I am blessed beyond what the world can measure and see, I walk in spiritual victory. I was burlap; old and torn, but He has made me cashmere much sweeter worn. So I press on in good faith and know my savior hath prepareth a place for me. And when my worth is overlooked by man, I am treasured in Him in whom I stand

Thinking ahead to a New Year

I was thinking of the new year and thinking of a resolution. I was thinking of myself and so this is what I am resolving....My list for life: Live for the Glory of God 100%, pray, be content, be joyful and in a good mood, read the Bible everyday, keep calm, rest, be consistent with discipline with myself and children, believe, trust, overly praise my husband and children, submit, be the helpmate I was made to be, fight for truth, honor, lis...ten, play, cuddle, prioritize, have patience, respect, and constantly never endling love!

Hebrew dinosaurs????????????

Alright not really. For school this week we learned about the Hebrew language and we learned about dinosaurs. So much fun, it's weeks like these that make me say to myself I wouldn't trade homeschooling for anything else. Here are a couple pictures of our week. Along with learning about the Jewish culture we were able to purchase a menorah and learned about Hanukkah. Kids had a blast.

What a blessing it is to homeschool my children. To be the one who trains them up. To shape them, mold them spiritually morally, educationally, all in a Godly manner. To provide a safe haven for my children to flourish, and learn in who they are in Christ. To strengthen their love for God, our country, each other, and so much more. Life is precious, spend it on what really matters before it's gone.

November Birthdays

Last month was two of my cupcake's birthdays. Which in all honesty I find a little difficult on the celebrating part. My oldest son turned 7 and my littlest princess turned 3 years old (where did the time go?) They are a day apart 21 and the 22. Usually we just celebrate  with family here at home, but this year My son asked if he could have a party. He had it planned over the summer. He wanted to do a harvest party of sorts. He mentioned that he wanted games and wanted it outside (hmmm this would be interesting considering their birthdays are in November and we live in New England brrrr) So November hit and the planning began. Here is the finial product. Came out really cute considering budget and weather (40 degrees). We played tug o war, spoon egg race, donut eating contest, football toss, pin the nose on the scarecrow. We roasted hot dogs on the bonfire in our backyard, made caramel apples, and drank hot cocoa, and hot apple cider. As for the cake well instead we did smores, stuck candles in the marshmallows and sang then made us some yummy smores (hubby's idea) The kids loved it. Instead of goody bags filled with junk I mean candy I made chocolate chip pumpkin cookies for them to bring home. Overall I think it was a breathe of cold fresh air and the kids had fun, adults well I'm sure they were all grumbling how cold it was but honest it wasn't to please them it was for the kids. Do you have any ideas for birthday parties? Would love to hear them.

What kind of mother are you?

     This is a composition of my collected thoughts of things that I have heard, read, and have learned. I understand that I have much more to learn considering my oldest is 6 years old. Beginning with I have learned that "Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Is a live long process, a life long graduate course that produces more humility than it does experts. Wisdom would certainly enable me to approach my job with confidence, but is not an indispensable prerequisite. Being a good mother is not beyond the reach of any christian mother. When I feel like I am more incompetent in bringing up my children in nurture and admonition of the Lord, I worry not because it doesn’t automatic mean I am going to fail. I am learning that there are three qualities mothers need to produce well trained and disciplined adults. Which are joyfulness, authoritative command (in plain truth I need to work on), and consistency (also could work on). Of the three I do believe that joyfulness is the most important. It is something you can’t fake or learn, it must come from within. To have authoritative command and to be consist are all obtainable after years of trial, error and come in time. Joyfulness cannot be taught, it is a light that shines from the soul. I am growing up with my children..sometimes I feel like a grown up kid- still developing, not exceptional in any area, and amazed at the responsibility of developing and teaching my little people and watching how joyfulness can cover a multitude of my deficiencies. To be a christian mother is the most awesome, and demanding job on this planet. To “train” my children to be emotionally stable, creative, godly, productive, and self-disciplined requires a huge variety of skills. Sometimes I wish there was a crash course in wisdom so that I may find myself prepared, but there is not, but I can walk in the light as He is in the light and gives divine wisdom on an as-needed basis. It is my walk in faith that doesn’t provide answers for tomorrow but sufficient for where I am today.

     Why do I love joyfulness so much simply because it the easiest to come by and doesn’t require maturity and wisdom. The bible uses “joy” many times. Wisdom takes time to obtain but God can make you completely joyful in a matter of an instant. Joy is a by product of thankfulness and love. God-given joy is the best of all. I read a quote somewhere that said “A joyless parent can no more raise good kids than a skunk can raise skunklets that smell good” how do I know that to be true simply because I grew up in a joyless home. I finally experienced true joy when I came in contact with God’s word and received Him as Lord. Since then I know deep down what joy is, even when things are going wrong there is still joy. A child will do anything for a parent who enjoys them. Once they get into the joy zone they don’t want to do anything to mess it up. I am observing that a mother of genuine joy can deliver a more effective rebuke or correction in less time without damaging than a legalistic grump could do with a thousand bible verses and a hundred spankings. When you are a joyful mother you will be to your children what a flower is to a bee. We are the closest example of what God looks like to our children. How we react is what our children will assume of what God would do. Anger and aggression have no place in motherhood in developing young minds. A mother has lost control when she must resort to intimidation to command respect which will only be based on fear and hate. As I mentioned before my children are growing faster then I am obtaining wisdom and knowledge, but God (I love that phrase) will grant you wisdom of the hour and joy of eternity if you just believe the truth of Lord Jesus Christ.

The New and Improved Mac and Cheese recipe

I saw a similar recipe on Americas Test Kitchen...(love that show) so I snagged it and just changed it a bit. It is so yummy and oozy usually I don't care for mac and cheese but found my self scrapping the plate trying to get all the cheese off my plate. So here you are
First cook your pasta...I use 1lb of elbows...but sometimes mix up with different shapes for the kids


Cook pasta according to box directions
When straining the water out reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water  and set aside.
Rinse pasta with cold water to stop the cooking

Sauce Ingredients
1 stick of butter...that's right I use a whole stick of the good stuff...don't try dieting while eating this baby.
3 Tbsp of flour....I use white whole wheat
3 cans of evaporated milk
1 1/2 tsp of hot sauce
1 1/2 tsp of mustard
2 tsp of nutmeg
2 cups of extra sharp cheddar.....this is where you can change to a different kind of you favorite
1 bag of shredded Monterrey jack cheese....it's a great cheese to make sauce because it hold well under the heat for melting
1/2 of American cheese..buy at the deli..ask for it in block shape not sliced
1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water

In a large sauce pot melt butter then whisk in flour. Boil for 1 minute, until light brown.
Then pour in evaporated milk, hot sauce, mustard, nutmeg, all the while whisking together.
Now start adding cheeses, start with the Monterrey to get a great base, then American, then your cheddar...keep whisking when all melted together add in your pasta water that you had set aside. Salt to your taste.
Place pasta in your casserole dish pour cheese sauce over and mix well. Place in oven 350 for 20 minutes
Meanwhile take bread throw in it the food processor, with 3 to 4 tbsp of melted butter. When crumbs are ready remove casserole from the oven pour crumbs evenly over place back in oven and switch to broil, and broil to golden brown....hint keep a close eye because in a blink of an eye you could burn it in this stage.
Enjoy....Let me know if you tried it would love to hear feedback good or bad.

Old favorite new ideas..mmmm

I came across this article and knew I had to share. I love Smores. S'mores are one of those treats that you never grow too old for. You loved them as a child, roasting the marshmallows over the bonfire at camp, and, as an adult, they still melt your heart (and taste buds).

And, though the classic graham cracker/marshmallow/chocolate concoction is nearly impossible to improve upon, there are still several other s'mores varieties that are definitely worth reaching for that stick..


The Elvis: The King made the peanut butter, bacon, and banana sandwich famous (sounds gross, but it's actually very good), so a s'mores version is graham crackers, peanut butter cup, marshmallow, and a banana slice. No bacon -- one of the few times that I don't think bacon would make it better.

Grasshopper: Graham crackers, Andes mints, and marshmallow.

Turtle: You've had turtle tracks ice cream, right? Same idea. Just add caramel and chopped pecans to the original s'more.

Oreo: Chocolate graham crackers, marshmallow, white chocolate, and Oreo crumbles.

Caribbean: Get a taste of the tropics with a Caribbean-themed s'more made of graham crackers, marshmallow, caramel, and coconut.

PB&J: The old-school favorite with a s'more twist -- graham crackers, marshmallow, peanut butter, and jelly.

Fruit Burst: Add your favorite fruits to the classic -- strawberries (my favorite), blueberries, cherries, etc.

Mexican: Graham crackers, marshmallows, milk chocolate, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Burst of Color: Though it doesn't really change the taste, adding rainbow sprinkles to the classic sure makes it pretty.

Banana Split: Take the delicious frozen treat and turn it into a s'more -- graham crackers, marshmallow, chocolate, strawberries, bananas, and nuts.

I don't know about you, but I'm ready to start a bonfire.

Here's the link to the website with yummy and great ideas.
http://www.kitchendaily.com/

Also here is a quick information of the yummy treat

S’mores originated around the turn of the 20th century, right arond the time that commercial marshmallows were becoming widespread. People were looking for things to do with them (aside from eating them straight out the package) and, at some point, someone came up with the s’more.

The treat is not attributed to any one person. It is generally assumed that the s’more was invented by campers or vacationers, then passed from person to person by word of mouth (and perhaps sharing the actual treats) at campsites. The traditional way of making a s’more is to toast a marshmallow over a camp fire, then sandwich it between two graham crackers with a piece of chocolate. The first official recipe for s’mores was published in the 1927 Girl Scout Handbook, which launched the treat into pop culture history.
The name itself actually evolved from requesting them over and over with asking "some more" which eventually became s'more.
Another useless tidbit is August 10 is S'More National Day...be sure to celebrate and let me know how you like your s'mores.

Are cupcakes and muffins friends?

The other day I was making banana chocolate chip muffins. I had my girls help me. Jenna who is 4 looked at me with her messy hair and beautiful big blue eyes and asks..."Mommy do you think cupcakes and muffins are friends?" I couldn't help but laugh and say I bet they are. She then looks at the batter and says "Well then your the muffin and I'm the cupcake and we'll be best friends" ....well isn't that a whole new meaning to muffin top.


Here is the recipe for the muffins...they are super yummy...even better if  you throw in some walnuts.

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

1 1/2 stick of butter
1 1/2 cups of sugar
2 large eggs
4 ripe bananas, mashed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups of white whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup buttermilk...well shaken
1 cup of chocolate chips

Preheat oven 350
With electric mixer cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in bananas and vanilla.
Mix dry ingredient's in separate bowl
Then sift dry ingredients and add to banana mixture alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour. Then fold in chips...and nuts if you are using them

Pour batter in muffin tins and bake 15 mins until toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire racks and the devour with a cup of milk

Avocado chocolate pudding

Semi followed a recipe, just tweaked a little to make it a little healthier

Ingredients:

1/4 cup of Olivinia spread...I used 3 tablespoons of coconut oil and 2 of Olivinia

1 cup of avocado puree

1 cup of powdered sugar....I thought that was crazy so I used 1/2 cup of sucanet and 2 table spoons of powdered sugar

1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract

1/4 cup of cornstarch

In med saucepan, melt spread and coconut oil over low heat. Stir in avocado puree, sucanet, and powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla. Cook mashing wellwith a silcone spatula to smooth out any lumps from avocado puree, until mixture thickens..3 mins about. Off the heat gradually stir in cornstarch. Serve warm with your choice of topping. We topped ours with woth fresh berries.

****Pudding is a very rich dark chocolate pudding, the kids and I like dark chocolate, I know a lot of people don't care for dark. ******

Honey Kissed Acorn Squash

Honey-Kissed Acorn Squash

2 acorn squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
3 T. honey
1/4 c. butter, melted
2 T. chopped pecans
2 T. sweetened dried cranberries or cherries
2 T. crushed pineapple
Garnish: nutmeg

Place squash halves cut-side up in a microwave-safe dish; microwave on high setting until tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Combine remaining ingredients except nutmeg; spoon into squash halves. Microwave on high setting for 30 to 45 seconds, until heated through and lightly glazed. Sprinkle with nutmeg

Things I'm thinking about

I am going to use my blog to write out some of my thoughts lately if you don't mind.

One thing I am thinking of making my own make up. I was looking through Making Cosmetics.com and think that it is maybe possible.

Another thing I have thought about is making handbags...looking at directions I think I could do it

I have thought about making jewelery....just a thought

These are fleeting thoughts that I have and have no idea if I will ever be able to do any of it, or even have the time considering I barely have time to shower it seems ...but maybe someday?

Wordless Wednesday

What in the world is Barbie doing naked and hanging in my vacuum? Oh my just another day in my house

New yummy review...Chobani Champion and new hair?

Let's start by yummy yum yum. These are fantastic, I bought them in all the flavors, but it comes down to the chocolate and banana are the best. I tasted the berry, and strawberry flavor which are good but not knock off my socks good. The chocolate is great and the banana is bowl licking good, along with filling for a snack. Worth a try with a review of 2 thumbs up ;0)
Let me know if you have any thing your curious about trying and I'll give you a review.




and while we are on the topic of review...I went darker with my hair. I have been coloring my hair light for so long I forgot what color my real hair color is. As I have more kids I'm noticing the time to have to go to the salon while someone babysits 4 cutie pies is not easy to do every month to touch up roots. So I finally did it and went darker my goal is to just let my real hair color grow then get high lights once in a while...way easier to maintain (I hope)....any ways what do you think yay or nay?
Before



After

Happy 4th of July

Happy Independence Day
Thank you all service men and women who defend, and fight for our freedom.

Bad day until...

Today was a rough day. The girls were just off I guess. From screaming to crying to disobeying. It was rough, one of those days that you want to crawl under a rock, then when I'm at my wits end one of the kids knock on your rock and say "Momma I love you" or " Mommy I am so happy your our mommy"....Did I hear that right? Your glad I'm your mommy after having to discipline you all day. Key the sweet music, and melting hearts you just made my day better. Thank you God I needed to hear that.

Training my way

I decided to train for the Tufts 10K in October. I missed running, every time I drove by someone running I always hear the little voice in my head saying that should be you. I have always loved running, but it has been a while. So I starting from the beginning. From walking to jog/running. I started on Monday and no kidding my legs are sore. I love that feeling though, I love soreness from running. So as of now I'm doing my training at night considering it's the only time I have. Hubby works long days and comes home late so it's after I get him fed and kids tucked in I go out and have mommy time. That's my favorite part, no guilt just me, my music, the road and God. I need it, I know not everyone needs that time but this momma does. I need to spend time doing something alone, free from thinking, disciplining, asking, telling, just improving mommy mentally and physically. I already know what I want for mother's day next year. I want to spend some time with my beautiful family but then I want to be able to run the Charles River. Every time I am in that area with hubby, I stare at the runners on the Charles and feel like my body is going to jump out and join them. So I am aiming for that run next May, but until then I will be running in Boston for the 10k and let me tell you this little chubby momma is excited.

So yummy..have you seen these?

I love these. I walked by them in the grocery store and had to try them. As a resident of Massachusetts would say...They are wicked good..and seriously only 100 calories too. What a great snack. I am just going to have to try all the flavors. So far I have only tried the green chai tea flavor. You should try them and tell me what you think.

Weigh in and workout buddies

SO I've started watching what I eat and starting to get results. I started May day at 174, today I'm weighing at 168. Slow and steady and I'll get there. My milk supply seems plentiful, Asher seems content. The kids are even getting into it..lol...they joined me for my workout today. I use a exercise ball and weights ad hey all grabbed their play balls and my little weights and joined in...so funny

When you can't get out for iced coffee

Come up with a new option....tada

With warm weather in full swing, put a springtime twist on coffee by putting your coffee over ice

Begin with the Perfect Brew
All delicious java drinks begin with a rich, robust cup of coffee, so use your favorite beans and a coffeemaker or French press to get started. Brew your coffee on the stronger side, as the coldness can dull the taste.

Tip: Create your own flavored coffee at home by grinding together your beans and favorite spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, before you brew. Be sure to clean your grinder thoroughly afterward to make sure the flavor doesn't transfer to your next batch.

Coffee Over Ice: Forget the barista! To quickly create your own iced java:

1.Fill a glass or to-go mug with ice.
2.Pour in cooled coffee. Add 1-2 tablespoons flavored syrup and stir, or use your usual milk and sweetener.
Tip: Before you pour out brewed coffee that's gone cold, consider putting the pot directly into the refrigerator. Coffee develops deeper, more intense flavor over time, so don't let it go to waste!

Blended Coffee: For a smooth, creamy beverage that rivals your favorite coffee shop:

1.Fill your blender with ice, and then add 2 cups coffee, a dash of heavy cream or your preferred milk and 2-3 tablespoons flavored syrup, honey or sugar.
2.Blend until smooth and pour into a tall glass.
3.Garnish with whipped cream and a drizzle of sweet sauce or a dusting of cocoa powder. Don't forget the straw!
Tip: Make it a coffee shake by adding 1/2 cup frozen fruits like strawberries, raspberries or blueberries to your blender first. For a truly decadent treat, drop in a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream, too!

May day May day....I need help

It's May...a brand new month and I'm ready to conquer the world...okay maybe not world but ready to conquer my weight. My little peanut hits the 5 week mark today, my milk seems very well established and ready for action. So I'm starting today, first Monday of May. What I like about this is that I have a history of trying to lose weight in very unhealthy ways. Since I turned my life over to Jesus I have turned away from those ways but in all honesty sometimes they creep up on me, but with nursing I stay on the course without waving. I do all that is healthy and right for my sweet baby. So here it begins I am posting my weight eeekkk I am weighing in at 174 pounds after baby...yuck that hurt to type, but time to let it all out...well not literally that wouldn't be a pretty sight. So I will be careful with what I eat, and my series of workout tapes. I have my favorite bundle (like old faithfuls) my Slim in 6, My Core Secrets, and even some great kick boxing ones I'll be doing, and then of course my favorite Walk at Home series. I love these and used them in the past to lose all the baby weight from before. Hey you do what you have to when one can't afford a gym or baby sitter..lol.. so stayed tuned to find out how this weight loss adventure goes. What do you do to keep weight off or lose weight?


Yes notice how I use the baby to cover me...Yep time to get sweaty ;0)

Trusting...trusting...um trusting?

Yesterday the kiddos, myself and my mom in law went out to take Jenna shopping at the Disney store for her birthday. So while driving there my van which has been making some crazy noises for a while now, and we know that it needs a radiator because our leaks but to plain honest we just don't have the cash to fix it, so we waited. Well while driving yesterday we broke down 3 times. First seriously I thank God I wasn't alone with kiddos, and that MIL was with me. The first time we broke down near the Water Dept, which was funny considering we overheated and needed water. So MIL walked across the street to fill up our jug with water at the water dept. Got to the mall Grammy took Jenna shopping, then time to go home. Started off and broke down again, pulled over the side of the road, MIL stayed with the kids while a walk a little over a mile to the little store we had passed to by more water and oil and walked back....(by the way while we were broke down NO ONE stopped to help nice world we are living in) tended to the van then again headed home. Then again we broke down at least we weren't way to far from home and my sweet neighbor who is a cop found us just finishing up tending to the van. He followed us home to make sure we made it then he was off. We walked into our home and I just about kissed my kitchen floor....and just about set my van on fire. So now we wait...wait on the Lord. We either buy a new van (which we don't have the money for) or spend the thousands of dollars to get our van fixed (when repairs cost more then the actually worth of the van, and we don't have the money for) So what do we do? Well we are put in a challenge to see how long we can go without a family car and if we are really going to trust God to provide. My spirit says yes but boy does my flesh scream wait a minute...what about....
Sure we have Mike's little car but we don't all fit, so we be making do with what we have and trusting God.
Stayed tuned to see how we actually do with this challenge and how God comes through.

I want to be a Bomb Mom

So TobyMac has a clothing line out called The Bomb MOM and I think it's pretty snazzy..I love anything that represents being a mom, so here is my mother's day list for moi....hehehe. You bet your bottom dollar that I would wear that and make my kids were theirs the same day all while I sport my coffee cup with freshly brewed java baby.

I bet coffee taste better in that cool cup ;0)




I'll take one for myself




One for my oldest




I'll take 2 of these for my girls




And of course last but not least one for my littlest twinkie



If you like what you see here is their website
http://www.thebombmom.com/store/index.php/
so you can do some Bomb Mom shopping too!
Hey TobyMac how about some product samples for this Bomb Mom for giving you a shout out...hey a girl can ask.
Alright you all have a Bombdiggity day (oh come on I had to say it)