I was excited to find this great resource for meals! Just click on a category from "Beat the Clock" meals to "Healthy Fast Food", "Slow Cooker Recipes Kids Love" and more! I have already bookmarked several. This Turkey Lasagna is going on the list for this week! Yum. Speaking of food. I ran across a funny video called the "Fast Food Folk Song". You may remember the drive-thru rap songs that were popular a while back. It's a little different take on that (cheesy, but cute). It also made me hungry for a Chalupa! Click here for the vid.
What a weekend! Three or four day weekends are a dream come true. We caught up on sleep, got incredibly dirty, ate too much, and had no schedule. That is a banner weekend if there ever was one!:) Hope yours was wonderful too. I was hoping to post pictures of Garrett's birthday but I'm having trouble with the computer not reading the memory stick. Ugh. Another day I guess. In the meantime, check out this cool, FREE daily planner I found. It's called PocketMod and it's a portable daily schedule that you can put in your purse, wallet or back pocket.
The website says: "The PocketMod is a small book with guides on each page. These guides or templates, combined with a unique folding style, enable a normal piece of paper to become the ultimate note card". It seems like a fun idea and they even walk you through how it works with a You Tube video. Click here for the website.
I ran across the PocketMod when I was reading the article "10 Secrets of Organized Families" on the Family Fun website (click here for the article).
The ideas are helpful, but some of the tips I won't do just because we've been-there-done that with a few (and probably because I didn't stick with it)! I guess that's the nice thing about those articles, you can cherry pick the things that work for your family and make them your own. Well, off to fold a load of laundry! Hopefully next time I can get the memory disc to cooperate so I can post the birthday pics!:)
Here it is! The book that is inspiring me and teaching me new ways to look at our family life. I received some e-mails and a few comments asking what book I referred to in my last blog entry (below) and this is it!:) It's called "A Mother's Rule of Life: How to Bring Order to Your Home and Peace to Your Soul". In the book, author Holly Pierlot lays out a guide for moms to create priorities in their lives. She focuses on the five P's... Prayer, Person, Partner, Parent, and Provider. I should mention that it is a very "Catholic" book in regards to modeling family life, but I believe any Christian person could glean wisdom and motivation from reading it. Here is a review from a Protestant mom who enjoyed the book too. The book also has a companion website. Click here for that.
I hope that helps. It sure has been a blessing to me....thanks Jen!:)
On a different topic, I just signed up for Denise Austin's "tip of the day". We interviewed her this week and she is SO FUN! I just love her, she's so peppy without being annoying (haha, it's a compliment)!:) I've spoken with her several times and she is one of my favorite guests. Anyway, she talked about some snack ideas and I tried one today. She said a rice cake with some peanut butter and a little jelly on top with some fresh fruit is a great pick-me-up snack. Low cal, healthy, and filling. I know I'll never look like her, but I am snacking like her all the way, good one!
This is fun and functional for little campers! Gabriel is gearing up for Scout camp soon, then we are all going together in June. We just ordered this for him to journal about his experience. He really enjoys journaling and I personally love that he is so expressive! He is such a "boy's boy" so it came by a suprise when I realized he really enjoyed writing his thoughts down. So this will be a hit for sure. A great way for him to jot down his experiences and later look back on the memories. It's at The Container Store . We also found a 20% coupon to go with it. (the code is: Upromise and it's good until 5/31). Score!:)
I also found something helpful for organization. It's "12 Secrets of Closet Pros". Really good tips. Click here for the info.
I am on a bit of a new kick to rev up our daily schedule around the house. My friend Jen gave me a book about managing motherhood in a spiritual way and it has really inspired me! I am such a believer in structure, and that definitley something our life has. The problem is, I think for a while we had structure without much substance (if that makes sense)? We did nap time, lunch, play outside, etc. but now I'm aiming to make our days more purposeful. I made a list of daily goals and hopes for our family, and then organized our schedule around that. So in addition to reading books and riding bikes, we are also have designated family prayer time and breaks where they help with small chores. I don't want to be premature because this is only day 3 but so far it has been FANTASTIC! It's a great feeling because I am getting more done and I'm happier with the kind of quality time we are engaging in together too.
One more thing to mention(speaking of fantastic things) I have to rave about the Pure Fashion Style Show. I had the honor of being the MC on Sunday for the fashion show that included 30 girls and about 600 spectators. Each young lady was trained for 8 months in areas of etiquette, public speaking, etc. and the focus is on dressing with dignity. You really can be trendy and modest and I was so proud of those girls! It was very inspiring to see those young ladies. If you know a girl aged 13-18 I would highly recommend the program! You can find out more at www.Purfashion.com. It also reiterated my devotion to Land's End. Not only did they sponser the event, but they provided t-shirts for every model (as they warmed up) and monogrammed them too! I love Land's End and it's just another reason for me to support the company, keep it up LE!:)
It's hard to believe that school will be out for summer in a few weeks! I think it's a weather thing but for me, it just doesn't seem like June is around the corner. That also means vacation season.:) One our morning show we've talked a lot about stay-cations, and now day-cations. The economy is definitely a factor in improvising and planning more budget-friendly trips. A few weeks ago we spoke with my friend Michelle Zavatsky from kids love travel and she has some great tips and travel itineraries. Also, I ran across a great page on Family Fun yesterday too, I love the unique ideas! Here is the link.
My absolute favorite is a wagon-trail trip. How FUN! I totally want to do this. Check it out. Bring on the bonnet and baked beans!
My last tip isn't travel-related but deals with meals. It's an ongoing challenge in our home get the boys to eat supper. I try to always make healthy dishes which mostly translates to "ewww" for them. I have bent over backwards trying to make our dinners creative, tasty, and good for us. It's easy to get in a funk though so I was excited when I ran across 5 dollar dinners.com. Not only does she post cheap recipes but weekly meal plans too! Good stuff.
Here is the slide show from our Mom Squad Luncheon over the weekend. Thank you to everyone who came out, it was a beautiful day.
Also, thank you very much for the e-mails regarding my last post. I didn't expect to receive such amazing support and so many stories. I intend to write everyone back and I truly appreciate your encouragement!
Our baby boy, Garrett is officially 3! Saturday we celebrated "Adios Dos" and said goodbye to two! It was his last day ever as a two year old! I made the famous hat and we played games and sang songs. I will post those pictures soon (hopefully). Our Mom Squad Luncheon was also that day and it was beautiful! You can check out the slide show at: www.Themomsquad.blogspot.com.
Garrett's birthday fell on Mother's Day this year and it was wonderful. We went to Olive Garden with family and it was de-lish! No cooking or clean up and everyone had full bellies!:) Happy birthday to our buddy.
Now this is a Mother's Day gem! An old video from Mr. T singing the praises of mom. Sing it T!
P.S. Nice shorty shorts!
Thanks again for the encouragement about the National Day of Prayer. We got back a few hours ago and it was fantastic. It was a great program, the Lord really blessed the event. Now I am just praying for the Mom Squad Luncheon this Saturday!:)
Thursday is a big day! I have been asked to be the media spokesperson for the National Day of Prayer in Perry Twp. I am honored to have been asked but a little nervous too! The director asked me to write a prayer that represents media and our hope as Christians. I hate to admit but I was going to just take the easy way out and Google "media prayer" because I thought there would be plenty to choose from. True to my procrastinating ways, I didn't even LOOK until today (one day before the event). It turns out there are not many, in fact any (that I found) prayers for the media that would be appropriate in that type of setting. So God put me to work.:) I was able to find a beautiful encyclical from Pope John Paul II regarding the responsible use of media and that was a huge help. I have several nuggets included the prayer. I am posting it as a preview. Feel free to comment or add suggestions, I'm still praying/hoping it's okay.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come here today, united in prayer as a nation in praise, petition, and humble adoration of you. You have given us such abundance of all things and the greatest gift we can experience as your children...that of freedom. Freedom to worship, freedom to speak boldly, and freedom to minister to others. Thank you for the blessing of the media. Thank you for all the ways we are able to spread your love, your truth, and your hope through the technology of the Internet, television, and radio. I pray for those in position of power in the media, that they will be obedient to your will and responsible with the gift that has the power of great good or evil. We ask for forgiveness from every soul in torment and loneliness who has lived and died without the hope that we could have shared with them had we been better apostles of the media. For failing to stir the collective heart of humanity towards that which is good by beautiful movies and inspiring television, and haunting melodies, we are sorry. I pray that those in the media will use film and television and radio to unite the human family in the cause of truth and social justice. Let us ask forgiveness from those persons whom we have allowed to be objectified for our viewing pleasure. Media that diminishes the dignity of any person, with or without their consent, diminishes us all, and so we regret the voyeuristic spirit with which we have approached media sexuality and violence. I pray for parents and guardians for their ability to prepare children to live in a media age. That they will have the tools and training to be intelligent and moderate users of the modern media. We repent of having made our children television and video game addicts, by our lazy use of these means as babysitters. I pray that we will be able to use the media responsibly and know when to turn it off as to not miss a memory with our children. We pray for those Christians in the entertainment industry ...writers, actors, directors, radio personalities....who strive to bring truth to a culture o death and shine light into the darkest parts of our nation. Give them strength and courage to stand up for you and inspire them in ways that will make a lasting impact and awaken them to light. Thank you Almighty Father for allowing us the freedom of expression, I pray for all those in media that they will use it wisely and serve you to further the cause of true freedom and glorifying you.
This Saturday is our Mom Squad Mother's Day Luncheon. I am so excited! It's taken a lot of hard work to get the program together and we've really been looking for ways to make it extra special. This is also a big weekend because Garrett's birthday is on Mother's Day! He will be a whopping 3 years old! Wow. I think of all my boys, he is the most hooked on a cartoon character. Gabe and Grant both liked Sesame Street, SpongeBob, etc. but it wasn't like they were obsessed. Garrett on the other hand really believes he is good friends with Diego! LOL. He LOVES Diego and talks about him every day. He got a Diego watch once he was potty trained, and his cake, theme, and gifts are all going to be Diego centered. We even found a little pin on eBay that has Diego and they personalized his name and age. Garrett is going to be one Diego decked-out dude for his birthday!:) Anyway, in the search for certain videos and songs for our Mother's Day luncheon, I found a little hidden gem. It's a Steven Curtis Chapman song I have never heard before and it's just beautiful. The video leaves a little to be desired, but the lyrics are what matter and they really hit home. I am posting this and dedicating it to all of the beautiful mommies whose hard work, tough choices, and long days often go unnoticed. You are changing the world, one little heartbeat at a time! Happy Mother's Day.
P.S. I have to post one more thing. Have you seen "Charlie Bit Me"? It is so funny and Charlie is adorable (and a little sassy)! My kids were role playing and acting out the video all evening! They can't get enough. Click here to check it out.
Gabriel made his First Communion! After much preparation, prayer, and anticipation the day finally arrived. He looked so handsome! The entire class was beautiful and it was a full house. Church was packed (note to self: We need to arrive 2 hrs early when it's Grant's First Eucharist). Here is a little slide show of the day. Thank you for all of your prayers, it truly was a blessed day. Congratulations Gabriel and all of the second graders!
