Twas the 1st Day of School...

Twas the 1st Day of School and all through the house,
Not a nerve was in control, not even my spouse!
The backpacks were hung in the kitchen with care,
In hopes that they would not be forgotten there.
 
The children were dressed in their new school clothes,
While they couldn't wait to see what their friends chose.
And Mama with her camera & Daddy rolling his eyes,
Had just now begun to look with surprise.
 
Because out of the beds the girls arose with a smile,
We stepped back confused to look for awhile.
So away to the donut store Dad flew like a flash,
Hopping in the 5.0 with a handful of cash.

 

When what to the girls wondering eyes should appear,
A hero in the kitchen with bags full of cheer.
They downed a few donuts and then a few more,
While Mama hoped she didn't forget anything at the store.

 

And away down the street in Daddy's new Mustang,
To get them inside before the first school bell rang.
Mama said, "Don't forget a picture, a kiss, & a hug,"
While Daddy stood watching and gave them a shrug.

There stood a woman, beautiful and smart,
Waiting to love on them and take care of their heart.
She will teach them, love them, & help them grow,
Although Mama wishes all of it would just go slow.

 

  

Their eyes they did twinkle, their outfits how merry!And their cheeks resembled a maraschino cherry.
Their lips curled up at the sides just a bit,
As they found their spot & pulled their chairs out to sit.

 

A little bit of nerves even with friends all around,
Let Mama and Daddy remind of courage to be found.
There was work to begin and rules to learn right,
So the year could go smoothly without all the fight.

  

As we looked to our precious girls and found a goodbye,
We knew it wouldn't be long before we could tell them both "hi."
Mama felt the tears come as she again left part of her world,
With one final kiss and "I Love You" she turned with a twirl.

But Mama knew that they heard her as she walked away saying,

"Happy 1st Day of School and I will always keep praying!"

"This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm 118:24

 

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."

Colossians 3:23

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

Resolutions

Usually when we think of setting resolutions, we think of New Year's Eve.   However, as we approach a new school year it seems a perfect time for resolutions.  So here we go...

1. Time for God.  Every day.  Every day that God breathes life into my body.  Every day that God gives me on this Earth.  Every day is a gift that I want to use to dive into God's word, grow stronger in my relationship with Him, & live my life for Him.  Each year I've grown better about being in God's word, but it is still a challenge, not a habit.  I want it to be a habit.  He wants it to be a habit.  My life has offered me way too many examples of how knowing God's word can help you make it through the day, so how can I...why do I...ignore that desire in my heart?  An extra 10 minutes.  A starting point.  So my first resolution is to put my time for God first every day!
   
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105

2. Speak in Kindness.  Early mornings, schedules, deadlines, activities, work...we are bombarded with so many things when the school year starts that it is easy to fall into a bad habit of being quick to speak & slow to think!  One of the biggest issues I have is being quick to speak & react to my girls when they are whining, crying, arguing, & going SUPER slow & we are late!  I have to remind myself all day, every day, that they are children.  Children that are still learning, growing, understanding.  Children who don't always see consequences of their actions (they're never been late to school, but it's a daily struggle to get there).  Children who repeat every word I say with the tone as well.  Children who I was blessed with to raise to be loving Christians who love & live for the Lord.  So my second resolution is to speak in kindness to my girls.

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1

3. Be Healthy.  Notice I didn't say "lose x amount" or "work out x many days" or "eat only x type food" or "get x hours of sleep".  Yes I want to lose a bit of weight.  Yes I want to work out 5 times a week.  Yes I want to eat more natural food & less junk food.  Yes I want to get more sleep.  But for me it's about being healthy.  I don't have the best genetic history, but I can do something about it.  I can get back to the basics: before I forgot that there are portion sizes that work for me.  Before I forgot that exercise is good for my body, not just for weight loss.  Before I decided that quick, easy, & fast were words that should be used to describe the food I eat.  Before I had such easy access to technology that it kept me up hours past normal.  So my third resolution is to be healthy for myself, for Chris, for my girls, for God!
   
"I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food." Job 23:12

4. Say "No".  When my girls were little, first learning, exploring, moving around, one of the first things I told them is "No".  Why as parents do we tell our children "No," because we're trying to protect them from a hot stove, sharp nail, slippery floor, dangerous street.  Well as they've grown and become involved with activities and school, I have become involved with activities and school, too!  I love helping others, volunteering at their school or our church, etc...but somewhere in constantly telling my girls "No" I forgot that it was also OK for me to tell other people "No!"  I don't like to.  It's my Achilles heal...saying "Yes" to everyone.  But I am learning slowly, surely, that I need to stop, think, & pray about what I take on in my life.  Does is still allow for my priorities to be in order (God, Chris, girls, etc)?  Even if I have time, is it something that I feel I'm called to do or is it going to add too much to my life?  Is it a need or a want for the person asking?  I need to consider my family and other resolutions before saying "Yes" to others.  So my fourth resolution is to say "No!"
   
"For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?" 1 Timothy 3:5

Four.  Four Resolutions for now.  Four ways to dramatically change my life by challenging myself to live for God first.  It's going to be hard, but without a doubt I know it will be worth it.  My girls are worth it.  Chris is worth it.  God is worth it.  And through it all, I will 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

Shopping, Rain, & Football

Sounds like a weird combination right? Well they happen to be 3 things I love! I am a fan of shopping, love listening to the rain & the darkness it brings on a day you can stay inside, & LOVE watching football! Today I was able to enjoy time with my family & those 3 things I love, despite plans changing (Six Flags isn't fun in the rain).

We shopped. Yes, we usually avoid tax-free weekend because it's always so crazy and we usually aren't buying enough to make a huge difference (although granted it all adds up). But Savannah needed a lot of new soccer stuff before Monday and Dick's Sporting Goods had extra coupons today only. So we saved over $15 by getting her cleats, soccer socks, soccer ball & shorts today. The girls also needed new tennis shoes for school, so we ran into Rack Room Shoes to take advantage of the buy one get one 50% off daily deal. They had a back to school savings as well so we were able to get $95 worth of shoes for $62 and no tax! Definitely worth the trip out today!

We listened to the rain. When you don't have to be outside in the rain or storms, it's actually quite amazing to hear. It makes it dark outside which provided a perfect setting for a very enjoyed nap for me today! It fills our lakes, waters our grass, & cools off the temperatures and in August that is much appreciated! God's miracle of weather, seasons, life...just beautiful. So yes it put a damper (haha) in our Six Flags plans for today, but we actually did get to enjoy the day of rest!

We watched football.  Need I say more? Chris and I love football! We love watching all teams play, but of course are huge Texas Tech & Cowboy fans! (two very frustrating teams most of the time) Listening to the announcers & watching the game, especially the Cowboys, brings back wonderful childhood memories for both of us watching the games with our family. We are training our girls right too by instilling a love of the game inside them. Their husbands will one day thank us. It's funny how annoyed they get when our teams lose! (nothing like their parents - ha!)

And let me not forget teeth.  Well, a tooth more specifically. My sweet Payton had me pull out her 8th tooth tonight! In 11 months, 8 teeth have come out of her mouth & braces are in our near future! She is blessed (cursed really) with her Mama's teeth - sharp long roots that make wiggly teeth pretty painful. Poor kiddo! But the Tooth Fairy knows our house personally since she's stopped here 16 times in 2 1/2 years & she's very generous!

Sweet Pea & her 8th tooth!

Some might think we did nothing today, but truly we did a lot! Some things that needed to be done, some things that we wanted to do, but most importantly we were together as a family and that is priceless time I always cherish! I could never repay God for blessing me with my family: my faithful, loving husband; my beautiful, sweet-hearted oldest daughter; my spunky, cuddly baby girl. I don't know what I did right, but I guarantee I did something to be blessed so abundantly! God is loving, gracious, forgiving, and oh so loving!

 Ephesians 1:5God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

May you stop to listen to the rain, watch some football, & cherish your family time; and may you always hear 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

Batman & his sidekick Robin

I've had the privelege yesterday and today of keeping a dear friend's two sweet kiddos.  Her oldest, E, happens to be Savannah's age. E was in Savannah's class the past 2 years at school & though he's a boy, they get along very well! Her youngest, K, is 4 and very much blends with Payton's ideas of play so they get along perfectly!

While the little girls have played school, dolls, house, and all things girlie upstairs, the big ones have enjoyed some Wii time playing the Lego Batman game. S was Batman & E was Robin. As I sit here and watch them play, listen to them interact, I thought about our 'sidekicks' in life. You see they had to work together in this game...they had to cheer each other on and encourage each other...they had to wait for each other...and they had to fight the bad guys together.

Isn't that how our lives are? Are we not having to work together, cheering each other on, encouraging each other, waiting until we have to fight the next bad guy?!

These relationships God has perfectly placed together in our lives should be treasured. None of us are perfect and there are no game manuals for our lives and the daily struggles we face. But God has given us each other so that we are not physically alone & have someone to 'have our back' in times of trouble. God is ALWAYS with us and for us, and the biggest way we see that is through the daily blessings in our lives. Our 'sidekicks' are angels brought from Heaven as a gift from God to help us through this game called life.

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."  Galatians 6:2

It might be our spouse. Chris and I lean on each other for everything. We are there to support each other through the stresses of our jobs (yes Mommyhood is a JOB), encourage each other when we feel there isn't enough time in the day/week/month/year, cheer each other on when we get a promotion or recognize the great accomplishments we've achieved, and we definitely stand together to fight 'the bad guys' in life (including societal 'norms').

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."  John 15:12

It might be your family. I cannot think of anything I've been through in my life that I couldn't go to a family member about...to share with, for encouragement or support, to cheer me on & get wisdom from...my family (Chris' too) have always been there for me whether it was good or bad. I pray diligently over all of them - as far as 4th cousins & twirling coaches literally by name, and I pray they feel blessed by those prayers for all they have done to positively impact my life. I am truly blessed with a large family whose hearts are so big!
   
"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." 1 Corinthians 13:7

It might be friends. I have been VERY blessed in my life with friends. I'm not saying I deserve them and I hope they all feel the same about me, but I have lasting friendships. The kind that even though weeks, months, years may go by, I could pick up the phone in troubled times & they would not only answer, but jump to my aide. That is a blessing. And likewise, all any one of them has to do is ask and I am there for them. It might be any 'sidekick' request from packing, moving, unpacking, watch my dog, a death in the family, watch my kids, or just a long, encouraging phone conversation. There is NO way I could have survived, especially after having the girls, without the help of my friends. And all I pray is that I have and can continue to pay it forward.

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."  John 15:13

It might be a stranger. This might sound weird, but we might all have stories of a strangers' random act of kindness. Isn't that the same thing? Have we not dropped something as overwhelmed Moms with our arms full of babies & bags and a stranger stop & pick up something we've dropped? Have we not seen the kindness in a grocery store when someone with a full basket lets us go in front when we only have a couple things? Have we not met the occasional nice driver that lets us go first at a stop sign? There are so many ways strangers act as sidekicks helping us through our day. I will never forget sitting in a restaurant with the girls who were very young (1 & 3 I believe). We didn't really have the money for it, but mixed with errands I had to accomplish that day before nap that took longer than they were suppose to I was desperate to not only eat & feed them, but to also sit down for a minute and have someone (a sweet waitress) take care of me. I remember an older couple sitting at a table close to our booth telling me the girls were so cute, but that was it. At the end of our meal as I was about to ask for the bill (girls fussy again and time to leave), the waitress approached me asking if I'd like a to-go drink and letting me know that my bill was paid. I was in shock! That sweet older couple had paid my bill. I was fully convinced at that time they were angels sent from Heaven. I was able to have the break I needed & we weren't out the money for a lunch we really couldn't afford.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and Love your neighbor as yourself."  Luke 10:27

Savannah "Batman" & E "Robin"

We are mearly Batman in this world with a Father who gives us super human love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, & self-control. But our Father gives us something else equally important, Robin. Robin helps us daily get through this video game of life in many different ways. I pray all of you recognize & acknowledge the Robins in your life. I pray my sweet Savannah stays friends with her Robin forever. And I hope you never forget 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

Kisses

OK, I cannot believe I went all week without posting! Wow, not sure where it went! However, today's is so important to me as a Mommy...kisses! I am a Mommy of two girls who are very loving, so to say that we kiss a lot is an understatement!
I kiss foreheads...
I kiss hands...
I kiss cheeks...
I kiss clean toes...
I kiss lips...
I kiss noses...
I kiss like an Eskimo on the nose.

I love kissing my giggly girls! I love kissing my hubby! We get a bunch of 'ewwwws' from the girls, but it doesn't stop us. :) I also come from a very huggy & kissy kind of family. And bless any visitors' hearts, but that family doesn't care if you're blood or not, you're getting a kiss and a hug!

This says it all! - May 2012 - Photo courtesy of LaFeather Photography

Well a couple days ago while cuddled in my recliner with the girls watching the Olympics, my sweet red headed angel leans over and kisses me on the shoulder. I cannot begin to explain the love & joy in my heart at that moment! Crazy, but at that moment I finally realized the kind of love and affection I was instilling into my girls' lives! I also realized how very special one simple kiss can be!

I have had to make a conscience effort to slow our lives down, say 'no' to activities that take us away from home, & to listen more to the cues of my hubby and girls. What this has blessed me with is many priceless moments of cuddling with my girls & making sweet, irreplaceable memories with just our family. We are blessed with an amazingly loving family & truly supportive friends, but Chris and I also know that God has blessed us with each other...the 4 of us with a marriage that will forever take time to grow & glorify God and also with two girls who we are called to teach and encourage to love the Lord!

With all of the day to day demands from work, bills, laundry, meals, doctors, and yes even family & friends, it is so hard to keep our priorities in check. God should always be first. I fail, I'm a sinner, but I do try to start off my days with a "Good Morning God" even if I can't spend time in His word at that minute. A simple pray helps me prepare my head & heart for the blessing of a day God has given me. Waking up early to even read a daily devotional, a verse, or pray, helps keep God at the top of our priority list where He should be!

Matthew 6:31-33         
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 

Chris should always come second. Many would argue with this saying that maybe my kids should...or those of you working might say your job has to. That's simply not true. Without the love I have for Chris, I wouldn't even have my daughters. And I want our marriage to not only glorify God, but also be an example to the girls of what they should wait for, pray for in a marriage. And your job may come & go, but God will always provide & calls us to love & respect our husbands (likewise they are called to love & lead us). I urge all of you to read Proverbs 31 & take it to heart as a challenge of a new way of life that women are called to live.

And then yes, my precious angels come third. God has blessed me with these girls, hand picked me & knit them in my womb for me to nurture & love! When my priorities begin with God and then Chris, I am a far better Mama! I am a Mama who is in God's word that gives me wisdom, strength, encouragement, joy, hope...and with all of these, I am able to feel the love & completion I need to pay it forward to love them. I am able to teach them with a stern but loving tone in a way that reminds them of the everlasting love their Heavenly Father has for them and all of us!

Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Deuteronomy 6:7You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Daily struggles, daily chores, daily crisis...we all have them. It is part of this fallen world we live in, but we cannot let it consume us. Instead we have God's promises, God's love, God's words to get us through each day. We have...Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, & Self-Control (Galatians 5:22-23). We have the amazing blessings God has given to us with the promise of an incredible plan for our lives.

In the middle of all the 'stuff' I find pulling at me daily, it is my responsibility, calling, honor to put those priorities in the correct order so that I can love...

God
Hubby
Daughters

...with a Proverbs 31 heart. I need to always remember to take time to enjoy all those kisses & 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

Daddy O

Yesterday would have been my Daddy's 62nd birthday.  Donald Keith Obets passed away January 27, 2006 at the young age of 55. I'm so thankful that he was able to walk me down the aisle & meet both of my daughters before passing (oldest was 23 months & youngest was 2 months and had only met him at Christmas). Each year on his birthday, August 5th, we bake or buy a dessert (always chocolate, his favorite), light a candle, sing Happy Birthday to him, & blow it out. I then always talk about my Daddy to the girls and show them photos, etc. This year, for whatever reason, I had a very hard time. I couldn't really talk about it. So yes we celebrated by singing & eating a chocolate (gluten free) dessert, I didn't tell stories or look at photos with the girls. I then sobbed for 3 hours on & off, 2 of those while trying to fall asleep. God is good though - I finally said aloud, "I choose JOY!" and fell asleep a few minutes later. Today I'm going to share some of my favorite photos on here with some information about who my Daddy was & I'm sure you'll see that I am who I am because of him!

 Daddy and I - July 21, 2001

 Dad loved to hunt deer - 11 years old here

 We are absolutely nothing alike - yea right!

 His family was very important to him.

 He was married to my Mom for 28 years - this at their 25th Anniversary party

 He traveled to all our football games to watch us twirl - Go Tech!

 He loved Disney World & took us 2 times!

 Though snow in San Antonio was RARE, we loved it that winter!

 Dad LOVED to race his dragster - later he named it "Daddy O" (I'm on the left)

 Stacie, Daddy, & I at Christmas - one of my favs!

 He was the oldest of 5 kids - Donald, Greg, Patti Jo, and twins: Caroline & Madeline

 He was 100% goof-ball! (this at his parents' lake house)

 He loved our sailboat (again at the lake house)

 Me & my Daddy - my favorite photo of us! (Aug 1996)

Daddy remarried Terri in October 2000 which added many blessings into our lives.

 Daddy with my daughters, Savannah & Payton - Christmas 2005

Happy 62nd Birthday Daddy!

I find great comfort & hope in Revelation 21:4 "He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever."  I know that one day I'll be reunited with Daddy & until that time I will cling to God's strength, my memories, & the joy of my family! I miss you Daddy...I love you so much...I'm so thankful you helped mold me into who I am today...I will always listen for your 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

Spreading God's Truth

Today Chris and I had the opportunity to serve in the children's ministry at our church.  Normally the Pinch Hitters help in the preschool area & just give a bit of extra support to the regular people in the room.  We were needed in the 3rd grade ministry today where there were 77 children & 4 leaders!  We also normally just assist, not really lead, but with numbers that high, we stepped up to help the groups be smaller. 

I had my group of 9 girls which was nothing considering I use to teach 20-23 3rd graders for a living!  The kiddos learned about Elijah and the story of the false prophet Baal.  We did the activity, they answered questions, we discussed what some of our false idols could be, & I closed in prayer.  Nothing out of the usual...until...

One of the sweet, soft-spoken girls came up to me as we were cleaning up and said, "Which way do you think it would be worse to die...to be burned or drown?"  WOW, I hope my face didn't reveal my total shock in a very deep question.  I didn't know where she was going with the question or what was on her heart, but I followed mine and kept her talking.  I told her that both would be an awful way to die, painful in their own ways.  Then I asked her, "Why do you ask?"  She said that her sister had been telling her about the end of days (Rapture).

Again, WOW!  I was a complete stranger to this child...she didn't know me yet felt comfortable enough to ask me my opinion seeking answers.  I told her, "Ahh, you're talking about the Rapture - when Jesus comes again to take all those who believe in Him away to Heaven.  When we admit that we are sinners and cannot overcome our sins without Jesus & the sacrifice He made by dying on the cross for us, we make Jesus the Lord and Savior of our lives and put Jesus into our hearts.  Have you been Baptized?" 

She answered, "Yes!  And I read my Bible all the time.  I don't understand everything in there - some of the words are long and hard, some are short but I don't know what they mean.  So I ask my Mom."

I said, "That's wonderful!  Then you are saved!  You are so loved by God and now when Jesus comes again, you won't have to worry about what happens after the Rapture.  There will still be challenges on Earth because there is sin, but if you're still alive when Jesus returns, He will take you up to Heaven with Him.  Isn't that wonderful?  Isn't God amazing?"

She nodded her head with a smile & I gave her a hug.  I told her how proud of her I was that she reads her Bible & that she asks questions that help her grow in understanding and faith.  We spent the rest of the time talking about school starting & what she did on her summer vacation. 

"Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You believe in God; believe also in me.  My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.  You know the way to the place where I am going."  John 14: 1-4

I cannot tell you how wonderful it felt to have uplifting answers, God's truth, to give her!  I'm so thankful that God placed me in that room with her so I could be there to discuss something that was obviously on her heart!  I've been seeking ways to minister to children oversees & locally who are in foster homes or orphanages because it breaks my heart that children might ever feel anything but love!  However, this was a wonderful reminder that right here, in my own church & community, that I have a great amount of children that I can reach, love, & share God's truth with. 

All of God's children are called to not only love, pray, tithe, go to church, forgive...but we are also all called to serve & share God's truth!  In Ephesians 4:15 it says, "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ."  When we are in God's Word, and then turn and share His Truth with others, we become closer to God; we are being obedient.  We are blessed abundantly by being obedient to God.  I personally am encouraged to keep my eyes & ears open to how I can share God's truth & serve Him daily!  So walk with an open heart & 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

Shopping and Mentors

I'm going to be honest...I love shopping!  Okay okay, what girl doesn't right?  Well I actually know quite a few girls that don't.  But I do, but with one flaw...I hate spending money!  Not an easy thing to overcome.  This summer I've been studying Proverbs 31 - as I woman, I highly recommend reading & studying it!  Early on (about the time we went gluten free - eek), I came across this verse..."She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard." Proverbs 31:16.  The Proverbs 31 woman is wise with money...careful, cautious, thoughtful with it.  Our grocery budget since going gluten free has risen drastically!  I'm settling into it now, learning where to shop for each item, and we're eating at home more which is never a bad thing!  I'm striving to be a Proverbs 31 woman and certainly MONEY is a great place to focus on (seeing as it's such a huge cause of marital problems)!

So this week has provided not only a lot of shopping opportunities for me, but also some savings! I wanted to get all school supplies, school clothes, and of course groceries this week.  I pre-ordered Payton's school supplies through our school in May (wanting to spread out the cost of supplies).  So I only had to buy Savannah's and thankfully I stayed $17 below the budget the school had provided.  I was very happy with that.  I purchased a few really cheap things at Office Depot (like $.01 folders!) and went to Target for the rest.  I had a $3 off Crayola coupon (yes I only get Crayola crayons, markers, & color pencils), compared prices on other items to get the best deal (like buying the non-sharpened pencils verses the pre-sharpened which were crazy expensive - I can sharpen just fine), & I used a $5 gift card that I'll tell you about below.

I went ahead and bought a few outfits from Target for the girls that were on clearance & sale.  I had a coupon to receive a $5 gift card with the purchase of $50.  So I separated my purchases to be able to use it right away.  I purchased the clothes having enough to receive the gift card.  Then I purchased the school supplies and used the gift card.  I was proud of my sale purchases & coupons!  I know that other places might have had cheaper prices, but it's 108 outside and the money I saved with the gift card I felt more than covered what the difference might have been (not worth driving me & the girls all over town using gas and getting dehydrated)!

The girls and I also hit Children's Place.  Of course we started at the clearance section which was a little 'not clearance' enough for me. :(  So I looked through the sale items and found a couple I thought were good deals and more than just a t-shirt type outfits.  I also had a 20% off purchase coupon which helped a good deal.  Bonus, right now if you spend $75, you get a free slap bracelet watch!  So now the only thing the girls need are new tennis shoes.  I'll wait until right before school starts for those in case those smelly adorable feet decide to grow on me! 

Finally the groceries...I was very blessed that the girls had a sleep-over at their Nene & Papa's house with their cousins last night.  This allowed some quiet time to get things accomplished today, including price saving at the store.  I love shopping at Tom Thumb, but I certainly don't love most of their prices.  However, over the last 6 months, I have watched some of their prices drop & picked up on some great deals (by accident mind you).  Today I happened to go to get a few items since I was right by it.  I was super excited for a few reasons.  First, I found they did carry the gluten free bread & hot dog buns that Chris likes!  SCORE - closest grocery store carries what we need!  Second, they had buy 1 get 1 free on several types of bread for the girls and I (to stay in budget we do regular bread) AND buy 1 get 1 free on Mission corn tortillas which we use for a LOT of things since going gluten free!  SCORE - freezing 1 loaf of bread & 1 pack of tortillas will allow those to get us through longer!  And finally, I have NEVER walked into Tom Thumb and not been greeted kindly by at least one employee!  SCORE - I left feeling better than when I went in!  (and I seriously love to grocery shop without kids - I'd do it for others if they asked!)  So, saving money & being treated kindly was a huge win at the grocery store today - thanks Tom Thumb! "Be kind and compassionate to one another."  Ephesians 4:32

Ok, so now for the mentor part of this post.  Chris and I were so incredibly blessed over the last 20 weeks to attend an amazing program for ALL marriages called ReEngage!  We were doubly blessed during the 16 week closed session by having amazing facilitators.  They are indeed a couple that walk with Jesus!  They are both faithful & love our Lord and it shows...individually & in their marriage.  By keeping it real in our sessions, they allowed the rest of us to be honest with ourselves, our spouses, & the other couples.  Not a moment was wasted in our group and each of us walked away stronger in our marriage and as individuals.  It was truly a joy to witness them give their testimony last night as we also celebrated the completion of our sessions. 

The wife said something that will forever stick with me and I pray it challenges me as well.  She said that even though they are truly happy, she doesn't want to live the same life year after year...she wants to continue to grow in her relationship with God & in her marriage.  WOW!  Who needs movie stars?  I sat in amazement listening to her, wanting to strive to work towards growing each year...afterwards I had to keep myself from asking for her autograph!  I hope to continue to meet with her after this because she is truly a mentor!  And likewise, her husband is equally a wonderful mentor to the men around him.  I know he's had an impact on Chris during this time!  In a world where we're suppose to look a certain way, have a certain house, drive a certain car, be in a certain club, wear a certain size, how refreshing it is to see two people who are so real, so in love with the Lord and do His work both individually and through their marriage.  So I encourage you to keep everything focused on the true prize, everlasting life, and listen to 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

Breakfast (or dinner) Casserole

Breakfast (or dinner) Casserole

INGREDIENTS:

10oz bag frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed

1 c cooked ham, cut into 1/2" cubes (I buy pre-cooked & cut)

1/4 c green onions, thinly sliced

6 eggs

1 c milk

4.5 oz can of green chilis (something I added for extra flavor)

1/2 tsp dry mustard

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 1/4 c shredded cheese (I use a finely shredded Mexican blend)

INSTRUCTIONS:
Prehead oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 9" square baking dish with nonstick spray (I used a 9 x 13 because that's all I have).  Line bottom of baking dish with potatoes; sprinkles with ham, then onions.  In medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, dry mustard, green chilis, salt & pepper.  Pour egg mixture over ham/onions.  Sprinkles with cheese.  Bake 45-50 minutes or until firm.

This is super easy gluten free recipe from the Gluten Free Meal Plan on Emeals! It's very yummy for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!  Enjoy!!!