Muffin Tin Monday

Have you ever heard of Muffin Tin Monday? I've seen the concept on several blogs and thought it was such a great idea, but never tried it. Having went to Trader Joe's and being stocked up on fruit and nuts yesterday, I thought today would be the perfect day to introduce MTM to my children. They loved it! We had apricots & blueberries, banana and strawberries, mixed nuts with raisins and craisins, honey whole wheat pretzels, town house crackers, cucumber slices and sharp cheddar cheese dices. We had a "picnic" on the coffee table in the living room and each child sampled whatever interested them. You know what the best thing about lunch today was? Kaidan told me he loved mtm, but that his favorite thing was that I sat and ate with them. Oh my goodness, our gracious God uses that little boy to pierce my heart and bring me back into alignment so quickly. It's true, I rarely sit with them at breakfast or lunch because I'm checking email or fb while they are "occupied for a few minutes." How sad! I will be much more attentive to those precious kiddos at meal times! I appreciate how the Lord uses children to touch our lives and remind of what's really important. I better sign off now, before I cry all over the keyboard! Happy Valentin's Day, and may you be reminded of how much your little ones love you and want you involved in their day to day lives. Our Heavenly Father feels that way, too!...

Check back next Monday to see what's on the menu for MTM! Here is the link where I found this idea. Enjoy looking at all the pics of creative lunch ideas!

http://www.michellesjournalcorner.blogspot.com/

What's Your Normal?

Our family has been battling some tough cold germs the past two weeks. As usual, we have been giving Ashton his Albuterol breathing treatments in order to keep his breathing from becoming too labored. He has this cute little animal-looking mask he wears over his nose and mouth when we administer treatments. We've coined the name, "monster mask" and whenever we tell him it's time to wear his monster mask, he runs over to the chair and gets ready. This morning while Bryan and I were talking in the living room we heard this funny humming/grunting sound from Ashton. We turned around to find him sitting in "the" chair holding the monster mask over the face of a baby doll and making the sound! We chuckled and thought it was cute. I didn't think much about it until later this morning when it crossed my mind with this thought... "how sad that it's normal to my two year old to wear a monster mask." I know that it isn't "normal" to grow up needing breathing treatments in order to breath. A child shouldn't have to have them. A child should be healthy and even when he has a cold, be able to get through it on his own without the help of treatments. However, my child has had to use them his whole life. So, to him, it's normal. To my other three children, it's not normal. Of course those thoughts led me to ponder what areas of my life are normal to me, but not "normal?" Let me say that I realize the word, "normal" is relative. Basically, I'm asking what ideas/mindsets/actions/behaviors might we be carrying around living out as "normal" which really, may not be normal at all? Anger? Easily agitated? Lustful thoughts for someone other than a spouse? Discontent? Jealousy? Selfishness? Remember... the way we grew up, the influences we've had, have all helped to shape us into who we are today. The way you grew up, was your "normal." But, let me ask you... what's your normal, and is it really... normal? What would God say?