It's Splendiferous....

     Great moms let their kids lick the bowl. Always. My mom was always whipping up something yummy in the kitchen and she always made sure my brother and I finished off the bowl before washing it. I think brownie batter was always my favorite. What was yours?
    While Pinteresting last night, I found a recipe for JELLO pudding pops. The memories flooded back when I saw the picture. I remember mom buying these when I was little. It was all Bill Cosby's fault. He made them look so Splendiferous!!! Do you remember?


     So as I was making the pudding pops today, of course I licked the bowl clean and thought, "I can't wait to make these for my Weston!" Bill Cosby commercials may be long gone, but there is no reason that pudding pops had to disappear in the 90's. This mom is bringing them back starting today. As I wait for them to freeze, I solemnly swear to keep the pudding pop alive this year and all the years to follow. Who's with me?    

                                     Make something splendiferous today!


                                          

Waiting to land

Landing. 

Does it scare you? Isn't that what matters most to passengers anyway? Don't we all just want to arrive safe and snug at our destination? I started thinking about this in relation to life and began wondering.... what is involved in landing an aircraft? After reading about it, I learned that A LOT goes into bringing down an airplane. Come to find out, there are four major factors that affect an aircraft's landing. I had no idea.


THRUST: This is your engine power.
LIFT: The "force" that opposes gravity (weight). It is produced by air flowing in an undisturbed manner over and under the wing. Available lift at slower speeds can be increased by the use of flaps.
DRAG: The opposite, naturally, of thrust. It is the resistance of the body of the aircraft and its surfaces as it moves through the air.
WEIGHT: The greater the weight, the more lift required to maintain flight.

Hmmm.... this is only a little portion of everything else that has to work in order to make a smooth transition from air to ground.

Another important factor: The whole idea of landing an airplane is to place it where you want it on the runway. In order to do this, you as the pilot must have control over those factors!!!

So, how does this relate to life. 

Here's what I'm thinking.

1.  Thrust--- Where do we find power to make it through our days? God? Food? Jobs? Kids? What moves us?

2. Lift- What forces are working in our lives? Are they positive and healthy?

3. Drag- What inner struggles do we fight daily? What factors do we feel like are working against us?

4. Weight- Do we carry around more happiness or burdens?

We know as people, we have the ability to control many portions of our lives. We can control what we eat, where we go, and who we associate with. We can control the time we go to bed, the movies we watch, and the books we read. However, we can not control many things in life like--- traffic, diseases, and WHEN BABIES ARE BORN! HA! But.... we can rest in God's peace knowing that he is the pilot of our lives, placing all the little moments leading up to great big things in his hands.

Tonight I truly feel blessed knowing that I have a creator who cares and orchestrates our lives to be lived out and His will always ends up giving us that smooth landing we are looking for.

Believing in his timing.
andrea

Pinterest Finds...

Raise your hand if you love Pinterest? I do! I do! What I love most about it, is that when you need an idea, you can get it immediately. If your feeling uninspired, you can quickly get inspired. Each week I am going to start sharing a few of my favorite pins for the week! So here ya go....

Great Mirror

Great Quote

HomeMade Icepacks using Dawn

Becoming......

Becoming a mom---- This is my first blog post regarding this topic and (oh-wow) where shall I even begin. In an attempt to read as many "parenting" books as possible throughout my pregnancy, I have come to the conclusion that regardless of what I read, I just won't know until I experience it all! However, I do believe that the best thing I can do now is to prepare my heart for motherhood by strengthening my daily walk with God and pray for wisdom as I do become a mom. This weekend I thought I would jot down, what I believe to be, important aspects of motherhood. Here is my list: Availability, Involvement, Teaching, Training, Discipline,Nurture, Modeling Integrity, and Memory Making. These are just a few as the list is never-ending! Each week I am going to focus on a different aspect and do my best to zone in on the details of each. So this week is Availability. The key verse I attached to this was Deuteronomy 6:6-7--- These commandments that I give you today are to be on your heart. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

This verse teaches me that I have the responsibility of impressing the Word each and every day into my children's hearts. All I can do now though is get my heart in shape, so I can help shape another. One book that my mom recently got for me is called Checklist for Life: For Moms. It is packed with little bits of wisdom to share with your kids. I love it and can't wait to use it one day (once I get all the diapering, eating, and sleeping down). Be Blessed!

Sundays Devotion

This weekend I have been reading a great deal about Mary (as in Jesus' mom). She fascinates me. What a woman she must have been. I took some time to write down words that came to mind when thinking of her character... words like-- holy, humble, simple, servant, trusting, and faithful came to mind. However, I think the word "sacrifice" should be attached to Mary's name. Her whole life seemed to be one of sacrifice. Mary's character shines as she accepted the responsibility of a virgin birth and being an eye witness during His death. In Luke 1:49, she proclaims that The Mighty One has done great things for me; and Holy is His name. These powerful words struck me! What if I woke up daily and said these words. What if my attitude throughout the day reflected these words. What if? Isn't this what God desires most? Mary may have been meek and mild, but she sure did have a lot of courage. Hoping to find a bit of her sacrifice and courage this week. Be blessed.

Vanessa Carlton-- Album Review

Hello blogworld. I decided to today it was time to jump back on my blog and start posting again! Sooooo..... This afternoon I spent a little time on I-Tunes looking for new albums that are coming out soon. I stumbled across Vanessa Carlton's new album Rabbits on the Run. I previewed each song and loved every song on the album (This rarely happens). I really liked the songs, Carousel, Hear the Bells, and Get Good. I have her first album and still listen to it, even if it is nearly 8 years old. This album seems so different in comparison to her others. I love it when artists try new things and don't stay stuck in a music box. She talks a lot about how nature inspired her throughout the making of this album. She spent time traveling to places she has never been and broke free from her own label so she could create the album she believed in. If you're interested listen to the youtube videos below to hear her story about the making of this album and the four elements that make up Rabbits on the Run. Below that is her song Carousel. A children's choir sings along with her and it is gorgeous! Enjoy Friends!

Philippians 4:8

The house is quiet now. My husband is sleeping. The fan blows cool air. Storms have passed for now. Everything is quiet... except my mind and my heart.

I began my quiet evening by browsing on Ann Voskamp's website, A Holy Experience. Her words stir me. Her word are unique and always reach parts of me that have been tamped down from day to day life.I started reading one of her blogs about teaching children to be grateful. At dinner, her kids write down things they are thankful for on sticky notes. She posts them on the window in their house and they stay up as a reminder of God's goodness. She went on to discuss that being grateful is more important than math and history. This is what she quoted....

"Because what will the math really matter if they are bitter? If the house is immaculate — but my attitude a mess? If they can count — but they don’t know how to count all things as joy? If we get the lists done, but have lost happiness in Him? How can any grammar skill outweigh the fact they don’t know the language of grace and thanks? What good will it be if they can recite all the major British battles — but they don’t know to see beauty? What am I teaching our children if I’m not living simply, quietly this: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Phil. 4:8). Focusing on what is beautiful, good, true –isn’t this the truest education?"

As a teacher, I would have to agree with Mrs. Voskamp.

Finding Inspiration

I have been a bad blogger. May 9th was my last post and I must admit that I have truly missed my daily blogging. The end of the school year is to blame. I decided today that enough was enough and that I needed to stop using that as my excuse. So, here's my unofficial comeback to my blog!

I thought I would tell you all about my NEW FAVORITE website that my friend Ginni told me about. It is called Craft Gawker. The URL is http://craftgawker.com. This site is a pool of inspiration, and gives you that "kid in a candy shop" feeling--- if you like DIY projects! Here are a few projects I think look desirable.

Crocheted Rocks

Repurposing old materials to make a key holder

Doily Envelopes

Overalls (Now I can't sew, but I may need to learn to make these)

and I saved my favorite find for last..... Bird Nest Necklaces. This WILL be made!

Now it's your turn! You got search and find inspiration. Please let me know what you find!

Have Fun!

The Voice Within

I read an incredible quote tonight from one of THE best books on Leadership, The Leadership Challenge, by Kouzes and Posner. I read that when we make statements with our lives that are consistent with our heart, that gives voice to what we really feel is important. How true this is. To me this means: Words Matter! All this began to remind me of all the roads I've traveled throughout life (especially in my later twenties) and how those roads have brought new words to my life. I pray I can continue to stay true to what my heart believes and listen to wise voices along the way-- Voices of truth and Reason.

Thought I would attach a song by Christina Aguilera, The Voice Within! Enjoy!

Tonight's blog was short and sweet! More to come this week.

Roasted Tomato and Thyme Soup

I absolutely LOVE the way Sophie Dahl talks about her cooking. She believes that cooking should be an adventure. I agree fully! This recipe she is preparing, Roasted Tomato and Thyme Soup looks absolutely 100% scrumptious! She also makes twice baked potatoes with chives! My mouth seriously watered as I watched her cook! I really want to be her friend, or at least hang out with her for a bit! I know the video is a bit lengthy, but every minute is so inspiring... at least for this girl!

Enjoy friends!

Bless This Nest

I fell in love with this sweet picture! Definitely a must-d0!

It is well....

Every single sin....

every hurt that we’ve cause another person,
every selfish act, every regret…

… was paid for by Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. Every one of us is very much loved, treasured and wanted by God. I’m looking forward to celebrating that this weekend. Have a wonderful Easter!

Noticing

Today, on the blog http://www.kindovermatter.com, I read about the Art of Noticing. Here is a piece from the blog:

When was the last time you noticed your life? Not the tasks and the to-do lists and the stack of dishes in the sink. Well, those too actually. But beyond that. When did you last notice how you feel after a meal? How your lover sounds asleep besides you? What your children do when they think you are not looking? How your lungs feel when you first step outdoors?

Life moves fast. Everyone says so. So fast that we spend it before we notice that it’s gone. Like a bowl of m-n-m’s that sit beside you while you watch a movie. You look up, and they’re gone.
What if you could slow things down with something as simple as noticing? What if you realized that you needed rest before you collapsed? What if you didn’t feel like your kids were “growing up too fast?” What if you had time to savor your one precious, sacred life?

After reading this, I felt challenged to think about what I had noticed so far today.... Here is my list (I heart lists, btw)

1. I noticed the weather when I stepped outside.

2. I noticed love and joy as my 2nd grade students read their poems on stage today.

3. I noticed rudeness.

4. I noticed a hug a child gave me.

5. I noticed God calming me down when I was frustrated over a situation.

6. I noticed the wind blowing my flag nearly off its stand.

7. I noticed a baby bird.

8. I noticed the stillness of my home.

As the night unfolds, I await and am interested to find other noticings!

Be Blessed!

andrea

Choice Words

I am reading a (teacher) book called, Choice Words By Peter Johnston. In this book, I am learning about how seriously the language teachers use in the classroom plays out in the development of our children's histories. The words we use everyday, teach them about who they are and what they will become. Our words shape the choices they make and how they learn. To me--- THIS IS HUGE!!! The language I use daily is THE most powerful tool I have. Stepping away from this thought makes me think, "Wow, what and honor." and it also makes me say, "Wow, that is pretty scary."

This book has caused these ideas concerning literacy to shift into my personal life as well--- relationally, emotionally, and spiritually. Relationally, as a wife, friend, daughter, sister, coworker...etc.. my words can uplift and encourage or demean and discourage. Emotionally, the words I say about myself can make or break my day. Spiritually, I can choose to let my language serve our creator or take away from his glory. Vygotsky said,“Children grow into the intellectual life around them.” Therefore, it’s our job, as educators, to try to employ phrases that will increase our students’ sense of identity, knowing and agency. As adults, we are still growing into our lives, and therefore it is still our job to increase everyone's sense of identity, knowing, and agency!

I will leave you with one of my favorite songs by Nichole Nordeman, called Legacy. We can choose our words, our footsteps, and the legacy we will leave for our children.

From Where I'm Standing

From Where I'm Standing.....This is the title of one of my favorite songs. A song from the movie, I'm Reed Fish. This song has been one of my favs for awhile now. For some reason it always puts me into a reflective mode.

From where I'm standing reminds me of the perspectives we all share and how unique they are based on our journey's through life.

Where are you standing right now? What are the things you notice?

I started thinking not only about my perspective, but about God's. Does he see me the same way I see me? Of course not. His eyes catch my every move. His ears catch every sound and my every thought. I pray this week to be aware of God's presence and to try and get a glimpse of his perspective.

Enjoy the song and your week friends!