Marriage Mondays-Musical Reminders Fill Me Up

I'm posting this each Monday. I feel it's a great way to reflect on the the joys, troubles, funny, very relatable things that make our marriage uniquely ours. Love for you to join in and stop by to Come Have a Peace for more encouragement!

Always around this time of year I start listening to our wedding song...as our 10 year anniversary approaches. I love it. It speaks to me. It encouraged me through some really difficult times because I know that when we said "I do" that these word rang true in both of us. This song was a like another promise we made and when we danced closely, my sweetheart sang it quietly to me.

Now after these years, another song is also so powerful. Gosh, does music do this to you too? It can totally change my mood, be uplifting, remind me of what's important, fill me with love. This is another SCC song, and to me it just says- hey, you are together, through seasons coming and past, weathered storms together, changed into the people you have become together. It's very true, I was pretty young when we got married, but I know I wouldn't be the woman I am today if I hadn't married Tim at that time in my life. God's timing is perfect. We have grown together and I love that Tim knows me better than anyone...good and bad.

So here's the song I'll be dancing to on our anniversary. Got these off YouTube, because I didn't have time to make a video myself...but maybe there's time.

Have a happy Monday friends!

Marriage Mondays- Team Work

I'm posting this each Monday. I feel it's a great way to reflect on the the joys, troubles, funny, very relatable things that make our marriage uniquely ours. Love for you to join in and stop by to Come Have a Peace for more encouragement!

Sacrifice...a word lots of stay at home moms can identify with. As a family, I know we had to shift life styles almost 6 years ago when I became a full time sahm. I'm kinda use to the fact that I won't be driving a new car, or have the trendiest clothes for a long while. The privilage of being home for my babies when they get home from school is amazing. We will survive this season of our lives...older car and all :)

Now that said, we all need an outlet...a hobby...something! My husband is an avid hunter. He has been for years. It's something I know he loves doing and it's a huge stress reliver since he's up at 4:00am and works till sometimes 6pm every week. Well, he's giving it up. I was taken completely by surprise when he told me. It's the time of year again to renew his membership with the deer lease he's on and instead of doing that, he's putting it into our savings to snowball (Dave Ramsey.com) into our bills. We don't have a large number of bills, but school loans are crazy! We figured if we live tightly for 2.5 years, we can be completely debt free and have cash saved in the bank. Woo hoo! We are excited! I'm so proud of Tim and the husband/father he is for us.

Now for my contribution to our family cause. You all know my hobby...all things Twilight. Tim has been planning on giving me a day pass and ticket to a big event on the Saturday that Twi Tour is in Houston. Well, by the time we factor in all that goes along with it...I will have spent over $200 for a day of fun. Something that I'd love to do, but I have this great feeling knowing that that money will be put towards OUR goals.

So, Twi friends...I will miss you & can't wait to hear all about it!

No sacrifice...No victory. (ok, what movie is that from?)

I Really Promise!

I'm not ignoring you bloggy friends. I really promise to give you all the catching up you can stand...as soon as the kids are back in school on Monday. Spring break has been a wonderful time for family renewal and just good times together.

I'll leave you with a preview:

Enjoy today friends! I know I will...

Giveaway WINNER: Relationships...

Denise is our random winner!

Congrats!-You'll like these!

More reviews & giveaways soon :)

Happy Monday!

Simple Black Forest Cake

Now if you were heading to a Twilight party...you could call this "Jacob Black" Forest cake..LOL I crack myself up sometimes. But really, this cake is amazing and so simple! Trav loved it for his birthday- kid & adult pleaser, I promise!

Ingredients
1 (18.25 ounce) package devil's food cake mix with pudding
3 eggs
1 tablespoon almond extract
1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling (i reserved 7 cherries for garnish- by baby boy turned 7)
1 can of chocolate frosting

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2.Mix together: cake mix, beaten eggs, almond extract, cherry pie filling and 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips. Stir until just combined. Pour batter into a greased 9x13 inch pan or 2 round pans.
3.Bake in a 350 degree F (175 degree C) oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove cake from oven and let cool.

I frosted with chocolate frosting, garnished the top with some melted vanilla frosting- just a little to decorate, & then added the last few cherries on top.

I wish I had a piece to go with my morning coffee today! Confession: Yes, I eat chocolate cake for breakfast sometimes.

Book Reviews & Giveaways: Relationships...

Book: Mother Daughter Duet

Author: Cheri Fuller

Summary:
When a daughter is born, her mother has a thousand hopes and dreams for her, especially that they will be best friends one day. Unfortunately, even the best of intentions can go awry. There are so many challenges on the journey to adult friendship that the reality is fraught with friction and frustration. But a harmonious relationship is possible.

Award-winning author Cheri Fuller and her daughter, Ali Plum, have been there and have discovered the keys to a healthy relationship. In Mother-Daughter Duet they share their story—each from her own perspective—in which they have experienced distance and tension, growth and challenge, and, ultimately, acceptance and harmony. Filled with personal anecdotes and based on several basic principles (letting go; listening; respect; setting boundaries; and more), Mother-Daughter Duet helps moms repair the breach so that daughters want to draw close.

The mother-daughter dynamic is intense, personal, complex, and unique. But mothers and daughters can achieve mutual respect and learn to celebrate their differences when they learn the two-part harmony of the mother-daughter duet.

Author Bio:
Cheri Fuller is a best-selling, award-winning author whose books have sold more than one million copies. She speaks to a wide range of women at women’s conferences and is a frequent guest on national radio and television programs.
Ali Plum is Cheri’s daughter, a writer and songwriter, a wife, and a mother to Noah and Luke. She and her mom have weathered the ups and downs of their relationship to find one of the most treasured, honest relationships of their lives. Ali has recorded background vocals for popular musicians, and Mother-Daughter Duet marks her debut into book publishing.

Peronal Review:

I read 1/2 of this book and life just got busy- you all know what that's like! I love the kind of book this is. Now, I didn't read this to "fix" a relationship with my own mom, but to better prepare myself as to handle my 8 year old- going on 17! It's like reading an honest conversation between the authors. Each has their own perspective.

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Book: Dancing With My Father

Author: Sally Clarkson

Summary:

The reality of living in a broken, fallen world can leave women feeling overcome by fear, guilt, and weariness. Many develop “sawdust souls,” numb to any sense of joy.

In this warm and wise book, author Sally Clarkson invites readers to take God’s hand and let Him lead them into a life of anticipation, passion, and purpose. With the voice of a trusted mentor, she reveals how, by getting in tune with the rhythm of God’s presence, women can nurture an inner attitude of anticipation and celebration even in the stressful seasons of life.

Through rich biblical insights woven with real-life stories, women will be inspired to recapture a spirit of joy as they follow God’s lead on the dance floor of life.


Author Bio:

Sally Clarkson is a popular speaker, known across the nation and internationally for her work with women. She is the author of several books, including The Mission of Motherhood, The Ministry of Motherhood, and Seasons of a Mother’s Heart. She has worked in various ministries, including Campus Crusade for Christ. With her husband, Clay, she is cofounder of Whole Heart Ministries, which encourages and equips Christian parents. The Clarksons, parents of four, live near Colorado Springs , Colorado .

Personal Review:

I love the prayers and bible passages in the book! Very encouraging reading about how to get that connection with God back. I really took away this: He wants us to find his JOY in our everyday life. It's so much about trusting that He has a wonderful purpose for us.

These books were provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

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Now to the giveaway:

Just leave me a comment about how you'll be renewing yourself this spring. I love this time of year...everything seems fresh and new again. Like what you'll be doing for spring break? Doing spring cleaning? Or what you do just to renew yourself?

These books come together in the giveaway: so ya get 2 books!

If you aren't a follower, welcome! hit the button and stay a while :) you get an extra entry for that!

Repost on your own blog or Facebook for an extra entry too!

Random winner will be chosen on Friday at noon :)

8 Day Giveaway!

My friend Crystal is celebrating her bday with giveaways to friendly followers :) Drop by her blog and see what fun she has!! She's really crafty and loves Twilight!