so I'm a wife......a mom....semi student....driver....cook...

I think most of you that read or follow my blog are just like me.....mom extraordinaire! With that title come overwhelming responsibility.....and that's where I've been the last two weeks. If I can just be transparent with you guys, I have been so overwhelmed with household work, taking my kiddos to school, dance, going to a class myself, and just trying to stretch myself in all the areas that desire me or need me. whew. So, I'm workin or getting caught up and getting a handle on how life is for us right now. I've committed to myself to take time everyday to spend time in my Bible and prayer and that alone has brought more peace in my heart. With that said, this is the prayer I'm offering up today:

Lord, I ask that my extended family members will know and experience Your wisdom each day. May they find that wisdom is more precious than rubies, and godly understanding better than gold. Nothing they desire on earth can compare with knowing You and following Your ways. Some of them are far from You, Lord. I pray they would learn the ways of Your wisdom, the pleasantness of Your paths, and the peace that You bring.

(from Power Prayers for Women by Jackie M Johnson)

Family Friday ~ Listen

I find myself so caught up in what I'm doing at the moment that I often react negatively to my kiddos or don't completely listen to what they have to say. I too often nod my head and say, "uh huh," not fully hearing their requests or statements. (this is not easy for me to admit)
I came across Proverbs 17:6 which says, "Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged;
parents are the pride of their children." It made me ask myself, am I conducting/instructing so that my children are or will be proud that I am their mom? Tough question.

One thing I do know is that I can listen better. Honestly, I could use the little breaks anyway. So, I'm challenging myself to listen better to them, read with them to encourage them to listen, and also listen to things together. Here are a few things I think are great....they are very different from each other but still great.



(purchasing this one helps kids in Africa impacted by AIDS/HIV)

Adventures in Odyssey presents original audio stories brought to life by actors who make you feel like part of the experience. These fictional, character-building dramas are created by an award-winning team that uses storytelling to teach lasting truths. Maybe that's why over 20 million products have been distributed worldwide.

So dust off your imagination and join the kids in Odyssey for inspiring adventures that are flat-out fun!

Recipe Contest ~ Zucchini Bread

I am looking for the best Zucchini Bread recipe! Do you have a great one I just have to try?

The winner of the best recipe (judged by myself, family, and friends) will win a book package. The package will include The G Free Diet by Elisabeth Hasselbeck and two cookbooks still to be determined. You have until Aug. 1st to enter a recipe. If I get a duplicate recipe I will take the first one e-mailed to me.

Here's how to enter.
1.Become a follower or subscribe to Reclaim Dinner
2.Send your recipe to reclaimdinner@gmail.com with the subject zucchini bread recipe.

The winner will be announced Sept. 1st! Good luck and I can't wait to try your recipe!

Family Fridays ~ Pray

I recently purchased a book called Power Prayers for Women by Jackie M Johnson, suggested by my friend. (thanks Kim) The whole book is wonderful, but I especially love the chapter on praying for your children. So this Friday is a little different. I usually blog about something fun and frugal for a family to do, but today I wanted to pass on this prayer. It's a prayer on teaching our children the importance and power of prayer.

Lord, I pray that You would help me to be a good role model as I teach my kids to pray. As a spiritual coach, empower me to pray for them and with them. May I provide clear instruction and a consistent example so my children can form good prayer habits. I know that I'm not perfect, but I am submitted to You. I ask that as I follow Your example, Lord, they will follow mine--and be people of prayer. Amen

We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children. Psalm 78:4-5

Family Fridays

I'll be blogging a new family idea on Fridays!

I recently read that 85% of brain connections were made by experiences after birth. Paediatrician Dr Marguerite Dalton of New Zealand says, “Interaction and engagement with our under 5’s is so important,” she also says, “Parents don’t need to spend a lot of money – getting kids involved in ordinary, every-day tasks, is a great way for them to feel connected, loved and special. Spending time can mean many things, but it does involve doing things together; like reading a book, playing a favorite game, eating, cooking, cleaning up the house, going for a walk or just having a cuddle – it’s only limited by your imagination,”
Starting a family hobby is easy, fun, and can be challenging. Here is an idea to get started....

Homemade Bird Feeder

Refreshment Challenge

*adapted from The Bathtub is Overflowing but I Feel Drained by Lysa Terkeurst

"A special tradition in our home is an afternoon treat. My kids and I love fresh baked cookies, chewy brownies, and other concoctions of all kinds. Sometimes we eat apples, oranges or some other snack from the healthier regions of the food pyramid, but mostly we like a sweet treat....
If these little treats made me so happy as a child, why do they have to stop? Why is it that I sometimes think motherhood is all about what I do for others and never stop to think of the wonderful benefits of treating myself? I can see the church lady from the depths of my religious background jumping out with a finger wagging. "Don't be so worldy! Pull out your Bible and read a verse or two.....
If you are feeling really weary, sing a verse or two of "It is well with my soul," and stop thinking of yourself.....
I whisper back to her, "If you are so into giving these days, I'd gladly let you watch my kids, run their carpools, and clean and cook for me while I go sit in the tub and sing hymns and reflect on spiritual insights."......:)
The next time you are drained, put a little care package together for yourself and thank God for His sweet treats. Gum, chocolate, CD, Coffee, Candle.......
Be refreshed, my friend. Put together a little care package of happy things for yourself. Put something on your calendar to look forward to, and don't save your best for last. Enjoy now!"

Psalm 33:13-22

Today's challenge is two part. Spend some time this afternoon and treat your kiddos with something unexpected. Make some time for yourself. Create a care package!

Slow Down Challenge

Our society is so fast and over stimulated. As families, we compete with TV, video games, cell phones, computers....the list goes on and on. It's challenging to stop.....turn everything off.....and be still. (Psalm 46:10) This week challenge yourself to slow down at dinner time. Take your time. Don't have an agenda. Talk. Listen. Enjoy learning something new about your spouse or kids. Here are a few ideas for conversation starters:

*Highs and Lows (made popular by the Story of Us movie) Simply ask each person their high and low of the day.

*Describe your perfect day (maybe you could help in making this one happen)

*What do you want to do when you grow up?

*If your kiddos are young....tell them a story (buy or look up online a kid version bible story)
I like My First Study Bible
Veggie Tales Bible (my friend bought this the other day...and it looks really fun)
Tell a classic story....example: serve peas with dinner and tell the princess and the pea story
Make up a story....be creative!