Man, it's been a long time!

I don't know what to say other than LIFE IS CRAZY right now!!  It seems like any free moment I get, I do not want to spend trying to write a coherent blog post that looks like it was written by someone who knows the English language.  So I sit and cruise pointless TV like "The Bachelorette" or "Teen Mom."  (Confession:  I love drama.  Other people's drama.  Drama that causes me to be thankful for the lack of drama in my own life.)  (How many times can I say drama in this post?)

So let me briefly recap the events of the past 3ish months.

late March to mid-April:  Officially accepted into the nursing program.  Busy looking for a new home.  Found one and signed the lease on April 13 with move-in date set for June 1st.  Registered Natalie for school and had my fingers crossed that we would end up at Barkstall.
April to mid-May: Finish my spring semester and kids' school year came to a close.  Become determined to get a head start on packing.
late May: still have not packed. Randomly decided to make a call about Natalie's school placement since I hadn't heard anything yet.  Found out later that day that she was PLACED AT BARKSTALL!!  Enrollment needed to be completed the following day!  Thank you, GOD for prompting me to call!!!
May 30th: packing like a crazy woman.
June 1st-June 3rd: Entertaining kids while packing (haha) while Kevin paints and cleans the house.
June 4th: MOVING DAY!  Loaded up the kids and took them to Lyila's!  Thanks again, Lyila!  We spent a very long day getting everything done.  But oh what sweet relief to be all the way into our new house.
June 6th to June 11th: Kevin was completely immobilized due to all the lifting and painting and other amazing things he did to get us in our home.
June 11th: I started my summer insanity class.  Life got immediately more nutso since it was my self-appointed job to wear the kids out before I go to class so they'll be napping for the majority of the time I'm gone in the afternoon.  Hello, parks and playgrounds and walks and busyness!
July 3rd to 8th: Embark on our first-ever family vacation to Pensacola, Florida.  We had an amazing time.  The kids did surprisingly well minus a few interstate-induced meltdowns.  So well, in fact, that we're going to make this trip an annual one.  We visited with some of Kevin's friends from his football days at the University of Tennessee on the way back.  They were some of the sweetest people you can imagine.  Can't wait until we see them again in September!  
Today, July 12th: I finished my 5th week of anatomy and physiology today.  Only 3 weeks left.  I can't wait until it's done!!
Up next: Natalie is going to be busy over the next three weeks.  She's at her dad's visiting with her grandparents now through Sunday.  Then next Thursday they'll take her on another trip.  She'll return Monday the 23rd.  We'll have a meeting with her kindergarten teacher on the 24th, and then she starts school either the 25th or 26th!
After that: I officially start NURSING classes (!!!) on August 20th, and Nathan begins HeadStart after Labor Day.  

In between all of these activities, I, along with my dear friend Christine, have been working hard on organizing the mom's ministry at church with a bunch of amazing women.  We have about three to four meetings a month plus phone calls every day or at least every other day.  God is all over this ministry, and we are so so so excited to see the impact of all this hard work in the coming year. 

At the end of last year when I was envisioning how this summer would look, I never pictured any of this.  It's amazing what happens when God lights a passion in my heart for Him and His work, for school, for the vision Kevin and I have for our family, for my future career, for all of it. 

And I'll leave you with some pictures!


Grrrrr....well, I would leave a sampling of pictures over the last few months, but my phone and computer are refusing to cooperate.  I'll get back to this later.  I'm in no mood for finicky technology at the moment! :)

Snow day, hot chocolate, and pepperoni rolls

Yes, those all fit in the same post.  In fact, they all fit in the same hour in the same day.  Last Thursday we finally had enough snow to play in, and the kids begged me to let them out in it.  While I was hesitant based on the fact that I was sure Nathan would end up with a cold and subsequent bronchitis (which is what is currently brewing), I decided to take my chances.  I could probably use that excuse to keep my kids from doing all kinds of fun stuff, but then they wouldn't have as many awesome memories as I do.  So we dug out the pair of snow pants that fit Nathan and discovered that we needed to go buy some for Natalie.  After a quick trip to Wal-Mart, the kids were ready to go.

All ready to go!

Nathan wasn't quite sure what to do at first...

...but you can bet Natalie was quick to teach him!

It's snowing!

Lawn mower turned snow blower

Footprints!

Snow angels!  Missed Nathan's and couldn't get him to do it again!

Somebody else wants to play outside...

"HIIII NOLA!!!"

Sissy came for a visit.

And Bubby did too!

Awwww...maybe next year, baby girl.

I let them play while I went to put Nola down for a nap, and by the time I got back they were ready to come in.  I had promised them hot chocolate so after they got all their warm clothes off, they joined me in the kitchen to help make their peppermint hot chocolate.  Boy was that delicious!

Haha...Nathan's face.

Sipping, sipping

Mmmm-mmm good!

And a dribble down the chin!

They are such good pals.  Makes a mama proud.

 Then they asked for their favorite light lunch: pepperoni rolls with cream cheese, crackers, and fruit.  These two aren't big lunch eaters, so most days we just have something light so they don't go to nap on an empty tummy.

Not sure how awesome the flavor combo of hot chocolate and pepperoni is, but we'll go with it...

Cheese!!!  Literally.

And that was our fun Thursday last week!

Waffles

Probably the best Christmas gift any of us got this year was Kevin's waffle maker from my Mom.  We've used it many times just since Christmas, and we all love the delicious waffles Kevin makes with it.  And of course, I love this quote from the original Shrek.

Nathan cheesin' it up for the camera

Natalie cheesin' it up too

Nola with a mouthful

The special Moms only waffle - with Nutella...mmmm

And Daddy, the waffle King

Daily Devotion

I've started doing a Bible reading plan through YouVersion by Joyce Meyers.  There's a piece of scripture along with a short devotion, and so far I'm loving it.  It is exactly what I need to "hear" right now.

Yesterday's devotion was about keeping the presence of God close to me to help me focus on what He would have for me rather than all of life's extra distractions.  She referenced John 14:23 which says "Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them."  I love that it's that simple.  All I have to do is obey.  Strangely that's what I keep telling Natalie..."Life will be so much easier for you when you just do what I say!"  And then I read something like that, and I feel about as big as a peanut and my response is, "Ok, God.  I guess that applies to me too."  And then the best part is that Jesus promises that He and God (and the Holy Spirit) will come and make their home in me.  Love that!  I'm so thankful for the renovations that are going on in my heart right now to make a home for Jesus.


Today's devotion blew me away.  It's something I've been thinking about and having lots of visions and direct instructions about lately.  Dreams.  Not sleeping dreams so much as dreams of who I want to be and who God wants me to be.  For a really long time, those two dreams couldn't have been farther apart.  But I'm starting to see who I am in the Kingdom, and it's really, really exciting.  The verse for today is Proverbs 29:18 which says this: "When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.  But whoever obeys the law is joyful."  Oh my goodness do I remember running wild thinking I'm running this show that is my life.  Still do sometimes, but not like I used to.  I'm enjoying the joy that comes with obedience, and I have a feeling it's only going to get better as I continue to follow the instructions I've been given.  In the devotional part of today's reading Joyce Meyers wrote this: "That means you...need to find a balance between contentment and ambition. Here's the key: Learn to enjoy where you are on the way to where you're going."  All I have to say is thank you God. 

Growth is an amazing thing.  And it's something that I'm finally seeing in myself while I'm going through it instead of seeing it in hindsight.

So thank you God for all you're doing in my life and in the lives of those around me.  Help me to stay focused on you and what you have for me so that I can remain obedient to your instructions and see the promises in your word.  Help me to live my dreams even as I do the footwork to make it all happen the way that You see it.  Thank you for loving me Jesus.  Amen.

I need to get with it.

So here I am, going about my every day life, passing up all kinds of blogging material.  Don't know what my problem is, but I promise I will rectify the situation.

Perhaps it's that I've been processing so much lately.  Like big stuff.  Really big stuff.  Stuff that is still not processed enough to post on a public blog because I have yet to figure it out myself.

So a brief rundown of the past several weeks...

 I turned 27 on October 17th.  I've never really experienced any really big changes or transitions around my birthday, so this year is a major exception.  I almost feel like I've actually aged instead of feeling the same the day after my birthday as I did the day before it.  It's quite an interesting feeling, and I'm still getting used to all that it brings.

A week after my birthday, I spoke at Mom2Mom on forgiveness.  Even though that's a topic that I'm sure I'll never master, preparing that talk gave me a lot of new insight on what it means to really forgive.  We had some really awesome and honest discussions followed by some amazing worship, great words of knowledge, and powerful ministry.  And I'm still hearing from ladies that were touched and challenged by my story.  God is so good, and I'm so blessed to have this refreshed perspective on His goodness.

Following that meeting I've had all kinds of stirrings for changes in my life.  This is the part where it becomes unprocessed and personal, so I'll omit details.  But let me just say that this time next year and maybe even just months from now, my life is likely to look completely different in many ways.

Then the week of Halloween was really crazy and busy, and I really don't even remember much of it.  Natalie went trick-or-treating with her dad and Liz and (of course) had a great time.  Then this past weekend she was with them as they were joined in marriage.  Congratulations to the both of you, and I wish you all the best!  Natalie had a blast being the flower girl and getting to spend time with all of her out-of-town family.

This past Sunday we went to church where Nola was dedicated.  It's really special when I think about what that really means.  The promise that we make publicly to raise our children so they know Jesus is so important and profound.  Again, so blessed for a new perspective on that.  The message was amazing.  Love when Jeff Augustine speaks.

Yesterday was VLT (Vineyard Leadership Training), and it was literally life-changing.  Still processing, so I'll get back to you on that.  You ladies who were there, I love you.  I am so thankful for the influence each of you is having on my life.

Mom2Mom today, and again amazing.  This group of women is incredible, and I really feel a new sense of unity and togetherness this year that I didn't feel last year.  I don't know if it's because I was new last year or if it's just because it's really happening that way this year, but I feel it.  And I love it.

There's the update on me.  Sorry it's a little vague, but stay tuned for more later.  Kids post will come later.  For now, it's quiet in my house.  Kids are at school, and Nola is asleep.  Sounds like lunchtime to me!

New snacks

Banana with nutella

I'm trying to be more conscious about getting more fruits and vegetables, and even though this banana is slathered in chocolate, I'll call it a win.

Make-your-own-pizza night

Tonight I had the kids make their own pizzas.  I kept it easy by buying those pre-made pizza crusts and just putting all the stuff on it.  Worked out great, and the kids had a ball!  And the pizzas were delicious!

Nathan spreading his sauce around -- he was still sleepy from his nap!

Natalie getting her sauce juuuust right.

His favorite part, you ask?  Oh yes, the cheese.

She asked, "do I just put it on the parts where there is no pepperoni?"

Put some more cheese on there, girl!

Nathan's got the right idea.

Watching them bake in the oven

And they're done!

CHEEEEEESE!

Eating applesauce while she waits for her pizza to cool

Turkey pot pies...it's what's for dinner!

Yesterday I took out a package of ground turkey with the intention to make turkey burgers tonight.  As I was reading the package (weird thing about me, I always read packages for fun - even ingredients most of the time), I noticed there was a suggestion for turkey pot pies.  No real instructions given, just use their brand of turkey, some gravy and vegetables, and a pie crust and voila!  You have a turkey pot pie.

So I made up my own recipe.  And this is for anybody like me who likes homemade-y kind of food without the homemade-y preparation or time.

Ingredients

Ingredients....plus a 1/2 a can of cream of onion soup and a can of carrots

Cook ground turkey in a few tablespoons (or turns of the pan, if you're Rachael Ray) of olive oil.  Season with a little onion powder, salt, and pepper.   Add vegetables, 1 can of turkey gravy, and 1/2 can of cream of onion soup.  The onion soup was a stand-in for me because the can of turkey gravy wasn't enough to get it gravyish enough for me.  Then I added some milk - probably somewhere between 1/2 and 3/4 of a cup.  Just stir in a little as you go until you get the desired consistency.  Warm through.

 Spoon into oven safe bowls.

I intended to use pie crust, but since I didn't have any shortening and I was running short on time anyway, I sent Kevin to the store for some pre-made pie crust.  He tried to call me to verify whether I wanted Pillsbury cresent dough or pie crust, but since I was busy with Nola he made a guess.  I got the dough.  So I stretched it out a little and used one bowl as a cut-out to cut the four pieces I needed to cover the pot pies. 

Covered up and ready to bake

Popped them in the oven at 350 for 18 minutes, and they turned out gorgeous.  Hopefully they'll taste as good as they look!

All done!!

Just when you think...

Just when you think it's going to be one of "those" days, there is peace like a river.

My morning started out with the recently obligatory screaming followed by incessant demands for breakfast followed by nursing (phew) followed by getting puked on followed by running late so no time to change the pants so out the door we go.

*breathe for 2 seconds on the drive back from dropping Natalie off at school*

Walk in the door, Nathan's a mess, I need to make a trip to Wal-Mart, Kevin is going to be gone for most of the day.  Ok, sure, leave me on a day starting out in the red.  Go to Wal-Mart, squash a tantrum, give a cuddle, procure a snack, kids back in the car, back home we go.

As we're exiting the car, I notice Nathan's poop face.  He's wearing big boy undies.  "Nathan do you need to go potty?" "Yes, Mama."  "Ok let's go potty."  We get there, and he's already done a little bit so he sits to try for the rest.  Nothin' doin', so we get up and clean up.  Then I tell him I'm putting the baby to sleep, and he looks at me and tells me he pooped again.  Ok, make baby wait, clean him up again.  He insists on big boy undies again, and off we go.  Put baby to sleep, check on Nathan, goldfish crackers covering bed and cable not operating.  Call to fix cable, Nathan disappears, hear noises, go check, Nathan is trying to go out the back door, try to distract him, he tells me "Too boo-boo (poop) to go outside."  Are you serious?  3 times in 20 minutes?  Come on, cable lady.  Finally get off the phone, clean him up AGAIN, and it's time to go get Natalie from preschool. 

Crap, don't want to wake the baby.  Go see if the neighbors are home to listen to the baby monitor.  Thank goodness that works.  Get Natalie, get her home, feed kids a snack, and she says she hears her bus.  I don't believe her since it's only 11:55 and school doesn't start until 1, but I check anyway.  SURE ENOUGH...there it is.  So out the door she goes with chalked up pants from preschool that I didn't get to wipe off because we were home a whole ten minutes before she left again.

And now there's peace.  And now Nola is waking so I don't have to wake her to take Nathan to school.  Thank you, Jesus for taking a ridiculously crazy day and inserting some peace just when I needed it the most.