Pulled Pork with Avocado Tacos

As we head back to school soon, you'll LOVE this super easy recipe that is yummy!

Pulled Pork with Avocado Tacos

Ingredients:

Crock Pot

Pork Butt (whatever size you need)

Jar of BBQ Sauce (Sweet Baby Rays is my favorite)

Water

Corn tortillas

Avocado

Lettuce (optional)

 

Instructions:

Rinse pork butt & put into the crock pot.  Put about an inch of water in the bottom of the crock pot.  Pour the BBQ sauce over the meat & cook on low for 6-8 hours.  (I usually pull the pork apart about an hour before serving). 

Warm tortillas.  Cut up avocados.  Shred (or buy shredded) lettuce if desired.  Put it all together!

Enjoy!  It's oh so yummy!



Sweet & Sour Chicken with Fried Rice

My husband loves, I mean L-O-V-E-S, chicken fried rice.  Since going gluten free, that was the hardest craving for him and I so longed to help.  If you are living gluten free and long for some excellent gluten free chinese food, this recipe is for you!  It takes a bit of time, but it's totally worth it!

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Chicken coating:

3-4 boneless chicken breasts

salt & pepper

1 cup cornstarch

2 eggs, beaten

1/4 cup canola oil

Sweet and sour sauce:

3/4 cup sugar

4 tbs ketchup

1/2 cup distilled white vinegar

1 tbs gluten free soy sauce

1 tsp garlic salt


Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees. Rinse your chicken breasts in water and then cut into cubes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Dip chicken into the cornstarch to coat then dip into the eggs. Heat your 1/4 cup oil in a large skillet and cook your chicken until browned but not cooked through. Place the chicken in a 9x13 greased baking dish. Mix all of your sweet and sour sauce ingredients in a bowl with a whisk and then pour evenly over the ckicken. Bake for 1 hour and during the baking process you will need to turn the chicken every 15 minutes.

Fried Rice

3 cups cooked white rice (day old or leftover rice works best)

3 tbs sesame oil

1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)

1 small onion, chopped

2 tsp minced garlic

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1/4 cup gluten free soy sauce


On medium high heat, heat the oil in a large skillet or wok. Add the peas/carrots mix, onion, & garlic. Stir fry until tender. Lower the heat to medium low and push the mixture off to one side, then pour your eggs on the other side of the skillet and stir fry until scrambled. Now add the rice and gluten free soy sauce and blend all together well. Stir fry until thoroughly heated.

Enjoy!!! It's oh so yummy!

Princess for a Day

Yesterday the two most precious little girls spent the entire day as princesses.  Savannah (8) was Princess Savannah Belle & Payton (6) was Princess Pinkalicious Payton...I was Mommy, but that wasn't good enough for Princess Payton so I became Princess Mommy (OK!).  They started by dressing up in princess attire & I fixed their hair up into buns.  They played with ALL of their princess dolls/animals (and eventually yes cleaned them all up).  I made them a little 'castle' & put their Pottery Barn Kid chairs under it for them to have a 'picnic' of Princess pizza, fruit strips, cashews, & fruit snacks!  Then my little princesses read & rested to sharpen their princess brains!  For snack they had a Tea Party (water, crackers, fruit snack) and used their Princess Tea Set!  These very sweet ladies watched Beauty & the Beast & Disney's Enchanted Tales today.  And like perfect little princesses, they cleaned up their rooms, took a shower, ate their dinner, brushed their teeth, & went to bed without a fuss...it was a royally blessed day!

 Princess Pinkalicious Payton & Princess Savannah Belle

Last night we watched the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics and I pointed out to them The Queen, Prince Henry, Prince William & Princess Kate (whom they remember from the Royal Wedding).  Their faces lit up with excitement at the reminder that there are real queens and royalty in other countries.  And while the thought of being a princess in a fairytale aspect is dreamy, there's more to it, much more! What I hope that I can teach my daughters is a priceless lesson...that they are real live Princesses!  They are God's Princesses and that is a priceless gift!  I love the Gigi: God's Princess books & DVDs by Sheila Walsh.  It is a great reminder to my girls and all women, that we are not only God's Princesses, but also made in His imagine...by Him.  Comparing ourselves to each other is like questioning if God messed up.  I realize there are things about us we'd love to change & that we have to take care of the gift He gave us, but let's face it...those stretch marks on my hips & belly are a reminder that He blessed me with my two precious girls!  And that extra weight I'm carrying around is a physical reminder that He has blessed me with food to eat (and obviously the ability to love all food!). 

I want my girls to know that yes, Chris and I love them just the way they are...but Jesus loves them in a way that only a sinless Father can love.  His love is unconditional and without judgement and He doesn't look at anything except our hearts!  Leading them by example to be healthy is what I'm trying to do, but reassuring them that I know Jesus (and Chris too) loves me the way I am is priceless!  If we don't talk about it & teach them, they won't ever know.  I wish someone would have pulled me aside long ago & looked into my soul and said, "You are beautiful on the inside...the part that matters in eternity...the place that no one can take from you...you are a Princess in God's eyes and He loves you unconditionally just the way you are!"  That's what I tell my girls!

It's been two weeks since I took the challenge of working out 5 days a week & eating right. Well, I have indeed worked out 5 days a week (yay me), but I have failed miserably in the eating right part(although doing better). It is hard for me to be home all day - I thrive on schedules!  I am a sinner though and with that comes times of failure. I recommitted myself today and did well! I went as far to write down my weight on a post-it on my bathroom mirror and taking a photo of myself to put up there as well. For me that's like the free version of buying a tiny yellow polka dot bikini and hanging it in my room! :) So though I didn't eat great, nor lose weight, I did exercise (which is huge for me) & stay the same (again, huge for me especially with my anniversary last Saturday)! So those of you that may have taken on this challenge with me, pray for me, and I will do the same for you! If only it wasn't so hot outside with west-nile mosquitoes flying around --- it would be great to get out and play with my family in the evenings!  HA HA!  I am posting my first and new favorite recipe, so click on my tab to check it out!

A couple days ago, I went to my final Bible study of the summer and had wonderful fellowship with some amazing Godly women.  The next day, I played Bunco with a fabulous group of ladies, some of whom have been friends their entire lives.  It reminded me how truly blessed I am to have so many amazing friends in my life, perfectly placed there by God Himself!  These strong women all have difficult stories...stories of trials, failure, defeat, sadness, loss.  But what's so important is that they all have God stories...stories of victory, confidence, love, faith, strength, forgiveness, grace, joy!  I am in love with our Lord that takes the sensitivity of a woman and turns it into diligence, hard-work, strength!  To be with all of these women is a blessing of abundance!  Praise on girls!  I pray you all are blessed to have wonderful friends & strong women in your life & I pray that when you least expect it, you hear the Giggles from Heaven!  USA, USA, USA

Tammy Jones
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

Our Story

Today seemed like a great time to tell our story - mostly of the last 6 years and 9 months.  Why? Three reasons really:
1.  Chris and I celebrated our 11th Anniversary Saturday (7/21).
2.  I heard a song at church on Sunday which always reminds me of these past 6 years.
3.  Yesterday we finished going through the 16 week ReEngage marriage program.

On October 10, 2005, Chris, our oldest daughter Savannah, and I had family portraits done at the Dallas Arboretum.  I was 8 months pregnant and life was wonderful!  We were happy, had great jobs, & I was planning on staying home once Payton (our 2nd DD) arrived.  We had no idea that our lives were about to change forever. 

October 10, 2005

I remember Saturday, October 15th well.  We had planned to go as a family of 3 to the Texas State Fair.  Savannah was having a rough day and Chris wanted to go home as soon as we got there.  I begged him to stay and it turned out to be ok.  That night we ordered pizza for dinner (marinara was my only craving both pregnancies). 

Sunday, October 16th, we went to church like normal and everything was fine.  That night we had dinner plans with our neighbors who moved to OK along with other neighbors on our street.  Chris started feeling really ill and sick to his stomach, and though I selfishly begged him to try to go, he couldn't.  I took Savannah with me to meet our sweet neighbors for dinner and left Chris feeling awful in bed.  We ordered our food and I check my phone seeing I had a missed call from Chris.  I call him back and with no answer got a bit worried.  All of a sudden an unknown number rings and I answer to hear the voice of a paramedic who is at my home with Chris & about to take him to the hospital!

I cannot tell you, what that moment or the next 30 minutes were like for me.  My precious out-of-town neighbor who was there visiting people rushed into action.  Her husband switched car seats around so he could keep their oldest & Savannah at the restaurant to eat, while she drove me and her baby to the hospital and stayed with me until Chris' sister could come get Savannah & his parents could be there for me.  Those neighbors will never know what their selfless hearts meant to me as I was emotional, pregnant, & falling apart.

Chris stayed in the hospital 3 days with all sorts of tests showing nothing.  About 3 weeks later, Chris ended up in the hospital again for 4 days and again with tests showing nothing.  Four days after coming home, we welcomed our daughter Payton into our family on November 15, 2005.  And while she was a huge blessing and we were excited, reality struck.  Chris had already missed so many days of work, I had also which meant as a teacher I now went into maternity leave with no days for subs.  Chris continued to feel awful & Payton was a very needy and loud little red-head.  Our 1st night at home, P woke up at 3am, woke Chris up and he became really ill and asked me to call his parents.  They came over right away so they could help me with the baby & Savannah the next morning.  Chris slept the entire day, literally until 4pm while his parents helped with Savannah & I took care of Payton.  It was my birthday and no one called or remembered until Chris woke up at 4.  Selfish of me, YES, the way I wanted to spend my birthday, NO.  It was just so busy and crazy!

Thanksgiving came and went and Christmas approached.  We celebrated with my family out of town that Christmas.  To my frustration, Chris was called on the phone to help fix a MAJOR issue at work and was literally on the phone/computer for hours on Christmas day.  Payton was unusually fussy being off schedule with noise and commotion, and Savannah was running a fever because of teething (which I didn't know until almost 2 hours later when I finally was able to put P down!).  It was the best & worst Christmas on record for me.  Worst for the above mentioned, but best because I spent 2 hours talking alone with my Dad that night.  I put Payton to bed and knowing she'd be up in 2 hours, I couldn't bring myself to put my foot down and cut my Dad off from conversation.  It was a great 2 hours with my Dad, but 30 minutes after shutting my eyes, you bet she woke up!

At this point I was sleeping in our guest room with Payton because every 2 hours when she woke up to eat, she'd wake up Chris and he'd feel nauseous and get sick.  I was also heart-broken because I now had to leave Payton and go back to work.  We didn't know what was wrong with Chris yet and couldn't rely on him being able to work.  So I painstakingly took yet another DD to a home care while I went to work.  So many do it, but I so badly wanted to stay home with my girls. 

My Dad was also in the hospital.  He had diabetes.  He stubbed his toe at Christmas and it had turned into a staff infection.  One week after returning to work, I got yet another life-changing phone call.  It was Chris.  He asked me if I was in my classroom with the kids (yes) and asked me to get someone to cover my class and call him back in the office.  I walked with panic to the office and called him back knowing something had to be wrong with my grandma (Nana had been on/off sick for years and was 84 years old).  I literally crumbled to the floor when he told me that my Daddy had stopped breathing.  He was brought back after 15 minutes of CPR, but was not responsive. 

I ran to my room to try to put sub plans together while Chris left work to go home & pack up me & the girls.  I picked up the girls and got the 1st flight home with them in tow by myself.  By the next day, I had Chris fly up because no one was giving me good news.  My sister & step-mother were talking about taking him off life-support which was an impossible thought in my mind.  My Mom and all of my Dad's family were amazing taking care of the girls while I spent time with Dad in the ICU until Chris got there.  Friday, January 27, 2006, I took Savannah and Chris in to say goodbye to my Daddy (Popo).  He no longer had brain function nor did the doctors feel that would change - he'd gone too long without oxygen.  That evening, I watched my Daddy take his final gasping breaths.  My heart lost all joy.

Sobbing uncontrollably in the hospital hallway with family trying to console me, I finally had to stand up to go nurse Payton who had gone 4 hours with people trying to calm her.  I wasn't ready...I didn't want to 'unplug' him...God was a God of miracles and I was waiting for that!  Everyone wanted to go eat and I just sat there staring and wondering how they could eat (while everyone kept reminding me I needed to eat so I could nurse Payton).  I was numb.

I returned to work the week after and couldn't/wouldn't talk to anyone about it.  Somehow I nursed Payton every 2 hours in the guest room, woke up at 5:00 to get the girls to their home care & myself to work by 7:30.  I left work as soon as I could, picked up the girls (stopping to nurse Payton before the 45 minute drive home), and headed home.  Most days before arriving home, one or both of the girls would be crying about being hungry and there were TOO many days that I actually fell asleep sitting in traffic & woke to a horn honking at me!  I'd get home and whip something up for Savannah before nursing Payton.  Chris would get home after that and some days help with Savannah and others go to bed to keep from getting sick. 

That March, Chris all but begged me to get help.  I was a mess - depressed, numb, lost, angry, sleep-deprived, etc.  It took great courage for him to stand up to me & I will forever be greatful to him for doing what so many can't!  I reluctantly went to my doctor and cried myself through the appointment where he gave me some medicine for anxiety & depression.

We now knew Chris had a paralysis of the stomach nerves called Gastroparesis.  Some people recover quickly, but Chris still suffers from it.  I did finish teaching that school year, but began staying home with the girls after that.  Payton began sleeping through the night & then started sleeping 20 hours a day!  I could barely keep her awake to eat.  After a couple doctors & a CT scan, a neurologist diagnosed her with Sensory Integration Disorder.  She began having 3 therapists come into our home to work with her speech and development.  That August, knowing my paycheck would be gone, I came across a church that paid for child care for Sundays and throughout the week for different classes.  That began my part time work.

In September 2007, we sold our house and moved in with Chris' parents for 7 months.  Chris' weight continued to drop as his body wasn't absorbing any nutrients nor was he able to eat much.  His doctor said that he had 2 choices - a feeding tube or to try a gastric-stimulator which for some helped mask the sick feeling allowing him to eat more.  So early December 2007, at a weight of 118 pounds, Chris had the stimulator put in.  I cannot tell you what a blessing it was that we were living with his parents at the time...another miracle in all of this.

Thanksgiving 2007

Gradually Chris became stronger & gained weight.  That April we moved into a rent house in his parents' neighborhood.  I was teaching at a Mothers Day Out program and taking care of Payton's speech therapy (she'd been exited out of developmental, although she still had sensory issues and still does).  One year later we bought our current home.  Chris continued to gain weight & Savannah started school.  We joined our church, Lake Pointe, and found an amazing life group.  I taught Payton at home her preschool year to help her catch up before Kindergarten.  The girls are thriving in school & doing so well inspite of their rocky early years.  They will be in 1st & 3rd grade this fall and are above level in both reading and math.  Savannah also accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior in January 2011 & was baptized by Chris.  Talk about joy in my heart!!! 

Chris decided to try going Gluten Free this June after he began having Irritable Bowl Syndrome issues more frequently this past spring.  He's only had 2 episodes since then which is encouraging for us to continue.  He still suffers bad spells with his Gastroparesis (GP), but is so faithful and strong that he chooses to be positive & not let it get him down.  We just celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary & completed ReEngage (which I could talk about and thank God for all day long) and could not be happier! We are happy because we choose to be thankful for God's strength each day and put our faith in the plan He has for our lives.

Why would I choose to share this extremely long story?  Because I wouldn't be who I am today without the trials I had endured.  My outlook on life has changed dramatically and I'm less selfish than I use to be (like all those years ago when I forced going to the Fair and then 24 hours later my husband had an incurrable stomach disease).  I have a new outlook on death...though my heart aches for my Daddy & now my grandma (Nana who did pass away this past January), I look forward to joining them one day in heaven and now see the joy in sadness. 

I am not different than anyone else that faces trials, but I think our story is a powerful example of God's strength and glory - one worth sharing as an example to those who might question why we must face these trials - one worth sharing as an example to others of God's goodness, faithfulness, & unconditional love.  I lost all my joy when my Daddy passed away, but God never left my side...I could literally feel Him carrying me so many days.  In Psalm 30:5 it tells us "Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning," and my joy not only came back through His strength and support of people He placed in my life, but today my joy far exceeds what it was and it's here to stay!  I have a faithful & growing relationship with God and have seen so many of His miracles and plans unfolding around me.  He is so good to me!

July 21, 2012 (our 11th Anniversary)

I mentioned a song that I heard Sunday at church that reminds me of these trial years...it is called "Never Once" by Matt Redman.  I'm going to close with the lyrics from this powerful song.  I couldn't put into words how I feel any better than this song.  Though you may have trials and struggles in this world, remember to listen to the Giggles from Heaven and find joy in every day.

Tammy Jones
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

"Never Once" by Matt Redman

Standing on this mountaintop
Looking just how far we’ve come
Knowing that for every step
You were with us

Kneeling on this battle ground
Seeing just how much You’ve done
Knowing every victory
Was Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Yes, our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Kneeling on this battle ground
Seeing just how much You’ve done
Knowing every victory
Was Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Yes, our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Never once did we ever walk alone
Carried by Your constant grace
Held within Your perfect peace
Never once, no, we never walk alone

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Every step we are breathing in Your grace
Evermore we’ll be breathing out Your praise
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

You are faithful, God, You are faithful
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Sisters & Such

My sister, niece & nephew came to visit us this week.  It was a very busy 4 days, but such a fun time.  My girls love playing with their cousins!  My sister and I were blessed to grow up close to our cousins on both sides of our family & are still very close to them.  In fact, on my Dad's side, we actually are close to our 2nd & 3rd cousins also (and just welcomed our first 4th cousin into the world). My heart is joyful that my daughters are also close with their cousins on both sides.  These relationships are so important in keeping family together.  It makes getting together with our siblings so wonderful knowing that everyone gets along.

So what did we do besides let them ransack the playroom? Six Flags, what else!? My Sis was NOT going to let a few short children stand in the way of riding The Giant, Titan, & Batman, so we rode by ourselves, while the other one watched the short people. The Giant actually had a 'chicken coupe' with a locked door & supervisor so we were able to ride together!  Here is one pic of them actually standing in age order from Right to Left: Savannah (8), Kylie (7), Payton (6), Logan (3).  Yes, it was 100 degrees and pretty miserable outside!

So the next day (with allergies flaring all over the place), we decided to stay indoors.  We headed to our favorite bowling/game venue, Shenaniganz!  While waiting for a lane to bowl, we played a round of 9 hole glow-in-the-dark putt putt --- super fun!  Then we bowled & enjoyed a big snack of french fries, chips, & queso!

Kylie, Logan & Me (their Aunt Mimi)

Payton, my sister Stacie, & Savannah

They left this morning and it was scary quiet!  More so because I took Savannah to her Nene & Papa's house for a sleepover with another cousin!  Payton and I enjoyed lunch & running errands together.  After a busy week, we were both tired so we took a nap!  I slept almost 2 hours & I woke her up after 3!  We welcomed Daddy home shortly after, ate dinner together, watched some TV, played Uno, put away laundry, & she's a sleeping princess now! 

Tomorrow Chris and I will celebrate our 11th Anniversary!  We have a busy day planned, some of which I know, some of which I don't!  We'll drop P off with Nene & Papa and the girls will both spend the night tomorrow.  We will see The Dark Knight Rises, do 'stuff' (the unknown part), then enjoy a fondue type dinner tomorrow night!  I'm super excited about having 24 hours with just Chris!  That time is so treasured to me.  I love him so much & could not be more blessed to have him as my husband, friend, & father of our girls!  And although its suppose to be 105, we will have fun in the A/C with each other!

Mentioning The Dark Knight Rises bring tears to my eyes thinking about the heart-breaking event of early this morning.  My heart truly breaks for what breaks Jesus' heart!  He died after living a perfect, unselfish, sinless life for OUR sins and selfishness.  Tonight I pray for the victims in Aurora, CO & their families (one victim was a friend of my cousin) & I pray for the lost soul who forever changed so many lives.  Its impossible to wrap our brains around, but Jesus LOVES him, forgives him.  God tells us in John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."  But in Romans 8:28 it says, "And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose."  God takes those tragedies and allows good to come because of it.  Does that help us to miss our loved ones any less, no.  But He will heal our hearts and when we allow Him, He will help us to forgive (whether it's someone who selfishly took a loved one from us or whether we're mad at God for an ill loved one).  God loves us with an everlasting love & will give us the strength we need to get through each impossible situation. 

So tonight, or in the morning, hug your spouse, kiddos, loved ones a little longer.  Pick up the phone and call your estranged family member or dear friend you haven't spoken to in a while.  Each day we're given is a gift from God...let's serve our Lord in our relationships as well as with the people we meet or even the servers at the restaurant we eat at this weekend!  And always remember to listen for the Giggles from Heaven!

Tammy Jones
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

Mawage

In the 1987 movie, The Princess Bride, the Impressive Clergyman said it best..."Mawage. Mawage is wot bwings us togeder tooday. Mawage, that bwessed awangment, that dweam wifin a dweam...
And wuv, tru wuv, will fowow you foweva...
So tweasure your wuv."

Chris and I have been married 11 years (our 11th anniversary is actually this Saturday, the 21st) and dated 4 1/2 years prior to getting married.  We are in a class together called ReEngage.  It is a Christian based program that helps you to take a deep look at your marriage.  It's designed to help strengthen your marriage by opening up with one another and remembering why you married your spouse in the first place.  It helps you to biblically understand how God designed marriage and what He intended for every marriage to look like.  ReEngage is for everyone...whether your marriage is failing and you're considering divorce or you have a great marriage but know it could be stronger and more focused on God.  It doesn't fix your marriage, it is meant to help you biblically face difficult issues in a safe environment.

ReEngage starts off by everyone being together in a big group.  There is a time of prayer, worship, & then a couple tells their story and how God has impacted their lives, their marriage.  The stories are truly inspirational...some couples have come from the edges of divorce and others have faced trials of illness or temptations.  But we are all sinners.  We all have baggage.  We all need God!

After the big group, couples go to an Open Group and eventually get put into a Closed Group when they are ready.  The Open Group has discussions with facilitators to guide the conversations just as the Closed Groups do, but the Closed Groups also follow a 16 week workbook covering various topics that can, and usually do, seriously impact marriages.  It is a safe place for spouses to share & learn from listening to others in confidence.

I met Chris 15 1/2 years ago.  One month later, I fell in love with him and never looked back!  He is the most amazingly strong and faithful man I know.  From his faith that God will sustain him through his stomach issues (Gastroparesis & IBS) to his strength each day to get up and go to work or play with his girls even feeling nauseous, he has a love for Jesus and a love for life that shines through to everyone who meets him!  He has a completely different outlook on life...Chris doesn't see his glass as 1/2 empty or 1/2 full, he just is thankful to have a glass! I love the song by NewSong "When God Made You"...God knew exactly who I needed to complete my broken self.  He knew that Chris would help me in my journey and relationship with Christ!  I'm humbled and blessed to be married to Chris.

All this to say, I love Chris with my whole heart!  But we are sinners.  We need reminders and encouragement just like everyone else.  We are so enately different as a man and woman.  There is a constant challenge for him to be the husband God calls him to be and for me to be the wife I'm called to be.  In Ephesians 5:21-33, wives are called to be submissive to their husbands & to respect them.  However, husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved His church.  There is accountability for both men and women. 

Our Life Group leader, Mason Randall, gave a great analogy this past Sunday on how men and women are different...how men are like waffles and women are like spaghetti.  Paraphrased he said that men are like waffles because they are able to compartmentalize everything in their lives...just as syrup when poured into each individual hole of a waffle will stay in its hole without touching another one.  They can go from this conversation, to this fight, to this situation and 'shut off' all other situations in their life when going on to yet another part of their life.  Where as women are like spaghetti where every noodle is touching and intertwined.  We (yes me too) tend to carry conversations over into fights, over into this situation and then on to this other part of our life.  It is just typically how we are wired.  One is not right or wrong, just different.

ReEngage has definitely helped us to look at our Waffle & Spaghetti selves and see how God made each of us unique and special.  We are called to serve our spouse in a loving way while moving towards oneness with our spouse & our Lord!  I wish I could say we now have all the answers, but no.  Our journey towards a Godly marriage will begin truly when we finish our ReEngage lessons in 2 weeks.  I pray we will take what we learned about God's will for our marriage & about each other and apply it to each blessed day we have together in this life.  That is also my prayer for each and every one of you - may you find your oneness with your spouse and serve our Lord together!  If you ever have the opportunity to attend ReEngage with or without your spouse, I encourage you to do so.  I hope all of you have a blessed day and remember to listen to Giggles from Heaven!

Tammy Jones
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

Lotto Numbers

Here they are - 66, 30, 820, 199, 730, 35!  No, those numbers aren't my lotto numbers, they're simply all the highways I drove on yesterday to go see my sweet new 4th cousin Claire!  Meeting her & seeing my family was worth it!  It took me basically 3 hours round trip - I only tell you that to say how much thinking time it gave me (I was alone mind you).  I didn't solve anything major like world hunger, but just had uninterrupted time to pray for family & friends, ponder on things, praise God while listening to the Message on Sirius, etc.  I started my day by seeing a sweet friend and meeting her week old son, was able to meet Claire, stop for a late lunch at Don Pablos (I'm seriously in love with that place), then came home to spend time with my family & help Chris finish revamping my old childhood vanity for the girls! Wow, what a packed day, but SO fabulous!

Speaking of Chris slaving away on my project for him...here is a photo of my vanity!  I'm sure I have a photo somewhere of the vanity before & if I ever find it, I will certainly post it!  It turned out so beautiful & will look precious in the girls' room!  We have a ton of paint left & I do believe this is the color I will paint my scrapbooking room (whenever if gets cleaned out).  It's really neat to see them use something of mine - the dresser they have is mine from my 1st bedroom set as a child also (painted more girly of course & without the brass knobs).  Crafty doesn't have to mean expensive or getting rid of the old for sure!



We had communion today at church with a wonderful message to remind us of the sacrifice Jesus made for us - His body was broken & His blood was shed.  For me, for my sins.  It still amazes me to think about God sacrificing His only son for all of us!  I'm so humbled & thankful that God loves me that much...that Jesus loved me that much.  WOW!  Such a great reminder!

Tonight we get to gather with my family for dinner & fellowship.  We are truly blessed to have some family near us!  I hope all of you are enjoyed a weekend with family & time with our Lord!  Until next time, remember to listen for the Giggles from Heaven!

Tammy Jones
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

30 Day Challenge

During the school year I teach Stretch N Grow (preschool fitness) to children in daycares & mother's day out programs.  Yesterday I had the joy of subbing at one of my schools from last year.  On the way home I passed a church with a flashy bulletin board.  On it was a picture of a huge eraser and it said, "God has a giant eraser."  I LOVED IT!  What a great way to represent what God does for us when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior - He erases ALL of our sins (past, present, & future)!  I am a sinner (I know you're all surprised right now, but it's true).  I sin on a daily, sometimes hourly basis!  I try, but I fail.  Great news though...I am forgiven! I know I am, I don't even question it.  Do I still try, of course I do because I don't like failing at anything.  But when I do fail, I ask God & those I've sinned against for forgiveness; and then I work on forgiving myself.  That's all I can do.

This summer I've had a hard time getting into a routine that wasn't sleeping in too late, staying up too late, and being too lazy to workout!  We've been out of town 4 times in a month - that's insane but the way the 'cookie crumbles' sometimes.  This didn't allow me ease of sticking with my Weight Watchers points, or work out, or care for that matter.  On top of that I added a new lifestyle (gluten free) to my life.  It's definitely a change and no you cannot buy Low Fat Gluten Free things anywhere which means retraining my brain to eat a sandwich without bread (yes a salad with mustard). 

Well I am finally home and SO happy to say that after seeking wise council (from a dear friend whom I trust for advice), I am starting a 30 day challenge!  I'm not setting any unrealistic goals for myself, but I am challenging myself to get up & workout Monday-Friday every week & making healthy eating choices!  I'm praying that after doing it for 4 weeks that it will become a habit.  Being healthy, having more energy, & yes losing some weight (to be at a healthy weight) will be huge bonuses!  However, this is more between me & God.  I want & need discipline in my life to feel productive as a person, wife, mother, etc.  I feel getting started each day with taking care of the body that God blessed me with is a great idea to help me be disciplined & productive each day.  The only way I can fail is by not trusting God that I can do this - "With God all things are possible."  Matthew 19:26

Feel free to join me in this challenge if you feel led to do so.  I did 40 minutes of Kickboxing this morning at home using a FREE on-demand video (so it doesn't cost a thing and you don't have to pass out from heat stroke!).  When food is considered, planning ahead of time and not being tempted is also very important when eating healthy.  I'm no expert, but I do know what has worked for me in the past & what I've learned from way more failures then I care to admit.  If you take this challenge with me, I wish you luck and I'd love to know so I can be praying for your success!  I will also keep you up to date (once a week) on my progress.  Happy Friday the 13th everyone & remember, listen for the Giggles from Heaven!

Tammy Jones
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

New Baby Wednesday

No, it wasn't us! But we have 4, yes 4 new babies in our lives! Two boy blessings were born on July 4th and two more blessings were born today (a boy & a sweet baby girl who happens to be my 4th cousin!). I cannot wait to meet all 4 of these angels! Wow, God is good - a God of miracles! There is nothing that makes me sit back in amazement and praise Him like a new baby! Psalm 139:13 says "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me in my mother's womb." (New Living Translation 2007)

Today also happens to be July 11...7/11, the day of FREE Slurpees! So after being physically INSIDE my house with my girls for 4 days, this was exactly what I needed...a cannot-pass-this-up reason to get out of the house (even if it was for 15 minutes)! It was nice & yummy! Here is a pic of Salt & Pepper with their Slurpees!





And you might notice my Gluten Free Recipes tab...I will be putting my recipes on there to help anyone out there that might read this and need new ideas or helpful hints. Since this is new for us, right now I'll mostly be referencing places I found a successful recipe. However, that will evolve & I will put some of my favorite recipes on as well once I make them in a GF way! Tonight was hot dogs & chips with no buns. SUPER exciting I know, but it works! Now I realize since I'm new I didn't even think about checking into Slurpees before rushing over there. But after checking out their site http://www.slurpee.com/Flavors/ all 3 flavors we chose (Strawberry Banana, Dr. Pepper, & Wild Cherry) were all GLUTEN FREE! Go me & go 7/11! 

And I want to thank ALL of the family & friends who have been supporting us in our GF journey providing GF options at meals & recipes, blogs, & resources for us to check out! I pray all of you had a wonderful 7/11 & remember, listen for Giggles from Heaven!

Tammy Jones
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Blessings of Normalcy

Well, the good news is that my little Wildfire is feeling better & eating now, although she still gets tired easily. The not so great news which is my Blessing of Normalcy is that my little Wildfire now feels better which means the arguing with her sister is back in action! Ahh, motherhood! I really try to embrace the teachable opportunities to correct & love them in a biblical way while finding that fine line between discipline (which is biblical) & grace (obviously biblical). It's a tough one, one that needs many daily prayers by me & some "Mommy time out" moments locked in the bathroom! No matter what, I'm blessed to be their Mama, hand-picked by God for them specifically - wow, awesome!

I wanted to share a couple verses today...one comes from a Proverbs 31 bible study I'm in right now. Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Wow, I hope to instill this into my heart so I hopefully stop & think about it before speaking! So many times I'm quick to speak, slow to think and that is exactly what gets me in trouble and causes the Holy Spirit to convict me strongly! Another verse I wanted to share was brought to my attention last night from the best friend of Dana who is recovering from having her brain tumor removed. It is one of my favorites to pray when times are hard and trials are stacking up! Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice!" No matter what life throws our way, no matter what trials try to drag us down, no matter how our heart is breaking, we need to rejoice in God our Father. He will never forsake us!

Last night I was cleaning up - my oldest helped me vacuum the living room & the girls picked up the game room. I vacuumed the game room & swept the kitchen after they went to bed. I went to mop only to realize that my swifter wet jet (quick mop) was out of juice! So I put a baby wipe under my feet and started scrubbing - 6 wipes later I was finished. Don't judge me, it worked and that's all that mattered! And yes, then there was laundry - 4 loads completed & put away before bed - accomplishment! God again is good - reading about the Proverbs 31 woman and striving to be like her has changed my heart. Instead of feeling bogged down and frustrated with laundry, cleaning, & looking up GF meals for that matter, I feel blessed to be home & have the time to take care of my family & home. I feel blessed that my girls are older and a bit more independent so again, I have the time to do these things which would have been more of a strain when they were younger or even when I was teaching full time! We don't always see God's plan for us or the results of choices we make, but staying home and only working part time was definitely the best choice for our family, one I will never regret.

I also made another yummy GF meal last night! I will have to modify for Chris next time (he isn't a refried bean or olive fan so I will only add those to 1/2 the dish), but he still ate it and I thought it was yummy! Here it is - http://www.recipe.com/beef-and-bean-taco-casserole/ - just make sure the taco seasoning is GF! Leftovers tonight and I can't wait!

So even though yesterday's blog comes this morning, it's here & it's full of life! I'm off to switch laundry because let's face it, it's never really done! Happy Tuesday & remember to listen for the Giggles from Heaven!

Tammy Jones
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

God's Day

Today was definitely a day of rest which was really good considering my daughter was up twice last night coughing & needing breathing treatments. The good news though, she ate some crackers fine tonight and was actually mad at us for not letting her have pizza! (probably not the best thing after not eating for 4 days) That's my little WildFire...I've missed her! She's looking forward to leftover biscuits for breakfast and leftover pizza for lunch! I'm just looking forward to seeing more of her smile!

On the note of food, here is another gluten free recipe I made yesterday in the crock pot courtesy of Pinterest again. Here is the link: http://www.crockadoodledo.blogspot.com/2012/04/italian-chicken.html and I made biscuits using gluten free bisquick which turned out nicely! Again, the leftovers were yummy today for lunch.

Tonight we tried Domino's new Gluten Free pizza. It was ok - gave the pizza craving what it needed, but was super expensive (only comes in small 10" & we paid $28 for 2 of them - one with cheese, one with 4 toppings) & also had no edging to the crust so it was very messy to hold. Don't worry, Chris and I finished our small no problem, just saying! It was definitely nice to be able to order something GF and have it delivered.

Finally, a sweet friend & former boss is heavy in my heart. Dana was diagnosed with cancer in April. She had a massive tumor in her brain that had grown & was a 'must remove' situation. So this morning at 7:30, she had it removed. She is resting well in ICU now & the doctors feel they removed it all. Praise God! She has a long road of recovery ahead still and is in constant need of our prayers. A dear friend who is keeping us updated posted a verse last night & I prayed it before bed, and during both of PJ's breathing treatments over night. I love it - "LORD my God, I cried out to You, And You healed me." - Psalm 30:2. God is good, even when this life gives us trouble and we face unbareable trials, God is good!

This has definitely been a nice weekend inspite of PJ being sick. Chris was able to help our lifegroup leader lay down sod, we had a lot of quality family time, & we were able to catch up on some movies (Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (with the girls), Act of Valour, & Sherlock Holmes 2 - all really good!). We will be at home again tomorrow and I plan to do more cleaning out & organizing...oh yea, and laundry! I hope all of you enjoyed your weekend & until next time, listen for the sweet sound of Giggles from Heaven!!!

Tammy Jones
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

The Journey Begins

When this summer started, I had big plans.  A few trips out of town to see family, teaching VBS at church, my daughter's 1st baton twirling contest, and our annual 4th of July trip to Grandma Jones' for a weenie roast & fireworks!  And we've certainly done all that, but with a few twists and turns along the way.  I was out a few days with a high fever (ear infection & early bronchitis), we decided to go gluten free to help my husband's stomach which was a huge life change, our Great Uncle Jesse passed away (heart-breaking), and now poor PJ has pneumonia.  In John 16:33 it says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  I find great comfort and strength knowing that God is always with me!

Chris and I have been dying for Chinese food since going Gluten Free.  This week I made a GREAT recipe I found on Pinterest (love it) and had to share!  We even had leftovers and it was just as good warmed up which was a huge plus!  We will definitely repeat this. 

Gluten Free Sweet & Sour Chicken and Fried Rice - just use gluten free soy sauce!
(Just in case the link doesn't work) - http://life-as-a-lofthouse.blogspot.com/2010/09/baked-sweet-and-sour-chicken-with-fried.html

It will be a journey being gluten free, but if it helps Chris then it's worth it!  I hope all of you enjoy reading my blog - not because I'm some amazing writer, but because I'm just a wife, mama, daughter, sister, friend like everyone else who is constantly seeking God to help strengthen and guide me in this journey of life.  I hope all of you are having a peaceful Saturday evening & remember, listen for the sweet sound of Giggles from Heaven!!!

Tammy Jones
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11