White or chocolate?

So the other day when Arika and I were riding in the van, somehow the subject of ice cream came up. She informed me that she doesn't like chocolate ice cream. She likes the white ice cream. Than asked what kind the white ice cream was. I told her that it is called vanilla. Arika quickly exclaimed that vanilla is her favorite Ice cream! Which just isn't right! I grew up in a home where if there was ice cream in the house, it had some kind of chocolate in it! Where did she get vanilla as a favorite! Guess I'll have to blame her daddy! I do have to say, it is fun to watch my kids personallities come out more and more!
So are you a chocolate or a while ice cream person (as Arika would say?) Personally I LOVE chocolate with nothing on it.

Encouraged!

Ever just have a day or time that you just feel so down, Or so discouraged that something just isn't going to happen? To be honest, I've been a little frustrated at God. Not understanding why we haven't had more support come in yet. Wondering if we are still suppose to go in April. Then the Lord provided a large gift that will cover the cost of our visa's (which we apply for in Nov.) and pay for part of our plane tickets! What a loving and amazing God we serve. Just a confirmation that He is in control and that we are on the right track.

Then this past weekend we had a missions conference that we were a part of. What an amazing weekend! I felt so welcomed and loved. The Lord provided the money for us to have a babysitter for the kids Friday night, and then my in-laws willingly took our kids for all of Saturday. (Thanks mom and dad Abbott!) So one very nice thing was not having to worry about my kids while at a conference. I feel that most the times we go to churches, that I don't have much opportunity to talk to people, do too taking care of the kids. What a huge blessing it was!
On Saturday, they took all of us missionary wives shopping! Oh, how much fun we had! I'm pretty sure that all you moms would agree that if you have to buys something for yourself that you almost feel guilty, even if it is something you really, really need. Do to somebody in your family needing something else. Well, I was given some money and told I could only spend it on myself! That took all the guilt away! I got some much needed dress pants and some nice shirts for when we go into churches. I felt so special.
We had a great time sharing and meeting new people.

If asked to describe this last weekend in one word, I think it would be ENCOURAGEMENT! I walked away from the missions conference so encouraged.

My mom's group has been doing a Bible Study on Encouragement. It is really cool to see how the Lord works in our lives!

Do you have...

a Saturday morning tradition? We do! We make donuts almost every Saturday morning! Hang on, I know what your thinking, I could never do that! Well, it's quite simple. So I think anybody can make them. Even though they are do-able from scratch, it is much more time than I have on a Saturday morning! You want to know my secret? Canned biscuits! yup, you can use the cheapest kind you can find or if you want really, really good donuts, Pillsbury Grands biscuits are the best!
You can usually find them on sale for a $1, or less if you have coupons, around here.

Step 1 put oil in pan and heat over medium heat.
Step 2 open can of biscuits
Step 3 shape donuts, have fun and experiment!
step 4 once oil is hot enough place biscuits in hot oil, (carefully)
step 5 turn over once golden brown.
Step 6 when both sides are done, place on top of a paper towel on a plate.
Step 7 Eat plain or top with powdered sugar, cinn. sugar,or make a simple glaze to dip them in!
Enjoy!

We have a blast as a family making these! Something we look forward to every week! I would love to hear if you have any fun traditions or just special traditions you do with your family.
Have a great day and maybe you'll even try making these for fun!