The End

For several months now I have been wrestling with the ideal of ending this blog.  There are different reasons to end the blog and to keep it going, however this is the end. 

Thank you dear readers for taking the time to read Laughter & Tears!  It has been such a blessing for me to write, to share my life and hopefully inspire you over the last four years. 

Once I decided that my blogging days were over then came the issue of what to write for the last blog.  O, the pressure to end Laughter & Tears well!  I thought back over all the blogs I had written and what struck me was nothing.  My life is ordinary, not much different than yours and my family and I go through the same struggles and joys that you do.  And that is what is so wonderful!  God uses me and my unexciting ordinary life and He can and will use you as well.

Then verses from Ecclesiastes came to mind.  King Solomon who is thought to have written Ecclesiastes says "there is nothing new under the sun."  Solomon was struggling with the vanity (meaning) of life.  He says a lot you should read it, but at the end of the book Solomon writes,

"Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all."  Ecclesiastes 12:13

That is the thought I leave you with...Fear God!

Crunchy Oatmeal

The following is a recipe I have had for some time.  About a month ago I decide to actually make it and it was awesome!  The boys don't like granola so I call it crunchy oatmeal.  The first recipe is what I found online the second is what I actually do.

Lazy Granola

·         1/2 cup brown sugar

·         1/2 cup oil

·         1/2 cup honey

·         1 tsp. cinnamon

·         2 tsp. vanilla

·         7 cups oats (old fashion, NOT quick cooking)

1.      Mix brown sugar, oil, and honey in a small saucepan.  Bring to a low boil.

2.      Remove from heat.  Stir in cinnamon and vanilla.

3.      Pour over oats in a large bowl.  Stir until well coated.

4.      Spread oats in a 9×13 pan.  Bake at 375° for 10 minutes.

5.      Take out and stir.

6.      Return pan to oven.  Turn oven off.

7.      Go to bed.  Wake up to a delicious, cinnamon-y sent wafting through your kitchen!

 

Crunchy Oatmeal

1/2 cup coconut oil

1 cup honey

1 tsp. cinnamon

2 tsp. Mexican vanilla

7 cups old fashion oats

In a glass measuring cup combine oil and honey.  Microwave for about 1 min and stir.  Add cinnamon and vanilla and stir.  Pour over oats in a large bowl mixing well.  Spread on cookie sheet and bake for 10 mins. at 375.  Turn off oven and let sit for about 10 hours.

We eat this as cereal with dried fruit and nuts, use as a topping on creamy oatmeal and make a super yummy breakfast or dessert of sliced bananas, creamy oatmeal, crunchy oatmeal and chocolate chips.

 

Enjoy!!!

 

Muddy Shoes

Yesterday, for Mother's Day we went on a picnic at Washington on the Brazos.  The weather was perfect--sunny with a nice breeze!  While there we walked the trail that leads you to an overlook of the Brazos river and along a path that was I'm sure very pretty just a few weeks ago with Texas wildflowers.  Yesterday, however it was just muddy!  At a particular muddy area I was in the lead (1st mistake) and then followed someone else's footprints (second mistake).  I ended up ankle deep in mud!  Luckily no one else followed me.  Josh helped me out of the mud and then lead us over this muddy area on firmer mud.  It was pretty funny :)  As, we walked on I realized what a great lesson this could make for the boys.  So, I explained to the boys that just because someone else had gone through the muddy area a certain way didn't mean it was the best way to go.  And in life we shouldn't just follow anyone, but make sure we are following the right person.  I then asked who should you follow?  Jackson said, Jesus.  And he is right Jesus is the only sure way to get through the mud of life and to eternal life with God.

4th anniversary

Yesterday was the 4th anniversary of Jamie's stillbirth.  It was a very hard day that kind of took me by surprise.  I had planned for Mother's Day ( I don't really like mother's day), but not for yesterday.  Today has not been much better, but that's ok.

Over the last few weeks studying Jesus’s death and resurrection (at BSF and Church) I have come to a deeper understanding and realization of God as my Comforter.   As, Jesus was hang on the cross with the weight of my sin on Him God could not look at Him or help His son.  God had to let the plan unfold.  The God of the universe knows my pain and sorrow like no one else!  Not only does He know my pain and sorrow, but by His power Jesus was raised from the death so I will one day see Jamie healed completely just like I prayed for four years ago and until then God is my Comforter!

HOME

Logan is still fever free and once the dressing came off his neck everything looked good and was draining well.  YEAH!  They are on their way home right now!!!  The doctors still don't have a specific diagnosis, but said it is not cancer.  Thank you all for praying.  God heard your prayers!

A good night sleep!

Logan had a good night of rest last night.  He slept through the night with no pain and no fever!  Praise God!!!  No results on the biopsy yet.  Keep the prayers going!

Bed Bugs!

Here is the latest on Logan.  They had to move to another room in the middle of the night because bed bugs were found in his bed. . .ugh!  Logan is still having a hard time keeping his fever down.  It continues to spike between 102-103.  The biopsy will be at 2:30pm today, thus Logan has been fasting since midnight.  Mom has asked for us to pray for a specific treatable diagnosis and that Logan will be able to come home for Easter.

This afternoon at 4pm several ladies and I will be meeting together to pray.  Please take a moment at 4 to join in prayer with us.  We will be asking 1st for God's will to be done and for Him to receive glory during this trying time for Logan and his family, that others may come to know God through this struggle and that Logan will be completely healed!

Scans are back. . .

Logan's scans are back and they still don't know much.  The doctors are still saying it could be a rare bacteria, virus or cancer.  The oncology team has scheduled a biopsy for tomorrow morning.  Pray it is not cancer!  Mom says she has realized how she has taken health for granted.  And her heart is aching thinking of the sacrifice Christ made for us all on the cross!

Spend some time in pray today friends.  Thank God for the sacrifice of His Son and that He is risen.  Christ over came death and I am praying that through that same power He will heal Logan.  If you don't know about this ultimate sacrifice that God made for all mankind message me, talk to a friend or attend a Church service this Sunday where all over the world believers will gather to celebrate that Christ has risen!

CT scan

Logan is under going a CT scan as I type.  The next step is a biopsy.  The doctors have narrowed it down to three things:

1. a rare bacteria
2. a rare virus
3. cancer

Pray my friends!

Lastest on Logan

As of this morning Logan's fever was down some, which is good.  The second meds did not work.  The doctors are trying to rule out one thing at a time.  Dad stayed with Logan last night and Mom got to spend some time with the girls.  Pray for a diagnosis and for strength for all involved. 

Logan Update

There is not much news, but some have been asking for an update.  Logan is still at TCH.  The first meds didn't work and they will try another.  Mom is coming home tonight to see her daughters and get some sleep.  Please pray that they have a nice evening together.  Pray Logan can rest well without mom by his side tonight.  And pray for healing!

Logan needs our prayers!

Logan B. one of Jeffrey's kindergarten classmates is at Texas Children's now under going test.  He has a large lump on his neck that is causing him pain.  His lymph nodes are enlarger and the lump is very close to some major blood vessels.  He has had x-rays and will also have an ultra sound along with other test.  He is currently receiving clindamuycin through IV.  He will be staying overnight.  Please pray that all test results come back clean, answers come quickly, and a solution can be found. 

Lord, you are peace and healer!  Please give Logan and his family peace and heal his little body!  Amen!

Spider Webs

After biking with the kiddos to school this morning I biked around the neighborhood and a park.  At the park there is a gravel path that is wooded.  This morning it was cool, sunny and quiet on the path--just perfect!  The sunlight was shining through the trees just so that I could see many spider webs across the path.  It was beautiful!  I had to ride with my hand in front of my face, which turned my workout into a leisure ride.  After a bit I did not see anymore webs and I put my hand down.  To my surprise I got webs in the face--yuck!  The light had changed and the webs were there, but I couldn't see them.  So I continued riding with my hand up just in case.  These spider webs were very pretty to look at, but no fun to ride through.   This makes me think of life.  There are many "webs" in our lives that are just no fun to go through, but when we slow down and let Jesus shine on them it is beautiful!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

After trying to sleep for hours I finally decided to just get up and blog!  Happy 3rd day of 2014!  As, I have been laying in bed my mind as been busy with a lot going through it such as new year's resolutions.  I had not planned on making any, but when you can't sleep you think and God speaks.
 So. . .here they are my three goals for 2014 with objects as well. :)

Goal #1 To Love

"We love Him [Jesus] because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

" . . .love one another as I have loved you." John 15:12

How do I truly love others?  Grace!  That is how God has shown me love so that is how I can show love.

Objective #1 daily receive God's grace.

Objective #2 daily read God's Word so I am full of His love to share.

Goal #2 To Joy

"Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!" Psalm 32:11

"You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11

I miss out on so much joy just because I don't stop to recognize the moment.  Every moment is from God and thus joy can be found in it if we look. 

Objective #1 stop and recognize the moment.

Objective #2 give thanks!

Goal #3 To Rest

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."  Matthew 11:28-30

The cares of the world wear me out!  And stress me out!  The Lord's cares may be tiring as well, but they will bring peace to my soul.

Objective #1 read God's Word so I know His burden.

Objective #2 drop the cares of the world just like Peter, Andrew, John and James (Matthew 4:18-22)did and follow Jesus.

Yummy Chocolate Chunks!!

I just made the yummiest chocolate chips/chunks ever! 

Maybe not ever, but they are really good. 

You can find the recipe here http://thecoconutmama.com/2012/09/homemade-chocolate-chips-soy-free-dairy-free-vegan/.  I used coconut oil and honey.

As, I was breaking apart the frozen chocolate I thought this is just like breaking apart a Hershey bar.  So you could even call this a chocolate bar.  Throw so almonds in and my taste buds are HAPPY!

Month of Birthdays

We have recently concluded a month of birthday celebrations.  Well, actually it was just over three weeks, but who is really counting.

 

Jeffrey's birthday is the end of August, Jackson's is two weeks later and mine is two weeks after his.  Now to celebrate the boys birthdays we do several things: they pick breakfast, they pick dinner (usually eating out) and then a party.

 

 Jeffrey's birthday breakfast was French toast and fruit.

 

 

 He choose to go out to Gringo's for dinner and was super excited about the sugar taco bowl filled with ice cream!  Jeffrey also choose peanut butter Oreos to have at home.  Jackson doesn't like peanut butter so we also bought the mint Oreos.  So many cookie! 

 

 

 The boy's birthday party was a football themed pool party.  Snacks included cheese puffs, goldfish, grapes and raisins.  The cake turned out super yummy!

 

 Jackson choose Toad in a Hole (fried egg in toast--makes me think of Granny Harmon), bacon and fruit for his birthday breakfast.

 

 

Jackson also choose to eat out at Gringo's for his birthday dinner.  We came home for dessert of brownies, blue bell homemade vanilla, whipped cream, homemade chocolate fudge sauce and sprinkles.  It was sooo good!

 

 

Now, for my birthday Mama came and took me to lunch at Cheddar's, we had dinner with friends at Chuy's on my actually birthday, we went out to Salt Grass as a family to celebrate, and a friend took me to lunch at Jason's deli.  The birthday treat I made myself was homemade mounds candy and fudge bombs!

 

So the last month (3 1/2 weeks) have been super yummy, but not good on my tummy.  Also, in this time period we had a pool and pizza party for our 9th grade Sunday School class and I have gone out to eat with ladies from BSF.  For a family that doesn't eat out a lot we sure have lately.  O, and I forgot to mention all the coke I have been drinking :(

 

I must get back to healthy eating.  So this week I cut out coke and have only had two to three gluten meals and all other meals have been "clean".   Next week I plan to be completely gluten free and the following week I will cut out all refined sugar.  It will not be easy, but my tummy will thank me!  And then it will be Halloween and I will tell myself not to eat the boys candy, but I will when they go to bed just like you do.  Don't say you don't because I know I'm not the only one!

 

Go here for the mounds candy recipe http://thecoconutmama.com/2011/10/healthy-homemade-mounds-candy/.  I did not use medjool dates.  HEB only had sunmaid so that is what I bought.  For the chocolate chips I used Hershey dark chocolate chips.  These were a big hit with the whole family next time I will double the recipe.

 

Go here for the fudge bomb recipe http://www.wholefamilystrong.com/2011/10/05/fudge-bombs-recipe-borrowed-from-melissa-at-www-theclothesmakethegirl-com/.  I did not use pecans and I used Hershey dark chocolate cocoa powder.  These weren't as good as the mounds, but the boys loved eating bombs!

 



Tears Again!

Jamie's due date was Aug. 26th three years ago.  This year it was the 1st day of school and Jeffrey started Kinder.  So, I mentally noted the day, but was busy and preoccupied.  Throughout last week I thought of Jamie some, but not much.  Then yesterday it hit me so hard and I am struggling and don't understand why.  Then just moments ago I came across this blog post (thank you Lord!) and feel a little better.  http://tolovehonorandvacuum.com/2008/08/prayer-through-tears/  Maybe you need to read this are know someone it may help

Cooking Camp

Several weeks ago while Jackson attended a day camp Jeffrey and I had cooking camp at home.  Jeffrey choose what to make and Monday morning after dropping Jackson off we headed to HEB.  Once home the cooking began.  The first day was meet with much excitement from Jeffrey.  As the week progressed Jeffrey just wanted me to cook and him to eat :)  Through out the week we made turkey dog nachos, egg and bacon stuffed chicken breast, stuffed banana peppers wrapped in bacon, bacon mac n cheese, and onion rings.  This boy loves his bacon!

 

Enchanted Rock

Last month Josh and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary!  We spent the weekend in Fredericksburg while the boys were at Grammie and Granddad's.  One morning we hiked at Enchanted Rock.

 Josh resting on a "rock" chair.

 Two huge rocks on one really huge enchanted rock.  You will see these again.

 Looking down!

 Can't believe we found this up there!

 Remember the two huge rocks...here there are up close.

 View from the top.

View from the top.

 

As we were hiking along Josh says I know the Bible says to take the narrow path, but we are not taking that one (he points to a very little path).  Now, we were already on a narrow path so I said I think this one is good.  We continue on and I ponder taking the narrow path Jesus talks about in the Bible.  Weeks later I still come back to this.  I think we as Christians sometimes make the path more narrow than it has to be.  We make a list of rule and forget about love.  Now I'm not saying to throw out all the rules, but let remember love and mercy and grace along the way.



One warm August evening I jog along taking in my surroundings. 

Ok, wait!  Who am I kidding, it is August in Houston it is HOT!  But doesn't the first sentence bring to mind a pleasant peaceful scene?  Don't we do that especial with social media. . . word things so they are pleasant.  There are nice peaceful moments in my life and I have deep joy and peace in my heart given to me by God.  However, I live in a hot, loud, smelly boy house:)  Anyways back to my jog...

I smell fresh cut grass, feel the mist from a near by sprinkler and enjoy the music of some kind of insect that reminds me of summers in Iola.  I see one lone bird flying, wings flapping hard and then he soars.  As, I come to a gravel path I hear the crunch when my shoes hit and enjoy the sound.  This is a peaceful time for me all alone.

Then I think I'm all alone.  Where are the other joggers, walkers and bikers.  Guess they just aren't as tough as me!  No, just smarter waiting till the sun drops a little more in the sky. 

Jogging down the path alone I think of the bird flying alone and wonder do others feel alone like I do sometimes?  Are you the lone bird flapping and flapping or the lone jogger running and running?    I get so caught up in whatever I am doing that I miss the people around me when they are right there.  I miss God in my rush. 

Jogging I really listen and I hear cars, people a distance off in the park playing Frisbee golf, a biker's tires on gravel.  I am not alone!  When we stop the rush and turn our focus we realize we are not alone. 

So this warm hot August evening I am reminded to slow down and enjoy those around me.