My One Domestic Tip

I see a lot of blogs out there that give tips upon tips of being a better housewife, cook, or mother. They've got all kinds of cute little projects or ideas that, quite frankly, serve to expose all the domestic qualities I DON'T HAVE! I can only read so many of them until I feel completely overwhelmed with the fact that I have no idea how these women are able to DO all those things in their home, AND have time to blog about it! I say all that to say, I have ONE thing that I feel is blog worthy to share (so you don't get overwhelmed with all my tips and ideas;-) that has helped me out a ton in my domestic duties...browning a bunch of hamburger and then bagging it up in 0.5 -1.0 pound baggies to freeze until needed. All I have to do when I get home at 5:00 is stick a bag in the microwave for a minute to defrost, and it's ready to go for enchiladas or spaghetti or pizza, or whatever. I don't encourage you to continue looking back here for any more fantastic homely ideas--this is the only one I've got!

Turkeys!

These turkeys must be roosting nearby. This is the second day we've seen them in our yard, even on Justin's truck!

Blowing Bubbles

Jordan is so funny trying to blow bubbles! She closes her eyes tight every time!

What a girl wants...

...candy! This is what I found in the kitchen the other day... This girl pushed the chair to the counter and climbed up to sneak into the candy dish. Rylie is one bold, ornery girl. One of the teachers at the day care said to me one day, "They are complete opposites! Jordan is going to be the law abiding citizen and Rylie is going to be the rebel!" Oh, God help us! Seriously, though, we LOVE Rylie's personality...she is so spunky and fun to be around! We wouldn't want it any other way! We pray that she will be a woman of God that loves Him and loves others more than herself, and that God would use the personality He's given her to bring Glory to His name.

Books I've Recently Read

I've never really been a reader. Throughout school (college) I had the mindset that since I didn't even have time to read the textbooks that were assigned to me, then I certainly didn't have time to read for pure enjoyment. I couldn't even get through the gripping accounts of cellular processes in molecular cell biology (input sarcastic tone here), how could I possibly try to add on a book that had nothing to do with my grade whatsoever. Well, my life has changed quite a bit since college. I've found that I love to read...even more than watching TV...which is quite the surprise, as my parents like to remind me that the only thing I've wanted since I was 2 years old was a TV in my room. Maybe I'm becoming more and more like my mom. I remember my mom curled up with a good book and chips and salsa, while the rest of the family rotted our minds on TV. Now I'm beginning to see what was always so fascinating in the pages of those books.

Here's a list of the books I've read recently, most of which I got for Christmas (books were the only things on my list). I would totally recommend all of them. The Jesus Freaks books are not a new read, but made the list because I like to go back and re-read some of the stories. They really put your life in perspective.

"Same Kind of Different as Me" Great story of how God uses you if you just do what he asks.

"The Imam's Daughter" Oh my goodness, you have to read this. This book is moving me to action. I can't sit back and live in my own little world anymore.

"Jumping through fires" Great story of how God orchestrates the events in our lives and how He uses people to further His kingdom.

"Tortured for Christ" A MUST read for anyone that claims to be a part of the body of Christ. You can't sit back and do nothing. Pray for the persecuted church. Pray also for their persecutors to come to know Christ by the example of agape love demonstrated by the very people they torture.

"Jesus Freaks I and II" Amazing testimonies of God working in the lives of people that truly gave their lives to Christ. Life is not about me.

Little Bible

We were getting stuff ready to send to "our boy" in Africa and Jordan decided she wanted to give him all of her books. Here's a picture her getting them ready:) Since we couldn't really send him all those books, Jordan decided to give him her most special book, her little Bible. I pray that little Bible will be instrumental in the life of "our boy" and that he will learn of his Father's love and salvation through Christ Jesus.

My Sweet Girls!

Rylie's cheesy smile is too much!

Another Snow Day!

Yes, that is Rylie's mitten on the ground. She is incapable of keeping them on. In every picture, she seems to be wondering why her hands are so cold!

Impromptu Photo Shoot: Rylie

Rylie was a bit more cooperative...however, there are no pictures of her smiling...I couldn't get her to smile and hold the camera and get a clear picture at the same time. Taking pictures of children is a little challenging!

Impromptu Photo Shoot: Jordan

Here are some pictures of Jordan as I was trying to learn how to use my camera. She was willing to sit in the chair, but that's about it:)