2 hours & 40 minutes

Our family has been on a journey for the past few years. That journey hasn't always been pleasant or easy, but we have seen the Lord's hand on us throughout. Four years ago my husband accepted a position that caused our family to move across the country. Sixteen months after that, he was suddenly, unexpectedly let go. After a year of living off of and depleting all our resources, Gil started working in a new field, not at his previous executive level, but pretty much starting at the bottom, and at one-third of the pay.

I am proud for the lessons my husband has learned through this journey. His faith has become part of his heart, rather than just head knowledge. He has learned humility, patience, and perseverance. And he learned that his former workaholic lifestyle was causing him to miss a lot of what was most important: time with his family. We both have learned to walk by faith and trust in the Lord day by day and minute by minute. We couldn't have survived this journey without the Lord, that's for sure!

At the end of February last year, my husband started a new job. While we were glad that he had this job, it came with a tough schedule: noon-9pm. You see, by working that schedule, Gil would get paid an extra $1.80 an hour, a "shift differential". As a man who was striving to provide for his family, Gil felt he was doing what he needed to do to take care of us. That $1.80 an hour added up $300 a month --$300 that brought our not-meeting-ends a little closer together.

The new schedule cost our family dearly. For a year, the only time Gil saw the kids during the week was through sleepy eyes in the midst the morning rush to school. They go to bed by 8:30, so he never saw them in the evening. Even Zac, who has a later bedtime, was in bed by the time Gil got home. We are a family that is used to sitting down to the dinner table together; but since that job started, we never had Gil with us for dinner. It has been really hard for us all.

Well, several weeks back, Gil had a revelation. God caused him to look at his situation from a completely new perspective. While the enemy would like to have Gil feel trapped and bound by the fear of losing that $1.80 per hour... God showed Gil something new. He showed Gil that a mere 2 hours & 40 minutes each week of overtime would provide the same $300 per month that the shift differential provided. Since Gil has the opportunity to work a couple half-days on Saturdays each month, or can be at work early after dropping the kids at school each day, getting that 2 hours & 40 minutes of overtime is more than possible.

Two hours & 40 minutes was the key to freedom for our family! A month ago, my husband got to switch his shift to days!!! And now...

...Gil gets to be greeted in the evening when he comes home by excited, happy children who are thrilled to have their daddy around

...I look forward to having Gil home before dinner so we can enjoy a few minutes together to share our days

...Our family gets to have dinner together each night

...I have more incentive to make special meals since it is not just me and the kids

...Gil & I now have a date to pray as a couple each night at 7:30 {sadly, fitting in a consistent prayer time wasn't happening before}

...Rather than staying up each night until 10 or 11 because that was the only time I got to spend with Gil, I can go to bed early when I need to

...We can now make plans on weekday evenings and open our home to friends again

...Gil can attend the kids' school events that come along in the evenings

...The small group we have hosted in the past can now be restarted

...Gil can coach soccer again, and the kids can play

...Abbie & Jacob have their daddy here to tuck them in and say prayers with them each night

...Zac has the opportunity to hang out with his dad in the evening & bond over "Survivor"

...Gil seems to have more energy on the weekends now that he is not working nights, so that means more family time then, too!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
~ Phillipians 4:4-7

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
~ Phillipians 4:19

Two hours and forty minutes. Such a small sacrifice. Because of 2 hours & 40 minutes, my family can now have dinner together again. I am so thankful for this gift!

I am unwrapping this gift today with Emily at Chatting at the Sky. Head over there to find links to other gifts of the everyday.

Chocolate Caramel Pecan Bars

I made this yummy dessert for the Ladies Night I recently attended! These bars are super simple to make, only have a handful of ingredients, but are incredibly rich!!! I got the recipe from the source of many of my good recipes, a Penzeys Spices catalog. {Looking up that web address has reminded me that it's been a while since I've received their inspiring catalog, so I just got myself back on their mailing list!}

Penzeys, if you don't know, sells mail order spices, and they also have a few stores nationwide. You can order high-quality spices in small quantities, or in bulk at considerable savings. It has been a while since I have been able to order from them, but it is one of my favorite food resources. Their catalog always has several recipes, and I tear out the ones that appeal to me. Turns out, if you go to their website, you can see many of their recent recipes!

So, here is the Chocolate Caramel Pecan Bar recipe for you to try!

Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blend together the flour, brown sugar, and butter until particles are fine crumbs. Pat into ungreased 13x9 glass pan. Sprinkle top with:

• 1 cup pecans, whole or chopped

Caramel:

• 3/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Put caramel ingredients into a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Bring to a full boil and boil for one minute, continuing to stir constantly. Pour over crust and pecans. Bake for 20 minutes -- do not overbake. When you remove the bars from the oven, sprinkle the top with:

• 1-2 cups chocolate chips

The amount of chocolate you use depends on your preference. {I love chocolate, so I tend to go overboard. As you can see from my photo, I obviously used the full two cups. I also used really good 60% dark chocolate chips. I should have used a cup, to a cup and a half so the other flavors would come through more.} When the chips have melted, spread them evenly over the crust. It is suggested that you cut these while they are still warm, since the chocolate will eventually set up. Let me know if you try this recipe. Enjoy!!!

I am linking up with Jen at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam for Tasty Tuesday!

Happy Birthday to my Honey!!!

My sweet husband had a birthday this week! Last year we had a party... but this year we didn't really make any plans. I tried to find out what kind of cake Gil wanted, but he didn't have much input for me. He also had to work on his birthday.

While he was at work, I had fun making him some cupcakes! I am not any kind of expert when it comes to cake decorating, but sometimes I do like to pull out my supplies and play. And, I admit, I baked what sounded good to me: Almond Poundcake for the cupcakes, with Almond-flavored Cream Cheese icing! By the time I was ready to frost them, Abbie was home from school, so she picked the color.


Gil's birthday was on a Wednesday, which is our night to go to church. Gil and I attend an awesome Bible study, Abbie & Jacob go to Awana, and Zac goes to the youth service. Wednesday evenings can be a bit of a rush, trying to get dinner, get out of the house, and be at church by 6:15. But, since it was a special occasion, we decided that we would go out to eat to celebrate Gil!!!


We combed through our coupons and chose Qdoba, a fast-casual Mexican place which is also on the way to church. By the time Gil got there, we were settled at a table, our food in front of us, with cute cupcakes to greet him! We so very, very rarely go out to eat, so this was a treat for all of us. {Dinner for five of us was under $13!}



Gil is a wonderful, wonderful husband and an awesome father. He is dedicated to improving our marriage and living a godly life. I love him and respect him SO much! I am extremely thankful to the Lord that He blessed me with Gil!!!

Ladies Night

We attend a large church. A very large church. Consequently, our Sunday school class is also very large. In fact, it is larger than most of the churches we have attended! Our class is led by our church's executive pastor (one of 9 pastors on staff!). One of the ways that connection happens in our Sunday school class is through bi-monthly Ladies Nights. These usually involve desserts in someone's home. Our pastor's wife always attends, but you never know who else will be there.

Now, I am the type of girl who likes to curl up with a cup of tea and a good friend for a nice chat. Walking into a room full of people and trying to connect in a meaningful way... well... it sort of terrifies me! In a group, I am usually the quiet observer. Small talk is definitely not my gift!

I have been in this Sunday school class for almost 3 years... I finally attended a Ladies night over a year ago. It seemed like there were 40 women there! It was very overwhelming. It was nearly a year before I tried again. But then I attended one that only had about 10 women who showed up. It was so much nicer, and I did feel more able to connect with the other women.

One of the greatest blessings of attending these nights is getting to know Kim, our pastor's wife, better. She is just hilarious and I laugh so much when I am around her. She is real, approachable, and down to earth. I have gotten to know some other women better, too.

So, even though it requires great effort on my part, I am committed to attend these events. But truly, up to the last minute, I am ready to back out. I know I need friends. I need time with other women. I crave that so much. But I really have to fight with myself to go to these Ladies Nights.

One of my strategies to make sure I will go is to volunteer to make a dessert. Well, last night we were having a Ladies Night, so I made Chocolate Caramel Pecan Bars. By 4pm, I was really wishing I didn't have to go. I was wondering if there was a way to show up, drop off my dessert, and flee! At 6:45 when it was time to leave, it was raining! I really didn't want to go out in that. But I was committed. As I kissed Gil goodbye, I told him I wouldn't be staying long.

At last night's Ladies Night, only 8 of us were there! We enjoyed hanging out in the kitchen, drinking tea, and drooling over the desserts. I knew 4 of the women, and met 3 new ladies. We all had a really nice time! I was glad I went! And I didn't even leave early.

Just Add Pictures!

So over the weekend, we were sort of stuck indoors due to the snow. I finally completed my inventory for my CM business, and found some fun supplies that were not being enjoyed to their fullest. I wanted to do some scrapbooking over the weekend, so here is what I made.

The cover of this sweet little 7x7 album is a pretty green.... the camera didn't do it justice.

I put this little album together with the retired "Inspiration" kit I had on hand. I love the rich, warm colors. To set off the beautiful papers, I decided to hand-color the edges of the pages with my metallic bronze pen. I like how that turned out!

Click on any photo to enlarge and see in more detail. It really is much prettier in person.

Each page is 7"x7", with 24 pages in the album.

Each page is ready for a photo, and maybe some handwritten notes.

Wouldn't this make a sweet and meaningful Valentine's gift?

This little scrapbook makes a perfect quick gift for someone you love... just add pictures!

Snow Days!

We got a little snow overnight on Friday... by the time the kids got outside Saturday morning, it was sleeting. Saturday night it started to clear up, and everything froze over.

Even though it wasn't a lot, the kids have had a blast playing in it! Abbie came up with this Jacob-powered sled... made from a box and a jumprope. (I call it "mother is the necessity of invention" since she originally wanted to use the top to a plastic tub and I said 'no'!)

Zac is standing at the edge of our ice rink, otherwise known as our cul-de-sac! The two inches of ice on the roads led to church being cancelled today, and the threat of black ice has cancelled school on Monday.

Even though it's not deep, and is a little crunchy... it was snow!

The kids played outside more in the last two days than they have in the last four months. It was great to see them go out several times a day this weekend to play!

And, of course, after coming in from the cold, it was time for a cup of hot chocolate!

We had a cozy weekend of staying home, thankful for our warm home.....

relaxing.... reading.....

and playing games!

Winter Weather Watch!

We are expecting some winter weather later today or tonight. Here in the south, that means that everyone is running to the grocery store for milk and bread. At about 8:15 this morning I wondered if I, too, should make a trip to the store. I thought about it for less than a minute.

I keep my grocery list going on a notepad on the fridge. As I am getting close to something running out, I write it down. I also try to make as few trips to the store as possible, because I find that I spend less money that way. I typically make one or two runs to Costco each month, usually on payday. I get most of my staples there, unless sale prices and coupons get me a better deal at the grocery store. My last trip to Costco was a week ago.

So right now, we have 3 gallons of milk and 3 dozen eggs in the fridge, as well as 4 loaves of bread in the freezer. I am also stocked up with plenty of meat and veggies in the freezer. The pantry is also well-stocked. So, no need to go to the store today! I am staying warm inside, and looking forward to a cozy weekend of scrapbooking, games, movies, and time with my family.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household; ~Proverbs 31:21a

{Made with Winter Solstice Digital Kit}

We have a winner!

Congratulations to Anne T.!!! She is the the winner of my Photo Circle Giveaway!!!


Anne gets to choose one set of these cute little Mini PicFolio albums!!!

Didn't win? Well, you can still get 20 FREE prints when you join my Photo Circle!


To join my Photo Circle simply follow the link to the Creative Memories Digital Center. It is as simple as creating an account for yourself, using my CM ID: 24915986. For me to see you on my Photo Circle list, you do need to click the box allowing me to send you an occasional email. {Note: if you already have a Creative Memories Consultant, then you should create an account with them.} Check out all the great stuff you can do with your pictures! Enjoy your 20 FREE prints!!! And let me know if you have any questions!

Honoring a Pet

Scrapbooking isn't just for books... or just for people, either.

Recently, I was asked to help make a special tribute to honor a dearly-loved pet who had passed on. This sweet family missed their precious puppy so much and wanted a way to remember him. I was sent a photo, which I played with a little, to come up with this layout. We then ordered an 8x10 Photo Panel so that Jackson could be displayed proudly on their mantel.


I was told that the entire family cried when their Photo Panel arrived.


Photo Panels are a unique way to display photos on walls, shelves, or table tops. The photo is laminated to the hard surface to make a durable keepsake. They are available at the Creative Memories Digital Center in three sizes: 5x7, 8x10 and 11x14. You can upload a photo, or a layout. I can help you with personalized, custom layouts for your project, too!

Don't forget about my Giveaway! Create your own account at the Creative Memories Digital Center using my consultant ID (24915986) and you get 20 free photo prints, plus the chance to win a set of Mini PicFolio albums worth $24!!! All it takes is your name and email when you register... info I won't be sharing. See this post for further details. Register your account and join my Photo Circle by Sunday night... the prize drawing will be Monday!!!

One of my Simple Solutions

So, yesterday, the Nester wrote on her blog about simple solutions for everyday issues, and I posted a comment recommending one of my favorite things. I said I had a post brewing on this handy-dandy item. A little while later on facebook, she referenced my comment, asking if it really worked. By 8:30 last night her facebook post had 28 comments, and all but one were positive! So here is one of my favorite solutions around the house.


When I want to hang things on the wall, but don't want to pound a nail into nice kitchen cabinets. I use these.


They are Command Adhesives! I love these little hooks. They really are one of my favorite things. I have a collection of several kinds that I use all around the house in a variety of ways, for everything from holding up dishtowels to bath towels in the kids' bathroom, mops in the laundry room, and the calendar in the office.

These tiny hooks are great for light items. This style is not very attractive, so I used bows to hide the hook.

I wanted some extra lighting in the kitchen, so I installed a plug-in, under-cabinet light. Then I had to deal with the cord, keeping it hidden out of the way. Command Adhesive hooks to the rescue again! Here is a view of the underside of my kitchen cabinet.

Inside our coat closet door, I have hooks attached to the door at kid-height. My children can hang up their jackets all by themselves. These hooks have been up for well over a year... and they are usually holding several jackets each.

The same style of hook also holds our stockings on the mantel at Christmastime.

On top of my mantel, I attach 3 hooks which hold up my garland. These are laying flat so that the garland can hang over the edge.

Command Adhesive hooks are so cool because they hold really well, yet they are totally removable. After Christmas, all the hooks are removed without any trace, and with no damage to the mantel. I saw a special about Christmas decor at the White House, and guess what they use? Yep! Command Adhesive hooks.

The hook part slides off to reveal the holder and adhesive strip. The strips adhere to many surfaces including painted wood, walls, cabinets, doors, even wallpaper. When it is time to remove the hook, simply pull straight down on the adhesive strip and it will stretch into a long piece until it isn't attached to the wall anymore. I recommend holding the plastic piece with one hand as you pull the strip with the other. I have had the plastic snap free, against my hand, and it doesn't feel good! Other than that, I have had great success with these for years.

We have moved quite a lot, so I don't like to invest in a lot of hardware. I don't mind investing in my Command hooks, though! See, I have this little collection. When we move, I go around the house removing them all, taking them with me.

All the hooks come with extra adhesive strips so you can use them more than once. Not only can you buy hooks in various sizes, but you can buy extra adhesive strips in several sizes, as well. I have used my hooks over and over and over again!

Command Adhesives work for me! I am linking up with Kristen at We are That Family for Works For Me Wednesday.
p.s. Check out my Giveaway! Entries are open through 1/24!!!