Bug-n-Bean

Made to Crave

2011-06-18T07:33:00.000-07:00

My friend Karen and I have struggled with weight a long time together. We have talked about it, planned together, fallen together, and even had successes together. Earlier this year we have had successes, and when I had surgery in February she brought me this book. It looked interesting, but until I opened the cover I had no idea the power it contained to change my life. Yes, it is about weight loss, but the concepts within can be applied to so many areas in life.

Is there something you run to instead of God that has a strong-hold in your life? For me it's 100% food. I love it. It's my hobby. It's my celebration of life. It's my friend when I've had a hard day. But, unfortunately, I love food too much. It doesn't love me back... I can tell by the number on the scale and the size of my jeans. I have loved food my entire life and have always been "chubby".

I have been doing pretty well, not really well, but pretty well on the "diet" that I am on. But honestly, I am terrified that the pounds will come back. I have been slipping lately allowing myself to eat a little more freely. But I got scared last night when I pigged out....the old Jenny was rearing her head. Bryan was gone, the movie was in, popcorn and chocolate chips flowed freely with the girls, and my spanikopita in the toaster smelled good. I was going to only eat half of what I made, but then....you know.

I have been reading a chapter or two every few days of this book and I am inspired by her, but until this morning I thought she may be a little radical in cutting out so much. But, I relate to her and the hold food has in her life. Today I read (about 3/4 of the way through) that it's truly only for a season to not eat certain things until she has grown strong enough to not only reach her goal weight but also have self-control. Self-Control. That is something I want and can gain through drawing closer to God in the times I need Him most. I have the power over the chips and salsa - they don't have power over me. And, I do believe that I was made to be more than this.

I am starting anew (AGAIN!), and feeling strengthened and ready to go. I highly recommend this book if you struggle with weight or any other "idol" in your life that you can't lay down. It's impossible to fight cravings without the power of God, and this book is a wonderful tool to help get you where you want to go!

Excuses, Excuses

2011-05-01T13:25:00.000-07:00

I admit it: I sometimes use my chronic pain as as excuse not to do things. Sometimes I do it knowingly, sometimes I do it out of habit. I'm insecure and not too outgoing, so this weakness in my life has become so worn and comfortable that sometimes I cling to it like a broken in child's blankey. My pain has also become part of my identity like Superman's cape. It has been a part of me for over 14 years and the closing mantra in my prayer times. I so desperately want to be freed from the nagging pains and vice grip headaches, but without this life companion it would feel awkward going to Target and not visiting the medication aisle. Do I want to be healed? Yes! But I think the real healing has to come from within my soul. If I take pain away from my resume, what do I have to fill its place? I'm just trying to figure out why I'm not healed: is it because I'm not willing to lay down my excuses or is it not God's timing?

The Gifts We Give Our Kids

2011-04-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

(Except the last paragraph, this is an article from a school newsletter I wrote last month)

Have you ever read the book, “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman? It’s a great book for figuring out how different people show and receive love. My primary love language? Gifts! I love to give them, and I admit, I love to receive them, too. Even a pack of my favorite gum or a pair of fluffy socks can make me happy the rest of the day if given to me out of love.

I realized that I was giving my kids too many gifts as a result of my love language. We’re at the mall? The Dollar Store? Target? I see a sale on something they’d love and I’d get it for them. But I realized that they were expecting things more often and our house was piling up with more stuff. I decided that my giving was having a negative effect on their wants, the clutter, and our wallet (even dollar store purchases add up!) So, it was time to redirect.

Last year my husband and I decided to buy almost nothing for the kids that wasn’t necessary. They could earn money to buy things they wanted, and what a difference in what they really wanted when it was their own money! It was a hard change for us at first, but what got me through was thinking about the bigger gifts I was giving my kids:

1. A Godly Home

2. A Loving Family

3. A Solid Foundation

Where does this foundation come from? I believe a big part of that is having them at Ygnacio Valley Christian School. From the moment I drop my kids off and wave at the Principal, Mr. Johnson, as he greets them (how many principals do that every day??), to the moment I wave at Mr. Johnson and pick them up – I know that they are growing academically, socially, and spiritually. They are learning not only the academics of what they need to get to the next level, but they are challenged and loved by these teachers who are certainly not there to make their millions! The staff is answering a call of God on their lives to touch our children deeper than they would be touched just about anywhere else. It's amazing to sit down at a parent/teacher conference and begin with prayer. It's also amazing to have a kindergarten teacher who can identify spiritual gifts in her students and encourage the parents to develop these gifts. The kids are learning what it means to have character, make the right choices, and to be a friend. Having them there is a sacrifice for us, but what an exchange. What they are gaining is priceless in light of eternity and I am grateful to give them this gift.

If you are considering a private school or not, seek God and His will for your kids. I know that not every child can go and that there are great public schools, too. If you are at a position in life where you are seeking what path God would have you choose - I want to encourage you to carefully interview lots of parents who have been there before and see what their opinions are. You can even email me and I'd love to share our process of decision making and more reasons why we chose what we did. Ultimately, though, the decision must be between you, your spouse (if you are married), and God. In His will your children will flourish and do great where ever God plants them! The greatest gift you can give is keeping them in God's loving care.

Naughty Mac-N-Cheese

2011-01-26T09:23:00.000-08:00

The Food Network is my nemesis. I love it. It makes me want things I never knew I wanted or needed until I saw it on a Guy Fieri show or on Man v. Food on the Travel Channel. I have given up watching these shows on my attempt to lose weight - but Guy's Big Bite and The Barefoot Contessa still beckon me relentlessly! I will soon write of what I have discovered on my diet journey, but first....

I came across this mac-n-cheese watching Guy's Big Bite yesterday.It was so easy and tasty (I ate 10 mini shell noodles!) I thought it looked a little greasy, but I added more cheese than the recipe stated. The kids and my neighbor next door loved it. I added a little dry mustard and cayenne pepper to the milk mixture - and I think homemade garlic croutons on top would make it even better... but make it to your taste. MMMMM...... Let mw know how you like it!

Ingredients

2 quarts water
1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
1/2 stick butter, melted
Freshly ground black pepper
16 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar
Dust with paprika

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Bring water, salt, and oil to boil over high heat Add pasta, bring back to a boil and cook until al dente, 8 to 9 minutes. Drain pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

In a large bowl, mix together eggs, evaporated milk, melted butter and salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in 3/4 of the cheese and add the pasta. Spray an 8 by 8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and add the pasta mixture. Top with remaining cheese and dust with paprika.

Bake until the cheese is golden and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Serve hot.

Diners, Drive-ins and Dives: An All-American Road Trip . . . with Recipes! (Food Network)
More Diners, Drive-ins and Dives: A Drop-Top Culinary Cruise Through America's Finest and Funkiest Joints

2011

2010-12-30T07:39:00.000-08:00

In our MOPS group several years ago we asked the mentors questions.... their biggest thrills of motherhood, their biggest regrets. What they wished they had done, what they felt they did right. A repeated theme was that time goes so fast - they all had wished they'd slowed down more and played with their kids. They all wished that they had "stopped to smell the roses" more. This was from eight women with anywhere from one to four grown kids. They all felt this way. Their statements made sense to me, but with two toddlers at the time I just wanted a break.

Now, I really want to heed their special advice and learn from them. As I look back and see that my "babies" are now 10, 8 and 4, I see that time does go by so very fast. How can that little baby boy I held be 10? I am more than half way done "mothering" him in a way. In ten years from now he'll be a man making his own choices and finding his way in life. When I think back to when my kids were small I see that the days were slow, but the years went by fast.

This year holds some scary things for the E family and it's a time to stretch our faith and depend on God. In February I am going in for a breast reduction surgery. (Ouch!) In June Nate will have his leg lengthening surgery. He'll have three months recovery with no weight on that leg and me turning pins to stretch the bone. (Ouch!) Bryan's contract job will end and we are hoping and praying that another job comes along. (Ouch!) But, we know that we are in the palm of God's hands. He will not leave us. Despite these things which all can turn into great changes for all of us, I want to stop and enjoy my time with these kids. Watch them more, listen more, love them even more. Instead of being scared, I want to choose to have faith that our Father has good planned for us. I want to enjoy life and live in faith. This is the only place where there truly is peace and joy to it's fullest.

So whatever your 2011 holds, may it be blessed and full of wonderful gifts from God! May we all slow down - even just a bit - and smell the roses more.

Mighty Leaf Tea Mighty Leaf Variety, Whole Leaf Pouches, 1.36-Ounces, 15-Count (Pack of 3)

What I'm Not Grateful For

2010-11-23T20:54:00.000-08:00

As Thanksgiving approaches, these are the things I am NOT grateful for:

1) The huge zit on the bridge of my nose that looks like a third eye.

2) The grey hairs I had to dye tonight.

3) The black marks that stained my forehead from the hair dye.

4) My cold that has sapped my strength. How can a nose be stuffed up and running like a faucet at the same time?

What I am thankful for: That all these problems are completely petty.

My Little Miracle

2010-11-08T09:27:00.000-08:00

September was Missions Month at church and it was amazing. Living in this bubble of being a stay at home mom can be mind numbing at times and a little bit isolating. The missionaries who came to speak at church gave me a shot of reality and a dose of compassion that I sorely needed.

Every Sunday during Missions Month a pastor asks for a Faith Promise from each family so that the church can budget what to give to the missionaries on the field. I strongly felt like God said that we needed to give $50 a month to this cause. When I mentioned this to my husband, he hesitated and commented that things were a bit too tight to commit that amount. I agreed and then dropped the subject. But when God speaks, its pretty scary not to follow through. So after several weeks of prayer I carefully brought up the subject again. To my surprise, Vince filled out a Faith Promise card and already paid the current month's $50.

Now here is the other cool part: three months ago I applied for a job to write for a blog. I was contacted the week Vince submitted the commitment card and now we have more than enough to cover our Faith Promise. Lesson reiterated: God ALWAYS comes through. It's like when Peter walked on water; you first have to step out of the boat.

Live Without Fear

2010-10-28T15:10:00.000-07:00

I live in fear much of the time. I've built a wall around myself to block out fear of failure, fear of rejection, and fear of the unknown. Don't even get me started on my fear of strangers and fear of another car accident. I'm also terrified that someone I love will get seriously injured or worse.

I had to really think about my fears two days ago when a woman at my husband's work was severely injured. Vince is a nurse at the county jail and an inmate attacked one of my husband's co-workers. My husband could easily have been the target of such violence and that scares me to no end. I really had to pray when he told me about the incident. More importantly, I really had to stop thinking and just listen, really listen, to what God wanted to say. I realized that Vince could have been in that position, but he wasn't. God has called Vince to work at a dangerous place for this season and God will protect him.

Ironically, Vince is going back to school to work in an even more dangerous field. When he first told me of his new dreams, I had to step back and not let my emotions get the best of me. I realized that this is what God has called him to do and to do anything less would be out of God's will... that is not a place I'm willing to go. I would also hate for Vince to look back at his life and think of all the "what if's." To be the best wife I can be, I have to support God's plan for my husband. So yeah, I'm still scared. But my faith is bigger than my fear. When God calls any one of us to go home, the decision is a deliberate one for God. It's my daily decision on how I will live: paralyzed in fear or living with trust.

Cure for the Common Life Book Review

2010-10-26T10:56:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt a little burned out on life? That's where I have been. A dark cloud settled over me for a month or so and I had a really hard time shaking free from it. As I look back now, I see that I was on a road to destruction of sorts. I am the "yes" girl to much - too much! People ask for help, people need help, I generally say yes to just about anything. But, to my demise, all these little "yes-es" turn into a big pile of stress on my shoulders. I suppose I felt that since I am a stay-home mom, I need to do a lot to fill my time. But as my family suffered for it, I realized I needed to change some priorities.

In the midst of my valley, I walked into a book store and prayed in front of the Christian section. "Lord, please give me something here that will help." I spotted Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado. I do not like self-help type books, but I know I can read this author. I went to pay for it.... no wallet. The next morning I was debating if I should spend the money and go back for it. I went it to glance at it. I opened it to a page that said in the caption, "Jesus said no to good things to say yes to the right thing." This was a book I had to read.

It is a really good book for figuring out what you are supposed to "be" while here on earth. God has given each person unique gifts that they are supposed to use to serve in the kingdom of God. The back cover reads:

"Sweet spot." Golfers understand the term. So do tennis players. Ever swung a baseball bat or paddled a Ping-Pong ball? If so, you know the oh-so-nice feel of the sweet spot. Life in the sweet spot rolls like the downhill side of a downwind bike ride. But you don't have to swing a bat or a club to know this. What engineers give sports equipment, God gave you.A zone, a region, a life precinct in which you were made to dwell. He tailored the curves of your life to fit an empty space in his jigsaw puzzle. And life makes sweet sense when you find your spot.
But if you're like 87 percent of workers, you haven't found it. You don't find meaning in your work--or you're one of the 80 percent who don't believe their talents are used. What can you do? You're suffering from the common life, and you desperately need a cure.
Best-selling author Max Lucado has found it. In Cure for the Common Life he offers practical tools for exploring and identifying your own uniqueness, motivation to put your strengths to work, and the perfect prescription for finding and living in your sweet spot for the rest of your life.

The chapters help you to discover how God made you so very special, and how you shouldn't be discouraged if you are not like others or have their gifts. There is even a chapter to help you help your kids to find their gifts as well. The end gives a quiz of sorts to help you unravel and sort out your sweet spot and it really gets you thinking. I thought this book was excellent and I highly recommend it.

I am coming out of my valley now and feeling much better. Was it hormones? Maybe. Was it stress? Likely. Was it not living where I was supposed to be? For sure. I haven't quite figured out everything yet, but that's okay. I am thinking, praying, and working on it and if you read this book I hope it will encourage you, too!

My Favorite Baby Products

2010-10-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I know that not everyone who reads this blog has a baby, but I know some of you are grandparents, aunties or know someone who will one day have a baby. Let's face it, babies will always be around and sometimes they come in waves. So if you're past this stage, breathe a sigh of relief and go shop on ebay.

Kiddopotomus TinyDiner Portable Placemat - This thing is great. You roll it up in your diaper bag and when you go out to eat, you unroll it on the table. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, and this thing keeps the messy meal semi-contained and off the public table. When the baby is finished using it, I wipe off the mess, roll it up and put it in a grocery bag to wash when I get home.

Tommy Tippee Roll Up Bib - I've tried a bunch of bibs, but I like these the best. They are plastic, not oil cloth so they food wipes right off. On the other plastic coated bibs, the food would stick to the velcro or the material would start to mildew... yuck! This has a hole closure and also rolls securely for travel.

Born Free Sippy Cups - I've tried Munchkin, Nuby and several other sippy cups and Lanie ends up choking because too much fluid comes out the spout. She drinks best from the Baby Born version. It's expensive, but we wash it every night and guard it when we go out so we don't accidentally leave it anywhere. However, we bought another one and the spout was a hard plastic unlike the first version which worked much better...

Baby Mum Mum - This is Lanie's favorite snack. They are light rice crackers that dissolve quickly. They are less messy than the little stars and she can hold onto it and bite it. It's even better when they go on sale at Toys R Us but Target also has them at a good price.

Thoses are some things I can't live without right now with my one-year-old. Oh,and Prozac... did I mention that too!?!?

Money Saving Tips Part 2

2010-10-05T13:46:00.000-07:00

I've thought of three more money saving tips that I can't wait to share with you. I'm pretty excited because I'm spending AND making money!

Start your Christmas shopping now - For the past five years, I've always started my Christmas shopping about mid-September for several reasons: 1) Stores are clearing out merchandise to make room for Christmas toys and trendier stuff. I bought a toy a couple of weeks ago at Target that was usually $50 for $11.50! The packaging looks great, it works fine and it was $50 at Toys R Us. 2) Buying over a couple of months is a lot easier on the wallet. 3) I always scour the clearance racks at the chance that something will be perfect for someone on my list. Yesterday at JC Penny's they had a ton of racks marked $4.97 and $2.97! 4) Coupons! I also went to Kohl's yesterday and used the $10 off coupon from the newspaper. I bought three clearance t-shirts that my nephew is going to love for $7.00. Kohl's comes out with this coupon every few weeks, so I'll wait and use the next one for another gift (or to reward myself for being so thrifty!)

Craigslist Rocks - I've used Craigslist for several things: we've sold an area rug and entertainment center, bought a couple of nice chairs for our living room and currently I am selling my dining set. Within two hours I've already had two offers! Here are a couple of tips: people are always going to bargain so post it for slightly higher than you want for your item. Mark your posting cash only, you pick up. Save the person's e-mail address and phone number for safety reasons (and obviously never be home alone for the pick up). I also found my job at the Symphony using this site, and there is no fee (okay, that job did cost me my sanity for a season)!

Re-Focus - I have to admit that Mission's Month at church has really effected me. It's been so easy to hide in my little world and judge people for making stupid mistakes. Compassion has never been my middle name, but I've felt really convicted about it lately. With the two missionaries who have shared their stories of hurting people and the sacrifices that others are making, it has given me a new set of eyes. Even though I've been shopping, I haven't had the heart to buy anything for me (underwear excluded). I actually am feeling a little suffocated by all of the things that are busting out of our drawers and closets. And that's a really good thing.

Party Lessons

2010-10-03T13:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm not quite the party animal that my sister is, but last weekend we had the opportunity to celebrate Elliana's first birthday with 40 friends and family members. I was an event coordinator for a couple of non-profits, but this was a totally different type of party. Here are some things that I learned to do and not to do in the future:

Photography - My husband Vince took some great pictures of the decorations before the party started. That was great for future planning and ideas. Unfortunately, we didn't get very many good pictures during the party because we were busy doing everything else. Next time I would assign a family member with a good eye for picture taking to this job.

Presents - Since Elliana was only one, she wasn't so into opening presents. We had several little girls who helped. One way to keep the gift frenzy under control is that we started from the youngest child and she got to open her own gift for Elliana. After all the kids opened their own gift, they could then choose another gift to open (for siblings, they just opened a gift from a different giver).

If the party isn't at your home - We decided to have the party at my parents house because it would accommodate all of our guests better. I planned for the party like I do when I pack for a trip: I have a laundry basket and I throw stuff into it as I remember the items I'll need to pack. The day or two before the party, I sort the supplies according to decor, paper goods, etc. and put instructions on each grouping. I also go through the entire event in my mind to think if I might need anything else. For example, for the pinata we would need the pinata itself, rope to hang it, a stick to bang it, candy to fill it, bags for the kids, labels for each bag and a garbage bag for the aftermath.

Focus on what's important - A lot of stuff happened that was out of my control, including questionable behavior from some family members. I was really upset (okay, I'm still pretty ticked off), but the day was about the guest of honor. As long as Elliana had a good time and I did the best I could, than I need to realize that that made it a successful day.

It's the details; it's not the details - I tried to think of everything I could to make the party run smoothly. The details make the party special. BUT.... if your guests feel welcomed and that you are having fun then the cake, the decorations and the favors are all secondary. If your guests feel that you are burdened by perfection and getting the details right, you've just defeated the purpose of a celebration.

So here are some things that I learned. I also know to create a Plan B because I know certain issues are going to come up again. Parties are a symphony of culinary balance and social juggling. Thank God birthdays only come once a year!

Money Saving Tips

2010-09-07T08:14:00.000-07:00

In this economy, who couldn't use a few money saving tips? Here are some things that I have learned.

When I see something that I like in a store, whether that be a decorative piece for my home, favors for a party or a cute onesie, I see how it's made and try to replicate it. For my daughter's first birthday that is in a few weeks, I took this to heart on a tight budget. I made a custom onesie from scrap material and a white shirt she already had, made a matching bib, table runners and felt lady bugs for the table. The total cost was $6.00!

Be accountable. My husband has a firm handle on our purse strings (but not in a tyrannical sort of way!) He tells me ahead of time "This is going to be a tight month. Insurance is due." or something else to that nature. I know to limit my spending during certain times of the year. We also abide by the $100 rule: if we spend more than $100 on any one thing, we consult each other first.

Coupons are your friend. Growing up, I remember my mom scouring through the Sunday paper, scissors in hand. Now I do the same thing with the Value Packs and the various ads that flow through the mail. I also know the routine of coupons that come from some of my favorite stores; almost weekly Babies R Us has a 20%off coupon on any one baby item and Joann Crafts has 40% off coupons at least once a month. I plan my shopping accordingly.

Hand-me-downs are awesome. Okay, so I am a little picky. I'll only use hand-me-downs from close family members and maybe a friend depending on the item. Right now I have three bins of clothes for Elliana to use in the future from three older cousins... some items still have the tags on them! I'm fortunate too; my sister and sister-in-law give me only their best items that are not stained and are in great condition.

Plan ahead. At the end of a season, buy clothes for next year. This is an obvious tip, but last week I bought six shirts, a pair of flip flops, and two bottoms from Gymboree for $30. I also knew I needed a black wool coat for this winter and yesterday I purchased one for $42, normally $250. The Internet store was clearing out their merchandise to prepare for this season's winter clothes.

Eat at home. Even those little trips through the drive thru add up. And if you must eat out, order water with lemon. Those $2.00 sodas make a huge difference (both on your budget and in your waist line)!

So these are a few of my tips for now. I hope they help you as much as they've helped my wallet. In a one income family with no debt, I can tell you that they work!

Top 10 Things My Sister Has Taught Me

2010-09-03T08:11:00.000-07:00

I love having my big sister. She is one of the most amazing people I know and for those of you who don't have a big sis, I thought I'd share some of what I have learned.

10. Create a house that your husband wants to come home to.

9. When having guests over, consider it a treat to serve them and do it will all your heart.

8. Find your child's talents and passions and let them fly. Let them follow their dreams, not what you think their dreams should be.

7. If there is a gap, step up. Instead of "why me?" ask "why not me?"

6. Make every child feel special. Get to know your child's friends and your friend's children as individuals.

5. My job as a wife is to make my husband look good, from Christmas cookies to hand out at work to clean shirts hanging in the closet.

4. Treat everyone as part of your inner circle.

3. Have fun and don't take life too seriously.

2. Get over yourself. Realize that life isn't about you.

1. Always strive to be the woman God wants you to be. Keep yourself in check and have a few close people around you to be completely honest with who you are.

Meal Time Organization

2010-08-21T22:48:00.000-07:00

In following my post on organizing, meal time is a high priority for our family. Even when not every member is able to eat together, it's still important that we have healthy prepared dinners.

Meal planning is hard to do, and I have to admit that I am not always “on it” as I should be. When I have my act together and plan my meals, life tends to go much smoother at the dinner hour! One technique that worked great for me for a long while was setting up a certain type of food for each night of the week. This was what I did:

Monday – Big salad or Sandwich night (panini’s, subs, grilled cheese & soup,…)

Tuesday – “Taco Tuesday” – any Mexican food

Wednesday – Asian night pr Something new night

Thursday – Italian night

Friday – Kid’s Choice night

Weekends – wing it! Left-overs

There are other techniques that I have used that work well. My mom taught me to plan according to the ads – what’s on sale is what we eat. She would always get the ad Tuesday and plan out her meals Wednesday to the next Tuesday. I still do this to a point. Another thing I have done, and still do the most when I plan, is when I do my Sunday night calendar plan I also plan out the meals at the same time. Then I know for sure what night needs to be a Crock Pot night and which nights I have a little more time for something more complex.

Some more tips for meals are:
*Make a menu and list before going to the grocery store, it saves money (but only if you stick to it!)
*Make double portions and freeze, save as “emergency” dinners
*Keep “emergency” quick meals in the freezer (Costco and Trader Joe’s!)
*Get recipes from friends - ask for their "Top 5" meals they make and add what works for your family to your file

Do you just feel like "window shopping" on the web sometimes? I do this and end up wasting time looking at chandeliers and new furniture that I don't forsee getting anytime soon. I recently decided to "window shop" recipes to try. My favorite site is http://www.allrecipes.com/. It has tons of recipes with reviews and pictures done by people at home. You see the real deal and it lets you print or save recipes.

Do you have some tips for meal planning? I'd love to know them! Or share your favorite dinner recipe....
Here are some of my favorite cook books...
Cooking A to Z
Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics: Fabulous Flavor from Simple Ingredients
Barefoot Contessa at Home: Everyday Recipes You'll Make Over and Over Again
Everyday Food: Fresh Flavor Fast: 250 Easy, Delicious Recipes for Any Time of Day (Everyday Food (Clarkson Potter))

Getting Organized

2010-08-21T22:31:00.000-07:00

In today’s society we are overwhelmed and rushing from one thing to the next. We live in a time when you almost have to plan everything to get anything done. Many families are under so much pressure – and granted, there are many fun and good activities filling our lives – but when our activities are robbing us of joy, contentment, and a sense that we have a handle on our primary responsibilities, then something must change. A key to truly living and not just surviving is organization.

Let me place a little disclaimer here – I am not a truly organized person by nature. I am a little more on the artsy side and would rather take life one day at a time and cross each bridge as I approach it. But living life in this manner with kids, church, activities, and a home to maintain left me and my whole family a little frantic and unstable.

There are some things I have discovered along the way that have smoothed out some of the wrinkles and made life richer for the E’s. I’d love to share these things with you and I hope you can find something that can help your own family!

Setting Goals For Your Family
Running a household and home is much like running a business (there is my business background peeking in.) A business’ goal is to find a niche, satisfy a need, and turn a profit. These goals are met through research, budgeting, and setting goals. It’s important to ask yourself, “What’s really important to my family?” What is important to you?

Bryan and I sat down to determine what our goals were for our family. We discovered that our number one priority as a family is God. After that it’s our relationships with each other and friends, education for the kids, a clean house (for my slightly OCD husband), and healthy meals for family dinner time. We decided to prioritize and organize ourselves in order to reach these goals.

Set up Your Calendar and To-Do Lists Around the Goals
It’s important to set up a schedule to reach the goals. The following is a list of tasks that we put in place to keep us going. They are not always met, and we do re-evaluate and change them from time to time as our family grows.

Family meetings- monthly
*Is everyone moving most of the time in the right direction toward the goals?
*Evaluation behavior, what needs to be fixed, good things done, everyone can have their chance to voice what they are thinking about
Family Devotionals- weekly (in addition to nightly praying)
*Honeywell Bible – short lesson, prayer for week ahead
Homework- daily or as needed
*Depends on schedule with other activities, but must be done before bathing
Activities- depending on season
*Two activities at most per child – music lessons, little league, gymnastics, etc.
Chore evaluation- weekly- Saturdays (on chart) Paid accordingly

In order to hit my own targets, I set up my calendar at the beginning of each month and make a list of things that need to be done. I also sit down on Sunday nights to update and review the calendar for the week to pace out what needs to be done. Bryan sets up our master family calendar, too, so we can all see what’s on each other’s radar. I highly recommend this on a large calendar where everyone in the family can see it. We hang a large dry-erase calendar inside our pantry door so we can all check it easily. I really helps to answer many questions on meetings, rehersals, practices, etc. Each family member has a different color ink to help the kids see what is their activity. (Please see the end of this post for some calendar links.)

I also have set up a weekly routine that I keep in order to schedule and plan accordingly. Sometimes, of course, appointments, friends, or Target happen that don’t fall according to my plan, so I move things around as needed. This is not in concrete for me, but I do my best to keep it without it keeping me…

Daily schedule for mom
Monday- Clean house, clean linens, do as much laundry as possible
Tuesday – Finish laundry, run errands, grocery shop, pay bills
Wednesday – Correspondence with friends, house project
Thursday – Bible study, dump garbages
Friday – laundry and something fun – craft, walk, meet with a friend
Saturday – whatever
Sunday – church, plan out week, plan meals

I hope you can use some of what I’ve learned to help you get more organized. Organization isn't fun, but it pays off in a big way. Please share any tips that you have, too!

Board Dudes 18"x22" Home Décor Magnetic Dry Erase Calendar (84012UA-4)
Cra-Z-Art 3-in-1 Combo Board (Dry Erase, Calendar and Cork) Contemporary Sleek Silver Aluminum Frame with Marker and Two Magnets, 17 x 23 Inches (12195)
Cra-Z-Art Dry Erase Calendar Board, Contemporary Basic White Plastic Frame, with Marker and Two Magnets, 17 x 23 Inches (12174)
Board Dudes Unframed Magnetic Calendar, Magnetic Dry Erase Board, 14 x 14 Inches (13850UA-4)

Bitterness

2010-08-16T09:41:00.000-07:00

My daughter has brought so much healing into my life. God has given me a sweet balm to quench the bitterness that has consumed my soul for far too long.

For almost fourteen years I was angry at God; serving Him begrudgingly because I knew I had no where else to turn. I had failed at so many things and needed even a small victory to get me through each day.

I didn't know how bad off I was until God started to heal me of my anger. With anger came pessimism, self pity, being judgmental, self loathing, depression and self righteousness... a dangerous combination. I was scared to breathe for fear that pain would consume me or the fragile balance of sanity I was teetering on would shatter. Bitterness brought me into a depth of depression where I would weep in the corner of my dark, locked bathroom and couldn't emerge until my husband would engulf me with his arms and cry with me. I couldn't leave the house. I couldn't talk to anyone; I wasn't strong enough to hold the mask up to hide who I really was.

I'm not really sure what changed this; part of me thinks it was when I determined not to let my circumstances dictate who I was and therefore God allowed me to get pregnant. I decided that I would love and serve God for who He is, not for what I did or did not receive. Another part of me thinks that with my pregnancy I had a reason to believe and hope again. Either way, it doesn't really matter. I am healed of depression. I am healed of bitterness. I am still trying to chisel down the walls around my soul to let God fully in. But its a start.

Dealing With Pain Daily

2010-08-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

As I've mentioned before, I have fibromyalgia (chronic pain) and arthritis. I thought I would share some products that make my day to day life a little easier. Nothing takes all of the pain away, but many times I just need to take the edge off.

I love my Fit Flop shoes. They are like flip flops but are sturdier with great support and cushioning. They are supposed to help tone your tush and legs... I don't know about that. I just know I can walk around in them for hours. They are pretty expensive; about $60 a pair at Macy's, but sometimes you have to bite the bullet to be comfortable. They also last a long time. I constantly wear the ones I bought last summer and I bought another pair a few months ago. They come in simples styles, but I like the flashy ones in sequins and rhinestones. My sister says I have an ugly shoe collection, but even she owns two pairs of these!

Salonpas are my next big go to item. They are patches that you place where your pain is. You can find them at most grocery stores, Target and Costco. The main ingredients are menthol and camphor, so you'll smell rather minty but it feels so good. Beware of wearing them too long or too much; they can hurt when you take them off because they are stickers and will take off the fine hairs on your skin and sometimes even a little skin. For a while I had small rectangle scars on my back because I wore these everyday for...hmmm.... a year?!? They are perfect to throw in your purse and there is no mess when applying like with creams. It also comes in a spray, but I like the patches because the medicine stays on longer.

I also love the aromatherapy heating pads that you can get at the mall kiosks. I heat mine in the microwave for 2 1/2 minutes and wrap it around my shoulders. When I get too lazy, a plain old plug in heating pad will suffice (especially in the middle of the night.)

When I get a horrible headache, I take a hot bath and add a few drops of Kwan Loong Oil. (You can get this at Country Square Market or online.) The menthol steam penetrates soothes my sinuses and the oil relaxes my muscles even more. Between the Kwan Loong Oil and Salonpas, I smell like an old lady! Don't sit next to me in church!

Valerian Root helps me sleep at night. (I haven't taken it in a while due to pregnancy and breastfeeding.) This is an herbal muscle relaxer and you can find it at most stores in the natural foods section. Warning: it smells like stinky feet! Luckily, you won't smell like it and you won't taste it after you swallow it.

Well, I hope these products help you if you battle pain like I do. I've tried TONS of products and these are my favorites.

Top 10 Things I Thought I Would Never Do as a Mom

2010-08-03T10:15:00.001-07:00

Here are some things I thought I would never do as a mom:

10. Put my kid in an exersaucer to watch TV while I get stuff done

9. Cuss when she gets up for the third time in one night

8. Feed her sugar before her first birthday

7. Feed her snacks that fall on the floor (not public floors, though!)

6. Forget to see my husband as the man I fell in love with and only as a partner in caring for a baby

5. Say "crap" 5 out of 10 times when I hear the cry that naptime is over

4. Watch Yo Gabba Gabba until I start humming "There's a Party in my Tummy" without even realizing it

3. Visit Toys R Us every other week just to get out of the house

2. Shove snacks in my kid just to keep her quiet and happy

1. Become so "mommy" - dang it!!!

It's the Little Things

2010-07-30T13:01:00.000-07:00

For the past three days I've been watching a dove and her mate build a nest just outside my window. She sits and eagerly awaits for him to retrieve twigs and branches for their little nest that is quickly growing in weaves and tangles. I watch her dwell in her nest and she observes me living in mine.

Right now the bills are piling up as our car has died for the third time in a month. Insurance is due. We trekked to the grocery store this morning for our weekly hunting and gathering. We just refinanced our home. And I feel terribly guilty for purchasing $6.99 lip gloss last night. I hate financial issues!

So I glance out the window and watch the dove preparing for her future. The lavender bushes in our yard sway to the gentle nudges of the summer breeze. Our peaches are blushing, painted by the sun's warming rays. Right now I am savoring the simple things. When we get too comfortable, sometimes God needs to give us a wake up call to the things that are most important.

(I just took these pictures in my yard. What a pretty day!)

Lanie Bug's Room

2010-07-27T15:09:00.000-07:00

I love to decorate and I finally finished Elliana's room yesterday. I wanted it to be sweet but not too babyish so that she could grow into it. I'm also very cheap so the whole thing cost me under $200. I made the drapes, wall hanging, table coverings and reupolstered a hand-me-down rocking chair with material from a close out fabric store. The cherry blossom branches were given to me by a friend who bought them as centerpieces for my baby shower (its cool how they came full circle!) Lamps were expensive, so I bought three Chinese lanterns with chord for $40. The crib and changing table were my nieces' and nephew's. Some acrylic paint for about $2.00 and voila!, a lady bug wonderland!

Being Content

2010-07-27T10:09:00.000-07:00

I'm finally content. As I sit at my desk today deciding what I should write about I realized this colossal fact: I am finally content. My surroundings haven't changed; it's what God has done in my heart.

I honestly cannot remember a time in my life where I was happy being right where I was. I wanted a better job. I wanted to look better. I wanted a bigger house. I wanted more money. Okay, so those are things I still want (plus no pain, another child, a better city to live in...). But I realized that if the blessings I have now were the only ones that God so deems to give me, I would be grateful.

There's something about waiting and fighting for the things you want that makes you appreciate the reward. I prayed for Vince for two years before we ever went out on our first date. I prayed for a house for two years and the down payment came from my car accident insurance money (so it was definitely bought with my blood, sweat and tears.) I prayed for Elliana for six years before God ever put her in my womb. And there are several people who traveled and fought along side me when I no longer had the strength or faith to keep on going. I am blessed.

Every night I pray for my daughter and the traits that I want her to have. I realized that the only way for her to develop into a woman of God is for me to pattern what that should look like. Boy, did that convict me! The bumps and bruises of life have caused me to be a cynic. Time and motherhood have caused me to re-evaluate who I am and who I want to be. My first step is towards gratefulness.

The Five Love Languages - Book and Topic Review

2010-07-21T14:48:00.000-07:00

The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate
The Heart of the Five Love Languages
The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts
The Five Love Languages of Children
The 5 Love Languages Men's Edition: The Secret to Love That Lasts
The Five Love Languages Singles Edition
by Dr. Gary Chapman

For our church Ladies' retreat in the spring, I taught a workshop on the Five Love Languages. If you have never explored this topic, it is really worth looking into. It can change all your relationships from your spouse to your kids to your friends. This talk was mainly for married women, but can be applied in any relationship on different levels.

There are several different books that Dr. Chapman covers Love Languages in, and even though I have read the Children's version before, my husband and I are reading it together now to make sure that we are on target with our three kids. There are also versions specifically for men, single adults, and marriages that could use a tune up.

Here is a summary of my discussion notes and an overview of the book:

Paul said to the Gentiles in 1 Cor. 13:13, “Three things will last forever- faith, hope, and love – and the greatest of these is love.”

Dr. Chapman says that we all have an Emotional Tank. It's either full or empty, like a bank with deposits and withdrawals

In marriage – Your spouse will change for the positive if their “tank” is full

In kids – a full tank will them operate as they should and reach their potential

Love Languages are the ways in which we express and want love expressed to us. There are five basic love languages:

Words of Affirmation

Quality Time
Receiving Gifts
Acts of Service
Physical Touch

Unconditional love is what kids need – Conditional love is performance based and is what most kids feel.

“If children feel genuinely loved by their parents, they will be more responsive to parental guidance in all areas of their lives.”

Physical needs are easy to recognize, but we need to also focus on mental and emotional growth as well.

You cannot determine a child’s love language if they are under 5

Even in discovering the love language of your spouse or child, not everything will always go perfectly. There will be set backs, but we can all benefit from the effort of expressing love

#1 Words of Affirmation

Mark Twain once said, “I can live for two months on a compliment”.
Proverbs 18:21 “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.”
Proverbs 12:25 “An encouraging word cheers a person up”
Words of affirmation are words that build up
Usually quick and to the point, must be sincere

Encouraging words:

Encourage means “to inspire courage”
Perhaps your spouse or child has untapped potential and just need a few words from you to inspire them to step out
The person must already have a desire for something or else it sounds like condemnation – example – losing weight

Kind Words:
Love is kind
More people interpret what we are saying by the tone of our voice more than the words we are actually saying – example – “I love you.” I love you?

Perhaps this is an area of much hurt and struggle in your relationships. Today is a new day!

"Don’t mess up today with yesterday"

In an argument, approach with softness and kindness- see what happens if you can control your words
Forgiveness is the way of love

Humble Words
Love makes requests, not demands
How you ask makes a big difference
There is a difference in being a spouse/spouse and a spouse/child
Ask in a way that affirms their worth and abilities
They can do something meaningful and worthwhile, affirm, don’t belittle

Various Dialects
All have something in common – to affirm one’s spouse
One of the deepest human needs is the need to feel appreciated
Indirect words – compliment them when they are not even around
Written words

#2 Quality Time
Quality Time is undivided attention, not watching TV together. It involves looking at each-other, talking, taking a walk.

The difference between married couples and dating couples – eye contact
Togetherness is a key, not proximity (same room), focused attention
Not what you are doing that matters, but what happens on an emotional level

Quality Conversation is where two individuals are sharing experiences, thoughts, feelings and desires in a friendly, uninterrupted context.

Words of Affirmation is saying
Quality Conversation is hearing

Listening
We try to analyze problems and provide solutions – relationship calls for sympathetic listening
1. Maintain eye contact
2. Don’t listen and do something else at the same time
3. Listen for feeling
4. Observe body language
5. Refuse to interrupt
a. the average person only listens for 17 seconds

Learning to Talk
It may not come easy – quality conversation requires sympathetic listening and self revelation
How am I feeling? Emotions are good or bad – they are responses to the events of life

Personality Types
Dead Sea – goes nowhere, nothing to give
Babbling Brook – Whatever they see or hear they need to talk about

#3 Receiving Gifts
A gift is something you hold in your hand and say, “He was thinking of me”
Not so much the monetary value, but the sentiment
Flower from a child
Gifts are a symbol of love – wedding rings

To people whose love language is gifts, monetary value doesn’t matter unless it’s greatly out of line that what you can afford

Gifts and Money
Difference between spenders and savers

Gift of Self
Being there when your spouse needs you the most

Verbalize when you need someone’s presence – they can’t read your mind

#4 Acts of Service
Doing things you know your spouse would like you to do
Things that require thought, planning, time, effort and energy
In John 13:3-7 Jesus washed his disciples’ feet.
Gal. 5:13 “Serve one another in love”
Requests give direction to love, but demands stop the flow of love

Doormat or Lover?
When we treat our spouses like objects, we preclude the possibility of love.
Manipulation
Coercion by fear

Overcoming Stereotypes
There have been many sociological changes, but that doesn’t mean stereotypes haven’t been removed.
A willingness to examine and change stereotypes is necessary to express love more effectively.
There are no rewards for maintaining stereotypes, but there are tremendous benefits to meeting the emotional needs of your spouse
Simple, but not easy

#5 Physical Touch
Physical Touch is a way of communicating love
Hebrew parents brought their children to Jesus to have him touch them in Mark 10:13
Wise parents are touching parents
Physical touch is very important to marital love
Touch doesn’t have to be sexual. It’s holding hands, touching a person’s hair, putting your hand on their arm.

The Body is for Touching
To touch my body is to touch me, to move away physically is to move away emotionally
Refusal to shake hand sends a very strong message
There are appropriate and inappropriate ways of touching in every society
In marriage, there are appropriate and inappropriate ways of touching determined by the couple themselves
Bodies are for touching, not abuse
The trauma of an unfaithful spouse is even more devastating if the person’s love language is physical touch

Crisis and Physical Touch
We almost always hug each other in time of crisis
It is a powerful communicator of love
Tender touches will be remembered after a crisis has passed, failure to touch may never be forgotten either.

Discovering Your Primary Love Language
What makes you feel most loved by your spouse?
What do you desire about all else?
What hurts you most deeply?
Look back, what have you most requested?

It may be hard to discover your Love Language if your love tank is too full or too empty. You may need to write it out in addition to the profile to truly discover your language. Write out what you think it may be and why and rate them in order of importance.

Figuring out how you and your spouse and kids express love will greatly open the doors to a more fulfilling love experience and relationship.

If you go to the Website, you can take a free test to see what your love language is. There is also a test at the end of each book.

Pain in the Neck

2010-07-19T19:32:00.000-07:00

As I've already written, I deal with fibromyalgia and have chronic pain. It really, really, REALLY stinks. The past few weeks it has been getting worse; I pop pills, take long showers, throw the aromatherapy heating pad into the microwave, and slap on a few menthol pain patches to no avail. There is one thing I keep forgetting to do and it should be the most obvious: pray.

I didn't really realize this until I went to church yesterday and the pastor prayed over the congregation. It got me thinking: "Why have I stopped praying for this issue that has plagued me for so long?" There are several reasons I've come up with:

1) Having a baby definitely keeps me busy. It certainly takes a lot of selflessness and my prayers are focused more on getting a good night's sleep (which is another dilemma unto itself).

2) It's so much easier to pop ibruprofen and hide in a steamy shower. When I pray for healing, I feel like I have to analyze my spiritual self and battle with feelings of doubt, forgiveness, and self loathing. I try to figure out why I'm not healed yet and after 13 years, that gets quite exhausting.

3) I've already had my miracle. God opened my womb and gave me the baby that I was longing to have. Asking for more just seems greedy.

4) I've given up. I figure if God hasn't healed me by now, this just might be the thorn that I have to bear the rest of my life. I'm tired of saying the same prayer and He's probably tired of hearing it.

Okay, all of these theories are complete garbage and my head knows it. I just get tired of fighting the same battle over and over. I guess now I have two things to pray for - healing AND a fresh touch from God. If I truly knew the character of God, I would probably never stop praying in the first place.

The Ultimate Gross Party for Boys

2010-07-17T12:36:00.000-07:00

My six year old boy was turning seven. It was party time and my mind was busy going down many avenues of themes... He wanted a Mario party. Um.... no. Although I tried to think of things to do for it, I couldn't think of great activities, I had to come up with something that would seem cooler than his current obsession. After a huge belch and the laughter that came from his five-year-old sister and my frequent comment, "That's so gross..." and the discipline that followed, it hit me - boys are gross. Let's celebrate that quality for a day!

We decorated our long table where the kids would eat with plastic, plain table cloths from the dollar store. I took clear thread and hung plastic bugs over the table and sprinkled some on it. The centerpiece was a big clear glass punch bowl containing "Gross Punch". I used 7-up with different food coloring drops added and rainbow sherbet. It looked like a science experiment. Our "cake" was also in the center. I'll describe that under the "food" section.

If you read my previous articles on the elements of a party that I like to use, I'll walk you through our fun day...

Craft- As the kids arrived (both boys and girls), I had them make a fish print shirt. This was a technique that I learned in Japanese summer school in my youth on paper, and I thought it would be great on a shirt. I purchased packages of 5 Hanes/ Fruit of the Loom plain white t-shirts at Walmart (or you can get them on sale at Michael's or in the clearance bins at Kmart for $.25). My mom bought several 6-10" fish from the market, and I put out disposable plates with regular acrylic craft paints and small foam brushes. The kids put on disposable gloves and painted a fish to their liking, then my mom (because it was just too gross for me) helped them to lightly press the painted side of the fish down on the shirt. They slowly lifted the fish and wrote their names in fabric squeeze paint near the fish image. We hung the shirts with clothes pins on a rope in the back yard to dry and as a decoration for the party.

Games- I borrowed the old baby shower game here. Nate's little sister Mia was just a baby in diapers, so I filled different ones with food items that the kids had to guess what was inside. The diapers were open so the kids could look at and smell what was inside. The different diapers contained mustard, peanut butter, melted chocolate, jelly, and pickle relish. The kids sat in a circle, passed the diapers and inspected them. The comments and looks on their faces were priceless! There wasn't so much a winner to this game. After all the diapers went around I held them up one a time and let them shout out the answers.
For the next game I had them feel what was in a lunch bag and guess what was in there (while still sitting in the circle.) Each bag had a number on it and I had grown ups help me here. They held the bag a little higher than the child's head and we had them reach in and feel and write what they thought it was on a 3x5" card. The grown up with the bag helped them write the answer if they needed assistance. In the different bags were peeled boiled eggs, boiled spaghetti, canned bay shrimp, gummy worms and kiwis. I instructed them not to squeeze the items, just feel them. I had my sister go around with baby wipes and a garbage bag for their hands. At the end I showed them what was inside each bag and they checked their cards.
Since those games were time consuming, we only did two.

Hunt- This wasn't really our usual hunt, but it was fun. After the games we had the kids gather around a coffee table and watch Nate and my mom dissect some squid. They were on the "hunt" for a surprise in the squid, which was the ink. My mom and Nate each had their own squid and my mom cut out the eyes, the "bone" and then the ink. She cut it open and let it ooze out. She instructed Nate the whole time on what to do. He was thrilled to use a knife for the first time, and to have such an attentive audience. It was great!

Pinata - For this we just got a plain pinata and decorated it with slime and dollar store bugs. We filled it with candy, plastic bugs and frogs, and chocolate eyes.

Food - I didn't want to go too overboard in this area because I wanted them to eat, so we had grapes, carrots, pb&j's cut into bug shapes, chips and gold fish crackers.
The cake - one of my favorite parts of the party! I used my mom's giant glass punch bowl and made a big Worms in Dirt. I bought the chocolate muffins from Costco (or you can make a chocolate cake mix according to the directions), cut them into cubes and layered them with chocolate pudding and Heath bar crumbles. Along the sides of the bowl I put gummy worms. On the top I ended with pudding and finely crushed oreos with worms sticking out. When we served it I gave them a squirt of whipped cream on the side and made sure that everyone got at least one worm. It was a hit!

I generally don't do goodie bags for parties because the kids take home their bag from the pinata and their shirt (or whatever craft they make.) I like to make them work for their goods!

Overall it was so much fun. I was so thrilled last year when I was working in my son's class (he's almost 10 now) and his friends were reminiscing about his Gross Party and how fun it was. They remembered it! Ah, it was so worth the effort!