Short and Stout

 It has been a VERY long time since I have written anything new on here. 

One of the reasons was because I became burned out. Another was just the availability in my time. I had started a full-time job while still being a full-time mom. 

Circumstances have changed a little as my kids have been getting older. I had more free time because they had more free time. I was able to write. But instead of writing on here, I wrote my very own chapter book!

Short and Stout is now available for purchase!!! How exciting is that?

https://a.co/d/bhz8Z2k

Elaine has struggled with her weight, ever since she started college. Her at-home bakery business hasn't helped matters, much. However, when her church starts a new Wellness series, things start to turn around for her. She's working out and eating healthier than ever. Things couldn't get any better, until an old flame comes back into her life and her best guy friend admits he has feelings for her. Complicated is an understatement as she navigates through her feelings, trying to understand what she wants. Should she choose her old flame, Jake? Or should she look deeper into her relationship with Daniel? Did she even need a man to keep her happy when she has her new puppy, Watson and the potential to have her own bakery someday? Follow along as she gets advice from her family, her friends, and God.

How to Listen So Your Kids Will Talk- A Book Review

I didn't like reading this book...

but I like the book. 


 

I know that may sound bizarre or weird, most definitely confusing. 

You see, it was hard for me to read this book because the parenting style in this book is the opposite of my parenting style. I would actually get mad as I would read. 

"You can't let your kids run the house like that!" or "You need to discipline the kids now, so they know they're not in charge!" would run through my head constantly. 

The thing is, as I would continue to read the book, I realized that the books style of parenting  was actually pretty effective and when those thoughts would run through my mind, I would decide to try out their different strategies. 

So it took me a while to finish reading the book and an even greater while to write this review because I was trying out the methods.

This is what I learned:

Every fiber of my being wants to get my kids in trouble the moment they act out. It was how I was raised and by letting them yell at me or complain, it felt like I was telling them it was ok walk all over me and that they were in charge, not me.

But Becky Harling says to wait it out. Using Biblical teachings, she points out that we shouldn't speak out in anger because when we do, we will shut our kids up. So take a minute to calm yourself before you react in a way that loses trust.

"But Becky! I can't let the kids win! Doesn't that let them think that they can get away with disrespecting me like that?"

Ugh- did I just use the word disrespecting? I heard that word so much growing up, it started to feel like the word was losing its meaning. 

But by taking a minute to calm down and come back to the situation, I was able to talk to my kids without using mean words that would possibly slip out while I was yelling back at them. (You know, a defense mechanism with that "fight or flight" response.) I was able to listen to their feelings and could get to the root of the problem a lot sooner. 

"Oh! School was really frustrating for them today. They weren't able to understand the math problem and when they tried to ask the teacher, the teacher misunderstood and yelled at them. This problem began and built up since class, earlier today."

Now I know how to approach the problem. I can tell my child, "Everyone is human and while the teacher yelled at you, it wasn't your fault." The teacher didn't take the time to understand the question and took it personally that his method of teaching wasn't understood. Now my child and I can work together to make the situation right. By not reacting to their frustration right away, I was able to figure out why my child was huffy and instead of lashing out, we were able to talk through it and now I know my child will come back to me with their problems and talk to me, perhaps more calmly than they did before. 

Another thing that I actually really liked and didn't feel insulted by or called out for was the talking suggestions that Becky gives in the book. 

I have three kids, so I know sometimes, when one of my kids is acting out, I take a look at what is really happening and I realize that this child has been feeling pretty left out lately. 

So it made sense when I'd read about taking time for each kid, perhaps during the nightly tucking in routine, right before prayers, where you'd just talk to your child. 

My favorite night was when I told my kids, "You can tell me anything without me getting mad. I want your honest answers." and then I asked, "What is something that you like that we do together?", "What is something you'd like for me to do more often?", "What can I do, to be a better mommy?" and my kids answered very honestly. For the most part, the answers were, "Spend more time together" and "Listen better."

So we did this every night. I'd ask them different weird and silly questions and tell them stories and let them tell me their stories. My phone was put away and I made a better effort to really listen. I noticed that they opened up to me way more when we did that every night. 

When we would all sit at the table and I'd have them put everything away for dinner, dinner was more interactive. The kids were talking more and we all really enjoyed talking with one another. 

Conclusion

I didn't like reading this book because it's completely different parenting style called me out. I though it was pretty "Hippy"ish and very "free range" but by giving some of the things a try, it did open up a lot of conversations with my kids. 

It was an interesting read and one that takes a lot of experimentation. Don't completely dismiss this book, especially when you start to get mad. Because while there were somethings I just didn't agree upon, there were so much more that was valuable and works.  

Chocolate Zucchini Bread cooked in Ceramic Egg Cooker

Check out how I made this easy mug cake with Pampered Chef's Ceramic Egg Cooker!

 https://youtu.be/TRIai0Gkrj0

I mixed together

4 tbsp flour

1 tbsp cocoa

1 tbsp sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup zuchinni

Then mix in 2 tbsp water or more till it gets goopy.

Chocolate chips to my hearts content (2 tbsp)

Microwave for two minutes.

Things I used were the adjustable measuring spoons and the Ceramic Egg Cooker from Pampered Chef.

Adjustable Measuring Spoons

Ceramic Egg Cooker

As a Pampered Chef Consultant, I will receive commission for any Pampered Chef Products you purchase at no extra cost to you.

20 Ways for Parents to Winterize Their Car

I'll never forget the time that I drove home in a snow storm while I was pregnant and had two small children in the car. When I started out my two and a half hour drive, it was only snowing lightly and I thought I'd make it home ok. About a half hour later, the snow made visibility low and very difficult to drive. A normally 2 and a half hour drive turned into 5 hours.

Listen to Your Mother

Listen to your mother!

Listen to your mother.

Those are 4 simple words, but they hold so much power to them.

Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

These are definitely a family favorite in our home. Whether we have peanut butter cookie lovers or just Hershey's Kiss lovers, this cookie has something for everyone in our family AND they are incredibly easy to make.

Significant: Six Ordinary Women, One Extraordinary God- Book Review

 

Why did God choose to bring his son into a sinful world? 

As Christians, we know that Jesus was brought into our sinful world to help save us from our sins. However, Rachel Risner brought up in interesting question in her book, "Why did God choose Judah to continue his bloodline when Joseph would have been a better choice?"

Why did he choose Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and most importantly, why did he choose the women who would be the foremothers of Jesus?

It was a very intriguing question.

Freezer Pop Sleeve

Summer is the time for those cheap Popsicles....You know what I'm talking about. They call by many names. I've always called them Popsicles, my kids call them Otter Pops, others call them freeze pops or icicles. Whatever the name, they're kind of the frozen staple of the summer.

Whatever their name, I've always kind of dreaded having them around because they are mouth scissors and I always end up holding them for my kids because they're always too cold for them to hold. 

Redeeming Love Book Review

If you have been paying any attention lately, trafficking children has been a real problem that many of us are becoming more aware of. Perhaps you've seen the hashtag #saveourchildren floating around Facebook and Twitter. Some hundreds of thousand of children are being taken every year for sex and slave trade, enough is enough.

Zucchini Bread

I wanted to post this recipe a when I fist started getting zucchini from my garden, but then remote learning started at home and next thing I knew, my youngest was using my computer full time during the day and then when school was over, I was just exhausted!

But, I'm here now and I think that you will really love this recipe. It's very easy to make and, in my own opinion, is better than banana bread!

Cucumber Sandwiches

 

This is seriously the easiest thing you may ever make for an appetizer for tea parties, potlucks, or random get togethers. It's also great when you are looking for ways to use your garden cucumbers. (Seriously, I have so many cucumbers!)

Ingredients

Party Entertainment Bread

8 oz Cream Cheese

1/2 cup Mayo or Miracle Whip

1 tsp Garlic Salt

1 tsp Dill Weed

Cucumbers

Instructions

This is easiest if you have a mixer, but if not, microwave cream cheese for a minute to make it soft.

1. With a mixer, mix together cream cheese, Mayo/Miracle Whip, garlic salt, and dill weed.
2. Spread as much or as little mixture that you want over party bread. For my sandwiches, I used Jewish Rye and Pumpernickel cocktail size bread. If you can't find the small square loaves, you can cute regulars into squares.
3. Place Cucumber slice on top. 

Great alternative to cucumber slices are tomatoes, cheeses, and peppers! 

You can also use left over mix as a dip for your favorite veggies, veggie pizza, or even place into some jalapenos for a popper. The dip is very versatile.

Conclusion

This great and easy to make snack is perfect for any entertainment that you'd like to host. It's a light, cool treat, and is a crowd pleaser.

The last time I made up this tray was for a game night with me and four grown men and all but three sandwiches were eaten and that was just one of the many things I served that night. 

Great Planner for Kids With ADHD

When I was growing up, I spent a lot of my time in school socializing and getting distracted by anything that seemed more interesting than what was on the chalk board. I got okayish grades because I tested very well, but I was very bad at getting my homework done, mainly because I would forget that I even had it. Had I been able to remember it, perhaps I would have been a straight A student. 

When I was in college, I thought things would get better. I knew I was smart and a hard worker, but if someone were to observe me, they'd probably think I was lazy and a procrastinator. I would come to class, eager to learn more about a subject at hand, only to be disappointed because my other classmates would be turning in an assignment that I had completely forgot about.

Peace Pirates Book Review and Giveaway

I'm the mother of three kids, ages 10 and under. With the Corona Virus pandemic causing schools to be let out early, we've all been together, nonstop. My kids haven't had much of an issue staying home and have adjusted to remote learning easier than I had ever expected. Life has been wonderful and such a walk in the park.... Hahahaha! Who here believed me?

My kids have actually been viewing this time as quite the adventure and haven't really minded being home. Me, however, I've had some anxiety and mood swings since being home. With my husband working at home, too, I have to get the kids to do their homework and play nicely without interrupting video meetings by screaming like banshees. This time has been stressful and sometimes maniac mommy emerges only to be quickly stuffed back in, kind of like a mommy Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde.

 I couldn't have gotten the opportunity to review Peace Pirates, written by Ashley Willis, at a better time.

Lasagna Frittas

I first discovered lasagna frittas when my husband and I were celebrating an anniversary or was it a birthday? Well whatever it was, we were celebrating something, so we decided to splurge and order an appetizer tray and we both fell in love the frittas so much, I had to find a recipe to try it myself. 

But, enough about me! I know that what you really want is the recipe that I've adapted over time and it's super easy to make too!

Parenting- Quick Reaction, Wrong Response

My oldest just turned ten and my youngest is five. I'm at the point in my life when my parenting tactics have to be readjusted to fit the appropriate situation without losing my credibility with them.

Having a ten year old can start to be a little trying since he's becoming more private and doing things on his own. It won't be long before he's hanging out with his friends more than hanging out with us and peer pressure is going to be something that he's going to have to deal with and there are going to be choices that he's going to make that are going to be good or bad.

As parents, we're going to want to maintain control, but at some point, our kids are going to have to learn to do things by themselves, and we're going to have to let them so they can grow up to be responsible adults.

Sometimes, the way that we handle things can have a lasting impression and the way that we do it can have positive or negative consequences.

Such as Heaven Intended Book Series

If you're looking for a good book series to read, look no further.

The books in the Such as Heaven Intended series by Amanda Lauer are Christian historical romances taking place during the Civil War era, each focusing on different aspects that happened during that time.

A Life Such as Heaven Intended- Book Review

About the Book

Brigid, a young woman who finds herself having to make a life decision that she isn't sure she wants. Her father gives her two choices: get married or become a nun. During a time of war, she realizes that her choice in a husband is sparse so she has a difficult decision to make.

A World Such as Heaven Intended Book Review

About the Book

Amara is 17 when she is thrust into a world that that she did not want. A world where her very own country was cut in half to fight with each other for duty, honor, and the rights of their states.

Book Review for A Love Such as Heaven Intended

Josephine is a woman who is accustomed to a certain way of life, one fitting for a woman who has been raised in a most prominent family. She's used to getting whatever she wants so when her dreams of becoming a feminist and also a famous writer are turned down by her father, she schemes to come up with an idea that her father can't refuse.

50+ Women Share Their Pregnancy Symptoms- What They Didn't Tell You About Pregnancy

Pregnancy is such a miraculous thing to go through. Not only are you going to be carrying a baby in your womb for idealy 40 weeks, your body is going to do some pretty weird things to adjust to baby. Weird things that you knew you'd signed up for when you got pregnant and decided to continue with it and some weird things that took you by surprise.