Making Easter about Christ!

Happy Good Friday!  In the midst of bunnies and chickens and pastel colors, it is still amazing to me that we can celebrate a day off from school, and shutting down our businesses for Easter and not truly celebrate the meaning of it!  Today Christ died on the cross for our sins and three days later was resurrected from the dead.  Our sins were paid in full!!!  Now THAT is something to celebrate.  ALL year long.  This year let's remember what Jesus endured and sacrificed for us, and teach our kids all about it.  I've found so many great Pinterest pins on Easter crafts to teach your children about the real Easter story.  Here is one of my favorites... Empty Tomb Rolls!  What an awesome way to explain the resurrection to young ones!

It's New Year Resolutions time!

Happy New Year!  2014 is upon us and it's a great time to make resolutions and goals for the months to come.  Have you made any resolutions for the new year??  Our resolutions should reflect where we feel God leading us.  When we run in the path of His commands, we will discern what changes we need to make- what resolutions to begin.

  My biggest resolution for this year is to stick to my financial budget!  I prayed about a specific number that makes sense for my monthly expenses, and I plan on sticking to that as best I can!  I decided to put away money from ebay/craigslist sales, and a few other random side hustles I have :)... and that money will be my play money!  Then when I want to paint my room- I'll use that account.  When I want to antique shopping or spend on something that is not accounted for in my budget system, that is where it will come from.  Then I am actually earning that little gift, and I can get excited to make more side money!  And on the flip side when that account is empty, I have to say no to some purchases.  It will be a big discipline for me!  

Whatever your resolution is I hope you have all the support and encouragement you need to make it a reality.  To know - that the Lord knows what you need, and He will help you and strengthen you.  HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:13

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things (food, drink, clothing) will be given to you as well.   Matthew 6:33

15 ways to use Leftover Halloween Candy!

Looking for any ideas for what to do with all that Halloween candy you're either hiding from your kids/husband, or throwing away!?

With help from kidshealth.org website, I've found 15 awesome ideas — from selfless to the silly. Give them a try and your teeth (and your dentist!) will thank you.

1. Participate in a candy exchange. Some dentists and orthodontists (dentists who specialize in braces) offer candy exchanges. You turn in some candy and get healthy treats in exchange. Or you turn in some candy, and they pay you $1 per pound. They donate the candy to soup kitchens or to troops overseas.
2. Send your Halloween candy in care packages to soldiers serving their country far from home. Here are two organizations that ship packages to the troops. Heat-resistant candy only. Chocolate melts, you know! And don't forget to include a handwritten letter of support to really put a smile on a soldier's face!
   Operation Gratitude
   Operation Shoebox
3. Try reverse trick-or-treating! Make a trip to one or more local charities that accept candy donations. You'll feel great, and you'll sweeten someone else's day too. Some ideas include your local Ronald McDonald House, nursing homes, food pantries, children's hospitals, veterans' homes, or women's shelters.
4. Exchange that candy for something else — like a book or a toy. Make it fun by using a scale to weigh your stash — for example, maybe your child could earn a book for every pound of candy you trade in.
5. Reduce by recycling. If you have a birthday or other party coming up, offer to use your candy to fill up goodie bags.
6. Buy fun chocolate molds at a craft store, melt down your extra chocolate bars, pour into the molds, let cool, and voilà — decorative, delicious gifts!
7. Make a special Halloween version of trail mix by tossing in a handful of candy pieces with your pretzels, nuts, raisins, and dried fruits.
8. Glue candy pieces to an unfinished wooden picture frame (you can buy them at the craft store). Add a photo, and you've got a really sweet present for someone special.
9. Did you know you can make jewelry and crafts out of candy wrappers? You can search for how-to instructions on the Internet.
10. Use the candy to fill a piñata for someone who has a fall or winter birthday.
11. Give "candy math" a whirl! Use candy corns to practice addition, subtraction, or counting by fives and tens. Hershey bars or KitKats are both great for visualizing fractions. Or, you can sort your candy (chocolate, gum, lollipops, fruit snacks, etc.) and figure out what percentage each group contributed to your total amount.
12. Donate your candy to...science? Yep, you can do lots of great candy experiments at home using Skittles, Lifesavers, Starbursts, M&Ms, and more. Plus, you just might want to see what happens when you leave a gummy bear in water...
13. Create a board game using candy as pieces. Or you can use candy in a sweet game of checkers or — dare we say it? — Candyland.
14. Build a candy city. With some glue (ask a parent for help if using a hot glue gun), some toothpicks, and a whole lot of imagination, you can design and construct a scene that even your Legos will envy. And it's never too early to start planning this year's holiday gingerbread house.
15. Take it to work! ... That'll really make it disappear fast!

Any other ideas - post below! :)**

Food Allergies vs. Eczema??

Hi friends!  So recently my son was diagnosed with severe eczema that we were told from our pediatrician is a condition he was born with, although it may subside and gradually "go away" as he grows older.  I've never had eczema or known anyone with it, so I definitely had to do a little research.

It wasn't until one afternoon Roman's skin was SO blotchy, red, itchy, bumpy (you name it), where I

thought- okay this has to be more than just eczema.  I took him to the doctor and sure enough they were puzzled as to what it was.  He suggested seeing an allergist, where they did blood work and lo and behold Roman has many of the most common food allergies.
Wheat, Milk, Soy, Eggs, & Peanuts.
 YIKES!  I couldn't believe it!  The poor child has been eating ALL of this since he came out of the womb!

What I learned was that eczema is often times directly related to food allergies.  Understanding the connection can really help you manage your child's condition, and save them from the excessive scratching! And don't hesitate to get your baby allergy tested if you feel like it is more than just a normal rash or small irritation!

And if your child does have an extreme list of food allergies like Roman, you can go to this great resource I found to see recipes, books, information, etc.  They even had helpful print-outs to take to the grocery store when shopping the ingredient lists of packaged foods. Check it out!  I hope this is helpful!

http://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/pages/community

How to Avoid Allergy Triggers to Prevent Eczema Flare-Ups

To manage eczema, you need to moisturize daily and use recommended medication as directed by your health care provider. Avoiding allergy triggers can also help you prevent flare-ups. 

• Keep an eczema journal. This can help you track your symptoms and identify eczema triggers.
• Stay away from skin irritants. Common irritants include wool, soaps and detergents, perfume, chemicals, sand, and cigarette smoke.
• Avoid allergens. Pollen, mold, animal dander, dust mites and other allergens may trigger eczema flares. Avoid these substances by using dust-proof mattress and pillow covers, removing carpeting, avoiding contact with animals, and staying indoors when pollen counts are high.
• Consider food allergies in children. If you suspect you child has food allergies, ask about having your child tested. Children need a wide range of foods to grow healthy and strong, so don't limit your child's food choices without first talking with your doctor.   * From WebMD