Expecting the Unexpected

Today, I heard a speaker (a mother of two boys) talk about "expecting the unexpected". She was saying that our life as a mom is like an airplane ride.... there are times when the ride is smooth, times when it's rocky... and some times you may feel like you're going to crash!

Life is already full of unexpected things without kids... but as soon as you conceive, that number seems to multiply by a hundred times. It is good and healthy for us to expect there to be some turbulence throughout our pregnancy, delivery, and post-delivery. So when things occur the way you didn't plan them to... well, let's just pray that we would have the ability, strength and wisdom to seek our omniscient God who sees all and knows all!! Whatever situation we are in, He is there to hold our hand (and your little one's hand too!) and guide the way.

Bibles

Children love stories! Parents cannot go wrong buying childrens Bibles because they are so fun, colorful and full of truth. If you already have one, please don't stop there. Try a Bible by a different publisher. Kids love reading a variety of books on the same subject. My children love their collection of Bibles. They love the different illustrations and colors and familiar stories -like Noah's ark bringing in the animals two by two!

One that was recommended to me is called, "The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name" by Sally Lloyd-Jones.


To find Bibles for your child, visit your nearest Christian book store, a Barnes & Noble or Borders. You can also order online on Amazon or on Christian Websites like, ChristianBook.com.

Neo To Go!

For all you moms on the go, this is a cute, no-mess topical antibiotic for all your child's cuts and scrapes. You don't have to look for the lid, or wipe off excess ointment. Just spray and go! I've loved this cute and compact product, and won't go anywhere without it!

A Child to Love

You can have your wealth and riches,
All the things so many seek,
Position, power, and success,
The fame you long to keep.

You can earn as much as you wish,
Reach a status high above,
But none of these can equal
Having one sweet child to love.

'Tis the greatest gift from heaven,
Little arms that hold you tight,
And a kiss so soft and gentle
When you tuck them in at night.

A million precious questions
And each story often read,
Two eyes so bright and smiling,
And a darling tousled head.

God has never matched the goodness
Of a trusting little face,
Or a heart so full of laughter
Spreading sunshine every place.

A child to hold and cuddle,
'Tis a gift from God above,
And the world is so much brighter
When you have a child to love.


-Author Unknown-

Pressing On!

I was listening to a Joyce Meyer CD from one of her recent conferences... and she was talking about how we often times pity ourselves and/or make excuses for not being able to do, complete or succeed in the tasks that are given to us. Joyce Meyer says that "self-pity is the most debilitating thing there is" because it robs us of our strength and life. She says that we simply need to "PRESS IN, PRESS ON, and PRESS THROUGH!!"

As a mom, this is just what I needed to hear.. especially because when things are tough, when money is tight, when the kids are misbehaving, when the house is a wreck, when the dishes aren't done, when dinner has to be prepared.... it is easy to get stressed, complain, or just want to cry...

How neat it is to know that the Lord gives us the strength to PRESS IN, PRESS ON, and PRESS THROUGH any situation and any circumstance!!! God is good!! I pray that you will lean on the solid ROCK today... who gives you supernatural strength to be the best woman, mom and wife He has created you to be!

"I can do ALL things through Christ, who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13

Smoothies!

My boys are always trying to get up from their seat as soon as they sit down for their meal. If you have hyper boys who don't like to sit still to eat, smoothies can be a great alternative to getting nutrition fast. There are plenty of simple recipes for getting fruit and calcium intake. Below is an example of one of my favs. The measurements are up to your tasting, but here's a rough guideline.

Add the following ingredients to your blender:
1 banana (I prefer frozen slices of bananas that I previously cut and froze)
3/4 cup of berries (fresh or frozen)
1/4 cup vanilla yogurt or flavored
3/4 cup milk OR orange juice
1/2 cup crushed ice (optional, in case you want it slushy)
Mix for 30 seconds or until smooth

Relief from Mosquito Bites

On my recent trip to the midwest, summer nights were the most fun. However, campfires, hiking trails, and swimming in the lakes gave me and my children many mosquito bites. It was already hard for me to stop scratching, but to get my kids to stop scratching seemed impossible. My wise aunt suggested dipping a cotton ball in vinegar and applying it topically. It worked instantly! The itching went away and so did the swelling. I researched online home remedies for insect bites, and sure enough, vinegar was one of the top suggested!