Clean house!

1 Peter 2: 1-3
" So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You've had a taste of God.  Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God's pure kindness. Then you'll grow up mature and whole in God. "  (MSG)


I'd love to rid my house of all things unclean.  But the truth is, it's here. Everytime I turn on the television or the computer, and unfortunately, unclean words come from my own mouth from time to time. Never more clear than when your 2 yr old calls your 13 yr old a "dumb a_ _"! (I swear that one wasn't mine, but I'm just as guilty!!).  Lord, today, I pray you would rid my home of malice, pretense, envy and hurtful talk. I do know and love you , Lord, and where you are, those things are not welcome. Thank you, Lord, for a new day, a day to clean house!

I am blessed to have a couple of days "off".  I don't have my usual chaotic crew here today and tomorrow, so I've decided to give my home a good cleaning and organization.  I'm full of fun ideas, aren't I?? The truth is, that having a clean organized home helps me feel less stress and anxiety. Here we go... I'm going to show you a couple of "before" pics and hopefully by next Tuesday (or the next) you'll see some good "after" pics. (Pray for me!)

Here's my pantry.  My house didn't even have a pantry when we moved in, but my talented husband built me one!
I really need to be better organized. With a big family, organization is a must.

How in the world did my desk area get to this point?! I have to admit that this is one of the busiest spots in the house.
So many papers and office supplies. I definitely need to tidy this up.

I can't wait to get started! I hope that today you were motivated to clean your house, too. Please post a comment and/or a pic. I'd love to see what great ideas you all had.  

Have a great Tuesday!

Oh, this pie!

Romans 11: 33
" Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "


His ways are not our ways, certainly.  Why, Lord, don't you just do things the way I would have you?  Because, he is all wisdom and power and might. He is all goodness, and mercy and love. His ways are much better than mine. I just need to have faith, even when it's difficult for me, faith and trust. Thank you, Lord, that I don't have to rely on my wisdom and knowledge (I'm sure lots of my family and friends are thankful for this, too!).  There are days that I have trouble releasing control of "my world" to you, Lord. But you don't give up on me, you never release your hold on me, and when I pull away and wander around like a lost child, you are always right there with your arms open wide to comfort me and bring me home.  Amen!

Oh, my! the pie I made this weekend.....I can't' take any credit for it at all. I saw it on a FB feed from the Pioneer Woman. So I will share it with you, my favorite blog readers!!!

Strawberry Pretzel Pie

Prep Time:

 4 Hours

 

Cook Time:

 10 Minutes

 

Difficulty:

 Easy

 

Servings:

 8

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cups Pretzel Sticks
• 1 stick (8 Tablespoons) Butter, Melted
• 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
• 1-1/2 cup Sugar
• 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch
• 1 package (3.5 Ounce) Strawberry-flavored Jello
• 1-1/2 cup Water
• 3 pints Strawberries, Hulled And Halved
•  Unsweetened Whipped Cream

Preparation Instructions

For the pretzel crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Crush the pretzels in a large resealable plastic bag with a rolling pin. Mix in a bowl with the butter and brown sugar. Press into a pie pan and bake for 8 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool.

For the strawberry filling: Put 1 1/2 cups water, the granulated sugar, cornstarch and gelatin powder in a saucepan. Stir together and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook until it starts to thicken, about 2 to 3 minutes, then remove from the heat. Let the liquid cool for a good 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Put the strawberries in a bowl and pour over the sauce, gently tossing together. Allow to sit for 5-7 minutes, then carefully pile the coated strawberries into the cooled pie crust. Spoon over a little leftover sauce if needed, and refrigerate, uncovered, for 4 hours.

Cut into slices and serve with whipped cream. (Unsweetened is nice because the pie is so sweet!)

Here are my pics of the pie.

The pretzel crust is my favorite part!

I think my kids liked the strawberries best.

Together, the combination was delicious!!!

I pray you have a blessed week!

Mr. Football

2 Timothy 2: 5
" An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. "  (ESV)


Well, I know for a lot of you it's the middle of summer, but here in my house we are literally gearing up for football season.   My baby boy is headed to high school this year and high school football training started last spring. In just a few days football camp begins, and looking ahead at the calendar, football won't end until December! Fortunately for him, I love football (and I guess my son's ok too!). I'm so proud of the young man my son is becoming.  He has been volunteering at a camp this summer and he is working on his Honors English project for the new school year as well. I'm truly looking forward to seeing all that God has in store for my handsome guy!

Last night we had to cut my boy's hair (another Sampson and Delilah moment!) so he would be comfortable in a football helmet. It looks great! Bruce, at Messana's Salon and Spa, cut two of my kid's hair yesterday. (I can't wait to show you my daughter's hair, but that's for another post).  We also had to order him his practice gear a few weeks ago, and he has grown so much over the last year, new cleats are on the way. Not to be outdone...Momma needs some fan gear!!  Our Rec. Football colors were orange, navy and white. This year, I need black, gold, and white (a bit of a dilemma for me because I'm a Ravens fan and our arch nemesis are the Steelers, so...) . Here are a few pics of my guy, his new cleats and some cute things I can't wait to wear on the sidelines.

Before selfie (w/Baby Sis)

After selfie (looks thrilled!)

cool new cleats we ordered from Dicks.

This dress is from Spunkwear. They are a really great local company that makes athletic and "sideline" clothes out of  swimwear fabric. Totally comfortable and fashionable! Check out their website. 

This great skort has the Maryland flag print on it. Love it!
One of my favorite local stores carries Spunkwear,   B.Fabulous. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I love sharing things with you.  If you enjoy reading about my family and have a question or comment, I'd love to hear from you. Please comment below or even follow my blog (look for the link on the right to follow by email). Thanks for your continued support.

I pray your weekend is a good one!

Better

Ecclesiastes 7: 5
" It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person than to listen to the song of fools. "


Good, better, best.  To get from good to best, you need better.  Yesterday in my prayer journal, I prayed to get better. I'm not sick, so I don't mean a healing.  I just want to be better. A better wife, a better mother, a better friend, a better daughter, a better sister, a better aunt, a better woman of God...better.  I'm not sharing this with you because I feel like I am a failure at these things (sometimes, though...). I just feel like I could do better. I also don't think I need to be perfect at any of these things.  Just better.  Where do I start?  On my knees, that's where. I can't even contemplate trying to do any of these things better on my own. I'm just not capable. So where getting better starts is simple really, at the base of the cross. Amen!

I don't think I could have better kids. Better behaved kids, yes. Better kids, no. Thank you God for my beautiful children. I realized last week (when I dared to take 10 minutes away with one of my girls to buy underwear, and another had a meltdown!) that I need some precious one-on-one time with each of my children. So, for accountability's sake, I will update you over the next several weeks (I have 7 children after all) of my adventures with my kiddos. I can't wait to get started!

Here we all are! (pray for me!!)

I pray today that you feel "better". Have a blessed day.

Off

2 Corinthians 2: 10
" That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. "


I've been feeling a bit "off".  Not down, not out, just off.  I was so distracted by this "off" the other night that driving home from my parents, I literally forgot where I was driving for a second (not off the road, just which road I was actually on).  I suppose I just have a lot on my mind lately, combined with the sudden passing of our dear relative last week....off.  What is not off is my faith.  My God remains steadfast, I know that in my off, He is always on! Thank you, Lord, for reminding me that in my weakness you are strong. You will put my off back on. Amen.

I took yesterday "off" from blogging.  Did you miss me?  I'm back! The kids and I have been thinking a lot lately about "Back to school" (cue the music "It's the most wonderful time of the year...").  My 12 year old is particularly excited.  She loves school. She loves learning, student government, social activities, boys! (Ugh!)
She's already planning her new hairstyle, her new wardrobe, and what kind of backpack she'd like. She already has a cute sense of style. So I'm going to do what I can to help her achieve her back to school "look".  Here are a few pics of what she's longing for.

Both of my girls are really liking the fabric backpacks this year.
There are a lot of fun geometric prints, like this one at Target.

or....this super cute floral print from Kohls

You can't go wrong with a classic Converse sneaker. I found these on Kohls.com. 

This is the hairstyle my daughter chose. I think it's so cute.
Currently my daughter has long hair, we are hoping to donate some hair to Locks of Love.
(picture found on Pinterest)

I hope we've given you some inspiration to get your kiddos excited to go back to school.  I'll definitely update you on my daughter's new "look".  Being organized and ready will definitely help you and your kids not be "off" their game.  I pray you have a good day, off or on!!

Old Fashioned

Ephesians 4: 24
" and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. "


It's good to have a new day, a new beginning and fresh start. We are told in this section of Ephesians to "put on the new self".  It is very clear that we are to be like God, righteous and holy.  What this does not mean for us to do, is to adapt ourselves to some "new" or modern ways (unfortunately, even some of our churches do this). God makes everything clear.  He is constant and never changing. He is a God of order.  In our "if it feels good, do it" society, we often confuse our feelings with the will of God.  Sometimes, even if it feels good, it's still sin. And that's hard.  We want our family and friends (and ourselves!) to be happy and feel good, but sin, is sin, is sin. So pray, and be in the word; there you will find God's truth.  Put on your new self, your new self in Christ, even if the new seems "old fashioned".

"Old fashioned" reminds me of oatmeal (sorry, my mind always goes to food!). And oatmeal....well, oatmeal cookies of course! I tend to bake a lot so, this weekend when I found the pantry going bare, I restocked it with some homemade oatmeal cookies.  I always use the Quaker Oats recipe. I use the one from a few years ago, they have changed it just a bit (not as much butter, what up???).  This time of year, I love to eat oatmeal cookies with an icy glass of lemonade.

Vanishing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Quaker Cooking

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Servings: 4 DOZEN

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 8 minutes

Dessert

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 Cup(s) (1 stick) plus 6 tablespoons butter, softened  (I use  1/2 pound- 2 sticks)
• 3/4 Cup(s) firmly packed brown sugar (I use 1 cup)
• 1/2 Cup(s) granulated sugar
• 2 Eggs
• 1 Teaspoon(s) vanilla
• 1-1/2 Cup(s) all-purpose flour
• 1 Teaspoon(s) Baking Soda
• 1 Teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon
• 1/2 Teaspoon(s) salt (optional) (I use the salt)
• 3 Cup(s) Quaker® Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
• 1 Cup(s) raisins (I omit the raisins, my kids wouldn't eat the cookies!)

PREPARATION:

Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, beat butter and sugars on medium speed of electric mixer until creamy.

 Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. 

Add oats and raisins; mix well. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. 

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store tightly covered.

Serving Tips: Bar Cookies: Press dough onto bottom of ungreased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. 

Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars. 

Store tightly covered. 24 BARS. VARIATIONS: Stir in 1 cup chopped nuts. 

Substitute 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or candy-coated chocolate pieces for raisins; omit cinnamon. 

Substitute 1 cup diced dried mixed fruit. 

HIGH ALTITUDE ADJUSTMENT: Increase flour to 1-3/4 cups and bake as directed.

* My substitutions are highlighted in purple

Remember these words from the Gospel of Matthew 22: 37-39, " Jesus replied: 

'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 

This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. ' "

 Loving is never "Old fashioned"!  Have a wonderful week!!

Shoes glorious shoes!

Ephesians 6: 14-15
" Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. "


In today's world we need all of the protection we can get, when it comes to spiritual warfare. I love this section of scripture in Ephesians (Ephesians 6: 10-20)  that assures us of all that God has provided for us to wage these holy battles.  Isn't it wonderful that we have a God that provides for us all that we need; and then some! Sometimes I feel like I can't find all of my armour, though.  It's like the feeling you get when you can only find one of your shoes.  You know you had them both , you know you took them off and left them together; but for some reason, one is missing! Did the dog take one? Did your kids kick it into another room, is it under your bed? Darn that shoe!  But take heart, it was right there all along, right under your nose. All we need is to go to God in prayer, praying in all occasions and for everything (vs 18). We also have our sword  right at our fingertips, which is the word of God (vs 17). So pick up that Bible and read it, study it, know it. We are equipped. We are not alone!

Shoes. Recently, I got rid of a lot of my shoes. Some of them were older than my kids! I threw away the yucky ones and donated some of the nice ones that I just don't wear anymore.  Lucky for me, that meant that I had to buy new shoes! Ooooh, Ooooh!!( hands pumping in the air). I don't, however, have a large budget. So, even though I crave some great  new name brand sandals. Nope, not happening.  I've had to be creative. And here's what I found.

This is for my husband, who is not a foot person.  I made sure I had a fresh pedicure before I took the next 2 pics.
These wraps are from Jamberry, they were a hostess exclusive for June. There are lots of great styles for the summer.
Take a peek here.

HUSBAND ALERT:  DO NOT SCROLL DOWN IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE MY FEET!

I purchased these shoes at Payless Shoesource on sale, under $15!
They are now on clearance for $7-$10.

And these beauties...I purchased at my fave local store The Pink Silhouette.
I got them on their on-line store, thepinksilhouetteshop.com  for only $22!
Click here for turquoise sandals.

I can't wait to fill you in on what shoes I had to replace for fall (I haven't gotten any yet, but I will!!!). I have my eyes on some super cute booties....

I pray your weekend is full of rest, relaxation, and restoration. See you next week!