Should it be called Tebowing?

I'm so tired of the whole Tim Tebow controversy I could spit.  I'm sick and tired of commentators tearing him down for bowing in a prayer of thanks.  I hate the term 'Tebowing'.  I wonder if Tim does too?  There have been many players, in many different sports, before him who have given thanks for what God has allowed them to accomplish in sports; either by pointing or kneeling in humble adoration.  So why pick on Tebow?

Is it because no matter how hateful, I do mean hateful, the different people are to him, he continues to be humble, and quick to listen and slow to speak.  Is it because he makes them take a long look in the mirror and think they are not being the man God has called them to be?  Maybe it's because he's winning and giving glory to God; he's not taking all the the credit for winning a game; or they just plain don't like him.  I don't know, but I'm sick of it & I'm sick of him being ridiculed for his faith.

I know many have seen how Tim is acting and wondering if this guy is for real.  I think he is.  He's been in the spotlight since he was in high school, and he's now 23...that's 5 years to slip-up, but he hasn't.  Either he's a great actor or he is who he says he is, a true follower of Christ.

I am making a choice to be one voice who supports Tim Tebow and the Broncos.  I support him because his walk and his talk match.  I support him because he's someone I would want my boys to emulate, and my daughter to marry.  He puts Christ first and everything else is secondary.  God has given him talent (...even though the commentators hate his throwing motion etc, let's not forget he did win the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore no less.) and he uses that talent to the best of his ability.  He demands excellence from himself first and then asks others to follow him in excellence, and guess what, they usually buy-in to what he says, and they follow him. 

I'm proud of Tim Tebow.  I hope he continues to win, because he will point to the One who gave him the ability to do these things.  But, if they lose, I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Tim will continue to give glory where glory is due...to our Lord Jesus Christ.  God be with you Tim!  Romans 5:1-5 

Thanks for letting me rant guys!
Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley

Why I love Santa

December 1997

There is only one Santa.  I first met him 14 years ago this December.  Hop was 3 and Harry almost 1; my mom was in the end stages of metastatic melanoma; and I was totally stressed out.  Just thinking about those days will bring me to tears.  Staying up 24 hours a day for several days in a row will do that to you.  All I really wanted to focus on was having a Christmas with my sweet little boys, reading Christmas stories, telling them about why Christmas is so special for us, but I was focused on taking care of my mom, except for 1 morning.  For one morning, I was going to just be a mommy to my boys and have a Christmas memory with my little family.

I bought us tickets for a breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Clause.  Not only did we get to see Santa, but he and his wife led us in Christmas carols.  It was the highlight of the season for me.  I needed that time with Hopson, Hoppy & Harry.

Fast forward 14 years...

December 2011

Breakfast with Santa, THE singing Santa and Mrs. Clause.  This time though, Hop is 17, Harry almost 15, Elizabeth 11, and Henry 9.  (aren't they precious?)  A few more kiddos added to the mix, and the older 2 a few years older.  Where has the time gone?  How did my children get so big?  What a blessing they are!  I love the Christmas season.  I love what it means.  It's the moment in time that was perfect for The Word to become flesh.  When Jesus took off his princely robes of heaven and took on an earthly body.  Without Christmas, there is no Easter.



I talked to Santa this morning, I told him about that December day 14 years ago, and how it was the day that made my Christmas.  You know what he said?  "Give that girl your camera & have your picture made with us."  I love Santa. 

Mommy with Santa & Mrs. Clause

May your days be merry and bright & may you be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley

Hold Me Now!

Oh I am so tired of crying.  I have turned into the biggest watering pot you have ever seen.  I look at pictures, videos, read first hand accounts of Wednesday, and I'm just heart sick and heart broken.  I used to not cry so easily, but the older I get the worse it gets. 

I know without a shadow of a doubt God speaks His words into my life.  I have a new play list with some of my new favorite songs and I'm just sitting here writing and crying. I will give you the list at the bottom of this posting if you're interested in listening to some songs that proclaim how awesome He is!

I have said several times that all I know is I serve a great God.  He is everything.  He has shown me that His body, when we decide to move, is strong and unstoppable.  Praise be to God who gives us all gifts to serve others!   

Right now I'm thinking of all the first responders.  I can't fathom what destruction looks like when they get there.  I've been hearing stories that I can't repeat, because the mental image is too much for me to handle, but these first responders are not like that.  They will charge ahead, no matter what, and do what they were trained to do: help people.  How thankful I am that they are willing to do that.  I feel about 2 inches tall when I think about what I have done compared to what they are doing.  God be with them all & sustain them through this.  God be with everyone who has offered their hands to help our neighbors.  God bless all the power company guys from different states!  God bless all the other states who want to help us by sending necessities.  We truly are The United States of America.

I don't feel like cooking, but I am.  Tonight we are having just plain jane poppyseed chicken.  If you don't have the recipe for this send me a message & I'll send it to you.

God bless our friends and neighbors beyond measure who are suffering right now!  May they be surrounded by His love and eternal mercy!
~ashley

My new play list:
Forever Reign (Live)          Hillsong Live
Stronger                            Mandisa
No Matter What                Kerrie Roberts
Get Up                              Planetshakers
You Hold Me Now           Robert Pierre
Starry Night                      Chris August
I Am                                 Nicole C. Mullen
For Those Who Wait         Fireflight
Rain It Down                     Carlos Whittaker
God of Second Chances    Carlos Whittaker
When the Saints                 Sara Groves
Revelation Song                 Kari Jobe
Hosanna                            Hillsong United
Salvation is Here                Hillsong United
I Will Rise                         Chris Tomlin
Awakening                        Chris Tomlin
We the Redeemed             Hillsong

Remembering

Instead of posting something today.  I am going to send you over to my other blog:  His Words for My Heart.  Today is Good Friday & it is one of the holiest days in the year if you are a follower of Christ. 

If you've never made Resurrection Cookies with your children, I highly recommend it.  You will have to make them tomorrow night, because they "cook" overnight.  It is a great way to explain to children the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Praying you all experience the risen Christ this Easter & everyday! 

Be blessed because our Redeemer Lives!
~ashley

Ever Fearful

When our children are born we have such high aspirations for them.  I remember how I felt when I found out I was pregnant with each of my four children.  I wondered what all parents wonder.  I remember feeling so blessed and excited.  From the moment I realized I would be a mommy, I have loved my children fiercely.  I would do anything for them.  I want to raise them to be Godly men and women.  I want them to love Jesus, love their families, friends, and be Kingdom seekers and soul winners.

The one thing that fills me with fear is drugs.  When your children are born you never wish for them to lead a life of hardship and pain.  A parent would never wish for their child to have a life that is dependent and revolves around a chemical substance.  (natural or synthetic)

I started reading a story today about a young man named Henry.  Henry was a beautiful 18 year old with his life in front of him.  He got involved in the drug scene, and started hanging out with the wrong crowd.  As I started reading Henry's story and seeing the pictures of him, my heart broke for his family.  What a beautiful young man.  His family will always be asking the what if's...Henry passed away May of 2010. 

Henry's story is not unique.  It happens to thousands of families every week.  Drugs don't care about your home life, economic status, religious affiliation, if you're the coolest of the cool, the class clown, or the smartest in the school.  And the people who sell drugs care even less.  These people are selling death.  Yes, there is responsibility on the part of the person who they are selling to, but the dealers are doing the devil's work.  I hate it.  I hate what they are doing and I hate what they stand for.  I hate that they prey on children.  I hate that they pretend to make it look cool and that everyone is doing it.  I hate their lies.

Drugs don't make you cool.  Drugs don't make your problems go away.  Drugs will separate you from Christ, your family, society, and even from yourself.  Drugs make you do things that you would never even consider when you're sober.

Have you ever heard an addict say "I'm so happy I started doing drugs, they have been wonderful for my life.  I'm so much better off since I started doing them."  No, you don't, and you never will.  They all say the same thing:  "I never thought I would get addicted." 

Henry's mom is trying to have the dealers prosecuted in his death.  I hope she is successful.  I hope the people who are guilty are in jail for the rest of their lives.  Maybe that's what we all need to do.  Find those people dealing death to our children and have them arrested and put in jail.  I don't want to hear of another child in my community dying from a drug overdose.  I don't want another family hurting because they had to bury a child that had so much potential.  I don't want to hear about a mother who is relieved that her child will be possibly going to jail for doing drugs because at least she will know he's alive and where he is.

Drugs are death.  To anyone who is reading this, if you are addicted, please ask a loved one for help.  They won't be angry with you, maybe disappointed, but they want the best for you.  There are many wonderful programs out there that can help you.  Drugs are not what is best for you.  Choose life.

I've had these thoughts on my heart so much today.  I'm praying for a hedge of protection around our children.  I'm praying that they will have the courage to say 'no' if they are ever offered.  I'm praying that if they ever make a mistake they will tell someone and get help.  I'm praying for them to hear the Savior's call on their lives.  Lord Jesus, protect our precious children, let their legacy be filled with You and life.  Help them to stand strong against the devil's lies, and see them for what they are.  Father God cover them and protect them when we, as their parents, can't be with them.  I ask all this in Jesus Name, Amen.

It's raining outside so we're having breakfast for dinner.  It's almost an unwritten rule that rain = breakfast for dinner.  Pancakes, grits, eggs, bacon, fresh fruit...dinner of champions.  So tonight, because all games & practices are canceled, we will have breakfast for dinner & have dishes of laughter, love, happiness, and memories.

Praying for you to be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley

Please spring hurry up...

Right now in our town, spring is trying to peek it's head out of the sleepy covers of winter.  The first trees to bloom are always the Japanese Magnolias.  The bright pink tender blossoms always bring me so much joy because it reminds me that the darkness of winter will not last forever.

The next trees to bloom are these pink dogwoods that are in front of a bank.  Last year I was so excited to see them I took a picture of them while sitting at a stop light.  I know I'm wierd, but don't they look beautiful?  I know it may seem silly, but when the trees are in bloom my heart feels lighter, and I just can't help but to smile.  It also means we're getting closer to Easter.  I love Easter.  I thought when I was younger I understood what Easter was about, but when The Passion of the Christ came out, my eyes were truly opened to the true beauty of Easter.  It is the violent beauty of the cross that breaks my heart and draws me closer to the One who was willing to give His all for me. 

Just as seeing the beauty of creation draws me closer to God, music has always moved my soul, and even when I was young I was effected by words.  When I can worship through music I feel closer to Christ.  It becomes my love song to Him.  Unfortunately, I'm going to have to wait to get my perfected singing voice until I get to heaven, but that's ok because the bible says to make a joyful noise, so that's what I'll continue to do.  I have two songs that have came to mind as I thought about the coming spring:  All of Creation  &  In Christ Alone.  Worshiping the Lord is an honor, and I think He gives us the beauty of creation to help point to Him.

March 9th is the beginning of the Lenten Season, and spring will soon be here in full force.  As I enjoy the beauty of creation that God has placed in front of me, I will remember what He chose to go through so I would not be separated from God.  Thank you Jesus for all you have done!

If you've never made Resurrection cookies with your children, please do it this year.  You make them the Saturday night before Easter.  It's a little bit of work, but so worth it when they eat the cookie the next day & realized that the tomb is empty and that Christ is risen.

I hope you all are able to enjoy the coming spring and remember the One who gave it so generously.

Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley    

Pretty in Pink

I wrote this a few weeks ago, but for some reason want to publish now.  I would love to know your thoughts on this...

I have a slight bone to pick, but before I start my opinionated diatribe, (aren't you impressed I used the word diatribe?) you should know that I didn't read this woman's book; I could only read a few sentences of her article; and listen to a few minutes of her speech.  There is a mom who has written a book called: Cinderella ate my Daughter.  This mom claims that we have made our girls identify too much with the color pink; and I also understood her to say was that we are having our girls identify too much with Disney princesses.  I would respectfully disagree.

Ever since my daughter was born we have told her she is a pretty pretty princess.  We even had the game to prove it.  (the boys looked exceptionally nice wearing all the jewelry when they played the game with her.)  Some princesses wear pink, some may wear purple, others may even wear leopard print.  Pink is only a color.  It has no power over my daughter, because her identity is not founded in a color.

As I was thinking about what this woman said I started to ask myself, why do I tell my daughter she is a princess & what are the expectations placed on her because of that?

First, my daughter is  princess.  Because she has accepted Christ as her Lord & savior, she now belongs to Him.  Romans 8:17  "Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."  If Christ is King of Kings, than that makes all His children princes & princesses.  No matter what anyone says, they can not take this distinction away from any who belong to Him.

As far as everything turning pink:  softball bats, gloves, bikes, helmets, etc, I think it's to remind our girls that they can do anything, but they shouldn't forget the feminine part of who they are.  (Plus, a pink softball bat is so much prettier than a silver & grey one.)  If my daughter wants to be a hand surgeon or a homemaker I don't care, but I want her to do what God has called her to do.  We are all equal in God's eyes, but boys and girls are different, and I think it's time we celebrate the differences.  I don't want my sons made feminine & I don't want my daughter made masculine. 

Now being a princess does not come without responsibilities.  A princess must be loyal to her King.  She must be willing to serve Him with honor, and be willing to share the love of her King with others.  Micah 6:8  "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."  What a prayer for my princes & princess.  May they always feel the love of Christ in their lives & know that they belong to Him.  May they 'act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.'

May you be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley

Trying to be Thankful

1 Thessalonians 5:15-19

"Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.  Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

I have been thinking back to my high school & college days.  In college everything in my apartment was so clean and neat.  Everything had a place & everything was in its place.  Fast forward 20 years... You can do that little blurdledble sound that they do in Wayne's World, and make sure you do your hands too. 

I arrived home from church yesterday around 2:30.  I walk in my beautiful home & it is trashed!  Dishes from lunch everywhere, Hopson's papers are covering the kitchen table, dirty clothes thrown on the floor, stinky lacrosse pads smelling up my laundry room, backpacks have thrown-up a lot of their contents onto my counters, toys scattered over the floor, hunting clothes scattered all in my bedroom, guns in a corner.  UGH!  I'm looking around & wondering why I spend any time doing any thing for these messy people.  I just wanted to lay down & cry.  I work all week cleaning, folding & putting away.  The weekend comes & it's all undone.  For any dads reading this, imagine you've been working on a HUGE project all week working a lot of overtime & then in one stroke of the keyboard it's all deleted.  That's how Sunday was for me.  It was bad, and to top it off we had a crazy day.  Can anyone out there understand where I am at this point in time, or am I the only one who has a messy family?

Well now it's Monday.  Last night I spent a fair amount of time having to point things out to the 5 & tell them exactly how I wanted things picked up.  Wow, I thought I was out of the toddler phase.  I felt like I needed to start singing 'the clean-up song'.  You know which one I talking about.  They did pretty well, it's not totally pristine, but I guess it will pass. 

When I have days like yesterday I find it very hard to be grateful.  "Give thanks in all things" was not my attitude last night.  I kept thinking that if they all would clean-up & quit stressing me out I could be thankful.  But that is not what God calls me to do.  I should find something to be thankful for.  There is plenty there, but as I sat there looking at the upheaval, I had a very hard time finding it.  Does anyone else struggle with this or am I the only ungrateful wretch out here?  I know that how I felt about my family is how God should  feel about me sometimes.  I've cleaned this mess up so many times & you keep making a mess of everything!  But, God has something I so desperately need...more of Him & less of me.  So for today, that is my prayer, that there will be more of God & less of me.  As I do things I will do them for His glory.  It doesn't matter that it is picking up & washing dirty clothes, cleaning dirty dishes, vacuuming the floor & putting the last bit of toys into the toy box.  I'm a mom, it's my job, ordained by God himself & I will do it & be grateful that I have the honor of being the mom.

Finding thankfulness in today & Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley

Love, Laughter, and Memories

There are lots of things in my life that I have had to learn at an early age.  I just had my 39th birthday 2 days ago.  I don't feel 39, I don't feel 29, there are days I think I should be back in high school. (I'm so gald I'm not though!)  I had a very scary epiphany after my 25th birthday; I realized my own mortality.  I became an orphan 4 days later when my mother passed away at the age of 49.  My father passed away 5 years earlier at the age of 44.  Part of my bucket list is to live past the age of 50.  Because of my parents passing away at such young ages, I took a hard look at myself. 

What I found was the need for love, laughter, and memories.  I know God said in 1 Corinthians 13 that 'the greatest of these is love', for a reason.  Love is the marrow of life.  When I let God's love flow through me, not only are others blessed, but I am too.  Laughter lightens your spirit and "increases your face value".  (that's from Steele Magnolias, one of the greatest movies of all time!  I cry every time I watch it.)  Memories...so important.  Memories are passed down from one generation to the next and help to link us to those who have gone before us.  Memories made with my family are my favorites.  That is one reason I have started this blog, so my children will have a written diary of my memories.  I'm a much faster typist that writer, plus I can edit my posts easier.

We went to the Auburn/Ole Miss game this year, and while in Oxford we stayed with my in-laws.  Peggy, or GiGi as we call her, has some great cookbooks.  I love to read them, as you already know.  While we were hanging out one night I found a new cookbook she was given as a gift.  It is one of the best ones I've seen in a long time.  The recipes are the kind I love:  easy to follow; not too many ingredients; and no weird ingredients.  But the best part of the book are the stories in it.  I was laughing so hard I was crying.  The name of the cookbook is:  Somebody Stole the Cornbread from My Dressing.  If you have a new cook, an old cook, a southern belle, a yankee doodle dandy, or a hard to buy for person, I highly recommend this cookbook.  They won't be disappointed!  Too funny.

As we approach the new year, may you remember only the good, and leave the bad behind.  I pray for you all to have a wonderfully blessed 2011, and that your year is filled with deep abiding love, belly splitting laughter, and the happiest of memories.

Be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley

A Merry Christmas

It's another Christmas wonderfully celebrated with family, food, and SNOW!!!  If you say snow in the state of Alabama everyone goes nuts.  In a good way of course.  (well minus the run on bread and milk.)  I am weird, something which the fam reminds me of often.  I am cold natured, and really dislike being cold, but I love snow.  What can I say, I'm a walking paradox.

I have always dreamed of snow on Christmas.  The tree twinkling, a fire going, my family spending time together smiling & laughing, and then I look out and see the white stuff silently coating everything.  I have never had a white Christmas.  I have to say this one did not disappoint.  The last time it came close to being a WC was 13 years ago.  We had huge dollops of snow coming down in December.  The only reason I remember it is because my mother passed away two weeks later.  I was happy she was able to see the snow one last time. 

As I sit and ponder Christmas' past I can't help but to smile.  Times when the children were very little.  Times when I was little.  How some things have changed and some stayed the same.  Having a white Christmas makes me nostalgic.  My heart goes out to those of you who have lost loved ones this year.  It makes for a bittersweet day.  Those of you who have lost someone special know what I'm talking about.  On Christmas Eve, I truly missed our pastor's father coming out and  playing the piano for us.  He was so gifted.  I know his presence was missed this Christmas. 

So, today as I celebrate The Word becoming flesh, I am reminded of the promise that came to us.  Hope.  Hope for today, and the promise that I would not be forsaken.  Hope that this is not all there is.  Love.  Jesus modeled love for us, and offers His so freely.  As I was singing Christmas carols last night at church, I really thought about what I was singing.  My heart was so moved and humbled.  Go back at listen to them.  O Holy Night is amazing.  Get your bible out (or go to www.biblegateway.com)  and see the scripture that backs up the words of the beautiful hymn. How blessed I was and am.

If you don't know Jesus, know He loves you.  His mercy knows no end, and it's his greatest desire to be with you.  It's as easy as ABC.  I would love to give you a prayer to ask Jesus into heart and life...
...Jesus, I admit I am sinner.  I admit that I have done things my own way.  I believe you came to earth.  I believe that you love me and are the perfect Son of God.  I believe you died on the cross to save me.  Jesus, I commit myself to you as my Lord and savior.  Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice on the cross, and for loving me when I didn't love you.  Come and live inside me, and help me to draw closer to you.  In your name I pray, Amen.

Welcome to the fam!  God's family.  We are like most families; we have many different personalities, but love each other very much.  (even the weird ones like me.)  :)  If you accepted Christ, you have given him a wonderful gift.  All he wants for Christmas is you.  I hope you and your families have had a wonderful Christmas season.     

Merry Christmas and be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley

A new look for an old friend

I love Thanksgiving & Christmas.  Not just like, LOVE.  The smells, lights, food, music, and, ...memories.

I always imagine us as being the Norman Rockwell family.  I want it perfect.  (this comes with being an extreme type A personality.)  Unfortunately, we are not that perfect family, but a girl can dream. 

I remember the first Christmas after my dad passed away, it was horrible!  I didn't want Christmas.  It was my dad's favorite holiday & it wasn't the same without him.  There were many tears shed that Christmas.  My mom's last Christmas was hard too.  I knew she was towards the end, and I tried to make it a great Christmas, but I can't remember a time in my life that I have been so tired and overwhelmed.  I still cry when I think about it.  But, thank you Jesus for the promise and hope that comes with Christmas.  I am now listening to Hallelujah (Light has Come) by BarlowGirl.  Click here to hear the song on youtube.  God did not leave me in my tired, heartbroken, overwhelmed state, but He sent His most precious possession to rescue me and set me free.  Emmanuel...God is with me.  Job knew he had a hope even though Jesus had not come yet.   Job 19:25 "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth."  For all of  you who have had tragedy happen to you this year:  first, please accept my most heartfelt sympathies; second, the everyday sadness doesn't last forever, you will laugh again; and third, embrace your memories.  It can be so painful at first, but over time you'll be glad you did.

I still want that perfect Thanksgiving & Christmas, but one big realization I've made is that if all my family is with me, no matter their state, it's perfect.  Elizabeth, Henry & I were discussing how close we were getting to the beginning of the Christmas music on the radio & so we decided to listen to some.  Bing Crosby to you.  (it's not Christmas until I hear a little Bing.)  One of the staple foods I make for Christmas morning are sausage balls.  I'm about to shift gears a little here, but trust me, sausage balls & Christmas are involved... 

Our children are out of school today.  It is an in-service day for the teachers.  The hospitality committee at Central decided to have breakfast for the teachers.  A very nice gesture.  I thought I had only signed-up to bring doughnuts.  Luckily, I decided to read the reminder email all the way through, because apparently I also signed-up to bring 2 dozen sausage balls.  I know a lot of  you are laughing at me because 2 dozen of anything is nothing.  (big eaters at home)  It was not the amount, just the timing of everything.  I told myself to suck it up & quit being so selfish, and make the stupid sausage balls.  (The whole 'being a cheerful giver' thing ran through my mind!  Thanks God for that conviction.)  I decided to change them up a little bit.  When an opportunity presents itself....well, I had to take it.  :)  I received two thumbs up from most of the group; the picky one hasn't tried them.  Click here for the recipe.

I'm going to be posting some Thanksgiving & Christmas recipes after Vestavia's Homecoming.  I'm going to have a, hopefully very large group of sophomores over for breakfast. Sausage balls are on the food list...  Love those kids!!! 

Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley

Here are what is left of the sausage balls that I made for the fam.



Memories

Well, here I am sitting at the computer when I should be cooking.  Tonight we are having an oldie but a goodie.  Hamburger quiche.  It's not a girly quiche by any stretch of the imagination.  (my clan would not come near it with a 10 foot pole if it was.)  It's hearty and is as good in the summer as it is in the winter.  I just change up what I serve with it.

This is another one of my mother's recipes.  I still have the original recipe card with her handwriting.  You may think I'm weird, sometimes I'll get her recipe box down just to look at her handwriting and think of her cooking.  It makes her feel just a little closer.  No more sad things for today...  This blog is about joy, and sometimes from the least likely place, joy wells up. 

Did you ever notice that Jesus loved a good meal and/or party?  I think he knew that when food was present it was easier for people to talk, ask questions, and listen to what He had to say.  Maybe that's why meal time is so important for our families.  It gives us a chance to do the same thing.  It's gotten hard for us to do this every night, but we try to have family dinners as often as we can.  If you can't do dinner, do breakfast.  If you need conversation starters b/c you're tired of hearing your kids say everything is fine, play a dinner game.  We have a blast every time we play.  Go to the following link to see some:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_12?url=search-alias%3Dtoys-and-games&field-keywords=dinner+games&sprefix=dinner+games 

Well, it's time for me to go cook now.  Joy is mine!  I've included some verses I came across this week while I was doing my bible study.  I think they are perfect for today! 

Acts 14:17  "Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy."

Acts 2:28 "You have made known to me the paths of life;
      you will fill me with joy in your presence."

Here's the link for my momma's hamburger quiche recipe.  It's easy to double and freeze part to have for later.
http://wegottaeat.com/ashnance/recipes/hamburger-quiche#

Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley