Bedtime Tales to Mold Your Minions

Here 8pm is bedtime. Little teeth will be getting brushed. Every effort is made to squeeze out every last drop of pee, in hopes that the sheets live to die another day. Night lights get switched on and enough stuffed animals to fill an aisle at Toys R Us get dragged into bed. And last but most certainly not least a Bible story is read, a hymn is sung, and I tell each of the boys their "stuff" 

Their "stuff" is a nightly affirmation I came up with shortly after seeing the movie "The Help" In the film Aibileen Clark, an African American maid and nanny, tells the young girl she's been looking after  "You is kind. You is smart. You is important." So much of this movie was absolutely amazing, but this part really resonated with me. I wanted to make sure my children never had to hear from someone else how special they are. Now each night before they fall asleep I tell them "You are special, you are kind, you are brave, you are wise and I love you." 

Now if I'm not putting them to bed or somehow I forget, they will remind me "You have to say my stuff." It makes them feel good and as a mother it's an opportunity for me to try and make up for anything I may have said out of stress or anger that day, but most importantly it's a time that I can speak life to my children. 

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 18:21

Are my children always kind? The bruise above the middle sons eyebrow would indicate not. But when I speak to who they can be...who they will be, I am giving them the power to be who they are called to be. 

My kids enjoy Super Why and at the end of each episode there is always a character getting themselves into trouble because what has been spoken of them in their story. Wyatt and the gang save the day by replacing the words that have been spoken over the characters with new words making a new story! I encourage you to rewrite the words that were spoken over your child through out the day. 

Start a new tradition. Come up with your own "stuff". Let me know what affirmations you come up with for your little champions. 

Why God Says No to Ice Cream

My parents are the quintessential grandparents. My Step-Dad takes them on fun outings around the farm, my Mom spoils them and buys them junk food, all that good grandparent stuff.

Today was no different. While they were out they got McDonalds and soda, 2 things they almost never get. Shortly after they returned home I heard the dreaded sound. It was a ways off yet, but there was no mistaking it. It was…the ice cream man!! I started banging some pans in the sink to distract and cover the high pitched tunes of that diesel fueled pied piper. But alas, their tiny ears, that managed to miss me asking them to clean up, picked up on the stirring rendition of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.  

If you live along the east coast you probably know that its been a ridiculous winter. The kids have been pinned up inside for the last few months, to avoid the bitter cold. And if I’m totally honest to avoid me having to take 30 minutes to bundle them up so they can be outside for 10. But today was gorgeous, perfect ice cream man weather. I knew they had heard it before they ever said anything. With eyes wide and sugar coursing through their veins they pleaded with me. “Can we get ice cream!!!” I regretfully informed them they were past their sugar quota for the day. Then in a move that tugged at my heart strings they both stood in the window with sad puppy dog faces and waved as the ice cream man went by.

I knew that they REALLY wanted ice cream, I also knew that it wasn’t what they needed right now. It bummed me out that what they so desired, wasn’t wise for me to give them. I think this is how God feels sometimes. We beg and plead with Him for blessings, to answer yes to our prayers. But like any good parent He can see the long term affects, and says no. I believe it saddens Him to see us so disappointed. He isn’t trying to keep something from you, He is trying to get something to you. He wants you to know, just as I want my boys to know, the no isn’t because of something you’ve done wrong, its just what’s best. Trust Him, and don’t be afraid to ask when the ice cream man comes around cause one of these times it may just be a yes. 

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. Jer. 29:11 AMP

Peanut Butter Jelly Time

The peanut butter and jelly sandwich, one of life's simple pleasures. The taste of peanut butter and strawberry preserves takes me back to a simpler time. A time when all I had to worry about was what part of my lunch I would eat first. My kids eat a PB&J almost every day for lunch. Not because I am lazy, but because they truly love it. I've had the oldest turn down leftover pizza for lunch for a peanut butter and jelly before!

I simply adore peanut butter and am always looking for a new way to use it. Which brings us to this fabulous little recipe. Peanut butter and jelly inspired pancakes. This is so easy its silly! 

First, you'll need your favorite pancake recipe. (mine is listed for you at the bottom if you do not have one) Then, think of your favorite preserve flavor. My kids really love blueberry and raspberry preserves , we used blueberry this time. You will need fresh or frozen fruit in your favorite preserve flavor. Get your griddle or pan ready. 

While it's heating up lets make our peanut butter syrup. This stuff is so good, I would eat a flip flop if it was soaked in this syrup. 

You will need a 1/2 cup of maple syrup and 1/4 cup of peanut butter. Simply mix the two together and heat in the microwave for about 30 secs. Tadah! Told you it was easy.  

Let me stop here for a second and tell you about my love for Peter Pan Honey Roast peanut butter. It is hands down the best peanut butter ever! We go through A LOT of peanut butter here. We've tried off brands, major brands, niche stuff, this is the best. If you have not had it do yourself a favor and get it. When I was pregnant PB gave me terrible heartburn and I did without it for about 6 months. The day I got home from the hospital once everyone was asleep I got a big spoon full of this magical peanut butter and savored the awesomeness. Okay, end rant on awesome peanut butter. 

Now that your griddle is nice and hot take a little bit of crisco and grease the surface. I know what you're thinking. "Crisco?!? What about light organic coconut oil harvested by blind munks?" Harness your outrage for just a second. I know its not good for you and I know there are healthier options, but if you want that crisp golden brown crust on your pancake like at the dinners and pancake houses then Mama's little baby wants shortenin! After you have mixed all the ingredients for your pancake recipe. Let it rest in the fridge for a few minutes. This gives the gluten a chance to relax and you'll get a tender airy pancake! Start to spoon it out on your griddle. I use a 1/4 cup scoop to get nice even pancakes. Take the fruit you've chosen (if you have a larger fruit like strawberries, dice them) and put a spoonful on each pancake. Do not over flip your pancakes, this will make them tough. Cook until puffed up and the edges are dry, then flip. Cook the other side til golden brown. 

Stack them up pour on the delicious syrup you've made and enjoy! See I told you it was easy. 

Perfect Pancakes

• 1 large egg
• 1c. AP flour
• 1c. buttermilk at room temp
• 1tbl. dark brown sugar
• 2tbl. melted butter
• 3tsp. double acting baking powder
• 1/4tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Mix together all your dry ingredients with a whisk. Make sure to remove any lumps. 

In a separate bowl, beat together all of your wet ingredients. Be sure to temper your melted butter so it doesn't seize up on you. 

Combine the dry and the wet ingredients. Do not over mix! 

Pour on a greased 375 degree griddle, and get to flapping jacks! Yields nine 4-inch pancakes. 

Upping Your Coffee Game to Level Awesome

I lie there motionless, still slightly in a fog I slowly open my eyes. So badly I want to rollover and go back to sleep, but there is something there that urges me foreword. Like a siren drawing the unsuspecting sailor from the safety of his ship, it calls to me. I know I'll be warmer here in bed. I know that once I'm up thats it. I can't come back to this place for at least another 16 hours, but the siren sings louder. That siren is the smell of a freshly brewed pot of coffee. Like a shark smells blood in the water, I'm telling you I could smell that aroma from a mile off.

That may seem a bit intense to you. Like perhaps its a bit of an exaggeration. But I assure you my friends the struggle is real!!

I feel like as far as coffee is concerned there are coffee drinkers, coffee people, and coffee snobs. Coffee drinkers are those who like a cup to to get going in the morning, its part of routine for them. Not very picky, some of them even tolerate instant. She says as she shudders at the thought. Coffee people usually have some preference as to brand or roast. They are acquainted with the ordering process at Starschmucks...I mean Starbucks. And are most likely drinking more than one cup a day. Then there are coffee snobs. You may recognize us by our upturned noses. We support and prefer local coffee shops. We not only have a specific brand we prefer, but we prefer a certain brewing process and particular growing region. We silently judge you when we hear you try and be serious about Maxwell House. It isn't right, but its the facts.

I confess to you that I am a coffee snob, of the highest order. So much so in fact that I made it my job. I own a coffee and dessert catering company, Pour and Kneady Espresso Catering. I can't bear the thought of you going another day drinking subpar coffee, so I have a few simple tips here to improve your coffee game. As an connoisseur, an addict, a professional I beseech and implore thee, stop brewing blah coffee!

BEANS
As my girl, Julie Andrews, would say; Lets start at the very beginning. (crap, now that's going to be stuck in my head all day) Start with the freshest beans you can get! The bean comes from a cherry and so just like any other fruit the fresher the better! Now that you have fresh beans, you are going to want to take great care in how you store them. Keep them in an air tight container in a cool, dark, dry place. If you do not have a grinder and will be getting your coffee ground ahead of time, this part is imperative. DO NOT STORE YOUR GROUND COFFEE IN THE FREEZER!! Coffee breaks down quickly when exposed to light, extreme temperatures and oxygen. 
WATER
Unless you have a filtration system, stop using your tap water to do the brew. Iron, sulfur and other things in your water can greatly affect the taste of your coffee. Use cold, purified, bottled water. 
MEASURING
The proper amount of grinds per 6oz. of water is 2 tablespoons. Use measuring cups and spoons to make sure you are getting a precise measurement. Too few grinds can leave you with a bitter cup of joe. And only brew what you'll be able to drink now. Every time you heat up coffee, or just leave it out for that matter, it will affect the very volatile flavors and aromas of your brew. 

This is really just the tip of the iceberg. Iceberg...ice...iced coffee, we'll get to that another time. But if you begin to implement these things in your home brewing process, I assure you your coffee snob friends will thank you, your taste buds will thank you. And remember KEEP CALM and SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL COFFEE SHOP! (shout out to our friends and roasters at Pike Creek Coffee) 

This is my Mara Mug. It fits 16oz of coffee, is hand made in Mexico and no two are alike. If you are going to make a quality brew, I highly recommend drinking it out of a quality mug. 

An Observation in Authenticity

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING POST MAY BE UNCOMFORTABLE. Knowledge equals responsibility. Once you are aware you are officially accountable. If you wish to remain unaware and therefore unaccountable STOP HERE.

I have a babysitter for a few hours and errands to run. You have to use a lot of backroads to get to almost anywhere around here. Lots of two lane roads, lots of large farm vehicles, lots of opportunities to practice patience. The weather is nicer then it has been so with the windows cracked and the Christian heavy metal loud, I take the time to enjoy the journey.

I am a really good driver. As a type A personality, I am a rule follower at heart. I keep my hands at 10 and 2, keep a safe distance, check my mirrors frequently. As I look up to check my mirrors, I see him...or her I can't be certain. But you've encountered them as well. The people in a hurry to go nowhere. They are following me so closely, they can read the tag in the back of my shirt. I breathe a 10 count, and try to ignore them. I'm already going about 5 over the speed limit so I'm certainly not speeding up. Once we hit the dotted yellow line, they jerk into the other lane and zoom past. I smile at them, but its a rude, are you happy with yourself smile. Then I see it...the Jesus fish.

"You've gotta be flipping kidding me!" I say out loud to no one. This REALLY bothers me! 

1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 

If we look at the word ALL here, in its original context, it means....ALL. Fascinating isn't it. As disciples of Christ we have a responsibility to do every thing we do authentically. Meaning who we say we are should be evident in the way we live. Everything matters! Everything is being watched. Sometimes we are being watched by a world that needs to see Jesus. Sometimes we are being watched by our children, who need to know that their parents are who they say they are. That we are trustworthy, that we are real! How you drive, the way you treat the incompetent cashier, the way you tip. (Sorry about your toes, but I warned you at the beginning.) All of these things are evidence of the Christ who saved us. Take the stinking Jesus fish off the bumper, that makes you feel good about taking a stand and actually take a stand. Be authentic. Do every little thing for the glory of God. And the next time you feel the need to drive like a butt head, remind yourself, people are watching...Jesus is watching. You will mess up...I will mess up! But once we adjust the way we think, slowly it will affect the way we act, and that will affect our world!

Telling Stories

"You should write a blog?"..."I'll pass." 
"Have you ever thought about writing a blog?" .... "Like I have time for that!" 
"You should really think about writing a blog!" .... "You come do my dishes and clip my coupons and I'll start a blog!" 

All of those were my initial responses to blogging. I honestly had never really paid much attention to blogs. I had read a random one here and there, but never paid them much mind. Also I am seriously busy! I homeschool, lead a cell/small group, run a business, manage the feeding ministry at church, and am an all around domestic goddess. She says as she rolls her eyes. Not to mention I always tend to resist anything lots of people say I should be doing. Its one of the quirks left over from my rebel without a cause, maladjusted teen days. But here I am...blogging. So what happened?

One day I was reading a friends blog, The Purposeful Housewife, and I heard deep down inside me "You could do this." I ignored it and kept reading and then again "You should do this." Ummm I don't have time for this Lord, don't you know I have stuff to do! But it kept bugging me, like when your kid wants candy and you told him he can have some later. "Now?...Is it later now?....Hey Mom can I have that candy?" Until finally you're annoyed out of your activities to the point of action. I asked the Lord to tell me a name, give me a vision. You see most people need the Lord to urge them to speak up, not I! I need the Lord to constantly remind me to shut up! But there it was like a skilled game of grocery cart Tetris, everything was falling into place. I had something to say, something He needed me to say. 

And thats really the things isn't it? The thing the Lord needs you to say. Not the thing I can think of, or the thing I want to say, but the word deep down in my heart that He has given me to say. And here's the thing, you have something to say to! Not your opinion because the world doesn't need to hear your opinion, even if they want it. What they need is truth! They need your testimony, they need you to tell your story. You have the keys to someone's burning building...for Pete's sake let them out!! 

And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony...

Rev. 12:11a ESV

Stop Staying This!

Here we are, at the grocery store again. This is probably the third time we've been here this week, because those malnourished kids in the PediaSure commercials don't live at my house. I look at the list repeatedly, because somehow once I enter the store I turn into Dory from Finding Nemo and can't remember what it was I just read two seconds ago. One child is running his tongue down the edge of the raw meat display (that actually happened once), another is insisting on helping push the cart and running into every end cap (this happens every time), and the baby is farting so loud people think its me. I look up to scan the aisle numbers and make eye contact. CRAP! Here they come, they are going to say something to me. I know that they are going to say something to me because they are making that face that you make when you're waiting for someone to take a breath during conversation so you can say whatever it was you thought of while you were pretending to listen. I know I should be thinking of some way in that moment I could be Jesus in this situation, that I should be ready to love on them, but I will be totally honest all I can think is Please just walk by. Please don't say it. "Boy I bet you have your hands full!" THERE IT IS! What gave it away? The fact that my yoga pants have spit up on them or that I've left the house with deodorant only on one under arm and eyeliner on one eye?

Why do people always say that!?! How is that helpful? Thank you for pointing out the fact that it looks like I'm overwhelmed. How come no one ever says "Hang in there, you're doing a great job."?
How come I never say that?

Have you ever seen two bikers pass each other on the highway and they give the low wave? We mothers loaded down with kids, need some signal like this. Something that says "I feel your pain sister. I know you haven't bathed yet today, and thats okay. Cause you were brave enough to go out in public, so good on ya!"

So I offer you a challenge today, whether you are single or a Mom of one or a Mom of seven. (I'm stopping right now and praying for you, if that's you.) Next time you see a Mom that looks at the end of her rope, with kids hanging off of her like some sick game of barrel of monkeys. DO NOT SAY "You sure do have your hands full." (I imagine some hokey hardy har laugh here.) but instead encourage, lift up, edify. She needs it...we need it!!

And they're not always a handful.