Motherhood, a joy, a calling, and a privilege – is also TOUGH! And I’m in the midst of it. New area (with relatively new friends), two under two – both boys, and a husband who works long hours – but is such a trooper at home and to take my many frustrated phone calls and texts and pray and encourage me throughout the day.
My boys are the most cutest (superlatives, I know) boys in the whole world. Their blond hair, big blue eyes, super long eyelashes – and their laughs, and smiles, and hugs, and giggles. Doesn’t that make all the disciplining, nights where there are 3 feedings, and saying no 100 times a day, worth it? Hmmm – of course, but it doesn’t make those days easier.
I was enjoying some hours of quiet courtesy of sleeping boys and a gracious husband and I wrote these next words. When I went to read it to my Mister I was hesitant too – not because I thought he would laugh at me, but because I don’t live this out – and he, more than anyone, knows it. But, it is the cry of my heart. And I need the Gospel every day and pushed harder and harder in on my life and my parenting – to look more like Christ in front of these littles that I call Lijah Bean and Bubba. I hope the next words are encouraging to you. Pray for the Moms you know. It’s a tough job.
The point of motherhood is not death to self.
If it was, we could be justified in our mopey days, our impatient attitudes, our temper tantrums. We could justify our need to be everywhere and do everything so we could earn the title of Super Mom.
It’s not about finding your life in your children. If so, we could warrant involving our children in everything so they could be good at what we weren’t. If so, we could boast in our children’s smiles, vocabulary, batting average, or report card.
It’s not about finding your life in all the things you multitask in – or the things you don’t. We could brag about our recipes, our photographs, or our pre-baby jeans. We could post pictures of our well-designed Anthro house that never looks like children live there.
It’s not about never doing anything you want to. We don’t have to live a slain and mopey woe-is-me life.
Instead, something I need to be daily pray for myself is that I would boast in the Gospel and die to sin so that I might life in and for and through Christ. On the days when I burn dinner, or feed my children all chocolate and junk food – I need Jesus. The days our son bites other kids in the gym child care – Jesus still died for me and loves me. On the day when I feel fat and don’t want to work out, but longingly look at the woman three treadmills away – desiring to look like her – Jesus still wants my heart.
I’ve read so many posts about you just have to die to self as a Mommy. In a way that is true – but not in its morbid-sounding worldly outlook. You can still ask for time for yourself – to feed your soul, to grab a cup of coffee, to grocery shop without toddlers eating the bananas before you pay for them, to take a walk, to exercise – to do things that refresh you – even if it is just to take a bath or have a date with your husband. These aren’t bad things.
If Motherhood isn’t just about dying to self – it must have a better end. We don’t die to self just for the sake of dying to self. We die to self and sin and flesh to live to Christ. Paul, in his letters, constantly wrote about not being the man he was but constantly fighting that battle and waging war with his flesh, but pressing on in Christ.
Motherhood – living to Christ – looks like:
Admitting when you are failing at motherhood and seeking help from other moms who have been there and done that. Not trying to put on an act like you have it all together and your kids are the poster children for all church kids.
Admitting when you need some “time off”. My Mister knows that some time off during the week does me a world of good. Writing, reading, praying, journaling, doing errands by myself, drinking unsweet tea, eating a macaron – whatever it is – as the saying goes “If momma ain’t happy”. He knows that me being refreshed is good for the whole family!
Crying out to God instead of yelling at your children. Even though I hate raised voices and I hate being yelled at myself – I find myself raising my voice at my boys – as if that’s going to do any good. I need instead to breath, pause, pray, and then speak in a manner to my boys that will glorify God.
Read the Bible in light of Motherhood. How does the Bible address teaching your children, being anxious or prideful in your spirit? The Bible has the final word on everything you could be struggling with.
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed – 1 Peter 2.24 (This verse was suggested by my Mister for this blog – and so fitting. If we try to do motherhood, or dying to ourselves, in our own strength – that is sin and it is futile. We will fail. It we seek the Gospel and the strength of Him who died for our weak, selfish selves – than He has promised He will ever be close to us in every moment of every tempter tantrum and birthday party and first date and bicycle riding lesson.
Motherhood in light of the Gospel – is still the toughest job, the best job, the most demanding job – and only with the strength of Christ will we survive.
When I was growing up, August and September meant two things: going back to school and scuppernong grapes.
My grandparents, Granny and Papa, who lived across the pasture from us, had grape vines. I loved going over there and picking the grapes once Papa told us they were in. When I was smaller, he would climb the ladder and I would hold the bowl or brown paper sack to put them in. But, as I got older and taller, I would take the sack up the ladder with me and drop them in. I loved them so much I would break out around my mouth – somehow allergic to them, but only in large doses.
Those days are long gone, but I still love scuppernongs. I remember buying them in the store for the first time. I couldn’t imagine paying 5$ for grapes that I used to get for free. But, the smell brought back so many memories, that the 5$ didn’t matter anymore.
I just got some at the Dekalb Farmers Market (along with the greens used on this wrap) and these grapes still make me break out if I have too many, and my older son doesn’t care much for them – but I still love them, and fondly remember my Papa.
To begin a new series here on the blog: I want to create some easy lunches that you can have too. Currently in our home, my lunch is usually leftovers of what my boys don’t eat, or a taco from Taco Bell, or CFA salad with nuggets. Sometimes it may be leftovers. I don’t usually prepare gourmet foods just for myself. I’d rather go out all the time – but the budget doesn’t allow for that.
This wrap was healthy, under 3 minutes to put together, and delicious.
Chicken, Bacon & Avocado Wrap
Recipe Type: Sandwich
Cuisine: Lunch
Author: The Charming South Kitchen
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 1
Bacon Chicken and Avocado for an easy lunch win
Ingredients
1 whole wheat tortilla
1/2 cup shredded chicken
2 T shredded colby jack cheese
1 strip cooked bacon
mayonnaise and honey mustard
greens
avocado
Instructions
Put tortilla down on microwave safe plate
Fill with chicken, cheese, bacon – heat for 45 seconds
I wish every week we could go on a honeymoon. My husband and I love to travel and I can’t wait to show our boys the world (as much as our budget will allow). Early on in our courtship, my husband and I knew we had a mutual love of food and roads. So, naturally when we got married, he was a master at planning our “secret” honeymoon. I could never have planned a better trip.
After a brief stay at our favorite place in Durham we ventured up to Washington DC for a few days as the first leg on a two week road trip. He had bought us tickets to the Taste of DC – a huge foodie tasting tour in front of the Capital Building. Even though I was sick, I still enjoyed it – in spirit at least.
Oh and a brief, unpaid plug. My husband loves Duke’s. Yes, the mayonnaise. I’d tried it once before and I stuck to my regular brand, but now have tried it again – and it really has made me fall in love with mayonnaise again.
Roasted Mexican Street Corn & Chicken Frittata
Recipe Type: Frittata
Cuisine: Eggs
Author: The Charming South Kitchen
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6
Corn chicken and eggs with a kick
Ingredients
2 ears of corn
2 T mayonnaise (I use Duke’s)
cayenne pepper to taste
chili powder to taste
2 c shredded chicken
1/2 cup sauteed onion
7 eggs
1 1/2 cup half and half
1 1/2 cup mont jack cheese, shredded
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 450. On two pieces of foil, squirt equal amounts of mayonnaise, lay the shucked corn on top, roll around, and sprinkle cayenne and chili powder.
Close up the foil.
Bake for about 25 minutes.
Remove and cool.
Cut the corn off the cob.
Lower temperature to 350.
Spray a deep dish 9 inch pie plate with Pam.
Mix the eggs, half and half, and cheese (and more seasonings if you want).
Mix the corn, chicken, onion
Combine the two and pour into pan.
Bake for about an hour or until set.
Let cool and enjoy!
3.2.2802
One of the favorite things I tasted was Mexican Street Corn: mayo, cheese, cayenne, corn – what’s not to love? So, I wanted to recreate the corn and turn it in to a frittata. It turned out great! Here you go. If you like corn casserole and quiche – you will love this. Its like a cross between a spicy corn casserole and a quiche. And if you have little ones eating it, just lay off the cayenne.
Yes, Fall has officially begun because we are now passed Labor Day! Do you still wear white? Just curious!?
Well, I’m definitely cranking out some warmer meals this week. The only thing that has been different about the Atlanta weather for the past week is we’ve had a lot more rain. I love the big storm clouds. I don’t love the fact that the storms seems to come during my boys’ nap time. They aren’t fans of constant thunder! Oh, well, I will train them right!
Pot Roast with potatoes, carrots, and onions
Beef Tips over Basmati
Chili (from a friend through a freezer meal exchange that I will be sharing) and cornbread
And i’m baking some soft batch cookies with fall candies. Can’t wait to show you finished product! And share them with a mom who is about to have another baby!
Since I’ve lived all around the South my entire life, I thought I would share with you just a few of my favorite places in each of the states I’ve lived in. This will definitely give you the travel bug – and I hope you can live it out to the fullest! Enjoy the Around-the-South tour and dream on this Sunday – that God would enable you to see more of the world He created!
Florida: The Sunshine State
Hontoon Island was a relatively new find for me. Traveled there last year. Your littles will love the little ferry ride over to the island. There are also good hiking and biking trails – but most of these trails aren’t conducive to strollers. Moss abounds!
If you are looking for a hole in the wall seafood restaurant – you need to come here. My Dad has ties to the owners and I love their fried grouper sandwich.
The best chicken and yellow rice and cuban bread – EVER. My first trip I remember to this Florida (chain) but staple, was in high school with my Spanish class after going to the Salvadore Dali museum. A must EAT!
And one of my favorite places in the city that I being an adult in – and one that I love and could retire in forever because I love it so – Barnacle Bills. Only thing you ever need to get there is the Datil Shrimp. Enough said.
I attended this private school most of my schooling years (except for half a year). I loved the principal then and my teachers. Some of the ministries I got to be a part of and friendships made still impact my life today.
The college I went to was in the heart of St. Augustine. College for me turned out to be different than I though mostly because we had no football team.
North Carolina: The Tarheel State
Oh, this could be a while. I love it here and consider it home more than any other place I’ve lived. Its where I fell in love with the Word, ministry, college students, the ocean, my husband, and where I became a momma for the first time.
I went to seminary here. The first time I saw the campus I knew I was going to love it there. Arrived on campus 4 months after my initial introduction.
I fell in love with missions, college students, and brooklyn tab while doing ministry at The Summit.
Had my first road trip with my husband and our first random stop was to one of the older cities. Loved it.
Kentucky: The Bluegrass State
I wasn’t here for a long time, and the seminary I worked for became home – and I loved the ability I had at the time to travel all the time and see people and things that I never would have otherwise.
Where I grew to love this ministry and all that is stands for. And Dr. Mohler spoke in our Sunday School this morning – and this ministry will have such a vital role in the church in the coming years (maybe even more so than before). Owen and Courtney – you and your teams have my prayers as they always have!
And how I fell in love with gospel centered preaching was by listening mostly to this man at this church.
Arkansas: The Natural State
I was here the briefest and made some really sweet friends. It is also where I fell in love with my second little boy!
ARWB – thank you Stephanie and Debbie and all of you other bloggers. Yall were a great community! Hopefully we will have that in GA soon!
Georgia: The Peach State
I’m growing to love this state more and more. I’ve always had ties to this state and now my husband and boys are here. Lovely combination
This is the church we get to be a part of. Thankful for faithful preaching each week.
This is the bestest place in the state for me. I’ve been going here since I was a kid and get to go with my family in 2 weeks.
Bring on the Fall! The weather hasn’t changed that much from last week, but the feel in my kitchen certainly has. Earlier this week I made some of these: some friends and some little misters in our home devoured these.
They are all gone.
I had never made a snickerdoodle until I lived with one of the girls I discipled (while she was in college). She loved snickerdoodles. And the fun thing is – that as I read the directions, I read them wrong, and it turned out I like it better and now this recipe is my tried and true snickerdoodle. Snickerdoodles are so easy and if done right they are perfectly soft and chewy for days. We just had the last of these at lunch and they were still chewy. Success!
And seriously – one of the things that can make any bad day better for me is buttercream. I love it – a true Hero! 🙂 But, it is also a bear to get perfect. If you get your butter too soft – forget it. I think I added too much pumpkin to mine trying to achieve the perfect pumpkin flavor – but below I’ve changed the recipe some. I hope yours turns out better than mine.
Having children in the house, I have a love relationship with Dr. Seuss. The whimsical poet author master who is unlock any other. We have the books and there is a clock in our younger sons room with the Oh the Places You’ll Go Theme. Now, the theme has entered my kitchen.
We had some of Eric’s family stop by for a visit on Friday afternoon and I wanted to make something low-key but delicious and filling, because who wants to send away house guests with an empty stomach – about the brave ATL Labor Day Wknd traffic and the ATL airport. Not me!
Green Eggs & Ham Quiche
Recipe Type: Brunch
Cuisine: Eggs
Author: The Charming South Kitchen
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4-6
Colorful and savory quiche
Ingredients
2 T evoo
1 onion, chopped,
1 cup chopped broccoli
1 cup quartered zucchini
1/4 lb chopped black forest ham
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp kosher salt
1 1/2 cup whole milk
7 eggs
1 deep dish pie crust
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350.
Bake the pie crust for about 15 minutes in the oven. Set aside to cool.
Saute the onion, ham, and vegetables for about 5 minutes in the evoo.
Add seasonings.
In another bowl, combine the milk, eggs, and cheese.
Combine with vegetable mixture.
Pour in pie crust. You’ll have extra and with that I make mini frittatas (and bake for 35 minutes)
Bake quiche for about 45-50 minutes or until middle of quiche is set.
I love a new month! Bring on September, new menus, new pictures, new reading challenges, new weight challenges, new friends, new adventures. Prime word is NEW!
This month we are going on vacation to a place we both vacationed as children with our families of origin and now we get to introduce our boys to the joy of Vogel State Park. Our older boy turns two so get ready for birthday blogs. Its fun! So, let’s get going!
Having a freezer meal party (pictures forthcoming) and am bringing chicken rice broccoli cheese casserole. Recipe forthcoming
Snickerdoodle Cookie Sandwiches with Spiced Pumpkin Buttercream – recipe forthcoming
I can count a few years since being a believer (as an adult) where Sundays were partially for church and partially for resting and chilling. Some of those years were during my time in Louisville. I worked at Southern Seminary and went to a church (mostly) that met at night. So, during the day, I could enjoy a day where I didn’t have to rush out the door and get ready.
I enjoyed a meal.
I went for a run.
I went to the farmers market.
I watched football.
All of these good things that God gives us to enjoy.
Then I prepared myself for worship. I loved ending my day like that – singing, hearing the Word preached. They were good days.
I’m very excited that the NCAA is back in full swing. I am definitely a Gator girl even though I’ve lived in 3 different football/basketball states since: NC (I love the Tarheels though), KY (only good thing about Louisville and UK was UofL’s head coach was Charlie Strong, but even he got smart and left for Texas), and now GA. I’d also have to admit if there was one SEC school that I could cheer for other than Florida it would be UGA – and that should make my FIL very happy). But, GO GATORS! Now, onto more important things…
Maybe you aren’t into football like I am, so here are some things you can do during the games, or you can do them and watch like I do – great multitasking.
BBQ chicken is usually for the summer – but now that we are moving into the fall and you might just need some food for a football party of something…make this to continue the summer
This was an amazing article in the NYT and we actually did this for our honeymoon. Yes, almost 3 years ago, we took a road trip up the East Coast that the final turn around spot was PEI. A dream come true. And I loved falling in love with Lucy Maud Montgomery more than her beloved Anne. You must go if you’ve never been.
Little known fact about me is that I adore US History. I wanted to be a high school history teacher because I had a high school history teacher who was an amazing teacher. So, I want to read more on the subject. Add something to my reading list besides Christian books.
When I was growing up I loved the cookies in the mall and the little stand in most malls that served Orange Julius drinks. I want to make my own. I’ve found a few recipes but will try this one this week
I have a journal that I want to use to write down food memories for our boys – so they will hopefully learn to love to cook and enjoy food and family around a table just like I do. One of the first chefs I learned to love was Sara Moulton and here is some of her words on the subject.
I’ve been thrilled with the depth, applicability, and pastoral heart of our pastor here in the ATL metro area – in his sermons that is. He was talking about friendship within the body of Christ this morning and then I just read a great blog post by a friend of mine on the very subject. Live authentic community with others. Believe me, it makes a huge difference in your life.
