Resurrection Cookies

One of my favorite holiday traditions that we do as a family is Resurrection cookies at Easter!  We do them the night before Easter and it is always such a wonderful time with our boys to really focus on what Easter is all about.  The miracle of it all and the gift that such a huge sacrifice made available to us!  Here is a link for directions on how to do the cookies....

http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/empty-tombresurrection-cookies/

 

It is very easy to adjust this and make it work for different ages and for your family dynamic!  We've loved how each year the questions the boys ask and conversations that stem from those questions get more intense as they really grow into an understanding of the real suffering that Jesus faced, the heartache of the people who loved Him, the miracle of Him rising, and the amazing gift that salvation really is!!

 

I was able to find a few pics of us making these a couple years ago....

 

beating the pecans & listening to daddy tell about how Jesus was beaten

reading some of the Easter story

making the "tombs"

 

Our boys look forward to this each year and its such a great hands on, fun, and practical way to really keep our focus on what Easter is really all about!

 

It is my prayer that we can each find some time this weekend to really be still and remember the price that was paid for our salvation.  And to praise God & celebrate the sweet gift it is!  Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior?!  Is eternity in heaven a reality for you?!  If you ever have questions about my faith or beliefs, please don't hesitate to email me!  I would LOVE to chat with you and share ~ i want nothing more than for each of you to know the hope, peace, & grace found in a relationship with Jesus!

 

Have a wonderful Easter!!

 

 

That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

~Romans 10: 9&10~



Where's my kid?!

Sunday night I went to pick up the big boys from their church activities and I walked in to get Brayden and stood looking and looking.  There wasn't more than about 7 or 8 kids still there and i couldn't find him!  Then my sweet friend (& childrens ministry leader) was like "he's right there" and pointed RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME!  ha!!  oops!!

I didn't even recognize him because Saturday was haircut day for two handsome little Miculka men!

 

That's right!  Littlest got his first haircut!  It was way overdue but i just had to wait until my heart was ready for him to look so grown up!!  But then he started to look not so much like a boy so i was all like "ummm...maybe you should get over your mommy heart issues and cut the boys hair!" And if Brayden's hair ever gets that long again, i fully expect an email from one of you setting me straight and ordering me to get it cut!  mmmkay??!  It was out of control, poor kid!

 

Whats that??!  You wanna see pictures??  Okayyy.....

 

the ultimate "cheese" grin! ha! look at those curls....:(

about to get started!  he was very unsure of everything! i don't think I've ever seen him sit still for so long!

look at that face!  we laughed and laughed about how sad he looked!

sweet boy.  he did so well!!

all done!!  i know I'm biased and all but seriously?!  that's a cute kid right there!! =)

mullet!!!  hahahaha!!! when i was finished w/ dylan i walked over to check on brayden and found this! hahaha! he'd kill me if he knew i put this pic on here but it cracked me up!

handsome boy minus the mullet!!! =)

 

It will be fun to see if Dylan's curls grow back at all!!  We think they actually might because there are a couple spots that still curl up funny even with it being so short!!  And hopefully i won't miss my own kid standing right in front of me again!! ;)

 

 

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

~James 1:17~



Menu Monday

Well friends.  I survived my first week of eating Paleo.  There may have been a few moments through the week when i wasn't so sure but i lived to tell the tale! ha!  Luckily most of the people who are stuck being around me regularly (which is mostly a pleasant thing...or...atleast i think so!) found my "nutrition rage" comical, for which i was very thankful. (my trainer actually called it "nutrition rage"...haha....thanks Troy! could not have named it more accurately!)  Personally?  I thought i was a lunatic and that they were saints for putting up with me!

 

This week will be challenging with Easter weekend but I'm stubborn enough that I won't let anything get in the way of achieving this goal!  ;)  Here's what we'll be eating this week...

 

Monday ~ Apple Glazed Turkey Breast w/ Roasted Sweet Potatoes

 

Tuesday ~ BLT's w/ Avocado Spread (the "L" will be the lettuce leaves i use to wrap mine cause..ya know...no bread for me!)

 

Wednesday ~ Baja Citrus Chicken w/ Lemon Roasted Potatoes & Green Beans

 

Thursday ~ Spicy Beef Roast w/ Vegetables

 

Friday ~ Chicken Fajita Salad w/ Homemade Guacamole

 

Saturday ~ I'll be packing lots of easy to munch snacks and we will be at church serving, worshipping, & egg huntin' alot of the afternoon and evening so we'll power through on snacks!

 

Sunday ~ Happy Easter!!! 

We're hosting friends for dinner and we haven't even all decided what we're making so ???? ha! So far we know Ham & Deviled Eggs and the rest is TBD! =)

 

Looks like we are supposed to have GORGEOUS weather here all week and we can't wait to enjoy it!!  Hope you all have a fabulous week!!

 

 

 

And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; It shall rejoice in His salvation.

~Psalm 35:9~

Instagram Fun #3

It's time to share some of my favorites from Instagram over the last couple of weeks! 

 

Dylan has figured how to climb in his bed and insisted that his bubba's get in with him one morning! I'm sure its way too much weight for the crib but Dylan's joy was more than worth it!

My Father in law had flowers here waiting for my Mother in law when she arrived for her visit! Their 40th anniversary was the next day!  So sweet! 

came across these while going through things!  Engagement pic & bridal portrait!

Dylan has also figured out that he can climb up the inside of the garage door!  noticing a trend here??!  this boy keeps me busy! (and yes....hubby was right there behind him making sure he didn't fall!)

Date night!!  Love him!!

Dylan was so proud to be having his snack at the bar like a big boy w/ his brothers!!

the smile of a refreshed mama after a couple kid free hours at MOPS!

Peanut butter & apples anyone?!  He asks for this everyday!  And every time requires a bath! ha!

Bootcamp 5k last night!  my first run of significant distance since i hurt my knee!  I was in pain here but determined to smile through it b/c...I BEAT MY LAST 5K TIME! After doing basically no cardio for 4 weeks and just starting to jog lightly again last week!!!  Pain is temporary and it was worth it!  No pain no gain right?!  After a couple hours on the ice machine last night & a good nights sleep it is feeling alot better this morning! 

 

I'd love to have you follow along as i share the little moments in everyday life (that really are big!) in pictures!! 

I'm @sassyaubs on Instagram!!

 

 

 

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy, and I will give thanks to him in song.

~Psalm 28:7~



I'm so excited....

...and i just can't hide it!!!

 

I got a random text from one of my besties last week that just said "are you guys available the week after Memorial Day?  To which i replied.... "ummm....depends....why??!!!"

I had a sneaky suspicion that i knew why and i was right!!  My bestie Sarah from Washington is coming to visit!!!

 

I am already counting down the days!  I have to say goodbye to 2 of my closest friends here in May.  Its going to be oh so tough. But now i have something so special to look forward to!!

 

I blogged about saying goodbye to Sarah when we left the northwest here and about another time she came to visit here!

 

This friendship is so so special and absolutely priceless!  And like Sarah said as we were saying bye on the phone the other night...."i just need....you."  And i desperately need this time with her too!

Here we are in Central Park on a girls trip in 2010!

and here's Sarah holding Dylan when she came to visit shortly after he was born!

 

CAN.NOT.WAIT.

SO.STINKIN.EXCITED.

Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
~Proverbs 27:17 (AMP)~



Spring In the Air

Spring was definitely in the air this past weekend and we spent Saturday outside enjoying it!

 

First we had to do a little shopping which is never a bad way to start a day!  Then we headed to Tarklin Bayou State Park to go for a walk and check it out since we had never been!  The weather was perfect ~ temps in the 70's and sunny with a breeze! It really just doesn't get better than that!

 

can't imagine life w/o my little men!  so grateful for them!

 

the big boys enjoyed reading about different plants & animals along the way!

This lil guy had to keep looking back to make sure i was there! love him!

the trail ended at the bayou!  it was gorgeous!

i kiss those cheeks ALOT. i know all too well how soon those precious baby cheeks will turn into the slimmed down cheeks of a little boy who's too cool to let his mama kiss on him! ;)

oh how these 3 make my heart smile!

 

That afternoon while the baby napped, John and I worked on some stuff around the house and in the yard.  Then that evening we fired up the grill for dinner and decided to eat outside on the back patio!  The boys loved it!! 

 

Dylan loves to "help" daddy with the grilling!

big smiles for dinner on the patio!

 

It was such a great day!!  Love the fresh air and sunshine that spring brings and I'm looking forward to enjoying this spring!!

 

 

 

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."

~Number 6:24-26~

Menu Monday

So.  It's a big day for me where food is concerned!  (i suppose that exclamation mark would mean I'm excited about it which is not entirely true but anyhow...)  I've been doing a boot camp program for the last few months and while i am definitely seeing results, i know that the results could come faster.  I know and have known for some time that in weight loss & fitness, diet is a HUGE part of it.  Fixed on Fitness (the boot camp program I'm in) encourages the Paleo diet.  I haven't fully embraced that until now.  But for the next couple of months i am going to embrace it and see if it makes the difference!  Menu planning for this week was not easy for me.  This is a huge change but it will be worth it to get the results i so badly want and am working so hard for!

 

Here's what I'll be cooking for my first Paleo week....

 

Monday ~ Beef Stew

 

Tuesday ~ Roasted Turkey Sausage w/ Zucchini, Onion, & Red Potatoes

 

Wednesday ~ Italian Meatballs w/ Green Beans

 

Thursday ~ Tacos

 

Friday ~ Grouch Chicken w/ Roasted Brussel Sprouts(fitting i suppose! me thinks i may be a little grouchy as i adjust to this new way of eating! ha!)

 

Saturday ~ Roast Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

 

Sunday ~ Crockpot Potato Soup

 

Wish me luck!!  I think once I've had a chance to settle into it and figure out how to best make it work for me that it won't be so bad!  I know the results will be worth it!!  Swimsuit season here I come!!

 

 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

~Romans 15:13~

Trusting in the Struggle

I just have to share a little story from yesterday! 

 

Yesterday morning the boys & I were hanging out playing and I decided to load them up and go drive through an automatic car wash.  Random.  I haven't been in one of those in years but for whatever reason we went.  I got the baby in his seat, started the car, backed out of the driveway and then it happened...

 

This song came on the radio.  And i knew it was never really my idea at all.  God put that idea in motion and met with me in such an overwhelming way in that random moment of my day.  Overwhelming in a much needed good way.  In a "daughter, I'm here.  and i know." kind of way. 

 

 

We've been facing a life changing, rug pulled out from under you, drive you to your knees over and over again kind of struggle for a little over 3 years now.  The unknowns are endless and that's scary.  There isn't anything i can do to control any of it and that's scary.  This week has been especially hard and I'm worn.  Emotionally drained.  And I didn't even realize how desperately i needed to feel the Lord so close.  But He knew.  And he met me there in the car as i went to do the most random silly thing.  Oh the tears. 

 

It has been ugly. hard. heart breaking. I don't understand why....at all.  But you know what i do know?  That the Lord has this one handled.  And in the midst of the heartache & questioning & tears & confusion, He has made a way.  A way to get through each day.  He has given joy and peace.  And when it all felt like too much to bear He has blessed us with friends to fill the gap.  And He has met me right where i am in those overwhelming times, just like He did yesterday.

 

Here are some of the verses that we have clung to in all of this....

 

Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

~Joshua 1:9~

 

.....This is what the Lord says to you: Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.  For the battle is not yours, but God's.

~2 Chronicles 20:15~

 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

~Romans 8:28~

 

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

~Psalm 27:13&14~

 

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

~James 1:12~

 

And this one has been an answer to prayer over and over when I beg the question "What now?"

 

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.

~Exodus 14:14~

 

The end of this struggle is still yet to be seen.  But in all of this I've grown in so many ways.  I know the Lord in a deeper, more intimate way than i ever thought possible.  I've learned to truly trust and rest in knowing He will never leave me.  His plans for me and my family are good.  And so we wait.  And my biggest desire in the waiting has been that somehow, some way in the mess that I've been in this struggle that i can glorify Him.

 

Can i just encourage you that whatever it may be that you are struggling with, God sees and he knows.  And he wants nothing more than to wrap you in His love and peace!  To meet you right where you are and walk with you every step of the way!  If you need prayer, please please comment or email me!  I would love to stand with you in prayer for whatever it is that you need or desire! 

 

 

But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.

~Deuteronomy 4:29~

 



Dinner & Golfing

Y'all!  Let this go down in the record books....we went on another date!  As in, TWO dates in ONE month!!  It never happens that way for several reasons but mostly because its expensive to pay a babysitter for 3 kids and pay to go out!!  But having grandma in town meant free babysitting!! 

 

This time, we went out with some friends and had so much fun!!  We started with dinner at Sidelines, a fun sports bar & restaurant in Pensacola Beach!  Then we went goofy golfing!!  It was such a fun date to do with friends!!  We laughed ALOT, talked alot and really enjoyed our evening out!

 

the guys ~ Kevin, John, & Josh

The beauties! Lisa, Me, & Veronica (notice that my golf club is way too tall for me? but duh! it matched my shirt so it was clearly the best option! =)

all done!  lets just say that john & i probably shouldn't take up golfing anytime soon! ;)

 

These sweet friends are such a blessing to us!  And I'm sad to say that they will all be leaving us behind in Pensacola very soon. =(  Gotta love military life!  But I'm so thankful to have a few more weeks to soak up as much fun with them as i can! 

 

And now I've gotta know.....what is your favorite thing to do on date nights?!  Its always fun to share ideas and think of new ways to have some fun with our sweeties!!

 

 

 

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up!  But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!  Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

~Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10, 12~

Superstars!!

Both of our older boys decided to try playing basketball for the first time this year!  I have to admit that i was really concerned that Colby may really struggle going into a new sport at 11 and playing with kids who had been playing for years.  But there was no way i was going to discourage him because of my concern and I'm so thankful i didn't!!! 

 

Both of them did amazing!!  Brayden is an amazing shot or as his coach put it..."he's got a great touch. he's a natural!".  And Colby blew us away with his ball handling skills and aggressiveness on defense!!

 

Colby w/ the ball!  He's got skillz i tell ya! =)



Colby doing the jump at the beginning of his all star game!!

 

there's even cheerleaders at their games!!  how stinkin' cute are they?!!

 

Brayden bringing the ball down!

brayden had just shot!! and he made it!! =)

 

I tried so hard to get good pictures but it was hard because i would get SO wrapped up in cheering for them!!  ha!  We're so proud of how hard they each worked and how much they grew in the game throughout the season!!

 

 

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

~Psalm 19:14~

Menu Monday

Whew!  I'm not really sure where the last week went ~ it FLEW by!!  As i mentioned in my last post, my mother in law made it in on Saturday night!  The boys had such a great week with her and while operation organization didn't happen the way i had in  mind, we were able to get a lot accomplished!!  Now we are in recovery mode...you know...after grandma leaves and its time to get back into the regular routine! ha! ;)  And also?  Recovering from all the crap food we've been eating!!  Here's what will fuel our recovery....

 

Monday ~ Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

 

Tuesday ~ Breakfast for Dinner ~ Scrambled Eggs, Sausage & Fruit

 

Wednesday ~ Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas w/ Pinto Beans

 

Thursday ~ Sesame Chicken w/ Rice, Broccoli & Carrots

 

Friday ~ Make Your Own Pizza's!

 

Saturday ~ Grill Hamburgers & Hotdogs w/ Ranch Style Beans & Baked Sweet Potato Fries

 

Sunday ~ Irish Pub Beef Stew w/ Irish Soda Bread & Pistachio Bundt Cake

Happy St. Patty's Day!!!

 

I'm so excited that tonight is the Bachelor finale!!  I'm shamelessly addicted and loving this season!!  Catherine or Lindsay ~ we'll soon know!!!  For some fun insider info and point of view be sure to visit Shay over at Mix and Match Family!!  *she's Sean's big sis and she's fabulous!!*

 

Hope everyone had a great weekend and is enjoying spring!! (despite the always annoying spring forward time change ~ is there a modern day reason for this?!)

 

 

Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

~Joshua 1:9~

 



Busy Saturday!!

Saturday was a crazy day for us!!  I was sick most of the week last week (i swear I've never been sick so much in all of my life..ugh!) and still wasn't 100% Saturday which made having such a busy day even more challenging!  But we had alot of fun and slept really well that night! =)

 

We left the house a little before 10 to head to a birthday party for Dylan's buddy Bryce!!  And we kind of like Bryce's parents too! ;) ha!  Veronica did such a great job with the party ~ everything was sooo cute!!  We had a great time!

 

food table! (i took very few pictures all day but don't ya know one of them was of the food! ha!)

Dylan & the birthday boy!!  LOVE these cuties!!

 

We left the party and headed strait to Brayden's basketball game.  It was such a good game!!  Its crazy how emotionally involved i can get in a 7yr olds game ~ i just can't help it!!  And i have to shamefully admit that I've been awful about taking pictures during their games.....I'm not kidding when i say I'm SO into the games! 

 

After Brayden's game we had about an hour until Colby's game and we needed to pick up some cookies for Colby's team party so we took off for Target.  When we got Dylan out of his stroller to put him in the car we realized he had peed thru his diaper and soaked his pants.  awesome.  Guess we'll pick up another pair of pants at Target too!  So....we went all redneck riviera and took him into the store with no pants on.....

 

no pants. ha!

 

It was a mad rush in Target to get what we needed and get back to the gym in time!!  Colby had a great game too!!  It has been so fun watching their bball skills and confidence on the court grow!!  Right after Colby's game, his team had an end of season party so we hung out and partied for a while!  Then we were headed home to hurry up and catch up on the cleaning because my mother in law was on her way and not too far out!!!! (and being sick all week means i did alot less cleaning all week than normal!)  The boys could hardly stand the wait for her to get there but we tried to distract them with a movie & popcorn!

 

waiting for grandma...

 

It was a super crazy, busy, on the run kind of day but it was fun!!  We laughed so hard about taking Dylan into the store with no pants and had such a good time cheering on our little all stars and partying with friends!  And then we all slept really well that night! =)

 

 

Always be joyful.  Never stop praying.  Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)~



Menu Monday

I'm happy to report that my mother in law made it!!  She's here!! =)

 

And in related news?  This is the most un-inspired, boring & super simple menu and it doesn't even seem worth sharing, but I'm keeping it real y'all so here it is......

 

Monday ~ Crockpot Potato Soup w/ French Bread

 

Tuesday ~ Baked Potato Bar (didn't happen last week!)

 

Wednesday ~ Chicken Parmesan & Salad

 

Thursday ~ Breakfast for Dinner ~ Biscuits w/ Sausage Gravy, Scrambled Eggs, & Fruit

Friday ~ Eat Out

Saturday ~ Eat Out

Sunday ~ BBQ Burgers & Hot dogs w/ Baked Sweet Potato Fries


We've got a full week with operation organization, all star basketball for the big boys, bootcamp, & having a little fun with my mother in law while she's in town!  Its going to be a good one!!

ps...coming close to meeting my nutrition goals each day is going to be tough this week!  but I'm going to give it my best shot....i think i can. i think i can. i think i can..... ;)



I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
~Ephesians 3:17&18~

Instagram Fun #2

Some of my favorite pictures from Instagram taken the last couple of weeks!  An added benefit to sharing my faves from Instagram here is that i actually take the time to look back through what I've posted there!  It was fun to think back to the moments i took each of them!

 

3 of the greatest joys in my life!  Snapped this while out running errands one morning!

is this sky not the craziest/coolest thing?!  there isn't one bit of editing done ~ God's creation stops me in my tracks sometimes!

this sweet boy was up the previous night w/ night terrors (which are sad & kinda scary ~ he's the 1st of the 3 to ever have them) and he couldn't even finish his lunch, he was so tired! poor buddy!

busted being naughty.  and might i add that as i cleaned this up he managed to make 2 other huge messes! see why i need my mother in law's help to get anything other than basic chores done around here?! ;)

this little basketball made it 2 months and around here? that ain't too shabby!!  my boys are rough-n-tough ALL boy!

like father, like son.  2 of the boys had fevers sunday so we skipped church and relaxed at home.  this scene that morning made my heart smile ~ LOVE them!  they are both playing games on the kindles (or "dindle" as dylan calls it!) =)

John and I are clinging to this verse right now as we are facing something tough this month ~ God has been so faithful in the trial we are facing and we have no doubt that He will continue to be!  This verse brings me peace when doubt tries to sneak in!
 

Sweet little peeks into my day to day!!  One thing is for sure ~ there is rare a dull moment in this house full 'o boys and i wouldn't trade it for anything!!

 

I'm @sassyaubs on Instagram if you'd like to follow along!!

 

Have a blessed weekend!!

 

 

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

~Psalm 73:26~