Recipes??

My fair readers,
I didn't mean to mislead. The wonderful chicken was from Harter House, out of their neat section of already prepared meat dishes. I should've made something up and let you think I created that dish on my own. The brussel sprouts were an experiment for me. I cut fresh brussel sprouts in half and sauteed them in a little olive oil. They got a little crispy on the edges. I added salt and pepper. I got a vote from Josh that we should do that again. Half-Baked brownies were also something else that I think you got the wrong idea on, it was a box of Gheridelli Brownies that I literally baked half the time. So they were ewey, gooey yumminess. I hope you all aren't to disappointed by my honesty. It was still yummy.
Me

Yum.

The Menu tonight:
Parmasan Artichoke Chicken
Sauted Brussell Sprouts
Mac and Cheese

Half-Baked Brownies.

It was great.

Whew.

We made it through our first whole week of school. The girls are still doing really great. The busy schedule finally caught up with Little Sis and on Thursday evening she had a meltdown. WOW!! She was beyond unreasonable. Josh and I just laughed becaused we knew it was the tiredness finally catching up with her. She finally settled down and went to sleep and woke up Friday with her usual cheery disposition. Today we have a birthday party and a grown-up get together. One of Josh's friends he deployed with is having people over. This is Josh's chance to get back at me for dragging him to MOPs and Pops night. Maybe I should practice my smile and small talk before we go. Uggh.

The first step

Last night Josh and I filled out an online application for an adoption agency. I have some paperwork to get together and send in as well. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks we will hear something. The country we are seeking out is quite different than the one that we originally talked about. I just feel God telling me that's where our baby is.

Fasting

Yesterday I went on a computer fast. It was awesome. I am usually drawn to get on the computer if I have a minute to spare. Most of the time that minute becames half an hour or maybe more. Yesterday I was praying and I just felt like God was calling me to fast from the computer. Each time throughout the day when I wanted to use the computer, my thought process was changed to focus on God and all the gifts He's given us. It was great. I recommend it for all of you others who find yourselves addicted to this thing. Maybe next time I will go for two days, or more.

Our first day

Countdown continues..with update

ONE DAY TO GO!

Girls meet their teachers today.

I made a teacher gift with an apple theme.

I'm hoping this will butter them up so they like my kids best.

Just being honest here.

HERE IS A PICTURE OF THE TEACHER GIFT: apple candle, apple stamp, apple hand sanitizer and an apple (it's all from the Dollar Tree, except the apple of course.)

COUNTING DOWN TO SCHOOL

Two days to go.

AACCCKKK! (in case you didn't know, that's a scream)

Falling Up

My husband was stunned by my gracefulness today. I was carrying groceries in from the garage when my flip-flop toe got caught on the step. I slowly fell into the house dropping groceries as I went. It was one of those slo-mo things where I felt myself going down, down and couldn't stop. My sweet husband saw the whole thing. He was concerned and kept asking if I was okay as I lay there clutching the bag left in my hand. All I could say was,"I crushed the chips." Maybe I wouldn't have made quite as big a thud if I wasn't so concerned about chips in the first place. Don't worry, Josh helped me up and I don't have any injuries, except the one to my ego. Oh, go ahead, laugh, I know you want to.

Detox

Let me start by saying that I really like my mother-in-law, she's so sweet and I can always count on her to pray for me and my crew. But, I do have to say that the first couple of days back home for the girls have been trying. It's back to reality for them and they don't really like it. We have been dealing with some disrespect issues. I've been screamed at and whined at and yelled at. I have had to try to discipline with kindness and not out of my anger. Believe me I've had anger. How could little sweet babies who you diapered and feed and rocked to sleep turn into opinionated, hateful little rotten creatures. I know it has to do with their stay at Mamaw's house. They are free to do what they want and are treated to prizes and treats and lots of fun everyday. I'm not saying that's wrong, that's what grandparents are for. But, the return to normal life where the girls are not the center of the world has been hard for all four of us. I know some of you have dealt with this before or are dealing with it now. Let's pray for each other.

They're Baaack.

My girls got home yesterday about 1:00 I was just about to put the finishing touches on their rooms. They really liked thier bedroom and it's new beach theme. I spent the week turning one room into a playroom and the other into a bedroom. I think it will be a great change and it will hopefully keep the majority of mess confined to one place. We shall see.
They had fun at my mother-in-laws house and got spoiled every minute. I do think they started missing me after a few days. Now we have to start the countdown to school. Less than two weeks away.

p.s. I am planning on filling out an adoption application really soon, be praying that God will lead us in the right direction. I will give more details later as things progress.