7 Quick Takes Friday 7/27

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We basically stopped in our tracks to plan a huge birthday party this week. I threw it by myself because it was a Tuesday morning party - and as usual, I went a little over my head! It was fun nonetheless! If you want some frugal tips on throwing a huge Teddy Bear's picnic, read all about it! We made these yummy chocolate cupcakes, they were a hit with the kids!

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I can't believe my little girl is turning 3 on Sunday. More than that, I can't believe I have been a mom for 3 years! It's the hardest thing I have ever done. I thought walking across the country would have been it, or maybe those two times I gave birth. Nope. Just the day to day of being a mom. These kids have helped me grow immensely as a person, especially Gianna. She pulls new tricks on me everyday! Lately I have been calling her my Cinderella. It has made her the happiest little princess. 

Two weeks to three years old!

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I have been completely unmotivated in the kitchen these days. I hadn't menu planned in a looong time. I always feel a little lost and uncreative in the kitchen when I don't plan - so I forced myself to do it this week. It feels so good to have it down along with a shopping list.  I would love to make a "Menu Planning Monday" weekly post, mostly to keep myself motivated - so here's our menu if you are stumped in the kitchen too!

Friday: Shrimp Stir Fry

                 - make chicken stock

Saturday: Roasted Chicken, baked butternut squash, cucumber salad. 

                 - soak and sprout black and pinto beans

Sunday: Beef Pot Roast in the crock pot,  Greek salad, sweet potato bites.

               Gianna's Birthday cake: Carrot Cake with Coconut Cream Frosting. This cake and frosting combo is amazing!   

Monday: Black Bean Soup. 

                 - soak brown rice   

Tuesday: Mexican Brown Rice casserole. 

Wednesday: Veggie Heavy Chili

(let me know if this is something you would like to see on a more regular basis)

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A young man named Andrew Moore has been on my mind all week. He was walking with the Pro-Life group Crossroads when he was hit by a car and killed instantly. This was the walk that I met my husband on. The cause is very near and dear to my heart. He died while praying the rosary. His dad write a moving tribute to his son, please read if you have the time. I keep thinking about those who are there to greet in heaven. May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace, amen.

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I feel like that's it. I can't think of anything else now. The whole situation had definitely brought me to my knees a couple of times. Not in frustration or anger at God for allowing such a thing, but in deep appreciation for the gift of life. When something so tragic, such as the Colorado theater shooting, or Andrew's tragic death all I can do is think about this passage from Job 1:21.

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”

 Indeed He gave, and He continues to give.  Thank you Lord for your many blessings, those seen and unseen.

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On a much lighter note, I have a question! I have a little boy who is almost 15 months. He has been expressing himself a little more lately and exploring like crazy. He likes to get in the dirt about five different times a day! Im sure this is normal for little boys but I really don't know what to do about it! I could spend my whole day cleaning him up! Do I just do this and expect this dirty phase to not last long? Or do I let him be dirty all the time? What do you do?

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Speaking of the dirty little boy! I caught him red handed. How can you resist that precious face?!

Have a blessed day!

Linking up at Conversiondiary.