Children & TV

For the past year I have cut down on my childrens time infront of the tv. If we go a whole day without tv then I jump for joy! I know it doesnt sound like a huge goal but we use to spend alot of evenings watching tv. Especially when my children were younger and I felt incredibly tired after dinner and clean up. My husband also worked nights and it was easier for me to just flip the tv on.

God opened my eyes to the truth concerning the shows on today. Its funny for me to think back and ask myself why I didnt see things before..when Jesus shows you the truth, it really does set you free. What I do not like about tv: many of the shows are about dating and crushes. Why I do not like "crushes" is because I am teaching my children God's word which is to wait til marriage. Its not easy to wait so we will not be dating but waiting on the Lord for Him to show my children who is the one He created for them! Many reasons why my husband have chosen this, maybe another post! You also see alot of girls wearing indecent clothing such as short skirts, short shorts, low shirts, skimpy tank tops. The kids in the show often are always disrespecting their parents and siblings. Seem to focus on having things and the girls are always concerned with how they look. Some shows I find to be scary with the themes of magic. Even in my mind I thought it was harmless and my children knew better, but I should have. What we watch, we model. We start to believe this lie: its harmless. But the truth is that playing around with sin is not harmless at all. Jesus died for our sins!

I also want my children exploring, playing, learning.. when we sit infront of the tv we are not doing anything productive.

There is alot of other things children can be doing instead of tv. Playing outside, puzzles, board games, reading, coloring, help with cooking and baking, taking a walk, gardening, working in the garage alongside daddy, playing games like simon says, I spy {our popular games! lol} playdough, sidewalk chalk, riding bikes, shoveling snow, painting, the list goes on!!

One of my favorite things to say is watch nature, not tv! I love God's creation especially animals. I love to watch them..and hope to pass on the same passion to my children. We have been blessed with many chances to watch nature. One time we had a bunny have babies underneath our deck. We have had plenty of deer in our yard. It was alot easier when we lived in the country. But even now we are taking joy in seeing the animals in our new home state. Wild horses, lizards, bugs, birds, rabbits, groundhogs even snakes.

I bought my children a small bug keeper with a vent built all around, they love to catch different bugs and study them for a few hours..even caught a lizard once. We throw alot of old bread outside and wait to see all the different birds come to snack..sometimes bunnies will join too. Its so fun to watch thru the glass!

Ask the Lord today if there is any movies or shows that He doesnt want your child to watch. Pray that the tv is on less. we should always be giving our goals to Him. He wants to help us! Before clicking the tv on, ask yourself..is there something else the kids can do right now??

Much love,
Sarah beth

Linked with:

Combine and make a lesson!

As a homeschooling mom one of my highest hopes is that my children have beautiful handwritting and memorize scriptures. ;}

The Lord gave me a great idea to combine the two!

My 8year lil boy~

If you homeschool your children or not this is a great way for your children to memorize scriptures by writting them down.

I place scriptures all around my home..oh how they have helped me in a time of trouble! As a mamma our days can be long and reading a scripture, saying it outloud lifts me up! Its a tool for tough times, situations..a guide for anything that comes our way. I recently heard a speech about presenting the Bible to our children as our instruction book..isnt that the truth? It sets me on the right path daily!

I hope you can add this into your child's day. handwritting and scripture memorization in one, love that! :]

Bow Ties with Sausage & Sweet Peppers

Hi ladies! I have been out of the loop of blogging..been busy with my family..spring seems to bring more activities to our life! No more laid back winter days! ;) I thought what better way to start blogging again then sharing a yummy recipe with all of you!

This dish is sure to please everyone in your family, its super simple with only a few ingrediants! I had never had sausage in a dish so I wasnt sure if I would like it at first but its really tasty simmered in the beef broth..enjoy!

                                          This is all you need!

Ingrediants:

4 cups{8oz} of bow ties

12 oz italian sausage links

2 medium sweet peppers, cut into 3/4 inch pieces

1/2 cup beef broth

1/4 teaspoon of pepper

1/4 snipped parsley

Cook pasta, drain and set aside~

Cut sausage into 1 inch pieces. In a large skillet cook sausage and sweet red peppers over medium heat until sausage is brown, then drain.

Add the broth and black pepper to skillet..bring to boiling...reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Pour over pasta, add parsley. Stir gently to coat. 

Mmmmmm!

We love a slice of corn bread to go with! Enjoy!

Linked up with:

Always Learning!

God is always faithful and its sweet to trust in Him. I am always learning and growing closer to Him, maturing in my faith.

I recently had to fly back home with my oldest son, he had a scheduled visit with his bilogical father. When I knew the time was coming up I was nervous like always. Its a big trip if we fly or drive. Working out the details with my husbands job and with my youngest two children can be a big task itself. As the time got closer it was clear to me that this trip I would fly alone with my oldest, leaving my other two children at home with my brother and husband. I was happy the details were working out smoothly but deep down I had anxiety about leaving my home, husband and children. I really love being home and I hate to leave. I dont like to be away from my husband either, i miss him terribly! I kept thinking once my son is with his dad it will just be me..how weird will that be! It scared me! I also had thoughts about my children being taken care of here, who would do my daughters hair!? lol What would they have for dinners and lunch? I started to pray and gave all my worries to Him.

I think as a wife and mother you become so used to your routine and taking care of everyone that its hard to imagine stepping back. Slowly I thought about all the postives for this upcoming trip... time spent with my almost 2 year old neice, visiting with my mom and sisters...enjoying the flight and time alone with my oldest..

The trip has come and gone and now my son and I are safely back at home! I can honestly say that yes I missed my husband dearly and my children but the trip was wonderful.. I accomplished alot of things and made incredibile memories with family...I enjoyed one on one with my neice and the chance to grow our bond! Back at home, my husband accomplished alot as well..I came home to alot of projects and a very clean home...the kids were proud to show me all that they did together. ;} All in all, it was a bittersweet trip! I have to say that I am thankful to God for providing the time that I got to spend with family. I am always learning to let go and let God take over!

The road of life bends and twist around..sometimes it can be scary.. I am really learning that if you trully give every situation to Him he will hold your hand and change your heart. Whatever we may be going through now or in the future we can trust in Jesus to get us through it!

Here are some photos of my trip!

Me, my mom, sisters and my neice

My mom and me!

my sister and best friend, Jessica

My sweet neice and me!

Such a great flyer, loves the window seat. He was great company! treasured our time!

Mom Approved Shoes! ;}

Warm weather to me means shoes!! When I say shoes, I mean sandals & flip flops! I love these easy to throw on, cute and go with anything shoe! I usually shoot for the basic flip flop and buy a few different colors but this year I have fallen in love with a basic, black Nike sandal! I thought I would share this shoe with all of you girls! Number one reason being because they are super comfy!!! Busy moms need a cute and comfy shoe, right?!

I snapped my pair at kohls for $24.00. This is more then my basic flip flops but the comfort and quality is worth it. If your looking for a great new pair of shoes, try these ladies! Mom, approved! ;} Have you found any new favorites for this spring and summer? Do share!

Blessings, Sarah beth