Passion

There aren't many people who will go to the ends of the earth to accomplish what they deem as important. There are a few, however, that try their hardest. These individuals are nothing less than inspiring & motivated.

Where does that motivation come from? Some deem that it comes from within. Others, from their God. Whatever the case, I heard about this great group of young adults who go to college in a small town in New York. Their school does not offer a film department, but they are determined to make a short film.

Unfortunately, they don't have the kind of resources they need in order to do this. They need your help.  A small pledge is all they need in order to get from point A to point B. If you'd like more info, please visit their website: Cool film makers

I'm really interested to see what they come up with. I'm really hoping that something will come of their endeavors. Good luck!

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.May the sun shine warm upon your face,and rains fall soft upon your fields.And until we meet again,May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

In times of need

The past few months have been difficult for us, financially, that is. Although there is never a shortage of love in our home, there has been a shortage.

Today, I woke up & realized it doesn't have to be this way. I realized that I haven't been moving forward with what God has for me. I know what opportunities that He has in store for me. They are great & in plenty.

For some reason, I've been worrying. Worrying instead of praying. Instead of proclaiming. The devil got his foothold into me & made me feel like a silly, little child.

If God can provide for the birds, surely He can provide for me & my family. To think anything less than that is just plain silly.

As a Christian, sometimes I let things slip. I'm not perfect, after all. I have made a lot of mistakes. I've tried to own up to them, especially recently. But, I need to try & strive harder to be closer with God at all times. I need to cast aside my cares to the only One who can put all of it together & make it right. I do not need to suffer. He can make my life important & right. Can I get an amen?



Thank you, Lord, for your undenying love & grace. You are truly amazing. Thank You for Your abilities to cover me in a blanket of grace & forgiveness. You are the ruler of all. You have a plan for me. Although I don't know what that is all the time, I do know that You are in control & that it will be okay. Thank You for being in control of my life. Amen

Tuna Noodle Casserole

This is an old favorite... or not so favorite for some. I was raised on it & love it. My husband was too, but he isn't quite as fond as I am. It's simple, cheap & quick. Especially this version, which I have made sans the peas (because I don't like them - feel free to use them as you wish).

Ingredients:
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can tuna fish (I prefer mine in water)
1/4 bag of egg noodles

Put noodles in medium sized bowl. Cover with water. Place in microwave 6 min (mine is 700watt microwave, reduce or add as needed). The noodles should still not be thoroughly cooked.

Stir them with a fork or spoon. Place back in microwave for 3-4 mins. Take out, stir. Make sure they are done at this time. Strain.

Add cream of mushroom & tuna. Stir all together until they mix well. Heat for 1-2 minutes. Serve.

Ta-da!! Perfect, quick, easy meal for anyone that's on the go or just wants something cheap & fast.

Block.

If you're a writer, it will likely happen to you. You will experience a writing block. You will get to the point where you have so much going on in your life, your head...that you just can't sit down to focus for twenty minutes to write.

My block? The last five months without sleep has finally caught up with me. I'm sleeping. All because a little girl named Elonah has started watching mommy & daddy eat. She's so interested in big people food. It started out with avocado. She slept. So, we pushed the solids. There's still only a few foods we've tried, but she's been a much happier baby. A happier baby...who sleeps. & mommy does too. Ahhhh.

I'm going to try to write more, but for now...I revel in my sweet girl who sleeps!

Mac N Cheese [with a twist] !

Who (in their right mind) doesn't love macaroni & cheese? I can't think of one person whom I know that I do. I came across this recipe when I was in college. It's actually from my ex's mom, although I think my version is slightly modified. Have fun & enjoy the tasty deliciousness!

Ingredients:
1/2 box shells (noodles)
1 can diced tomatoes
1/2 stick Velveeta spread
1 slice American cheese
1 tbsp sharp cheddar
Salt & pepper



Directions:
Boil water. Add macaroni shells. Cook until tender. Strain water.

Before adding strained macaroni back to pot, first add diced tomatoes. Then, add macaroni shells. Stir the mixture. Let mixture simmer at low heat.

Cut velveeta spread into 1/4" slices, then cut those into cubes. Slowly begin to add & stir in to mixture, turning the temperature up to melt cheese if needed. Add sharp cheddar & american cheese.

Once all the cheese has been melted, salt & pepper macaroni & cheese to taste.

Premies: Taking a closer look

Yes, November is pre-mature awareness month. But, that's not the only reason this is being discussed here. I have a few friends who have had premies & one that's baby is currently in the NICU...fighting for her life. To say that this is an issue that hits close to home would be an understatement.

I wrote about a sweet little girl - Ellie, the other day. Her mom, Amanda, is a sweet woman & I'm lucky to know her through an online community of women that have all pulled together to support & pray for both her & her baby during this difficult time.

But their story got me to thinking about the other women in that very same community who had previous babies born prematurely who also had their share of time in the NICU.

First, let's start out with a definition of the word premie: any baby born before 37wks gestation. There are varying degrees of prematurity, but any baby born before this allocated time is technically premature.

Here is Trey:



He is three years old. He is a happy, healthy little boy. He loves to play & have fun. His mom, Nola, is a great woman who I've come to know & love. Trey also has a little sister named Aubrey. Could you have ever guessed that he was once as tiny as this...?



Yes, Trey is bigger now. But that doesn't mean he wasn't once a tiny, little helpless baby who needed special care. The same is true for this precious little bug:



Her name is Cameron. She was a tiny 3lbs at birth. Her mom, Michelle, is someone I've really connected with in the online community we come from. You'd never guess the picture above is the same little girl as the picture below. But it is.

This same little girl now loves mermaids & candy. She has a baby sister named Juliana.




For some reason, in the last few weeks, I've been extremely drawn to this topic. My heart strings pull & pray for this sweet little baby to fight. To make it so she can be one of the success stories I've shared with you on this blog.

All I can tell you is this - the NICU days are hard. I have heard the stories. I have read the pain, but I haven't felt it. I hope I never have to. But for those that have - a helping hand or even just a prayer their way will do a world of good. & if you're feeling really ambitious, head over to the March of Dimes. They're always looking for a donation for babies just like these. & I whole-heartedly believe every penny (& second) is worth their time.

Re-purposing

How to: re-purpose
(on a budget)

I find that I hate spending money on things I will never use. I currently have a whole corner of my dining room designated to things I need to get rid of...I'm just not sure how I'll go about that yet.

But, as a woman who loves clothes & shoes - one thing I can never get enough of is a new shirt or a new pair of boots (at least every once in a while).

My problem is: how do I justify it when I already have so much? I don't need for anything, so I feel badly when I want to buy something new.

Instead, I go to a consignment store & take anything that no longer fits (or I no longer wear) back. I get paid & I go shopping with that money. Second hand isn't so bad, especially not when you shop at places like Plato's Closet, where you can find things that sometimes still have tags on them.

Frugality? Yes. New clothes? Yes.

Win...win!