The Mary Poppins of our Christian Home

The elf on the shelf has become a family favorite for many families and there are a ton of ideas out there. We never had one when our children were young, but our grandson wanted an elf so we added it to our Christmas tradition. We use the Elf as a teaching tool while having fun. We started with the arrival of Jingles, the elf. He arrived with a cookie and the elf "notice" This was a cute cookie from Magnolia Sugar Cookies. Jingle also reminds what Christmas is all about with his visits. Whether he is sitting at the nativity scene or praying at/or reading the Bible. Jingles will use phrases for Everyday affirmations to help boost confidence. These were done on foam hearts and decorated his room. You can have the Elf create messes or lessons. We choose lessons. Stayed tuned for more in The Adventures of Jingles....

I'm afraid this is something that is dying. Too many women are out seeking to be equal to men and run the world that they don't realize the special role that they are to play in the lives of their children and their husbands. We were created to be so much more than what the world today says we should be. Too many people think that you must not be motivated, or have a lack of education, or are simply lazy if you choose to be a stay-at-home mom. On the contrary, some of the hardest working people I know are homemakers! And I can tell you that it has been the hardest job I have ever held! But oh the rewards are great. Proverbs 31: 10-31 is a Epilogue: The wife of Noble Character. It explains are unique role as a wife and mother. One that we should honor and rejoice in, because we were made for this great role! You see, the world says this shouldn't be our role, that somehow, we are less if we choose to live by God's word and be a good wife and mother. The truth ...

my baby did her final walk through at school in her cap and gown. So many in her class mean the world to me, they are just like my own kids since they have grown up in my house with weekend stays, hangouts after ball games, summer fun in the sun. Today it became a little more real that as this door closes for her it does for me too. I'm no longer the mom that volunteers at that school; 15 years of holding a executive position in one form or another. I think I'm going to miss it before she does. I sit and wonder what is the next chapter for her but also for me. I know that for all 3 of my children, I will always be mom. But the role of mom is changing. With one 24 working in the oil field, one 20 almost 21 in the military, & now our baby starting college next semester my roll of always needing to be there is changing. They are growing into great young adults. I keep praying for them to stay on the path that God sets & that they will always be true to t...

As my daughter starts her last week of high school, I too will graduate. All of my babies are done! This means I am too. I have been with them supporting them since my oldest was in Pre-K at FBCCM in Mrs. Libby's class. Helping with field trips, decorating floats, class parties, etc. I can tell you that it has been an amazing journey. My job has been volunteering at their school. And now a new season is about to start! I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I'm not sure what to do now, but I'm open to whatever the Lord has in store. My mother was a single mother and worked 2; sometimes 3 jobs in order to make sure that we had what we needed. I was the child that searched to see if she was able to make it to whatever it was that was happening. She tried to make it to everything but there were just times it just didn't work out. I never wanted my kids to have that same feeling of standing on stage searching or being the one child that stayed after a p...

A couple years ago our Sunday School class did a study on Esther; one that all of us a women should study. Little did I know what the study would mean to me in the future. If you are unfamiliar with the story of Esther, I would highly recommend that you read it in the bible, follow it up with a study to help dig a little deeper. Even though God’s name is never mentioned in the book of Esther, His divine fingerprints are all over it. We see from Esther that there is no such thing as “coincidence,” and though God may seem distant or even absent at times in our lives, He is always present and working. Not unlike many of us, Esther wasn't an extraordinary woman. She was where she needed to be when she needed to be there, but that wasn't enough she also needed courage to do what she needed to do. Looking at events that occurred this last year I can see that there are times in my own life that God worked it to be somewhere that I needed to be and the one task I was left with w...

When I first started back on this blog, I committed myself to write three times a week. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened. I received news that a friend that started me on this journey was getting close to going home to our Lord. She was young, vibrant, and loved Jesus with all of her heart, soul, and mind. We would talk about our studies we were doing in our Sunday School classes, ladies groups, and if our pastor's were doing the same study we would compare notes and share other insights. As she started to home-school we weren't able to talk as much as we normally did. We would send each other texts, messages through facebook, and speak when time allowed. She was an hour ahead but we still found time. I catch myself wanting to share information on a new study, or just say hi. I hear a song that reminds me of her or see something that I say to myself; "Sonya would love this!" So I promise to do better.

Looking back on 2018 I can say it's been a very busy year. As I am sure it has been for you as well. So I just want to say: Happy New Year from our family to yours! Thoughts and Prayers for a great 2019. I'm not setting resolutions this year. I'm making a commitment to do better! Better in my bible study, better as a mother, better as a wife, better as a friend, better as a mentor; better all around. I think too many times, I've settled with just okay. And not the best that God has called me to be. So in 2019, I'm doing better. Did you set goals? Resolutions? Share what you are looking forward to in 2019!

Since my husband was relocated for his job and is now in Florida we went for a visit. I can tell you that there is nothing like sitting on the dock watching the sun rise and set or the dolphins play in the bay. We are trying to do our fall bucket list and one was star gazing. Where better to do that than on the beach? We were walking searching for shells, crabs, and taking time to look at the stars. I can tell you that watching the waves come crashing on the shore and wiping the days fun away to leave a smooth clean shore was a great reminder of what our God does for us every day He wakes us up. No matter what has gone on today, if we give it to God before bed, He will give us a clean slate for the next day. Watching the footprints disappear once the waves were drawn back into the ocean was a great reminder that there is nothing that God can make new. We simply have to let it go. Do the small things with family...make those memories! In a blink of an eye they will be grown an...

This afternoon, we started our Fall Cleaning. I love to do a deep clean before the busy holiday season starts. I'm a little behind, this is usually done before the first of September so fall decorations can be put up. In our Fall cleaning, we do deep cleaning and clear out closets. If there are clothes that weren't worn at all during the Spring/Summer-they need to go. Everything should be done tomorrow and then decorations will go up. So what does the fall cleaning list look like? At least in the house.... *Clean Windows *Clean Baseboards *Move rooms around (I usually do this often) *Deep clean floors and wax them *Clean out closets and get rid of excess So, what do you do for your Fall cleaning?

It has been a long time since I paid attention to blogging. Life just got in the way. So to restart I would like to share what has been happening. In 2016, my daughter started with headaches and as the mom I tried to find reasons for it. Contributed it to a hectic schedule with school, dance, band, long hours not enough sleep, not eating right, and needing her eyes checked. We went for an eye appointment and it turned out she did need glasses. Her headaches were better but never really went away, but on the same hand she still had a very busy schedule. She had headaches but they were never more than one a week and went away with headache medicine. Fast forward to Thanksgiving break 2017, we were in New York for the Macy's Day Parade where her dance studio was going to be part of the Spirit of America dance team. My daughter developed a horrible headache on Thanksgiving Day, again I contributed it to up early, breakfast on the go, excitement of the event, a busy & hectic s...

“But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV) Are you anxious with Thanksgiving right around the corner? Don't be! Make your list of things that need to be done and do them in a timely manner so that you aren't stressed over Thanksgiving. This is especially important if you are preparing for a large number of family members. Here are some tips to add to your list to make things go smoother. Turkey tips: If buying a whole turkey you need 1 pound per person. For a boneless breast plan 1/2 LB per person. Thawing: Frozen turkey needs 1 day in the fridge for every 4 pounds....so refrigerate a 12 LB turkey for 3 days. Basting: It can help the turkey brown evenly but the opening of the oven door can prolong baking time. A better way to keep it juicy is to pour some warmed broth over the carved slices. Bread: Make the dough for your bread or rolls at the first part of the week. Allow the dough to rise fully once, shape it,...

Well, that is what a friend told me this week. She asked me how I did all that I did and make it look so easy. Some days, I think, "It is anything but easy", but I did share some tips with her that seem to help out. I look at staying at home, my job. And just like any job you have hours that you work, tasks that have to be done, and projects that need to be seen to. My job just happens to be taking care of a house, husband, & 3 children. Everything that needs to be tended to gets put on my calendar, if it isn't on my calendar it is not a high priority. When school starts, I take my calendar and put the school year on it. Because I am VP of our Elementary PTO, those meetings & events are added, so is Dance, Piano, Guitar, & any other child function that comes up. Yes, I even have a day set aside for our date night... If I didn't it would get overlooked & let's face it, we need to keep an intimate relationship with our husbands. They need t...

Just a few ideas for your upcoming Thanksgiving Dinner. Or any event this month! SPICE PUMPKIN CUPCAKES WITH FROSTING Makes 24 cupcakes. 1 tsp grated orange zest 3 cups powdered sugar 15 oz can pure pumpkin 1 cup sugar 1/4 tsp ground cloves 1 tsp baking soda 2 tsp ground ginger 1/2 cup sour cream, room temp 1/2 cup molasses 3 large eggs 1 cup + 6 tbs unsalted butter, room temp 1/2 tsp kosher salt 2 tsp baking powder 3 cups all purpose flour HEAT oven to 350°. Line two 12 cup muffin tins with paper liners. In a bowl, whisk together ginger, flour, baking soda, baking powder, cloves and salt. Beat 1 cup butter and sugar in a bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs. Beat in pumpkin and molasses. ADD flour mixture, mixing until incorporated. Divide batter among muffin cups and bake until done, 25 min. Let cool 5 min. in pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. MAKE FROSTING---Beat powdered sugar, sour cream and remaining butter in a bowl until smooth. Increa...

I love this time of year~the decorating, the cooking, the baking, the smells of the season; but most of all the family time. Keeping to my schedule is important this time of year so that it doesn't become overwhelming. November is filled with decorations of Pumpkins, Scarecrows, fall leaves, pinecones, & Sunflowers; not to mention fall scented candles. Time to get the fireplace ready for the cool nights to enjoy home-made hot chocolate with marshmellows while having family night. The kids will have a week off for Thanksgiving which means that we will have time set aside to keep up with their reading level but most of the time home will be spent preparing for Thanksgiving & out of town family arriving. The house will be filled with smells of fall, football, men hunting, & children laughing. Many times Thanksgiving is the only time of year that many think about what they are Thankful for. I try to emphisis to our kids that Thanksgiving is everyday of the year. So ...

Yea! I love this time of year. Leaves changing colors, smell of pumpkin pies, cool mornings with sunny afternoons. November is often known to the men as No Shave November & to the Women as Thankful Month were you take each day and say what you are Thankful for. There are so many God Winks that we can be Thankful for. Everday that God awakens us is a day of Thanksgiving. Don't you agree? Let's get in the kitchen for some fun... here are some great recipes that you can do as a family event. STREUSEL PEAR TART Makes 8 servings. 4 tbs unsalted butter, cut into 1/4" pieces 3/4 tsp apple pie spice 3/4 cup light brown sugar 1/2 pkg 14 oz refrigerated piecrust, 1 crust 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 cup + 2 tbs flour 6 pears Unroll piecrust into a 10" fluted tart pan with a removable bottom. Press crust against the bottom and sides of pan, trimming top as needed so it is even with rim. Refrigerate. Heat oven to 425°. Peel, core and cut pears into 1/2...

It seems like this month has been a blur. Busy all month with activities in the school with the PTO, Homecoming, football games, dance, piano lessons, Fall Festival at school & one coming up Saturday at church; just a few things that has been keeping me busy. So I am so sorry for not keeping up with this blog. It did get me thinking about a practice that I have gotten out of that I need to put back in place. So I am reimplementing my "tackle box"! I have a file box that has file folders for every day of the month. It is a monthly "To Do" list. So let's say that you want to start one for November. You will have all your file folders in the "Tackle Box", put all bills that are due on their due date that can be paid locally and those that need to be mailed; 5 days before due date. On November 1 go pull the 1st folder and do everything in that folder first. This will help keep you on track of all the things you need/want to do and won't g...

Do you want to add touches to your house but don't have the funds to buy decorating items? Try some of these cute ideas: Give 'Em The Boot Use old rain boots as vases. This lighthearted display is perfect for a spring part such as April Showers bring may flowers. For a southern theme, try cowboy boots instead! Use pillow cases to update your throw pillows for fall. Simply place your throw pillow in a pillow case folding it into the case for a tight fit. You can change pastel pillows into deep fall colors in a matter of seconds. To change up a look in a room simply swap out area rugs. It can change a look of a room by bring out accent colors in another room.

So excited for the arrival of fall. Not only does that mean that we get a break scorching heat, but it also means that it's time to decorate. I love decorating, adding fall scents to the house whether it be through candles or bringing the outside in with mums. I start by adding a fall wreath at the door as well as door facing decorations. Decorating for fall doesn't have to be expensive, it is a matter of placement and using what you have or what is available outside that you can bring in. Change out the candle scents so they match the season. No since in burning Magnolia when it's fall outside. Get a pumpkin, crackling campfire, s'mores, etc scent that will make you want to pull out your flannel sheets. Or simply bake items that will send an amazing fall aroma scent throughout your home like peanut butter cookies, pumpkin cookies, etc. (See two recipes below) In your bathrooms swap your decorative towels to fall colors such as rust, brown, gold, etc. Things tha...

Wednesday is considered "Hump Day", it falls in the middle of the week. But it is actually our day to meet in the Lord's house to be refuel and encouraged for the rest of the week. We are in Genesis, studied the flood tonight. Isn't this the way we have always viewed the ark? When we dive into God's word we understand that by the diminsions that are given that it wasn't actually shaped like a boat, but rather a rectangle. Noah is an example of what a committment to God should look like. He was totally committed when God told him to build an Ark. He was giving Mercy for both himself and his family. He was giving a Mission~to build an Ark. Do you wonder if he worried about what everyone would think or say about him? The Bible says that he spent 160 years building the Ark...that is committment. Do we have the same kind of committment or is our committment more like if I have time I'll ...............? He was also giving a Message. This was to tell...

So summer is over, school has started and we have finally gotten back into a routine. Bear with me as I am learning how to do this and making myself make time to do it. Nominations where held in May, where I was blessed to be nominated as Vice President of the PTO. Where worked on items all through the summer continuing to stay busy since school has started. With our Spirit Store kicking off the last week of August running every Friday as well as on Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday at the home games. Then we sponsored a Scholastic Book Fair where the students could purchase their favorite books. This not only encouraged reading but also helped them find what interested them in their AR levels. This created a couple months of craziness for our teachers, so we rewarded them with a dessert day where they could have something sweet after lunch. Now, the planning of the fall festival is going on with a month to get everything ready. This is the time of year that I love... Baking, coo...