The Eve of 45

In 2 hours (okay I am rounding), I will be 45 years old.  Now if you talk to my mother, she will tell you I am not officially 45 until 6:45 p.m. on September 1st. 

Does 45 bother me? No, it doesn't. I'm ready for it.  I'm ready for the year to come to be all that God has planned for me, no matter what that may be. 

He has truly blessed me with an amazing husband and two incredible kids - people who I love but fail time and time again because I try to do things myself and not turn them or circumstances over to God.  What I long to do is be a better helper to my husband and mother to my kids this year. Perfect? Not by a long shot, but all that God intends me to be for them. 

I have some amazing friends - some old (times wise) and some new. God has given me some honest friendships where we are able to sharpen each other and for that I am incredibly thankful.

My family (Papp & Wessel) lives far away in miles and yet I know that they love and pray for me, Dave, Emily and Matt and for that I will always be grateful.  I'm thankful my parents had me (one of 4 in 5 years), thankful for my upbringing and how it has molded me to be the person I am today, thankful for the Wessel's for having Dave and that my dad and his dad had the crazy idea to introduce us which in turn will be 17 years of marriage October 6th.

I'm thankful to my God!  Someone I have "known" for a long time but am only really feeling like I am coming to know personally more and more each day. For His love, His grace, the salvation He has gifted me, the plans He has for me and will bring me through.  

I have to say that most years my wish list for the year to come include "me" motivated things, like looking the best I can for my age, being more committed to things I fall short on, being the best mom and wife I can be.  What I want for this year is to know what God wants for me, for my family and to act on it.  I want to be bold in my faith and show Christ to those around me so they can know Him too in an incredible personal relationship - not one that will keep struggles, pain and hardships away but that will allow God to be seen in the reactions and obedience that stands firm in the midst of the good and the bad.

Is my goal lofty? No, not if I give it over to God, the one who loves me.  Will I struggle? Yes, because I have that human nature.  But that is not an excuse, obedience is a choice and "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". 

What I ask for the year to come is prayer. Prayer to stay in communion with God and find blessing in the circumstances that He brings my way and to my family.  

45 I am ready!!  I think I've been saying I am 45 for the last 6 months so it isn't much of a change.  :)

An Incredible Treat

I'm still on vacation here at the lake with the kids. Dave was able to come back and spend the day with us on Wednesday.

He gifted me the most awesome day of 5 hours of reading in this big comfy chair that I turned to face the lake outside our window. 

On Tuesday, I had started this book "Lies Women Believe" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.  I was so glad to have the quiet to read this book as it really spoke to me.  

There are so many things I have gotten out of this book the biggest thing I took away, which I "knew" but has been made more clear to my heart, is that "It is not all about me, it is all about Him".  There are so many facets to this book that have touched my heart:  God is always good; my role as a wife is to be my husband's helper and the best way I can do that is through submission to his authority; my role as a woman is being a mother; I'm responsible for my behaviors, responses and choices (no blame shifting); garbage in, garbage out - I must guard my heart and mind; personal holiness is more important than temporal happiness; it is impossible to be godly without suffering and suffering is an essential tool in the hand of God to conform us to the image of His Son; God's plans and purposes far exceed the things that I have planned and He does give me enough time in the day to do what He has for me - I just need to "hear" His to do list and put my to do list aside. 

This is a book I will definitely keep going back.  It reveals the lies that Satan wants us to believe and shows the Truth God reveals through His Word.

I would recommend that every woman read this book.  What you take away from it will be personal to you but I would be shocked if you do not come away with a changed heart. I know I did!! 

A Year Ago Today - Irene

It is hard to believe that a year ago today we were dealing with the aftermath of Irene. When the storm came our way, our biggest concern was that the huge oak tree on the property behind our house stay upright. It did and thankfully has since then been removed. The start of school was delayed for the kids due to flooding inside their school. 

Now, we are hearing the reports of Isaac making landfall in the South. 

I'm reminded of the mighty hand of God.  How He is always in control and of all things.  God is mighty and worthy of all praise.  He holds all things in His hands. 

May His hand of protection be on those who are feeling the effects of this storm. 

My Day with the Kids

Majestic

Being on vacation alone with the kids is out of the "norm" for me but I'm determined to make it work. 

Yesterday, our first day alone, we spent the day playing outdoor games, going to the pool and lake after dinner. Today I promised them a "real" activity (something we usually do as a family or to be honest, Dave does with them).  The kids are obsessed with animals so we decided on a local animal park name "Claws N Paws". This place had so many cats.  The first animal we saw walking into the park was this lion perched on his rock.  He was beautiful and majestic.  The kids loved seeing all the animals. Emily's favorites were the chinchillas, Arctic fox and lion. Matt's favorite animal was "everything". 

This boy loves throwing rocks

We came back after the park to eat lunch and relax with the intention of heading to the indoor pool before it closed at 5.  Instead, we headed to dinner at 5 and the kids decided they wanted to go back down to the lake to throw in rocks, not the outdoor pool. Tonight, we were a little smarter and brought bathing suits in case anyone got a little wet (yesterday Matt sat in the water by "mistake"). Matt was busy moving rocks looking for secret passages in the water. I don't know where these passages would lead and he wasn't giving any information.  

My favorite part was taking pics of the lake and the sunset. Being on the lake and seeing the amazing sunset just makes you feel hugged by God.  It was beautiful.

My beauty

A Full Day

Yesterday was a day full of activity. 

We started the morning at the outdoor pool. Dave got to play some pool volleyball with the kids. The water was a little on the cool side so the kids only lasted about an hour but I was able to read that whole time. Woohoo!! 

Once they finished with the pool, Dave and the kids headed into the recreation center to do a few video games and ping pong. Me? I got to sit by the pool and continue reading my book.  

After taking a walk by the lake, we headed back to our place for lunch and a little nap (okay, only I fell asleep) before we headed back out again.  This time to the beach. 

The kids love any beach!  Once again, they spent most of the time digging and building in the sand. Me? I  was still reading my book. Dave was wonderful and headed off to get me an incredible cup of coffee as my energy was dwindling.  While sitting at a picnic table near the beach (watching the kids & reading), a woman came and with me.  We ended up having an amazing conversation and I was able to share with her my faith in Jesus Christ.  

The evening ended having dinner at a restaurant on their outdoor patio overlooking the lake.

Sadly, Dave had to head back to work this morning, so the kids and I are on our own.  Should be interesting!

By the Lake

Path to the Lake

Our vacation spot is on Lake Wallenpaupack in Hawley, PA.  

We were originally booked into a unit on the golf course but it was changed to one by the lake.  Between the two buildings (each having only 4 units) is the path leading down to the lake which is absolutely beautiful and the waves gently clapping on the shore is so very soothing.  At first, the kids were a little scared of how the docks moved with  motion of the water but then it became a game.

I'm planning to have a picnic lunch with the kids by the lake at least one afternoon. It is a great place to do devotions and read too!

We have access to an indoor pool that is at the golf course (1 mile from our unit) and also an outdoor pool and recreation center at  the main resort area (6 miles away). Tomorrow we are headed to the little beach located right behind the town's visitor center and then the outdoor pool - weather permitting.

Looking forward to our time together by the lake! 

Outdoor pool with a view of the lake

Vacation Time

This is it!! The last vacation before the kids go back to school and my routine becomes "normal". Crafting, painting and organizing here I come!! 

Funny how I mention "normal" as this vacation is not "normal" to our usual family getaways. Dave is working the consulting job and is unable to take the week off work so the kids and I will be vacationing alone the majority of the week.  Now it isn't that I don't want to be alone with the kids, I love being with them but vacationing is Dave's gig - he lives for vacation.  Basically, I pack and he does the rest. He drives the whole trip because he likes to be the one driving (this time we had to bring two cars), scouts out restaurants, coffee places and activities/stores bearing in mind each family members likes. He loves "playing" with the kids. He'll take them to the pool twice a day (I'm not much of a pool person), go to arcades, mini golf, etc. It isn't that I don't want to do it with them, it is just that is what he enjoys doing.

What do I enjoy on vacation? I enjoy sitting by the pool - but not going in, taking pictures of the kids having fun with Dave (I'm the official photographer) and I love to read.  

We are going to a somewhat desolate area.  Hey, when you live in the most populated county of all of NJ 10 minutes out of NYC desolate to me may not mean the same to you. I'm thrilled that there is a Dunkin Donuts about 10 miles from our resort. Oh, did I mention Dave does coffee runs in the morning on vacations - not on this vacation. I bought coffee for the coffee maker because I don't think Emily & Matt would appreciate me loading them in the car to just get a cup of coffee. 

Before coming, I was dreading having to do the things I normally don't do on vacation but when I got here I decided this is the vacation to truly relax.  I have my reading material all here and I am ready. We will make the most of the time that Dave is here and when he is not we will make that a fun time too!!  I'll keep you posted of all our activities this week!

My Comic Relief!

When God gave us Matt, He gave us a bit of comic relief that we're blessed with each day. Today God via Matt was blessing me often!

Matt is my homebody. He would stay home all day if he could. So, now he and I have a friendly "agreement" that before we begin any errands I tell him how many places are on the agenda. Oh, and I'm not allowed to deviate from that number (I've learned the hard way to pad the number by 2 just in case I decide to make an additional stop).  The places on today's list were not "Matt Friendly" - Ulta, Claire's, Michaels, Charming Charlie's and the food store. Mainly girly stuff!!

Ulta was our first stop. Outside the store he asked if this was a girl's store.  I told him yes but that I only need to get a few hair products so it would be quick.  When I opened the door, his comment was "oh, this is the store with the potions". What are potions? Perfume and cologne. I swear this boy squirted at least 20 sample bottles of "potion" on his little body.  When we left the store he said, "I like that store. I have 3 favorite stores, toy stores, furniture stores and potions."  I had to laugh! What I thought was going to start off badly went totally in the opposite direction. Believe it or not he actually allowed for us to go into two "unscheduled" stores at the mall one being Old Navy, a clothing store...talk about shocking.

As we were heading to the car, we got on the topic of Paris which led to the topic of romance.  Matt said in a very matter of fact voice, "I still don't know what girl I need. Whose a Christian and whose 7?" After I took the huge smile off my face, I told him not to worry God will send the right girl but 7 is not the age to worry about something like this. 

After we did a quick trip to Michael's, I promised a treat of frozen yogurt at Cups in Clifton. Sitting outside, eating our yogurt, Matt asked, "What is whiff?" I repeated "whiff?" to him.  I knew he was reading it off a store window....then it hit me - WiFi.  I told him its said WiFi and that means free Internet access. His response was "oh, cool!"

Like I said God blessed me with my own little comedian and today was an amazing day!  

Would you like S'more?

The weather has definitely started to change here in Jersey. With this change, we have started doing the "last" of things before the summer ends and the school year begins.

The kid's summer evening treat has tended to be ice cream but the last two nights we have switched it up and had s'mores. 

Now I do have a confession, we have not been using the grill or a fire pit for cooking these treats. We have been using the microwave.  Let me tell you they taste just as good!

It is a little sad to be doing these "last" things but times they are a changing and we must change with them. 

Making Time Count

The kids are enjoying these last few weeks before school begins. This morning being no exception.

Each morning and throughout the day Emily gets her "exercise" by scootering around in circles on our back patio. She is starting to get quite fast cutting the corners and I'm sure that her one flip flop has wear marks from the "breaking" she does. She only scooters clockwise so the wear is one sided. 

Matt on the other hand finds many things to amuse himself with, most of them technology driven. However, he still LOVES digging in the small flower bed off the back patio.  This morning I found him digging this huge hole. Yes, still in his pajamas but he put a hat on for the occasion.  

It has been fun being with them this summer. We have had unrushed mornings and fun filled days. Matt still keeps me to a store limit each time we go out. I have to tell him how may stops we need to make and he holds me to that exact amount. 

There have been times I haven't gotten things I needed to get done accomplished but those moments have been replaced with some other memory. Here is to our last 14 days before school begins. 

Following Through

I love my kids, I love them so much that sometimes disciplining them hurts me more than it hurts them and following through takes every ounce of my being even though I know it is best.

Yesterday, I overhead Matt say a curse word. It is not a good word and I was shocked to hear it come from his mouth. He said it very matter of fact in having a conversation with himself. I called him to the room I was in and asked if he said what I thought he did.  He was scared to admit anything. I told him I knew where he heard it from and that "source" was being taken away from him. I explained that the word he said is just ugly and that if he says it again his mouth would be washed with soap and other things would be taken away.

Well, later in the afternoon, I had to follow through on this punishment/consequence.  I heard him say it again this time followed by an "oh no", he knew he said it.  I called him to the dining room where I was at and said "did you just say what I think I heard". He admitted he did so I took him to the bathroom where I pumped some of this soap on my hand and wiped it on his tongue.  I wouldn't let him take a drink or wipe it off for a little bit.  I asked him if it tasted good and he told me "no".  I told him that as bad as it tasted in his mouth is how bad that word is.  

Now some of you may not agree with my method but I am not asking for your approval.  As parents, we find it difficult to follow through sometimes whether it is out of being tired, not wanting to be "the bad guy" or lack of wanting to take the time but we need to realize the impact our not following through makes on our kids.

It is like breaking a promise!  Is it a fun promise, no! but it is necessary.  Our children need to know we mean business about things.  I do believe in picking my battles but as simple as this incident may sound this is an area this child struggles in. Not every day, once is a great while but if I don't stop it, will he know how important it is for him to stop.  We need to determine where our children struggle in their sin nature's, call them out on it and help them to avoid returning to that sin. I need to be able to be strong enough in my commitment as a parent to lead my child in the proper direction, no matter how much it hurts. After all, God has gifted these kids to me in order that I may help lead them in the direction God has planned for them. 

Follow through.......something that isn't always fun or convenient but is so necessary.   

Times They are a Changing!!

Before Front Shot

Okay, by now you all know me as the girl who loves change.  Well, when the seasons change, I find the need for personal change too.  I can't walk into a store and buy a new wardrobe or wake up one day at my "ideal" weight so I do what I can do. I call Irene, my hairstylist!  

What I love about Irene is that she knows my hair and personality so well that when I walk in and say "I need change, big change" she makes it happen. I don't need to bring a picture, I can if I want and she will be very honest if my hair will work in that style and how much work it will take - she knows I don't like much work. 

Before Side Shot

Today was my big "change" day!! It was while she was combing my freshly colored and shampooed hair that Irene devised her plan. She went into her styling "zone" and this is the outcome. 

I love it!!! Now here is a funny thing that I've come to notice. I grow my hair during the summer (but not long enough for a ponytail) and cut my hair short in the fall/winter.  You would think I would want "more" hair for warmth during the cooler seasons but I am backwards that way. 

I am so happy with my new hair.  C'mon fall, I am ready!!!

New Hair Style Back Shot

New Hair Style Front Shot

Its Official

The school supplies have all been purchased and put in the kid's new backpacks.

There is a big change for the kids on the horizon. Last spring, Dave and I felt that God was leading us to have the kid's attend Christian school. After a presentation made by Hackensack Christian Schools  at our church, I was able to talk to the principal to discuss Emily's IEP and learning issues. She assured me that the school has in place assistance for kid's with learning needs.  I was able to go to an Open House and meet with the principal again where we discussed Emily's specific needs and the kids learning styles.   

Emily has made amazing strides over the last few years and currently the only extra service she receives is speech therapy (for expressive language) while all other assistance is in classroom and outlined in her IEP. It is because of her progress we felt that taking her out of the public school system was an option. 

During their winter break, the kids were able to go sit in and observe/participate with their current class and attend chapel. They both liked the school.  It is where they have gone to camp and of course we attended that church when the kids were very young prior to our going to BBC. Emily loved how quiet the class room was.

Before the school year ended, the kids were tested, we had our interview and the kids were accepted into the school.  

We've stepped out in faith, relying on God to provide in order for the kids to be able to attend this school and continue to do so. We know that if God desires for them to be there He will provide. 

The kids are excited and so are we. Their first day is Wednesday, September 5th. Please pray for them as they adjust to their new school, new curriculum and new friends. 

Signs of School

The signs of school are all around. Here in NJ school doesn't start until September. 

Last Friday in preparation for the upcoming school year, the kids went to get their hair cut.  Matt got his final "summer buzz cut " for the year. Emily got her bangs trimmed and over an inch of "summer abuse" trimmed from her ends. 

Emily prefers one girl, Jackie, to cut her hair. She had two people before Emily so we had to wait a bit. Matt occupied himself by giving Mario a trip in the barber's chair. He is too funny with his Mario and Angry Bird plush toys. We had to give him a bag (Dunkin Donuts) to carry all the things he likes to bring with him when he leaves the house (plush toys, DS, Ipod and headphones). 

One more school "to do" item is checked off our list. 

Is It Any Surprise

Today, I had a crazy busy day working on creating the elements needed for a bulletin board  I'm making for Hackensack Christian Schools. If you want to see the end result, check out my blog Always Put Together.

What I think most of you will find hilarious but so me is that my "in the middle of the chaos" break was changing around the living room. Okay, some of you can stop laughing.  My family knows me for being the girl who could never leave her bedroom the same for long.  My poor family got more bruises from walking in my room not knowing I had made changes.  

The design of our living room pretty much dictates very few placement options for our sofas but the ends tables, ottomans and benches can move.  So, I decided seeing the weather has changed (we have been able to keep our windows open for 4 days now) it is now time for the living room to "change".  Dave isn't home from work yet but I am sure when he walks in the door he won't say a word but the smile on his face will say it all.  Thankfully, he is okay with my crazy need for change.  

Supporting His Team

Tonight Matt is experiencing his first professional football game. What makes it "the best" is that the team playing is the team Matt has decided is "his" team - The New York Giants!  

It was an unplanned turn of events that allowed us to be able to get tickets for tonight's game against the NY Jets at Met Life Stadium. Dave was just as excited as Matt to be able to go to the game (he is a huge Tebow fan!).

It made me smile watching the two of them heading off to this "first" game they would experience together. One of those father/son moments you know will happen at some point and tonight was that night.

It was nice for me and Emily too because we were and are still enjoying our mother/daughter "date" which included shopping at an accessory store, dinner at the diner and now a re-watching of "The Lorax".  I did ask her permission to blog while the movie was playing, after all we did just watch it together without distractions last night. 

Tonight is a good night in the Wessel house!!      

Little Helpers

Today one of the adult groups at our church was having a car wash to raise funds for an annual conference they attend.  

In support, the kids and I stopped to get my car washed on our way to a birthday party they were invited to. I wasn't really surprised that the kids decided to join in and help wash our car - they love to help! What did surprise me is that they stayed to help with the next car too. Matt was to cute offering his praise to the group on what a great job they were doing. He told them they were the best car washers.  I'm afraid he has it set in his head that they will be there next Saturday to wash cars. I did offer at one point to leave them behind to continue washing cars but they said they didn't want to miss the birthday party.

In the end, we had a really clean car and the kids had fun being of service.  

Those "Surprise" Moments

I know it is inevitable that the kids will grow up but in the day to day busyness I don't always notice how quickly it is happening until "surprise" moments happen. 

Tonight, we went to a local Chinese buffet for dinner (I gave the kids a break from my Pinterest recipe testing) and this is where the "moment" happened.  Emily, who turned 10 in June, was considered an adult price for her meal.  An adult, really?! We told her to make sure she ate her adult purchase price worth of food. Then, another moment happened!  Emily was able to go up to get food without adult supervision. Oh my goodness, she didn't need a food chaperone! In the end, she probably ate less than her adult worth but no need to worry Matt made up the difference.  He filled up on sushi trying ever kind that they hand available.  

Growing up is inevitable but it is moments like these that make it hit home.  This and Emily telling me I am going to be 50 in 5 more years when she is 15.  Thanks Emily for reminding me that as you get older, so do I! 

Sushi & Fruity Pebbles Yogurt

Matt is a great eater! Thankfully he has had a diverse palate since he was born unlike Emily who over time has developed some diversity. 

Yesterday when we went to the food store to pick up a few items which turned into a small carts worth, Matt decided he "needed" some sushi. This boy loves sushi!! He gets that from Dave. I like fish but am not a huge fan of sushi, Dave is the exact opposite loving sushi and leaving fish.  

We also picked up some Yoplait yogurt that is vanilla yogurt which has a packet of Fruity Pebbles cereal as a mix in.  

Well, Matt ate 4 pieces of sushi that he dipped in soy sauce mixed with wasabi - I told you his palate is diverse.  Then, followed that up with the yogurt combination. I don't know how his stomach can handle such "diversity".

Now if only I could get his palate to like the onions that I cook in different dishes. He calls them "crunchies" and can spot them a mile away. For now, I'll be happy with the vast variety he does eat but keep trying with the onions.  

Dinner Is Served!

I've been trying to get more consistent with cooking at home and limiting our eating out so I've been making a bunch of different recipes I "pinned" on Pinterest. Tonight was no exception. This evening's meal was Lasagna soup. 

Personally I loved it!  It is a tomato/sausage broth that you pour over a dollop of cheesy goodness and noodles. The kids were not so thrilled with it. Maybe because it was soup and in their minds it is still summer. Their complaints were from there being "crunchies" in it (what Matt calls onions) to the bits of tomato being too large (Emily's complaint). They did end up eating it. Of course, I did tell them that was all I was making for dinner and if they didn't eat it they wouldn't get a snack tonight. To be honest, I think they are just getting tired of eating at home. Matt was asking when we could have Chinese food. 

Like I said I really enjoyed it and will give it another try when the fall comes - this time omitting the onions for onion powder and using crushed tomato instead.  I found the recipe on the blog A Farm Girl Dabbles .  If you try it let me know your opinion. 

A Good Report

Today was the kids' six month dental check up.  As much as the kids "get nervous" about going, I think I am even worse.  Ever since Emily's first dental visit led to extensive dental work (thank you Jolly Ranchers), I've been a mess when it comes to their appointments.  Part of it is parental guilt. Somehow I think as a parent I'm responsible for their dental health and going to the dentist is like being put under a bright parental interrogation light.  If they have a cavity, I tend to think I'm being looked at as a bad parent.  Yes, I do know that this is silly but it is what I feel.  Another part of this is my own disdain for going to the dentist.  I am not a good patient.

Thankfully both kids had no cavities!!  Matt had sealant put on both his 6 year molars and Emily had sealant put on one of her six year molars (yes, at 10 she has only now just had one break through and  the other is still waiting to make an appearance). 

One thing they love about the dentist's office is their hygienist, Tracy. Tracy is a wonderful lady and also a mom so when my kids start divulging family "secrets" and "wants" she finds great humor in it. Today was no exception to their "openness".  Emily told her that she no longer wants to be a dentist but a fashion designer, that our baby Guinea pig died and embarrassing for me she told her how she wants to see me in a bikini and high heels next summer.  The last one Tracy had to come out and tell me mid treatment (Matt's that is, Emily was assisting) because it was so funny. I did also confirm the death of Strawberry.

After the appointment, I did tell Emily that I am glad she likes to have conversations with people but she doesn't need to tell them everything and the bikini & high heel discussion cannot take place outside our home.

The mild embarrassment was worth the good report though!! 

Dinner Anyone?

I've been doing really well using my Pinterest recipe board lately. Tonight, I made a chicken dish called "Man-Pleasing Chicken" and a side of "Zucchini Tots". 

I can't attest to the chicken being "man pleasing" (Dave hasn't gotten home from work yet to give me the "man" review) but I can say it was family pleasing. Matt had two helping of the chicken but he wasn't so thrilled with the zucchini bites. Emily liked both. The chicken actually reminded me of the dish "Maple Mustard Chicken" Dave and I use to order on our trips to the restaurant "Bentley's" in Woodstock, VT.  

The chicken I would definitely recommend and the recipe can be found at witty in the city. 

As for the zucchini tots, I really enjoyed them but you have to like zucchini in order to want to eat them. They can be found at skinnytaste. Enjoy!! 

The Difference a Year Makes

August 2010

Recently while talking with someone about the days we've spent at the beach this year, I recalled how different our beach times were just  a year ago.

Emily has always been quite the fish but last year Matt would not go out into the surf without  being carrier by Dave. Matt enjoyed being in the waves but loved the security of his daddy's arms.  If he did boogie board, it was only at the very edge of the water. Most of Matt's beach time was playing in the sand.

This year was a total 180.  Matt went out without any coaxing or prodding on his boogie board into the open surf and there were times he was even ahead of Dave in the water. Although some of his new found courage can be credited toward a change of beach (the one we went to this year you are able to walk out much further), I do think Matt has just matured enough and decided to take on the waves.

I think he may have enjoyed himself even more this year because of this new found territory which he use to only experience in the safely of his daddy's arms.  It would appear our little boy is growing up!!  

August 2011

My Kids Amaze Me

Taken in TN

The last week for Emily and Matt has been a little bit of an adjustment. I've really had to focus on getting some crafting projects done - their deadlines are before we leave for our pre-school vacation on August 25th. 

Most of the days from 11a.m. until late in the evening I was "working" and our "breaks" tended to be us having to make a quick trip to a craft store to get something else I needed.

Friday was a day where Emily expressed her displeasure with how much time I was spending working, so I took that afternoon off. Saturday I got back to work while Dave was at work and Sunday was a day off. 

Today, I had to head to the church to put up most of the elements for the "trees" bulletin board. I told the kids yesterday what needed to be done and then gave them a rundown of what was going to happen again today.  We were at the church from 10 - 12:30 and the kids were excellent.  I had them bring plenty of things to do and they kept themselves occupied.  Quietly too!! To add to the craziness, we had to go to another craft store after we left the church so I could get what I needed for the final element required for the board.

I'm just so pleased that the kids were so well behaved and didn't complain.  

In the future when I tell them I have to work on a bulletin board, I think they will understand just how much time and work I put into them (mainly they have been done while they are at school).  Emily calls them "my billboards".  Gotta love that!! 

Dinners On!!!

Tonight was another night to sample a Pinterest recipe - Skinny Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas. 

I've made an enchilada recipe in the past which the family likes (and some of you have sampled too) but I'm always looking for new versions especially if they are a healthier. 

This was very easy to make.  It calls for 2 1/2 cups of cooked shredded chicken so earlier today I poached 4 chicken breast (I like poaching in chicken broth - better flavor). When it came out of the oven, it look exactly the same way it looked in the picture on the blog.  That is always a good sign in my book!!!

Emily, Matt and I sat down to eat (Dave was working late) and after a few bites Matt got up from the table, went into the kitchen and to the stove.  I asked him what he was doing and he said, "Umm, mom I'm gonna take another ... this is amazing!"  Now that is a seal of approval.  

This recipe is from the blog called "Skinnymom" and here is the link:

http://skinnymom.com/2012/05/11/skinny-sour-cream-enchiladas/

If you make it, I am sure you will enjoy it!!

It Started 4 Years Ago

I cannot believe it has been 4 years that I've been doing this family blog.  At that time, Emily was 6 and Matt was 3. Many changes have happened since then some good, some bad, some welcomed, some not.... and yet here we are feeling blessed by it all. Here is the first post on the blog -

Welcome to our House

Well, I've decided it is time to become a little more technologically savvy here at the Wessel home and find a new way to keep those we know better informed of what is going on here at home. There have been so many times when things have happened here and I try to make a mental note to tell someone about it the next time we talk and I forget. So with Dave's approval, the Wessel blog has been born. My hope is to use this blog as a means of communicating the happenings of our family. The name of our blog is taken from the infamous Disney world..the happiest place on earth. We definitely aren't Disney world... although we do have our own ups and downs that make for a terrific ride and boy we are busy. We hope you will find the information/stories we post informative and feel free to chime in.

"Is Santa real?"

This has been quite a summer! Little did I know that the kids being home from a camp program would result in so much change.

I knew this question would come one day "is Santa real?" and I have to admit I've been thinking about the whole Santa scenario since last year. There has been some guilt on my part of lying to the kids about a fictional jolly fat man in a red suit. For the last two years, the kids have been advised that Santa only brings them one gift, the rest are from Dave & me, family and friends. Yes, we do put out reindeer food, track Santa on Norad and leave out milk (eggnog) and cookies.  

Last year as the kids were a little older I was wondering if we should tell them the truth about Santa but decided not to broach it at the time.

Last week Matt made the decision to accept Jesus into his heart and Emily informed me that she had done so last year.  Matt has been asking a lot of questions on what being a Christian is and in our explanations we always talk about doing right, doing what God wants us to do and be. As a matter of fact, yesterday he had it set in his mind that we should live on a zoo.  When Emily said she did want to live on a zoo he responded, "If God wants us to live on a zoo, we have to live on a zoo, its what He wants." 

So today when the question came.....the thing that popped in my head, or should I say was spoken was "truth".  I asked them both if they wanted me to tell them the truth. They said yes and I asked again if they wanted the truth.  They insisted they wanted the truth.  

I told them about Saint Nicholas and how he cared and gave to the children (they told me they knew that from Veggie Tales).  I then told them that the Santa at the North Pole wasn't real - he is just a story.  

Immediately, Emily started the questions: "I thought you said he gives us one present, whose it from?"  "Who wrote the from Santa on the presents?" "Who ate the cookies and drank the eggnog?" I admitted to all of them "daddy and me". She seemed most appalled that we ate the cookies and drank the eggnog.  

I asked them if they were okay with knowing the truth and they said "sure".  Matt has decided though that we can still put out a plate of cookies for us all to eat.  

It was the recent talks of spiritual things that made me realize that it was time to be honest with the kids.  How can I teach them to trust in a God who loves them so much, believe in a Savior who died and rose again....all things they've never seen and yet in the season where the focus is on our Savior's birth, I'm telling them to believe in this unseen Santa. How can I lie to them and expect them to be honest with me? This whole Christian parent thing has taken a new turn for me along these last few months.  My gift of them is an honor and I need to gift them with the knowledge of an amazing God and none of that can be done in the midst of a lie.  

Christmas is definitely going to be different this year but better because our focus will be solely on the real reason of Christmas, the blessing we received and the blessing we can bestow upon others through the spirit of giving.  

Sunday Sabbatical

For a while now, I've been thinking about how much time I spend on social media.  I have my two blogs, I'm on Facebook and Pinterest.  

Recently, I made the decision to limit my time on Facebook using it more as a tool for referencing my blogs, which I have made more of my "media" focus.

Earlier last week, Dave told me that he would be needing to using my laptop this past Sunday while at a friend's house.  I took this as a sign that Sunday's should be a day where I am unplugged from all social media, my blogs included.

I'm a Christian, I believe in a God whose love is unfathomable to so many.  Sunday's are a day where I spend a good part of my morning and early afternoon worshipping and learning more about this God who loves me while fellowshipping with fellow believers. Even in creation God took the 7th day to rest and commands that we keep the Sabbath holy.  

I'm blessed that Dave lets me have an afternoon of rest on Sunday's - he basically does daddy duty while I nap.  Usually after my nap I get caught up on the computer.  Not yesterday and not anymore on Sunday's.

I am unplugging myself to keep my focus on God and the family He has so graciously given to me.  So, if you are looking for a new adventure or cute story, you won't find it on a Sunday. You'll have to wait for Monday when I am plugged back in,   

A Sweet Dessert for Dad

Watching the filling get mixed

Today Dave had to work and I was still trying to get as many of my craft projects done as possible seeing I did take yesterday"off".

Emily of course wanted to do "something" fun and was disappointed that our schedules weren't jiving with her desires. 

We did decide that before I got busy with my work, we would make a dessert to go with tonight's dinner. A while ago, I purchased a Jello "No Bake Lemon Meringue Pie mix". Lemon meringue is Dave's favorite pie so that was what we decided to make.  Because of the new learning life skills "program" we are instituting here in the house, I had Emily take the lead on this dessert.  Technically I was her sous chef.  She did well I just had to make some technical corrections and remind her to read her directions.  We had a fun time!

In order to keep it a surprise to Dave, Emily posted a sign on the fridge so he wouldn't see it until the end of dinner. 

We tend not to eat dessert right after dinner but did have Dave close his eyes and brought it out for him to see.  He was very surprised to see lemon meringue.

The pie tasted delicious.....cannot believe it came from a box.  Dave was very surprised at how good it tasted too!! The only one who didn't try it is Matt because he "doesn't like pie". As you can see, we have plenty left if anyone is interested. 

Emily's sign

It tastes good!!