Double Portion Inspiration

A few weeks ago we started a new series about the hidden dangers in your food.  If you missed the post, here's the link .  After researching some of my family's favorite foods and condiments, here are our top 5 lifestyle changes in an effort to eat healthier. Use Real Butter Margarine is high in trans fatty acids* Margarine increases total cholesterol and LDL (bad cholesterol)* We've decided to take it back to the basics.  Real butter instead of margarine .  I love the taste of Land O' Lakes sweet cream salted butter.  Leave the butter on your counter for easier spreading on toast and bagels. (Thanks Roslyn for that idea) Organic snacks When possible, we attempt to purchase organic snacks to keep our diets as wholesome as possible. Cascadian Farms chocolate chip granola bars is one of our favorites for lunches or a pre-workout snack. Pirate's Booty  is another brand of healthy snacks that we enjoy! Organic milk For a milk ...

 Just hatched baby sand crane  I absolutely love seeing sand cranes saunter around our neighborhood with such a commanding presence.  I've already blogged about them once in the past year.  Here's the link  if you missed it.  A recent sighting of a momma crane and her baby reminded me of the familiar phrase, "don't despise humble beginnings." When the baby crane is first born after an incubation period of only 29-32 days, it weighs only a few pounds.  Although it can walk on the day of it's birth, it won't take it's first flight for 67-75 days.  Over time the baby will grow by eating food provided by the parents and reach heights in excess of four feet.  Some cranes can get as tall as five feet high!  "Twin" cranes about 12 days old  During the crane's maturing process, it will stumble, need the help of it's parents, and face challenges.  Most importantly however, regardless of it's small stature...

Renee and TyJuan celebrating with the family!  Who doesn't love to party?  This past weekend was filled with celebrations.  My youngest son (Joshua) is now 7 years old.  Thankfully, my kids are the only ones getting older in my house.  I usually stress out trying to find a place to have his party, who to invite, what food to eat, etc.  This year I asked Joshua, "What do you want for your birthday?"  He quickly replied, "I want my family to come see me." How precious!  He wasn't concerned about balloons, gifts (although he REALLY wanted an electric scooter) or a list of kids to invite.  He just wanted his family to celebrate with him. Dinner at Brimstone Restaurant! My mom and sister eagerly agreed when I told them about the birthday boy's request.  Our weekend was filled with fun, laughter, surprises and tons of food.  My mommy heart is so thankful for these precious moments because the years slip by so quickly. As you...

There are not many places you can go in South Florida without running into road blocks or construction areas.  It seems that every major highway from I-595 to I-75 is undergoing a major renovation.  These construction zones cause headaches during rush hour.  Traffic barely moves and you are rushing to reach your destination. The positive: Construction signals growth and expansion.   The headache I have in traffic today will soon lead to open lanes on a newly expanded highway.  We must learn to have patience not only in traffic but also with ourselves.  We will face road blocks.  We will start a diet, exercise routine or try to have a "no swear" mouth.  In a few minutes or days we might fail and get frustrated.  We have tempers, get angry, splurge on our diet, etc.  But just like those construction zones, we will soon grow into something stress free and beautiful. This weekend reflect on the growth  you've made already.  ...

I must admit that I loathe taking time in the evenings to prepare lunch for the next day.  What if my kids don't go to school for one reason or another?  Not sure what the scenario might be, but what if?  That would mean that the time I spent on fixing lunches could've been used in another way. I just might be the only one who feels this way.  I'm sure that moms and dads all over the world pack lunches in the evenings to ensure a hassle free morning the next day.  I'm just not one of them.  It's all I can do to get through one day.  The thought of trying to figure it all out for the next one is sometimes more than I care to think about.  My husband on the other hand is completely different.  On the days that he takes the kids to school, he prepares the lunches the night before and even finds time to iron their clothes. The other night I started thinking about the lunches I would prepare in the morning when I thought about the ch...

My boys love candy.  As a mom, you try to keep it from them but it is impossible.  No matter where they go they are rewarded with candy.  Home, church, doctor's office or school; if they have a good day the common reward is candy. When my son was 4 years old he looked at me with his big brown eyes and said, "God is BETTER than candy."  I found the statement to be so funny but a profound truth.  His young mind could grasp the idea that God was BETTER than any sweet treat he'd ever received. So what about you?  What has God been BETTER than to you? Send us a tweet, comment on FB and let us know.  Enjoy your weekend! (Posted by Roslyn)

Roslyn-Easter 2011 The Superbowl Sunday of Christianity (Easter) is over and we resume our normal routine.  It is the biggest and holiest holiday for so many people.  Churches plan for months the activities that will take place on Easter Sunday.  Ministry workers and volunteers spend the week before Easter planting Spring flowers, decorating, stuffing eggs, cleaning and a host of other tasks to get ready for the huge amount of visitors. The crowds of parishioners on Easter is huge.  Unfortunately, some people won't come back to church until Mother's day or Christmas so their is a lot at stake.  Sunrise service, kids Easter programs and beach baptisms are just a few of the ways we commemorate the special day.  Ministers try to craft a message that will appeal and hopefully not offend those that are coming to church for the first time.  Easter services are held outside at a rodeo, under a tent, a football stadium or some even go to the expense to re...

Today we recognize Good Friday which symbolizes Jesus Christ's agonizing death on the cross.  He gave up His life for the entire world.  Whether or not you recognize and rejoice in His passionate sacrifice for us, He still died on your behalf.  Regardless of your past mistakes or present faults, Christ wants you to be a part of His family . 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." He desires that ALL might be saved. All means ALL and that includes you! John 3:16-17 (NLT) “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17  God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him." You may have never walked into a church or been offered a relationship with Christ.  ...

1 cup of cheerios shown in photo (equivalent of 6 cookies) During a recent drive home from school, my daughter asked me, "Mom, did you know that a bowl (1/2 cup) of Honey Nut Cheerios has as much sugar as three Chips Ahoy chocolate chip cookies?"  I had no idea there was that much sugar in a bowl of cheerios.  Since I don't wake up every morning and cook breakfast, out of convenience, cereal normally wins out on most mornings as the food of choice. I choose not to eat cereal because I only like the cereals that are full of sugar.  That is why I thought for sure cheerios were a good alternative to some of the other cereals.  As soon as it registered what my daughter shared, I researched a little deeper to find out if this was really true.  She brought home the issue of "Time for Kids" magazine where she read the information about sugar and common breakfast cereals.  They highlighted the Top 5 cereals with the m...