Happy Mother's Day...Month

(...my computer was down for weeks. I wrote this for Mother's Day, but couldn't publish it. So, I'm publishing it in honor of Mother's Day Month. We can have that, right?! ;) ).
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The rolls would be piping hot, right from the oven. She would grab them, with bare hands, pop them open, and butter enough to feed 20+ hungry people. I remember thinking, "I want hands like hers."
She would (and still does) prepare Sunday lunch for 20 people without recipes and without measuring. She plants and grows beautiful flowers. She seems to know everything about gardening. She can plant and harvest a garden. I watched her raise and groom dogs. I watched her create clothing and crafts at her sewing machine. All the while, I thought to myself, "I want hands like hers."
My Mama.

The whirl of the sewing machine created the ambiance for my childhood. I watched in amazement at the skill and speed of her hands at the sewing machine creating perfectly frilly frocks for me and perfect crafts for any occasion. Anything she sets her hands to comes out perfectly (whether she thinks so or not). I always think, "I want hands like hers." Her cool hand on my feverish face always made me feel better. Her hand playing with my hair always put me at ease. Even now that I'm grown, her hand on my back makes me feel like everything will be okay. I want hands like her.
She gives selflessly without a thought to her own desires. She always has.
Her hands have rocked my baby to sleep and soothed him when I had no idea how to soothe him during his first weeks of life.
Her hands have taught me how to cook, how to care for my family, and how to show love to my babies. Her hands have taught me how to pray and how to reach for God until I can feel His hand on my face.
I want hands like hers.
My mom.

I've heard both women say their hands look old, ugly, or worn out. I see them as symbols of my childhood and my aspirations as a woman of God and a mother.

When I prepare a meal (and burn my hands in an attempt to handle too-hot food), I feel like I'm on my way to having hands like my Mama.
When my baby relaxes and closes his sleepy eyes when I brush his hair off his face, I feel like I'm on my way to having hands like my mom.

Hands that love, soothe, teach, create, provide, nurture, and pray.

I am beyond blessed to have these women in my life as my mom and mama. I couldn't ask for more talented or faithful women as examples to follow. They have modeled for me the things that really matter - mothering in everyday moments, providing your best for your family, and showing love just by letting a gangly, chatty, tween watch and try her best to be a little more like you.

I pray I remember these things as I raise my family. I pray my hands pass on the love that I've felt
from the hands of these women. I pray I can pass on the same faith that they've passed on to me.

"I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as we'll." -2 Timothy 1:5

Sweet and Sour Pasta Salad

With warmer weather outside, my appetite focuses on a few southern charms - fresh corn on the cob, fresh green beans, juicy ripe tomatoes, and grilling out. One of my favorite side dishes to go along with these dishes is pasta salad.

This recipe is a family favorite. My mom and mama make it, so I feel really domestic when I make it. ;)

I hope you enjoy!

Sweet and Sour Pasta Salad
(makes 2 servings) .... I normally half this recipe

1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 c mayo
1 c sugar
1 c vinegar
1 t salt
1/2 t pepper

prepared pasta
chopped and prepped fresh veggies of your choice

1.) Whisk together the first 6 ingredients
2.) Pour over pasta and veggies - stir and enjoy!

Couldn't be easier! :)

Cultivating a Toddler's Heart for Christ....Don't Give Up!

I'm writing this post at the end of one of THOSE days. One of those days when a super strong-willed toddler has made a scene in a restaurant, made a scene during maternity pictures, and cried for jellybeans during the entire 30 minute car ride home. It's one of THOSE days when bath and bedtime routines began at 6pm (would you judge me if I told you I actually fed him dinner while he was bathing?? ;) ).

...a strong will against pictures ;) ....and my 33 week bump...

But at the end of this day, while my husband and I sat with our sweet/funny/strong willed toddler, Samuel, in his room, a shining moment happened. Samuel picked up his prayer book and began reading to us. He turned to the correct page and "read" his verse: "The Lord's plans will stand forever". He turned a few more pages and said things like, "worship the Lord," and "God has a purpose for you."

we use and LOVE this devotional - Samuel calls it "Dear God" - you can find it here

I beamed. My husband frantically tried to secretly record this sweet moment. ;) We were both refreshed. Because, no matter the nights that Samuel will fight prayers or devotions, no matter the nights when he sings "Twinkle Twinkle" during our prayers, this shining moment was proof that SOMETHING is getting through to Him.

So mommas (and daddies), don't give up on devotions, prayer, Bible stories, etc. Even if our toddlers are flipping circles in their beds or singing the ABCs while you're reading devotions to them, SOMETHING will get through - God promised that His Word would never return void - it will always accomplish what He plans for it (Is 55:11) - like His plans for us to train up our children in the His ways (Prov 22:6). His Word won't return void...even when spoken to 2-year old ears. :) (and while I'm not to that point yet, I'm placing my bet that the same holds true for teenagers, as well!)


"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Gal 6:9)

Faith Like a Child

I was looking back on some notes I had written years ago, and came across this devotional note. I wrote it in March 2010, when this littlest chick was 3...she'll turn 7 this week (I'll have to admit I'm growing old one day, but not today!)

Samuel adores these girls!

Faith Like a Child

I had the privilege of babysitting my newly 3-year-old niece the other day. We were outside enjoying the spring weather when she looked across my front yard to the golf course in front of my house and very matter-of-factly stated, "I WILL play golf one day."

I've been spinning that statement over in my mind since she said it. Not only was her determination adorable, but it was also very encouraging. Here's why:

In 1 Timothy, Paul urges Timothy to "let no man despise [your] youth, but be an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, and in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). Perhaps Paul meant "youth" in more ways than one. We often think of physical youth. What about mental youth? Even inexperience? Isn't it always the youth or the inexperienced that face situations with a fresh courage. When beginning a new job we often enter the office with a fresh outlook and hope for change only to be knocked back by someone with more experience and frankly, more pessimism (often disguised as "common sense").

My niece's determination is the perfect example of Paul's charge to Timothy. Taking her to a golf course now and trying to teach her how to play would be nearly impossible. Or would it? We never know until we try.

What if we all had the same "youthful" determination/faith? Jesus urged his disciples to have a "childlike faith." Simply put, we should have a fresh-faced, optimistic faith. Children do not look at circumstances and consider the risks or obstacles: they simply "go". We, as adults, tend to look at our circumstances and talk ourselves out of possibilities.

The next time we are faced with a seemingly impossible or even slightly difficult task, instead of considering all the negative things that COULD happen, let's stare it down and, with a childlike determination, tell ourselves "I WILL do this." Whether it be faith in trusting God with finances, losing weight, changing our career, giving of yourself to help someone else, standing up against gossip, or fighting to save a marriage - look at that problem, put your hand in God's and DO that thing together.

Creamy Tomato Tortellini Skillet

I cannot take credit for this recipe. I wish I could. But, I can't.
I can take credit for pinning it on my ever-growing Pinterest "DinnerTime" board. (that counts toward culinary genius, right??)

We have a family of 3.5 (the half is fiercely kicking his way out through my belly button as I'm typing this...). We ate this for two meals - my husband ate it cold...(blah) - I did not - I warm my food, like a normal human being ;)

I must say that this recipe exceeded my usual budget for a meal, but it was so good and easy that I may keep it on my menu rotation. I'm cheap when it comes to food. I love to cook, but I try to keep my meals to only a few dollars per person. (this is probably why I rarely bake - it becomes too expensive). I hate to spend too much money on food just like I hate spending money on toilet paper and paper towels - these things don't last long. ;) I will add that I do calculate the price of organic produce into the price per serving since I like knowing that I'm not feeding pesticides to my family with every bite of food. ;)

Anyway - here's the delightful recipe that scored rave reviews with my hubs and my 2 year old. I hope you like it just as much as we do!

Creamy Tomato Tortellini Skillet (found: here @ Mostly Homemade Mom)

16oz package frozen/refrig cheese tortellini
15oz can Italian diced tomatoes
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (I didn't chop mine - just threw it in)
1/2 t salt
1/2 t ground pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced (I used 1.5)
3/4 c milk
3/4 c heavy cream (I used half and half - for price and for calories!)
2 T all-purpose flour
1/4 c grated Parm cheese

Prepare tortellini as directed on package.
Meanwhile, combine tomatoes (undrained), garlic, spinach, salt, and pepper in a large skillet over med-high heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture begins to boil.
In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, cream, and flour. Pour into skillet, along with parm cheese.
Cook until bubbling again, then reduce heat and simmer about 3 minutes until thick.
Add cooked tortellini and stir to fully coat with sauce.
Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes to further thicken the sauce.

Enjoy!

A PlayRoom TakeOver

I tried so hard to fight it.

I did everything I could to make sure my family room didn't look like a daycare. I really did.

But, when 1400 sq feet must contain a toddler, his toys, and a new baby, some things must change.

So, instead of "daycare," I went with "preschool" ;)

This is Samuel's new play area:

pardon the terrible lighting, I have very little natural light in my family room...

Before the toddler takeover, this wall housed our entertainment center and two bookcases full of baskets of toys and books. Granted, the baskets were pretty baskets...BUT I found his bigger toys taking over the floor for lack of a "place."

I am a firm believer in "a place for everything and everything in it's place." So, this conversion of a family room wall to a playroom was necessary to contain the clutter.

The alphabet rug is from Walmart. The letter and number art is from Hobby Lobby. I made sure that the playroom decorations coordinated with my family room decorations. I didn't want it to seem too crazy and out of sorts. So, the family room is now being redecorated to house navy blue and white (my favorite! and a reason to shop for new decorations!)

I must say, the magnetic chalkboard has been the star of the show! I do not know how a certain little boy lived without it. I highly recommend it. Plus, he can write all over the walls and bookcases with the chalk and it wipes clean! :)

I still rotate his books and toys. We have a closet in the family room that houses some other toys and books. When I find that he's getting bored with the toys in the bins and shelves, I rotate them with some toys from the closet. Sometimes I'll simply rotate the bins or rearrange the shelves. This throws him for a loop when he's looking for something specific, but it brings toys he's ignored to the forefront to catch his attention.

Those shelves house his art supplies, blocks, cars, puzzles, games, musical instruments...etc. It's wonderful to have a space for everything! :)

This space works great for all of us. It freed up the other living space in the family room for us, while giving him a space all his own!

Now...to find a place for a baby swing... ;)

When Mommy-Guilt Became my God

"Is he watching too much TV?"
"Is he eating too much candy?"
"I should make preservative-free Spaghettios instead of buying these..."
"Am I doing enough holiday crafts?"
"Do I have enough paint handprints to last a lifetime??"
"Should I get sugar free apple juice?"
"Am I rocking him too long for naps?"
"Should I be doing devotions with him?"
"He doesn't have enough space to play..."
"Should I get him better books?"
"Should I start him in an activity?"
"Am I spending enough time with him?"
"Is it bad for me to leave him alone long enough to do laundry?"

....couldn't you just smack me, NOW?!

This was my brain. For two years, this was my brain. MOMMY GUILT OVERLOAD.

I felt like, no matter what I did, I wasn't a good enough mom. I felt that I needed to be in the floor, playing with my child 24/7, with only chores done during naps or bedtime. But when would I spend time with my husband?!

....ah!

Then, I started Kelly Minter's "No Other Gods" Bible study. Within the first two days, God broke down my Mommy-Guilt Walls and I was able to breathe,

A god. Anything that takes our focus or attention away from God is a god. Anything we serve is a god. (yikes).

I was going through my days, frantically praying that I was "good enough", all the while, serving no one but myself through my mommy-guilt. I wasn't finding joy in motherhood, I was simply obsessing and comparing myself to who I thought I should be. I needed to be comparing myself to God and no one else.

When I started to see myself through God's eyes, I was able to let go of the burden of mommy-guilt. God chose me to be a mommy to these two precious, albeit ornery, boys WAY before I had them with me. I was good enough in His eyes, THEN. Before preservative-free candy was even a thought. Before holiday crafts filled up my Pinterest boards. God chose me BEFORE those things entered my mind.

My purpose, as a mommy to these two mini-men, is to raise them to be Godly men. Period. As long as they love God and serve Him with their heart, soul, and mind, I have done my work as a mommy. As long as they love people and put others' needs before their own, I have done my work as a mommy.

This purpose isn't served through obsessing about whether or not I'm good enough. God decided that. Now it's my job to carry through with it, while holding onto HIS hand as tight as I possibly can each and every day. Because, to be honest, I'm clueless on how to raise Godly children without God telling me how.

So, it's okay that Samuel has watched 6 episodes of UmiZoomi today. He's also pretended shoe laces were spaghetti, counted blocks, read books, laughed ALL morning, and instructed his daddy on how to say the alphabet.

At the end of the day, when Samuel thanks God for "today" and "monkeys"...and bows his head to say, "thank you for food" before dinner...I know that I'm on the right track.

He's happy. He's learning. He's praying.

My god needs to be My God. My focus and attention cannot be overrun with guilt, else I'm serving someone else, entirely.

"Whatever you do, do ALL to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

"I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well." 2 Timothy 1:5