Multi-Tasking Moms

FYI - blogs not opening

2008-08-02T09:16:00.000-04:00

If you, or someone you know, uses sitemeter on their blogs, their blog will not open with Internet Explorer. You can remedy this problem by going to your dashboard and deleting the sitemeter page element. Just open the box where you have the sitemeter code and click 'remove.'

I don't know if sitemeter is working to fix this problem, but if you desire a new application to track your blog traffic and stats, I'd recommend statcounter.com.

At this point, we still have no plans to re-open this blog, but I wanted to post the information here as I know people still stop by to access older posts. Thank you!!

Welcome 2008

2008-01-01T09:45:00.000-05:00

Being a mom takes balance.

It takes time and planning for each of us to find that balance.

We here at Multi-tasking Moms are thankful that we've been able to share for the past 5 months the ways in which we've created that balance - make ahead meals, cleaning tips, how to fit in time for a workout - while centering ourselves with the goal of striving to put Christ first.

We have found, as 2008 has come upon us, that one way for each of us to continue to maintain that balance, is to allow our time used at MTM to take a hiatus. We plan to keep the blog here, so that the articles, ideas and links will remain for the moms who read. We're thankful you for your valuable contributions to MTM.

May you each have a wonderful 2008 and may we constantly strive to follow Christ in all our endeavors. Blessings, The MTM team

Its beginning to look....

2007-12-13T20:51:00.000-05:00

...a lot like Christmas!!

We apologize for the lateness in getting this out to you.

It is our desire for our own families, as well as yours, that we be devoting as much time to them and this joyous season as we can. Therefore, we here at MTM are taking a short break. We will post a new message when we have decided on a start up date.

Praising God this Christmas

For all that He has done

And for sending us the greatest Gift

His one and only Son!

May He bless you and your family

all season long!

From all the moms at MTM -

Merry Christmas!

Making Your Work Out Work

2007-12-07T23:39:00.000-05:00

Are you like me? Does the thought of exercising make you tired? I’m one of those people who was never good at sports, was not very coordinated and could trip over my own feet if I wasn’t careful. But now, lazing around is not longer an option. My metabolism has gotten slower than my eating. So I try to get a little exercise in now and then.

When it comes to exercise, I’ve found there are two important things for me to keep it going: I have to like it and I need to be motivated.

I like walking. On a nice day I don’t mind going out and walking my trail. I find that I enjoy it and even look forward to my walking time. Sometimes I take along my ipod loaded with an audio book to keep me company. On a not so nice day, I use the Walk at Home DVD.

I’ve tried a few different things to keep me motivated. Sometimes I meet up with a friend and that is a great source of accountability and encouragement if you can work it out. Another thing I’ve done is track my progress on a calendar. Just knowing that I walked 2 miles, three days this week is enough motivation for me to keep going or try to beat it.

But the easiest thing for me is the pedometer. You can clip one on when you get up in the morning and write down your steps at the end of each day. It can quickly become a great motivator for you to try to beat your steps. 10,000 steps a day is recommended. If you’re not sure how many steps a day you’re walking, strap on a pedometer and see. Then try to do more.

You can keep up with your progress on your own just by writing down your steps each day. But I also found this site which will keep up with your progress for you and send you reports to keep you going.

Pedometers range in prices and bells and whistles. Some just count your steps, others track your progress over months and years, calculate calories burned. Here’s a site that compares some of the top sellers. I've seen them at Walmart for as little as $5.00.

Some days are busier than others. I may be running all over the house putting away laundry or picking up the house and then do a work-out walk on top of that. Then there are other days when I find myself sitting around more. Having my pedometer on will remind me when I need to step it up.

If your work-out needs a change of pace, try adding a pedometer. Find out how much you're really moving each day.

Advent Devotions

2007-12-06T08:22:00.000-05:00

This Advent Season I am enjoying reading this advent calendar with my children.

This calendar is filled with things that you can do everyday.

Right now we are working on a Jesse Tree.

We are reading each days devotional which includes reading a bible passage.

Then either coloring or decorating an ornament.

Then haging that ornament on a tree.

This is making Advent memorable for the kids and us.

The second calendar I am working on daily myself.

The calendar is filled with lots of great things to do like:

Let your Bible fall open and

contemplate the reading the Holy Spirit has put before you,

Include in your Christmas cards blessings you have received,

Pick one habit that is keeping you from holiness and resolve and conquer it.

(you can click on he calendars to enlarge)

I am also reading a couple other daily Advent Devotional books.

I'd like to share today's devotion with you.

Thursday - First Week of Advent

Jesus said, "Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on a rock. The reain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse. It had been set soldidly on rock.

(Matthew 7:21, 24-27)

Jesus says that if we take to heart his words and make them the basis of our actions, our lives are built on a rock-solid foundation.

This raises some questions. First ,have I built a set of convictions that I try to live by? (These would be comparable to the house in the parable above. ) Or, do I more or less operate on a vague deisre to do right?

If I do have convictions, then another question is this: What are they based on? The rock of God's word? Or the shifting sands of what seems generally acceptable in our society?

When the rain and floods and winds come into my life- and they do- I need solid footings. As a disciple of the Lord, I commit myself to more than following the Gospel whenever possible and or convenient.

Just for starters....Do I forgive when I feel like it, or do I have conviction based on the "solid rock" of what Jesus taught about forgiveness? Or prayer. Do I pray "when I get a chance," or do I have a rock-solid pattern of prayer ?

I need to spend some time taking stock of the foundations on which I have built my life.

Spend some quiet time with the Lord.

Does anyone else have any other suggestions

or devotional readings that your do throughout December?

Please feel free to share what you do.

December Featured Multi-Tasking Mom

2007-12-05T21:50:00.000-05:00

The Featured MTM column has been put on hold for this month - please stay tuned for further announcements regarding the prize featured on November 7's post.

Holiday Stress

2007-12-04T10:26:00.000-05:00

I was going to write an entire post about dealing with stress during the holiday season, but then I saw exactly what I was going to say printed in my church bulletin.

Dealing With Holiday Stress

Levels of stress increase during the holiday season, as people tend to overextend themselves and commit to doing more than they possibly can in the limited time they have. This season is stressful even if what people commit themselves to are events that should be enjoyable, such as attending parties and visiting family.

The causes of stress are plentiful -- but with a little planning and some tips from the South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service, the holidays can be much less stressful.

-- Don't commit to more than you can handle. If there is not enough time in which to do a project, decide not to do it. Make sure to balance your obligations with things that you want to do. Plan your time and stick to your plan.

-- Maintain your health. Monitor what you eat and drink, make sure you are getting enough sleep and stick to your exercise program.

-- When shopping, stay within your budget so that gift giving does not become another source of stress. Plan in advance when and how you will do your shopping. This way, you are less likely to be overwhelmed.

-- Acknowledge feelings of grief and loss if they exist. If you are separated from family or friends or have suffered a loss in your family, realize that the feeling of loss in normal. Allow yourself to express this grief and emotions.

-- Avoid unrealistic expectations. Don't be so critical of yourself or others if things fail to go as planned. Remember, too, the magic of the holidays will probably not solve your personal or family problems.

One more note from me. Remember to keep your focus on the real meaning of the season and you're bound to have a happier holiday.

Recipe Roundup: Dips

2007-12-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

With the holiday season in full swing, we'll all be spending more time with friends and family. Dips are a great way to entertain a small group, or a large crowd without having to stretch the budget too far, or spending too much time in the kitchen.

Here is a great dip recipe that my family really enjoys. And, every time I serve this one to guests, I get asked for the recipe.

Artichoke and Spinach Dip
recipe slightly adapted from allrecipes.com...

4 cloves garlic
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 (16 ounce) container Alfredo-style pasta sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Place garlic in a small baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven 20 to 30 minutes, until soft. Remove from heat. When cool enough to touch, squeeze softened garlic from skins.

In a medium bowl, combine the roasted garlic, spinach, artichoke hearts, Alfredo-style pasta sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese and cream cheese. Spoon into 8 x 8 inch (or similar sized) baking dish.

Cover and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for additional 10 minutes, or until bubbly. Serve with tortilla chips or cubed Italian bread.

Now it's your turn. Share a favorite dip recipe with us by linking below, or leave one in the comments section!

Keeping Your Fashion in Mind

2007-11-30T08:57:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time I was a twenty something who cared about what was in and out of fashion. I am sure I wasn't the perfect model of what to wear but I had a clue. Then I was a wife and I still had a fashion sense, and the freedom to shop for me. (The good ole days.) Then came the day I was given the title of Mommy. My focus was on baby clothes, baby gadgets, diaper bags, baby toys, and this dynamic continued through every stage my daughter faced. Every growth spurt demanded more clothes. Sure, I was in need of an updated outfit or two, but who has time for an outfit or two when your newborn child is outgrowing her clothes. Plus, it is so fun to shop for your baby!! I mean really - the clothes are SOOO cute.

Thanks to a second pregnancy, the demands of life and the passage of time I now wonder... "What happened to my wardrobe?!!" How did my shoes become so out?? I know there are some moms who sport stilettos while running in the park with their kids, but I am NOT that mom. I find myself in over sized t-shirts and jeans or elastic waisted pants. Last year I finally bought a few pair of the jeans with flared legs to only read in the latest fashion magazine that straight legged jeans are back! This can be exhausting.

I have tried to buy a few key staples, with every season, so that at least a few of my outfits are not "from the 90's". Unfortunately I cannot keep up with trends like I used to. What to do??? How can we keep our kids clothed (since they seem to outgrow everything every 6 months) while maintaining a little style of our own??

My solution is to buy a few key pieces every season. I tend to be at the park or on play dates more than I am around professionally dressed people, so I look for bargains on the latest casual wear. I make a run, and I do mean a run, for a bargain store. I grab 3 or 4 tops and then head to the register. I still wear my flare legged jeans and my sweat pants with these tops and I feel great! I buy a pair of shoes, when I find something practical, and when I am really up for a splurge I buy an entire outfit.

But I must warn you, since we have limited time for us - beware of the juniors section. Nothing is more infuriating than to buy a Medium top KNOWING it will fit, to only find that you are now dressed like a hussy. They should put a Jr-M or something in the tag. I do NOT have time to find a shirt I like AND try it on in the store. Most of the time I have my kids with me and I am lucky to find something I like. :) The same goes for pants. I have found a Jr. size pant thinking it was a normal size I wear and brought it home devastated that I couldn't get it past my thighs. :) They (the junior sizes) need to have a neon green tag in the clothes so we will KNOW when we are in the wrong area.

I think remaining in touch with fashion is vital to my emotional health. I don't mean that in an obsessed way but in an effort to avoid the "I am a zombie person wearing only t-shirts because the kids will either spit up on me or get me dirty so why bother" mindset. We need to be comfortable and we need to feel good too. I have found one key to me feeling I am not lost in the title of Mom is to buy a few shirts each season and to keep a fresh hair cut. It isn't perfect but at least I am still in the picture.

It is so easy to sit back and care for everyone but me. Having a balanced plan gives me permission to take care of me without feeling like "Oh, I should have bought something for the kids." I feel good about me and I feel good about my 'Mom-ness'. (And can I get an Amen or a Yippee for longer shirts being IN!!! Didn't you hate the belly shirt phase???? Especially while trying to wear maternity pants - the shirts showed the blue bands on the pants. Ick! Ick!! Ick! Loved the belly bump, just hated the blue maternity bands showing.)

Tis the Advent Season

2007-11-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

The Season of Advent is upon us! In fact, it begins this Sunday, December 2nd.

Advent season is the period of anticipation and preparation as Christians await the celebration of Jesus' birth on Christmas.

Although I was raised in a Christian home, our church and my family never really celebrated Advent until I was in college. It was at that time that my mom stumbled upon the meaning of Advent and began a simple tradition of Advent dinners. (though the preparation is not necessarily simple for her...)

Each Sunday during the Advent Season my side of the family gathers for dinner together. We have a brief devotion and prayer and then we light the candle on the advent wreath. It is a time to come together as a family and focus on the true meaning of this holiday season - Christ - which can be easily lost in the flurry of Christmas "activity".

This year Eric and I are planning to celebrate Advent daily with the children using the devotions and symbols of the Jesse Tree. It is too late in the season for me to fill my life with hurry and force myself to find the tree and make the ornaments (or purchase them). Instead, we will sit around the dinner table each night and read the scripture and devotion. The girls will then color in the symbol on paper and we will paste it on a paper with the scripture, which I will type and print. I hope to fit about 4 per page so that at the end of the season, they will have a book celebrating Advent Season. I hope it will become a keepsake book we can bring out each year!

Of course, there are so many wonderful ways to celebrate this season and look ahead with anticipation to Christmas! Does your family have special traditions for Advent season? Please take a moment and share them with us!

Recipe Roundup-Warming Me Up

2007-11-25T23:54:00.000-05:00

I LOOOOVE soups, chowders, and chili's during the cold weather. In my area we are having some cold weather in deed. There is something so comforting and warming to have a pot of simmering soups, chowders, and chili's to wrap up the end of the day. Throw some rolls and salad and you have a good meal. Yes, MAM!

This is a family favorite and it is so good.

Cheesy Ham and Cheddar Chowder

10 Bacon Strips
1 large onion
1 cup diced carrots
3 T. flour
3 Cups milk
1 1/2 cup water
2 1/2 cups of cut up peeled potatoes
1 can corn (drained)
2 chicken bouillon cubes
pepper to taste
2 cups of shred cheddar
2 cups fully cooked ham

In a large soup pot cook the bacon until crisp. Drain bacon, saute onion and carrot in bacon drippings. Stir in flour until well blended. Gradually add milk and water. Bring to boil, cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add potatoes, corn, bouillon, and pepper. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Add cheese and ham. Heat until cheese is melted. Stir in bacon.This recipe was in Quick Cooking (Oct 2000).

Share your favorite!

Tiz the Season to Travel

2007-11-21T06:19:00.000-05:00

Do you have any tips for traveling with kids?

'Tiz the season! For good food! Decorations! Family time! Traveling!

With kids.

I travel about twice a year without my husband, usually with a connecting flight and with two children - and, with a little preparation and a lot of prayer, it is not too bad.

When flying, my number one tip is that your positive attitude and refusal to be flapped by what others think is THE most important thing. I have to constantly repeat to myself "my kids have a right to go visit their grandparents!" Obviously, I do the very best I can to see that we are not a bother to anyone, but children are children and perfect behavior is probably not going to happen.

My best suggestion is to fly Frontier, pray for one of the newer planes with Direct TV, pay the $5, put it on Nickel*odean, and read a book. (I actually got to do this once! Read an entire book for the first time in at least 6 months.) The DVD player is also a great idea, but we have always seem to have battery issues.

Here are some other ideas that have worked for us:

--snacks, snacks & more snacks. If your kids are too young for gum, include lollipops to "suck" on going up and down so their ears won't hurt. I use little ziplocks and pack goldfish, teddy grahams, fruit snacks, raisins, cashews, pretzels, Ritz Bitz w/ peanut butter, M&M, etc.. I dole them out one baggie at time just about anytime the wiggles set in. They don't eat the rest of the day, and that is ok with me. I pack one big bag for each "leg" of the flight, and I pack extras in my checked luggage for the way home.
--notebook and pencil. Since you are sitting with them, this lasts longer than other situations. You keep it going by "draw me a square", "draw me a doggie" etc...
--matchbox cars- only one for each hand or they get dropped easily on the floor.
--sticker books. My favorite are the Dis*ney ones and we get them at Sams or Costco. Star stickers and blank paper works too.
--A couple of favorite story books that you have put away for a couple of weeks before the trip so they are "new" again.

Tips:

--Take a carry-on bag that you can put under the seat in front of you rather than in an overhead compartment. That means that you can easily get to your bag even if the "fasten seatbelt" sign is on, and you are not trying to get to an overhead compartment with a kid in your lap.
--Crayons or markers are hard because they roll and then you get to try and fetch them before they are in the back of the plane. I still take them, but I hold the box and only allow one out at a time.
--If your husband is flying with you - one of you go onto the plane when you can with your luggage and get everything situated. The other one stay out in the gate with the kids and board at the last possible minute so that they have to be in the seat, quiet and still, as little as possible.
--Play airplane at home and practice not kicking the seat in front of you, not screeching, and being amazed at the view out the window.
--Go to the bathroom BEFORE you get on the plane. Always. They invariably have to go to the bathroom as the plane is taking off and you are not allowed out of your seat.
--The airline will sometimes try to put you in the very front seat of the cabin, which seems like such a good idea - there is a little bit more room, and there are no seats to kick in front of you. I liked them when I had a nursing baby with me, but now I don't because you cannot have any bags in front of you.
--Don't put the kids next to each other if you can help it. Sit in the middle.
--Wear slip-on or velcro shoes and have the kids do the same. Some airports require that shoes go through security, and this makes it a lot less time-consuming in the security lines.

Here's a site with some more ideas:
http://www.flyingwithkids.com/

Share your best tips on flying (or driving) with kids!

Food Safety Tips

2007-11-20T08:19:00.000-05:00

I know it's not a pleasant topic, but foodborne illnesses can quickly change a happy holiday gathering in to something memorable for less-than-pleasant reasons. But following safe food handling practices will lessen our chances of getting sick during the holidays.

According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, typical symptoms of foodborne illness include stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, which often start a few days after consuming contaminated food or drink. The symptoms usually aren't long-lasting in healthy people — a few hours or a few days — and go away without treatment. But foodborne illness can be severe and even life-threatening to those most at risk, FDA officials say. Those most at risk include older adults, infants and young children; pregnant women; people with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or any condition that weakens their immune systems.

The following is some food safety tips from the FDA. Most of us already follow proper food handling procedures, but it can't hurt to get a reminder:

1. Clean: The first rule of safe food preparation in the home is to keep everything clean.

* Wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling food. (Just Mom has Just Son sing "Happy Birthday" slowly while washing his hands.)
* Wash food-contact surfaces (cutting boards, dishes, utensils, countertops) after preparing each food item and before going on to the next item.

* Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water and use a produce brush to remove surface dirt.

* Do not rinse raw meat and poultry before cooking. Washing these foods makes it more likely for bacteria to spread to areas around the sink and countertops.

2. Separate: Don't give bacteria the opportunity to spread from one food to another (cross-contaminate).

* Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood and their juices away from foods that won't be cooked while shopping in the store, and while preparing and storing at home.

* Consider using one cutting board only for foods that will be cooked (raw meat, poultry, and seafood) and another one only for ready-to-eat foods (such as raw fruits and vegetables).

*Do not put cooked meat on an unwashed plate that has held raw meat.

3. Cook: Food is safely cooked when it reaches a high enough internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria.

* Use a food thermometer to make sure meat, poultry, and fish are cooked to a safe internal temperature. To check a turkey for doneness, insert a food thermometer into the inner thigh area near the breast of the turkey but not touching bone. The turkey is done when the temperature reaches 180ºF. If the turkey is stuffed, the temperature of the stuffing should be 165ºF. Make sure oysters in oyster dressing are thoroughly cooked.

* Bring sauces, soups, and gravies to a rolling boil when reheating.

* Cook eggs until the yolk and white are firm. When making your own eggnog or other recipe calling for raw eggs, use pasteurized shell eggs, liquid or frozen pasteurized egg products, or powdered egg whites.

* Don't eat uncooked cookie dough, which may contain raw eggs.

4. Chill: Refrigerate foods quickly because harmful bacteria grow rapidly at room temperature.

* Refrigerate leftovers and takeout foods within two hours.

* Set your refrigerator no higher than 40ºF and the freezer at 0ºF. Check both periodically with an appliance thermometer.

* Never defrost food at room temperature. Food can be defrosted safely in the refrigerator, under cold running water, or in the microwave. Food thawed in cold water or in the microwave should be cooked immediately.

* Allow the correct amount of time to properly thaw food. For example, a 20-pound turkey needs two to three days to thaw completely when thawed in the refrigerator. If a turkey is not properly thawed, the outside of the turkey will be done before the inside, and the inside will not be hot enough to destroy disease-causing bacteria.

For More Information, visit http://www.foodsafety.gov/ or http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/.

Other numbers to know:

* FDA Food Information Line: 1-888-SAFEFOOD (1-888-723-3366)

* USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline
1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854)
TTY 1-800-256-7072

Recipe Roundup - Favorite Side Dishes

2007-11-18T16:55:00.000-05:00

With Thanksgiving about at the door, I thought it would be fun to Round Up some favorite side dishes.

If you have one you'd like to share, you may add it in the comments, or post it to your blog with a link to this post and then come back to sign up with Mr. Linky!

This dish was brought to us when a friend from church made a baby meal after the birth of our second child. We absolutely love this cranberry salad - It will be hard to try a new recipe because I don't think any beat this! If you try it, let me know what you think!

Jill's Cranberry Salad
6 oz cherry Jell-O
2 c hot water
2 1/2 - 3 c sugar
20 oz crushed pineapple, drained
1 lb fresh or frozen cranberries
6 large apples
1/2 c chopped walnuts

Dissolve Jell-O in hot water. Add sugar and pineapple. Put the cranberries and apples in a food chopper and then stir them in to the Jell-O mixture. Add walnuts just before serving, to keep them from getting soggy. Serve with whipped topping.

Excuse this interuption...

2007-11-16T07:41:00.001-05:00

Please make sure you look below for today's current post...

I'm happy to announce that "Mom to 5...Daughter of the King" is our winner for the Leslie Sansone Family Walk DVD.

Please send us a note (there is a link on the side for our email) with your name and address so we can get this dvd out to you!

Thanks to all who entered!

Go Figure! Get To Thinking Healthy!

2007-11-16T06:15:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Go Figure Friday!

I want to tell you all that you are BEAUTIFUL!!! No matter where you are in your weight loss journey or getting healthy lifestyle. Every year women start diet plans and within 6 months 42% will have gained back or more of their weight loss. WHY??? We are our worst critic. We tell ourselves it is okay to blow the rest of the day when we overeat a little. We lose our amount and have a hard time maintaining it once we have achieved the weight loss.

My Dear Sweet Ladies,

We have to not only strengthen our bodies, and change our eating habits. We have to change our mind sets. Why are we losing weight? Do you feel like you loved less because of the extra pounds? Do you think you are only beautiful if you are a certain shape or size? Are you disgusted with yourself when you overeat and feel like you are out of control? Do you let your body image dictate your worth? Do you let it hold you back from doing certain things?

We need to exercise our MINDS. Store up scriptures, quotes, and testimonies to keep us encourage when negative thought patterns enter I mind. They say you are what you think. Hmmmm! That is very interesting. If we constantly talk about the rolls, cellulite, thunder thighs, and every other negative image we will not take care of our bodies the way they deserve. God made us to be healthy so let us look at that way. We might not be a size 6 but if we have healthy lifestyles we should keep striving to be the best that WE can be in OUR bodies. We are all different.

I am going to making some cute little signs to post around my home to keep my negative thought patterns in line. I do think this will be a key help in helping me stay faithful to a healthy life.

Do you struggle with self-esteem? Share ways that you could help build your confidence!

Thanksgiving Tradition

2007-11-15T08:42:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving is in the air. I find myself online searching for color pages and ideas for creating our own traditions. I have such a passion to create a fun and memorable holiday with my family. We teach our kids to be thankful every day but I especially want this message to sink in now.

I am so in love with the fall leaves. All of the warm colors. The cooler temperatures. I feel so alive. Wherever we go throughout the day, I am constantly saying "HC. JB. Look at the trees over there!!" The kids tell me of all the colors they see as we drive. We have driven through tunnels of trees raining leaves down upon us. I just love the fall!

How does your family celebrate Thanksgiving?? Do you have a special tradition? I do not want to overlook this time of reflecting on our blessings and jump right into Christmas mode. I want to preserve this time too! We are beginning our journey of creating traditions and I wondered if you had any you felt like sharing!

By the way, I found this great website with a Thankful e-book you can print for free (The e-book is geared more towards preschool and Kindergarten ages).

Barefoot Books

2007-11-13T20:13:00.000-05:00

The Princess and the White Bear King by Tanya Robyn Batt and illustrated by Nicoletta Ceccoli is a happily ever after story adapted from three European fairy tales. In this beautifully illustrated story, a young princess has a dream. Her father, the King, tries his best to re-create it, but it seems that only the great White Bear holds the key to her dreams.

The story immediately puts you in the wintry setting,

"In the North, where the thickly-needled pine forests are deep and dark and the snow falls bride-white, there once lived three Princesses, daughters of a King and Queen. All three were beautiful, but with her long, fair hair and her dreamy eyes, the youngest was the fairest by far. And her father loved her best."

The princess finds herself in an adventure with the White Bear, and the mystery surrounding him and his castle. In a moment of doubt, the princess’s true love seems to be snatched away. She must now complete a journey that takes her to a land that lies east of the sun and west of the moon where she must prove herself worthy of the White Bear King.

I received this book and the accompanying CD from Barefoot Books. My children listened to it and loved the story even without the book. Once they saw the book, they fell in love with the colorful, whimsical illustrations.

Browsing through the Barefoot Books website, it appears that all their books are richly illustrated with bright colors and appealing drawings. If you’re looking for just the right book for a child this Christmas, why not check out Barefoot Books. You will find a unique selection that focuses on quality literature.

As the author, Tanya Robyn Batt, says,

“The story begins with a dream, as do many of our adventures in life, and ends as all fairy tales should, with laughter, love and happiness ever after.”

After taking a look at the Barefoot Books website, you may be interested in selling these books yourself. If so, check out their stallholder program.

Thinking about buying books for Christmas this year instead of toys from China? Me too. My kids love audio books, and I do too, since they don't require as much reading from me. Many of the books from Barefoot Books include a CD.

Here's a special offer from Barefoot Books for free shipping so you can get stared with that Christmas shopping right away. Running from November 1^st through the end of the month, start shopping and then use this Special Offer Code at checkout to activate the free shipping on their orders - SCSHSH - it's that easy!

Scripture Cake

2007-11-12T00:23:00.001-05:00

Baking a cake while reading the Bible! I guess this is one of those times when you can have your cake and eat it too-LOL!

This is a wonderful recipe to do with your children! I cannot take credit for it. A friend of mine had her mother’s cookbook that was put together by the women of her church. But this recipe dates back to 1906.

Recipe

4-1/2 cup 1 King 4:22

1 cup Judges 5:25 (last clause)

2 cups Jeremiah 6:20

2 cups 1 Samuel 30:12

2 cups Nahum 3:12

2 cups Numbers 17:8

2 Tbsp. 1 Samuel 14:25

A pinch Leviticus 2:13

6 cups Jeremiah 17:11

½ cup Judges 4:19 (last clause)

2 tsp. Amos 4:5

Season to taste 2 Chronicles 9:9

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4-1/2 cup flour

1 cup butter

2 cups sugar

2 cups raisins

2 cups figs

2 cups almonds

2 Tbsp. honey

A pinch salt

6 cups eggs

½ cup milk

2 tsp. leaven (baking powder)

Season to taste spices (I used cinnamon)

Cream butter and sugar; add honey and eggs, well beaten. Sift dry ingredients and alternately with milk. Then add fruits, almonds, and spices. Bake 50-60 minutes at 325-350◦ in a bundt pan (or any type of tube pan).

What yummy cake recipe do you have to share with us?

Go Figure Friday & Giveaway

2007-11-09T06:45:00.000-05:00

Two of our biggest 'eating holidays' are soon upon us. Oh yes, let's dig into that wonderful food with such sweet aromas. Turkey, mashed potatoes, fresh baked rolls and don't forget the homemade cranberry sauce.

Makes us gain weight just thinking about it, doesn't it?

But, rather than get ourselves feeling bad about these upcoming weeks, let's use this time before the holidays to try to add a little more exercise into our daily schedules.

If you are looking for a place to start, here are some great articles:

Excuse-Proof Your Exercise Plan

What is Your Exercise Personality?

12 Week Treadmill Workout

And, here at Multi-Tasking Moms, we'll get one lucky reader started with the Leslie Sansone Family Walk DVD. Leave us a comment telling us your favorite way to exercise and also how you would fit this video into your family's daily schedule! A winner will be chosen randomly next Friday, Nov 16.

I want to encourage each of you, to develop an exercise routine now, before the holidays arrive. I've been walking 3-5 times a week for almost 10 weeks and seeing the pounds drop has been a wonderful motivation to keep going. There are 6 weeks until Christmas - get started today and see where you can be by the end of the year!

A new life in Christ

2007-11-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

Michael Fran*zese was a financially powerful member of a New York Crime family. He was sworn into the Colo*mbo Crime Fam*ily at the age of 24, against the initial wishes of his father. He has been referred to as the Mo*b's, "Long Island Don" and "The Prince of the Ma*fia."

He was once the primary target of a massive, fourteen agency government task force that "had one assignment----to bring down the Ma*fia's youngest and most financially powerful new superstar, Michael Fran*zese." At the height of his m*ob activity, Michael was "one of the biggest money earners the m*ob had seen since Al Ca*pone, and the youngest individual on Fortune magazine's survey of "The Fifty Biggest Ma*fia Bosses." (Vanity Fair Magazine).

This guy was living the "high life" in a life of cri*me, until God choose Him. That's right. God called this man into service for the Kingdom of God despite the life of sin he was pursuing.

On the set of a film he was producing he met and fell in love with one of the dancers. She would ultimately be the woman God would use to bring him to himself. She would introduce Michael to Christ. Eventually, they would marry.

Eventually, he would walk away from his life in the mo*b and he would refuse government protection. In fact, he is the only high ranking official in the mo*b to leave, refuse protection, and live to tell about it.

And he isn't hiding folks!!!

I was fortunate enough to visit my brother's church on the week that Michae*l Franz*ese came to speak. It was amazing. This man has not only left the m*ob and lived, but he is preaching the glory of God across the nation!!

You can read all about his incredible story in his book, "Blo*od Covenant". You can order it and learn more at this website. (It is also available at amaz*on)

I wanted to share with you a few of the things that he said that touched my heart:

1. The ground at the foot of the cross is LEVEL! (can I get an AMEN on that one?) So many people struggle with their past, but we need to remember that when we come to Christ we have a new life! We are given a fresh start and those sins are forgotten, no matter what they were.

II Corinthians 5:17 "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

2. Where are you in giving your life to God versus studying Him as a subject? You see, Michael was an alter boy growing up. He knew all about God, but didn't know God. There is a difference. God taught him that religion was more than a subject. It is a relationship with Jesus Christ.

3. God will prove himself without a doubt if you seek Him and surrender. It won't be "beyond a reasonable doubt" the way our court system handles things. It will be beyond ANY doubt! He shared how this has been true in his life. The gospel is TRUE and will hold itself up to any scrutiny.

He has an amazing story to share and I am so glad I was able to hear him speak. I encourage you to check him out and read about God's amazing power in this man's life.

~Mary

Do You Want To Be Our Next Featured Multi-Tasking Mom?

2007-11-07T21:31:00.000-05:00

Do you want to be next month's Featured Multi-Tasking Mom? We're going to focus on Holiday Traditions here at MTM and we're giving you a chance to share some of your special holiday traditions with us!

And, if you're chosen as our Featured MTM, you win this adorable nativity set!

Now to enter, all you need to do is:

1. Leave us a comment on this post.

2. Send us an email by clicking on our little envelop to the right (subject line: Featured MTM) sharing with us some of your family's holiday traditions. Please add your name/username and name of blog with URL. (For those of you who entered last month, you are welcome to reenter again.)

We can't wait to hear from you! :)

What's In Your Medicine Cabinet?

2007-11-06T07:29:00.000-05:00

Many of us check the expiration dates of grocery items before serving it, but do you also check the expiration dates on the over-the-counter medicine you've purchased for your family?

I make it a habit of thoroughly organizing our medicine cabinet -- actually a shelf in one of our hall closets because humid conditions could speed up how quickly medicines lose their effectiveness -- each time we have to reset our clocks. That's when I check expiration dates and make a list of what items we'll need. I also quick-check our medicine shelf each time someone in this family gets ill, which seems to be at least once a month.

I don't remember when I started checking expiration dates on medicines. I just remember I started doing that after I took some expired pain reliever for a fever. I didn't have a violent reaction to it, thank goodness (probably because it had only been three months since it expired), but the ibuprofen I took didn't help relieve my pain at all. Since then I've become more vigilant in checking our health supplies.

In addition to checking expiration dates for oral medication, I also periodically check expiration dates of ointments I keep in the house, such as Co*rtaid and Neo*sporin.

So what should you keep in a medicine closet? The following is a list of recommended items from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. I keep my medicines and my first-aid supplies in separate plastic bins. I also keep my child's medicines in a separate basket.

--Analgesic (relieves pain)
--Antibiotic ointment (reduces risk of infection)
--Antacid (relieves upset stomach)
--Antihistamine (relieves allergy symptoms)
--Syrup of ipecac (induces vomiting) PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR FIRST BEFORE USING THIS.
--Decongestant (relieves stuffy nose and other cold symptoms)
--Fever reducer (adult and child)
--Hydrocortisone (relieves itching and inflammation)
--Antiseptic (helps stop infection)

--Adhesive bandages
--Adhesive tape
--Gauze pads
--Tweezers
--Thermometer
--Calibrated measuring spoon
--Alcohol wipes
--Disinfectant

Always remember to read label instructions before taking or giving any medication. If in doubt, call your pharmacist or your physician. Just Mom is not a doctor. I just play one at home.

Recipe Roundup: Salads

2007-11-05T19:40:00.000-05:00

Who isn't looking for good salad recipes? I know I'm always scoping out websites and cookbooks looking for fun new ones to try. Whether you're watching the calories, or looking for side salads to compliment your favorite meals, it's great to have some good salad recipes on hand!

We love to eat salads as main dishes at our house, and this Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad recipe is one of our favorites. This recipe is entirely from scratch, but you can substitute any part of it with premade ingredients if you don't want to do the entire salad from scratch. Sometimes, I don't have the energy to make the dressing, so I'll use my favorite brand of store bought Caesar dressing. But, I'll take the time that evening to make the croutons!

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Grilled Chicken

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons lemon pepper
2 tablespoons garlic salt
1 tablespoon onion powder

Sprinkle both sides of each chicken breast with lemon pepper, garlic salt, and onion powder. Grill until juices run clear. Set aside and allow to come to room temperature.

Caesar Salad Dressing

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons anchovy paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
6-8 drops Tabasco sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
juice of one lemon
1/2 cup olive oil
4 tablespoons parmesan cheese

Combine first 6 ingredients. Whisk in lemon juice, then olive oil. Add parmesan cheese and thoroughly combine.

Croutons

6 slices Italian bread, cut into large cubes
olive oil
garlic powder

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Add bread cubes, and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder. Toss to evenly coat. Bake until golden, approximately 10 minutes.

To assemble salad: Chop one head of romaine lettuce and add to large bowl. When ready to serve, toss with dressing. Add croutons, and additional shredded parmesan cheese. Top with freshly ground pepper and toss until combined.

We'd love to have you share one of your favorite salad recipes with us! Use Mr. Linky below to link to your blog, and then leave a comment. If you don't have a blog, simply share your recipe in the comment box.

And the winners are.....

2007-11-03T09:40:00.000-04:00

Coffee Break Contest

#17 Lisa H

Fall Y'all Bloggy Giveaway

#64 Jodi and #71 Marie

Congrats Ladies!!! Just send over an email with your addresses by clicking on the little envelop to the right.

Thank you everyone who participated in the contests and we hope to see you again:)