I AM NOT SUPER MOM

As a mother of four, I have tons of people asking me all the time, "How do you do it?" or something like "I could never do what you do!" I'm going to let everyone in on a little secret.....you ready for it???

I'M NOT SUPER MOM!!! I know, its a shock but it's true. I make lots of mistakes. Everyday. In fact, I'm pretty sure if people spent an hour in my home, they would leave feeling better about themselves!

Just this week I had to get pre-made valentines boxes for Judd and Adley because I forgot to get stuff to make them over the weekend. I forgot Nolan's lunch for school Wednesday (which was also the same day I sent him to school in Adley's panties on an accident). Judd was suppose to sing in church Wednesday and I forgot that too. Today Nolan took his socks off in the car on the way to school and since I was running late he sported one sock at school all day, and Judd was not only tardy but went to school in jeans and it wasn't even a "jeans" day so they hooked him up with some khakis from the clothes closet. On top of all this I'm pretty sure there are about 5 folks I was suppose to call back and didn't, laundry coming out of my ears, and checks that need to be deposited.

I'm not a very organized person. I dream of being organized though. I make a lot of lists but always seem to lose them (like the one from the nursery lady at church with all the supplies and snacks needed by this Sunday). I'm scatter brained and never seem to feel like I have it all together.

But, I have 4 happy, healthy kids that get from point A to point B. (maybe not with all their stuff but at least I have all the kids, right?) I'm doing by best to raise them to love Jesus and those around them. I probably will never be a June Cleaver kind of mom and wife. I'm too loud and my kids are a bunch of hooligans. They embarrass me in public and test my patients at home but I absolutely love my life. It sounds crazy to think but I am living my dream. And really haven't felt the desire to be done adding to the craziness.

I just wanted to let all you folks out there know that I'm not as awesome as you may think. I'm really just like everyone else. I'm learning as I go. I have to live my life ready for anything to happen anywhere (like No dropping his pants to pee in the middle of the church parking lot). So, if anyone needed encouragement about their parenting, maybe this will lift your spirits.

Making memories

Judd lost his first tooth tonight!! Wow!! I can't believe my baby boy is so BIG!!!

Week 2 in the Book of James

We start this week with point 3 in turning our trials to triumphs. To turn trials to triumphs, we must have a surrendered will and let God have his way with us. It's a task easier said than done but worth it in the end!!

So, apparently, I'm not getting shorter but longer with my videos. I guess the more comfortable I get the more I talk, or maybe it's just nervous rambling....I hope that isn't the case.

If your interested in getting on the email list for the study guide I put together for each week post your email in the comments section. I'm praying for all of you as we grow mature in our faith. May we let God do a good work in us for HIS glory!!

I'm not sure why the video wouldn't load today, so I posted it to YouTube instead. Here's the link....http://youtu.be/_DliYDvi0Rk

We Can Know...

Alrighty!! Here's the second video in our study of James. I'm still working on getting all this together...so bear with me! I found me a microphone so the sound is better today, but MAN do I look like TRASH!!! I have been cleaning house this morning and then went to eat a quick lunch with a couple of my kids before taking a quick jog...and by quick I don't mean my pace was quick. So I apologize for being the sloppy bible teacher and the brief interruption from my sweet Emory. :) That makes me real thought right? And easy to relate to, right? Some one help me out here...haha. One day I will fix up real pretty for you but until then just focus on the content of the video.

Today we are reading James 1:3 and making sure that we KNOW that we can turn trials into triumphs because God is in control and has a purpose for each bump in the road. We don't have to worry about the outcome because we KNOW that God knows it and he's purpose will be fulfilled in our lives.

Let's see how this goes!!!

So, my dad approached me the other day about doing a video bible study for the E.I.M website. I was surprised at first and then quickly became nervous and kinda sick about the possibility. I don't like taking pictures of myself, I hate the sound of my voice, and I don't at all feel adequate enough to teach Scripture to anyone. I'll be honest, I've always wanted to do a Bible study but was quickly taken back to the reality of...I'm an idiot! Who in their right mind would listen to me??

However, I feel like God is giving me a tremendous opportunity. I have recently started an in-home, once a month Bible study. Since we only meet once a month, I figured that a video post a few times a week would probably be a good thing to keep us accountable, focused, and in the Word. We are going to be studying the book of James and are taking it one chapter at a time. So, if you want to join us, just pick up your Bible and start reading. We aren't doing a formal study with a study guide so there is nothing to catch up on. My goal is for us to read the scripture and apply it. The goal of this book is to produce spiritual maturity.

Let me just say, that I have no formal theology training...which I am sure will be very clear from the first video. But I love God's Word and I love to study it. I enjoy reading theology books and listening to sermons online. I find joy in the truths I find all through scripture. But my heart breaks for those around me who just don't get it. The young mom's that just don't understand that our children are not our toys, they are image barers of the Creator and it is our responsiblity to point them to the Father. This world is bombarding us with garbage, so it's our job as mothers to protect our children from the influences of this world. It's our job as wives to pray for our husbands and to be godly wives. We can't do this things effectively apart from Christ and the Bible. So, let's dive in together. Let's not only get older, let's mature in the Scripture. Let's strengthen our prayer lives and go deeper than we've ever gone before.

Pizza

I love pizza, but have found lately that I'm so tired of pepperoni and all the other blah toppings. So, next time you're in the mood for a great speciality pizza give this one a try...

Chicken and Artichoke Pizze

1 prepared pizza crust (Walmart deli has some that are yummy)
3 medium size boneless, skinless chicken breast
2/3 cup basil pesto
1 can artichoke hearts, drained
1 jar sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
1 cup shredded mozzerella cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400. Season chicken breast with salt and pepper and cook through on a griddle, stainless skillet, or cast iron skillet. Allow to cool slightly after cooking. While Once chicken is cooled, cut into strips and set aside. Take a small non-stick skillet and toast pine nuts until fragrant...set aside.

To assemble pizza:
Spread pesto over the crust, leaving a 1" rim around the edge. Layer with chicken, chopped artichokes, sundried tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts. Spread cheeses over the pie and bake at 400 until cheese is melted and bubbly.

This really is a great alternative to your plain jane pizza...so enjoy!!

Tip for Julie: Invest in a good cast iron or stainless steele skillet. When cooking meats these type skillets help create a nice crust on the meat. The key to keep food from sticking is high heat and minimal contact with the meat. Don't put the chicken in the skillet and then try to play with it and move it around, it will stick and tear the meat. Once the meat has made contact with the skillet, let it sit. The meat will detach from the bottom when it's ready to be flipped.

I don't like to use a non-stick skillet for searing or when I'm trying to develop rich flavors. So, unless your fixing pancakes or scrambles eggs put those non-stick skillets away!

Adley on my mind...

So, it's been a while! I have been really busy lately trying to find Adley the PERFECT bedding and room accessories for her "big girl" room. She will be three soon and still has a crib in her room. She's been sleeping with Judd for about six months now, but I just have not been able to decide what to do in her room. I've been thinking simple and classic Pottery Barn Kids and even filled up my shopping cart, several times. (I love Pottery Barn...it's my fav and their stuff is great quality... ) Then Adley started putting in her two cents! I know now that God does have sense of humor because my beautiful, sweet little girl wants nothing but PINK in her room...the one color I grew up hating with a passion!! It's hilarious! She wants a pink bed, walls, bedding, you name it, she wants it! So, I have decided to paint her "big girl" bed pink and some of her furniture pink...as I begin my project I will post pictures and info as to how I went about creating Adley's Perfectly Pink bedroom.

I was not the girly-girl growing up, so she's really making me dig deep to find my girly side...and I will admit, it's been kinda fun! I didn't even know I was capable of being sooo girly. :)

Adley also has a birthday coming up soon! She will be 3 on August 22 and wants a Pink Super Woman birthday...more pink!! HA! But to see the smile on her face is worth all the pink in the world. I know some may think I'm being silly to give into her wants, but really, she's in the middle of 2 boys and rarely gets anything of her own. If I can put a smile on her face with something like a pink bed or a pink birthday cake, I will!

I know what it's like being the middle child and feeling like I got the short end of the stick...here comes that middle child syndrome! I want her to know that she matters and that is just as special as her brothers. I want her to feel like her wants and likes are just as important to me as they are to her....let's just hope I don't go broke in the process!!