Author: Mama On A Run

My Thankful Song: Stirring up Gratitude

~ Mama On A Run ~ Leave a comment

In May 2013, my Babes and I returned to the U.S. after an eleven month journey called the World Race.

August 2013, we packed our bags once again and moved from Florida to Georgia where I landed a second grade teaching position and my Babes an internship with Adventures in Missions.

Shortly after moving, we discovered I was pregnant. After having no income for one year. After moving away from our family once again. After moving to a city where traffic was horrendous on my daily drive to and from work.

I struggled daily to find contentment, to find something to be thankful for. The Georgia gray skies were depressing. As my belly grew daily, I found it hard to fit behind the wheel of Whitey Tighty, my afternoon 1997 Corolla on the cool winter mornings. My classroom was the trailer that was farthest away from the school, and more importantly the bathroom. And the day we went to move into our apartment, we discovered they gave it away to someone else.

I felt strongly that I needed to do something to help stir up gratefulness in my own heart. One morning on my drive to work, I created a thankful song. It’s so simple, but any time I would feel the gray skies pressing in, I would sing this silly song. It helped change my focus to the blessings in my life.

After all, the Lord provided a beautiful home for us to live in. After being sad about the distance between my family and I, God provided family and community in a unique way. After all, the Lord had provided the job and a new scenic route to school that didn’t include as much traffic. After all, the Lord provided the blessing of a firstborn son.

A friend of mine who lives in Georgia texted me a few days ago and reminded me of my thankful song. I have sung it through many seasons over the years, and the tune is a little quirky and silly.

I was reminded of the importance of stirring up gratitude in this very unusual season of quarantine. I am sure that this is not what many of us hoped for or anticipated for 2020. Mamas, it’s ok to be honest with God about our disappointments. Surrender them to him and then take a moment to be thankful for your blessings.

Thank you God for a place to live.

Thank you God for the food that you provide.

Thank you God for my job at VIPKID.

Thank you God for my healthy familyyyyyyyyy.

(The last line I usually stretch out quite a bit.)

How are you stirring up gratitude in this season, Mamas?

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.” Psalm 100:4

 

Chlene’s Italian Salad

~ Mama On A Run ~ Leave a comment

Happy Thursday, Mamas! This is day ? of quarantine due to COVID-19. Anybody counting the days? I’ve lost track. I am, however, trying hard to stay on track with keeping myself and my family healthy!

One of my favorite ways to do that is through plant based foods. Today I want to share with you my most favorite salad. It’s my mom’s Italian salad that she’s made for numerous gatherings over my childhood and growing up. You can make it vegan, or can add meat and some feta on top. Your choice!

I’ve been making this once a week for dinner lately, and since I’m in chopping mode, I always prep a salad for the Babes and me the next day for lunch. I hope you enjoy it!

Chlene’s Balsamic dressing

Ingredients 

6 Garlic cloves

1 part balsamic, 2 parts olive oil

Spicy Golden mustard

Fresh lemon

Parm Cheese (optional)

Garlic Salt

Italian Seasoning

Pepper

Large Mason Jar

Directions

Finely chop the garlic cloves and add to the bottom of the jar. Fill the jar about 1/4 of the way with balsamic. Then pour to almost 3/4 of the way with olive oil. Add a few long squeezes of mustard. Squeeze in juice from a 1/4 of a lemon. Add 4-5 big shakes of Parm cheese, 4 big shakes of garlic salt, 3 shakes of Italian seasoning and 3 shakes of pepper. Stir, shake, whatev’s. Pour on salad and enjoy! We use a large mason jar that contains …ounces.

Chlene’s Salad

A large bag or container of spinach (we use the one from Costco).

1 can of white navy beans

1 can of pitted black olives

Purple onion

1 large Tomato 🍅

1 cucumber 🥒

1 container of  mushrooms 🍄

2 Hard boiled eggs 🥚

Avocado 🥑

Feta Cheese 🧀

In a large bowl, full with spinach.

Drain and rinse the beans and olives. Pour on top of spinach.

Chop the remainder of the toppings, and add into salad.

Add some feta cheese (optional), salad dressing, toss, and serve!

Enjoy!

Whats your favorite salad, Mama?

 

 

 

 

 

Good Friday, SATURDAY, Easter Sunday

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My sister sent me a photo via text message last night. Jesus was having a Zoom meeting at the Last Supper with His disciples and was looking for Judas. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

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Why do people call Good Friday “good?” I’m sure the disciples didn’t think it was a good day. Their best friend, their mentor, their roommate, their fish and bread winner was dead. Even though Jesus warned them multiple times, they didn’t quite get it until the cross was right in front of their faces.

That Friday wasn’t good for them, but it is good news for you and me. Typically a day where services are more somber and a time for reflection. I would venture to say that before we can celebrate Easter, we have to understand what it is and Who it is we are celebrating.

I read an excerpt from “Who Is This Man?” by John Ortberg this morning. He proposes that “Silent Saturday is the time in between despair and joy, this strange in between day.”

As I read on, I couldn’t help but think that this is what we are facing right now in this in between space moment of history. With COVID-19 effecting peoples’ health, economy, and changing our daily lives dramatically, many of us are in this “strange in between” space. In between jobs, in between what used to be and what we hope for, in between a paycheck and wondering how we will provide for our families…

Mamas, Papas, families, you are not alone. The disciples also experienced this Saturday 2,000 years ago. Ortberg questions, “What do you do with Saturday? You can wait. Work with God even when He feels far away. Rest. Ask. Whine. Complain. Trust.” 

It’s ok to be real with God. Abraham was. He questioned how could he possibly become the Father of Nations when he had no children and was old enough to be a great grandfather. Moses was. He questioned God’s choice of a spokesperson for His people, after all, he had a stutter. Mary was. She questioned Gabriel, “How can this be?” when she was told she would give birth to the Messiah when she had never been with a man.

On this Saturday, God is waiting for you to be real with the in between spaces of your heart. Don’t rush from Friday, skip Saturday, and get to Sunday. Press into this moment, this day, and this in between space.

What are you and your family “in between” right now, Mama? I’d love to hear from you! Share in the comments below.

 

*Quotes referenced from “Who Is This Man?” by John Ortberg

Wanting and Choosing Peace

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Yesterday morning, around 3:30 am, my husband slid into bed. He’s a night owl, and I usually stir awake when he comes to join me in the wee hours of the morning. He proceeded to tell me how there was a rumor that our nation would be on complete lockdown due to the Coronavirus outbreak. We discussed running to the grocery store first thing when the sun rose to grab some items and stock up.

Yesterday morning was filled with me texting multiple Mama friends to warn them of the possibility. I wanted to share the news with them because I would want to know! I have little mouths to feed, and so do they!

Last night as I reflected on my day, I realized that the rumor was just a rumor. But also, I was reminded how some cities have shut down completely. I don’t regret going to the grocery store, but I was saddened by the order in which I chose to set about my day.

Last night as I reflected on my day, I realized…

I want to run to the Lord first thing in the morning, not the grocery store. He is my Source and my Provider. I chose today, to spend time in His Word, reflecting on His promises, and journaling.

I want to bring peace to my Mama friends, not chaos. I chose to apologize to those Mama friends and shared an encouraging devotional I read instead today.

I and my children, along with everyone else, are processing a new normal. I want to adapt well and help my kids adapt well. In order for this to happen, I chose to acknowledge the emotions of disappointment and surrender any anxious thoughts to the Lord.

This is a time unlike any other that I’ve experienced in my lifetime. When the doubts and worries of finances, jobs, food, toilet paper, and the economy creep in, how do you want to respond, Mamas? What do you chose to do?

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

 

 

What I’m Listening To

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Hey Mamas! Have you read any good books lately? I love, love, LOVE reading! Reading fiction at the end of my day (or during nap time) is my favorite way to unwind and give me some self care.

My preference to read is fiction, but this year I really wanted to challenge myself to grow more as a mom, wife, and in my walk with Jesus. I’ve rediscovered the beauty of audiobooks. I love that I can be washing dishes, doing laundry, or driving around and be soaking in some goodness.

Do you have the Hoopla app, Mama? I just have to share the good news, it’s free and with your library card you have access to so many good reads, or listens. 🙂

I just finished listening to “Becoming Mom Strong,” by Heidi St. John. Wow! First of all, Heidi is a mom of 7, so pretty much a rockstar. I love how she weaves in humorous stories of her children and herself to keep it real. Heidi has scripture to sharpen and challenge the Mamas to be strong and courageous as we are in the battle of our lives, fighting for our kids spiritually. Each chapter ends with “prayer points,” recapping what was talked about and guiding Mamas how to pray for themselves and their kiddos. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars!

I am currently listening to, “Parenting Scripts,” co-authored by Amber Lia and Wendy Speake. These ladies also wrote, “Triggers,” which I have not yet read or listened to. I’d recommend going with “Triggers,” first, as it seems like this book lays the foundation, but they can both be read separately. “Parenting Scripts,” is rocking my world a bit. Each chapter contains different potential scenarios that occur in most homes. The authors encourage parents to take time away from these repetitive situations and ask the Holy Spirit to guide them in rewriting a new, positive, scripture based script for the future. What I love about this book is the women recognize and say repeatedly that each individual family is unique and will have different scripts for the same scenarios. And that’s how it’s supposed to be! God is a Creative God and made each family special with their own personalities. I am not done with this book yet, but give it 5 out of 5 stars already!

What have you been reading or listening to lately, Mama? Do you prefer to read a physical book or listen? Share in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you!

Free VPK in Palm Beach County

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Hey Mamas! Did you know that in Palm Beach County they offer FREE VPK for children the year before they enter kindergarten? Actually, if you live anywhere in the state of Florida, and your child turns 4 years old prior to September 1, they are eligible to participate in this program!

What does VPK stand for? Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten.

How many hours a day is my child in school? Each school is slightly different, but they will be in school for 540 hours total. Usually, it’s three hours a day, but some places offer extended days or an extra half hour. Anything over the 540 hours (3 hours per day) is paid for by the parent.

What are the steps? I’m so glad you asked!

  1. Register at this website here. First you need to form an account, then log in and fill out forms. You can do this as early as January 1.
  2. Wait and look daily for the voucher! It should take no more than 10 days for it to arrive in your email inbox.
  3. While you wait, tour the schools in your area! Google which schools accept the VPK voucher and go see which one is the best fit for your family/time schedule.
  4. Once you have chosen your school, ask them when their enrollment opens to the public. Some schools fill up QUICK. Like, within the first half hour of the first day that they open enrollment. I would get a gauge on how quickly spots of filled up in the past for your school of choice, and plan on being there accordingly. The school my son went to had open enrollment as early as mid-February last year!
  5. Have your voucher and paperwork ready to go!

Here’s some questions to ask when touring schools:

  1. What sets your school apart from others in the area?
  2. How do you prepare children for kindergarten?
  3. What is an example of the students’ daily schedule?
  4. What are the start and finish times each day?
  5. How long is recess?
  6. What is the snack policy?
  7. What is the discipline policy?

Some questions to ask once you have chosen the school:

  1. What is the date and time of open enrollment?
  2. How many spots/classes do you have available and how quickly have they filled in the past?
  3. What documents do I need to bring (in addition to the voucher) the day I sign my child up?

Do you have a child that participated in VPK, Mama? My son went to an awesome school last year called Church In The Gardens! I was so pleased with our experience there. Do you have any tips for other Mamas? Share below, I’d love to hear from you!

Small Yes’s and Small No’s

~ Mama On A Run ~ 4 Comments

Where did the first month of 2020 go, Mamas? I feel like it breezed on by, quickly!

I’ve been doing some reflecting on 2019 and what I want 2020 to look like. A big goal for 2020 is to pay off any remaining debt we have, and we are SO CLOSE, I can just taste it! I am finding it’s best for me to focus on one goal and go after it HARD.

Our goals can be met, but the daily choices we make play a big part in that. My sister shared with me a recent sermon from Journey Church (shout out to them!). The speaker challenged the people that small “yes’s” and small “no’s” will lead you closer to where you want to be.

You want to lose some weight? Saying “no” to eating after dinner time once, gives you more power to say “no” the next night, and the next. Saying “yes” to exercising when you want to sleep in, makes it easier to say “yes” when future alarm clocks go off.

This Mama loves a break from cooking once a week. Really, it’s the cleaning part, not the cooking part that I want a break from! 🙂 We used to eat out a few times a month at Chipotle, Blaze Pizza, or some fast casual restaurant where our family can eat off it twice and it’s super affordable. For the month of January, I challenged myself and my family to refrain from eating out.

And Mama, it was CHALLENGING! I said a lot of small no’s and what felt like some big NO’s when I really wanted something to treat myself and my family. This has greatly impacted our family budget for the better! And helped us work towards the big goal of paying off that debt!

Do you have a big goal for the year? What are some small “no’s” and “yes’s” you can do daily, Mama? I’d love to hear from you!

What’s On My Christmas List

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*This post contains affiliate links.*

With 7 more days until Christmas, the countdown is ON!

I have several Mama friends that sell for awesome companies. I love supporting and promoting them, so today I want to share what’s on my Christmas list and give a shout out to those Mamas!

1. Pure haven. Pure Haven is a toxic free company that makes everything from cleaning products to skin care, essential oils to baby body wash. I love, love, LOVE their skin care line! I feel good knowing the products I put on my face are pure and are helping my skin glow and reduce signs of age. My friend Amie sells for Pure Haven, and you can buy from this link here and connect with her on facebook here.

2. Crunchi. Crunchi is a local company to all you here in Palm Beach County. They are widely known for their toxic free and high performance makeup. Some favorites I like to purchase by Crunchi are their: body bars, sunscreen, and eye shadow. I will be receiving their foundation and concealer for Christmas, and I am very excited! Lianne Smith is passionate about educating women about how to live a toxic-free lifestyle. She has a great facebook group where she posts all kinds of helpful information. You can shop with Lianne here.

3. Norwex. Norwex is famous,  and in my opinion, brilliant for their microfiber cloths. These bad boys (or good boys!) remove 99.9% of bacteria from a surface. With. Just. WATER. Whaaat? These cloths help reduce my costs of cleaning products and helps save the environment by using no more paper towels! My girl, Christy Thompson, is a Norwex consultant and is very knowledgeable about their products. You can connect with her here and shop on her website here. They currently have some sweet Christmas deals going on!

4. Noonday collection. This company provides sustainable jobs for men and women around the globe. They make beautiful jewelry, bags, and even Christmas ornaments! I own three pairs of their earrings and would love to own them all! You can connect with Caroline or Jessica by clicking on their names and shopping at their sites.

5. Beach body on demand. I must admit, I totally dug insanity, p90x, and especially t25. I wore those dvds out. As a mama on a run, I’m always looking for effective and timely ways to get my workout in. I love that beach body now offers their workouts by streaming them, and the options are numerous. Molly is an excellent Coach and loves to encourage women to make healthy lifestyle choices. You can connect with her here.

What’s on your shopping list, Mama?

 

Thanksgiving Place Card Craft

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Most Fridays I host a toddler art class at my house. It’s a super fun way to get my Lil to interact with kiddos her age and practice the art of sharing and painting all at the same time. I typically do a read aloud and pair it with a project I’ve found on Pinterest.

Ever since doing a handprint paint project, Lillian is determined to paint her hands (and arms, imagine evening gloves up to her elbows painted on!) Every. Single. Art class. So let’s just say most of her paintings end up with handprints, not at all resembling the cutesie craft I am aiming for. Following directions is a skill we are working on! Haha.

My son, however is five years old. So he does the craft on the weekends and his turn out very well done, I must say. I fell in love, love, love with my son’s fist pumpkin patch! I thought, why not turn this into something to create for Thanksgiving? Here’s a few ideas for making placecards for Thanksgiving day.

1. The Pumpkin Fist

Supplies needed: Orange paint, paintbrush, cardstock paper or construction paper, brown and green markers

Instructions: Precut the paper, I would half or quarter each piece depending on how large your child’s fist is. Fold each cut piece in  half. Have your child form a fist. Paint the fist with orange paint using a paintbrush. Guide their fist onto the paper. Repeat these steps until you have completed the amount of place cards needed. Allow the pumpkins to dry. When dry, add a brown stem, green leaves, and name of individuals using the markers.

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2. The Handprint Turkey

Supplies needed: Orange, brown, green, red, and yellow paint, paintbrushes, cardstock/construction paper, a black marker.

Instructions: Precut the paper, I would half or quarter each piece depending on how large your child’s hand is. Fold each cut piece in  half. Holding your child’s hand face up, paint the palm and thumb with brown paint. Paint each of the four remaining fingers a different color, allowing your child to choose. Guide your child to make a handprint on each piece of cardstock paper. Repeat the steps, adding more paint as needed to make the prints. Allow the turkeys to dry. When dry, use the marker to draw legs, feet, eyes (if desired), and the name of each individual that will be in attendance for Thanksgiving.

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I hope you and yours have a Happy Thanksgiving, Mama!

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Date Ball Recipe

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Dates look too much like cockroaches for me to eat by themselves. I prefer to add them to smoothies, oatmeal, or roll them into yummy goodness. Check out this easy recipe for date balls!

(This recipe is lightly adapted from the Medjool date container at Costco.)

Ingredients:

2 cups of medjool dates pitted

1 cup of raw cashews

1 cup of dried blueberries or whatever dried fruit

1/4 teaspoon of salt

1/2 to a whole cup of shredded coconut (optional)

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Directions:

  1. Put the pitted dates, cashews, dried blueberries, and salt in food processor and let it blend until all ingredients are combined.0-1.jpg
  2. Scoop out about 2 tablespoons at a time and roll into balls.0-3.jpg
  3. Roll the balls in shredded coconut. I put the shredded coconut in a container and then drop the balls in one at time, shaking them around in the coconut. (optional)0-2.jpg
  4. Store in an airtight container and keep in fridge.0-4.jpg
  5. Enjoy!

These are a yummy treat that satisfies the sweet craving in a pinch! Dates are also recommended for pregnant mamas to eat. Some studies show they could help with a quicker, easier delivery!

How do you eat your dates, Mama?