brothers

(this one is from a few months ago)

these 2 are adoring each other more & more these days! 

they were both in the stroller today & sammy just leaned over & hugged his big brother (one reason why i love a side-by-side stroller :)).

we want to be faithful at cultivating their relationship & 

trust that they will be, by the grace of God, 

friends & brothers in Christ for the rest of their days.

what do you do to encourage your children's relationships with each other?

al

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innocence

what a joy to see life through this sweet/adorable/joyful/funny little boy's eyes.

how do we lose our sight of simplicity & wonder as the years pass?

how can we help instill a lasting appreciation of our God's creation in our children?

i remember when i was young & we were riding in the car in the rain... 

i would watch all the raindrops roll across the window till they found their place on the other side of the window. 

now all i see are the annoying people in the car in front of me. 

how do i return to that wonder & innocence? & how do i teach my children to keep those eyes?

Father, thank You for Your grace!

al

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popcorn snack

super easy to make & low in calories. 

>heat a couple Tbs of coconut oil in a saucepan over med high heat & add 3 kernels

>once the 3 kernels have popped you know the oil is hot enough

>add 1/3 c kernels, put the lid on & shake the pot over the stove continually

>wait till the popping has slowed then pour in a bowl & season

>the picture on the left is cinnamon

>the picture on the right is nutritional yeast (tastes cheesy)

al

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brussel sprouts

>rinse & cut the brussel sprouts in fourths

>coat in coconut oil, salt, pepper & a little bit of maple syrup

>roast at 400 for about 30-40 mins

>if you like them crispy turn the broiler on for the last few mins

(& yes, this little white & blue plate is my favorite! it was my granddad's. ;) )

mmmmm.... i want some right now!

al

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my hope is built on nothing less...

than Jesus' blood & righteousness.

(we're embracing the camera here.)

how the Lord has blessed me.

*my salvation

*a loving husband

*2 sweet/funny little boys

*1 adorable little boy on the way from uganda 

(Lord bring amos home soon!!!)

*wonderful family

*amazing friends

*a beautiful home

*etc

so many days i put my hope & happiness in these things. 

for example... yesterday i had a VERY productive day. 

*had my quiet time

*did circle time with the boys

*cleaned the house

*met for accountability with my dearest friends

*fed the boys lunch & put them down for naps

*ate lunch & worked out 

*started a new book

*made granola bars, granola, bread, healthy donuts & a quiche for our small group

*did some laundry & cleaned up all the dishes in the midst of all this

(this is not a normal day, just to be clear.)

being the type A/list keeper that i am... THIS FEELS SOOO GOOD! even just writing it all out feels good. to see my accomplishments. :) (it definitely gives me life.) 

& when i don't accomplish ANYTHING AT ALL it shouldn't mean that i've somehow wasted my day. the Lord is pleased in whatever i "get done", & i'm doing it for His glory anyway. 

my joy should be unwavering, because He is unwavering & He is my joy.

Father, teach my heart to be satisfied in you always so when my 

circumstances are less than satisfying i still rejoice & hope in You.

al

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