Time...

I carried my 5 year old daughter to bed after she fell asleep on the couch. I noticed how I had to turn myself to get through the door so that I would not bonk her head or feet on the door frame.

I came out and said to my husband, when did we start having to twist and turn our bodies to get into their rooms with them in our arms?

I get sad when I think how fast my children are growing. How fast time is flying by! How important it is to make the best of every day!

Nothing can make time stand still. However, memories can make time go by a little easier.

Delicious- Croc Pot!

I am not sure the name of this recipe (it was given to my by a friend), however I modified it a bit and I call it:

Delicious

by Jen Genovese

You will need:

• Your Croc Pot
• Spaghetti Sauce ( I use 3 jars of Ragu's Sauteed Onion and Garlic)
• Sausage ( 3 or 4 -I use mild sausage links about the size of a large hotdog)
• Zucchini (1 large or 2 small)
• 1 Green Pepper
• 1 Red Pepper
• 1 Onion
• Mashed Potatoes or Pasta

Cut up all ingredients mix in spaghetti sauce put in Croc Pot on low for 4-5 hours.

Serve over mashed potatoes or pasta!

The taste is a combination of stuffed peppers and zucchini parmasean! It is very good! I am looking forward to making this when the weather turns chilly!

Matters of the Heart: My Grace is sufficient for you...

Matters of the Heart: My Grace is sufficient for you...: "I am having a rough day today. I cannot seem to get caught up with anything. Well, that’s not exactly true. I woke up this morning feeling ..."

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A 10 Manifest for Joyful Mothering: A Mothers Day Gift

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Some Lessons Teach the Teacher

The little girl walked up to me. Mommy, I accidentally wrote in the book.

Well, Abigail, what does that mean?

She hangs her head, A spanking.

Yes, what book did you write in?

The Apple Strudel Soldier.

A library book.

Why did you write in The Apple Strudel Soldier?

I thought it was a coloring book.

I could tell she was searching for a reason that sounded acceptable. A coloring book is an appropriate place to write. Things were getting out of hand, I had to tackle the “accident” and the writing and if we continued this line of questioning I am sure we would get into lying and other subjects this Monday morning mother wasn't prepared for.

We were sitting face to face--she on the couch, I on the ottoman. She was worrying over the consequences. I wanted to address the disobedience and “tweaking” of the truth.

Abigail, you knew this wasn't a coloring book. It is your favorite library book. We will have to tell Miss Diane when we take it back.

Do I have to have a spanking? She asked tearfully.

Yes, Honey, you have to have a spanking. You know you are not allowed to write in books.

A quiet voice--Ask to see what she wrote.

Abigail, show me where you wrote.

She opened the book to the title page and pointed to a pen mark not a centimeter in length. Eyelashes are longer. The frayed edges of this old book are longer.

Oh, Abby. I can't spank you for this.

Relief covers her face. There will be no spanking.

Mommy, I'm sorry I wrote in the book.

Oh, Sweetheart, I forgive you. I am sorry I scared you, that I was going to spank you without cause. Will you forgive me?

Yes. She replies.

Mommy, I'm sorry I wrote in the book. Will we need to tell Miss Diane?

No, Honey, we won't.

Her eyes give it away. Her body tense beside me gives it away. She isn't convinced. Not of the forgiveness. Not of the love. Not of the relationship damaged in disobedience, but repaired in forgiveness.

To read more please visit A Lettered Legacy.

Reality Moment

I had a reality moment today. *tear*

I took Brenna to school today, as usual.
We were listening to Veggie Tales on the way, as usual.
We get to the school and I help her out of the car, as usual.
We walk on the sidewalk together side by side. Wait. She doesn't reach for my outstretched hand. Not usual.
We get to the door of the school to see her two little friends arrive at the same time. Sophia & Summer.
Her smiles are for them not for me. Not usual.
I walk her in the building, kiss her goodbye. She is looking at them the entire time. She didn't look up at me once with those little eyes I love so much. Not usual.
I had to hold back my tears as I left the school, as usual.
This time they were new tears. Tears at the realization that very soon Brenna will no longer need me in the ways I am use to her needing me.
You know that part of you that you didn't have until you had kids?! I can almost feel that part of me starting to walk around inside looking for something to do.
I don't think I like that very much. Nope, not at all.
However, I can't help but feel a tiny bit proud of the amazing human beings that God has blessed me with and I think, perhaps with His help I will be able to bare it...perhaps.
*tear, tear, tear*

Prayer

Dear Lord, I am asking for wisdom today to know how to best raise my kids. Help me to know when to discipline and when to give grace. Help me sense Your nearness so I don't feel so alone and overwhelmed with this task of being a mom. In Jesus' Name, Amen.