The Joy of Holiday Giving

James and I want to be conscientious about teaching our children the importance of giving during the holiday season.  We are truly blessed with everything we need and so much more.  But there are many in this world who go without the basic necessities of life and literally struggle to survive each day.Our desire is that Christmas would be an opportunity to share the joy, hope, and love of Christ with others.  A very practical and easy way to do that is by purchasing gifts that give back!  If you're looking for presents for your loved ones this holiday season and and want to help spread joy to others while you're at it, here's a list of some great gift ideas that help support various charities:Cards from AfricaA friend told me about this organization,...

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Spicy Chicken Teriyaki

{ spicy chicken teriyaki.  it's what's for dinner. the beautful ceramic bowl was handmade by my talented friend, olivia. }Who doesn't love a good bowl of teriyaki over rice?  Chicken is my favorite, but the beauty of teriyaki is you can easily change it up with beef, seafood, tofu, whatever your heart desires (well, not really but you get the point).The secret to this teriyaki?These three ingredients:- Korean hot bean paste (available at Asian supermarkets)- Red pepper flakes - Mr. Yoshida's marinade (available at Costco)They do all the hard work for you.  All you have to do is add the protein and vegetable of your choice.Directions:Cut up chicken breasts into cubes.  Dice onions.  Place chicken and onions into a bowl.  Pour the...

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Thanksgiving Highlights

Thanksgiving came and went just like that.  And this holiday we celebrated the faithfulness of the Father with:a fire,a feast,fanfare for an infant,and famil...

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The Thankfulness Song

What we're thankful for this holiday seas...

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Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting

{ rosy and buttery cupcakes }I am a huge fan of cream cheese frosting because (1) it tastes great, (2) it's easy to make, and (3) you can make countless variations.But I thought I would be adventurous and try something new and different this weekend.  So I attempted to make swiss meringue buttercream frosting.  This definitely requires a bit more time, but the frosting is so amazingly light, smooth, and buttery.Since I was going all out on the frosting, I kept the cupcake itself very simple and used Trader Joe's Vanilla Cake Mix (I LOVE Trader Joe's products).  I simply followed the instructions on the box.Here are the instructions for the frosting. Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting(Recipe from Martha Stewart)Makes about 9 cups, enough for about 28 cupcakes1. Gather ingredients:2...

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Love is in the Air

The boys enjoyed a beautiful fall afternoon in the backyard after church today.  And love filled the air.  As challenging as parenting is at times, these boys bring us such incredible joy.  James and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.The amazing thing is when the Lord looks at His children, He probably thinks the same thing.  Even despite how pig-headed, stubborn, and just plain stupid we are, He is ever so patient with us.  And He loves us still.Tonight at bedtime, this was our prayer for the boys:Lord, You are good, kind, and gracious.  How great and wide and deep is Your love!  Help us to know this with all of our hearts.  And would you shape CJ and Nathan to become men who follow after you above all else?  May Jesus...

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Easy Breezy Gift Bags

{ gift bags that take less than a minute to make! }I wanted to find a really simple way to make gift bags - no fuss, no mess.  So I did a search on google for "how to make gift bags out of cardstock paper" and found this at Homemade Gifts Made Easy!  This is truly the easiest craft project ever!  All you need is a square piece of cardstock paper (I personally like the double-sided paper - it gives the bag a nice color contrast).  The instructions on the Homemade Gifts page are well done and easy to follow, but here's a quick summary:1.  Start with a square sheet of cardstock paper.2.  Fold the paper in half to form a triangle.3.  Take the right corner and fold it so it touches the edge of the paper.4.  Do the same thing with...

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Super Uberness

{ the ultimate uber mom }When you hear the term “Uber Mom”, are there women who immediately come to mind?  You know, the moms who seem to always go above and beyond, are involved in every activity and charity under the sun, excel at everything they do, never lose their cool, and somehow even manage to keep their homes immaculate and they themselves looking beyond fabulous (not a strand of hair out of place)?Yes, these women are rare but they do exist outside of "Desperate Housewives".  And they intimidate me (and I sincerely apologize if you were fooled into thinking I was one of them).Truth be told, before James and I had kids, I found it difficult to spend time with a group of moms because I felt incredibly inadequate and out of place.  I didn’t really...

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A Date at Starbucks

Yum!  A great way to treat a friend or significant other over the weeke...

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Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Frosting

{ pumpkin + maple + heath toffee bits = perfect combination for the holidays! }A few of my favorite things about Thanksgiving involve pumpkin pies, pumpkin cheesecakes, pumpkin bread . . . anything and everything pumpkin!So why not pumpkin cupcakes?  I found the perfect recipe from Ina Garten.But I'll let you in on a little secret.  I cheated and used this:And it turned out moist and delicious.  So if you're short on time or just like shortcuts, here's the modified and simpler recipe (yields 12 cupcakes):Pumpkin CupcakesIngredientsTrader Joe's Pumpkin Bread Mix 2 large eggs1/2 cup of vegetable oil1 cup of water1/2 cup coarsely chopped Heath barsDirectionsPreheat oven to 400 degrees.  Mix the ingredients.  Using an ice cream scoop, divide...

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Cupcake Flags

{ pumpkin cupcakes for a baby shower }I am always on the lookout for ideas on how to decorate cupcakes beautifully.  I love the idea of cupcake flags and decided to try my hand at making my own.   It's actually quite simple and such an easy way to add a decorative touch to any festivity. Here's a list of the supplies needed to make 20 flags (available at any craft store like Michael's or AC Moore):* Cardstock paper - 3 sheets ($14.99 for a pad of 50 sheets - used 50% off Michaels coupon so got a great deal - or you can purchase sheets individually ranging from $.49-$.99/page)* Decorative stickers - 2 packs ($1.99/each)* 4" Lollipop sticks - 20 ($2.00 for 50 sticks)* Decorative paper punch (retails at $14.99 but used coupon,...

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The Tale of CJ the Train and Princess A

Once upon a time, there was a little train engine named CJ.  CJ the Train was a very happy engine full of spunk and energy.  He was quite content being a lone engine.That was until one day, he met the beautiful Princess A.   He wanted to befriend her, but he wasn't sure how.  So he thought and thought and thought, and then, it hit him!"I know!  I'll win the princess over by showering her with sweets from all the land!"  So he searched high and low all over the kingdom of Great Bergen Mall Land to find these rare and treasured goodies.  In the end, however, he was only able to find a sticker and a tootsie roll.  "I have so little to offer her," the engine sadly thought as he looked into his bag.And yet, Princess...

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Tinkle, Tinkle Little Nate

The blog has been neglected as I've been busy setting up shop (more details on that later).  But I decided to give it a little TLC tonight with a quick re-design.It's 1am so I really need to head off to bed.  I'll leave you with this fun image and rhyme:   { nate at 6 months }Tinkle, Tinkle Little Nate(to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star)Tinkle, tinkle little NateSprinkle time just couldn't wait?In the bath with water cleanIs not the time for tinkling!Tinkle, tinkle little NateNext time won't you hold and wa...

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Free Nursing Cover

While supplies last, Udder Covers is offering free nursing cover with promo code "Thanksgiving" (you pay shipping charge of $9.95).  I love these covers (I have Porter).  I've tried others that don't hold up as nicely. A great gift for expectant mo...

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Curious Nate

{ momo (auntie), what you doing there? } { what?  raking leaves?  let me check it out. }{ so how does this whole raking thing-a-ma-jig work? }{ ooh, like this? } { piece of cake!  i can do it with one hand. }{ that's enough hard work for today. }  { now time to play! } { see you later!...

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Beauty Out of Chaos

{ the chaos } { the beauty created }{ the joy to be had }* * *There is a wonderful analogy here as I think about the mess and chaos of life.   What good could possibly come from these things?God has a plan.  He will take the mess and brokenness of life and make beauty out of it.  And joy will be ours.The real beauty is He's already accomplished this.   On the cross.  Through Jesus.  For ...

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