Simple Living: Part Fourteen

Today's topic for Simple Living is "A Mother's Work is Never Done."

In other words, we're brainstorming ideas for how to make the weekend more restful when, as moms, we live at our jobs.

I've thought about it a lot this week and came up with a few ideas. As well as a few revelations about myself. Here's what I've been thinking about:

*If I plan to be restful, I am 100% more likely to see it happen. If I plan to need a break or plan an outing with the family, our weekend refreshes us for the coming week. However, if we just let the day go by like any other, I come into Monday wondering why I'm so exhausted.
*Saturday breakfasts are always a special event in our house. I love to cook so this fits into my personality. We rotate three items: pancakes, gingerbread waffles, or a baked good. Hubby and I take turns making breakfast and letting the other sleep in. Saturday breakfasts are slow and everyone stay in their jammies as long as they can.
*Sundays are busy around here. My husband is gone usually from 7 am till 11 am and again 4pm-7pm. So there is time in the afternoon, but we try to go out with friends or new acquaintances from church. Since it is so busy for hubby, I try to keep the kids strictly routined on those days. Naps and meals are consistent as possible. Dinner is something easy as Daddy's gone and we're all just relaxing. This week we're just going for something similar to potato bar. Quick and easy.
*Sunday lunches are for family or meeting with people from church. So sometimes we'll go out to In 'N' Out. We found that going out for lunch was getting hard on Baby Girl 'cause she still takes a morning nap during that time. So alot of times we'll get take out then open up our home to have people over. The last few days, I've been considering making some freezer meals so that I can pop something in the oven on a Sunday morning to have for lunch.

To see how others are practicing Simple Living, check out Keeper of the Home.

Frugal Friday

Hey there,
Happy Frugal Friday!

Last weekend was crazy around here. We had two birthday parties and times with friends. One of the birthday parties we went to was Big Boy's best friend. She's 8 months older than Big Boy and the daughter of our small group host family. Their place has been like a second home to all of us. So despite a tight budget, we waited to get her something nice.

I picked up a cute little sweater at Target on 50% off. And then remembered this cute little apron; I knew it would be perfect. So it was just a matter of getting my sewing machine out and putting it together. A little towel from Walmart and some ribbon... and here's what I ended up with.



I folded the top fourth over and double stitched the ribbon on the front.



I also folded over the ends of the ribbon and stitched it to prevent fraying.

Honestly, it was a little big. Trying it on afterwards, it was close to being a good size for an adult. Very cute and very simple. Plus extra frugal.

For more Frugal Friday ideas, check out Biblical Womanhood.

Real Resolutions for Moms: Part Seven

If you're just joining us for this series, check out Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, and Part Six.

"When normal childhood mishaps occur, I will remember that although difficult, it is easier to remove grape juice from off-white carpet than to erase harsh and unloving words hurled at a child whose chubby little fingers have failed her, for by this my children will see a God who understands when our best efforts fall short."

How often in a day am I guilty of this? But how I didn't even realize it.

I was recently sitting in a MOPS meeting, listening to a Dad's panel talk about their views on parenting and marriage. When one of the guys said something that I'll never forget. He quoted the scripture from Ephesians 6:4--
"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."
He talked about how disciplining our children for mistakes is contrary to God's word. Those are teachable moments, whether it be to teach about sitting at the table with that grape juice or teaching God's mercy in those situations. If we're not showing our kids what we expect of them, how can we fault them?

Big Boy's favorite movie right now is Veggie Tale's Jonah. I love the music on that video. The lesson focuses on God giving second chances. Jonah made a mistake and yet in God's mercy he was spared. If Jonah can run away from God, how much more mercy can we extend to our children when they small mistakes in the light of eternity?

One of the things that my husband and I believe is important to pass on to our children is their inability to accomplish anything outside of God's will and provision. With our belief, how can we not also teach them of a God who accepts us "when our best efforts fall short?"

"Lord, help me to catch my tongue when my children make mistakes. Help me to turn away from sharp words, angry tones, and rough manners. Remind me that they are only young for a time, and that things are fixable, clothes are washable, and that's what nap time is for. Show me the great mercy you've given me so that I may in turn lavish more upon them."

Wordless Wednesday

Proof positive that I'm the Mommy to the World's Roughest Boy
I thought Kids were supposed to outgrow before they out wore their clothes.
Look at those holes in the knee.

For more Wordless Wednesday, check out 5 Minutes for Mom.

Pumpkin Smoothie

Big Boy had some dental work done last Monday. For a few days he complained about pain when we were brushing his teeth and it escalated to pain when he was eating. We were worried that there might be a problem with his filling, but soon discovered he kept biting his cheek.

For a few days now we've been trying to keep him from eating anything too complicated (hence several nights of soup this week). How do you explain to a 3 year old to eat only on one side of his mouth? He just wasn't getting it. So small bites and an occasional smoothie when he can't get a meal down.

I ran across this recipe from an old issue of Fitness Magazine and couldn't wait to try it out with the kids. This was the perfect opportunity and we loved it. Baby Girl wasn't completely sold, but at one year old, she still doesn't fully understand a straw. This smoothie was yummy, rich, and tasted a lot like Pumpkin Ice Cream. Very good and taking into consideration the nutritional value, it's something we'll be trying again soon. Hope you like it as much as we did.




Super Pumpkin Smoothie

1 c canned pure pumpkin
1 c milk
2 Tbsp maple syrup
1/3 tsp nutmeg
2/3 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
1 c ice
whipped cream and cinnamon (optional)

Blend everything but the ice until smooth. add ice; continue to blend until thick and creamy. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon, if desired. Serves 4

Here's the real clincher, the nutritional facts included:
88 calories
3 grams protein
15 grams carbs
2 grams fat (1 gram saturated)
2 grams fiber