Chalk and Shadows

I am embarking on a Project 365 with some wonderful ladies through Blissfully Domestic. Since my favorite subject is Ladybug (2.25 yrs), I want to use this challenge to move beyond pictures of my adorable daughter. I want to chronicle our days as well.

I didn't submit this picture for BD 365, but it's a great picture and worth sharing! I don't any explanation is needed.

Wordful Wednesday at 7 Clown Circus
Wordless Wednesday HQ
5 Minutes for Mom
Mostly Wordless Wednesday at Ordinary and Awesome

For Such a Time as This

Have you ever experienced a "coincidence" that was just too big to consider plain old luck? I really don't believe in coincidence. I like to call them "God-incidences." God does so much work behind the scenes that He rarely gets credit for what we usually call coincidences. But He is at work, whether we realize it or not.

We need to train ourselves to be more aware of God working in and around us. It takes practice, but it is so worth it when we begin to see how God orchestrates circumstances large and small.

I am not saying that God controls human beings, because I don't believe that. God gave us free will so that we can make our choices. So I don't believe that God manipulates people. But I do believe that he manipulates circumstances.

For example:

I am currently studying the book of Romans with a group at church. And because my daily schedule is a bit unpredictable (read: my child gets up too early for me to always catch some quiet time first thing in the morning), I try to catch up on my readings whenever I have the chance. One such chance was while I was waiting at the chiropractor's office last week.

I had my Bible out when I was called back, and my chiropractor asked what I was reading. He's a Christian and knows that Hubby and I are Christians and that we are active in ministry. We got to talking and amazingly the conversation turned to the exact topic that I had just been reading about in Romans. The exact topic.

I was able to share with him what I had read just a few minutes before. It was an amazing God-incidence! Had I been "caught up" in my readings and not taken my Bible with me, would I have remembered the Scripture reference and been able to share and encourage him? I doubt it.

You never know how God will show up in the circumstances of your life and of the lives around you. Just like Esther never would have guessed that she would be a queen and would be able to save her people from destruction in a foreign land. For such a time as this (Esther 4:14). Who knows? God does!

Swirling Thoughts & Bullet Points

So much swirling in my head, it's difficult to make thoughts stand still long enough for me to have coherent thoughts. (Did that sentence even make any sense?) I'll give you bullet points.

* trying to keep up with housework, cooking, laundry, toys everywhere, etc. wears me out. Seriously.

* we had an extra busy week as my car was in the shop for four days and I ran taxi service for Hubby so I could have a car. Spent enough time in the car that my chiropractor could tell!

* got word on Thursday that my friend Lori doesn't have much time left with us. Please pray for her family. My new saying: Cancer sucks. It really does.

* I want to plan a girlfriend's night out, but so many of my girlfriend now Lori too. So I feel guilty planning time out. Is that wrong or just weird?

* Ladybug had a much better week at Mom's Morning Out. Thankfully it was just a transition time for her. She's back to being the happy girl that we all love.

* I need more balance. I'm not good at juggling. Either I need to learn to juggle or allow myself to let some things go.

* as always, if you want to know what's going on with me on a daily basis, follow me on Twitter (or just check in on me, you don't have to sign up if you don't want to, but why wouldn't you want to?).

* we're enjoying family time this weekend and it's good.

Who Needs Toys?

When you have an empty storage box?

Wordful Wednesday at 7 Clown Circus
Wordless Wednesday HQ
5 Minutes for Mom

Top Ten Pantry Staples

I love to cook and bake. And I have a recipe blog. (Although I don't update that on a regular basis.) And I'm short on time, so I am borrowing an idea I saw a week or so ago on another Top Ten list. Here are the top ten pantry staples that I have on hand all the time.


1. Onions - face it, onions make everything (except sweets!) taste better

2. Carrots - an inexpensive vegetable that I keep cut up in the fridge at all times (I don't buy the baby carrots anymore since I learned that they are dipped in bleach to help them keep their bright orange color)

3. Flour - all-purpose, whole wheat, and bread flours, I use them all! I haven't experimented with other flours yet as I haven't found a good source for them.

4. Raisins - one of our favorite snacks. And I learned yesterday (by reading the label) that you're supposed to refrigerate raisins after you open them. I guess to preserve freshness, but we eat them almost every so they don't have time to go bad in our house!

5. Pasta of some sort - spaghetti, elbow macaroni, rotini, we definitely love our pasta!

6. Ragu traditional spaghetti sauce - I am loyal to Ragu because they don't have High Fructose Corn Syrup in the sauces. And I can doctor up the traditional sauce to fit whatever type of meal of making, I even use it as our pizza sauce.

7. Canned tomatoes - so many uses for canned tomatoes!

8. Old-fashioned oats - our usual breakfast is oatmeal, but I also use oats in a lot of baking

9. Unsweetened applesauce - I mix this with our oatmeal, but also use it in baking to sub out half of the oil or butter.

10. Yogurt - I have tried to make my own yogurt but it hasn't worked yet. I usually buy plain non-fat yogurt; I can use it in cooking or baking instead of sour cream, and I can add some honey and peanut butter for a yummy snack!


It was difficult to keep this list at just ten pantry items! I bake all of our bread and make sauces from scratch instead of using canned cream-0f soups (due to allergies).


For more Top Ten lists, don't forget to visit ohamanda.com.

Meeting Friends

One thing that I love about blogging is the friendships that I've made along the way. Today is my 2 year bloggiversary. I never expected that I would have so many people that I've met through blogging that I would consider friends. It has been such a blessing.

A bigger blessing is when I have the opportunity to "meet" my blogging friends in real life. I put "meet" in quotes, because I do feel that I already know them through our blogs and through Twitter.

Those who don't "get" social media, don't understand how the people in our computers can be real friends.

I have had the privilege in the past two years to meet a few of my bloggy friends face to face. Yesterday was one of those opportunities. One of my blogging/Twitter friends was in the area, and we met for coffee on Friday. The time was short due to an antsy toddler. But I'm so glad I had the chance to see Danyele in person while she was here. (I had to break out the sling to keep Ladybug wrangled in the bagel shop.)

Danyele is someone who has enriched my life, even though our first meeting was yesterday. She's a Christian, a wife who adores her husband, a mom who not only loves her kids, but loves ministering to youth (that is a true gift!). I have said on Twitter that I want to be like her when I grow up.

I'm so thankful for the friends that I have made through blogging! And I am thankful for the all-too-rare opportunity to see them face to face and to give them hugs.

Things I Love Thursday

Back when Hubby and I were DINKs (double income no kids), I used to enjoy
and maybe occasionally

When I was pregnant, even the thought of coffee made me nauseous. However, this past spring I realized that I needed caffeine to help me run after a busy toddler every day. So I re-started my coffee habit.

And because of a tight budget, I try to keep my coffee habit as frugal as it can be. Considering the cost of one fru-fru coffee can average $4-5, I no longer feel bad about having my

at home with a little (or a lot)

I did the math. Between Hubby and I, we drink a pot of coffee every day. With our favorite flavored creamer, it costs us $6 a week.

I love saving money. Something I love more, however, is saving money AND having my coffee. Visit TheDiaperDiaries.net to find out what other things people love.



*Disclaimer: I simply love my coffee and my coffee creamer. No one has asked me to blog about their products, given me any free samples, or financial compensation to talk about coffee. I talk about coffee because it is a vital part of my life. Thank you.

Entertaining a Toddler While in the Kitchen

This week, I discovered a fun way to keep the toddler engaged in an activity while I am busy in the kitchen. This is especially good if you have something simmering on the stove but does not need a lot of constant attention.

Ladybug (2.25 years old) is fascinated with the dryer balls that I bought recently. Maybe because of their funky texture. We discovered that they roll nicely across a tile floor. However, this will work with any small ball.

This activity helps your toddler with improving their attention span, with fine and gross motor skills, and it's fun! We played soccer in the kitchen! While I was keeping an eye on food on the stove, we kicked a ball back and forth. I am not an athlete of any sort, but I do remember a few things from high school P.E. Our game lasted at least twenty minutes.

The toddler was kept busy and out of trouble, the food did not get burned, and we had fun! That definitely works for me!

Photo Credit: stock.xchng

Ten Things that My Daughter Says

Here are ten things that Ladybug (2.25 years old) is currently saying that give me the giggles.


1. shwa-ight = flashlight

2. sa = yes

3. mo' foo' = more football (say her version out loud, but make sure the kids aren't around)

4. beeeg traaaauk = big truck

5. kwi = computer

6. faffe = giraffe

7. sik it = fix it

8. swoooooow = slow (said very slowly)

9. Mama, bas = Mama, bless you

10. We were playing outside one night after dinner. Usually Ladybug loves kicking, throwing or running with the football. But this night she was picking up sticks and acorns and what not. I asked her, "Are you going to play football or are you going to mess around?" Her answer: "Mess 'round." Hubby and I busted out laughing!


For more Tiny Talk Tuesday, visit Mary. For more Top Ten Tuesday, visit Amanda.

Thoughts on Patriotism

The calendar tells me that September 11th is Patriot Day. What is a Patriot? And why do we need a day to be reminded to be patriotic?

Dictionary.com says that a patriot is: a person who loves, supports, and defends his or her country and its interests with devotion.

As a Christian, my first devotion is to God. Because of this, sometimes I have difficulty understanding other Christians' fanatical patriotism. Yes, I love the United States, and I don't know that I would want to live any place else (permanently). And I am thankful for those are dedicated to maintaining our freedom through their service in the military or other areas of public service.

But I don't cry when I hear the National Anthem. And I don't cheer after it is sung or played. (I was taught that cheering after the National Anthem is rude. Seriously.) I don't fly flags at every patriotic holiday. And I do not own any patriotic, red, white, and blue clothing or accessories. I don't attend rallies or get involved in political discussions. I also do not believe that an American flag needs to be displayed in our church.

I show my devotion to our country in less tangible ways, I believe. The main way is praying. I pray for our country. Not that God would bless us, as a lot of others might. I pray that our country would turn toward God. Now, I know that the possibility of that becoming a reality is slim. Actually, I really think Jesus will return before that happens.

I pray that our elected officials would sincerely consider the welfare of our citizens before they make decisions. That they would set aside their personal agendas and do the most good for the most people.

I pray that our churches would set aside denominational differences and focus on our Common Denominator, Jesus Christ. There are hurting people in our country that have true physical and spiritual needs. I pray that serving our communities would be a larger priority than standing up for our particular beliefs on communion or baptism.

On days like today, I especially pray for those who are fighting to keep the United States a free, democratic nation. I pray for their safety and for their families.

I don't care whether you agree or not with the "War on Terror." I don't care whether you are a Republican or a Democratic. Patriotism is above all that. Patriotism in this country is about not only defending your rights, but defending the rights of your neighbor. I believe that patriotism is about respectful discourse about your passions, whether it be environmental concerns, health care reform, the economy, or your thoughts on our current President.

Passion is a very important part of patriotism, I believe. We all have our passions. And because we live in this free, democratic nation, we all have the right to express those passions. You have that right. And I have that right too.

Those are the thoughts that patriotism brings to my mind on this day, the 8th anniversary of 9/11. What are your thoughts on patriotism today?

Early Morning Ponderings

I woke up this morning with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Especially gratitude for my family. I don't think it is totally related to the fact that today is the 8th anniversary of 9/11. I think it also has a lot to do with the fact that it has been a tough week.

We have been battling colds, so sleep has been a precious commodity lately. Even if I get a good night's sleep, when I don't feel well, I crave sleep. We kept Ladybug home from Mom's Morning Out this week, since she was running a slight fever (99.8). So she and I were stuck at home for a few days. Thankfully the weather has been great and I've thrown the windows open to let the fresh air in.

It's been a tough week emotionally as well. It's difficult to take care of others when you don't feel well, so my temper was very short this week. And this continues to be a busy time for Hubby, with several 12+ hours days, which means I do most of the parenting on those days.

But as I lay in bed this morning before anyone else was stirring, I was so overcome with thankfulness that my family is together, with no major health concerns, with a roof over our heads and food on our table. There, as all three of us snuggled in our queen size bed together, I thanked God for my blessings.

How often do you count your blessings? Reminds me of that old hymn, Count Your Blessings written by Johnson Oatman Jr.

1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
   When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
   Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
   And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
   • Refrain:
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
     
2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
   Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
   Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
   And you will keep singing as the days go by.
3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
   Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
   Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
   Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
4. So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
   Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
   Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
   Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

What are your blessings? I encourage you today to overlook your trials and be thankful.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Top Ten Steelers

My brain isn't firing on all cylinders this morning, so I sent out a query to my Twitter friends for a topic for my Top Ten list today. There were lots of GREAT suggestions, some of which gave me a good laugh.

Since the National Football League officially kicks of the season this Thursday with my beloved Steelers playing the Tennessee Titans, I am listing my all-time favorite Steelers. This is just my opinion; I'm sure you have your faves too, so don't be hatin' if I leave someone off the list. These are in no particular order.

1. Big Ben Rothlisberger

2. Hines Ward

3. Jerome "The Bus" Bettis

4. Terry Bradshaw

5. Franco Harris

6. Lynn Swann

7. Santonio Holmes

8. Troy Polamalou

9. Rod Woodson

10. Mel Blount

Some of my earliest memories are of watching the Steelers when I was a kid. I do have clear memories of watching them beat the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl X (1976).

Are you a football fan? Which team do you follow, and who are your favorite players (past or present)?

For more Top Ten lists, visit Amanda.

Rest from your Labors

Then Jesus said, " Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light."
Matthew 11:28-30

Whether you realize it or not, you are looking for rest for your soul. Jesus offers that rest. He offers rest from the daily, unfulfilling grind. Do you constantly chase after the "next greatest thing," in hopes that it will make you happy? Jesus is the only One who can truly make you happy and release you from that rat race.

Happy Labor Day to everyone. If you truly want to rest from your labors, turn to Jesus. He offers a trade. You give your burdens to Him, and He will give you the rest for which you are looking.

Bible Verse Craft - E

We had a lot of fun with letter E. My nieces were here part of that week for Cousin Day Camp, so I came up with a few other activities that stayed with our letter.

First, for our letter. In addition to having Ladybug color the letter, I traced eggs for her to color. Then I cut them out and glued them on the background page. She loved gluing! It was another big step for me, knowing the possibility for messes. But she did great! She doesn't like getting the glue on her fingers, but she's fascinated that it can make two pieces of paper stick together

Our verse: Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Joel 2:32 (I believe Hubby was helping her finish this project, hence the extra E's at the bottom of the page.)
I didn't do a song for this week. I couldn't think of a fun song. Any suggestions?

Our other crafts: an Earth and an ElephantFor the Earth, we used coffee filters that had been flattened out. I drew boundary lines for the "continents" and directed Ladybug to use the blue and the green washable markers in the appropriate places. It's important to use washable markers for a craft like this. And the colors can be scribbled on. You don't have to be terribly precise.

Once the coffee filter is colored in, take a water bottle that has a mister on it and lightly mist the filter. You don't want to saturate the paper; you want just enough to make the colors start to run together. With older kids, you can let them mist the paper. Set the paper aside to dry. And you have a nifty looking Earth!

For our Elephant, I took directions from here. (Well, now I can't find the right link!)Little Mama (age 10) with her ElephantDrama Queen (age 8) with her Elephant
We had a lot of fun doing crafts together during Cousin Day Camp. They certainly kept me on my toes. I found that making a prototype of the craft ahead of time really helped the older girls to "get it" so they could be self-directed and I could focus on helping Ladybug.

(Note: We didn't do all these crafts in one day. The nieces were here several days that week, so we generally did one craft each day.)

Bible Verse Craft - D

The fun continues with letter D! We have moved up to markers! Up to this point, I have been working on allowing messes and letting go of my own perfectionism. I certainly don't need to pass those traits on to my child! So I am gradually letting go and letting Ladybug have more opportunity to create and be expressive. And if that means scrubbing marker off her hands (and other body parts!) and the underside of the counter, then I guess I'll do that.

Our verse: All who do what is right are God's children. 1 John 2:29

When we work on a new verse, I always try to stress the key word that relates to our letter of the week. It's so fun to hear Ladybug use the same intonation. "All who dooooooo...." She cracks me up!


Our song: Deep and Wide

Ladybug loves to sing this! It's our first song with motions, and we all know how toddlers like to get involved with their whole selves. She is just the cutest thing when we do this song together.

Top Ten Things I Love About Today

It's September 1st. And it is a very good day. For a lot of reasons, so I am sharing them with you!

1. Ladybug (2 years old) started back to Mom's Morning Out today. She will go Monday and Tuesday mornings.

2. I can sit with my laptop or a book and not be interrupted fifty times before I finish reading a complete sentence.

3. I can get caught up on writing and scheduling blog posts!

4. I know that kid-free time is not always me-time. In two weeks, my Tuesday morning Bible study begins, and on Mondays, I attend staff meeting at church. But for two Tuesdays in a row, I have some me-time!

5. I have a cup of coffee next to me in a pink travel mug. I love pink (as much as Amanda loves purple!).

6. I got to kiss my Hubby this morning. That always makes a great start to my day.

7. I started the day with some exercise, which unfortunately hasn't been too much of a priority lately. So I'm getting back on track and rode the exercise bike.

8. I know that Ladybug is having a great time with her teachers and her friends. And I know that she is in a safe place.

9. Although I know we will still have some warm weather, September means fall is just around the corner. I love fall.

10. And really this should be the #1 thing that I love about today, and every day: I am a blessed wife and mama. I have a husband who adores me, a child to dote on, family and friends who love me, and a Savior who died for me. Really, what else do I need?


For more Top Ten Tuesday lists, visit Amanda's wonderful bloggy home.