Reflections

In the car this morning I heard the song DOES ANYBODY HEAR HER? by Casting Crowns. It's one of my favorites. I love that it always makes me take a good look at myself. Am I a plastic person? Am I open and receptive to the Lord when he brings hurting people into my life? Sadly I must admit, no I am not. I have fallen pray to the "plastic syndrome". But thank you Lord for opening my eyes yet again as I stumble.

Here are the lyrics for your enjoyment:


She is running
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction
She is trying
But the canyon's ever widening
In the depths of her cold heart
So she sets out on another misadventure just to find
She's another two years older
And she's three more steps behind

Chorus:
Does anybody hear her?
Can anybody see?
Lord does anybody even know she's going down today?
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her?
Can anybody see?

She is yearning
For shelter and affection
That she never found at home
She is searching
For a hero to ride in
To ride in and save the day
And in walks her prince charming
And he knows just what to say
Momentary lapse of reason
And she gives herself away

Chorus

If judgement looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we never even met her
If judgement looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we never even met her

Chorus 2x

He is running a hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction Christian lyrics

Layoff

What a scary word. This one word has struck fear into the hearts of the strongest among us. This week was my turn to cringe in fear of this infamous word. The small organization I have been a part of for the past five years has suffered some mighty blows recently. So it doesn't really come as a surprise that some "restructuring" is in order.

After suffering the loss of two wonderful coworkers this week, we all met together as a corporate family. As I looked around the conference room I saw faces of dear friends that I've grown to love over the years. My heart ached at the anticipation of the bad news to come. And with stoic resolve our valiant leaders stood before us and gave the news. As our industry changes so shall we. They shed such a positive light on our organizations position. I was highly encouraged to see what the future holds for this small family.

As we prepare for our individual evaluations I am at peace. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future...". These are the words I hold onto today. Not only for me personally but for my fellow coworkers and our organization. I know that with the loss of each member of this family we will all suffer a blow. But I know that God has us in his hands. We are a part of his plan and good will prevail. So for the friends we've lost so far, and those that will find out in the near future, my prayers go out to them. But my prayers are not for sympathy or tears. They are a prayer of rejoicing and praise. For I know each person in headed to better things.

I am excited to see where the Lord's will is for me. Is it here, or elsewhere? I remember the phone call for the job offer in this organization. It was one of the first times in my young Christian walk that God showed me his "burning bush". I ask for that burning bush often, and I'm always humbled when I open my eyes and see that he has always been there, but I was being stubborn and chose blindness. So when he gave me this position, I remember being so thrilled to see God's mighty work in my little life. At the time, I wasn't even looking for a job, but God sweetly handed me his assignment and I was open and ready to receive it. It's been five years and I cannot count how many times I've questioned why I'm here in this organization. Every time the Lord reminds me that this is his plan, not mine. So I sit and watch his mighty hand at work. So yet again, I sit and I wait. I am watching, and I am excited regardless of the outcome.

So today, I'm excited to see what his plan is, and how he will choose to work out the details of that plan in my life.

To Move or Not to Move That is the Question

As the school year comes to an end we have been evaluating our success and failures. Our little prince will have to find a new school next year, and our princess needs a better homeschooling structure. Those are our biggest challenges for the summer.

Do we home school both children, or do we move and put both children into school in a district that we know well??? What a drastic decision this seems to me, but alas it is a thought to contemplate.


Actually, for the first time in years I'm okay with moving. I find it quite funny that for several years we asked the Lord if we could move, and every time we received an emphatic NO!! Just when we would think that moving was our only option, and not excited about it, the Lord always provided a way. So now, I actually have a calm peace and excitement about the prospect of moving.


I know, who in the world would be excited about moving, but I am getting that way. I think this may be the best decision for our family. If nothing else, it will cause us to clean out the entire house and cleanup and repair some places that have been neglected.


In the meantime, we will be praying for the Lord's direction and guidance. Who knows what he has in store for us. I do know that he's not finished with us yet, and we will continue to walk arm and arm with him.

Where Oh Where Have We Been

Ah, our poor blog has been so neglected. Our lives have been such a race lately. I know this is just a season and the Lord will bring us rest soon, but for now....

We have welcomed our newest family member:

Aiden Carl Stanley was born on 4/6. Isn't he just adorable!!!

My sweet prince is plugging away in his new career. He's found a work home for now. God led us down a path we would never have imagined, but we know our God is faithful. We can't fathom what he has in store for Chris here, but we're excited to see. He's already had a few occasions to share his faith and even pray for one of his customers specifically. I find that quite an honor that the Lord would use him so.

Our Princess has gone through the longest spout of illness ever. For our family a month of illness is unheard of. We did find out that she has an allergy to certain medications. Praise the Lord!!! Her reaction could have been very severe, but the Lord knew our needs long before we could have imagined. He provided wisdom and guidance and peace during a pretty scary time.

Our Prince left today for the 5th grade annual Sky Ranch Expedition. We can't wait for his return to tell us all about it.

And last but not least: we have 6 weeks until DISNEY!!! (okay, so I'm just a big kid too)

That's the high points in a nutshell.
Blessings all,

Financial Review

It's the first of the month. That means time to talk bills... I know you all have this marked on your calendar right, because it's always a lively fun topic to discuss.

Well, in our case it actually is. This month we plan to pay off our car !!! YEAH!!!! This is one of the last major milestone to our debt freedom. That will put us in line to still meet our goal to be debt free by June.

So the setback of unemployment hasn't hindered us too much. We are still moving toward cutting back on everything, but I know the Lord has great plans for us and we are just walking with him hand in hand. It's actually quite exciting. I don't recall a time I've been so open and receptive to the Lord's guidance. There is definitely no me,myself, and I mentality here. I know there is absolutely no way to walk through this without him. And as always, our gracious Father is there for us and with us.

Menu Plan Monday

I am so late... It's Wed already. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed this week and had no desire for planning. But alas, it must be done, so here is what I have:

Breakfast:

Sausage Rolls (Sunday breakfast)
Coffee Cake
Cereal x3
Homemade Donuts
Cinnamon Rolls

Lunch:

Calzones x2
Homemade Hot Pockets x3
Grilled cheese
leftovers

Dinner

Chili, homemade rolls
Porcupine Soup
Short Ribs, Beans, Mexican Rice
Taco Salad
Homemade Pizza
Potato Soup bread bowls
Superbowl party with friends

(Next weeks plan)
Pork chops, rice salad
Broccoli cheese potatoes
Turkey meatloaf, corn, homemade rolls
Sweetheart's Birthday...
Homemade Calzones

Eat from the Pantry Challenge Final Results

YEAH!! we made it. We survived one month in our pantry. We actually opted not to go to the grocery store at all last week. And one week's trip to Kroger didn't happen.So the final results of our challenge:

We only spent 111.66 for the month. Can you believe it!!! I am so shocked, and very, VERY proud of my prince. He did most of the leg work and kept me encouraged and excited the whole month. What a guy!!

I will admit I think we may be keeping these goals from now on. I do know we are in desperate need of a BIG shopping trip to restock some staples. But even that I don't foresee as being a huge trip. I'm predicting around $100 total, but my goal is to cut that in half as well.

I was also very surprised to see that we actually ate healthier meals this month than our usual fare. I think one of the biggest things that we need to change is the frequency of our trips. I'm going to try to plan this weeks menu for 2 weeks and see how we do.

Eat From the Pantry Challenge

This is our last week of the pantry challenge. My goal is to not go to the store at all. We'll see

That will put us under $250 for the month for grocery's. I think that's pretty good.

Breakfast:

cereal x2

Cinnamon Rolls x3 (our turn for Sunday breakfast)

Raisin Bread x2

Lunch:

Tuna Salad x2

Calzones

leftovers x2

Grilled Ham and Cheese

lunch with family

Dinner

Ham, frozen veggies, homemade rolls

Baked Beans, cornbread

Chili potato's

Mock Chicken Cordon Blue

Chicken, potato salad, baked beans

Potato soup

leftovers

Sweet Sweet Baby!!!

My newest nephew was born yesterday. Mr. Gabriel Alexander Ojeda!! he was 8lb, 11oz 21 in long, and so handsome.

My sweet sister's first bundle of joy. I'm so excited. and my two sweet peas are anxious to be able to babysit already.

What a sweet blessing

Eat from the Pantry Challenge

So we are on week 3 of the Pantry Challenge. Let me tell you, it's been an adventure to say the least.

One of my coworkers gifted me with a bread machine this week. What a blessing. I've been borrowing my sisters for some time, but the chance to have 2 working at once for a weekend was a huge bonus. So Sunday afternoon I made up several batches of bread for the week.

My hubby and I hit the grocery store and we will be just over budget this week. URGH, but it's all okay. I'm still down overall and as I look back at what we have eaten, we are eating home more, it's healthier and less expensive overall. So there are some very definite benefits.

We spent 48.66. We still have Kroger to go and should be around $15.

So our menu this week will be:

Breakfast:
Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Bacon Egg Muffins
Cinnamon rolls
Lunch:
rotation of sandwiches (bologna, ham, grilled cheese)
leftovers
Dinner:
Meatloaf, corn and rolls
Steak, baked potatoes
Spaghetti, frozen veggie, French bread (still looking for a good recipe for this bread)
Calzones
Beef stir fry over rice
BBQ chicken, potato salad
Grilled chicken breast, salad and rolls

Free milk!!

I"ve noticed this year an increase in dairy and produce coupons. Here is a link for the Chance to win free milk for a year. And a coupon for free milk. WOW!

Eat from the Pantry Challenge update

So the Creamy Chicken and Rice dinner didn't go over very well. We didn't have the correct salad dressing, so we substituted regular Italian. I also hate measuring out, so an eyeball here and and smidgen there.... you get the picture.

I think this recipe is worth a 2nd try, but overall, it did not go over very well. Oh, well sometimes you got it, and sometimes you don't.

I'm really struggling today with a menu for this week. We may have a "Menu plan Tuesday" by the time I actually get around to finishing it. We'll see.

I also am contemplating a baking day this weekend. If I had been thinking I would have done this over the weekend, to help with the heating bill. Oh well... live and learn.

Eat from the Pantry Challenge

I really am not in the mood for anything on our menu for dinner tonight. Go figure... So I just received my weekly Kraft Kitchens email and behold: Creamy Rice Chicken & Spinach Dinner. We have every one of these ingredients in our pantry. YEAH!!! What wonderful timing. I'll report back on how tasty this dish is. I have no doubt it will be fabulous.

The Quest for my Lord

With all of our recent changes I have had to withdraw from my bible study. My heart is so torn. I loved the study of John and the weekly gathering of the body of Christ. But alas, I must say a brief farewell, for I know I will one day return.

So I have begun my search for another study that I can do this next semester. Unfortunately I haven't found one that speaks to me yet. So I'm going to list out the things I enjoy in a bible study and the things I'd like to experience through a study. If anyone has any ideas of a good study please let me know.

I am a procrastinator. As much as I try to fight it I have to admit I am one. I am looking for something that will keep me accountable and force me to answer those tough questions.

I'd like something that is very in depth and maybe covers the history and mystery of the Word. I love hearing the accounts of events and trying to put them into modern life perspective.

I want something that will speak to me now and again in several years. One thing I loved about my study of John, it doesn't matter how often I read the book I get something different every time.

I think the best bet at this point is something I can do online. Somewhat on my own schedule. At least until life settles down a bit around me.

I would absolutely love a study that would incorporate scripture memory in an interactive way. I can be told to memorize a verse, but unless I use it, I loose it.

I will say I've previewed a few of the Beth Moore studies and I'm intrigued, but I don't want a topical study. I would much rather have a historical study and/or be able to increase my knowledge of His Word. I think I'm still on baby steps when it comes to my actual biblical knowledge.

So anyone have any ideas for me?

Menu Plan Mondays

My sweet prince made his 1st trip to the grocery store solo. Okay, for the full grocery shopping excursion. I was rather impressed he only spent $63. not too shabby. He purchased several whole fryers and hamburger meat (on sale) and veggies. There were a few other items but the bulk was on meat and veggies. GREAT JOB!!!

So with that here are our menu plans for the week. The weather is supposed to be bitter cold, so this will be a great opportunity to use some of our dried beans.

Dinner:

Chili

Beans and Cornbread

Taco stack up

Roast and potatoes

Chili Baked potatoes

Chicken broccoli casserole

Leftover Buffet

Lunch:

Quesadilla

Bean n Cheese tacos

Chicken salad sandwiches

PBJ, carrots

Sandwich, PB celery sticks

Chili

Taco salad

Breakfast:

Homemade Pop Tarts

cereal and milk x3

coffee cake

breakfast burritos x2

Eat from your pantry challenge

Since I am getting a crash course in budget cutting I thought I would join my favorite blogger in her Eat from your Pantry Challenge. Crystal at Money Saving Mom is using up her stores in January and donating her savings to charity.

My goals for the challenge are:

• To spend as little as possible at the grocery store.
• I would like to make every meal with at least %50 of the ingredients I already have on hand.
• Go the entire month of Jan. and cut our grocery bill by 1/2

As you can see from my goals I can't make it without the local grocer. But the point of the challenge is to use what you have. So I say, bring it on.

Financial Review

So to change it up a bit...

Yesterday I posted our New Years financial update. And oh, how excited I was. But alas, I have had a verse on my heart for several weeks. and I was certain I knew it was that we were to reach our goal early. And I still feel that that goal is attainable.

Jeremiah 29:11For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

And wow, were we finally headed to the prosperous road. Oh wait, what was I thinking. Yes, I was thinking, not praying, not asking, not seeking Him. I was going my way full steam and ready to cross the finish line with gusto.

Yesterday afternoon the Lord grabbed our family by the reins and said WHOA, what about me, am I involved at all anymore? My sweet prince was released from current career. Ouch! that was not in My plan. How in the world are we to reach that finish line now. My thoughts were in a tailspin most of the afternoon and evening. Until I reached home and my sweet greeted me at the door with the warmest embrace and the same verse wispered in my ear. Oh, yeah I thought, I'm okay, I'm in the Lord's hands and I know he has a great plan for us.

So as an addendum to yesterday's blog. I have no idea when we will reach our financial goals. But, I do know the Lord has great things in store for me and my family. And I am again excited to see what will happen in the new year.

Financial Review

It's the end of 2009 and time for our financial review. We began our journey 2 years ago with some dear friends. They introduced us to Crown Financial Ministries and the book "Your Money Counts". We had no idea what God's view on finances looked like.

My sweet prince grew up thinking that a good financial planner was someone who could transfer money from one low interest credit card to another. I on the other hand grew up with the thought that if you worked hard you would eventually make enough money to be happy. Usually at some point after the children were out of the house. There was no planning for the future or saving. Neither view looked at God for anything. So needless to say, wow, were we surprised to learn about what the Lord had in store for us.

We made the commitment then that debt was not going to rule our lives and we would in no way take on anymore debt . This included cell phone contracts, 90 day same as cash opportunities, credit cards with points etc, etc.

We knew the why behind our finances. We knew God had a plan for us. We knew we wanted to be able to bless others and to provide for our family. But we soon realized we were struggling with "how" to accomplish these tasks.

So in May of '09 we began the Dave Ramsey plan. We diligently put money into our envelopes and counted our pennies and were quickly at each others throats!! We just couldn't maintain such a strict budget and be happy. It seemed we were taking one step forward and two steps back. So we have now adapted a plan that works for us. Cash is not our friend, we've learned. Sorry Mr. Ramsey, it is just spent faster that way. We do however have a weekly budget and have given each other allowances. We also maintain a very strict communication policy on spending. Although we don't have cash stashed away for the known events in our lives we are able to sit down each month and allot enough for the "oops I forgot, or I didn't think of that" fund. And yes, our savings is growing too. We have blended the two philosophies into something that works for us.

So now it is Dec. '09 we began our journey approximately $15,000 in debt and I am happy to announce we will be debt free by March of 2010!!!!

So if anyone asks that is my birthday wish. I would like nothing more than to celebrate my 30th birthday without debt. And a rather large sum of money added to our daily income. WHOO HOO!!!

So stick with us, and I'll be happy to report each of our milestones as they occur. And watch our mountain come crumbling down.

Parenting Antics and Perspective

I have to share our latest parenting fiasco. Yes, it was quite a hilarious attempt at "good parenting". The great part it, I think it actually may have worked.

So my sweet 9 year old daughter has developed the typical, horrid, preteen attitude. Complete with eye rolling, foot stomping and the valley girl, "I'm SO much better than you" tone of voice. URGH!!! Okay, I must make this confession. I was just like that, and I hated my mom telling me I had a bad attitude, when I felt just fine.... (and I wonder where she gets it).

So I used my childhood experiences and my husband and I decided to demonstrate what her behavior looked like. We explained what nonverbal communication is and how it can effect the message you are trying to portray.

We started in the living room with her sitting in a chair in the middle of the floor. (always a bit intimidating, but keeps their attention a bit longer). Then my sweet prince asked her "how do you think I feel right now?". Her response was that she didn't know, but we must not be happy. Then my sweet grinned from ear to ear and asked the same question. She was getting it, by jove. She knew dad must be happy and was laughing at his silly grin.

Then he asked her with his meanest, scary daddy face and gruff voice the same question. And just that fast we saw the meltdown. Complete with tears, shaking, trembling and OH NO!!! written all over her sweet face. I couldn't help it, I had to laugh. I know it was so wrong, but oh my she was so funny. I couldn't believe how fast she went from laughing to crying. Unfortunately my sweet caught my laughing, so there went his great perception.

Needless to say, it took us some time to quite her back down. And she also laughed at herself in the end. The point was made and now we wait and watch. After one week, I must admit, there is some improvement. At least the eye rolling has been unseen so far. We'll keep praying and thank the Lord for humor in teaching.

Parenting Antics and Perspective

The Lord has blessed me with two wonderful gifts from above. I know, everyone says that but really, I have the two perfect kids for me. As I grow up, yes I am still growing, I am learning the value of God's gifts in my life. My children are one great example.

Since coming to Christ my husband and I have found ourselves with a huge desire to love children, other than our own. If you asked me as a youngster or teen, I would have vehemently told you, you were out of your mind. My dream was to be a successful doctor, and children were no where in that picture. Especially not my own. But, oh how the Lord softens our hearts and changes our perspective. It's absolutely amazing how he works in each of our lives individually. I can't imagine life without my children.

So one lesson I have learned; God game me the perfect children for me. No matter how "perfect" a child may seem they are human and have flaws too. We have recently had the opportunity to watch several different children in recent weeks. All for various reasons and lengths of time. And oh, how thankful I am for my own children. Don't get me wrong, every child we have watched has been an absolute angel. But I have learned that each child is raised for their parents alone, silly quirks and all. One sweet friend has Mysophobia, fear of germs. So her sweet darling is addicted to hand sanitizer. I think we have a bottle of the stuff tucked away somewhere in a back cabinet. Another has computer savvy parents, so we were informed of all of our technological shortcomings. And a third is parents to a hairdresser. So in case anyone was wondering, I have several grey hairs that need tending to. Each child, although absolute darlings and wonderful joys to care for, have their own quirks. I also know that my children are absolute slobs around everyone else. They also speak their minds rather bluntly, really I wonder where they get it.... So the Lord has placed on my heart the perfection of my children for me, myself and I. Hence why they were given to me to tend and care for and raise up in the way they should go.