa ( who he calls Ho Ho) was dancing outside holding the buffet sign, JH rolled down his window and yelled "hey ho ho boy, I want a monster truck for Christmas". So you will see Monkey Joe and yelled, Hey Monkey Joe Boy... how are ya today? This kid is a crack up and knows it... he will often look at me and say, I crack you up dont I mom?







Monday, December 7, 2009

First Snow



Not much to say, but I am feeling so accomplished today. We got so much done, despite the snow and JH and I even had a snowball fight while delivering Christmas cards. It has been a VERY long time since I felt like I was making dents in my to do list, but today was one of those days. I am not sure why, but I am SOOOO glad it was. We got to see Ho Ho in passing, tell him what we wanted (glad it has not changed, Monster Truck, McQueen bike from Costco, and drums) Oh he did add the dinaco helicopter... but we will have to check with the elves on that!

So the laundry is done, dinner is cleaned up, house is vacuumed, Eric is packed and the fire is crackling... we are settled in and making a list for tomorrow:)

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

The White Lilly


Hey yall... just wanted to let you know that I updated The White Lilly Store, with some new items. You can check it out at: www.thewhitelillystore.blogspot.com

DECEMBER SPECIALS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

3 shirts for $40.00

Must order by December 18 to ensure Christmas delivery!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Christmas Craft




Hey y'all, I thought I would share with you the Christmas craft John Hunter and I are going to do today or tomorrow. It is pretty fun and super easy with preschool kiddos!

Here is what you are gonna need:
- 25 strips of construction or christmas scrapbooking paper
- stapler
- Marker
- Header... you can save download this template or make your own, you get the idea!
With the 25 strips take the marker and write one name on each strip. Each night when you cut the chain that is the person you are going to pray for. The last link should read "everyone of God's Children"

Once all the links are labeled begin to make your paper chain. Once the chain is made, attach the header and place it somewhere where you child can see it and count down to Christmas, while praying for those he loves!
Enjoy!

Friday, November 27, 2009

Grateful Heart


We are in Gatlinburg and I have to say that we are having a blast. Away from it all, with our family and friends. Lots of fires, hot tubs, sports, food, go- kart riding, oh and I think I rode my last Tilt-A-Whirl, although JH loved it so i might do it again for him.

This mini-vaca has been amazing. Something about it has brought a great sense of peace to my heart. I am a little unsure of heading to Indy tomorrow for fear of so much to do, a house to live in, lesson plans to write, moving, Christmas decor, and the whole nine yards! But I know even here on the mountain he is preparing a place for us.

Truly this has been a mountain top experience for us. We are so grateful, content, and at peace. What else is there to be thankful for?

Here are a few pictures from the last couple days, I will post more later!





Thursday, November 26, 2009

A Thanksgiving Post

Today (well really last night) I was reflecting on all of the things we are thankful for,however this post is not going to be a list of thankful things! This is going to be a post about a Thankful experience!

A year ago, was when this whole moving, wilderness experience started! When there was talk about moving to Indy, I was listening to the words of Selah's part the waters? Do you remember?
When I think I'm going under, part the waters Lord
When I feel the waves around me, calm the seas
When I cry for help oh hear me LORD, and hold our your hand
Touch my life, calm the raging storms in me!

I remember thinking of Moses walking through the Red Sea. The fear, the unknown, and the faith. No where am I a comparing myself to Moses, but I felt like leaving my home and all familiar was my own Red Sea experience!

Living in our rental house was a wilderness experience for me (well for us). The Lord provided our own form of manna, in neighbors who we cannot imagine life without, friends who he literally placed in our path, a church family that we would be lost without, and he has allowed our little family of three to be closer!

When were so excited when the LORD provided us renters for our Lexington house, so we started looking for our new home. From the beginning we prayed that God would open doors and close windows. We found a home after making an offer on 7 that we love! We were super excited to move, but then things started popping that were out of our control! And now we do not have a home, nor will it look like we will be getting one. We are now looking at renting another home for a year. When we got the news it was devastating. Another Wilderness experience for us, but we are confident that God has a plan. We honestly cannot imagine what it is, but we trust him. We know that He would not have brought us to Indiana without a home or purpose in mind! And today on thanksgiving, we are grateful for that!

Now we when we get home from our family getaway in Gatlinburg, we will begin our search for our new home, and trusting Yaweh each step of the way!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

What's Cooking?


What are we doing today you ask? Well I am making this for a very special friend who has been so wonderful to me. It is sort of a trial run for Thanksgiving! I think you should try it too. Find someone that you are Thankful for and send it to them!


Ingredients

  • 2 (14-ounce) packages gingerbread mix
  • 1 (5.1-ounce) box cook-and-serve vanillapudding mix
  • 1 (30-ounce) can pumpkin pie filling
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/3 teaspoon ground cardamom or cinnamon
  • 1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping
  • 1/2 cup gingersnaps, optional

Directions

Bake the gingerbread according to the package directions; cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the pudding and set aside to cool. Stir the pumpkin pie filling, sugar, and cardamom into the pudding. Crumble 1 batch of gingerbread into the bottom of a large, pretty bowl. Pour 1/2 of the pudding mixture over the gingerbread, then add a layer of whipped topping. Repeat with the remaining gingerbread, pudding, and whipped topping. Sprinkle of the top with crushed gingersnaps, if desired. Refrigerate overnight. Trifle can be layered in a punch bowl.

For I know the plans...

So we did not close on our house this week. Well honestly, we don't know if we are going to close at all. It is a LONG story but in the words of Eric, "we need a miracle". We believe in miracles and we know the miracle maker so we are waiting, and trusting. However, I am not really good at that.

At Mops on Friday scriptures were put on the table and one was Jer. 29:11. For I know the plans I have for you declares the LORD, plans to give you a hope and a future. Why did I spend a day in doubt? Because I am a control freak and I like things my own way, in my own time!

Father God, we give this house over to you, let your will be done. We know you will not leave us and long before we came to Indiana, you prepared the way!

Prepare the way Lord, prepare the WAY!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

A great weekend


We have had a great weekend. Anna, Ben, and Kyah came for a visit! We were thrilled to have them. I kinda laughed at the thought that they were a first house guest here and now our last. We enjoyed having a baby around, and it was fun to see them play with John Hunter. He loved every minute of it. But I have to say his favorite part was having with Dixie... the dog!

We had professional pictures done of the cousins, I have the save the best for some "presents", but here are a few sneak peeks!



Also we have a busy week this week... I have to teach on Tuesday, we are headed to Lexington on Wednesday, and I am speaking at Southland on Thursday, and we are "supposed" to close on our new home Friday... please pray for us as we go through this busy week.



Wednesday, November 11, 2009

How Vast the Father's Love for us


This morning as I drink my hot cocoa a and stay connected to the vine I am reminded about the love of the Father.... I have listened to this song so many times over the past week. His love truly is amazing, even when I am unlovable! Read these words, and let them be the meditation of your heart!

How deep the Father’s love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon the cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed to hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that kept Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Sunday, November 8, 2009

What a surprise....


For some reason on Friday night I was feeling a little homesick. Sure I loved being at home with my boys, but I wanted to be home. We entertained the idea of going home, but realized this was our only free weekend for a while and thought it would be best to stay home.

We called home several times and Saturday morning we even tried to convince my parents to come up. They had a busy weekend planned, but I knew we would see them in 2 weeks.

Well we did house stuff, we napped, we played bikes, we had a great day. I was outside with Cheri enjoying the weather when my parents called and said they would be here in 1.5... I was THRILLED to say the least! What a great surprise... i just love it when they are here!

We went to dinner and here is a precious pic of Gigi and Grandad... more pics to come! I promise!


Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Sweetest Words


So today we were driving home from Joann's Fabric and John Hunter got really excited and said, "Look Mom, an orange sunset!" I responded by saying it is beautiful!

He said, "Mom, Jesus made the orange sunset for me because it is my favorite color. And he thinks I am special because I can pedal my bike"

Now if those words do make life with a three year old precious... I don't know what it!

Bike Riding!


We have a new found love for bike riding.

Monday, November 2, 2009

We have come so far...

One year ago today I wrote these words...

Can you believe it? One year ago today we announced that we would be moving to Indiana, I remember sitting in our living room weeping as I wrote those words. Well a lot has changed in a year. I really didn't seeing myself making it to this point. I have kinda always kept this date in my mind over the past few months, know that the "one year" was approaching.

I would not say this year has been easy, actually it has been one of the hardest years of my life. I spent 5 months without Eric,my parents no longer live next door, I left my "home", and said good bye to my comfort zone, and my church. All those things were hard, really hard. But there have been some good things as well. I have met some amazing women of the LORD, I have some excellent friends, we have awesome neighbors, our little family of three has grown so close, and we have found a new church home, one that we love! I could write so many other things about this transition, but as I wrote last year, the LORD has spoken to me through song. Last year's song was "Part The Waters", remember?

Yesterday we sat at church and welcomed the Holy Spirit, sure he was already there, heck, he has prepared the moment before it happened, but it was there! The sermon was excellent, and the worship was amazing. During communion a song was sung, that has been the anthem of my life for the past several months. Today I did a little research about the history of the song:

: Ad e laide A. Poll ard, 1907. Pol lard be lieved the Lord want ed her in Af ri ca as a mis sion a ry, but she was un a ble to raise funds to go. In an un cer tain state of mind, she at­tend ed a pray er meet ing, where she heard an el der ly wo man pray, “It’s all right, Lord. It does n’t mat ter what You bring in to our lives, just have Your own way with us.” At home that night, much en cour aged, she wrote this hymn.

Have Thine own way, LORD!

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me, I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit ’till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me.

So here I sit today, different house, different state, different couch, heck even different cell phone number but my anthem is still the same, Have thine own way LORD!

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Our new home...


We offically have a new home! Well we have a closing date! Nov. 20. I feel like there is a LOT to do between now and then, but we will get it done! We have been cleaning like crazy over there. The home was in foreclosure so to say it was "spick and span" would be the understatement of the year!

I will be so glad to have it all clean before we get in and start painting and moving! So here are some before pictures... hopefully the "after" pics will be MUCH better




*** John Hunter was VERY upset that we were leaving the vacuum in the basement for a bit! Poor kid, he gets in a twit over the SMALLEST things***

Friday, October 30, 2009

Kentucky 3rd Birthday




We had a wonderful time celebrating JH's 3rd birthday in KY. We went with the Lightning McQueen theme, and HE LOVED IT, which I guess is all that matters. For me it was so good to see friends and family all together in the same place. It felt like home! And oh how I love that feeling! JH had a grand time playing in Gigi and Grandad's backyard with all of his friends. They say a picture is worth a 1000 words so here are some pictures of the racing fun