Life will never be the same....

Yesterday I promised to share something life changing and I can't wait to share this!! It all has to do with this pot....


What do you think is in there? I can tell you it is not youth elixir or some other natural remedy, but it will change the life of all that it touches.

Any guesses? Well, here is what is under the towel...


So what is life changing about this blob? Well, let me tell you. That blob turns in to this....


These Cinnamon Rolls from The Pioneer Woman Cooks cookbook are absolute heaven. They melt in your mouth and are worth every calorie you ingest enjoying one! (or two or three, whatever your preference is)

I have followed Ree's blog for a while and her cooking and photography are amazing. I've wanted the cookbook since it was released and was treated with it at Christmas by a dear friend. It is filled with fantastic, easy recipes that are sure to please everyone. If nothing else, these cinnamon rolls will become your new legacy.

The girls helped with part of the making process and enjoyed licking their fingers when we were finished.


I love cooking and baking and really feel that this cookbook is a must in every one's kitchen! In honor of these euphoric cinnamon rolls I am going to give away one of Ree's cookbooks, The Pioneer Woman Cooks.

In order to enter, please leave a comment with your all time favorite recipe. If you do not have a blog, please leave an email address to contact you at if you win. Comments must be made by 10:00 p.m. EST Friday, January 15. I will randomly select and announce the winner on Saturday, January 16. Good luck and happy salivating!!

Project 365-Week 2

So, far this has been fun! I am much more aware of my day and capturing something from it. That in itself is a blessing!

Sunday


Empty pizza boxes and a Bible can only mean one thing. Small group resumed tonight. We share a meal, study/discussion time and prayer. I love our group and am so thankful for how God has brought us together!

Monday


The kids went back to school today. I love them and we have a good time, but sometimes you're just ready. I was ready.

Tuesday


This is the new scene whenever the dishwasher is being loaded or unloaded. Reese steals plates, silverware, and anything else he can! It is amusing trying to catch him while not acting like it's a game.

Wednesday


Went for my cleaning at the dentist today. Confession - I am neurotic about teeth. It's the first thing I notice.

Thursday


I workout almost everyday with Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred. When I am done my girls like to do it. Here they are with one who uses weights, one who uses soup cans and the brown fuzzy one who just tries to get whoever is closest!

Friday


Took my mom out to dinner for her birthday.

Saturday


Went to good friends for dinner tonight and to meet their new puppy. This is some of our kids giving us a concert. And this......



Is their new puppy. He is adorable!!

How has your week been? Make sure to come back tomorrow, because I have something life changing to share with you!

Celebrating Gram

Yesterday was my mom's birthday. I always make her the same treat every year. Marilyn Bars. She LOVES them!

My mom is a very special lady and even though we have our differences I love her and can't imagine who I would be without her. So in honor of my mom, here are some descriptors:

A- abundant. She is abundant in everything she does from loving, to working , to shopping. She does everything BIG.

R- remembers. She remembers everything, especially birthdays. If you've ever told her when you born, expect her to remember you on your day!

L- loyal. She is loyal beyond belief and that is a hard thing to find. I am so thankful to have learned by example!

E- energetic. When people ask how she is I always say, "Still running around like a chicken with her head cut off." She is in constant motion, even when she should be resting.

N- nurturing. She cares for those in her life and sphere of influence. From people to animals, she will love on them.

E- entrepreneur. She has had her own business for over 35 years and was successful while having 4 kids, taking care of an ill husband and taking over the role of breadwinner.

That's my mom, Arlene.

Last night we took my mom out for dinner for her birthday. We had to wait forever and there were lots of hungry tummies, but we enjoyed celebrating her.

Gram with 4 of her 11 grand kids. (these happen to be mine)



Mom and me.



Happy Birthday Mom! I love you!!

Elbow deep

Oh what a day it started out to be! I was nudged awake by my 7 year old with, "Reese just pooped upstairs." Well of course. What other way would a mother want to be beckoned? Not, "Mommy, you're the best." Or perhaps, "Mommy I made you breakfast." No, poop is a glamorous alternative.

I came up and the scene that unfolded was gross. The puppy had been taken out and done his duty, but to no one's avail his crate was a mess and therefore so was he. I ended up cleaning the carpet, bathing the dog, cleaning the crate and bedding and then insisting I sniff my eldest child since he had been holding the dog prior to the findings. (You can't send a child to school smelling like that, can you?)

The boys got off to school, I quickly threw on clothes because the dog had to be to the vet at 8:00. Hubby got the girls breakfast and ready for school. (BTW, thanks honey and sorry I was so flustered this morning!)

What a morning! But all for the sake of this sweet face......



And the four sweet little faces that adore him. (I guess there are two grown up faces that are quite fond of him too!)

Hurt and Heartache

I feel like it is one of those seasons when so many around me are hurting. People I love and care about are dealing with illness & disease, broken hearts, financial hardship and questioning "Why?". Each day brings more or new struggle and the desperation to hang on becomes more intense.
I know, as most of them do, that God is in control. He is sovereign. He will always be there. But sometimes, it's so hard.
I came across this quote by Oswald Chambers while reading today and found it encouraging.
"Tenacity is more than hanging on, which may be but the weakness of being too afraid to fall off. Tenacity is the supreme effort of a man refusing to believe that his hero is going to be conquered...Remain spiritually tenacious."

I know my HERO has conquered it all! And while that thread I'm holding may seem to be unraveling at an unfair velocity, I will hang on. I will hang on with all my might and as I do, I realize there is more than just my grip holding me. There is the grip of an ever-strong and loving hand. The grip of my HERO.
May you hold on a little tighter today and in return feel that loving grip holding you too.

Stay fresh seal

I was handing my 3 year old a couple of these,
when I noticed the phrase at the top...

"Resealable for your lifestyle"

Resealable for my lifestyle? What in the world do they know about my lifestyle? Then of course my brain starts spinning and going down rabbit trails and ends at, God doesn't want my life to be resealed He wants me to be open and pouring out, just like He is.

How many times a day do I start to let out a little kindness or compassion and then quickly "seal it" back up because I don't have extra time or want to be inconvenienced? Do I do it to save and preserve my freshness? No, I do it because I'm selfish. Because I have a perceived agenda and that's not always on it.

There are so many people that need me to be open and pouring out. Not because I have something great to offer them, but HE does! People right in my own house, in my sphere of influence and those I may not even know.

Do I want to stay "fresh"? Absolutely...but not at the cost of being disobedient to Him and the call to share His love and grace with others.
"And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit whom he has given us." Romans 5:5

I don't know about you, but I never feel as fresh and full as when I'm pouring Him out to others. Today I chose to open my seal!

Project 365- Week One

This first one will be short, since I just started on Friday, but here goes...

Friday





Went to a good friend's open house to welcome the New Year with black eyed peas..YUM!


After the open house went for Chinese to celebrate my birthday with the family and then home for dessert. Thanks Mom & Dad!





Saturday



Taking our new puppy out in the snow is a hoot! It kept snowing today and I had to shovel a path so he could get through.


How have your first few days of the New Year gone?