Days of Play: Family Movie Night {The Emperor's New Groove}

To learn more about family movie nights, please refer to my previous post here.

I also STRONGLY encourage you to check out Family Movie Nights from Plugged In for movie suggestions and curriculum!

For this family night, we'll be watching The Emperor's New Groove!

Source

For this family night you'll need:

• Some photos or a website about Llamas
• A family-friendly meal (maybe let your kids choose!)
• Blocks
• Movie
• Blankets/pillows
• popcorn or other snacks

Start your evening off by asking kids what they know about llamas.  Show them photos or funny (previewed) videos of llamas online.

Next, make dinner together. This can be an elaborate family pizza or simple mac-n-cheese.  Let your kids pick the meal tonight and spend time cooking together.

After dinner, build a pyramid of blocks.  See who can make the biggest, silliest, tallest ...

Finally, pop popcorn, get snacks, get comfy and settle in for a show.

After the movie, ask your kids some questions (from Plugged In curriculum):

1. How does Pacha treat Kuzco even though Kuzco is mean to him?  How should we treat those who are unkind to us?  Read Matthew 5:46
2. Kuzco grew up having everything he wanted and not being disciplined.  How does this make him act?  Why are boundaries/rules good for children?  Are any of our rules unfair?
3. Kuzco is blind to the needs of others because he is selfish and greedy.  How are his actions different than Jesus'?  Read Philippians 2:3-4 and talk about how to put others first.

Accepting the Bad

Have you ever had something you needed to say but you just can't find the words?

A burning disappointment.  A broken heart.  A repentance.

I've been at a loss to explain my own feelings--even to myself.  But as I've spent time in prayer and thought this weekend, a few feelings have come to my tongue.

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like God just didn't. Show. Up?

Let down. Angry. Floundering.

When my mom was diagnosed with CADASIL it broke my heart. When I learned the hideous disease was hereditary, disappointment, fear and anger raged through me.

I like to imagine I felt how John the Baptist felt when he sent word to Jesus that he was in jail and Jesus--THE Jesus who gave sight to the blind and healed the lame and healed people from leprosy--called John great and yet--didn't go save John the Baptist from jail and his impending death (Matthew 11).  How must John the Baptist have felt?  Angry? Disappointed? Hurt?

In prison John the Baptist questioned if Jesus was the messiah.  How could He be the messiah when this bad thing was happening to John? How could Jesus not save the man who prepared the way for him?

Jesus makes a poignant statement--the prophets through John the Baptist prophesied the coming messiah.  Are we willing to accept that Jesus is Him even in the midst of a bad situation (Matthew 11:14)?  Even when bad things happen?  Even in discomfort or death? Even when we don't get what we want, no matter how noble the request?

When you are going through infertility or watching a loved one die or worrying about your health and wondering if you've given your children a disease that will one day kill them, people like to comfort you with words of encouragement.

"This is God's will."
"Keep the faith."
"Keep praying and God will give you your heart's desires."

To these "comforts" I reply:

Even if it is God's will ... It still hurts.  It is still confusing. In fact, God's will seems much more dubious when it is messy and dangerous and not an obvious blessing.

When I'm angry ... God can handle it.  It is a testament to my faith that I trust HIM with my emotions--even the ugly, angry ones.  My faith is not lacking because I question.  My faith is strong because I know He can comfort me in spite of my doubts.

My bad situation is not a result of not praying enough or trusting enough.  And though I pray, God still MIGHT not give me what I pray for.  But He might make my heart soft toward Him and draw me closer to Him and I might come to learn that it is not my selfish desires He wishes to give me, but to line my desires up with His.  And His heart's desire is that I know Him intimately and trust Him so fully that even if everything else falls away, He is still E N O U G H.

Give me that kind of heart.

I want my desires to be so in line with Christ's that in all circumstances I can stand in full faith and with the heart of trust, I can proclaim as Job did so long ago, "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord." (Job 1:21).

It is easy, oh so easy, to proclaim God's will, and God's blessing, and God's grace when things are good.

But right now as I hurt and break and bleed and fear, I cry out to God and plead with Him to help me accept the bad.

The more I cry out, the more I am being intimately drawn to Him.  And though I hurt, I sing praise.  For peace.  For joy.  For knowing that even that which seems bad, is good in Christ.

From a Sigh to a Celebration

The pain. The sacrifice. The sorrow.  All but a sigh on the winds of eternity.

For where there was despair, there is now a song.  A celebration.

Not simply because of a love worth dying for.

A celebration for the resurrection that spurs me on to do the work of the cross, to be disciplined and sacrificial in my love for God and His people.

My song is hallelujah.

Mother's Day {Shutterfly}

Mother's Day is sneaking up on us! 

Whenever I ask my mom what she wants for Mother's Day she gives me the same answer.

"I want pictures of my grandchildren."

Ergo, I head to Shutterfly for photo gift ideas.

Shutterfly has great Mother's Day Cards and Stationary. 

I simply love these personalized notebooks and notepads.  They are super cute and, hello, UBER practical!  Who wouldn't feel a little bit better looking at the grocery list if it had the faces of beloved little kids on it?

Of course Shutterfly offers other fabulous Mother's Day Gifts, like accessories.

I love accessories.  Whether its a necklace, apron, or bag, I love it!  Am I crazy thinking you can NEVER go wrong giving someone an accessory?  I think not.

If you want to get a photo accessory for your mom, may I urge you to consider this bracelet?  It is darling AND affordable; you can't beat that!

And who can resist a great summer carry-all (especially if it has the grandchildren on it)?

Though I love Shutterfly's selection of stationary and photo accessories, what I'm leaning toward most this year is a Photo Book for Mom.

Shutterfly's Photo books come in five different sizes and can be created totally custom for the mom in your life.  There are extensive background options and there are tools to help crop and rotate photos.  What I like best about this option, however, is how easy it is to sit down and create a custom book of memories to enjoy with loved ones!

I've used Shutterfly from everything from calendars to Christmas cards and I am always impressed by the quality of their products.  Shipping is fast and convenient and the website is very user friendly.

If you are searching for that "Oh so perfect" Mother's Day present, may I suggest you hop on over to Shutterfly and check out their selection of Mother's Day Cards and Stationary, Mother's Day Gifts, and especially check out Photo Books for Mom!

**Disclaimer** I was contacted by Shutterfly about doing a review of their products for Mother's Day.  I will be compensated with a code to receive 50 cards and a photo book.  However, all opinions are my own.  I've used Shutterfly without free promos because I believe in the quality of their products.

“Have a blog? Sign up for a chance at 50 free cards from Shutterfly.” 

 

Quietly Contemplating

I'm quietly contemplating what today means.

What it holds.

Why it is relevant ... 

                                     today ... 
   
                                                          tomorrow.  


From palms to passion.

From Hosanna! to Barabbas!

From desperation to desertion.

Oh how fickle the followers who wanted freedom without sacrifice...

...the crown without the cross.

Today I quietly contemplate.


And though I don't understand, You left PEACE for your followers. 


I receive it.


I believe it.


I will live it.

Out of Jesus' affliction came a new sense of God's love and a new basis for love between men, so out of our affliction we may grasp the splendor of God's love and how to love one another. Thus the consummation of the two commandments was on Golgotha; and the Cross is, at once, their image and their fulfillment. ~Malcolm Muggeridge~

Peace be with you.

Things I Love: Water for Elephants

Have you read Water for Elephants?

It is a fabulous book about a vet-school drop out's foray into the circus and his love affair with the showstopper and elephant.  It sounds sketchy but it is so amazing.

Photo Source

Anyhow, Water for Elephants was turned into a movie.  When I read the book I kept envisioning James McAvoy in the male lead role but the movie people cast Rob Pattinson, which will do.  The lead female, however, is Reese Witherspoon, whom I adore.

The movie comes out on April 22 and I'm so excited.



Have you read the book?  Are you excited to see the movie?

What I Think About: Abundant Life

I can't even begin to count the number of times I think, "there isn't enough time!" or "I'll make time."

Isn't time tricky?  It's the commodity we wish we had more of but if you had more time, what would you do with it?

If I had more time, I'd clean the baseboards.  I'd refabricate a navy blue long sleeved T I bought at Gap for $1.97.  I'd read the novel Beth loaned me.  I'd go to bed before 11:30.

Do you hear what I'm saying? Even if I had more time, it wouldn't be enough.  I'd fill it.  Stuff it.  Smother it with things that need doing and caught up on and finished.

It's mind-numbing.  Even if I had more time, it wouldn't be enough.

How do you negotiate that?  Do you just decide that you'll make better use of the time you do have?

"I won't waste time," I think.  I'll multitask constantly; I'll cut down on phone conversations with my sister; I'll be diligent about starting laundry in the morning; I'll manage my time better.

But the more I hyper-manage and finagle my time, the emptier I feel.  Why is that?  How can a life filled to the brim with preschool and work and homework and diaper washing and soccer practice and ballet practice and church and date nights and ... feel so. darn. empty?

How does none of this stuff that I spend my time on fill me with a sense of accomplishment and peace?  Why do I continue to rush and hurry onto the next task or event when I know it will not fulfill?

In One Thousand Gifts Ann Voskamp ponders how the busyness of your life leaves you with little time for the source of you life.

Ouch.  Truth.

I'll plan date nights a year in advance.  I'll plan meals for the next month.  I'll schedule play dates two weeks out.  I have a "to do" list for tomorrow.

Spending time with God is not on it.

Perhaps why I can't grasp time is because I've lost its purpose.  In a panic to "live" life, I've lost the reason to live life.  Jesus said He came so that we would have life and so we could live it to it's fullest (John 10:10).  He came so we can have abundant life.  Life to it's fullest.  Not so I could rush.  Not to hurry.  But to savor and enjoy--a vapor of breath on a winter day.

When I look at my children they've aged over night.  Surely this fair haired girl with the nose slightly turned up isn't the baby I nursed yesterday.  She can't be.  Can't be five.

I think of memories of her.  Learning to walk. Reading books on her potty. Dropping a watermelon off the kitchen table and laughing as it burst all over the kitchen.  I smile. A happy, sad smile.

It goes so quickly, time.

And I can't hold it.  I can't get more.

Desperately I want to say, "STOP!" and just soak in the beauty of the moment.  To not have that delightful girl get older but to hold her and read Charlotte's Web and to snuggle with Bear Bear under a quilt.

I want to just stop and enjoy the moment--this moment. This moment of tantrums and tears and snot and laughter through clenched teeth holding tight to pacifiers.  This time is ours. But it will not last.

I wonder if I did just enjoy now--if I just savored these small things, these simple moments, if I wouldn't mind if time slipped right past me.

If wonder if I just wouldn't notice because time is no match for a life abundantly lived.

Thank you to Shell at Things I Can't Say for letting me Pour My Heart Out!

Days of Play: Resurrection Cookies {Repost}

This is an excellent recipe to teach your children that Jesus rose from the dead!  I cut this recipe out of a Christian book club magazine years ago and love it.  Sadly I can't eat the cookies because of a nut allergy but everyone else seems to like them!


Ingredients:
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
a pinch salt
1 cup sugar
a zipper baggy
1 wooden spoon or rolling pin
scotch tape
Bible


Directions:
Make these on the night before Easter!

Preheat oven to 300'.

1. Place pecans in zipper baggy and let children beat them with the wooden spoon or rolling pin.  As children break pecans into small pieces, explain that after Jesus was arrested.  He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.  Read: John 19:1-3
2. Let each child smell the vinegar.  Put 1 teaspoon vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar to drink. Read: John 19:28-30
3. Add egg whites to vinegar.  Eggs represent life.  Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read: John 10:10&11
4. Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand.  Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl.  Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read: Luke 23:27
5. So far the ingredients are not very appetizing.  Add 1 cup sugar.  Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us.  He wants us tocknow and belong to Him. Read:  Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16
6. Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. 
7. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read: Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3
8. Fold in broken nuts.  Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper covered cookie sheet.
9. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.  Read: Matthew 27:57-60
10. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.
11. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.  Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read: Matthew 27:65-66
12. GO TO BED!  While you tuck your kiddos in, explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight just like Jesus' followers were sad when he died. Read: John 16:20&22
13. On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie (for breakfast!  You'll be super mom for allowing a cookie for breakfast!).  Notice the cracked surface and take a bite.  The cookies are hollow!  On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read: Matthew 28:1-9
14. Turn on praise music or sing a song of praise to Jesus.  
15. Say a prayer with your kids thanking God for sending his Son to redeem the world!

My Feet-Washing Theory

Some people have great, deep thoughts.

I have a theory about people and feet washing.

Brace yourself.

I'm clearly a Type-A personality.  I micro-manage the micro-managing Apps on my IPhone.  I get irritated when the weather doesn't listen to me. 

I would never, and I mean NEVER, get out of the shower without washing my feet.  Not the proverbial "washing" which is actually code for, "I let the water run past it--doesn't that count as clean?" but really washing my feet.  With both hands.  With soap.  I'm not getting out of the shower until I'm convinced my 10 little piggies are squeakly clean.

My husband (the reason for this theory), on the other hand, is content to let the water wash away his foot grime.  {Yes, I did just admit to seeing Matt shower before.  Sorry.  I'd tell you he was in a swimsuit but that would be a lie.  And if I'm admitting to my foot-washing theory, there's no need to lie.}  But seriously, he doesn't bend over to wash his feet.  He doesn't use soap.  He just assumes that the water will do a good enough job (and that no one is looking that closely).

Matt and I approach people the same way we approach our foot washing. 

I don't trust people, like I don't trust water to do the job.  If something needs done, I do it.  Or I at least set it up and manage it to death.

Matt is more trusting.  He gives people leeway.  Time.  He trusts that it'll all work out in the end--whether he gives it effort or not.

I've been on a mission to see if this theory works for others too.  Most of the people I ask line up.  Type A's wash their feet.  More laid-back people trust the water to do it.  One way is not better than the other; they are just different. 

Now I'm convinced that your foot washing preference says a lot about your interactions with people, your trust levels, your personality ...

Does it hold up with you?

Are you a foot washer or a water truster?

Fashion Friday: Ruffles--Goin' Nowhere!

Some trends come and go and others stick with us for a while.

I'm hoping the harem pants obsession leaves fast.  Ruffles, on the other hand, are feminine and classic and I'm glad to see they'll be hanging with us again this Spring/Summer.

Here are some great ruffle tops to drool over:

Tees by Merona
Button Front Tops by Forever 21

Want the look but prefer to make it yourself?  Why, here you go!

A ruffle skirt you can make.

Source Ruffles and Stuff

Or maybe you'd like to make a ruffled shirt?  Here you go!

Source: Ruffles and Stuff

Here's a ruffle scarf you might love.

Source: Make It and Love It

Ruffles--they even work for the home!

Source: Ruffles and Stuff

 Go Team Ruffles!

Things I Love: Easter Egg Burlap Pillow

I saw this on the blog A Little Tipsy a year ago and loved it.

Source: A Little Tipsy

How cute is that?  Oh, and it's a NO SEW project!  YAY!

Want the directions?  Click here!

What I Think About: God's Will and Decision Making

Have you ever heard people talking about God's will?

When someone dies, we say it was God's will.  When someone is sick or disappointed, we say that what is happening is God's will or that God's will will prevail.  We pray for God's will.

But have you ever heard people say, "This situation is God's will for me" but then they don't go through with the situation?  Or maybe, "God is opening all the doors, this must be His will" but it ends in destruction?

I do believe God has a plan for our lives and that He clearly laid them out in His Word.  But sometimes, I think people use "God's will" as a cop-out to either do whatever they want or to keep from doing what He really wants when it requires sacrifice.

Perhaps there's a calling on your life and you go for it because it's "God's will."  Then you meet with resistance and determine that there is no way that path could be from God because there are too many obstacles.  So you give up.  But have you ever wondered if there are so many obstacles because that path is God's will and the enemy doesn't. want. you. on. it?

Or perhaps there is something you want to do.  So you find "signs" everywhere that it is God's will.  And you do it.  Without praying about it.  Without seeking guidance.  When others question you, you say it's God's will.  But is it?  Is it His will, or yours?

Have you ever done something you told people was "God's will" and it ended in complete, utter disaster?

This past week, Matt and I were both presented with huge opportunities.  They both have the potential to be life changing.  But now we are stuck.  Do we want to do these opportunities for our own edification or will they bring glory to God?  Are these opportunities His will.... or ours?

When I make decisions, I want to do so with faith.  I want to say, "I will walk this road, whether it is straight or jagged, downhill or uphill, in rain or shine, in light or darkness ... I will walk this road if you walk with me." I want to make faith based decisions.

However, what I often feel like I make fear based decisions.  "I can't do that.  Who will care for the kids?" "I'm not sure that is the best decision ... it might cause financial strain.  It might make us change our schedule.  We might have to give up some time or a luxury."  Fear. Fear. Fear.  Does fear keep me from doing God's will?

When I share situations like this to others, I'm often "comforted" by quips about God's will.  I believe God has a will for me but please, don't throw it about so carelessly lest I construe God's will to be the easy path when the path of least resistance wasn't the one Moses took. Or Joshua.  Or Esther.  Or Paul.

Or Jesus.

Do you see what I'm saying?  Sometimes God's will isn't the one that's easy or that has all the "signs" pointing in the right direction.  Sometimes God's will is the hard path with resistance and obstacles and pain and sacrifice. In Matthew 7:13-14 Jesus said, "But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it."

How do we find the will of God? Does it just fall into our laps in the form of "signs"?  Or do we have to seek it.  Through prayer.  Through digging in the word?  Through waiting patiently (and not so patiently) through difficult and stressful situation? Through being still and listening?

God had a will and a plan for my life but am I missing it?

Am I missing it because I'm too busy looking for "signs" than praying?
Because I'm too busy seeking advice and commentary from friends than reading His word?

Or perhaps I'm missing it because what I really want is my will, wrapped in the verbal cloak of His will.  I want the wide open gate.  The easy path.  The one He says ends in destruction.

I would rather rely on my intuition, the advice of family and friends, my circumstances that to seek His way. The gate is too narrow for my pride. But if I humble myself, if I follow Him, I will find life.

What I think about God's will is that He has one for my life.  But it isn't easily seen.  It doesn't always match my will.  It is life-giving ... if I'll take courage to walk that narrow path through the small gate.

Pray for Matt and I this week as we make some pretty big decisions.  Please pray that we would make faith-based decisions.

Thank you Shell at Things I Can't Say for hosting a platform where I can Pour My Heart out and tell you What I  Think!

Days of Play: The BEST Easter Eggs EVER!

I've gushed about how much I LOVE Our Best Bites a time or two (or nine million--whatever).

Anyhow, I saw these eggs last year and didn't make them but you can bet your sweet biscuits I'm making them this year!

Source: Our Best Bites

Um ya, aren't those the most B.E.A.utiful eggs ever?  They look floral and tie-dyed.  I mean you'd never guess they were totally made from these--but they are!

Source: Our Best Bites

If you are uber impressed by these amazing eggs I encourage you to make some.  Today.

Here's what you'll need to pull off the best looking Easter Eggs in your neighborhood!
-Raw Eggs
-Glass or enamel pot (but pretty much any non-aluminum pot will be fine)
-Silk ties, blouses, or boxers, cut into pieces large enough to cover an egg
-An old white sheet, or pillowcase, or tablecloth, or random fabric, cut into pieces to cover silk-wrapped eggs
-Twist ties or string
-4 tablespoons of white vinegar
-Warm water
-Vegetable oil
-Paper towels
-Tongs or spoon

Oh, and you'll need the directions so head to Our Best Bites Silk Dyed Easter Eggs and get those! 


Enjoy! 


By the way, if you make a rockin' Easter Egg, be a dear and send me a photo so I can totally brag about your awesomeness on my blog!

What My Dishwasher Taught Me

My house is new(ish).

My appliances are new(ish).

But the epoxy that holds my appliances in place didn't stick so my dishwasher has been falling out of place for nearly a year and a half.  And when I say, "falling out," I mean leaning forward a couple of inches when the door is open. Of course this makes the top and bottom racks fall out.  For some reason this is a huge inconvenience.

The door of the dishwasher drives me crazy.  Huffy crazy.  Eye-rolling crazy.  Explicative crazy.

Silly isn't it?

I mean, my best friend of a decade hasn't had a dishwasher since I've known her.  And I have one that cleans and I complain that it falls forward a bit.

She spends time literally washing dishes; I think it is the worst chore in the world to put away the dishes that my machine cleans.

In ten years, my best friend hasn't lamented to me once about having to wash dishes.  I don't think I've gone a week without reminding Matt how awful my dishwasher is.

Six weeks ago I asked my dad or Matt to fix my dishwasher; they didn't.

Calm asking turned to critical hinting.

Hinting turned to nagging.

Nagging turned into a full-blown adult meltdown over the top dishwasher rack falling out when I was trying to put a fork into the dishwasher.

Meltdown=Matt rushed to fix the dishwasher.

Sad to say, I felt justified in my anger toward Matt for not fixing my dishwasher.  I mean, hadn't I waited long enough?  Hadn't enough time past?  If he couldn't remember, then surely my nagging would help.

While Matt fixed my dishwasher, I sat down with One Thousands Gifts and started reading.  Two pages into my chapter, Ann Voskamp says this, "long I am woman who speaks but one language, the language of the fall--discontentment and self-condemnation, the critical eye and the never satisfied."

I tried to read right past it but that quotation just pierced me. 

That was me.

Surrounded on every side with every luxury; so use to my comfort that any inconvenience, any disruption, sent me into a tail spin.

My lips trembled in the way that only on-coming tears could foster.

How could I be so ungrateful when I have so much?

I kept reading.  I ignored the tears.  And the shame.  And my husband fixing my dishwasher.

And Ann got me one more time at the end by stating, "life change comes when we receive life with thanks and ask for nothing to change."

I'll be a work in progress ... I'll always be a work in progress.  But I'm starting to see how wonderful this life really is.  And if I keep looking, I have a feeling, I won't ask for better dishwashers or new cars, or new this or new that.

I'll just be content ... grateful, even.

Daniel Fast Menu {Week 3}

We made it through our final week of the Daniel Fast!  YAY!  Tomorrow we begin eating normally again.  I kinda can't wait to down a bowl of ice cream with chocolate syrup!

Here's what we ate the last week.

Monday
Breakfast: Hot oat meal with natural apple sauce, apple chunks, cinnamon, and cloves
Snack: rice cakes with peanut butter and bananas
Lunch: hummus, flatbread, and veggies
Snack: raisins
Dinner: Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato soup with salad and flatbread

Tuesday
Breakfast: Coconut, banana, and mango smoothies
Snack: apple slices
Lunch: peanut butter and apple butter rice cakes, veggies, and a banana
Snack: trail mix
Dinner: Spinach pesto over pasta with salad, flatbread, and garlic herb dipping oil

Wednesday
Breakfast: oatbran with strawberries and bananas
Snack: orange
Lunch: Greek Salad
Snack: Peanut butter stuffed apples
Dinner: White chili with wild rice

Thursday
Breakfast: Breakfast potatoes and fruit
Snack: orange
Lunch: Temphe tacos
Snack: ants on a log
Dinner: Pan grilled portabella mushrooms with mixed greens

Friday
Breakfast: Peanut butter and banana smoothie
Snack: hummus and carrots
Lunch: black bean nachos
Snack: banana
Dinner: Fettuccine Alfonso with mushroom-black olive salad

Saturday:
Breakfast: Breakfast potatoes
Snack: apple
Lunch: hummus and veggie wraps
Snack: rice cake with apple butter
Dinner: Black bean, brown rice, and asparagus enchiladas with guacamole

Sunday
Breakfast: Mixed berry smoothie
Snack: peanut butter and banana rice cake
Lunch: baked potato and salsa
Snack: organic corn chips and salsa
Dinner: Spaghetti squash with marinara, salad and flat bread

Date Night {IN}--NYSDM--Back to the Future

For this addition of Not Your Standard Dinner and a Movie, go on a trip Back to the Future.  Eat dinner, rummage through the past, make plans for the future, and snuggle in for a little space travel with Doc!

Source

 What you'll need:

• Back to the Future (any or all)
• Movie time snacks: soda, popcorn, M&Ms, Hot Tamales
• Favorite foods from your childhood (pizza, hot dogs, etc.)
• Paper and pencils
• Photo albulms
• Blankets/pillows
• Dress in 80s outfits if you really want to make it fun and thematic!

Before your date, call your mother-in-law and find out what foods your husband loved as a kid (if you don't know already).  Make those special delicacies for dinner (can you say Mac-n-cheese?).

Source

Now, break out old photos.  Share pictures and memories.  Laugh at his crazy antics and your big teeth; his mom's whacked out hairdo and your mom's questionable fashion sense.

You can learn to make this here

Next, each of you get out a piece of paper and write down 20 things that your spouse probably doesn't know about your past (even if you've been married for fifteen  years).  How about that time you peed your pants?

Free from here

After that, flip the paper over and make a list of 5 things you'd like to accomplish together in the next year.

And now the grand finale!  Get your snacks and drinks and get your 80s movie groove on!

You can buy this gift basket here!

Far out!

Things I Love: Spring Wreath {the wreath obsession continues}

Okay, I found a blog called Paisley and Polka Dots and all I can say is, you can't go wrong with a blog named that!

I did some serious digging and found a tutorial to make this:

Source Paisley and Polka Dots

"Is that the cutest spring wreath ever?"  you ask?

"Why yes, yes it is." I reply.

Want to make it?  You CAN!

I'm not going to lie, this craft takes some time but it's so cute it's worth it.  Plus, you can pull fabric flowers off the wreath as needed to give a simple shirt an quick re-fab.

Want to know how to make fabric flowers?  Click here.

Want directions to make this cutey patootey wreath?  Here you go!

Source Paisley and Polka Dots

What I Think About--Being Alone

You'd probably never guess this but I'm an introvert.

People are always surprised when I identify with this group because I'm so quirky and outgoing.

So often introverts are painted with brush strokes that leave them nailed to the wall as people too afraid to talk, even if they wanted to.

Obviously that is not me.

I love people.  I love to be around people. But being around people comes at a huge cost for me--namely that it is draining (in a good way, but still).

Sometimes I want to run away from it all.  I don't want another hug or phone call.  I want to log off Facebook and turn off the phone.

I.       Want.      To.        Be.       Alone.

Alone-alone.

Not alone with my family but alone with me.

Because I learned a long time ago that when I don't have serious alone time, I get edgy(ier).  I stop being able to do the things I really like to do, like write, because my focus is all off.  I start to pull away from the ones I love--I can't give them the best of me when I feel like I've lost the best of me.

It's be a long time since I've really been alone.  I mean, I always dive into my hot shower and stay put for a half hour just to recollect myself but I feel like  I need something more.

Like a whole day where I'm not connected to social networks.  A whole day where time is NOT of the essence.  A day where I can sleep in (or not), watch cheesey movies (or not), listen to my music or sit in silence.  A day to stop, stand still, listen, and refresh.

I need to be alone.

Because when I've been alone, I really look forward to seeing the people I miss.  I'm filled to the brim with energy and I'm ready to re-connect.

What I Think is that I need a peace retreat where I can be alone.

How about you?

Days of Play: Sweet Easter Eggs You Can Eat

I generally post my intentional play/family time activities on Saturdays.  However, I've had a couple of e-mails that I post good ideas but I don't give enough planning time.  Ergo, I will now post family days of play ideas on Tuesdays so you can have a few days to plan for some weekend quality time.

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You know what's better than Rice Krispies?

Making egg shaped Rice Krispies, decorating them, and then eating said eggs all in the name of quality family time!

Don't you just love me?

If you are game to make these:

Source

Go to the Rice Krispies official website (here) for the recipe.

Another option:
Make a batch of krispie treats as directed on the box.  When krispies are cool, cut out egg-shaped treats using an egg-shaped cookie cutter.  Use frosting, pastel m&ms, and sprinkles to jazz up your eggs!

Fun you can eat.  Mmmm!

Daniel Fast Menu {Week 2}

To read more about the Daniel Fast, click here.  To see Menu 1, click here. 

So here's what we ate on our second week of the Daniel Fast:

Monday
Breakfast: Oatbran with apples, raisins, and cinnamon
Snack: apple
Lunch: hummus wraps on homemade wheat tortillas, and veggies
Snack: ants on a log
Dinner: grilled Garlic and herb portabella mushrooms in balsamic reduction sauce, sweet potato fries

Balsamic Reduction Sauce:
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 c. vegetable broth
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

Put everything in a sauce pan.  Heat and whisk.  Boil until slightly reduced.

Tuesday
Breakfast: Triple berry smoothie with silken tofu (add half package for extra protein)
Snack: banana
Lunch: black bean dip, corn chips, carrots
Snack: green pepper strips
Dinner: flatbread pizza and salad with oil and vinegar

Wednesday
Breakfast: Shredded wheat with soy milk and bananas
Snack: rice cake and apple butter
Lunch: flatbread, garlic and roasted red pepper hummus, veggies
Snack: corn chips
Dinner: Butternut squash pasta (omit half-n-half) and salad

Thursday
Breakfast: Oat bran with bananas
Snack: apple sauce
Lunch: Black bean and veggie wraps
Dinner: Taco Soup with corn chips

Friday
Breakfast: Snickerdoodle smoothie
Snack: peanut butter and banana rice cake
Lunch: flatbread, lemon and rosemary hummus, veggies
Snack: apple
Dinner: Bean and rice burritos (use with homemade whole wheat tortillas) with homemade pico de gallo

Saturday
Breakfast: Oatbran with strawberries and bananas
Snack: carrots and hummus
Lunch: Peanut butter and banana rice cakes
Snack: orange
Dinner: Tomato spinach-basil soup with artichoke dip and flatbread
(For soup, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and either omit milk OR use soy milk)

Sunday
Breakfast: Shredded wheat with soy milk and bananas
Snack: ants on a log
Lunch: black and white chili
Snack: apple
Dinner: Sneaky Spaghetti and salad

I'm also linking up with Skinny Sunday at Frontier Kitchen and sharing my workout routine.  Please know that I'm doing this fast for spiritual results--not physical.  However, I must say that I have an incredible amount of energy and my skin looks great!

Monday/Thursday--30 minutes on Elliptical, Elise Gulan's Straight to the core, 20 push-ups
Tuesday/Friday--P90X Cardio
Wednesday--work, class, life group .... I think I'll just rest ;)
Saturday--P90X arms
Sunday--P90X ab ripper