Thursday, August 30, 2012
Banana Crumb Muffins
Well, the kitchen has gotten a little out of hand lately and it is time to get back on track. Anyone else had a problem with bananas lasting these days? I guess it depends on how you prefer them, I prefer them more green than ripe - my boys want no color changes or mushy 'nanners and so with that I have got 4 dieting bananas on my counter - so today's recipe to try are these Banana Crumb Muffins since I have no nuts available for Banana Nut Bread and those look tasty. I like to make things to have in the freezer ready for when the boys need a snack, a little something extra for breakfast, guest come to visit, etc. After they back I place them in freezer proof bags and refrigerate all but enough a day or so. I usually prefer to do minis for the kids....This should be a hit with my boys! I have been on a honey kick lately - so I am altering the recipe I found and adding honey. Did you know that honey is a natural energy booster along with other benefits ... look for a blog to come on the benefits of honey!
Time has flown again!
Well, what can I say - with all the different forms of social media these days and the things that keep life busy I AGAIN have failed at blogging - just like scrapbooking and well finishing anything it seems - - - BUT I'MMMMM BACK! I have decided that as we have yet moved again there are lots of fun places I have been that have had no real organization as to sharing with others. The only info I have are the over 6,000 digital photos on my computer that I have never printed or done anything with. Anyone else know what I mean? So, I am going to add fun info from day trips and more as well as get on a ball with my kitchen. Yep - recipes, canning, gardening, monthly meal preparation, menu planning and the such - maybe even a few savings tips as I find them. So, come on back over to the Mihalik Jungle and check us out - I hope to share stuff that isn't just about my personal life but can maybe give others ideas. Love to all!
And for a little family update - here are our 3 little monkeys all ready for school - Tyler was there for moral support of course and he will start a small MDO program next week. Landon is in 1st grade and Zachary is in Kindergarten! Pray blessings over their school year with me as I pray for your kids or grandkids!
And here is a step back in time to the first day of school last year at Clovis Christian School with some amazing teachers! Doesn't look like the personalities have changed, but some growing for sure - the pants Landon wears here are looking too big, although today they fit him perfect, Zachary has passed his entire outfit on to Tyler and well Tyler pretty much to wears what they wear :) Thankful for healthy, growing, starving kids - no worries we don't starve them, but they do eat us out of house and home - hence the plan behind some of my soon to come recipes...Good Day!
And for a little family update - here are our 3 little monkeys all ready for school - Tyler was there for moral support of course and he will start a small MDO program next week. Landon is in 1st grade and Zachary is in Kindergarten! Pray blessings over their school year with me as I pray for your kids or grandkids!
And here is a step back in time to the first day of school last year at Clovis Christian School with some amazing teachers! Doesn't look like the personalities have changed, but some growing for sure - the pants Landon wears here are looking too big, although today they fit him perfect, Zachary has passed his entire outfit on to Tyler and well Tyler pretty much to wears what they wear :) Thankful for healthy, growing, starving kids - no worries we don't starve them, but they do eat us out of house and home - hence the plan behind some of my soon to come recipes...Good Day!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Healthy Peanut Butter Balls
This is a different rendition than my mom use to make, but the kids love it and it is very nutritious. Hope you may enjoy it. It is really easy once you have all the ingredients on hand and they keep for a while. My kids are always asking to make and eat them. You can also do variations - such as adding choco. chips, nuts, dried fruit, dip in chocolate, the ideas are endless...
Ingredients:
1/3 cup crunchy peanut butter
1/2 cup nonfat dry milk powder
2 tablespoons wheat germ
1 tablespoon honey
Directions:
You can put all the ingredients in a food processor or if you don't have one like me, I just put everything in the mixer. I have also added oatmeal at times. Just add honey til it is the consistency you like. Mix all ingredients and form into balls. Store in the fridge or on the counter if you do not expect them to last long. This makes 10 or less balls so you may want to double after you try them. ENJOY~~
Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/healthy-peanut-butter-balls-143170#ixzz1O8DCa0ks
Ingredients:
1/3 cup crunchy peanut butter
1/2 cup nonfat dry milk powder
2 tablespoons wheat germ
1 tablespoon honey
Directions:
You can put all the ingredients in a food processor or if you don't have one like me, I just put everything in the mixer. I have also added oatmeal at times. Just add honey til it is the consistency you like. Mix all ingredients and form into balls. Store in the fridge or on the counter if you do not expect them to last long. This makes 10 or less balls so you may want to double after you try them. ENJOY~~
Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/healthy-peanut-butter-balls-143170#ixzz1O8DCa0ks
Monday, April 11, 2011
Weekly Menu
I have friends that do this and keep wanting to do it myself so we can exchange ideas and recipes. This week I have other things I plan to accomplish and so going to the grocery store is low on my priorities, so some things may look a little odd in combination - but it's a clean out the refrigerator, freezer and pantry kinda week...Would love any suggestions or menu planning ideas you would like to share!
MONDAY - Baked Tilapia with a lime, assorted seasoning
Homemade Mashed Potatoes with a white mushroom, onion gravy
Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions on the side
Canned Green Peas
TUESDAY - Grill Extra Chicken to be used later in the week
BBQ Chicken
Fresh Cut Veggies
Seasoned Brown Rice
Smoothie Drinks
WEDNESDAY - AWANAS Night no cooking required :)
THURSDAY - TBall Practice = Frozen Pizza Night
Fresh Veggies
FRIDAY - First TBall GAME! Snack Supper Before and Grab Burgers and Dogs at Field
SATURDAY - TBall Game Again - Meatballs that I made previously and froze uncook
Meatballs in Crockpot on Sub Rolls
Chips
Apple Slices
SUPPER - Leftovers
SUNDAY - Chicken Fried Rice One Dish Meal - Make before church and keep warm in Crockpot
Use some chicken that was grilled earlier - marinade in Terriyaki for Grilling
SUPPER - Fend for Yourself, Possibly Chicken Salad from leftover grilled chicken
MONDAY - (Because Commissary doesn't open til Tuesday)
Grilled Steaks
Grilled Squash if can find some
Homemade Guacamole/Salsa and Chips
(will have to buy squash, avocado, tomatoes, chips on next milk run)
...and that my friends is the initial week in review :)
Consistently Inconsistent
So, it's been 8 months AGAIN and I haven't typed a single word. This is the second base that I have joined a bowling league just for the heck of it and to get to know people - I always tell them I am consistently inconsitent - I think that saying applies to my everyday life, so today after reading a friends post I thought I would do a quick update in hopes that I will be better about keeping up with my blog . . . So, what's new with us?
AUGUST - Moved to Clovis, New Mexico - enjoyed reuniting with Mike and watching my boys gleam with happiness, Unpacked into our first-time buyer home which we do love even though we downsized a bit to stay in budget and started the trek of Kindergarten for Landon.
SEPTEMBER - still unpacking and enjoying the HIGH of making the most of a new place even without meeting many people as of yet.
OCTOBER - Fall is here and we loved pumpkin patches, having our first gathering at the house for pumpkin carving. Reality hit as we dealt with changes at Landon's school from overcrowding resulting in a change of his class which majorly stressed him and our two largest pumpkins were stolen right off our porch. But, we were able to really enjoy Halloween as our first visitors arrived - it was our 4 year anniversary of meeting the Porter Family on Halloween back at Tyndall. Unfortunately, we handed over the stomach virus.
NOVEMBER - We are still diligently looking for a connection, a church home . . . not skipping a single Sunday, yet gaining a lesson in patience and trusting in God's will not our picky wants. I managed to get more pics on the wall than I think any of our previous 6 houses have had. Thanksgiving was much anticipated as my parents, brother Josh and his family came to visit us. We enjoyed a great week together as well as a day trip to Carlsbad Caverns - a true beauty of nature and God's wonderful hand.
DECEMBER - Wow, Christmas is here already . . . we were still pooped from all the traveling and moving of the previous year so we chose to stay home and enjoy a quiet Christmas. Landon has started riding without training wheels at this point and got a big boy bike from Santa which he took off on the first try much to his momma's uneasiness. The week between Christmas and New Year's was quiet and a time to breath.
JANUARY - Here's to a New Year that who knows what will hold. Michael is working on his Master's and realized he needed to bump up his class load in order to meet a deadline for turning in all needed items for his Major's board coming up next year - it's going to be a busy 1/2 to the new year. The boys are still asking when they will get to go back to Florida, but are adjusting well. In January we started attending Central Baptist Church after much searching - there is a peace in knowing we have a church family though relationships are still to be made. Here comes winter in the west - we got our first snow and were amazed to watch how it just blew around and was to powdery to do anything more than look at it and bundle up!
FEBRUARY - Let the celebrating begin - it's Birthday Season at the Mihalik home - Landon turned 6 and it is fun to watch him mature and grow though he is still an energetic little kiddo for sure. He asked questions and was saved back in December. In celebration of his birthday we chose a weekend getaway instead of a traditional party. We all had a blast in Ruidoso going snow tubing. We also started our garden - though still a little early, we planted our cold weather veggies, onions, garlic and potatoes - of course we also made a plastic cover as winter is still here and it is COLD! we still have snow and were able to finally make snowmen - in fact a whole family of 5 on our 3rd snow of the season.
MARCH - It's still party season as Zachary turned 4 and Tyler 2! Love these boys and watching them grow though they definately run my energy low sometimes! The weather is warming and so my Vitamin D is rising. I have to say that the last year has been trying for me in many ways and it is a daily process of ups and downs, but after a little needed "break down" conversation with my sweet hubby I feel I am on the ups and it is only through Christ that I live and breath! Satan has a way of trying to take down those who delight in serving the Lord - and that is why my radio is tuned to uplifting music, I try to go to church as much as I can, and get down when I leave the great support groups of friends I make at each new station....because alone I am not always the nicest person and so thankful that when I fall the Lord picks me up and that I have a loving husband that works through it all!
APRIL - WOW so we are already in APRIL! what is to come - Mike has gotten unofficial word that he will deploy come June, just as he finishes up his masters and has time to spare :) We are enjoying our garden and looking forward to planting more veggies once the "windy season" passes - I would call it hurricane season myself, yet there is no hurricane or moisture to be found :) I have started working out again which really makes me a better person and find joy in the little things like hanging clothes out to dry to save money on the electric bill and turn it around to provide for a high water bill in order to enjoy some pretty grass. The garden we work hard to bottle the boys bath water for grey water. A few neighbors have made friendships to which we are thankful and so we live life realizing nothing of it is about us! See you sooner than later!
Monday, August 9, 2010
WOW where I mean WHERE does time go!
I am being spontaneous - yes, I have been working on that over the past several years and starting to really like it :) So, as I read a dear friends blog it made me miss mine so I thought - hmmm, can I actually accomplish a quick update that doesn't consist of 1,000's of words. So, here I try ----- Where are the Mihalik's and What in the world has consumed them for the last well many months and days???? For those who many not know - Michael left in November and returned in July after a deployment in Afghanistan - a huge time of growth for both of us in many different ways. The last 3 1/2 years we have been in Panama City, FL --- our time is coming to an end here and we head further west again -- in all of it I look back and can thankfully say that these years and this journey have been a pruning season in my life - not that the pruning was enjoyable but the growth that is promised is exciting! I have been married 8 years - of which have flown at jet speeds, 3 children with 2 of our boys born here in Florida and at 5 years of being a mom I am finally finding joy in my children and not the day to day mundaness. In Ecc. it says there is a time for all things - When I think of our time in Florida I will remember that God has pruned me down to my roots and I am so excited that I am promised a blessing and have been blessed through all of ---oh to think of what the next season of my life and my family has in store. July and now August has been non-stop with a sweet visit from our Kayla who lived with us 5 years ago, Michael returning, parents visiting, packers packing and a great crew they were, cleaning and slaving over our rental house, taking things to our storage unit, packing up for a roadtrip, returning for a few nights at the beach and now at our last days til we head excitedly to our new home - yes, we have bought our first house and we couldn't be more excited - the most exciting is that as we look to the calendar we have guest in August, October, November and then seeing family in December and April without really planning. I do love family and so excited to be able to welcome them into our home and to areas of our country that none of them have visited. We have some great friends here in Panama City, most who have moved on themselves and others who are here for now. It is through all the people I meet that I have been pruned. So, here I have typed my many words - but hopefully I will be typing more and putting pics up. God Bless and check back soon - say the end of August!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
God spoke and I got out of bed and turned the computer on
As I read a little bit of a Joyce Meyer daily devotional book this evening I was turned to think about Mike who had just called me telling me that he will be moving camps as of tomorrow. He himself had just found out and while it wasn't planned and he had not given it much thought he sounded positive about it. I can't go into details, but the last few days have been extreme in his office so as I read these words I ran to the computer to type them in to him. May you find a blessing and peace in these and may you read them at the right time for your situation.
Dated for March 10 - which as I read it was Mar 10 there and the day he found out he would move - Refill Your Peace
"It is the Lord Who goes before you; He will (march) with you; He will not fail you or let you go or forsake you; fear not, neither become broken (in spirit) (depressed, dismayed, and unnerved with alarm) Deut 31:8
Many times, believers with Christian bumper stickers on their cars are seen driving around like crazy people, yelling at their kids, throwing their hands in the air, and looking mad at the world. If there isn't any peace in our heart when we leave home, our bumper stickers are not going to impress anybody. We need to get ourselves straightened out before we go out.
Pray, "My (inner) self (as well as my body) is also exceedingly disturbed adn troubled. But You, O Lord, how long (until You return adn speak peace to me)? Psalm 6:3 Let God refill your peace
So that was the day he found out everything was spontanteously changing in an already crazy life and the very next day March 11 - the day he will be moving says - Put God First
"But seek first of all His kingdom and His righteousness and then all these things taken together will be given you...Matt 6:33
I have learned that spending time with God is a vital neccessity in my life. I cannot do what I am called to do if I don't seek the presence of God every day. If I don't have time for God first, nothing else in my life works out.
God isn't happy with second place or third place in our lives.
When we are desperate enough, we find time to seek God. We turn the telephone off, we say no to our friends, and we turn our face away from all distractions and seek Him. That is when we get our breakthrough.
------Good Night!
Dated for March 10 - which as I read it was Mar 10 there and the day he found out he would move - Refill Your Peace
"It is the Lord Who goes before you; He will (march) with you; He will not fail you or let you go or forsake you; fear not, neither become broken (in spirit) (depressed, dismayed, and unnerved with alarm) Deut 31:8
Many times, believers with Christian bumper stickers on their cars are seen driving around like crazy people, yelling at their kids, throwing their hands in the air, and looking mad at the world. If there isn't any peace in our heart when we leave home, our bumper stickers are not going to impress anybody. We need to get ourselves straightened out before we go out.
Pray, "My (inner) self (as well as my body) is also exceedingly disturbed adn troubled. But You, O Lord, how long (until You return adn speak peace to me)? Psalm 6:3 Let God refill your peace
So that was the day he found out everything was spontanteously changing in an already crazy life and the very next day March 11 - the day he will be moving says - Put God First
"But seek first of all His kingdom and His righteousness and then all these things taken together will be given you...Matt 6:33
I have learned that spending time with God is a vital neccessity in my life. I cannot do what I am called to do if I don't seek the presence of God every day. If I don't have time for God first, nothing else in my life works out.
God isn't happy with second place or third place in our lives.
When we are desperate enough, we find time to seek God. We turn the telephone off, we say no to our friends, and we turn our face away from all distractions and seek Him. That is when we get our breakthrough.
------Good Night!
A few more pics to share
A few photos from the last few months
Well time has flown and I have kept myself overly busy - Just wanted to put a few new pics up.
Landon and Zach's Birthday party this past Saturday at Gymnastics Plus
I think Auntie Leigh looks very good since she was rather sick here! She is a great Aunt to her babies!
Beautiful Blue eyes still at 11 months . . .Tyler loves his new highchair seat from his Grammy
Zach was saving the world . . . still not sure what from, but with that outfit I am sure he was able to conquer!
;)
Landon and Zach's Birthday party this past Saturday at Gymnastics Plus
I think Auntie Leigh looks very good since she was rather sick here! She is a great Aunt to her babies!
Beautiful Blue eyes still at 11 months . . .Tyler loves his new highchair seat from his Grammy
Zach was saving the world . . . still not sure what from, but with that outfit I am sure he was able to conquer!
;)Friday, January 22, 2010
Expressions of a child
Today and the last few weeks have been good. There has been some sickness, some ear tube and adenoids surgery but all and all ~ considering my bestest friend is 1,000's of miles a way in a very hostile area - we are doing good. I have been keeping myself WAY busy which is good and bad - it is all work - church, freelance, friends - but my thought is, better take it now and then in a bit there will be nothing. So today after a week of 3-5 hours of sleep a night I decided to take the day off - today is my Saturday and it is great because that means I still have 2 days in the weekend! So, no work at all today and we will get back at it tomorrow. Today there were some funny things that Landon and Zach said so I thought this would be a good place to try to remember them....Enjoy!
* In a conversation at the dinner table - Landon randomly starts asking how we make the insides of a strawberry which leads to a discussion on God that had a little something like this in it . . . Landon-"So God is not 'who-man' he is just God." - That's right my big boy God is all that and more for he is God and he created all things and will never die!
* Started the Biggest Loser Challenge at my church this past Wednesday - today we are taking a walk/wagon ride down to the bay to enjoy this beautiful weather - for a moment I thought I may be raising a Bob off Biggest Loser (isn't that his name?) as Landon walks behind me and as I pull the wagon loaded with 2 kids and 2 shovels says rather loudly - not exactly yelling - "Walk Faster!" He had no idea I was exercising and enjoying them so I tell him yea mommy does need to go faster since I am exercising and he said he was exercising, too for soccer. I guess this is so funny since this is my child that looks at my belly and says in a desperate voice - Mom, when are you going to exercise! He even wanted to know how fast he would be able to see me lose weight - he better be glad he is only an innocent 4!!!
* Coming back from our bay outing I ask the boys what they want for dinner to which Landon so maturely said, "I wanted crab but I couldn't catch any". That boy - he had asked at first for me to put his swimsuit on so he could go in the water and get the big crabs like he has done once with my dad and Mike.
* Zach had surgery today and never wakes good from anesthesia - so he is a rather unpleasant person for the first 15 minutes or more. The nurse tries to make him happy by turning on the tv - of course all they have is Barney in our room and I say oh Barney will be just fine - knowing in the back of my head he was going to disagree. Barney comes on and his blood pressure still doesn't drop in fact he starts crying more and says "No Barney! No Barney! I go home!" Guess I can't blame him to much, but it is amazing a popsicle didn't do the trick, but changing to the Cars movie worked magic!
I am sure there are more and I love writing them down to look back at later. More to come . . .
Oh on a side note - I had a free Krispy Kreme coupon this morning so I got one for Zach and I was so proud of myself that I did not indulge at all!!! As I walked back to the car so proud of myself I thought this is crazy I am so excited and getting so much joy from me doing something that would of given me 5 bites of satisfaction plus feeling guilty.
* In a conversation at the dinner table - Landon randomly starts asking how we make the insides of a strawberry which leads to a discussion on God that had a little something like this in it . . . Landon-"So God is not 'who-man' he is just God." - That's right my big boy God is all that and more for he is God and he created all things and will never die!
* Started the Biggest Loser Challenge at my church this past Wednesday - today we are taking a walk/wagon ride down to the bay to enjoy this beautiful weather - for a moment I thought I may be raising a Bob off Biggest Loser (isn't that his name?) as Landon walks behind me and as I pull the wagon loaded with 2 kids and 2 shovels says rather loudly - not exactly yelling - "Walk Faster!" He had no idea I was exercising and enjoying them so I tell him yea mommy does need to go faster since I am exercising and he said he was exercising, too for soccer. I guess this is so funny since this is my child that looks at my belly and says in a desperate voice - Mom, when are you going to exercise! He even wanted to know how fast he would be able to see me lose weight - he better be glad he is only an innocent 4!!!
* Coming back from our bay outing I ask the boys what they want for dinner to which Landon so maturely said, "I wanted crab but I couldn't catch any". That boy - he had asked at first for me to put his swimsuit on so he could go in the water and get the big crabs like he has done once with my dad and Mike.
* Zach had surgery today and never wakes good from anesthesia - so he is a rather unpleasant person for the first 15 minutes or more. The nurse tries to make him happy by turning on the tv - of course all they have is Barney in our room and I say oh Barney will be just fine - knowing in the back of my head he was going to disagree. Barney comes on and his blood pressure still doesn't drop in fact he starts crying more and says "No Barney! No Barney! I go home!" Guess I can't blame him to much, but it is amazing a popsicle didn't do the trick, but changing to the Cars movie worked magic!
I am sure there are more and I love writing them down to look back at later. More to come . . .
Oh on a side note - I had a free Krispy Kreme coupon this morning so I got one for Zach and I was so proud of myself that I did not indulge at all!!! As I walked back to the car so proud of myself I thought this is crazy I am so excited and getting so much joy from me doing something that would of given me 5 bites of satisfaction plus feeling guilty.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Happy New Year
Well December came and went fighting all the way and I am happy to say HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Even though I can not manage to write 10 or 2010 on anything I date - it seems as though January has been here for a while - but the first week has treated us well. Michael flew out on the 1st heading to Afghanistan and just today has made it. As he sends me stuff that may sound interesting to all the readers I will post it - and here is his first since he has actually made it to his post as he is working with/in support of the army. What an experience!
from Michael Saturday, Jan 8 ~
from Michael Saturday, Jan 8 ~
I am here safe and sound. I got over 12 hours of sleep last night and feel great. I got to in process the morning at a different Camp and then convoy here. It is just like you read in every book about a third world nation. Donkeys being used as cars and work the fields. The scariest thing I saw today was a 6ish year old boy driving. The rule here is...if you have a car, you can drive it. All of the roads in town are paved but most are being worked on. When you get out of town you get to go onto unpaved roads or roads that may as well not be paved. I have to say, the training that we get for convoys goes out the window when you are here...the new rules for here is..drive and drive fast. The good news that I was told today is that I will not convoy with the group every time...but only when I have business on a different base. Much better then what I thought before. Well, I hope to get some pictures out soon of the area..the Mountains are beautiful.
Maybe I can convince him to start his own little update blog to post humorous things he sees and pictures. If you know Mike you know it probably won't happen, but definitely something to work towards :)
As for the family back in Florida - our first week has gone well. Little Landon had a meltdown at the airport, but since then things have been good - it helps that Michael has traveled so much, but I do think they will get inpatient in just a few weeks. Landon has been planning his birthday since the day he turned 4 last Feb, but now we are talking about it a lot and he questioned this morning if dad would be there. I told him no and he said he would send him an invitation as if that would change everything :) Tyler has been sick, but doesn't really act like it - I thought an ear infection that turns out to be RSV - an upper respiratory infection - long story on that since I took him to one unnamed doc on base (not Dr. nation - we love her!) and he said his chest congestion was fine about a month ago, but the positive is we have it taken care of now with antibiotics, steroids and breathing treatments and he really never got terribly sick, just uncomfortable for several nights of rest. Zach is well Zach and besides fighting me with potty training is growing, playing being all boy! I have lots of photos to catch everyone up with from Christmas to Michael's departure and our first week - the weather here in Florida is BRRRR, but my facebook friends up north say for me to hush - currently at 8 am it is 25-feels like 16 - I THINK that is a cold Florida day especially since I took a pic of an ice covered plant outside this morning!!!
Happy New Year to each of you - you have a choice, make yourself miserable or wake up planning to make the most of your day - for me December was quite honestly terrible and so for January I choose the later and so far it is working - nothing extraordinary, but just being able to enjoy my days - Besides the fact that Michael is gone I really have nothing to be so unpleasant or unhappy about - What about you - are you blessed beyond measure for the most part? Sure - life may not be exactly what we were thinking or wanting at this moment -- but it's all about the big picture. So be blessed in 2010!!!
Maybe I can convince him to start his own little update blog to post humorous things he sees and pictures. If you know Mike you know it probably won't happen, but definitely something to work towards :)
As for the family back in Florida - our first week has gone well. Little Landon had a meltdown at the airport, but since then things have been good - it helps that Michael has traveled so much, but I do think they will get inpatient in just a few weeks. Landon has been planning his birthday since the day he turned 4 last Feb, but now we are talking about it a lot and he questioned this morning if dad would be there. I told him no and he said he would send him an invitation as if that would change everything :) Tyler has been sick, but doesn't really act like it - I thought an ear infection that turns out to be RSV - an upper respiratory infection - long story on that since I took him to one unnamed doc on base (not Dr. nation - we love her!) and he said his chest congestion was fine about a month ago, but the positive is we have it taken care of now with antibiotics, steroids and breathing treatments and he really never got terribly sick, just uncomfortable for several nights of rest. Zach is well Zach and besides fighting me with potty training is growing, playing being all boy! I have lots of photos to catch everyone up with from Christmas to Michael's departure and our first week - the weather here in Florida is BRRRR, but my facebook friends up north say for me to hush - currently at 8 am it is 25-feels like 16 - I THINK that is a cold Florida day especially since I took a pic of an ice covered plant outside this morning!!!
Happy New Year to each of you - you have a choice, make yourself miserable or wake up planning to make the most of your day - for me December was quite honestly terrible and so for January I choose the later and so far it is working - nothing extraordinary, but just being able to enjoy my days - Besides the fact that Michael is gone I really have nothing to be so unpleasant or unhappy about - What about you - are you blessed beyond measure for the most part? Sure - life may not be exactly what we were thinking or wanting at this moment -- but it's all about the big picture. So be blessed in 2010!!!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Joy comes with your Peace
Good Morning! As I did some reading this morning I thought I would share with all of you (all one of you :) A little background. I was ready for Christmas, ready to enjoy the joy of my kids, to see Zach experience Christmas for really his first true interactive year, to enjoy the festivities, to bake all the goodies, to see family, to do the shopping, you name it and I was ready. Even with Michael leaving for training the day after Thanksgiving - we had talked about it, made a few Christmas plans . . . but WHAM who would know that when people started really talking about Christmas, about the Joy of Christmas, asking what was my most memorable Christmas I had nothing . . . In fact I was drawn to tears over the idea. What does Christmas mean to me - it means celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. It means visiting family, seeing smiles on peoples faces when you give them an unexpected gift, it means memories to cherish for a lifetime - but this year I allowed my joy to fly out the window as I watched Mike's plan fly to Wisconsin. But, God never fails and though I will not say that I have fully recovered - in fact I am just going through December in almost a daze it seems, but I am still blessed for God has Grace and it is in that that I will share with you a little from a book I just read.
Isn't it funny how God always has a plan even when you had no idea. Our small group meets every Thursday night. We just did a study of Revelation. The last month of that study were interrupted for many many reasons that we were not able to meet. So, when we finished our study we would of 3 weeks until Christmas week. Our plan - do some stand alone studies and then start a study of Angels come the new year. Well - were we wrong. After Thanksgiving I headed to Small Group and Dick, our leader, says he had been given The Purpose of Christmas by Rick Warren and it was 3 weeks worth so we would be using that for the next 3 weeks - That's when I first froze as mentioned above, but wow - WOW - it was just what I need in the right time. He never leaves us even in our times of doubt and confusion . . . .
From The Purpose of Christmas by Rick Warren . . . Christmas is a Time of Reconciliation . .
"Instead of complaining and blaming others for your unmet needs, the Bible recommends asking God instead. It says, "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God." If you prayed as much as you complain and quarrel, you'd have a lot less to argue about and much more peace of mind...
The apostle Paul had an alternative: "Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
The reality is that there will never be peace in the world until there's peace within nations. And there will never be peace in our nation until there's peace in our communities. There won't be peace in our communities until there's peace in our families. And there won't be peace in our families until there's peace in our individual lives. That won't happen until the Prince of Peace reigns in our hearts. Jesus came at Christmas to bring us three kinds of peace:
Isn't it funny how God always has a plan even when you had no idea. Our small group meets every Thursday night. We just did a study of Revelation. The last month of that study were interrupted for many many reasons that we were not able to meet. So, when we finished our study we would of 3 weeks until Christmas week. Our plan - do some stand alone studies and then start a study of Angels come the new year. Well - were we wrong. After Thanksgiving I headed to Small Group and Dick, our leader, says he had been given The Purpose of Christmas by Rick Warren and it was 3 weeks worth so we would be using that for the next 3 weeks - That's when I first froze as mentioned above, but wow - WOW - it was just what I need in the right time. He never leaves us even in our times of doubt and confusion . . . .
From The Purpose of Christmas by Rick Warren . . . Christmas is a Time of Reconciliation . .
"Instead of complaining and blaming others for your unmet needs, the Bible recommends asking God instead. It says, "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God." If you prayed as much as you complain and quarrel, you'd have a lot less to argue about and much more peace of mind...
The apostle Paul had an alternative: "Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
The reality is that there will never be peace in the world until there's peace within nations. And there will never be peace in our nation until there's peace in our communities. There won't be peace in our communities until there's peace in our families. And there won't be peace in our families until there's peace in our individual lives. That won't happen until the Prince of Peace reigns in our hearts. Jesus came at Christmas to bring us three kinds of peace:
Peace with God
The peace of God
Peace with others"
Monday, December 14, 2009
New Pics
I have placed some new pics on my facebook site if you want to take a look. I will put a few videos on here. Life has been some what productive lately though my house is so unorganized it isn't funny. Landon's glasses broke and his 2nd pair is temporarily lost so I am pulling every bag out and emptying it - Oh well. The joys of to much junk mixed with toddlers :) Time is going fairly fast and on the 22nd we will see Mike for a few hours before he and Landon go on their first plane ride together to visit dear friends , George and Norma, who Michael adopted as grandparents back in Virginia when he was 15. George is in very ill health and I am blessed that Michael was able to work this out as he is very excited about seeing them and making the most of this time with Landon. We will then be a family on Christmas Eve in New Orleans and enjoying seeing all my immediate family together. THOSE are the joys of Christmas - family . . . May you find joy today and maybe a smile from my kids :) Merry Christmas -
Oh if you are reading this and would like a Christmas card - please e-mail me your address at ctmihalik@yahoo.com they are on order and will be here in the next week or so - better late than never :)
Ahhh...the end {for now}
Oh if you are reading this and would like a Christmas card - please e-mail me your address at ctmihalik@yahoo.com they are on order and will be here in the next week or so - better late than never :)
Ahhh...the end {for now}
Monday, December 7, 2009
Santa needs a new list
Well looks like Santa needs to get his elves to working again. Funny story to share about Landon....Sunday Landon yells from upstairs "Mom, come here! I have to show you something." Me-I'll be there in a minute, let me finish what I am doing. A few minutes pass and Landon tries a different route, "Mom, come here Tyler is awake!" Me - I'll be there in a minute Landon I am almost done. He just can't take the excitement so he so happily yells, "Mom, Dad went shopping for me at Lowe's!" To which I quickly in a loud, obnoxious voice say "Landon get out of my closet". I had not even gone upstairs, but I knew what he was doing. He had found his Christmas gift of a kids size rake, shovel and hoe. When I told him that it was part of his Christmas and that he wasn't suppose to find it he responds, "But I REALLY like it mom!" He then promptly ask it he can go outside to which I respond - "You are welcome to go play outside, but don't think you are getting your rakes!" Well looks like his rubber boots will be standing solo with something else replacing his yard tools - Maybe a Tag Jr. Hmmmmmm????? Santa has a hard job when all you kid says he wants from Santa is "new toys". At least he isn't a brat about it :)
A Simple Joy
Most of the time when we have a bad day - aren't we the ones to blame? Maybe we wake up late, or waku up not really wanting to get the day started, or procrastinating so that our life is way to unorganized. So, today I reminded myself of a SIMPLE JOY - wake up 15 minutes earlier than your earliest riser and get your day started off. I mean really it is only 15 minutes - you are going to have to wake up no matter what and in my case this morning you might get lucky and your "little Zach" will sleep in 15 minutes and give you 30 minutes of quiet to shower, dress and start processing your day.
Today was successful and a good day though I am tired. We have our regular Monday morning routine of school drop-off and speech - today we added a new Monday plan - Mom works and the two youngest kiddos stay in care at the church. I think Tyler is a little tired just from adjusting to the day, but Zach enjoyed it. Landon even got to come home from school after lunch and have me and the house to himself for about an hour while I did some work on my computer and he setup his own little work station on my office floor. I am enjoying my new part-time deal doing some design work for our church. Today it was trying to finalize the Hope for the Heart Conference logo/bag design. I even managed a little time of straightening the house, getting everyone -everywhere on time or early, no breakdowns with the kids, organization to my day and PURE JOY - all from giving things over to GOD last night as I dozed to bed at midnight and waking up 15 minutes early. Thank you Lord - May tomorrow go just as smoothly!
Today was successful and a good day though I am tired. We have our regular Monday morning routine of school drop-off and speech - today we added a new Monday plan - Mom works and the two youngest kiddos stay in care at the church. I think Tyler is a little tired just from adjusting to the day, but Zach enjoyed it. Landon even got to come home from school after lunch and have me and the house to himself for about an hour while I did some work on my computer and he setup his own little work station on my office floor. I am enjoying my new part-time deal doing some design work for our church. Today it was trying to finalize the Hope for the Heart Conference logo/bag design. I even managed a little time of straightening the house, getting everyone -everywhere on time or early, no breakdowns with the kids, organization to my day and PURE JOY - all from giving things over to GOD last night as I dozed to bed at midnight and waking up 15 minutes early. Thank you Lord - May tomorrow go just as smoothly!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
The Monkeys Perform LIVE Saturday Night on Mihalik Broadcasting
Last night I decided to have a little fun and just sit on our stairs and video the boys interacting. I love watching them play together - usually they are really careful of Tyler. This night they were rather excited for whatever reason {well ok maybe because they really are monkeys!} Our #1 thing is not to climb on the kitchen, but I didn't want my voice constantly getting on to them in the video so I gave them a break and they took full advantage of it :) Hope you enjoy the videos - and tonight is Landon's church program so more to come!!!
Landon had a special beat on this little Happy Meal toy that he preferred over the others. Guess his best rhythm was with that one...too bad the music stopped right as he started break dancing - that could of been some real talent!
No really - my kids are NOT suppose to be climbing on ANY furniture
Friday, December 4, 2009
Why didn't the clock stop ticking - where have I been all this time!
Wow - May, REALLY - I mean are you serious! I decided that some journaling would be great for me and then I remembered, Oh yea I have a blog - - oopps, I had almost forgotten my address. Well May, June, July, August - my goodness all the way up to today - Dec. 4th have come and gone so quickly. I have a lot to get caught up with, but I thought I would just reintroduce myself and say HELLO again! What has life been like for my family - since I last wrote ... all the regulars - my boys have grown much, dear friends have come in and GONE OUT of our lives, the year of record hospital visits, lots of miles have been put on our car, we are still in Panama City and I am doing my best to go one day at a time. There are lots of spaces in that one sentence with many rememberable, not so rememberable details - but most importantly my family {and myself} have been blessed beyond measure.
As I write this and the basis for getting back to this modern day journaling is that my dearest friend, closest companion, amazing dad, and father of my children is heading to Afghanistan for 6 months. I am a very honest person and am not big on lieing about how I am feeling to others - so I honestly must say that emotions go from high to low. I have so many things to be thankful for because my career as a military wife and mom is in no comparison as difficult and hard as many others out there - but it is still my everyday life and I must say that I am making the choice daily to overcome any attack that Satan may have to steal my joy for life and my support for what my hubby is a part of - No, I do not agree with war. I am not a fan at all of war and have had many conversations with Michael about it early on when we were first starting his military journey. BUT I am a fan and have a heart for humanity, for others who for many different circumstances do not have joy, but live in fear - fear of not having food to eat, a shelter over their head, a father to teach them how to play sports or drive or hunt, a life of little chaos, fear of not knowing why they are even living much less why there would even be a God for all that they see on earth. So, thanks for being a part of my life - I hope to take you on a journey . . . not a sad, depressing one - but a real one of life and love and finding all the reasons that we are given to live each day! God bless you! Go dance in this freezing weather and breath in the smell of crisp freshness!
As I write this and the basis for getting back to this modern day journaling is that my dearest friend, closest companion, amazing dad, and father of my children is heading to Afghanistan for 6 months. I am a very honest person and am not big on lieing about how I am feeling to others - so I honestly must say that emotions go from high to low. I have so many things to be thankful for because my career as a military wife and mom is in no comparison as difficult and hard as many others out there - but it is still my everyday life and I must say that I am making the choice daily to overcome any attack that Satan may have to steal my joy for life and my support for what my hubby is a part of - No, I do not agree with war. I am not a fan at all of war and have had many conversations with Michael about it early on when we were first starting his military journey. BUT I am a fan and have a heart for humanity, for others who for many different circumstances do not have joy, but live in fear - fear of not having food to eat, a shelter over their head, a father to teach them how to play sports or drive or hunt, a life of little chaos, fear of not knowing why they are even living much less why there would even be a God for all that they see on earth. So, thanks for being a part of my life - I hope to take you on a journey . . . not a sad, depressing one - but a real one of life and love and finding all the reasons that we are given to live each day! God bless you! Go dance in this freezing weather and breath in the smell of crisp freshness!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Landon at 4
What I Love About You!
• How your favorite color is orange and EVERYTHING is based around that! You use to like pink, but have since told me it is a girl color.
• How you eat off of a pink plate although your first preference is a breakable plate which you always want the same color as daddy.
• How you are so overprotective of your brothers (unless they are bothering you).
• How when you want to play alone you make an excuse for Zach - "Zach you go finish eating. or my favorite, "Mommy, Zach wants to watch a movie."
• How when you see something new you want you seem to understand you can't have it now and say "Maybe I could get that my next birthday. That good mom?"• How you eat off of a pink plate although your first preference is a breakable plate which you always want the same color as daddy.
• How you are so overprotective of your brothers (unless they are bothering you).
• How when you want to play alone you make an excuse for Zach - "Zach you go finish eating. or my favorite, "Mommy, Zach wants to watch a movie."
• How you truely fear and have a drama scene when you think your toys are going to go down the drain in the tub.
• How when I drop you off at school or somewhere else you ask me to pray with you.
• How you have already decided that you will have an orange house with (I think) 5 cars, a boat, and RV. You know all the colors you want and have given me permission to visit you and even park by your car.
• How you love alligators.
• How you always ask Why? and because of that we have explained so many things to you - to include water treatment plants, death, safety, medical, etc. - of course in 4 year old terms.
• How you clap your hand on your leg (like in calling a dog) when you are asking me to "come here"
But, my new favorite...
• How just two days ago you were brutally stepping on a toad to kill it so it could, in your very words, "Die and see Jesus".
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
More to Come...
Thought I would share a few pics from our day in anticipation of more photos to come. After a stressful mom-morning for me we made it to the Strawberry Patch. The boys had fun - last year the focus was the strawberries, this year the focus was the hayride and animals. I am glad we went. After naps we got out Nana's sprinkler she bought us and have been running around the yard. Enjoy and I hope to have more up soon!
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