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?

Are You Like a Child?

While making my bed this morning, Nolan happily skipped by my door to take his laundry to the laundry room. I thought, "Oh, I love how happy he is right now, even while doing his chores." Then as he skipped past again he said chipperly, "Hi, mom!" Then, it hit me. Suddenly I was overcome with thoughts and emotions of how I have been so harsh at times, and reactive and unkind with my words and tones. Yet, he is so loving, so quick to forgive and forget. Amazing. Then beautifully, the Lord gently reminded me that He created us bringing us into this world as babies, children with a trusting, loving, forgiving heart. Our young children are a direct reflection of His loving, gracious forgiveness. How precious this truth was to me. As I reflect on this throughout my day, my prayer is that I will think of God's goodness each time I look into the eyes of my children, and be a direct reflection of our gracious God to my family today.

Time for Rain!

We're experiencing quite an unusual hot spell and drought here. Corn crops have already been damaged and many other crops are in jeopardy. As I was relaxing on my couch looking out my window this morning, I began praying for rain. Almost immediately, I realized that we not only need rain as a community, but I need spiritual rain in my life, as well. As I look around outside, the grass that was lush and green only three weeks ago when we arrived, is now brown and crunchy. There are trees and large bushes that are green, due to their deep roots, however many smaller plants appear to be dying. As I began applying that to my own life, I realized that there are areas in my heart/life that are still green due to their strong roots, yet there are many areas that have browned and are seemingly dead on the outside. The key word there, is seemingly. If I water those areas with the Word and rain of the Holy Spirit, they may become green once again. Perhaps dreams in the depths of my heart that have faded and browned, and maybe been long forgotten. Maybe goals I had set a while back that were laid aside for other "good things." The Lord showed me that not only do I need rain in the natural, but I need a spiritual rain. It doesn't take too long for the crops to spring back to life after a good, steady rain. So, as I ponder this today, my prayer is, "Lord, bring the rain!"

Unpacking

We're slowly unpacking. It's funny, I remember when we were looking on craigslist for moving boxes and I thought to myself, "we really don't have very much stuff." Then, I tried to talk Bryan into downsizing our rental truck (he's so much smarter than me, but don't EVER tell him I said that!) and he insisted on the larger truck. Yes, we needed all that space, by the way. Now, as we are unpacking box after box, I realize just how much we have! It's ridiculous! Do we really have twenty five boxes of books? Really? And that's after getting rid of some!

Our town is nice, there are more stores and restaurants than I expected, and a lot of thrift stores, yay! Every time I leave our house I am overwhelmed with the beauty of the farms and mountains out here. I love to see God's creation!

We didn't go to church yesterday, we'll go next week. Ashton, Kaidan, Bryan and myself are all having "stomach problems" due to the switch to well water :) And we thought it would be nice to be home together and unpack since Bryan worked Friday and Saturday. The Lord is already providing work for Bryan, he has a six week job coming up soon!

Here are a few pics of our home. I think my kitchen pantry is my favorite feature of the home, it's ginormous! Remember, things are not really in place yet, these are just glimpses for you. The home looks much better in person than in my pics. I think I need my friend Dianne to come out and teach me how to use my camera!

Our New Home

We have spent the last few days with friends, Gean & Darlene, and their daughter, Anna, unloading and unpacking. It has been pretty hectic around here! I went into town yesterday to do a little food shopping to restock the refrigerator and of course, check the place out! I like it!

Bryan started work today. We were hoping to have him through the weekend to get settled in and rest, but thank the Lord, he was needed to begin today and tomorrow. So, off he went. It's my first day alone with the kids in about two weeks. Adding to that, Ashton has been really sick and is teething, and I'm overwhelmed with boxes and this huge house (thank you, Lord, I'm very grateful, really!) to clean, but it's gonna be a good day! Please pray for me today!

I'll try to take some house pics for you all soon. Thank you for praying for our safe travels. We miss you all!

Our New Driveway & View

We arrived safely at our new home and made the trek up the looooooong driveway and were greeted by this view... It's amazing. The pics are from the top of our driveway! Look at all those farms! We are about five miles from town, which is a beautiful drive through the country. We have the usual shopping area which includes some great stores and a starbucks!