Monday is...

Hey y'all! I'm writing a quick post here after sleeping in {cue the angels singing} on a mini vacation with just my sweet husband. We're skiing- one of our favorite things to do together. 

On to my Monday...

Monday is: recovering from the experience of taking two toddlers to Urgent Care on Sunday morning based on instinct. Diagnosis: double ear infections for both. 

Monday is: having awesome in-laws who wanted to keep the kids anyway. 

Monday is: having a church that offers live streaming so that the Holy Spirit can speak to you in your dining room when your kids are sick. 

Monday is: praying for a dear friend's dad who is undergoing major heart surgery today. 

Monday is: praising God for His grace and protection in my life! I have such a long way to go in maturity as a Christian, but I have so many wonderful resources- Godly husband, family, friends, church family, Christ in me- to push me forward (in a good way). 

Philippians 1:6 says, "And I am sure of this: that he who began a work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

I am so thankful that God encourages me by letting me know that His work is ongoing in my life. 

Have a great week!

What are some of your favorite activities to do with your spouse?

Marvelous in my Monday!

Happy Monday, y'all!

It was a great weekend here at the Mills house! 

Friday night, I made homemade pizza, and my sister and her family (our best friends) came over. She is due to deliver baby #3 any day, so we are all excited about that! I forgot to take a pic of the pizzas, but I will have to share the crust recipe because it turned out to be the best that I have ever made! Don't you love homemade pizza?!

Saturday was birthday party day! Lottie had so much fun at her cowgirl party. We have so many wonderful, loving family and friends that came to celebrate with us. I will share some pics later this week. 

When we got the kids to bed on Saturday night, Ben and I stood in the kitchen (because I fall asleep if it's after 8:00 pm and I sit down) and went through the final draft of his lesson for our class. While he was talking, I was listening and giving my input, I might have made this:

Brownie in a mug. 😍 

I am still full of joy after a great day at church yesterday. All three teachings that I heard (Bible study taught by Ben and two sermons) were powerful and convicting and inspiring. God really opened my heart to reveal some tough stuff to me about my motivation behind what I do. I'm so glad that I have the Holy Spirit through Christ in me to help me in my weaknesses. 

Today I am meal planning, grocery shopping, and taking Rush to have his teeth cleaned. Just a typical day-in-the-life Monday!  

Thanks, Katie for hosting!

What was your favorite moment this weekend?

Marvelous Monday! And My Non-Perfect Life Disclaimer...

Sometimes I worry that this blog can come off as my "highlight reel." So before I spout off all the great stuff that I experienced this weekend, I want to be clear that my life is not all rainbows and roses. I yell at my kids; I feel depressed and lonely sometimes; Ben and I have marital conflict; I stray from my relationship with The Lord. Thankfully, the God that I seek to serve is gracious, and He forgives my shortcomings when I ask; He comforts me when I feel down. <---- This tidbit of info is "marvelous" enough to never write another blog post again! But, since the title of this post is Marvelous Monday, I'll go ahead and share a few things from our weekend...

Friday night triple date to Cheesecake Factory:

Ben and me

Me, my sis, and future sis-in-law (Sorry for the bad photo. Lighting inside CF is bad for pics.)

I  had the Chicken Madeira, which was good. But my favorite was the cheesecake: Kahlua Cocoa Coffee, and it was AMAZING!

Saturday morning trip to the Rainforest Zoo. 

We have a season pass but have not been since the summer. They had some new animals, so we had an extra-fun time learning about them!

Saturday afternoon outside playtime.

The rain cleared, so we got to get some fresh air. :)

Awesome Lord's day!

Ben did an amazing job teaching on Jeremiah 17:5-10. Our pastor's sermon on the importance of being dedicated to your local church was bold and convicting. 

I made a new soup/stew in my Crock-pot using Bob's Red Mills Vegi Soup Mix. (Recipe soon!) 

The evening sermon from Titus was spot-on for me as well. After church, Ben said, "Pastor Dan has perfected the art of humble boldness," and I could not agree more. We are blessed with a great church and pastor. 

Sunday afternoon run.

It was a beautiful afternoon. I rarely see this route in daylight, so I had a special appreciation for the view along the way. 

Hope you have a marvelous Monday!

Thanks to Katie at Healthy Diva Eats for hosting this link-up!

Blog Blah! And My 1st "Marvelous in My Monday"

So... I have been "blogging" for over a year now, and I have a confession to make: I have no clue what I am doing! I guessed enough to create the blog, type, and publish, but that's about it. And honestly, I did not read many blogs before I started mine, so I had no "blog community." I still don't follow that many, but I use the Bloglovin' app so that when I come across a new one I can have it on my reading list. I started my blog more as an outlet for journaling than anything else, but I do enjoy sharing it with others. I'm not at all wanting to make money through my blog, I just want to share my faith, struggles, and successes in order to encourage others.  Here's where I am struggling: I feel like the only way to get more readers is to comment on other blogs a lot and blow up Twitter and Facebook... and I do not have the time to do that. Help!??? I know there has to be a better way to build my audience. Any practical advice is appreciated.

On to my Marvelous in My Monday...

Our weekend was fun. We were really focused on teaching our first class on Sunday morning, so that was our main topic of conversation. I got to do some baking on Saturday morning,which I haven't gotten to do in a while. Whole Wheat Flax Bread (easy!):

Recipe from Foodie Stays Fit

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Waffles from The Mother Huddle. 

M&M Cookies for Family Movie Night on Saturday night. Movie of choice was Benji. 

Sunday morning went super-well! Ben did a great job preparing and sharing our testimony. I am so proud of him for stepping out of his comfort zone in obedience to The Lord. 

We woke up to snow today!!! And I just made myself this yummy "grown-up hot chocolate" with my leftover coffee from this morning to warm up after playing outside with Rush. Do you see the white stuff in the background???

1/4 cup coffee, 1/2 cup vanilla almond milk, chocolate syrup of choice.

Mix together and heat in microwave!

I've been trying to read more blogs lately, and here's a great one that I found over the weekend: The Saved Runner. 

Some of my favorite posts from the weekend were:

Runner's Trials (Her) Preterm Labor

Lindsey's List Working Out While Pregnant

Delights and Delectables Friday Five and Favorites

A Healthy Slice of Life Munchkin Meals ( my first ever link-up!)

 

I also got to play with my Silouhette Cameo. Here's a preview of the pendant banner I am making for my niece:

 

And to make my Monday even more marvelous, I'm making quiche for dinner!!!

 

Happy Monday!!!