Home: March 2012

Friday, March 30, 2012

Girls Night

Since Raegan has made it two nights without a pull-up on and was got up each morning with dry panties I rewarded her with a girls night to Big Al's. We drive by it every day on our way to daycare, and she asks if we can go. Even though going on a Friday night, probably wasn't a good idea we still had fun. Love hanging out with my girl.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Under Construcion

Some of you may have noticed, but my blog is under construction. I am changing things around a little, but will still be posting my usual stuff. The daily devotional, fashion Friday, and Raegan will all have there own pages. You will be able to click the link, right now to the right, but soon it will be at the top of the page and it will direct you to the right pages.

You everything likes the changes :)

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

30 Day Challenge

I found this list of 30 things over on another blog called Hopes &; Dreams. I thought that would be a fun 30 day challenge for April. This list would also make a fun date night with your significant other. Whether you have been together 2 months, or 20 years this may help you to reconnect. You could also take the 30 challenge with me!!!

THE LIST:

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Describe your relationship with your parents.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrasing moment.
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
14. Describe 5 strengths you have.
15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?
19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?
22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.
24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What is your love language?
29. What do you think people misunderstand most about you?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.

The power of Pink

DD Day 41

Deuteronomy 4:9
9 “But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.

FAITH STORIES

It is amazing how quickly we forget or dismiss the ways God has been faithful to us. We become distracted, self-sufficient, or focused on a new problem. God knows these human tendencies. That is why He asks us to actively remember His blessings. He takes it one step further by instructing us to share these stories with our children. Children learn from example. If parents model a faith that is alive and real, it will have incredible influence on them.

Ephesians 6:16 talks about taking up the shield of faith to defend against the evil one. Your family's shield of faith can be constructed with stories of God's faithfulness and provision.

Take the time to communicate to your kids the many ways God has blessed you. It is an affirmation for you and an example to them.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Daily Devotional- Parenting, Day 40

Day 40

Numbers 20:12

12 But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!”

DELIVERING CONSEQUENCES

Talk about a tough consequence! Moses, the great leader of the Exodus and recorder of the Ten Commandments, was not allowed to enter the Promised Land because he blatantly disobeyed God. Moses pleaded with God to change His mind, but God followed through with the consequence.

Even great leaders and great kids can make serious errors. In a culture of declining moral standards, following through with the right consequences can feel unloving and harsh. But developing habits of obedience in our children requires that we establish clear boundaries and consistently enforce the consequences when they disobey.

Though it may seem harsh, delivering consequences consistently is an act of love.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Bottle Drip Irrigation

Bottle Drip Irrigation

All water gets to the roots of each plant unlike sprinklers which allow much of the water to be trapped in the foliage.

The materials you will need are as follows:

2 litre plastic soda bottle or water bottle that still has the lid
Drill and small drill bit
Sharp knife
Cutting surface

Drill 4-8 small holes into the cap of the plastic bottle. If you want it to drip slower use less holes, faster use more holes. Don’t make holes that are too small, they will become clogged up by debris. Remove the bottom of the bottle by cutting across with a sharp knife. I find a serrated knife works well. Removing the bottom of the bottle creates a funnel for you to easily pour water into. The wide mouthed opening will also catch some water when it rains.

Dig a hole next to a plant or in between a grouping of plants that is deep enough to bury at least one third to one half of the bottle. If you position the bottle in amongst a grouping of plants it will be hidden from view. Place the bottle in the hole with the cap side down and secure it into the hole by pressing dirt around it. This will ensure that your bottle stays in place. Pour water into the bottle until it is full. You can add fertilizer to the bottle every few weeks so that your plants are fertilized right at the roots.

You will need to fill your bottle when it is empty, once a day or less depending on how much direct, hot sun your plants receive. Make several bottles to place in all your large containers or next to plants in your garden such as tomatoes that require a lot of water.

This is so clever, and I can't wait to have a garden again to be able try this out.

(I found this idea at yougrowgirl.com)

Daily Devotional - Parenting

Day 39

Numbers 14:18

18 The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.

CONFRONTING REBELLION

What prevents you from calmly following through with consequences when your kids sin or rebel? I resisted giving consequences because I wanted to avoid angry responses such as: "Chill, mom!" "You're mean." Or, "I'll do it later." I tried reasoning with them, but this usually backfired. I tried arguing my point, but the more I talked, the angrier they seemed to become. I was hiding behind words (nagging, reminding, and arguing) to avoid giving consequences.

When you get an angry response for delivering consequences, don't escalate the situation by nagging or replying in anger. Words are easy. You may think you are being "strong" when you argue your point forcefully or make dictatorial decrees, but the truth is it takes more strength to hold your tongue and give consequences calmly and with empathy. That is a model of real strength.

Confront rebellion calmly and deliver consequences, rather than words.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Daily Devotional - Parenting

Day 38

Leviticus 18:4-5

4 Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the Lord your God.5 Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the Lord.

GOOD BOUNDARIES

The laws given to the Israelites may seem overwhelming and tedious to us. God's requirements covered everything from priestly duties to skincare! But this was not an exercise in excessive control. The Israelite community was beginning a journey into the wilderness and God knew the pitfalls and temptations that lay ahead. These regulations were a gesture of His love and grace to help them succeed as a nation.

Similarly, we know the pitfalls that await our children on their journey to adulthood. Out of love and protection, we establish boundaries. We know they do not have the maturity and wisdom to set limits for themselves. When you find it difficult to hold fast to your boundaries, remember God's example with the Israelites. Firm boundaries communicate love and promote security.

Good boundaries let your children know you love them.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Daily Devotional - Parenting

Day 37

Exodus 16:4

4 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Look, I’m going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day. I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions.

DAILY DEPENDENCE

We often long for God to reveal the whole path before us, but He usually gives us only one stepping stone at a time. During Israel's desert wandering, God set up a system that required the Israelites to trust in His provision on a daily basis. He knew self-sufficiency would draw them away from Him.

It can be tough to choose a path of daily dependence on God in our lives and the lives of our children. We desperately want to plan, orchestrate, and manipulate all the details because it gives us a sense of control. The illusion of control however, can tempt us to rely on ourselves instead of God. Are you holding tightly to your sense of control, or are you depending on God for guidance?

Trust your children to God each morning. He knows what He's doing.