Delicious Acts of Kindness

It's the first of the month again!  But before diving into our delicious acts of kindness, I'd like to say that we've decided that for the month of August, we will be continuing with July's resolution: Spreading Love through Acts of Kindness.

It's been a great resolution, and we've seen that we can (and should) really expand on this even more in our lives.  So throughout this month, we'll be posting an Acts of Kindness List and several updates and lessons learned on individual acts of kindness we've done.  We hope you'll join us and share your favorite ways to spread love to others through acts of kindness too!

Ok, now back to it!  

Performing acts of kindness has been the perfect resolution for me this month because generosity is something I've really needed to work on.  This has really helped me to be more giving of my time, talent, and treasure.

I must say though that most of our family's acts of kindness have been food-related.  Because everyone loves food, right?!

We made frozen meals for a friend whose son had surgery and for a co-worker who had surgery.  We brought special treats without being asked to several different get-togethers.  I made my brother-in-law's favorite dish for a get-together just because.  As a surprise, I'm going to buy everyone ice cream at the zoo as we celebrate Katie's birthday today - shhhhh! ;)  And for my own family, I've made my husband's favorite meals several times, and I've been making mealtime fun for the kids, by letting them have their favorites more often (mac 'n cheese or pancakes) and by making little scenes or fun shapes out of their meals.

It's more fun to eat when it's in pretty shapes!

I've been surprised by the reactions I've received.  I (wanted and) thought they would go unnoticed.  But every time, I've received the biggest smiles and "thank yous".  My co-worker's eyes filled up with tears as she hugged me in thanks.  My bro-in-law was so excited and couldn't stop saying "Thank you!"  My husband's eyes lit up when I told him we were having his fave meal for dinner.  My kids giggle at all the designs I make with their food.

What has this shown me?  Even the smallest acts of kindness mean something so always give of yourself when you have the chance.

Oh yeah, and that everyone loves food.

So what are some delicious acts of kindness you've done for others?

Adoption Update: Let the Wait Begin!

Our homestudy has been completed!  We are "active" again!

Over the past several weeks, we have had to attend a day long class about adoption, fill out hours worth of paperwork, put together writings and pictures about every aspect of our lives for the profile that the birthmother uses to choose her family, and do everything from being fingerprinted to getting physicals to having our home inspected by the agency.  (Whew, I'm out of breath just writing all of this!)  And although that took a lot of time and required a lot of running around, it actually was the easiest part of the process.

Now that we're back on the "list", all that is left to do is...wait.  There’s nothing else to do.  And that is hard, let me tell you.  Because for me, waiting equals worrying since everything that happens during this time of waiting is completely out of my control.

So while we wait, will you please join us in something that we can do?  And that would be to pray.

As we look forward to a new little one to join our family, we pray for peace, strength, and health for the birthmother (and father), for health for the baby, for guidance for the counselors at the agency, and for peace for our family and to trust in His Plan. 

But what we pray for the most is what is best for the mother and baby – no matter what – even if that means “what’s best” is not with our family. 

When we had a “fall through” adoption in 2012, that prayer is what helped us get through it.  Even though it was extremely difficult and upsetting to lose this baby, we knew that her decision to parent was God’s Plan for her, the baby, and us.  God had another little one out there for us - our little Buster.  If we had brought home this baby, B wouldn’t be with us.  And he was always meant to be in our family. 

So the most important thing we can do while we wait is to pray and daily give that worry and control over to God (which I'm sure you agree with me that it is definitely easier said than done!). 

What helps you the most to not worry during periods of waiting?

I couldn't decide between the two announcements, so I chose both!

 
Also, I'm guest posting for Emily over at Raising Barnes today while her husband is recovering from knee surgery.  (So while you're at it, could you please say a little prayer for her family too?)  I've written about a little gem I've learned about adoption lately:  how even my adopted children can be my mini-mes.  Please go give us some love over at her blog.  She has a wonderful blog about motherhood and life that's full of fun and her smiley son Simon!  I know you'll love it just as much as I do.

Thanks for joining us in prayer and sharing in this journey with us!

               

Sharing my Thoughts for Thursday with Natalie and Annie and 
Five on Friday along with  Lauren Elizabeth, Karli, and Amy this week!  Join the fun!
And a last minute link up for Mommy Moments with Faith and Blogger's Digest with Jessica.

"For this child I have prayed..." 1 Samuel 1:27

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

When I first found this chicken recipe on Pinterest, and I thought it looked too good to be true.  Fifteen minute prep and 4 ingredients?  And it's good?  I had to try it, and it really was that easy and that good!  Everyone - including my picky 3 year old - loves it.  This is now a go-to recipe for our family!

Parmesan Crusted Chicken
(This easy chicken dinner recipe has been modified from the original recipe by Hellman's)

Ingredients:

3 chicken breasts
1 cup Mayo
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup crushed Triscuits

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425°.  Spray a 9x13 with cooking spray.

Butterfly chicken breasts so they are thinner.  Lay chicken breasts in baking dish.

Put mayo and cheese in a bowl and mix.  Spread mixture evenly over chicken.

Sprinkle crushed Triscuits evenly on top.

Bake for 20-30 minutes, until chicken is thoroughly cooked and crust has been browned to your desire.

Notes:

In this recipe, I doubled the mayo/cheese mixture from the original recipe because we like more "sauce".

I like to sprinkle a little Italian seasoning and fresh cracked pepper over the top of the crushed Triscuits.

Breadcrumbs can be substituted for crushed Triscuits.  I use Triscuits because I love a crunchy crust!

This chicken is wonderful when served alongside - or in! - a salad.

I made this easy chicken dinner for my family last night...mmmmmm, it was so delicious!  I sure am looking forward to leftovers tonight!  Hope your family enjoys this meal as much as ours.

Please share your favorite recipe board from Pinterest!  I'm always looking for new recipes to try.  Here is our dinner board!

Linked up with Anne for Pin to Present

and with Andrea for:

DIY Sidewalk Paint

This week is my first week completely home alone with the kids, and so far it is going good! It's been pretty hot outside, but Abby loves being in her 'swimmy suit', so we are just going out in the morning during Tim's nap. Today we had fun being artistic! It is probably one of my favorite Pinterest finds from last year - DIY sidewalk paint. It is super easy to make, cleaned off easily with water, and entertained Abby (and John ;)) for a long time.

Here's the recipe:

2 T corn starch
4 T water
Food coloring (however many drops you want)

I made a couple of batches, and put different colors into a muffin pan. The foam brushes worked really well, and she went to town coloring our back patio. We also did this last year when she was about 15 months old. I love this recipe because if it goes in their mouth, you don't have to worry! :)

Last summer's painting extravaganza! :)

Enjoy the sunshine! Happy Tuesday!

Linking up with Abby, Christy, Krista, Mandy, and April for Get Your DIY On!