To show that you believe

O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E
Since we have young children, this is such a relevant topic in our house right now.  Both of our boys are defiant, headstrong and stubborn.  Extremely so.  (and we fear that our daughter is probably the same way!... but what did we really expect since we are both defiant, headstrong and stubborn. Extremely so.) Being consistent in teaching them obedience is really important, especially at this stage.  One of the things we are working with our kids on is that obedience is only true obedience when we obey...

ALL the way
RIGHT away
and with a HAPPY HEART

Usually when they do what we ask, they are still not doing it by the above qualifications.  They obey begrudgingly, or they dawdle or they don't finish the job.  Obeying this way is not true obedience.

Hmm... starting to sound convicting?  It is to me.  I started thinking about this today...

Matthew 5:44 "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..."

Ephesians 5:22 "Wives, be subject to your own husbands..."

1 John 2:15 "Do not love the world nor the things of this world..."

These are some of the commands that God expects me to obey.  Easy?  Definitely not.  And then today I started thinking... am I really obeying God with the same qualifications that I require of my children?

ALL the way
RIGHT away
and with a HAPPY HEART

Definitely convicting...

Quick and easy breakfast ideas!

Now that we've started school again (I currently homeschool my oldest), the mornings always seem to be rushed.  I try to get up, get myself ready, get the kids ready and get them breakfast by a reasonable time so we can get started on schoolwork.  Some days the mornings can be a little stressful, yet I still desire to give my kids a hearty breakfast in the middle of the rush.  Does this sound familiar?  Are mornings like this at your house?

I recently came across some quick and easy breakfast ideas on moneysavingmom.com.  (By the way, if you like to follow blogs... this is definitely one you should check out.  It's my fave!)  Here are two genius ideas for quick, easy and filling breakfasts (and kid friendly!)

Freezer Oatmeal: Bear with me... this sounds gross, and it doesn't look appetizing either, but it's great!  Make up a big batch of oatmeal (I love old fashioned, following the recipe on the side of the oats container, plus adding cinnamon).  Place it on "clumps" on a cookie sheet (about a serving size per "clump") and freeze for 30 minutes to an hour. (Otherwise known as "flash freezing".)  Once the oatmeal is fairly frozen, remove from the cookie sheet and put in a freezer bag.  When you're ready to eat, just microwave and add milk (and whatever else you want... think raisins, craisins, nuts, fruit, maple syrup, brown sugar, etc.) 

Fruited Pancake Muffins: This is such a great idea!  Make up pancake batter however you like (from scratch or a mix).  Fill greased muffin cups halfway, then put some cut up fruit on top.  Top with a little more pancake batter.  (Optional: Put cinnamon, sugar or a cinnamon/sugar mixture on top)  Bake at 350 for 15-25 minutes.  We had these for breakfast this morning and they were a big hit!  (Don't forget that you can freeze extra muffins and pull them out for another easy breakfast some other time!) 



Need other quick and easy breakfast ideas?  Try freezing extra pancakes, waffles, or French toast then reheating them in the toaster!

My Pinterest Addiction

I must confess that I am addicted... to Pinterest.  If you are a fellow Pinterest user I'm sure you know what I mean... you can easily lose track of time looking through pins and getting fabulous ideas.  Never heard of Pinterest?  Well, you're kind of missing out.  But let me warn you... it's addictive!

If you're interested in checking out my current pins, check out http://pinterest.com/grace37/
(If you aren't a current Pinterest user, you may have to sign up for an account first.)