What about blogging and a AWESOME Resource on Nut Free Classroom Snacks...

Blogging...I don't know. I have felt like this little blog has an identity problem. But, I realized it was more of a me problem. You see the reason I started it was to share things with people. But, unless your blog is huge or you have made it that way by publishing it all over the place, it's not helping the masses. To do that you have to go to the masses so, the discussion started to stop blogging and start pinning.

What I do here is share items with you that I have found and are cool and my take on some of them. Sure I share things that I have made or my sweet Little Man has said. But, things can be shared in various ways over there. Then, I am going to the masses. I can have all of my categories neatly labeled and the time I take to do all the searching for the blog can be spent there. I will have a pinning problem to start, I know it. But, with time management and restrictions, it can be a good thing. I can post organization things, cooking, real food, etc.  So, this blogs days are numbered, but my sharing is not. I am just changing it to keep up with the times.

OK, so over at 100 Days of Real Food, she uploaded and posted an awesome snack list for the Nut Free Classroom to have. I figure, that there are plenty of you that have nut allergies or know of someone with a nut allergy that could use this list.
You can find it by going here. LINK
Enjoy!

Apple Chocolate Chip Muffins!

{Those of you reading via email, I posted another post yesterday and you might want to go to the blog to check that out.}

Yes, these are vegan, but I think that around here it's not noticeable anymore. There are even recipes that I will make after lent is over.I was using what I remembered in my head of recipes that I had made before and then another recipe, however, it wasn't like anything I had ever made. So, I guess this is the birth of a new recipe.
The best part is that everyone liked them!!!

2 cups flour (your choice what kind you use)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup light brown sugar (not tightly packed)
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup oil
1 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 apple pealed and diced--I'd add more next time.
Vegan chocolate chips-sprinkled in there. Less than 1/4 cup.

Bake 350 F for about 16-20 min.

This recipe is around 170 calories per muffin and it makes 12 full muffins and they are moist. But, watch as they stick to the paper.

Organization Topics are coming!

I promise! April will be the month that we all get organized together!

Leave comments on topics and I will add them to my list.

Also, over there on the side you are beginning to see links to other blogs that I visit. It will be a great set of resources for all of you once I am done. Hope to add more tonight!

Lastly, thanks for your patience in my journey to figure out what this blog is all about. It's just like me a work in progress!

I smell a challenge coming on...

OK, so you all know I went Vegan for lent. So, that's enough of a challenge right now. But, I can tell you that doing that has made me dig deeper into things, but more on that another time.

A website that I came across a while back that I would like to bring up on here is 100 Days of Real Food. After you are done reading I want you to go and explore her blog. She shares a lot of great information on this blog. She also offers you a few challenges. Now, as I am typing this, I have not even consulted by husband on it, but I am think that I can blackmail convince him into the 10 Day challenge. I mean really, it is only 10 Days. Although we do eat healthy foods in our house, there are processed foods here right along with sugar. So, this challenge will be a great adventure.

This isn't something that is going to happen right away, but it will happen within the next month or so--at least in my mind it will. I am going to talk this over with him, develop a menu for 10 days and figure it all out. Then, we will get started. I'll let you know when and invite you to join me on my journey.

NOT A FAN - CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 3--KNOWLEDGE ABOUT HIM OR INTIMACY WITH HIM?

The question has two parts.

1. How much knowledge do you possess about Jesus and His life?

2. How intimate is your relationship with Him?

As Kyle points out, this is often what separates the fans from the followers. It's the difference between knowledge and intimacy.

Look at Matthew 15:8. It says: "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."

Do you spend time in the word out of a sense of duty or honor?

If Jesus were to walk up to you and take a seat in the coffee shop next to you, would you know Him?

Kyle asks: Do you just know about Jesus, or do you really know Him?

That is a good question. Don't get me wrong, I think that studying God's work and taking the time to learn from it is valuable to our lives. But, knowledge alone isn't the answer; you need that intimacy with him. And don't start thinking that knowledge = intimacy. It doesn't.

I said in my book study that I would be impressed by the person that could quickly recite all the books of the bible in order without taking a breath. However, that would be a short lived impression. The one that would leave a long standing impression on me is the one that has that intimate relationship with Jesus and it is evident in the way they live their lives.

I admire those with greater knowledge than myself. But, as Kyle said: "When there is knowledge without intimacy, you’re really no more than a fan."

Read Luke 7:44-46. When was the last time you had an intimate moment with Jesus? When was the last time you expressed your deep love for Him? When was the last time you did something for Him? In these questions, I am not asking if you know Jesus and his story, what I am asking is how intimate is your relationship with Him. Ponder that and I will see you here next week.

Keeping Kids with Allergies Safe...

http://paperandpigtailsparty.com/

Looking for a way to keep those kids safe? Well, here is a list of printables that you may want to have on hand. You can find them all at Paper & Pigtails Party.  She has them over there for free. Enjoy!

Chocolate Cupcakes - Vegan Style

Sorry for the bad photo, but it was quick and I wasn't going to set up a whole shoot for it--maybe next time. Think those look Vegan? I didn't think you would. So, here is the deal, some Oreo's are vegan--not healthy--but vegan. To my credit, I said this was a vegan cupcake not a healthy cupcake. Although, if you leave off the frosting and the Oreos, it could be a healthy cupcake. The regular without the Oreos and frosting are yummy and so soft!

Now, as far as the recipe is concerned, I got it from here. You see when vegan baking is concerned, I head on over to Chocolate Covered Katie. Her recipes have not failed me yet. :) I tweaked this one a bit, as I used a different soy yogurt and my nondairy milk was vanilla almond milk. I also only used 1 tbsp of corn starch--I wasn't sure why it was in there. But, instead of leaving it all out, I just reduced it.

Then, I decided to add Oreos to the batter and make some homemade frosting to top it off. Little Man and my darling husband gave these thumbs up. I have to laugh because these days I am asked: " Are they vegan or regular?" Honestly, sometimes you really can't tell....

If you make them, let me know what you think.

Happy Chocolate Eating!

31 Ways to Pray for your Children...

Bob Hostetler and his 31 Ways to Pray for your
Bob's article is wonderful and it touches upon what I am sure that many of us that pray for our children daily feel, it becomes prayers for what is on our hearts for them that day. We pray for blessings, protection, happiness, help with things they are facing or might face, prayers for HIS will to be carried out in their lives and that they may be a reflection of HIM in the way they live. My prayers are regular and heartfelt and I let Little Man listen to the ones that I pray in the morning as it is something we do together. However, I feel like I can do more.

Then, just as she has many times my dear friend J emails me with something wonderful and amazing. It was in PDF form so, I searched for a link of this online for all of you. I found it and linked it above. Enjoy it, use it and if you add to it, let me know.

Cool Lunch Notes

I send lunch notes daily. I love that communication time and I am always looking for some neat ways to communicate with Little Man at his lunch time.

I find myself writing my own, but every now and then I go on a search for some cool lunch box notes that were already designed by other Moms. Here is a great spot to see some that I found. It's a nice round up! Not to mention lots of free printables!

However, I plan on making a few of my very own designs to share with all of you in the future! Be on the look out for those...

NOT A FAN STUDY BEGINS!

First, let me start by saying I don’t have all the answers.  This is a process and a journey for everyone and I am just inviting you along to get a peek into my thoughts on this book and life. I am far from perfect, but, I am willing to invite you along on my imperfect journey.

I also want to make it clear that my son, who wrote the wonderful post, is on his own journey. He’s not perfect and as a Mom I just continue to pray that he keeps turning to the Lord his whole life. That the words that he spoke in that post, will keep with him when it is really going to cost him deeply to follow Jesus. That he always feels as he does today that Jesus is his best friend.

With all that out there, let’s proceed.

Prologue

Right from the start, you get a welcome feeling from Kyle, or at least I did. It’s one that I can picture this Pastor inviting you in to sit and chat with him in his living room. Throughout this book, he seems to carry on a conversation with his readers, which I love.

At the beginning, Kyle sits there searching for what he is going to say on Easter Weekend, feeling the pressure as some of the people who attend this weekend are only in attendance on Christmas and Easter and he wants them to come back. I cherish his honesty.

Then, he sits and thinks about what Jesus taught when he had the big crowds.  It was then that he discovered something that was going to change him. What he found was that whenever Jesus had a large crowd, HE would preach a message that was going to cause people to leave.

Seriously, why would HE do that? Because what Jesus wanted to know was it HIM that they wanted or was it only what he could do for them? Jesus isn’t going to change HIS view or soften HIS message to make it more appealing to chase after HIM. Instead HE wants the deeply committed followers to chase after HIM.

Kyle lets us know right away his intent for the book and it is this…

“I hope that you will read this book and discover with me what it really means to follow Jesus. I will talk more about repentance than forgiveness, more about surrender than salvation, more about brokenness than happiness, and more about death than about life.”

People, put on your seat belts because that’s just the prologue.

Chapter 1 -D.T.R.

An opening question that can’t be taken lightly:

“Are you a follower of Jesus?”

Seems like a simple enough question until you dive into what it really means—then it’s no longer simple or as easy to answer as you once thought.

Kyle points out that if you are reading this book, you likely fall into one of two categories.

1.       The Jesus fish on the back of my car group. These people are serious about their faith. They may follow a bunch of rules, go to church, pray, own multiple bibles, say bless their heart, etc. But, even those in this category have to carefully look at if they are true followers of Jesus.

Turn to Matthew Chapter 7. Read all of it. But, then go back and read Matthew Chapter 7: 21 through 23.

2.      The other group is the why is there a fish on the back of my friend’s car group—those people tend to be the type that it doesn’t bother them that some people choose to follow Jesus. But, it’s just not there thing.

Kyle guesses that after reading this book people in both categories will turn down the invitation to follow Jesus.  Yes, even those fish on the back of the car group will turn down the invitation to follow.  Why? You will have to follow along on this series to find out.

But, for now we move on to D.T.R which stands for Define the Relationship.  In this study, we are going to work to define our relationship with Jesus.

So, now the question is are you a fan or follower? Get ready, because what you find out could shock you.

A Fan is by definition and enthusiastic admirer.

Kyle goes on to say (pg. 25) how Jesus was never interested in fans and that he wants more.  See all fans want is to get close enough for the benefits, but not close enough that it requires something of them.

Kyle goes on to talk about cultural comparisons (starts on page 25). This is the act of comparing yourself with others to prove that your relationship with Jesus is just fine, perhaps even better than fine. 

How many of you do this?

On page 26, he continues to show us ways we might think we are followers, but at the end could really end up just being merely just a fan. Did you read thought his list of questions? Did you catch all of that? You could go to church, be a christian, own multiple bibles, get a purpose driven life in 40 days and still not get what it means to be a follower.

Chapter 2- A Decision or a Commitment?

In this Chapter, Kyle talks about Nicodemus and how fans are happy to follow Jesus as long as it doesn’t require anything that will have a negative impact or make any serious, significant changes to their lives.

Kyle asks a very direct question: “How has following Jesus interfered with your life?”

Think about that one.

When I read this, I thought about this song. Bring the Rain. It’s a favorite of mine, go ahead and listen to the words in that song.

The truth is that many people have made the decision to BELIEVE in Jesus, but have not make the commitment to FOLLOW Him.

As Kyle points out: “Following Jesus isn’t something you can do at night where no one notices. It’s a twenty-four-hour a day commitment that will interfere with your life.”

Read pages 34 and 35 again. They are both worth it.

A point that I really liked was the one where there was someone that asked for their membership to be removed from Kyle’s church and the reason was that he didn’t like Kyle’s sermons. Kyle explains how he confronted this man and the man went on to say that whenever he listens to one of his messages that he feels that Kyle is interfering with his life.  Interesting, huh? Can I tell you that is what I look for a Pastor to do; I want my Pastor to interfere with my life through his sermons. But, more importantly, I want Jesus to interfere in my life.

That said, I have moments of failure. When he places me somewhere to be the example of a follower and I just sit on the sidelines. Here is an example.

I had left the book study and was out getting the things I needed to pick up at the store. I was standing in line and overhead the conversation between two of the employees.  This is how it started…

Person A: I can talk to you about my life, but I can’t talk to her. She gets all in my business.

Person B:  said something along the lines of… Yes, she is preachy. I go to church on Sundays; I don’t need someone preaching to me.

Person A:  I don’t (go to church) but I probably should because it might help clear up some things.

Person B: said where she went and that she enjoyed it.

Person A: My fault is that I try to please everyone else.

Person B: Yeah, you need to please yourself.

YIKES! I must confess, I failed, as I listened to all of this and didn’t chime in at all. I almost went back in to talk to these ladies. ALMOST did you hear that? Almost, meaning, I didn’t.  I had what I wanted to say on the tip of my tongue and yet, I didn’t speak it. I was not being a follower at that moment.  I can make excuses for myself, such as: I don’t know the other woman they are talking about or her heart and even that it wasn’t my conversation to butt into, etc. But, the truth is, I failed.  There were things that were placed on my heart that I could have said, but I didn’t.

What would I have said? I could have said that living a life to please Jesus is the only life that will give you full meaning. That going to church is good, but having a deep relationship with Jesus is needed. That woman that you say is preachy, she may be that way because she cares for you and is willing to put herself out there to interfere in your life because perhaps she wants more for you. Now, maybe that is not the case, maybe she is just preachy.  I don’t know but, what I do know is that God loves you and wants to work in your life and that means that he is going to interfere and get a little preachy with you.

I didn’t say any of those things to them; instead I kept my mouth shut and I walked away knowing I failed. Sometimes, I have small fails and other times I feel I have more epic fails. But, the truth is that I keep trying. There are times that Jesus does interfere in my life and I allow it to happen. I'm getting better at it, but I want to do that more than I do at this moment.

Toward the end of the chapter there is a statement that I want to quote:

“If you have believed in darkness, Jesus now invites you to follow him in the light.”

For what it’s worth, Kyle, I like that your book is interfering in my life and making me really think.

That’s all for today, but I hope that you will come back next week for more. Same place, same day. See you then.

Cheap Date Ideas to enjoy--most can be done without a babysitter!

Ok, so my husband and I do not go on dates that often. Seriously, we prefer to spend the time we have together as a family. While saying that, we both know that it is essential for us to spend quality time together and that it's not always an easy task to do given work schedules and life in general.

However, here are ideas for date nights that can be held at home after the kids are in bed....

MAKE A SPECIAL DINNER Find recipes from some of your favorite recipes online, create a menu and have a lovely meal at home!

MOVIE NIGHT Enjoy some of your favorite movies together. Go to target an get those popcorn buckets and pop some popcorn. Head to the dollar store to get the candy. Grab some drinks at the store and you are set to have movie night at home.

WII NIGHT Be a kid and play the Wii games at home. :)

MASSAGE/SPA NIGHT Ok, so guys are not into manicures and such. But, who doesn't love a good massage. Grab some oil and give each other massages.

MINUTE TO WIN IT GAME NIGHT Go get some of the game supplies and ideas and play them at home.

STARGAZING EVENT Take a pillow, blanket, and some snacks/drinks if you want to enjoy just gazing at the stars and having great conversation.

MAKE ICE CREAM SUNDAES Grab some toppings and make your own sundaes. Then, enjoy them as you talk.

20 QUESTIONS  Write a list of 20 questions to ask each other or find one on the Internet. Go over your answers afterward. Here is a link for married couples

GAME NIGHT Pull out all of your board games for a friendly night of competition.

That should get you all started. Enjoy! Leave a comment on your ideas.

Little Man's 8 Year Old View on not a fan. (And what's happening on the sidebar)

Ok, so I have started links to some blogs I enjoy on the side, however, I am doing this one category at a time. I started with food and healthy eating. So, keep watching because there will be lots more added. I have a big list of them for all of you; which leaves me in a sticky situation. I am deciding between keeping the topics seperated by titles and just having the links or do I have all categories together and have the running feed of what people post? What are your thoughts??? Let me know!

Now, on to what you are here for--Little Man's view

So, I was sitting there along side him and we were discussing the study and I was making notes for what I was going to blog about next week. I had not gotten far at all, when he put a halt to my writing, because he said, I can tell you what to share to introduce this. I thought, I want to hear this (I always want to hear his thoughts). As he began to tell me, I asked him to slow down so I could get it all down. He did and I wrote everything he spoke. So now, I get to share his perspective with all of you. Out of the mouth of an 8 year old...

"Are you a follower or are you a fan? Jesus died on the cross for us. So, do you want to spend your whole life just being a fan or do you want something better? There are tons of fans out there. You need to be different from them; you need to be a follower for the sake of Jesus.

Being a follower means a whole lot. It means you’re giving your life to Jesus to do what he wants. That is what you want to do.

Becoming a follower won't make your life easier; it will make it harder because the devil will try to suck you in. He'll try to get you on his team. But, you want to be on TEAM JESUS. Not just a fan on His team, you've got to step it up a notch, you have to be a completely committed follower of Jesus. You have to live your life for Jesus. It won't be easy, but it will be worth it."

I love this kid!!!

Roasted Cauliflower

This was a hit with Little Man and myself. Did I mention that you say veggies, my husband runs the other direction? Don't worry, I've been working on him with that and I am happy to say that he eats a lot more veggies than when we first met. But, to be honest he was not a fan of these.
Ingredients:
1 head of cauliflower (I got the organic)-cut up into smaller even pieces.
approx 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Sea Salt to taste (I didn't use much.)
Then, I used a pepper and garlic seasoning that I had on hand. Again that was done to taste. You could replace this with pepper and then add some crushed garlic. I might try that next time as Little Man and I love garlic.

Put all the ingredients in a coated baking dish. (Be sure to spay the baking dish with Pam or your own non stick cooking spray.)
Put in the oven at 425 Degrees for approx 30 min. Stir occasionally- about every 10 min.
Then change over to broil for an additional 5-10 min.
Next time I make it I will take a picture to share with all of you.
Enjoy!

Not A Fan...

We will see how this pans out here on the blog. I'm one of the ones leading this as a study at church and I am also doing a book club outside of church for it. Now, I am brining it to the blog. Here is what you should know about the book and the blog study...

What is Not a Fan?

Not a Fan is a book/study that will challenge you to consider what it really means to call yourself a Christian. With direct frankness, Kyle (the author and a pastor) invites you to take an honest look at your relationship with Jesus. HIS call to follow may seem radical to some, but Jesus desires it for every believer. As Craig Groeschel, the senior pastor of LifeChurch put it, "Jesus never asked for us to sit on the sidelines and cheer for his cause." It's true, HE doesn't chase after someone to just be an enthusiastic admirer. HE wants more from you than that. Honestly, you might never enjoy being challenged more than through this study. For more information check out: http://www.notafan.com/

When will we meet?

Right here on the blog every week for about 6-12 weeks. Depending if I lump chapters together or not.

When will it start?

The posts will most likely be on Tuesdays and will start next week.

What do I need?

The book. You can also get the followers journal. But, you'll need the book. I am sure you can get this at a local bookstore, or you can order online at http://www.christianbook.com/not-a-fan/kyle-idleman/9780310331933/pd/331933?event=HPF1.

Hope to see you here next week!

I will keep packing my kid's lunch....

Yes, I pack his lunch 99% of the time. Why?

Simple, I want to make sure he has a healthy lunch. That is, one that is healthy by our standards. On occasion, I do pack treats for him that are not healthy. In my opinion, if he eats well balanced meals and occasionally has an Oreo, it's OK. He has 1 Oreo in his lunch today. Not one package--one Oreo. GASP! The rest of his lunch consists of whole grains, fresh fruit and veggies and protein. Water to drink...so he's good.

I must say that last weeks post confirmed to me that I am making the right choice in packing his lunch almost daily. But, it also outraged me a bit.

Seriously, everyone is saying that we have an obesity problem here in America, especially in our youth. Then they OK these added fillers to our foods. I find that interesting. I don't know about you, but this does not all add up for me.

Let's make it clear, it's not only in the schools, it is also added to the beef in our stores.
See this link...More on Pink Slime
In your opinion, is this beef???
My opinion, NO.

Do I think that pink slime is the reason for the obesity. No. But, I have serious issues with it and it begs for more answers. What is really being added to the foods that we are eating? Just sit and think about that for a minute.

While you are doing this, check this out...
Food Allergies and What is added to our food....

Here is another link to the website of Robyn the speaker in this video.
Go here for more information

I'll get off my soap box, but there is a huge part of me that wants to dig deeper and now I will be looking even closer at my families diet. I'll let you in on what I learn and what steps I take for my family. I may even start another book club on this topic...if I do? Anyone in???

A lunchbox idea, a link to an article you need to read and upcoming post ideas...

LUNCHBOX:
First the lunchbox, without a picture (yes, I know you all want one).
Here is what Little Man took in his lunch Thursday...
Strawberries, a salad w/ a side of dressing, a small amount of goldfish,  peanut butter (natural) and jelly (natural) on a whole wheat wrap and water to drink. For snack he took his favorite a fresh cup up pear.

With that said, let me link you up to an article on school lunches. What in the world are they thinking???
Pink slime headed to schools (To make it clear, it doesn't say what schools will get this--could it be a school near you?!)

WHAT'S COMING UP NEXT WEEK?

• More healthy eating posts and recipes
• Organization Tips
• Not a Fan Study-Intro and Chapter 1
• I may even try and start adding website links on the sidebar of some of my favorite places to visit.

Have a super weekend everyone!

Can't be everything to everyone.

As true as this is in life, it is also true here in blogland. As I try to decide what my focus should be in blogland, I keep questioning myself because of what others (my readers) might miss. While in reality, that doesn't matter does it? I honestly feel if I can narrow my focus, I can be a better blogger. So, slowly this blog will be taking on a new face lift. I hope you stay around for it and find something that keeps you coming back. If not, I understand.
Also, coming up will be another book study. This will be similar to The Mission of Motherhood Posts. (Link) It will be on the new book Not A Fan. I am looking forward to this adventure with all of you - more on that to come later this week.

Another thing, I am feeling called to share is great healthy recipes for your families and the kids lunch boxes. So, look for more of those posts. Don't worry they won't all be vegan.

If you happened to noticed, the pages have changed to Faith, Fitness & Health, and Family. That will be where the focus is for right now.

Under family, you will find a lot of things. That's where the Mom stuff will be, the crafts, lessons, money saving, do it yourself type of things. I of course will be throwing in random fun stuff every now and again as I feel called. Oh and you can still find the photography links under there as well. So stay tuned as the blog gets a tune up.

Something I read the other day...

that can hit home for so many people. I wanted to share this link with you.
Measuring Up. (Click the link for this well written post.)
I think this is a topic that everyone struggles with but especially us women.
I think we need to stop trying to measure up and just look up to see what you are in HIM. I'll be reminding myself of my own advice on this, as well. If you know me personally and see I am not doing this, remind me.

I started the Vegan Challenge on Wednesday (2/22) for Lent

and I must say, it's going pretty good so far.

I eat healthy normally, but this vegan challenge makes you so much more aware of what is in your food. I am paying much closer attention than usual to the additive list and I did pay attention before. Did I mention I am also giving up coffee for these 46 days? Yep, but I am allowing myself tea, a trade off I suppose?
Question that I got and felt I could answer for everyone on here.
Do you think you will be Vegan after the 46 days? No, I doubt it, but I do think that I will encorporate more vegan meals into my families diet. As well as more vegan recipes.

Why are you doing this now? It's for Lent. This is what I choose this year. I'm not going vegan or anything. Though there is nothing wrong with people eating vegan, gluten free, etc. Everyone has the right to choose what works for them.

Now, what you all have been waiting for....

Epic Fails:
1. Falafel. Both little man and I agree this is not something we like. Not at all! But, don't let that stop you, you might find it yummy and not near as gross as we do. I didn't make them, I bought them. Maybe if I did make them and tried a different recipe we would feel differently about them. I don't think I can bring myself to do it right now. Sorry Falafel lovers--this goes on our epic fail list.
2. Some beans that were canned. They had seasoning on them, were on sale, fell into the vegan category, but were gross.

Yummy Goodness:
1. Vegan brownies. I made them and they were yummy! Now, that's saying something. YUM! Even my husband agreed. Stating who knew Vegan could taste so good. :) I think this was the first time I made brownies from scratch. I usually just do boxed brownies. But, I do make cookies from scratch.
2. The pure goodness of fresh fruit for breakfast. Yummy! I do love my fruit.
3. Veggies, Veggies everywhere! :)
4. Vegan Burgers--they are pretty good.  Now, I like veggie burgers but a lot of them have eggs in them. So, they were off the list and that meant that I had to try the vegan kind. For the record, I do like the veggie ones more!
5.  Deep Dish Cinnamon Roll Pie I made a yummy peanut butter frosting for it. Ok, not typical, but we love peanut butter around here. I used natural peanut butter, powdered sugar, Silk Vanilla Almond milk to make it, with a splash of pure vanilla. I didn't say it was healthy, I said it was yummy!
6. Brown Rice and Veggie Stir Fry
7. Soy Pizza, It's not bad. It's not regular pizza, but the sauce on it was really yummy!
8. Getting creative with beans and finding other ways to add protein into your meals...it's a challenge and yet it's kind of fun to be challenged in this way. At least this way, I have an excuse to be challenged in the kitchen.

So, there is a short update and much over do. More another time!

Don't forget it's Dr. Seuss Day today! Read about our fun....

Look back at this post for inspiration.


Little Man's class will be getting some Lorax inspired snacks today.  What will that be??
Bags of Chocolate Teddy Graham snacks with marshmallows mixed in.
Clementines with the Lorax face on them. :)
Hope the kids enjoy this yummy, sweet and somewhat healthy treat.

Now for laughs, they were also supposed to dress up as a Dr Seuss Character. Praying Little Man would say Cat in the Hat. But, knew in my heart it would be the Lorax. It was.

This is a great task for a Mom that does not sew. Does not own a sewing machine and has less than 48 hours before the costume has to be worn. Did I mention a kid that is not into simple costumes. He's an all in type kid. (I do love that though!)

Anyway, we went searching for costume possibilities and I landed myself straight at a fabric store heading out with fabric, a boa, facemask, paint (not needed), felt (not used) and some pipe cleaners.

The end result? Well, I don't have a picture yet as I am writing this before he's tried on the final product. But, I just might post a picture...we will see. Don't expect anything awe inspiring. I don't sew remember?! So, a glue gun can help a mom like me out. :) It can also burn...we won't talk about that though, will we?

But, then what do you do when your schedule is packed you run out of glue for the glue gun and you don't want to spend another cent on the costume. (Even though, it didn't cost much, I am a bit of a bargain shopper.) Well, you remember 8th grade hand sewing class and the few buttons you have sewed along the way and think, ya I'll give this a whirl with what ever I have. A whirl it was, but if it makes Little Man happy to wear it, so be it. They are after all only little once.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Coming soon!

Ok, I am getting a lot of requests via email and in talking with people over healthy eating, eating for this allergy, eating for that problem, yummy lunches, feeding toddlers, etc. It all falls under Healthy Eating. While I am not a dietician or certified in any way. (If it counts for anything did take some college courses on this.) Anyway,  I will share what I know from lots of reading. I will share links for recipes. I will follow up and through on this. I will lead you to resources, teach what I know, and hopefully inspire you to try new things. Since this is something that the followers really want and honestly, who couldn't use a new recipe or two that is healthy. :) Plus, I am in the process of organizing and changing over my recipes and how I will store things, so this will help me as well. :)

I am tasking myself to cover this once a week on the blog. So, be on the lookout and if you have a request, leave it.  I am happy to help.

For today, let me share this with all of you....
How do I pack Little Man's lunches?

Ok, so I need to get images off my camera and a few personal pictures taken care of before I can post pictures of Lunchboxes. But, that is in the works. Until then, I will just be listing Little Man's lunchbox menu for you. So, without the visual. I'll try to do lunchbox wrap ups every now and then in with Healthy Eating.
Let me take you through my lunchbox process.
1. I think of it like this, what is he eating for breakfast and dinner.
2. Now, what do I need to feed him for lunch to be sure that his lunch balances out the rest of things for the day.
3. He always has a fruit or Veggie (Usually he has both, but not everyday so I would be a liar if I said that, but about 90% of the time he does.)
4. He has a grain of some sort.
5. He has a protein of some sort (sometimes his protein and dairy are one in the same)
6. He almost always takes water. (98% of the time he does--occasionally he will have a juice box as a special treat.)
7. Sometimes he gets a little treat in his lunch. But, honestly sometimes he considers a veggie that he loves a treat. The other day, his treat was a cinnamon cake that was made with chickpeas. Yes, he LOVED it.

Now, the other thought I leave you with today, I promised another one of these before, so here it is.

This is from here...check it out!