Do you get the winter blues? How do you handle them? What cheers you up?
Many of my friends and I suffer from the winter blues. When the temperature hits the 10 degree and lower mark I feel trapped in my own home. With two little ones I try many things to get through our long Wisconsin winters. From movie days to baking bread my family and I rack our brains to make it through.
As I mentioned, one of my favorite things is to bake bread. My DD and I just love to make loaves of fresh bread together. For my birthday and Christmas a year ago my family bought me my first Kitchen Aid and the attachment to grind wheat. It's so fun to get it all set up and watch my DD and DS run into the kitchen to watch as tiny little berries of wheat turn into enough flour to make bread, cookies, and whatever else we can dream up.
In one of my previous posts I told you that we love the Little House series. My daughter will get dressed up in an old dress my mom remade for her and we put her hair in braids as she helps me measure the ingredients into the bowl. She always asks about what each ingredient is, (even when she already knows) and turns to explain to her younger brother who is just standing and watching what everyone is doing. Ya know, he actually looks like he is paying very close attention to the details she is explaining!
Well, after the bread rises and we've shaped it into loaves, rolls, or a special treat, ooey gooey bread, we stick it into the oven and the house begins to smell like a wonderful bakery! Of course the second the bread comes out of the oven, we burn our fingers as we crowd around to get a nice warm slice covered with butter and sometimes honey.
It feels so wonderful to have taken that time to make something from scratch that includes my family. I encourage you all to take a day and make something from scratch either for yourself or for the ones around you.
In his name,
Lisa
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Surrounded by Babylon
Oh God, who made the summer and warmed the earth with beauty,
Warm our hearts with gratitude and devotion to our duty,
For in this age of violence, rebellion, and defiance
We've forgotten the true meaning of dependable reliance-
We have lost our sense of duty and our sense of values, too,
And what was once unsanctioned, no longer is taboo,
Our standards have been lowered and we resist all discipline,
And our vision has been narrowed and blinded to all sin-
Oh, put the summer brightness in our closed, unseeing eyes
So in the careworn faces that we pass we'll recognize
The heartbreak and the loneliness, the trouble and despair
That a word of understanding would make easier to bear-
Oh God, look down on our cold hearts and warm them with Your love,
And grant us Your forgiveness which we're so unworthy of.
-Helen Steiner Rice
As I click on and off of Ebay or Craigslist looking for the best deal for the coolest new stuff I realize my deep seeded need for stuff. Our generation seems to have fallen prey to the 'gotta have it now' syndrome. At every turn we can make a million decisions. With a click of the mouse we can outfit our children, cars, home, and ourselves. Even as I write this I see the impatience of my kids as their favorite show is on and they want me to turn it on 'right now!' How did this happen?
My DD and I have been reading the "Little House" books. It's almost like another planet. To have a 'Ma' that makes everything in the house and a 'Pa' that is home every night to read stories and play a song on the fiddle to help all go to sleep. My favorite stories are the Christmas ones. The pure excitement and gratitude by all for a handmade pair of mittens, ONE peppermint stick, and maybe a button string. Can you imagine giving your child one piece of candy and it absolutely MAKING their Christmas? I know we've all become so commercial that it just wouldn't fly. What about a homemade Christmas? I have come up with every excuse in the book why I can't finish one project let alone all presents for an entire family.
Well, the end all be all is that we have become desensitized to many things. One of those is society versus what is right by God. So I challenge everyone to take a minute and think things through. Does my child or I need that one more toy? Should I expose myself to that show or is that one just not really what I should be watching? For a absolutely wonderful detailed look at what God says about integrity in a Babylon, I encourage all to check out Beth Moore's bible study on Daniel. I've just finished it and I can say that I've learned so much. I pray it is stuck tight in my heart and that you may all get an idea without condemnation about our 'gotta have it now' mentality!
In his name,
Lisa
Warm our hearts with gratitude and devotion to our duty,
For in this age of violence, rebellion, and defiance
We've forgotten the true meaning of dependable reliance-
We have lost our sense of duty and our sense of values, too,
And what was once unsanctioned, no longer is taboo,
Our standards have been lowered and we resist all discipline,
And our vision has been narrowed and blinded to all sin-
Oh, put the summer brightness in our closed, unseeing eyes
So in the careworn faces that we pass we'll recognize
The heartbreak and the loneliness, the trouble and despair
That a word of understanding would make easier to bear-
Oh God, look down on our cold hearts and warm them with Your love,
And grant us Your forgiveness which we're so unworthy of.
-Helen Steiner Rice
As I click on and off of Ebay or Craigslist looking for the best deal for the coolest new stuff I realize my deep seeded need for stuff. Our generation seems to have fallen prey to the 'gotta have it now' syndrome. At every turn we can make a million decisions. With a click of the mouse we can outfit our children, cars, home, and ourselves. Even as I write this I see the impatience of my kids as their favorite show is on and they want me to turn it on 'right now!' How did this happen?
My DD and I have been reading the "Little House" books. It's almost like another planet. To have a 'Ma' that makes everything in the house and a 'Pa' that is home every night to read stories and play a song on the fiddle to help all go to sleep. My favorite stories are the Christmas ones. The pure excitement and gratitude by all for a handmade pair of mittens, ONE peppermint stick, and maybe a button string. Can you imagine giving your child one piece of candy and it absolutely MAKING their Christmas? I know we've all become so commercial that it just wouldn't fly. What about a homemade Christmas? I have come up with every excuse in the book why I can't finish one project let alone all presents for an entire family.
Well, the end all be all is that we have become desensitized to many things. One of those is society versus what is right by God. So I challenge everyone to take a minute and think things through. Does my child or I need that one more toy? Should I expose myself to that show or is that one just not really what I should be watching? For a absolutely wonderful detailed look at what God says about integrity in a Babylon, I encourage all to check out Beth Moore's bible study on Daniel. I've just finished it and I can say that I've learned so much. I pray it is stuck tight in my heart and that you may all get an idea without condemnation about our 'gotta have it now' mentality!
In his name,
Lisa
Friday, February 19, 2010
TV time
The weekend is coming and I'm out of town so, thanks for reading but there will not be a post for Saturday or Sunday. Check back on Monday and I should have a new topic for all!
Good morning once again! It is sunshiny here and a nice warm 5 degrees! :-) Don't worry all of you, it'll warm up to 29 today!
So, one of my guilty pleasures is to have my DH make a big bowl of his famous popcorn, grab a box of raisettes from the dollar store, and watch hours upon hours of tv. But how much tv is really too much and which shows are ok and which are not? Boy, it's really a fine line isn't it? I know there are many out there that feel no tv is the best. I can see their point, especially with kids in the house. I'm of the mindset that with careful monitoring some tv is ok.
When it comes to my kids I'm very careful. PBS is a constant fixture in our house. However, we then get into the argument of certain shows teaching certain subjects. For that matter what about your favorite show doing a topic on something you don't want your kids to know about? Turn it off and risk the wrath of a tantrum? Or take the time to explain and deal with a moping child? What about commercials for things you don't support or inappropriate images?
I tell you, it's a fine line. I think each instance needs to be address individually. But after saying that I wonder about finding a standard? I guess it's a trial and error type of thing.
How about the amount of tv? Computer also? For my 4 year old we are using a bean technique. For every chore or random act of kindness towards someone, she earns a bean. Each bean equals 15 minutes of tv time or computer. I have to say that it has worked really well. The only exception to the rule is if it's family movie night or family Wii night. I do feel that it has helped overall. Her chores have been done each day before breakfast and the tv/computer hasn't been on all morning and afternoon. She has been doing so many more things for fun. Of course that means more picking up at the end of the day for Mommy but I think I'll take it over mindless staring!
In his love,
Lisa
Good morning once again! It is sunshiny here and a nice warm 5 degrees! :-) Don't worry all of you, it'll warm up to 29 today!
So, one of my guilty pleasures is to have my DH make a big bowl of his famous popcorn, grab a box of raisettes from the dollar store, and watch hours upon hours of tv. But how much tv is really too much and which shows are ok and which are not? Boy, it's really a fine line isn't it? I know there are many out there that feel no tv is the best. I can see their point, especially with kids in the house. I'm of the mindset that with careful monitoring some tv is ok.
When it comes to my kids I'm very careful. PBS is a constant fixture in our house. However, we then get into the argument of certain shows teaching certain subjects. For that matter what about your favorite show doing a topic on something you don't want your kids to know about? Turn it off and risk the wrath of a tantrum? Or take the time to explain and deal with a moping child? What about commercials for things you don't support or inappropriate images?
I tell you, it's a fine line. I think each instance needs to be address individually. But after saying that I wonder about finding a standard? I guess it's a trial and error type of thing.
How about the amount of tv? Computer also? For my 4 year old we are using a bean technique. For every chore or random act of kindness towards someone, she earns a bean. Each bean equals 15 minutes of tv time or computer. I have to say that it has worked really well. The only exception to the rule is if it's family movie night or family Wii night. I do feel that it has helped overall. Her chores have been done each day before breakfast and the tv/computer hasn't been on all morning and afternoon. She has been doing so many more things for fun. Of course that means more picking up at the end of the day for Mommy but I think I'll take it over mindless staring!
In his love,
Lisa
Thursday, February 18, 2010
How do I start to lose weight?
Good morning all! I once again hope this is seeing you all healthy and happy. It's been a busy morning here in our home as we have DH off to work and DD off to school. That leaves me and my DS home with me watching his favorite PBS show.
So, throughout my teenage years and into my adult life I have tried many many things offering a 'healthy lifestyle.' From classes, books, infomercials, and meetings, I feel like I've tried it all! It seems like every month some new thing comes along and tempts us with 30 days money back, or guaranteed weight loss in so many days. How can they promise that to someone when they don't know them or their heart???? I am at a point in my life that I'm sick and tired of being an out of shape, overweight mom trying to keep up with her little ones. I'm not a skinny person at heart but by golly I can try! :-)
So, here is my question. What is the proper way to go? All meat, no carbs? No meat all fruits and vegis? Is there a magic drink or pill out there? What piece of exercise equiptment or video do I have to buy to make me 40 lbs lighter? Does it happen quickly or am I looking for a long term fix here? There are sooooooo many things out there to choose from but where to begin?
Well, I tell you where I'm going to start. My heart. I know I can't do this on my own and I need an unfailing team mate. A leader that will always listen and give advice in love. God! He has the only program that will not fail. So, I'm giving him all my measurements and I don't have to take a picture cause he sees me as I am. After that, I can't fail!
Many women are afraid of the word submit because it sounds as if we are giving up or it makes us less of a 'tough cookie.' However, how much more power can we gain by admitting we need help. (isn't that part of the 12 step program?) There is power in numbers and boy I'd like God to be one of my numbers!
In his love,
Lisa
So, throughout my teenage years and into my adult life I have tried many many things offering a 'healthy lifestyle.' From classes, books, infomercials, and meetings, I feel like I've tried it all! It seems like every month some new thing comes along and tempts us with 30 days money back, or guaranteed weight loss in so many days. How can they promise that to someone when they don't know them or their heart???? I am at a point in my life that I'm sick and tired of being an out of shape, overweight mom trying to keep up with her little ones. I'm not a skinny person at heart but by golly I can try! :-)
So, here is my question. What is the proper way to go? All meat, no carbs? No meat all fruits and vegis? Is there a magic drink or pill out there? What piece of exercise equiptment or video do I have to buy to make me 40 lbs lighter? Does it happen quickly or am I looking for a long term fix here? There are sooooooo many things out there to choose from but where to begin?
Well, I tell you where I'm going to start. My heart. I know I can't do this on my own and I need an unfailing team mate. A leader that will always listen and give advice in love. God! He has the only program that will not fail. So, I'm giving him all my measurements and I don't have to take a picture cause he sees me as I am. After that, I can't fail!
Many women are afraid of the word submit because it sounds as if we are giving up or it makes us less of a 'tough cookie.' However, how much more power can we gain by admitting we need help. (isn't that part of the 12 step program?) There is power in numbers and boy I'd like God to be one of my numbers!
In his love,
Lisa
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
A First Timer
Well, after much debate and counsel, here I am on my own blog! I typically am not a person that writes a lot. However, I've decided to try my hand at this new technological wonder. For many computers are a lost cause. For many still it is an amazing tool that gives life to imagination and information that one can't believe. There are many that can even make a living from typing on the computer. (I believe that my brother could be one of them!) hint hint k!
Anyway, a bit about my life. I am that ever striving girl that is working towards that goal of the Proverbs 31 woman. Yet, life never seems to get there. Everyday life seems to get in the way. From illnesses to failed new recipes things seem to fall short of the mark. However, I keep my chin up knowing that God loves us all and that he sees my shortcomings and still has faith in me.
My family is an amazing family that loves music and sports. My little ones are active and growing. From Tiny tots, basketball, and AWANA my kids love to be out and about.
We have family that is close and family that lives many states away. But, we love each other in our own special ways. I hope to touch on many things throughout the life of my blog from recipes, cleaning tricks, schooling questions, and deeper ideas. Hopefully, you'll enjoy it and tell me your opinions too!
In his love,
Lisa
Anyway, a bit about my life. I am that ever striving girl that is working towards that goal of the Proverbs 31 woman. Yet, life never seems to get there. Everyday life seems to get in the way. From illnesses to failed new recipes things seem to fall short of the mark. However, I keep my chin up knowing that God loves us all and that he sees my shortcomings and still has faith in me.
My family is an amazing family that loves music and sports. My little ones are active and growing. From Tiny tots, basketball, and AWANA my kids love to be out and about.
We have family that is close and family that lives many states away. But, we love each other in our own special ways. I hope to touch on many things throughout the life of my blog from recipes, cleaning tricks, schooling questions, and deeper ideas. Hopefully, you'll enjoy it and tell me your opinions too!
In his love,
Lisa
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