I've always had so much respect for our military men and women. I never imagined that we would be a military family. I married a chiropractor. I'm not sure what the stats are but I'm certain it ranks at the top of the list for safety! Our family practice is exactly 8 minutes from our home. My husband comes home for dinner every night. We often have time for breakfast together too as his day begins at 9am. I can easily pop over during lunch for a staff meeting or quick lunch. I'm just not military, law enforcement or firefighter wife material. Of course, God knew that! I love my life. I'm blessed. I'm comfortable.

You know how God uses trials to stretch our faith... You know that if you're not in a trail now, there's one just around the corner. In the economy and sovereignty of God, that's just how it works.

Our son, is 20 years old. He is my first born from a previous relationship in high school. Talk about a story of redemption! God makes all things new. He brings beauty from ashes, its true! I'm planning on sharing those details with you very soon. For now, lets fast forward to 2011.

Our son graduated from high school! More specifically, home school. Awesome! Exciting! New chapter!

College was not something he was even remotely interested in. His dream was to serve in the United States Marine Corps. Well, let me tell you, I couldn't be more proud of him. It takes a very specific calling for this, bravery and strong resolve.

We had several hoops to jump through over the past two years. In order to get physically ready, our son lost over 65 pounds! And not only did he lose that weight, he's gained a ton of muscle. I'm not kidding, this kid is strong. Although, homeschoolers are afforded the same criteria as public school to serve In the military, we hit a few bumps along the way. After meeting those there came, physical, written, and medical tests. Once he passed all those requirements, we got the green light.

Right now, we have a ship date (the start of Bootcamp) for October. I'm super excited and I'm nervous. I know my son will do very well. He'll literally be within an hours drive. I'm just not sure what our lives will be like without him. He's personality lights up a room. He's so funny! Even when I try to be upset at him, he makes me laugh. He's just a cool and sweet young man. My husband and I can count on him for whatever our family needs.

With all that said, I hang on to this:

"See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me." Isaiah 49:15

And this:

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11

I know it will be tough. Many tears will be shed. He will be missed. But I also know, God's promises are true and HE will sustain us. I covet your prayers for my family!

~Very soon Military Mom to be ❤

I love learning about health and nutrition. I am not an expert by any means, but I am a concerned mom and I strive to feed my family nutritious food.  For many years I have purchased "organic" chicken. My thought process was something like this...no antibiotics or hormones, organic feed, it's more expensive than conventional chicken, must be better than Foster Farms right?  Well, not necessarily. Read The Omnivore's Dilemma and you'll know more than you ever thought there was to know about the conventionally-grown foods we eat. 

I'm thrilled about my latest local find! Actually, I have a super awesome sister-in-law and we both heard about this ranch around the same time.  It is called Primal Pastures and they're located in the beautiful wine country of Temecula, California. 

The ranch is family owned and operated. You can read more about Primal Pastures on their website or Facebook. In the meantime, check out just a bit of their philosophy.

I jumped at the chance to get my hands on some of their chickens. I went ahead and purchased the buy 10 get 1 Free Whole Chickens. They are 'pasture-raised, non-vegetarian-fed, worm-eating, bug srcatching, no-soy, no-GMO'.  It is hands-down the best chicken we've had.  The biggest difference that my husband and I noticed was the texture. It was noticeably more tender. Thank you, Primal Pastures! 

Eleven chickens probably won't  last us long.  With a family of six and three teenagers, we are right at the point were one chicken is no longer enough.  So, two roasted chickens for dinner it is.  

I was spoiled by my husband and kids today! Hope you were, too!

• 16 elegant menu spreads, including detailed shopping lists
• 100 delicious dishes perfect for any party
• Over 300 beautiful color photos
• Tips and tricks to make entertaining fun and effortless
• Thoughtful ideas on how to prepare dishes while enjoying the party you're hosting
• Shortcuts and sequencing suggestions to time everything just right

My family loves Painted Earth! My kids have been taking art classes, pottery classes and attending summer camps since my oldest son was 8! We just celebrated his 20th birthday. Geez, that makes me feel old! :) They have the best art teachers. We just adore Miss Sarah.