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Showing posts with label Tommy Nelson post. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tommy Nelson post. Show all posts
Today is Memorial Day, and if you are like our family, you are probably going to a barbecue or using the extra day off to full advantage in some other way. And I truly hope you have a wonderful, fun-filled day, but at the same time, I hope you take a minute to think about Memorial Day a little more deeply too. Because the thing is...Memorial Day is not about barbecues.
Memorial Day is a day to remember and show gratitude to those who have died in defense of our country. It's a day to remember the fallen, those who have died. I think we overlook this a lot, because Memorial Day has largely become a party holiday, the kick-off to summer, etc. But we have this day off, because we live in this country that is free. And we live in freedom in this country because men have died to protect it. Most of us will never be called upon to sacrifice in that way, and the reason we won't is because others have already sacrificed for us. These men and women gave everything they had for people they would never meet, out of love, and duty, and honor, for God and country and freedom. And the only reason we can go to parties and pools today in freedom is because of them.
We took a trip to our military cemetery with the kids the other week, to visit the graves of my grandfather and great-great-grandfather. And we looked around at all those graves, many of men who died while fighting for our country, and I explained to my kids that many soldiers have died to make us free. I'm so glad we did it, because while we celebrate in some ways today, this is a solemn day. I don't want my kids to grow up thinking it's just about barbecues.
Full thoughts on Tommy Nelson today...and I hope you take a little time today to thank God for our freedom in America, and for those who have died to keep it for us.
My parents are the biggest reason why Valentine's Day was never depressing. There are three things we did as a family that made it fun:
1) We ate an excessive amount of candy hearts (a tradition I continue today).
2) We all broke out the construction paper and made paper valentines for each other every year.
3) My parents gave each other sweet Valentine's Day cards (it's good for a child's heart to see their parents loving each other).
4) My parents always got us a little gift that would be waiting on the table on Valentine's Day morning.
That was enough, even during those tumultuous teenage years. I think we underestimate the impact of the love of a parent on Valentine's Day. It doesn't have to be anything big and flashy, just something small to remind your kids that no matter their relationship status, they are seen and loved by you.
I plan to do these things with my kids, and I also am hoping to spread the valentine joy outside of our immediate family to our cousins and friends as well! I think I have a subconscious goal to not let any children in my kids' circles to feel forgotten on Valentine's Day.
If you are of a mind to join me...I have a long list of Valentine's Day gift ideas for kids on Tommy Nelson this week! Ideas for classroom valentines, and Valentine's Day gift ideas for your own kids too! Read all my ideas here, then come back and tell me if I missed anything, por favor!
And Happy (early) Valentine's Day to you!
When I was registering for my first baby shower, I had one strategy - register for only the things I absolutely need.
No cutesy outfits. No blankets. No stuffed animals. No Sophie The Giraffe or womb-sound alarm clocks or knit hats. Only the necessities.
I am willing to bet that most adults who have the books of the Bible memorized learned them as a kid. Kids are such sponges! It's so much easier to memorize lists of information like that as children.
I think I was probably four or five years old when I learned the books of the Old Testament. I went to VBS at a little mountain church, and there was a teenage girl there with an acoustic guitar and long brown hair who sang the Bible books song every day. I have no idea who she was, but I can still almost see her in my mind. I hope wherever she is, the Lord blesses her for her service at that VBS, because it has served me well to have the books of the Bible memorized, and it all started with that song.
A few months ago I went to a party of a friend. She used one of those e-invite systems (I'm still not sure what I think about them, because I'm old-school and still send party invites through the mail). With e-invites you can usually see everyone else's comments about their RSVP - and I was in a curious mood, so I read through some of the responses.
One comment in particular caught my eye - someone said they couldn't come to my friend's party because the party was in the evening, and their toddler usually went to bed at 7:00 PM.
The comment struck me, I think in part because I understand even more than most how miserable things can get when your child is cranky and tired. I have four kids under five, three of whom still nap and also go to bed at 7:00 PM. When one of the kids cries, at least a couple more join in.
Last year, I found myself feeling restless, particularly about my walk with the Lord. Was this all there was? Was my current pattern in life how things were always going to be? It didn't seem like enough. I wanted to do more to serve the Lord, and I had no idea where to start. It seemed to me I would have to do something radical to break out of my rut.
Then one Sunday, I sat in church and listened to a guest speaker talk about how to be a good neighbor.
Labor Day is coming right up, and we all know what that means - a three-day weekend! Where I live, it also means lots of traffic as people travel for camping, parades, and other events.
Out of curiosity I looked up the history of Labor Day, because if I'm benefitting from the holiday it seems that I should know a little bit about it. It turns out that Labor Day originated in the 1800's, when people often worked 12-hour days, seven days a week. We don't have that some problem anymore, but it's still nice to have an extra day off to spend time with our families.
If you are like me, you are not crazy about the idea of braving the traffic and crowds to do some of the traditional long-weekend activities - so why not do something different instead? Here are a few ideas of things you can do with your family this weekend!
I'm on Tommy Nelson and FaithGateway today, talking about how to make your child's first Bible meaningful - and including my own story of how my parents and grandparents made my first Bible meaningful.
"My children are pre-school aged. They can’t even read simple books yet, so it will be a little while before they will be able to read the Bible by themselves. Nevertheless, I have been thinking about the day that they are ready to pick out their first Bibles, and how I want to go about it.
When I think of my first Bible growing up, the one that always comes to mind is a thick, leather-bound book, with my name embossed on the front and childlike letters written inside the front cover. When I was about nine years old, my grandma gave a challenge to all her grandkids – memorize Psalm 91 – and she would buy us our own Bibles with our names on the front, and take us to a fancy Japanese restaurant for dinner…"
Head on over to Tommy Nelson to continue reading!
When did you get your first Bible? Did your parents (if they gave it to you) do anything to make it special?
Hey guys! Well, the last couple weeks have been weird to say the least. Just lots of unexpected things that are totally throwing my blogging schedule. Normally I would have some nice accompanying post, but today I have nothing, so I'm just going to point you over to my post on Tommy Nelson today!
I wrote about separation anxiety, which I feel is ironic, because I would not consider myself an expert at handling it - however, we have found ways to cope. And when I say we, I am not just talking about the kids, I am including myself! I hope I am not the only mom who gets anxious for her kids sometimes.
A verse that my mom taught us in childhood reminds me that I need to point my kids to the One who will always be with them if they put their trust in Him. And sometimes I need that reminder too!
To read all about my separation anxiety story and verse, head on over to Tommy Nelson's blog!
In the late fall of 2008 I was a newlywed, and as the holidays approached I was determined to find some new recipes to try for Christmas - recipes that could be "mine" and would become a tradition for our then family of two. That was when I found a caramel fudge recipe that has become the bane of my fudge-making existence.
The first time I made it, it was a success. It was the perfect texture, the perfect taste, and we loved it! I was excited that I found such cool recipe.
Every time I have attempted to make it since then, it has been a colossal failure. It usually ends up being a plate of sticky goo that never sets. I have made it so many times, and I cannot for the life of me figure out what I am doing wrong! I don't even want to know how much sugar, milk, and corn syrup I have wasted trying to replicate that first plate of caramel-y goodness.
However, I think I have finally figured out a way to use my plates of sticky goo! The other day I was in the mood for some caramel popcorn, the kind that is a little more chewy, less crunchy. After a little experiment, I stumbled upon a yummy concoction!
This recipe for Pumpkin Pie Spice Popcorn uses that caramel fudge recipe with some adjustments. And despite my caramel fudge always turning out spectacularly wrong, this popcorn turned out great!
Pumpkin Pie Spice Popcorn
1 bag of popcorn, popped (either plain or buttered is fine)
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 whole milk
1/8 cup (ie. 1/2 stick) margarine, melted
1 tbsp. light corn syrup
For the pumpkin spice mixture:
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 brown sugar
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1. Pop the bag of popcorn in a microwave, then pour into a greased bowl or dish. Set aside.
2. Mix together the ingredients for the pumpkin spice mixture. Set aside.
2. Brown 1/2 cup of the sugar in a saucepan. (If you don't know how to brown sugar - just let it sit on the heat until it melts. Make sure it doesn't burn.)
3. Slowly add in the milk. The sugar will sizzle and harden into a lump ( I haven't figured out a way to avoid this). Don't freak out. Just keep stirring while the caramel cooks to encourage it to dissolve.
4. Add the margarine, 1 cup of the sugar, and corn syrup. Heat over medium high heat until mixture gets to soft ball stage. (The soft ball stage is when you put a little of the mixture into cold water, and it solidifies to the point where you could form a soft ball with it if you wanted to.)
5. Remove from heat and beat mixture until cool. Add three tablespoons of the pumpkin spice mixture to the caramel mixture and mix well.
6. Pour caramel mixture over the popcorn and mix to coat the popcorn. Sprinkle the remaining pumpkin spice mixture over the popcorn.
And that is it! This popcorn has a great, fall-ish taste to it. It would be perfect to much on while reading a book to your kiddos. Or you could bring the popcorn along as a snack for some of your favorite fall activities (corn maze, anyone?).
What are some of your favorite fall snacks?
---
Speaking of fall activities, I am also on the Tommy Nelson blog today talking about some ways to use fall fun to talk to your kiddos about the Lord. I'd love for you to stop over there and say "hi"! I'm also happy to say that Tommy Nelson is giving one of you a copy of "It Will Be Okay" by Lysa Terkeurst, which I reviewed earlier this month - it's an adorable kids' book, and perfect for fall. Enter below!
The first time I made it, it was a success. It was the perfect texture, the perfect taste, and we loved it! I was excited that I found such cool recipe.
Every time I have attempted to make it since then, it has been a colossal failure. It usually ends up being a plate of sticky goo that never sets. I have made it so many times, and I cannot for the life of me figure out what I am doing wrong! I don't even want to know how much sugar, milk, and corn syrup I have wasted trying to replicate that first plate of caramel-y goodness.
However, I think I have finally figured out a way to use my plates of sticky goo! The other day I was in the mood for some caramel popcorn, the kind that is a little more chewy, less crunchy. After a little experiment, I stumbled upon a yummy concoction!
This recipe for Pumpkin Pie Spice Popcorn uses that caramel fudge recipe with some adjustments. And despite my caramel fudge always turning out spectacularly wrong, this popcorn turned out great!
Pumpkin Pie Spice Popcorn
1 bag of popcorn, popped (either plain or buttered is fine)
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 whole milk
1/8 cup (ie. 1/2 stick) margarine, melted
1 tbsp. light corn syrup
For the pumpkin spice mixture:
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 brown sugar
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1. Pop the bag of popcorn in a microwave, then pour into a greased bowl or dish. Set aside.
2. Mix together the ingredients for the pumpkin spice mixture. Set aside.
2. Brown 1/2 cup of the sugar in a saucepan. (If you don't know how to brown sugar - just let it sit on the heat until it melts. Make sure it doesn't burn.)
3. Slowly add in the milk. The sugar will sizzle and harden into a lump ( I haven't figured out a way to avoid this). Don't freak out. Just keep stirring while the caramel cooks to encourage it to dissolve.
4. Add the margarine, 1 cup of the sugar, and corn syrup. Heat over medium high heat until mixture gets to soft ball stage. (The soft ball stage is when you put a little of the mixture into cold water, and it solidifies to the point where you could form a soft ball with it if you wanted to.)
5. Remove from heat and beat mixture until cool. Add three tablespoons of the pumpkin spice mixture to the caramel mixture and mix well.
6. Pour caramel mixture over the popcorn and mix to coat the popcorn. Sprinkle the remaining pumpkin spice mixture over the popcorn.
And that is it! This popcorn has a great, fall-ish taste to it. It would be perfect to much on while reading a book to your kiddos. Or you could bring the popcorn along as a snack for some of your favorite fall activities (corn maze, anyone?).
What are some of your favorite fall snacks?
---
Speaking of fall activities, I am also on the Tommy Nelson blog today talking about some ways to use fall fun to talk to your kiddos about the Lord. I'd love for you to stop over there and say "hi"! I'm also happy to say that Tommy Nelson is giving one of you a copy of "It Will Be Okay" by Lysa Terkeurst, which I reviewed earlier this month - it's an adorable kids' book, and perfect for fall. Enter below!
I remember the first time my kids got in a real fight (my oldest is three, so it wasn’t that long ago).
We were enjoying a peaceful morning when suddenly it was disrupted by screeching. I rounded the corner and found two of my kids, each holding one end of a toy – and they were yanking it back and forth and yelling at each other.
Wow, I thought, this is like a scene out of a movie!
That was probably not the best or most mom-like first thought to have, but I was caught off guard. After I got over my initial shock, I took the toy away and we sat down and had a talk about sharing and being kind to each other. At least I recovered well, right?
The truth is, I shouldn’t have been surprised at my kids’ behavior. Selfishness is something that is ingrained into our fallen human nature. Selfishness comes naturally to kids – it is unselfishness that must be nurtured and taught…
To read the rest of my thoughts on combatting selfishness in kids, check out my post on TommyNelson.com!
To read the rest of my thoughts on combatting selfishness in kids, check out my post on TommyNelson.com!
One of the things that has surprised me as my kids have grown older has been what I call the “happy chaos” that comes along with having toddlers. Before I had kids, I used to tell myself that my household would not be one of chaos – I was convinced that I could still maintain an orderly, peaceful house with children running around.
I can almost hear you all laughing at me, because any mom knows that with kids comes a certain level of chaos. A person can only maintain so much order with even one child in the house, and now we have three children, 3 and under, who make my life so much more fun . . . and yes, chaotic! People inform me that I have my hands full on a daily basis.
I have long since accepted that a chaos-free life with children is an oxymoron, but that doesn’t mean I have completely given up on keeping the craziness to a manageable level. The following are a few things that have helped me as I try to find a good balance...
Check out Tommy Nelson's blog to read the rest of my post on managing the chaos of life with young kids!
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