For by Him All Things were Created.

I love rainy days, and I mean everything about rainy days.  I love the smell and the clean bold colors it reveals. I don't even mind the bad hair and the damp feet but, most of all, I love the life it brings.  I'm not talking about the burst of growth in the plants and creepy crawlies that come out of the cracks and crevices... although those are wonderful.
Instead, I'm talking about the sweet curiousity that it brings to life in my 6 year old.
There is something about the break in the clouds on a rainy day that coaxes him outdoors.  Away from all the toys, video games, and indoor projects, he is free to see it all.   I love to sit inside and watch, with a smile on my face, as he takes in God's creation.  He is my explorer... my scientist... if it is creeping and crawling or new and mysterious, he will find it, observe it, love it, and never forget it. 


Today, as I sit watching him I am reminded of a verse, 
"For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-- all things have been created through Him and for Him."  Colossians 1:16

God created all things big and small. He created each creepy and each crawly.  And He created my sweet Cade, who continually reminds me to slow down and drink in the Glory of God.  Especially, on those precious rainy days.

Memory Verse Monday: Colossians 3:12, Ephesians 4:32

Memory Verse Monday is meant to help me and my kids focus on spiritual character building!  I love that we get to work on these characteristics as a family and draw each of us closer to God. I hope it will help you too!  This week we will be working on a character of Compassion and Kindness.

 

Ephesians 4:32

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other,

just as in Christ God forgave you.

 

Colossians 3:12

You have been chosen of God, holy and beloved,

put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

God calls us to take action (put on a heart of ...) as his sons and daughters.  Action that will show others that we belong to Him, that we are His children.  Colossians 3:12 tells us to cloth ourselves with these characteristics so that others will know God’s character and be drawn to Him.  Ephesians 4:32 instructs us to be kind to each other, and forgive others as Christ has forgiven us for all of our wrongs!

Ask: Help me name the characteristics we need to have as Christians

· Heart of compassion

· Kindness

· Humility

· Gentleness

· Patience

When we want to become better at something like soccer, drawing, or piano, we practice, right?
We are going to be practicing these characteristics so that we can be better at showing God’s character to others with our actions in life. 
Ask: Help me know some places we can practice:   Examples: At home, school, church, restaurants, parks, anywhere/Everywhere!!

Ask: Now lets talk about how we can practice, Can you give me some examples of how to show Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness, and Patience to others?

 

For a toddler: 

 Helping Mommy pick up his toys
Saying please and Thank You
Saying yes mommy
Giving Hugs 

For my big kids it could mean:

Not arguing with their siblings

Paying someone a compliment
Helping their teacher at school
Doing a chore without being asked to
Holding a door open for a stranger at a store
Helping the neighbors pull in garbage cans
Letting someone else go first

Holding your words when you aren’t getting
 your way or things are taking longer than you expect.
 

For Mom & Dad it could mean:

patience when things get crazy and loud
Leaving a special note for someone around the house
Taking a meal to a friend
Helping out with chores
Helping a neighbor out
Letting kids help with fun jobs in the house

 

Ask: Give me some examples of what happened in your day that you would be tempted to act in an unholy manner… How would you be tempted to act, how could you act to make sure you are portraying God’s characters in your heart?

How does it affect you when you act unholy? What is the affect on others around you?

 

 

Putting it into Practice! Kindness Jar

Purpose: To encourage the practice of living in a holy manner daily. 
 

How it works: Each time you see a kid acting with compassion and kindness, a bean goes in the jar.  Each time an act of compassion or kindness is neglected, two beans come out of the jar.  At the end of the week… swap the beans for jellybeans and explain the reward for the good deeds/acts of character they portrayed!

Remind children, it takes a pattern of acting in kindness to build up something big, like character and set a true example for God.  The more you practice the easier it gets! 

Tips: We allowed the kids to point out when they saw a sibling or parent being kind.  It encouraged the boys to look for the good and not just point out the bad, which really helped with the tattling and arguing, always a bonus!! 

Extra beans were given each time a child said one of the memory verses throughout the week! 

 

 

Quick Chicken Dinner Ideas

 Quick Chicken Dinner Ideas will get you through the lazy hazy crazy days! Just in time for Summer!

Lets face it, lives are busy, time is precious, and yet dinner time still comes everyday!  I, like many of you, have become an menu planner extraordinaire.  With calendar, budget, cookbooks, recipe boxes, and pinterest in hand; I sit for about 2 hours(4 if I get sidetracked on Pinterest) each month planning out a month of meals. 

And each month there are at least 3 nights a week that call for a quick dinner.  You know the dinner that can be scarfed down before running out the door... or one that is so easy to prepare we can eat it when we get home just before bath time. The one you really just want to drive through the golden arches instead...  Well, none the less we do try to spend dinner together and not in the car; so here are a few of my quick go-to chicken dinners to help with meal time rush!

1. Crock Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos 

A must have recipe I found on a dear sweet friend's blog A Southern Fairytale.  5 minutes, 3 ingredients, a crock pot, and of course a Reynold's crock pot liner, and you have the start of a quick no mess meal!

2. Fresh Takes Chicken Bites

These are perfect for the early dinner rush!  You know when you have time to prep a meal, but need to eat fast and get to karate, soccer practice, church, etc. I know you are with me. These babies are always gone in 60 seconds... and they pack up nicely!  Throw a few carrot sticks and some apples slices in  and you've got a healthy meal on the go!

1 pkg. Kraft Fresh Takes- Classic Four Cheese (this is in the meat section at your grocery store)
4-6 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (cut into bite sized chucks)

Follow pkg directions to coat chicken pieces.  Bake 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes and enjoy!

3. Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken and Rice

 4-6 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 15oz can chunk Pineapple
1 tbs. unrefined Coconut oil
1 tbs. brown sugar
1 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste

Dump all ingredients into a Crock Pot (use a liner for easy cleanup too).  Turn on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.  Serve over rice, or alongside a salad! 

We always have chicken.. and these are such quick and easy meals... and BONUS: My kids always Gobble them up!!
What, no complaining at the dinner table? That's right! Well not unless you serve these delectable along side Brussel sprouts like me, aren't my kids lucky?

I am always looking for new ideas and would love to hear some of your favorites!  Please send your links in the comments!

How to make Flour Tortilla Chips

So, I have to start by stating upfront...This is a How to on making Flour Tortilla Chips,  this is NOT a post on making flour tortillas.  I do not, nor do I plan on making my own flour tortillas!! I live in South Texas for goodness sake. I can get homemade, fresh- we're talking hot off the presses, flour tortillas at every local taquaria and grocery store. 

This is a blog on turning those oh so delicious flour tortillas, into oh so delicious CHIPS! They are soft and fluffy and crispy, and warm, and, oh dear I think I just drooled...   If you have never had a flour tortilla chip this is a MUST MUST MUST !!

So, here's how it works! 

Start by cutting about 12 flour tortillas into quarters.

 I use my ULU Knife for the job, the boys call it my battle ax.  A pizza cutter works well too. 

Cover the bottom of a large skillet with your favorite oil (we use olive or coconut oil), about 1/2 inch deep on Medium-High Heat.  Place a single layer of tortilla quarters in the hot oil.  Cook about 2 minutes, until golden brown.  Using tongs, flip the tortillas over and cook for another minute.   I love the sizzle of oil!!

Remove from oil, to a platter covered in paper towels and allow to drain.  Continue this process until you have reached the amount of chips you would like.  Tip: Make extra!! You will want them! 

It really is simple, just a little time consuming! Serve along side your favorite dip, queso, or guacamole(my favorite) and enjoy!!

Be Encouraged! You are MOM!

 

They call me Mom.  Sometimes with a giggle, sometimes with exasperation, most of the time because they need something; but then, there are those times that I love most.  The times that mend my heart and boost my energy.  The times that they look straight at my face, deep into my eyes, and with sweet soft voices, simply say, "I love you, Mom!" 

 

 

 Those are the moments... the moments that make all the refereeing, rear wiping, laundry doing,  activity running, and snack making worth it.  Those are the moments that all the whining, tattle taleing,and  toy snatching, seem to melt away.

and then I am reminded that these are the blessings that God provided to show His power and His wonder!  And they call me MOM! :)  I am blessed!

Crock Pot - Taco Soup

Well,today is the day.  Will spring come early, or will there be six more weeks of winter? Only Mr. Groundhog knows...

 Honestly I'm not really fond of spring and summer in our next of the woods.  Spring brings torrential WIND! :) It blows all day every day for at least 2 months... and then the summer hits. Then we are praying for wind to help with the steaming days of humid 100 degree temperatures.  But for now, I'm just enjoying the last few days of cooler weather and cooking as many savory casseroles, stews, and soups my family can handle.

 This Taco Soup is one of our favorites. Inspired by all the flavors from South of the Border and so easy-peasy I can't hardly stand it!! Plus it feeds an army, so it's great for entertaining (hint hint, the Superbowl is tomorrow)!

Image Credit 

Crock Pot TACO SOUP:

What you need:

2 lbs. Ground Beef
1 medium yellow onion diced
2 (28oz) cans petite diced tomatoes
2 (10oz) cans diced tomatoes & green chilies (We use one mild and one original, but heat it up as much as you like here)
2 (15oz) cans Pinto beans (Again if you want more heat get the ones with added jalapeno.)
1 (30oz) can Golden Hominy, drained
1 pkg. dry ranch dip
1 pkg. dry taco seasoning

What to do:

Brown hamburger mean and onions in a skillet, and drain well.
Combine Hamburger and all other ingredients in a large crock pot, stir ingredients well.
Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.

Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or cheese quesadillas
Garnish with shredded cheese and sour cream.

If you have leftovers, it is great as a topper for baked potatoes,  or serve with Frito's and cheese for a twist on Frito pie! 

Yes, It's that easy and Yes, it's that good!! :)  Happy cooking!! :)

DIY: Reward System for Kids

We were having a hard time figuring out consequences and reward that were suited for our family and our style of parenting. We have learned by trial and error as most of you probably have. About 8 months ago, we were going through several changes in our life. We sold our house, moved, started one of our babes in school, and added several other time consuming activities to our life. On top of everything the kids were feeling the stress of the changes before the move and afterwards our world of "behavior and obedience" pretty much fell apart. My days were spent in survival mode moving from one behavioral crisis to the next. Something had to change! Michael and I tried everything... one on one quality time, special outings, time outs, corporal punishment, taking away toys and privileges, the list goes on and on, yet not much changed.

Flashback two years! I found myself in the presence of shear genius. I was sitting at the vet and beside me sat another young mom with 4 young boys about the age of my own. As I sat there watching these 4 brothers that reminded me so much of my own boys at home, I heard the mother reprimand one of the boys behavior and say, ""When we get home, you owe me a brother buck.". I stopped dead in my tracks at that moment I had to know what a brother buck was... so I not being one to sit silent told the mom... I must know what a brother buck is! She was happy to share her system of rewards and consequences they used in their family. I loved it, and tucked it away in my mental bank for a rainy day.


Flash forward! It hit me in my desperation one day, maybe we could do some sort of sticker chart... and all of a sudden I remembered the system of Brother Bucks. My sweet husband ran to the local Dollar store and the next morning we started a new system of consequences and rewards and 8 months later it is still working like a charm.

In less than two weeks our entire family attitude was refreshed. As parents we were 1. focused on the positives in the kids behavior more than the negative and 2. refocused on the need for consistency!! Two things that we had lost in our survival mode; and the boys were excited to work for rewards. They were using their manners, speaking kindly to one another, and working towards their own personal behavioral goals, most of the time.

So here is the rundown!


The boys are rewarded for putting the fruits of the spirit into practice. Each time we catch them using a fruit of the spirit, they are rewarded with a brother buck. Each brother has a special basket to keep his brother bucks in. Periodically we find them counting their bucks and trying to decide if they want to spend or save. The boys are allowed to turn in their bucks at anytime, but also know that some rewards are instantaneous like a sucker or dessert after dinner.... while others have to be scheduled, like dates, and family outings. (by the way, there are spending limits on both of these rewards). If the boys are acting disrespectfully or being disobedient Michael and I always hold the right to have the boys return one, or all of their brother bucks back to us.

I made a quick chart using Microsoft word, eventually I would like to write the rewards on a replace it with a small chalkboard. For now, I have the document displayed in a spare picture frame, and kept near the baskets.

dum dums are always in our pantry... Brennan likes to turn his brother bucks 5 at a time.

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law or punishment against such things.

Quiet Snuggles

Mornings are crazy around here. Three boys to get up and ready for the day. Coming hair, breakfast time, don't for get the teeth and checking lunches and backpacks; the rush out the door and the traffic filled drive home.
 But then... there is the moment.
The moment when my third little boy, the one who yells everything he says as if you are across a large field from each other even though we are standing in the same room. The third boy who has two speeds fast and faster!  The third boy who has his hands in everything good and bad.
But in the moment ... after we walk in the door, he comes to me grabs my hand and pulls me to the couch to watch cartoons with him.  As the toddler tunes start up each day, he snuggles a little closer and closer. I know he is still and quiet because of the dancing colors on TV, but he wants me there with him!  Those are the quiet snuggles that I look forward to each morning. 


Writing prompt “Quiet” from Lisa-Jo for Five Minute Friday
Also linked up at :  The MOB Society

Work (Together) Wednesdays

With our South Texas Heat reaching an upwards of 105 degrees, afternoons must be spent inside in the air conditioning.  However, with three rambunctious little boys... afternoons get a little crazy! Who are we kidding most afternoons I'm ready to pull my hair out, unless the brothers have structure and a project helps too! 

The boys are natural creators. Sometimes it's Lego's, sometimes it's wooden blocks, sometimes it's dirt from the back yard... but one of the all-time favorite building material is blankets and pillows.  That's right, there not just for bedtime anymore! 

For Work (Together) Wednesdays, I grabbed an empty laundry basket and overflowed it with blankets, pillows, sheets, stuffed animals, and flashlights.  I called in the brothers and stated the challenge

TO WORK TOGETHER

AND BUILD A FORT THAT IS WORTHY OF THREE MIGHTY WARRIORS

After trying several locations... behind the couch, under the bed, in the bathtub... the brothers finally settled under the kitchen table.  Two hours later, that's right they worked together for 2 whole hours with no help or arguing AT ALL! I'm even joking, 2 whole hours!!! I think they rebuilt it 10 times before everyone decided it was up to par. 

then the moving began! Cade enjoyed coloring inside the tent with a few (major understatment) pillows, while Brennan was content with the constant moving... I think every toy/book/stuffed animal/ and shoe he owned was in his designated area. Will, made a comfy spot and enjoyed some reading time.

Making Memories while working together, yes please!

Busy Summer Days

Well, we are now 5 weeks into summer and all my blogging dreams and goals have gone out the window.   I promise I have been doing Memory Verse Monday, and Work (Together) Wednesdays, and even Fun Mom Fridays!  The problem is, I have been so focused on making the most of my time with the kids, that my sweet Cup of Daisies has been neglected.  However, I do not apologize for this... these are sweet memories that I want to experience them fully and I'll catch up with the writing part later.  I have so many notes, pictures and thoughts running through my head, but after all the other running I have been doing I don't have any energy left to get to the computer. How do some of you mom's do it?  I need a clone writer! :)

See you tomorrow! Happy Summer!

Work (Together) Wednesdays

This weeks Work (Together) Wednesday project will hopefully be accomplished without complaining or arguing!! Our focus last week was transforming our lives by the renewing of our minds. So we will be transforming the crazy messy garage into a nice neat one... or at least more nice and neat. And Father's Day Bonus - A project that will help out Dad.  Our Garage is crazy messy and I know Daddy will be very pleased to come home to a nice clean garage.  Of course, I will be pitching in to help and guide the project (the kids are way to young to let them do it all themselves).  But they will get plenty of age appropriate jobs. 

I'm almost embarrassed to say, that yes this is our garage neat... we obviously need to have a garage sale! However, everyone was a huge help, and actually had fun and laughs in the process! I love it when hearts are right and everything comes together!

Look at those red faces! They were so hot, but never missed a beat!

What projects are waiting to be finished aroung your home? What projects can your kids work together to bless someone else?  Up next... helping weed the flower beds!

Memory Verse Monday - Philippians 2:14-15

How in the world did this happen… Only one week in on the summer schedule… and I’m already running behind.   Did I bite off more than I can chew? I sure hope not.  Thank you all for being so patient and I hope your memory verses went well last week. My boys loved Memory Verse Monday, and loved getting Transformer toys… They have been asking me for the next verse!  So here it is Tuesday, running one day behind, as usual. 

This week we will be working on a Memory Verse to help remind all of us (me included) about being joyful. 

Philippians 2: 14-15

Do everything without complaining or arguing,

so that you may prove yourself innocent children of God,

in a broken world.

Sample Devotional:

The Bible is full of situations where God’s people complained and argued about the things that were happening in their lives or things they were asked to do. One example is the Israelites.  Do you remember their story?

The Israelites were slaves in Egypt. God brought them to freedom and they thanked Him by complaining about their food, the time, the weather… to the point that they decided to make an idol and worship it instead of God. 

How do you think God felt about the way they acted? Were they  acting obedient? Were they joy-filled?

God commands us in Philippians to do EVERYTHING without complaining… did he say, “Unless you don’t want to do it then you can complain? “ No, He didn’t. Did he say, "If you have a good enough reason/argument, then you don't have to obey." No, He didn't.  When we complain about the things that are asked of us, we are not only telling our parents, teachers, and others NO... we are telling God "No, I don’t want to obey you."  Just like the Israelites did.  God loves us even we complain, but we can show Him how much we love him by obeying with a joy-filled heart and not arguing and complaining. 

Can you share a time you complained or argued?  How were you feeling at the time? Was your heart filled with joy or frustration?

Can you share a time you share a time you were obedient? How were you feeling then?  Was your heart filled with joy or frustration?

Sometimes it is very hard to obey without complaining… but remember God commands us to do everything without complaining or arguing… and if we are transforming by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2 ) we can be obedient and grow closer and closer with God as well as be a shining light to the broken world around us.  

Activity:

This week, our activity is to make a sticker chart of attitudes.  The paper will be divided in half and will have the verse written across the top. (We are making this tomorrow, I'll put a pic up on Twitter)  On one half the boys will draw a picture of a time they were obedient with a good attitude.  On the other side they will draw a Picture of a time they had an attitude of grumbling and complaining.  For the rest of the week the boys will earn stickers by being obedient without complaining and arguing (this is going to take a little work on my part…I’m thinking I’ll keep stickers in my pockets) and the stickers will be placed on the second side to cover up the picture of disobedience and bad attitude.   At the end of the week, we will see how everyone did… and some sort of prize will be given for saying the verse.  If you can come up with a clever idea of a prize that relates I am open, oh wait, desperate for ideas!!!

Memory Verse Monday

You made it! To the first ever Memory Verse Monday here at Cup of Daisies!  Thank you for joining us and I pray that your family will be blessed and have fun while learning God's word! Go here For more info on what, when, and why; Memory verse Monday!

Do not conform any longer to the things of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind. (Romans 12:2 NIV)

Source

 Here is a quick sample of our devotional:

Conform means to become similar and more alike or the same, while transform means to change from one form ot another, to be different than before.

Now that you know this lets read the verse again.

Can anyone tell me what the verse means?

"Because of who our great and wonderful God is, we should worship Him. Paul says we

should give our bodies as living sacrifices. He is not talking only about our physical body. He

means that we should give God our whole self – that includes our body and our mind

(thoughts).

In the Old Testament times people who loved God offered dead animal sacrifices to Him.

Paul says that Jesus was the greatest sacrifice. So because of what Jesus did for us, we do not

need to sacrifice animals to God anymore. Now God wants us to give our whole selves to

Him. We should put aside our desires so that we can follow Him.

We are not to copy the behavior of the people in the world who do not know Jesus. We

are to even think differently than they do. When we think about Jesus and seek to follow

Him, our minds are changed or transformed. When this happens we can know what God

wants us to do. And we will know how good it is to do what He wants us to do.

Source

Think about the transformer toys you play with.  Optimus Prime conforms to the world by being a semi-truck. He blend in and becomes more  like the things in this world, the things around him. But his true power is released when he is transforms and becomes much different than the world around him.  He becomes a super hero. Optimus Prime is an alien to this world,  just as Christians are. We are here serving worshipping and being transformed by the renewing of our mind and being a living sacrifice or giving our whole selves to God, until we join him in our true home, Heaven. 

Tell me some of the ways you conform to the world. What would that situation look like if you are transformed and sacrificing or giving your thoughts or actions to God? (Some examples to start the conversation might be handling arguments with siblings, what they want to watch on television, obeying parents)


After the boys are able to say the verse to their age appropriate ability. They will each be recieving a small transformer toy for a reward and reminder of the Bible verse.  I hope that this lesson will stick with them so that every time they see a transformer, this verse will pop in their mind.

I love to connect Biblical truth to something so tangible for the boys. What verse are you working on this week?

Memory Madness Monday

I was once told of a woman who, as she aged, had lost her eye sight and also her hearing. It was impossible for her to read and near impossible to hear those around her speaking.  On her 90th birthday she was asked what her greatest regret was,  her response was, "That I didn't memorize more scripture, because now I can't read scripture and it is so hard to hear it read to me." Obviously this woman had a heart for God, and was hearing from Him in other ways, but I was convicted when I heard this story to learn more scripture. To "hide God's word in my Heart" so that no matter what situations or ailments come my way, God's word will always be within! 


I recently went through a Bible Study called ONE ON ONE WITH GOD by Jerry and Marilyn Fine. It is a wonderful tool that really helped me to understand my purpose as a daughter of the God Most High; and  also how to practice and live out that purpose. 

Philippians 3:10 AMP
¹⁰ [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [^[a]which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]





One of the tools taught through One on One with God is scripture memorization.
Here are a few tips on scriture meemorization, Jerry and Marilyn share in the book.

1. Read the context of the verse in your Bible. This helps you understand the verse in it's proper setting.
2. Read the verse through several times, thoughtfully and aloud.
3. Write the verse out on an index card. Some people find it helpful to write the verse out several times.
4. Meditate on the verse - Ponder the verse, Picture the verse, and the Pray the verse back to God.
5. Break the passage into natural phrases. Learn the reference and first phrase, then the reference first and second phase, and so on until the entire phrase is memorized.
6. Review the verse immediatley after you have initially memorized it by quoting reference, verse, reference 30 times.
7. Share the verse with others - use it or lose it.
8 Review Review Review! Review the verse everyday for the next two month!

Honestly, the thought of scripture memorization is so overwhelming to me. It doesn't come easy to me, which also means that I have to be so dilligent about making myself study and work on it daily.  I do believe it to be a proven tool in growing a closer relationship with the Lord. So,  I will persevere and we will see what the boys and I can accomplish over the next 8 weeks.  The scriptures I have chosen will have a short activity or reward that will hopefully help the verse come to life and encourage the kids to work on it too! Each week I will post the verse we will be working on that week, along with the activity and/or prize for the week.  Please feel free to join us starting next Monday, June 4th!   Learn the scriptures we learn, or share some of your own.  I'm still looking for a few more to finish out the end of summer ... just saying, suggestions welcome!  What are some of your favorite scriptures?


Image Credit:

Horia Varlan

Strawberry Shortcakes (cupcakes)

I found a few of these little Strawberry Shortcake cuties around on pintrest, but decided to combine a few of my own recipes and shortcuts to make this quick and easy Strawberry Short-Cup-Cakes! These are perfect for any summer activity, birthdays, pot lucks, or just because! And Memorial Day is right around the corner... this is a perfect picnic treat!

image credit

What you will need:

Silvery White Cake:
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 2/3 cups sugar
2/3 cup shortening
1 1/4 cup milk
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
5 large egg whites

Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Line cupcake pan with paper liners or grease pan well.
Beat all ingredients except the egg whites in a large bowl with an electric mixer on low speed until well incorporated, scraping bowl constantly.  Beat on high speed for 2 minutes.
Beat in egg whites on high speed for 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally.
Divide into cupcake pan filling each 2/3 way full. 
Bake 25 minutes or until an inserted cake tester comes out clean.
Allow cakes to cook before inserting filling.




Strawberry Filling:
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons sugar
10 oz. frozen strawberries in syrup (drained)
1/3 cup reserve juice

Mix cornstarch, sugar, and syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat.  Stir constantly until mixture comes to a boil for one minute. Remove from heat, stir in Strawberries and allow filling to cool completely before using, about 30 minutes.  (Note: I ended up chopping my strawberries up a little in an electric chopper... I wanted to make sure they would slide through my piping bag.) To fill, insert tip of  piping bag with filling into top of cupcake. Fill with approximately 1 tablespoon of filling, until cake rises... it took me a couple of tries to figure out a good amount.



Topping:
I confess... all I used was Cool Whip.  I could have made my own whipped cream, or maybe a yummy icing but I didn't.. and I don't care! :) It was the perfect "frosting" for these sweet strawberry cakes.

Summer Break Activities and Fun

Hey Mamas!!
 I hope you are having a fantastic week! I can't believe that the school year is over and summer break is here!  WOWZA!!
Because this is our first year of public school, this is all our first summer break from public school. Although, have had a little anticipations from all the stories I have heard of bored kids, that argue, complain, and sit around watching TV all summer; while I'm sure we will have plenty of that to go around, I really want to spend this summer focusing on two things, the word of God and growing the bond of brotherhood and family.

I am so excited to share with all of you some fun activities, lessons, and crafts that I have up my sleeve. Make sure you grab the Cup of Daisies Button and subscribe so you don't miss a thing this summer! 


There will be plenty going on around here, but here are a few that will be on our weekly schedule!  I'll share my ideas and make sure you link up with your too!  This will help us all stay intentional, and busy this summer.  

Memory Madness Mondays:

I will be posting a list of the weekly verses the boys and I will be memorizing, (who knows maybe Dad will get in on the fun too.) There will be prizes involved!

Work (Together) Wednesdays:

Team Work is the key here. The boys will have a  project or a game to complete each week. Some of them will be fun... some will not. It will however, be an activity that each brother will have to do his part and depend on each other to complete the project. Our first project will be making a summer work chart, and a seperate summer activity chart. This will help keep the whole family accountable for our time and responsibilities.

Fun Mom Fridays:

Friday's around our house this summer will be deemed to be Fun Mom Fridays!  Make sure you visit each Friday for your Fun Mom Friday Craft/Activity to take and share with your family! Nobody wants to be that mom who is overwhelmed and grumps around (I am that way sometimes), so this summer I will be proactive and intentional about being fun, but more importantly present with my kids. 

Did you Grab my Blog Button?

Hey guys! 

Just wondering if anyone noticed that really awesome button off to the side there!  Did you grab it yet? I hope so!  If you have let me know, I will be placing some of my most beloved buttons on my page too!

Love y'all!

Audra

Grace in the Eyes of a Child

Today, The job to be accomplished was folding my families weight in laundry.  In the midst of feeling swamped with a never ending stream of freshly dried cloths, my dearest three year old boy came in with a "can do" attitude and a glimmer in his eye asking to "help mommy".  At first my heart melted...how sweet, he wanted to help mommy... and then instantly I cringed

as pile,

upon pile,

upon pile, 

of neatly folded clothes where jumped on, tossed aside, and literally strung across the bed, as he grabbed for a single pile of washcloths in the middle of the bed. I wish I could say that I calmly picked up the clothes spoke calmly, and led by example what to do when frustration hits...or rather, not let sweet Brennan know I was frustrated at all and guided him to put the washcloths away and thank him for his help and servants heart.

Unfortunately,that was not the case.  As I yelled, NO! Brennan, Stop! I watched as his face full of innocents, joy, and good intent fell with confusion, and tears welled in his eyes as he turned and ran from my room.  My heart sunk, I had done it again, acted rash in the midst of a frustrating moment. Shown no grace towards a sweet boy.  A moment I would never get back; a feeling I could not take away.

As I picked up the clothes and began to fold them back, I  prayed asking for forgiveness and grace; and headed to Brennan's room to apologize.  Before I could say a thing, I found that grace. Brennan looked up at me with his big blue eyes, shining bright and said, "Mommy, I'm sorry. Can we still do that?  What can I help you with mama? ".

At that moment I was reminded again of the quickness and eagerness in which forgiveness and grace should come. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3



 I scooped him up in my arms, and apologized for yelling and asked for forgiveness, which was instantly given, even before I asked.  Then tried to explained to him why I needed him to be patient and wait for mommy to help him.  He did such a "good" job of putting the towels away so neatly....

I am so loved! I am given so much Grace, from my husband, from my kids, and most of all from my God. Thank you Lord for Forgiveness, Mercy, and Grace, and thank you for showing me your faithfulness through the heart of a child.

Sisters, Does God show you his faithfulness through your children and people around you?  Is He constantly revealing His heart to you through your children's actions? Do you thank Him when He does? Please share your testimony and help encourage those mama's around you!!

Menu Plan Monday- The Last Week of School!

It's a busy week wrapping up the school year as I'm sure you are too!  I am so blessed to have my Mother-in-love coming in and helping me out this week, so I can go to school and help with field trips, splash days, and just be a general classroom helper.  That being said, meals will be good, but easy (I know that's not that much different than normal).

Monday:
Kraft Fresh Take-Chipolte Lime Chicken, Black Beans and Rice Pilaf, Salad

Tuesday:
Red Beans and Rice, Cornbread (I love cooking beans in the oven)

Wednesday:
Grilled Chicken Cesar Salads

Thursday:
Beef Tacos, re fried beans(use leftover beans), Spanish style rice(use leftover rice)

Friday:
Pizza Movie Night! Whoo Hoo!!

Saturday:
Monkey Bread
Hot dogs, veggie dippers
Leftovers (Clean out the fridge)

Sunday:
Waffles
Crispy Stuffed Shells, Salad
Life Group, Potluck Madness:)

Enjoy! I am linked up at orgjunkie.com

Boys vs. Dog (The Stink Challenge)

As you know, I have a house with ALL boys!  My Husband, three sons... and then, there is me... the lone girl; well except for the dog.  So, we all know that as boys get older they smell more, deodorant is a must. They think body hair is awesome, tooting is funny, and joking about bodily functions is part of their everyday life... or at least that's what I've been told and somewhat prepared myself for. Will's favorite line to say to me used to be, "Mom, I can't wait for this to be a stinky boy house." To which I would grimace my face and say "Oh, no! Gross"; and make him giggle.
 But I have to say, the stinkiest member of our family isn't a boy... and it's NOT me! It's this silly dog of ours. Doesn't she know how unlady like she is... talk about silent but deadly, Literally had to leave the room while writing this article because of her fatal stink bomb!!!

Yes... I did just said, fatal stink bomb;I learned it from my boys.  Do you have a stinky boy house? Or maybe just a stinky dog?