New business venture...

...well, I guess you could call it that. I should probably call it "first" business venture because it's a first for me not having been a part of the business world previous to this! Anyway, now that I'm home I decided it might fun to do one of those home businesses. I have some time on my hands and it would be nice to have a little extra dough for fun things - clothes, accessories, clothes and shoes. Oh...did I mention clothes? HA! Tupperware was ruled out, Mary Kay and Avon are not for me, and I think there's some candle company and although I like them, I don't want to sell them. SO, I went with Southern Living at Home. (OK...that was my first link within a blog so I hope it works!) I love home decor and I love the products this company sells so I'm gonna give it a try. It's actually been on my mind for a few years (since I went to a party) and this just seemed like the right time to do it. So, I'm diving in. It's slightly different than teaching, but I think it will be fun. If you'd like to book a party with some girlfriends to see some great home decor (and get some great benefits if you host!) then give me a call or send me an email and we'll set a date!

Why not NOW?

One thing I have always loved about working with kids is how you can learn so much about living life from them - their innocence, sweetness and genuine concern for others is always amazing to me. I am helping out with 1st and 2nd grade GA's (Girls in Action, for all my non-baptist readers!!) this year on Wednesday nights and tonight I had one of those moments that just stops you in your tracks. We were talking about a particular people group in China called the Zhuang people. We read over some facts about them, chatted about them some, and then the girls asked some questions. As we were wrapping up our chat, we were reading a list from our book of ways that we could pray for the Zhuang people. Me, being the hurried leader who was trying to get it all in before our time ended, had planned to read the requests and move on; however, God laid something else on one of the girl's hearts. As I finished reading the list, ready to move on, one of the girl's said, "Well, why don't we stop and pray for them right now." This momentarily froze me. I must admit that this suggestion completely caught me off guard, but it also really spoke to my heart. Oh how I wish I was more like this - taking the time to stop and pray in the moment. Listening to someone share a problem with me and then instantly praying for them. Visiting someone who is sick and praying over them right then. Sharing in congratulations with someone by thanking God with them. So, we took the time right then to pray. Not what I had on the "agenda" at that moment in the evening, but I sure thank God for that special little girl who was yeilded to the Spirit and helped me remember that it's not my agenda that matters anyway.

Happy Half - Birthday!!

Half a year has come and gone
Oh! How the time does fly...

That little boy I held in my arms
Had the most precious cry
That sweet little cry has turned into a laugh
A laugh you just can't pass by

That little boy I held in my arms
Had wrinkled hands and feet so small
Those hands and feet now explore the world
Taking in it all

That little boy I held in my arms
Had a very spontaneous grin
That little grin has turned into a big, toothless smile
That he gives us whenever he can

That little boy I held in my arms
Is still part of a much bigger plan
No matter how big he gets, or how far he goes
I know he’s in the palm of God’s hand.

I can only imagine what the next half year holds
Fun and adventure galore
God has blessed us beyond our dreams
And we can’t wait to see what else is in store.

Caleb with his half birthday cake for his half birthday and a little gift.

Tearing into it.

Hmmm...Let's taste it!

What is this mess?!?!

Sweet 6 month old boy!

All tuckered out from the the birthday festivities!

What a blast we had celebrating Caleb's half year birthday! This is not something I plan to do every single year, but I figured he'd only be 1/2 a year once in his life, and I am all about some celebrations!! We had a great time letting him grab a handful of cake, but we didn't let him play too long because we didn't want to ruin the fun on birthday #1. He has been such a blessing to us and we just can't wait to see what God has in store for his little life. Six months has gone by so quickly, but we are so thankful for every second of it.

Yummy to my tummy...

OK, so I haven't actually made this recipe yet because I am trying to loose the baby weight (still!), but boy does it sound tasty!! Maybe by posting it, I will get it out of my system to want to make them!! This is a great recipe to let your kids help out making. Here goes:

S'more Bites

18 wooden toothpicks
18 large marshmallows
1 (12 oz) pack milk chocolate morsels
1/2 cup graham crackers, crushed
waxed paper

• Insert toothpick into center of each marshmallow; place on tray and freeze 10-15 minutes or until firm.
• Place chocolate morsels in microwave bowl and nuke on HIGH 1-2 minutes; stirring occasionally until melted.
• Dip each marshmallow in chocolate, spooning chocolate over top, if needed. Let excess drip off. Roll in crushed graham crackers. Place on waxed paper to cool and set.

Oh so yummy! I think it will be fun one day when Caleb and I can make these together. If anyone decides to venture out and make them, let me know how they are!