Brothers Divided

You Know You're a Mom When.....

............your centerpiece consists of Smencils.

(If you're not sure what a Smencil is, it is a colored pencil that is scented.)

So Thankful For My Family

Yesterday was Mother's Day. Although it is a day where we all celebrate Mom's, for me it's a time of thanksgiving. 

I'm reminded of all the faithful mother's that have gone before us all. Who spent much time in prayer, teaching their children, and caring for their children. I'm thankful for my mom and all she taught me. I'm thankful for my mother-in-law and how she raised her son.

Then I am also thankful that God made me a mom. There was a time in my life that I wasn't sure that was going to happen but God has blessed me with 4 beautiful children. I am so thankful for each one of them and each moment with them. I am thankful that God has called me to be their mom and has given me this great responsibility of teaching them, caring for them and loving them.

I know that I have already made and will make many more mistakes along the way but I am thankful for a God who has given His grace to me as a mom and walks along side me through all the challenges. I am also thankful for a godly husband that supports me and loves me as well.

My family knows that the 2 things I really want for Mother's Day is time with them and a bouquet of tulips. 

I got both.

Here is a picture of the gifts I received from each one of my kids. The joy they had in the days before giving me their gifts was absolutely priceless. They all found a secret hiding place so that I wouldn't find them and then woke up that morning so excited to give them to me.

Here is  close-up of Isaac's gift to me so that you can see what it says.

My heart overflows with thankfulness and joy at the great gift these children are to me.

Checking my Priorities

Sometimes my kitchen sink looks like this.

And sometimes it looks like this.

I'd share a picture of what it looks like without any dishes but it is a rare sight.

One thing I have to do every week is weigh my priorities and as you can see, dishes are low on the list OR just always on my list.

We are all busy and it's easy to say 'I don't have time.' But what don't you have time for?

Is it getting into God's word?

Spending time with your husband?

Teaching your children?

Helping others?

Building relationships?

As you make your 'to do' list remember to prioritize. Make sure that what is most important isn't crowded out by dishes that are always done, floors that are spotless, time on Facebook or Twitter, and watching your favorite TV show.

Beauty King

Mini Caramel Pull-Apart Rolls

If you love Monkey Bread like my family does, you will love this recipe. I found it in my 2011 Pillsbury Calendar. Monkey Bread is easy to make but this is even easier!

It gives everyone their own little serving of monkey bread.

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 cans (7.5 oz each) Pillsbury regrigerated biscuits

Directions

1) Grease or spray 12 regular-size muffin cups. Mix butter and brown sugar; spoon 1 tablespoon mixture into each muffin cup.

2) Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in 1-gallon bag. Separate dough into 20 biscuits; cut each in 6 pieces. Shake pieces in bag to coat. Place 10 pieces in each muffin cup.

3) Bake at 350F for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 1 minute; turn upside down. Serve warm.

My Gratitude Continues......535-549

Eucharist [thanksgiving] is the only full and real response of man to God's creation, redemption, and gift of heaven.

Alexander Schmemann

The Cross

The Resurrection

Death is swallowed up in victory! (I Corinthians 15:55)

New Dresses for Easter

Curls in the girls hair Easter morning

Weeds Picked

Flowering trees

Helping my kids spell words to write in their gratitude journals

Freshly cut grass

A filthy, dirty little boy after hours of playing outside

Cleaning the house, yard, and garage & getting rid of stuff

Van full of stuff to the thrift store

Garbage cans full of things cleaned out

Growing plants and some not growing so well

Seeing on a receipt that Brad use a coupon