Keeping Up with Kristi

Awesome Aquarium Trip

2012-03-02T00:00:00.001-05:00

I brought the kids to the Jenkinson's Aquarium on Thursday, with my friend Janice (who is my hero because she has 3 kids under the age of 5).

I knew it would be fun and exciting trip for the kids because it was new and we've never been there before, but I never realized how much they would learn in just a 2 hour visit. They saw seals, sharks, piranhas, alligators, frogs, penguins, parrots, jelly fish, snakes, sea horses, star fish, it was amazing!

They went to every tank and talked and touched and were in such awe. I didn't realize how they are at such a perfect age for trips like this (they are fun trips for me too!)

I will next time prepare better by reading books on the fish or sea creatures we might see at the aquarium...because they said the word aquarium the whole day on Wednesday, but I knew they had absolutely no idea where we were going, I explained that it was right by the beach and on the board walk and they were sold! Plus meeting Ava, Gavin, Olivia, and Miss Janice there was a huge plus.

When we got home the kids were really tired, but tomorrow we are going to go to the library and find some books on sea life, or maybe research some on the computer. I want to have a follow up on our learning filled field trip!

I was SO proud of their behavior. Mark didn't want to touch any of the sting rays or sea urchins in the Touch Tank, but Julia and Ava sure did! Mark was in awe by the little turtles, and the penguins being fed, and the snakes and of course the seals and the sharks.

I had to text Daddy pictures of our trip because he was dying to see their reaction and he texted back, "I am so jealous...I want to go!" I think our next trip there will be just as special, because then they will be the experts and can show John all the cool stuff they saw! Plus, Daddy will bring them to the really cool gift shop at the end!

***Today is Friday, March 2nd...Dr. Seuss birthday! Check out my pinterest board to see some of the crafts we will be making and fun things we will be coloring! Click on the word below to view my Dr. Seuss board.

PINTEREST

We are also going to be reading our favorite Dr. Seuss books:

1. Horton hears a Who?
2. Green Eggs and Ham
3. The Sneetches
4. The Lorax
5. Hop on Pop
6. Mr. Brown can Moo!

Blog Hop

2012-03-01T12:58:00.002-05:00

It's Time to Mingle!

Hosted by Happy Go Lucky, I Heart Crafty Things,
Joy in the Jumble and Keeping Up With Kristi.
Each week we will choose one blog at random to spotlight at the next week's blog hop.
This weeks guest host is Jillify It

Please leave a comment so we know to follow you back. Grab our button if you want to share our blog hop with others. There will be a new list every Thursday, so be sure to come back every week. Also, if you are interested in hosting a giveaway for our blog, please email any one of us. We would love to have you!!

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We hope you have fun and thanks for joining us! We are so excited to find new blogs, share great ideas, and inspire each other.

March Menu

2012-02-29T00:00:00.000-05:00

I'm excited for this months menu because it is super healthy, no red meat, lots of veggies, chicken, fish and salads and not so many pasta dishes...we are slimming down for the spring/summer months and prepping for the big wedding day which is less than 70 days away!

March Menu:

Week 1 (March 1-3)
Thursday: Pita and black bean salad night (simple dinner since we have awana)

Friday: Lemony baked Salmon with asparagus
Saturday: (we are having 3 guests!) Chicken Cacciatore Stoup (Rachel Ray Recipe) and salad

week 2 (March 4-10)
Sunday: out for dinner
Monday: Bow-tie pasta with cherry tomatoes and green beans and chicken breast
Tuesday: Chicken pot pie
Wednesday: Left over night
Thursday: Turkey burgers and baked potatoes with broccoli
Friday: Tomato and Cucumber & Feta Balsamic salad with whole wheat pita
Saturday: out for dinner

week 3 (March 11-17)
Sunday: Eating out in Princeton
Monday: Chicken soup in crock pot and salad
Tuesday: Taco night with turkey ground meat, black beans, and corn
Wednesday: Leftover night
Thursday: Shrimp and Spinach Pasta (20 minute meal from Real Simple April 2011)
Friday: Tuna Melts and salad
Saturday: (7 dinner guests) Chicken Cacciatore in crock pot, Salad, Spaghetti noodles

week 4 (March 18-24)
Sunday: open
Monday: Thai curry vegetable and tofu soup (30 min meal Real Simple April 2011)
Tuesday: Asian tuna salad
Wednesday: Chicken pita with tzatziki (25 min meal Real Simple April 2011)
Thursday: Leftover night
Friday: baked salmon with broccoli and cauliflower
Saturday: open (John likes to cook on the weekends so I keep it open just in case)

week 5 (March 25-31)
Sunday: Baptism dinner out
Monday: Mexican Meatball soup (turkey ground meat)
Tuesday: Balsamic chicken breasts and apple, craisin and walnut salad
Wednesday: chicken pitas with black beans
Thursday: Leftover night
Friday: Chicken Chili with brown rice
Satruday: open (for John)

A child like theology

2012-02-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

"Mom, God knows everything because He's the TALLEST!"--Julia Star (age 4)

I am keeping a quote book of the things my children say and the age/date when they say them...it's amazing how such a young little person can have such a strong theology already! God is so good.

This week we are reading a book about Easter called: The Best Thing About Easter. (click on the title to view)

It talks about how springtime is great, dying Easter eggs is fun, hiding Easter eggs is great...BUT the best thing about Easter is what Jesus did on the cross for us. Mark and Julia sat so still as I read this book to them. And Julia was looking so thoughtful afterwards, especially after hearing about the cross part again and how Jesus had to die for us. She looked at me and said, "Mom, I just want to hug God." And as her mommy I know just what she meant. God has done so much for us. He loved us so much. That He sent His own son to die in our place so Christ can live in us. Whoa! It's a lot to take in. And for a child to just hear it and be so thankful and just want to hug God, brought tears to my eyes. I said, "Julia you can't hug God right now, in heaven you can, but right now you can hug all of us because we love you too!"

We went potty and got ready for nap time and Julia ran back into Mark's room after he was already tucked in bed. I started to scold her, but she said, "Mom, I just want to give him one more hug and kiss." (Okay, how could I say no to that?! Especially after watching the movie Courageous!) She took a long time in his room so finally I peeked in on them and she was leaning over his toddler bed whispering in his ear, and he had a big smile on his face, she gave him a quick hug and kiss and gently closed the door. I tell her all the time how she is such a nice big sister, because she truly is. She loves Mark so much and she is so kind and tender to him.

She was whispering what they would play when he woke up, and boy oh boy was he happy.

I tucked her in her bed and she hugs me so tight these days saying, "Mom I love you So So much."

Isn't it so true that when we realize how much God loves us, and how much He does for us, it just becomes so much easier to share that love with others.

Our Awana homework this week was to make up a Praise song with our child to a familiar tune. We used three blind mice and I made up this quick little song for us to sing, we sang it all morning/afternoon long, "I love God, I love God, He's so Good, He's so Good, He loves me so, He loves me so, I really want the world to know, I love God, I love God...(keep repeating)"

God thank you for your sweet, precious love, and child like faith.

Interviewing the Kids :)

2012-02-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

Saturday night I came up with a list of questions I wanted to ask Marky...but Sunday morning when I started my "interview" at the breakfast table, Mr. Boy was very shy...so I asked Julia the questions...and then Mr. Boy was very happy to answer them! Julia's answers will be in pink and Mark's in blue.

Part of me wishes you could have seen my kids during this interview because Julia was standing in front of me dancing, jumping, and being her happy go lucky self. And Mark was calmly perched on Daddy's lap sucking his thumb. Some questions he just didn't answer but I know he knew the answer!

Mommy's Interview Questions:

1. What is your full name? Julia Star McInerney (said in a sing song voice) Mark...(Ciro McInerney! She likes to finish his sentences)
2. What is your favorite toy? My room
3. Who is your best friend? Marky Emma (Coyle)
4. Who is your favorite person? Daddy...and Mommy
5. How old are you? 4 (Two fingers were held up)
6. Where do you live? In HERE!
7. What are you going to do on your birthday? Get my ears pierced! Go to zoo
8. What do you do at Grandma's house? Play Play
9. What do you like to play with Mark/Julia? Toys Puzzles (Mark is getting REALLY good at puzzles)
10. What is your favorite food? Chicken, with noodles, and carrots...chicken soup! Noodles and sauce
11. What is your favorite show or movie? Fresh Beat Band, Diego, Dora Tangled
12. What flavor birthday cake do you want? I want a pink cake with pink FLOWERS Chocolate with chocolate heart
13. Are you handsome/beautiful? Yes!!! (Mark did a head nod)
14. How did you get so handsome/beautiful? Cause God made me! (shy look)
15. Who made you so wonderful? God!!!! (another shy look)
16. Who Loves You? God!!!! (smile, and shy look)

Interviewing my children gives me pure joy because I get to hear/see how they think and it gives me the opportunity to REALLY listen carefully to what they are saying and not saying. It helps me to "get" them. Mark had answers for all of these questions. He talks up a storm. But I interviewed them at breakfast...next time I will do it during school time when they have PLENTY to say...I wanted John to hear their answers. We laughed and hugged the kids and smiled. Loving and learning your kids is such a joy.

I still can't get over the fact that in 3 short months I will have a 3 year old and a 4 1/2 year old...time is flying by! "The days are long but the years are short!"

So Long Insecurity

2012-02-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

Currently I am leading a Women's Bible study using Beth Moore's So Long Insecurity book. We are reading the hardback and doing the workbook group work. We have about 30 women coming each Tuesday and we have a great time!

I'm learning so much about myself that I've never considered before. And it's really true that when you enter your late twenties and early thirties and start having kids of your own you start to think back on your own childhood, how you grew up, how you were raised, your family traditions and you try to figure out why you think the way you do and what you truly believe.

This past week I learned that we all have insecurities for different reasons. Here are the 8 things Beth Moore lists as the roots of insecurity.

1. Instability in the home (abuse, divorce, mental illness)
2. Significant loss (person, home, relationship)
3. Rejection (parent, friend, spouse, child, boyfriend)
4. Dramatic change (accident, financial crisis, move, new baby)
5. Personal limitations (learning disability, physical handicap, scar, etc.)
6. Personal disposition and temperament (hypersensitive)
7. Our culture and the pressure it puts on women to be young and beautiful
8. Pride

The major reason why I have some insecurities is basically because I'm like Beth Moore, we are very sensitive, tenderhearted people. Dude, I cry at commercials, okay? Does that explain it at all. I can be mad one second and totally happy the next. Someone could look at me the wrong way at church and I instantly think they hate me. And it can upset me for hours. Silly, right? It's part of one of my people pleasing insecurities. I want people to like me. I really like people! I thrive on social interaction and so if I feel left out or snubbed I start to feel very insecure.

Another reason why in the past 4 years I've noticed my insecurity even more (I used to be a confident person! LOL) was right after having Julia. It was a dramatic change for me to stay at home instead of work and have a baby to care for. No longer did I get accolades or awards for being a good teacher, I just got diapers, late night feedings, and lots of time at home. The dramatic change of becoming a mother was a lot more daunting than I could ever have imagined. I wanted this baby. We tried for months to get pregnant. We bought a big house with extra bedrooms, and a big backyard with swing set, and we even had the prior owner leave us her rocking chair I was so looking forward to being a mommy. But when mommy-hood came it hit me like a ton of bricks and I realized that I didn't like change and that I was very very selfish! Becoming a mother is all about denying self and serving this little one, and God had a lot to teach me. (And I'm so glad he did.)

But the insecurities (and wacky hormones) of being a new stay at home mom of two back to back babies was a lot to deal with. God brought me to my knees several times as I just was at a loss for how I could do all of this. Because every mom knows being a mom is a full time, self sacrificial, no-pay, long hours, and no sleep type of job. And once I got the hang out of it and started loving it I started to look at other moms, and compare, and see other kids, and compare, and then MORE insecurities came! Questions like: Am I doing this right? Am I good enough? And even, the doctors are letting us bring this little baby home? plagued my mind. And yes, my doctor's office knows us by name, and greets us with smiles at the door, and answers my questions over the phone, because my insecurities are always, Are my kids gonna make it? Will they survive this rash, bump, boo boo, fever, etc.?

Listen, I don't have it all together, and I never pretend to. I make mistakes all the time. But I serve and love and awesome and mighty God. He is my help. He is my strength. He is my guide. By his grace I am the Best mommy for Mark and Julia. By his grace I am the best wife for John. I know my purpose. I know my job, and with his strength (and never ever my own) I can do all things because he helps me. Nothing that happens today is a shock to Him or hasn't passed His review. So each day I choose to trust, serve, and love, Him.

I also have an amazing core group of girlfriends (you know who you are) who encourage me, uplift me in prayer, edify me, and bless me. Women who I can call crying, or with a concern and who stop everything to listen. I thank God for you because you are Jesus hands and feet to me. You are the listening ear I need, the laugh I needed to share, or the compliment I needed to hear. Thank you, I can only hope to bless you the same way when my turn comes to reciprocate.

Some verses that have helped and that are helping me become a more secure person, woman, and mom are:

Colossians 2: 6, 7
⁶ So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, ⁷ rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

I love this verse because as I continue to live my life in Christ, as I continue to grow and build my roots down deep in Him, He gives me strength, my faith grows, and then I begin to overflow with thankfulness for all He has done and will do in my life!

James 1: 17
¹⁷ Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

God doesn't change. My circumstances may change. But God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He can be trusted. He is not moody. He will always love me. He will never leave me. I am His child. He is the best parent anyone can have. His love is not conditional it is unconditional. One of my favorite things about God is that He is a PATIENT God. He will wait for me to learn and grow. He is not in a rush. He is kind. He is good. He is powerful. I grew up in a home that was unpredictable and moody. And so I love having a stable God. He is not moody. He does not change like shifting shadows.

Revelation 21: 3-5
³ And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’^[a] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

⁵ He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

God makes all things new. He is sensitive. He cares about my hurts enough to wipe away my tears. One day there will be no more death or mourning or sorrow. I don't have anything to fear because He is in control when things seem out of control or scary. One thing I am in constant fear of is my children (especially my accident prone Marky) getting hurt. I know that God loves my children even more than I do. He made all things and one day we won't have any scars, or cuts, or boo boos. He will make us whole and without any pain. That is a comfort for a mommy who has made more trips to the hospital than she would like this past year.

I am so thankful for my life. For my children. For my spouse. Our home. Our faith. God holds us in the palm of His hand and He is making a way for us. He has plans to prosper us and not to harm us. He can make any situation good even when it seems rotten.

I am thankful that I have a choice to be insecure or secure. I can choose my attitude. I can choose how I am going to view my life and my situation. I can be depressed or dread certain days, or I can look around and count all my blessings. I am secure in the Lord. I want my roots to grow deep. And I want to overflow with thankfulness.

Blog Hop

2012-02-23T00:00:00.001-05:00

There are no rules to this blog hop. Just link up your blog's main page. Then have fun reading new blogs and making new blog friends. We would love for you to follow the hostesses in the first four spots and our guest host in the fifth spot.

Please leave a comment so we know to follow you back. Grab our button if you want to share our blog hop with others. There will be a new list every Thursday, so be sure to come back every week. Also, if you are interested in hosting a giveaway for our blog, please email any one of us. We would love to have you!!

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We hope you have fun and thanks for joining us! We are so excited to find new blogs, share great ideas, and inspire each other.

Honey-Do List

2012-02-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

Honey-Do List

Dear John,

Please help me complete the following tasks:

1. Re-screw the hinges on the gate outside
2. Fix the molding in the kitchen
3. Establish some type of shelving system in the Laundry Room
4. Help organize the basement office (which we both use)

Love,
Kristi

One of my Love Languages is Acts of Service (the main one is Quality Time). (click each love language to see prior posts)

I love when John is able to do things around the home because

A. It shows me that he cares.
B. It shows me he takes pride in our home.
C. He has a handy-man gift.

I have had these things on the Honey-Do List for a few months but with John working two jobs and then using every free moment for family time or prepping for his sermon there was just no way for these jobs to get done...BUT now that John is done with his sermon he has been doing so many awesome things around the house.

This past weekend he fixed the gate, reupholstered our dining room chairs with leather fabric, fixed the molding in the kitchen, bought shelves for the laundry room, got rid of 3 huge bags/boxes from the office down stairs for Goodwill...and he did extra things too like the dining room chairs, he cleaned all the hardwood floors for me, and he put together our new stroller for Mark.

All these things may not seem like a big deal...but John loves crossing things off his list just as much as I do, and they are a very BIG DEAL to me. He is such a great help. Thanks, babe!

Ladies, don't be afraid to make your hubby a honey-do list, he may not do it over night, but you know what it will be on his heart and mind and the list will be a reminder that it needs to get done. I am not a nagger. I really try not to be. Once I made the list my job was done. (I kept it short on purpose...and notice how John found even more ways to bless me!)

Julia's Big Day: Home School Monday

2012-02-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

Home School Monday

Julia gives her presentation tonight at the Social Studies Fair at Calvary Chapel Old Bridge Home School Group. There will be 50 presenters from ages K-5th grade. (They allow Pre-K kids also!)

Julia and I (and Mark) have been studying Thomas Jefferson since the Fall. Our 5 core main points are:

1. He wrote the Declaration of Independence.
2. He was a Founding Father of America.
3. He was our third President (1801-1809).
4. He lived in a home called Monticello (in the state of Virginia).
5. You can find his face on the U.S. nickel!

Julia was able to re-trace 5 sentences on her project. She helped me add photos and star stickers to make her tri fold board really cool!

We've been interviewing her on her facts and what she loved learning about Thomas Jefferson, all week long. I think she's ready! We are so excited John has off tomorrow so he can come to the Fair and hear all the presentations and see all the other kids projects.

Each child gets an award for completing their project and giving their 2 minute presentation!

I'm really excited to see all the other projects! I know everyone has done a lot of work these past few months studying, learning, and creating their project. School is fun!

Happy President's Day!

It's The Little Things...

2012-02-18T13:00:00.001-05:00

*The way Julia and Mark do their school work, head to head, and side by side. Best friends for life.

*The way John waits up for me when I have a sister movie night out. He just wants to hear about my day with the kids and be near me.

*The way John tied Julia's new Orange Belt in Taekwondo this morning after she tested for her next level. He was so proud he was practically beaming.

*The way our boxer Paris finds the warmest spot in the house to lay, near the French Doors by the breakfast nook, catching a few sun rays as she naps.

*The way the kitchen looks and smells after everything has been put in its place. All shiny, and crisp, and clean.

*The way the laundry whirls in the dryer. Around and around lulling us all to sleep during nap time.

*The way pizza tastes on Friday nights, crispy, cheesy, and tomatoey, and warm.

*The way the sun hits our faces as we head to the store to go shopping. And then we catch a good deal and can buy an extra shirt per kid because it's Buy One Get One Free at Carters.

*The way Saturdays feel when everyone is safe, happy, and close to me.

It's the little things that make me so happy to be a wife, a mom, and a child of God.

Enjoy your weekend!

Blog Hop

2012-02-16T07:15:00.002-05:00

It's Time to Mingle!

Hosted by Happy Go Lucky, I Heart Crafty Things,

Joy in the Jumble and Keeping Up With Kristi.

Each week we will choose one blog at random to spotlight at the next week's blog hop.

This weeks guest host is Smarty Pants Fun

There are no rules to this blog hop. Just link up your blog's main page. Then have fun reading new blogs and making new blog friends. We would love for you to follow the hostesses in the first four spots and our guest host in the fifth spot.

Please leave a comment so we know to follow you back. Grab our button if you want to share our blog hop with others. There will be a new list every Thursday, so be sure to come back every week. Also, if you are interested in hosting a giveaway for our blog, please email any one of us. We would love to have you!!

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We hope you have fun and thanks for joining us! We are so excited to find new blogs, share great ideas, and inspire each other.

Planning our Summer Calendar

2012-02-15T14:42:00.000-05:00

I have found that if I don't plan ahead other people's agendas and plans take over the summer months.

It's really important to me to prioritize what I want my kids to see and do before the summer months are even here.

I have some really cool trips planned for May-July.

May is Mark's birthday so we always take a day to go to the Turtle Back Zoo.

June is my birthday month so we are going to be visiting the Kateri Environmental Center and go on a Nature Hike and look for animal habitats with my MOPS group and some home school families.

I also want to take my kids to the beach at least twice a month since they LOVE the beach...7 Presidents is my favorite because of the huge new playground area and beautiful covered eating area they have along with outdoor showers to get the sand off before getting in mommy's car!

I've never taken the kids to the aquarium so this year we are planning a trip to the Jenkinson's Aquarium in June and July.

We visit Holmdel Park/Longstreet Farm at least once a week...we get to milk the cows at 3pm, and see the horses, pigs, sheep, chickens, and peacocks, not to mention all the fruits and veggies they grow.

Another favorite place of ours that we are visiting in June (probably 2-3 times) is Dorbrook Sprayground. My kids love the water park and we always have a nice picnic under the huge shady trees.

And in July, we will also be visiting Allaire State Park to ride the train at noon (A REAL train) and play at the playground and have a park picnic with Mops friends.

I don't know about you but we are really looking forward to playing outside again (and the kids are getting scooters this summer!!! but shhh it's a surprise at Mark's birthday party).

I bet you noticed that August is not planned. Well, that's because August 1st we will kick into high gear for SCHOOL! August is all about starting a new curriculum and getting ready for the next level/grade. We will be buying new shoes, sprucing up our school room, buying school supplies, and taking out lots of new library books! We will be sharpening our pencils and ready to learn all the new things that God has for us! Oh, I just love August. August is also our anniversary month, and we always take the kids away to Cape May to celebrate...we will be celebrating 9 years of wedded bliss!

Planning ahead always takes the pressure off when the summer months are here and everyone is wondering what shall we do!? Mommy always has a plan!

Our Valentine's Date...the best 4 hours of my life

2012-02-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

Plan B

You always have to have one.

John's sermon was awesome, as I knew it would be on Sunday, but after preaching twice in one day and barely sleeping the night before and doing 14 hour work days, on Sunday all you want to do is crawl into your covers and sleep til--Wednesday?

Sooooo...originally my mom was going to watch the kids from 2:30 pm til we decided to get home from our romantic get away...but since John was exhausted and since I just wanted to be close to home since my poor boy was injured we decided to nap til 4pm (yup right along with the kids schedule) and then catch a dinner and a movie locally (John had a really special restaurant picked out--I can't tell you what it is because he STILL won't tell me...he's so secretive...I love surprises! So, we will do that date another time when both kids are healthy) and be home in time to read stories and put the kids to bed.

My wonderful mom came over around 3:45 we showed her where dinner was and gave her the plans and instructions for the night, and we headed out on our DATE!!!!

You've got to understand...we needed this date. This date was a necessity to our marriage. For the past 8 weeks John has been working 14 hour days and then tirelessly working on this sermon...but now that it was all over we could sigh a huge sigh of relief (even I had a ministry moment on Sunday that I was so nervous for but it went pretty well) and go back to our "normal" life. John could come home from work and BE with us. For weeks he was in his office or on his computer piecing together his thoughts on his sermon.

But now I had him back, all to myself and we just talked and talked and enjoyed a great Denzel Washington movie called Safe House. It was non stop action. Then we went to a restaurant in Holmdel and received amazing service and yummy food. I ordered a filet mignon and John had a Ahi Tuna Salad...and we got this really yummy flat bread appetizer and soup and salad...we were SO full.

We also don't sit across from each other on a date. Oh no. He sits in my booth so we can hold hands!!!

It was the best 4 hours of my life. It was just us. We were close to home. And John is finally back.

Happy Valentines Day!

The Scariest 4 hours of my life...

2012-02-11T00:00:00.001-05:00

On Saturday, February 11, I took my daughter to Taekwondo, drove home, picked up my Mark who was hanging out with Dad and brought both my kids to Family Story Time at the Library...then we went shopping at a Panera Bread and went home while John put the finishing touches on his sermon for Sunday.

It was a cold day, but a good day. As the kids napped I cleaned, made chicken soup in the crock pot, watched a show, did some laundry...just relaxed...it was an easy weekend...then 4pm rolled around...John texted me he was on his way home Julia woke up from her nap calling my name and sleep walking (something she's never done before) and came down the steps looking for me...I scolded her (quietly) because she was so loud and Mark was still asleep. She and I cuddled on the couch and were about to watch a Diego episode when I heard a BANG and crying...my adrenaline started pumping and I booked it up the stairs from the basement to the first floor then again up another flight of stairs to Mark's room...

And then I saw him...

Blood was coming out of his nose and mouth and blood was on his head along with a gash! Not AGAIN! I thought.

Just as I was running down the stairs with Mark in my arms, John walked in the door and I yelled, "Please get ice."

We sat Mark down on a kitchen chair and we both looked and knew...the boy needed stitches...AGAIN.

That is when I literally started hyperventilating and John told me to please gather myself together in the living room while he took care of Mark. I felt faint, weak, numb, and couldn't breathe.

All I could think was Why today? How did he fall? What did he hit his head on? Did the floor do that? His bed is so close to the ground!? What happened? And why Mark? He's just the sweetest little mellow guy around.

I walk back in and say, "Honey he needs S-T-I-T-C-H-E-S (we don't say this word in our house anymore because marky gets really upset)." "I know it." John said. "I'm taking him." "I want to be with you guys, I can let Julia go to Patti Watson's house." "Honey, you stay home with Julia and I'm taking Mark, we'll be fine, it will be our boy adventure."

And just like that the decision was made and I was left to pack a few snacks and pour Mark's milk cup. John scooped up the snacks got the car ready while I changed Mark's diaper. Marky: Mommy, what's happening? Where are we going? Me: Buddy you and daddy are going to see the doctor so he can check your boo boo. Julia: Mom does Mark need--- Me: Julia don't even say it. She almost said the stitches word.

John left and me and Julia were left to worry. At this point I realized John had left both his cell phone and Blackberry at home...Great. No way to reach him and find out how it was all going.

Julia and I did about a million puzzles. We colored. I texted friends. I sent a prayer request through our church's phone chain. I called Lisa and Christy and was able to cry a little and get out my concerns. I really felt under attack. It's as if S*tan was having a field day with us lately. With Julia's fall out of her bed. Now Mark's fall. I mean aren't kids supposed to fall outside on the sidewalk riding their bike, not out of their beds!!!

I just kept praying out loud, "Lord please keep my family safe. Please keep my children safe."

At dinner Julia said to me, "Mom, I don't want my brother to be hurt." Dinner was very somber and lonely with just the two of us.

My sister in law and her fiance were at a movie theater close to the hospital so she swung by to see if John and Mark were still there so I could have some peace of mind that everything was okay (yes, isn't she wonderful?) They left the house around 4:30 and right around 8:00 they got home. It was the scariest 4 hours of my life. And seeing Mark when he got home was horrible.

The doctor decided it would be less traumatic to use glue than stitches (no need for a straight jacket, etc) and that the cut would heal the same way so John went with the glue...ONLY the Doctor dripped glue in my SON's EYE during the procedure (at which point John really wanted to do bodily harm to this man for further traumatizing our son).

John said, "Honey you should've saw him he was so brave, he laid down, he let the doctor touch his head, etc, etc,." But after the doctor dripped the glue in his eye and it sealed his eye shut Mark LOST it. Who could blame the poor kid! The doctor apologized profusely, but I'm sorry, how could you do that? To a two year old! Accidents happen but still!

So Mark came home with some glue still in his eye and very watery eye and nose now because of it. He was in a lot of discomfort you could tell. He wouldn't eat or drink anything. And that is not like Mark at all.

I just held him for about 30 minutes. I didn't want to let him go. I waited at the door and when I saw the car pull up I greeted them with the door open.

Poor Mark.

Poor John.

After we put the kids to bed and John finally ate dinner and did some paperwork, he headed back to church around 11 oclock to finish up his sermon. I don't even think he slept that night...maybe 2 or 3 hours. We had to be up and ready to be at church by 8:30.

It's now Monday and Mark is much better. His eye is no longer red...but there are still traces of glue in the corner that I'm not supposed to bother or touch they are supposed to just fall off naturally. The cut is also healing but still very tender...

And today...

Mark dropped a 5lb flashlight on his foot...

You should see the black and blue...John thought he broke a bone in his little foot. "No more flashlight Mark." Daddy said...

Does anyone have any bubble wrap for my son for the next 16 years???

Oh Lord, please give me strength!

Blog Hop

2012-02-09T12:54:00.002-05:00

There are no rules to this blog hop. Just link up your blog's main page. Then have fun reading new blogs and making new blog friends. We would love for you to follow the hostesses in the first four spots and our guest host in the fifth spot. Please leave a comment so we know to follow you back. Grab our button if you want to share our blog hop with others. There will be a new list every Thursday, so be sure to come back every week. Also, if you are interested in hosting a giveaway for our blog, please email any one of us. We would love to have you!!

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We hope you have fun and thanks for joining us! We are so excited to find new blogs, share great ideas, and inspire each other.

Bringing Up Boys: "The Ultimate Priority"

2012-02-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

This is our final chapter in Bringing Up Boys by Dr. James Dobson.

Click here to see the last few chapters.

I decided to end the final chapter with my favorite quotes. Dr. Dobson always says it best. He is a husband, a father, and a man of God and I respect him in so many ways.

"Our objective as moms and dads is to transform our sons from immature and flighty youngsters into honest, caring men who will be respectful of women, loyal and faithful in marriage, keepers of commitments, strong and decisive leaders, good workers and men who are secure in their masculinity. It's a tall order but one that can be achieved with wisdom and guidance from the Father."

"America's love affair with materialism has taken its toll on the things that matter most."

"It is my conviction that those who choose to bring a child into the world must give that boy or girl highest priority for a period of time. In a very short time, they will be grown up and on their own."

"Yet we have failed them in the most important of all parental responsibilities: We have not taught them who they are as children of God or what they have been placed here to do."

"The first Scripture our children should learn is, "God is love" (1 John 4:8...so thankful for Awana!) They should be taught to thank Him before eating their food and to ask for His help when they are hurt or scared."

"The only way you can be with your precious child in the next life is to introduce them to Jesus Christ and His teachings, hopefully when they are young and impressionable. This is Task Number One in child-rearing."

"Most important, knowing that you led your children to the Lord and will be with them in eternity will outrank every other achievement."

"Children get their values and beliefs from what they see modeled at home. It is one reason why moms and dads must live a morally consistent life in front of their kids....they can't afford to be casual or whimsical about the things they believe."

"The data shows that if a person does not accept Jesus Christ as Savior before the age of fourteen, the likelihood of ever doing so is slim."

"My prayers will be with you as you discharge your God-given responsibility. Cherish every moment of it. And hug your kids while you can."

This book has meant the world to me. I'm so thankful I took the time to not only read it, but study it. I learned so much as a parent. I have so much more to learn, but Lord I am willing. I want God to teach me and mold me into the Mom that Mark and Julia need most. And I want to be consistent in front of my kids in my faith and in my walk with the Lord. I want them to see that they are my Ulitmate Priority. I cherish these years that I have had home with them.

Julia's first STRIPE

2012-02-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

Julia said her oath tonight in Taekwondo:

I promise to LISTEN to my instructors.
Try my HARDEST.
Make my Family Proud.
And MAKE GOOD FRIENDS!!!!

She got her first black stripe on her white belt with the hopes that one day she will be a black belt just like her Daddy, and Aunt, and Grandma, and Grandpa!

Congrats Julia you make YOUR FAMILY proud every day!

Love,

Mommy and Daddy and Marky

P.S. You are Such a Good Girl in Taekwondo, Mommy watches you and you really do pay attention and try your hardest. And you also look incredibly cute doing your stretches, kicks, punches, and obstacle courses!

GIANTS FANS

2012-02-06T00:00:00.001-05:00

This is how we do it in New Jersey!!!

We celebrate the Super bowl by eating Giants colored bagels!!!

Wooohooo!

Justin Tuck and Eli Manning...nice work!

Go NY Giants Go!

One of THOSE weeks...

2012-02-05T00:00:00.001-05:00

I'm just not a sit still type of person...

Monday: Dentist appt for both kids (6 mos. cleaning) and Special Lunch with two girlfriends at my house (I think a spinach quiche and super salad will be on my menu!)

Tuesday: Ladies Bible Study begins!

Wednesday: Library fun & Working on our Thomas Jefferson Project for the Social Studies Fair

Thursday: Play-date at my house with two girlfriends and 4 extra kids! I'm going to have some fun tricks up my sleeve with Marshmallow Math fun, Cheerio counting, Puzzle time, and some Macaroni Arts and Crafts...all the kids are girls ages 1-4, plus my two kids...it's gonna be Pre-School Heaven for me! And Awana in the evening.

Friday: Gymnastics & Working on our Social Studies Project...in the evening MOPS Mom's night out at Valerie's house!

Saturday: Chores

Sunday: John preaches in both services at church & Date Night in the evening, my Mom is taking Julia and Mark for us. (John won't tell me what he has planned, it's a surprise...I LOVE surprises.)

It's going to be a GREAT week!

Pinterest 2

2012-02-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

Come follow me...

On Pinterest!

Click here.

I love pinning things for the kids, or new fashion, or books I have read and loved...check it out and then I can follow you!

Spiritual Awareness

2012-02-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

I can honestly say I love the stage of life I am in right now. Having a 4 year old and almost 3 year old is awesome. It's awesome because their personalities are coming out so much more, they are expressing themselves better, and lately the conversations we have been having about the Lord really and truly amaze me.

Peter

I never knew that kids could accept Christ so easily at such a young age and be so open to Him. It is only of the Lord that they are like this. I mean you should hear the way Julia talks about people in the Bible...it's as if she's met them! We were watching Chronicles of Narnia tonight and one of the boys is named Peter...she goes, "Mom his name is Peter, did you know Jesus SAVED Peter!!!!" She was talking about the disciple Simon Peter as if it were her very own brother. Then she began to tell me about how Jesus saved Peter in the water when Peter tried to walk on the water. I can't tell you how long my mouth stayed open. This four year old knows her Bible!

Jonah

And quite honestly I know we have given her a foundation in the Bible and the Lord, but she really listens during Awana and at Sunday School because she re tells us the stories she learns with such passion..."Mom did you know Jonah got swallowed by a FISH...He didn't listen to God, MOM you know you have to LISTEN to God!!!"

In The Car

Okay, now Julia is four, she's the first born, she's a girl, come on we knew she was gonna be a smart cookie...but would you believe my 2 1/2 year old talks about God all the time too? And he does not go to Awana or Sunday School yet! So this I can really take a little credit for (you know mom needs a pat on the back every now and again ;)) In the car we've been listening to this Children's Bible CD (I am super strict about what we listen to in the car...classical, 99.1 christian radio station or CDS that we approve of, no other stations AT ALL--to me they are filthy lyrics and my kids don't need to hear them) and the songs on there are Behold, I stand at the door and knock, Father Abraham, I'm so happy, Noah and the Arky, Onward Christian Soldier, etc. Well, every single time Behold I stand at the door and knock comes on Mark says, "Mom, is God here?" Because I explained to them how Jesus stands at the door of our heart and waits patiently for us to open the door and let Him in to our lives. So he loves that Jesus is knocking at the door for him. And he constantly tells me, "Mom Jesus is MY best friend."

After Julia heard the Onward Christian Soldier song a few times she asked, "Mom what is a war? What are the soldiers?" Oh dear, I thought how do I explain this one. Well when we got home I got a jar of Marky's army men and I lined up soldiers on one side and on the opposite side I lined up another set of soldiers. I explained that these soldiers on this side are on God's side, in His army, and the other soldiers are on the evil side, in Satan's army, and how they are at war with each other. I explained how their is always going to be a good and evil and how God's army will one day defeat Satan's army forever.

The Cross

One thing I have always struggled with explaining is the whole death thing. I don't even like to say the word died. It's weird I know. I know its a part of life, but I kind of wanted to shelter my kids from it. So much so that I will say pass away, disappear, no longer with us, instead of just saying, "He died." Well, Julia is not one to EVER beat around the bush. She asks a million questions and she wants the complete answer, AND she can tell if you are leaving stuff out (she can even tell if we skip a sentence while reading a book, it's so not fair) Well, she came over to me last week and said very proudly, "Jesus died on the cross Mom." Yes, honey he did. "He died on the cross because HE LOVES US. He wants us to be close to God so he had to die." Well, why was I afraid to talk about this? Especially since Jesus died but rose again! From now on I will not be as timid to explain death to my children. I will not beat around the bush. Because although death is a very sad thing, Jesus makes death bearable because if we know Him as our Savior death is not the end. We will be with him in eternity the very moment we are no longer breathing here on earth. What a promise.

So yes, my children are learning more and more about Jesus...and they are teaching me to have that innocent child like faith that just knows that God loves us, Jesus died on the cross so we can be with God. Jesus saves. We need to listen to God. And God is here.

Out of the mouths of babes.

Blog Hop

2012-02-02T16:14:00.002-05:00

There are no rules to this blog hop. Just link up your blog's main page. Then have fun reading new blogs and making new blog friends. We would love for you to follow the hostesses in the first four spots and our guest host in the fifth spot. Please leave a comment so we know to follow you back. Grab our button if you want to share our blog hop with others. There will be a new list every Thursday, so be sure to come back every week. Also, if you are interested in hosting a giveaway for our blog, please email any one of us. We would love to have you!!

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We hope you have fun and thanks for joining us! We are so excited to find new blogs, share great ideas, and inspire each other.

The Vows of a SAHM

2012-02-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

SAHM-Stay At Home Mom

I have been talking to countless stay at home mom friends, at the library, at the grocery store, on the phone, at church, on the playground, where ever we are we have a secret bond and a similar plight.

We love our families unconditionally. We love to see our children grow and learn we try to keep house and make meals and stay sane all at the same time.

Today I thoroughly enjoyed a conversation with a fellow SAHM that I just met about how we were able to nurse our babies and make a meal, or clean a room, or potty train another little one--yes at the same time. Because as a stay at home mom, you are at home, and you are the only adult in the house, and since you only have two hands and more than one child, usually, multi-tasking becomes an absolute art form at times.

Modesty is out the window and privacy is unheard of in SAHMommy land. Our job is a big one: raise the children, keep them happy, feed them, play with them, teach them, all while managing a household--oh and don't forget your hubby!

And all of you glorious working moms out there, I admire you! Because you have to do all that work inside the home that I do AND work outside of the home! And sometimes I have to say I get a tiny bit jealous that working moms get to see the outside world more and talk to adults more...gee adult conversation is ABSOLUTELY wonderful when you've talked to a four year old and two year old all day, and even if they are BEYOND cute, sometimes...you want to have quiet time for longer than 10 seconds.

I think it's neat that I can meet a SAHM for 5 minutes and already know how much baby fat she's trying to lose, how long she intends to nurse, and how she may be struggling to find a date night for her and the hubby. It's amazing how we have this bond.

And for the record, we don't stay in our pjs all day (Seriously, I never do that) we do put on make up and get dressed. We may not wake up to an alarm clock, but I do wake up to a little girl standing right in front of me asking me to get her milk downstairs--does that count? I don't know about you but I take a shower every day, I try to look my best (ok so I don't wear my suits from when I was a teacher, but I do on Sunday!). And SAHM do like to get OUT of the house and DO things, hence why library time is so important and field trips, and Bible study, and the occasional sports activities for the kids.

I guess what I'm trying to say is all of us moms need to stick together. We have the hardest job on the planet. We bring babies into the world and raise them to be PEOPLE! We are so blessed, aren't we? Working in the home or out the home we all have a common thread...we love our families and there is no sacrifices we won't make to keep our families happy and thriving.

So, the next time you meet a SAHM, give her a smile and a hug and tell her she is doing a great job...you just might be the first adult she's talked to today!

Bringing Up Boys: "Disciplining Boys"

2012-02-01T00:00:00.004-05:00

This is Mark. He's 2 1/2. He's my youngest. He's my only boy. And I am truly, head over heals, in love with him. He is the action figure of his Daddy and the little guy who makes us all smile. He wears hats regularly, has gorgeous red hair, blue eyes, and the fairest of fair skin. He is 25%...on the tiny side for his age, but very scoop-able and cuddly. Julia (his 4 year old sister and charming admirer) dote on him incessantly, and his father, well, he just gets a kick out of his son. Who can blame him?

Today we take a look at Chapter 16 in Bringing up Boys by James Dobson. If you are just joining my Book Club Wednesday for the first time check out this post which will catch you up on the last 3 chapters.

Here are today's bullet points:

* children need firm but loving discipline
* kids like to challenge authority (duh)
* rules at home need to prevail out of doors (like in the grocery store)
* parents need to be confident and show loving discipline
*teach children respect and authority...teach not expect they already know
*today's parents are more lax and permissive (double duh)
*parents expect their children to be self-disciplined
*it is OUR job to shape and mold our children's minds

"Shaping and molding young minds is a product of careful and diligent parental leadership. You can be sure it requires great effort and patience."--Dobson

Hence, why at the end of the day I am literally EXHAUSTED. Because teaching and training and molding your children into the people God would have them to be takes a lot of work, wisdom and loads and loads of patience. Whenever anyone asks me what my prayer request is it is usually for my husband or wisdom in rearing my children, and for PATIENCE.

And we've all been to the grocery store or the library and have seen parents NOT show loving discipline by either totally ignoring bad behavior from their kids (I once watched a child hit her mom during story time and the mother never said one word!) or screaming and belittling their child. It's almost as if there's a wide spectrum of how to discipline or not to at all.

My husband and I recently watched a video on a discipline tactic to use with your children which includes counting and a time out, and it has worked wonders. It's called Magic 1-2-3, and we highly recommend it. Do you ever feel like a broken record giving the same lecture about why it's not nice to hit your sister, or interrupt mom on the phone, or how we share with our friends? Yes, it gets old real fast. The same lecture over and over. Well, guess what? It gets old real fast for little Johnny and Sally too, and chances are if you've said it once or twice they've heard it 3 million times. So now the minute the behavior pops up we say in a calm voice, "That's one." then they have 5 seconds to shape up or "That's two." and another five seconds, "That's three you need a time out." (and the time out depends on their age...Julia gets 4 minutes because she's 4 and Mark gets 2 minutes because he's 2.) Afterwards its apology and get back in the game mentality "all is forgiven"...but you know what? Mom and Dad are not exhausted from over talking, Julia and Mark KNOW what is expected...and we very rarely ever get to 2 or 3 because the negative behavior stops. Now of course there are exceptions, (you don't get 3 chances to hit someone, that's an immediate time out) and if something is brand new then a discussion is of course warranted because the behavior has never been seen before and the child might not have known it was wrong or not acceptable.

But firm, loving and CONSISTENT discipline is always appreciated by kids because they know what is expected and they know what mom and dad's expectations were. We are so thankful for Debi H. sharing that video with us in December it really changed our discipline style.

What saddens me by this chapter is what I have seen in the classroom as a teacher. And this is the problem where parents just expect their kids to know how to do things that they have never been taught. It is so unfair. I pray that I will be a parent that even if it takes extra time and patience and lots of prayer that I will still take the time to model and show and explain how to do the things I expect from my children. I can remember during parent teacher conferences where parents would be shocked that their child was doing poorly in a subject (which I was always shocked by since I sent papers home weekly to be signed and returned) and then the parent would say, "Well I TOLD them to go in their room and study!" To which I would say, "Third graders don't know HOW to study. We have to model it for them." You can't just send your child to their room and expect them to "man up" or "be an adult" and do something they have never learned. It takes time. It takes practice. It takes mom and dad sitting on the bed practicing with flash cards, quizzing spelling words, listening to speeches.

Our kids NEED our time and energy. I know it's hard and tiring, and we want them to be smart and independent and just know what to do and when to do it, but we need to be alongside them guiding, teaching and instructing. Even if our children are in school and they have teachers, WE are STILL their teachers! And we as parents KNOW them best! God promises to give us all the tools we need if we ask. We can't be afraid to be parents. We have to be confident and loving.

I love the verse in 2 Timothy 1: 7 (It's our MOPS theme verse this year too) "God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible." 2 Timothy 1:7

God doesn't want us to be shy, timid parents. We brought these children into the world! He wants us to be bold, loving, and sensible!!! We are the authority figures and our tone, our behavior, our actions are being carefully observed each day, so we need to also practice what we preach. Are we kind? Are we loving? Do we share?

"There's a time for affirmation, tenderness and love. They nourish the spirit and seal the bond between generations. But there's also a time for discipline and punishment. Moms and dads who try to be eternally positive, ignoring irresponsibility or defiance in their children, fail to teach them that behavior has consequences. But beware! Parents who are continually punitive and accusatory can create serious behavioral and emotional problems."--Dobson

As wise parents we need to ask God to help us and guide us on our disciplining journey. I used to hear teachers say, "I love teaching but I hate the discipline problems." But you know what the discipline problems are OUR job, because we are molding and shaping young minds. It's the number one job of every parent and teacher...disciplining cannot be ignored. But we need balance disciplining.

Dobson ended the chapter by commenting on how chores and allowance are good ways of teaching your children responsibility and also bringing your child to work to see what it is like. I can just picture now John taking Mark to work one day...and I know Mark will be amazed at all the sights and sounds of NYC...but he will also be watching to see how Daddy treats his co-workers, how hard he works, and how well he provides for his family. Dobson stresses that we need to give our children a taste of the real world. Don't let them sit in front of tv or play video games all day, let them experience reality.

Hope you found this chapter helpful! Next Wedensday is our last chapter and it's called The Ultimate Priority!

*** Another blog I would like for you to stop by and visit is: The Excellent Wife...she is amazing! A godly wife and godly mother. http://theexcellentwife.com/

Mommy-Made Scavenger Hunt

2012-01-31T15:35:00.000-05:00

Today we took the kids to the Monmouth Museum Wonder Wing. It's a huge indoor play area for kids. I went with my friends Janice and Yvonne and we all brought our kids so there was 7 kids between us.

We had such a great time playing and watching the kids play. One of the things the museum provides is a scavenger hunt for the kids to look for things within the boat, or inside the tree house, or by the book rack, or in the tiki theater. It's just something else to do there that is fun for the kids.

So my wheels got turning and I said to the moms, "That's gonna be my homework today, making a scavenger hunt in the house for the kids." And since my kids are pooped from playing til 2:30 they are still napping right now and I did it. I made my scavenger hunt and hopefully any of you moms out there will find it Mommy-Friendly! What I'm going to do is when the kids wake up from nap-time we are going to do the hunt, and I will give Julia the clipboard and a marker and as we find each item she can check it off! I think it will be fun thing to do before or after dinner. I might make up a couple more so when John gets home he can do one with the kids too!

Scavenger Hunt with Mommy

1. Find something that is shiny/sparkles
2. Find a toy that is soft
3. Find something that is colorful--must have 4 or more colors on it
4. Find something tall
5. Find something very, very small
6. Find something that smells sweet
7. Find a toy that you can build with
8. Find a toy that has wheels
9. Find a pink hairbow
10. Find a hat

Scavenger Hunt with Daddy

1. Find something that is green
2. Find something that you can throw
3. Find something that is super hard
4. Find something that is heavy to lift
5. Find something that glows in the dark
6. Find something that ties
7. Find something that you can wear on your feet
8. Find something you use when it's raining outside
9. Find something that is very stinky
10. Find something that is clean

Have fun playing!!!

Chicken Casablanca

2012-01-30T00:00:00.001-05:00

Saturday I was in the mood to use my crock pot and I had some chicken to use up...so I found an awesome recipe I plan on using this Tuesday when I have the beans and the zuchini and fresh herbs. We had Chicken Cacciatore in the crock pot.

Chicken Casablanca:

1 onion sliced
1 tsp fresh ginger grated
3 large carrots diced
2 cloves garlic minced
2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium zuchinni sliced
1 15 oz can of garbanzano beans
3 lbs boneless chicken breasts
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp tumeric
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 14 oz can of chopped tomatoes
2 tbs. parsley
1 tbs cilantro

Directions:

1. combine the first 8 ingredients in the crock pot.
2. in a small bowl add all the spices (except parsley and cilantro)
3. combine the spices in bowl and pour over the ingredients
4. add the chopped tomatoes
5. cover cook on low 8 hours or cook on high for 4 hours
6. stir in parsley and cilantro at the end

***For the next week I am going to feature a favorite blog of mine that you can also check out! Here is a great one for organizational tips!***

iheartorganizing I love this blog because the author has an awesome sense of organizational skills and great taste!!! check it out!

Everlasting Love

2012-01-27T04:27:00.000-05:00

Mark and Julia's Valentine holders are from Pottery Barn

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.--Jeremiah 31:3

I have a hard time wrapping my head around the thought that God LOVES us.

The God of the universe who created everything, who is all powerful, takes the time to LOVE and care and have compassion and mercy on little old us.

Last night I had the opportunity to speak to the Sparks at AWANA. This is age K-2nd grade. I was a little sad that Julia couldn't be there because her teacher brought the Cubbies up to hear me give my lesson (but she is healing from a bad fall from her bed last night and Daddy came home early just to give the kids a puppet show and give mom a little break, I've been sick all week...I think it could be strep throat). I spoke on how we need to have Thankful Hearts. And the verse I focused on was

Psalm 136: 1 Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His mercy endures forever.

God's LOVE is everlasting and His MERCY endures forever. It was so good to teach that to the little ones and be reminded it to myself. Things that happen to us as a family I do not think it a coincidence. I attribute it to God's LOVE and His MERCY.

Last weekend I delivered 3 bags of clothes to a family who was recently in a fire...2 out of the 4 children are the same ages as Julia and Mark, so I was able to share a lot with them...that very night I went to the Mall to pick up a shirt or two and pretty bows for Julia for the kids for their Valentine's Day pictures and I had a coupon. I walk into the store and they are raffling off $88 gift cards for the store Crazy 8 (one of my favorite kid clothe's stores, next to Janie and Jack and Gymboree and Pottery Barn)...I fill out the form never thinking that I'd win a gift card...continue shopping, leave the store, bundle up the kids to leave the mall, check my phone before stepping outside to see if John called...and Voila...a missed call from an unknown number...I listen to the message, "Hi Mrs. McInerney, you just won a gift card for $88 to our store, please claim your card within 24 hours!" We ran back to the store with Big Smiles!

Coincedence? Or another act of God's Love and Mercy? He is so loving, so kind, He does things like this throughout the day for us to show us how much he loves us that he is there providing for us and protecting us. And what a small way to give back to Him by simply saying, Thank you Lord, I know that was you, I know you LOVE me.

Julia not needing stitches after her bad fall in the middle of the night, another example of God's way of showing her Love. She was so fearful of getting stitches and wanted me to promise the doctor would say she wouldn't need them. "Baby girl I can't promise you won't need them, but God is going to be with us and He will give us strength to face this day." When the doctor finally at 11: 45 am said, "Nope she doesn't need stitches!" We praised and thanked the Lord right then and there in front of the doctor! See, Julia, See how much God Loves you? And God is going to continue to heal you.

Take a minute today just to think over the last week at the many small ways God showed you His everlasting Love and Mercy. Then take time to Thank Him. He deserves our thankful hearts.

Blog Hop

2012-01-26T07:44:00.000-05:00

There are no rules to this blog hop. Just link up your blog's main page. Then have fun reading new blogs and making new blog friends. We would love for you to follow the hostesses in the first four spots and our guest host in the fifth spot. Please leave a comment so we know to follow you back.
Grab our button if you want to share our blog hop with others. There will be a new list every Thursday, so be sure to come back every week. Also, if you are interested in hosting a giveaway for our blog, please email any one of us. We would love to have you!!

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We hope you have fun and thanks for joining us! We are so excited to find new blogs, share great ideas, and inspire each other.

Bringing Up Boys: "Staying Close"

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000-05:00

Holmdel Park...Pictures by Adrienne Ann Photography

Are you enjoying this book by James Dobson as much as I am? Check out a few of my posts on the previous chapters if today is your first time dropping by:

Chapter 14 Predators
Chapter 13 Boys in School
Chapter 12 Men R Fools

This chapter was JAMMED pack full of good stuff. If I forget everything I've read so far, I will NOT forget this chapter. And when I pull this book off the shelf when Mark is 5 or 6 and then when he's 9 or 10, and when he's a teenager I will read THIS chapter first. I loved what it had to say about building relationships with our kids. I mean it was so simple and yet such a good foundation and reminder. Of course we need to build a good relationship, how else and why else will our children trust our judgment or respect our authority if they don't really know us or believe we love them?

All photos on today's post are by Adrienne Ann Photography.

Chapter 15: Staying Close

After reading about how boys think, play, learn, how they need to do be disciplined and how boys need to be protected from worldly predators, this was the chapter that stressed how to build a satisfying and affirming relationship with them.

Here's what I took away...you know I like bullet points:

* "give them a desire to stay within the confines of the family and conform to its system of beliefs"
* "an unsupervised kid can get into more mischief in a single day than his parents can straighten out in a year"
* obviously we want to prohibit immoral behavior BUT our prohibitions must be supplemented by an emotional closeness that makes children WANT to do what is right
* children must KNOW that you LOVE them unconditionally and that everything you require of them is for their own good.
* "Laying down the Law" without an emotional linkage is LIKELY to fail

This is really good for all of us to hear, because as parents it is so easy to say, "Do this, not that." We all have extremely high expectations for our kids... I know it's not just me, and we want what is best for them, but then why do some kids rebel and do the opposite of what their parents have said all along, and why do others "buy into" what their parents have said. Dobson believes, and I have to agree with him, it all has to do with Relationship, Relationship, Relationship!

Josh McDowell (author and speaker) said, "Rules without relationship lead to rebellion."

What is the secret? How do we build this awesome relationship?

It begins early and includes HAVING FUN as a family! The memories that I look back on are times when we took all the spray bottles in our house filled them up and had a water fight INSIDE. My poor mother even got into it! It was so much fun, my sides hurt from laughing. Last time I checked spray bottles were cheap...it wasn't about the money my parents spent...it was the TIME they spent with us kids. It was UNDIVIDED attention. Kids spell love TIME. They want all of us. If I'm doing something in the kitchen and the kids are talking to me, they can tell I'm not giving them undivided attention. Julia will say, "Mom, look at me." or Mark will pull my leg and ask, "Why are you serious, Mom?" Kids know from a very young age what it means to play with your whole being. They want all of us, they don't care about the dishes in the sink or the spot on the floor. They don't care about our jobs. They love us, and they want ALL of us. And they deserve all of us. Maybe not every moment of everyday, but when it's family time it should be uninterrupted not checking your phone or email, fully committed FAMILY TIME. Just recently John took me out on a date, and he saw me checking my phone for texts or emails, and he just about threw my phone in the garbage (not really but you know what I mean). We were on a date. He wanted ALL of me. My Full attention. And he deserved it! And so it is with our kids.

"Children love daily routines and activities of the simplest kind. They want the same story or the same joke until Mom and Dad are ready to climb the wall."

When me and the kids go food shopping on our certain day of the week they are EXCITED to go. When we have school time at the round table they are EXCITED to learn. When we have Art Class on Wednesdays they scream and yell, "Yes, it's time to PAINT!" When the weather is warm they want to ride bikes outside (FOREVER and mommy gets eaten alive by the bugs) when it's bedtime they want the same book. It's not expensive activities it's the tradition of the time spent with mom and dad.

The hardest part of being a parent is maintaining a friendship WHILE maintaining parental authority and respect. Because in my opinion kids need parents not friends, but I understand that Dobson means that special bond, that relationship of trust and love. And you can't expect respect without a relationship. You can demand it of course, but will there be trust and love?

"There is comfort and security for children when they know what is expected and how they fit into the scheme of things."

The First Five Minutes

Another idea relevant to relationships is called "the first five minutes," and basically it's the idea that we have and opportunity every day to set a positive tone or a negative tone. Picture your husband coming home and looking at the stove top and saying, "Rice and beans AGAIN!" Well how do you think the rest of the evening is going to go between him and mom? Not so good right, because in the first few minutes of coming home he didn't greet mom with love and affirmation he had a complaint. Same goes with our kids or with students at school. Do you greet your children with loving words in the morning? I find this very easy to do, because I've missed them all night long (am I the only one who still checks on her kids as they sleep, for fear maybe they stopped breathing...these children are my gifts, I treasure them!) Or do you start the day barking orders or reminders? I think I might have a reality check as the kids get older because maybe it's just easier now. Either way the "first five minutes" can set the tone for a great day or a miserable one. At school I used to stand in the door way of my classroom with a smile and coffee in hand and say, "Good Morning __________." to each child who passed me, who knows it might have been the first nice thing they heard all day...?

The Power of Our Words

This topic is so near and dear to my heart because I believe with every ounce of my being that words can make or break you. It was someone's hurtful racial slur words in 4th grade that made me feel ugly til I stepped foot in high school and actually got attention from boys. On the contrast it was someone's words that encouraged me to go to grad school when I was fearful I couldn't do 5 courses in one month! But her encouragement pushed me to try and succeed! Same with us as parents in our home one slip up, one hurtful word, can be sealed forever in our child's memory. Words are powerful. We have only one chance to do it right.

"Harsh words sting like killer bees."

One day that I was so over tired and so sick I said to Julia in an exasperated tone "I don't care. Do what you want." And when I kissed her goodnight that evening and tucked her in bed she drew me in for a hug around my neck and she said, "Mom you don't care if I go downstairs." And of course I apologized and said that was so wrong to say that. She knew I cared and she knew my words were wrong. And she's only 4! We are going to mess up we are not perfect, but we CAN be careful. We can think before we speak. I feel awful that I said those words. Thank goodness we serve a God who gives us a lot of GRACE.

"Be mindful that everything you say has lasting meaning for a child."

Our jobs are not easy. We are going to need a lot of prayer and practice. I fail in small ways and big ways each and every day of every week, I'm no super mom. I'm human and motherhood is hard. BUT God has loved us with an everlasting LOVE and He wants us to LOVE our children and build strong relationships with them because He LOVES our children even more than we do!

Fun Survey

2012-01-25T00:00:00.006-05:00

Today I am answering questions from a fellow blog friend at Keeping Up with The Cyperts...

Fun Facts About Me:

1. I'm married to my high school sweetheart.

2. I speak French pretty well and have visited Paris.

3. My children have blue eyes and fair skin.

4. Our favorite family outing is roller skating.

5. My husband is as neat as I am.

6. We both love to serve in our church.

7. My daughter Julia learned to swim at 17 months.

8. My kids are 17 months apart and they are best friends.

9. My sister Sara and I are 8 years apart and WE are best friends.

10. I love coats, John buys me a new one almost every year!

11. I love to power walk with Leslie Sansone.

12. I have my Masters Degree!

Her questions for me:

1. What is your favorite healthy food? Salad, I could eat salad all day long for every meal...I love feta cheese in it, craisins, tomatoes, apples, walnuts, carrots, celery...the crunchier the better!
2. Who is your favorite celebrity and why? I used to adore Julia Roberts hence why I named my daughter Julia...I love her laugh, her friendly face, and her down to earth sense of style, but recently my new favorite actress is Rachel McAdams from the movie the Notebook and Time Travlers Wife, and most recently Morning Glory...I love her wardrobe in ALL her movies and she HAS awesome talent.
3. Where is the best place that you have ever traveled? I've been to a lot of places but one place I MUST return to is Italy...we spent 10 days in Rome and this time I would love to see Tuscany and Sicily and ride in a gondola. We had a glorious time seeing the Colosseum and the Spanish Steps and the Vatican...there was so much history...so much beauty...the food was delicious, and the shopping was phenomenal...I loved every minute of it and I was so happy to share it all with my wonderful husband and my parents who have never traveled over seas before.
4. Cats or dogs? As a child I loved cats I had two kittens, Elmer and Ziggy (but I'm allergic) and we always had a dog growing up Jabba (Rottweiler) and then Gable (Akita), now my husband and I have a boxer named Paris...and to be honest I'd love to be pet free...less mess.
5. What is your favorite TV show? I enjoy watching the Biggest Loser. I love seeing the transformation of the people.
6. What is your favorite fashion accessory? I love pins (especially flowers) and necklaces (costume jewlery) the bigger the better!
7. If you could have one super power, what would it be and why? I would be able to fight off dust anywhere at any time, especially under the bed!
8. Dream occupation? I have it...a stay at home mommy.
9. Why do you blog? I want to be able to share the joys of my faith and family with other women and be an encouragement and a light for Christ.
10. Favorite kind of cupcake? Vanilla with lots of icing and rainbow sprinkles
11. Sleep in or wake up early? Wake up early...I like to drink my coffee and do my devotions in peace and quiet.
12. Did you make a resolution this year? Yes to be neater and get more organized If so, what was it and have you kept it? Yup each week I am working on organizing a room, a closet, a drawer or cabinet...one thing at a time...so far I've made 3 trips to Good Will!

The Rules:

1. You must post the rules.
2. Post 12 fun facts about yourself on the blog post.
3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create 12 new questions for the people you tagged.
4. Tag 12 people and link them on your post.
5. Let them know you've tagged them!

12 New Questions for My 12 People:

1. What is your favorite childhood memory?
2. Who do you look up to?
3. What does your name mean?
4. If you won $10,000 how would you spend it?
5. How come you blog?
6. Where do you feel safest?
7. What is your dream vacation?
8. If you could speak another language what would it be?
9. Coffee or tea?
10. pen or pencil
11. What was your favorite subject in school?
12. What is the most important thing in your life?

People I tagged:

1. Valerie at All about Being Inspired
2. Suzette at The Joy of Homemaking
3. Flower Patch Farm Girl
4. Kara at Happy Go Lucky
5. Catherine at Home is Where My Heart is
6. Rachel at I Heart Crafty Things
7. Homeschool on the croft
8. Mikalah at Posy and the Porcelain Pig
9. My little pumpkin patch
10. Echoes of Laughter
11. Consider it Joy
12. Really. Truly.

***Bringing up Boys Post will be Tomorrow and it's a GOOD one!!!

Organizing my World

2012-01-24T00:00:00.001-05:00

I like lists, clipboards, paperclips, desk tops, clear counters, empty hampers, folded clothes, and "everything in it's place." That's just me.

I make lists and enjoy crossing off each item. Sometimes I add more to my list as I'm doing a job.

It's just how I am, take it or leave it. It's how I accomplish much throughout the day and keep my head clear. I like to make a list for the week and accomplish it in the same day...I know, I'm weird. But I don't sit still and I don't do well doing nothing.

Organization and excellence are my goals. On this particular day when I made my list I had 23 items (I added two people I HAD to call for advice)...by the end of this day I finished 19/23 things...and boy was I TIRED. I probably should have done maybe only 10 things, but some were rather easy, and some I HAD to do to prep for MOPS for Tues morning...and I can do 10 things during nap time!

When I'm bored I organize my space. Like today I organized three cabinets because John had a meeting at church and the kids were sleeping at nap time...what better way to use my time than organize and get rid of items we weren't using. I think in the last 3 weeks I have visited Good Will 3 times! After the holidays it was "out with the old in with the new"... we got new comforters...we donated our old ones and throw pillows. We got new towels we donated the old ones. A friend of mine knew of someone who had 4 kids and just lost all of their belongings in a fire...I went through drawers and the kids closets and found 3 bags worth of clothes to share.

I set my goals high, and cross off things when I'm done. I make a list Monday and give myself til Friday to complete anything. Then on the next Monday I start a new list...

This blog I love: Echoes of Laughter...the woman is AMAZING at organizing. She has almost 1,000 followers and it's no wonder, she's got so much to share.

My top 3 things I need to organize for the months of January/February are:

1. Our downstairs office.
2. Our home school supplies/books/curriculum
3. Our bedroom closets

An awesome website that I recently joined (thanks to Gina) is Cozi.com...you can organize your WHOLE life with all your electronic gadgets like computer, Iphone, etc and your hubby can see all the lists you make! It's pretty fabulous. Your calendar, to do lists, reminders for important dates, shopping lists, menu...all of it is all on one website and the website can text you to remind you of things or remind your spouse...it's AMAZING!

I'm writing them down for accountability so I know I will set my mind to work on them! What are your organization projects this month? How will you meet your goals? What do you need to do to meet them? Take pictures of before and after!

D. E. A. R. time Home School Monday

2012-01-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

I'm pretty sure Julia could read for hours.

DEAR time stands for Drop Everything And Read!

This is a newer part of our weekly curriculum. And both kids are expected to gather several of their favorite books (Julia always chooses princess books) and (Mark loves his Spot and Blues Clues books) their "job" is to sit quietly for 10-15 minutes and READ.

Yes, I'm serious. They read. Reading a book and sitting quietly is something all children can do if they are taught how to do it, and if they are given guidelines. I did this daily for my 3rd and 4th grade students after lunch and it was wonderful. Even I, as the teacher, and now as the mommy, sit down with my OWN reading material and read. It's important to model what you want your kids to do instead of just expecting them to know how to do it.

The kids sometimes sit next to me or sit on their own blanket. (I make it special and we all grab our favorite soft blanket and pillow and our pile of books or magazines and we sit near the fireplace).

These are our rules:

1. Sit quietly
2. Read your books or magazines (We have lots of Clubhouse Jr. and Highlights magazines that are fun)
3. Do not disturb anyone who is reading

Mark loves Spot books

This particular day was a Saturday, and when John walked in the first thing Julia did was say, "Daddy, ssshh we are reading." John couldn't help but smile. She wasn't being bossy, I promise, she was sharing our special moment because he never saw us do DEAR time before and he came ready to talk. He was so excited to grab a book and read along with us.

When you are done reading, you can rest

Why I LOVE DEAR time:

1. I get a chance to read my own materials.
2. We all get quiet time and a break from each other (very important for siblings too)
3. The kids get to use their imagination when they don't know how to read all the words yet.
4. Afterwards we talk about our books, and Julia always knows the plot of her books just by taking in all the pictures. Mark gets to expand his vocabulary and describe his books.
5. It's a calm down transition time before nap or after a meal.
6. Teaches your child independence
7. Teaches your child how to use a book properly (which way to turn pages, not to read upside down, be gentle with books, etc.)
8. Structured part of the day
9. Get excited about READING
10. Kids get to pick their own books to read

DEAR time is our new favorite time, won't you Drop Everything And Read with us?

Steakhouse 85 Date Night

2012-01-22T14:20:00.000-05:00

I love my family.

Sometimes, though it's nice to slip away and hold hands with your guy...your man.

Since John preaches on Valentine's Day weekend (Feb 12) most likely it will be very difficult to have a date that weekend, and so today we celebrate each other in New Brunswick. A cute little college town with clean streets and great restaurants to choose from.

My amazing in laws are taking the kids for us, and allowing us to have this evening ALL to ourselves! I'm really excited to be with John and talk and just have couple time. We need it. It charges us up and knits us closer together, and fills our marriage Love Tanks up!

I wish every weekend could be a date night, but our commitment is at least once or twice a month!

Three Bean Chili on a snowy day

2012-01-21T13:38:00.000-05:00

This morning we woke up to a few inches of snow, and the kids were so happy to play in it. Since John had to shovel and it was a cold morning I decided to make a big pot of chili to warm everyone up for lunch. Thank you honey for shoveling!
Vegetarian 3 bean chili (we cheated and added meat!)
Ingredients:
2 red bell peppers
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 cups organic vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups (1/2-inch) cubed peeled butternut squash
1 (28-ounce) can no-salt-added tomatoes, undrained and chopped
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
We LOVE beans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Preparation

1. Preheat broiler.
2. Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise. Remove and discard seeds and membranes. Place pepper halves, skin sides up, on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil 15 minutes or until blackened. Place pepper halves in a zip-top plastic bag; seal. Let stand 15 minutes. Peel and chop peppers.
3. Heat a Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add onion; cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in cumin and next 4 ingredients (through garlic); cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add bell peppers, broth, squash, and tomatoes; bring to a simmer. Cook 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add beans; simmer 25 minutes or until slightly thick, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with green onions.

I need...

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

I've been married to John for almost 9 years. We've known each other since High School. He's the sweetest, most loving husband, but even I have a huge problem sometimes sharing my needs.

It's very, very hard to tell your spouse your true inner most feelings and desires. It's humbling and can be very vulnerable feeling.

Something as simple as saying, "Honey, I need you to drive slower because it makes me scared when you drive fast." can communicate honestly how you feel and leave you very open to rejection or hurt. But we know our spouses love us right? So how come instead of saying, "I need..." we get upset, we yell, we lose it, we get frustrated, when all we have to do is say, "I need you to do this ____________." Why do we make it difficult? Why is it not easier?

Well, marriage is hard work, and being honest is tough. But I am finding that when I calmly say, "I need..." I'm really communicating my love for my spouse and my trust in God, because I'm doing my part. I'm communicating my needs (instead of making John guess why I am upset or what I need) and I'm trusting God to do His part in my marriage to convict John where he might need nudging.

Things like:
I need an hour to myself today because I need a break from the kids.
I need a Date Night that you plan because I miss you and I want to feel like a priority.
I need you to fix the gate outside because I can't do it.
I need you to bathe the dog.

Whatever your "I need" statement is it is valid and you are valuable enough to share it. I love my husband and I want to meet his needs and I KNOW my husband loves me and I NEED to trust him to share mine. I learned this from some very wonderful, godly, mature friends, and I'm so glad because I NEEDED to hear it.

Blog Hop almost 200 followers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Woohoo!

2012-01-19T15:22:00.002-05:00

It's Time to Mingle!

Hosted by Happy Go Lucky, I Heart Crafty Things,
Joy in the Jumble and Keeping Up With Kristi.
Each week we will choose one blog at random to spotlight at the next week's blog hop.
This weeks guest host is Posy the Porcelain Pig

There are no rules to this blog hop. Just link up your blog's main page. Then have fun reading new blogs and making new blog friends. We would love for you to follow the hostesses in the first four spots and our guest host in the fifth spot. We always follow back!! Please leave a comment so we know to follow you back! This week we have a special surprise for you!! Kristi is sponsoring a FABULOUS giveaway. She will be giving away a copy of the book Heaven is For Real by Todd Burpo to one lucky blog who links up and follows all 5 co-hosts. I've been wanting to read this book!
So happy blog hopping! We hope you have fun with us!!

Grab our button if you want to share our blog hop with others. There will be a new list every Thursday, so be sure to come back every week. Also, if you are interested in hosting a giveaway for our blog, please email any one of us. We would love to have you!!

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We hope you have fun and thanks for joining us! We are so excited to find new blogs, share great ideas, and inspire each other.

Planning my February Meal Menu

2012-01-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

I took a break from monthly meal planning for December and January...but I have been gearing up for my February menu all month!

Personally, I'm ready for warmer, sunny days...but since it's been super cold, February's Monthly Menu has lots of chilis, stews, and crock pot dishes :)

I left a three days open just in case we go out to dinner or there's a sale at the grocery store and I switch things up. Thursdays are typically a left over night so we don't waste food and since we have Awana at night it makes the day easier instead of having to cook a meal from scratch.

Many of these meals I have recipes for in Krisit's Kitchen or if you send me your email I can email you a recipe no problem. Also if you'd like a copy of the February attachment I make for my binder of the whole month's dishes I can also email that to you! Just send me a comment and let me know what you need.

February 2012 Menu

Wednesday 1. Chicken Cacciatore in Crock pot w/ whole wheat spahghetti
Thursday 2. Chicken Cacc. w/salad
Friday 3. Pizza night and carrots and celery
Saturday 4. White Bean Stew
Sunday 5. Pork roast and brown rice
Monday 6. White Bean chicken chili w/artichoke hearts
Tuesday 7. Taco night
Wednesday 8. Whole wheat pasta w/beans and spinach
Thursday 9. Left over night
Friday 10. Tuna melts--Second Friday of the Month Fridge clean out
Saturday 11.Shepherd's pie (Suzette's recipe)
Sunday 12. Red sauce and pasta (Daddy cooks)
Monday 13. Chicken Parm w/ pasta left overs
Tuesday 14. Valentine's Day--Take out!
Wednesday 15. Homemade Rice and Beans and pork chops
Thursday 16. Left over night
Friday 17. Pizza and tomatoes and cucumber salad
Saturday 18. Baked Chicken and mashed potatoes
Sunday 19. open
Monday 20. Chicken soup in the crock pot
Tuesday 21. Taco night
Wednesday 22. open
Thursday 23. Left over night
Friday 24. Mexican Meatball soup--Fridge clean out
Saturday 25. Chicken Francaise and egg noodles
Sunday 26. (Date night Olive Garden)
Monday 27. Healthy Chili (Ground turkey, corn, red/green/yellow peppers, red beans, black beans)
Tuesday 28. Balsalmic Chicken and Apple and Craisin, and walnut salad
Wednesday 29. Beef stew in crock pot w/corn bread

It's going to be a delicious month!!!

Bringing Up Boys: "Predators"

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000-05:00

Chapter 13 of our Book Club Bringing Up Boys was all about the predators on our sons. I'm going to keep this review short and sweet and just make a list of the Predators, Dr. James Dobson focused on.

*Postmodernism thinking: nothing is good or evil, everything is relative, all that matters is what's right for me and what's right for you, in other words there are no absolutes...

Proverbs 23: 7 says "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he."...so our ideas DO determine our behavior

*"What the media delivers to our children we are expected to rebut one at a time." Many parents go with the culture instead of counter the culture.

*"Many parents are overwhelmed by the culture. They feel relatively more helpless than their parents." For example: if everyone at school has a cell phone and ipad, and your child doesn't what will you do/say. If everyone has a TV or computer in their bedroom, and you don't what will you say/do?

*Now a days there is so much to say NO to.

*Parents feel more isolated, and it is much harder to raise a child in this day and age.

*We are at a constant battle with our culture with the TV, music, what happens at school, what happens on the bus, the internet, etc.

*Sometimes it feels like there is nothing wholesome left for our children and teens to enjoy.

*Our children are being exploited by what is geared for them to watch on tv and what they are able to watch on the internet...they are being targeted and companys are making big bucks off of them.

*"Boys and Girls are starved emotionally by disengaged parents" The pedophiles surf the WEB looking for needy kids. Do NOT let your child surf the net alone or unsupervised. The average length of time that exploitation occurs in an individual is 7 years!

*"The availability of p*rno*raphy on the internet is at the click of every mouse." Children can learn how to make a bomb or steps to committing s*icide on the internet. It's absolutely terrifying.

*P*rn and smut pose an incredible threat to our boys. A single exposure to it by some 13-15 year olds is all that is required to create an addiction that will hold them in bondage for a lifetime.

How do we as parents PROTECT our boys:

1. TVs, computers or VCRS should not be in the bedrooms. "Locate them in the family room, where they can be monitored and where the amount of time spent on them is regulated.

2. Watch shows with your children and use teachable moments to help them make right choices. Psalm 101:3 "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes"

3. Teach your children that God loves them and holds them to a high level of moral accountability.
4. Do everything in your power to reverse the blight of violence and lust that is so pervasive across the land. (maybe write a letter to your local congressman about entertainment moguls to stop producing explicit lyrics or producing raunchy shows).
5. Vow as a family to set for our children the highest standards of ethics and morality to protect them (maybe this means not getting the Victoria's Secret catalogue mailed to your home, or cable filters on your television, or filters on your computer, whatever steps you can take as a family to guard their eyes and ears)

I think of the song: Oh be careful little eyes what you see, oh be careful little ears what you hear, for the Father up above is looking down in love Oh be careful little eyes what you see.

As parents we need to set the tone in our homes. It starts with us setting high standards and making this a priority. I know there are parents who don't allow the Celebrity Dance tv show in their home because she has sons and she doesn't want them to watch these women with barely any clothes on dancing around. She's taking a stand to protect her children's eyes even though she may be able to watch a show like that.

Heaven is for Real

2012-01-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

I recently read this book and absolutely loved it! My friend Roe let me borrow it, and I kept wanting to read it but never had a free minute. Then I found out my dear friend Rayna who was pregnant with her 6th child had a miscarriage, and when I reached out to her to see how she was doing she said this book really gave her peace about their loss. Then I posted on facebook about this book and another dear friend of mine, Jamie, who recently lost her sister who was only in her twenties after just having a newborn, told me she read this book after her sister, Tara's death, and this book gave her comfort and peace I just finally MADE time to read it. And once you start this book you are on a roller coaster ride with the parents from how they dealt with their child's hospital stay and apendix bursting.

It is a true story and it is about how a little four year old boy experiences what heaven is like. His parents don't even realize it til after they leave the hospital and start hearing bits and pieces of their son's heaven trip. It is AMAZING. And since I have a four year old you can hear the innocence in their son's answers and thought processes and how he explains meeting Jesus, and John the Baptist, and oh my goodness, his sister that his mother miscarried! I cannot do the book enough justice. You just have to get it and read it and find out for yourself. It just goes to show you that children CAN understand the simplicity of the gospel. You don't need a seminary degree to feel Christ's love and value.

And the you just grow to love the Burpo family, Todd, is a pastor and he and his wife are just the lovliest, sweetest couple. God was so good to them in the midst of so much stress and difficulty. I pray that this family is truly blessed for sharing their story.

Rainforest Cafe Birthday Bash!

2012-01-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

Julia Star is now 4...birthday lunch at Rainforest Cafe

Lord, you promised me that my kids would stay little forever, didn't you?

Well, it happened, New Year's Eve came and went and my precious baby girl Julia became 4! No longer a baby, no longer a toddler, sniff, sniff, but a truly big girl now, and mommy is...mommy is...very, very happy for her.

Part of me wants her to stay a peanut. But for a girl who is 90th percentile, has long athletic strong legs, and weighs 38lbs...let's face it she hasn't been a peanut for years.

But you know what? She is oh so tender with her brother Mark, and somehow seeing her mother her brother just melts my heart and fills me with peace, that yes, she is growing up, but she's growing up in a lovely way, and so it really is tolerable. I mean look at her, does she look happy to be 4 or what?

The kids loved the Cafe. It was empty at first, but we had reservations at 11:30 so we got a tour, great seats by the waterfall and we could walk around and explore without interrupting anyone's lunch. Plus it's a family place and after a bit lots of families poured in and were very friendly.

Mark loved this place just as much as Jules did. They loved all the animals, the rainstorms, and the sounds of thunder.

We saw gorillas, frogs, elephants, monkeys, crocodiles, and snakes!

Mom, am I five yet? No, Julia.

We ate lunch and then visited the huge gift shop.

Mommy, can we take him home?
The gift shop was awesome.

At lunch when I prayed over the food and blessed Julia I got choked up as I said the words..."thank you for allowing Julia to be born, she has made our life so full." And I meant every word. I'm so thankful for her.

White Bean Chicken Chili

2012-01-13T13:31:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

1tbsp olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 tsp garlic
1 3/4 lbs chicken tenders cut into quarters
1 packet of taco seasoning mix
1 cup of water
1 can of artichoke hearts
1 can diced tomatoes or 1 cup of chopped tomatoes
1 can of white beans

Directions:

1. Heat oil add onions and saute until soft

2. Add garlic, chicken, and a little of taco seasoning
cook until chicken is no longer pink

3. Stir in the remaining taco seasoning and water into the chicken mixture.

4. Bring to a boiling. Add the artichoke hearts, tomatoes, and beans, simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.

*Garnish with fresh cilantro

I also make white/brown rice with this meal!

Enjoy :)

Keeping our Family Strong

2012-01-13T07:24:00.001-05:00

Christmas 2011 at our home

I read an article by Gary Smalley this week that talked about families and marriages. It was called, "Remember how it all began: cherishing your spouse in the parenting years."

Love. I think that is one of my favorite words. You are going to hear a lot about LOVE this year. Today we are going to focus on loving your spouse.

Most of you who read my blog are married, for those of you who aren't don't stop reading, file what I'm about to say in your mind because it is SO important to keeping a strong and healthy marriage.

It's called touching. I don't mean s%x. That is important too. But today I'm going to talk about love touches. This article stressed something that I already knew was important but Gary Smalley put it into plain words. He calls it 12 Touches. 12 Touches throughout the day is how you and your spouse show each other LOVE and care and tenderness, and also model to your children the commitment you share to one another. Remember when you used to see your own parents hug or kiss? Remember you might have acted like you were grossed out? Deep inside it made you feel good, even happy and safe, to know that your parents loved each other and were committed to each other. Because that meant your family was strong.

John and I go through hours almost all day of not seeing each other. The minute he gets home I feel better. I may not run into his arms and pepper him with affection right away, but you better believe I do as the evening goes on. Gary Smalley talks about how holding hands, smooches, gentle pats, etc, are so good for keeping the LOVE alive in your marriage. It keeps you connected. It shows the person you care, you need them, you adore them.

When I told John about this article he loved it. Then I started teasing him and poking him 12 times to use up all my touches...but that led to a tickle fest, which is also great touching! One of John's languages is Physical Touch, so he verified this article immediately. One thing we have to do from time to time is 30 seconds. 30 seconds is when we hug for that long because we just need a long hug. Some days are just harder than others or we missed each other a lot, and one will say, "I need 30 seconds." Then you know who wants to join us...Mark, Julia, and Paris! It usually turns into a group hug.

Here are some Love Touches examples...be sure to get your 12 in (or more of course) each day!

*Hugs
*Kisses
*Holding hands
*Gentle pat as you pass by
*Back rub
*Hand on the shoulder

The article also said Laugh often...yes, laughter is soooo good!

"A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without sprigs--jolted by every pebble in the road. Good humor makes all things tolerable."

***Happy Birthday to my Father in law Jack today and my best friend Christy!!! January 13th is a very special day!

Blog Hop almost 190 followers!!!

2012-01-12T15:01:00.001-05:00

It's Time to Mingle!

Hosted by Happy Go Lucky,
I Heart Crafty
Things,
Joy in the
Jumble and Keeping Up With
Kristi.
Each week we will choose one blog at random to spotlight at the next
week's blog hop.
This weeks guest host is Books, Crafts & Pretty Things

There are no rules to this blog hop. Just link up your
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making new blog friends. We would love for you to follow
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Valentine Project via Shutterfly

2012-01-12T00:00:00.010-05:00

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

The back of the card has a picture of me and Mark and underneath it says:

I have loved you with an everlasting love.

****************************************
God is the true author of Love. I'm enjoying getting ready for this lovey-dovey holiday coming up!

Can't wait to post some more "getting ready for Valentine's Day pics" and projects...

I love you, Mommy

2012-01-11T00:00:00.001-05:00

Right around age 2 your child starts testing you. They may give you a look before doing something naughty, they may take a LONG time to walk over to you when you call their name, they may ignore you when you are calling them, they may throw tantrums when they don't get their way, etc.

But something else happens at this tender age, your child starts saying what they feel. They start saying things like, "I'm tired, I'm scared, I'm sick, I'm hungry..." etc.

It's an awesome time of learning for them and growing their vocabulary and learning how to obey.

And something very special starts to happen...they start climbing in your lap to cuddle you, or wrap their arms around your leg while you are cooking or washing dishes, and they look up at you with those big innocent blue eyes, and they'll say, "I love you, Mommy." And the whole world stops. Because they chose to say it. Because it's true. Because they love you. And it is by far one of the best feelings in the world. Tonight Mark climbed into my lap during movie time and put his head on my chest and smelled my perfume, and looked up at me tenderly, and said, I love you, Mommy." And after I collected myself I replied, "I love you too, Mark, so much."

It's one of those moments that I wanted to record to look back and remember one of the many times you said it to me.

Date Nights are so important!

2012-01-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

Dating is so much fun. Finding the right person to share your life with and going out to fun places can be very exciting.

After you get married and start your family you realize just how much harder it is to stay as connected with your spouse, especially when he is away at work for hours if not all day, and you are left home to care for the kids, clean the home, and manage the home life.

Date nights not only become something fun to look forward to, they are imperative to keep you connected with each other, keep you in communication, and keep allow you to let your hair down and talk about other things rather than bills and disciplining the kids.

I feel that for us we need a date night at least once a week, sometimes 2 or 3 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). And a date night does not always have to be getting out of the house (although that is wonderful) sometimes it means being creative in your home, like having a candle lit dinner in front of the fireplace, watching a movie on Netflix (thank goodness for Netflix) with some popcorn, or, dare I say, playing a board game! Anything that allows you to feel relaxed, have fun, and be connected.

For us, we've been mentoring a couple who is soon to be married, and once a month we meet and talk and we are actually doing a book called Countdown to Couple-hood, which is awesome. It's a christian book on love and marriage. Kristen and Brian are in their twenties, love the Lord and serve vigorously at our church in youth group and awana ministries, they lead the drama team, and Kristen is also a bass player in our church band.

Being able to mentor Kristen and Brian has lit a fire in our own marriage and has reminded us just how good God has been to us to lead us to each other and keep our marriage healthy and strong.

And one of those ways has been to stay connected by having date nights.

This past Saturday we ate dinner with Kristen and Brian at Ruby Tuesday and then watched Mission Impossible at the movies. My kids were with the Lambertson twins having a ball.

So, whether you get to go out for a date night, or you stay home, put the kids to bed a little earlier than normal and have a date night at home, keep date night at the top of your list, make it a priority, not just around Valentine's Day, but always. Our marriages are so important.

Photo Coasters, a Kindle, a Quilt, a Watch and a New Faucet

2012-01-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

Every year God showers His blessings on us at Christmas time. And this year was no different. We really scaled down our list and only got each other a few items (especially after Mr. Wonderful got our family a new flat-screen for our basement) but the items we got each other were super personal and really needed!

For example, I had been hinting since my birthday that I would love a Kindle! And after John bought the TV I thought there was no way I'd get one at Christmas but he spoils me and got me one...I have two books so far that I've ordered and I'm still learning how it works but I love the leather cover he bought for it...it makes it look like a journal almost.

He kept teasing me on Christmas morning saying, "All I got you were socks and Tupperware," and yet he also bought me a much needed watch, and Violeta (our good friend who KNOWS watches) told John just what type to buy. He has great taste because I told him I wanted something simple and this one was perfect.

My dear bestie, Christy, got me photo coasters that she made HERSELF. Who does that!?!? She knew I loved the photo shoot pictures we took in November (she actually recommended the photographer) and she printed them, bought the ceramic coasters, followed a blog step by step, by using a resin and a BLOW TORCH and made them for us. Everyone who comes over picks them up and they are baffled when I say a friend made them. I absolutely love them. Click here to read the blog and see how to make them yourself.

By far, my favorite gift was the Pottery Barn Eloise quilt I got from my amazing MIL and SIL who always get me the best gifts at Christmas. I guess because they ask what I want and get exactly that! I was so happy when I came home and made my new bed with it...(I'm redecorating our bedroom to make it more Victorian and feminine) and even John liked it, which goes to show you how beautiful it is.

And my darling husband bought a new faucet for our kitchen sink and my FIL and a friend actually installed it this week! I LOVE them! It's the coolest faucet ever with a long, sleek, high neck (great for rinsing large pots).

God was so good to us this year! Thank you John, Judy (Mom), Laurie, Christy, and Jack (Dad)...you guys are the sweetest!

2012-01-06T22:00:00.000-05:00

Hi blog friends!

I have a new addiction...

Pinterest

Start following me if you get a chance!

I need help with my Date Night Board!

Any fun restaurants or places in the NJ or NY area? We love going to Mom and Pop type shops for the homey feel, and we LOVE museums!
If you want me to follow you on Pinterest comment on this post and leave your info below!

Follow me here!

Everybody Gets a Job

2012-01-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

"No one is too small to help." That is a new quote by yours truly...at least, I think it is because it's something I just made up but I truly believe this. We have been giving Julia jobs around the home since she was an itty bitty thing, and let's face it, the poor kid grew up well before her years since her newborn brother was only 17 months behind her...so at 1 1/2 she was already helping mommy put things in the hamper, or the washing machine, she would find diapers for Mark for me, she was always a big help.

I think if you start young and you instill that "Everybody gets a job," it's just a way of life and no big deal. After all, most of us will never have a maid or cook so it is a wise thing to teach our children to clean up after themselves and take partnership in the home.

And notice how I say, gets a job, you get to have a job, you get to be part of the family and you get to contribute to the daily going ons in the home.

It's exciting to kids to get to help and get to have a job. Grumbling, complaining, and whining are not acceptable in this home. We have a positive attitude about work. It starts with mommy and daddy. We practice saying things like, "Daddy gets to go to work to provide for us." "Mommy gets to stay home and be with you all day." Many Dads are not fortunate to have jobs, many moms would love to stay at home full time but can't afford to, so the fact that we get to is a blessing.

John and I sat down right before the New Year with the kids and we discussed what jobs they would get to do around the house this year. Oh, the excitement. We brainstormed together for a few minutes and then we wrote the ideas and jobs down and we taped them to the laundry room door.

And guess what? After the lists were made, Mark suggested I "draw a picture mommy" next to each thing I wrote down, (poor kid can't read yet and really wanted to SEE what he was responsible for)...too bad mommy's not such a good artist...we will have to ask Grandma Donna and Grandpa Greg to help us next time they are over. Isn't that neat that he came up with that idea? I mean I was impressed!

So each child got 4 jobs on their list (and you better believe Julia reminds me every day about her jobs!) and quite honestly the kids do way more than is listed simply because being a help always should be the attitude in the home, shouldn't it? If John needs me to do something, I drop what I'm doing and help and vice versa. I think if parents model this for their kids, the example really helps. We enjoy helping each other because we get to serve our loved ones, and isn't that what being a family is all about?

I came up with the number 4 since Julia is now 4, and because Mark is so easy going and can handle 4 things. But whatever works best in your part of the world is what's best for your family, only you can decide that.

Julia Gets to:

1. clean up the toys in her room
2. put dirty clothes in the hamper
3. set the table at breakfast and dinner
4. (and her favorite) feed the puppy Paris

Mark Gets to:

1. clean up his toys in his room
2. put dirty clothes in his hamper
3. help Julia set the table
4. helping empty the little garbages into the big garbage in kitchen on Wednesday and Sunday

My favorite part about delegating the jobs (besides writing the list...come on, you know I LOVE lists) was when we all sat down to brainstorm and we talked about each room in our home and how we could keep it clean. I loved hearing Julia's ideas about how she could help. What a sweetie! Brainstorming with your kids is PRICELESS. They will remember those moments forever because you didn't just tell them what their chores were, you invited them into the process of family life. Communication and teaching your child how to think is SO important. I love being able to do this with my kids, truly, it's a blessing and it CAN BE fun if you take the time to plan it out and do it. I promise.

Have a wonderful weekend! Enjoy each other!

Blog Hop #31 almost 180 followers! thank you :)

2012-01-05T13:51:00.001-05:00

There are no rules to this blog hop. Just link up your
blog's main page. Then have fun reading new blogs and
making new blog friends. We would love for you to follow
the hostesses in the first four spots and our guest host in the
fifth spot. We always follow back!!

Grab our button if you want to share our blog hop
with others. There will be a new list every Thursday, so be sure
to come back every week.

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We hope you have fun
and thanks for joining us! We are so excited to find new blogs,
share great ideas, and inspire each other.

My Show and Share Time

2012-01-05T00:00:00.002-05:00

As you know Moms have to be creative. We have to also be fun and entertaining, but we also want to TEACH our children at the same time and we want them to enjoy learning, right? Well, have you noticed how much preschoolers love to entertain and show case their favorite things? I learned this very well at Christmas time. Kids love to model their new clothes. They love to show you their new toys, and they like to dance, jump and talk...so, why not use all of their energy and excitement and teach them some verbal skills at the same time?

We call this learning time in our home, Show and Share. And I'm sure you've all heard of show and tell. But we call it show and share because we want to encourage not only the showing and the telling about the object but also the sharing with our brother, Mark or our sister Julia (or friends at school).

The way I like to do Show and Share is give my kids a color and they have to go in their bedroom or the playroom and find an object that particular color, you can do themed Show and Shares (find an animal, bring a book, bring a picture, etc) or you can have your child wear something to Show and Share. Then have your child answer questions about their object or outfit to everyone in the group or whoever is at home. I get super serious and say, mommy is going to interview you and you are not allowed to answer each other's questions (because Julia would do ALL the talking).

Show and Share Questions:

1. What color is your object?
2. Is it hard or soft?
3. What is your object called?
4. What do you do with your object?
5. Where do you keep it?
6. What do you like about it?

The list of questions can be short or long, silly or serious, but as long as your child is using their mind and answering your questions it causes them to think!!!

And one word answers are not "acceptable" the whole goal is to get them to explain and talk so if I get one word answers I ask more questions and say, "explain what you mean..."

I'm constantly surprised at the things my 2 1/2 year old son comes up with. Julia has always been a very high level thinker and answers questions very thoroughly, but Mark is still so young and when he keeps up with Julia I'm always impressed! I guess having high expectations for your kids can be a positive thing!

If you click on the Show and Tell article you will find monthly themes that you can use! We have really enjoyed doing this at home and I wanted to Show and Share with all of you, my readers.

Beauty of Forgiveness

2012-01-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Have you ever blown it? Made a huge mistake that you wish you could take back, but it was too late, and someone was hurt, and it was ALL YOUR FAULT?

I sure have. It was my very first year teaching at TCS and my whole focus was my classroom, my students, and the parents. All I wanted to do was my job. I got there early, and left there late. I wanted to succeed and I loved my students. I had 25 students my very first year, 25 students and 2 of which were staff students, and one of which was my principals son...no pressure, yeah, right.

Well, winter rolled around, and we had our first delayed opening. I got the call from the school secretary and even though we had a delayed opening I still got there early. I went to my room and started cleaning, prepping my lessons, for the day, work, work, work, at around 8am I strolled over to Bldg 1 to finally sign in, even though classes wouldn't begin til 9am...but then I got attacked, verbally by another teacher, because I forgot to call her and tell her about the delayed opening...I FORGOT TO CALL her and that meant she came early to school and so did another teacher all because of my error. It was a mistake. I never did a phone chain before. I had no idea. Our principal never discussed it. I felt like an absolute idiot. It was unintentional. It was my first year. It was the first delayed opening. But this teacher had no mercy. She yelled and screamed in my face in front of all the office staff for at least 2 minutes which felt like an eternity. I cried "inwardly" all the way back to my classroom.

A few minutes later another teacher who witnessed the whole thing, and saw how mortified I was, and knew it was my first year, came in to check on me. She graciously extended a hug, which led to real tears, and explained it wasn't my fault, it was an accident, and not to worry about it.

Part of me felt like and idiot, and part of me was angry. I didn't deserve to be treated like that. Yelled at like that. Belittled and made to feel like a fool...BUT I had a choice...I could forgive and forget, or I could hold a grudge...

I honestly don't know how long it took, but I think it was less than a week, but I gussied up enough courage to confront the teacher during our Christmas Concert rehearsal when all the grades were together practicing in the big gym. I remember this so clearly even though this was over 10 years ago. I walked over to her, I knelt down so only she could hear me and I looked her straight in the face, and I...apologized for making her come to work early, I explained I had no idea about the phone chain, and that it would never happen again (I lived in fear the rest of that year whenever there was a delayed opening or snow storm). She graciously forgave me and the bridge was mended.

I could have held a grudge. I could have walked right past her every day and ignored her. I could have gossiped about her, but honestly what would that have done, besides fill me with hate and make me a bitter person? I would be the one who would suffer.

I don't know why I did what I did then, and I can only hope I would have the decency to do that again. The Beauty of Forgiveness says to the other person, "You are more important than I am." It speaks volumes of love and selflessness and it pours on grace. And we could ALL use a little grace.

God's
Riches
At
Christ
Expense

Romans 12: 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

For me this is one of the hardest verses in the Bible to accomplish because people are so...so...mean! And why should I keep giving mean people the opportunity to hurt me!? And then I remember everything Jesus went through during his short life here on earth. How the people treated him. How they mocked him. Beat him. Spit on him. And I only get small wounds compared to his wounds, and yet He was able to Forgive.

Why?

Because everyone deserves a second chance, third chance, and fourth chance, etc... because we shouldn't be counting...because we all mess up, because we don't know what their day or home life was/is like. For all I knew that teacher needed the extra 2 hours to sleep in, and here I went and made her come early! And you know what, it's NOT about ME! It's all about how I can be loving and serve others, and sometimes that means apologizing even when you truly didn't mean to offend someone, just because it's the right thing to do.

I love that verse in Ephesians 4: 32 because it talks about how we are to be tenderhearted. What does tenderhearted mean? It means soft-hearted, easily moved to love, compassionate, loving, sympathetic, easily moved by the troubles of others...the focus is not me, me, me, the focus is others.

My friend Marian put on my Facebook Wall that being tenderhearted is being like a soft pillow...it makes you soft, approachable, people want to be around you, you become a safe place...the opposite would be like a rock...and as far as I can tell you wouldn't want to sleep on a rock, would you? You wouldn't want to approach a hardened heart person, would you?

Ultimately, why do we forgive?

Because He forgave us. We know what it is like to caught dead in our sins, our mistakes, our past, and Christ frees us from the bondage of sin, He died for us. Easily forgave us, because he loved us. He gave up His life willingly because of his compassion for us, his tenderness towards us, His love...how much more should we be willing to extend the Beauty of Forgiveness to others?

God has put this on my heart since December to share with the students at TCS (I'm going to share the life of Joseph in Genesis 37-42, and how he was able to forgive his brothers after all they did to him, throwing him in a pit/well, and then sending him off to slavery in Egypt all because of their jealousy of him, and how he realized that they meant it all for evil, but God meant it for good.) and I wanted to share it with all of you just how thankful I am for the grace that God has given me, and also my friends and family.

Grace is undeserved. But God expects us to willingly forgive, and so we must.

Matthew 6: 14-15 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.15But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

The Beauty of Forgiveness doesn't always work both ways. We may extend our hand and still be snubbed. But God's word says, "as far as it depends on YOU be at peace with all men." It does mean that as far as our part goes we need to be loving and forgiving even when others mistreat us. It means we go out of our way to make people feel our love and comfort and feel the peace, not feel uncomfortable, not feel the tension, not feel the anger we might have. Only God can help us to forgive...we need His strength because it just isn't natural or come easily. But the more we offer it, the easier it becomes. The more we seek to not be offended by people and think about their needs or their situation, or their side of the story, the more others focused we become.

Back to normalcy

2012-01-03T00:00:00.001-05:00

I love Christmas time, christmas carols, christmas gifts, nativity scenes, decorating the house and tree, BUT I really love putting the tree outside, unraveling all the garland, putting away the wrapping paper, and getting things back to normal.

Happy New Year!

Today was our day to get things back in order and ready for a great new month, and new year!

John worked from home as me and the kids did our normal Monday routine of food shopping, drop off at the cleaners, and library book return.

When we got back home Daddy was still in his pajamas working diligently with two laptops on the dining room table and lots of paper and pens, and his Blackberry going.

It was nice to have him in our presence as we sort of did our thing, but could stop by for a hug or kiss.

Today I scored some awesome grocery deals at Shop Rite. Ronzoni pasta was only 49 cents a box! And I got cheese tortellini for $1.99, and four boxes of cereal for $6! It was a great day for food shopping...normally I spend around $40-50 a week on groceries and today was only $36!

We got home in time to prepare lunch, play with our christmas and birthday gifts, organize Julia's room, do 3 loads of laundry, write out Julia's thank you cards, and have some tea!

I feel really good when the hampers are empty, and the sink is empty and the clothes are folded and put away!

My January calendar is already full, but I'm looking forward to having Tuesdays just for us since we will not be doing Bible Study this month, we took a winter break.

But we still have Mops, Awana, and Gymnastics! And we are really contemplating roller skating lessons for the kids...it's only once a week on Wednesdays and the price is very reasonable...I'm just thinking maybe we should wait so Mark can do it with Julia...because it's for ages 3-6. We took the kids rollerskating this weekend and it was a hit! They absolutely loved it and so did John and I!

Well, the tree has been down since 12/26, all the cards have been taken off of the doorways and card holders, the decorations and garland around the house have been boxed and stored in the garage, and now its time to get back to normal.

* We have new chore charts
* School project on Thomas Jefferson
* Reading/ Math lessons
* Circle Time
* Awana and Bible memory
* Library Time
* Gymnastics

I'm excited for what God has planned for 2012!

Out with the old...

2012-01-02T08:31:00.002-05:00

Today is our last day to enjoy time with Daddy before he heads back to work on Tuesday...

This post will be short.

This weekend has been a birthday party every day it seems for Julia...oh the gifts in her room, my first place to clean and organize is her bedroom...starting with the closet, her drawers, and we WILL be donating some toys this week.

I also will be working on new lesson plans for school, a new curriculum to plan. I'm speaking in chapel at TCS this week on FORGIVENESS so I need to prepare for that...not to mention a few loads of laundry that are calling my name!

Happy New Year everyone, enjoy the day! I'm excited for the garbage man to pick up our trash today...I feel like with all the company we had over the weekend our garbage just multiplied...I love a fresh start and a clean garbage can...

Out with the old, in with the new!

New Years Eve Baby

2011-12-31T21:19:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to my new four year old daughter, Julia Star!

She is no longer a toddler...

She is ready for bigger and better things!

She asked us all day, "How old am I now?" "When I went to bed I was three, and now I'm FOUR!" "Am I five yet?"

We had such an amazing family day just the four of us. This is the first year we didn't have a kiddie birthday party. Just us four at a new fun restaurant the Rain Forest Cafe at Menlo Park Mall. We had reservations at 11:30 and every half hour was a rain/thunder storm, it was AWESOME! There were alligators, snakes, monkeys, gorillas, two huge elephants, balloons, rain, huge fish tanks, a huge waterfall (we got seated right by it!) and a huge gift shop where we purchased a baby monkey that Julia named...Skeleton, and then Molly!

The kids are at the perfect age to enjoy every moment of new experiences like this. They ate like champs too...we had cheeseburgers, french fries and awesome onion rings! And the place is so family friendly the kids were able to take it all in and walk around and look at the "rain forest animals and wild life"....good choice mommy!!!

Last night we had a bunch of dear friends over and Julia got a new dress, a new huge doll that resembles her, a silver charm bracelet, and a gold cross necklace from Uncle Adrian and Aunt Vivi...oooh they spoil us so!

All dressed up and ready to go!

Mark was happy to drive us to the Menlo Mall...just kidding...

Thanks Daddy for spoiling us all today...

Happy New Year!

God is so good!

blog Hop #30 almost 175 followers :)

2011-12-29T10:38:00.003-05:00

It's Time to Mingle!

Hosted by Happy Go Lucky, I Heart Crafty Things,
Joy in the Jumble and Keeping Up With Kristi.
Each week we will choose one blog at random to spotlight at the next week's blog hop.
This weeks guest host is Running With A Glue Gun

There are no rules to this blog hop. Just link up your blog's main page. Then have fun reading new blogs and making new blog friends. We would love for you to follow the hostesses in the first four spots and our guest host in the fifth spot. We always follow back!!

Grab our button if you want to share our blog hop with others. There will be a new list every Thursday, so be sure to come back every week.

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We hope you have fun and thanks for joining us! We are so excited to find new blogs, share great ideas, and inspire each other.

Leaving a legacy of love

2011-12-28T08:53:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday, Dec. 21st, after a really fun playdate, I got two serious voice mails and texts, and after calling my Grandma in New York, I found out that my Aunt Pat (the woman on the far left) had passed away. She and my Grandma were very best friends...she had two children, Patty (we call her Little Pat) and Ricky her son. My Grandma had 7 children, and they all lived in Spanish Harlem side by side in a two family home. They became family and every holiday, birthday, summer BBQ, beach day, has been with them. My mom is pictured on the right, and this was many years ago, Aunt Pat was like a second mom to my aunts and uncles and this has been a true loss for all of us.

Aunt Pat left a legacy of love. She was a great mom, a kind soul, gentle, sweet, and giving, as most mothers are. She was selfless. She was encouraging, and she was always a blessing. I'm thanking the Lord she knew Him so that I will see her again one day. But cancer took over her body and in the last 3 months she became skin and bones.

This is a picture of me, my mom, and my aunt Leah (my matron of honor in my wedding). We were all at a party at Aunt Pat's house.

My last memory of Aunt Pat was this summer at the beach. We have a family reunion every summer at Belmar beach and we all meet up (we roll in deep because there are so many of us) I'm so glad my kids got to know her and she got to meet them.

I'm praying now for her two children Little Patty and Ricky and their children Ryan and Kien, and Tyler and Journey for this grieving process.

Aunt Pat we love you. Thank you for leaving behind this legacy of love.

Christmas Break

2011-12-24T00:00:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas!

We will be with tons of family and friends celebrating Jesus' birth for the next few days...

Wishing all of you not only a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but tons of family time, relaxing time, special moments, and lots of great memories!

We will be back around New Year's Eve to talk about Julia's special birthday!!!

Finding your OWN traditions...

2011-12-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

Every family needs to find their very own traditions. Things that are special, things that celebrate each other's personalities, and things that ultimately bring honor and glory to the Lord.

I grew up in a family that did not have many traditions. Of course we had family vacations, we had a Christmas tree, we played Christmas music, but we didn't do the same special things year after year that I looked forward to as a child. I'm not saying my parents were wrong, or that they didn't love us, because they did love us very much, but I am saying that family traditions can be really, really special, especially for little ones.

In just 9 days our Julia Star will turn 4, so Christmas time is extra special for all of us because we remember our first Christmas being pregnant with Julia being so exciting! I was super big, and super ready for her to come join our family, and John finally gave me the key to her nursery that he had been working on for months on Christmas morning to surprise me!

This year I decided to do something special for Julia...we got her nails done at a salon! Now, she is a nail polish pro, she loves it, but she's never gotten a full manicure at the salon before, and she was in all her glory today (Thursday, Dec 22) as Mark and I watched her get her nails painted. She got Christmas red, and pink flowers on two of the nails.

I think this will be one of our girl traditions for Julia!

As for my Marky boy, who no longer cries during hair cuts, but now asks for Ms. Debbie at Snip and Snap Kids to cut his hair...

I took him on Wednesday, Dec 21, to get a hair trim, and boy was he brave. Not a whimper, or a cry, he picked out his toys, he picked out his train to sit on, and he sat oh, so perfectly as Debbie did his hair.

And he looked so handsome when it was all done!

Nothing like getting a nice new hair cut before Christmas!

Another tradition for my boy...

And today we went caroling with about 9 moms (from our home school, and mops group), and 21+ kids! It was so fun. We met up at my buddy Bianca's house and the kids were given bells and lights to carry...we walked around her neighborhood picking the houses nearby that were lit up and we sang: Silent Night, Away in the Manger, Jingle Bells, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas! Julia sang her heart out, and Mark rang his bell and held his little light high...another tradition in the works...

Then we headed back to Bianca's house for cookies and hot chocolate...and I wish you could've seen how many marshmallows mark put in his cup! He was having a blast.

I love this time of the year when you get to spoil those around you and just love on people!

Merry Christmas!

Blog Hop #28 almost 165 followers!

2011-12-22T07:48:00.002-05:00

There are no rules to this blog hop. Just link up your blog's main page. Then have fun reading new blogs and making new blog friends. We would love for you to follow the hostesses in the first four spots and our guest host in the fifth spot. We always follow back!!

Grab our button if you want to share our blog hop with others. There will be a new list every Thursday, so be sure to come back every week.

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We hope you have fun and thanks for joining us! We are so excited to find new blogs, share great ideas, and inspire each other.

Grace wins!

2011-12-22T07:46:00.000-05:00

Last weekend we had a double date night with the Dimares. Roe and John are Mark's godparents, and Roe was my doula (birth assistant) for both my children.

We headed to a sushi restaurant and we talked about Jesus the whole time, as always. They attend a church in New Brunswick called Liquid and their pastor has a phrase with his congregation, "Grace wins!" And it is oh, so true!

In thinking of the miracle and love and grace of the Christmas story in Luke 2, I think of how grace won...

God created man and gave man free will. He didn't create robots who would automatically serve Him and worship Him. In His grace He allowed man to choose...

Man sinned. Sin entered the picture and in our disobedience we were cut off from a relationship with God.

But grace wins...

God saw that man needed a way to get back in a relationship with Him and so He designed a plan. All throughout the Old Testament God showed His love and grace to His chosen people and to all people (deliverance out of slavery from Pharoah). He showed His power (the flood and Noah's ark), He showed His authority (Jonah being swallowed by the big fish) and might (protecting Daniel in the Lion's Den), and He showered man with grace (He gives second chances, He forgives, He pursues a relationship with us, He stands at the door of our heart and patiently knocks waiting for us to open up and allow Him to be a part of our lives).

grace wins...

And then He does what no other "god" has done...He sent His one and only son, Jesus, fully God and fully man to enter the world as a baby...

grace wins...

He didn't come to earth as a tyrant, or a dictator, or a nasty mean old King, He came to earth as a helpless baby who would grow to be a man, who would choose to give up His life for the sin of man, so that He could be the payment for our sins...

grace wins...

He took our payment our punishment when he was brutally beaten and spit upon, and mocked, and punished when he did nothing wrong, he hung on a cross, he didn't deserve to die, he did nothing wrong, but...

grace wins...

Grace is God's Riches At Christ's Expense...God's best for us at the expense of the life of a sinless man, someone had to pay the price for our wicked hearts, someone had to restore us and make us new, and only God could do it. Thank you Jesus. Grace wins!!!

Now, what about me? Do I need to extend that same grace when I am loving people around me? Oh, yes!

Grace wins!

Forget about past hurts, forget about past wrongs, mean words, offenses, whatever it is, if God can provide a way to forgive us, and love us, and extend grace, guess what, how can we not do the same, with His help of course.

Grace wins!

Early Christmas Gifts...Before and After Pics

2011-12-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

We had an amazing photo-shoot in early November with our photographer Adrienne. Oh my goodness did she do wonders! She caught all the right moments and captured all of our personalities by the "click click" of her little camera...we were so impressed at how young she is and yet oh, so talented! It is a God-given gift!

John and I have tons of pictures of Julia on the walls, framed and mounted since she was born...Mark has tons of photos, but we have been slack about framing and putting them up, thanks to my Dad who has done some framing for us, but still we needed more of both kids, and updated....so, after our photo shoot we gave the CD of pictures to my Dad and he chose 6 that we all agreed on to blow up and print out.

We wanted to put the pictures in a room where we could admire our growing family...

We decided on hanging the photos in our room...but I wanted to "do it" for John so it was one less thing for him to do around the house.

So my dad and friend Kyle came over and helped measure, and hang each 8 by 10 portrait above our bed in our room.

I just love it!!!!! And when John came home from work yesterday it was all done, thanks to my dad and Kyle!!!!

If God wills it, He can do it!

2011-12-20T07:33:00.001-05:00

This Christmas season has truly been wonderful. Having things done way in advance really allows one to enjoy each day and not feel panicked or rushed. I'm thankful for John who gives me little breaks here and there (this past weekend he took both kids shopping while I was able to get a much needed pedicure!) His philosophy is, "If you do this all week (bring two kids everywhere) surely I can do it for a few hours!" My favorite part is when he comes back and goes, "Babe, you are a saint, how do you do this everyday, they are so hard!" (and really they are absolutely wonderful, but they are 2 and 3 and they have lots of energy, and after 2 hours it seems hard.

On Sunday, Pastor Joe spoke about Elizabeth and Zachariah and how they were told by an angel they were going to be pregnant with the prophet John the Baptist in their old age.

In that culture being barren was looked down upon, and now Elizabeth and John were well into their older years, having a baby was IMPOSSIBLE, right?

I look at our lives and there are some things that just seem IMPOSSIBLE to us...but things we would LOVE to have...

*another baby
*mommy allowed to stay home for at least 2 more years (or even more if we are blessed with more children)
*job security for John
*more students at the Taekwondo school

Can you think of things in your life that you just don't see a way for them to be realized because of time, finances, age, health? Whatever it may be...

"If God wills it, He can do it."

Think of the angel telling Elizabeth and Zachariah..."You will have a baby and he will prepare the way for the Messiah..." Zachariah did not believe it at all, and he was left mute because of his unbelief. I have decided that my perspective is very narrow...and I need to remember I have a very BIG God who is almighty and powerful, and

"If He wills it, He can do it."

Elizabeth and Zachariah did get pregnant, they did have a son, and they named him John, not Zachariah like most Juniors were named...He was given the name John because they realized God can do anything, and nothing is impossible with God!

If God wills it, He can do it!

So, I am content today at this very moment that God will take care of us, provide for us, and bless us where He sees fit. I am not limited by my age, or my race, or my education, or my status in society, or finances. God is limitless. God can use all of us in mighty ways. He does miracles every day. We serve a God of hope!

If God wills it, He can do it!

Home School Monday #2

2011-12-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

We still have not taken a day off of school yet for the holidays, but this week might be the week we do it! We plan on visiting with friends and family this week and finishing up the last minute details before Christmas gets here!

Just this past Friday, Julia and I did over 10 pages in her Letter tracing workbook and Math workbook while Mark took an early nap (he had a hand stuck in the door issue and was worn out from the morning's events, poor guy, and he did lose a finger nail which was very painful, but as of today it is beginning to harden and heal, praise God). Julia and I when we do our workbook writing pages or counting (adding) pages we have a blast. Julia is known to keep going, "More! Another one!" even when I feel we've done enough she is ready to do more, so we do! It's days like this that I take advantage of so the other days that we have Library or Gymnastics I don't worry about "missing" some school time. It all evens out.

We are getting lots of Flat Stanley's back! (Can't wait to mail out a whole new batch in the New Year, this will be a few months long project because it is just so much fun!) This weekend we got letters back from Ashland, Oregon and Staten Island, New York!

The moms have been great with this project because they have mailed back post cards, state facts, newsletters, and even book marks, it's fun getting prizes in the mail from each state! Thank you!

In the New Year Flat Stanley is going to travel to Maryland, California, Louisiana, Tennessee, New Mexico, and Indiana!!!

Being a home school parent is so much fun because I get to be a part of their education, guide it, plan it, and supplement it where I see fit. And yet we have the freedom to do day trips, take a week or two off, focus on one subject at a time, or a day, week or month. And the prize is watching your child grow, and learn right before your very eyes and be able to say, "Yes, I taught my child that!"

I'm thankful for each and every minute, even the days that are more difficult or harder to plan, because it has made me a stronger, better teacher, and a better mom, although I know I have lots, lots, more to learn.

Haiku Poems as Gifts

2011-12-17T15:17:00.000-05:00

This year I am going to be writing haiku poems for my family members as a Christmas Gift.

What is a haiku poem you may ask?

A Haiku is an unrhyming verse form, conveying a complete image or feeling in three lines of syllables, and are usually about nature or natural things.
You can really make these poems about anything that you like. The Japanese most of the time make them about seasons of the year.
there is no such thing as a haiku PEOM, but a haiku POEM is a Japanese poem with the first verse with 5 syllables and the second with 7 syllablles and the 3rd with 5 syllablles.

My friend Jamie shared this idea at our last MOPS meeting and I loved how personal it was, and since I loved to write I thought it would be a great gift from the heart, that I could frame and give this year.

For example:

Julia's Poem

She lights up a room
With her wit, charm, words, and love
She is contagious

Mark's Poem

Oh my wondrous boy

You are sweet, tender, happy

My heart has melted

Me and You

2011-12-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

This is me when I was 3 1/2...

I always loved the color yellow, and I loved wearing dresses.

I'm not sure if I was much of a talker, but I did LOVE nursery school...Busy Bee it was called.

I loved learning and the routine of school...

This is my Julia at 3 1/2...

I finally can see some resemblances.

The cheeks, the eyes, the smile...

People say it to me a lot that we look a like but when I see Julia I just see Julia...but when you hold up two pictures...you see the proof is in the pudding!

Blog Hop #27 165 followers????

2011-12-15T10:10:00.002-05:00

There are no rules to this blog hop. Just link up your blog's main page. Then have fun reading new blogs and making new blog friends. We would love for you to follow the hostesses in the first four spots and our guest host in the fifth spot. We always follow back!!
Grab our button if you want to share our blog hop with others. There will be a new list every Thursday, so be sure to come back every week.

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We hope you have fun and thanks for joining us! We are so excited to find new blogs, share great ideas, and inspire each other.

Where is He?

2011-12-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

I got to hear this conversation as I was cleaning up in the kitchen today. Mark and Julia were in the Dining room at their very own little red table.

Mark had just fallen down and was still recovering from the shock of the slip (no boo boo, just shocked, he landed on his bottom).

He sat down next to Julia and I said, "Mark you don't need to be upset, God protected you."

To which he looked over at Julia and asked, "Where is God?"

Julia answered, "You can't see him, buddy, He's in heaven!"

To which I said, "You are absolutely right Julia, we can't see God, but we know He is all around us and that He loves and protects us."

Every day I hear conversations between Mark and Julia that blow me away. Julia is such a sweet sister. She is always nurturing and loving on her brother, sometimes, he asks her to stop because she hugs him so much, and she says, "Mom I can't help it, he's just so cute." And you know what, she's right. I can't blame her at all.

I always wondered how Julia and Mark would get along. They are 17 months apart and best friends. Julia is the happy older sister, and Mark is just at peace in her presence.

Our Cookie Exchange

2011-12-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

Last night we made our very own sugar cookies! The kids got to roll out their cookie dough, cut their shapes, and decorate their cookies!

Words cannot express how very proud they were of their creations.

They were like little bakers.

They wore aprons.

They washed their hands. They rolled up their sleeves, and they watched me very carefully as I demonstrated each and every step.

They used the kitchen counter space.

They added extra flour when the dough got sticky.

They were super serious about their job.

I was so proud of them, especially Mark, because he's only 2 and he did such a great job!

He listened to everything I said, and was so serious about his work.

Decorating was the best part because they got to shake on their sprinkles or place them and they were so happy to do so.

It took us about 30 minutes to roll, cut, and decorate, and 9 minutes each batch in the oven. We made 3 batches.

When John got home he could not believe it.

The kitchen needed some work afterwards, but it didn't matter the kids had a blast baking.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) we will be baking ALL day with Aunt Laurie, Grandma Judy, and Grandpa Jack. I'm so excited. I have new recipes to bake!!! Our cookie exchange with my MOPS group is on Thursday and we will share all our different types of cookies and recipes with our friends!

Happy Baking!

Oh Christmas Tree!

2011-12-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, December 3rd, we headed to the Tree Farm in East Brunswick. The Giamerese farm is now our family tradition!

We search and search...

Until we find, just the right tree...

Daddy takes all the photos...

Mommy gets everyone to smile...

And before you know it...

We are home trimming our real tree, picked straight from the ground...

Yup, life is pretty awesome! Happy Birthday Jesus!

Home School Monday

2011-12-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year...but oh so very busy!

Extra trips to the grocery store, Christmas shopping, drop offs at the post office, not to mention, Ladies Bible study, MOPS, play dates, sick kids, ER visits, sick mommy, trips to the doctor's office, Library time, Awana, Gymnastics, when do we fit school in?

We fit school in first thing in the morning (Circle Time), and review after nap (Math and craft), and right before bed (Awana verse and reading)! And Mommy can't wait for January when we start a whole new classical curriculum! I will have a month off of leading Bible study and will be able to teach 4 days a week instead of 3.

I'm sure all of you can relate to a busy November and December, right? I'm excited for the quiet days of January and February...

Julia and I were given this book by Christy Weaver and we just loved it. Julia helps me read it by figuring out what the pictures in the prayers stand for, it's really fun to do together.

I don't know if it's the age or her artistic ability but Julia could color for hours if I let her. This month I printed out lots of advent pictures, candy canes, Christmas trees, and holly to color. And Julia does such a great job of choosing the different colors she likes and coloring in the lines.

In Awana we memorized this verse last week (Psalm 33:4) for Bear Hug #10...and our family month verse is Luke 2: 11 For unto us is born this day in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord...and I'm so proud to say that even my 2 year old son knows this verse!!!

Flat Stanley continues to travel across the United States. He's been mailed to Florida, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Delaware, California, Oregon...and we still have lots more letters to mail out...we are waiting til January to send out some more!

Pictured here is Carson who lives with his Mommy, Julia and Daddy, Jay, in North Carolina!

We've been so thankful to all the parents who have emailed pictures to us and continue to send facts about their states.

Mark's favorite part about the Flat Stanley project: getting to stand on the red chair to point to the different states!

How is it, Julia?

2011-12-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

A poem for my almost four year old girl.

How is it, Julia?

How is it, that you have gotten so tall?

How is it, that you are no longer small?

How is it, that you can comb your own hair?

Have your own opinion, decisions, and flair?

How is it, that you can paint your own nails?

Play with your dolls, with plots, and stories, and tales?

How is it that you have gotten just so big?

You used to be so tiny, so small...

How is it that you have a mind of your own? You know what you want and you persevere, you're so strong!

How is it that you can now read to me? Your memory is long, it's wide, and it's deep.

How is it that you are no longer a baby?

I must tell you, I don't know, it's driving me crazy.

But I must say these words....I love to watch you grow, it makes me so happy to see and hear all that you know.

Our God is so big, He's so great, He's so strong, He's teaching you so many things, the difference between right and wrong.

I love you my sweet.

I always always will.

No matter what you do, my heart is forever yours.

You're my best friend, my best girl, my best first born.

I love you forever and ever.

Blog Hop #26 Almost 160 followers!!!

2011-12-08T07:21:00.002-05:00

There are no rules to this blog hop. Just link up your blog's main page. Then have fun reading new blogs and making new blog friends. We would love for you to follow the hostesses in the first four spots and our guest host in the fifth spot. We always follow back!!
Grab our button if you want to share our blog hop with others. There will be a new list every Thursday, so be sure to come back every week.

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We hope you have fun and thanks for joining us! We are so excited to find new blogs, share great ideas, and inspire each other.

Boys in School

2011-12-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

This post comes from the Book Study that I'm doing from the Dr. James Dobson book Bringing up Boys. I've been doing it for several months now, on Wednesdays, and this is one of my favorite chapters because I can really relate to the topic.

As most of you know I taught Pre-K for a year at United Children's Preschool in New Brunswick, and then taught 3rd and 4th grade for almost 7 years at Timothy Christian School in Piscataway.

One thing I can tell you from my teaching experience is that boys and girls learn differently and as a mom I can definitely confirm this fact.

As a teacher I was much more rigid in the classroom with my students than I am as a stay at home mom. (I'm sorry!) Partly because in the classroom I had anywhere from 16 to 25 students to maintain and educate and when you have 16-25 students per teacher there is only so much one can do to meet the needs of every child and every learning style. It is an ongoing struggle all teachers have in the classroom, how do I meet the individual needs and learning styles of all my students. I can remember coming home and really trying to plan new ways to adapt my lessons to accommodate visual, audio, and kinesthetic learners.

Now I am a teacher to two students. My almost 4 year old daughter Julia and my 2 1/2 year old son. And not only are their ages different (so I have to adjust different learning material) but they ARE totally different learners. Julia doesn't sit still until you put a crayon and paper in her hands and Mark doesn't sit still....period.

In the classroom I made sure my 3rd and 4th grade students did Reader's Theater, class projects, silent reading around the room (they could choose a bean bag or comfy spot under a desk) journaling, and sometimes we did our test reviews in class by using a game or chocolate pudding/shaving cream on wax paper to practice spelling our spelling words.

A quote Dobson used was, "Boys feel like school is a game rigged against them. The things which they excel-gross motor skills, visual and spatial skills, their exuberance-do not find as good a reception in school."

I can see why boys loved gym, and recess as their favorite subjects in school. Because they were able to be using their gross motor skills, their excitement and enthusiasm, and their visual and spatial skills. No wonder when we did Field Trips and special activities like Earth Day everyone was excited. They got to be outside having fun and using their body.

Lots of children, not just boys, can't learn sitting at a desk all day. I knew that as a teacher my first year. I tried to make sure we sat on our desks, read under our desks, buddied up around the room to study, anything to get them moving and out of their seats. I am not one to sit at my desk for hours either, although it doesn't bother me, I do like to move!

Another quote I thought was interesting was, "Children are also being placed in formalized educational settings at younger ages, which is very hard on boys. They tend to be six months behind girls in development at six years of age, which makes it tough for many of them to sit quietly and work with pencils and paper and to cope with the social pressures suddenly thrown at them. Too many of them get off to a bad start and begin feeling "dumb" and inadequate."

I know for a fact that Julia although she will only be 4 1/2 next year in the Fall would be absolutely ready for a school setting. She is very independent, very willing to please authority, and loves a challenge. I don't know if it's because she is a girl, or because she is a first born, or what, but she is just READY!

And lots of my friends with boys who miss the age cut off for Kindergarten gladly keep their boys home an extra year because they don't feel their boys are ready for school just yet.

"Let's face it, school can be a rugged place for those who don't "fit in with the typical classroom program."

Children are expected to:

1. sit at a desk quietly
2. follow directions
3. hold a pencil properly
4. walk in straight lines
5. sit still

And sometimes these seem simple and easy, but to a child who's little body just isn't quite ready for it, these tasks can be difficult.

As a Pre-K teacher we were not even allowed to do Circle time longer than 10-15 minutes because it was deemed inappropriate for a 3/4 year old to sit still longer than that, and mind you we did songs, stories, finger plays, weather graphing, etc.

This chapter really made me appreciate the time I've been able to stay home with my kids, and also realize the benefits of home schooling. It's not necessarily for every one, and some don't choose to do it forever, but for the time that you can do it, it is awesome to be able to meet your child's individual needs and see them grow and blossom under your personal care and attention that they couldn't get in a classroom of 25 kids.

Dr. Dobson listed a bunch of things to help your son practice the art of reading. The main part of the parent is to motivate your child to practice reading and he listed a ton of ideas that would intrigue boys...here are a few:

1. Boys want more action in the books. (girls like character development)
2. If the characters or the action in the book is not moving fast enough boys will stop reading.
3. Fiction books need to be full of info.
4. Snakes, spiders, and airplanes are very captivating.
5. Make reading a regular part of household activities.
6. Give books as presents.
7. Your son should see YOU read.
8. Never give them just one book, try 5 or 6, the more options the better chance they will find one they like.
9. Take your son to the bookstore or library and let HIM explore his reading options.
10. Boys will jump on books that match their interests.

Hope these ideas helped!

Just remember you as the parent know your child the best and are their very first teacher and motivator! And don't forget to truly LOVE your job as parent/teacher...we are so blessed to be parents to our sons and daughters! Many couples would love to be in our shoes so appreciate your children and love love love them to pieces!

Christmas Crafts and Fun

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This past Saturday we headed to the Giamerese Farm in East Brunswick and picked the best Christmas tree ever. It smells so good!

We decided to trim the tree on Monday after Daddy got home from work. Which gave mommy time to buy all new Shatter Proof ornaments for the little hands that would be touching them! I'm certain a mommy invented the shatter proof idea. We got a huge box of them at Costco for only $25!

We let the kids go to town.

We had Christmas music playing. Popcorn and hot cocoa...and oops poor Julia tripped on the lights on the floor and fell on a light bulb and cut her little hiney!!! How did that happen???

Oh the life of having two toddlers and a puppy! After we cleaned her up and put a band aid on we finished the festivities!

Here are some Christmas crafts that we will be working on this month:

My favorite Christian website for coloring crafts with tons of themes is DLTK kids:

DLTK holiday themes link

DLTK christmas coloring pages

Christmas Tree link coloring page

My kids are so into coloring this year. They color for hours, especially Julia. She chooses a million different colors!

Mark just copies anything she does.

Candy cane coloring page link

Last night we gave Julia and Mark rainbow candy canes for the first time and they loved them!

Julia immediately held hers upside down and yelled, "Look mom a J for Julia!" Yup, kids Christmas is ALL about Jesus and you!!!

Have fun Christmas learning and crafting!

Flat Stanley is on the move...

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We have been having a ball sending out all of our Flat Stanley letters to friends and family all over the United States.

Read this post to hear how our project started.

This past weekend our first Flat Stanley that we mailed out arrived safe and sound to Miss Addie Ladouceur in Florida!

I think Miss Suzette and Mr. Brian had a lot of fun snapping shots of their daily outings and errands with Flat Stanley, but who could blame them.

Flat Stanley went to church in Florida, he visited the library, got some take out food, and spent time with the in laws! This morning he even went to work with Mr. Brian (is he a good sport or what?)

Julia and Mark got to look at our US map and point to NJ and all the states that Flat Stanley flew over to arrive in Florida. They were very excited to stand on chairs to point to the map. Then we put stickers at all of Flat Stanley's stops.

Addie did a great job of caring for Flat Stanley. And Miss Suzette sent us lots of texts and pics of what Flat Stanley was up to all day!

During nap time I got an email that Flat Stanley had arrived in Georgia to visit with the McCains! I can't wait to tell the kids and post a new sticker on our map!!!

Reading about Flat Stanley (and Julia asks me every day, why is he flat, mommy?) from the short novel to the kids in the morning and then following up with where he has visited has really helped our Map and Geography lessons.

So thank you thank you to all of the families who have participated and who are going to! We sent out a lot of letters and can't wait to see all of the responses and photos people will send.

Feel free to post the pics straight to facebook and tag us if that is easier, or you can email the pics to me.

We are having so much fun learning, and isn't that what learning is all about???

Happy travels Flat Stanley!

Date Night

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Tonight Grandma comes over and you and I get a date night.

A much needed time away from the house.

Away from the responsibilities of mommy and daddy.

Time to just connect, and talk, and laugh.

And yes, we will probably end up talking about the kids the whole night, even during the movie, but that's ok, we love 'em!

Honey, I'm not the same when you aren't around. I'm so glad you are back home. I hate business trips. But I like when you come back!

Date nights are awesome!

Blog Hop #25 Almost 150 followers!!!

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It's Time to Mingle!

Hosted by Happy Go Lucky, I Heart Crafty Things, Joy in the Jumble and Keeping Up With Kristi.
Each week we will choose one blog at random to spotlight at the next week's blog hop.
This weeks guest host is BabyBerry

There are no rules to this blog hop. Just link up your blog's main page. Then have fun reading new blogs and making new blog friends. We would love for you to follow the hostesses in the first four spots and our guest host in the fifth spot. We always follow back!!
Grab our button if you want to share our blog hop with others. There will be a new list every Thursday, so be sure to come back every week.

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We hope you have fun and thanks for joining us! We are so excited to find new blogs, share great ideas, and inspire each other.