Life with the Browns

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Kid Friendly Menu

I always find myself searching endlessly for kid friendly recipes for the upcoming week. I figured if I was having this problem then I'm sure you other mommy jugglers are having the same issue. So as usual, I headed over to my favorite site (Pinterest) and put together a five day menu for my busy mommies out there. I didn't include sides because I'm sure your little ones already have a list of vegetables that they have decided are on their "favorites list" and others they've put on their "I do not eat" list. I usually pair a side of broccoli florets or carrots w/ranch for my kiddos. Hope this helps!

Monday - Baked Spaghetti

Tuesday - Corn Dog Muffin Bites

Wednesday - Turkey Burgers

Thursday - Baked Chicken Legs

Friday - Quesadillas

(Click on the links below for recipes)

Baked Spaghetti

Corn Dog Muffin Bites

I don't usually follow this recipe. To make it easier, I use the Jiffy corn meal. Simply follow the directions on the box and cut hot dogs into the muffin pan. Please, please make sure to use the hot dogs with no nitrates. :)

Turkey Burgers

Chicken legs with Italian dressing

Chicken & Cheese quesadillas

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Winter Weather Got Your Kids Out of School? 6 Activities to Keep Them Busy!

If you're like most of the U.S. right now, you're still trying to thaw yourself out from the blistering winter weather sweeping across the east coast. This probably mean that your adorable, loving, energetic kids are home due to school cancellation. My kids have been out of school for just about the entire month because of extreme cold weather along with other issues at the school. I've had to get pretty creative around here to keep my four and five year old boys entertained. To be honest, because they are so close in age they keep each other entertained! Lucky mommy.:) For some of you who are at their wits' end here are some suggestions that could help. Yes, these are all education based!

1. NOTECARDS!!! I am a notecard fanatic! You can do so much with them. Right now, I'm working on number recognition with the boys. 1-100. At first I thought it would be too much for them but they knew more than I thought.

You can put anything on note cards. Words, numbers. multiplication facts, adding, subtracting. Seems so simple but I promise it can be so helpful. Have your child take the cards and practice on their own and then you can test them. If you have young kids like I do, just go through the cards and have them repeat what you say. You can even scramble them around on the floor and call out a number or word and have them find it (my boys like that the best).

2. STARFALL.COM is a FREE website for preschoolers through 2nd graders... and did I mention that it's FREE!!!

We all know that our children are technology driven, so this is a good way to keep them busy while learning.

3. RESEARCH. All kids are interested in something and go through phases of obsessing about that one thing. Allow them to do some research on something that interest them. My boys attend a STEM school and I popped in one day and Orlando was dong research on cucumbers! The boy was all in it! I love that he gets to research things that are of interest to him.

We have this animal encyclopedia and we choose animals from the book and do research on them. The boys love it!

4. PUT ON A PLAY. I know this sounds so cheesy and time consuming, but depending on the age of your child this could be a lot of fun! This is what you could do, first read one of your child's favorite books, next create a space (stage) and let them act out the story. They will probably put their own twist to it (that's the funny part). If you have any old unused socks, you can even make sock puppets using old buttons and markers. Have fun with it!

These paper plate mask were a lot of fun. Use paper plates, makers, glitter pens (if you have them), glue and popsicle sticks! We got the Mardi Gras mask from the dollar store.

5. CREATIVE WRITING. This is for older aged kids. Pick a topic and let your child write about it. Make sure the topic is fun and allow their creative juices to flow.

6. BAKING. Everybody loves delicious baked goodies! This is a perfect time to teach your child one of your favorite recipes. Whether it's simple chocolate chip cookies (my favorite), or a banana bread, this is a great time for bonding with your child along with creating a delicious snack!

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

The Coldest Winter Ever

School was out, yet again today. I'm not sure what is going on with our weather but it sure does feel like the coldest winter ever! I think the boys have been to school 5 days the whole month of January because the temperatures have been below zero. So what does this all mean? It means that we have been totally thrown off of our schedule, my grocery bill increased this month ( extra snacks and lunches), my house is a wreck because it's too cold to play outside so superheroes have invaded our home (Orlando and Tyson) all while Thomas is on the road recruiting! Although the crazed clean freak in me wants to scream, I have managed to let go of trying to keep everything nice and neat. I have a real issue with keeping things clean...I literally lose it (mentally) when things are a mess. This cold winter has taught me that it's okay when things are out of place. Sometimes that's when you have the most fun! I've been laughing at my boys nonstop because their imaginations are out of this world! Even though spring can't get here fast enough, I've found joy in all this chaos. I'm just so grateful we have heat!

Being stranded also called for Giovanni's ... the best pizza in town!

Our light post still shining...oh I just love it..so cute:)

KEEP WARM!

His word never fails

When I was doing my devotion this morning I was flipping through my journal and found this writing. I'm not sure where I got it from or who said it but I wrote it down March 26, 2012 and it prompted me to write this devotion today. The writing read:

Keep in mind that in the heat of our struggles, the Holy Spirit is probably doing his greatest work within us. He is not moved by the circumstances.So many times we get sidetracked by how slowly things seem to be going. In fact, the enemy loves to point that out! God will help us if we remain steadfast. Galatians 6:9 says, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up."

I remember when my husband was done playing football, not necessarily by choice but due to so many injuries, he had to transition from playing to a different career. By this time we had kids and a household to think about. This time was extremely difficult for the both of us. Not because we didn't financially prepare, because I was saving money left and right, but when you work so hard on one thing and want so badly for that one thing to work out it could come as a hard blow emotionally when it falls to pieces. You feel lost and confused and begin to wonder, "Where is God in all of this?" You find yourself angry and disappointed, maybe even mad at God. But God has a path that he has already mapped out for us. It may not be the path that we anticipated and he may have to reroute us along the way when we decide to disobey him and go our own route. When we realize and grasp hold of the truth that God made us for himself and for his purpose then we can really understand that, "for my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord" (Isaiah 55:8-9)

I can even remember so many times through the course of my young life that God was doing his greatest work in me when I was experiencing the greatest pain. From losing friendships to really dealing with childhood issues, I was able to grow my faith through my struggles.

We have to be in constant fellowship with the Lord and allow him to direct us. Yes, times will get hard, you will feel lost and afraid. You might even feel like God doesn't hear you because everything that you hoped for is not happening but during this time ask yourself, Am I in alignment with God or am I on my own agenda? Whose agenda are you on? We are all searching for something, whether it's financial stability, happiness, love, etc. Regardless of what it is, you must begin with God when you begin a search, PERIOD.
As I look back over those years of feeling lost and starting over I can't help but thank God for keeping me. Indeed, God was doing his greatest work in my husband and in myself during our struggles. The work is continuous but it all started with the disappointment, followed by the searching. God will definitely help you if you remain steadfast and continue to search for him in every situation. The enemy wants you to think that God doesn't hear you and that things will never get better, but it will. Just trust and be obedient to his word. His word never fails.

Father, I thank you for your never-ending grace. During my difficult times I am reminded that my ways are not your ways and that your plan for my life is far greater than my own plans. Help me to remain steadfast in your word and not lean unto my own understanding. I know that you are doing a great work in me as I remain obedient to your word. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

xo
Jessica B.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Homes We Love

Hi guys!
This is a series called "Homes We Love" where I will put together a collection of homes that have the "wow" factor - big or small. Starting with Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady's beautiful home. I'm so excited about this series, hope you enjoy!

I can't help but think that I'm suppose to live here. Love the open airy feel and all the natural light.

Click Here to read the feature article in AD of Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady's humble abode.