It's a Battle Field...

So yesterday we were getting ready to have an awesome play date with a friend and her kiddos. I didn't want to be late. Troy would not get his shirt on. He fussed and ran away from me. I tried the "We're not going to play with our friends, then. We'll stay home if you can't get your shirt on."

Still wouldn't. So I just put it on against his will. Then he was really not happy. He didn't like the plain old shirt I picked out. 

So I gave up. I said "fine, then just go put on any shirt you want." 

He went into his room while I was continuing to get ready. He was in there several minutes. And he comes out smiling and said "Jesus Saves, Bro!" while wearing that shirt.

Seriously? That just melted my entire heart! Out of all the shirts he could've chose he picked out that one. 

The cutest + sweetest one with the best meaning. 

I was so frustrated and finally just let that 3.5 year old pick out his own shirt and he was happy. 

Because you and I both know if a kid doesn't want to do something...they aren't going to do it! :)

That's where some major battles need to be chosen. I will fight until the end for my child to sit in their car seat buckled in and to wear appropriately warm clothing for the freezing winter weather. But sometimes, if they want to wear a different shirt or pants that don't match. Does it really matter that much? Nope. 

Choose the battles...you'll be happy you did! :)

Jamie :)

Snow has arrived

We now have snow! As of November 10th. 

It's like winter came overnight. 

These kids sure are happy to have snow again. When they woke up to it, they were almost in disbelief. Troy was saying "LOOK! Snow, Mommy!" The yard was so pretty with a crisp white blanket of snow. So fresh and beautiful! However, it was dangerous for driving in. My prayers went out to all those who had to drive in it.

 Last week there was a snow day on Monday and a 2 hour late start on Tuesday. The boys had a blast playing outside together. I went out one day with Austin and we started building a little snow cave. Austin loves that! He had a blast playing in the one we made last year. 

The weather is cold but I will say I am ready for it. WE are ready for it. Especially those 2 cuties down there. 

I mean...just look at those adorable 'lil faces :)! Troy's looks a bit cold but don't let that fool you...he loved being in the snow. In fact, he was helping Daddy shovel the snow in the driveway and he helped plow the driveway on the 4-wheeler with Dad. 

A little snow wrestling :)!

True Minnesotans! 

Jamie :)

48 Hour Challenge: Mission Complete

Friday evening I went back onto Social media (for me that being Facebook and Instagram). I missed catching up with my friends for sure. But what a nice little break to rely on God more and my family. I prayed throughout the day for God to use me. I highly recommend this break. I will definitely be doing it again.

Here are some things I thought about when the fast was complete...

1.) I've realized that I can still fill my time with other things like TV watching, online shopping or house hunting online. And everyone knows there is always some sort of cleaning or organizing to do with little kiddos. Social media is just ONE of the hundreds of distractions. There are so many decisions throughout the day on what to do..watch an episode of House Hunters or read a good book. I'm trying to be more wise with my time.

2.) I did this at least 4 times--I swiped my phone on and swiped over to where my 'Instagram' app was on my phone. Low and behold it wasn't there because I deleted it. This I should remember but subconsciously musta forgot. I do not have the 'Facebook' app because my phone doesn't have enough memory. Which is probably a good thing. 

3.) When I was in High School in order for me to get my own phone I had to spend $500 of my own  money. Hard earned money working as a Nursing Assistant at the Nursing Home as a down payment for a "Nextel." At the time I was frustrated at spending my own money. However, I think it was a FANTASTIC lesson my Mom and Dad taught me. And the "Nextel" phone I had was like a walkie talkie. At any moment of the day (even at midnight), someone (even a random person) could push the button and yell anything in there and it would go to your phone on speakerphone. Unless, the phone was on silence, I think? Craaazy! And then when there was a color option for the screen it was really exciting! :) Oh, those were the days. Apps would never fit on those tiny screens. 

4.) I've wanted to go on Facebook to find out someone's phone number. But, I knew it can wait until after the fast is complete. I do love how Social Media can connect people. It is also an awesome way to encourage someone and be in prayer for someone.

5.) I learned that I can do it! I actually took almost a 3 day break from it. It's not that difficult to take a break from it and I will be doing it more often.

And I love this verse!!

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
-1 Corinthians 10:31

Jamie :)

48 Hour Challenge

At Bible Study last night we talked about doing a fast from social media for 48 hours. For me, that would be 2 days without Instagram and Facebook. And I thought it would awesome if every time the temptation came on The Bible would be our rescue.

I'm up for that challenge. Are you? 

Going on a fast from Social Media isn't a new thing. 

Check out another Jamie's blog post HERE about her take on it. 

Source HERE.

At bedtime I find myself scrolling through my Instagram feed before going to sleep. But, last night instead I used the time to pray. I even thought about going to the family room to watch TV until I got sleepy.  I fought that off and stayed in bed praying and thinking about the amazing people in my life. My hubby was already sleeping. And I went to sleep peacefully and woke up rested. :)

It's possible. 

Later this week I will update you!

Have a fantastic Wednesday :)!!

Jamie

A Child's Love

It was an early night for everyone on Saturday night. The kiddos fell asleep on the way home. And it was teeth brushing and bed time for all. I went upstairs to browse through Christmas Cards on snapfish to decide on ours. I thought the boys were asleep. 

Then I heard the *squeak* of Austin's door open. Hmmm...I thought he was fast asleep. But, maybe had to use the bathroom. I see him walk towards me and he  asked me to read to him. He hugged me and I melted. :) It's funny how a child's hug can make you feel like THE most important person. I felt better, already. He told me he was not sleeping but reading The Bible and was already onto Exodus :)! I asked him what book I should read him. He then asked me "Will you read me The Bible?" Awww...."Of course I will" I told him. Geez...I was lifted completely out of my crankiness into the loving arms of my sweet child and Father in Heaven. 

God is really good!

And then, he came back out of his room after we read and prayed.
 He wanted to sleep downstairs :)

He obviously wasn't tired. We talked and filled out his Reading Calendar.

I promised him we would make puppy chow and hadn't, yet.

 I said "Do you want to make Puppy Chow?" He said "Suuuure! Have a midnight snack? And play tic tac toe while we're eating it?!"

We stayed up until 9 playing tic tac toe and hangman while eating our delicious snack.

Perfect Saturday night!!

I love it!

When unexpected things do your kid's do that make you melt?

Jamie :)

My Friday Faves!

Hello!

Today, I'm linking up with these ladies...

Andrea from Momfessionals, 

Narci from Grace and Love Blog 

and Erika from A Little Bit of Everything blog 

For Friday Favorites!

My Favorite Letter...

1.) Over the past month I've been reflecting on all the ways I see my 6 year old son growing up. I'm been jotting all the little things down to compile them into a special letter to him. I cried and laughed a bit while writing it. I got such sweet comments on my facebook page about how it made some of my girlfriends tear up and also make them grateful to be a Mom.

You can read it HERE if you'd like.

Do you see your oldest growing up quickly before your eyes? I sure do. It's bittersweet. I'm excited for him to be growing up but sad because I so wish I could go back to his baby or toddler years. I am so grateful for the (little) man he is becoming :). 

Some of my Favorite purchases...

2.) I've been looking for a cute plaid top and finally found one I really (really) love! The fabric is soft and so comfortable.

However, the one I got is now out of stock. Bummer! But here is a similar one. 

3.) I finally got the scarf that Erika from A Little Bit of Everything  and Mix and Match Mama have been raving about. And they were right about it! It's fab!! I ordered 2 (2 for $38). 1 for me and 1 to gift. Double fab!

Here I am in the 'Denim Blue' color. That color is not available but there are 27 other colors. Many choices.

Check them out here.

4.) I had to try out these earrings because they were only $8! Did I like them?

Yes! 

They are good quality (not great) and beautiful statement (big) earrings. I love the turquoise color. 

Click here to see them.

 5.)  So this favorite moment happened this week. Here's the story: Austin was working on his homework at the table and Troy wanted homework, too. So I gave him one of his PreK worksheets to do. He didn't want to do it. So very quietly Austin did his "homework" for him. Then he said "Good Job, Troy!" I smiled at Austin and asked him if he did it. He gave me a big guilty smile and said no. #alreadycoveringforhisbro #friendsforlife 

Too cute!

6.) And my sweet Troy boy fell asleep on my shoulder this past week! Favorite!! I love my kids so much!!

Happy Weekend to you. 

What are some of your favorites of the past week?

Jamie :)

My Bucket List

I'm linking up with Andrea from Momfessionals for...

"What's on...... Your Bucket List?"

1.) I would love to go to Montana someday! And I know my boys would have an awesome time there. I usually like to go to a beach but it'd be fun to do something THEY would enjoy. Look at how beautiful the mountains are. I'm sure fishing and hunting would be spectacular there.

Source here. 

2.) I would love to go on a Mission's trip out of the Country. I enjoyed going on a few with my Church when I was a teen. It would be the very best experience to go with my whole family...serving together. To have some deep and life changing moments with my kids would be amazing.

3.)I want to lead several people to Christ. I would love to be able to say the "Sinner's prayer" with them and see the change in their life. Amazing! :) My Mom told me that every time we talk to someone about Christ we are planting a seed. But it might take the 12th person to actually help that seed grow.  

Source here. 

4.)Skydiving!! I can't believe I'm saying that! But really, I would love to go skydiving with my hubby...as long as we are very safely secured ;). They actually have a Skydiving place close to my home. Nice and close...perfect!

Source here.

5.) In the next couple years I want to take my kiddos to Disney World. I went when I was younger and had such a fun time. Very memorable. My sweet friend just took her daughter and their pictures were so pretty. It looked like they had a super fun time!

Source here. 

6.) Go road tripping. It'd be fun driving across the US with my whole family together in an RV.

7.) Go to Alaska with my Dad. He always is talking about how much he loves Alaska and I would love to go with him and some family members someday. It'd be a great surprise for him! He would enjoy fishing there, too. He went there many many years ago. 

Seriously how pretty is that?!

Source here. 

8.) I would love to help assist troubled teenagers with some sort of outreach program to encourage, strengthen and develop or strengthen their faith. 

Also, I really want to be an advocate on the prevention of pulmonary embolisms. That hits close to my heart as I had a family member suffer from one last year. 

What's on your bucket list?

Jamie :)