tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744915688905651232024-02-07T10:04:35.200-06:00DELIGHTFUL MOM STUFFThe LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him (Psalm 37:23 NIV)delightfulmomstuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937887128527143371noreply@blogger.comBlogger386125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874491568890565123.post-35890244622174726672020-04-28T20:43:00.000-05:002020-04-28T20:43:07.716-05:00Welcome!<span style="font-size: large;">Hi Friends! I no longer update this site (although it is fun to look back on what I did when my kids were little!) You can join me for some Bible Study over at Instagram- Account: equipped_2timothy3 </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Blessings, Jenica </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUDDcohnKg7iCwju95T2SyXdVVOq2hkDQxCDnx3fQvQSR0eTlXkLRm2NECU45btdh6tOC1kx3kwbeU_bHfP9LWK2obhsO6YO9o3yAq7N8B5NrMVhn3WK1rvGyQnYXokpSDslJ08BIX_zG/s1600/097C12D8-5D4E-4853-80B7-3B17A6A39157.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUDDcohnKg7iCwju95T2SyXdVVOq2hkDQxCDnx3fQvQSR0eTlXkLRm2NECU45btdh6tOC1kx3kwbeU_bHfP9LWK2obhsO6YO9o3yAq7N8B5NrMVhn3WK1rvGyQnYXokpSDslJ08BIX_zG/s320/097C12D8-5D4E-4853-80B7-3B17A6A39157.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />delightfulmomstuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937887128527143371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874491568890565123.post-22677070806996316022017-11-08T18:26:00.000-06:002020-04-28T20:45:45.130-05:00SISTER'S COOKING FOR KIDS<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">SISTERS COOKING FOR KIDS</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank you for stopping by! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ellie, Izzy and Milly McMaster have created this business in order to raise funds to purchase Christmas gifts for struggling families in Arizona this Christmas! Every year we make our famous cookies for friends and neighbors and this year we decided to sell our famous cookies and use <b>100%</b> of the proceeds to purchase gifts for kids in Arizona! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our cookies make great gifts for co-workers, teachers, hostess gifts, cookie exchanges, party favors, Santa...we promise they will be a hit! They freeze perfectly, so you can serve them any time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To order, please use the link below or email daveandjenica@icloud.com for other options.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Upon receipt of your order we will contact you to schedule delivery. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">*NOTE: We also accept cash or check upon local delivery, just email </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">daveandjenica@icloud.com with your order. We accept Venmo: @Jenica-McMaster</span></b></div>
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<b>We will be donating gifts to the following places: </b><br />
Arizona Department of Chid Safety Toy Drive<br />
Affordable Christmas benefiting Arizona Foster Care Initiatives<br />
Arizona Helping Hands<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1J9tO9TtZV9fqgTkNSQvE-sCdbP4U8SqpwyRmb5AyE324kR2GNDLyf0sKRaaw3NID7l2Rth7utufCf5sbixzZ3wmCiJDRg3lePPjUZczJJX78hAKUFAH_8XR7XGidMQ_IqOBRYUy4wyND/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3039.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1J9tO9TtZV9fqgTkNSQvE-sCdbP4U8SqpwyRmb5AyE324kR2GNDLyf0sKRaaw3NID7l2Rth7utufCf5sbixzZ3wmCiJDRg3lePPjUZczJJX78hAKUFAH_8XR7XGidMQ_IqOBRYUy4wyND/s320/fullsizeoutput_3039.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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{Sugar Cookie with Candy Cane Topping}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pK8daCvk1V6YM-DTVpFLnFoVjmuK51Uw-C85RdNpAwzSgZgeLarDaUH9NYD4DyJetEMAkoIKsdSitEESY4XQVRoMWJRiEHBJtUGoxGM_nRFC9vHrfclt_3ztSKRxgpikWVjlPMJYDuj4/s1600/IMG_3071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pK8daCvk1V6YM-DTVpFLnFoVjmuK51Uw-C85RdNpAwzSgZgeLarDaUH9NYD4DyJetEMAkoIKsdSitEESY4XQVRoMWJRiEHBJtUGoxGM_nRFC9vHrfclt_3ztSKRxgpikWVjlPMJYDuj4/s320/IMG_3071.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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{Nana's Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies}</div>
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{Sugar Cookies with Gold Sprinkles}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BPx5fyrkJKxlWIUgKAsSb9aOEJw3xMQRrY95x9a55r8uAfxv5pOWzPL7B8ZCI4-HRK9-4hW3yQsU0GNgYFlkpljcKcLBHUR5OAE2Nn-DIfwGPyyw6OgQOs2Rucl-IDO7oIthPBwnpgFZ/s1600/IMG_3100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BPx5fyrkJKxlWIUgKAsSb9aOEJw3xMQRrY95x9a55r8uAfxv5pOWzPL7B8ZCI4-HRK9-4hW3yQsU0GNgYFlkpljcKcLBHUR5OAE2Nn-DIfwGPyyw6OgQOs2Rucl-IDO7oIthPBwnpgFZ/s320/IMG_3100.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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{Sugar Cookies with Red or Green Sprinkles}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpuxog_p6AZCuZtg1cC_skfmD_aV0PqToC_Hqwa9ykb5XWCyWnwzggWAcFmT5nunrfCgdK3bVtIf15WvWy1AwSXrvIUqGtLzUUNGlO3ZJIrYf6lDwzD4gtj2qHztCFRxx8c0PZIRQlmkN/s1600/IMG_3107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpuxog_p6AZCuZtg1cC_skfmD_aV0PqToC_Hqwa9ykb5XWCyWnwzggWAcFmT5nunrfCgdK3bVtIf15WvWy1AwSXrvIUqGtLzUUNGlO3ZJIrYf6lDwzD4gtj2qHztCFRxx8c0PZIRQlmkN/s320/IMG_3107.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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{The Sisters behind the cookies!}</div>
<br />delightfulmomstuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937887128527143371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874491568890565123.post-8243253947120671672016-03-01T21:47:00.000-06:002016-03-01T21:47:57.106-06:00PRIORITIES<div style="line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOcpqjYhi27zqu3rvL53PZpTXLADGWWuwkOOJgjEqo6l3_0EXOsncMJ0AYCRpu0SiwQyoP_Y09olR1OhGtXWXwoOKsWALUclgsChOj1lV4jOCH5yRke_nLOppbxOf5Yp5eONzTKq3DgeP/s1600/to-change-your-life-you-need-to-change-your-priorities.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOcpqjYhi27zqu3rvL53PZpTXLADGWWuwkOOJgjEqo6l3_0EXOsncMJ0AYCRpu0SiwQyoP_Y09olR1OhGtXWXwoOKsWALUclgsChOj1lV4jOCH5yRke_nLOppbxOf5Yp5eONzTKq3DgeP/s200/to-change-your-life-you-need-to-change-your-priorities.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">As I read posts and articles online during this </span>current election cycle, it makes my heart grieve. We are living in a time with more access, more information, more technology, more government, more regulations, more.. more.. more. It occurs to me that what we need is LESS...Less of this world and more of Jesus! If God's people would get the following things down- THAT ALONE will create real change in our world! God's people NEED to be engaged in the political system- we have a voice and the values we represent are what <i>actually</i> make America great! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: '"helvetica neue"', '"arial"', '"helvetica"', sans-serif;">>May we be more passionate about using words to speak life and encouragement into the lives of others than using words that prove us right or them wrong (</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew12:36-37&version=NIV" style="font-family: '"helvetica neue"', '"arial"', '"helvetica"', sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(2, 30, 170); color: #021eaa;">Matthew 12:36-37</span></a><span style="font-family: '"helvetica neue"', '"arial"', '"helvetica"', sans-serif;">)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">>May we be more passionate about promoting Jesus than we are promoting ourselves (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gal+2:20&version=NIV"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(2, 30, 170); color: #021eaa;">Galatians 2:20</span></a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">>May we be more passionate about the cause of Christ than we are about the causes of this world (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+12:26&version=NIV"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(2, 30, 170); color: #021eaa;">John 12:26</span></a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">>May we be more passionate about our neighbor’s eternal status than we are about their social status (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+10:9-10&version=NIV"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(2, 30, 170); color: #021eaa;">Romans 10:9-10</span></a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">>May we be more passionate about protecting Human Lives than we are protecting Animal lives (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1:26&version=NIVUK"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(2, 30, 170); color: #021eaa;">Genesis 1:26</span></a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">>May we be more passionate about providing homes and care for human orphans than homeless animals (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james+1:27&version=NIVUK"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(2, 30, 170); color: #021eaa;">James 1:27</span></a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">>May we be more passionate about meeting the needs of the poor and hungry as we are with our personal social calendar (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+14:31&version=ESV"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(2, 30, 170); color: #021eaa;">Proverbs 14:31</span></a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">>May we be more passionate about using our time to focus on The One who is Eternally famous than using it on those who are earthly famous (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah+40:28-31&version=NIV"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(2, 30, 170); color: #021eaa;">Isaiah 40:28-31</span></a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">> May we be more passionate about Eternal rewards than earthly rewards or awards (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:19-21"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(2, 30, 170); color: #021eaa;">Matthew 6:19-21</span></a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">> May we be more passionate about The One who holds the Government on His Shoulders than the ones who hold office in the government <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+9:6&version=NIV"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(2, 30, 170); color: #021eaa;">(Isaiah 9:6</span></a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">> May we be more passionate about seeking and depending on the only source of hope, prosperity and our future (Jesus) than those running for a short-term presidency (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=daniel+2:21&version=NIV"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(2, 30, 170); color: #021eaa;">Daniel 2:21</span></a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">That is something to think about </span>this season- More of Him, Less of Us! As followers of Almighty God, we must set these priorities and not fall into this trap of "mudslinging". </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D874491568890565123%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D824325394712067167%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-lhJvSgvdN84%2FVtY3H9UP84I%2FAAAAAAAADyw%2Fm6BubPXRG-o%2Fs200%2Fto-change-your-life-you-need-to-change-your-priorities.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=B9s6hs1BdozQ&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 479px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D874491568890565123%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D824325394712067167%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-lhJvSgvdN84%2FVtY3H9UP84I%2FAAAAAAAADyw%2Fm6BubPXRG-o%2Fs200%2Fto-change-your-life-you-need-to-change-your-priorities.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=B9s6hs1BdozQ&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 479px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>delightfulmomstuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937887128527143371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874491568890565123.post-18060611673149450182015-11-09T14:29:00.000-06:002015-11-09T14:29:02.319-06:00Expecting The Miracle! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwa6kGXZYY1IouNlO3F7YROTii-xlViLT1vjhOwnGXsx5EALF6yBH4bqYnhS9cuQKv00Wr5kPHX0a5RwPTmDG0iosh5b5ubj-JmEBI_wN712dZlbx8dTu8_u5ggf8eXD6jaCtbIeTbBQF/s1600/milly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwa6kGXZYY1IouNlO3F7YROTii-xlViLT1vjhOwnGXsx5EALF6yBH4bqYnhS9cuQKv00Wr5kPHX0a5RwPTmDG0iosh5b5ubj-JmEBI_wN712dZlbx8dTu8_u5ggf8eXD6jaCtbIeTbBQF/s400/milly.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SFUIText-Regular'; font-size: 23px;">We spent the weekend in the hospital with Milly (our 3, </span><span style="color: #454545;"><span style="font-size: 23px;">almost 4 year-old), our little warrior had a ruptured appendix and a large abscess in front of it preventing the appendectomy. They </span><span style="font-family: .SFUIText-Regular;"><span style="font-size: 23px;">told us we </span></span></span><span style="color: #454545;"><span style="font-size: 23px;">could be in the hospital 4-6 days or possibly up to 2 weeks based on her circumstance. Then we will go </span><span style="font-family: .SFUIText-Regular;"><span style="font-size: 23px;">back</span></span><span style="font-size: 23px;"> (hopefully) in December for the surgery after the infection has healed up. We had hundreds of people praying for her and from the moment we checked in we started expecting and praising God for the miracle to come! Here is the thing that occurred to me; as followers of Jesus Christ, I believe that is the most natural reaction to adversity or tragedy. As we grow in relationship with Him and walk with Him through life, we learn that He does turn all things for good, He has a plan and purpose for us, He is faithful and His desire is for us to walk in power. He placed his Spirit in us to access that power and live as co-heirs with Jesus Christ himself (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8:17&version=NIV">Romans 8:17</a>). I love the reminder that "the same power that conquered the grave, lives in me." Here is a little something I jotted down during my quiet time at the hospital and thought it might serve as encouragement if you are walking through a hard time... </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SFUIText-Regular'; font-size: 23px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SFUIText-Regular'; font-size: 23px;">Why is it easier for us to accept and agree with human diagnosis as opposed to expecting and asking God for a miracle? As children of the King we have the opportunity to walk through life expecting miracles and huge things from the Father, because that is His nature, that is who He is. He gets the glory and if we allow Him, we get to partake in that glory! We have His spirit of power in us, when we learn of adversity or walk through a life circumstance we should not approach it from a place of defeat, fear or pessimism, that is not living in the nature of the royal priesthood (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+2%3A9-10&version=NKJV">1 Peter 2:9-10</a>) that we are members of. That approach stands in agreement with this earth, which we are not defined by (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+17%3A15-17&version=NIV">John 17:15-17</a>). We get to approach every situation from a place of victory, not agreeing with the world's outlook, but standing firm in what God says about us: we are more than conquerors (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:31-39&version=NIV">Romans 8:31-39</a>), we can do ALL things through Christ (Phil 4:13), He commands His angels regarding us (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+91&version=NIV">Ps 91</a>), no temptation will overtake us (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2010:13&version=NIV">1 Cor 10:13</a>), the Angels of the Lord encamps around us (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+34%3A7-9&version=NIV">Ps 34:7-9</a>), He will uphold us with his righteous right hand (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+41%3A10&version=KJV">Isaiah 41:10</a>), He has given us the victory through Jesus (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+15%3A57&version=KJV">1 Cor 15:57</a>), He works ALL things for good (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A28&version=NIV">Romans 8:28</a>), He strengthens us (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+89:21&version=NIV">Ps 89:21</a>), He is our helper (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+118:7&version=NIV">Ps 118:7</a>), He comforts (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+49:13&version=NIV">Isaiah 49:13)</a>, He keeps us in PERFECT peace (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2026:3-4">Isaiah 26:3-4</a>)... We have access to the power of God and should be walking through life expecting great things to happen in advance simply because we know the nature and promises of the God we serve. We can speak the victory over our circumstance with confidence because the victory has already been won on our behalf through Jesus Christ. Expect excellence, He has earned that expectation! Following Christ does not mean we will not have hard times, in fact, He tells us we will absolutely have hard times on earth (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+16%3A33">John 16:33</a>). We, as His Children get to approach adversity with a different posture, a posture of victory, hope and expectancy. It is thrilling to expect and praise God for the miracle before hand!! Do not let doubt, fear, insecurity, mistrust or guilt steal the wonder and expectation out of our relationship with God, His will for us is victory every.single.time. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+91&version=NIV"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 91</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text Ps-91-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">1 </span>Whoever dwells in the shelter<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15397A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15397A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of the Most High</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">will rest in the shadow<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15397B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15397B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of the Almighty.<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-15397a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-15397a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+91&version=NIV#fen-NIV-15397a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-2" id="en-NIV-15398" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>I will say of the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, “He is my refuge<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15398C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15398C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and my fortress,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15398D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15398D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">my God, in whom I trust.”</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text Ps-91-3" id="en-NIV-15399" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>Surely he will save you</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">from the fowler’s snare<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15399E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15399E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and from the deadly pestilence.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15399F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15399F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-4" id="en-NIV-15400" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>He will cover you with his feathers,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and under his wings you will find refuge;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15400G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15400G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">his faithfulness will be your shield<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15400H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15400H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and rampart.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-5" id="en-NIV-15401" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>You will not fear<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15401I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15401I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> the terror of night,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">nor the arrow that flies by day,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-6" id="en-NIV-15402" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">nor the plague that destroys at midday.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-7" id="en-NIV-15403" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>A thousand may fall at your side,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">ten thousand at your right hand,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">but it will not come near you.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-8" id="en-NIV-15404" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>You will only observe with your eyes</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and see the punishment of the wicked.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15404J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15404J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<div class="poetry top-05" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text Ps-91-9" id="en-NIV-15405" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>If you say, “The <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is my refuge,”</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and you make the Most High your dwelling,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-10" id="en-NIV-15406" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>no harm<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15406K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15406K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> will overtake you,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">no disaster will come near your tent.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-11" id="en-NIV-15407" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>For he will command his angels<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15407L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15407L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> concerning you</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">to guard you in all your ways;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15407M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15407M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-12" id="en-NIV-15408" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>they will lift you up in their hands,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15408N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15408N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-13" id="en-NIV-15409" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>You will tread on the lion and the cobra;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">you will trample the great lion and the serpent.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15409O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15409O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text Ps-91-14" id="en-NIV-15410" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>“Because he<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-15410b" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-15410b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+91&version=NIV#fen-NIV-15410b" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</span> loves me,” says the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, “I will rescue him;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-15" id="en-NIV-15411" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">15 </span>He will call on me, and I will answer him;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I will be with him in trouble,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I will deliver him and honor him.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15411P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15411P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-16" id="en-NIV-15412" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span>With long life<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15412Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15412Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> I will satisfy him</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and show him my salvation.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15412R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15412R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>”</span></span></span></div>
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delightfulmomstuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937887128527143371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874491568890565123.post-36380599297939966992015-09-01T15:00:00.000-05:002015-09-01T15:00:44.485-05:00Delightful Warm Chicken SaladI wanted to share one of my favorite recipes with you. I originally learned about this recipe from my precious Suzy and it has been a favorite since! I make it for play dates, at baby showers, for dinner- it is one of those recipes that is good for any occasion!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQ_6SxCAQNB8bGfLpNFKTK2DhJsX01xXEirQmw3fqjT4jGsnitFRzO062LjMK2Wz8yMM-PdPSa9jn8brLb-q-lmzFl1aplUT2HAG-yVTz2H4WKCkCn0B28K_kOo2-EnKe2aGev7-YXL0P/s1600/warm-chicken-salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQ_6SxCAQNB8bGfLpNFKTK2DhJsX01xXEirQmw3fqjT4jGsnitFRzO062LjMK2Wz8yMM-PdPSa9jn8brLb-q-lmzFl1aplUT2HAG-yVTz2H4WKCkCn0B28K_kOo2-EnKe2aGev7-YXL0P/s640/warm-chicken-salad.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Warm Chicken Salad:</u></b></div>
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Preheat Oven to 375 degrees</div>
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>2 Cups (or more) of Chopped Chicken </div>
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(You could use Rotisserie chicken or I just sauté 10 or so Chicken Breast Tenders in Avacado Oil and it is so yummy and tender) </div>
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>1 can Quartered Artichoke Hearts- Drained and Chopped</div>
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>1.5 cups of Italian 4 Cheese Belnd</div>
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>Mayo and Dijon to taste- just enough to be wet</div>
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>3/4 cup Slivered Almonds (toasted)</div>
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Stir together and place in a greased 9x13 pan</div>
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>Sprinkle with fresh Parmesan Cheese</div>
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Cook for 20-25 minutes at 375 degrees </div>
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Serve alone, with crackers, apples, on toast....however you like! </div>
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<span id="goog_266221358"></span><span id="goog_266221359"></span>ENJOY!!!!!</div>
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<br />delightfulmomstuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937887128527143371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874491568890565123.post-84031826463591211112015-08-29T11:28:00.000-05:002015-08-29T11:28:44.856-05:00Prayer for School-Aged Kids <div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">It is no secret that I am PASSIONATE about praying for my girls. When I was pregnant I was compelled to pray over spiritual and physical health for my babies, thus writing <a href="http://www.delightfulmomstuff.com/p/prayer-with-purpose.html"><span style="color: #021eaa; letter-spacing: 0px;">PrayerWithPurpose: 90 Days of Prayer for Your Unborn Chil</span></a>d and then when they were born to continue praying over them with <a href="http://www.delightfulmomstuff.com/p/prayer-with-purpose.html"><span style="color: #021eaa; letter-spacing: 0px;">PrayerWithPurpose: Passionate Prayers for Children</span></a>. However, as I have entered and been entrenched in this new season of "Public Elementary School" for the past four years, I have struggled with "control" and how to pray for my girls. I want to pray for total protection, but I want to pray for the Lord to sharpen them and refine them- allow them to experience things that will turn them to Him. I want them to be confident and independent, but I want to shelter them from the craziness of the world. As the years pass, the amount of control we have over our children (who they are friends with, their influences, what they eat, their interests, their hobbies.....) drastically declines. I will admit, I do have "control issues", I am an event planner for crying out loud, so this decline in control sometimes has me FREAKING OUT </span>(by the grace of God he continues to free me from my "issues" and gives me freedom in faith and trust- He is a MUCH better planner than I am!).<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> I'll give you an example, we met one of my oldest daughter's (3rd Grade) new friends and her mother for ice cream last week. This child proceeded to pull out her personal cell phone, pull up Kim Kardashian's show and encouraged my precious/sheltered/non-TV watching daughter to check it out with her. When I approached them, I asked what they are watching and she looks at me like I am NUTS and says "don't you watch Kim Kardashian?" If I am honest, my first internal response to this sort of thing is always- "well, we are never playing with THAT child! I cannot trust what happens when I am not there!" There is obviously some level of parental intervention that needed to happen, but the reality is this, my child is with that child for 6.5 hours in a day Monday-Friday and she is with me 5-6 hours in a day- most of which is spent doing homework, going to an activity, eating or getting ready for school. I have to give the Lord opportunities to refine her and to teach her to depend more on Him than she does on me. I also have to give her the opportunity to be light in a dark world. So, I have struggled with what this looks like, to slowly release my "control" and yet protect them from dangerous or unhealthy situations. It boils down to daily discernment from the Holy Spirit. There are times when I just know a sleepover is a bad idea, and times when I give in to a safe situation and let the girls experience childhood. I must not let fear drive my decisions, I have to let the Lord LEAD! </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This brings me to my quiet time today! My absolute favorite thing after I drop my girls off at school is to take the first hour (or 2 in today's case) to go somewhere (not home- there are too many distractions there) and drink coffee, read my Bible and listen to worship music. It is literally LIFE to me! Anyway, I am reading/journaling through the book of John right now and I came to <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+17%3A+15-17&version=NIV"><span style="color: #021eaa; letter-spacing: 0px;">John 17:15-17</span></a> and it rocked my world! [Side note, it absolutely thrills me that I can study the same book (The Bible) for nearly 30 years and it still rocks my world every.single.day! That is "<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+4%3A12"><span style="color: #021eaa; letter-spacing: 0px;">alive and active</span></a>" friends!] Here is what the verse says (background, Jesus is praying for his disciples before he is handed over to be crucified) </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth."</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I always have my <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/app/"><span style="color: #021eaa; letter-spacing: 0px;">BibleGateway App</span></a> with me when I am reading my Bible, I love to look at different translations and commentaries and I love The Message version of verse 16- it says <b>"They are no more defined by the world, Than I am defined by the world"</b>. As I prayed this over my girls today, I was in tears because it said what I have been longing to articulate- they are His kids, He ALONE can protect them from the evil one. No amount of sheltering on my part is going to protect them in this world, God alone is their protection, their truth, their light. </span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">My prayer is that this world is so shocking to them that they long for purity. I pray that their spirits would be so unsettled around evil that God alone is their peace. I pray that they are so secure in who God made them to be that they turn to God alone for identity and strength. I pray that the screams and pressures of this world would be silenced by the name of Jesus on their lips. I pray that when hard times come (and they will according to <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+16%3A33"><span style="color: #021eaa; letter-spacing: 0px;">John 16:33</span></a> "“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." ) they will know that God is their shelter, He is their go-to, He is who they run to, He is their light, He is their shield, He is their strength- and that they are </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">not defined by this world-</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> they are daughters of the King. .</span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">As I continue to walk through this journey of motherhood, this is my war cry...because sisters, we are at war with this world and it's desire to have a hold on our children. We need to raise a generation of warriors for the Lord, because they will not have the luxury of being "casual Christians", I believe that our Children will have to be absolutely unwavering to survive in this world. God ALONE can protect them from the evil one, while they are still in this world and not locked in our box. As I was reading John 14:30b Jesus says "for the prince of this world is coming. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">He has no hold on me</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">." Praise God we are one with Christ Jesus and we can also say, He has NO HOLD ON ME or my family. I pray that you will join me in this prayer. Ephesians 6:12 NLT says, "for we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." This is not a "mommy war" it is a battle for our kids against this world! Let's do this! </span><br />
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delightfulmomstuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937887128527143371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874491568890565123.post-52727378447136446692015-06-17T18:18:00.000-05:002015-06-22T17:18:54.202-05:00GIVEAWAY: The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson & PrayerWithPurpose<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have read a lot of books on prayer through the years. I am passionate about prayer- I see the POWER of prayer every day. It blows my mind that the Creator of the Universe would allow us to change the course of <u><b>HIS</b></u>tory through our prayers. He allows us to be a part of the action! I am finishing up the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VZOAM0S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00VZOAM0S&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=KEWPYMWKBWTVKYWT">Beth Moore study on "Breath"</a> right now and she discussed "<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%2037:1-14&version=ESV">The Valley of Dry Bones</a>" from Ezekiel 37 (you must read it if you haven't) and it just thrills me that God Almighty would allow man (Ezekiel in this case) to be a part of the action. He could have resurrected those bones himself- with a snap...but He allowed Ezekiel to witness and have access to the power and wonder of God. I love that He lets us in on the action....I want more insight, more access, more of the Spirit, more wisdom...more time with Him! </span><a href="http://thecirclemaker.com/resources/cm-720-screen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://thecirclemaker.com/resources/cm-720-screen.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I recently started reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310330734/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0310330734&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=NGNYIKIYJU4TYXMQ">The Circle Maker </a>by Mark Batterson- it has revolutionized my prayer life. This book sort of sums up all of my favorite things in all of the other books on prayer that I have read. When I was pregnant with my girls I wrote <a href="http://www.prayerwithpurpose.com/#!page-3">PrayerWithPurpose: 90 Days of Prayer for your Unborn Child</a> for this very reason (I just didn't know that I was praying "circles"). I wanted to cover every spiritual and physical desire for my babies in prayer. When they were born, I did not want to stop "circling" them, so I wrote <a href="http://www.prayerwithpurpose.com/#!blank">PrayerWithPurpose: Passionate Prayers for Children</a>. When I read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310330734/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0310330734&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=GT4TXSZO57CWCSHI">The Circle Maker</a>, it gave me such confirmation that The Lord has already answered so many of those prayers for our family and gave me renewed endurance to continue praying and praising Him for what He will do in the future. I love when Mark Batterson says, <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">"Bold prayers honor God, and God honors bold prayers. God isn't offended by your biggest dreams or boldest prayers. He is offended by anything less. If your prayers aren't impossible to you, they are insulting to God. Why? Because they don't require divine intervention. But ask God to part the Red Sea or make the sun stand still or float an iron axhead, and God is moved to omnipotent action. There is nothing God loves more than keeping promises, answering prayers, performing miracles, and fulfilling dreams. That is <i>who </i>He is. That is <i>what He does.</i>" (</span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310330734/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0310330734&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=GT4TXSZO57CWCSHI" style="color: #141823; line-height: 19px;">The Circle Maker p.15)</a><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">. Hebrews 4:16 tells us to "come boldly to the throne of our gracious God", this book really encouraged me to be bold with the Lord and The Spirit convicted me that what I though was humility before the Lord, was really a lack of faith. I was just sort of going about my prayer time with the attitude of "Lord just do whatever you want and I am in" and throughout the Bible it shows that He wants us to ask him, He wants to engage us, He wants to give us access, He wants to hear from us! </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">SO, I am going to give away SEVEN copies (because 7 IS the perfect number) of </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310330734/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0310330734&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=PRCMADHH6EAUH3ZA" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">The Circle Maker</a><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"> AND SEVEN copies of <a href="http://www.delightfulmomstuff.com/p/prayer-with-purpose.html">PrayerWithPurpose: Passionate Prayers for Children</a> for your summer reading/journaling (so 14 winners total). I want you all to be ignited to pray bold prayers with me! So share the giveaway and I can't wait to send them out to you! If you don't win- please get the book- you will love it! </span><br />
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<br /><script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>delightfulmomstuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937887128527143371noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874491568890565123.post-60548787696159317412015-06-08T17:25:00.000-05:002015-06-08T17:25:19.576-05:00Week Two: The Simple Series <span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WEEK TWO: Simplify Time</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Jenica McMaster of <a href="http://www.delightfulmomstuff.com/"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">www.delightfulmomstuff.com</span></a> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">How many times have we heard “you have to be selfish with your time?” What I am suggesting today, in this world of “too busy,” is that we DON’T need to be selfish with our time. We need to be intentional with our time. There are way too many opportunities to be busy and I believe it is a daily struggle to fight the “busy” and be intentional with how we spend EACH day! But selfish? I do not see anything in scripture to tell me I need to live a life where “time” belongs to me. The thing about being a mom is that we don’t only have to fight “the busy” for ourselves, we have to fight it for our kids and spouses as well. In my family of 5, it doesn’t take very many individual commitments to make our family feel like chaos. I constantly need to evaluate our schedule and choose where we will invest our time and what needs to be cut from the schedule. <a href="http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/invest"><span style="color: #021eaa; letter-spacing: 0px;">The definition</span></a> of </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;">invest</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> is to “devote (one’s time, effort, or energy) to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result.” In our home that “worthwhile result” should bear fruit (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5:22-25&version=NET"><span style="color: #021eaa; letter-spacing: 0px;">Galatians 5:22-25</span></a>) and if it doesn’t, it needs to be declined. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are eight questions to ask yourself before making a commitment with your time: </span></span><br />
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<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Does it line up with the will of God according to the scriptures? </span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Am I striving to please God or man? </span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Am I saying “yes” out of fear that the person who asked would be angry? </span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will it bear fruit? </span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Does it utilize my gifts and talents? </span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is the motivation love and service or guilt and fear? (DO NOT say “yes” out of a place of guilt- that would be a sign that #1 is not in line- guilt is not from God)</span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What sacrifice will my family and I have to make in order to keep this commitment? </span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is this a commitment I am able to keep? (We need to make sure we practice and teach our children that when we make commitments, we keep them.)</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">For this week in <i>The Simple Series</i> we are not asking you to </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;">eliminate</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> anything from your schedule. Instead, we will </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;">evaluate</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> how we are investing our time, so that we might simplify and focus on the things that matter most! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><b>SUNDAY:</b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> Service- Take this day and focus on where you are serving. Scrub your list with the questions above. Is there something you need to step away from? Is there somewhere you need to engage? If you are not currently serving, identify one place where you can use your gifts and talents for the glory of God and His people (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6:7&version=NIV"><span style="color: #021eaa; letter-spacing: 0px;">Ephesians 6:7</span></a>). We are meant to serve others. Churches are literally desperate for people to serve in all areas. It is great for your kids to see you serve and serve along side you. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><b>MONDAY:</b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> Priorities- Make a list of your top 3-5 priorities. Have your spouse and children (if they are old enough) make a list as well. This list could be focused on short-term, long term or seasonal priorities. How can we arrange our time to invest more in these priorities? What can be eliminated from the schedule to focus on these priorities?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><b>TUESDAY: </b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">People- Who am I investing my time with? We must be filled up in order to pour out! Am I encouraging others? If not, call or send a note to someone to encourage them today. Be intentional about investing in others. Is there someone who I need to set healthy boundaries with? Is there a relationship I need to make a greater investment in? Am I making a greater investment in people online than the people who are flesh that God has placed around me in this season? This might also mean reconciliation, who do I need to free my mind and spirit from? Has someone hurt me and that is preventing me from making an investment in other people? Live in the freedom of forgiveness, do not let the bondage of unforgiveness steal your energy, joy and time. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><b>WEDNESDAY:</b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> Passion- Identify 1-2 things that you are passionate about (a hobby, career, studying the word, etc..) and be intentional about setting apart time to pursue that passion. What is on your schedule that is robbing you from your passion? (could time on technology be robbing you from something?) This applies to our kids as well. maybe their 15 activities need to be simplified to just two that they are really passionate about. Maybe they need to turn the technology off and discover what it is they are truly passionate about! Let’s not force the passion on our kids, let God instill that in their bones! Finally, if our husbands have a passion for something outside of work, lets give them </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;">guilt-free</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> opportunities to schedule those things. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><b>THURSDAY: </b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Peace- Schedule a quiet time today. Maybe this requires a babysitter, maybe this requires a child swap with another mom, maybe this means heading to a coffee shop or a quiet place when your husband gets home from work. I have to force myself out of the house sometimes in order to have some peace with the Lord. When I am home I look around and see tasks (or a “task” is barking at me!). I am always filled up when I take the time to get quiet and listen to what the Lord desires for me. It is NOT selfish to carve out peaceful time, it is necessary! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><b>FRIDAY: </b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Family Life- Evaluate your household- is there healthy balance? Is it a kid-focused home? If so, how is your marriage? Is it an activity-focused home? If so, how is your peace and energy level? Is it a social-focused home? If so, how is the quality time pouring into your kids and spouse? Is it a task-driven home? If so, how is the fun, the relaxation, the creativity going? Take this time and evaluate what you can add or remove from your schedule to find more time to invest in your family! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><b>SATURDAY:</b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> Maintenance- take this time to focus on the investment we are making on personal maintenance! Am I living a healthy lifestyle? (eating healthy foods, exercising, going to the doctor, dental appointments, checking out the moles and lumps that come with age!) Do I feel good about my whole self? Not according to the world’s standards, but to God’s standards? Am I self-absorbed or have I completely let myself go? God “fearfully and wonderfully” made YOU. His desire is for you to be confident in who you are and to take care of the temporary temple he gave you. 1 Corinthians 6:19 says “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” Evaluate how you are maintaining your temple on the inside and outside. You do not need to look like the Hollywood stars to be beautiful. You need to maintain yourself in a way that you feel confident and beautiful and someone who is proud to say “I am the daughter of the King of the Universe and He does not make mistakes.” </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I pray that this week will allow you to reevaluate and adjust how you spend your time. It is a battle to fight the “busy” and not to just fill the time- but to take each day and invest our time with the “expectation of a worthwhile result”!!! </span></span>delightfulmomstuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937887128527143371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874491568890565123.post-24846342105766771082015-06-05T17:03:00.000-05:002015-06-05T17:03:05.007-05:0015 DELIGHTFUL Summer Essentials<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now that we live in Scottsdale, AZ I feel like I am an expert on summer products...because it is never NOT summer here! If you follow me on <a href="https://instagram.com/jenicamcm/">Instagram</a> you might already know about a few of these- because I am passionate about them! Here you go...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHRleB2IzGos03DyhNOMXF7_bgyY9ZuIEyJX96yGKsO_UP7ioijvqylJbaKYEMoB9U3wSZvdXwt4tYCdG0llxumwAcHOPPKZGh2nEjGE72kD5N28gwzgg1I60AmNarf_gILv4uPRL0h0P/s1600/DMS-summer-favs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHRleB2IzGos03DyhNOMXF7_bgyY9ZuIEyJX96yGKsO_UP7ioijvqylJbaKYEMoB9U3wSZvdXwt4tYCdG0llxumwAcHOPPKZGh2nEjGE72kD5N28gwzgg1I60AmNarf_gILv4uPRL0h0P/s640/DMS-summer-favs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>1.</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PUIIDBU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00PUIIDBU&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=QRQDHWTR373OB5OS">S'Well Bottle</a>- This gorgeous bottle comes in all different sizes, colors and textures. It keeps liquid cold for 24 hours and hot for 12! The stainless steel bottle also makes my water taste better- AND my girls love drinking out of them! I was at the zoo in 102 degree heat with my bottle, then I put it in the car and it was in there for the next 6 hours...and I still had ice cubes when I got it out! It is totally worth the cost!<br />
<b>2.</b> Chloe & Isabel <a href="https://www.chloeandisabel.com/products/B079C/bead-+-chain-multi-wrap-bracelet-2">Bracelet </a>- I wear this this bracelet all of the time! It is a lovely pop of color and goes with everything- dressy or casual!<br />
<b>3.</b> Fresh: Sugar lip SPF 15: This is great for your summer lips, it has SPF 15, it plumps, it nourishes, it smells yummy, it is free from all of the "yucky stuff" and it lasts forever (unless your 3 year old gets ahold of it- mine is obsessed). Clear <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012GVT7O/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0012GVT7O&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=IFMDU632IOGCQ3FS">Lip Treatment</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BJ2VJGC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BJ2VJGC&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=NIDAZZEZY2ODU3DS">Tinted Lip Treatment</a><br />
<b>4</b>. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CQ7TNDK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CQ7TNDK&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=RR7SM7UJKL2K4LLU">Coconut Oil </a>I use Coconut Oil for everything- but I am loving it for eye makeup removal. My eye makeup is always hard to remove- and it gets it off and I think it has made my lashes stronger/longer. I rub it over my eyes (and usually my whole face) then put my face soap all over- without water (you know, the whole oil and water situation doesn't work) then I use a wash cloth and wash off my whole face. It is delightful!<br />
<b>5.</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/979079035X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=979079035X&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=L47QLANIUCQZF4EV">Jo Malone Orange Blossom</a> I know I have mentioned this before- it smells so fresh and light for summer! (TIP: If you go to the Jo Malone counter ask for a sample- or many samples, their sample bottles are little spray bottles and you can travel with them or keep them in your purse- they are fabulous!)<br />
<b>6. </b>Stella & Dot <a href="http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/jewelry/necklaces/necklaces-all/alexia-necklace?color=gold">Necklace </a>I find myself wearing these long necklaces all of the time, I ADORE this one!<br />
<b>7.</b> <a href="http://www.redbookmag.com/food-recipes/recipes/a10903/how-to-make-cold-brew-coffee/">Cold Brew Coffee</a> : I have been making my own Cold Brew coffee. The difference between "iced coffee" and "cold brew" is that iced coffee is hot coffee poured over ice and leaves you with watery/weak cold coffee. Cold brew just includes using cold water and ground coffee- you let it sit overnight or longer to "brew" and you have a yummy, smooth, strong cup of cold coffee. This recipe makes a concentrate so it lasts longer and takes up less space in the fridge. My non-iced coffee-drinking-husband is obsessed with the cold brew- it is seriously amazing! Here are a few products needed to make your own cold brew: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IOFI96/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000IOFI96&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=NSRJN6ULD4DA5AUS">Large Mason Jars</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000VLZXA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0000VLZXA&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=UGJ3BBY6A5E235YH">Fine Mesh Strainer,</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KLT6X9W/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00KLT6X9W&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=E5CDNOHGHLV7VKP2">Cheesecloth</a>, Ground Coffee (dark roast is best)<br />
<b>8.</b> Summer Nails: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RYOU5QY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00RYOU5QY&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=2GTNOUWASHA5Y6MI">Don't Bossa Nova Me Around</a> this is my new favorite neutral- it sort of looks like silly putty!<br />
<b>9.</b> Laura Mercier <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CPB41B6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CPB41B6&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=EKYRTTTZISZCPAEH">Baked Bronzer</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00067EJ4K/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00067EJ4K&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=DHEDKWKR36LODHND">Bronzing Gel </a>- I have listed these before- seriously the perfect bronze. I don't love self tanner- it never looks right on me and I hate the smell- but these two products help even out a tan or give a glow when I need one. They last forever- the price per use is nothing! :)<br />
<b>10. </b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K18BK2I/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00K18BK2I&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=6ZTFCDKLYTZIIDOK">Trina Turk</a> Cover-up: We go to the pool so much that I finally invested in a cover-up that I LOVE. These Trina Turk cover-ups are so great because they are flattering and they dry quickly.<br />
<b>11.</b> Pants: I am OBSESSED with my new <a href="https://www.baldwindenim.com/product/new-arrivals-womens/malibu-pant-aloha/">Baldwin Malibu Pants</a>- they are such a great fit and can be worn casual or dressy. The material is not too thick but thick enough to hold up and not get saggy.<br />
<b>12. </b>Mint/Lime Water: My new favorite thing to have around is fresh mint- I have a little mint plant and I love using it! I have been putting fresh mint and lime in a jar of water and serving it- it is so refreshing and so yummy!<br />
<b>13. </b>Eyes: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L6G8M9S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00L6G8M9S&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=NXDMP5PNG3ID3HAY">Caviar Stick in Copper</a> by Laura Mercier- you know I love the caviar sticks, they are a no-brainer- you swipe them on and you are done. Copper is my favorite color of all of them! (my go-to Christina gets the credit for discovering these!!)<br />
<b>14. </b><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00235999/#">Striped Placemats</a>: I entertain so much at my house and these are so great to have- they wipe clean and look good with any color theme I am going for- and they are CHEAP!<br />
15. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001MS7P1Q/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001MS7P1Q&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=IEO3ZW6UBCKTLYPE">EOS Shave Cream</a>- this is the best stuff for shaving- my legs are not dry or nicked when I am done shaving- I see a huge difference between this and the other brands. And...the bottle is pretty and it smells yummy...bonus!delightfulmomstuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937887128527143371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874491568890565123.post-67048403331760088602015-06-01T18:58:00.001-05:002015-06-01T18:58:50.138-05:00The Simple Series: Simplify Technology <span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">I am excited to share Week One of </span></span><a href="http://www.delightfulmomstuff.com/2015/05/the-simple-series-guest-post.html" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">The Simple Series</a><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"> with you! This week, Brooke from </span></span><a href="http://apffeladay.com/" rel="nofollow me" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://apffeladay.com</a> is challenging us to simplify Technology! Good luck!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">The first thing I look at when I wake up and the last thing I check before bed, my phone. I have the tv on if I am home simply because I like the noise of it. Being a blogger, the computer screen is in front of me at least six hours in a day. If I am doing something unique or new, I spend more time figuring out the right picture to post than I do just simply enjoying it.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Not only has technology permeated almost every area in my life, I feel dependent on it. Like a drug. Do you ever feel naked or incomplete if you leave your phone at home? I do. And lets be honest, it is kind of pathetic.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><br />
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<br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">I am not living in the dark believing we could live how we do without technology. Technology is not just incredible, it is necessary. But, too much of a good thing is never a good thing...in fact, it can be entirely detrimental. What does it effect? Our marriages, our children, our relationships, our experiences, ourselves.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">It has been said over and over, the most important part of a relationship is communication. Well, when we rely on emojis to convey a message or spend a date night at the movie theatre, how can we expect our relationships to thrive...or even survive for that matter?</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">We eye those kids with iPads at a restaurant, looking at our sweet innocent baby thinking that would never be the case for us, and then we proceed to pull out our phones to document the whole night...newsflash, Instagram does not care how colorful your sushi rolls are. We want the world to see what we are experiencing, yet we aren't really experiencing it. We are staring at a screen.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">So how about instead of depending on technology, we become intentional about simplifying. Allowing technology to be a tool, not a crutch. The amount of space we allow for technology to take up in our life has to change.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Now, more than ever, we need simplicity. Life seems to get crazier by the second and without intentional change, chaos will seem normal and our relationships will be exhausted. We need a detox. A little break to inspire new perspective on how technology effects our life. Untitled design</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">I know simplifying the technology is just one step, but it is a crucial one for sure.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">This challenge will be insanely hard for me. As I mentioned before, I rely on either my phone, my computer, or my tv almost every moment of every day. But, I could not be more excited to simplify the technology in our lives.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Each day a new challenge, a new way to better the relationship we have with technology.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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delightfulmomstuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937887128527143371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874491568890565123.post-36561759393919204202015-05-28T19:27:00.000-05:002015-05-28T19:27:05.175-05:00The Simple Series: Guest Post<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am really excited that my new friend <a href="http://apffeladay.com/">Brooke </a>asked me to join her as she is going through a four week challenge to simplify life! Something I am passionate about is simplifying "time"- for our kids, for ourselves, for our spouses, it is a daily challenge to fight "the busy"! So, I am excited to write an article on that for her on Week Two of her series! Hope you will join us on this journey! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{INTRODUCTION From Brooke at <a href="http://apffeladay.com/" rel="nofollow me" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 16px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://apffeladay.com</a>}</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THE SIMPLE SERIES</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life can be a little too chaotic. Lately I have been starting my days feeling overwhelmed and ending them totally drained. Thoughts whiz through my brain all day, and I hardly ever just stop. Until now…</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I bring to you The Simple Series. A 4-week lifestyle change designed to inspire. I hope as we take more out of our lives, we allow more room for good to flow in.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am thrilled to be partnering with two of my favorite blogs, <a href="http://www.delightfulmomstuff.com/"><span style="color: #879b77; letter-spacing: 0px;">Delightful Mom Stuff</span></a> and <a href="http://halfwaytohippy.com/"><span style="color: #879b77; letter-spacing: 0px;">Halfway to Hippy</span></a>, to bring you a a series that is sure to instill a sense of simplicity. Each week will motivate you to change in new ways with focus on a specific area.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All three blogs will host the entire series, but each week will be written by a different author…a unique voice, a new perspective.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The weeks will look like this</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CHALLENGE WEEK 1: SIMPLIFY TECHNOLOGY</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{Authored by Brooke at Apffel A Day}</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CHALLENGE WEEK 2: SIMPLIFY YOUR TIME</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{Authored by Jenica at Delightful Mom Stuff}</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CHALLENGE WEEK 3: SIMPLIFY YOUR FOOD</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{Authored by Sarah at Halfway to Hippy}</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CHALLENGE WEEK 4: SIMPLIFY YOUR WARDROBE</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{Authored by Brooke at Apffel A Day}</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You in? Awesome! We cannot wait to do this with you. I hope this serves as a breath of fresh air…a way to come up and out of the chaos and be reminded of what life should truly be about.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Simple Series begins June 1st. Keep a look out as we start week 1 by simplifying the technology in our lives!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feel free to fill out the form (<a href="http://apffeladay.com/the-simple-series/">HERE</a>) to receive The Simple Series weekly newsletter all throughout the challenge. Here you will find words of encouragement and tips regarding how to better implement change.</span></span></div>
delightfulmomstuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937887128527143371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874491568890565123.post-4476697506566310012015-05-05T17:57:00.000-05:002015-05-05T17:57:19.732-05:00 "Friends: Making Them & Keeping Them" This is a great book for Elementary age girls! It covers a lot of the awkward friend issues that the girls deal with- I would definitely recommend it! [<span style="text-align: center;">[</span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1593691548/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1593691548&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=FVHBCEDRQXRXL6PX" style="text-align: center;">Friends: Making Them and Keeping Them</a>]<br />
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Here is the book summary: "<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">FRIENDS gives girls everything they need to know about making new friends and making the most of the friendships they already have. The interactive book is full of quizzes, crafts, and thoughtful advice, including tips and true friendship stories from girls. Five mini posters are bound at the back of the book for girls to tear out and share with friends!"</span><br />
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[<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1593691548/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1593691548&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=FVHBCEDRQXRXL6PX">Friends: Making Them and Keeping Them</a>]</div>
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delightfulmomstuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937887128527143371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874491568890565123.post-32703272805344875482015-03-26T11:17:00.003-05:002015-03-26T11:17:45.444-05:00Easter: FOCUS! <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was in my quiet time this morning (I am going through the book of Mark right now) and something struck me as we enter Easter weekend. Don't get me wrong, our family will partake in traditions and have a blast celebrating- but I want to check my focus this year! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">[I am in Mark 7]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+7%3A6-23&version=NIV">Mark 7: 6-23</a> (NIV) is awesome but specifically vs 6-9]</span></div>
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<span class="text Mark-7-6" id="en-NIV-24470" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>He replied, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written:</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>“‘These people honor me with their lips,</b></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Mark-7-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">but their hearts are far from me.</span></span></div>
<span class="text Mark-7-7" id="en-NIV-24471" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; text-align: center; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><div style="text-align: center;">
They worship me in vain;</div>
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<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Mark-7-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">their teachings are merely human rules.’</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Mark-7-8" id="en-NIV-24472" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24472B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24472B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Mark-7-9" id="en-NIV-24473" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>And he continued, </b><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b>“You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!" JESUS CHRIS</b>T</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">This is what inspired me as we enter into the Easter Weekend- are we </span><u style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>more concerned</b></u><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> with "Traditions": the Easter Dress that our families wear, what goes in their baskets for Easter morning, photo op with the bunny, what we are having for brunch, who we are having brunch with, indulging on whatever it is we may have given up for lent, hunting for eggs, dying eggs, etc.. (all fun traditions!)</span></div>
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<span class="text Mark-7-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">OR is our <u><b>primary focus</b></u> on the commands of God: Are we pumped that people who have never heard the word of God might step into church on Easter and hear truth? Are we praying that the Word of God would penetrate their hearts (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+6%3A52&version=MSG">Mark 6:52</a>)? Are we inviting families to join us and hear the great news? Are we praying for our pastors and church staff, for energy and protection? Are we stepping out of our <a href="http://www.delightfulmomstuff.com/2015/03/blog-post9.html">comfort zone</a> to tell someone the good news? Are we extending grace and love to a family member who we have a strained relationship with? Are we serving at church so that someone else might feel welcomed and cared for as they enter? .... Those are the commands of God. I don't want to just honor God with my "lips" or my pretty Easter Dress if you will...I want to honor God by loving others and celebrating the beautiful reason for Easter- Jesus Christ Died for ME and YOU and on the third day he rose from the dead to rule and reign at the right hand of God the Father Almighty! The traditions are fun, but let's have our primary focus be in the commands of God this year! Happy Easter! </span></span></div>
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<span class="text Mark-7-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">("Up From the Grave" <a href="http://www.dearlillie.com/product/up-from-the-grave-11x14-chalkboard-print">Print From Dear Lillie</a>)</span></span></div>
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A common theme in my life has been "change". I am the type of person who naturally likes familiar things and places; I am very cozy in a routine, I LOVE a plan, I adore a small group of trustworthy sisters, my home is my happy place- my nature is not one that loves change! However, God never lets me get cozy for too long... and I am so grateful for that. Some of the hardest times in my life have come because of change, in hindsight, it was because of the change that I experienced GREAT adventure with God. Throughout my life I have learned to be expectant and excited (often through tears) when he brings change to me...because I know great things will come! In my 35 years I have attended 12 schools, lived in 13 cities (I have been the "new girl" many many many awkward times), had 15 jobs- but, Praise God just one husband and three gorgeous (plus 1 in heaven) babies! What I have learned is this- God's plans are ALWAYS better than my plans. His ways are ALWAYS better than my ways. I want to say "yes" to whatever adventure He takes me on. </div>
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[I asked my girl Kelsey Kempin to make this diagram pretty for me- it is something that I just jotted down one day during my quiet time and I am seriously passionate about it. I believe this with all of my heart. It is based on my life experience, studying The Scriptures and witnessing the lives of countless people who both- make bold changes and who remain in the comfort zone- and seeing the fruit on either side]</div>
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> Change does not always have to be huge or dramatic- it could be walking across the street to meet someone new outside of your comfort zone. It could be joining a new Bible Study where you do not know one person. It could be walking into a new church when you are scared to tears because it is unfamiliar and intimidating. Or taking your kids to church with an unsupportive husband at home. It could be starting your own business and leaving the comfort of your current job. It could be moving across the country with no job...just faith. Sharing your testimony. Volunteering. Praying out loud. Inviting someone new over. Learning a new skill...<br />
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<b>Any step you take outside your comfort zone and in the will of God will lead to your destiny for the Kingdom!</b></div>
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>Sometimes the change is forced- losing a job, graduating from college, etc.. </div>
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Other times it is an opportunity- stay where I am (comfy cozy) or take a chance on a change. </div>
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At times, it feels very natural..other times it is scary as HECK! </div>
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...and if you let the FEAR, PRIDE, INSECURITY...keep you from obedience and change- you will not find your God Given destiny- your Jeremiah 29:11. I absolutely believe that. We must take a risk with the Lord. Here is what I know; He is not boring. He is not comfortable. He is not exclusive. He is not predictable. He is not small. HE IS..Mighty, Powerful, Adventurous, Eternal, Provider, King, Creator, Merciful, Healer, Wise. LOVE. His resources are endless and His calling comes with sacrifice..mostly to ourselves and acceptance in this world. We must put on our Eternal Perspective and leave our comfort zone so that we WILL BE mighty for the kingdom of Heaven...Eternity! His will is NOT for us to stay the same...He makes ALL things new..He is in the business of change! </div>
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Take the first step, ONE STEP, outside of your comfort zone. Whatever that is, it starts with one step. He is so sweet how He will baby step us from small obedience to large obedience- ultimately leading us to Destiny. <u>It is in those baby steps that we have the faith built up to take the leaps</u>! </div>
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<b>How do you know if the change is God's will?</b></div>
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> Does it line up with His Word? i.e. it will not be sinful, it will not be harmful to others, it will not be for your glory- He will get the glory. </div>
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> Wise Counsel: Has anyone who is in the word, filled with His Spirit expressed legitimate concern about the change? If so- don't take that lightly. Likewise, if a wise person endorses the change-don't take that lightly. </div>
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> Prayer: Do you feel at peace about the change or is your spirit a MESS about it? He is the Prince of Peace. Seek him and ask for His peace. If you do not have a peace..wait until you do or ask Him for another plan.</div>
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> Is it pleasing to God or to the world? </div>
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> Will you bear fruit? Does it encourage/teach/utilize Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness & Self Control? </div>
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Join me in this girls- lets focus on taking one step out of our comfort zone every day! It will only come with blessings! I fight the urge to nestle in to my little suburban bubble EVERY DAY- it is a battle to step out of that comfort zone- You can do it and so can I! Let's change the world by popping the bubble- shall we?!? </div>
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<br />delightfulmomstuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937887128527143371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874491568890565123.post-15386014569568054042015-02-21T12:25:00.000-06:002015-02-21T12:43:25.172-06:00Who is Your Life Leader?<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Something I struggle with, is having my quiet time with the Lord without a "plan"- I am most successful in carving out time if I am doing a study with homework or going through a set "Bible Study" with accountability. If left to my own motivation, I am usually not as productive, I journal and read something and of course have my prayer time, but it doesn't motivate me like having a planned study. [Just being honest] UNTIL recently! As previously mentioned, we just moved to Arizona and I am in a study and getting settled in, but I did not have the routine of a study with homework. I decided to start at Matthew and just hang with Jesus- read His words and really just spend time in the gospels. (if you do not have a Bible with red letters to highlight Jesus' words, I highly recommend that!) I read out of the NIV Bible- I never want to switch Bibles, I love my Bible, seeing the notes from previous studies and dates when something hit me from The Word, but I love reading from other translations as well. So I pull up <a href="http://biblegateway.com/"><span style="color: #021eaa; letter-spacing: 0px;">BibleGateway.com</span></a> and love to read from the Message, The Voice, The King James version, the New King James Version, The NET, etc.. I have gone through chapter by chapter and read it in various translations while journaling what impacts me the most and I am telling you, I can't wait to get my quiet time in every day. Jesus was/is THE MAN, I just love reading His words every day! </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">SO...This morning something hit me as I was reading and studying and I wanted to share it. I read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+23&version=MSG"><span style="color: #021eaa; letter-spacing: 0px;">Matthew 23 in the Message-</span></a> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>8-10 “Don’t let people do that to <i>you</i>, put you on a pedestal like that. You all have a single Teacher, and you are all classmates. Don’t set people up as experts over your life, letting them tell you what to do. Save that authority for God; let <i>him</i> tell you what to do. No one else should carry the title of ‘Father’; you have only one Father, and he’s in heaven. And don’t let people maneuver you into taking charge of them. There is only one Life-Leader for you and them—Christ.</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>11-12 “Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you’ll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty."</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">See, something has just been eating me up lately. I am as plugged in to Social Media as the next person, (I do not have cable, so I am not plugged into the 24/7 Newsfeed there) and as I read some things that people post it just makes my heart hurt. It occurs to me that our generation is just looking to "follow" to be led by</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"> humans</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> who seem to be or have what we want to have. I am all for being inspired by some godly people- Beth Moore is at the top of my inspiration list...but I have to regularly check myself with her because I do not want to do the above to her..put her on a pedestal and make HER the expert over my life. That would be my doing not hers. She is being obedient to God's calling and we all make these teachers "celebrities" and place them where honestly, God does not want them. He wants to be the authority, the celebrity, the focus of our attention, the focus of our desire. He is the only one who can live up to that. I read so many comments to these Bible teaching "celebrities" and "false Bible Teaching celebrities" (because holy cow, is there ever a movement of people trying to "inspire" with the label of "Christian" or "god" but leaving out the teaching in the Bible, calling it irrelevant to the culture today) and our generation seems to be looking for someone to have it all figured out and tell us what to do. We want instant gratification. I am ALL ABOUT people using their spiritual gift of teaching to point us toward Him and help us to gain greater insight into the Word of God. My life has been dramatically changed because of faithful teachers sharing their wisdom with me. I just want to make sure to check myself and make sure that I am letting Christ be my only "Life-Leader". </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">FIVE WAYS TO FOCUS ON CHRIST AS YOUR LIFE-LEADER:</span></h2>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1. <b>Spend Time with HIM</b>: Just Him, reading His word and talking with Him- I have been SO blessed by putting aside my "planned learning" and just hanging out with Him!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">2. </span></span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Ask Him for Wisdom and Understanding:</b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." Let's not solely </span><span style="font-size: 14px;">depend</span><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> on others to get their wisdom and understanding. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">3. <b>Ask God for Discernment:</b> Make sure those who inspire you are speaking and teaching Truth according to the Word of God. Isaiah 11:3 "and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears;"</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">4. <b>Ask with Confidence:</b> YOU yes YOU are God's kid! He loves YOU, He wants YOU, He desires YOU. We are all "classmates" with ONE teacher. If you ask Him and seek Him..He will give you knowledge and wisdom! Matthew 7:7-8 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." I think we can be so insecure that we defer out to other people too much, no one else can claim your inheritance from God. No one else can receive your salvation. No one else can have YOUR relationship with the King. Let's step up in confidence and go after Him on earth, don't wait for Heaven..Live in communion with Him NOW! </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">5. <b>Be Content with YOU:</b> "But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty." We live trying to compare ourselves to others, social media has helped with that a LOT: "they are a better mom" "they have better skin" "they get to travel all over the world" "they have perfect children" "they get to have a baby boy and I am stuck with girls" "they are so skinny" "they cook such beautiful meals" "they have a beautiful house" "they have fabulous clothing" "they have the best car" "they never seem stressed out" "they have an amazing job".....you get the idea! God says "if you are content to SIMPLY be yourself, your life will count for plenty" or the NIV says "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." God made you just as He wanted to, YOU are amazing, YOU are created in His image, He has a plan for YOU..lets try to live up to being the daughter of The KING not living up to the stranger on Pinterest who we think has the life we want. You are Fearfully and Wonderfully made! (Psalm 139:14) </span></div>
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<br />delightfulmomstuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937887128527143371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874491568890565123.post-14951784871009388552015-02-01T16:17:00.001-06:002015-02-01T22:36:08.390-06:00New Year...New Beginnings! I just looked at the blog and realized that I haven't posted anything since October! There is probably good reason for that, we have had to many changes and so much going on, I don't even know that I have opened my computer! It seems overwhelming to recap the past 3 months- I will just give you a snapshot and then we can move forward! I do have some cool stuff the Lord has shown me about change- can't wait to share it at some point! Here you go!<br />
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[In September, Dave was offered a job in Scottsdale, AZ (he was born and raised in AZ), after several months of praying for the Lord's plan for his job and our family, we felt like this is what He wanted us to do. Dave is THRILLED to be back in AZ...it is extremely bittersweet for me! I know it is God's plan for us, but I am not going to say I didn't kick and scream on the way (and maybe I am still kicking a bit!) This picture was from our 20+ hour drive from KC to AZ- (at least my AZ man was wearing his Jayhawk shirt in this pic!!)]</div>
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[Meet Duke! In order to make the transition easier for the girls, we decided a puppy would be the perfect idea to surprise them with when they arrived to our new home! Worst.Decision.Ever (for the mom- the others are thrilled with it)! I now have a 4th child and this one bites! I keep saying "no one should have a Milly and a Duke"! A three year old and a puppy is a bad idea on so many levels!]</div>
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[We made it to Arizona as a family of 5 (we lived with daddy in AZ for 2 months before the move) just in time for Christmas- notice the giant bags under my eyes on Christmas Eve- this move whipped me- new house, new schools for the girls, new puppy, new friends, new job for Dave, new emotions from the girls.... I have still not recovered- but I am forcing myself to get up and plug in...under-eye bags and all!]</div>
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That is a little snapshot of what we have been up to! We are getting ready for our 11th Anniversary next weekend and this will mark the 7th move in our marriage! I am hoping we can stay put for a while- I am getting too old for this mess! (Military wives....you are AMAZING...seriously!)<br />
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Happy 2015!!!<br />
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<br />delightfulmomstuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937887128527143371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874491568890565123.post-53799725102363209152014-10-22T14:18:00.000-05:002014-10-22T14:48:28.073-05:00GIVEAWAY: MEGA BLOKS FAST TRACKS RACEWAYI have a great giveaway for you today- the girls have had a blast playing with this! We love Mega Bloks inside, outside and in the tub/shower! Enter to win- such a great gift for Christmas!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">JOIN THE MEGA BLOKS FAST TRACKS RACING TEAM!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">One (1) winner receives the First Builders™ Fast Tracks™ Raceway<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Prizing & samples courtesy of Mega Bloks. </span></i><i style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Giveaway open to US addresses only</span></i><br />
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<a href="http://www.megabloks.com/en-us/shop/construction-toys/first-builders/fast-tracks-raceway-81266"><span style="color: black;"><i><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">{</span></i><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">MEGA BLOKS FIRST BUILDERS</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">™ FAST TRACKS™ RACEWAY}</span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bighonchomedia.com/assets/MegaBloks/first-builders-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bighonchomedia.com/assets/MegaBloks/first-builders-logo.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 10.5pt;">ABOUT THE FAST TRACKS™ RACEWAY</span></b><span style="color: red; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Drivers, start your engines! Gear up and get ready for some high-speed adventures with the Fast Tracks Racing Team by Mega Bloks First Builders. Your little race car driver can build with the tracks and blocks and mix and match the race cars for endless play. Use the colorful stickers to create even more imaginary fun. Watch as they screech and vroom through the raceways, and the fans in the stands cheer them on! Who will be in the lead, as the checkered flag is waved?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Ideal for ages 1 to 5.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />Features:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">•</span><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Two mix-and-match buildable cars for lots of raceway fun!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">•</span><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">50 pieces, including new easy-to-build tracks and three building plates<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">•</span><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Fun sticker sheet to customize your little racer’s blocks and cars!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">•</span><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Compatible with all Mega Bloks First Builders sets for endless building possibilities and family fun</span></div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f65bdab99/" id="rc-f65bdab99" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>delightfulmomstuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937887128527143371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874491568890565123.post-88620670598038006742014-09-07T09:22:00.002-05:002015-04-03T18:02:13.731-05:00Potty Training Boot Camp!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Well, I have successfully finished potty training child #3...what a relief! I thought I would jot down my notes before I forget. I very LOSELY used the <a href="http://www.3daypottytraining.com/">The 3 Day Potty Training Method</a>, (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IU8Y0AA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00IU8Y0AA&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=BRPLW66L6TL2JS7I">HERE </a>is the book) although (of course) I modified it to not be SO hard core..and it has worked for me every time. I might say that there isn't much of that method that I really stick to- I just want to give them credit for the shell of my plan!<br />
Here is what I did:<br />
NOTE: Of course, every child is different- this is what worked for 3 of my very opposite girls. I will say, none of them were "ready" when I potty trained them!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uUIGj3d0oVGTgDFcmOzawaH-UBXulB9Pik-qsoJ_BWZ-wXja84syuaSqng1k0Qktsxond7w5Egcst79TM1_s3iIsCFV4IgtPEVI72Og1-weS3KiAoZkijxM5elxejUdz6eVhWsnRYu2d/s640/blogger-image-358414720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uUIGj3d0oVGTgDFcmOzawaH-UBXulB9Pik-qsoJ_BWZ-wXja84syuaSqng1k0Qktsxond7w5Egcst79TM1_s3iIsCFV4IgtPEVI72Og1-weS3KiAoZkijxM5elxejUdz6eVhWsnRYu2d/s320/blogger-image-358414720.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<b>PREPARE: </b><br />
1. Download a fun potty App- we used <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/potty-time-with-elmo/id525507410?mt=8">"Potty Time with Elmo"</a> and Milly loved it. There are also a lot of fun YouTube videos for potty training- Milly is obsessed with the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-9Bq87czuY">Pull Ups Potty Dance.</a><br />
2. Get lots of drinks and snacks- Fiber rich foods or foods that make them need to poop are really helpful (raisins, natural fruit snacks, I added flax to a lot of smoothies, apple juice, fun juices in fun boxes that they usually don't get, probiotic smoothie drinks, chocolate milk, donuts, etc..) The point is that they need to have lots of opportunities to use the potty. Have one extra special treat for when they putty successfully- candy, fruit loops, etc..<br />
3. Buy some new exciting underwear<br />
4. Purchase one box of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HB0WN2U/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00HB0WN2U&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=ELJH6YAYXKJ5ITUU">Pull Ups </a><br />
5. Purchase <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EDR6YB0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EDR6YB0&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=57ZGTYOMAFT4CWO3">Moist Flushable Wipes</a> - this is not required, just helpful (especially with girls)<br />
6. A little stool at the potty is helpful- I do not use potty seats, just train on the toilet you want them to use- I don't really understand why we would train on the little potty seat and then train again on the big potty- just do the big one and be done. (you will not find the potty seat in public- so just go big! That being said-it is nice to have a potty seat in the back of the car for girls in emergencies (from what I understand, boys can find a tree) just grab a used one or one from a friend in case of emergencies. You might use this for a week- so don't spend a lot of $$ on it.<br />
7. Block out your schedule- I am serious, do not leave the house for 3 days. It is nice to have someone else with you- or at least to send your other kids out and about so you can focus.<br />
8. Have beach towels and clean up rags ready. (if you use Clorox wipes, have some on hand- I used Norwex cloths)<br />
9. Finally, have a bottle of wine on hand- if you like wine! It is a LONG 3 days!<br />
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<b>THE BIG DAY:</b><br />
1. The night before set it up- tell the child- "Tomorrow is Potty day!!!" Yea!! Get other people to be excited for them also- call grandma or an aunt or friends- let them hype it up!<br />
2. Have all of the above ready when they wake up in the morning.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-QiCmoFjdlIu7_NtExcNPua2ckIVFu81ejyufZnWAz1MPX-ATfxuzzKXkWWTY2XYDDcDGDzrpNSEcQZTlqB2DUOwhZfHLwmnV-08K01p3TDNAF8dtNjkvP97R8ugr6EclZ5ORi2VnCax/s640/blogger-image--387428984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-QiCmoFjdlIu7_NtExcNPua2ckIVFu81ejyufZnWAz1MPX-ATfxuzzKXkWWTY2XYDDcDGDzrpNSEcQZTlqB2DUOwhZfHLwmnV-08K01p3TDNAF8dtNjkvP97R8ugr6EclZ5ORi2VnCax/s320/blogger-image--387428984.jpg" width="240" /></a>3. When they wake up- have them throw away their diaper. Tell them that they will no longer need a baby diaper. (the 3 day method says to have them throw away all of the diapers, I think this is a little extreme, just bag them up and give them to a friend who needs them) It is helpful to get the diapers out of the house- that way you don't give up in a moment of weakness.<br />
4. Let the child pick out the underwear they want to wear and make a big deal of it.<br />
5. Take them to the designated area for the "potty party" (preferably this location would not have carpet or material- wood or tile floors and plastic chairs are best for clean up). I set up a few towels with a plastic kid chair in our kitchen with my computer for movies and picnic style activities (painting nails, coloring, iPad, snacks, movies..anything to get them to stay put)<br />
6. Pump them full of drinks and snacks so they will need to potty a lot- ask them "do you need to go potty" and "are your panties dry" a lot- just so they are aware that you want them to be dry.<br />
7. The 3 Day Potty Training method says to wait until they start to potty to run them to the potty. I have them sit on the potty every 20 minutes or so- that way they will have early successes. Chances are you will do a little of both the first few days. They will have an accident and you will run them to the potty and tell them "this is where we potty- good job!!" The real key is to STAY HOME and continue to run them to the potty.<br />
8. My #2 and #3 did not have a successful toilet potty until day 3- DAY 3!! I thought it was hopeless, but then it clicked and they never looked back. One week after starting to potty train Milly she was sleeping in panties and out and about with little to no accidents.<br />
9. Pooping takes a little longer, it just doesn't happen as often. It takes time for them to get it, just be patient and continue to encourage them to try on the potty. This is where the App comes in handy, they can sit and try with a game and not notice that they are trying.<br />
10. Napping and sleeping- the 3 Day Potty Training Method says no pull ups- I say have them wear "nighttime panties" to nap and bed. I am not trying to change sheets every day. I had my #1 & #2 wear panties and put the pull up over them. This way they could still feel the nasty wet panties, but no mess. I also had them wear a pull up when we went out for an extended period of time. They understood we still needed to use the potty. I told them "I want these panties to be dry also, it is not a baby diaper". Milly on the other hand (child #3) refused to wear pull ups, she put panties on and never looked back (after 4 long days of training). She sleeps and naps in big girl panties and does great.<br />
11. I remember thinking with all three of them- "are they ever going to poop?" This process just takes longer in my experience. Eventually they get it- be patient.<br />
12. I find it easiest with the child just wearing panties, no need for clothes on these days- if anything a t-shirt, but try to make it easy for them to run, pull down the panties and go!<br />
13. Finally, when you put them to bed at night, take a deep breath, have a glass of wine, unwind and know that tomorrow is a new day. Do not be discouraged by lack of success on the potty- just remember it is 3-4 days of your life and they will get it- don't lose hope! Stay positive, stay calm..don't freak when they have accidents- they will get it!<br />
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<b>NOTES:</b><br />
1. Everyone and I mean EVERYONE, will tell you "maybe he/she's not ready" several times. You will begin to doubt yourself and the timing. You will want to quit. DO NOT. Once you start, do not stop. You have to do this at some point, if mom is ready...do it. The 3 Day Potty Training Method says you can do it any time after 22-months and I agree. It might take 1 day, it might take 5 but they will get it. Like I said, not one of my girls was "ready" based on the articles you read about potty training readiness.<br />
2. Try to have some fun, your child will feel it if you are stressed- just clean up the mess and move on- they will get it- THEY WILL GET IT!<br />
3. Stay home, stay home, stay home. At least for 3 days- seriously, do not run around town with a potty training child- it does not set them up for success.<br />
4. Finally, if you have a friend or relative who is potty training here are some things to do for them that will bless their socks off: 1) encourage them- no negative talk!! 2) encourage the child- celebrate when they potty, call them on the phone to check on their success 3) take them wine and food 4) take their other kids 5) take a 1 hour potty training shift- let them have an hour to let off steam while you run the kid to and from the potty. I bet the child will love the new helper also.<br />
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That is it, I am not going to lie, potty training is BRUTAL. Seriously, one of my least favorite milestones, but it has to be done and it is over before you know it! Go Mom!!!delightfulmomstuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937887128527143371noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874491568890565123.post-59938625373384362112014-09-01T22:52:00.002-05:002014-09-01T22:52:25.681-05:0010 Current Delights!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been MIA for a while, life is fun how it takes twists and turns and we never know what the next season will bring! God is adventurous like that, never boring, always exciting..His mercies are new every morning and His grace is abounding! Since I am in a total rut, and by "rut" I mean- running around crazy without a moment to spare- I thought I would check in with a little update of some things that I think are Delightful right now...i.e. give you a little update!<br />
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1. <b>What I'm doing:</b> In June, I started working at our church part time. (www.visitgracechurch.com if you are in the KC area come visit!!) I am dipping my toe back into planning events and feel so blessed to have the opportunity to plan them for the church. Both of my passions colliding. Of course, it comes with sacrifice (my house, my family, my friends..all getting a little less) and I feel like I am wearing 20 hats, but I blessed to have the opportunity.<br />
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2. <b>What is challenging me: </b>Potty Training (enough said) there is no other toddler activity or phase that I dread more. I, frankly, like diapers- no matter where we are they can potty without me dragging them into a nasty public restroom! I seriously "h word" the whole process! But..we are doing it, we are all in! (and by "we" I mean "I"!)<br />
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3. <b>What I'm excited about: </b>I host a Bible Study (we call it "Wine and the Word") with the most darling girls and we are getting ready for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1430028602/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1430028602&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=HR4Y3R75UKTDYLA3">"Children of the Day"</a> Beth Moore's brand new study on 1&2 Thessalonians. I cannot tell you how excited I am to get back into a study!<br />
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4. <b>What I'm wearing: </b><br />
<a href="https://www.baldwindenim.com/product/denim-womens/rivington-santa-cruz-destroyed/">+ These are my absolute favorite jeans</a> right now, I am obsessed!<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L6G8M9S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00L6G8M9S&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=O237J7UZMTFGG7MY">+ Laura Mercier released the fall caviar stick colors and I am in love with Copper.</a> (thanks to Christina for this very expensive obsession)<br />
+ I am in LOVE with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008UZERHY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008UZERHY&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=XZZMXKOQ7P4AWPCF">RMS "Un" Cover UP</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H4G3JUQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00H4G3JUQ&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=OJEAQRYUQJ7CKMS7">Lip2Cheek</a> (totally organic and natural- JCrew models use this brand)<br />
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5. <b>What the girls are wearing: </b>Of course I love Crewcuts for kids but I am a big fan of <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/kids/girl-%283-14-years%29/coats-c269255.html">Zara Kids </a>right now- LOVE!<br />
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6. <b>What I'm cooking: </b>My godmother, Marsha, introduced me to <a href="http://www.cindyskitchen.com/">Cindy's Kitchen Marinade/Dressing</a> (I get it at Whole Foods) and I have been putting organic chicken breasts (from Costco of course) in the slow cooker for 5-6 hours with Cindy's Kitchen Fresh Avocado Vinaigrette- literally just pour a bottle over several chicken breasts and leave it for 6 hours then shred them with a fork and it is so yummy and can be used for SO many dishes. Really simple, which is necessary these days!<br />
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7. <b>What I am now an expert on: </b>Lice, that is right, I can spot a "nit" from a mile away! The first week of school our whole crew (minus Dave of course) had FREAKIN' LICE! I have never had lice in my whole life and it spread through our long, curly headed crew in no time. I am not kidding, it is the worst. I had to sit with the girls for HOURS picking those nasty little tiny things out- not to mention laundry, vacuuming, etc..we finally went to a "lice treatment" place and paid a small fortune for them to treat all of us. I did however learn a few things- 1)we use Tea Tree shampoo and conditioner every day (Trader Joes has a good one) 2) I would not use "Rit" or the other poison they sell at Wallgreens, I would go straight to the removal place 3) there are really great natural products- but nothing kills the nits- you have to remove them strand-by-strand 4)This <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HIBPV8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000HIBPV8&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=5SDPDRQQJARMNCIY">Nit comb </a>is the best- even if you don't have lice, you can comb through hair when kids have been at school or somewhere with a lot of kids and cloth. I pray with my whole heart we never get that again!<br />
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8. <b>What I'm reading: </b>I have been reading<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0982032021/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0982032021&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=W3GPCZLTKKGGRHXT"> "Releasing the Ability of God through Prayer</a>" by Charles Capps- it is fascinating, making me really think about my prayers and being aware of the words that I speak.<br />
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9. <b>What I'm listening to: </b>Holy Cow, I am loving <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N21O3HU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00N21O3HU&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=NBP5UHHPEOWWNF5P">Steffany Gretzinger, The Undoing. </a>It is such precious worship with the Lord. I also love and have way over played <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JS006K2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JS006K2&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=7OASYQSSICU7JAOX">Bethel Music, You make me Brave (Live)</a> - "It is Well" just gets me!<br />
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10. <b>What is rocking my world</b>:<br />
+ <a href="https://www.wunderlist.com/">Wunderlist</a>: It is the best App- I am a "list maker" and this lets me categorize my to-do lists and then check them off when I am done- so great for grocery shopping, when you grab an item it takes it off the list! AND..you can share tasks with friends or uhhum husbands!<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0038AXN30/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0038AXN30&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=S2PDAUEWMTAIOI3X">+ Amazing Meal Powder: </a>I make a morning shake with 1 scoop of this, 1 banana, almond milk (unsweet) and 1/2t Matcha Green Tea (see next)- I feel great and have lost some weight- I love that it isn't soy or whey but plant based protein! There are fun flavors but I like plain.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DDT116M/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00DDT116M&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=65ONKY6KD7N4QKYA">+ Matcha Green Tea Powder: </a>My Brother and SIL introduced me to this- it is awesome for you. It is a bit pricy but lasts forever!<br />
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That is the scoop! I do actually have another post I have been working on- so it won't be another 4 months before I post! Happy September!<br />
<br />delightfulmomstuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937887128527143371noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874491568890565123.post-83272155218695757292014-06-24T22:19:00.000-05:002014-06-24T22:19:10.025-05:00Healthy Protein Balls- Perfected!!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have been trying to perfect my "Protein Balls" for quite some time! I used to add all of these ingredients whole and freeze them, however, they were always a little chunky to eat and my girls didn't love them. We have a darling little juice bar in town and they make the most perfect PB's so I have been trying to recreate them for myself. AND...success! Here is the scoop:</div>
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{I start with the following: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CS5T2C2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CS5T2C2&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=OKXTVAH6MKPKP2WT">Decadent Blend</a> (chia, flax, coconut, cocoa), Unsalted Raw Walnuts and Almonds, and Oats- I put these in my food processor and blend until it is really fine-almost solid. Then I take that blend and add some honey and NATURAL Peanut butter (the only ingredient should be peanuts and salt- but if you can find one with just peanuts, get that. Trader Joes has a good unsalted PB) I mix it with my hands until it feels moldable. I then take my small ice cream scoop and dip it out like cookies on a tray. Finally, I add a unsweet cocoa chip on the top and keep them in the fridge. They are seriously AMAZING- the girls love them too! (optional ingredients: protein powder, coconut oil, coconut, other nuts, almond butter, etc..)}</div>
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<a href="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/IMG_2621_zps92322e0a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/IMG_2621_zps92322e0a.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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{This is the result - I am telling you- they are so good and they really fill you up in a pinch. They also help with that 4pm sweet fix!}</div>
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<a href="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/IMG_2619_zps3d52e38e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/IMG_2619_zps3d52e38e.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />delightfulmomstuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937887128527143371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874491568890565123.post-31502147912540286272014-06-08T22:04:00.001-05:002014-06-08T22:04:58.431-05:00Driveway Fun! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We love playing outside as much as possible. When we are not at the pool we are usually on our driveway and we are usually on our driveway with tons of kids! We live at the end of a cul-de-sac- so all of the kids end up at our house- which we LOVE! Here are 10 ideas for outdoor fun this summer! </div>
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{#1: The water table is a great way to contain the mess! We like to fill it with bubbles- I use all natural dish soap so that they can cover themselves with it and I won't care- they find SO many things to do with the soap!}</div>
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<a href="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/IMG_5672_zps8fe6942c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/IMG_5672_zps8fe6942c.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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{#2: We also use the water table for painting- we have a bunch of rocks or sea shells and they go to town with washable paint. When they are done- just add soap for bubbles and everyone gets clean! (see #1) We like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VBXL52/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002VBXL52&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=2SZHS2BNJ73RCJ5O">THIS PAINT</a>}</div>
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<a href="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/IMG_5626_zps6e006db3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/IMG_5626_zps6e006db3.jpg" height="400" width="332" /></a></div>
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{#3: We love <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AHAJGXK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00AHAJGXK&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=Q3TRML65Y5TTKWLG">Sidewalk chalk</a>- we do a lot of sidewalk painting with a cup of water and a paint brush. They draw their picture with chalk and then "paint" over it with water and it makes the colors so bright and it lasts a lot longer.}</div>
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<a href="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/IMG_5616_zps80d88262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/IMG_5616_zps80d88262.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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#4: Driveway Games: Hangman, Tic-tac-toe, hopscotch, 4-Square- all you need is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AHAJGXK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00AHAJGXK&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=Q3TRML65Y5TTKWLG">sidewalk chalk</a>, a rock and a ball in the case of 4-Square<br />
#5: The girls are obsessed with the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GUGY1S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000GUGY1S&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=QKEZ2A4YFP3PK7EY">Plasma Car</a>- they go to the top of the hill and ride it down full speed- all ages love this!<br />
#6: My girls love <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009R9FUEQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B009R9FUEQ&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=5KCZHGLRFSRAOHV2">THIS bubble machine</a>- we have tried several and this is the only one that hasn't broken on the first few uses (bonus is it dances and plays music). It it so much fun to have bubbles flying everywhere.<br />
#7: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DC6YE4M/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00DC6YE4M&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=H4LVIGT77MLYMS4L">Water Guns</a>..of course! We fill up a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000058TJ3/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000058TJ3&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=MMWXRHENW3TTJTII">blow up pool</a> and the kids can refill the guns and have tons of wet fun! (I have 10-15 water guns in my garage just in case we need to have water gun battle at any time!)<br />
#8: There is an area of the yard where they can take shovels and dig away in the dirt- they find bugs and worms and explore!<br />
#9: Speaking of Bugs! We have <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TJ1JX6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003TJ1JX6&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=UX7Q64E4Y34ZGQIO">bug houses</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YJMHLC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000YJMHLC&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=PZFEYA3SVK4R4L5O">bug "suckers"</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003AQBBW2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003AQBBW2&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=S7LREWDTRGTMLS5J">bug tools</a>... you name it- we are ready to study bugs at any time!<br />
#10: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001RIYSUW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001RIYSUW&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20&linkId=GJ7BMY24PBL7OFFY">Slip and slide</a>- fun no matter how old or young- don't forget the baby oil to lube it up!<br />
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delightfulmomstuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937887128527143371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874491568890565123.post-50873778386625538182014-05-22T22:13:00.000-05:002014-05-22T22:13:01.743-05:00Vegetable of the Week Club !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have a summer plan for learning to like Veggies around here! I have a "food philosophy" (and I seem to be the only one in our home who finds this <u>life altering</u>!) it is this... "You have two choices when eating food- you can eat to fill your stomach or eat to nourish your body". In the end you are feeling full either way, but when you eat for nourishment it effects so many more aspects of your life! In a "Sunday School Mom Moment" I even relate this theory to TV and Music- you can watch TV and listen to music that fills your head with "stuff" or you can nourish your mind with truth, hope, knowledge, worship, etc.. ANYWAY...I am on a mission to get this crew to love veggies (and worship obviously!) so we are starting the "Vegetable of the Week Club"- here is the scoop:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Vegetable of the Week Club!</span></div>
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+ Membership to this "club" is included with room and board and is not optional!<br />
+ On Sundays, we will venture to the store or Farmers Market and pick out enough veggies for the week (if they can last that long)- Just one kind of veggie for the week (with as many variations as possible of that veggie)<br />
+ We will start with 12 Weeks- see our list below<br />
+ We will prepare our "Veggie of the week" differently every day- (raw, cooked, with dressing, peanut butter, butter, cinnamon, cheese, hummus, blended in a soup...different every day)<br />
+ On day 6 we will vote for our favorite preparation and "enjoy" that for the final day!<br />
+ We are trying to grow several of the veggies in our garden- we are new at this- but hopefully that will help our excitement!<br />
+ The ENTIRE family has to be on board (and by this I mean, DAD has to be excited about it!)<br />
+ Let the kids come up with ideas for how to prepare the veggies- if they dip them in icing one day...fine. The point is, veggies are exciting!<br />
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This is our veggie schedule- obviously pick what works for your family. I am starting with veggies we like and working from there!<br />
Week 1: Carrots<br />
Week 2: Asparagus<br />
Week 3: Broccoli<br />
Week 4: Avocado<br />
Week 5: Beets<br />
Week 6: Cucumber<br />
Week 7: Tomato<br />
Week 8: Spinach<br />
Week 9: Peppers<br />
Week 10: Radish<br />
Week 11: Potato/Sweet Potato<br />
Week 12: Kale<br />
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I would like to continue this, but for now I have a 12 week goal!delightfulmomstuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937887128527143371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874491568890565123.post-39859785561784551502014-04-28T21:29:00.001-05:002014-04-28T21:29:47.119-05:00New Music: You Make Me BraveI wanted to share this new album with you- I am loving it and hope you do too!<br />
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{You Make Me <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JS006K2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JS006K2&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20">Brave by Bethel Music</a> is FANTASTIC worship! If you have not listened to any of their music, I suggest purchasing all of their albums! Go to this<a href="http://bethelmusic.com/you-make-me-brave"> LINK</a> and watch the videos}</div>
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{This is my favorite song "We Dance"- listen and crank it up!}</div>
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delightfulmomstuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937887128527143371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874491568890565123.post-38860895149592713052014-04-24T12:30:00.000-05:002014-04-24T12:30:06.130-05:00The Best Nail Polish!! I am so excited to share this product with you all! First, I want to make clear that no one asked me to try this product- I simply went in to Beauty Brands desperate for a product that would help my manicures last longer and found it! I really like to have my nails painted..at all times... however, I have been fed up with them chipping every 2 days and looking horrible. Even when I have them professionally done, they chip in 2 days. I also do not like gels for the simple fact that you have to go back in and have them done, and lets face it, I am not in a spot where I can have a standing mani appointment! Anyway, I went in to Beauty Brands and decided to try <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EA5B2VW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EA5B2VW&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20">CND Vinylux</a>. It claims to last 7 days with no special light needed. I have heard that people love it, but I sort of expected it to be all hype! Let me tell you girls...it is amazing! It lasts without chipping (I would say 5 days for me, which is a miracle- I am so rough on my nails), it comes off easily, it dries perfectly (in about 8 minutes), the colors are awesome, it is super easy...I cannot tell you how excited I am about it (I know, first world excitement). {note, these are around $9 at Beauty Brands (same as OPI) however they around $6-7 on Amazon}<br />
This is how I prep my nails:<br />
1. Remove polish (even if you are not wearing any, wipe with Nail polish remover)<br />
2. Shape nails as needed (with clippers or a file)<br />
3. Push Back cuticles- I use <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003O4H2L4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003O4H2L4&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20">CND Cuticle Remover</a> with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0021R2UIU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0021R2UIU&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20">Cuticle Pusher</a> (wash after)<br />
<a href="http://victoriasbeauty.com/eng_pl_CND-VINYLUX-Cake-Pop-O-135-3839_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://victoriasbeauty.com/eng_pl_CND-VINYLUX-Cake-Pop-O-135-3839_2.jpg" height="268" width="320" /></a>4. Use a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A8DHI2C/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00A8DHI2C&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20">buffer block </a>on all of the nails- wash hands really well<br />
5. Use the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0083HG6PK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0083HG6PK&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20">CND Scrub Fresh</a> (this little bottle will last forever)<br />
6. Paint on Color- 2 coats<br />
7. Paint on 1 layer of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EA5B2VW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EA5B2VW&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20">CND Vinylux Top Coat</a><br />
8. Let dry for 8 minutes and you are good to go for the week!<br />
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Here are my favorite colors so far: (but seriously, there are so many awesome options)<br />
+ <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CNG1T6S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CNG1T6S&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20">Studio White</a><br />
+ <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CNFI8YU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CNFI8YU&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20">Cake Pop</a><span id="goog_1443032012"></span><span id="goog_1443032013"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
+ <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CNG32C2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CNG32C2&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20">Tropi</a>x<br />
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{Here are my nails after 5 very busy days}</div>
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<a href="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/IMG_2088_zps5e461b58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/IMG_2088_zps5e461b58.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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delightfulmomstuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937887128527143371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-874491568890565123.post-45749442996495459942014-04-16T22:43:00.000-05:002014-04-16T22:43:41.172-05:00Baby Shower Recap!We hosted a baby shower for a dear friend last weekend and I thought I would share it with you! My favorite part to plan is the food/drinks of course! Here is the scoop: (her colors are coral, navy and white)<div style="text-align: center;">
{Here is the table- Table Cloth: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/183646263/12ft-coral-lace-overlay-tablecloth?ref=sr_gallery_13&ga_search_query=coral+tablecloth&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto4&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery">HERE</a>, Tissue Pom Pom: <a href="https://www.shopsweetlulu.com/item/Peach-Bellini-Pom-Pom-Kit/2017/c84">HERE</a>- my girl Christina helped me with the set up- those tissue poms are a serious challenge- but cute!}</div>
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<a href="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/Lizas%20Shower/IMG_2365_zps8e00f3b6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/Lizas%20Shower/IMG_2365_zps8e00f3b6.jpg" height="548" width="640" /></a></div>
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{Another glance at the food- recipes to come. White Hydrangeas are my absolute favorite!}</div>
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<a href="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/Lizas%20Shower/IMG_1936_zps5f8186cf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/Lizas%20Shower/IMG_1936_zps5f8186cf.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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{I love a good mimosa bar! This was my first time trying Blueberry juice- I will ditch that idea next time- but Mango and Orange are a must!}</div>
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<a href="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/Lizas%20Shower/IMG_1950_zpsb1d055db.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/Lizas%20Shower/IMG_1950_zpsb1d055db.jpg" height="640" width="558" /></a></div>
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{I have seen this a million times on Pinterest- the veggie cups added fun color to the table! I might use this idea for every occasion!}</div>
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<a href="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/Lizas%20Shower/IMG_2361_zpscfe22708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/Lizas%20Shower/IMG_2361_zpscfe22708.jpg" height="440" width="640" /></a></div>
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{We did parfait cups in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008OQNVVC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008OQNVVC&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20">stemless martini glasses</a>- I like Vanilla Greek Yogurt from Trader Joes, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CROPGG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000CROPGG&linkCode=as2&tag=deligh-20">Bare Naked fit Granola</a> (vanilla almond crunch) is the best!}</div>
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<a href="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/Lizas%20Shower/IMG_2362_zps4aa68953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/Lizas%20Shower/IMG_2362_zps4aa68953.jpg" height="376" width="640" /></a></div>
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{I just love fresh flowers! Christina ordered the darling cookies- they were delightful!}</div>
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<a href="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/Lizas%20Shower/IMG_2351_zpse138d2a7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/Lizas%20Shower/IMG_2351_zpse138d2a7.jpg" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
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{Drink Station}</div>
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<a href="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/Lizas%20Shower/IMG_1953_zps191e6693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/Lizas%20Shower/IMG_1953_zps191e6693.jpg" height="440" width="640" /></a></div>
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{Christina and our other co-host Nikki did these favors- they were darling!}</div>
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<a href="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/Lizas%20Shower/IMG_1963_zpseb3b4b5f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/Lizas%20Shower/IMG_1963_zpseb3b4b5f.jpg" height="640" width="632" /></a></div>
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{ok- those Blueberry Oat Bars are my new favorite things! We LOVE the Starbucks Blueberry Oat Bars and they stopped selling them. So I googled the recipe and found one that was perfect (well, I did add more blueberries and oats) <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/204280533072173873/">HERE is the link</a>}</div>
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<a href="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/Lizas%20Shower/ceed8491-90c0-4f33-91df-a0e258ffb55b_zpse86b48a9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/Lizas%20Shower/ceed8491-90c0-4f33-91df-a0e258ffb55b_zpse86b48a9.jpg" height="584" width="640" /></a></div>
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{One of my favorite things we do in our hometown is the "group gift"- everyone sends in $30-$35 and we get to give the mom-to-be one of her large items. We got to give Liza her Pack n'play and some people brought gifts as well. We also brought her books instead of cards- love that!}</div>
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<a href="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/Lizas%20Shower/IMG_2382_zps261fddd7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/Lizas%20Shower/IMG_2382_zps261fddd7.jpg" height="506" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here is my menu: (click for recipe link)</span></div>
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> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/204280533072173873/">Blueberry Oat Bars</a></div>
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> <a href="http://www.delightfulmomstuff.com/2012/04/recipe-mondayeaster-series-karens.html">Killer Rolls</a></div>
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> Yogurt Parfaits ("recipe" above)</div>
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> Veggie Cups (ranch at the bottom- nothing fancy there)</div>
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> <a href="http://www.delightfulmomstuff.com/2011/09/delightful-and-healthy-banana-bread.html">Banana Bread</a></div>
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> Sausage Egg Casserole (from my friend Lisa- seriously the best!)</div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lisa's Sausage Egg Casserole</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">8 slices white bread cubed and decrusted</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">2 1/2 cup Monterrey Jack Cheese, Grated (sometimes use the monterrey jack and cheddar mix)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1 pound Regular Sausage</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1/2 pound Hot Sausage </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">9 eggs</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1 4 oz chopped green chilies</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1 1/2 cup milk</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1/2 tsp cumin</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1/2 tsp salt</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">-Brown and drain sausage. Set aside</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">-Grease 9X13 pyrex dish</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">-Line with Bread cubes</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">-Sprinkle 2 cups grated cheese and green chilies</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">-Add sausage on top</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">-Mix eggs, milk and spices- </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Pour over mixture. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">-Add remaining cheese on top. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Cover and refrigerate overnight</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Bake 1 hour at 350</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">{Finally, the activities! We had everyone write a note on a diaper for the parents to read while changing those late night diapers}</span></div>
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<a href="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/Lizas%20Shower/IMG_1954_zps14db4517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q683/Jenica_Baldwin_McMaster/Lizas%20Shower/IMG_1954_zps14db4517.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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{We also did a questionnaire for the mom and dad-to-be and everyone had to guess who said which answer (I stole this idea from my friend Amy)- the answers were awesome and it was a fun activity! (please excuse the horrible photo!)}</div>
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delightfulmomstuffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02937887128527143371noreply@blogger.com0