Encouragement.

The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him.

- Lamentations 3:25

Laundry day.

Everyone has that dreaded chore that they hate, and for me it's laundry. I don't know why, because lets be real. It's not that bad. I don't have to go down to the river and use a washboard to scrub each piece of clothing. I don't have to hang them on a clothes line and wait for hours for them to dry.

I just sort them and stick a load in these pretty things ...



Then after they're dry and fluffy, throw the load in this pretty basket ...
{because any excuse to use my Longaberger laundry basket makes even my most dreaded chore a hair better}



And then fold the soft lavender scented items, only to find these things among the clothes ...



It always amazes me why I find things like binkies, dry wipes, and teething rings in each load, and then I remember... I have a 17 month old boy, whose laundry basket is just at his height and arms reach.

If nothing else, it makes me smile and count my blessings. I have chores and I have laundry because I have the people I love around me.

A favorite.

My wonderful SIL introduced our family to this recipe while we were out vacationing in Colorado this past January. The first time I had it, I had just gotten over the flu so it wasn't my favorite thing ever. The second time I had it a few weeks later, it was. And ever since being pregnant, it is the one thing that I cannot get enough of. In fact the other night when I made this, I made enough for 6 people so that I could have leftovers. And leftovers again the next day ... and the next.



So ladies and gentlemen, here's what ya need to make Stack-ups.

Rice
Chicken (about 1 breast per person or so)
Cream of Chicken and Chicken Broth (equal parts, 1 can of each or 2 cans of each, you get the idea.)
Green onion
Celery
Shredded cheddar cheese
Pineapple
Coconut
Water Chestnuts (not pictured, because I forgot it this time)
Chow Mein Noodles
Salt. Lots of it.

Boil the chicken, then shred it. Mix the cream of chicken and chicken broth, heat it up. Then take the green onion, celery, and pineapple and cut them into small pieces. Then to make your plate you start with the rice, add your chicken, and then "stack" everything else on top. If it's your first time, I would recommend being brave and trying everything. Then you can figure out what you do/don't like for the second time around. But believe me, as weird as it sounds, the pineapple and coconut are my two favorite things. Finally, pour broth over top of everything and add salt. And lots of it. Mix it all together and enjoy ... heaven on a plate.

Temptation.

I love TOMS. Not only are they cute AND the most comfy shoe on earth, but they give a pair to a child/person in need every time you buy a pair. How much better could it get? Well, it just did. It got better. Today I got an email saying they now have them available in toddler sizes.

How can I resist? I mean, seriously! Look at how cute they are.




Step away from the website, Megan.

Resist the urge to "add to cart" ...

A newborn's conversation with God.

Received this as an email the other day and just had to share it ... it makes me cry every time!

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The baby inquired further, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the baby asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the baby hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

God said, "You will simply call her, "Mom".