Daniella's fifth birthday!

My oldest is five years old. Sighhhhhh. I can't believe she's already five and heading into Kindergarten next year. I remember meeting her as a baby of oneish, maybe two and her being absolutely petrified of everyone that wasn't her Daddy... She has been such a God-send to me and I truly love her like my own. I remember a "vision" I once had of my children. I saw 3 children. I saw a tall girl with long black hair, the middle one was another girl by the name of "Liberty" and she was super sweet and gentle. Then, I saw a baby boy. It was crazy. Looking back at that, I believe my oldest is Daniella. In the dream the little girl portrayed strength and that's exactly what Daniella is, strong. In her five short years lived, she's had to come face to face with some brutal consequences and has undergone more transition and change than is fair for such a young girl. And yet, my girl comes out of it with a smile on her face (most days), with a fiery love for her daddy, a beautiful loyalty to her mother and a sweet tenderness and affection toward me. Let's also not forget the adorable possessiveness she has for her baby sister. I am super duper proud of her. My heart radiates with love for her. I never want to try to substitute her mother, not only because I never could, but because that is not the role God has granted to me in her life. I am indeed her stepmother, and much like her mother could never be replaced, I've come to learn that neither can I. :) So, in ode to my pumkin' pie's fifth birthday here's my five favorite things about my Lou.
1. I love how beautifully discerning she is.
2. I love it when we say our "I love you riddle." It melts my heart everytime.
3. I love that she calls me 'Cole. :)
4. I love that she's got so many characteristics that are like me. Just a few, enough for me to notice and smile. ;)
5. I love her excited face and sweet prayers of faith.

I love you Daniella Grace. I hope you know that...

My two loves!

Just thought I'd share a picture of my heart. :)
Caleb & Liya taking their Sunday Sabbath nap together...

Daniel friendly taco salad. :)

So, in our home we've been undergoing a Daniel Fast. Eating only sprouted grains, fruits & veggies is a little tough to do for a long period of time, especially since I don't like fruits. So, on accident, I discovered a Daniel-Friendly taco salad recipe that has become a favorite in my house, very quickly! (Daniel or not.. hehe) I won't do measurements because, well, I don't do them at a home, I'll just give you the recipe and you can mess around with how much of what you like.

1 Can of vegetarian chili
lettuce
tomato
avocado
brown rice crips (I used the sweet Chili flavor)
a dab of sour cream (not exactly Daniel, but not horrible, either)
corn
black beans

throw together and enjoy! :)

Mommy Blunder

Okay. So my little one drinks Baby's Only Organic DAIRY formula and her Timmy loves it. She was on the organic Similac, however after the recall, I decided I didn't wanna risk Aaliya drinking beetlejuice anymore and I swapped over. After doing my research too, Baby's Only comes out cheaper than Similac. Well, this particular organic formula is only sold in two places in Central FL (that I know of). Whole Foods & Chamberlains. The closest (and cheapest!) place to us is Whole Foods. However, out of five or six times that I've either called or showed up, they've only had that particular formula once! (ok, maybe twice). Nevertheless, that is ridiculous!! The last three times I've gone shopping for formula has turned into a wild goose hunt. I've driven to store after store looking For the formula with no luck. Every location sold out! Twice, mind you, with Aaliya having absolutely no more formula. Being a procrastinator is definitely not something that is becoming of a mommy. Nevertheless, today was by far the longest drive yet. I called every WholeFoods store, and every Chamberlains store was absolutely sold out of the dairy formula. Until finally, I found a can. Mommy drove out to Kissimmee for a single can of formula, which lasts around 4 days. Yeah, not fun. So, this mommy has decided to shop online for formula in bulk, because this is just ridonkulous! Gotta low Mommy blunders of an empty can of formula and the search for the organic, tree hugging, impossible to find formula.

Book Review: "A Christian Woman's Guide to Hospitality."

Five out of five stars! *****

I've got to admit that when I picked up this book, I was a little unsure. In my journey to become a homemaker that glorifies my King, I realize than the idea of homemaking in this fashion has become antiquated and unfortunately so has a lot of out resources. And truthfully, the cover looked old and cheesy. Nevertheless, I tried it and it proved that old saying 100% right. You just can't judge a book by it's cover. This book was an inspiration to give unto the Lord the small apartment we love in now and serve those He brings to our doorstep faithfully, not worrying about appearance nor cooking taste, but rather considering our guests "better than ourselves," as Scripture instructs us to. Nevertheless, it encourages every Christian to participate in the ministry of hospitality. It is not only a guidebook, it is a wealth of knowledge on Scripture and what I believe is the Lord's heart on the matter. It also encourages us to pursue the life of the Proverbs 31 woman, mainly in the preparation for the end times. She speaks of learning to barter and stocking up on non-perishables. It really surprised me, but I'm super glad I read it. I can honestly say I learned A LOT. Stay at home mommies and wifeys, this is absolutely a must-read. :)

"A Christian Woman's Guide to Hospitality" by Quinn Sherrer and Laura Watson

surrender

“When my heart was embittered and I was pierced within, then I was senseless and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand.” -Psalms 73:21-23

I’m learning that part of dwelling successfully in Mommyhood and especially in Wifeyville is the art of surrender. I feel as though I’m in this season of my life right now, where pruning and sifting is taking place, but it is not your regular sifting and pruning. It is an intensely personal pruning that is touching every part of myself, including my marriage and my role as a mommy. It has been the toughest time of my life and yet in this season I am learning that God is calling me to surrender completely and utterly unto Him. Offense and hurt comes from a place that isn’t dead (and therefore “alive”) within us yet. If then, being a wife is about my husband, then wouldn’t it make sense that every part of me “dies” and I am then called to give up my illusion of what I call “my rights”? God is calling us to surrender every reality and every illusion. It is only there we find truth, liberty and intimacy with our first Husband. It is all about surrender; giving up what we consider a right for the reality that He is wise and in control.

Mommy’s Learned Lessons,
Nicole

Mommyhood begins in Wifeyville

“She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.” -Proverbs 31:12

I know. There are plenty of single mothers out there who are fantastic mothers in “Mommyhood” without being part of “Wifeyville.” Yes, I know. And I totally agree. But this is about my journey, and my journey starts in “Wifeyville.” The longer I’m married, the more and more I realize that marriage is nothing about me and everything about my partner. Marriage is about giving of yourself without reservations regardless of the outcome. It is about loving the way Jesus loves. It is about a love that covers a multitude of sins. I have to admit, as women it is very common for us to become critical and bitter with husbands because of unmet expectations. It is easy to drift off and fantasize and wish our husband was “as spiritual as Suzy’s.” Well, I have recently learned that is operating and tolerating a spirit of Jezebel. Not to mention, how selfish of us. God has given unto us a “good thing,” a husband and father unto our children and the moment he shows a sign of humanity and weakness, we emotionally bail and check out. It should be our honor to fight for our husband’s spiritual welfare. Our wedding vows included “for better or worse.” It’s “the worse” part we pretend doesn’t exist when everything hits the fan, but it is this season of night, or this time of winter that produces and makes way for the warmth of dawn and the beauty and fragrance of spring. So, to whomever is reading, as I encourage myself through writing this blog, my prayer is that you’ll be encouraged as well. As the spiritual barometers of our home, my prayer is that we will honor our husbands by praying for their spiritual well being and that, in everything we are thankful for them. The dawn of spring will come, and oh what a beautiful day that will be!

Mommy’s Learned Lessons,
Nicole

I'm baaack!

I apologize about my long silence. I have not forgotten about you, nor do I plan on leaving. Pregnancy was a difficult time and the adjustment period thereafter has been interesting. It's also been hard because my access to an actual computer has been limited. Nevertheless, I'm back. :) Thanks for your patience. I also started an additional blog that is a little more personal as to what I'm learning throughout my journey in the Word, so I encourage y'all to check it out and to subscribe to it!

http://www.tearinreligion.blogspot.com/