7/26

Today is my birthday!  All week, as the day drew nearer, my mind was focused more on what happened on this day two years ago than on this being my birthday. Two years ago today our lives changed.

Two years ago movers packed us up and moved us out of the home we had lived in for 12 and a half years.

The home we bought when we dreamed of starting a family.

The home with the empty rooms when we thought that dream wouldn’t come true.

The home whose rooms filled with and sheltered family after Hurricane Katrina.

The home where I brought my 3 unexpected blessings from the hospital.

The home where I cried for the one that didn’t.

The home I had lived in longer than any other place in my life…HOME

Who would have thought so much could have been wrapped up in a building?

But luckily God reminded me that 7/26 wasn’t just moving day.  It was “Promise Day”. We were leaving our home, moving to another career and state, and making changes that some of our friends and family thought were crazy.  Looking with the eyes of the world I might have to agree.  Add a baby. Cut a salary.  Usually the two don’t voluntarily go hand in hand.  But God had promised some things if we would obey. This was our chance to not just talk faith.  We were going to have to walk this thing out.

Today at church when the pastor’s sermon was titled “The Work of Faith”, I wasn’t surprised.  My heart had been expecting a word especially tailored for “Promise Day” and I gladly received it.

Faith is not an option. (Hebrews 11:6)

Faith has to be a lifestyle. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Faith requires action. (ex. Noah, Abraham, Jericho)

As I celebrate another year by God’s grace, I look forward to walking hand in hand with this amazing man with an amazing faith.  I look forward to seeing God’s promises revealed.  I look  forward to the legacy this faith walk will produce for my children.

Our HOME is in the Lord.  He provides room where my family can grow.  He provides shelter. He provides comfort. And his promises are always true.

Happy Promise Day!  Happy Birthday to me!

Today I Thank God for Daddy

Today has been one of those days with too many tears.  Unbelievably, none of them were my own.  I felt like the kids were simply tag teaming and trying to see who would finish me off first.

I am an only child who now has three.  I guess I should be used to the days when I feel like an alien in my own home.  There’s the bickering, the competition with each other about nothing, the constant thought that things are not fair, and that I’m favoring one over the other when I thought I did the same thing for everyone.  There are times I feel like I’m floating in the Twilight Zone and today was one of them.

I’m sure many mothers feel the same way, but I am convinced only children are at a significant disadvantage in handling this insanity. At least that’s what I try to tell myself when I’m feeling completely unglued.  All of it is completely unfamiliar. I observed this strange phenomenon at the houses of friends and cousins occasionally, but the escape to my house generally shielded me from this terror.

All the lies that live buried in my head decided they would make a grand appearance today.

“3 kids…you really are crazy!”

“You’re a horrible mother.  Your have no idea what you’re doing.”_(That second part isn’t really a lie I guess)

“No child with a decent upbringing would speak to their mother that way.” i.e.  You’re a horrible mother.

“You are so obviously unfit to parent.”

“And you decided to homeschool too?!? You’re a horrible teacher! Pure craziness!”

We met with friends and received a bit of a reprieve, but not nearly enough to not get public school out of my mind, and then I heard the sweetest words I had heard all day, “Daddy’s home!”  What?!?  Really?  It’s early. Don’t toy with my emotions.  But it was true, Daddy really was home!  And it became pretty clear to Daddy that Mommy had reached her limit.  I am so thankful to God that he gave me a break exactly when He knew I needed it.  He didn’t want my children sitting out on the sidewalk anymore than I did.

Thank you for taking over the screaming toddler’s bath.  Thank you for putting on my favorite Pandora station because you know how much music soothes my soul.  Thank you for taking over the big kids’ night routine so I could have a moment to myself.  Thank you for coming in with your calm and not making me feel like the voices in my head were true.  Thank you God for this man you sent to share this craziness with me.

Versatile Blogger Award

I am thrilled to say I’ve been nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award thanks to Stephy over at Stephysweetbakes!  Stephy has an amazing site with scrumptious recipes.  I am still trying to navigate this blogging adventure.  Every time I look at Stephy’s site it makes me want to run to my kitchen, so it is an honor that she would nominate me.  Thank you so much!! Please take some time to check out this fellow Louisiana lady.

The rules are as follows:

1.  Acknowledge the person who nominated you by thanking them and posting a link to their blog.

2.  Share 10 interesting things about yourself.

3.  Nominate 10 more bloggers.

Here goes…

10 things about myself that may be interesting:

1.  I am an only child.  I don’t think it’s very interesting, but a lot of people seem to think it’s fascinating.

2.  I married my Calculus tutor. I like really smart guys:)

3.  I love family reading time with my kids.  We curl up, snuggle close, and lose ourselves in great books.  They get really excited and I love it!

4.  I sing any AND everywhere.  I love to sing, and I do it so much I don’t even realize it.  It’s become a huge source of embarrassment for my oldest, but my other two children do exactly the same thing. It’s not uncommon to see strangers in stores giggling because we are completely lost in our own musical world.

5.  I went to a creative arts high school and studied Theater, but my main exploits now are being really dramatic with my kids.  I mean REALLY dramatic.

6.  I never meet a stranger.  I used to look at my mother in disbelief as a child.  She could have a friendly conversation with anyone who crossed her path.   I now see God has blessed me with the same gift.  My kids don’t always see it as a gift  when they’re ready to get on with our errands 🙂

7.  I don’t really enjoy shopping.  We’ll let me clarify.  I’m not big on shopping for clothes, but I could spend hours in Target or a really great grocery store.

8.  I still love to dress up in costumes and still dress up on Halloween (My kids made me add the last part).  Refer to #5.

9.  I want to take Ballroom Dancing lessons. I used to watch competitions with my grandfather all the time as a kid.  I love the music, the costumes, and the dancing!  Who doesn’t want a reason to glide around in a fancy dress?

10. I LOVE to bake, but I don’t always like to cook.  I’m always up for baking.  I cook almost everyday, but  sometimes I don’t get really excited until it’s a really special meal or occasion.

Here are MY 10 nominees:

1.  Christina @ A Homeschool Mom
2.  Italian Home Kitchen Blog
3.  Rachel @ Emerging Adult Eats
4. Rachel @ Rachel Mankowitz I The Cricket Pages
5.  Chloe @ pinkiebag
6.  Sarah @ FuelledbyOats
7.  Priti @ mypinchofyum
8.  Andrew @ tastehitch
9. How To Stuff Your Pig
10.  One for the Honey

I  hope everyone enjoys reading.  Thank you for the support.

Kenya

Morning Glory Carrot Oat Muffins

My kids LOVE their daddy!  There is something super special about that relationship. I feel so fortunate I get a front row seat to view that kind of love.  When he gets home in the evenings the screams and squeals can hardly be contained. I’m sure many of you can relate.  I mean all we’re missing is the Ticker Tape Parade.  So, when he had to go out of town for work, they missed him terribly. At one point I was wondering if my oldest was going to survive the four whole days!?!?

My husband LOVES Carrot Cake, but I don’t make it as often as I used to.  I actually have been a little lazy lately and hadn’t made these muffins for a while either.  These are something we make when we have the taste for Carrot Cake, but want a healthier and quicker option. Carrot Cake taste, no Cream Cheese Icing needed.  They make a great breakfast addition or snack.  They have veggies and fruit and make you feel like you’re having cake for breakfast…WIN…WIN!  My version is made with quick cooking oats and oat flour so my entire family can enjoy them.  They freeze well, so you can make a bunch and keep them on hand, and pop them in the microwave for about 45 seconds to enjoy.

My kids like to crowd in the kitchen to make these. My husband returned home from his trip pretty late and they wanted him to wake up to something they knew would make him smile. They actually came looking for me to make sure I was up early enough to make them.   I should probably rename these” Daddy’s Muffins” because they often suggest these when they are trying to do something special for him.

Ingredients:

• 1 c quick cooking oats
• 1c oat flour
• 1 c sugar
• 2 tsp baking saoda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp xanthan gum
• 1 tsp ginger (you may also add a tsp of ginger)
• 2 c grated carrots
• 1/2 c raisins
• 1/2 c shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1/2 c chopped pecans (optional)
• 3 eggs
• 1 c oil (I generally use coconut or canola.)
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1 apple or pear, cored and shredded
• 1/4 c unsweetened apple sauce
• 1/4 c ground flax meal (optional)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, and xanthan gum.  Stir in carrots, raisins, coconut, and pecans.  In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, oil, vanilla, and apple.  Add to the flour mixture.  Stir until combined.  Spoon into greased muffin tins.  Bake for 18-20 minutes.  Makes 18 muffins.