Category Archives: on mission in the kitchen

Quarantine Mother’s Day

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Mother’s Day is Sunday!  If we are honest, it is different this year.  For the past two months everything has been different.  When chatting with a momma recently, she told me that this year Mother’s Day is just another day. She said it was not going to be special because of everything going on.  HELLO, WHAT?!?  Yes, I agree that things are different and might not be the dream Mother’s Day you had envisioned with your children all gathered (well behaved all day), an amazing meal out, a day of pampering at the spa, time with other mommas to sip mimosas, and that special moment at church where you get to stand up and everyone claps because you are mom! Oh and then there might be that amazing photo op that was setup and your children dressed up with fresh haircuts and all smile with you at the camera.  Then you post that picture and say #BlessedMomma.  You are correct my friend, all that special will not be happening this Mother’s Day!  So do you want to wallow in that or Momma Up!  Put on Your Cute Momma Britches and Let’s know that we are honored and loved.

A few tips of my 14 ½ of being a momma:

  1.  My husband and children cannot read my mind.  I can get frustrated or I can just say “you know I would like….”  This is what I did.  I love having brunch out on Mother’s Day.  I have already done the research and set my guys up for success.  I told them the place that is offering takeout brunch and when they need to have it ordered.  This year’s pick is: Little Rey’s. I’m already craving their breakfast tacos.  I also know I want something sweet so I have an order in to A Piece of Cake.  There is no shame in picking our your own cupcakes. 
  2. I know I will not be having a pampering day at the spa this year.  That’s ok!  I have learned during this time that just having a little time to myself goes a LONG way.  Again, I told my hubby that I would like to get out of the house.  You can take a walk or a drive.  Listen to your favorite podcast, read a book, or just listen to silence.
  3. Rediscover yourself.  IS there something you have been wanting to try?  Paint by number, baking, growing your own herbs, or playing the ukulele.  This is a great time to do this.  Tell your family that you want this for Mother’s Day.  You might need to send the links from Amazon but who cares.  You are getting what you want.  
  4. Don’t be a brat on Mother’s Day!  This is not the year to pull this.  Everyone is doing the best they can.   Your family wants to celebrate with you. You don’t want them to remember the year that mom pouted because she didn’t get the day she wanted.  

Proverbs 31:28 says “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”  Right there.  Proverbs 31:28 is the momma that I want my husband and children to find.  I want my heart and mind to focus on Jesus on Mother’s Day.  I want my family to see that I feel honored that I was chosen for them.  

Let’s Momma Up this year!  You can have your Mimosa.  (I have a recipe coming!)  Use your voice.  Focus your heart and mind on Jesus.  You got this.

Love You Mommas!

Amanda 

Last year’s Mother’s Day post looked a little different! 🙂

Hold on Tight! It’s May!

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Seriously, where did this school year go? How is it already May? Whether we are ready or not, MAY is Here! This month brings mixed emotions to so many. May is a month full of activities. My calendar is full with end of year parties, last chapel, end of year tests, graduations, Mother’s Day, lacrosse tournaments, husband’s travel, and then events I don’t even know about yet! May has a way of stressing us out and getting us excited all at the same time. How are you feeling?

The Holderness Family sums it up for most of us. Watch this video to relate. I had a friend who just said that December has nothing over May. What do you think?

Let’s take this month and realize there might be a couple of ways to calm it down. We know our calendars are completely full. So, DON’T add additional activities. When the last minute plans are made or you get an invite to something extra, stop and consider if it really needs to happen. Many times we feel guilty to saying “No” but saying “No” helps us say “Yes” to other things.

Make a list! What needs to be done each week to feel good and keep the planets in line? What are your “must do’s” for your family? There are usually end of year gifts to buy. Can you do this online? Seriously, Teachers love gift cards! Pick up a gift card at Target and call it a day. Stop at a bakery to buy the cookies you need for the party.

Don’t panic over summer plans! It is truly okay if your children don’t have a plan for each hour of the summer. We get ourselves all worked up over not having their time completely full. If you are working during the summer, make a plan and don’t worry about it. It will all work out and your kids will have a fabulous summer.

What needs to be done before your kids are out for the summer? I have a couple of closets and toy bins I want to conquer before my boys are home. I know how much faster I can take care of these jobs when I don’t have my boys questioning my donation piles. There are a few appointments I want to squeeze in before the summer too.

Team up with other moms! We are all trying to defeat May and the end of the year craziness. If you are already going to Target, ask your friend if they need something there too. When another mom offers help, take them up on it. We are all in this together.

Get your rest! Drink your water! Get to the gym! You have to refuel each day. Fill that Yeti cup full of water each morning and keep filling it up during the day. Don’t stay up catching up on Netflix. Get yourself to bed so you will be ready for the next day. Make a priority to get some physical activity. It will help you with your overall goals and make you feel good.

Pray! Seriously, I know when I stop and talk to God about this craziness, I begin to feel better. He knows how my brain races and how I want to make things perfect for my boys. When I put things into perspective and give them over to God, May has nothing over me. Pray for your friends too. We are all trying to get through this together.

May can be crazy! Don’t let it take over. Try to stop and enjoy the last few weeks of this school year. There is so much to celebrate. You got this!

Keep Singing and Dancing,
Amanda

What Moms Really Want for Mother’s Day

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In a recent conversation with friends, one mom shared she would love for her husband to have their minivan detailed and washed for Mother’s Day.  She did not want breakfast in bed.  She was not concerned about a fancy brunch.  This momma wanted a clean minivan free of  fallen chicken nuggets, crunched gold fish, and lost socks.  Sometimes it is just that simple.  Moms love a handmade card, flowers, and a day with children but it’s time to step it up to what a momma really wants for Mother’s Day.

With the help of my friends, I have compiled a list that can help spoil all the moms out there.  Feel free to pass on to your husband.

What Moms Really Want

  1.  A Day of Pampering- Most mommas love time to be pampered.  A manicure, pedicure, massage or facial will make mom feel refreshed and loved.  Plus this gives mom time to sit and relax for a little bit.  (Hint- Dad use this time to clean up around the house.  Or take the kids to their practices and games. )
  2. Let Mom Sleep In- Like really sleep in.  Get up with kids before mom has a chance to notice.  Take the kids out for breakfast and let mom have time to just lay in bed.
  3. Detail Mom’s Car- Take the time to have mom’s car washed and detailed.  This could take some time but it is so worth it.  Then let mom take her newly cleaned car for a spin before the children enter back in with their sticky fingers and snacks.
  4. Give Mom a Day off from “Mom Jobs”- Seriously, a day with no laundry, dishes, chauffeuring children, and cooking dinner.  Basically give mom a day where she does not have to make decisions and take care of her daily jobs around the house.
  5. Make plans for Brunch, Lunch and/or Dinner- Mom always has the menu ready and the groceries purchased.  Tell her you have it all taken care of it.  Make reservations and go grocery shopping.  Do whatever you need to do to have meals ready.
  6. Complete the “Honey-Do List”- You know that list that mom has of hanging pictures, replacing the light bulbs, and getting something out of the attic.  Well, how about you actually take care of the list.  She will be delighted that the list is done and feel loved that you took the time.
  7. New Shoes- Moms love shoes.  Get ahead of the game and buy her a pair of shoes she would not buy herself.  She will love getting a new pair of sandals or cute summery flats.  Check out Birdies, Rothy’s, and Tory Burch for some of my favorites.
  8. A New Book and Time to Read it- If momma loves to read, purchase a few books she is wanting to read.  Then give mom time to actually read her books.  Let her curl up on the couch or by the pool and get lost in a good book.
  9. Jewelry-  This is sometimes a very easy out on Mother’s Day.  Take time to find something unique for mom.  There are so many talented artisans that can create  beautiful pieces.  If you don’t have time to shop on Etsy, you can always find great jewelry at Kendra Scott, Sundance, and James Avery.
  10. Subscription Box- Everyone loves happy mail.  Get momma a monthly subscription box.  There are so many out there.  FabFitFun, Grove Collaboration,  and Faithbox.
  11. Barefoot Dreams–  Give mom a cuddly cardigan, blanket, or robe.  Barefoot Dreams is the coziest thing around.  She will love curling up in her new comfy cardigan each morning and will thank you for it later.
  12. A Phone Call- Let’s be honest, we love to hear from our children.  It’s easy in the early years because they are always with you.  As adult children, we sometimes forget our moms want to hear our voices.  Moms want to know we are doing okay.  They want to hear about all the silly routines and crazy weekend plans.  Yes, they love to hear about their grandchildren but they want to hear from their own children.  Trust me.  Call your mom!

That was Not the PLAN!

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I am a planner! Every year my mother-in-law buys me an Erin Condren planner for Christmas. That planner is with me ALL the time. Each family member has a color for their activities. Chris is Green. Will is Red. Whitaker is Orange. And I use my favorite, Cyan/Aqua Tiffany Blue Color for all my activities. Then I sprinkle in Purple for various other things.

This past week, my planner was like a rainbow. Lots of activities. All great plans- Bible study, lunch with friends, dinner with friends (that we can never get to happen), Easter Egg Hunts, Spa Day with Momma-to-Be, and then just all the other activities that are part of being a mom of two.

Friday morning came early with tornado sirens in Milton, GA. As we gathered the troops to go to the basement, I realized I felt horrible. Like roll me in a ball to the corner bad. But I continued with my morning realizing that mommas don’t roll in balls and hide. As the day progressed, the worse I felt and it became clear my body was overtaken by something awful. Possibly I had eaten a barbed wire and now it was thrashing in my body. (You get it!) Or it was an oyster the night before that did not settle right. Or it was food poisoning. Or I was truly dying! Yes, I go there fast. Plus curled up in bed with the help of my WebMD at hand I was diagnosed with multiple illnesses.

Enough with the my barbed wire stomach, fetal position, and holding on for dear life. Let’s celebrate that my newly five year old took great care of himself that day while dining on fruit loops, organic fruit snacks, pretzels, and whatever else he could reach in the pantry.

All that aside, let’s go back to my planner! My day was filled with great events. I had a neighborhood Easter Egg hunt that I was in charge of pulling off. That night Chris and I had dinner plans with two amazing couples we can’t seem to get together with. Don’t even look over to Saturday. That was a day at the spa with a momma-to-be and yummy lunch. And it was Easter WEEKEND!!

As the barbed wire took over my body, I began to get upset, angry, and sad. Why!?! I was so looking forward to this weekend. All my plans were good, purposeful, and fun! I had made them in advanced. There were items purchased. Dinner reservations and spa appointments had been made. And now I am curled up and MAD!

So, where does my madness go? Where does my blame start? You guys, I started questioning GOD! What!?! Oh yes, in the middle of sadness and pain, my sinful and human heart started asking God about all this. (Yes, complete madness! And that’s why I’m sharing this now!) It’s amazing how quickly I can get upset and look for someone to blame. As I laid there in bed, I tried to rationalize it all out. My heart knew that God was not punishing me. He did not want me to be sick or have a barbed wire in tummy. He is good and He loves me. It was the devil trying to get the best of me. Yes, the devil loves for me to get down and look for blame. The devil wants nothing more than for me to question God. The devil loves when I look at my planner for guidance and not to God.

Saturday afternoon I realized it was time to try to eat. I made toast. For a moment I thought about the yummy Italian lunch I was suppose to be eating. Although that would have been amazing, I was happy about my toast.

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The Plan Was Italian Food. Not TOAST!

It was NOT my plan but it was a plan that was good. The barbed wire left that evening. I had a peaceful night sleep and woke up on Easter morning feeling wonderful.

I am a continued work-in-progress. Daily, I need reminders that my plans might not be the way the day turns. I can make all the colorful plans I want but there are days that nothing is going to go the way I want. In each day, God is good. God loves me. God has great plans for me. He has great plans for you. It’s easy to get caught up in the “barbed wire” of life.

Are you a planner? Have you had days that don’t go as planned?

Keep Singing and Dancing,
Amanda

The Garden, The Curtain, and The Cross

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Here in Atlanta, trees are beginning to bud, daffodils are blooming, and every one is beginning to complain about their allergies.  Yes, Spring is on its way.  I love watching all of God’s creativity show this time of year.  The incredible colors and breathtaking views of a new season get me excited.

With Spring on the way, We know EASTER is almost here.  We will put bunnies, eggs, and baskets in our decorations.  We will make plans for a perfect Easter dinner with family and friends.  We determine the best Easter Egg Hunt to take our children to.  We coordinate our family’s wardrobe to make sure we look our best on Easter Sunday. And we shop for the perfect items for our children’s Easter baskets.  We will talk about the Easter story and why we have a Good Friday and Easter Sunday.  But for many years, I felt that my children needed to know the Easter story but maybe I would leave out parts because they were not ready.  I felt maybe saying “Jesus died on Good Friday” was a little too much for my preschooler.  I would do the “Good Christian Mom Thing” and make sure there was a Bible story in their baskets along with chocolates and prizes.  We went to Easter Sunday Service and at Easter Dinner our prayers thanked God for sending Jesus to save us.  I felt good about what I was doing and then….

It was so clear the day I realized I had been watering down Jesus to my children.  I had not been talking about how we were sinners and God sent his only Son to Earth to ultimately die for us.  My words never said because of Jesus we have hope.  Easter was about Jesus to us but not letting them know how it is only about Jesus was my conviction. I would teach them that Jesus taught us how to live, love, and obey God.  I guess I didn’t want to scare my preschooler.  I didn’t want them to worry about death and how Jesus was beaten and hung on a cross for them.  But why?  It is the story they need to know more than any other story out there.

Don’t get me wrong.  I love to decorate with all the beautiful eggs, sweet bunnies, and monogrammed baskets. I will create yummy Easter treats and attend a fun Easter Egg hunt.  However, I am clear the whole purpose of Easter is to celebrate Jesus.  It all points to Jesus and what He did for us.

Recently I found the best book for children.  The Garden, The Curtain and The Cross is beautifully illustrated,  Biblically accurate, and captures your child’s attention. The book begins with God’s creation of The Garden of Eden.  Quickly we learn about how our sins keep us from living in a perfect garden with God.  We had a true separation from God. But God had a wonderful plan.  He sent His son, Jesus, to come live on Earth and die for us.  After Jesus had died on the cross, He was placed a in tomb guarded by soldiers.  But spoiler alert:  On the third day, the tomb was empty!  Jesus arose!  He conquered the grave.

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As a mom, I want to make sure that I am representing the truth of Jesus to my children. We read from the Bible on many nights.  When we read other Bible stories that are not out of our Bible, I want to make sure they are telling the true, Biblical story.

The Good Book Company has published this wonderful book and so many more.  The talented Carl Laferton and Catalina Echeverri made this book come to life.  I encourage you to check out their other books.  I hope to feature more soon.

And now……

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I am so excited to announce my FIRST giveaway!  The great people over at Good Book Company have given me FIVE copies to giveaway to those who follow Sing and Dance in the Kitchen blog, Instagram & Facebook.

Here’s how to enter:

  1. Follow this blog.  Follow Sing and Dance in the Kitchen on Instagram and Facebook.
  2. Comment on this blog and tell me what you love about Sing and Dance in the Kitchen and what you would like to see more posts about.
  3. Tag at least 3 friends in the comments of Instagram and Facebook.  Make sure they begin to follow and you will get extra entries.
  4. Winners will be selected at random and will be announced on Friday, 3/9.  Good Luck!