Today I have evidence that reading someone else's blog can be totally inspirational! (I have one friend in particular who refuses to read any blogs at all-There's really no good reason for it either). Maybe if she did she would have a dinner like this!
So I had already pulled out the chicken: I had a hanker'n for Chicken Pot Pie.
I had a bit of down time today, so I was reading my friend's blog. She changed it a while back and I hadn't had a chance to look at it yet, so I was catching up a little. Well low and behold, what should I stumble across but Chicken Pot Pie - in homemade bread bowls no less! DELICIOUS! I was inspired - and here's the result:
I know, right? We just had the weekend and so I should be well-rested and ready to take on the week. Well, I'm not. Or I wasn't anyways. And then for some reason I just got motivated. Here's what happened:
Butter Tarts - there's no escaping the brown sugar. However, once in a while I indulge.
Beer Bread - I use spelt flour and honey
And of course some home-made Birtch Farm's apple pie. Larissa decided on a star for Landon and to remind us that there is a special surprise in the middle of the apple, also reminding us that Christmas is coming! (Yes, I said it: Christmas. Christmas. Christmas. Christmas.)
So what really happened? I'll be honest - it's that sweet little reminder named Josie Stahle. I'm still in awe of God's grace and goodness in giving her life and blessing us all with it. Now I know that I will never forget the words from her wise Daddy just days after her birth: "We've sure learned to take things moment-to-moment and appreciate every one. You know it makes you stop and think about all the stupid things we say, like: 'I just want this day to be over';'this day was so long, thank God it's over';'I hate Mondays'. You know, whatever it is we say, we really take life for granted".
Wow huh? I can't tell you how often I hear those words now as I catch myself not living in and appreciating the moments. How precious and fleeting our time here really is.
We all know we're mortals; we just like to pretend we're not. But let's stop pretending. Let's live out today, enjoying it, making the most of it; whatever that means to you.
All too often I am hearing a child being told they are a "good boy" or a "bad boy" and something in me cringes.
I know that most of us say things without realizing what it is we're actually saying, believe me, I know I do it all the time! And it's an area I'm working on. Mommies and Daddies: please take my encouragements and hear my love for you and your child!
I know it's not intentional that a lot us parents qualify our child's identity with their behavior, and the truth is that not everyone has an ECE worker for a mother (like yours truly). I credit this sensitivity to her! So in case no one else will ever tell you, please let me!
When your 2 year old isn't listening to you and runs in the opposite direction he is NOT a "bad boy". Yes, his behavior is disobedient and you need to correct him but that's our job as parents, to teach that character of obedience.
When your 3 year old hits another child for not giving them the toy or cookie they want, she is not a "bad girl". Her behavior is certainly bad, but your child is not.
When we call a child bad we are telling them something about who they are as a person. They aren't bad, they are kids and they need to learn and it is our responsibility and privilege to teach them. So teach them well parents. Teach them that they are loved and adored. Teach them that you love them always and that they can be secure in your love. When they behave badly, tell them they are behaving badly but please, please don't tell them that they are bad. Reward good behavior and teach them that bad choices and bad behavior has consequences.
A Pastor that we respect says, "Choose to sin; choose to suffer". Wise.
We tell our kids, "Choose to obey or choose a consequence". They choice is theirs. That empowers them and tells them "Son, I know you're smart." Nagging and threatening our kids tells them we think they're stupid because we have to keep telling them over and over again to do something, or not to do something - and it just frustrates us and them! (Thank you Dr. Kevin Leman for that one)
Let me put it this way: If you didn't meet expectations at your workplace, and your boss came to you and said, "John, you've made some bad business choices. You're workplace is a mess. John, you are a bad person". .... that just doesn't even make sense, does it? Everything in you would probably cry out 'injustice! I am still a good person!'. Your little Johnny, and mine. might feel the same way only they don't have the years or the wisdom to know that, and so they WILL believe they are bad - especially if their Mommy and Daddy are telling them that they are.
Anyways, I'm always learning so much and realizing so many areas where I fall short. I hope I never sound like I think I know it all, because I sure don't. I really want correction in my life, and I really will take all the advice I can get to be the best Mommy I can be! My heart is only to share with you the wisdom I've received and pray that your parenting experience will be a joyful one!
You can never do it all and you can never please everyone!
This is the story of my life: Trying to do it all and trying to please everyone (all at the same time, no less). An impossible task, I know. Am I that foolish that I just keep attempting it?
The one who ends up the most upset when I fail is always me.
I think I have some serious people-pleasing issues I need to deal with.
Any good resource suggestions? I'll take all the help I can get!
