My Purpose?

Who doesn't go through life searching for what their purpose is?  I don't know many peole that can tell me that they have never thought about what purpose they have here on earth.
I, for one, ponder this question every day.  What is my purpose?  My usual answer is, "Whatever God wants to use me for." Generic, I know, but true.  Another answer I often give is "It's not about me...". 
Rewind a month or so. MOPS did a "Sort and Shop" night at We Care.  I LOVE buying books. If I could design an office/den area of my dream home, it would be floor to ceiling book shelves stuffed with the unusually delightful smell of bound pages! Moving along, I bought "The Purpose Driven Life" for probably less than 99 cents that night. It has been sitting on my bookshelf staring at me since that night.  While in a bookstore on vacation in September, I had a little lady go into great detail how "The Purpose Driven Life" really helped her. Hmm...:)
Skip to now. I have cracked open TPDL and have started on Day 1. To be quite honest, one of the reasons I never started is because I am horrible about finishing things I start. I get halfway done with something and just say (pardon) "SCREW IT".  My prayer is that I can start and finish this. I've never finished any "study", "guide" or the like-ever. I've dropped out of two Beth Moore bible studies (GASP-I know), and I am just SCREAMING inside "WHAT AM I DOING HERE? HELP ME GOD, HELP ME."
Over the summer I had a very clear, defining, healing moment in my life and Praise God for that! I know exactly how awesomely GREEN AND CLEAN the grass is on the other side! Right now, I am working through some very, very tough spots in my past. I have some things that just bring me to my knees at the the thought of thinking about it. God is using some amazing people to encourage me, to listen to me, and help me along the way.  I am floored at how God brings people into and out of our lives to help us through our journey. I know it won't be easy (and I know the enemy is on attack) but I have no doubt that it WILL.BE.WORTH.IT.  Ultimately, to have that space in my soul clear for God to mold and shape into what He has planned out for me is why I am on this journey to begin with.

" Everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him." Colossians 1:16b (The Message)

"For by Him all things were breated: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; ALL THINGS WERE CREATED BY HIM AND FOR HIM." Colossians 1:16 (NIV)

".......everything was created through Him and for Him." Colossians 1:16 (NLT)

I don't plan on blogging through every step of my journey-I don't really have time for that. I will update when I feel like it.

My hope is here: " We can turn to what God has revealed about life in his Word.  The easiest way to discover the purpose of an invention is to ask the creator of it.  The same is true for discovering your life's purpose: Ask God." -Rick Warren, TPDL

Let the journey toward the light begin....

Menu Plan for 10.16-10.31

I know I haven't been very good about keeping up with my blog. I sat down, just now, to scratch out my menu for the next two weeks on paper (to stick on the fridge). So, I decided I would share:

Sat 10/16: Potato Chowder and Broccoli/Grape Salad  (To send with C to work: Bananna Cream Cheesecake, Broccoli/Grape Salad and Mashed Potatoes)
Sun 10/17: Cheesy Chicken Flats with apple slices
Mon 10/18: Beef and Wild Rice Bake with veggies
Tue 10/19: EZ Slowbake Burritos with tortilla chips (crockpot meal)
Wed 10/20: Picante Peach Pork w/ rice and steamed veggies
Thur 10/21: Salsbury Steaks w/ mashed potatoes, green beans and rolls
Fri 10/22: Bagel Pizza's
Sat 10/23: William's Station Day (supper out)
Sun 10/24: Hot Dogs (got a bogo deal at publix on the hebrew national all beef {no fillers, artificial stuff, etc}, sweet potato fries and peas
Mon 10/25: Mediterranean chicken w/ rice and veggie
Tue 10/26: Spaghetti with green beans
Wed 10/27: hodge Podge Soup w/ cornbread
Thur 10/28: BFS (Breakfast for Supper)
Fri 10/29: Russian chicken w/ rice and steamed broccoli (crockpot meal)
Sat 10/30: BUSY DAY! BoyScouts Fun Day (lunch provided) Chicken Sandwhich, mac and cheese, sweet peas (supper)
Sun 10/31: Hotdogs, sweet potato fries, corn

One of my OCD habits (and im serious) is that I make lists, lots and lots of lists. I sometimes have to write them over because I scratched out on the first one-but anyhoo, my MENU did previously contain breakfast and lunch.  I've decided to just "go with it" on both of these. Some days, the boys will wake up when Chris comes in from work (6:30 A.M.) and he will feed them breakfast and let me snooze for another 30 minutes until M wakes up.  Some mornings, I just do not feel like making oatmeal or grits. Cereal goes through my house like coffee through my body-FAST. So, that is why I have to shimmy my breakfasts but it usually goes something like these and I shake it up: oatmeal, cheese grits, jelly toast, cereal (all with fruit on the side and vitamins).  Lunch could be leftovers, a pb sandwhich, popcorn with cheesesticks and yogurt, really anything! So, i've squelched my intense desire to over-manage mealtimes and I just focus on suppers.  Having a 2 week menu really makes a difference on nights Chris works or we have activities.  I, of course, place certain meals on certain days according to prep-time. :) :)

Have a great weekend!  Blessings!!!!!

October 6th-wow!

So. I just now realize that my last post was September 29th-a week ago. Hmm, i've just been really busy. I had every intention of blogging at some point, but I guess my POINT is now. :) 

I am actually looking forward to tomorrow so much. I DO NOT have to leave my house unless I really want to.  Then, of course, I am thinking of something that I will probably have to leave for...but  not a biggie. Tonight was our AWANA night. The kids, yes all three of them, go to AWANA for a glorious hour and a half.  They all seem to really enjoy it and we use their story and memory verse as our "bible" for school. :) I just hit on each key thing and help them with memorization. What I didn't realize is the perks that this guaranteed hour and a half would have. (Man, how glad I am they talked me into enrolling M!) 
  So far, I have: been to dirt cheap and chinese with a bf, met for milkshakes and girltalk with another bf, spent time on the treadmill exercise, praying and praising, met with my MM for girltalk and spent time with my husband when is off on that particular Wednesday. So, not only do I know my kids having a great time...I am too! Who'da Thunk? :)  I had a great time with my MM tonight and can't wait to schedule more of those moments! What a blessing she is and how thankful I am for her!!


We have been busy with alot of this:

And this:

And this:

And this:

This, of course, does not include homeschooling, church, meetings, and basic home duties! I stay tired-alot. :) 

So, for the WEEK worth of spin-down's...I shall just do one big one on this day. I am really not in the mood to try and recall every though of the last week.

Outside my window: Is a glowing pumpkin that my kids just adore. I love how glittery and sparkly it looks. I love the fall and all of its harvest-ness.

I am thinking: of how busy my next week seems to be. And, how much I have no desire in the world (okay, maybe just a slight bit), to go to my high school reunion this weekend.  Will I regret not going and "What's the worst that could happen?"  I still, at this point, have no desire to go. Oh well, one day and a few prayers later could change my mind.

I am wearing: PJ's

I am remembering: How badly my knee hurts when the weather starts to get cool. OUCH!

I am going: To bed and read!

I am currently reading: The Yada Yada Prayer Group #3

I am hoping: for world peace. Seriously.

On my mind: How lovely the silence is after a long day.

Pondering these words:  "I don't want to gain the whole word and lose my soul..."

Praying about: Lifting up two MOPS moms that (1) is in labor now and (1) who will be induced tomorrow.

In the kitchen: Cleanliness..aaaaahhhh. :) Gotta love a clean kitchen. We had BBQ "muffins" tonight. It was an E-mealz meal. But, since (like usual) I burned my muffin pan up, I had to just lay the biscuit dough out and top it with all of the ingredients. It was good, but not very healthy. Oh well.

Around the house: It's semi-clean...and I don't care. :)

One of my favorite things: Is reading the kids' bedtime bible to them and praying with them.

From my camera:

Wednesday, September 29


Outside my window: Not really sure what. I know my nextdoor neighbors pulled in with some boom boom going on-quite annoying. My nightinggale that normally is singing away was probably frightened by the loud booming-ha.
I am thinking: I am exhausted and have a headache.
I am wearing: Old tshirt and shorts-what's new? :)
I am remembering: That I need to make a phonecall in the morning.
I am going:  To our soccer game tomorrow and hopefully no where until then! Sometimes, I get really tired of going.  Chris and the boys are supposed to "camp" in the backyard. Yeah, we shall see how long that lasts.
I am currently reading: Same as the post yesterday. :)
I am hoping:  For world peace. Seriously.
On my mind:  Is this not the same as "I am thinking.."?? 
Pondering these words:
Praying:  For different people, but personally, for compassion and clairity.
In the kitchen:  A rare thing around my house: dishes in the sink.  That is one of my  niches I guess..I cannot stand to wake up to a dirty sink.  But, time slipped away from me before taking the kids to AWANA tonight and I just didn't have time to clean out the dishwasher to put my few dirty bowls in. I also have chili in the crockpot, lefftover from tonight in hopes my beans will soften. I soaked these suckers for over an hour at least...and they were still hard. Dern, beans!
Around the house: I have to say that M's room is rather organized and clean. The kids room-oh my.  Main area's arent too bad. We LIVE here ya know. :)
One of my favorite things: The power of a good worship/praise song. I got on the treadmill tonight while the kids were at AWANA.  I turned on my mp3 thing (that Aime so generously gave to me after refusing to allow me to carry my CD PLAYER to the gym any longer) and really worshiped and praised God. I turned into a normally dreadful (because of the pain in my knee and ankle) time into an awesome 25 minutes with my Lord.  So, singing with my eyes closed and lifting my hands was a bit difficult, but did happen a few times. But for safety (if you know me, you know I probably need to keep my eyes OPEN) I had to worship with my eyes open even though i really wanted to close them. :) :)

From my camera:

Just a piece of clipart I think I used for MOPPETS one time. So, I was just going through my library.  What an awesome price my Savior paid for ME.  For ME (and you).  My I praise Him all my days. Thank you, for loving me my Savior.

Tuesday, September 28th

Today is Tuesday, September 28th:

Outside my window: My two little monkeys (E and N) are climbing in their favorite tree on this BEAUTIFUL day.
I am thinking: about an appointment I have coming up.
I am wearing: Nasty brown capris and a one of my favorite (with a hole in it) tshirts that reads " Occupation: Mother  When is my 15 minute break?" :)
I am remembering: things that I have forgotten to do.
I am going: To our Boy Scout pack meeting tonight.
I am thankful for: My friends.
I am currently reading:  bible, "The Yada Yada Prayer Group" and "You are what you eat"
I am hoping: for world peace. Seriously.
On my mind: My friends A and D.
Pondering these words: .....my past does not define who I am today.....
Praying : for several friends
In the kitchen:  It is clean.  We eat supper rather early (around 4pm) because of C's schedule. We had homemade pizza and carrot sticks tonight.
Around the house:  Nothing got accomplished today but I am enjoying all of the sunlight pouring through the windows. :)
One of my favorite things:  AUTUMN!!!
From my camera:

I am one blessed gal! Thank you and love you, RHM! Miss you and Love you ADK, So proud of you and love you AEW!   These girls are fantastic. :)  I love them.  I need convention again! Shall we have a slumber party girls? (I promise, I won't make you sleep on the floor, Aime...will the couch suffice? Haha.)

Monday, September 27th:

Outside my window:  There is a GLORIOUSLY beautiful day that God has given me the chance to see, yet again.  How amazing that our God created this perfect sync of colors, textures, songs and sights. Wow. I am looking forward to my walk (which WILL HAPPEN) this afternoon.
I am thinking: About Makennah's nap, doing a bit of school with the boys, and the need for vacuuming.
I am wearing: Ha. Red shorts and a red short....GO RED. :)
I am remembering: My grandparents. Seriously, a shout out to all of you young punks that think there is no time in the world for anyone else but yourself. CHERISH THOSE GRANDPARENTS. If you have them, they are truly a blessing.  Spend time talking with them about their childhood and experiences, spend time with the period.  I am thankful for the time that I did have with my grandparents, but oh what I wouldn't do to have them see my children and the mother I have become. :) I am pretty sure they would be proud-and that makes me glad.
I am going: To the Sort and Shop tonight...I am pretty stinkin' excited!!! :)
I am currently reading: Bible, "The Yada Yada Prayer Group"
I am hoping: for World Peace. Seriously.
On my mind: What ISN'T on my mind.
Pondering these words: "The Father sent His Son to be the Savior of the world." 1John 4:14 
"We love because He first loved us." 1John 4:19    All I can ponder is: how amazing is HIS love for us. Wow.
Praying about: A vast array of things.
In the kitchen: Yardsale stuff litters my counter space, supper is dethawing (a casserole) and the sink is clean.
Around the house: Organization is actually coming along...its like Autumn cleaning...instead of spring. :)
One of my favorite things: How Chris and I can just exchange glances sometimes and know exactly what each other is thinking..and most of the time...break out into laughter. :)
From my camera: (scanner this time)

I suppose this is around 1996-97 (judging that I was in my jeans and tshirt ONLY stage-and the bangs). My MawMaw, MeMaw and (great) Uncle Pete have gone to  be with Jesus, but I am so incredibly happy to have had them in my life. :)

Sunday, September 26th

I don't follow many blogs.  Mostly, the ones that I do follow, I will just find something interesting on  blogs that they follow and read those, etc, etc. :)
I am not quite sure what the writer of: The Simple Woman's Daybook is all about, but it did inspire a blog.  So, with that-thanks Simple Woman!

Today is Sunday, September 26th 2010:

Outside my window:  I see my big, red van in need of a washing. Also, the weather is quite dreary which isn't good for a girl that wants to go for a walk. But, I guess the much needed rain never melted anyone either, so what's my excuse?
I am thinking: That I need to go change Makennah's diaper.........now...that smell is in the trash. :) Moving along....I am thinking of how blessed I am to have the friends I have. I had lunch with one of my closest and dearest today..oh how I love her! I am thinking...of how incredibly forgiving and loving God is. Love...so amazing.
I am wearing: Ha. A blue tshirt and exercise capri's..no shoes-of course.
I am remembering: That I need to clean out my closet for the yardsale next weekend. Today really is my last chance.
I am going: to really enjoy myself at tommorrow's Sort and Shop! :)
I am currently reading: I am not reading anything right now. Well, I am reading the bible and using my Life Application Study Bible...but I  will start (probably today) reading "The Yada Yada Prayer Group".
I am hoping: for word peace. Seriously.
On my mind: What isn't on my mind? Um, I need to make a schedule for school this week, menu plan for the next payday, and get myself together for what this week's schedule (activities ) are going to be.
Noticing that: My E is really, really growing up.
Pondering these words:  Really, just all of the book of James.  My Life Application Study Bible describes the PURPOSE of the book of James as: To expose hypocritical practices and to teach right Christian behavior. 
Praying about: A vast array of things.
Around the house: Yard sale stuff is everywhere. Makennah's room is so nice and tidy, though. :)
In the kitchen: Tonight for supper, we are having hotdogs. Fun times. :) Haha!
One of my favorite things: My kids laughter and worship on Sunday mornings.

From my camera:

Recently, I celebrated my birthday. I am seriously overwhelmed with all of the wishes, calls, cards, gifts and surprises. :) I am so blessed to have incredible family and friends!

Favorite Music: One Of These Days

This is an older song that I have loved for quite some time. :) It just confirmed that One of these days...I will see my Savior. And, THAT, will be one amazing, awesomely fabulous day!!!!!! 

FFH: "One of these Days" (live)

Music Favorites: Beautiful, Beautiful

This song has been a favorite of mine for some time. A part in the lyrics "sunlight burning at midnight"...wow...Jesus really is the light in my dark.  He has brought me through so many deep, dark, horrible times. ( And continues to do so...) He is truly the shining light in my life. Even in the dark days, I know that my Jesus is the only light I need to help me through.

Francesca Battistelli (singing live) "Beautiful Beautiful"

Music Favorites: More Like Falling in Love

This is another one of my favorite songs. How amazingly accurate of how I feel.  It is totally about losing my heart to Jesus.  It's not about "religion". .... It is finding that love in Jesus that brings about real change. 

Below is the video of Jason Gray singing live his song "More Like Falling in Love".  I really recommend listening to this song...every word...every single word.

Music Favorites: Walk on Water

I love this song.  It is called "Walk on Water" by Britt Nicole.  This song really describes some of my days.  And really, what I am waiting for? I have nothing to lose! HE WILL NOT LET ME GO.

Here are the lyrics and the video is at the bottom of this post:

You look around and staring back at you

Another wave of doubt
Will it pull you under, you wonder, What if I’m overtaken, What if I never make it, What if no one’s there, will You hear my prayer

When you take that first step into the unknown,You know that He won't let you go....

So what are you waiting for, what do you have to lose
Your insecurities, they try to hold to you
But you know you’re made for more so don’t be afraid to move
Your faith is all it takes and you can walk on the water too


So get out and let your fear fall to the ground
No time to waste, don’t wait
And don’t you turn around and miss out
Everything you were made for
I know you’re not sure
So you play it safe, you try to run away

If you take that first step into the unknown, He won't let you go....


Step out, even when it’s storming
Step out, even when you’re broken
Step out, even when your heart is telling you, telling you to give up
Step out, when your hope is stolen
Step out, you can’t see where you’re going

You don’t have to be afraid
So what are you waiting, what are you waiting for............

Britt Nicole-Top Christian Lyrics

MOPS International Convention-in pictures. :)

MOPS INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
August 5-8 2010

 

Taking pictures while waiting on general session to start and Christie and I re=enacting the famous "Chris-TIE" moment from she and Michelle's childhood. BAHAHA. :)

Our hotel was amazingly beautiful!

Dinner's out and fun times with amazing women......

Love her and miss her alot!!! :)

Rainforest Cafe...awesome place! (My food was incredible as well!!!)

One of my sweetest, dearest friends!!!

This picture brings incredible joy to my soul.  I laugh so hard! This is exactly how our room (we all roomed together) dynamic was! Love them!!!!!!

Michelle: "Kristina, give the frog a high five."  Me: "Okay, and i'll give his foot a tickle as well." Ha!

Downtown Disney with some Pirates and a Lego Toy Story.

The plant was attacking me...seriously. :)   My secret sister Michelle and I. Love her!

We met Mandisa......

YYep, we totally met Mandisa (and her band).  Ashley got her journal signed and we got pictures with her. :) So cool!!!  One of her band members asked what MOPS was...so Janalyn (see pics above) took the opportunity to tell them all about this wonderful ministry!!!! Fun times!

FREE

This trip was incredibly life changing for me. God totally used the amazing encouragement and support of the women I was with in leading me to feel comfortable enough (and OBEDIENT) to LET GO. Praise Him, for He is good!!! 

I cannot wait for next years convention! I am already planning!!! :)

My Disclaimer

It has been quite some time since my last post. In fact, it was about my traveling to Orlando, Florida for the annual MOPS International Convention. What a fabulous time I had! God totally met me there and the experience I had totally exceeding my expectations! To top it off, I had nine other amazing supporters there. Amazing. No other girls would I want to have spent my weekend with than these:

More on convention when I have time to post a TON of pictures and am in the mood to blog all of the wonderful things that happened!

So, moving on, my DISCLAIMER:  Since coming home from convention. Things have been drastically different for me.  I am looking through clearer eyes and am really seeking out to serve and honor God in all ways in my life.   Also, I just haven't "felt" like blogging, though I enjoy it immensly. I am striving to focus in other areas of my life.  This is a hobby, something I enjoy, but something that needs to be way down on my list of priorities. So, with that, I will not "post" near as often as I was.  I still love trying new foods and taking pictures of them, I still love to express myself in this way, I still want to blog-but there just wont be as many posts in a day or a week and so forth. Blogging is not my life. In an effort to keep my need to "let some things out" (in a blog friendly way of course-some things just have to be "let out" with trusted girlfriends who pretend to be peeping toms and girfriends who invite the peeping tom in for brownies-love them, haha.) I will try and sit down once or twice a week to keep the back up from taking too much space in my brain!

That is my disclaimer, and I am sticking to it. ~Queen of Disclaimers

Countdown to MOPS Convention: OH MY!!!!!!!

Lately, I have been feeling like my feet are in concrete. You know, like those dreams you have when you're trying to run, but your feet are so heavy you never move? I feel like I am running, but my heart is so heavy that I am constantly staying in one place, never moving forward.

Enter: MOPS Convention 2010  Yep, that is right, I am going to Orlando, FL with nine other amazing women for four days and three nights of comradery, fun, growth, praise, worship and relaxation.  This convention really is God's amazing timing. I NEED this. I feel like my fuel is on empty. I need a great tune up from the greatest physician. I need my tank filled from the #1 powered fuel. My prayer is this convention empowers me as a mother, relaxes my very tired soul, and that God hears our prayers for this time of fellowship and fun and that His presence is felt the entire time.  

Now, anyone that knows me knows I have OCD-like qualities to my personality.  I have been planning for about two weeks on what to wear, pack, etc. I am bringing my own pillow(S) and my own blanket. I have already budgeted my lunch and supper. I have Lysol on my list of "To buy".  I have my jewelry matched to each outfit (okay earrings because the only other thing I wear is my mother's necklace and my wedding rings). (Throwing a rock into my plan of what I was wearing is when the beading on one of my shirts came unraveled..Cato..you will be seeing me for an exchange! I haven't even worn this shirt yet!!!!)  I have what medicine I will be bringing JUST IN CASE for the treatment of: 1.) If I sprain an arm, ankle, etc 2.) Stomach virus (nausea/diarrhea) 3.) Sore throat/cold symptoms 4.) Headache/Mild pain    I also have on my list of "to do": 1.) Wax eyebrows (done)  2.) Color hair  3.)  Pedicure/paint toe nails   I know this all sounds crazy, but I seriously have to write EVERY THING down or I will forget it. I mean, I couldn't believe I have to write down a list of "to-do" for basic upkeep on MYSELF! What is funny, is that when I did a search for the MOPS Convention logo, different photos came up, but one that caught my eye was this: 

Yep, MOPS (or a dust broom..whatever). What really made me think is how mops are used frequently by us mothers. My mop is used for my floor, yes, but often times "it" is used for something far more than just cleaning.    Often times you hear that the mind of a child is like a sponge.  They absorb everything they see, hear and are taught.  Well, I see my mind is that of a mop. I am constantly having to try and gather all of my thoughts and plans that are in a state of chaotic disarray.  When I was younger (much like my sweet Elijah), I remembered EVERYTHING. I remembered every detail. I am sure I probably could put a date and time with the detail as well (especially if it were something that was to my benefit, like a toy. :) )  Now, you pour water on my sponge and it just goes straight through. There is no locking in the moisture (information) with me!  I will forever probably be a slave to my "lists" and be mopping all of my thoughts/lists/plans on to them.

So, that whole mop thing got me a bit side-tracked. :)  I am really thankful for the opportunity to go to convention. I raised all but 15$ that it took to pay for the trip. That was a HUGE weight lifted for me. I really do need this break. My prayer is that this "feet in concrete" feeling that I have will be obliterated by God's mighty workings. I know He has GREAT things planned for this convention. I do need this alone time. I'm not really alone, but I am taking a "vacation" from my "job".  I actually guess I could say I am on a "business trip" since my "business" is motherhood-and that is what convention is ALL ABOUT!!

Four days, three nights without my children or husband. Hmm, I am having mixed emotions about this.  I really am looking forward to getting myself ready a few mornings without Makennah swiping my mascara and trying to "put on may-up" or the always "Mommy, I can't find my _______!!!!!! (fill in blank with ANYTHING two six year old boys can lose or look over) :)  I am so stinkin' excited about the girl time. I am so excited to be rooming with three fantastic women. I am looking forward to all of the inspiration and encouragement I know that will be showered on me.  I am looking forward to getting to know nine other wonderful women. I am SO excited to see what God is going to do in me AND in others mom's hearts! I am so ready for this time of praise and worship. I am so ready for this ME AND GOD time. I.NEED.IT.    Then, I start thinking of my sweet boys. I haven't been away from them but once, when they were about 15 months old, for two nights. I have NEVER been away from M except for her staying overnight with Maw Maw and Paw Paw (and that has only been a handful of times).   I almost have tears just thinking about it. I know I probably will shed a few tears while at convention. I will miss Chris. I trust in God and I know that my sweet babies will be taken care of by my parents and by their Daddy for this time I am away. I think that my Mama has some fun things planned for them and Chris may take them swimming at the pool for probably the last time(s) of this summer. I have a tinge of guilt for taking this trip. I know they will enjoy this time and hopefully won't even miss me much.  I really need to refuel, refocus and re-prioritize.  Really, Because Better Moms......

.....Really DO Make a Better World!!!!

I have a ton of anxiety about the trip and about leaving my family. I've never done this before. It is totally brand new to me. I feel, though, I am taking that giant leap of faith and just going with it. Faith in knowing that my God, my protector, will keep us safe as we travel and are at convention. Faith in knowing not only is God protecting and providing for my children, but they are going to enjoy their one-on-one time with grandparents and their Daddy. Faith in knowing that HE KNOWS how badly I want my load lifted and faith in knowing that He will take care of that load.  I am going with what I know will be a blessed time and I can come home and mop everything back onto my lists and be refreshed for a new school year, a new MOPS year and a new year of mothering.

*Believe it or not, I am NOT taking my computer with me to convention and my phone does not have Internet capabilities. I will be (sort of) technology free for a few days, which is much needed. I will, however, try and blog a bit before I go to convention. Blogging about all this craziness is making me feel much better!!! :)

The Great Mascara Challenge: Take Two

Mascara #2

Here is my rating system: BLECH 0pts, FAIR 1pt, GOOD 1pt, AWESOME 2pts.

There are five questions: A) Consistency of Mascara B) Ease of Use C) Anti-Clumping D) Anti-Flaking E) All Day Wear
Each questions can have a total of 2pts each for a total of 10pts. 10pts would equal some pretty perfectly fabulous mascara!!!!! :)

The Great Mascara Challenge

Maybelline:Define-a-Lash

A) Consistency of Mascara?  GOOD

B) Ease of use?  AWESOME

C) Anti-Clumping?  AWESOME

D) Anti-Flaking?  AWESOME

E) All Day Wear?  AWESOME

Overall: 9pts out of 10pts

I really liked this mascara! It separated my lashes and gave me the length and volume I desired. I did have to apply more than one coat. It isn't my favorite mascara ever, but I will definitely be using it now. :)

BEFORE:

(Yes, I know I need to wax my brows!)

AFTER:

(*In this picture I do have eyeshadow and liner on.)

The Great Mascara Challenge: Take One

Anyone that knows me knows that I LOVE mascara.  When I was younger, I bought only (what I thought) was the best mascara. (Hello, Lancome' Definicils...)
Now, as a wife and Mom of three, living on one income makes it a bit hard to splurge on mascara. So in mind with being frugal, I recently purchased eight tubes of very cheap mascara. Because I know that I usually ask a woman with beautiful, full, long lashes what mascara she uses, I decided I would blog about each different mascara (along with pictures of course) to hopefully help the fellow mascara lover in a future purchase of mascara. :)

Here is my rating system:  BLECH 0pts, FAIR 1pt, GOOD 1pt, AWESOME 2pts.
There are five questions: A) Consistency of Mascara B) Ease of Use C) Anti-Clumping D) Anti-Flaking E) All Day Wear
Each questions can have a total of 2pts each for a total of 10pts. 10pts would equal some pretty perfectly fabulous mascara!!!!! :)

The Great Mascara Challenge:

Maybelline Intense XXL Volume + Length Microfiber Mascara

A) Consistency of Mascara?  It was BLECH. I hated the white stuff. It dried on my lashes. The actual mascara had an okay consistency.

B) Ease of Use?  BLECH. I felt like I had to pull the brush through already mascara'd lashes because of the white primer stuff.

C)Non-Clumping?  BLECH. It clumped!

D)Non-Flaking?  BLECH. It flaked badly. I felt like something was in my eye all day.

E)All day wear?  BLECH. It didn't look great at the end of the day.

Overall: 0pts of 10pts

This mascara was horrible, in my opinion. If it were the only mascara available I would cry, however, I would deal and hope it got better with more than one use!

My (very brave) no make-up: BEFORE

(oh my word, my nose is huge)

AFTER:

*Please note the white stuff stuck on my face. Yep, that is the "primer" stuff that stuck like glue. It was so hard to get off!!!  I DID NOT wear any eyeshadow or liner in this photo, but either way the mascara looked horrible. BLECH. :)

Chicken Taquito's

Chicken Taquitos

3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup green salsa
1 Tbsp fresh lime juice (juice from half a lime)
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbsp chopped cilantro (I omitted this.)
2 Tbsp sliced green onions (I used Green Chilie's)
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
small flour or corn tortillas
salt
cooking spray


-Preheat your oven to 425˚F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.


-In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, salsa, lime juice, ground cumin, chili powder, onion powder and garlic. Once combined, stir in the cilantro and green onions. Add the chicken and cheese; mix thoroughly.

-Heat your tortilla's in the microwave for a few seconds. Keep them warm in a towel. I used 1TBSP of mixture, anymore seemed like too much. Roll your tortillas as tightly as you can. (Unfortunately, my tortilla's started breaking apart as I was working with them. Next time I will use flour tortilla's instead of corn!)

-Line your baking sheet with taquito's making sure not to overlap. Spray with cooking spray and sprinkle with salt. Bake 15-20 minutes or until brown.

These are very good. You can serve them with dips such as guacamole, sour cream or salsa.  These also freeze very well.   Heavenly Homemaker suggests wrapping each taquito in plastic wrap to freeze. I went ahead and baked mine, and put them in ziploc freezer bags. It only takes about one minute to reheat them in the microwave and they stay crunchy!

Heavenly Homemaker is a fantastic blog. It includes menu planning ideas, recipes (like this one), Christian encouragement in your daily walk, frugal living ideas and so much more!!!