Coffee Break & Update
Coffee break! It has been a season of adventure for me personally as well as my family which means my social media had to take a back seat .. and honestly I’m ok with that! I want to live life full of adventure and experiences to live them and share them but not to do it for the sharing.
Ok so for some updates on what’s happening in our lives and what content you can expect to see.
First of all, we still love traveling and have several trips to still be posted once I get them fully edited with cost breakdowns. I love yo see the actual cost of family trips and the value of what you get so that’s important to us to share. In our years of traveling we have not seen enough of those!
We still love Disney .. but God has shown us there are so many beautiful places to see and learn about so we have started broadening our itineraries 🌎
We are still homeschooling and I am teaching at a Coop so lots of content of what I have done or will be doing is in the drafts . Just to note, as we head into this new school year we will have a Senior.. be still my heart!
A new adventure brewing.. this last year I was inspired to climb a mountain.. not just any mountain .. Mt. Everest . Let me just say that this is an adventure in Gods hands that I am learning to trust and show up for. I am completely ok if God only takes me to the base camp or if he takes this from me but for now I am feeling lead to train for it and trust him. Side note, I am not a mountaineer and or have never had any training .. I grew up in Texas so enough said😜oh and this is a 10 year plan 🏔️
In January, a dear friend , accepted my request to train and work toward learning how to climb elevation. She has the skill and knowledge to hike any mountain 🏔️ and I’m so thankful for her knowledge and skill and that God blessed me with her. She encourages and challenges me.
In January , we made a plan and have been going strong ! Guess what! Other ladies have joined us ❤️So you can expect to start to see these adventures soon.
I’m excited to get back to sharing our adventures with you all ❤️
Good Friday & Easter -Why Both are Important
“Unless there is Good Friday in your life , there can be no Easter Sunday ” -Fulton J.Sheen
Yesterday was Good Friday . It’s a somber day remembering the sacrifice that was made for all of us. I often want to fast forward and focus on the celebration part of Jesus’ Resurrection instead of sitting in the uncomfortable space of what took him to the cross and what he endured for my sake and yours.
We decided to watch the Passion of Christ as a family last night and oh my was it hard to watch. The movie starts with Jesus and his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane praying to God intensely asking him to take this cup from him but if not then his will be done. These moments of prayer are gut intrenched and brings you to your knees. These were the moments I would think any human part of Jesus knowing the sacrifice he would make asked for it to not be that way but still willing to do it if it was the Fathers will.
A few moments later , Jesus is betrayed and then arrested . As the disciples start to fight back , one of them cut off a guards ear . You see the guard in such agony and Jesus gently touches his ear and heals him in that moment. The other guards called to have him help them but all he could do was sit there in awe. I couldn’t help but to think about that scene . What was the guard feeling coming into the scene to arrest Jesus?How did he feel when his ear was cut off? What did he think when this man he came to arrest touched him and healed his ear? I wonder how that changed the guards life after that moment?
The progression to the cross begins and you see our Savior beat and spit on by his own people . We witnessed the scene where one of his disciples that walked with him ,denied him three times in a short time . We saw the dilemma of Pontius Pilot and the struggle he had with pleasing others and maintaining his position while also having the sound wisdom of his wife play against those.
Pilot commissions for Jesus to be disciplined to please the people but tells his guard to not bring death. The beating that came from the Roman Soldiers was difficult to watch .Those persecuting him wanting him to die and be crucified watched as the skin was tore from his back . We couldn’t help but turn away and stopped the movie at this point. It was so hard to watch .
One moment that really struck me through the movie was the way Jesus responded. He didn’t fight back,he didn’t ask his followers to fight ,he instead told them to put their weapons away, he didn’t curse or put them down and he didn’t try to run away or talk his way out of it . He willingly took it all.
I often think if I was living during that time , how would I have responded? Would I have been so caught up in the crowd cheering for his death? Would I have been a follower that loved him but when this time came deny him in front of others in fear of what they may do to me? Or would I have fought, trying to take on the whole world even though this was foretold ?
This weekend is way more then just celebrating .. it’s also about remembering all that his sacrifice was .
Holy Week
What is Holy Week? Growing up , I never really heard the term Holy Week. We celebrated Easter and talked about the sacrifice that was made but that’s where it stopped . As I’ve gotten older , I have wanted to learn more about Holy Week ,lent and fasting. Some of these special moments and observations around my faith.I am still learning and by no means an expert but it’s been so good to actually learn what they are .
Holy Week is the week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. It is a week to reflect on the great sacrifice that Jesus took for each of us on the cross.
One of my favorite verses in the Bible is ⬇️ …
“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.”
Colossians 2:13-14 ESV
…. notice that it says All of our trespasses and that He forgave us and canceled our record of debt!!! Praise God!
I pray this week as you remember the greatest gift that God gave us through His son Jesus that you will remember that all that he did, He did for you and for each of us. He willingly went to the cross . He did that so that we would be able to one day be with him in heaven.
This week ,I encourage you to spend time in prayer thanking God for this tremendous gift. If you don’t know God , this is a great time to talk to him and tell him hey I don’t know you and I don’t know if you are real I hear what others say but it’s hard to understand or to believe. If you are there can you make yourself known to me? Show me and help my unbelief . Then watch how He answers .He will❤️
And for those who feel like you could never be forgiven or your too far gone .. if God can redeem my life, and he did in a mighty way, then he can do the same for you! What better week to accept that forgiveness and walk in freedom.
Gold Star Spouse Day
Gold Star Spouses Day is observed every year on April 5. It is a way to honor and grieve with the families of lost or wounded military service members. It was once known as Gold Star Wives Day, but has now become inclusive of all family members — male or female — who have lost loved ones through service in the military. This day lets these families know that we remember their sacrifice, and honor their loss and that they are loved ❤️
A little history ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Gold Star initiative was started during World War One, where families would hang service flags with blue stars for their loved ones that were serving in the military . They were displayed in a front window and there was usually one for each family member that was serving. If the family member died, the stars would be replaced by gold stars as a public display of the price the family has paid for freedom.
In 1945 , First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt established the Golden Star Wives Association and was one of its founding members.Not long after it was formed , the government approved the Golden Star Lapel Button which was presented to spouses and families of those who have lost a member through military service.
Countless men and women dedicate their lives to serving our country every day. Their families make that commitment as well. Imagine saying goodbye to a loved one with no certainty of their return. This is what military families have to go through every time their loved one is called for duty. Wives, husbands, brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters of our heroes are left here to keep daily life as normal as they can so when their loved ones return they can step right back into their life here.
In our American Girl Doll History Class this year, we learned about Molly McIntire . She is a historical American Girl Doll and her story takes place at the end of WW2.
In her story, her dad is serving in the war and her mom is working at the Red Cross.
Her neighbor , Mrs.Gilford , is helping Mollys family out during this time. Mrs. Gilford has her only son serving in the military.
There is a part in the movie where Mollys mom comes home and is making a casserole to take to a friend in their community and Molly asks her why she is home .We find out that the casserole is for Mrs.Gilford and that her son has died .
The video clip is below and is worth watching .. this was such a hard moment ⭐️ start about 2 min in .
American Girl does a terrific job in the books describing this time in history.
If you know someone who has lost a loved one in active duty , reach out to them and let them know that they are loved and being prayed for today .
If you don’t know someone, then pray for the families that have lost loved ones ❤️
And if you are a family member that has lost a loved one .. I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss. I am praying for you and your family today to have peace and moments of joy as you remember your loved one. I’m also so thankful for your family’s sacrifice that we as a country have freedom because of those sacrifices ❤️
International Children’s Book Day
Today is the perfect day to cozy up with your favorite children’s book and read to your littles❤️
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A little history ➡️
International Children’s Book Day is celebrated on the birthday of the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. He wrote some of our favorite children’s stories, ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’, ‘The Little Mermaid’ , ‘The Ugly Duckling’ and ‘The Princess and the Pea’.
Happy Mermaid Day
Happy Mermaid Day 🧜♀️
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Those who have birthdays today must be part mermaid right? Our beautiful niece celebrates her birthday today so we think it’s totally true!!
Happy First Day of Spring
Today is the first official day of Spring🌷Time to plan gardens, update yards, get fresh bark, clean out the coops and enjoy the sunshine ☀️
Happy St.Patrick’s Day
Happy St. Patrick’s Day ☘️
Wear green and celebrate today
Happy PI Day 3.14
This is one of my favorites ❤️ Pi Day !
Yesterday in class we celebrated by measuring circles of all sizes, watched a fun video that explained Pi and measured Oreos .. Yumm! Ofcourse they all measured out to Pi so that was fun to see.
My favorite activity was to have the whole class stand up and form a circle. We then measured our diameter and multiplied it by Pi (3.14) which gave us the circumference. We then divided the circumference by the diameter and it equaled Pi . So fun!
I also challenged the students to write 3.14 on a white piece of paper and head to the mirror.. it should read PI.E as long as your four is a closed 4 .
I hope you have fun today learning Pi ⭐️
Happy International Women’s Day
On our recent visit to Washington DC we took a picture of this memorial of those women that served in the Vietnam War. Today seems to be the perfect day to celebrate them . May we always remember❤️
I am so thankful for the Women who have left a legacy of honor . Those that have sacrificed their safety and taken jobs to protect our country. Those that have been the anchor beside their husband. Those that are daily doing their best to be the very best they can be.
Here’s to you sweet sister whoever and wherever you are. You are unique and there is no one else like you. Happy International Women’s Day❤️
Gathered Thoughts
I have found this so true in my daily life. I often rush through moments or appointments just trying to get a moment of rest but as I have started to pause more and take in those around me , I have seen such a great opportunity to share kind words and a smile.
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I found myself stepping into 2023 (on an adventure) but also contemplating my word of the year for my @cultivatewhatmatters planner. I chose Mary .
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I am naturally geared at being a Martha , task oriented ,get the job done then we can relax . Mary’s have always intrigued me. How do you sit and chat when there’s work to do? And yet, I have found myself wanting and desiring to do this exact thing. This is the area where God is leading me and I am so wanting to grow in.
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I want to let the dishes stay in the sink, stay up later to have a conversation with my little one or a friend ,engage in conversation with those around me .. on the plane, at the Dr office , at a museum and even the gym.
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This quote reminds me of all of that and to treasure every moment with others that come my way ❤️
Feasting on Gods Word vs Fasting on Sugar
The visual in the @40daysugarfast of stacking Bibles on a cake plate like a cake to remind us to feast on Gods word was something that hit home for me.
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I quickly grabbed my husbands Bible, my pretty Bible and my carry every wear Bible. Such a simple concept but wow what a huge impact it makes to see these on my kitchen counter.
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Undoing unhealthy eating habits isn’t a one -time thing . It’s a process of daily desisions one at a time .. continuing to choose health .. much like faith .. we often don’t see the results of faith but we have to keep choosing to walk in faith . Wherever you are in this walk dear friend there is a God who loves you so very much and YOU ARE NOT ALONE❤️
Cotton Candy Berry Lemonade
Cotton candy is a fun way to take your valentine party next level💜
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We celebrated Valentine’s as a family yesterday with the Super Bowl and decided to add a little more fun to our berry lemonade from @traderjoes
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They turned out super cute! The best part is you could take the cotton candy off top and eat or drop into your drink and it would dissolve . The littles and husband had fun mixing it up , trying both ways .
Disney Coloring Fun
Best Coloring book .. ever❤️
Love Notes
Love notes are always in ❤️
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So many times in our own marriage, we overthink how to love each other. Then what happens to often is we feel it’s not big enough, good enough or expensive enough for the WOW factor so then we do nothing . Anyone else?
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Loving each other and showing it can be as simple as a heart cut out of paper with a sweet note or simple poem❤️
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Tangible ways to show love but in simple ways that move mountains.
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There is also a sweetness that our littles experience getting to see these little moments happen.
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Ok ready to be challenged ❤️Let’s get the paper and scissors out and love our spouses today with a sweet note ❤️
“We love because he first loved us.”
1 John 4:19 ESV
Remembering our Military✨
Memorial Day gives us the opportunity to remember those that have fought and have given their lives for the freedom we get to enjoy today. It also gives us the opportunity to pray and support those that are still working to protect our freedom.
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We made up these cards to pass out to friends and family to ask them to support a specific unit in prayer. Such an easy thing to put together that can reap lifetime benefits.
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It was also a great way to get the littles involved in what Memorial Day was all about and how they could love and support our soldiers in a tangible way.
