Strawberry Muffins

Strawberries are on sale this week at Meijer for only $1. When I saw the sign, I was like, "say what?!" Whoop, whoop! 10 for $10 or you could mix and match items in the store that were labeled 10 for $10 as well. I was one happy girl, 'cause most people know I adore strawberries-they're my favorite fruit. So I picked up 3 packages of them and decided to try a new recipe with some of the strawberries.

I have been baking a lot lately with Addison; we've been making a lot of banana muffins and breads. So I thought why not try and make some strawberry muffins this week. I've never made them or tasted any before. I found a good sounding recipe and off we went to the kitchen to bake our little hearts out.

These muffins turned out great! So great they were blog worthy. I was thinking, "I must share this recipe with my friends!" So here it is girls, I hope you enjoy them as much as we did. We ate a few and packaged all the rest up for friends and delivered them fresh out of the oven.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/strawberry-muffins-3

On another cooking note...I'm been contemplating offering cooking classes in my home. A few friends said they would be interested in attending...it's just a thought for now...but its an exciting one at that. ;)

Top 5!

Busy, busy, busy! Too busy to exercise, too busy to help out with the PTA, too busy to make that new mom a meal, too busy to play with my daughter, too busy to make a healthy dinner at home, too busy to pray, too busy to read my Bible. Just too busy!

Oh dear, how many times have I heard people say "I'm just so busy!" I so understand. I really do. But man oh man, why do we make it more complicated for ourselves than it needs to be? Including me.

I recently started to form a new habit that has changed the shape of my stay-at-home mom life! I love being home with our little 3 year old and truly thank God as I see it a pure blessing.

Some days I sit at the end of the day (usually at 10 pm!) thinking over all the things I didn't get done that day. The extra load or two of laundry, the card I wanted to send to that person who is discouraged, the bread I wanted to bake for my neighbor who just had a baby, or even my devotions for the day! I often feel defeated and frustrated at all I wasn't able to get done. And some days, I just plain don't get much done.

My dear friend over at thedomesticremedy.blogspot.com has sure helped me in feeling more empowered to take charge of my schedule.

So this is is actually her tip but I just had to share it with you because in a way it has somewhat transformed my days.

Every evening before I go to bed I make a list of the top 5 things I'd like to get done the next day. I simply use my ipad to make the list as I have an app that does it for me. ;) I set it to remind me by 10 am (I'm not a morning person. lol!). After I complete each item I get to check it off!! Woo hoo! I know, I know, so what, a checkmark...who cares, right? But no! It's glorious. It feels SO good to check that task off the list. So good! Such a feeling of accomplishement.

Here is what my list looks like on a given morning.




So you say, what do you do if you can't accomplish it all in one day. Well then, it just flows over to the next day or until you get it done. Silly as it seems I know, but this has helped me stay so much more organized and it has helped me stay on task and get things done that I really wanted to do or needed to do. I don't get overwhelmed as easily and I sleep better because all those tasks/ideas on what I need to do are written down (or typed down) and I won't forget them. It's somewhat peaceful. lol. :)

Here is a picture of my completed list. Ahh...love looking at this.





Life is good. Being organized is fun and it's exciting to see what I can get done. I feel like things are moving forward and I'm accomplishing so much more than I used to. With more time, I can serve The Lord more richly. And I love that. I know He does too.

This blog post is dedicated to Jenny, my best girl and inspiration. <3 br="">- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

A Little Perspective

Honestly, some days I feel stuck. As sad as that sounds, it's the honest truth. My goal this year is to be more honest with myself regarding my feelings. Being a parent is one of life's greatest joys. I feel absolutely honored to be Addison's mommy! She's the brightest, sweetest, active, and most imaginative little girl around. God's most precious gift to me besides my salvation.

There are those days though, where I feel frazzled, worn down, tired, bored, lonely, and downright trapped in my own house! Crazy? I know, right?! It's not how I feel about her but it's how I feel sometimes...honesty.

But today as I was driving to Lansing (one of my new favorite places), I had the radio on and 10,000 Reasons came on, and I had a moment of ahh. My narrow perspective on life is all about those feeling I have from time to time... but those are just feelings. Normal or abnormal they may be, I can't base my life's perspective on feelings.

I love my family, and I wouldn't trade them or being a stay-at-home mommy for ANYTHING in this world. It's a sweet gift. But sometimes I think my view from the kitchen window gets foggy or "floggy" as my daughter says. When I simply focus on the mundane tasks of the day and don't take time to slow down, savor life and all it's sweet blessings, I tend to get clouded in my view.

Sometimes all I need is my car & some Starbucks to gain a little perspective on life.



Life is good. So very good. Even though it's cloudy today, I see the sun. The SONshine as He smiles down on me, saying, "it's ok, remember to look for me on those cloudy days, I'm right here."


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

My New Favorite

I love soup, yes I do, I love soup, how 'bout you!?

Haha, just had to add that little cheer I've been singing to Addison lately to encourage her to eat more veggies! ;)

Anyways, I tried a new recipe for Chicken Enchilada soup this weekend. Be still my heart.
Loved it. Had to share the recipe with you! 

Let me know if you make it and what you think. :)

We're enjoying getting ready for Thanksgiving. One of my favorite times of year. It's cool outside but the house is warm. Thankful for a new ministry, a new home, and new friends this November.

So, bowls up! Have a ladle of soup and count your blessings!

Here's a link to the recipe: http://dainty-chef.com/2011/12/crockpot-chicken-enchilada-soup.html

Happy Sunday Moments

Starting my day talking with God and learning a gentle lesson He's been trying to teach me.

Learning about how faith moves mountains, even if those mountains are within me. God has work to do in me to produce a miracle of faith in my life. Blessed by the sermon at Bay Area Community Church today.

Overhearing Addison singing a new song she learned at church with gusto! Even though the words were jumbled :)

Sharing in snuggles after nap time & getting sweet kisses from my three year old

Playing dolls with my daughter, who is so sweet and innocent in her play

Catching her using Noah to fly her Little People plane. I didn't know Noah was a pilot. ;)




Spending time with my precious family-hugging my brother-one of the last times before I move to Michigan...

Enjoying a small afternoon nap...ahh bliss!

Rocking my daughter to sleep (yes, she still likes to be rocked a bit) and singing her Jesus Loves Me...enjoying each and every moment of holding her tight.

Feeling so thankful for every blessing that comes from above


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Saying Goodbye..For a Little While

Two things I know for sure: things change & life goes on.

In two weeks I'll be moving along with my husband and our little girl to a new home, a new town, a new state. And while I'm very excited about this move, there are a few things I must say goodbye to for now...

Being a girl from the east coast the wide open ocean has always been my second home. The sound of the crashing waves, the wind on my face, and the smell of the salt water always becons me, come be still and sit a while. It's my favorite place to be. Here are a few snapshots of this love...
























Living in Pennsylvania these last 9 years has taught me a better understanding of the simpler life, a more contented life, and to celebrate the joys of special, God given friendships.




I'll miss this place, for sure! It's too bad we didn't come out with a win this year.




And my beloved Georgetown Cupcake!! I honestly can say that they have THE best cupcakes in the world. My absolute favorites. I've made many a trips there. Just ask my sister, she knows. ;) She lives just down the street from one of their locations.




I'll never forget all the wonderful memories made at TWC. Including this beautiful baptism service celebrating these wonderfully, changed people.




And finally, my loves. I will miss being with them for birthday celebrations, Mother's Day dinners, Fun Fourth of July festivities, and my nieces numerous choir & drama performances.




But this I know for sure...we are called. Called by God to serve His people and make a difference for His kingdom. The missed holiday events, birthday parties, family functions are worth the end gain-saved souls. It's worth it all.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
So, east coast, it's so long for now, but I'll always hold you close in my heart
-'cause you run in my veins!
Here we come MICHIGAN! We are SO excited about this new adventure! Let the fun begin!

Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies

Ah yes, Pinterest calls again. This time for something sweet!  I found this recipe for Cake Mix cookies last week and thought it would be a fun and easy baking recipe for me & Addison to make together. It turned out to be just so, super easy and quick. Addison was able to help with all the steps (at age 3). I'm delighted to say she's getting quite good at cracking eggs. She cracked both eggs into the bowl without getting any shells in. Way to go big girl!!

The cookies turned out soft and moist. A bit cake like but with a slighty crisp crust. This recipe would be a great go-to if you were in a pinch for fresh cookies. Oh and you could use any cake flavor you'd want.

Give 'em a try. They're easy peasy. :)  Here's the link to the recipe.

http://www.tasteandtellblog.com/cake-mix-cookies/