Pride Fighters

This past Sunday my husband had the opportunity to give a sermon at our church. For anyone that knows Nick...are you surprised it involves boxing gloves? :) I'm extremely proud of Nick for how well he did, for his courage and boldness to speak. I was nervous for him, I can't imagine what he was feeling. I think he did a pretty awesome job for the first time he's ever done it. The holy spirit was there and the message touched a lot of people who have since talked to him. And really tell me...who do you know who doesn't struggle with pride. It comes in so many forms, often hidden in layers...it's the root of so many other sins. And as always, when God's speaking...the Word of God keeps after you. Our study for small group included this passage:

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.
Psalm 51:17

Watch Video here
Listen to Audio here

iHeartFaces

Kids Category

Week 11 Theme - No Flash!

Swing in the Park

These pictures were taken right before the babies got sick. It was funny to once again see their personality differences. Taylor LOVING the swing right off the bat...and Luke acting very timid and needing reassurance and a little getting used to time before he'd crack a smile. Luke holding on tight from the start. We had to place Taylor's hands around the swing to hold on because she wasn't afraid in the least and was rocking back and forth. I wish I would have thought about it then but I should have put them back to back in the swing. Taylor was too small and Luke would have filled the swing up nicely and kept her still.

Taylor being Taylor

I never thought to do this until today but with photo booth (mac) video...Taylor can see herself as we record, here are the results! By the way I am NOT bouncing her......merely holding her so she doesn't take off! It's all her. Crazy little woman.

Pray for the Bowders

Nancy and Jeremy are two of our closest friends. We've been in small groups with them and have met with them as couples. We LOVE them and we're praying hard for them right now. Nancy and Jeremy have a beautiful healthy 2 year old son Jacob. He was born at 30 weeks. It was an early surprise and they endured months of NICU visits before he could come home. God is good and he's doing GREAT and he's an awesome little boy. He's so cute with Luke and Taylor. Very gentle and sweet. Nick has him in his 2-3 year old sunday school class and he says he keeps getting cuter and cuter. Nancy is pregnant again with another little boy, praise God, and she's now at 21 weeks. Nancy has been feeling heaviness and contractions and she spent last night at the hospital. She was monitored and sent home today with doctors orders to take it easy. Please pray with us for this little boy to stay in the womb until at least 34 weeks. I remember this prayer well. Please pray for wisdom for Nancy know when to go to the hospital and for patience and peace for the remainder of this pregnancy. We thank the Lord for Jacob and for the life of this little boy in her womb. Lord, we know you have plans for this little boy too and we look forward to meeting him...but not too soon. :) Thank you!

Turkey Chili

This is one of my new favorite foods. Besides the Ranch Doritos and BLT's I eat every single day. lol Thought I'd share the recipe. It actually came from a book I have called "Double Duty" about raising twins. I actually starting mixing the rice in with the chili (makes it go further) and eating it with tortilla chips. YUM!

2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, chopped
1-1/2 lb. ground turkey
1/4 cup cream
2 tbsp chili powder (I don't put that much in cause I'm a wuss) lol
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp dried dill
1 tbsp dijon mustard
2-28oz cans tomatoes, drained
1-15oz can red kidney beans, drained
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 cup black olives, sliced (I skipped this)

In large stockpot over medium heat, add garlic and onion and cook about 3 mins.

Add turkey, crumbling into pieces. Saute´stirring occasionally until turkey is cooked, about 10 mins.

Lower heat and add cream. Simmer until cream is absorbed, about 5 mins.

Add chili powder, oregano, lemon juice, dill, and mustard, stir until well blended.

Add drained tomatoes and simmer for 30 mins, stirring occasionally.

Add drained kidney beans and cook for another 10 mins.

Add parsley and olives, mix well.

My everyday lunch.

Linxx the Cat

This is Linxx, my cat. I'm posting this picture of her because the cutest thing happened today. Now first some background. Linxx is not exactly the most social cat. Snob describes her well. Everything is on HER terms and since I got a dog, like 7 years ago or so, she's been bitter. She tries to covet the water bowl by dragging it across the floor and doesn't really show up much unless it's a rare occasion or she needs food or water. This morning I had Luke sitting on the floor in our bedroom while I fed Taylor. Linxx thinks our bedroom is her room so she's mostly there..more specifically in my closet, usually sunbathing. She came out of hiding and started circling Luke. Meowing at him. Luke was giggling, reaching out for her and LOVING it. It was so darn cute. Now this cat really doesn't like to be touched unless it's on her terms. She was rubbing up against his hands and he was pulling her ears and hair and she was patient and curious. She was sniffing his nose and Luke was giggling. She was walking circles around him and he couldn't see her when she was behind his back and as soon as she came around he'd giggle like they were playing peek-a-boo. Wish I had that on video. Taylor wouldn't eat because she was too nosey watching the interaction and trying to grab at Linxx as she walked past. lol They are so curious. It's cute.

PS. Linxx is on the toilet here because she was stalking me while I got ready in the morning because her food bowl was almost empty. A travesty. lol