"Proof Pirates Family Devotional" Review

As a Christian parent, one thing I struggle with is balancing discipline with grace.  We want to teach our kids to obey, to be productive members of society, and to understand good behavior.  But, at the same time, its a very tight rope to walk.  I want my kids to obey, but I don't want them to think that my love - or, worse yet, God's love - is dependent on performance.  "Proof Pirates" is a family devotional/children's book that covers this very subject!

"Baby Wren And The Great Gift" Book Review

If you read my blog or follow me on social media, you know how much I love Sally Lloyd-Jones' Jesus Storybook Bible!  Its so beautifully written!  Her book, "Thoughts To Make Your Heart Sing," is another favorite.  So I'm always excited when I see she's publishing a new book!  And she's got a new book out that's PERFECT for Spring - "Baby Wren And The Great Gift"!

Zucchini Bread Muffins

The other day I made a delicious Sausage And Veggie Pasta Bake for dinner.  It had zucchini and yellow squash.  But after I was done, I still had one large zucchini and one large yellow squash left over.  I hate letting fruits of veggies go to waste, so I decided to make some zucchini bread.  (I've got a plan for that yellow squash as well, and if its successful I'll blog the recipe!)

Sausage And Veggie Pasta Bake

Anyone else have trouble getting your kids to eat veggies?  I was so proud of myself as a first-time mom.  My little two-year old ate everything.  Now I have three kids and dinner time is often a battle.  But I'm not giving in!  My kids are gonna eat veggies if it kills me! 

Support Tessie Odom Smith's Recovery (GoFundMe) - EMS Strong!

Yesterday, EMS in my hometown suffered a horrible tragedy.  While responding to an emergency call, two paramedics were hit head-on by a driver under the influence.  One paramedic survived with minor injuries, but Tessie suffered life-threatening injuries.  She suffered bilateral femur fractures, pelvis and ankle fractures and dislocations, and some extremely serious injuries. 

Right now she's in the surgical ICU, having already had 2 surgeries.  She's nearly left us several times, but her EMS brothers and sisters, and the doctors and nurses treating her have fought hard to keep her here.  And, as you can see from the picture above, God is obviously not ready to take Tessie yet.  I don't usually post things like this on my blog, but anyone in the first responder family knows that we are a close-knit group and take care of our own!  Please pray for Tessie, her family, her doctors and nurses, and her first responder family.  And, if you feel so inclined, consider helping out on her gofundme page...  Tessie Odom Smith's Recovery Fund

"Mission Acomplished: A Two-Week Family Easter Devotional" Review

Easter is coming, you guys!  Easter is one of my VERY FAVORITE holidays!  We love to celebrate with stories, crafts, and activities in our home!  (You can check out some of my Easter posts here: Celebrating 12 Days of Easter, Easter At Our House, Jelly Bean Salvation Story.)  I'm always looking for new and creative ways to get our minds on Jesus, so finding great Easter resources is always a goal.  And the folks at New Growth Press have an awesome resource for my family and yours! - Mission Accomplished: A Two-Week Family Easter Devotional, by Scott James.

Great Bible Journaling/Adult Coloring Supplies From Zondervan

If you haven't heard of Bible journaling or adult coloring, then where have you been for the past year?  Because these two topics are both HUGE trends right now!  People have known for years that art was a stress-reliever.  Studying the Word of God is also a stress-reliever. Put those two things together and you've got a wonderful phenomenon!!!  Every Christian book publisher I can think of is jumping on the train!  And I love that!  It means there are tons of journaling Bibles and Christian-themed color books to choose from!  But the folks at Zondervan have sent me some of their supplies and, I've gotta say, I loved EACH AND EVERY thing they sent!  So let me show you!

More Easter Basket Ideas from Zonderkidz!

Last week I posted about some great Easter Basket Ideas from Zonderkidz.  I love giving books as Easter gifts!  Well, I've found some more new titles by the fabulous folks at Zonderkidz and they will make great gifts!

You couldn't pick a better Easter gift for your little one than a brand new Bible! And Zonderkidz has tons to choose from!  One of their newest is the Under The Sea Holy Bible, which just released March 1, 2016!  This hardback Bible is lovely, colorful, and glittery! 

Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Bites

As a mom of three littles, I'm often looking for easy, quick recipes.  Even if you aren't a mom, sometimes things come up and you don't have the time or ability to make a big meal.  Take last night, for example.  Around 3pm I began getting a horrible migraine.  Thankfully, I'd already prepped dinner.  But that's often not the case.  Sometimes a migraine or some other problem comes up and there's nothing easy in the house.  That leads to us eating takeout - which is just a waste of money that I don't like.  So I like to keep easy things on hand.  Stuff I can pull out of the freezer and pop in the microwave or the oven when the need arises.  These bites are perfect for that!  And this recipe makes 30 bites, so you can stay well stocked!