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!