MommySecrets

Being a mom is the hardest thing I've ever done, but it has brought me so much joy! I want to encourage other moms on their journey, I'll share motherhood tricks, spotlight tips I've learned from friends, and I hope you will share your ideas. I will focus on secrets that help families stay balanced, healthy, frugal, creative, and closely knit. I will also share favorite fiction and nonfiction books that I have enjoyed. Many blessings to you on your mothering journey!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Quick and Easy Dinners: Two Part Mexican Meal

Day One - Burritos
  • Brown 2lbs ground beef.  Drain.  Add 1-1.5c salsa.
  • Cook 2 cups dry rice (white, brown or jasmine) according to package instructions.  After steaming, add the juice of 1 lime and a handful of chopped cilantro.
  • Heat 2 cans black beans (drained).  Add a handful of chopped cilantro.
  • Serve in burritos with Colby jack cheese.

Day Two - Burrito Pie
As your cleaning up dinner from day one, put together a casserole with the leftover ingredients, layering flour tortillas and Colby jack cheese with the beef, rice and beans.  Add a can of diced chiles if desired.  Heat at 350 for 30 minutes. 

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Monday, December 12, 2011

Instead of a Gingerbread House, Make a Gingerbread Nativity Scene!


I love KatherineMarie's idea for making nativity scenes instead of gingerbread houses.  What a great way to share Christ in Christmas - and enjoy some yummy fun!!  Find directions and more craft ideas here.

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Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Book Review: The Lucado Inspirational Reader


Max Lucado has a God-given gift for making scripture and Biblical teachings come alive through stories.  His words are easy to read, easy to relate to, and easy to remember.  His latest book is just as captivating as his many other books.  It is titled, The Lucado Inspirational Reader: Hope and Encouragement for Your Everyday Life.   He has taken the best of the best from many of his books to compile a categorical collection of stories.
The 400+ pages of stories cover a myriad of topics, including  salvation, wealth, busyness, comfort, anger, anxiety, the Bible, the Church, comfort, creation, encouragement, faith and family, God's Love, Miracles, Peace, Second Chances, Spiritual Refreshment & Worship, and more.  In addition to the stories, there is an index of topics and sources in the back of the book.
He delivers what he promises – hope.  That seems especially appropriate during the hard times many individuals and families are facing during this season.  Every week, I encounter a new friend struggling with something life-changing – depression, marital struggles, divorce, alcoholism, bankruptcy, health concerns…  Even with a counseling background, I often feel ill-equipped to listen and support them.  This book has given me a good shot of Biblical hope to keep in my back pocket to encourage others.  Thank you Max!
I would recommend it as a daily reading, as a book to keep on hand for counseling and encouraging others, and as a pastoral/teaching tool.  It’s a beautiful 5x7  book with a special place for an inscription,  so it would also make a lovely gift for a friend, teacher, pastor, counselor, or even teen.
 I received this book from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest and nonbiased review of the contents.



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Monday, December 05, 2011

Happy Birthday Daniel!

I became a mommy ten years ago today, and I have been soooooo blessed by the journey!

I delight in the special moments with my children, but I also PRAISE GOD for the way he has used my kiddos to shape my heart.  I'm a different woman today, because of the work he has done in my heart through my precious 3 children.

HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY DANIEL!!

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Thursday, December 01, 2011

Arts and Crafts: Tractor Footprints

My 5year old daughter and a friend made crafts for their grandfathers yesterday.  Both grandpas are farmers, so they made tractor footprints - or maybe I should say footprint tractors...

We modeled our pictures after the one above.  I outlined the girls feet on white paper, then they colored in the lines with green crayons.  I traced 2 sizes of medicine dispensers for the wheels and they colored them gold.  Then I told the girls to draw a flower shape around the wheels, which they then colored in black.  They added lines to make the other parts of the tractor.  They were very proud of the final products!!

So maybe we can't buy Grandpa a tractor for Christmas, but we can give him a different kind of tractor!

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