my coffee talks, does yours? (Amanda version!)

12 girls
8 years
Love you!

For the original, go here!

Perspective

This morning I woke up, ready to start preparing for Thanksgiving. I was already feeling stressed, anxious, frazzled. All those things you're supposed to feel before a big day, right? I was thinking about mopping the floors ( I love our hardwood floors but they are a bear to clean!), cleaning the bathroom, cooking some food, running some errands, etc. As I was brushing my teeth (this is where I do all my deep thinking. :) ) I had some time to reflect and pray for God to calm me down. That is when He spoke to my heart. "Amanda, " He said. " You need to put some things in perspective." That's when I stepped out of my little bubble and began looking at the big picture. Thanksgiving is a beautiful holiday, in my opinion. We get to be unselfish and give thanks for all of the blessings the Lord has given us. It's a time to come together with family and friends and share a meal, something Jesus did with his friends regularly. We'll sit down to our feast eat until we can't anymore, probably leaving plates half full at the end. But my plea to you today is to remember those who will wake up on Thursday morning and eat their meal of rice, which will be their only meal of the day. Then go out and work hard, manual labor from sun up to sun down just to buy that rice. I don't mean to cast a dark mood over Thanksgiving. I just needed to put some things in perspective. If you get the chance on Thanksgiving day, remember to lift up a prayer for those who may never see this much food in their life. It certainly helped me to realize that it really doesn't matter if the potatoes have lumps or the windows don't get washed. It's about being thankful. Here's a song that the Lord brought to my mind today that really helped....well....put things in perspective.





Running the race,
~A

The big switch

Okay. Brace yourself. We've got news. :) And I'm just going to come out with it so that everyone knows and it's over with. As most of you know, John and I try to eat pretty healthy. No trans fats, high fructose corn syrup, MSG ( I get a headache just thinking about it...), no white refined sugar, among other things. So, we've been studying even more lately on this topic. We came across this lecture series on health that we've been watching over the past week. It was eye opening, to say the least. If you'd like to watch them (and you should!) you can go here. It will take you a little while to watch. I think there are like 5 or6 videos that are maybe and hour and a half long. But he made some really good points. Oh, wait. I haven't said our big announcement yet! I forgot. John and I are thinking of making the transition to vegetarian. There! I said it! We aren't really animal right activists. Although, living in an agricultural community I have, at times, been totally disgusted and appalled at what they do to animals now a days. Really, it's for health reasons. No religious convictions behind it, except we want to take care of the bodies the Lord gave us. Also, our diet will not become our religion. I refuse to feel like I'm "sinning" if some pieces of ham get thrown into my salad. Oh! The biggest thing I'm thinking of giving up....chocolate. I know! I know! But if what he said in his videos is true....that stuff needs to go. Of course, this will effect the children too. But they love fruits and veggies. Some of you might be asking "Protein?? Hello??" But did you know that plant proteins are actually MUCH better for you than animal proteins? Beans, nuts, and lots of different types of veggies have protein. Anyway, it's something we are seriously thinking about and will probably start moving towards. Wish us luck!

~A

Menu Monday

I was inspired by another friend, Erica, to share what my menu is going to be this week. I'm always kind of fascinated to see what people eat. Is that weird?? Our groceries this week cost $60. Not bad for a family of 5, huh?? That's including all the snacks for the kids and everything. Our grocery bill has gone down alot since we quit eating dried cereal and I've started baking all of our bread. Almost all of my recipes came from the More with Less cookbook. If you don't have it (and you like to save money) then that would be a good one to get. Oh and, just a warning, John and I are trying to eat healthy. We don't eat a lot of meat, especially red meat. Some of these recipes may seem weird, but I assure they are all healthy and cheap! Also, we actually went grocery shopping Friday. So this is my menu from last Saturday to Friday. Got that?

Saturday: We had friends over. So I made a big pot of chili (with turkey). Cornbread. A tray of veggies (carrots, broccoli, celery, tomatoes) with dip. Brownies (made with honey not sugar) and ice cream for dessert.

Sun: Leftovers

Monday: Spaghetti with tomato sauce. I'm using lentils instead of meat. I've heard that lentils are supposed to be a great substitute for ground meat in things like spaghetti, sloppy joes, etc. And they are much healthier. I'll probably also make some French bread and make some kind of a salad.

Tuesday: Fried Rice with a salad or some kind of veggie.

Wednesday: Beans and cornbread

Thursday: Navajo Tacos. This involves mashing up all the leftover beans from Wednesday and making it into refried beans. We'll also have either nachos or chips and salsa or maybe a veggie.

Friday: Ham, cheese and potato scallop. I have frozen ham slices that I've had since....well, let's just say I need to use them up soon. We'll have rice and either salad or bread with it too.

There's the plan for this week. If I ever invite you over for dinner, don't be scared. I actually do know how to cook normal food. But for just us, we like to keep it simple. What are you having this week?

Running the race,
~A

Crafts for Turkey Day

Since Edi shared the crafts her children would be doing for Thanksgiving, I felt I had to share mine too. Thanksgiving at my house isn't a very elegant affair. We don't break out the silver and fine china (mainly, because I don't own any). Plus, I've come to the realization that with young children, especially lots of them, you've got to have stuff for them to do to. I want it to be a special day for them as well. You never know, some mom might stumble across this blog and be inspired! So, here we go.

Here's the Thanksgiving garland. I figured this would be pretty manageable for a 4, 3, and 1 year old (yes, Bradley will insist on participating), if I cut out all the leaves before hand. Mine will be a little altered. It will include some beads and fake leaves I bought at Wal-mart. Plus, it will look nice over the fireplace.

Indian corn napkin rings, anyone?? Lilly and Luke should handle this one pretty well with adult supervision. They will find any excuse to use glue. The real kind of glue, of course, non of that glue stick stuff. I'll have to be careful about those buttons though. John's brother and his family are coming and they have a 9 month old.

This is our Thanksgiving tree. I had to really think about this one. After all, the bible does talk about not being like "those pagans who go cut down a tree and bring it into their house and decorate it with gold and silver" (christmas???) But John assured me it was just a branch and there will be no gold or silver present. It's a good way to get everyone involved too. Everybody can jot a little note of thanks. :)

Villiage people! This is just because they are so stinking cute. It seems like one of those things my children will try to tote around for a week afterward, only to have Bradley eventually get a hold of it and drool all over it. But, they'll have fun in the meantime.


We are also going to make a wreath to put up for each kiddo but I don't have a picture of that one. I'm kind of winging it! And those are the crafts. If I can't get them all done, oh well! I'd rather be over prepared, I suppose. Hope no one's getting too stressed out about Thanksgiving. My only tip is to keep it simple. I've done it both ways. One Thanksgiving I tried to make a million different dishes to satisfy everyone. But now, with 3 kids and a pregnant belly, I do a few staple Thanksgiving dishes (that I can make ahead) and call it good. No one ever complains. :)

Running the race,
~A

Fun Website!

If you are a mom with bored kids, then you'll love this website. If you are a home-school mom, then you will really, REALLY love this website. Lilly is learning vowel blends in school right now. So, I was trying to find a fun activity that would be kind of like a game but still help reinforce what she's been learning. I came across education.com It's fantastic. You go to the activities page and you can choose what grade level your child is and then it has categories for reading, writing, math, science, art, and outdoors. I looked through several of them and they are all really fun! I was so excited I just had to share. Any of you moms looking for something to do on rainy days, check this site out!

~A

Am I joyful or happy?

I've been doing some reflecting lately. This week in Lilly's character development part of her curriculum I am supposed to be teaching her about joyfulness. Her curriculum defines it as "Providing brightness in the lives of others regardless of outward circumstances". And of course, they say the best way to teach this to your child is by example.....uh oh. So the past couple days I've been thinking about if I am truly joyful or not. Then I remembered that in my last issue of Keepers at Home (a wonderful, God-centered magazine for stay at home moms) one of the editors was talking about the difference between joy and happiness. Since she put it so much better than I can I'll just write an excerpt:

"I thought about two kinds of joy. Inward joy and happiness. We should feast on God's Word every morning, praying for the Holy Spirit to keep us filled, so living water may flow from us.
Inward joy comes from knowing and trusting God. Happiness is totally unpredictable. Inward joy gains victory over discouragement. Happiness usually just covers it up.
Inward joy is everlasting. Happiness is only a temporary feeling. The secret for a close, Spirit-filled relationship with God is to pray to Him earnestly, reverently each morning and continuously throughout the day. As Christians we need to strive at being more tolerant of people, but less tolerant of sin."

I had to think about how I've been lately. Honestly, Montezuma isn't my favorite place to live. And so I think I've been really lacking in the joy department lately. I've been looking for happiness but ignoring the joy I should be finding in Christ. But my realization of this was a great opportunity for me to confess this to Lilly, in 4 year old terms, of course. I don't want her growing up with this false perception that as Christians we never fail. As we were going over her schoolwork we kept going over verses that talked about joy, which drove the point home even harder!

"The joy of the Lord is your strength." ~ Neh. 8:10

"But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee." Psalm 5:11

"Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD." 1 Chor. 16:10


Not to mention it's a fruit of the Spirit. So, anyway, that's what has been on my heart the past couple days. Can I say that I truly have joy? I'm not quite sure about that yet. But I'm thankful that the Lord has pointed this out to me. My joy needs to come from Him and not from my outward circumstances. I need to be joyful (in Him) even if we lack food, shelter, clothing, etc. Thanks for reading! What about you? Are you joyful or happy??

Running the race,

~A

A message for my parents

The children wanted me to let you know that they were sending you a special surprise in the mail.

Get ready....

When I grow up....

Yes, it's Saturday night. I'm at home. So, I thought I'd blog about my random thoughts, m-kay? At the beginning of the year I had made this decision that I was going to try to get into photography. I was going to try to take at least one picture a day just to get me on my way. Well, busy-ness set in and eventually I let the project go. Now, several months later I'm wishing I'd stuck to it. You see, I want to be a photographer when I grow up. I love (LOVE) photography. Right now it's more looking at cool pictures then taking them. But I'd really like to enjoy taking them too. To be even more discriptive. I love looking at pictures of people. I'm a people watcher. God has made so many beautifully unique people. I just love to observe His creation. But I haven't quite figured out how to do this without looking like some wierd, stalker person. Anyway, so what is the starting point for someone trying to get into photography? Is it buying a decent camera? Paying attention to photo opportunities? I just don't know. Any suggestions? If you haven't looked at my friend Jill's photos, you should. I love her photo's. This is the kind of photography I'd love to do. I also would love to travel around the world and take pictures of different cultures. Again, God created so many unique cultures and people. It's just fascinating. But that will have to wait for another time. Another fun blog is Compasssion International's photographer, Keely Scott. Anyway, more daydreams. I'd love any advice from you photographers out there. How did you get started? What should I do?

Running the race,
~A

Compassion

Most of you who know me know how much of a heart I have for Compassion International. I've been involved with them for 8 years now, through sponsorship and in college I worked with a group of about 4 other KSU students to help spread the word. In college I had hopes of graduating and going to work for compassion but motherhood called my name a little earlier then I had planned (and I don't regret it!). The more I get familiar with this organization the more I love them. For those of you who haven't heard of it, the idea is really pretty simple. Just like the logo says, "releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name. You sign up for a child (if you want you can choose gender, country, age, etc) they send you a packet full of information of a specific child and then you send $32 a month, which gives this little life food, medicine, education and more importantly the Good News of Jesus. The stories I hear from other sponsors are so moving and touching. A lot of you who read this blog read the Pioneer Woman too. Her husband and two daughter just got back from a trip to the Dominican Republic with compassion. If you haven't read the account of it all you really should. I loved it.


My little guys name is Ebed. He's from the Philippians. I've really enjoyed getting to know him over the past couple years. He wants to be a policeman. He loves to play marbles. He's in second grade and he's learning that Jesus loves him. And while I know our money and prayers are helping him have a brighter future, I think he is doing a lot more for my family. We get to pray for him. My children get to learn about a different culture and that not everyone has the same opportunities we do. They also get to learn to pray for other believers.

So, why all of this? I just felt led to be honest. If you've ever thought about sponsoring a child I would highly encourage you to do so. I have learned so much over my past years of being a part of it all. Thanks for reading, again!

Running the race,
~A

The never ending saga

The name game still continues in this house. I'm beginning to think this baby isn't going to have a name until we are forced to put something down on paper. Just in case you didn't know, neither of us were particularly fond of the name Bradley (and it was nearly Sebastian....hmm.) for baby #3 but it was the ONLY one we could agree on. Thus, little Bradley was named. I took a little survey today in the house of names we all liked (hoping to get some inspiration). I thought I'd share.

Amanda: G- Rebecca B- Jeremiah

Luke: G- Katherine B- Joseph ; Oh, and Katherine (John's co-worker) if you are reading this, Luke told me he liked that name specifically because of you!

Lilly: G-Jezebel B- King Ahab; Um...yah. Guess what story we were reading in the Bible today. Don't worry. This one will NOT happen. I just didn't have the heart to tell her.

John: G-Molly or Lucy B- Boaz ; Yes, he's still stuck on Boaz. I just won't even go there.

I like the name Lucy too. But I have hopes and dreams of adopting a little chinese girl and naming her Lucy, so I'm holding out!

Well, now I'm open to suggestions. Yes, it has come to this. You, too, can name my baby. Any ideas??

Running the race,
~A

Good read!

I just got done reading this book by Voddie Baucham. It was wonderful! Really challenging and at the same time really inspiring. I must recommend that everyone read it. Especially, if you are a young family, just starting out. We, as parents, have such an awesome responsibility and he does a great job of point that out! We have alot of work to do in our family!

Running the race,

~A

Just a reminder on this election day!

Today is election day. Unless you live under a rock you probably know that. This is a big deal, right!? This man will be guiding our country! Well....let's slow down a little bit. I just want to point out a few reminders. First, let's remember that God is still going to be God regardless of who wins. He will be the one guiding this country through His chosen vessel. Also, we should try not to lift either candidate up to "savior" status. Yes, some good thing might happen either under Obama or McCain but neither of them is going to save this country. There's only One who will do that and He hasn't come back yet. They are fallible men, just as I am a sinful woman. They are going to make mistakes. Last, and probably most important, - I'm sure most of you are going to go out and vote today but, please, remember to pray too. After all, doesn't the Bible specifically call Christians to pray for our leaders? Prayers will go much, MUCH further than your vote will, I guarentee it. I hate seeing the country so torn in half by all of this. It's really not a matter of who is going to run the country. God is, of course. But more a matter of who will God choose to do that through. After all, He already knows the outcome and has for a long, long time. He won't be caught off guard. Thanks for reading my ramblings today. May your prayers rise up like incense!

Running the race,
~A

Bagel Making 101

It's been requested that I share how I make bagels! Gladly! It's really easy. Go here and follow the directions. This is the recipe I use. Now, I should say that I just pop all the ingredients into my bread machine, set it to "dough" cycle and let it do all the hard work but I have done it the old fashion way and it's still pretty simple. So, take an afternoon and try it. They are WAY better than store bought. You won't be disappointed. I like to sprinkle mine with cinnamon/sugar, sesame seeds, or just leave them plain. Yum! Enjoy!



Running the race,
~A

A message for a friend

I have a friend who is going through a very hard time right now. If it were me in this situation, I imagine I'd be heartbroken. The other night I woke up at 4:30 in the morning and couldn't go back to sleep. This friend was on my heart so badly that I just had to get up and pray for her. I know the desire of her heart yet I know what reality is handing her. Sometimes life just doesn't make sense. As I was praying a song came to my head. And I know this song had to come from God because I hadn't thought of it in years. Over the past couple days this song has stayed in my head (you know how songs do that) and it's a lovely reminder to pray for her. So, friend, if you are reading this know that I love you. I'm praying for you. And that He has all things in His hands.




Running the race,
~A