**UPDATE
We have changed the Friday, March 30 playdate to the Zoo. We will meet by the penguins at 11:00 am. Bring lunch with you!
It's almost March! Yay! Time for Daylight Savings to begin, the first day of spring, and more playdates to get us out of the house. ;)
Our first playdate will be Monday, March 12 at 9:30 am at Lisa Berg's house. Let me know if you are able to come. I will send out an email with her address and directions to her house. Thanks for hosting, Lisa!
Our second playdate will be Friday, March 30 at 10:00 am at Kids in Motion again. We had such fun last time that we thought we'd do it again. Feel free to bring your lunch along if you want. There are tables to eat at and they allow food to be brought in. Bonus! Kids and parents need to wear socks in the play area. You won't want to miss this one!
I'm looking ahead and thinking about our April playdates. Please let me know if you are willing to host one at your home in April.
Looking forward to our March playdates! Invite a friend!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Busy Day Stew
Pretend it's Thursday. I know I'm trying to. I need one more day in this week.
I came across this recipe in Women's World magazine. It looked good and thought I would try it. It wasn't too bad in the points department either and it was easy to put together, too.
Busy Day Stew
1 1/2 lbs boneless cubed stewing beef, trimmed
2 Tbs. flour
2 Tbs. oil
1 env. (1 oz) onion soup mix, from 2 oz pkg
2 1/4 cups canned tomatoes with juice
4 carrots, cut into chunks
4 potatoes, cut into chunks
1 1/2 cups frozen peas
In plastic food storage bag, shake beef cubes with flour until meat is well coated. In large pot, heat oil on medium-high heat. Add beef, in batches, and saute until browned, removing as it browns. Return all beef cubes with accumulated juices to pot.
Combine soup mix and 1 cup water. Pour over beef. Bring to boil. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook slowly until beef is almost tender, 40 minutes to 1 hour, 15 minutes. I needed to add more water.
Add tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes. (I also added more water because the original recipe didn't call for potatoes. This potato-loving girl couldn't imagine beef stew without them. ;); bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until vegetables and meat are tender, 25-35 minutes. Add peas during last 5 minutes of cooking. If mixture becomes too thick, add extra water.
1/6th of recipe is 9 points plus. (without potatoes 7 points plus)
I came across this recipe in Women's World magazine. It looked good and thought I would try it. It wasn't too bad in the points department either and it was easy to put together, too.
Busy Day Stew1 1/2 lbs boneless cubed stewing beef, trimmed
2 Tbs. flour
2 Tbs. oil
1 env. (1 oz) onion soup mix, from 2 oz pkg
2 1/4 cups canned tomatoes with juice
4 carrots, cut into chunks
4 potatoes, cut into chunks
1 1/2 cups frozen peas
In plastic food storage bag, shake beef cubes with flour until meat is well coated. In large pot, heat oil on medium-high heat. Add beef, in batches, and saute until browned, removing as it browns. Return all beef cubes with accumulated juices to pot.
Combine soup mix and 1 cup water. Pour over beef. Bring to boil. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook slowly until beef is almost tender, 40 minutes to 1 hour, 15 minutes. I needed to add more water.
Add tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes. (I also added more water because the original recipe didn't call for potatoes. This potato-loving girl couldn't imagine beef stew without them. ;); bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until vegetables and meat are tender, 25-35 minutes. Add peas during last 5 minutes of cooking. If mixture becomes too thick, add extra water.
1/6th of recipe is 9 points plus. (without potatoes 7 points plus)
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
My Life As a Mom of 4 by Emily Lex
I know that it's not the first Friday of the month but I came across this post written by the beloved Emily Lex of Jones Design Company and I had to share it with you.
I know we all drool over Emily's blog and envy her amazing God-given talent and eye for design. I know many of us think "Man, I wish I had HER life. She has it all together."
This post is raw and real and is a great example of how EVERY mom struggles. I don't care how put together someone's life looks; as a mom, we all have struggles.
Read her post, on being a mother of four, here.
I have to say, I like her even more after reading it.
And boy, can I relate to it. When my youngest was born, I felt like a 3 ring circus every time we were in public. I felt like people stared at us with 4 kids in tow. I wonder what it will be like when #5 arrives ...
Life with big families - I wouldn't trade it.
I know we all drool over Emily's blog and envy her amazing God-given talent and eye for design. I know many of us think "Man, I wish I had HER life. She has it all together."
This post is raw and real and is a great example of how EVERY mom struggles. I don't care how put together someone's life looks; as a mom, we all have struggles.
Read her post, on being a mother of four, here.
I have to say, I like her even more after reading it.
And boy, can I relate to it. When my youngest was born, I felt like a 3 ring circus every time we were in public. I felt like people stared at us with 4 kids in tow. I wonder what it will be like when #5 arrives ...
Life with big families - I wouldn't trade it.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy Valentines Day!
Check out my sister Stacey's blog, My Adventure Book, for my love story post and read the other love stories there as well!
Have a love-filled day!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Just Because He's Good
Psalm 100
A psalm. For giving grateful praise.
1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Joel and Lauren decided to move from Washington State back home to Michigan. Wanting to make one last special memory, they bought coffee from their favorite cafe and then stopped at their favorite bookstore. There they picked up two bumper stickers with a favorite motto of the town they were saying goodbye to: “It’s an Edmonds kind of day.”
After 2 weeks and a 3,000-mile drive, they entered Michigan. Hungry and wanting to celebrate their arrival, they stopped and asked about where to find a restaurant. Although they had to backtrack a few miles, they found a quaint little cafe. Emma, their waitress, excited to learn they were from her home state of Washington, asked, “What city?” “Edmonds,” they replied. “That’s where I’m from!” she said. Wanting to share the joy, Joel got their extra bumper sticker from the car and handed it to her. Amazingly, the sticker was from her mother’s store! It had gone from her mom’s hands to theirs, across 3,000 miles, to her hands.
Mere coincidence? Or were these experiences good gifts orchestrated by a good God who loves to encourage His children? Proverbs tells us, “A man’s steps are directed by the Lord” (20:24 NIV). In response, let’s “bless His name. For the Lord is good” (Ps. 100:4-5).
Bestowed with benefits daily,
Sent from the Father above;
Mercies and blessings abounding,
Gifts of His marvelous love. —Anon.
Every good gift comes from the Father.
-Our Daily Bread odb.org
A psalm. For giving grateful praise.
1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Joel and Lauren decided to move from Washington State back home to Michigan. Wanting to make one last special memory, they bought coffee from their favorite cafe and then stopped at their favorite bookstore. There they picked up two bumper stickers with a favorite motto of the town they were saying goodbye to: “It’s an Edmonds kind of day.”
After 2 weeks and a 3,000-mile drive, they entered Michigan. Hungry and wanting to celebrate their arrival, they stopped and asked about where to find a restaurant. Although they had to backtrack a few miles, they found a quaint little cafe. Emma, their waitress, excited to learn they were from her home state of Washington, asked, “What city?” “Edmonds,” they replied. “That’s where I’m from!” she said. Wanting to share the joy, Joel got their extra bumper sticker from the car and handed it to her. Amazingly, the sticker was from her mother’s store! It had gone from her mom’s hands to theirs, across 3,000 miles, to her hands.
Mere coincidence? Or were these experiences good gifts orchestrated by a good God who loves to encourage His children? Proverbs tells us, “A man’s steps are directed by the Lord” (20:24 NIV). In response, let’s “bless His name. For the Lord is good” (Ps. 100:4-5).
Bestowed with benefits daily,
Sent from the Father above;
Mercies and blessings abounding,
Gifts of His marvelous love. —Anon.
Every good gift comes from the Father.
-Our Daily Bread odb.org
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
February Playdate
Next Monday, February 13 will be our only February playdate. It will be at Juliann's house at 10:30 am. I will email directions to her home. It's going to be a little Valentine celebration! We will be making homemade valentines and having tasty treats.
Please let me know as soon as possible if you are planning on attending. Hope you can make it!
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
My Life As a Mom of 3 Boys
Today, I am pleased to introduce my friend, Juliann, as our guest blogger. She is a wonderful mother and friend. Her boys (all 4 of them) are SO blessed to have her!
******************************************
Not alone! That is my new motto in life, let me explain. I am a mother to three wonderful boys. I love them so much and life without them would seem so strange.
A little about me: I am a planner, an organizer, basically a choleric of great magnitude. Bottom line, I like being in control of the situation and I don't like change.
My children: I did not plan my children. God definitely knows what was best. His timing is perfect and I am reminded of that often. My children all have such different personalities and I know that is for a much bigger purpose.
Let me rewind a little. When Chris and I were dating and the topic of kids came up, he said he wanted 4 girls and I laughed that I WOULD NOT have more than 2 and if they were girls we would separate when they turned into teenagers. (Partly serious, but mainly joking).
So then, surprise! just before we celebrated our first year of marriage I found out I was pregnant. (Not part of my plan.) Jaydn was born and despite my horrific pregnancy, not planned c-section and 12+ pound baby, he was perfect. I used to say that if all my kids were like him (temperament), I would have a dozen kids. I did actually change my mind at this point about the number of kids that I wanted. It's funny how I went from wanting only 2 to 'Why not 3 or 4?'.
Keagn (number two) came later than I would have liked. Growing up in a family that is so spaced apart, I really over concerned myself with my kids being close together in age. I have to laugh at the fact that he is so like me, in so many ways.
Then came Ryley, this is where my life just didn't seem right. After he was born, I went into a period of life I refer to as my 'mommy crazies'. I had great regrets after he was born, like 'this child ruined my life.' I wondered why. God, why! Hindsight is so clear, I was a new mom of three kids, with a lot of changes that happened over that year. The biggest was that my work moved me back to a full time position, gave me brand new work to learn, all while I had a baby at home that would not sleep. Oh, and two other boys that craved attention. I was a walking zombie.
Unfortunately, it took me a while to get back to the realization that it was all in my head. I referred to that year as my year of just being crazy. I now am so thankful that I made it through that rough period of life. I also realize Ryley is such a blessing. He adds such a sense of gratitude that is great for our family.
The biggest struggle I have felt is that having kids has made me insecure. I never remember feeling that way, even as a teenager. Now it is as though I don't have control, because I am being scrutinized by people not just for me, but for the three little men that don't always do what I want them to do. That is hard for me.
With this new found insecurity is the struggle to let others in. That is where my new motto comes in to place. After an amazing time at the REFRESH 2012 event, I had a few great reminders.
First, I am not alone in my struggles. Even though my circumstances in life are not necessarily the same as yours, as moms we share a load in life that is much easier if shared with others.
Second, it is not my job to make sure my kids are perfect, but rather to be the best example to them of how to live, and PRAY for them. God has entrusted them to me, but they are not mine, they are His.
Lastly, don't be afraid to reach out to other moms. I was so afraid to admit I needed others and shut people out, when I needed them most. We need friendships with each other! What better gift to pass along to our children than the example of great friendships.
********************************************
Thank you, Juliann! These are great reminders for us all. We are not alone. Isn't it great that we have each other in this crazy adventure? :)
******************************************
Not alone! That is my new motto in life, let me explain. I am a mother to three wonderful boys. I love them so much and life without them would seem so strange.A little about me: I am a planner, an organizer, basically a choleric of great magnitude. Bottom line, I like being in control of the situation and I don't like change.
My children: I did not plan my children. God definitely knows what was best. His timing is perfect and I am reminded of that often. My children all have such different personalities and I know that is for a much bigger purpose.
Let me rewind a little. When Chris and I were dating and the topic of kids came up, he said he wanted 4 girls and I laughed that I WOULD NOT have more than 2 and if they were girls we would separate when they turned into teenagers. (Partly serious, but mainly joking).
So then, surprise! just before we celebrated our first year of marriage I found out I was pregnant. (Not part of my plan.) Jaydn was born and despite my horrific pregnancy, not planned c-section and 12+ pound baby, he was perfect. I used to say that if all my kids were like him (temperament), I would have a dozen kids. I did actually change my mind at this point about the number of kids that I wanted. It's funny how I went from wanting only 2 to 'Why not 3 or 4?'.
Keagn (number two) came later than I would have liked. Growing up in a family that is so spaced apart, I really over concerned myself with my kids being close together in age. I have to laugh at the fact that he is so like me, in so many ways.
Then came Ryley, this is where my life just didn't seem right. After he was born, I went into a period of life I refer to as my 'mommy crazies'. I had great regrets after he was born, like 'this child ruined my life.' I wondered why. God, why! Hindsight is so clear, I was a new mom of three kids, with a lot of changes that happened over that year. The biggest was that my work moved me back to a full time position, gave me brand new work to learn, all while I had a baby at home that would not sleep. Oh, and two other boys that craved attention. I was a walking zombie.
Unfortunately, it took me a while to get back to the realization that it was all in my head. I referred to that year as my year of just being crazy. I now am so thankful that I made it through that rough period of life. I also realize Ryley is such a blessing. He adds such a sense of gratitude that is great for our family.
The biggest struggle I have felt is that having kids has made me insecure. I never remember feeling that way, even as a teenager. Now it is as though I don't have control, because I am being scrutinized by people not just for me, but for the three little men that don't always do what I want them to do. That is hard for me.
With this new found insecurity is the struggle to let others in. That is where my new motto comes in to place. After an amazing time at the REFRESH 2012 event, I had a few great reminders.
First, I am not alone in my struggles. Even though my circumstances in life are not necessarily the same as yours, as moms we share a load in life that is much easier if shared with others.
Second, it is not my job to make sure my kids are perfect, but rather to be the best example to them of how to live, and PRAY for them. God has entrusted them to me, but they are not mine, they are His.
Lastly, don't be afraid to reach out to other moms. I was so afraid to admit I needed others and shut people out, when I needed them most. We need friendships with each other! What better gift to pass along to our children than the example of great friendships.
********************************************
Thank you, Juliann! These are great reminders for us all. We are not alone. Isn't it great that we have each other in this crazy adventure? :)
Yesterday's Post Re-visited
Thank you for all of the kind, caring comments and emails! I probably sounded way more dramatic than I felt yesterday (hello - hormones!).
I just wanted you to know that I KNOW that I'm not a failure. I'm a child of God, how could I be? I am just feeling like I can't keep up with my regular schedule and it is frustrating for me. I just need to give myself a little bit of a break this year and realize I need to slow things way down. And that's OK.
Until I figure out how to do that, I'll try not to whine and complain. :)
Look back later for our newest My Life As a Mom guest post!
Happy Friday!
I just wanted you to know that I KNOW that I'm not a failure. I'm a child of God, how could I be? I am just feeling like I can't keep up with my regular schedule and it is frustrating for me. I just need to give myself a little bit of a break this year and realize I need to slow things way down. And that's OK.
Until I figure out how to do that, I'll try not to whine and complain. :)
Look back later for our newest My Life As a Mom guest post!
Happy Friday!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Feeling Like a Failure
I know you were expecting a recipe today because it's Thursday. I don't have one for you.
I'm having a hard time this week with feeling like a failure. I've been feeling stretched too thin and, with my fragile emotions, ready to break.
It's been birthday week around here. My hubby's birthday was the other day and my daughter's is today. I'm trying to be excited and fun but I. Just. Can't. I'm exhausted ... like really exhausted. I hate it.
Pregnancy really knocks me on my butt. I thought this time would be different and I'm trying REALLY hard to make it different but I'm finding myself slip back into old patterns.
I feel bad because I just can't keep up. My housework, laundry, this blog, everything seems to be falling way behind (more behind than usual). I keep telling myself that soon this hard part will be over and things will get better - I hope.
Wow, what a downer of a post. Sorry. I think I just needed to get that out. I apologize if my blog posts are sporadic and somewhat lacking. But right now, it's just the way it is.
To end this on a lighter, very meaningless way, I went shopping for maternity jeans today. Wow, have they changed over the years. I haven't really shopped for actual maternity clothes for several pregnancies. Because I was so heavy to start, I could pretty much just wear my regular, baggy clothes.
This time around, I am down to ONE pair of pants that fit comfortably. I'm getting kind of sick of them. But I haven't really wanted to drag myself out shopping either (that should show you just how exhausted I am. I LOVE to shop!).
So today I was out buying my daughter's birthday present and decided to look at Target while I was there. They had one type of maternity jeans. Why is it that when I'm not pregnant, the maternity selection in stores is huge and adorable. As soon as I am, they offer NOTHING!!
Anyway, I discovered that my legs and bottom are obviously a size or two smaller than my midsection (yay for being a mom!). So, I am able to wear a size or two smaller in maternity jeans. Totally awesome! I think I just might keep shopping in the maternity section from now on. The selection will be terrible but who cares when you can buy a smaller size?!? Just kidding ... I think.
Have a great Groundhogs Day!! Celebrate the fact that we only have 6 more weeks of winter!! Yeehaw!
I'm having a hard time this week with feeling like a failure. I've been feeling stretched too thin and, with my fragile emotions, ready to break.
It's been birthday week around here. My hubby's birthday was the other day and my daughter's is today. I'm trying to be excited and fun but I. Just. Can't. I'm exhausted ... like really exhausted. I hate it.
Pregnancy really knocks me on my butt. I thought this time would be different and I'm trying REALLY hard to make it different but I'm finding myself slip back into old patterns.
I feel bad because I just can't keep up. My housework, laundry, this blog, everything seems to be falling way behind (more behind than usual). I keep telling myself that soon this hard part will be over and things will get better - I hope.
Wow, what a downer of a post. Sorry. I think I just needed to get that out. I apologize if my blog posts are sporadic and somewhat lacking. But right now, it's just the way it is.
To end this on a lighter, very meaningless way, I went shopping for maternity jeans today. Wow, have they changed over the years. I haven't really shopped for actual maternity clothes for several pregnancies. Because I was so heavy to start, I could pretty much just wear my regular, baggy clothes.
This time around, I am down to ONE pair of pants that fit comfortably. I'm getting kind of sick of them. But I haven't really wanted to drag myself out shopping either (that should show you just how exhausted I am. I LOVE to shop!).
So today I was out buying my daughter's birthday present and decided to look at Target while I was there. They had one type of maternity jeans. Why is it that when I'm not pregnant, the maternity selection in stores is huge and adorable. As soon as I am, they offer NOTHING!!
Anyway, I discovered that my legs and bottom are obviously a size or two smaller than my midsection (yay for being a mom!). So, I am able to wear a size or two smaller in maternity jeans. Totally awesome! I think I just might keep shopping in the maternity section from now on. The selection will be terrible but who cares when you can buy a smaller size?!? Just kidding ... I think.
Have a great Groundhogs Day!! Celebrate the fact that we only have 6 more weeks of winter!! Yeehaw!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Well, Hello!!
It's been a while and I apologize. Last week, I was busy getting ready for our REFRESH event and since then I've been recovering from the REFRESH event. I'm kidding. I am exhausted but it is a good exhaustion and I thought I'd give myself a couple more days of bloggy vacation. I hope you don't mind.
So, let's recap ...
REFRESH was awesome!! It was an amazing day and I could see God's hand over the whole event. It would have never worked out so well if it had been just my event. It was God's day and He did not disappoint us. The group of women that came on Saturday was perfect. Everyone got along and opened up to each other and created an environment of safety and security. The older moms all took a part in mentoring the younger moms and it was beautiful to watch.
For those of you who weren't able to come, let me give you an idea of our day ...
The ladies were welcomed at the door and received their gift bags. Inside the bags were: a journal, pen, chocolate!, recipe cards with the recipe for Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup (yum), a schedule of the day, slips for the giveaways, and a card for questions for our Q & A panel.
Once inside the cafe, we ate the yummiest muffins and fruit, entered the giveaways, wrote down our questions, and drank coffee and hot chocolate. After that, we made our way into the sanctuary for worship. Lisa and the whole worship team did an excellent job of leading worship. It was a refreshing way to start our day.
After worship, it was my turn ... I knew from the beginning this was something I was supposed to do but dreaded it something fierce. God was gracious. He gave me exactly what to say. My only job was to drag my body on stage and stay upright while talking. I think I succeeded in that. I know I wasn't eloquent but God used that time to touch women. I had SO many women come up to me afterward and just hug me and tell me that they could relate and they thanked me for having the guts to do what I did. So was it all worth it? Definitely! Would I want to do it again any time soon? Probably not but if God decided He wanted me to, I would obey.
Next came our skit called "Doubly Blessed." Each of the women did such an awesome job!! It's like the parts were written just for them and the message was so powerful. The skit was about the Holy Spirit guiding 4 women to do things they normally wouldn't do but ended up being a blessing and being blessed at the same time by doing them.
After the skit, our speaker, Kristina Hill, led a great talk/discussion on behavior management. She had such wise advice and included all of the women in a group discussion. We all left with some great handouts, as well.
We all broke up into our different craft workshops after this. Each of our workshop leaders did a super job with their groups! The crafts that were created were really awesome and everyone had fun making them.
Next up was lunch!! It was delicious! The soup, salad, rolls, and homemade dessert were all a delight. I thoroughly enjoyed my lunch and I know the others did as well. We announced half of our wonderful giveaways at the end of lunch and the winners were thrilled!
After lunch, was our Q & A panel with 4 older, wiser moms. It was such an excellent time! The questions were great and the answers were very helpful. These women did such an amazing job and were such a blessing! Then we split up into small groups. Each of the panel moms took a group of women into another room. We discussed more, introduced ourselves, prayed, and made connections.
We ended the day with an individual quiet time for the ladies to just be still before the Lord. We sort of ran out of time, so it was a shortened version of what we were hoping for. I pray that God's will was done through it, though.
At the very end of the day, Charlotte told us of all the exciting things coming up and finished announcing the awesome giveaways.
It was such a fun day! There were so many people involved in this day and I can't thank them enough for their help! Before the day was even over, everyone was talking about next year's event. Even Pastor Todd made mention to next year from the pulpit. So, if you missed out this year, there will always be next year!! :)
And if you haven't heard yet ... a big announcement was made later in the day! God has decided to bless our family with baby #5! This month has been wild to say the least! I'm looking forward to what God has in store for the rest of the year!
Thank you for praying!! Everyone felt your prayers and it was a blessed day!
*Photos courtesy of Michelle Pope
**I took these pictures from my sister's blog. She made these awesome photo montages because she's cool like that. Thanks, Kelly! ;) If you want to check out her recap of REFRESH and see where I stole the pictures from, visit her blog here.
So, let's recap ...
REFRESH was awesome!! It was an amazing day and I could see God's hand over the whole event. It would have never worked out so well if it had been just my event. It was God's day and He did not disappoint us. The group of women that came on Saturday was perfect. Everyone got along and opened up to each other and created an environment of safety and security. The older moms all took a part in mentoring the younger moms and it was beautiful to watch.
For those of you who weren't able to come, let me give you an idea of our day ...
The ladies were welcomed at the door and received their gift bags. Inside the bags were: a journal, pen, chocolate!, recipe cards with the recipe for Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup (yum), a schedule of the day, slips for the giveaways, and a card for questions for our Q & A panel.
Once inside the cafe, we ate the yummiest muffins and fruit, entered the giveaways, wrote down our questions, and drank coffee and hot chocolate. After that, we made our way into the sanctuary for worship. Lisa and the whole worship team did an excellent job of leading worship. It was a refreshing way to start our day.
After worship, it was my turn ... I knew from the beginning this was something I was supposed to do but dreaded it something fierce. God was gracious. He gave me exactly what to say. My only job was to drag my body on stage and stay upright while talking. I think I succeeded in that. I know I wasn't eloquent but God used that time to touch women. I had SO many women come up to me afterward and just hug me and tell me that they could relate and they thanked me for having the guts to do what I did. So was it all worth it? Definitely! Would I want to do it again any time soon? Probably not but if God decided He wanted me to, I would obey.
Next came our skit called "Doubly Blessed." Each of the women did such an awesome job!! It's like the parts were written just for them and the message was so powerful. The skit was about the Holy Spirit guiding 4 women to do things they normally wouldn't do but ended up being a blessing and being blessed at the same time by doing them.
After the skit, our speaker, Kristina Hill, led a great talk/discussion on behavior management. She had such wise advice and included all of the women in a group discussion. We all left with some great handouts, as well.
We all broke up into our different craft workshops after this. Each of our workshop leaders did a super job with their groups! The crafts that were created were really awesome and everyone had fun making them.
Next up was lunch!! It was delicious! The soup, salad, rolls, and homemade dessert were all a delight. I thoroughly enjoyed my lunch and I know the others did as well. We announced half of our wonderful giveaways at the end of lunch and the winners were thrilled!
After lunch, was our Q & A panel with 4 older, wiser moms. It was such an excellent time! The questions were great and the answers were very helpful. These women did such an amazing job and were such a blessing! Then we split up into small groups. Each of the panel moms took a group of women into another room. We discussed more, introduced ourselves, prayed, and made connections.
We ended the day with an individual quiet time for the ladies to just be still before the Lord. We sort of ran out of time, so it was a shortened version of what we were hoping for. I pray that God's will was done through it, though.
At the very end of the day, Charlotte told us of all the exciting things coming up and finished announcing the awesome giveaways.
It was such a fun day! There were so many people involved in this day and I can't thank them enough for their help! Before the day was even over, everyone was talking about next year's event. Even Pastor Todd made mention to next year from the pulpit. So, if you missed out this year, there will always be next year!! :)
And if you haven't heard yet ... a big announcement was made later in the day! God has decided to bless our family with baby #5! This month has been wild to say the least! I'm looking forward to what God has in store for the rest of the year!
Thank you for praying!! Everyone felt your prayers and it was a blessed day!
*Photos courtesy of Michelle Pope
**I took these pictures from my sister's blog. She made these awesome photo montages because she's cool like that. Thanks, Kelly! ;) If you want to check out her recap of REFRESH and see where I stole the pictures from, visit her blog here.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Pray for REFRESH
This Saturday is the REFRESH event! We are so excited and have been working very hard to make this a special day.
Please take some time to pray for REFRESH! Whether you are able to come or not, we would appreciate your prayers for moms to be refreshed, lives to be touched, and connections to be made.
God has had His hand on this event from the beginning and I know He is going to be there until completion. Your prayers will help ward off the attacks of the enemy and the ways he uses to stop God's work.
Thank you for praying! To God be the Glory!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Lemon Bars
I'm always trying to concoct new dessert recipes. They aren't always the BEST tasting but since they are also healthier, I think they make a pretty good substitute.
My mom was recently having a craving for something lemony. I figured I was up for the challenge. Here is what I came up with. My daughter loves them, by the way! (Bonus point :)
Lemon bars
1 pkg lemon cake mix
1/4 cup light butter, softened
2 egg whites
Mix together. Press into bottom of ungreased 9x13 pan. Bake 350 degrees for about 12 min. until they are slightly browned and puffy. Cool.
2 pkg. Instant sugar free lemon pudding
2 3/4 cup skim milk
Whisk together for 2 min. Pour over cooled crust. Refrigerate to set. Top with Cool Whip free.
Makes 24 bars. 1 bar = 3 pp
My mom was recently having a craving for something lemony. I figured I was up for the challenge. Here is what I came up with. My daughter loves them, by the way! (Bonus point :)
Lemon bars
1 pkg lemon cake mix
1/4 cup light butter, softened
2 egg whites
Mix together. Press into bottom of ungreased 9x13 pan. Bake 350 degrees for about 12 min. until they are slightly browned and puffy. Cool.
2 pkg. Instant sugar free lemon pudding
2 3/4 cup skim milk
Whisk together for 2 min. Pour over cooled crust. Refrigerate to set. Top with Cool Whip free.
Makes 24 bars. 1 bar = 3 pp
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Ideas To Make Life Easier
I received an email with the following "ideas to make life easier." I thought some of them were pretty clever! I'm all about making my life easier. :)
Hull strawberries easily using a straw.
Rubbing a walnut over scratches in your furniture
will disguise dings and scrapes.
Remove crayon masterpieces from your TV or
computer screen with WD40.
Stop cut apples browning in your child’s lunch box
by securing with a rubber band.
Overhaul your linen cupboard, store bed linen sets
inside one of their own pillowcases and there will
be no more hunting through piles for a match.
Pump up the volume by placing your iPhone & iPod
in a bowl. The concave shape amplifies the music.
Re-use a wet-wipes container to store plastic bags.
Add this item to your beach bag. Baby powder
gets sand off your skin easily, who knew?!
Attach a Velcro strip to the wall to store soft toys.
Use wire to make a space to store gift wrap rolls
against the ceiling, rather than cluttering up the
floor.
Find tiny lost items like earrings by putting a
stocking over the vacuum hose.
Make an instant cupcake carrier by cutting
crosses into a box lid.
For those who can’t stand the scrunching and
bunching: how to perfectly fold a fitted sheet.
Forever losing your bathroom essentials? Use
magnetic strips to store bobby pins, tweezers
and clippers, behind a vanity door.
Store shoes inside shower caps to stop dirty
soles rubbing on your clothes. And you can
find them in just about every hotel.
A muffin pan becomes a craft caddy. Magnets
hold the plastic cups down to make them
tip-resistant.
Bread tags make the perfect cord labels.
Bake cupcakes directly in ice-cream cones, so
much more fun and easier for kids to eat.
Microwave your own popcorn in a plain brown paper
bag. Much healthier and cheaper than the packet
stuff.
Install a tension rod to hang your spray bottles.
Turn your muffin pan upside down, bake cookie-dough
over the top and voila, you have cookie bowls for fruit
or ice-cream.
Freeze Aloe Vera in ice-cube trays for soothing
sunburn relief.
Create a window-box veggie patch using guttering.
Use egg cartons to separate and store your
Christmas decorations.
Hull strawberries easily using a straw.
Rubbing a walnut over scratches in your furniture
will disguise dings and scrapes.
Remove crayon masterpieces from your TV or
computer screen with WD40.
Stop cut apples browning in your child’s lunch box
by securing with a rubber band.
Overhaul your linen cupboard, store bed linen sets
inside one of their own pillowcases and there will
be no more hunting through piles for a match.
Pump up the volume by placing your iPhone & iPod
in a bowl. The concave shape amplifies the music.
Re-use a wet-wipes container to store plastic bags.
Add this item to your beach bag. Baby powder
gets sand off your skin easily, who knew?!
Attach a Velcro strip to the wall to store soft toys.
Use wire to make a space to store gift wrap rolls
against the ceiling, rather than cluttering up the
floor.
Find tiny lost items like earrings by putting a
stocking over the vacuum hose.
Make an instant cupcake carrier by cutting
crosses into a box lid.
For those who can’t stand the scrunching and
bunching: how to perfectly fold a fitted sheet.
Forever losing your bathroom essentials? Use
magnetic strips to store bobby pins, tweezers
and clippers, behind a vanity door.
Store shoes inside shower caps to stop dirty
soles rubbing on your clothes. And you can
find them in just about every hotel.
A muffin pan becomes a craft caddy. Magnets
hold the plastic cups down to make them
tip-resistant.
Bread tags make the perfect cord labels.
Bake cupcakes directly in ice-cream cones, so
much more fun and easier for kids to eat.
Microwave your own popcorn in a plain brown paper
bag. Much healthier and cheaper than the packet
stuff.
Install a tension rod to hang your spray bottles.
Turn your muffin pan upside down, bake cookie-dough
over the top and voila, you have cookie bowls for fruit
or ice-cream.
Freeze Aloe Vera in ice-cube trays for soothing
sunburn relief.
Create a window-box veggie patch using guttering.
Use egg cartons to separate and store your
Christmas decorations.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Snowman Coloring Sheet
http://www.crayola.com/free-coloring-pages/print/making-a-snowman-coloring-page/
**Sorry about the sideways picture. I couldn't figure out how to turn it. :)
Saturday, January 14, 2012
What I Ate
Well, how was your week? Are you back to your normal routine and eating with the holidays behind us? I hope it was an easy transition back for you. I don't have much for you this week but I do have one tip for you.
**Before I continue, let me say I am not a Dr. (duh) or healthcare professional in the least. This is my opinion and I have NO scientific evidence to prove what I have to say.**
Now that that's out of the way - I find taking a vitamin D supplement really helps me. I think it boosts my metabolism and helps me lose weight faster. I don't know this for a fact but I'm pretty convinced. Besides that, vitamin D boosts your immune system, prevents things like diabetes and cancer, and helps beat the winter blahs. Living in Wisconsin, most of us do not get adequate amounts of vitamin D which is naturally given to us by the sun.
Check it out. Talk to your doctor. Don't do anything crazy but try seeing if a supplement helps you to feel better overall. And if it boosts your metabolism, all the better.
If you take too much vitamin D, you can make yourself sick. Be smart and be careful.
Have a super-Duper week!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Kool-aid Playdough
This morning we had our playdate at Sarah's home. She showed each of the kids how to make Kool-aid playdough. It was very fun and smelled yummy! :) I thought I would share the recipe with you in case you'd like to try it.
Thanks, Sarah, for the fun time and recipe!
Kool-aid Playdough
10 oz. Flour
1/3 cup salt
1 pkg Kool-aid
1 Tbl vegetable oil
1/2 cup warm water
Mix all together. Knead the dough until it is the right consistency.
Have fun playing!
Thanks, Sarah, for the fun time and recipe!
Kool-aid Playdough
10 oz. Flour
1/3 cup salt
1 pkg Kool-aid
1 Tbl vegetable oil
1/2 cup warm water
Mix all together. Knead the dough until it is the right consistency.
Have fun playing!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Brownie Cookies
These are the yummiest, easiest cookies that I've had in a long while!Brownie Cookies
1 box Pillsbury Dark Chocolate Chunk cookie mix
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
3 T water
1 egg
Mix all together. It takes a little bit to mix in all of the dry mix but it will all turn into a soft dough.
The box says to form cookies with a teaspoon but I say Bah! Double it! It made 18 slightly larger cookies.
Bake at 375 degrees for about 10 mins. I slightly undercooked mine and they turned out fudgy delicious! I left them on the hot pan for several minutes until they were completely set.
These cookies tasted just like fudge brownies - so good! I didn't try it but I bet you could spread the dough in an 8 or 9 inch pan and bake them like brownies. Next time I will try that!
1 cookie (1/18th of recipe) = 3 points plus
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Just A Friendly Reminder ...
This Sunday, January 15 is the last day to turn in your registration forms for REFRESH!!
Just don't want you to forget! ;)
See you there!
Just don't want you to forget! ;)
See you there!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Speak, Lord, We Are Listening
I have been consistently starting my day with a devotional, prayer, and quiet time like I talked about last week. It amazes me how, so much of the time, each devotional feels like it was written just for me. Do you experience this, too? I'm sure you do.
Isn't it SO awesome how God is able to speak to us? Even when we are dealing with things that no one else knows about, God knows. He cares about us and wants to help us through it.
God has used so many different things to speak to me throughout my life. I love how He is able to communicate with us even though we aren't able to audibly hear His voice. He uses the Bible, the tuggings and nudgings in our heart, and even that still, small voice we feel/hear within ourselves.
I know that I've heard from many people who say that they've never heard from God.
Be still.
Wait.
Listen.
Most likely, you will not hear an audible voice but pay attention to the things I listed above. I've even had what felt like bells or alarms ringing in my head as a "wake up and pay attention" kind of message.
I don't think God only speaks to certain "special" people. He speaks to us all. We just need to recognize that it is God speaking and trying to get our attention.
We also need to slow down and listen.
Sometimes, I am guilty of being busy and not hearing one of my kids when they are talking to me. I'm not ignoring them, I just truly don't hear them because I am thinking about other things and trying to rush around and accomplish my plans. They are talking but I just don't hear them.
It's the same thing with hearing God speak to us. He talks but we just don't hear Him because we are thinking about other things and trying to rush around and accomplish our plans.
I urge you to take time to listen. I know that it is hard in the world we live in today. There is not a lot of "quiet" time to be had but if nothing else, quiet your soul and think on the Lord. We don't need to be in actual quiet to hear Him.
Just be listening ...
God has SO much to tell us. He wants to help us through this crazy life. He WILL help us if we let Him.
The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”
Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10
Isn't it SO awesome how God is able to speak to us? Even when we are dealing with things that no one else knows about, God knows. He cares about us and wants to help us through it.
God has used so many different things to speak to me throughout my life. I love how He is able to communicate with us even though we aren't able to audibly hear His voice. He uses the Bible, the tuggings and nudgings in our heart, and even that still, small voice we feel/hear within ourselves.
I know that I've heard from many people who say that they've never heard from God.
Be still.
Wait.
Listen.
Most likely, you will not hear an audible voice but pay attention to the things I listed above. I've even had what felt like bells or alarms ringing in my head as a "wake up and pay attention" kind of message.
I don't think God only speaks to certain "special" people. He speaks to us all. We just need to recognize that it is God speaking and trying to get our attention.
We also need to slow down and listen.
Sometimes, I am guilty of being busy and not hearing one of my kids when they are talking to me. I'm not ignoring them, I just truly don't hear them because I am thinking about other things and trying to rush around and accomplish my plans. They are talking but I just don't hear them.
It's the same thing with hearing God speak to us. He talks but we just don't hear Him because we are thinking about other things and trying to rush around and accomplish our plans.
I urge you to take time to listen. I know that it is hard in the world we live in today. There is not a lot of "quiet" time to be had but if nothing else, quiet your soul and think on the Lord. We don't need to be in actual quiet to hear Him.
Just be listening ...
God has SO much to tell us. He wants to help us through this crazy life. He WILL help us if we let Him.
The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”
Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
What I Ate ... and Ate ... and Ate
I struggled the week between Christmas and New Year's. I really thought I'd do ok but it was HARD!! The worst part was the mindless, nervous eating. I didn't anticipate that but I should have. Eating has long been my biggest coping mechanism. I thought I had conquered that but I realized that, most likely, this will be something I will struggle with forever. Thankfully, though, this past Tuesday we went back to real life and I went right back to sticking tightly to my points.
I was disappointed that I was unable to resist snacking on all of the yummy goodness that the holidays bring but I realized that I did WAY better than I have in year's past. So even though I slipped a little, I made better choices this year than I did last year. I hope that next year I make better choices than this year.
Weight loss is a journey. A long, slow journey full of ups and downs. As long as you ultimately head downward, you are doing great. Even if you stay horizontal for a while, you are doing a good job of keeping yourself from climbing back up.
This year is going to be an exciting year! Commit to making good choices. Set mini goals for yourself. I concentrate on 10 lbs at a time. That's all I can handle thinking about. :) Even if you don't meet your goals or things don't go as you want them to, be happy knowing that you have tried your hardest and have made healthy choices.
I'm so excited for all this year is going to bring. Get excited about your journey, too. Don't just focus on the goal, enjoy the journey as well. Be proud of your accomplishments and hard work. Celebrate (in a non-food way) each loss!
You deserve to be healthy, happy, and whole! Keep on keepin' on!!! It's all worth it!!
Friday, January 6, 2012
My Life As a Mom of a Teenager
I am tickled to introduce you to my friend, Deb, as this month's guest blogger. Deb is an outstanding teacher and mom. She is raising a teenager and is still alive to tell us about it. ;)
***********************************************
FOOTPRINTS OF THE HEART
When I close my eyes, I can still feel the gentle weight of my newborn son, wrapped in a white fuzzy blanket and nestled in my protective arms. How I loved to hold him close and smell his baby soft skin, rocking back and forth, back and forth. I think I will forever remember the wonder I felt as I looked at his tiny hands and feet. I recall stooping over again and again to pick up the doll-sized socks that kept slipping off his little feet, proof of just how small he was. The fierce sense of love that I felt was overwhelming, my joy undeniable.
Fast forward fourteen and a half years, those little feet have ballooned into man-sized feet, complete with hairy toes and a stench that'll make even the brave gag! That sweet baby smell and those gurgling coos are replaced with Axe cologne spray and a deep voice that complains and argues over whose turn it is to empty the dishwasher or take the garbage out. Gone is the obedient little boy who would willingly go to bed after a bedtime story and a good night snuggle. In that little boy's place is a defense lawyer in the making, ready at every turn to give a logical argument as to why he should be able to stay up as long as he likes or why a C- in Spanish class is really no big deal.
Just as I was amazed by all the simple abundance in my life all those years ago, so too am I amazed by all the change! The old cliché of time slipping by couldn't be truer. As desperately as I cling to those precious memories, hoping time will stand still, my son determinedly strives forward eager to get his driver's license and first job.
I often shake my head and rub my eyes certain that I will be back in that rocking chair, only to discover that I gave in to that bone weary exhaustion. But no, try as I may, the dirty socks and well worn tennis shoes littering my doorway are real.
I know that in the not-so-distant future, I will even miss those socks and shoes that I trip over each day. I may complain about the sassy attitude, the sloppy job he did of cleaning up the once-tidy bathroom, or of how he drinks milk not by the glass but by the gallon, and yet I wouldn't trade any of it because this season of motherhood is just as priceless as any other- maybe not so sweet smelling, but precious nonetheless!
Savor each moment and try not to stand in the way as that little baby takes a step forth, making a lasting footprint for all to admire.
*********************************************
Thank you for sharing, Deb! You even make it sound not so bad to have a teenager. :)
~ If you would like to share your story of motherhood with us, please let me know. We'd love to hear it! ~
***********************************************
FOOTPRINTS OF THE HEARTWhen I close my eyes, I can still feel the gentle weight of my newborn son, wrapped in a white fuzzy blanket and nestled in my protective arms. How I loved to hold him close and smell his baby soft skin, rocking back and forth, back and forth. I think I will forever remember the wonder I felt as I looked at his tiny hands and feet. I recall stooping over again and again to pick up the doll-sized socks that kept slipping off his little feet, proof of just how small he was. The fierce sense of love that I felt was overwhelming, my joy undeniable.
Fast forward fourteen and a half years, those little feet have ballooned into man-sized feet, complete with hairy toes and a stench that'll make even the brave gag! That sweet baby smell and those gurgling coos are replaced with Axe cologne spray and a deep voice that complains and argues over whose turn it is to empty the dishwasher or take the garbage out. Gone is the obedient little boy who would willingly go to bed after a bedtime story and a good night snuggle. In that little boy's place is a defense lawyer in the making, ready at every turn to give a logical argument as to why he should be able to stay up as long as he likes or why a C- in Spanish class is really no big deal. Just as I was amazed by all the simple abundance in my life all those years ago, so too am I amazed by all the change! The old cliché of time slipping by couldn't be truer. As desperately as I cling to those precious memories, hoping time will stand still, my son determinedly strives forward eager to get his driver's license and first job.
I often shake my head and rub my eyes certain that I will be back in that rocking chair, only to discover that I gave in to that bone weary exhaustion. But no, try as I may, the dirty socks and well worn tennis shoes littering my doorway are real.
I know that in the not-so-distant future, I will even miss those socks and shoes that I trip over each day. I may complain about the sassy attitude, the sloppy job he did of cleaning up the once-tidy bathroom, or of how he drinks milk not by the glass but by the gallon, and yet I wouldn't trade any of it because this season of motherhood is just as priceless as any other- maybe not so sweet smelling, but precious nonetheless!
Savor each moment and try not to stand in the way as that little baby takes a step forth, making a lasting footprint for all to admire.
*********************************************
Thank you for sharing, Deb! You even make it sound not so bad to have a teenager. :)
~ If you would like to share your story of motherhood with us, please let me know. We'd love to hear it! ~
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