From All of Our Guests!

This week we featured our favorite posts from one another. Because we can't pick a favorite from all the great guest posts we've had, we decided to link them all here. If you missed any, take time this weekend to check them out. And visit the writers' sites if you are interested in more!

• Crystal Paine from Money Saving Mom "Feeding For on $40 a Week: How We Do It."
• Elizabeth from Itzabitz "Husband's Homecoming"
• Ann's "Kitchen Favorites"
• Amy's "Top 5 Kitchen Gadgets"
• Marcy from You'll Never Believe This "Going Green"
• Rachel from Modern Mommyhood with "Top Five Sites for Frugal Decorators"
• Amy "Interview with a Preschool Director"
• Heather "Natural Childbirth"
• Grace "We Chose a C-Section"
• Kama's Mom's "Labor Day Advice"
• Bridget "Advice for Kama"
• Amber's "Words of Wisdom" on parenting
• Angie from Baby Cheapskate "Must Haves for Baby?"
• Courtney "Cloth Diapering Must Haves"
• Christina from Northern Cheapskate "Save Money and Time with Digital Scrapbooking"
• Rachel from Modern Mommyhood with "Get Creative This Christmas"
• Tiffany from Life is Glam and Fab, "Gifts for the Hard to Buy for on Your List!"
• Laura from I'm an Organizing Junkie- "Menu Planning Made Easy"
• Becca from Lovely Yellow Ribbons- "Beauty Is in the Imperfections"
• Michelle "One Day, 286 Meals!"
• Tracy- "Ministry through Our Home"
• Tracie- "Musings of a Mommy"
• Deanna from Burned at Both Ends- "A Busy Time of Year" and "Motivation from Scripture"

Kama's Favorite of Sandra's

This is my favorite post by Sandra. I have seen how she raises her boys and know that she really is instilling these qualities in their lives. I think that most parents would be really scared if their kids said they were going to be missionaries (mine were!), but Sandra understands what a calling this would be and how much God would use them...across the street or across the ocean. It's important to remember that we are all missionaries because we are all "foreigners" in this world.

When my husband and I were in seminary, we had a little joke to be able to tell the "missionaries" from the rest of us. Missionaries were the ones who wore flip flops in January. They spent more time outside in the grass than in the library. You could go to their houses and probably have to sit on the floor. They didn't want to acquire too much stuff before they went on the field. Missionaries are different.

With all the funny qualities we can talk about that missionaries have, here are a few we hope to instill in our children:

1. Missionaries love people. I mean really love people. Different people. Poor people. Smelly people. They love people because God loves people. All people.

2. Missionaries know that this world is not their home. You may remember missionaries coming to your church as a kid. They probably dressed funny, talked funny, and ate funny foods. You could tell that even if they called your home town "home," that it really wasn't home for them. They never get comfortable to the point of apathy.

3. Missionaries allow God to use their skills for His glory. You never know what talent or skill might open a door for you to do ministry. Missionaries know that you don't put God in a box. Preachers, Sunday School teachers, and musicians are not the only people God uses to do His work.

4. Missionaries know first hand the power of prayer. Ask them and they will tell you! It is prayer and their dependence on God that fulfill their financial needs, their physical needs, and their emotional needs.

5. Missionaries endure persecution. Persecution is a reality for many missionaries and believers. From teasing and discomfort, to false accusations and torture, missionaries must trust God. And they must be able to defend what they believe.

It's a hard thing as a mom to look at my three year old and one year old and know that someday they are going to leave. They will pack their bags, give us one last hug, and hopefully follow the path that God has chosen for them. Whether they are missionaries across the world or across the street, I want to encourage them to love people, know this world is not their home, allow God to use them, know the power of prayer, and be able to endure persecution. And, if they wear flip-flops in January, that's ok too!

KLee's Favorite of Kama's

Kama was my first friend in college. We were neighbors and knew no one (for the most part). Without having Kama there that first week, I would have been incredibly lonely. Thanks Kama for getting out of your comfort zone and talking to me!

I love this post by Kama because it shares the HUGE leap of faith she took, getting out of her comfort zone and following the call God placed in her life. I know the struggles she had while there and know God used her in mighty ways even during those rough days.

Thank you for sharing your journey with us Kama.

International missions is something that has always been close to my heart. In high school, I took my first trip to Ciudad Acuna, Mexico for a week one summer. Pretty much every summer after that, our youth group was back in Mexico. I think this helped spur on my love of missions and the Hispanic people and culture.

I moved to Mexico completely alone with four 70 pound bags containing everything that was "important" to me. I remember them containing clothes, shoes, decorations for my home, books, Pop-Tarts, macaroni and cheese and various other comfort foods. When I stepped off the plane, waited HOURS through customs and stepped into a crowd looking for a family I had never seen, my journey began. My assignment was to reach college age students by doing English classes and having Bible studies.

I had just spent 2 weeks at home after spending 6 weeks in training with other people who were sent around the world as missionaries. I arrived in Mexico City right before Thanksgiving. It was quite a change to go from having family around to being with strangers during this holiday and Christmas.

I had some crazy times and some great times. One of my favorite days started out on a really bad foot. There was a group in from Texas working with me to meet students on a local campus and invite them to English night at a local restaurant. I must have eaten something bad the night before because I woke up very sick. After drinking half a bottle of Pepto Bismal, we got on the bus to go to the campus. Surprisingly, we made it without getting lost (since I had only been at my current location for a few weeks).

Upon arriving at the campus, we passed out flyers and tried to talk to the students. I then added a nice pink hue to the rose bushes at the front of campus and felt much better! We then walked over and met some more students who had watched me get sick. These students became some of my best friends in Mexico and started taking classes with me. I am still in contact with one of them and she plans to come visit me in Texas some day! I was amazed how God used this to bless me with friends.

I was able to go to Toluca and reach college students thanks to gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. The IMB does not require its missionaries to do fund raising, but they are fully supported through the offering. (Here is a little page I made about Lottie Moon.)

This was almost two years of my life that made me grow and change in so many ways. I am thankful for the time I spent in Mexico, now that I look back on what I learned. While I was in the process, to be honest, it was a very difficult time.

I love that I have friends all over the world who are doing mission work. If you're interested in praying for them, here are some of their names:
Russ
Lynn and Sandra
Kary
Trent and Lindsey
Erick and Colleen
Kevin and Brigitte

Alicia's Favorite of KLee's...

KLee was the only member of our blog that I didn't know before we started this adventure last spring. I have been so blessed to get know her through her posts this year. She's always so honest and transparent in the way that she expresses herself. I especially loved this post and the analogy she makes with the aroma in our lives. It's both practical and challenging.

Every time you walk into a home there is a distinct smell. I always wonder what my home smells like. Is it a warm and welcoming scent, or do I need to bust out the Mr. Clean? I love warm scents—cinnamon, cookies, vanilla, etc.—anything that just invites you into my home. I love WoodWick Candles! There smell fills the house and they burn evenly all the way to the end. And it has a nice wood crackling sound to help with the atmosphere. If you do not have money to spend on a candle you can also drop a couple of cinnamon sticks into a pot of water on your stove or sprinkle some cinnamon on a cookie sheet in the oven. Or even better yet, make a cake! Here is a wonderful recipe for Coffee Cake:

1 box Yellow Cake Mix
8 oz sour cream
½ cup sugar
⅔ cup oil
4 eggs
½ cup water

Mix everything together. Pour half into greased & flour baking dish.

½ cup brown sugar
3 tsp cinnamon

Mix together. Sprinkle half over batter in pan.
Pour rest of batter on top. Sprinkle rest on top of batter.
Bake 325° for 30 minutes.

1 cup powdered sugar
3 TBSP milk

Pour over top after it bakes
**

But more importantly than these man-made scents that friends and family may encounter, I want my home to have the smell of God—an aroma that says my heavenly Father lives here.

Recently I began reading a book by Robert Wolgemuth entitled The Most Important Place on Earth. In this book he speaks of this aroma. Just as in days past God instructed His people to fill places of worship with fragrant oils and incense (Exodus 31:11), I want my home to also be a place where the Lord of all lords is worshiped.

Is there a “God” scented candle? Not that I am aware of. So, how do I make my home a place that radiates a fragrance of Him? I think it begins with having a personal relationship with the Father. That is basic, but your home cannot be filled with the Spirit if your heart isn’t filled with the Spirit first. (If you would like to know how to have a relationship with God, click on the “ready” button to the right.) The relationship with God doesn’t stop after you accept Him. You must grow that relationship with Him by spending time in the Bible and praying with Him as well as joining with a fellowship of believers. Once he has become an integral part of your life, you will begin to speak of Him openly in your home—at the dinner table, reading a book, playing outside in His creation, fixing “owies”, even to the repair guy that comes to look at your A/C, etc. This can include praying on the spot (not just saying “I will pray for you”. Actually do it then and there!), and having family devotions.

Another way to fill your home with God is to know His Word. Have a Bible for all family members—even young toddlers—they need to know that the Bible is important too. Begin to memorize scripture and also teach your children the importance of hiding His word in their hearts (Psalm 119:11). Even at a young age, as young as 2 years of age, children can memorize simple verses. Here is a simple list to help learn ABCs as well as scripture. You can share these verses with each other and with friends who enter your home.

So, what does your house smell like?

Sandra's Favorite of Alicia's

Alicia wrote this post for our Going Green week back in August. It's my favorite because I thought it presented a well-thought out view of the going green fad. It got great comments, including one from E. Calvin Beisner, who is a National Spokesman for the Cornwall Alliance.

My favorite line is, "We call how we live good stewardship and common sense." Hope you enjoy my favorite post of Alicia's!

I want to begin this post by saying that I have given this week’s topic much prayer and consideration. I know that what I write this week might not be the most popular opinion, but I want to offer some insight that I think we as discerning women should be open to considering. I hope that you know that I do not intend to criticize anyone else’s choices for their family. I only want to share with you my viewpoint and I look forward to reading your comments in response.

We are not a “green” family. In fact, I will admit that I feel slightly annoyed when my favorite magazines or television shows “go green.” I get tired of hearing about all the celebrities who want to save the planet and reduce our carbon footprints. I definitely roll my eyes when I see a news report in the traditional alarmist fashion about global warming. And I cannot even begin to fathom purchasing “carbon credits” to offset my use of natural resources. There is an excellent blog entry by Pastor Tony Beam at that addresses a few of these things and what I view as extremism when it comes to dealing with the popular notion of “going green” in today’s culture.

Mainly I am concerned that some people have lost their good sense and balance when it comes to dealing with the global warming issue. Albeit quiet, there is actually a dissenting scientific opinion about whether global warming is occurring, whether it is due to human activity and whether it is as catastrophic as some might have us believe. If you are interested you can read more about this research at Junk Science and by searching global warming on Newsbusters. But no matter where you stand in the scientific debate about global warming I believe that the Gospel of Christ should stand above all.

What I find most troubling in this entire movement is the current debate among evangelicals about global warming and our role in it all. On one side the Evangelical Climate Initiative advocates that the church be proactive in pushing lawmakers to institute legislation to reduce emissions and control the environment through economic sanctions. While the Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation counters that mandatory reduction of fossil fuels and other similar legislation would create a far worse situation in poor countries than global warming itself. You can read a concise summary of the two organizations and the ongoing debate here, but my question is: what does any of this have to do with the Great Commission and making disciples of all nations? It is my personal belief that spending time and money arranging press releases and lobbying Congress does not fulfill the mandate that Christ gave us for the church.

Please know that when I say that we aren’t “green,” I don’t mean that our family doesn’t recycle – we do. Or that we enjoy wasting gas or other resources – we don’t. I simply mean that we don’t like to call what we do living green. We believe that God has called us to be good stewards of all that He has given us including, but not limited to, our time, money and all creation. We call how we live good stewardship and common sense. I do absolutely believe that Christians have a responsibility to take care of the world that God created. But I wonder how much damage is being done to the cause of Christ when we allow ourselves to be divided in the body on non-theological tangents? Shouldn’t each of us just do what is commanded in scripture about being good stewards, whether it’s convenient or a popular fad? It isn’t about being hip. It’s about obedience in all things.

I know that the other gals this week will have some amazing tips for being good stewards. And I am looking forward to learning how we can all make some changes in the way we live in order to be wiser with God’s blessings. I just hope that you will consider what I have said about the motivation behind our behavior and the changes we make in the lives of our families. As believers we answer to the Lord for our actions, not Hollywood or our friends. And I believe that we all need to ask ourselves are we really trying to take care of God’s beautiful handiwork or are we joining the ever-growing earth worship movement and replacing the Creator on His Throne with His creation?

This Week!

This week on Today's Housewife we will be re-posting our favorite post by another writer! Sandra will give her favorite by Alicia, Alicia her favorite of KLee's, KLee's favorite post of Kama's, and Kama's favorite of Sandra's posts! It will be a great way for our new readers to catch up with topics we have already covered. On Friday we will post links to all the articles by our guest writers.

Next week starts our month on loving our husbands. We will start by swapping sweet recipes for our sweeties! Next Friday (Feb. 6th) we will post a Mr. Linky so you can share your favorite recipe for sweets!

Motivation from Scripture

Ugh…the dreaded topic of exercise and nutrition. It seems to carry a load of guilt with the simple words. It never seemed to matter when I was younger, pre-kids, pre-post-baby bulge worries. I can remember begging my parents in the height of my teenage mood swings, to take me out for some “fat” at McDonald’s. Those days are long gone.

Over the last 10 years or so, I have jumped between phases of guilt ridden action to anger induced sedate lounging. But I finally got tired of the mood swings of inactivity and frankly the blatant rebellion in my diet and exercise patterns.

God began to challenge me through His word with things like, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

It has been one of the main reasons I was pushed to obedience in my diet, exercise habits and the discipline over my body, the last few years.

I finally made the realization that excuses, anger, and laziness did nothing but perpetuate the problem and sink the roots of bitterness deeper into my heart. A couple of years ago, the question went from "How do I lose weight as quickly and as painlessly as possible?" to "How do I glorify God with my body everyday, ridding my body and mind of sinful behaviors and trusting in God to do the work in His time through my obedience?"

2009 is a year of continuance for me. Not only am I now working towards obedience in myself but teaching my children about healthy eating and living. I am focusing more on eating whole foods, cooking meals at home using healthier techniques, regular exercise routines for the entire family, and little to no TV, internet and movies.

Some may argue that it is too hard to maintain a healthy plan, too expensive, or too difficult. In my past, the minute I turn to excuses over my weight or unhealthy living, I turn my back on what I know is God's plan for me, relying on myself to feel good and happy. Excuses can fill a temporary gap and if you repeat them often enough you may actually begin to believe them. But it is sin and deep down I know it. The conviction is there.

So, in my journey towards health, I rely on God's strength alone. And yes, there have been and continue to be many sacrifices. Many times I am able to make those without one bit of grief and actually enjoy surrendering. There are other times when I know that but for God's hand alone I would cave. And there are a few times I fail. But overall, my thoughts return to the question; what am I willing to lay down and sacrifice for my King, when He gave His life for me?

As you evaluate and plan to be more obedient in the area of exercise and nutrition, ask yourself this question. How do I glorify God with my body everyday, ridding not just my body but also my mind, of sinful behaviors, trusting God to do the work in His time through my obedience?

Deanna is a stay-at-home mom and has been married to TJ for 11 years. She homeschools her three children, loves to read and writes for her own blog, Burned at Both Ends. You can find her on Twitter at @deannack.

He Wanted A Healthy Mate

When Ben and I first started dating, we sat down and came up with a list of qualities we wanted in our future mate and compared the list. This was a way to see if I could be what he wanted and vice versa. I read through his list and thought it sounded like me...until I got to the part that said he wanted a wife who would work out and lead a relatively healthy lifestyle. I knew that Ben always worked out and tried to eat healthy food, but I was just fine sitting on the sidelines. I ate okay, but it was not all healthy. I had been to the gym a few times when I lived in Mexico, but it was definitely not something I planned on doing again.

He then suggested we start out slow at the house with jumping jacks and running around the block. Are you kidding? I did NOT want to get sweaty in front of my boyfriend! After many discussions, he was able to convince me to go to his gym to work out. I walked upstairs on the treadmill while he lifted weights downstairs. After a few months of doing this, he convinced me to try weights with him. I would do the same workout he did, just with less weight--he became my trainer! It seemed to work out well--a different set every day--arms and abs, chest and back, legs. I had to admit that my muscles burning afterward felt pretty rewarding.

We continued to work out together up until right before Dietrich was born--a trainer at the gym would tell me every time that I went in how great I looked, although I felt pretty huge. After we moved, we decided driving and putting Dietrich in the child care area wasn't going to happen, so Ben bought some weights off of craigslist and we converted our extra room to a weight room/office/guest room. We have worked out in there together a few times and it has been nice actually. There is no cussing, rude music, loud people, sharing weights or other negative things that go on in a gym. I am definitely not the athletic type, but I have felt better about myself after getting in shape.

We also try to eat healthy most of the time. I find it is easier to grill tilapia (or chicken) and steam some broccoli and zucchini than to make a boxed dish--I can have dinner ready in less than 10 minutes! We definitely don't eat healthy for every meal, but I think some of the choices we make are healthier than I used to be!

There are tons of great exercise websites out there to get you started like this one that I'm going to try. What is your exercise routine and why did you get started doing it?

Looks Can Be Deceiving

My family does not eat vegetables. Unless you count french fries, mashed potatoes, or macaroni and cheese as vegetables. Every once in a while I will throw together a salad, green beans, or yellow squash onto the menu, but LilE will not eat them. Guess she learned how NOT to eat veggies by watching her Mommy and Daddy.

Earlier this month I mentioned focusing on my health this year. Just before Christmas I got my hands on a copy of Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld. Synopsis says "Her book is filled with traditional recipes that kids love, except they're stealthily packed with veggies hidden in them so kids don't even know!" Basically, she has run of the mill recipes (mac-n-cheese, hamburgers, spaghetti, chicken, brownies, cupcakes, etc.) in which she has taken pureed veggies and included them in the cooking process. Therefore, kids (and adults) are eating foods they like with more nutrients than they would otherwise get.

Due to all the holiday traveling (Thanksgiving and Christmas), I was not able to try any of her recipes until now. I have only tried two of the recipes to date.

Chicken Nuggets
(I simplified the directions to decrease your reading time.)

1 cup whole-wheat, white, or panko (Japanese) breadcrumbs
1/2 cup flaxseed meal
1 TBSP grated Parmesan
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 cup broccoli or spinach or sweet potato or beet puree
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 lb chicken breast or chicken tenders, cut into small chunks
1/2 tsp salt
Nonstick cooking spray
1 TBSP olive oil

Combine dry ingredients (minus salt) in a bowl and mix well.
In a different bowl, mix vegetable puree and egg.
Sprinkle dried chicken with salt. Dip chicken in egg mixture and then toss in breadcrumb mixture until completely coated.
Coat nonstick skillet with cooking spray. When hot, add olive oil and set to medium-high. Place coated chicken in skillet and cook, both sides, until done throughout (approx 4-5 minutes per side). Serve warm.

Outcome: I used sweet potato puree. I used a can of sweet potatoes I had in the pantry which yielded 1 cup of puree. Once the potato was pureed (I did not warm or steam prior) it was pretty simple to mix and coat the chicken. This recipe was good. Everyone ate it!

Macaroni and Cheese
(again, I simplified a bit)

1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
Nonstick cooking spray
1 TBSP olive oil
1 TBSP flour
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup butternut squash or cauliflower puree
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (about 8oz)
4 oz cream cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp pepper

Cook macaroni according to package directions.
While macaroni is cooking, coat a large saucepan with nonstick spray. Over medium heat, add oil, then the flour, and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture resembles a thick paste but has not browned (about 1-2 minutes).
Add the milk and cook, stirring every now and then, until mixture begins to thicken (about 3-4 minutes). Add the vegetable puree, cheddar, cream cheese, and seasonings and stir until cheeses are melted and smooth. Stir in macaroni and serve warm.

Outcome: I used the cauliflower puree. I bought a bag of frozen cauliflower which yielded 1 1/4 cup puree. I first had to thaw and steam the cauliflower prior to pureeing. (This made my house smell lovely. It took over 24 hours to smell normal again!) Again, once the purees were done, it was really easy to throw together. This recipe had a very distinct cauliflower taste to it. It was okay, but not super tasty. LilE would not eat it and I don't think JD would eat it again. I did buy a butternut squash to give it another try with a different flavor.

So, I am about 50/50 on this cookbook so far. The puree process is not difficult, just takes a bit of time. Jessica uses Sunday evenings to make all of her purees for the week. She and Jerry sit and talk while she cooks. Nothing like promoting bonding time with our husbands too!

Have you tried this cookbook and found any recipes you like/don't like? Or have you tried any of the other cookbooks to "deceive" your family?

I'm All About Moderation...

The holidays weren't good to me. Okay, so maybe I should actually be more honest and say I wasn't good to my body over the holidays. I just can't resist egg nog lattes and cookies and pie and hot chocolate and .... well, you get the point. Moderation has never been one of my strengths, but neither has deprivation. That sort of leaves me in a pickle when it comes to good nutrition. Over the last few years Tim and I have realized that we were on the fast track to not only being overweight, but having all kinds of risk factors to our health. It's so easy to get "busy" with life and make poor choices that quickly become poor habits.

I've written a little about my adventure with the Body For Life Challenge. It's really been a great program for Tim and me. The concept is that you have 6 "good" days and 1 "free" day per week. You stay very focused on your good days eating 6 small, balanced meals low in sugar and fat. You also work out for less than an hour a day with very specific targets and goals to maximize your time. Then on your "free" day to eat what you want and take a break from working out so that you don't feel deprived of the things that you love. Tim and I both starting looking and feeling much better after doing the program all summer. And although moving this fall threw a wrench in some of our good habits, I've been working on getting back to this kind of a lifestyle. It's not that hard once you make the initial commitment and I feel so much better when I'm active and eating well.

Since Tim's been at sea we've revamped our daily routine to include going to gym from 4-6 each afternoon. I originally just wanted a break during the toughest time of the day, but I really think that working out makes me a better mom. I feel better about myself and the endorphins don't hurt. I think that post-workout rush makes me much more patient with my kids when they need me to cut them some slack.

It's not always easy. There are lots of days that I don't "feel" like working out. I'm tired and the last thing I want to do is bundle up the kids, load them in the car and head to gym. I'd rather stay home and order a pizza. And we do some days! It's all about moderation and choices. If we order a pizza on Saturday night, I shouldn't get a latte on Sunday morning. I still don't always eat the way that I should or workout as regularly as I could, but we are changing our lives to reflect our new habits. I couldn't keep living with the lifestyle we had - literally. I was well on my way to heart disease, obesity, diabetes and an early end to my life. I enjoy my kids and my husband (most days) and think I'd like to stick around for a while. And let's face it, if I'm going to raise these kids and put in all the work on this end of things I better be around to spoil some grandkids someday!

The Maker's Diet

We have a running joke in our family that I don't do anything unless I read about it in a book. Made my own baby food, potty trained in one day, and now I'm evaluating our diet after reading The Maker's Diet by Jordan S. Rubin.

The main idea of Rubin's book is to return to the food eaten by the nation of Israel as described in the Bible. He talks about diet, hygiene, and exercise. It's a little overwhelming, so I focused on the dietary suggestions. He writes that there are two guidelines for optimal health:

1. Optimize the nutrition entering your body.
2. Reduce the toxins in your body.

Because Lee and I both have digestive issues that we hope don't get passed down to our boys, I was especially interested in his focus on the health of the colon. Also, we have a lot of cases of cancer in my family. If I can make small changes that may protect myself and my family from cancer, I'm going to give it a try. I know nothing is guaranteed, so I'm not doing a complete overhaul of our diet, just making a few changes that I hope will help!

Here's what we're doing:

• Switching to raw milk. Rubin says, "Modern milk producers routinely pasteurize milk by heating it at high temperatures to destroy undesirable bacteria. This process destroys all of the beneficial organisms in milk, along with all of the enzymes (139-140)."
• Eliminating pork from our diet. This is especially hard for my husband, who grew up on Carolina pork bar-b-que, so I'm sure we'll eat some pork when we visit family. But we won't eat it at our house!
• We will continue to eat red meat and poultry, but we will buy only organic, pasture raised, grass fed meats. We also only eat organic eggs, and will begin to buy more organic animal by-products (butter, cheese...).
  
• Consume less sugar. I didn't think we ate that much sugar in the first place, but it is hiding in a lot of places! Salad dressing, cereal, even breads!
  

And here are a few areas I'm going to do more research:

• We had previously made the switch to whole grains, but the book suggests only eating whole grains that have been properly treated through soaking, sprouting, or fermenting. I have no idea what that means.
• The boys eat yogurt everyday (the good stuff, not the cartoon character sugary stuff). I'm going to start taking a probiotic vitamin each day to help restore the balance of enzymes in my "gut" (as Rubin calls it!).
• Kefir- I don't really know what it is but is seems really important!
  
• Adding fish-oil supplements and more fish to our diet. My favorite way to eat fish is fried with tarter sauce, so I'll have to find better ways to cook it!

These are a few changes I'm making to help make us healthier. Like we posted yesterday, I'm just sharing what works (or what we hope will work!) for my family. You decide what's best for your family! I welcome any comments from those interested in more, or who have helpful advice!

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This Week on Today's Housewife

It's exercise and nutrition week! How appropriate for all of us who made health related resolutions.

We want to make it clear that our opinions this week are just opinions. You decide what is best for yourself and your family. We are sharing what works for us. Be sure to do more research on any thing we mention that interests you, and seek medical advice before making any major changes.

Our guest post will be from Deanna, who blogs at Burned at Both Ends. You can also find her on Twitter @deannack

Mommy Groups

I have to admit that I'm a little timid when it comes to meeting new people. Okay, that's an overstatement because I'm REALLY quiet most of the time around new people (in groups), so it's hard for me to make new friends.

Since I've started staying home with Dietrich, I've found that I've got to get out of the house most days! The other day I was able to count the number of people I talked to...3--my mom on the phone, Dietrich and my husband. That just doesn't work for me. I wanted more and my husband needed me to have more so that I wasn't so depressed because of my lack of socializing when he got home. So...I joined a Mommy Group that I found on meetup.com.

I joined one that is for moms of little ones, so most of the kids are 18 months or younger and most of the moms stay home as well. I have only been to a few of the meetings, but I've really enjoyed it because it gets me out of the house and lets me meet others. As we get more involved with this group, hopefully I'll soon get some great friends.

Our group is really active and you can go every day to something if you want. Sometimes the meetings will be doing a craft or hanging out at someone's house or meeting at a restaurant for lunch. You never know what will be offered from free to a small cost. Today I'm going stroller skating at a local rink! One of my friends from high school actually joined with me and we've really enjoyed getting to know each other (and our little ones) again.


These groups work for me because the meetings are usually pretty small. Our group is just for women, so we have a lot in common already--talking about our kids! Once Dietrich is a little older, he'll be able to play with the other kids as well which will be fun for him.

Small Groups

In 2004, JD and I moved across the country, away from our friends and family. Long distance relationships can work, but we also needed local relationships to be made and grown. One way I was able to foster these new found friends is through Ladies Bible Study. Each week we get together and discuss what God is teaching us in our daily lives. We are able to be there for each other during the best of times and the worst of times.

I also think it is great to develop relationships with other couples. Our church offers a variety of small groups. JD and I participate with a group that meets on Sunday nights in a home. The church also offers classes on Sunday mornings. Let me tell you a story about one couple in our church.

Husband and Wife have grown up in our city. They married and have three precious small children. About 3 years ago they join our church. After their 6 month waiting period, they began to teach Sunday School in the children's area (which JD is in charge of). They taught an elementary aged class for a year and a half. JD loved having them as teachers, but this last fall they decided to join a co-ed class on Sunday morning instead of teaching. They were able to build relationships they could not have built if they had remained teaching the children.

Last Friday, Husband suddenly passed away. Who immediately was by her side--her co-ed class. The relationships they have built with the other couples in the same life stage dropped what they were doing and put Wife and their children at the top of their priority list. They are organizing meals, financial support, and most importantly prayer support. Isn't God good? He began preparing them for this situation months before they would need this support.

Isn't this what God designed the church for (James 1:27)? This small group did exactly what God has requested of them.

The small group I am apart of also came to my aide after LilE was born. I had friends I could call to ask questions, they provided meals for us, and they even came to keep her so JD and I could go on a date. Because we do not have family in town, having this small group come to our aide made becoming parents so much easier!

My small group has become a key place to build friendships. I know that no matter what my life circumstances may be, this group will be there most importantly to pray for me, but also to rejoice with me, to support me during tough times, or just to sit back, relax and have a good time.

Long-While Friends...

When I was a kid I loved to read a book about a little boy named Orlando who was traveling all summer with his parents. He was scared about being lonely without all his friends, but he meets a little girl who explains that sometimes we make little-while friends. Those friends are only around for a short time to play with. At the end of the book that same little girl ends up moving next door to him and becoming his long-while friend.

I think our friendships as adults can be exactly that way. God puts people in our lives in different seasons for different reasons. Some of those people are there to minister to us, others for us to minister to and often for both. A number of them are only going to be little-while friends. It sounds a little harsh to think that you won't always be friends with someone whom you loved and ministered to or someone who took the time to reach out to you, but often God sends you exactly who you need at the moment. Being a navy family who moves a lot I can name quite a few little-while friends that we've had over the last couple years. It's simply impossible to maintain a close relationship with that many people at the same time. Think of all the people you knew in high school or college that you were close to. Now, how many have you lost touch with (other than on Facebook)? It doesn't mean that you don't wish them well or want to know how they are doing, but you don't have that close relationship that you once had.

I believe that is how God designed relationships to be. As we grow we are able to minister in different ways and need ministry in other ways. New little-while friends meet those needs and we meet needs in them. Every once in a while though, God blesses you with a little-while friend who becomes a long-while friend. Those are the best gifts. They come out of nowhere and stick around for whatever comes along, across miles, through births, deaths, marriages, laughter and tears. Some of my long-while friends have been in my life for 20+ years. Others have only been my friend for a few years, but we have experienced enough life-living together that they also are long-while friends.

There are lots of ways to foster friendships, whether they are little-while or long-while.

• Making use of technology is the easiest way for me. I've already mentioned Facebook, but there's also blogging, emailing, inexpensive long distance on a cell phone, etc. Find the way that you can connect most easily with each friend.
• Support your friends with encouraging words and notes. It could be a text message or a comment on their blog, just let them know you are thinking about them and interested in what is going on in their life.
• Be realistic about your expectations with each friend. The friend who just had a baby won't be able to give you the time or energy she could before the baby was born. But seasons change and she'll have more time in the future.
• Be open to the friendships that God has given you in your current season of life. If you are always mourning the loss of an old friendship you could miss out on the next blessing God has for you.
• Be selfless. This is the easiest, hardest way to foster your friendships. It will do the most for growing them but be the toughest one to accomplish. We all want to "get" things out of a relationship and we often don't stop to remember to "give" to it as well. I'm not advocating being a doormat, but I am encouraging you to look for ways to serve your friends in a biblical way.

Most of all, I want to thank all my friends, little-while and long-while ones. Thank you for meeting needs in my life and being used by God to grow me more in the image of His Son. Thanks for putting up with me and all my idiosyncrasies. Thanks for all the great memories and all the ones left to be made. I encourage you to take the time today to thank at least one friend for how they minister to you. I'd love for you to leave a comment and let me know who it is and what you are thankful for.

Defining Friendship

It's funny how "friend" can have a different definition in different stages of life. Early on, everyone in your class at school was your friend. As you got older, you narrowed your friend list. Friends were the ones you always played with at recess and always wanted to sit by at lunch. Then, as you transitioned to middle school and high school, you had friends that you had something in common with.

In college (at least at Hardin-Simmons where I went), your friends were your neighbors. All the freshman girls were in one dorm. I got to know those who lived right around me and friendships grew from there. Again, friendships formed with people who had something in common. We went to the same church, enjoyed the same activities, or had the same 8:00am class and walked together.

After college, it seemed harder to make friends. My first year in North Carolina, I was teaching full time, in seminary full time, and dating Lee (full time). I didn't have much time to "hang out" with friends. Then when Lee and I got married we were getting used to life together (both of us teaching full time and in seminary full time). For three years after that, we moved around a few times, had babies, and focused on ministry work. I had a couple friends, but rarely did I have time to spend with them. It's hard to make close friends in seminary because everyone has plans that take them somewhere else- to churches around the country and to mission fields around the world. Friendships don't have time to grow and deepen.

And now we're in a different stage in life. We are in an amazing church where we hope to be for years. We feel settled and permanent. Not only that, we are MILES away from our families. Without family close, you rely more on your friends. My friends now will baby-sit at a moment's notice, comment on all my blog sites, and even bring over a Christmas tree!

Now that I am able (and willing!) to foster these friendships, it's much harder than it was before! We don't go to school together everyday, we don't live across the hall from one another, we don't work together! We have to make time to hang out.

So we make time when we can. Girls' nights, going to the grocery store together, play dates- we'll take time together whenever we can get it. And even though "friend" means something different than it did when we were young, it's just as important to have friends now!

image source- girl friends
image source- flip flop feet

This Week on Today's Housewife

This week we are talking about fostering friendships. Making friends, hanging out with friends, and keeping up with old friends- friendship week is going to be fun!

We thought we would start by tell you our friendship stories!

Kama and Alicia went to high school together in Allen, Texas. They got to be friends while attending the same church and being active in a small youth group. They did all the typical youth group activities together like Youth Camp, youth choir, and lots of summer nights on the sand volleyball court.

Kama and KLee met at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. They were next door neighbors and Kama hung out in KLee's room all the time! At the end of their freshman year, they participated in a May Day event where they were covered in goop and had to do many crazy things!

Since KLee and Kama were such good friends, Sandra and KLee got to know each other too! When KLee transfered to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas she and Kama kept in touch and through lots of cards with lots of stickers on them!

Sandra and Kama were friends throughout their time in college. They became friends on Sandra's very first day there because Kama was her resident assistant and they lived across the hall from each other. They went to lots of concerts, took astronomy together, worked together as resident assistants, and shared an apartment. After graduation, Sandra got a job near Kama (who had moved back home) and they were roommates again!

Alicia had also moved back home after college, (at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas) so Kama introduced Sandra and Alicia. They were all three teachers and had fun hanging out and sharing teaching stories. After a year there, Sandra moved to North Carolina and Alicia moved to Virginia and they were able to see each other a couple times while living on the East coast.

When Sandra had the idea for this blog, she emailed her three friends, all of whom now live in different states! Blogging together has been a great way for us to stay in touch and foster our friendship!

Show and Tell Your Resolutions!

Hope you have enjoyed reading about our New Year's resolutions this week. Now we'd like to hear about any resolutions you've made, or why you aren't making any! If you are new to using Mr. Linky, you can follow the instructions KLee wrote out for a previous series we did. If you don't have a blog, leave a comment with your resolutions or thoughts on the subject. Looking forward to reading all your posts!

(click on each image for the source!)

Why Make Resolutions?

I am not usually the kind of person who makes resolutions because I always feel guilty when I would break them. This year, I had a different mindset. I've always had this nasty habit of biting my nails and picking on the skin around my nails. I've noticed that a few people in my family have this "issue" as well. I realized that I could pass this trait on to Dietrich and all future children if I don't get rid of it SOON! So I decided this is the time. My one resolution was to not chew or pick on my fingers.

My habit, however, is subconscious. I am driving down the road or stressed because someone stole my coupon binder (seriously--yesterday) and realize that I've already started picking! So I stop, remembering that it is my resolution.

Is that why people make resolutions? So that they can consciously get themselves to remember something that they might or might not willfully do? When they find themselves doing the thing they hate (or not doing what they should), their minds tell them, "you remember what you resolved." It has seriously worked on me so far (and I told my husband that it was my resolution, so I know he'll stop me if he sees me).

I know this might not sound like a big deal, but it's been a breakthrough for me! I hope that my fingers will continue to look normal and non-picked on this year. Maybe next year I'll step it up a notch and go for something really extreme...

Change is a Comin'

I am not one for resolutions. Never have been. Say you will do something, do it for 2-3 weeks, then life takes hold and 'see you later resolutions.' At least that is the way most "resolutions" have worked for me, whether they occur in January or any other time of the year.

This year is different for me. Honestly, 2008 was not a good one for me. I am glad to be starting anew in 2009! JD and I, over the holidays, took inventory on why we did not enjoy the past year. For me, I believe it all comes down to selfishness. I had my plans of what was to happen and when things didn't go as I planned, I had a little pity party or ten, and deemed the year a bust. I have been thinking over the last couple of weeks what changes can be made in my life to make those living with me and around me want to be with me more. Nobody wants to be around a party pooper!

How will I change things in 2009?

I will focus on my relationship with Christ. With Him, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). He is my joy (Psalm 51:12) and my strength (Psalm 28:7).

I will focus on relationships with my family. I will do my best to put my husband, daughter, parents, and siblings needs above my own (1 Timothy 4:8). I will continue to grow relationships, even if we live 1000 miles from each other.

I will focus on being healthy. My body is not my own, but a temple for the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).

I will delight in the ways of the Lord (Psalm 37:4). He has a perfect plan for my life (Romans 12:2). I may not see why things are as they are today, but I must trust that His ways are perfect for me.

Resolution Makeover...

I really don't like new year's resolutions. Inevitably I feel like a failure sooner or later. I was thinking about some of the resolutions I've made in the past and that I suspect are on a lot of people's list. Maybe the reason that I haven't found much success is that my motivation behind the resolutions hasn't been the best. With that in mind I'd like to suggest a "makeover" for some of my resolutions.

1. I will lose weight (because I want to look like the models and actresses I see in InStyle magazine.) Hmmm...now that I think about it there are better resolutions and certainly better reasons to make them. In 2009 I will make changes in my life to be healthier. These will include but not be limited to: eating more than coffee for breakfast, being active with my husband and my boys and sleeping 8 hours a night.

2. I will save money (because the media says we are having an economic crisis.) Okay, it's hard to say you trust in the sovereignty of God when you also believe the world is coming to a rapid end. Do I really believe that God is capable of providing for the needs of our family? In 2009 I will be accountable to my spouse and the Lord for everything I spend. I can be giving, saving or spending and still be disobedient with my finances. It's more a matter of the heart than the dollar amount in my bank account. This year I will submit my desires for "stuff" to God's plan laid out in His Word.

3. I will read through the Bible (because it's a very spiritual and godly thing to do.) This is a very good thing. In fact, Sandra wrote about doing this in a great post, but that doesn't necessarily make it the right resolution for me. In 2009 I will read God's Word and allow it to transform my life. I will treat those around me, especially my family, in the way I know God desires me to treat them.

As I think about some of the resolutions I've made in the past, there's nothing wrong with them. In fact, some of them are great resolutions. I just don't know that my heart has been in the right place when I've made them. I spent New Year's Eve in an unusual and transforming way this year. It's made me want to be a better wife and mother. My husband and my children are such an amazing gift from God. I hope that I can continue to strive to serve them better in 2009. And that is certainly a resolution worth keeping!

Resolutions for My Boys

It's fun to set resolutions for yourself. But it's even more fun to set resolutions for other people. So, if I could set resolutions for my boys, here's what they would be:

For my busy three year old:

1. Stop sucking your thumb.
2. Please don't give up on those naps!
3. Eat at meal time.
4. Don't ask for snacks every five minutes.
5. Share with your brother.
   
6. Always be honest, even when your honesty embarrasses Mom and Dad.
7. Know that your independent, stubborn nature will serve you well as an adult, but until then, Mom and Dad are in charge.

And for my sweet one year old:

1. Continue to find ways to communicate with us (more words and sign-language, less crying and whining).
2. Sleep in until 7:00am.
3. Learn to keep up with your brother- even if that means Mom and Dad have to keep up with both of you.
4. Feed yourself with a spoon.
5. Be less timid around other people.
6. Grow more hair.
7. Always laugh at yourself and at your crazy family.

And if the boys could make a few for me, here's what I think they would be:

1. Let us play outside more.
2. Warm up your hands before you change diapers.
3. Know that we like to watch TV/videos, but not as much as we like playing with you.
4. Take us new places.
5. Read us more books.
6. Keep doing fun projects.
7. Feed us food that will keep us healthy and strong.

This Week on Today's Housewife

We hope you all had a nice Christmas and New Year! The Today's Housewife "Builders" took a couple weeks off from writing on specific subjects, but we're back and have the next two months of topics planned. See the sidebar if you are interested! Also, we would like to have a guest writer each Friday, so if you see a topic that interests you, please email us [todayshousewife (@) hotmail (dot) com] and let us know.

This week we will be sharing our ideas on New Years Resolutions. Everyone has high anticipation for what the new year will bring. Our resolution at Today's Housewife is to continue to inspire and entertain you. Thank you for your loyal readership!

image source

Any Quilters Out There?

I have always had an interest in quilting, so I dove in recently and signed up for a class. I have already taken a hand quilting class and start my first of 4 machine piecing classes on Sunday. I am looking for any advice or help from anyone out there who quilts. I can't wait to make my first quilt!

In other news, I have had a great break and time with family recently. Our house was all decorated which was so fun! I haven't been able to use our Christmas decorations ever because our other house was too small. Dietrich also enjoyed his first Christmas. We got to hang out with family and even got to meet up with KLee and her family before Christmas! That sure was fun. Here are a few pictures!

Dietrich with Nana and Pop.

KLee, Lil'E, Dietrich and me!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!