Friday Favorites (Valentine's Day edition)

Happy Friday, y'all! This is my 100th post!

I hope you've had a great week. I don't know where this week went. Maybe writing this post will help me remember. ;)

I'll start with last Saturday:

Got my 15 mile training run in that morning. Went great!

We all went to my sweet niece's 5th birthday party! I made cupcake toppers with my silhouette cameo.

Ella Claire

Sunday was... different... in a good way. I shared a little but about it last week, but I did not know exactly what to expect then. We had a church-wide fast in preparation for a renewal service; a renewal of our commitment to Jesus individually and corporately. The services were reverent, meaningful, and moving. 

Rush and Lottie are growing!

It seems like both kids are in a huge learning phase right now! Lottie is making full sentences and showing so much personality. She is smart and funny. Rush is really into counting and reading letters. We do flash cards multiple times a day. I am excited for when he starts reading! I am trying to encourage "sounding out" words, but he's not very interested in that yet. I know it will come to him in his own time. He is eager to learn, but very independent. (Just like his Dad.)

Great coffee!

Our brother-in-law, Jared, roasts his own coffee as a side business. It is awesome! I love to wake up for my quiet time and have a pot ready. 

Valentine's Day!

I have always loved this holiday, mainly because it is four days before my birthday. So it's the perfect excuse to eat sweets for four days to a week straight. I always make an extra effort to make one of Ben's favorite dinners and a special dessert.  This year I am making quiche (no surprise) and my famous (to Ben) homemade cheesecake. It's in the oven right now. :)

Ben has something up his sleeve for Sunday afternoon. I am excited to find out what he has planned. 

I hope you have a great Valentine's Day full of love. 

In case you missed it, here's my post on love and marriage: http://fruitfulfamilymills.blogspot.com/2014/02/growing-love.html?m=1

What's your favorite recipe to make for your husband on a special occasion?

What are your plans for Valentine's Day this year?

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!!!