Magical Moments

One thing I want to give my children is to have a childhood that is filled with moments that they will remember for the rest of their lives. 

Exploring in far off places. 

Yellowstone

Washington, D.C.

South Dakota

But more importantly I want them to know where they come from.  I want them to be close to and know their family. 

That will keep them grounded when their lives change and God places them on different paths.  We joke about the Brush clan but truly that is what we are part of because we are close to all the aunts, uncles & cousins.  We spend time.  We celebrate birthdays and do picnics. 

This weekend was one of those magical moments for our family. 

We spent time with the cousins. 

Laughter, tears, games, JOY!

God in his wisdom has provided me(and my children) this sanctuary.  It shelters, builds and protects us.  Family is so important and I am thankful I married in to this one.

Wordless Wednesday: Creation

Psalm 97

1

The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad;

   let the distant shores rejoice.

2

Clouds and thick darkness surround him;

   righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

3

Fire goes before him

   and consumes his foes on every side.

4

His lightning lights up the world;

   the earth sees and trembles.

5

The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,

   before the Lord of all the earth.

6

The heavens proclaim his righteousness,

   and all peoples see his glory.

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Wordless Wednesday

@ Beautiful Mess 

Wordless Wednesday

@ Ramble Road

Wordless Wednesday

@ Michelle's Journal

A Big Love Affair

Top 10 Reasons to drive a Suburban.

1. We camp.  Have you ever gone to Colorado or Yellowstone in a car with 8 passengers and their stuff?  Trust me a car would explode and so would I.
2. 4 kids, 1 dog & a daddy who likes to be prepared for ANYTHING!  Can you say Boy Scout?
3. I am short—I like to be able see what is coming.
4. The kids like looking down on cars & making faces.
5. Leg room.  I tried folding myself Into the back seat of a car the other day.  Wow how do you do that?
6. Teenage drivers.  Your teen will not only be safe if he/she drives as Suburban but will be intimidated by parallel parking.  Therefore delaying the drivers test.(Evil laugh)
7. I like telling the kids go get in the ‘Burban(not Bourbon).
8. A large car balances the number of bikes we attach to the back—makes it SO much fun to park at Wal-mart.
9. The seats are really just couches.  Very comfy for long drives.  Did I mention Yellowstone?
10. It is good for my self-confidence.  All the little cars just seem to get out of the way when I switch lanes.  I must be someone important.

I am thankful our old Suburban passed inspection today without any needed repairs.

Linking up at oh Amanda for

Top 10 Tuesday

Money saving Monday! Homemade Cocoa mix

My youngest LOVES hot cocoa.  We all like it and drink it in the winter a bunch but Joshua could live on it.  When he was 2 or 3(sippy cup stage) he would get a cup while I was fixing breakfast and then beg for more at breakfast.

Luckily my mother in law shared her recipe for homemade cocoa mix.  Elizabeth made the first batch up a couple of weeks ago.  She did a masterful job & when it gets cold out this week we will be ready!

We like this recipe so much more and it is great for a big family like ours.  I haven’t done a cost bread down but it is way cheaper than the mixes you can buy in the packets.  So get your kids in the kitchen and make up some cocoa mix!

Grandma’s Hot Cocoa Mix

10 cups dry powdered milk—we use 1-8 qt box from Aldi’s

4 1/2 cups creamer—we use a 16 oz jar from Aldi’s

1 lb Quik chocolate milk mix

1 lb powdered sugar

Mix well & place in dry sealed containers.  Head a mug of water & mix in 2-3 heaping spoonfuls of the mix.  Add marshmallows & enjoy!

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Mouthwatering Monday

@ A Southern Fairytale