The Mothership

It's happened.  One more of a great generation has died.  My Julio. So precious to me.  So many people can affectionately call him "My Julio."  That's how awesome he was.  I feel especially sad because such a huge part of my youth is forever gone.  No more memories to be made with him.  But how fortunate I am to have as many memories as I do!  He was the true "American Dream."  And such a wonderful man for so many reasons that he left a legacy. Everything he did, he did with intensity and correctness. Julio was awesome because... he came from another country and became very successful...against all odds. found THE BEST wife God could have ever made for him. he would help just about anybody. he put 22 people through college. he kept me every weekend. he did the best "run under the swing". every time I saw him he told me how beautiful I was. he knew how to feed the geese and even call to them. he could summon a whole neighborh...

So, praying for people... Sometimes I'm great at it and sometimes...not so much I LOVE prayer and praying for others.  The high that I get when God's words touch my lips so that he can bless someone is overwhelming.  He needs communication from us and some of the most powerful prayer is surrounded by other believers.  I love the feeling God gives me when the Holy Spirit enters a room and is helping guide prayer, and working on those receiving prayer.  It just makes me happy inside. Public prayer can make people so uncomfortable...including myself. Thoughts just flood my mind: should you close your eyes...should you open your eyes...what if I say something that offends someone...what if I don't say anything at all...should I touch this person...do they need a hug...should I stop praying...should I offer to pray...what if I cry... and that last one...that's the one that gets me.  Every.  Single.  Time. I am a cryer.  I cry about EVERYTHING!...

Ingredients:  2 (14 oz) cans Black Beans, drained 1 (14 oz) can kidney beans, drained 1 (14 oz) can corn, drained 1 (14 oz) can of Mexican stewed tomatoes 1 (14 oz) can of Diced tomatoes 1-2 Tablespoons of chilli powder 1/2 Tablespoon of garlic 1 chopped onion 4 chopped green onions *1 can of extra water* serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro and corn bread:)   combine all ingredients into slow coooker.  I usually fill one of the cans that I emptied with water and pour it over top for the extra water.  Stir together.  Cook on high 5 hours. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream or cilantro as options.  I usually make cornbread to go along with this. **you can also do this in a pot on the stove. Just sauté onion and garlic first then add all the other ingredients. Bring to a boil then turn down to a simmer covered for 30 minutes or longer:) sometimes I start this at naptime and it simmers all afternoon. 

To my friend at the play date.... ...I am so sorry that I never get a chance to be fully present.  We used to be able to talk about everything, each taking our own turn at giving advice and taking it.  Now, our lives are different with these beautiful little ones consuming each and every happy and sad moment.  But within each moment are small moments that can still be filled... ....please don't stop telling me your stories.  Funny, sad, embarrassing, I want to hear it!  Even though we have been interrupted for the uptenth time, I REALLY want to hear it.  One thing that makes me so sad after a play date is how many stories I realized were just left hanging and I didn't get each important tidbit.  So please, don't stop telling the story because I REALLY want to hear it.  I want to know what is going on with you. ...I apologize for texting you one million questions right after seeing you.  But yet again, those little gems interrupted us wi...

This was supposed to be a tribute for Mother's Day, but apparently I got a little busy.  I guess better late than never. Today is Mother's Day and I have truly been spoiled by my husband and children.  I find so many things for which I am thankful.  But the thing that is most overwhelming today is how I see the Lord made me with my Mother and Mother-In-Law in mind.   They each are wonderful examples of Faith and being servants.  Each serve others without complaint because it is truly their hearts desire to serve others, and that it pleases our God. Each have shaped MY faith in more ways than most people. Each give LOVE unconditionally, just as Jesus asks us to. Each of them love each of their children differently and embrace their strengths and lift-up their weaknesses. Each one of them shows wise submission to their husbands, and yet are some of the strongest, smartest, and most independent women I know. Each one prays without ...

I'm really good at comparing myself to others and then putting myself down and belittling my efforts.  It's really easy for me to get stressed about what others are doing with their kids and then feeling like I need to as well.  So I thought I'd make of list of comparisons as to what is REALLY important to me and what is not. Reading to my children is important;      getting my child to read before Kindergarten is not. Having enough is important;      having more than I know to do with is not. Playing with my children is important;      playing an organized game with many objectives for learning is not. Keeping in touch with people is important;      updating Facebook incessantly is not. Feeding my children is important (preferably healthy food);      feeding them homemade, everything from scratch, ALL THE TIME is not. Sleeping is important;      sleeping 8 hours is...

A butternut squash is always so tasty and makes such a large amount that I wanted to make a dish that would be easy to prepare ahead of time, cook up in the evening in one pot, and also used the majority of the squash. Another plus: it's also made from whole foods and is easy to bring together at the end of the day, which is what I always need. I'm not sure why, because dinner is at the same time every night, but yet dinner sneaks up stealthily to a mom of hungry children. This makes a lot, so I hope you like leftovers:) Oh, and you'll need a large skillet with a lid.  *You could chop the squash and asparagus in the morning and just put in the fridge in a air tight container till ready to cook.  *I omitted the nuts for some of the kids. You can stir them in, but I just chopped some for the week and will sprinkle them  to the top of each serving. *Did I mention there will be leftovers? So I didn't put the full amount of spinach in. I figured I would add more to each serv...

My church is a wonderful place.  There are so many different people in so many different places in their walks with God.  They focus on love and truth and right now, the Holy spirit is moving.  All the while, my children are witnessing and watching adults and children serve and love their Lord with great zeal, intensity, and yearning.  I am so proud of this!  I am so overwhelmed in the way God works through the hearts of all the volunteers and leaders and I only hope that my children continue to have seeds planted in their hearts.  This week the church is REALLY focusing on worship.  Worship is such a precious time for me.  I feel so close and so engaged with God.  I am always overwhelmed with the love that He shows me. I'm not sure why, but just the thought about His love being unconditional, no strings attached, just floors me. He wants me to want Him and I do...I so ever do.  I feel the closest to God when I am in deep worship....

What are these things, boundaries, that people speak of?  Sometimes the word seems so foreign and almost disrespectful when uttered.  However, boundaries can be so freeing and can help you take ownership of your life, thus making you happy.  I really enjoy helping and doing things for others.  I would classify myself as an Extrovert.  I enjoy being with people and doing new things.  Sometimes though, I let this get in the way of my close relationships.  My husband is an Introvert and is really good about drawing boundaries.  I, on the other hand, do not.  I think we are a good match though, because I push him to do things he may not otherwise, and he helps reign me in when I over-commit our schedule.  Over the years, Tim has helped me realize that boundaries are OK and good for us. It doesn't seem natural to me, but explanations of why we are not volunteering or attending a gathering is not needed.  When I apologize and explain why ...

So, it's been a while, and I never updated about my goal of not yelling. I'm happy to say that I made it 10 days! But then of course, there were too many days of asking repeatedly the same things, not enough Daddy time and,yada, yada, yada, I was right back in my old ways. Luckily one of my children likes to snap me out of it. I think this 10 days of no yelling was something like a reset for the kids and when I exploded, they were caught off guard...and yet they were so forgiving. I can't even remember the reason why I yelled.  I just remember Luke saying, "it's okay, Mommy. I forgive you too." And this time instead of yelling at him for being disrespectful, I took it in the back of my throat and swallowed hard. I hugged him and just said, "Thank you." Since that moment when I broke my streak, there have been longer  "streaks" and shorter moments of explosion.  The Lord is providing me with better words and understanding.  I'm not p...

So, this is somewhat of a repeat post, but I have improved upon this soup:). This soup is a family favorite for all...even the baby cleaned his plate! I never have to beg them to finish their plates.  This time I've added chicken and more liquid. I added the chicken because we wanted it a little more hearty. It's still really tastey without chicken. I would still add the extra broth and liquid. Enjoy! 1 lb. of Chicken Tenderloins cut into bite sized pieces 2 (15oz) cans of white Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed  1 (14.5oz) can diced tomatoes  1 large tomato, chopped 1 white onion, chopped 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced 2-3 Tablespoons Smoked Paprika 1/2 tsp salt or more to your liking Olive oil (or coconut oil) 1 bunch of Kale, rinsed, stems removed, and chopped  1 14oz. can of vegetable broth Extra water Parmesan cheese, shredded  Put about a tablespoon or more of the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, onion, and garlic to sauté. Sprinkle s...

We are in the midst of a parenting class..."Loving your kids on purpose".  We've only had the introduction and it has already changed me, or at least been the tipping point and answer to my prayers. Parenting has been somewhat difficult for me lately.  I have not handled the simplest of situations gracefully.  I have been asking for God's forgiveness and to please change my heart...make it new again.  Help me to see the loving way to discipline these kids instead of yelling...almost...every...day. I believe my heart has been opened and my prayers are being answered.  This week just seems a little lighter, a little less stressed.  A little more lovely. So, I am making a goal...can I go, 5 days without screaming at my kids?  I think I can because I have done it three days so far.  Even with the fighting, hair pulling, and tantrums, I feel like this week I have responded better than ever before.  PLEASE let this continue.  I'm not say...

"Fathers be  good to your daughters Daughters will love like you do Girls become lovers who turn in to mothers so mothers be good to your daughters too."                                                          -John Mayer This just sums it all up.  If we could all be just good to one another - because everyone is personally touched by others both good and bad- the world would be a better place (sounds so cliche, but it's the truth).  The problem is that just isn't the case.  This post started to be directed at just my daughter and her well being and character.  However, I realized that I need to also be focusing on my sons and their perception of women.  With 50 shades of Grey, sexual abuse, general disregard and respect for girls, destruction in the Middle East, the #askhermore project, sex traffic...

My God is a great God. A good God. And I believe He sees us through anything.  Anyone who knows me, knows I am very emotional. When I watch things, or read things in the news my mind becomes all encompassed. I feel as if my mind takes the information in like a breath of smoke and the smoke immediately moves down around my heart and just squeezes it until I remove myself from reading/seeing more. However, even after I try to remove myself, my soul seems to say, "keep thinking, keep praying," As if I am having a conversation with God and he is begging me to talk with Him and converse just like any friend would do if they were troubled. Now, I don't believe that God is troubled. However, I do believe he does this to me to draw in my attention.  He wants us to know that others are hurting so that we CAN pray for them and also so that it maybe changes our heart. Maybe that's wrong, but that's how I feel. I don't feel like he does this in a manipulative way, but a w...

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13 NIV)" I have a blessed life. I can't count the blessings God has given me because they are so numerous. How magnificent He is to me and my walk with Him. He has planted so many seeds for me; all of which are carefully planned and used to draw closer to Him.  As I sit and ponder all the wonderful things God has given me over the years, one thing that stands out more than most is this: my TRUE friendships. These are friendships that  ...stand the test of time ...repair themselves ...are real; no fakeness ...beyond emotional for me to talk about ...are each some kind of reflection of my relationship with Jesus ...are important These are my People Seeds. God knows how I work and what motivates me; people and emotions. Since having kids it seems my time is limited and my memory as well. Which makes my time even more valuable than before. Over the past year, God has really shown me my true...