40 little gifts to celebrate my 40th Birthday!

Well, I turned 40 just a few days ago. It is funny I was dreading it for months and then when it happened. It felt great! I wasn't prepared for that. And as everyone has so lovingly pointed out 40 is a milestone birthday. So to celebrate BIG I decided to do 40 pay it forwards to shower others with blessings and love. Now I am not blogging this to toot my own horn...I am blogging to inspire. This world and this life are incredibly hard and we really need to show others love and encouragement more often...so I am using 40 as my vehicle.

So here goes my list of 40 PIFs. I will add to the list as I do them so you can get some inspiration, hopefully for your own journey.

Day 1: Returned Monuments Men to the Redbox Kiosk with a $1.00 bill folded neatly inside.

Day 2: Donated scissors to Dollar Tree's Operation Homefront School Supply Drive.

Day 3: Diapers and Wipes to someone who needs this blessing.

Day 4: Cold (sealed) drink and snack for our mail carrier.

Happy Heavenly Birthday Austin...

My friend Christina lost her dear son  Austin 10 years ago. Today marks his 10th Heavenly Birthday to celebrate the blessing of Austin she has asked her friends to perform random acts of kindness this week in his memory. I wanted to dedicate a blog post to them and to share what our family is doing to remember Austin and to hopefully inspire you to share a little love with others this week. There is far too much hurt and not enough love in our world today, we can change that with small acts of kindness.


1.) We made a goodie bag for one of our oldest daughter's teachers who just lost a dear loved one.
2.) Blessed one of our oldest daughter's classmates with lunch on us.
3.) Taped a dollar (in a snack baggie) to a pack of diapers in our local grocery store to hopefully cheer up a sleep deprived mom.
4.) Left a sealed bag of microwave popcorn on a redbox machine.

Joy in the ordinary.

I have come to the conclusion that the business of living life can be quite boring. After all we wake up and face the same things day in and day out. This is one reason I treat life like an experiment, always trying new things. Spicing up the daily chores with little touches here and there. It isn't about how much money we spend it is about the heart attitude we put behind our actions. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich served with a smile, means more than the most elegant meal prepared with a griping heart. God is also teaching me to never apologize for His provision. If we have company and beans and rice are what's for dinner...serve it with confidence it is just the thing that is needed. So my challenge to you today is to find a way that you can make your ordinary routine a little more loving and memorable for those you love. Get out there and get creative!

 Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! ~Psalm 100:2

Hold them close, and they will reciprocate.

Our youngest is a very wise, funny child. She is always sharing her heart whether we want to or need to hear it or not. Sometimes she moves me to tears and humbles me beyond belief, tonight was one of those nights. I was in the middle of our local grocery store finishing up the weekly shopping. My cell phone rings, on the other end is my sweet-pea. She is crying, she wants her Mommy (she is home with her big sister who is babysitting for me). She asks where I am, when I tell her she brightens and then says "Mommy that means you will be home in 10 minutes". I told her I would finish up as quick as I could and I would be home. Well, it took much longer than 10 minutes, the phone goes off again. Again it is "Sweet-pea". She tells me that she is really sleepy and she is afraid that she is going to fall asleep before I get home to cuddle. She tells me that she just wants me to put my arms around her and never let go and to hold her with my voice. In that moment it becomes real that she needs me, she enjoys having me close. I feel the security that I bring to her and I pray that I never do anything to damage the closeness that she and I share. Hold your children tightly, soothe them, comfort them....all too soon they will be spreading their wings, trying out their newly found independence. Nurture the relationship that will always keep them close to you even when they are physically far away.

1 day left...

Our long awaited vow renewal is almost here. I am excited, nervous and excited...lol. I want this event to be a beautiful celebration of all that God has given us over these past 10 years. I want to bless our friends and family with a fun night for them just being them in our lives. Please pray that I relax and enjoy the process as well as the event. So many friends and family members have volunteered their time, talent and resources to help make this day unique and special. It is all so humbling and I am grateful for each of them.

The Lord Will Provide...

was the enduring lesson for me today. Our vow renewal is a week away. A relative offered to make outfits for our 4 youngest children and was unable to do so. We found this out less than a week ago. This put me in a major panic. If you know me, I am a planner. I do not like surprises at all. Then today more surprises cropped up in the form of a car repair bill we were not anticipating (I know, I know, we own a car, we should always be prepared for maintanence.) my alterations on my dress were higher than we budgeted and there were not 4 coordinating Christmas outfits to be found in the 4 stores I went to today. I was in tears. This was not how I wanted this to be. I wanted it to be easy and frugal. Things were not going according to plan. After bawling on the phone with Donald and having him reassure me things would be fine. I headed to the mechanics to pay his repair bill, with a heavy heart. While I was there, I kept feeling a need to stop by a local clothing store. Guess what God had placed there? A size 8 (Amarissa's size) moss green and ivory Bonnie Jean dress for way less than retail price, gotta love Christmas sales. I started crying and praising God, He cares about the little things, and this lifted a HUGE weight off my shoulders. Then I headed to Walmart and found 2 Christmas plaid shirts with the same green that was in Amarissa's dress, I bought the boys their shirts. Now all I have left is a shirt for Donald, with all of the budget changes we decided to forgo the tux and just do casual with my classy gown. I think it is perfect, I think it is more "us". So now I am going to take a deep breath and try to enjoy my last days of planning, wish me luck!

Days of Nothing Update.

Our elf Peppermint McSprinkles

We are still plugging away. However I must admit that with it being Christmas time. It stinks. I want to spend, spend, spend. However God keeps reminding me that if I were to give into that urge it would undermine what He is trying to teach us and it would hurt His provision for us during this time. So I will continue on. One thing I have noticed is our Christmas focus has radically changed. We are spending a lot of time at home, together as a family. We are playing games, watching our Christmas movies (many were unopened from last year, sad I know) and we have added an Elf, for Elf adventures. Now this was a splurge I allowed since it was radically less than the more popular Elf on a Shelf version and I had the money for her in my paypal account. We are also going to make advent ornaments this year, using stuff that we already have, so glad I save cards, tissue paper, etc. I enjoy the focus being on Christ and Family more than things and commercialism but I do worry what my children's reaction is going to be as they "compare" gifts come Christmas morning. I pray that we are able to cultivate a right heart attitude as God continues to grow us as a family during this time.

Listen Up...

Do you think it doesn't matter how/what you eat? That your children are too little for their diets to affect their long term health? Well think again. Donald and I learned Friday at our PCP's office that our children (yours too) make new fat cells more readily in early childhood than at any other time. Then it tapers off during adolescence. That gives new meaning to that "baby fat" that we all thought was so harmless. Why is this so important? Because the only way to remove fat cells from the body is liposuction, which means unless you go under the knife you are stuck with them. I think if alot of parents understood this and the fact that your children pay more attention to the foods you choose for you then the foods you choose for them. Then childhood obesity would be pretty much abolished by now. I know that this was a major AHA! moment for Donald and I. Having a family history myself of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, HB and the list goes on, I knew that I needed to do better. That is the reason I had my gastric bypass and follow a low carb, lower fat diet and exercise regularly. But what hit me the hardest was that as an adoptive mom we do not know our children's complete medical history. We aren't sure if diabetes runs in their biological family. So what better way to protect them against an unseen enemy than to limit their sugar intake. Increase whole grains, veggies, fruits, etc? So along with Donald and I eating low carb, whole complex carbs, lean protein, fruits and veggies, so are our children.

Now I know what you are thinking. You are thinking but DeAnna my child will starve, and oh the fights that will ensue. And to that I say....buck up, you are the parent. God gave that child to you and we need to be good stewards of our greatest gifts. They won't starve. It took our kids about a week to quit asking for white bread, they didn't like the idea but once they realized that "brown bread" was the new norm, they quit complaining and got on board. Our Halloween candy has been enjoyed some, but it is put away out of sight until it is the right time for them to enjoy a treat (after playtime and their meal has been enjoyed first).

Do you remember the old saying "Children follow what you do, not what you say?" Well that is completely true. Our 7 year old came to me while in the middle of playing Barbies with her sister and told me very seriously "Mama, Ken's Daddy cannot have Chinese food anymore." I asked why. Her reply is "He has to eat low carb and no sugar like you and daddy so he can be healthy and do more stuff, and I am gonna do that too". Your children are watching and learning more from your actions than you can ever imagine. Let's do right by them, give them healthy parents as well as a healthy lifestyle that will serve them well the rest of their lives.

I wonder...

I woke up very early this morning with one thought on my mind. Could Donald and I save enough money to buy a smaller, less expensive home outright and reduce our current debt? So I started perusing real estate sites and most homes that are super affordable are in terrible neighborhoods, however I think I am going to start saving my pennies in hopes that we find something safe and super affordable. The worse that could happen is that we have a chunk to put on our current mortgage, reducing that expense. I no longer want to be driven by consumerism, life is about much more than what we own. So with this new mindset I am planning on holding a yard sale to reduce the amount of things we own. We really need to simplify and this will start the saving process. Wish me luck!

Day 8

This is getting easier and easier. I find that the longer I go without spending the more intentional I am when I do have to part with my money. Yesterday I had to do a protein and small toiletry run. I stayed focused and only bought what we needed. It also dawned on me that if I don't take money with me, I can't spend it. So I made me a grocery money can and will not take money with me unless I am going to pick up things we NEED. Yesterday this kept me from blowing money on gum and a drink. I have started keeping a water bottle in my van and just filled it up at a water fountain. Saved me $1.45 and didn't take any extra effort on my part really.

Day 5 of no spending.

Today things get interesting. We are nearing the end of our Stevia reserve, dish detergent is running low and veggies are getting thin. However I am committed to not running out and buying more just because I can. In Sunday School we were talking about Daily Bread, and I do believe that lesson has prepared me for this week, it helped give me the proper perspective needed. Here in America we have more than we even realize. Even though things are running low (things we enjoy rather than need) I know we can and will make it to the end of the week with no problem. God has already met our needs over and above what we need. So I will not spend until I have to and we will be thankful for what God has provided. After all water is better than artificially colored fruit drinks and even tea sweetened with Stevia. There is nothing wrong with not spending and just enjoying what is.

Days 3 & 4

Saturday was dinner night with my sister in law and niece. I made a pork loin and ribs with seasoned green beans and bbq rice (rice made with bbq sauce and the broth from the meat). We watched the first Harry Potter and visited for Drew's upcoming birthday and to celebrate his finishing the first Harry Potter book.

Sunday was church and then home to enjoy a baked chicken, creamed spinach and baked sweet potato for lunch. Donald had a hard time, he wanted to go eat out since he is only off 2 Sundays a month. But he was a trooper and enjoyed an afternoon of lunch and football while the kiddos played outside enjoying our nice fallish weather.

Day 2...Grocery Run and Cupcake Wars

Today entailed a trip to the doctor's office to buy my protein shakes and a trip to the grocery store for milk, grits, noodles and green peas. Donald did treat us to a Sonic Unsweetened Tea (it was happy hour) while we were out running errands. So all in all a fun day.

Since the kiddos have a long weekend we did Cupcake Wars Home Version, complete with Judges Narration and every thing. The cupcake mixes and toppings were already in the pantry. We all had so much fun. How are you being frugal this weekend and still enjoying the finer things in life?

Day 1 (of our days of nothingness)

So today is our official kick-off of our indefinite days of nothing. We started the day with a breakfast of homemade pancakes and bacon. I walked the littles to school, and hung out my first load of laundry, all the while praying our forcasted rain holds off until they are dry. Tonight is movie and junk food night since the kids are out of school tomorrow. We do have cable since we get a better rate having all services bundled so we will watch a free movie from the on-demand menu. So all in all I would say we are off to a great start.

Days of nothing....planning for 2014

Well, we have been given a glimpse into 2014. And we are batting down the hatches financially. So we are starting days of nothing (you may remember my 31 days of nothing a year ago, it is that but indefinitely). I am convinced that as a family we spend way more than we need to, even though I do it frugally, it is still too much. So we are going to only spend what is absolutely necessary from now on.

Thanksgiving will either be a potluck at our home or a coffee and dessert time that evening if our family has other plans already. This is my favorite holiday because the focus is on what we already have and what is most precious to us on this earth. The people God has given us to share our lives with. Simply precious!

And we have a plan in place since CHRISTmas is coming up, we have decided to give 4 gifts for each of our children.
1. Some thing to read.
2. Some thing to wear.
3. Some thing you need.
4. Some thing you want.

This will keep spending down but will give them a good variety of gifts. After all the holidays are about celebrating the gift of Our Savior and our family, things should not be the main focus. I know this is an ambitious, crazy thing to start right before the holidays but it is a necessity for our family. So pray for us as we strive to become better stewards of what God has entrusted us with.

My after surgery regiment.

3 UpCalD Packets daily 500mg of Calcium Citrate, 500IU of Vitamin D
2 Celebrate Bariatric Multvitamin w/iron (I take one in the morning and one at night)
1 Sublingual B-12 tablet (I get these from Walmart for 1.97)

Breakfast is usually a protein shake made with Whey Protein Isolate (Unjury is my favorite) with 8oz of FF milk. Lunch and Dinner is protein and a little bit of a low carb vegetable. Not to exceed 1 cup. I also sip, sip, sip Powerade 0, Hawaiian Punch Sugar Free Drink Packs and water all through out the day to stay hydrated. The key is to get in your protein first and foremost.

My fave sources of protein:
Low Fat Cottage Cheese, Deli Meats, Poached Chicken Breast, Eggs, 1.00 Ribeyes from the dollar store, Low Fat Cheeses, Hamburger Meat (seasoned), Unjury Protein Powder.

I cannot tolerate fish at all but that would be a great source of lowfat protein if you can tolerate it.

***Make sure you take your Multi-vitamin with iron at least 2 hours apart from your calcium supplement and do not take it with any dairy products. Calcium binds iron and prevents it from absorbing so you have to separate the doses.*****

Wednesday Night's Dinner

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breasts (Blend mayo, parmesan and garlic in a bowl) dry chicken breasts and put on baking pan, spread mayo cheese mixture on top of each breast. Then sprinkle Italian bread crumbs on top and bake at 375* until done. I used Hellman's Recipe for the chicken.

Boil box of elbow mac and drain. Then brown 3tbsp butter in skillet, add 2 tsps of minced garlic, brown, add in 2 tbsp flour and simmer, then add in milk and broth from baked chicken and 1/2 tsp basil, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, pepper and cooked noodles, heat through.

Serve with your favorite veggie.

Autumn Stew (a DeAnna original)

Autumn Stew

3lbs of Pork Stew Meat
2 Large Sweet Potatoes, diced
1 Medium White Potato, diced
10oz Frozen Bag of Corn
1 can Fire Roasted Green Chilies
1 jar Mild Salsa
1 can Pinto Beans, drained
3/4 tsp Moroccan Seasoning
1/2 tsp Salt
1 can Chicken Stock

Put all ingredients in crock pot and cook on high 6-8 hours. Serve with Corn Muffins.

My tiny tornado of terror.

We are barely in the door from school, the backpacks are still in midair and the fighting and whining begin. There are a multitude of mistakes this Mama has made in the eyes of her youngest. Her underwear is too small (they are perfect), her hairbow was too big, I forgot to pack her lunch (she asked to buy her lunch today) and last but not least I did not pick her up early from school and I promised her a half day at sometime. She runs to her room, slams the door and starts crying. At this moment I have a decision to make, thankfully this is no longer lost on me. I can either show her kindness and Christ's love or I can let my emotions get the better of me and raise my voice and argue with her. I lower myself to her bed, scoop her up in my arms and share with her what God's word says about how we should treat others. I ask her if I can pray with her to help her attitude and get a pouty yes. We pray, she then wraps her arms around my neck and gives me a big wet kiss on the cheek. Then she says something very surprising "Mama I am so glad you love Jesus and Love me too." I breathe a prayer of thanksgiving that this time I made the right choice and showed Christ to my children. I pray that the next time I am in this situation God allows me the presence of mind to again choose a soft answer and His love over what my flesh demands. For in this is how my children will learn to follow our Lord and point others to Him.

Family

Today Donald and I learned in a new way what family is. We have been struggling with our daughter's anxiety and our church attendance. The last time I was at church I ended up in the van with our 7 year old in tears (both of us). How was this good for our church? How was this honoring to God? I came home that day and quit church as far as I was concerned, there was no way I could do this alone and with Donald's work schedule there was not a way for me to have the support and reinforcements I needed. Fast forward to today. We met with one of our pastors with every intention of letting him know we would not be returning. We didn't have a game plan, God had been silent but we knew what we wanted, what was easiest. As we talked our Pastor listened, validated our feelings but then came alongside of us and let us know that we were not walking through this valley alone, that our church was with us no matter what we chose and for whatever we needed. He gave us a new perspective and refreshed us. As we prayed God began giving me a new vision of what He wanted from us and how He could use this valley where we were. Our church loves us even though our contribution as far as volunteering maybe small, they are willing to be our strength when we are weak. Isn't this what family is all about? Not abandoning each other when we think things are too tough? What a blessing we received today and how much lighter our load became just because we finally put aside our pride and sat down and let our brother in Christ know what was going on in our lives. We have received emails of encouragement and they have meant the world and have been a great buoy to our sagging spirits over this month.

 In our spiritual family and in our physical family we need to be sensitive to others needs, provide strength when they are weak and love on them when they feel unloveable and watch God bless! There are going to be times when you are the strong one and there are going to be times when you need the strength of others and that is okay. Just remember to show Christ's love to your family daily however you can!