Hey you. Yeah. You! The one who may have had a rough day, a bad past, or are feeling a little lost in this great big wide world. I want to share a bit of my heart with you about what God has brought me from and what God has brought me to. It’s not a rags to riches story…but is is beauty from ashes story. It’s a story about a girl…a girl whose story might be like yours…or maybe not. But it’s about a God who is really good at making beauty out of ashes. It’s a story about …
Even Moms Need More Sleep
And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. Genesis 2:2 ESV She’s here, she’s there, she’s everywhere. You’re the mom, which means you are always on the go: groceries, diapers, and carlines are a part of your everyday world and somewhere in the chaos of it all we’ve bought into the lie that we’ve got to be some kind of supermom. You know, faster than a speeding bullet, stronger than…oh, who are we kidding, we’re not super mom, nor should …
5 Ways to Assure that Your Kids Will Rebel
It’s a lie. Not every child rebels when they hit that magical age of 13. But some do. In fact, statistics tell us that the majority of kids rebel in one way or another. There are so many physical, emotional, hormonal and social changes that take place during those very crucial years that there are bound to be times when they balk at the boundaries their parents place on them. But resistance doesn’t have to become rebellion. Parents have the opportunities to sow seeds in their children’s heart, and to cultivate an environment that fosters faith, integrity, responsibility, morals and wisdom, …
3 Key Questions to Ask Before Adopting a New Pet – Part 1
Today, I’m starting a 3-part video series on making proactive choices regarding family pets. In today’s video, I look at two pet-related goals I wish I’d been more intentional about when our children were younger. And I focus on the first “Key Question” to ask before adopting a new pet. Of course, if you’ve already brought home a furry family member, you can still discuss this question with your family now! (Can’t see video? Click here to watch it directly on YouTube!) Download our free Pet Care Contract: Join me – and Rafik!i – next month when we’ll look at …
Freezer Waffle Recipes (plus other freeze ahead breakfast ideas)
Mornings… SIGH. I am so not a morning person, I used to be before I had kids. This means I’m not exactly awake in the mornings, not to mention the challenge to get everyone out the door (on time!) to work and school makes for an interesting morning. This means I need to find ways to save time and still serve my kids a healthy breakfast. Freezer waffles are the perfect solution. You can make large batches ahead of time. Then in the morning, grab the desired amount of waffles and place in your toaster or oven. Viola! Breakfast is …
It’s Not About The Juice!
I want juice! Mommy please, please, please can I have juice…? (After you’ve said no for the 10th time) I have to have juice or I can’t get up! (After throwing themselves in the aisle of the grocery store) You HAVE to get me juice. I don’t want water, I want JUICE! I don’t want that kind of juice! I don’t want juice in that glass. I need more juice. I won’t stop crying till you get me juice. You’re not a nice mommy if you don’t get me juice. You’re chuckling because you’ve resonated with these “demands” and manipulative …
10 Tips to End Homework Hassles
It’s only February and I’m already praying for summer to get here. Not just for the warmer weather but because I despise the homework routine. Elijah: I hate homework. Me: We don’t use the word hate, try another word. Elijah: I think homework really stinks. Captain America doesn’t have homework. Me: If it were supposed to be all fun and games , the word work wouldn’t be included. Start using your brain and get it done. Elijah: My brain doesn’t really need any more work. Okay we know homework won’t be the high light of anyone’s evening, but it …
EXCITING NEWS from The M.O.M. Initiative for YOU!
It was in a gas station parking lot when the vision for The M.O.M. Initiative and The Making of a Mom was conceived. As I sat and watched a very pregnant teen girl walk by and light up a cigarette, I reflected on my teen pregnancy and how motherhood was like a messy experiment for me and how my kids ended up being the guinea pigs. And how I thought I was ready but didn’t have a clue. I couldn’t help but wonder if she understood the significance of her newfound roll. Did she understand that everything she now did would affect …
Juicing Once a Day for a Healthier Me & for Healthier Kids
I LOVE food! All food! Well, almost ALL food. But the older I get the more my food shows up on my hips, my thighs, and unfortunately all that yummy stuff affects my heart and my health. When I was younger, I could eat what I wanted and then just watch my intake for a few days and lose the weight I had gained. But those days are LONG GONE and my body is now in need of a little makeover. Okay…so a big makeover. And it’s not about my weight…it’s about my health. So, I started juicing. At first, …
Sleep: It is Worth the Fight
Sleep. It is difficult to do without it. And as moms we often get our first real taste of sleep deprivation as our tiny infant wakes frequently through the night. There are many schools of thought on sleep for infants and young children. Most stem from even deeper seated parenting philosophies. And I don’t want to debate the finer points of sleep training, attachment parenting, or baby wise parenting etc. The bottom line is all kids need sleep. Below is a graphic from the National Sleep Foundation. Sleep is connected to our mood, our overall health (adults who habitually …