Look out Food Network

there's a new chef in town.  I think we could be staring at the next Rachael Ray.  Syd even sounds like her with her raspy voice.

We have a winner

Watch the video to see the winner announced.



Karen, please email me your address at hopeinthewaiting@gmail.com so I can get your gift to you. Thanks everyone for your comments. Check DaySpring for all their wonderful gifts and cards.  "Like" them on Facebook and receive 10% off.  Use code fbfans10.

App contest

My helpers are already in bed for the night. They are exhausted after VBS tonight. The last one of the summer. I will be choosing a winner in the morning for the tote bag. Stay tuned!

Tuesday's Tip- 5 Must have Apps

I haven't done a Tuesday's Tip in awhile and today felt like a good day to post one, so here it goes.  This tip is for anyone who has a smart phone.  I personally have an iPhone, so these will be apps for the iPhone, but I know you can find similar apps for any smart phone.

#1. Gas Buddy

Love this app.  You type in your zip code and it tells you all the gas prices in your area. I use this app weekly.  It also comes handy when you are traveling.  We used it when we traveled to Indiana and Ohio.

#2.  Amazon Price Check

Another must have.  If you have never purchased from Amazon, you are missing out.  They have the best prices and it's always free shipping over $25, if it comes from their warehouse.  I'll give you an example of how I use it.  We have a local toy store in town that my girls love to go to.  There stuff can be pretty pricey so we usually just window shop.  When I see something that might make a great gift, I take my iPhone out and hold it up to the bar code on the box and push the Scan It button.  It scans it and gives me a price within in seconds.  I would say 8 out of 10 times, Amazon's price is cheaper and usually by a lot.  Plus it's fun scanning stuff too. :)

#3.  Flight Aware Live Tracking

I use this app anytime Brian has to fly for business. It's super easy to use and it gives me up to the minute info so I know when to leave to go to the airport.  My girls love to view the map of daddy's route.  Brooklyn is working on learning her states and I can ask her to tell me what state daddy is flying through.  All you need to know is the airline and flight number.  It's that simple.  

#4. Pinterest

Ok, this one is purely fun and I will warn you, addicting.  Have you heard of Pinterest?  I hadn't either until about 2 months ago and now I can't put it down.  I copied this from Pinterest's website.  Pinterest is a Virtual Pinboard.  Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes.  Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests. To get started, request an invite.  It will probably take you a few days to be accepted, but then it's game on.

#5. WhiteNoise

Warning:  If you have to have complete silence to sleep, this app is not for you.  However, if you are like me and can't fall asleep in total silence, you will love this app.  My girls have always slept with noise machines on since they were tiny babies.  They still do.  Whenever we traveled in the past, we had to make sure the noise machine was always in the suitcase.  Not anymore, thanks to this app.  They have 40 noises.  Ours is usually set on heavy rain pouring, but when I want to relax and read, I set it to ocean waves crashing.  It reminds me of back home in Southern California.

So there you have it.  These are all FREE apps by the way.  I would love to hear some of your must have apps.  Please leave me a comment and share your favorites. 

I have a fun tote bag giveaway from DaySpring I will be giving to a lucky winner who leaves a comment.  You have until Thursday to post your favorite app.  

Give Thanks

I have alot to be thankful for in my life.  When I focus on what I do have, instead of what I don't have,  I realize that I am blessed beyond measure.

I caught Sydney singing this song a few weeks ago as we were leaving to go to the airport.  The video is a little bumpy and I am taking it through the headrest because I didn't want her to know I was recording her.  I get better video that way.  I grew up singing this song and it warms my heart to hear the girls singing it.  (Brooklyn realized I was taping towards the end and started singing.  That's why she's just at the end).  What are you thankful for today?

White Noise

I read this devotional out of "Jesus Calling" this week and wanted to pass it on.  I have dealt with anxiety since I was a little girl, like 7 or 8.  I have no idea where it came from, but it was something I dealt with all through my growing up years.  The worry became full blown panic attacks when I was in high school.  I finally sought Christian counseling when I was 19 and I was able to get rid of the attacks.  Thank you Jesus. 

Over the years, I have slowly let fear and worry creep back into my life.  I guess being a parent can do that to you, especially if you are prone to it like I have been.  Let's call fear what it is, SIN.  I know that and I know that it's from the enemy.  So why can't I conquer it?  Losing Jonathan escalated the anxiety big time.  Being constantly dizzy also adds fuel to the fire.  I don't want to be in this place.  I know the Lord can bring healing to my heart and to my soul.  I lay all this out here because I know I am not the only one, who deals with this.  If you are struggling with fear and worry tonight, please know I am here with you.  You are not alone.  I hope this speaks to your heart.  I for one find it comforting tonight.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

There are many perks to my husband's job and one of those is getting free tickets to sporting events.  This time it was thanks to Dusty Baker, the coach of the Cincinnati Reds.  We had the best seats.  Right behind home plate.

The Reds are my husband's favorite baseball team.  He's followed them since he was a young kid growing up in Indiana.  He was so excited to take the girls to see their first Major League game.  The Reds were playing the Cleveland Indians, so it made for a great interstate rival.

Great American Ball Park is gorgeous.  One of the best, in my opinion.  The Ohio River is just right behind the stadium and they have a lookout where you can see the river. 

I wish I could say that the Reds won, but unfortunately, that was not the case.  They lost 8-1.  Yikes!  We all had a blast and that's what matters most.  The highlight of the game for the girls was the ice cream in the baseball hat.  Can't go to a ballgame without picking one of those up. 

This pictures makes me smile.  What a dream come true for Brian to be able to take his girls to see his favorite baseball team play. 

We did get to see one of the most amazing fireworks show I have ever seen in my life. It went on for almost 25 minutes after the game. What a way to start off the 4th of July weekend.

Road Trip

I'm typing this on my iPhone as I sit in Egypt being served by my girls and my nephew Levi. My mother in law and I are being served delicious strawberry shakes. Ok so we're not in the country of Egypt, but at the Children's Museum in Indianapolis. It's the biggest Children's Museum in the country. The kids love this place. The girls hung out with Barbie and they'll soon see Dora and Diego.

I can't wait to show you pictures from our road trip and 4th of July. We've had a blast. Sad to see it end. Back to the real world in the morning.