the gift of grace

There is one week of the year that I always look forward to. Bible school in Kentucky! It brings back so many great memories and is such a cherished time with family. My kids wait for it year-round and can't wait to go get spoiled by their grandparents and of course see "Bible-School Kim", my cousin who has been known by that name since the first time the kids went four years ago!

But this summer I have felt overwhelmed. Today I was trying to figure out our crafts and special music--and yes, it begins in two days. I was driving back from Chattanooga tonight feeling like maybe I wasn't spiritually worthy to be in charge of crafts and music.

But being alone in my mini-van also made me alone with my thoughts and talks with God. I could actually feel Him telling me "Are you really going to be that ungrateful?"

Me. Ungrateful? What??? I am constantly pushing stumbling blocks from my life out of the way lately. I never thought this would be my life at 34 years old. I never thought I would be ending a marriage and figuring out how to live as myself again. When friends ask, "How do you stay so strong?" I answer with conviction, "With God. I've prayed more in the past 6 months than in my entirety of my life." So how would I seem ungrateful?

Because some part of me keeps forgetting to be a gracious recipient of His grace. I started thinking, yeah...how would I feel if I gave my kids a gift that cost me everything and they constantly refused it saying, "I'm not worthy of that gift", "I should have been a better child yesterday", "I need to stay focused on what you want me to do, Mom".

Yep. It would devastate me.

So I'm taking the gift of grace with glee and enthusiasm. I will be grateful. It was given to me and I'm going to use it during my times of frustration. I'm going to use it when I criticize myself for my attitude or actions of the day. I'm going to use it to forgive myself and to forgive others. I mean, that is what it is there for.

I may not have the perfect music or the most dazzling crafts for Bible school this year. But I do have a gift that means so much more. My heart will be filled with grace and love & hopefully the kids will see how much that really means.

the chore store

This morning, as I checked emails, facebook posts (because that is a necessity), and downed my coffee---I heard Kaya in the pantry scratching around. She had spilled some cereal and told me she needed to "broom up and mop up her mess."When I saw her, I remembered how much I love our new plan of action---The Chore Store.

I started this at the beginning of the year because I was sick and tired of doing everything around the house. I had used chore charts before (including the one below) but start losing enthusiasm.....don't follow through.....and my kids of course, followed my lead.

But I was done. An enthusiastic housekeeper, I am not. And an enthusiastic housekeeper who was beginning to feel like a maid picking up after everyone, I definitely am not.

So The Chore Store was created.

Each week we decide on chores Zander and Kaya can help with. When they complete the chore the get a penny to put in their Chore Store Jar. If they initiate helping on their own they get a nickel----and I praise them with huge enthusiasm! Whatever works...my house is slowly becoming less of a cluttered disaster..

They love getting their money! Once a week, they can shop at the Chore Store. Amazingly, they stay out of it. They do remember the rule: The store is only open in the Living Room, when mom opens it. It stays in a kitchen corner when it is closed.

There are 3 drawers in the "store". They can purchase items for 10 cents, 25 cents, or 50 cents. I haven't had to purchase anything yet to stock the store.....I found all of the treasures in closets, forgotten boxes, my purse....So this has been great at getting me to sort through some clutter in the house too!

This is great for helping them get some sort of money sense. It is almost impossible to get 50 cents in a week so they have to make a choice: spend now or save. I am so impressed that they do want to save sometimes! Of course, they are 4 and 5, and sometimes instant gratification is what they are looking for!

After many attempts at keeping some order and trying to install some family responsibility, this seems to work for us! And I've stuck with it for longer than two weeks.....so proud of myself! Maybe I should get to shop in the chore store....

Do you have a chore plan you use? I'd love to hear what works for you!

be still and know that I am

Each year I make tons of resolutions.....a new year is time to get started on a bigger, better me. Like most everyone I'm pretty good at keeping them.....for the first week or so. I am usually still running on adrenaline after prepping & carrying out all of the duties for the holiday season.

But this year, God had other plans.

Of course I volunteered to be room mom for Z's class. Of course I was planning a special holiday party. Of course I took pictures and bought 120 Christmas cards to send out. Of course I was going to make a million cookies for everyone I knew. Of course we were going to have the picture-perfect Christmas.

And then of course, I got the flu.

I'm not talking a simple cough with a low-grade fever. I'm talking high fever for several days, chest congestion and wheezing, a headache so bad it hurt to blink my eyelids. And it would be way too easy for just I to get it---the kids had to get sick also. I was dreading the call to my mom to tell her we couldn't come up for Christmas....but she beat me to the punch and called to say she had the flu.

So everything I had planned.....immediately stopped. But I did get a crash course in prayer and meditation. What else was I going to do? Well besides play Bejeweled Blitz, Fluffy, and Cafe World on Facebook.

I've had a rough year. An emotionally draining year---maybe one day I'll have the heart and bravery to blog about it, but not today---but I made it through. But I never really took the time to be still----and listen----to what God has to tell me.

God told me all right. Be STILL and KNOW that I AM. Everything will be okay. Just look, your presents were delivered late. Your Christmas cards still aren't finished. Yes, you are behind with your Usborne business. You still have not shampooed the carpets. You did not read all of those books to the kids you were planning to read. You have 700 emails to sort through.

But everything is fine. It is okay. Be still.

So instead of making a spreadsheet of things to accomplish, planning a monthly menu, developing a fitness plan, or promising to do something every day: I will be still. Every morning. And focus on what God wants be to do for the day. And if I can't figure out what He wants, I will just enjoy the moment and the life I live.

a budget birthday

Is it wrong to enjoy being sick so I can lie in bed and do things I enjoy.......read, watch tv, read endless crafty blogs which stir up way too many ideas in my head?

Since I am supposed to be resting---and I get winded just by walking around a few minutes---I thought I could take advantage of my "time" in planning the ultimate superhero party for Zan. I can't believe his 5th birthday will be here in a few weeks! As much as I dislike superhero stuff, he loves it, and I'm going to attempt to make the birthday spectacular!

I made the cutest invites with this picture and Vistaprint......which I am not letting myself visit anymore while "resting"---I am seriously addicted to the site.

I have also found SO MANY cute things to buy for the party but decided I am going to make myself make use of the insane amount of craft supplies and fabrics I already have to see how cheap I can make this fantastic party....I shall keep you all posted!

Now I am off to coloring more coloring sheets (out of superhero coloring books just collecting dust in the playroom) for decorations for the party in a few weeks.......since I love to color this is the perfect way to recover from walking pneumonia.......ah---the piece, the quiet, the craftiness, the thriftiness.....

unwritten travels challenge

My challenge.

If you have been diving into this book......and if you haven't you should....the very cute and creative authors have made a challenge for us. A challenge for the Thanksgiving holiday. And I'm sure I'm the only one that accepts this specific one.

5. Leftovers in the Refrigerator.

I love leftovers. Wait, let me rephrase that. I LOVE LEFTOVERS. Especially Thanksgiving Leftovers. I often tell my kids, " Do you know why I like to be a grown-up? Because you can eat leftovers or Chef-Boyardee for breakfast anytime you wish!" I don't actually rub it into their faces. I let them eat pizza or macaroni and cheese for breakfast when I am... if they wish.

I know, I know. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. My mom served me a home-cooked meal every day that I lived with her. I do it too now with my kids......well, I do it if you consider cereal with milk a home-cooked meal. Actually they are on a boiled-egg kick now. I will boil 6 eggs and they gobble them up and then want yogurt or oatmeal......I digress from my point. But breakfast was always served in my home and made very important.

Which seems weird because I am the total opposition of breakfast. Don't get me wrong, I will eat bacon, eggs, sausage, gravy, biscuits, pancakes, any time it is put in front of me. And I will also stand over the stove forever to fix all of those things for any special guest in my house. However, if I had my wish.....I would have wonderful leftovers from dinner every day of the year.

But Thanksgiving leftovers.....they make my mouth salivate thinking about them now. The best Macaroni and cheese ever, green bean casserole, broccoli casserole, mashed potatoes, cold turkey (with the skin attached), rolls, mashed potatoes & gravy. Now that is the best breakfast ever that I can think of.

Which makes me sad about this year. We are now going to have Matt's steaks for Thanksgiving since no one is coming over. Don't get me wrong, his steaks are the savory, delicious, and so wonderful. So wonderful--there won't be any leftovers.

Which means I may have to make some broccoli casserole and macaroni & cheese just for that Friday morning-leftovers sake.

grateful

I'm grateful.

I'm grateful for chilly mornings-

when I awaken to a crystalized blanket of white on the ground.

I'm grateful.

I'm grateful for warm mugs-

filled with flavored coffee and hot chocolate.

I'm grateful.

I'm grateful for little fingers and toes-

that pinch my legs and poke my face while trying to get closer to snuggle with mommy.

I'm grateful.

I'm grateful for today-

for all of the tiny blessings and challenges that come toward me.

crockpot cooking

I admit it, I'm guilty.
I'm guilty of lurking around sites and blogs to find great crockpot recipes for my menu this week. Each day I've prepared dinner in the crockpot and tada!!! I'm done! I may use this menu plan several times this year.

A couple of the recipes I've used for a while. I've used Salsa Chicken since we've been married. It is extremely simple, makes your house smell great, and is delicious. Just add 3-4 chicken breasts (can be frozen), a can of black beans, a drained can of corn, and a medium size jar of salsa to the crockpot and cook on low all day. We love this on rice or in tortillas as a wrap.

The BBQ Pork sandwiches are easy too. Just add a pound or two of pork to the crockpot with your favorite bottle of barbecue sauce. I have found the cheaper cuts of pork actually taste better. Start this one early in the day on low so your pork will just shred when you cut it with a fork.

You can find the other recipes by clicking below. I found them at Crockpot 365, of course!

Chinese Tofu with Veggies

Eggplant "Parmesan" with Feta

Macaroni and Cheese


I've enjoyed all of the meals but I am especially proud of the Crappie & Veggie Soup. I created this recipe myself! I have made up recipes before but was rather nervous about this one. I wasn't even sure if I'd ever actually eaten a fish soup (not counting chowders) much less made one. So here it is. You can use any white fish if you aren't lucky enough to get crappie from your dad that came out of Lake Cumberland.

Crappie & Veggie Soup

Lightly oil bottom of crockpot with olive oil. Put about 2 pounds fish in crockpot (can be frozen). Cook on low for an hour or so. Be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn't cook to fast.

When the fish will flake when you cut with a fork, add the following ingredients:
half of a red onion (chopped)
half jar of roasted red peppers
cup of baby carrots
handful of chopped kale
2 cups of new potatoes
4 cups of vegetable broth
a dash of italian seasoning
a dash of Old Bay seasoning

Let soup cook on low for 2-3 hours.

Add salt and Pepper right before serving or let family members/guests do that themselves. The kids and I added feta cheese as a topping to our soups. Matt added oyster crackers. We all loved this light, healthy meal!

a new season

I love spring.....
I love the warm but not stifling hot weather. I love seeing the flowers bloom. I love when my perennials I've forgot about emerge out of the mulch and surprise me!
The other day I was looking at my many plants that had dead parts sticking out of them (because I still need to clean out the flower beds) and stunned by the metaphor between them and myself......

the brown crusty branches are so brittle
making me weak
but the emergence of the fresh green leaves
are so promising
of a bright and healthy season
and the hopes of beautiful blossoms
as I become a bigger and better me.

three terrific treats

Here are 3 things I recently became the owner of......so fun!


This dreamy smelling bubble bath and lotion my friend Sue gave me. I truly love it!

My new CD--Jack Johnson's Sleep Through the Static. It is so mellow and fun to listen to. Listening to it instantly makes any bad mood or feelings disappear.

This book.....that has not yet been released. I joined an online book club with Barnes and Noble and received this book, The Sister by Poppy Adams. It is called the First Look Book Club where you get the first look at a book, who often have authors debuting their first books, and you agree to go online and chat about it. At first I thought, "No, they won't really send me a book for free for me to read and give my opinion." But I got it yesterday. And I can't wait! Someone wants me to read and share my opinion. Wonderful!!!