You know, sometimes a lot of times as “moms” we put a lot of expectations on our shoulders.  We look at other moms who seems to have it all together, are super creative, or just seem to be “SuperMom”.  In turn, we sometimes feel like we have to do more, or get more creative in our plans or activities with the kids.

I’ve definitely felt that more this summer than ever.  Maybe it’s just because my kids are a year older…or that I only have 8 weeks at home with them and want to make the most of that time.   Last weekend after our little vacation, I gave Abbie and Peyton a “very special assignment” — to make their “Summer List”.  A list of all the things they wanted to do while they were on summer break.  Take a quick look:

• Cook
• Play Softball
• Paint
• Draw
• Go to the pool
• Play
• Cuddle
• Give hugs
• Give kisses
• Talk
• Take walks
• Have tea parties
• Do puppet shows
• Play house
• Be lazy
• Play games
• Just have fun!
• Play baseball
• Play football

That’s it!  In my daughter’s eyes (ok, let’s be real…Peyton only contributed the last two!) that’s what would make a great summer with mom!  Don’t get me wrong…I’m still planning some special crafts and outings with the kids, but this really served as a great reminder that it doesn’t take a lot to make an impact in our kids’ life.  Just living life with them is what matters!!!!

Jason and I had a great week last week at Cedarly…a wonderful retreat of rest and reconnecting!  I am very excited to get back to the kids and life here this summer, though!  Here’s a glimpse at our menu for the week.

Monday-  Coney Dogs (with homemade Dog N Suds Coney Sauce), Fresh Baked Fries, Watermelon

Tuesday- Pretzel Crusted Chicken and Zuccini Strips with Cheddar-Spicy Mustard Dipping Sauce and Fresh Veggies

Wednesday- Mike’s Baby Back Ribs (one of our WONDERFUL meals at Cedarly), Sweet Potatoes, Asparagus

Thursday- Grilled Pork Chops, Potatoes, Green Beans with Almonds

Friday-  Fettucini Alfredo, Salad, “Red Lobster” biscuits

Saturday- Cilantro Lime Chicken with Warm Corn Salad and Fruit

Be sure to check out other weekly menus here!

The things I do to get my kids (and their friends) to eat their food!!!

Well, I was finally introduced to the game of Cornhole…honestly, I can’t believe I hadn’t played it before, and my skills definitely need honing (as evidenced in the video below!).  But, we did have a great night with friends!!!
(And just to clarify the background conversation at the end of the video where Bailey says “Peyton insists that you are pregnant”…I am not.  Peyton was trying to convince her that I was pregnant or had a son I didn’t know about named Corban.  Corban is my nephew.  Man, that kid wants a little brother badly!  But it’s not happening…sorry!)

Now that I’m off work for the summer, my meal planning is even MORE necessary.  Not just because money gets tighter with only one paycheck, but because if I don’t plan?  Not a good situation when it comes to meal time.  So…for the next couple of months I will be including my menu plans for all three meals (and maybe that habit will actually bleed into the fall!).

Breakfasts:

Banana Pancakes and Apples
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothies and Toast
Omelets and Toast
Biscuits and Gravy, Cantelope
Yogurt with Homemade Granola, Muffins
Whole Wheat Waffles and fruit
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Lunches:
Chicken Caesar Wraps
Pizza Pockets and Carrot sticks
Sandwiches and veggies (Grilled Cheese, Egg Salad, Lunch Meat)
Leftovers when available

Dinners:
Sunday- Breakfast Tacos, Cantaloupe, Smoothies (usually go with 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt, 1 banana, 2 strawberries, 1-2 teaspoons of flax meal and milk or OJ to thin out to desired consistency)
Monday- Ribeye Steaks, Baked Potatoes, Corn on the Cob
Tuesday- Tropical Pork Kabobs, Pineapple Rice
Wednesday- BBQ Fajitas with Sweet Corn Spoon Bread
Thursday- Chicken & Rice with Steamed Veggies
Friday- Grilled Pork Chops, Baked Potatoes, Sauteed Zucchini and Yellow Squash 
Saturday- Teriyaki Spare Ribs, Broccoli, Rice 

Be sure to check out hundreds of more meal plans over at OrgJunkie!

It definitely feels like summer is right around the corner. Students are done with classes at Purdue…my kids have started their 3-week countdown until summer break…and Abbie’s softball season has started!!!

But then there are days like today when I’m reminded that I live in Indiana, and even though summer is right around the corner, the temperatures don’t always follow suit. But we made the best of this windy, cold Softball Saturday!!!

I love my husband, but building a fire has never been a real strong suit.  And I’ve apparently had an obsession with campfires since I was younger.  Who says women can’t build fires… (I might not be able to get a full thought out (see video)…but I can build a fire!)

If I’m nowhere to be found, I’ll probably be here…

So this is what I’ve been chewing on today…

Today more than 26,500 children will die of preventable causes related to their poverty. And guess what? It will happen again tomorrow… and the next day… and the next. Around 10 million children will be dead in the course of a year.

How do we live with this? How does this not dominate our minds?

Because for the most part it happens on “the ends of the earth.” Let’s be honest. We simply have less empathy for people who live faraway. Richard Stearns said, “Our compassion for others seems to be directly correlated to whether people are close to us socially emotionally, culturally, ethnically, economically, and geographically.”

This makes total sense. It’s why if you hear a child was killed in a car accident you might find it sad, however if the child was one that lives in your neighborhood…one you saw on a regular basis…one who you knew the name of…it would stop you dead in your tracks.

We’re numb toward “the ends of the earth” and yet God has clearly called us to go there. And not JUST go there, but go there with His light.

Check out Pete’s entire post today, and the rest of the Compassion Bloggers in India.

I’ve always been amazed at the things that my kids come up with, and last Thursday was no different.  I was reminded once again, though, that it’s all in the timing!  The kids were playing in the other room and Jason and I were sitting on the couch in the family room.  It was one of “those conversations”…you know the ones…that hint at some “alone time” later in the evening.  I looked over at Jason with the ever-so-popular “babe, I’m not really in the mood today’.  All of a sudden Abbie pops up from behind the couch and announces, “I have no idea what you guys are talking about, but I know something that will get you in the mood!”

And this is what ensued…