Making Your Home Sing Monday: Excelling or Existing?

Mom's The Word had a GREAT post today that really convicted me of my attitude here lately about serving my family here at home. I adore being a homemaker. Being a wife and mother are the only roles I have ever felt truly happy in. Does my home reflect those feelings???? I can tell you, at this moment, that would be a big NO. My precious husband has done more than his fair share around here this weekend and I know it is stuff I should have gotten to last week. :o( Do the kids really keep me THAT busy? Or am I not managing my time nearly as well as I should? I can tell you without thinking, its the latter. All too often I find myself merely existing as a homemaker. I go through the motions, and mentally check off another day done on the calendar.

Tonight I ran to town to pick up some take-out for supper and had some good "God time" on the way home. I prayed and asked God to make our family a testimony to the goodness of God and to His faithfulness. Stay-at-home-mom's are a rare breed these days and most people down here look at us as if we are aliens when they find out I stay home. It is usually followed my some statement about "You are lucky your husband does that well" For us it isn't about money. My husband isn't making what many in this area are, we have just adjusted our lives to try to live in accordance with God's commands. He has blessed us so much, and I believe it is because we are honoring Him with our lifestyle. Does my attitude within these walls reflect that greatfulness?

My commitment is to really make my home sing this monday, starting with my attitude. I don't need to sleep-in just because the kids do, nor do I need to zone out online in the afternoons just because they are resting. My kitchen counters are in desperate need of attention, and I plan to attack them with the help of a pot of coffee first thing in the morning! Thanks for the encouragement, MTW! I pray you are encouraged by her post and blog as much as I am!

Corn on the Cob, Anyone?

The other night I told Anna I'd cook corn on the cob for her, and of course my little chunky monkey can't stand to see her have something he doesn't, so he began to protest loudly until he got an ear of his own. So here he is chowing down! Aren't those the biggest corn holders you have ever seen? We got them as a wedding gift and the kids love them. Scott thinks it looks like his corn is about to take off! It made me ready for summer corn to be ready. We have a huge Mennonite congregation nearby that sells the most amazing sweet corn in the summer!

Hubby and I had a date Friday night and it was so nice. Not that we don't love going out with the kids, but it was nice to have dinner where no one dropped their fork. As we were getting ready to go, Scott said he felt like he should throw my leftovers on the floor, or spill them on the table and lick them off. He thinks he is funny. :oP

I am home with the kiddos today. They both have colds and my little man is on steriods for wheezing. I had to take him to the dr Friday afternoon (not his because he is closed on Friday afternoons) and he said it sounds like it could be asthma. He is feeling a lot better though, so I am hoping its just a complication of his cold or something. Its weird not to be in church today.

Prayer Requests Abound

I just can't seem to get on the ball with posting every day! So, my 3.8yr old who refuses to use the potty, but pees on the floor like an unruly housepet made an interesting change today. Nope, hasn't used the potty yet, BUT chose to pee on an old highchair tray insert (that we don't use). She said it was because she didn't want to "get the carpet rotted by peepeeing on it" My first reaction was to think "WHAT IN THE WORLD IS WRONG WITH THIS KID???" But I am convinced God changed my reaction before it came out my mouth and Iwound up telling her it was "almost like using the potty" and showed her how we would dump it in the potty and wash it just like I would with her potty. I told her I was proud of her for not going on the floor (I have resorted to buying pet stain carpet cleaner!) and she got really excited. There is a little toy she wants at Wal-Mart and her daddy called to tell her if she would use the potty before he gets home, we will go to WM tonight to get it. So, she is currently pondering this offer. I'd rather not bribe her, but geez, we are at the end of our ropes! So, if you think about us, PLEASE say a prayer for something to click in Anna, and her stubborn will to break on this issue! (As I was writing this post she had a dirty accident...well, not accident, she knew what she was doing...in her panties! PRAY HARD)

Speaking of potty issues, my precious boy that is 18 months old today earned himself the spot of sermon illustration last night. Poor preacher's kids! I was fixing lunch and Isaac decides to dump water all over the kitchen floor. I scooped him up and popped him in the pack & play not realizing he was dirty. In the time it took me to walk in the kitchen, wipe up the water, stir lunch and look up to see hubby walking in, he'd taken off his DIRTY diaper in the pack & play! Scott walked in and says "hey bud...why are you naked...OH NO YOU ARE DIRTY!" Uggghhhhh

As for the other prayer request, it is somewhat unspoken because its an issue God is dealing with me on, but hasn't moved in my husband's heart yet. Would you just pray God will align our hearts with His on this matter? Thank you so much!

Bet you didn't know you had one of these...........

My three year old just informed me her "knee armpit" itches. Confused I turned to see what the heck she was talking about and saw her scratching behind her knee. Hahahaha! Hope you are all having a good day and YOUR "knee armpits" don't itch!

Hidden Strength

I have really been struggling here lately. I feel like every day with my food addiction is a battle and I have been losing far more often than winning here lately. I feel weak and defeated. But, I have to remember, its in those moments when my strength is gone, that I must fully lean on my Heavenly Father. I was reminded of a devo I wrote a while back for a WLS site a friend asked me to write some for. I hope it blesses your heart as re-reading it has blessed mine.

“To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:7-10

When are you weakest? Is it when you walk into the office and see someone has brought doughnuts? Is it when you have had a fight with your spouse? Is it when your three year old has colored on the floor for the third time that day? Is it when you are at a Christmas party and everyone is noshing on appetizers? For me….its all of the above! Its taking me years to recognize it and be able to admit it, but I am addicted to food. I eat when I am sad, happy, stressed, mad, depressed…..I just love to eat…to the point where I feel unstoppable at times. When something good happens, my first thought is what can I eat to celebrate. When something bad happens, my first thought is what can I put in my mouth to fill the ache inside. I think about food constantly. What am I going to cook today? What am I going to eat next? When my kids are whining or wild, I find myself in the kitchen opening cabinets and the fridge looking for something to eat, anything to eat.

But its in those moments I have to remember, Christ’s power is made perfect in my weakness. I have often wondered why He has allowed this struggle in my life. I am slowly coming to realize it keeps me dependent on Him. We are never told what Paul’s thorn is, but I think I am glad the Lord didn’t disclose that. Because it has allowed this passage to mean different things to different people. We can all draw strength from Paul’s words as we deal with our own thorns. For me, and I know some of you, that thorn is, and will always be food addiction. I don’t have the answer, I don’t know how to conquer it. But I do know one thing, when I am at my weakest, Christ is at His strongest. So, I will keep battling it, asking each morning for enough grace to sustain me for the day.

Cooking Conundrum and other ramblings

I am at my wit's end trying to figure out how to cook A. frugally, B. healthy-low carb and semi-low-fat, C. frugally, D. so the fam will like it, E. did I mention frugally? I have been searching recipes trying to figure out how to shave our grocery bill some and most of the frugal recipes I run across have pasta, rice, or potatoes in them...the three main things I have been trying to avoid in my diet! Hubby is pretty much a meat and potatoes kind of guy, but he wants to eat healthier too. He isn't too into casseroles, but will tolerate them. The kiddos like it pretty simple too. They will both eat anything with rice or beans though, haha! Thankfully, everyone eats brown rice. But what I don't get...they do LESS to the rice, and charge MORE for it at the store???? What gives? Makes me think I should start picking up all the rice spilled alongside the roads around here come harvest time! (Just kidding...not willing to fight the blackbirds for it yet!)

So, had a frustrating and semi-victorious day with the 3yr old. I am embarrassed to admit it, but my 3.5yr old STILL isn't potty-trained. She is so stubborn! (Remind me this will be a good trait some day???) She went on the floor twice today, one time 5 feet from the potty!!! She got mad at me for not giving her a pull-up to pee in, so she takes off her pajamas to pee on the floor in the very same room with the potty! ARGH!!! But on the victorious note...she went 6+ hours bink-less today!!!! (Yep, still on the bink too!) I learned she talks a heck-of-a-lot more without it! She is my little motor mouth!!! By 3:00 part of me was thinking, "where is that pacifier again?" "Hey MOM, wanna know what a good idea is? I think I should be a butterfly for Halloween! Lets go look on the 'puter and find one!......Hey Mama, did you know what this Wonderpets is about? Its about a platypus, they like the water, did you know that, Mom? They look kinda weird......Hey Mom, when did you say we could go blow bubbles?...Are we goin' to Aunt Linda's now?....Did you say we could go to Wal-Mart tomorrow and get me a cookie shirt like Isaac's?...Is that what you said?...I really want a cookie shirt.................."

I made some sugarfree glazed carrots last night and Isaac, who is uber-picky and hates veggies, ate over 2 servings of them!!!! Here is the recipe:

Isaac's Sugarfree Glazed Carrots

Carrots, peeled and cut into "coins" (I think I used 4, maybe 5?)
butter (to taste, I used about a tablespoon)
Da Vinci Sugarfree Syrup (I used caramel), also to taste
Dash each of nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon

Cover your carrots with water and cook until nearly tender (could steam in the m/w too) and drain. Add in your butter and give it a stir, then add a splash of sf syrup. I probably used 1/4 a cup. Allow to simmer in the syrup until carrots are tender and syrup has reduced a little.

I know it if kind of a general recipe. I am terrible about not measuring when I am making something up! I will try to pay closer attention the next time I experiment in case it is worthy of sharing!

I have been thinking a lot about what a blessing my 2 knuckleheads are. Even with a unpotty-trained 3yr old and an almost 18m old still very much attached to his bottle, I am so blessed. Last night Isaac wound up in our bed about 1:00am and I snuggled up next to him and enjoyed my nightly prayers holding my "baby" who is getting way too big way too fast. I am reminded to savor each moment, even the insane ones, and I look forward to the next blessing the Lord has for our family when He sends it!

Ok, now that I have rambled way too much, back to my grocery list!!!! Be blessed, friends!

Sausage & Pumpkin Soup (and climbing back on the wagon)

As I said in my first post, I have had wls (an RNY gastric bypass) 10 years ago this September. And I find myself sitting here dealing with the very same food struggles I had then. Surgery certainly isn't a quick fix. A number of months ago I heard about a 5 day "diet" that dramatically changed the way I was eating by bringing me back to the rules of my surgery and to how I am supposed to be eating following this surgery. Well, I slowly slid (ok, more like jumped) off the wagon and have found myself in Little Debbie & Dorito grazing land once again. :o( (man, I feel like a loser admitting that) so I am back on the 5 Day Pouch Test once again. Here is an awesome recipe from that plan.

Pumpkin & Sausage Soup
16 ounces country style sausage
1/2 cup onions, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 cup fresh mushrooms, chopped
15 ounces pumpkin, canned
5 cups low sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup water

Over medium heat brown the sausage breaking into small bits. Drain fat. Add the onion, garlic, Italian seasoning and mushrooms and saute until vegetables are cooked.
Add the canned pumpkin and the broth, stirring to mix well. Cook at a low simmer for 20-30 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, sour cream and water.

Chili & Cornbread

I made a big honkin' pot of chili Saturday and a couple of loaves of yeast cornbread and had my mom and sister over for supper. The chili started with this recipe (Wendy's Chili Recipe) but I modified it quite a bit.

Formerly Wendy's Chili

2lbs ground beef (chuck, round, whatever, turkey is good too)
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 bell pepper, chopped
1 stalk of celery, chopped
1 can rotel
1 lg (15oz) can tomato sauce
1 huge (28oz) can diced tomatoes (we like petite diced)
3 cans of beans (any kind, I used 2 chili and 1 ranch)
1 can water (maybe more)
3 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tbsp cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
Dash oregano
Dash paprika
Salt, pepper, and ground red pepper to taste

Brown beef, drain & rinse in hot water. Sautee onion, celery, and bell pepper. Mix tomatoes and sauce in large pan with seasonings. Add beef, veggies, water and beans (undrained) and stir it all together. Cover and Simmer at least 2 hours, the longer the better, stirring every 15 minutes or so. You may need to add a little more water as it simmers, depending on your family's tastes. Serve with Fritos, shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onion, if desired. Yum!

Yeast Cornbread

1 cup milk
6 Tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. butter
1/2 cup warm water
2 packages. dry yeast
2 beaten eggs
3 1/2 cups unsifted flour
1 3/4 cups yellow corn meal

Scald milk; stir in sugar, salt and butter. Cool until lukewarm. Measure warm water into large bowl. Sprinkle yeast on water and stir until dissolved; then stir into warm milk mixture. Add eggs, flour and corn meal. Beat 2 minutes. Batter will be stiff. Place in two greased 9x5 inch loaf pans; cover and let rise until doubled in bulk. Bake at 375 degrees F for 30-35 minutes. Makes 2 loaves.

"The Devil Made 'Em Do It????"

"That old devil gets after preachers and their families on the weekends!"

My husband was told this at a recent associational function and boy, have I come to believe it! It seems if there is some crisis in our family, 9 times out of 1o, it happens saturday night or sunday morning. When did Isaac knock his front tooth out? Yep, Sunday morning as Daddy was in the shower and mom was running around half dressed trying to find clothes for the kids. When does Anna get up 47 times before staying in bed? Yep, most Saturday nights! Last night the kids had me awake at 2:00, 2:45, 3:13, 3:30, 4:45, and 5:00. Isaac wanted in our bed at 2:00 and Anna woke me the rest of the times. She needed a sippy...her bed was too jiggly (what???!!??)...she wanted to lay on the couch....she wanted to watch a DVD (that was 4:45 and I gave up and let her). The 4:45 wake up had wakened Isaac, who decided it was time to get up and began to run around the living room exclaiming loudly at Backyardigans on TV. And after all that.....I overslept! It was a very short night, despite the oversleeping! We drove the 45 minutes to church with Anna in her nightgown because I didn't have time to coax her into clothes before we left. And, being the supermom that I am....everyone ate bfast from the convience store! Honeybun anyone???? Sigh.

But, since we don't have services on Sunday nights, we get to enjoy a semi-lazy Sunday afternoon and I am making breakfast for supper. Oh, had some yummy chili and yeast cornbread last night. I will be back in a bit to post recipes because I think I hear Isaac into something! (Oh, Daddy rescued him. He had his hand stuck in the Drop and Roar Dinosaur!)

Huh? What am I doing here?

So I decided to jump on the Blog Bandwagon. I thought what the hey, I liked writing in college, why not share my crazy life with the world! As my "About Me" over there says I am a 30 year old stay at home mom and preacher's wife. I am first and foremost, in love with my Savior and living a life sold out to Him. After a lifetime of being told by the world that I must have a career and bring in the big bucks to be happy, I have found my place, right here at home, as help meet to my husband and mother of our children. I think it is the only thing I have ever been truly happy doing. I am married to a bi-vocational pastor, which is a trip all in itself! But we are blessed by a wonderful church family who is understanding of his secular job and demands.

We have 2 kiddos so far...3.5yr old Anna and 1.5yr old Isaac. My home can be kind of chaotic at home, but I wouldn't have it any other way.....after all, silence means they are up to something right???? Ask me how hard it is to get Desitin out of carpet and out of a little brother's hair! We are in our first year of very relaxed homeschooling, but planning to hit it a little harder next year for Pre-K.

In addition to daily figuring out the Mama thing, and the Wife thing, I am also a WLSer so I am trying to figure out how to cook as I should eat, and have the fam love it too. I had a RNY gastric bypass over 9 years ago, but I am just now learning how I should have been living all this time. So expect random recipes to pop up from time to time...some WLS-friendly, some, probably not. I love to cook! ;o)

If you are still reading this far, thanks! Post a comment and let me get to know you! In His Grip and By His Grace!