Thursday- Jesus sit down with all his disciples and breaks bread. The bread- a symbol of his body. The wine- a symbol of his blood, that would be shed to pay the price for sin and offer forgiveness.
At the table with him is Judas, the very man who would betray him.
They go off to the Mount Of Olives. Jesus says another disciple will deny Him 3 times. Peter says he would never do such a thing.
Jesus is now at the Garden Of Gethsemane. He prays. He asks once for the Father to remove the cup if possible. He asks a second time, and by the third time He asks instead that if the cup not be removed that the Lord would do His will.
Jesus is arrested, betrayed by his own, and receives an unjust guilty verdict. Jesus is tortured.
When they find Peter and ask if he knows Jesus he denies Him 3 times. Jesus is betrayed again.
Motherhood isn't all rainbows and glitter. It can be both the most fulfilling and the most difficult thing a mother will ever do in her lifetime. Strangely ironic isn't it?
I didn't write a post yesterday because SJ was having a rough day. Mama could not put him down at all.
By the time the mister got home, I was wiped. I was so tired, in fact, that I was asleep by 8:50PM.
Aida Mae loves talking to her grandmas. She can talk to them via Facetime for hours. I love that she has such a special bond with them.
SJ hates his carseat. Any tips?! It makes me nervous every time we need to leave the house because I know the second I put him into the carseat he will cry.
Today, SJ gave me one 40 min nap. After the day we had yesterday, I've never felt so tired.
Sounds like I will be in bed by 7PM tonight...but seriously. Must be his teeth? Is he teething? When will those things finally come in and give him (and I) some reprieve?
I realized today that my days are a lot simpler since having a baby. I take care of the kids all day. Make 3 meals a day. Clean up after each meal, and then do bedtime. I use to get so much more done in a day.
This baby mama life is not for the faint of heart. I could really use some glitter in my week right about now.
This Saturday I sat on the porch, rocking sweet SJ, watching DC fish, and Aida Mae play with a friend and thought this is the life I prayed for.
There are so many moments where my heart fills to the brim with joy, and I feel so thankful for the life we are able to live.
As I made a new batch of chocolate chip muffins, I thought about what I would make for dinners this week. My mind went blank. Why is meal planning so hard? I feel like I am always in a cooking rut.
DC is back to playing soccer. It is wonderful to watch. He lights up when he plays, and he's such a great team player. He cheers on his teammates, and helps them out as much as he can.
That boy sure is going to grow into a wonderful man. I'm grateful I get to stand on the sidelines and watch.
I wanted to let you know- you are strong. You are beautiful. You are enough.
It's Monday. The sun is shining, the baby is napping, and this mama has to hit the treadmill and grocery shop.
Wherever you are in your day, and no matter what's going on, remember you are enough! You were made to overcome whatever you're facing. You've got this.
Devotional today-
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thans to God the Father through Him."- Colossians 3:17
Cheers, sis!
Sourdough Chocolate Chip Muffins
What you’ll need-
Muffins
* 1 stick Butter (room temperature)
* 2/3 Cup Sugar
* 2 Eggs (room temperature)
* 2 tsp Vanilla
* 1/2 Cup Sourdough Discard
* 1 1/4 Cup Milk
* 2 1/2 Cups Organic All-Purpose Flour
* 2 tsp Baking Powder
* 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
* 1 1/2 Cups Chocolate Chips (I use milk chocolate)
Crumble Topping
* 6 tbsp Salted Butter room temperature
* 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
* 1/2 Cup Old Fashion Oats
* 1/3 Cup All-Purpose Flour
What you’ll do-
* Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Wipe olive oil over cupcake tin to prevent sticking and line all 12 cups of the muffin tin with liners.
* In a medium sized bowl mix topping. I use pastry cutter to cut butter into brown sugar, oats, and flour.
* Set aside
* In stand mixer bowl, add butter and sugar. Mix until sugar and butter are light and fluffy.
* Add in the eggs. Scrape sides of the bowl to mix well.
Today there was a bird stuck in our house. She made her nest in our front door's wreath. She accidentally flew inside. Luckily, I opened the front door, and after a few run arounds she made her way out. My goodness I was so worried about her. I didn't want her to hurt herself flying into mirrors and lights. When she made it out, my mama heart was relieved. Bless her!
I've said it once, and I will say it again. I am so grateful for friends.
I need to start working out again, but with these sleepless nights, I just don't have it in me.
I can't wait to have muscle tone again. I was the most confident in my body since having kids just before I got pregnant with SJ. Then, BAM! I was pregnant. It all went downhill from there. Isn't that how it always goes?
I'm rewatching The Real Housewives of New Jersey. I know it's trash TV, but sometimes a mama just needs a mindless show she can play in the background. You know, something she can listen to while she folds laundry, makes beds, and cleans the kitchen? That's probably why I miss home so much recently. Seeing Jersey, makes me miss home.
I made salmon yesterday. When the plates were all dished up, I took a bite as a taste test. The salmon was rotten. Trying to recover, I threw some chicken nuggets into the air fryer. You know, the ones at Costco that taste like Chick-Fil-A? Anyway, the kids were complaining. They were thrilled, but the mister was sad. He really wanted salmon. Poor guy.
Aida Mae is in an art show. She is so proud. She is a great little artist, so this is kinda a big deal for her. I'm going to pick up some flowers for her. It's going to be so precious to see her face light up when she sees her artwork on the wall.
Sometimes, this whole mom thing is pretty freaking fantastic.
Texas in the spring time is wild. First it's cold then it's hot. What is this a Katy Perry song? No wonder everyone has a cold.
Hair wash days are the worst. Do you know how long it takes to do my hair? You probably do because I bet you hate hair wash days too.
I could really go for a Swig right about now.
Nothing beats hearing the mister make SJ laugh. It's the freaking sweetest.
I want to workout and get into shape, but goodness by the times 7PM rolls around, I am just wiped.
SJ has some big toots. When he passes gas we all burst into laughter.
Easter is coming! I need to make Easter baskets for 3 kids.
I love my homemade pizza and cheese bread, but nothing beats a good ol' slice of Jersey pizza. I miss home!
We need to do a summer beach trip. My kids are like mermaids. They love the water. Nothing beats having sand in your toes, watching your kids with their dad in the ocean, and having a baby on your hip.
The other day, I was sitting on our outdoor sofa, enjoying the beautiful weather. I said to the mister, "Man, this is the best outdoor furniture we have ever had!" Just as the words came out of my mouth, the sofa snapped in half and broke! The timing was comedic, and the mister and I both burst into hard belly laughs.
Now, I am on the hunt for some outdoor seating. I can't believe it's finally the season for days spent outside and BBQing. Yay!
I am on a sourdough binge, sis.
Mackenzie-Child's is an addition I can't quit.
I am listening to audiobooks before bed. It has helped me sleep so much better!
My girlfriend (who I haven't seen in a while) was stopping by for a visit. When she was looking for my house, she said she knew it was mine the second she saw the leopard wreath. You can take the girl out of Jersey, but you can't take the Jersey out of the girl!
I want to challenge y'all to do something you love for yourself today. Maybe that's taking a bubble bath? Maybe that's reading a book? Maybe it's doing your nails? Whatever it is, do it. Then, notice how calm and recharged you feel.
Phones can be such a time suck. Hide yours. See how much better your day goes.
Nursing SJ today, I looked down at him and thought, "My goodness, this is going too fast." It seems like just yesterday we brought him home from the hospital. He was just this tiny little boy, sleepy, and fresh from heaven. Now, he is the smiliest and happiest little man. He lights up our whole world. He has the sweetest spirit and is so calm. He makes everyone around him feel joy. I am so grateful for him.
I am thankful for friends. They are truly such a blessing in my life. I am so grateful the Lord knew exactly who I needed and when. God is good.
A friend mentioned to me that she had some friends of hers come and go from her life, and that being a working mom felt lonely. I told her that the friends who were still around were meant for her, and that she had those people to uplift her. Like the nursery song goes, "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other's gold."
This blog has always been a special place for me. As my fingers hit the keyboard, it's a release of thoughts and emotions. It's a place I can share, get advice from y'all who share in the comments section, and look back on each season of motherhood. I am so grateful for this tiny blog. It's a journal of sorts.
Last night, there was a lot on my mind. I tossed and turned for a bit, and then I reached for my journal. I started writing down all the things I was grateful for, and a wave of joy and gratitude filled me.
In a world that can feel as though it's full of bad news and darkness, all it takes is sitting down and reflecting on what we have to ground us. There is so much good in the world, we just need to focus in on it.
Here are some of the things I wrote down-
DC is the sweetest child. He is full of kindness, and is such a wonderful example to me.
Aida Mae is such a sweet little helper. She wants to help me in any way she can. She is always willing to go out of her way to serve her family. I am so grateful for all that she does.
I am so grateful for the love my husband and I have. He truly is my best friend.
What are you thankful for today? Let me know in the comment section below. I love hearing from y'all.
On a deeper note-
I've been chatting with some friends, and it seems everyone is going through something hard.
Sometimes this world can be dark, and our burdens can seem overwhelming, but you are not alone. You have the strength you need to overcome whatever trial you face. There are angels surrounding you. They are cheering you on, and so am I.
I pray that you will feel His love for you. I pray that your burdens will be made lite. I pray that you will be lifted up by His angels, and that you will continue to push through. You are special. There is something in you that no one else has, and it is needed in this world. You are needed. You have a special purpose. Keep pushing through, sis.
