Random Friday

1) I can't tell you how much I enjoyed my time in DC with Sarah.  Sleeping without a monitor by bedside was a nice break! It was so fun to spend time shopping and have long conversations about anything from the funny things we did when we were roommates to menu planning!  As I left DC, I thought how timely it had been that the School of Fish post has been on (in)courage that week.  My friendship with Sarah is a huge blessing and I must admit that sometimes I take the blessing of friendships for granted.  I slept, shopped talked, and ate yummy food for 4 days, but I was very ready to get home to my boys!  

In front of the White House ... on a COLD and WINDY day.

2) This week we have been in Arkansas for me to spend some time at the bank.  This is one of those trips that makes me really wish that we lived here!  I was able to go to Bible Study with mom on Wednesday and I couldn't help but wish that it was something I was able to do every week.  In those moments, I must remind myself, that no matter what wonderful scenarios I can dream up in my mind, the absolute only place I want to be is right in the middle of God's will and right now for us, that is Mississippi, not Arkansas. I love that peace that follows when we submit our will to His will.  

The boys with their Great Maw Maw

3) I feel like my world is getting ready to change.  Brooks is oh so close to crawling.  His big brother was never really one who messed with things he wasn't supposed to.  Brooks will be different.  The day I walked into his room and found him pulling on his curtains (remember he isn't crawling YET) I knew that he was going to get into everything. I think that I better start moving things to higher ground as soon as I get home.
4) I haven't been on my computer all week.  No blogging. No blog reading. No Facebook. No Twitter. I must admit it has been nice.  I think I need a social media break every once in a while.

12:29 PM

Lunch in Old Town Alexandria

Dayspring Product Review

Yesterday as I walked out to get the mail and pulled out a big stack of junk mail and bills, I reminisced about my trips back to the house in December with a hand full of beautiful Christmas cards. Don't you just love getting a stack of Christmas cards or an encouraging note from a friend? As I walked in the door, I saw my fun Dayspring cards and couldn't wait to send a few of these great cards to some of my girlfriends.  I mean....who doesn't love getting fun mail???

I also tucked one in my suitcase to leave for Sarah (shhhh...don't tell her!).  I love that these cards look like watercolors and some even have fun glitter!  They are on super think paper and not the flimsy kind.  The pictures and messages on the cards are super trendy!  


Dayspring sent me this lovely set of cards so that I could do a review and I also get to give great Dayspring products to you!  I will be giving away a $20 gift certificate to dayspring.com.  How can you enter?

(in)courage

Having grown up in Northwest Arkansas, it seems that I have always known about Dayspring and the wonderful products that they offer.  In addition to the products, they are the hosts for the community known as (in)courage.  I LOVE this site and how it connects women an encourages them to grow in their faith!  Today if you stop by the site, you will see a guest post from yours truly.  Enjoy and stop by again on Friday because I will be reviewing a few new Dayspring products and giving away a $20 Dayspring gift certificate!

Muffin Man

While working on my menu plans for the last few weeks, I have been searching for more quick, healthy breakfast options.  This recipe from my friend Heather has been a hit for us!  Drew and I even made a second batch during Brooks' morning nap yesterday.


Muffin Recipe

•non-stick cooking spray

•1 cup firmly packed light or dark brown sugar (or equivalent brown sugar/splenda

blend)

•1/2 cup natural peanut butter

•1/2 cup vegetable puree (carrot or pumpkin works great!)

•1/2 cup fruit puree (or double up on the veggie puree if using a sweet veggie like carrot)

•1 large egg

•1 cup whole wheat flour

•1 teaspoon baking powder

•1 teaspoon baking soda

•1/2 teaspoon salt

•sprinkle cinnamon (optional)

1.Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 12 cup muffin tin with cooking spray or line

with paper baking cups.

2.In a large mixing bowl, mix 1/2 of the brown sugar with the peanut butter, the purees

and egg using wooden spoon.

3.Put the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl or zipper-lock bag and stir

or shake to mix. Add to the bowl with the peanut butter mixture and stir just to combine

(the batter will be a little lumpy - do not overmix). Add the remaining 1/2 brown sugar

and stir once or twice.

4.Divide the batter among the muffin cups and bake until the muffins are lightly browned

and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center, appx. 20 minutes.

Heather Richmond RD

with aid from Jessica Seinfeld ‘s Deceptively Delicious

Do you have any healthy breakfast options you can share?

3:06 PM

Just because those legs are too chubby and cute not to post. :)

What To Do With The Rest Of The Year?

“Momma, where are you putting baby Jesus?” Drew asked, as I put away the nativity.  “We will put Him up and bring Him back out next year.” I replied.

“Momma, let’s listen to Christmas music,” he asked as we pulled out of the driveway.  “How about Veggie Tales instead?” I asked.  “No! Christmas music ... for baby Jesus’ birthday!”

Goodness have I been challenged by my little man over the last few weeks.  Have you tried to explain to a three year old why we only leave the nativity scenes out for one month of the year and why we don’t listen to “Silent Night” the other eleven months?  As I wrapped baby Jesus and put Him in the box amidst his questions, it hit me.  Is that how often I dwell on the birth of the incarnate Savior?  Once a year?  

Not only am I challenged by the amount that we focused and talked about Jesus in the month of December, but it has also caused me to stop and take a look at how much I am really teaching him about the Bible.  It is easy to use the excuse that he is three, but that just won’t work anymore.  As I put away the Christmas decorations, including the felt board we had done, I asked him to tell me the story and he did.  Granted, it was in the words of a three year old so every little detail wasn’t precise.  But he got it.  He knew that an angel appeared to Mary and told her she would have a baby.  Then he put Mary on the donkey and told Joseph they had to go to Bethlehem.  He then placed Jesus in the stable and brought the shepherds (who take care of sheep) and the wise men to see Jesus.  He then said, “Today in town of David, a Savior been born. He is Christ Lord.” Luke 2:11  He got it ... on a three year old level, but he got it.  And so did his momma.  These years are precious and they are few and that mind is a sponge.  What am I putting in it?

Mary on the way to Bethlehem.

So we will focus this year.  Focus on training and teaching.  My good friend Kim who did a lot of Advent activities with her boys is going to focus on a different story each month.  I am thinking we may tag along with that and keep up the felt board fun.

And we will listen to Christmas songs all year long if that is what he would like to listen to.  Besides, it will really never get old to hear him sing “Gloooooria, in exces e deo” from the backseat.