Day 19/2013

Day 19
Pray that your husband will be patient and a man of peace. Pray that he will not give in to anger, but will allow the Holy Spirit to control his responses. (Rom. 14:19; Ps. 34:14)
"Turn away from evil and DO GOOD. Search for peace and work to maintain it." I want to pray for Aaron and I both in this aspect of searching for peace. It's so easy to have quick and impatient responses (especially with parenting). I pray that we would both have the awareness and patience to control our responses at home, school, work and in public. Help us to recognize the broken world for what it is and strive to set ourselves apart. We are celebrating/not so celebrating 2013 at home tonight. We had some fancy sparkling grape juice and made a New Years toast at dinner. We wished for a happy family and a well behaved daughter...to which Brooklyn responded, "I'm good!.....sometimes!" Haha! Aaron and I brought out our honeymoon glasses for our grape juice. We also tried 5 guys burger and fries today. It was good-not as good as we heard from the "hype" about it. I work tomorrow so we will be counting down to the new year no later than 9pm. Hope everyone has a safe and happy new year!

Day 18-Praying for Aaron

Day 18
Pray that your husband will have an eternal perspective—living in light of eternity. Pray that he will reject materialism and temporal values and put God first in his life. (Matt. 6:33; Deut. 6:5; Eph. 5:16; Ps. 90:12)
Matt 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Deut 6:5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Ephesians 5:16
16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
12 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

I pray Aaron would always have a desire to do the right thing. I pray he would take God driven risks and always take the opportunity to help others or make a difference in someone's day. I pray he would be on guard daily to the evil temptations that lurk everywhere.

Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash is my new discovery! I made it last night and even Brooklyn couldn't tell the difference. One cup of pasta has 220 calories. One cup of spaghetti squash has only 40! Carbs: squash has 10 while pasta has 42 per serving! Spaghetti squash has a high water content. One cup of cooked squash contains 143 grams of water. Foods high in water can increase your daily water intake. They also typically are lower in calories than foods with little or no water content. Spaghetti squash is also a good source of fiber, with 2.2 grams in a 1-cup serving. Spaghetti squash also contains beta carotene, which can help improve eye and skin health, maintain a strong immune system and can help prevent infection. (Livestrong.com) It really doesn't taste much different from pasta. Brooklyn is real sensitive and usually knows when I sneak in vegetables and calls me out on it. She never questioned the squash. Good job, mom. I have successfully gotten my daughter to eat one vegetable. Ideas anyone??? My New Years resolution is to try to make Brooklyn eat a little more healthy.

Sleeping Beauty

When Brooklyn falls asleep, I just smile because I see how she is beautifully and wonderfully made. Everything about her is precious to me-from her face with peanut butter on it to her stinky feet she likes to try to make us smell. She is so funny and special in her own ways. Brooklyn, you will be 4 in about 3 months! We can't believe it. Right now, you love being dressed up, singing, twirling, playing with friends, watching movies/shows. Your favorite show is Wild Kratts-2 fun guys that explore animals and their habitats. Your favorite movies are Barbie movies or anything that has to do with a fairy or princess. Your favorite foods/drinks are: eggs, cheese, pizza, juice, milk, whales/goldfish, beef jerky,

Christmas 2012 at Lovey's

More pictures from our Christmas Eve at Lovey's

Christmas 2012

It was nice to be at my moms this year and spend time with her for Christmas. She made her delicious banana bread, ham, mashed potatoes and many other treats. My favorite part of the day was just watching the kids play, fight, and laugh. It brought back memories of my childhood at Grandmas house. I really felt Brooklyn's excitement this year. She was more excited to see Madison than she was about the presents I think. She started the day off in a sassy, bad mood but quickly changed that (thank goodness!). She gets her feelings hurt so easily when everyone doesn't want to do what she wants. Madison, Kalob and BK helped me wrap one of moms presents. They enjoyed picking out about 10 bows!

The Best Present

I asked Brooklyn what her favorite present was, thinking she would say the miniature bird nest and baby birds she was playing with, and she responded, "you and daddy as a family." It really shocked me! It also touched my heart. With all the presents, money spending, candy, and sometimes chaos of Christmas, it is so important to find peace in just being with the people you love.