Gently lifting the green leaves, I searched among the vines for a cucumber. Again I was disappointed. My gardening attempts had begun in the spring after enjoying a salad from my sister-in-law’s garden. I had known Loes gardened, but the idea of weeding and watering weren’t my thing. That is, until I ate from her garden and my attitude changed. The Secret Gardener The following day, I decided to try gardening. I didn’t tell Keith. I didn’t tell Loes. I quietly went to the nursery and checked out the plants. Who knew there were so many varieties of tomatoes …
Raising Brave Kids
She mounted the twisted iron ladder to the monkey bars. Surely she could slip and smack her nose. So I yelled to my six-year-old before she reached the second rung. “Be careful!” Those words fly out of my mouth about a hundred times a day. When my daughters dance dizzy in the living room, run barefoot through the yard, fumble with poster paints, or beg to pour the milk—my mommy reflex blurts, Be careful! Accidents are not on our agenda today. The way I see it, God entrusted these children to my care, and I am determined not to mess …
3 Smart Moves to Start Your Day
Smart Move 1: Get on Your Knees with Your Bible Open Before You. Not only will this smart move keep you limber, it will also open your mind to an outside help and source: God. Bow before Him. Acknowledge to your Heavenly Father, “I love You and want to live for You today.” Pray, “Fill me with Your Spirit and mind.” Place your little one on the floor beside you. It will teach them the smart move of starting their day in prayer before God. Smart Move 2: Turn on Christian Music. You’re making a wise choice when you …
Praying For Your Kids: Simple, Specific, Power-Packed Prayers
For years I had heard it said that we needed to pray for our kids. I get that, and I completely stand behind that thought process. What I didn’t always understand was the beauty and wisdom that came from praying simple, specific, power-packed prayers over my kids. It took a lot of reading, praying and talking with my husband, but over the course of all that investigating we discovered there were some very practical things we wanted to pray for over our boys. It actually fit perfectly with my M.O.M. Mission Statement (see my post in May 2013) and very …
Icy Pop Fun
Wow! June is already here! Our gift to you today is an easy, fun summer project you can do with the kiddos! Beat the heat with these easy, inexpensive and oh-so-tasty ice pops! Jello makes these cool treats less drippy. Let us know what you think! Ingredients 1 unsweetened Kool-aid packet, 1 (3 ounce package) fruit flavored Jell-O mix 1 cup white sugar (reduce if needed for taste), 1 cup boiling water 22 paper drinking cups (3 ounce), 22 craft sticks Directions In a large drink pitcher combine jello, Kool-aid, sugar and boiling water. Stir until dissolved. …
Remind Your Kids Who They Are
Youth group summer camp begins tomorrow morning. Grace and Samuel’s bags are packed and sitting by the front door. They are so excited they can barely stand it. We have a family tradition whenever we say our goodbyes. Whether they’re going on a play date or staying overnight at their Papa and Nana’s house- after reminding them to behave, we whisper to them, “Remember who you are and Whose you are.” When you give your heart and life to God, you are on of His children. With that comes not only a new life but an abundance of promises He has made to …
Survival guide for taking kids to restaurants
Kids are not born knowing how to behave in public. In fact, “public” manners vary greatly depending on the culture you’re in and the setting within the culture. When I posted a recent observation on Facebook about a mom wrangling two boys at a coffee shop, it stirred up a flurry of comments. Strong feelings came out from non-kid-toting adults who feel impacted by children in public places like restaurants, church, and stores. Equally strong feelings came out from moms with fresh memories of the challenges of getting out with children. I sensed both groups asking, “Don’t they get it?” …
Slow… Children at Play
Slow…children at play. Best. Sign. Ever. May is winding down. (Yahoo! Craziest month next to December-don’t you think?) Summer is rounding the corner. Yes! I want to hurry up and get through May so I can slow down. Moms, summer is the only season that is just a little less structured than the rest of the school year. Here are some fun slow going activities you can do with your kids over the summer. 1.Go to the Library. Yes, actually physically go. Look at the books, pick out a few, some for the kids to read alone, some to read …
Playdough
Out of playdough? No problem! Here is an easy, fun recipe the kids can help with! Make sure to keep this one handy! 1-cup salt, 2-cups flour, 2-cups water, 1/4-cup vegetable oil, 1-tablespoon cream of tartar Place ingredients in pan, add your favorite food coloring, stir over low heat until dough is not sticky, looks and feels like playdough. Enjoy playing with your kids! Isaiah 64:8 But now, O Lord, You are our Father, we are the clay, and You our potter; and all of us are the work of your hand. Enjoy your weekend! Tara Dovenbarger, …
5 Ways Twins Can Change Your Life
Some people call me a superhero, doubly blessed. Others say I have my hands full, double trouble. Hi, my name is Christen, and I’m a mother of twins. Before I had children, I had heard rumors that motherhood was the most challenging and rewarding job on the face of the planet. I was the newlywed that thought I could handle the challenge of being a mom; that it couldn’t be that hard. I had illusions that the reward part of motherhood would be more often than the challenge and my children would be well behaved, athletic, musically-talented, smart, and successful …