Finally Fever Free

It has been a week that I'm glad to put behind us. Our little Snickerdoodle developed a pretty high fever last Sunday. She kept that fever until about Friday when it went down a bit. According to our mid-week doctor's appointment,  it was just a lingering virus. She was pitiful!  She took her fluids well but she'd hardly eat...which is not my daughter at all.

I'm happy to say that by Saturday she was very low grade and was feeling much better despite a very runny nose and nasty sounding cough. This was wonderful news because one of my dearest friends had come into town. She hasn't seen G since she was a week old. It was so nice to catch up.

I hope we've got the sickness behind us. We stayed home from church on Sunday to get some much needed rest. G is finally fever free and we're on the mend. God is good!

Sporting her big girl ponytail

Linking up with Leslyn

Walking with Gideon: Where's the Proof?

This journey with Gideon continues to be enlightening. I'm still in awe of just how often I find myself relating to his thoughts.

Judges 6:17-23a

In the throws of life we find ourselves facing difficult decisions and we often seek out a definitive answer. Which way do we go? Which is the best option? What would You have me do God? In my experience, there have been a lot of times when these questions are answered with silence. This silence drives me towards God even more. I dive into His word and search the scriptures for words of direction. I pray for clarity.

When these times of "grey" enter into my life and I'm not sure what I should do or how I should respond or struggle with understanding the circumstances, I have often times ask God for proof. Sometimes it's proof of His hand in the situation or proof that I am doing what I should be doing (because apparently solely trusting in His control is too hard). I don't know why I make things more difficult for myself. Fortunately, (well maybe unfortunately) I am not the only one and I discovered that even Gideon had this same need for proof (v. 17).

We ask God to show Himself. We ask Him to wait on us (v.18). Maybe we think we need more time or more clarity, but really? Who are we talking to? We are talking to the Creator, the Great Physician, the Great I AM! And yet we are asking Him to wait on us. Just putting that into words reiterates just how crazy that really is. He is the time keeper. His timing is perfect and only in His time will all be revealed (which is admittedly difficult for impatient people like myself). Besides that, how many times has He proven Himself over and over again? Countless and yet we still insist that He "prove" Himself again. Boy are we a greedy bunch.

However, because of Who God is, we can trust Him to do this. He does wait on us at times and He does continue to reveal Himself to us. We in turn must prepare our hearts and minds to receive Him (v. 19). Gideon experienced God's presence and saw wonders performed that would leave no doubt that God was with Him (vv. 20-21).

When we find ourselves needing "proof" of God, God will provide. He uses the times of darkness, confusion and frustration to build us up and draw us to Him in ways that we would not have known otherwise. At the moment we fully turn ourselves and situations over to Him, an amazing thing happens. Are we still facing those same situations, thoughts and emotions? Yes. However, we recognize that we no longer face them alone and that God's hand is truly in the midst, maintaining a handle on even the most chaotic of situations. He is the Peace in the storm (v. 23a).

We all have our hurdles but our testimony and faith are built through these things. Some days we find ourselves totally at peace with what God is doing in our lives and at other times we wonder if He's even aware of what's going on in our lives. As situations arise I encourage you to seek after God and to ask Him to reveal Himself and His purpose to you in those times. He will bring to light an array of revelations that will astound. you.

(You can find past Walks here.)

OCC

It has been a tradition in our marriage to participate in Operation Christmas Child each year. We select a gender and age group (which we vary every year) and collect items that would be appropriate to send him or her for Christmas.

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Last year we had G shop with us, but seeing as she was still itty bitty, she was basically just along for the ride. This year however, she was much more involved.

We began by collecting our items. There are many suggestions on how and what to pack on the OCC website.

This year we chose to do a boy, ages 5-9. This works out well because my hubby enjoys picking out things for a little boy (since we only have a girl) and I like the age group because it's similar to the age that I teach at school and I have a generally good idea about the things they like.

Some of the items that made their way into the box...

Many churches that participate provide shoe boxes or the official OCC boxes. Our church provided both, but I always opt to send a plastic container. I do this for a few reasons. First, they are more durable. They travel well and are more sturdy. Secondly, they are reusable. The child can keep items in the box and reuse it over and over. Finally, for those who must collect food or water, it serves as a great container to carry such things.

Once we've bought our items, I wrap them in fun colored tissue paper. Some years I wrap each item in wrapping paper. Next year I plan to wrap them in things that can be reused such as handkerchiefs or scarves.

G helped me organize the items in the box.

 

 

Once everything is packaged up I usually write a letter and include a picture. I thought I'd try something different this year. I chose to trace our hands on the box lid and I included a little note: "These hands are being used to pray for you." We then pray over our box, asking the Lord to bless the child that receives it.

The great thing about this project is that anyone can do it! You do not have to be part of a church to send encouragement and gifts to a child somewhere in the world. You can find a drop-off location near you by visiting here. They also have a fun option if you register your box online. You can get a tracking number that allows you to find out which country your box is delivered to. We tried this last year but did not have a successful go. We did not attempt it again this year but may try again in the future.

We love this project and we look forward to it each year. It is one of our objectives as parents to teach our daughter the importance of kindness, gratitude and giving. This simple, fun, family friendly activity reiterates so many of those faith-based characteristics in a hands-on way.

If you haven't joined in this year, I strongly encourage you to do so. You never know how a little box can make big change in the life of another.

Linking up with Annie

Tasty Tuesday: Sticky Chicken

Let me begin by saying that I have had continued requests for this dish by my husband since I made it the other night. I found the original recipe here.

Sticky Chicken

Ingredients:

1lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into large chunks or strips

½ cup flour
3 eggs
2 tablespoons water
1 cup panko crumbs

For the sauce:
1½ cups brown sugar
⅓ cup Frank's hot sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons water

Directions:
-Preheat your oven to 425 and line a cookie sheet with a piece of foil sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
-In a zip lock bag, combine the flour and chicken pieces. Shake to coat them well.
-Pour the panko onto a plate.
-In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and water.
-Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture and then coat well with the panko.
-Place on the baking pan and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
-Meanwhile, combine the hot sauce and brown sugar in a sauce pan and mix well. Bring to a boil. Allow to boil for about a minute and then remove from the heat. Add in the garlic powder and water. Whisk until smooth.
-When the chicken is baked, toss it along with the sauce in a large bowl.

I served with ranch dressing and they were delish!

They Can't Go Around Naked

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While it's true that baby bottoms are some of the cutest things you'll ever see, as responsible parents, it's our job to clothe them. If you're like me, you may be finding your little one growing out of everything she owns. This venture from "baby land" into "toddlerdom" is no joke. We were very blessed to receive so many gifts for G at our showers. In fact, unless I just wanted to, I didn't really have to buy her any necessitates until about 12 months, and even then it was just a couple things here and there...but now? She is comfortably wearing size 2t and those are just not clothing sizes that you typically get at baby showers. It's understandable considering new born, itty bitty clothes are virtually irresistible.

We skimped by in October since I had set a personal goal to not buy her any clothes for that month (you can read about it here). However, I quickly realized that most of her 18 month clothes are becoming too short (she's rocking the 80th percentile for height) and with winter weather creeping in, I needed to take some serious inventory of her fall/winter attire. This resulted in about 3 fleece pullovers, 5 pairs of adequate fitting pants, and about 8 shirts (and one snug winter coat). Needless to say, I realized it was time to bite the bullet and purchase some new clothing.

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Okay...maybe not that cold yet but this was seriously funny...

Now don't get me wrong, I adore buying new clothes for G and at times it has been a serious problem. Little girls just have so many cute options! However, with the purchase of new land, our soon to be forever home on the horizon, and other financial obligations, I try to remain savvy when it comes to clothes shopping.

If you're still in the blissful stages of having all the clothes your little one could possibly ever need, great! If not, here are a few of my favorite ways to save on clothes for little ones.

Hand-me-downs
Hand-me-downs are seriously my favorite way to acquire clothes for G. They are free and I have been fortunate to have friends that take really good care of their daughters' clothing. It's nice if you have someone that you can cycle through with, but if not, take what you can get.

Gift Lists
Friends and family often ask what they can get G for various occasions and I always suggest clothes. Many people love to purchase cute little outfits for your itty bitty...so make the suggestion! And let's be honest, most of our kids have more than enough toys anyway.

Clearance Racks
This one can be a little tricky. Sometimes it's hard to gauge what size they will be in the following year when you're buying seasonal clothing. I lucked out last year. I bought an adorable patriotic outfit for G at one of my favorite children's clothing stores for $3! It fit her perfectly the following summer. It goes to show that you can find some really great deals if you're willing to sift through the racks.

Thrift Stores and Consignment Sales
You can often find great scores at local thrift stores and consignment sales. I recently picked up several pairs of pants for G for about $2 a piece. Granted these deals may not be as good as some of your yard sale finds, but considering we don't personally see many yard sales come November, I'd say this isn't too bad. I suggest when it comes to large consignment sales that you wait until their discount days to shop. While you may not have as vast of a selection as you would have on previous days, you can score some great clothes for super cheap.

Online
Such public domains such as Craigslist and Facebook house many opportunites for good finds. We've bought several larger items (e.g. treadmill and shelves) and over the last week tapped into the baby/kids section. Just this past weekend I acquired 6 pairs of pants, 4 pairs of leggings, G's Halloween costume for next year, and two nice winter coats for $25. Most of the coats I've been eyeing for G have averaged at least $20-25, so I'd say this was a good deal. (Disclaimer: You may not feel comfortable meeting strangers to obtain your items and that is okay. My hubby has stepped in many times to either come along or he'll pick them up...always at a public meeting place.)

The Shops
There are several stores that I enjoy shopping in if I can catch a good sale.

The Children's Place and Crazy 8: I love their adorable clothes and they have customer rewards, which is always nice.

Khols: I've purchased several clothing items for G in the past from their online site. The deals were great and of course you can earn Khols cash.

Sam's Club: I know you're probably thinking, what?! Yes! We have had a membership for years and I have bought multiple items for G while doing our bulk shopping. They carry great clothes for kids and have them very reasonably priced. In fact, G's Thanksgiving outfit came from there last year.

I hope this helps if you find yourself in a similar situation. There is no sense in going broke just to keep your kid clothed.

*I was not compensated in anyway to suggest these businesses.

Linking up with Leslyn

Opt Out October is Over

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The month of October has flown by. I can't believe the holiday season is upon us...not that I'm complaining because I love this time of year, but it's hard to believe that we're nearing the end of 2014. It's been a challenging but blessed year and I look forward to what the Lord has in store for our family.

At the beginning of October I decided to opt out of several things, both from a health and financial perspective.

(You can view my challenge updates here.)

Here were my health related goals...

To get healthier this month I will opt out of the following...
-excuses for not exercising. I have to get back to making my body move. Not as successful as I'd hoped...
-doubt. There have been moments over the last month that have made me question whether or not I can really do this. I can. I've gained a lot more optimism...
-complaining. If I don't like what I see or how I feel, I have no right to complain because it is within my control to change it. I can feel a change...

As for my financial goals...

To make some savvy spending choices this month I will opt out of the following...
-buying coffee more than 1x a week. Check!
-eating out more than 1x a week. We normally rarely eat out but this past month has been a bit crazier than most. It's just been so easy to grab a pizza or Chinese instead of making a healthy home cooked meal. Technically I only bought dinner out once a week...my hubby may or may not have gotten us dinner a time or two :)
-buying clothing...I rarely buy clothes for myself, but for my little one...yes. I adore tiny human clothes and when I find a great deal I jump on it, especially since she is outgrowing all of the clothes we were given as gifts/have received as hand-me-downs. The one exception will be a pair of black tights. Me: 1 new shirt for family pictures with a coordinating necklace, both for a total of around $20.   G: An $8 outfit when she threw up all over her other one while out in town and socks.
-home décor purchases. Nope. None. We're working on getting our house ready to sell and that is where the money needs to go. I did buy a pumpkin...which we carved and set upon our porch.
-things we don't use...need to be gone. I have big dreams to remove even more clutter from this house. I've got a couple bags of items ready to go!

Overall I'd say I did pretty well in a matter of 4 weeks. I'm going to try to keep with some of these things. Change can be good...

Linking up with Annie!

The Countdown is Coming to an End

I've been linking up with Tickled Pink this October for the Countdown to Halloween. I've loved it! I've gotten great ideas and I've been able to share the sweet things that have been going on around here.

I'm sad to see this month end, but it was definitely filled with some wonderful things. This past week was no exception.

[Pumpkin Carving]
G was old enough to "help" us carve her pumpkin this year. I saw this adorable pumpkin and had to do it. I free-handed the outlines and my hubby and I took turns carving. G loved the pumpkin guts. We all had a sense of excitement when it was finally finished and lit.

[Secret Pal]
We have Secret Pals at work. It's a lot of fun. At the beginning of the year we randomly pick a person to give little gifts to throughout the year. My SP rocked my gift for Halloween. I played into my person's love of fruit by putting together a cute little "pumpkin" basket based on this adorable idea.

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[Fall Festival]
Our church puts on a fall festival every year as an alternative and/or additional activity to trick or treating each year. There are bounce houses, games, candy, and so much fun. It's an amazing ministry. Last year G was so little. I had to carry her everywhere.

G with her Aunt Mary and Uncle Colton...such a cute little caterpillar

G chillin' with our pastor

This year she was Little Miss Independent.

Playing games like a big girl

A girl and her balloon

[Annual Orchard Trip]
For the last several years our family joins our dear friends for a trip to a nearby apple orchard. We typically enjoy a hayride, the pumpkin patch, apples, cider donuts, etc. We also typically go earlier in October but due to the excessive rain, we held off. We decided next time we'd take our chances. We arrived at the top of the mountain to find bitter winds and cold temperatures. It was as if winter had come early. Bundled up, we browsed the market, scoped out the pumpkin patch and then of course delighted ourselves with hot cider and fresh cider donuts. Afterwards we took the bus to Fuji (apples that is) and did a short walk through the trees. Thankfully the impending rain held off and we were able to leave just short of numb. It's always a treat to be with our friends. We love them dearly and look forward to this tradition every year.

The bus to Fuji

Enjoying the pumpkin patch

The apple stare down

Our traditional family picture

[Sausage Dip]
I was introduced to this recipe by a dear friend of mine several years ago. In fact, I remember the first time I had it. We had gone to visit them at their first home and they treated us to this delicious dip and chips. I ended up making it the other night for a football game...it's been so long! I'll definitely be making it again soon.

(I wish I had a pic but it was gone before I thought about taking one...trust me,

if you make it, you'll forget about taking a picture too.)

Sausage Dip

Ingredients:

1lb Sage sausage (I use Jimmy Dean)

1 8oz package of fat free cream cheese

1 can rotel

Directions:

Brown and drain the sausage.

Mix it together in a baking dish and microwave until it is bubbling (5-7 minutes)

You can mix it in a bowl and then transfer to a microwave safe container...

Serve with tortilla chips.

Linking up with Green Fashionista for Tasty Tuesday.