Menu Plan Monday

I've been cooking, but not planning our meals like I had been in the past.  This lack of planning has my kiddies eating hot dogs and fries far too often.  I really want to increase our intake of fruits and veggies, so I took matters into my own hands and sat down to write out a menu.  I also went to Sam's and Publix and stocked up on yummy fruits and veggies. 

Also, since I'm tired of hearing the little ones say, "I wan sum cannny" (I want some candy), I'm putting us on a candy fast.  Though I hate it, I know they get this bad habit from me.  To keep us from the sweet stuff I did something super smart...I didn't buy any!!  Now how's that for growing a brain?!  Candy will only be consumed on Saturdays and Sundays around these parts.  However, I reserve the right to sneak the Red Rageous Mike and Ike's in a pinch!  (Hey, I'm grown...don't judge me)

I found a nifty menu planner page on 5dollardinners.com.  You can print one out here. 

Here's what we're eating (along with some random pics because hey...this is my blog):

Breakfast:
Overnight Oatmeal with chocolate chips X 2
Pancakes and bacon
Pumpkin Muffins
Egg Quiche, Turkey Sausage
Oatmeal, Fruit
Cereal

Lunch:
Tuna, crackers, fruit X 2
Leftovers X 3
Grilled cheese, Fruit

Dinner:
Chicken Pockets, Fruit
Chicken Fettucini Alfredo with Broccoli, Salad, Bread
Tacos, Spanish Rice
Eddie's Kung Pao chicken, rice, glazed carrots
Fried Fish, Spinach, Corn Bread
Pizza, Fruit

For more menu plans, check out orgjunkie.com

Happy Baby Momma Day

God saw fit in His grace to bless me with 4 beautiful, albeit super active children.  Thank you, Lord for my precious little ones.  They are a gift. 

After leaving church yesterday, I felt so heavy burdened regarding my role as a mother. Motherhood comes with great responsibility and I wonder if I am "doing it right". The task of raising these little people is so great. They mirror me in so many ways and the image I project is not always Christ-like.


I'm often impatient, easily irritated, angry, lazy, and the like. All of this shows that I have such a need for the Lord to work in my life. He promises that His grace is sufficient. So when I feel that I am at the end of my rope or about to lose my cool, I need to call out to the Rock that is stronger than I. I need to call out to Him continually and be led by Him in my parenting. There's never a time when I don't need His grace. I am soo very weak and so in need of His wisdom to lead me in the way that I should go. I pray that He can use me in my weaknesses (and they are many)to show my children Himself. It is my desire that they walk with Him and that somehow my life will be a reflection to my babes of His love.

Nighttime feedings

My son Mason is nearly 5 months old.  He usually sleeps through the night, but for the last couple of days he has been waking up (sometimes twice at night).  This has been quite difficult, as I have 3 other children ages 4 and under to care for during the day.  Mommy needs her rest.  The 2nd time he woke up last night, I really struggled to get out of  bed.  Finally, I thought, “Eucharisteo preceeds the miracle!”  As I thanked God for my precious son I jumped out of bed with energy and entered his room.  I put my babe to my breast and watched him as God provided his nourishment through me.  What an awesome God.  As time drifted, I began to meditate on Scripture and review Ps. 19 and Col. 1:1-3.  It was such a blessing to think on God’s Word as I sat with my little guy.  Eucharisteo preceeds the miracle.

I'm keeping a list in a journal of gifts...not gifts that I want, but gifts that I have.  Seeing God in my day is making me joyful...it's changing my perspective. it's drawing me to the Lord.  Here are a few other gifts:

 

1.  Seeing Rae in a bathing suit over her pants.

6.  Watching Macky Boy party like it's 1999 after he potties.

9.  Listening to Halley telling Rae and Macky Boy a story about God. 

10.  Mason's toothless grin.

25.  Eddie cooking dinner.

41.  Smooth writing pens.

48.  Quiet time while 3/4 of my brood slleps.

50.  1 Peter 1

 

Won't you join me in counting your gifts?  What are you thankful for? 



The Twins Turned 2 In Dec...

...but I didn't make their cake or sing happy b-day to them til Jan. 31!!  Good thing they're young enough that they dont know the difference.

Macky Boy knows how to enjoy a piece of cake...

...but Rae Rae really knows how to make it count!!!

5-a-month February Goals

Jess, an American blogger in Turkey, posts 5 goals for every month.  At the beginning of the next month she updates how she did.  I've decided to join her since I need the accountability.  So, here goes:

1. Read to the kids everyday.

2. Track our spending by using a checkbook register and stay within the budget.

3.  Drink 1.5 Juicy Juice bottles of water a day.

4.  Read/listen to the Bible or a Christian sermon daily.  Also review Scripture daily.   I'm working on
1 Thes. 4:16-18 now.

5.  Do 20 crunches twice a day.  Gradually increase the amount so that by the end of the month I can do 40 twice a day.  (This is my effort to lose the belly pooch that I carry as a result of having 4 kids in less than 4 years.)

(This cute little guy contributed to the pooch...shame on him)