Of snacktimes, butter balls, & Kung Fu...

As I mentioned in my previous post, this past week our church had their VBS! Knowing that this crazy, attached, "health-nut" mama wouldn't put her baby girl into the nursery, just to go off and teach other people's kids... I was assigned as one of the assistants in the 2, 3, 4, & 5 year old class - in which they allowed KB to participate, even though she won't be two for another two weeks. So I stuck her in the Ergo, during times we were walking to and from, or during times I needed her to sit still... and off we went.

In our class alone, we averaged about 30 kids each night (give or take)... and it was crazy, energetic fun!! We had songs, games, stories, puppets, crafts, and (the source of frustration)... a snack. Now, someone please explain the logic behind feeding a bunch of pre-k aged children a sugar-laden snack (cookies), and then be bewildered at why they won't still and listen... getting frustrated with them when you have no control, because they don't/can't?!? I just don't get it. And while I appreciate the drink of choice not being Kool-aid, like they gave the older kids - although merely out of mess-control, not health reasons (arg) - Cookies? Really? And not just one... but two or three? Again, I just don't get it.

So what was this conscious mommy's alternative? Nut butter balls! OMW, these are SO good... and believe it or not, pretty good for you! The combination of nut butter & the cocoa powder - yeah, these could definitely be addicting!

Recipe:

• 2 1/2 cup Oats
• 1 cup nut butter (I used peanut butter, but would love to try almond butter next time)
  
• 1/2 cup flax seeds, ground (Though ours had way more, do to an overly zealous toddler "helping" - oh well - flax are SUPER good for you!!
  
• 1/2 cup agave nectar or honey (I did honey)
  
• 1/2 cup dried coconut (I did less, do to taste preferences & the already excess amount of flax)
  
• 2 T carob powder (I'll admit, I used cocoa powder - lol!)
  
  
• Optional: 1/8 cup dates or raisins, chopped. (used raisins, unchopped - personally that was too many for my liking.)
• Optional: 1/8 C Cacao nibs or carob chips.
  

Mix together until combined well... then dig in - rolling the batter into balls with your hands. (You may need to wash your hands after a few, as sticky hands make it very hard to roll them.) Refrigerate, and they are good to go. One butter ball makes an awesome, quick on-the-go snack!

- Made a TON of balls (like, 3-3½ doz?)!! -

Recipe & cookie pix courtesy of: Nature Moms Blog

VBS...

(courtesy of)

Over the last three days, our church held their annual VBS (vacation bible school). This years theme was "Kung Fu Christian" (total fun!)... and between of our 150 average attendees, their guests, and a flourishing bus ministry... we had 189 kids in attendance the first night.. and 16 saved!! The next two nights we averaged approx 200 in attendance.... and had 19 and 32 saved, accordingly. That makes a grand total (all three nights combined) of 66 children saved! It was awesome! So exciting to see how God is moving at Liberty Baptist! ~ Praise the Lord!!

Lunchtime prayers...

Heart warming moment of the day...

(courtesy of)

Today as lunch approached, I became busy working about the kitchen... therefore not sitting down upon putting the food on the table, and KB in her highchair - as I normally do. I finally came to a stopping point, went and sat down, and began eating. A couple minutes later, I see KB solemnly set the corn chip she was munching on, down on her plate. Confused as to what was the matter, I look up just in time to watch her bow her head, close her eyes, and start babbling ever so sincerly. However, it wasn't until she finished - with the sweetest little "a-men!" you've ever heard - did I realize what was going on. In our family, we always pray a blessing over our food before we eat. But due to KB sitting down first, and me having my brain in too many places at once... we started eating without giving thanks. I asked her, "KB, where you just praying for your lunch?" She slowly nodded. Then she reached for my hand (we always hold hands to pray) and once again, quietly bowed her head - waiting for me to begin. With a lump in my throat, and tears in my eyes, I joyfully prayed with her, thanking the Lord for our food, the day... and for KB remembering what makes Jesus happy! :-) My heart is overwhelmed with love, joy, & gratefulness... for this generous, compassionate, and tender-hearted little girl with whom the Lord has blessed us. ~ I love my baby girl... ♥

FREE: Orchestral Hymn CD!!!

This offer was supposed to end today - but has been extended until the 31st!

I'm so excited about this offer! Greg Howlett, a Christian music arranger, is offering up to 10 free downloads from his brand-new CD, Portraits of Hope. I am listening to my copy right now... it's awesome! I think you'll very much enjoy these piano and orchestral arrangements of well-loved hymns.

Go here for download information.

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You can also get another CD download (Traditional Quartet Harmony with Piano) for FREE at the same website. http://www.greghowlett.com/daybreakdownload.aspx. I just downloaded this one, but have not listened to it, yet. But IMO, quartet hymns are always nice to listen to... :)

This offer does expire today.

Home Sweet... Chick-fil-A???

We drove up to Chick-fil-A last night (as we do every Tuesday night - family tradition) and KB exclaims,

"I'm Hooommme!!"

(laughing) We ask: "You're home, KB?"

To which she answers (oh so very matter-of-factly), "Mmhm!"


LoL - what are we going to do with that crazy girl... ?

---

The picture above is the last two years, in July, right before "Cow Appreciation Day".
On the left is last year (11mos old) and the right is this year (23mod old)...

Note from KB's Mommy and Daddy…

Note from Mom and Dad…
We appreciate your time & thoughtfulness of choosing a gift. Our desire for observing this day, is to celebrate KB's life and all the love & joy she has brought to our family, as well as all those who have met her.

Therefore, please help us to balance the wants with the needs and present them with what will help her to grow in the way we want her to go. Let's bring in toys that are responsible – even in this small way our monies will shape their future, both in where the money goes and what it brings home to them.

When it comes to gifts, please keep in mind "less is more". A few quality items that will last are a much nicer way to go. Also, the more simple the toy, the more the imagination is used – and the more use the toy will get! Here are some ideas:

Activities/items she enjoys:

• Bubbles
• Balls
• Ballons
• Water
• Being outside
  
• Animals (esp kitties - no real ones, please... mommy's allergic!!)
• Coloring/drawing
  
• Building/stacking/Nesting
• Helping mommy in the kitchen
• Playing mommy to her baby dolls
  

Things we love:

• Things made of natural materials (wood, cotton, silk, wool)
  
• Toys that use the imagination rather than toys that use batteries.
• Waldorf or Montessori style toys – toys that are real things (musical instruments, gardening tools, art supplies) or that encourage creative play (household related items, wooden play food/dishes, cloth baby doll, wooden blocks and cars), etc.
  
• Books!! (or bookstore gift certificates!)
  
• Magazines like “Ladybug”, “Wild Animal Baby” or “Little Kids National Geographic”
• Things we can do as a family like: Annual passes to State Parks, Jungle Gardens, the Children's Garden, Selby Gardens, Mote Marine, etc
• Hand-made things (if you aren't crafty, www.Etsy.com is a wonderful place to purchase everything for adults and kids.
• Clothing, sizes 2T & up (please note, we only wear dresses & skirts - so no shorts or pant sets please!)
  

Things we'd love to avoid, as much as possible:

• Toys made of synthetic materials such as plastic - and *especially* battery-operated ones!
• Items depicting cartoons/companies (ie - toys/clothes/books with cartoon/TV characters such as... Sesame Street, Dora, the Wiggles, Backyardigans, Carebears, Barbie, Bratz, etc.)
• Any edible items which contain dairy, sugar or wheat!

Some great places to shop:

• KB's Amazon Wishlist
  
  
• Natural toy sites, such as :
  www. rosiehippo.com, www.oompa.com, www.threesisterstoys.com,
  www.novanatural.com, www.willowtreetoys.com, http://www.moolka.com/
  
  
• Local Stores such as:
  Toy Lab, Funtoysia, [Baby & Kids at] Bennetts, and Learning Express all carry these types of toys.
  
  
• "Melissa & Doug" is a good toy brand that I've also seen locally - at bookstores and even Home Goods
• "Plan Toys" "Selecta" & "Haba" are also both excellent brands, and can be found in many online stores [atleast].
  
  
• Don't forget, buying USED saves money & prevents waste! www.Ebay.com, www.Craigslist.com, www.Amazon.com, & 2nd hand stores hold many treasures (locally, Pitter Patter & Snappy Turtle Consignment stores are awesome!) ...

We thank you for your understanding!
~KB's mommy & daddy <3

Our day....

This morning I woke up to the most amazing cool breeze blowing through! Apparently the storm during the night was enough to seriously cool things off (at least for a little while). Really nice, but also bizzare. Are you sure we're still in southwest Florida, in the middle of.... JULY?! At any rate, I am taking full advantage by having all my windows open, and enjoying the fresh air blow through - a welcome change to the normal constant air-conditioning going at this time of the year. Coupled with the glorious fresh smell of the neighbors' lawns being mowed... coffee brewing..... music being played... and little one is off coloring & exploring. It is truly a a beautiful morning!

Then, this afternoon, I needed a few more items for dinner... so KB and I walk the half-mile, to the grocery store. Now, I have walked this route several dozen times.... but never have I experienced such strange events as I did today. --- From the old guy who saw KB getting into the potatoes in the produce dept, and proposed I use candy to keep her hands busy (no thank you sir, she doesn't eat candy. No, I am not "lucky"... we have a no sugar policy in our home!)... to the old lady who stopped me to inquire about KB's stainless steal water bottle (she just read about them & the hazards of plastics, and wondered what they looked like - ::raised eyebrow:: okay.)... to the "good Samaritan" who stopped to offer us a ride (keep in mind, it's a busy road - not exactly a road one just randomly stops!) ...to the 3-4 passing cars that honked at me + 1-2 guys that holleredout of their car windows at me. -- Not a normal occurrence.... esp et alone, for me!! What makes it esp hilarious though, is my appearence. I quickly threw on a t shirt & denim skirt as I was running out the door... my hair is a mess... and at the time, I was slowly pushing a stroller containing a hot & tired toddler (My Ergo was in the truck, at work, with my husband... grr.) and a *bunch* of groceries ... not exactly what I'd call a hot & glamorous sight. LoL (okay so I was hot... but more in the sweating, working out sense)... aye yi yi! ~ Never a dull moment!

With that, I am off to start dinner! :-)

Last night, Pastor Dan was preaching about Discouragement... and how it can affect our attitudes, relationships, responses to things, etc. In his outline, he highlighted this passage, and for some reason really grabbed my attention...

Proverbs 16:⁷

When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him

Not that I have had or do have a whole lot of enemies... but to have that kind peace & walk with the Lord... wowzers! What a testimony to strive for!

ASL update...

Since it's been a while since I've mentioned our exciting journey of teaching KB to sign.... I figured we were do for an update. - Yup! We're still at it! :-) I was really starting to wonder what was going to happen with her signs, now that she is starting to talk more.... But even though her vocabulary is expanding tremendously, becoming more understandable by the day... I am glad to report her signs are not being forgotten! She interchangeably goes between signing and speaking - depending on the word, and which format she knows better - and often will be seen using both at the same time! ~ It's adorable! (and impressive, I've been told! ;-)

Words she consistently signs now, are : ball, hat, please, thank you, up, down, potty, all done, more, hot, eat, drink, water, milk, book, sleep, again, sorry, I love you...

And her new ones: cat, work and rain...

Signs she understands, but doesn't use herself (ie, I use them to communicate with her) are: eyes, come, no, stop, sit, quiet, bath, careful, gentle, diaper, change, hungry, hurt, understand, pray, cup & various food words...

And words we are currently working on (though we are always adding to this list) are: dog, fish, baby, juice, dolphin, music, share, doll, cereal, yogurt, & cold.

ASL PRO still continues to be what's probably my favorite resources for signs... but I have also been enjoying this new one I've discovered - created by a mom/ASL teacher, and made specifically for teaching babies/children - My Smart Hands!

rain is made of... water!?

KB LOVES water... swimming, baths (she constantly asks for them), the hose, anything to do with water - esp if it means her getting wet. :-) Recently she even discovered how to turn on the kitchen faucet.... and is often found trying to push a chair across the room, just so she can play in the water. LoL.

Another part of her water-loving... is an obsession with rain. Whenever she hears it begin (which is almost daily, lately) she'll run to me exclaiming "Yane!" and fervently begin signing rain. ~ Her favorite is when - if it's not thundering/lightening)- I let her go out and play in it.... talk about the simple pleasures. <3 style="text-align: justify;">So, last night, as we were driving in the car, we came into some really hard rain... and KB naturally yells out "Yane, Yane!" I say, "Yes KB, it's raining... do you like the rain?" to which she responds, "mmmhmmm" There was a few moment of thoughtful silence, before I hear her little voice say, "Mama?" ~ "Yes KB?" ~ and she goes. "Yane......" ~ 'Yes KB, it's raining!" ~ "Mommy, yane... wat-tooo.... yane, wat-too..." ~ "yes, KB... the rain is made of water! Very good!" She was so adorably excited to make the connection - two of her favorite things, are in reality actually one in the same! - she then had to proclaim a few dozen more times: "Yane, wat-too... wat-too, yane..." ~~ It was too cute! ;)

Lentil Rice Casserole

This easy, healthy & delicious dish has become a family favorite... and always seems to disappear quickly, any time it is served. -- It could also be easily converted into a vegetarian dish, if wanted! Enjoy!!

Ingredients

• 6 cups Broth (I use Chicken broth, or water w/ bouillon)
• 1 1/2 cups Lentils
• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 cup chopped Onion (alternative: 1/2 cup of dried minced onion)
• 1 teaspoon of salt (omit if using a salted broth, or the bouillon method)
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder (though I always add more!!)
  
• Grated/chopped (or frozen) vegetables of your choice (optional)
  I've used zucchini, carrots, peas, corn, broccoli, squash, etc...
• Approx 2 cups Cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 300-325 degrees F (150 degrees C).
2. Mix first eight ingredients together in a 9x13 pan
3. Cover & Bake for 2 - 21/2 hours
   
4. During the last 45 minutes of bake time, stir in your grated veggies
5. During the last few minutes, top with cheese, if desired

Potato Leek Soup

The first time I made soup was about six months ago. Someone gave us some leeks, and having never cooked with such a vegetable... I naturally turned to one of my favorite recipe websites, AllRecipes, for help. Since then I have made it a handful of times.... as it's become one of my husband's favorites. -- Actually, he once even compared it to a soup he likes at Olive Garden. LoL! But while I wouldn't go quite that far.... it is a delightfully creamy & deliciously filling soup!

Ingredients

• ½ cup Butter (I half it, as the full amount makes it too greasy IMO)
• 2 Leeks, sliced
  
• Salt & Pepper, to taste
  
• 1 Quart (4cups) chicken broth (I imagine you could sub vegetable broth, to make it vegetarian)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or flour, arrowroot powder or thickener of choice)
• 4 cups Yukon Gold Potatoes, pealed & diced (though I use/prefer red potatoes .Also, I hardly ever measure out 4cups... I usually end up using more.

• 2 cups cream (If I don't have cream, I have been known to use raw milk, or half/half... or mix sour cream or yogurt with some water)
• onion powder
• Garlic (fresh or granulated) 

Optional Additions:  

•  Kale 

•  Ground beef or Sausage 

Instructions:

1. In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Cook leeks in butter with salt & pepper until tender - stirring frequently (about 15 mins).
3. Stir cornstarch (or your choice of thickener) into broth
   
   
   
   
   
4. Pour broth/thickener mixture into pot
5. Add potatoes 
6. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder & garlic
7. Bring to a boil
   
   
   
   
   
   
8. Pour in cream
9. Reduce heat & simmer at least 30 mins - until potatoes are tender
10. If you wish to add kale, add about 20 mins into simmering.
11. Add (pre-cooked) Ground beef or Sausage!
12. Season with salt & pepper - Serve!

Sometimes I will even run the hand blender through it before serving it up, to make a smoother soup....

Leadership

A thought that was shared, and really resounded within me, recently....

"Leadership is not telling someone what to do... but the ability to affect human behavior so as to accomplish a mission, goal, or desire" ~JM