Better Things

"Strive for peace with everyone, and for holiness without which no one will see God." - Heb 12:14 Last week I got myself in a little pickle. I took my eyes off the prize, off of Jesus, off of the real reason WHY I was doing this whole crazy 80 day program and started down a path of destruction. My hands were drooping and in a weak knee moment I gave into a temptation I had no business falling into. I know better, I knew better. But I am still human.  "See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; that no one or sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal." - Heb 12:15-16 Ouch. Did you notice that. He mentions sexual immorality but doesn't linger there, he moves onto the story of Esau. Do you know what Esau's unholiness was? He sold his birthright for a bowl of soup. He gave up what he wanted MORE(later he...

I'm a memory-making kinda girl. I just LOVE creating memories, but often creating memories meant draining our finances. I wanted to have the perfect birthday party so I crafted and created and ordered and decorated us right out of house and home. I'd attempt to plan a special date night or family day but admittance to the places we planned to go cost an arm and a leg, not to mention food and souvenirs, and whatever else would "make it memorable. Something had to change. Now, we're a family of 7. Recently I looked into taking the kids to a Star Wars costume display (we are avid Star Wars fans around here), but at $19/head per child and $25/head per adult, that would have been a whopping $130 (the little guy would have been free, in case you're checking my math. ;)) just for a few hours of fun. Now, don't get me wrong. I have nothing against spending money on having a good time, but I'm all about finding ways to create family fun memories wit...

Yes, you, with your crazy bed-head, and yoga pants; your reheated cup of coffee (for the 5th time) in hand, and the toddler playing in the toilet down the hall, while the baby screams even though you just fed him and changed him and rocked him and shushed him and he's supposed to be napping. . . Yes, you, with the laundry piling up, and the dishes overflowing, and the living room floor that's looking like a war zone with lego pieces ready to detonate the minute you walk in. . . and it's time to feed the crazies again, and you just need to go to the bathroom because you've been holding it for 17 hours already. . . Yes, you, who hasn't had a shower in days, and who can't remember what real clothes feel like; who smells like spit up and wishes you could remember how you learned your times tables, because she's struggling so and you don't know how to help, and while you were cleaning dirt out of ears, the dinner burned AGAIN. Yes, you, who hates ...

Going with our Foodie Friday  theme I wanted to share some family favorite recipes we enjoy on a regular basis around here. Turns out I'm a pretty plain Jane girl when it comes to cooking. I don't really enjoy spending time in the kitchen(much rather be outside) so quick and easy is my motto- AND healthy of course. ;0) After all we are striving for "Better Things" not just better tasting to us but better FOR US as well.  When my whole family(4 kids with every different type of preference) asks for seconds we call it a "Family Favorite." Family Favorite #1 - Mega Meatballs We looooove meatballs. Could be my hubby's Italian background or my stick-to-your-ribs meat and potatoes EVERYday upbringing. Whatever it is I stumbled across this recipe looking for a healthy alternative to the packaged Meatballs from WalMart(although they are pretty tasty the ridiculously long list of foreign ingredients is a major turn off for this label reading Mamma) and have...