Club Crunch

80 club crackers

1 cup butter

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup milk

1/3 cup sugar

2/3 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels

1/2 cup butterscotch morsels

Line an ungreased 9X13-inch baking pan with foil, leaving an extension of foil on either end. Line the foil with 1 layer of club crackers, cutting to fit if necessary (in my 9X13-inch pan, the crackers lined up evenly without the need to trim).

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, milk and sugar. Bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. (Begin timing 5 minutes from when you see the first bubbles.) Remove from heat and spread half of butter mixture evenly over crackers. Place another single layer of crackers evenly over butter mixture, cutting to fit if necessary. Spread remaining butter mixture evenly over crackers. Top evenly with remaining crackers.

In a small saucepan, combine peanut butter, chocolate morsels, and butterscotch morsels. Melt over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Spread evenly over top of crackers. Cover, and chill for at least 1 hour. Lift foil overhang and remove bars from pan. Cut into the bars evenly. Store in the refrigerator.

What is Love and Logic?

"I don't understand it. The techniques my parents used so effectively just don't seem to work with kids today." Does this statement sound familiar to you? A lot of parents today are wondering what to do with their kids and are frustrated because the old techniques just don't seem to get the job done.

Parents want to enjoy their kids, have fun with them, and enjoy a less stressful family life. But even if their kids are trouble-free right now, they fear what the coming teenage years will bring. At no time in history have parents been more unsure of their parental role. Even the best are not all that sure about whether they are using the best techniques. They say that their kids don't appear to be much like the ones they knew in years past.

A lot of conflicting philosophies have been presented over many years. Many of these sound good, but don't seem to do the job of helping children become respectful, responsible, and a joy to be around.

Many ideas, offered with the best of intentions, center around making sure that kids are comfortable and feeling good about themselves in order to have a good self-concept. However, we have discovered that self-confidence is achieved through struggle and achievement, not through someone telling you that you are number one. Self-confidence is not developed when kids are robbed of the opportunity to discover that they can indeed solve their own problems with caring adult guidance.There is, however, an approach to raising kids that provides loving support from parents while at the same time expecting kids to be respectful and responsible.This approach is known as Love and Logic, based on working with and raising kids.

Many parents want their kids to be well prepared for life, and they know this means kids will make mistakes and must be held accountable for those mistakes. But these parents often fail to hold the kids accountable for poor decisions because they are afraid the kids will see their parents as being mean. The result is they often excuse bad behavior, finding it easier to hold others, including themselves, accountable for their children's irresponsibility.

We should "lock in our empathy, love, and understanding" prior to telling kids what the consequences of their actions will be. This Love and Logic method causes the child to see their parent as the "good guy" and the child's poor decision as the "bad guy." When done on a regular basis, kids develop an internal voice that says, "I wonder how much pain I'm going to cause for myself with my next decision?" Kids who develop this internal voice become more capable of standing up to peer pressure.

What more could a parent want? Isn't that a great gift to give your child? Parent child relationships are enhanced, family life becomes less strained, and we have time to enjoy our kids instead of either feeling used by them or being transformed from parent to policeman.

The Love and Logic technique in action sounds like this:
Dad: "Oh, no. You left your bike unlocked and it was stolen. What a bummer. I bet you feel awful. Well, I understand how easy it is to make a mistake like that." (Notice that the parent is not leading with anger, intimidation, or threats.)
Dad then adds, "And you'll have another bike as soon as you can earn enough money to pay for it. I paid for the first one. You can pay for the additional ones.

"Love and Logic parents know that no child is going to accept this without an argument, but Love and Logic parents can handle arguments. "Just go brain dead." This means that parents don't try to argue or match wits with the child. They simply repeat, as many times as necessary, "I love you too much to argue." No matter what argument the child uses, the parent responds "I love you too much to argue." Parents who learn how to use these techniques completely change, for the better, their relationships with kids and take control of the home in loving ways.

5 Tips To Help Stop Toddler Tantrums

BE A NO DRAMA MOMMA!

Tantrums are inevitable. When a toddler doesn't get what he was that frustration can transform your sweet little angel into a raging nightmare in seconds. You may be able to deal with the tidal wave of emotion in the comfort of your own home, but what about when you're out in public? Here are five ways you can stop a public tantrum and help get your child back on track.

1. KEEP YOUR COOL

It's easy to get flustered when it seems like everyone in the checkout line is shooting judgmental looks at you and your little monster. Breathe in. Breathe out. Your calm reaction will help you deal with the situation, and set the example for your child. If you raise your voice and get exasperated, it will only escalate the tantrum.

2. CREATE A DIVERSION

Did you ever notice that the model momma's are the ones with the big bags? That's because they're prepared. When you're stocking your bag with diapers, wipes and sippy cups, throw in a few extra goodies like small toys from a dollar store or Happy Meal prizes, pipe cleaners, board books, or a few crayons and a notepad. If your toddler looks like he's headed for a meltdown, go for the quick diversion. The key is to divert before the situation escalates into a full-blown tantrum. The last thing you want is your child thinking he's being rewarded for his inappropriate behavior.

3. TAKE A SNACK BREAK

Veteran moms will be the first to tell you that the worst tantrums come when the kids are tired or hungry. If only we could wave a magic wand and put our overtired kiddos to sleep in the shopping cart. Having a stash of snacks on hand is the next best thing. Again, know the signs, so you can head off a tantrum with a quick munch before it's too late.

4. HUG IT OUT

Sometimes you can squash the fits of rage with a firm hug. This doesn't work with all kids, and it doesn't work every time. However when it does, you'll feel like you won the Mom-of-the-Year award.

5. MAKE A QUICK EXIT

As a last resort, stop the public tantrum by making a quick exit. Yes, you may still have a tantrum on your hands, but at least it won't be on display. This is also a good way to teach your child about natural consequences. If he's throwing a tantrum about not getting something he wants at the store, he'll learn that his behavior resulted in him not getting anything at the store. Unfortunately, this might mean you don't get anything either. It's not always easy to walk away from a cart full of groceries, but in the long run, you'll be glad you did.

BOOSTING YOUR KID’S IMMUNE SYSTEM

Preschool and school-age kids get sick all the time. And no matter how much hand washing and other precautions we take, children get runny noses, sneezes, coughs and other illnesses from time to time.  One thing that parents can do is try to help their kids build strong and healthy immune systems.

Seeds and nuts

Adding ground almonds, sunflower seeds and other seed to your kids’ food (sprinkle on anything from veggies to meat) provides a nutty flavor plus healthy essential fatty acids and minerals.

Oils

Some parents swear by primrose oil to boost the immune system. Other families think cod liver oil is the answer. Cod and other fish oils contain healthy omega-3 which can help boost the immune system, reduce infection and inflammation and more.

Juices

Freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices contain vitamin C, bioflavonoids and other antioxidants, which are good for immunity. Of course, whole fruits and veggies are great too. Garlic also has nutrients and properties which may improve your child’s health.

Probiotics

Studies show that probiotics may stave off infections of pathogens that cause diarrhea. They may also help build a healthy immune system, and even prevent eczema or allergies. Yogurt is a a good source of probiotics, and there are probiotic supplements that may support digestive and immune health in kids. RAW Probiotics can be taken by kids as young as 3 months old.

ProBugs is a healthful kefir drink packed with probiotics, protein and calcium. It’s in a fun pouch that children love to drink out of, and each yummy flavor has a cute character attached to it. My kids absolutely love these. The flavor names are awesome — from Sublime Slime Lime to Goo-berry Pie. They come in a four-pack and are USDA-certified organic. You can learn more about ProBugs and all their nutritious ingredients at Lifeway.net.

No Bake Healthy Energy Bites

These delicious little no bake energy bites are the perfect healthy snack!

Ingredients
1 cup (dry) oatmeal (I used old-fashioned oats)
2/3 cup toasted coconut flakes
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup ground flaxseed or wheat germ
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
1 Tbsp. chia seeds (optional)
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Method
Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Once chilled, roll into balls of whatever size you would like. (Mine were about 1" in diameter.) Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Makes about 20-25 balls.

ENJOY!!!

Breaking Selfish Rules

If you ever pay attention to how many unspoken rules given in a day, it can be enlightening. Some of those rules may have originated for selfish reasons and don’t really need to be rules anymore. Case in point: If I get out three bowls for cereal and the kids want to put them back in the cabinet so they can pick their own, I say no because I’ve already done it; I have an unspoken rule about not undoing things because I hate the lack of forward progress! Yet, at this young age, that cereal bowl choice is really important to my boys. I'm taking inventory of my unspoken rules and am surprised to find some selfish ones in there.

Philippians 2:3-4, Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Pumpkin Spice Waffles!

One of the best things about Janelle recipes is they are EASY & YUMMY. When I need a quick recipe for ANY occasion I head straight to Janelle's recipes!

Ingredients
2 ½ cups flour
4 tsp baking powder
1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 cups milk
4 eggs
1/4 cup melted butter

Spiced Whipped Cream:
1 pint whipping cream
1/4 cup sugar
1 Tbsp pumpkin spice

Instructions
Preheat waffle iron.
Make your whipped cream first by beating just the whipping cream until stiffens.
Beat in ¼ cup of sugar and 1 Tbsp of pumpkin spice at very end.
Store in refrigerator.

To make waffles add all dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, spice, salt, brown sugar) and mix. Then, add your wet ingredients (pumpkin, milk, eggs, butter). Mix well.
Spray waffle iron well with “Pam” and add about ¼ cup of batter.
Close down lid and let steam/cook until crisp.
Serve off the iron with warm maple syrup, butter, spiced whipped cream and nuts if desired.

Only His sheep will hear His voice

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,” Titus 2:11-12
♡
The ways of the Lord are the only ways.. We know that Jesus is the gate and we Christians are the sheep, we need to get passed that gate and come into the sheepfold of God.. However, only those that seek Truth find Him (the Gate), only His sheep will hear His voice, they listen and follow no other voice but the voice of the Lord.. And the Lord always take care of the needs of His sheep, and protects them at all times... Being in that sheepfold and only hearing and obeying His voice, let’s you know that living His way is the only way.. His voice would never tell us to do things that are of the world.. His voice is going to speak LIFE, LOVE, and RIGHT DOING!! He gives us clear instructions for living.. Give your lives to Christ and understand that His Saving Grace is not a passageway to the world but to heaven… That path that Jesus left for us to follow does not include giving in to worldly lusts, denying Christ and His Word, but just the opposite, we must live soberly, righteously, and Godly in this present age… Giving your life to Him is a choice, living right is a choice.. Everything we do is a choice.. Everyday you choose to live for Him or live for the devil… There is no in between space.. The Word says “Put on the new man” “the old has passed away and all things become new” anything new doesn’t have old part, and issues, and baggage, and addictions, and bad habits, hate, other gods, lust, because all those things you’ve left at the alter when you told the Lord you were ready for the NEW LIFE in Him.. He let’s us know in the Word that only those who seek Truth will find Him.. You will never find Christ if you are seeking to be pacified by the untruth’s… Jesus is the Way the Truth and the Life no one comes to the Father except through Him.. Have a blessed day my prayers go up for you in Jesus name!
♡

Be a Peacemaker

Jesus declared that one of the elements of true blessedness (the riches of real inner joy) is in being a peacemaker. Peace is actually an essential element of Christian living, and there really is no peace for anyone outside of Christ (Isaiah 48:22).

1 Corinthians 10:13

Many Christians find that having an accountability partner can be a huge benefit in overcoming stubborn sins. Having another person who can talk with you, pray with you, encourage you, and even rebuke you is of great value. Temptation is common to us all (1 Corinthians 10:13). Having an accountability partner or an accountability group can give us the final dose of encouragement and motivation we need to overcome even the most stubborn of sins.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Psalm 46:10

Start your day with God by opening your spiritual ears to hear God speak to you. When you have too much going on, too many distractions you can’t hear God. You need to at times tune things out and listen to what God has to say. Stop accepting anything in your atmosphere of influence and hear Jesus in your heart of hearts. So be encouraged and know that it is time to clean your inner house and face God in order to hear Him speak to your Spirit.
♡
"Therefore you are great, O LORD God. For there is none like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.” (2 Samuel 7:22)

"A Poem" By: Billy Joe Daugherty

When God guides, He provides.
What God directs, He protects.
Blessings untold, are waiting for you
As God guides and directs things you do.
Trust in the Lord with your heart, I say.
You'll hear His voice, This is the Way.
Desires from Him, they will come
Your heart bears witness, this is the One.
Vision accomplished, desire achieved.
Results of a heart, willing to believe.
God's plans unfolding as a dream in the night
Your acceptance guarantees His power and might.
The struggle is over, the battle is done
When you've waited in prayer, to hear from the Son.
His voice is clear, the Captain has spoken.
Go forward now! The enemy's power is broken.
Rest for you is a way of life.
Gone are the days of worry and strife.
You've come to the place of knowing His way.
God's plans are blessed, for you to believe and say.
-Billy Joe Daugherty

Yummy Snacks To Satisfy Lil Tummy's

Snacking is big part of a toddler’s day. Of course, those three square meals are very important, but eating throughout the day is what is going to sustain your tots’ hunger, while also keeping them energized and hopefully helping to quell any meltdowns or crankiness. Oftentimes, though, snacking isn’t always healthy or can be downright boring for kids. Here are some exciting snack options that are not only delicious but are the nutritious and healthy boost your child needs to get them through the day.

Trail mix: Gather a bunch of nuts like slivered almonds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, pecans, etc, along with raisins, dried cranberries, apricots and figs for a power-packed high fiber and protein snack. If your child isn’t into nuts (or to young to consume them), you can add in their favorite cereal or some low sodium pretzels instead.

Granola Bars: I’m not talking about those high-sugar varieties, but one that you make yourself like this one on Wit and Whistle that are packed with delicious oats, wheat germ, nuts and dried fruits. As I mentioned, cooking with kids is an incredible activity that allows you to bond where your kids also learn about techniques and new ingredients. With granola bars, you can personalize them to what your child loves like various nut proteins for some protein or even some dark chocolate for a sweet treat.

Cheese and Fruit: Nothing innovative with this snack idea, but the combination of this high protein/high fiber snack is not only a popular and tasty treat but one that will keep your child’s energy levels stable until dinnertime. I like the idea of a fruit/cheese kabob, which can be mixed up with a variety of your child’s favorite fruits/veggies. You can even serve it with yogurt on the side for an added boost of calcium and Vitamin D.

Applesauce: Another all time favorite, applesauce is quick snack that also doubles up as a healthy one with a high concentration of vitamin C and fiber. I recently made a plum/apple one with cinnamon and some mint (optional). It was a toddler pleaser that was something a little different than typical applesauce. You can also freeze this applesauce into Popsicle trays for a cool (an healthy) treat on a hot day.

Easy Applesauce Recipe:6-10 plums, cut into small squares2-3 apples, cut into small squares1-2 cups of water1 tablespoon of cinnamon1 pinch of salt½ cup of organic sugarbunch of fresh mint, optional
Directions: Pour water into a small pot. Cut up the plums and apples and them to the boiling water. Cover and let cook for 20 minutes. Stir and add in the sugar, mint and cinnamon and let cook for another 10 minutes. Turn off the flame and with an electric mixture, blend all of the ingredients together and cover. Let cool for an hour and chill overnight.

Mini Sandwiches: You can’t deny the ease with which kids will consume bread. Rather than eating it plain, a great snack is to make a smaller version of their favorite sandwich to tide them over in between meals. I love cheese and avocado sandwiches with whole grain bread or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with raisins.

Smoothies: Even the pickiest eater will enjoy a slushy-like drink with all of their favorite fruits. I like to sneak in some veggies like carrots, along with flax seed, yogurt or milk and fruit such as cantaloupe, berries or pineapples – whatever your child likes throw it in there. You’ll be amazed at how quick they drink a smoothie while they are getting a nutritional snack to boot.

Give Thanks

Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men- Psalm 107:15 also, read 13-14.

♡

Start your day with God by giving God praise and glory for all things. All things come from God and it is right and pleasing in His sight that you honor Him and give Him glory with thanksgiving in your heart. As you trust Jesus to see you through, know that you will have peace and great joy as a result of your trust and reliance in Him. So be encouraged and glorify God, no matter what is going on in your life. It will be in your praise that you will give the devil a nervous breakdown with thanksgiving in your heart unto the Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you all!

WWJD?

Proverbs 14:12 – “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”

This Scripture stands against the arguments, “Everyone is doing it. It’s the new way. It’s accepted in society.” That may all be true, but just because a path seems right doesn’t make it so.

In My Opinion

This seems to be the trend in the lives of those around me: always waiting to arrive at some better situation. Whether it be waiting to not be single, waiting for a hard season to pass, or waiting for a spouse to change, we’re rarely content where we are at. The problem with this is that the only thing the Bible commands us to wait on is Jesus! So is it wrong to want our situation to change? I don’t think so. I think our problem is where we are placing our hope. In my opinion ;-))

Grace

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. - Joshua 24:15

I was reading Donna Otto's book and she mentioned when her daughter was growing up she would have a day that she would declare "Grace Day." On this day her daughter was given the gift of not having to do chores, etc.  What a wonderful way to teach your kids about God's grace to us. As human beings we sin,  it may not be intentional, but we do and I for one am so relieved and happy that God gives us grace. It made me think about how I can give grace to my boys. I want them to understand the grace God gives to us that we are totally undeserving of and how we should do the same unto our family and friends. It is important that our children have discipline, structure and consequences and as moms we are responsible for implementing those things in our home. But, equally important kindness, mercy, love and compassion we show our children as they hit the stumbling blocks along the road to maturity. Anywho, I found "Grace Day" an interesting and important day but we should have grace for one another every day! ;-))

Mommy on a Mission

I'm a stay at home mommy and Full time student but lately I've been feeling in limbo and a nagging about my career choice even though it will financially be great. I'm enjoying every minute of motherhood and really would love to continue being a stay at home mom! I'm not being lazy..sitting on the sofa eating bon-bons lol what are bon-bons anyway? Truth be told a mother never stops working! She trains her children, talks with her children so there is a bond that will never fall away. She makes a home, a home keeping it clean..full of love and cooked meals on the table! It's important and I'm tired of feeling like I have to justify myself to me and others when I feel God has called me to be a mom ;)

Proverbs 22:6 ,”Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.

”Okay, you may say “you teach your child before and after day care. And on the weekends.” But for me, that isn’t enough,

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.  And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Deuteronomy 6:5-6 (emphasis mine).

As I'm writing this post I looked into the word “diligently.” Yes, I know what the word means lol, but I always find more insight when I look in the dictionary. According to the dictionary, diligent is an adjective that means,

"constant in effort to accomplish something; attentive and persistent in doing anything; done or pursued with persevering attention; painstaking:”

If I put that into motherhood terminology, I need to teach them constantly so that I can accomplish what the Lord is commanding me. I need to be attentive and persistent, going to any lengths necessary to teach them about Jesus Christ, their Maker! It will be hard and painstaking but I must persevere!

Just something on my heart and would love to hear what others have to say about being a stay at home mom!