Fullness of Joy

How happy does your significant other make you? 

I assume, pretty happy, or why else are you with him/her??

〜

How much joy do your children bring?

I assume you'd say, 

"A lot,"

 because... well, kids are great!

〜

How blessed are you by your closest friends?

Again, I assume you're pretty blessed, or why else are they your closest?

〜

How much pleasure do you get from your career?

You may say, "A lot," or not...

〜

Of all the things this world has to offer that brings joy to our lives, every single one of them will disappoint or bring sadness as well:

Your significant other will let you down.

Your children will disappoint you. 

Your best friend will not live up to your every expectation.

Your career will not always be the "best job ever!"

Why is that??

Because we are all humans living in a dark world,

BUT there is one that will never let you down;

 One who will never disappoint;

One who will do everything He says He'll do; 

and One who will provide THE best relationship ever!

In Christ, there is fullness of JOY!! I know that no matter who hurts me; no matter who lets me down, GOD is always right there. He will always be my source of joy. 

In all of the above instances, when I think of how blessed I am by 

my WONDERFUL husband, 

my AMAZING kids, 

my BEST friends, 

and my AWESOME job, 

I am even more blessed by the knowledge that GOD is even better and will never let me down.

 As happy as all of these earthly things make me; they don't FILL me! 

Only God, my Father, can fill me with joy unspeakable (1 Peter 1:8). 

So far behind

I couldn't believe it when I got online today to do Xander's 13th birthday post that I never posted the twin's 9th birthday post!!! I am such a slacker. Sad....

Moving on from here...

I cannot believe Xander is a teenager! When he was born, actually, probably before he was born, I jokingly said that Jesus would return to rapture the church before I would ever have a teenager ... teenagers scare me! HA!! Fast forward, all these years later, and now I find myself the mother of a teen... and not yet raptured! Darn it! LOL 😀😀😀

No, he's not as tall as this makes him look!! LOL

Xander is now 5'9" and has passed up his daddy in height! He makes sure to let EVERY.SINGLE.PERSON know how tall he is!! I cannot imagine how tall he will end up when he's full grown, but when we did the height predictor when he was 2 years old, it suggested that he would end up being about 6'3". It will be interesting to see how accurate that predictor really is!! He is SUCH a great big brother. In those moments when he isn't agitating his siblings (😏), he is so loving toward them. He gives hugs and offers to do things for them. He takes good care of all three!! He is respectful of his parents, and pretty much all adults. We are often told what a great kid he is! I am so proud!

Each year, I ask the kids the same 20 questions of their preferences; it is fun to see their answers change... and remain the same... over the years!

Now, as is our tradition, your 20 Questions….

 Green- 11 years old; Orange- 12 years old; Red- 13 years old

1. Favorite Color:  Red  Purple Purple

2. Favorite Toy:   Pokemon   Pokemon Cards  Tablet

3. Favorite Fruit:     Apples   Blueberries  Banana

4. Favorite TV Show:  Lab Rats  Impractical Jokers  Video Game High School

5. Favorite Lunch:  Eggs in a Basket  Pizza   McDonalds 

6. Favorite Clothes:   Jammy pants & t-shirt   Silky shorts/t-shirt  Silky Shorts/t-shirt

7. Favorite Game: Call of Duty   Call of Duty  Call of Duty

8. Favorite Snack:   Cinnamon Toast   Baked Potatoes  Baked Potatoes

9. Favorite animal:   Kangaroo   Wolf  Tiger

10. Favorite Song: Can't Stop the Feeling   24K  Poppin

11. Favorite Book:  Hatchet    Night of the Twisters Hatchet

12. Best friend:  Josh and Ace   Ace Ace

13. Favorite Cereal:  Corn Pops   Cocoa Puffs  Cocoa Rice

14. Favorite thing to do outside: Ride Bike   Swim  Playing in the ditch

15. Favorite drink:   Mountain Dew   Iced Coffee/Frappe  Mountain Dew

16. Favorite holiday:  Christmas   Christmas Christmas

17. Favorite thing to have in bed:  Legos  Blanket  Blanket

18. Favorite breakfast: Eggs in a Basket  Fried Egg Sandwich  Fried Egg Sandwich

19. Favorite Dinner:  Lasagna   Lasagna  Lasagna

20. What do you want to be when you grow up?: US Army Soldier  IDK**  Bounty Hunter

Also, every year, I write a letter....

Dear Xander,

I am not sure that you have any idea at all about how proud I am of you! You are goofy and silly, but you know when to be serious and respectful. You love God- which totally warms my heart. You love family- your siblings, parents, grand parents and great grandparents are all very important to you. You do your best with everything you set your mind to. You are such a smart kid; always achieving the Honor Roll at school. 

Your locker- on the floor!

You just finished the 6th grade; which, in our town, means that you are getting ready to begin Junior High school!! I can't believe it. You still seem like my "baby" when you're in the lower schools... but Jr. High has me a bit more emotional! I never cried when you started pre-K ... probably because your siblings were so young that I was too busy to get too emotional about dropping you off at school. But this is a whole new story! Taking you for your schedule pick-up last week was rough on this mommy! I can't believe how fast time is flying and how quickly you're becoming a young man rather than a little boy! Even though I have always joked about not wanting a teenager, I am so super excited to see what your teen years have in store!! I love you so much, Alexander Michael!! 

Until next year,

Mom 💗

Asher is Double Digits!!

Dear Asher,
I cannot believe that you are 10 years old already!

It seems like only yesterday that Dr. Nilson put you on my chest to snuggle, when all of a sudden, you pooped all over me!! HAHA!  I will never let you live that down! You were such an amazing kid from day one, making your mark on the world (pun intended! LOL)!!

You have always been the sweetest, most caring child I've known. You will give the best hugs and snuggles without even being asked. I asked you recently if you'll still hug me and snuggle next to me on the couch when you are 16 years old and think parents are dumb, YOU SAID YES!!! In fact, you told me that you'll never think I'm dumb! I am totally going to hold you to it... It is now officially in writing so we can look back to this year and remember that, it was when you were almost 10 years old that you said you'd never think I'm dumb!!

You are in the 4th grade, and you are loving it! Your teachers are all amazing, and every one of them sing your praises! It makes me proud to have THAT child that the teachers love! You love to write. Last year, you bought yourself a hand-sewn leather journal, and you take that thing everywhere you go. Whenever, wherever, you are inspired, you write.

You like to write fantasy stories, and they are always so entertaining! You love to dress up. Your favorite thing to wear, and you would wear it daily if I'd let you, is blue jeans and "a handsome shirt." This means that you either want a button-down, dress shirt or a polo shirt. I typically let you wear whatever, but there are days, like when it's 100+ degrees outside, that I tell you to wear shorts. You'd think I was pulling your eyeballs out though... you HATE wearing anything other than jeans! I get it, I love jeans too... but seriously!?! For over 3 years, you have slept with your Scentsy buddies- Birch the Beaver and Gilly the Monster. You love those things; they are pretty worn out, but you love them! I love that you love them...it's cool to me when kiddos have something they cling to for comfort! You love your grandparents and you look forward to time spent with them! Your favorite thing to do with YaYa and Garry is to go out to the lake! Building a fire in the fire pit or going on the lake- either way, you love the campgrounds. 


Over the years, you have become a child with so much personality. For the rough start you had in those first few years of life with anxiety, I have loved watching you blossom into an amazing kid with so much life! The picture to the left shows the awesome difference over the years. From pre-K, when you were Mr. Grouchy`Pants to third grade when you were so full of life!  I love the transformation! You've gone from a kid who wouldn't speak to one who sometimes doesn't STOP talking! It makes me smile when you get so excited to tell a story...even when that story takes 10 minutes of non-stop, non-breath-taking talking!! Your teacher was super excited one day when she told me that you did the group presentation in class. She said, "He talked in front of class today... he spoke in a British accent the entire time, but he did it!!" LOL... I was soooo proud of you! It's so funny how well you speak with a British accent- it almost seems like you were born in England. It's almost like that accent is your security blanket when you have to talk in public... it's okay though, whatever works!!

I am so proud to be your mommy, and I love you OH so much! I can't wait to see how much more amazing you become over the future years! You are so smart, passionate, kind, and you make me smile every single day! I love you, Asher Monroe Boni!

Love, 

Mom

-------------------------------------------

20 QUESTIONS: 

8 years old- Green; 9 years old- Blue; 10 years old- Red;  

1. Favorite Color:  Green  Orange  Green

2. Favorite Toy:  Birch the Beaver   Birch the beaver  Birch the beaver

3. Favorite Fruit:  Oranges   Oranges  Oranges

4. Favorite TV Show:   Liv and Maddie  Lab Rats   Jessie

5. Favorite Lunch:  Lunchables   Spaghetti  Spaghetti-O's

6. Favorite Clothes:   Star Wars Shirt   Jeans and t-shirt  Jeans & a handsome shirt

7. Favorite Game:   Moo Cow (tag)  Call of Duty  Minecraft

8. Favorite Snack: Cool Ranch Doritos  Turkey Sandwich   Popcorn

9. Favorite animal:  Dinosaurs   Cheetah  Eagle

10. Favorite Song:   Light 'em Up  Down to the River Throne Room

11. Favorite Book:   Henry and Mudge   The White Fox  Left Behind Kids

12. Best friend:  Conner   Jacob   "I don't have a best friend, just friends"

13. Favorite Cereal: Fruity Pebbles   Marshmallow Cereal   Lucky Charms

14. Favorite thing to do outside:  Snow Ball fight   Ride my scooter   Walk

15. Favorite drink:    Mellow Yellow   Orange pop   Dr. Pepper

16. Favorite holiday:  Christmas   Christmas  Christmas

17. Favorite thing to have in bed:  Birch the Beaver Birch the Beaver   Birch and Gilly

18. Favorite breakfast: Cereal   Cereal   Eggs in a Basket or Lucky Charms

19. Favorite Dinner: Lasagna   Lasagna   Spaghetti

20. What do you want to be when you grow up?: Chef   Chef   Chef

Through the Fog

I was driving down the highway this morning before sunrise, and 

IT.WAS.FOGGY!

It was that scary kind of foggy that I'm pretty sure 

NOBODY 

wants to experience while driving!

I was taking the hubby to work, 

but first, 

we had to stop by the repair shop to drop off his car. 

As I was driving,

unable to see more than about 100 feet ahead of my car,

all I could think was 

"I have no idea where we're going!" -and-

"What if we miss the turn off?"

But as we drove closer to our destination, 

We could see the business perfectly, 

and there was no missing the driveway. 

As we got closer and closer, we could see clearly,

turned at the exact location,

and we arrived safe and sound

without a hitch.

-------------------------------------------------

Why on earth am I sharing this story? 

It seems silly and pointless to life, right??

Well, perhaps not!!!

Maybe, as you were reading about my morning drive

you caught on quickly to where I was heading with this post.

Maybe you were thinking:

"Why am I reading this pointless delivery of her experience?"

Here's the deal!

I was thinking about God and His plans for my life.

Sometimes, looking at the big picture of life is discouraging and scary!

Sometimes, as I go about my days and I look far into the future, 

I get overwhelmed!

I feel like I can't see where my journey is taking me; 

I may even wonder, 

"What if I miss something?"

Then, the closer and closer that I get to the plans 

that GOD has in store for me, 

I realize that I can see clearly!

I can see the twists and turns along the way!

I don't have to worry anymore about what lies ahead.

I cannot be consumed with fear for the future. 

I must live for today; 

with GOD as my focus in the fog!

With Him riding along side of me, 

leading and directing, 

I will never get lost or miss my destination!

God has a great plan in store for my life- 

and for yours!!

Just because we can't see every step of the way,

it does not mean there is no end goal.

Just because the drive is foggy,

it does not mean the way will remain hidden.

Draw close to God, and He will draw close to you! (James 4:8)

Have faith in His plan for your life,

and it will be revealed to you 

in the perfect time!

Xander is 12

Happy 12^th birthday, my very first pre-teen! Yes, I do realize that I am 1.5 months late, but better late than never!! LOL…

Xander, you are an amazing kid! You are growing into an amazing young man! I am so proud of you and the person you are becoming!

You are in the 6^th grade now, and doing well. You ended the 5^th grade with honor roll all year long! You are doing a great job in your classes, and I really hope that work ethic continues as you get into the more difficult years ahead! Your teachers this year are Mrs. Potts (language arts), Mrs. Myers (math), Mrs. Fallis (reading), Coach Dan (social studies), and Mrs. Eishen (science)- all of them seem very nice!

You have officially passed me in height. I try to not admit that you are finally an inch taller than I am; in fact, I keep asking you to stop growing. Every single time, you tell me, “NO!” I try to get you to drink lots of coffee to stunt your growth, but it hasn’t helped either! (kidding, kinda….)

You are an excellent big brother. I think I say it every single year, but I am amazed by your help! Many people talk about how, at this age, kids are so disrespectful and don’t do anything. But when I ask you to do something, you jump up and do it (most of the time LOL)! Strangers have even complimented what a respectful young man you are! Even though you tease and pick on your siblings, you would do anything for them! I love that too! You have such a big heart- never wanting anyone to be upset. I love that about you!

You love hanging out with your dad. The others do too, but you REALLY enjoy spending time with your daddy. You would pick him over me any day of the week; and while it might make me a little jealous, I am so glad that you have such a great relationship with him!

I love you so much, and I am SO excited to see what your teen years will hold!

-Love, Mom

Now, as is our tradition, your 20 Questions….

Xander first: Red- 9 years old; Blue- 10 years old; Green- 11 years old; Orange- 12 years old

1. Favorite Color:  Red   Red   Red  Purple

2. Favorite Toy: Legos  Lego   Pokemon   Pokemon Cards

3. Favorite Fruit:  Apples  Apples   Apples   Blueberries

4. Favorite TV Show: Max Steel  Mighty Med   Lab Rats  Impractical Jokers

5. Favorite Lunch:  Ham  Baked Potato   Eggs in a Basket Pizza

6. Favorite Clothes:  Minecraft Shirt   Star Wars shirts   Jammy pants & t-shirt   Silky shorts/t-shirt

7. Favorite Game:  Assassin  GoldenEye   Call of Duty   Call of Duty

8. Favorite Snack: Blueberry Muffins   Baked Potato   Cinnamon Toast   Baked Potatoes

9. Favorite animal: Giraffe   Lion   Kangaroo   Wolf

10. Favorite Song: Everything is Awesome   Stitches   Can't Stop the Feeling   24K

                     11. Favorite Book:  Baby Mouse   Cat in the Hat   Hatchet    Night of the Twisters

12. Best friend:  Abbey & Josh   Josh  Josh and Ace   Ace

13. Favorite Cereal:  Corn Pops   Cinnamon Toast Crunch   Corn Pops   Cocoa Puffs

14. Favorite thing to do outside: Water guns   Ride my scooter   Ride Bike   Swim

15. Favorite drink: Orange Juice   Mountain Dew   Mountain Dew   Iced Coffee/Frappe

16. Favorite holiday: Christmas   Christmas   Christmas   Christmas

17. Favorite thing to have in bed: Pillow  Bear   Legos  Blanket

18. Favorite breakfast: Chocolate Mint-Chip Donut    Cinnamon Toast Crunch   Eggs in a Basket  Fried Egg Sandwich

19. Favorite Dinner:  Ham   Lasagna   Lasagna   Lasagna

20. What do you want to be when you grow up?: US Army Soldier  US Army Soldier   US Army Soldier  IDK**
(** I have to admit, I’m kinda sad that this one changed….)

It's JUST holding hands!

Some of you know the story of Tim and me when we were dating. Just in case you don't, here's a QUICK recap: 

At our first dinner "date," Tim told me that he would not kiss anyone until his wedding day!

I figured I would change him, but 

NOPE!!

So, for three years and 4 months 

(but who's counting) 

we didn't kiss! 

We snuggled on the couch;

we held hands; 

we DID NOT kiss!

One day, a few months into our relationship, Tim stopped holding my hand. If I tried to grab his hand, he pulled it away! I was so very sad! You know how your mind works- I ran through every possible scenario that I could imagine of WHY he quit holding my hands. I came to the conclusion that he must not want a relationship anymore as I had thought. But, as one last attempt, I sat him down (after a couple weeks of not holding my hand) and asked him WHY!?!?

This was his answer: 

I want to kiss you SO BAD!

When we hold hands, it really makes me want to do more. 

So I decided that I'm not going to hold your hand until I know that I can do it and resist the temptation to kiss you!

My insides melted! I was soooo happy! Every terrible thing that my mind played out was wrong! He took away the itty bitty temptation so that he wouldn't fall into the bigger one. 

Is holding hands wrong?   

NOPE!!

Is kissing wrong?   

NOPE!!

Is it wrong to do exactly that which you believe in your heart that you should not do?  

YEP!!

-------------------------------------

Why am I telling you this story?

I was able to use my silly dating story to relate it to a much bigger issue.... 

A family friend of ours likes a nice, cold beer at the end of the day. 

Over time, that ONE nice, cold beer has developed into quite a few drinks at a time. 

Now, he is struggling with a drinking problem that has affected not only his life, but the lives of his family, friends, and career. 

He asked,

"Why can't I have just one cold beer?"

My answer?

If holding hands (1 beer) is too much of a temptation for you and may lead to kissing (several beers) then you need to stop holding hands! If you don't even intentionally allow yourself to be in the position to hold hands, you will never have to worry about kissing when you know that kissing is NOT what you want to do!! 

-------------------------------------------------------------

I don't know if this sounds like a bunch of hog-wash to you, but it totally makes sense in my mind! 

I hope it'll help you or someone you share with! 

Pierogi Lasagna

Oh my buttery deliciousness!! 

This meal was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G 

and a bit sinful! 

Okay, truth be told it was VERY sinful. 

Look at this picture:

The butter just poured out when I cut into it! 

Who doesn't love butter?

 I think next time, I might need to add some extra carbs to our dinner (Thanks, Kaye!)!!! 

HA!!!

I took several pictures, but unfortunately, not one of them really did this meal the justice it deserved.

 If you love pierogies, then you'll love this!

 Tim loves researching new recipes, and I thought this one was pretty genius...then tonight, I made it happen! I looked through a bunch of recipes online- 

TRUST ME, THERE ARE TONS!

And then I compiled the best ideas from each of them and made my own concoction! 

Here's what I came up with: 

Ingredients

*10 lasagna noodles

*2 sticks butter

*12 servings prepared instant mashed potatoes (real potatoes would probably work fine, but this was quicker!)

*1 large onion diced and cooked in 12Tbsp. butter

*1 16 oz. polish sausage link sliced thin

*2 cups shredded cheddar

*Seasoning (as desired) - I used salt, pepper, Nature's Seasons (Morton), garlic powder, and Italian seasoning

9x13 baking pan

350 degrees for 30 minutes

------------------------------------

Layer in pan :

Butter (small pats of the remaining 4 oz. not cooking with onions to "grease" pan)

Noodles

1/3 Potatoes

1/3 onion/butter mixture

1/2 smoked sausage

Cheese

Then repeat from noodles to cheese

Top layer:

Noodles

Potatoes

Butter/onion mixture

Cheese

-------------------------------------

Okay, here is the picture of the Kraft Foods recipe ....

while their picture is purty, I think mine looks more sinful delicious!!