Brave Soul: October 2016

Meal Plan Week #8

31 October 2016

Happy Monday!

So, we're going on week 8 now and I'm still loving the challenge (and the accountability) of coming up with a weekly menu. Like I said, it definitely takes more fore thought but once it's planned, I stick to it and shop accordingly. For the most part, I've kind of surprised myself. I've hardly made any duplicate meals and if I did, it's because my family enjoys it and they want it more often in the rotation. :)

Here's what the first week of November looks like.

Meal Plan Week #8

Bacon & Gruyere Breakfast Casserole
Chili-Mac
Carne Asada Tacos
Honey BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Sausage & Peppers Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Doesn't this look amazing?

So, my girls requested spaghetti squash this week. Of course! It's a perfect fall dish. I thought I'd combine it with some of our favorite Italian flavors... sausage, peppers, and gooey cheese!!

Morgan isn't big on spaghetti squash so I'll probably just serve his on a roll or over pasta (equally delicious).

Can you believe it's nearly November?

The forecast says we'll have TWO days in the low 80's this week!

I know, that's hardly cool or fall-like weather but around here, we don't complain about the low 80's.

We welcome it with open arms! :)

Puerto Vallarta Part 5

His first piñata!

Boy with stick = happy boy.

The kid has good aim for being TWO!

The big kids' turn.

So fun!

He was so determined.

Pinata Party!

He loved the trolley rides.

And chips and guacamole by the pool. Yum!

Trying something new. :)

So fun!

And I didn't fall over or lose my hat! ;)

Pillows for days and a very tan little boy.

Go towards the Light, son, always. :)

Sometimes you need a little help.

Grace looks confused because the waiter just put a sizzling stone in her soup to keep it hot.

Love my family!

Last breakfast in our suite.

Snoozing in the taxi to the airport.

Gracias, Puerto Vallarta!

Whew! And that's a wrap!

It took me nearly 2 weeks but I was finally able to post ALL our vacation photos.

Needless to say, it was a trip to remember!

While on vacation, I also had a birthday. Some friends have asked,"So how did you celebrate your birthday when you were there?"

Honestly, just being there with my family was celebration enough. In fact, I had to think back but after spending the whole day at the pool, we got back kind of late and the last thing I wanted to do was rush around to get ready for dinner. The night before, we had gone to the steakhouse for our anniversary so I just felt like staying in and relaxing with my family. We ended up ordering room service and having a quiet dinner in our suite. It was perfect.

45 was another tough year but I also learned a lot, too.

I learned to fight fear, dream big, parent better, give more, be vulnerable, and to live life brave.

Don't get me wrong, I don't have it all figured out. It's a process and I'm still learning these things everyday. Most of all, I learned that I can be brave because God is so strong. And loves me too much to leave me the same. He is faithful and good and He is in control of every situation, so I don't have to be. :)

There's a gift to getting older. We may miss it if we don't seek it.

Year 45 made me keenly aware of the many big and small gifts He gives me on a daily basis.

It's all grace.

Undeserved. Deeply appreciated.

Grace upon grace.

Vallarta Zoo

30 October 2016

First, let me say, this zoo was quite the experience!

It gave the phrase, "Up close and personal" a whole new meaning!

We took a short cab ride from our resort to Mismaloya, where the zoo was located.

It's built right into the side of the rainforest.

Yes, I screamed because my baby just walked up to a lion!!

Back in the U.S., there are laws for this, right?!

Hello, Mr. Ostrich. Please don't peck my face!

Here come more birds.

Hey, I can waddle, too.

Feeding flamingos.

I'm not a bird person AT ALL so at one point, I got a little FREAKED OUT because I was surrounded by large birds on all sides. The ostrich was on the left side of this picture and he was hungry, too!!