Traveling with Children

I have been gathering things for the girls to use on our coming trip and thought that I would share them with all of you. We have flown many time with our children. More times then I would prefer, but when you live far away from family that is what happens. I have learned along the way what to bring and what not to bring. Each trip I learn something new. Many times what works for one child does not always work for another. My goal is always to find things that are compact, will not be messy and to bring a few things that are new to the girls.

Here are two projects: the paper bags and felt pens are to make puppets and the chalk is to make drawings on the black construction paper. We did both of these on our last trip and the girls enjoyed them.

I think that these are called cootie catchers. I am sure that many of your remember them from your childhood. On our last trip I printed out a pre-made c00tie catcher off the Internet, inside were little fortunes. Maddie loved it but did not quite understand the fortunes. For example one said, you will make a new friend today; after we read it she would ask "Who am I going to meet mommy?"  I didn't really have an answer for her, other then trying to explain that fortunes are not real. After these kinds of questions, on almost every fortune, I decided to make my own. Maddie has been really interested in knock knock jokes lately so I made one that has knock knock jocks inside and another that has some bible verses she knows. I also put shapes in various colors on them so that we can get a little practice on shapes and colors at the same time. Click here to see instructions on how to make a cootie catcher.

I usually like to make a trip to the dollar store or to Target's dollar section to get a few small things that the girls would like. So $8 latter this is what I have. Everything with multiple pieces gets put into a zip-lock bag. The jelly beans will also be put into a zip lock bag so that after they are opened they will have a place to be kept.

Here are a few of the things that I am bringing from our own closet. The stickers and note pads are always enjoyed by the girls. On the top right you will see princess post-it-notes that I got for our last trip. The post-it-notes are fun because the girls can draw on them and then stick them anywhere and I do not have to worry about them not coming off. The crayons are to use with the coloring book from the dollar store. I love these retractable crayons! They help to keep things neat and mess free.

These are two things that I would never fly without. Wipe are a must to clean up snack and food mess and project messes (other then there normal use). The little blue roll are little plastic bags (I buy them at Target or Walmart in the baby section). These are made for dirty diapers, but I use them to hold all of our garbage. It is amazing how empty cups, snack rappers, and dirty wipes collect and need a place to be put. This way when the stewardess comes around to collect the trash it is all ready for her to take.

I fit all the activities and toys into the big freezer zip lock bag and the green and white bag on the right. The little bag in the middle holds all of Macaylee's toys.

Will be taking these things, a bag with snacks, our portable DVD player, a small soft portable cold food holder, a Leapster and a children's camera. We will be able to fit everything into a small carry-on suit case, diaper bag and Madisen's small rolling suite case (Madisen's suite case is more for her enjoyment then for anything else).

What are the things that you love to do with your kids when you travel. Is there anything that your kids love to play with on trips? I would love to hear your ideas and tips.

Weekend Musings

We have had a full but fun weekend! From slip-n-slides to new words, and more. I just wanted to share with you all a few of the fun things we got to do.

• Miriam started saying a new word "NO". I am actually really surprised this word has not come out earlier but she would always communicate it though UH UH. It has been hard for us not to smile when she tells us "NO" so seriously and firmly in her cute little voice and sometimes even pointing her little finger. She has been using it often and it has been cute listening to her use it while off playing by herself.


• On Friday Chris and the girls got to dress up as cows for cow appreciation day. Chick-fil-A was giving a free entree item to anyone who had something "cow-like" on or was dressed like a cow. I was not able to join them at Chick-fil-A because I was home hosting a baby shower but from what I heard they had fun and enjoyed their free dinner. Here are a few pictures of my cows.


• Saturday morning Chris and Maddie had a date. They went to one of our favorite little cafes here in town for breakfast. Chris enjoyed biscuits and gravy and Maddie a Mickey Mouse pancake. From what I heard Maddie had a lot of fun telling Chris a lot of fun things and all that is going on in her little life :-).


• Saturday was warm and a little muggy, after naps the girls enjoyed a new slip-n-slid. For all you moms out there I was at Walgreen's on Saturday and they were clearing out all their summer pools and slip-n-slides. I paid $2.49 for the slide and they are offering a $5 rebate for their pools and slides so I will actually get money back for purchasing it, if you have a Walgreen's near you, you might just want to check it out. For the rebate, check their Easy Saver booklet, usually located by the adds. Maddie enjoyed going on her knees down the slip-n-slide. Miriam also enjoyed the slip-n-slide but usually just scooted the whole way down it. It also took Miriam a few falls before she realized that she could not run or even walk, like Mommy and Daddy told her. Macaylee enjoyed sitting in the little pool at the end of the slide. Here are some pictures so you can see for yourself.

Ready Set Go!

Miriam's Slide Crawl

Miriam's Scoot.....

almost there.....

almost there!

Macaylee having fun!

• The other neat thing for Chris was the opportunity to preach in the main service (or "big church" as he says) last Sunday and today. He always enjoys teaching, and always does such a great job (I am just a little bias). I know that some of you might want to hear him so click here for part one and here for part two. He taught on the life of Samuel.

Shopping for TIME

I just finished reading Shopping for Time by Carolyn Mahaney and her daughters Nicole Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore and Janelle Bradshaw. This book was a great encouragement to me and suggested some new ideas that my husband and I hope to implement in our own lives.

In this book there are 5 tips given to help use time more efficiently and in a way that would most glorify the Lord. Most of the tips offered I am already implementing in my life, but the insight and advice given was very helpful as I "shop" for the best way to use my time.

The tip that I was most intrigued with and excited about was the third tip from chapter 4: Sit and Plan (taking a personal retreat). Personal retreats first started for the Mahaney family, when Carolyn had two small children at home and found herself burnt out and spiritually tired. CJ (her husband) decided to sent her away for 24 hours to rest and renew her spirit. After doing this for many years, Carolyn Mahaney has come up with a plan to best use your time during a personal retreat.

She advises you first to begin by evaluating the priorities in your life, 7 priorities are given for your consideration. After evaluating these areas and bringing them before the Lord you should pick 1 or 2 of these areas/priorities that have the greatest need for change. Through prayer and planing you are encouraged to write up a plan of action of how to best bring about change in these areas of your life.

At first the thought of evaluating all these areas was a bit overwhelming to me, but the more I thought about this idea the more excited I got about it. I plan almost every detail and aspect of my daily life, so that I can be efficient in the use my time. It only makes sense that I would do the same with my spiritual life. Here is just a little excerpt from Shopping For Time "taking the time to comprehensively evaluate our life causes the truly vital issues to rise to the top. In other words, we discover which area is most in need of attention and which steps for change will advance us the furthest. Each season offers only a few best deals, so in order to be successful shoppers of time, we must identify those best deals and buy them up."

I am very excited as Chris and I plan to take personal retreats. Whether the retreat is 24 hours of time, our just a few hours, I think this concept will be a great help to us in being better shoppers of our time. When the time comes for me to take a personal retreat I look forward to sharing my experience with all of you.

If you have not read "Shopping For Time" I would greatly recommend that you do! It was a great blessing to me as I strive to grow in the Lord and use my time wisely. If personal retreats are something that you are already implementing in your life I would love to hear how it has helped you and what this time of planning looked like for you. 

The Enchilada Recipe Search

My husband loves Enchiladas! His mom would make them for him all the time when he lived at home. Ever since we were married I have been searching for a recipe that is easy to make and that we would both like. Well, it has only taken me about seven years but I think I found it.

I am not one for the spicy red sauce that is usually drenching the enchiladas (even though I will eat it, it is just not my favorite). This recipe has you make a fresh salsa to put on top of the enchiladas (oh so good!). We have made it twice and have enjoyed it each time. It is great with homemade refried beans. It does call for the meat of a whole rotisserie chicken which is nice for time sake but not so nice on the grocery budget. Even though I have not tried it I am sure that it would taste just as good with chicken cooked at home.

Fastest-Ever Enchiladas

Salsa:

1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes with chilies, drained

2 scallions, light green and white parts only, finely chopped

1 jalapeno, seeded, deveined, and finely chopped

1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro leaves

Pinch of salt

Enchiladas:

1 rotisserie chicken, meat removed and shredded (skin and bones discarded)

2 cups grated Cheddar

1 cup sour cream

1/2 small red onion, finely chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 (8-inch) flour tortillas

To prepare the salsa: Combine the tomatoes, scallions, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice in mixing bowl. Add a healthy pinch of salt and set aside at room temperature until ready to cook the enchiladas.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

To prepare the enchiladas: Place the shredded chicken in a large bowl. Add half of the grated cheese, sour cream, and onion; season with salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.

Place the tortillas on your work surface. Spoon about 1 cup of the chicken mixture across the center of each tortilla. Roll them up to close and place, seam side down, in the prepared baking dish. Pour the salsa over the tortillas. Cover with aluminum foil and back until heated through, about 40 minutes.

Remove the foil and sprinkle the enchiladas with the remaining 1 cup of grated cheese. Return the baking dish to the oven until the cheese is melted and edges of the tortillas are just beginning to get crisp, 5 to 8 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!

Lands End Gift Card Giveaway

One of the blogs that I enjoy The Homespun Heart is having a contest to win a $120 dollar card to Lands End. All you have to do is look through the swim wear at Lands End and leave a comment here. The drawing will be this Friday so you need to enter before then. If you have never seen Lands End swim wear before, they have very cute styles that are of excellent quality. Have Fun and Good Luck!

Do The Next Thing

I came across this quote while reading Shopping for Time this weekend. This Quote was such a great reminder for me to keep pressing on towards the goal that the Lord has set before me. No matter what the set back, what the trial, we need to do the next thing.

Many a questioning, many a fear,

Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.

Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,

Time, opportunity, guidance, are given.

Fear not tomorrows, Child of the King,

Trust them with Jesus, DO THE NEXT THING.

Do it immediately; do it with prayer;

Do it reliantly, casting all care;

Do it with reverence, tracing His Hand

Who placed it before thee with earnest command.

Stayed on Omnipotence, safe 'neath His wing,

Leave all resultings, DO THE NEXT THING.

Author unknown

This is a quote from Shopping For Time about taking the next step.

"We can do the next thing because we know that God orders the seasons of our lives. Even the most difficult ones. As Romans 8:28 reminds us, "We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose". John Piper comments on this verse: "If you live inside the massive promise, your life is as solid as the rock of Gibraltar. Nothing can blow you over inside the walls of Romans 8:28. Outside Romans 8:28 all is confusion and anxiety and fear and uncertainty." So inside the walls of Romans 8:28, let's take the next step, do the next thing."

Take encouragement that what ever your trial or hardship, it is the Lord who has placed you where He wants you to be. He has orchestrated every aspect of your life. We need to now take what He has given us and faithfully and diligently serve Him by doing the next thing.