Preparation Sunday

As our little ones gear up for the coming of Christ, we were visited by the angel Gabriel as he spoke great words to Mary. Oh how soothing this all is to know the story of Christ’s arrival is so anticipated by our smart first & second graders!

Peace & Joy

Psalm 27:13-14 NIV84

I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.

Oh thank goodness for God’s goodness in times of my great stress.

Glory in the Mysteries of God

So, this may not be considered spiritual but some but in this video I see God. There is a purpose for every being, every child, every human. Could you imagine a world where we all treat life as precious, no matterthe difficulty in communication? We are fearfully & wonderfully made, knitted together in our mothers womb. God knows all the hairs n our head & the days of our lives before we’re even conceived. How glorious is the Lord of Hosts?

http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/82197504/#hUCQhMSRRJlsxLeI.01

How to Keep Your Mother Happy (& Avoid Debt) This Mother’s Day

How all Mothers feel when they have ‘alone time’

I post that in jest… but actually, in all seriousness…

I’m not sure how many times my mother has uttered this statement… but it’s been said at least once. She didn’t bite Barbie heads, but I think she used the lock on the door to keep herself in not to keep us out.

So if your Mom is anything like my mom, the thing she treasures most is her sanity. I’ve got a few things that could reboot her sanity (and keep you from taking out a second loan).

How to Keep Mom Happy (AND YOU DEBT FREE):

Techie Gifts:

• Buy a webcam and set up video chatting, that way your mom can avoid the embarrassment of video recording herself trying to call you
• Digitize all her photos that way she can order reprints of your first bath for your boyfriend’s viewing when he comes over for Memorial Day festivities.
•  If she’s a recipe hound help her set up all her recipes on her phone or computer through some creative apps and websites to make it easier on her for those last minute items.

Outdoorsy Gifts:

• Plan a Picnic in the backyard, give Dad the grill and spread a blanket. Offer up a word of Thanks and a wand of bubbles for Mommy & Me time.
• For a little more adventurous time, grab an inner tube, grab your Mom (Sunblock too), pack an ice chest, and head to the River and share favorite moments you’ve had with her.
• Plant a tree or bush and have a small plaque done up in love for her.

Introverted Gifts:

• Make little gift goody bags to celebrate her the whole week, an item (such a rubber ducky with a poem about how she’s the one for you), a note & simple I love You.
• Spend the day reading around the bookstore (like Barnes & Noble) picking favorite books, pictures, and gaggle at image books.
• Make a homemade rice bag heating pad. Buy a little lavender, get a nice, NON USED tube sock, fill with uncooked rice/lavender, tie in a knot, and let mom enjoy a soothing back heater whenever you next stress her.

Extroverted Gifts:

• Go Karaoke, and give a Tribute to Your Momma with some funky Motown Classics, or ham it up with some Dion or Houston.
• Plan a big tea party for multiple moms and collaborate with her best friends so that you and their kids can toast Moms everywhere.
• Arrange for dance lessons, and if they run a little high for your budget, rent a video from the library. Then once skilled, take her out for a spin.

Young Kid Gifts:

• Coloring page coupons for free hugs, no tear room clean ups, booger free dinners, or dress up nights.
• Make a crown and scepter, and pronounce her Queen for a Day, and all commandments were to be said in Queen Mommy Says…
• Have the adult cut out a door hanger, or buy a foam one at Hobby Lobby/Michael’s and have decorate so Mom can claim silent time.

This is how your Mom could be during ‘alone time’

Just remember, tell her you love her and that you appreciate all she does, ALL YEAR ROUND.

Food News!

I’ve been asked by a local nonprofit (fine, I volunteered) to create some basic foods recipes & some great how-to’s like how to cook real rice, not that instant stuff, beans from scratch & some basic spices that can encourage healthier eating!
I’m excited to help & I’m asking for your thoughts! If you’ve been strapped for cash before, what’s an easy, filling, affordable recipe that you have used?

One I’ll be including is my chili cornbread casserole; that recipe has fed & kept me full in-between servings & its cheap.

Please share your favorite spice, recipe or affordable & healthy foods. Thanks!