Just before she graduated preschool, on her last helper day, I took Esther to a tearoom where we met her preschool best friend and her mom. We had so much fun. This was a new experience for Esther to have a friend at the table other than her brothers.

This tearoom experience was even more fun for them because they brought the girls their raspberry tea in a cute little tea pot with cups and saucers (even though the tea was cold). The girls felt like they were so big, having tea just like adults.

We try to do this with the kiddos from time to time, where we take one for special time out with mommy or daddy. They absolutely love the attention. In a home of seven people, two cats and a dog…special time is not an easy find. So, every now and again we make some room in the schedule and budget.

Pray for them

Father, according to James 3, I ask for your heavenly wisdom and understanding to be upon (Name) all the days of (his/her) life.  “By [his/her] good conduct let [him/her] show [his/her] works in the meekness of humility.” I ask specifically for the “wisdom from above [which] is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness [to be] sown in peace by [(Name), who makes] peace.” In the name of Jesus, I ask these things, Amen.    – James 3:13, 17-18

Prayers taken from the BiblicalPrayers mobile app. Download today on the App Store or Google Play store.

Green Smoothie

Last month I decided I would change some things up. This coming Friday is my birthday and these bones aren’t getting any younger! I figure I cannot keep eating toddler food all day long (Ritz crackers, peanut butter and honey, ham and cheese, chips, cereal…) without consequence. I am changing around my eating habits, (thanks mostly to the Beachbody plan) and replacing my peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with a protein smoothie every day.

Blend until smooth:

• 6 green grapes
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 3 cubes fresh pineapple
• 1 Tbsp minced ginger
• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• several ice cubes
• 2 scoops vanilla protein

This was so delicious. I feel lighter on my feet and have more energy for eating healthier. Maybe I should play Tim McGraw’s My Next Thirty Years as background music. And yes, I go to bed earlier too.