Marvelous Monday! And My Non-Perfect Life Disclaimer...

Sometimes I worry that this blog can come off as my "highlight reel." So before I spout off all the great stuff that I experienced this weekend, I want to be clear that my life is not all rainbows and roses. I yell at my kids; I feel depressed and lonely sometimes; Ben and I have marital conflict; I stray from my relationship with The Lord. Thankfully, the God that I seek to serve is gracious, and He forgives my shortcomings when I ask; He comforts me when I feel down. <---- This tidbit of info is "marvelous" enough to never write another blog post again! But, since the title of this post is Marvelous Monday, I'll go ahead and share a few things from our weekend...

Friday night triple date to Cheesecake Factory:

Ben and me

Me, my sis, and future sis-in-law (Sorry for the bad photo. Lighting inside CF is bad for pics.)

I  had the Chicken Madeira, which was good. But my favorite was the cheesecake: Kahlua Cocoa Coffee, and it was AMAZING!

Saturday morning trip to the Rainforest Zoo. 

We have a season pass but have not been since the summer. They had some new animals, so we had an extra-fun time learning about them!

Saturday afternoon outside playtime.

The rain cleared, so we got to get some fresh air. :)

Awesome Lord's day!

Ben did an amazing job teaching on Jeremiah 17:5-10. Our pastor's sermon on the importance of being dedicated to your local church was bold and convicting. 

I made a new soup/stew in my Crock-pot using Bob's Red Mills Vegi Soup Mix. (Recipe soon!) 

The evening sermon from Titus was spot-on for me as well. After church, Ben said, "Pastor Dan has perfected the art of humble boldness," and I could not agree more. We are blessed with a great church and pastor. 

Sunday afternoon run.

It was a beautiful afternoon. I rarely see this route in daylight, so I had a special appreciation for the view along the way. 

Hope you have a marvelous Monday!

Thanks to Katie at Healthy Diva Eats for hosting this link-up!

Simple Fish Tacos

Quick, filling, fresh, healthy, and toddler/ husband approved.

You will need:

Homemade taco seasoning, yellow cornmeal, and 1 to 1 1/2 pounds tilapia, cooking oil of choice, tortillas and toppings (full recipe at the bottom of this post)

While you heat your oil, put 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal and the fish in a gallon size zippered bag, or bowl with a tight-fitting lid, and shake to coat. 

Sorry, folks, my phone died during the next step... so no photo. 

There will be cornmeal and seasoning that do not stick to the fish, but you will use it when you put the fish in the hot oil, so reserve it.

Place the fish in the pan with the hot oil, and lightly sprinkle the reserved cornmeal and seasoning on top of the fish, then flip it over immediately. Sprinkle the other side of the fish lightly. 

Cook about 5 minutes on each side (cook time depends on the size of the fillet). Start to break up the fish as it softens with cooking, and stir to distribute the cornmeal and seasonings a bit more.

 Continue to cook until nice and golden. 

Serve on your tortilla of choice. I prefer soft corn tortillas. Top with fresh chopped spinach, avocado, tomato, salsa, etc! Black beans make a great side!

Simple Fish Tacos

by April Mills

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

4-6 adults

Ingredients 

• cooking oil of choice

• 1 Tbsp. homemade taco seasoning

• 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal

• 1- 1 1/2 lbs. tilapia

• tortilla of choice (I prefer soft yellow corn.)

• toppings: avocado, chopped baby spinach, diced tomato, salsa, onion, shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt

Instructions

Place 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal and the fish in a gallon size zippered bag, or bowl with a tight-fitting lid, and shake to coat. Reserve excess cornmeal-seasoning.

Heat oil on medium-high heat.

Place the fish in the pan with the hot oil, and lightly sprinkle the reserved cornmeal and seasoning on top of the fish, then flip it over immediately; sprinkle the other side of the fish lightly.

Cook about 5 minutes on each side (cook time depends on the size of the fillet).

Start to break up the fish as it softens with cooking, and stir to distribute the cornmeal and seasonings a bit more.

Continue to cook until nice and golden, about 5-10 more minutes.

Serve on tortilla of choice with fresh toppings.

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Control Your Temper

The name of this blog is Fruitful Family, which is inspired by one of my favorite bible passages, Galatians 5:22-23, that says, "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!" There may not be another verse that states more clearly what I hope to model my life after. But to be honest, I fail everyday. 

Philippians 4:5 says "Let your gentleness be evident to all." 

This is the one "fruit" that I have struggled with the most lately. If you are a parent, I know you can relate. 

I find myself getting flustered with my kids' behavior to the point that I raise my voice too often (um... yell, actually), grunt (I know!), and even use sarcasm sometimes. {They're only four and two!} My explosions of temper happen most when my attempts at being gracious and gentle are ignored, but the only thing I'm teaching them is to react in the same way when they are frustrated. And I am seeing that result. :(

My prayer is that being gentle will not only be not be my first reaction to their disobedience, but my second and third as well. 

But I know that I cannot simply ask God to take that attitude/reaction out of my heart; I must ask Him to search my heart; to reveal to me the root of my sinful reaction: I'm not reacting to the defiant attitude; I'm reacting -er, having a "grown-up tantrum"- over my feeling out of control. 

My children need to see me displaying gentleness and self-control if they are to be able to produce those fruits in their lives. 

"We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God's grace, not on our own human wisdom..." 2 Corinthians 1:12

Oh, Lord God, only you can give me the grace that I need for these trying moments. Wrap your hands tightly around my heart when my attitude is on the verge of ugly. Remind me that my children's willful disobedience is just like my disobedience to you; and that you correct with gentleness. Turn my frustration toward them into simple words of guidance and LOVE. 

"This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you." The words of Jesus in John 15:12

How do you handle the willful disobedience of the little hearts in your home?

Friday Favs

1. Watching my kids play in the snow!

2. Having a "Sprinkle" (small baby shower) for my big sister who is expecting her third very soon!

3. Trying some new recipes! 

Broccoli, spinach, pesto quiche from The Gracious Pantry

Fish tacos (my own version--- recipe coming soon)

4. 2nd Birthday party planning for my Lottie Loo! Cowgirl theme!

5. FINALLY going for a long run this morning! 

It has been so cold, that I have not been running, and I am such a treadmill wimp! I managed a s-l-o-w 12 miles in the rain, but at least it was slightly above freezing- 33 degrees to be exact. ;) It was such a slow run that I made Ben late for work! Oops! 

Speaking of Ben, can share a bonus favorite?

Bonus Fav: I am so thankful for Ben. 

I was just reflecting this morning on what a great man he is. He is so diligent in his relationship with God; and he is preparing to teach our new class with excellence. He is so supportive of me in every way, and he is very intentional with our kids in leading them. OK, enough bragging...

We are looking forward to another low-key weekend with a possible date night tonight. We got a gift card to Cheesecake Factory for Christmas, so we want to use it. And after this 12-mile run, I will enjoy my cheesecake guilt-free! Please pray for us as we prepare to facilitate our first real lesson this Sunday.

And just for kicks, here are some of my favorite blog reads from this past week:

The Saved Runner: 8 Things to Never Say to a Runner

Hidden with You: Interruptions and Interrupt

Delights and Delectables: My Prayer as a Future Adoptive Mom

Have a fabulous weekend!

Blog Blah! And My 1st "Marvelous in My Monday"

So... I have been "blogging" for over a year now, and I have a confession to make: I have no clue what I am doing! I guessed enough to create the blog, type, and publish, but that's about it. And honestly, I did not read many blogs before I started mine, so I had no "blog community." I still don't follow that many, but I use the Bloglovin' app so that when I come across a new one I can have it on my reading list. I started my blog more as an outlet for journaling than anything else, but I do enjoy sharing it with others. I'm not at all wanting to make money through my blog, I just want to share my faith, struggles, and successes in order to encourage others.  Here's where I am struggling: I feel like the only way to get more readers is to comment on other blogs a lot and blow up Twitter and Facebook... and I do not have the time to do that. Help!??? I know there has to be a better way to build my audience. Any practical advice is appreciated.

On to my Marvelous in My Monday...

Our weekend was fun. We were really focused on teaching our first class on Sunday morning, so that was our main topic of conversation. I got to do some baking on Saturday morning,which I haven't gotten to do in a while. Whole Wheat Flax Bread (easy!):

Recipe from Foodie Stays Fit

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Waffles from The Mother Huddle. 

M&M Cookies for Family Movie Night on Saturday night. Movie of choice was Benji. 

Sunday morning went super-well! Ben did a great job preparing and sharing our testimony. I am so proud of him for stepping out of his comfort zone in obedience to The Lord. 

We woke up to snow today!!! And I just made myself this yummy "grown-up hot chocolate" with my leftover coffee from this morning to warm up after playing outside with Rush. Do you see the white stuff in the background???

1/4 cup coffee, 1/2 cup vanilla almond milk, chocolate syrup of choice.

Mix together and heat in microwave!

I've been trying to read more blogs lately, and here's a great one that I found over the weekend: The Saved Runner. 

Some of my favorite posts from the weekend were:

Runner's Trials (Her) Preterm Labor

Lindsey's List Working Out While Pregnant

Delights and Delectables Friday Five and Favorites

A Healthy Slice of Life Munchkin Meals ( my first ever link-up!)

 

I also got to play with my Silouhette Cameo. Here's a preview of the pendant banner I am making for my niece:

 

And to make my Monday even more marvelous, I'm making quiche for dinner!!!

 

Happy Monday!!!

Friday Favorites!!!

Coming off of a mid holiday week, and rolling into another holiday week has definitely gotten us off of our normal routine. It has not been a bad thing for us, though. Extra family time is always a good thing, right? :) 

Here are five of my favorite things from this past week:

1. Baby "Sprinkle" planning:

My sis is expecting her third child, and we love any excuse for a party!

2. Entire days spent at home in "play clothes" (as my kids call them):

Breaking-in all those toys from Santa has been fun!

3. Ringing in the new year with close friends:

We laughed a lot, played board games, and prayed together for 2014!

4. Our church family: 

Our entire church is going through a daily devotional together called Re:New which started on January 1 (more details later). 

We are starting to lead the "Young Marrieds" class at our church this Sunday, and have been preparing/praying for the last several weeks!

5. Reading!

I have always enjoyed reading a variety of things, but have not read a book just for fun in a while. This past week, I picked up Wuthering Heights in the free classics on Kindle and I am thoroughly enjoying it! Also, the colder weather has forced us to be indoors a lot more, so the kids and I have been reading together more than usual.

Bedtime is Daddy's turn to read. :)

Some other highlights of the week included Lottie's potty training completed! I also took some pictures of our house in order to create a for sale by owner listing.  We went to a friend's house for an indoor play date yesterday, and it was perfect timing as the weather was nasty outside. And now, we are looking forward to a laid-back weekend, concentrating on our new class starting Sunday morning.

I hope you have a great weekend and a blessed 2014!

Munchkin Meals: Fruitful Family's Quick-Breakfast Favorites

I'm excited to be writing my first Munchkin Meals post, hosted by Brittany at A Healthy Slice of Life. I thought I would start off with our first meal of the day, breakfast. Here are a few of my munchkins' favorite quick breakfasts...

Greek yogurt waffle with blueberries. This has been our go-to breakfast since my oldest (now 4) was starting out self-feeding. It super quick to make, and I almost always have everything on-hand. I usually use the whole grain frozen waffles, but I also love to make homemade waffles when I have time.

Greek yogurt waffle with blueberries

1 whole wheat waffle

1/4-1/3 cup vanilla Greek yogurt

Handful of blueberries (unsweetened frozen (thawed), or fresh)

Toast the waffle, spread the yogurt on top, plop the "bebbies" (berries to my two-year-old) on.

Cut up into desired size. 

 

Apple-Cinnamon Oatmeal:

This is another super-simple breakfast, but my kids think it is the bomb! We eat oatmeal at least twice a week and have several different ways we like it, but this is near the top of our list. 

Apple-Cinnamon Oatmeal

4 servings (2 adults + 2 munchkins)

1 1/2 cups old-fashioned/rolled oats (Bob's Red Mill is our fav)

3 cups water

Dash of salt

Unsweetened applesauce

Dark brown sugar

Ground cinnamon

Chopped walnuts (if desired)

Milk of choice

Cook your oatmeal according to directions.

Divide into individual bowls.

Top with desired amount of dark brown sugar, applesauce (about 1/4 cup for 1/2 cup of oatmeal), sprinkle on a little cinnamon, and stir. Add a splash of milk for creaminess and to cool it off for those little tongues, if needed. Top with nuts if desired. 

 

Banana Mini Muffins:

I make this banana recipe at least once every couple of months, and it never lasts long! I usually make 24 minis and 6 regular muffins. They are the perfect breakfast or snack, and perfect for little fingers!

 

Banana Bread Mini Muffins

(Makes approximately 36 mini muffins)

1 stick of butter (I always bake with unsalted, but salted would be fine)

2 ripe bananas
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 eggs
2 cups whole wheat all-purpose flour (self rising can be used; eliminate the baking powder & salt)
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (almonds or pecans would work too) (optional)Preheat oven to 350*. 

Spray mini muffin tin with cooking oil or line. 

Cream butter & mash bananas & vanilla into the butter. 

Add the sugar and eggs, & applesauce; mix well. 

Stir in flour, baking powder, salt & nuts. Do not over stir! 

Spoon into muffin tin. 

Bake for 10-14 minutes or until slightly golden on top. 

I am a firm-believer in the importance of breakfast. If you are not already feeding your kids a healthy, filling breakfast, I encourage you to try. None of these recipes is complicated (OK, so you do have to bake the muffins!), and they will definitely make your munchkins happy!

... Sorry for the strange changes in font... I think Blogger is having issues. :)