Goals for 2014..

Happy New years Eve everyone!! Gosh I can't believe 2013 is almost over and a new one is about to begin!! New years is one of my most favorite days of the year. I think Brad Paisley does an amazing job summing up that one!

Though I believe every day is a good day for starting over. It's the freedom we have in Jesus!




Every year I get a word for a new year and the word for this year is Victorious. I'm so so excited to see what this year will bring!



Because my word for this year is victorious I really felt led by The Lord to write a New years resolution. I never usually do one of these because I believe every day is a good day to start something that is on your heart.. But this year is a good year to do one!




My 2014 resolutions
 
My Spiritual life.

-Spend more time in the morning with Jesus. Not just reading His word but studying it.
-Work on my prayer life as a first language. I honestly want to get to the point where I talk to Jesus more than anyone else.

Memorize more scripture from the heart.

Family.
-Pray and speak more life over my family. I am a firm believer that life and death is in the power of the tongue. Therefore I want both my hubby, Evelynne and children to come to know and remember who they are! That they shall live and not die, they are a victor and not a victim, that God has a plan for my family that will prosper, and that we shall live in fire and declare the works of The Lord.. My family is a family who succeeds in all things.

-Move into our new home.

- get a steady toddler schedule going with Evelynne.

-Start cloth diapering.

- Do more family outings.

-Perhaps baby #2?

-be a more creative mama

-Catch up on scrap booking.

Marriage.
 -Go on more dates

-Try new restaurants.

-Go rock climbing  as a couple

-Take a pottering class along with other fun stuff.

-pray with each other every night. I think this is so important! We used to do this but after Evie was born and Leon started working nights it got really difficult. However, we really need to start this again.

-Do things that will help us grow spiritually and more powerfully as a couple.

-Serve more.

Art.
-Crochet new things.
-Make Evie a quilt.
-Learn to draw better.
Financially.
-Become more financially stable, take financial  classes with our Pastor, and learn to be more of a penny saver.

-Take a financial class.

-Pay tithe regularly.

-SAVE 

Health and fitness.
-Be creative with ways to buy healthier meals.
- plant a small garden
-Start a routine workout.
 -eat out less.

write, Blog and business.


-Do more worship songs on my blog.

-Journal everyday. 

-Create an etsy shop for Eternally loved.

-Publish my ebook.

-Reach thousands of  more people and bless them!

Music.

-Play my guitar everyday or at least every other day.

-Write more music and poems.

Ministry.
Sing more worship songs at church.
Volunteer at pregnancy clinics
Start a mommy group.

Things Leon and I are depending on God for in the year of 2014
A family car.
An affordable nice place.
A bigger pay check.
A cannon camera. (because I need one!!)










Happy New Years Eve!! Do you have any New years resolutions? I'd love to hear about them!! :)

From my family to yours.

We wish you the Merriest Christmas ever!

Enjoy your day with family and  friends. sipping on hot cocoa or coffee (like muwah) and enjoy the loved ones around you!!

And let us not forget as always to pray for the loved ones that don't know yet that they are loved.

And most importantly lets Give Jesus a major shout out!! Without Him days would just be days, breathes wouldn't be worth it, and lives would be stolen. But God gave His only begotten Son to die for us so that we may have life! And have it abundantly and a life worth living for Jesus!

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For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

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My baby girl at Christmas last year. My oh my how time has flown.

 

The very RANDOM link-up.

Hey friends, Today I'm so so so so so so so so so excited to bring to you a fun random link-up with my girl Sarah from Tealography.

We both have been praying and thinking of a fun Link up to create because it has been on both of our hearts to start one. And well, here you go!

The very random Link up is not your ordinary link up. We will be doing topics different months.
Example: A vlogging month, about me month, and trying new recipes month.

Our first link-up will be starting the first Tuesday of January and will be weekly. So January 7th is the day and our first month we will be vlogging!!

What was that? One of your new years resolutions was to vlog more? Your welcome :)

Sarah and I are still thinking of questions and more topics to do and eventually we will have them all lined up for you (hopefully) by the end of the year.

Here is our question?

What are three things that you were happy to  see accomplished in the  year of 2013?

You excited?? I know I am!!!

See you January 7th!

Merry Christmas EvE btw!!!! =DDDDD

Two.

     

Today Leon and I celebrate our 2 years of Marriage. And my what an amazing two years it has been!

These past two years hasn't been the easiest road but through it God is planting flowers where we are walking. Always reminding us to take time to smell them and see the blessings we have.
 
It's truth that Marriage takes a lot of work. I find that it is a daily refining process to be all selfless. But despite all of the hard times, there has been a heck of a lot more good!

Because even though God doesn't will for struggles to happen in our marriage He sure knows how to fix it and work it  all out for the good!

And I just know that what Leon and I are going through finiancially will work out for the good and it's time to bring an end to the generational curse that has made it's way through both of our families. It stops here. And this year. So by mine and Leon's 3rd anniversary  I'll be writing a blog post telling you how we did it! You excited? I sure am. 

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I am so so  happy I married my best friend! Words can't even describe!

He is my half.
My love.
And the man in Armor that Jesus gave to me to call him Mine.

Fire proof is one of my favorite movies of all time. Because there's so much truth and marriage advice in it.

One of my favorite parts is when the salt and pepper are mentioned.

Anyone who knows us would know that Leon and I are very different.
I'm the salt and He's the peper.

I'm Mrs Sensitive and He's Mr get over yourself.

I like to go to dinner and he likes to go to the movies.

He's a perfectionist and I'm allergic to cleaning.

He's a talker and I'm a listener.

He likes to spend and I like to hang onto every dollar!

And the list goes on and on.

We're different and it's not a bad thing! In fact, It's a great thing! Especially for ministry. We can take on both groups as we work together. We balance each other out.

Happy Anniversary my holy pepper shaker,

I'm so so glad God gave me you to be my Holy hunk.

He has used you in my life in so many ways.

He has used your hands to comfort me.

To love me.

To protect me.

And to show me His face.

He has used you to show me  truth that I've longed for all my life. He used you to open my eyes to the fact that God isn't mad at me but He loves me more than I can even imagine. And He has used you to show me that God can take an ordinary man and use him to do extraordinary things!

And I'm looking forward to another great year of laughs with you. And many more of course!!

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And now a little romance of the song we danced to at our wedding. *tear.

Sponsor for January 2014 saaay whhaaat?

Yeppers, you heard that right!


                                                   Interested?!?!?!

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Put my button on your blog and I'll put your button on my blog and we'll call it a deal. :)

Help me promote my blog, and I'll help promote your blog. 

Can't wait to hear from you!!

Please contact me at Heather.amorningcupofcoffee@gmail.com

Love ya'll!

 XO

 Heather.
 
--------
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A snow day

All this week we have had snow every other day and I was so not complaining. Even though it's not Evelynne's first snow it was her first snow that she could get excited about and play in it.

She was so fascinated about it and excited.. She wasn't sure what to think about it at first but after a couple of minutes she wanted to get down and play in it. And we got some really cute photos out of it. 

Peppermint Icecream cake. Yum Yum!

Okay so the question today on TGBTL link up is What is your go to recipe? .. Is it sad to say that  the first thing that came to mind was desert??

Don't get me wrong! I'm a healthy eater. I'm just a healthy eater with a wild side.

So, I thought I would post a recent invention for a Christmas desert that I love! Like really love! Like I'd eat the whole cake in one sitting love.

Ingredients:
Peppermint stick Ice cream.
Oreo cookies.
2 tubs Whip cream.
one box of Brownie mix.


1)  Mix the ice cream you will be using with some whip cream.. As much as you like. For me the creamier it is the better.

2) Put plastic wrap inside 2 cake pans. Enough where it's covered and no ice cream can stick to the pan.

3)  Fill the pan up with Ice cream and cover with plastic wrap. Then you want to freeze it for a day or so.

4)   After it's  done being in the freezer. Make the brownies and let it sit until it's cool.

5). Empty the one Ice cream pan on a plate, put the brownie in the middle and then put the other Ice cream on top.

(Helpful hint) Make sure the brownie is shaped the same size as the ice cream circle so it's not uneven)

6) Spread the whip cream on the top. Add oreo's, chocolate and whatever else you think would taste great with it.


My friend and I enjoyed this cake with a great cup of peppermint coffee!! Our babies were a fan too!


If you try this I'd love to hear what you think of it!!! It's now one of my favorites!!

A letter from a soon to be Married Gentleman.

This is a letter my Darling wrote to me before we got married.. It makes me so bubbly and so blessed every time I read it!!

Sorry Nicholas Sparks. My man has you beat!


Dear Heather, If marrying you meant I would  live in a shack, I would still do it.
If marrying you meant sacrificing  my dreams I would still do it.
If marrying you meant fulfilling my dreams I would still do it.

There is no price I wouldn't pay to have the honor of leading you and fulfilling my God given calling of being your mate.

There are many different reasons why I want to marry you, but the single most important reason is because we have been called , ordained by God to fulfill a life of ministry and servant hood.

My how I have grown to love you. You are the only young lady I have been with as a couple whose relationship in founded  entirely in love.

I love you because you loved me first. You loved me no matter what. I had to seek and dig outside of my feelings to find you. A diamond among stones.  Now that I found you I don't want to let you go.

I want to pledge my life to you in the  most sacred commitment I can make and I want to go through life with you, good and bad. Because  I know we will make it because of love.

I have started to build with you and I cannot leave what was started unfinished. If you can read my heart in these fourteen sentences  then I have succeeded. It will take much more that that to share my heart with you. I'm prepared to write novels, books, encyclopedias. I love you dear and I want to marry you.

Love Leon.

To The Ones who Married Young.

On the 23rd of December  (One week from today) Leon and I will be married for two years!

We had no money, Leon barely had a job and a wedding that was put together by Church family and myself with a guest list of fifty people.

The only thing our marriage was founded on was Faith and faith alone... Much like my pregnancy three months later!!

We really didn't see what was coming. We had no idea what to expect. We didn't know how we'd survive but we just knew the time was right! We loved each other and  somehow God would provide all of our needs and Leon and I just knew The Lord approved of this.

We've had opinions thrown at us by people we barely knew.

We've had some gossip about us being sure I was having a hidden pregnancy.

And must I even mention the one's who threw a tantrum because they weren't in or invited to the wedding? Even the one's I haven't heard from in years.

Many were positive Leon and I wouldn't make it.. We didn't start out with money, a good job or a nice house. We started off renting  a place with His mama, a slow non steady income and our feet planted on The solid rock.

And here we are two years later still saving as much as we can, Leon now has a steady income with a career, a beautiful  baby girl to add to the family and we'll be getting our own place next year! And our feet is still planted on the Solid Rock.. God has literally provided for all of mine and Leon's needs.

Leon and I. We are ones who Married young. These days it's not something the world recommends. In fact  they make it very clear that they don't approve.

And of course where we were and our circumstance made that thought even worse. Heck if I was my friend I would even tell myself it wasn't a great idea (does that even make sense?) Anyways.

Our wedding wasn't a huge wedding. It wasn't the one  I imagined it would be when I was a little girl with 500 guests and a million dollar photographer.

There was so much drama it wasn't even funny.

And there were many times when Leon and I have honestly felt like eloping but man I'm so glad we didn't!

Minus the craziness thanks to the women of the church, my spiritual sister and everyone who helped out and provided things for us we had a very nice wedding! And the Man I said "I do" to is much more handsome than I had ever imagined.. Just everything about him is better.

The victory is ours!

I remember 12-14-12 like it was yesterday. I remember I just finished picking up my published photos of my sweet almost one month old.  We were driving home when we heard it on the radio.. What not only changed the lives of the people in Connecticut but everywhere.

I remember not being able to hold back the tears.

Thinking about the parents, children, siblings, friends, family. And all the lives that were stolen.

I couldn't blog that day.. I couldn't and I didn't.. I was so emotional, angry and just to sad  to write and in my experience of writing I've learned that writing out of emotion or anger is really not the best idea especially if it's public..

So friends today I come to you with some words on my heart..
I have heard so many say/ask

"How could God allow such a thing to happen? "

Or "God is sovereign and it was His will for a reason".

I have heard this saying so many times not just with Sandy hook but with Miscarriages, deaths, sickness and all the above..

Sometimes it's so easy to put the blame on God.. But truthfully He had nothing to do with it. In fact His heart was more broken when this tragedy occurred  than ours.

Yes He's sovereign in the way where He knew it was going to happen but He didn't will it to happen.. Gosh there's so many things on this earth that has happened that wasn't His will at all!

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
-John 10:10

Truth is we live in a fallen world.. A world where people allow the enemy to work in their lives to destroy others. We live on a battlefield where spiritual warfare is never ending and it won't end until we all go home.

Every day for the rest of our lives the enemy will try to claim what is rightfully ours and that is victory.

The victory that Jesus Christ died to give us.. The victory that has already been won because the blood has already been shed.

What happened that day at Sandy hook was horrible.. Something that should not of happened and surely there was evil behind it.

I believe that was the enemy trying to claim our victory.. Victory over us, our emotion and hatred.. But you know what.. He didn't win and he never will. It's something he fails to see along with many of us. He can't win a battle that has already been won.

Yes, in the physical realm many would think and say that evil won that day at Sandy hook along with many other days. But you see evil can't win and Jesus paid a huge price for it to remain that way.

Children died that day but today they're with Jesus.. Having more fun and having more life than they ever did on earth. They no longer experience sadness or pain. 

But the enemy is condemned forever!

he has no victory and never will and He will pay for everything he has done and The Lord will make him give back seven fold of what he has stolen.

Today I remember Sandy Hook  And the loved ones we lost.

But I'm not stopping there..

Santa Clause.

 So, I have been asked lately considering it's Christmas time if  Leon and I were going to teach Evelynne to believe in Santa Clause. Now Leon and I both grew up without believing in Santa. And we both don't feel like we missed out on a exciting Christmas  tradition. Yes, my parents had Santa Clause decor around the house (That honestly would creep me out a bit!) But they were always teaching us kids that Jesus was the real reason for the season. In fact on a majority of our gifts they would put "Love Jesus" to remind  us of His true gift.

Now, hear me out when I say I have NOTHING against parents who teach their kids to believe in Santa. Nothing at all. You are a great mama if you  encourage your child to believe in Santa  and you are a great mama if you don't. Now with that being said..


For us, the choice has really come down to our relationship with Evelynne. We have and will always want her to know that we will teach her the truth. And that  the true meaning of Christmas is not about a white bearded man who lives in the south pole and loves cookies.

But the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Who has come into the world to heal the sick, raise the dead, to bring joy and life  into this world once again.

Who sacrificed Himself on the cross for us so that we may have everlasting life in His Magnificent presence. For Leon and I we believe that's magical enough. And that Jesus should have ALL the Glory at Christmas and every day for that matter. And not have to share it with a man of imagination.

Of course we'll teach her about Santa and how he came from St Nick and the beautiful history behind that.

Some may think we're taking the fun out of Christmas for Evelynne by taking Santa  from a child’s Christmas experience, but Leon and I  don’t see or feel  that way at all! In fact, if taking Santa away from Christmas takes away the “experience” of it, then why  are we really celebrating Christmas  anyway? What is the real meaning of Christmas to you?

We believe Jesus is forever the real reason for the season. And we want our daughter to know this her whole life. Not just when she's to old to believe in Santa.

A humble Christmas

This Christmas is going to be a bit different for me.. To be honest if you were to look at my house right now you would think I didn't even celebrate it. I do have a Christmas candle holder on my table and decorations going down my stair landing. But that's it. Why? The list can go on but I'll share a few of them with you.

It's really hard at the moment to decorate for Christmas and to be motivated to do so knowing I will be starting to pack, sell and get ready to move by May. May first is our moving date so starting Jan 1st is when Leon and I will really have to start getting ready. We're already looking for places and It's so overwhelming sometimes.

And with Leon working almost 24/7 doing a very physical job it's hard to get all the way up in the attic to get our Christmas tree which we have no room for at the moment because where we are right now is cramped.

When it comes to gifts. Leon and I just can't afford it this year. For Evelynne's Birthday Party that Money came from babysitting, my business and yard sales alone. With us moving we need to save every bit we can. And we made the decision before we were even married that if there ever is a time we can't afford Christmas presents we wouldn't stress about it.  It is what it is. And this year will be one of those years that we will find a way to bless people that money can't buy. I believe homemade gifts are better than store bought anyways.  And making them will create great memories in itself.

So yes! to all of  those who haven't seen a Christmas tree or decorations on this blog. I do celebrate Christmas. It's my favorite holiday.. We will just be having a very humble Christmas and who knows it just may turn out to be the best Christmas ever! We'll see :)

A coffee date.

Being a Mama I really enjoy taking advantage of the things I used to take for granted.. Like coffee dates! I've always loved them but now, I love them even more.

Before Evie was born Coffee dates with a friend was just something I did. It was no biggie and some times they weren't even that long. But now when I get to leave Evelynne with her daddy to join a sister for coffee it's a real treat!

My Friend Krista and I got to escape Motherhood for a few hours while the men watched the little ones. Neither one of us has had a kid free coffee date since well, before the kids were born.. I'm trying to remember the  very last coffee date we had before this one and it was when Leon and I were very newly wedded. Time sure has flown by and with her living in a total different state at the moment it makes our coffee date so much sweeter! Speaking of sweet have you had the cute snowman cookie from Starbucks yet?  It's so yummy! The only problem I have with it is that it's way to adorable to eat!

Our conversations are so different now as well. Our last coffee date we talked about Marriage and now we talk about our children. We constantly have the babies on the brain. It's a mom thing! But one thing has not changed and never will. Our love for Jesus and including Him in our coffee dates.. Our lovely coffee date lasted about four hours. We would have stayed longer but we started getting text messages haha!

What are some things that you appreciate more now that you're a mama?

A December Birthday Party.

 
Yes, yes I know "but Evelynne's Birthday is in November."  I've gotten that so many times lol. But when you have a hubby who works for the police department with his schedule already planned you just gotta revolve your plans around his schedule. What I'm saying is I'd have her Party in January only to have her daddy and my hubby there.. Thankfully we didn't have to wait that long though!

I never realized how hard and stressful it was to host a party.. Maybe it was the fact we were late getting to the church to set things up *caugh caugh hubby's fault lol*  Or maybe it's the fact the pizza guy didn't get to the party until an hour and 30 minutes later.. That's all I can say about that detail other than the fact future parties I will be picking up my own pizza and I'm so so glad we had enough food for everyone already there. I am glad though that they gave us 4 pizzas for 30$. They better have right? Anyways...

Evelynne's Birthday party turned out to be a blast!! Leon and I made the decision to only invite Family, Church family and friends who see Evelynne normally and it was a decision I'm so glad we made because everyone actually knew Evelynne and she did the same. I didn't have to worry about Evelynne being afraid to go to anyone because she has a great relationship with everyone there.

Her Birthday theme was Giraffe (you surprised??) with pink and brown. The decorations turned out great! And I think over all everything went wonderful. And speaking of wonderful my sister from another Mister came to visit and was there. Oh my gosh my excitement that she is here for a little while makes me want to jump! I can't wait until she is here for good.

Now back to Evelynne's party shall we??

                      
I really hope these pictures are blog worthy enough for you guys! My camera is having it's last days and  I need to get a new one.. It's on the list of one of the things we're depending on God to provide because it's something I really need.I mean every mom needs a good blog worthy camera, right?

Leon and I are both so extremely blessed to call Evelynne our daughter! She has such an anointing and calling on her life. We're also so blessed by everyone else who adores and loves her too! She is one loved and supported girl by everyone I know.. She is a girl that has so many Aunts and Uncles who spoil her and so many Grandparents who love and cherish her.

So I made the cup cakes and Evelynne's smash cake from scratch for the very first time and all I can say is that there is no going back to box.. I'm officially a no boxer cake baker! I made a delicious yellow cake and boy was it good! I think Evelynne would humbly agree.

For lunch we served Pulled chicken BBQ, Chicken sandiches, Pasta Salad, fruit, veggies, and Pizza whom did I mention was an hour and thirty minutes late?

The cup cakes was self served and I had it decorated in a giraffe shape. I wish I had a picture to show but I don't. Sorry about that! Honestly though, I think I'm more upset about not having a pic than anyone lol.

For snacks I wanted to have a variety for both adults and kids so we had chips and salsa, fruit snacks, Pirates booty, animal crackers, rice crispies,  cookies and chips and for drinks we had a variety of juice boxes, teas, sodas, and Panera Bread coffee. yum!

It's still mind blowing to me sometimes that my baby girl is one.. Can I just tell everyone she's 12 months??
I guess that would be the same thing wouldn't it?