Author: Giana

Want to know a pet peeve of mine?  When I look up a recipe online, that’s precisely what I want:  the recipe.  It’s rather inconvenient when the blogger gives me a whole backstory on how the concoction originally came from their great great grandmother and how it’s the best version for such and such a reason…blah, blah, blah.  I like a good foodie story as much as the next person, but it’s the how to that excites me most.  Thus, here are my favorite go-to basil recipes in no particular order.  Enjoy!

Basil Dressing (adapted from Park’s Success with Herbs, 1980)*

Basil Dressing is delicious and healthy!

1 large clove garlic (or whatever size you have to achieve the same amount)
1 c salad (vegetable) oil
½ tsp powdered mustard
1 tsp water
1 egg white
½ tsp kosher salt (can omit for salt-free diets)
½ tsp sugar
¼ tsp ground pepper
⅓ c vinegar (I use apple cider or white wine)
2 Tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped (I use 4 Tbsp)
Put all ingredients in a blender and blend on low for 15 seconds.

In making the dressing I have found the following to be true:

1.  The longer it is blended, the thicker it will be.  Good as a dip for veggie trays, especially raw okra.
2.  For a thinner dressing, add a drizzle of water or milk while blending.
3.  Good as a substitute for mayo on sandwiches.

*This recipe was given to me by Angela McGowan Barnard, The Master Gardener herself.  Notes are hers.  Let’s be honest, I was not yet born in 1980…

Antipasto*

Antipasto!

Cherry tomatoes
Fresh basil leaves
Mozzarella Cheese, cubed
Balsamic Vinegar**
Olive Oil
Tooth picks

1.  Assemble skewers.  Sandwich tomatoes and cheese in between basil leaves.
2.  Drizzle with Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil.
3.  Enjoy!

*Recipe originally found on Pinterest.
**Balsamic Vinegar can also be used separately, as a dip.

Tomato and Basil Pasta

Penne Pasta (or other preferred pasta)
Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Diced tomatoes
Feta cheese*
Olive Oil
Salt to taste

*Because everything is betta with feta!  I threw this together on a day that I needed to go grocery shopping, with items that were readily available.  The basil and tomatoes were fresh from our garden!

Refreshing Strawberry Basil Water!

Strawberry Basil Water*

4-6 strawberries, hulled and quartered
½ lemon, sliced
Small handful of basil, scrunched
Ice and cold filtered water

Fill pitcher to the top with ice and fruit.  Slightly scrunch up the basil so it releases it’s flavor.  Cover with cold filtered water.  The water is best if you let it infuse for at least 1 hour.

*Original recipe here.  We love this drink!  I originally made it in an attempt to get one of my little ones to drink more water.  It’s delicious and refreshing– the perfect summer drink!

Basil Ice Cream*

Old Fashioned Basil Ice Cream (the children loved it)!

2 c heavy cream
2 c whole milk
¾ c sugar
2 tsp vanilla
Pinch salt
Handful of basil, finely chopped or blended

Whisk all ingredients together until sugar dissolves.  Freeze for 4 hours.  Enjoy!

*This recipe is a combination of two different ones I found online.  I needed it to be child-friendly because I was making it with my children (they ate it up!).  For the two recipes, click here and here.

Let’s not forget that basil leaves are also enjoyable by themselves.  My husband will often grab a couple of leaves from our garden to “cleanse his palate,” and my two-year old daughter eats at least 4-5 leaves when she spends time outside.

My daughter picks a basil leaf to consume.  It has led to us having great discussions about which plants are safe to eat and which are not.

And there you have it!  These are some of my favorite go-to recipes when the basil is plentiful.  What are some of yours?

Erin and me, circa 1990.  As you can tell, I was typically the more reserved one.

January 10, 1990 has always been one of my favorite days.  It was the day that my younger sister, Erin, was born.  I was an only child for eight years, so the thought of having a sibling thrilled me.  When she came around, everything was so much more fun.  I never felt jealousy towards her, and fighting would have been ridiculous since I was so much older.  In some ways I was like another parent to her.

Our family and those who knew us well described us as, “night and day.”  Not only were we different in appearance, her with her lighter, porcelain-like skin, light brown hair and green eyes.  We were also uniquely individual in our personalities.  I always admired her spirit.  From the time she was a toddler, she had no problem making her requests known and not taking anything from anyone.  She didn’t care who you were.

Sometimes when Erin smiles, her eyes disappear…isn’t she cute?!

She had, and still has, an extra soft spot in her heart for me, though.  When I was in the 7th grade, I made a really bad decision and my parents were scolding me (trust me when I say I deserved it).  She immediately burst into tears and said, “Don’t get mad at Sissy (her lifelong nickname for me)!”  We attended an awards ceremony when I was a junior in high school, and immediately after receiving my certificates, she ran up to me, grabbed my hand, and walked me back to my seat, smiling up at me and beaming the entire way.  Suffice it to say she has been one of my greatest fans.

About three months ago, Erin went to see the gynecologist regarding a lump in her pelvic area.  They decided to surgically remove the mass, sent it to a lab and found out that it was Squamos Cell Carcinoma (SCC).  The good news is that the surgery removed it all from the pelvic area and that part of the body does not need further treatment.  The bad news is that after months of tests and lab work, they found five precancerous cells (SCC) in her lungs.  Starting tomorrow morning (Wednesday), Erin will go through eight sessions of chemotherapy, followed by multiple sessions of immunotherapy, in hopes of killing off the cells.

We are optimistic, overall, about the diagnosis and that all will be well in the end.  Erin is now 26 years old and has shown great resolve and strength in the midst of this whole ordeal.  She has told me the dose of chemotherapy she will receive is a low one, and the doctor has said she won’t have the usual side effects (hair loss, nausea, etc.).  Ultimately, we won’t know how she will react until she has gone through a couple of sessions.

Though she is a full grown woman, I still see her as the little sister that followed me around everywhere when we were younger.  I will likely always see her that way.  This whole process has been a journey for me, too.  I have had moments of great faith, and other times that I have fallen apart at the thought of her suffering.  For a long time growing up, I felt responsible for her, almost to a fault.  It wasn’t until I was a mature adult that I realized I was not.  The Lord is her keeper, and will do a much better job caring for her than I ever could.  He has gone before her and will be with her throughout this entire process and will see it to the end.

So I ask that you please keep her and the rest of our family in your prayers.  Pray that she is healed.  Pray that this makes us all better, and not bitter.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” –Jeremiah 29:11-13

As we get closer to meeting our baby girl (I am 35 weeks along today), I have been reflecting on ways people have helped us in the past that have really blessed us.  I am part of what seems to be a pregnancy wave this time around, and I hope to shed some light on how we can help new mamas.  Because we will be welcoming our third child, we are well versed in what has served us well and what has not.  Read on if you are curious or would like to be part of a welcoming and transitioning community for a new or current mom in your life.

We eat anything and everything!  Favorites include pasta, chicken dishes and seafood.

1.  Do offer to bring us meals.  

They can be homemade, take-out or store-bought.  Check to make sure that the family you’re feeding doesn’t have any food allergies.  And if they do, avoid using those ingredients.

We, personally, have no known food allergies.  This makes it very easy to feed us!  Acts of Service is my dominant love language, so my love tank is full when people help in this way (and so is my stomach—winning!).   My mother-in-love, Kathy, and one of my closest friends, Jenn, will be in charge of organizing this when the time comes. Getting in touch with them would be a great move if you are interested!

Don’t expect an extended visit when you drop off food. Families will typically set up a general time for meal drop offs (ex:  between 5:30-6:30 pm) that is most convenient for them.  Sometimes I have said hello to those dropping off food and briefly introduced them to the baby, other times I have not.

Mothers may be nursing, catching up on sleep, bathing, keeping other children in line, etc.  Life becomes unpredictable for a season.  Do not take it personally if they aren’t the hostess with the mostest when you come around.

2.  Do reach out to us.  

This may sound impersonal and calloused, but texting usually works best during this season of life, and will work even more so when the baby comes.  (Please reread #1 under Don’t expect an extended visit… if confused.)

Exceptions to this include emergencies, needing to discuss specific situations and conflict resolution—all of which are done better in conversation, either over the phone or in person.  There is too much that can be misread and miscommunicated by text message.

Don’t expect an immediate response.  We will get back to you as soon as we can.  If a couple of hours have passed and you still have not heard from us, it does not necessarily mean that we have not read or appreciated your message.  We simply have not gotten around to responding yet.

3.  Do offer to entertain older children (if you have a relationship with them).  

Newborns are completely helpless and dependent on their parents, especially mom.  If there are older siblings in the family, they will be in need of extra love and attention for the first couple of months while everyone transitions.

A couple of our favorite babysitters brought over ingredients to make Rice Krispy treats for our children; they thought that was awesome!

Don’t expect to take them away on a day-long field trip (unless you are a close, trusted relative or family friend that has done this before).  Some of the best babysitters we have had showed up with surprises for the children or toys they could play with during their time together.  The children love them, and it gives them a break from playing with their usual toys.

4.  Do give us time to transition.  

Everything changes when a baby joins a family.  Everything.  If you start feeling like the relationship you had with a new mother is not the same, that’s because it’s not (especially if you do not have children of your own).  That does not mean that your friendship is no longer valuable or worth investing in, but it, too, will go through a transition.

Don’t expect us to bounce back into all previous extra-curricular activities.  Perhaps this is only me, but I take my sweet time healing physically, mentally and emotionally after the birth of a child.  I am in no hurry to get back to normal life.  I admire those who quickly jump back into everything, but I am not one of them, nor do I desire to be.

Every mother is different, just like each child she raises will be.   Respect whatever boundaries she and her family establish, even if you do not agree with them.

5.  Do be ready to listen.  

Raising children:  it really does take a village!

Being a new mom or becoming a mother all over again can be overwhelming, frustrating and lonely.  Obviously, there are great blessings that come with having children or we wouldn’t do it, especially more than once.  Knowing that you are an available ear will bring great comfort to her.

Don’t be quick to give advice… unless she asks for it.  New parents, especially, have no idea what they’re doing.  Those of us who have done it a couple more times still can have no idea.  None of us is perfect at it or gets it right every time.  Trying to correct her or give your two cents when she hasn’t asked for them will only hurt her.

These pointers have worked well for us and close friends of mine and their families that I have observed.  Above all, celebrate and rejoice with the new mothers in your life!  It truly is a wonderful time.

What have been some helpful ways people have served you during these transitions, or what are some unique ways you have served others?  I would love to hear your ideas!

We just wrapped up a fantastic week of Summer Music Camp here at Music Genetics Piano Studio, and I am eager to share some of our favorite activities!  This was our second year hosting a camp, and we had a delightful group of students to work with.  Special thanks goes out to Pastor John Phillips and Christ Church of the Valley, for graciously allowing us to use their lovely building and enjoy the gazebo and garden area outside, my mother, for being my teaching partner, and our two volunteers, Maria and Sally, for working hard.  We hope to see all of our participants again next year and encourage them to bring friends!  Please enjoy our week in review!

The mornings would begin with the teachers and volunteers arriving between 8:15-8:30 to set up for the first activity of the day.  Students usually showed up  between 8:45-9:00.  Pinterest was a great help in writing the curriculum  for camp this year!

Examples of some of the name tags students made (out of small records).

Our first icebreaker:  we played, “What Note Am I?”  Students had to walk around and ask one another yes/no questions based on what musical note they had on their forehead.

A big portion of our camp focused on music theory:  reinforcing how to read  notes and recognize different musical symbols.

We split the students up into two groups, and they made team flags.   This team was called, “The Treble Clef Cars.”

The other group, “The Trouble (Treble) Clefs.”

Taking a break from Dueling Dice, a musical game that reinforces  mathematical concepts (note values and adding).

We spent at least 30 minutes outside each day (our camp ran from 9 am-12 pm).   Here we are playing a water ballon note name game toss.  Students threw water balloons at the drawn keyboards and had to name the notes they hit. Children standing behind the keyboard enjoyed getting wet!

We played a water balloon toss with the leftover water balloons.

The students had fun with our note-name scavenger hunt.  Our volunteers set up flashcards all around the building.  The children had to find them, and label them with the correct name on their sheets.  They worked in pairs.

These partners were the only two to receive a perfect score on their  Note Name Scavenger Hunt.  Everyone did well, but they were extra proud!

Mrs. Rosie taught an incredible lesson on painting a caricature of  Johann Sebastian Bach!

The children did a wonderful job painting their own individual Bach caricatures.

Musical Twister was a favorite activity of the week!

In between certain sessions, we gave the students 5-10 minutes of free time to get the wiggles out!  They all got along really well!

We enjoyed snack time under the lovely gazebo each day, and the children enjoyed exploring the garden area around it.

Story time:  all about the life of Johann Sebastian Bach.

At the end of the week, one of our volunteers, Maria, led the students in creating a homemade banjo.  She did a wonderful job!

“Let’s rock, let’s rock…TODAY!”

Reflection is always good.  Towards the end of the week, we had the students write about and draw what their favorite parts of camp were. They then shared with the whole group.

We ended camp with a swimming pool party!  Who doesn’t love those?!

It is important to note that most of these activities were not original ideas.  Through Pinterest, I follow other piano teachers and musical schools that are generous with their homemade examples.  Links to some of my favorite sites are below:

Musical worksheets

Music Camp Ideas

A big thanks also goes out to our participants this year and their parents!  Thank you for your continued support of Music Genetics Piano Studio.  See you all next summer!

The projected high for today is 91 degrees, which means the summer is upon us.  Or, it’s simply an average day here in our border city of Brownsville, Texas.  As we are given a plethora of summer camp options in which to enroll our children, it is easy to overlook the variety of affordable, family-friendly excursions our tropical paradise offers.  Here are some local favorites, in the order of free to worth the long-term investment.

Parks
A visit to a local school at the end of the academic year will reveal that we live in a culture that practically worships our children, and we are a fruitful people.  Whether pupils are celebrating the end of their high school or preschool careers, balloons, baskets, stuffed animals and candy galore dominate awards ceremonies.  This works in our favor, as our city works hard to ensure that there are plenty of child friendly destinations.  With many parks to choose from in our area, here are three of the most frequented ones:

The lovely waterfall at Cascade Park.

Surrounded by nice walking trails, Cascade Park is the most recent development to grace us with its presence.  Fully equipped with a couple of playgrounds, a splash pad, plenty of picnic tables, bridges, and yes, a beautiful waterfall that lights up at night, it is a sure summer destination.

Residents are welcome to ride bikes, exercise and even fish from the bridges.  Birthday parties can also be scheduled if the park is contacted ahead of time.  For more information call (956) 838-0162.

Dean Porter Park is located at 501 Ringgold Street.

Located in the center of the Mitte Cultural District, Dean Porter Park is one of Brownsville’s largest and most historic community areas.  There is a walk and fitness trail that lines the outdoor recreation destination, and it sits adjacent to a lovely resaca.

With great picnic areas, expansive playgrounds, and easy access to Sam’s Pool (which is home to free lap swimming summer mornings) and splash pad, it is a welcome respite from the intense heat.  For more details on the park and surrounding areas, check out their website.

The Pirate Ship Park is located at 1 Event Center.

The city now has 64 miles of bike trails, granting Brownsville our most recent title: “bicycling capital of the Rio Grande Valley” by Texas Legislature.  There are a variety of playgrounds along these trails, including the Park at the Brownsville Events Center.  

With pocketfuls of outdoor play areas along these paths, families are encouraged to walk, bike and hike together and catch occasional breaks.  This particular park has access to swings and a pirate ship, and also sits near a resaca.  For more information on the Hike and Bike Trails and for a complete map of the trails, please visit this website.

It’s never too soon to expose your children to a love of reading.

Academics
If a break from the heat is what you crave, the Brownsville Public Library System has exactly what you are looking for.  With two different locations, a library card grants you access to thousands of books, a Summer Reading Program for children with incentives, the Reader’s Mark Cafe with delicious drinks and pastries, internet and computer access, an Adult Reading Club, a Teen Book Club and Movie Time.  For more details on all the local library has to offer, please visit their website.

If you are looking for an online program to help your children with reading fluency, Summer Reading Skills through Baylor University offers curriculum for students as young as 4-years old through those entering the 12th grade.  Helping in the areas of phonics, comprehension, fluency, textbook study skills, speed reading and love of reading, your kids can hone their skills in the comfort of their own home.  Tuition depends on the particular program level, and family discounts are also available.  For more information or to register, please call 1-800-964-9974.  Hours of operation are Monday-Friday 7 am-8 pm and Saturday 8 am-3 pm.

South Padre Island

A portion of the wooden playground at Andy Bowie Park.

Located a mere 20 minutes northeast of us, South Padre Island is nationally known as one of our local gems.  Once on the island, a drive down Gulf Boulevard reveals a few different beach access points that are completely free, some that also include restrooms.  Be sure to pack plenty of water, sunblock, beach toys and necessities and a lunch, if you want to save even more money.

Paying $10 will also give you a one-day pass to Andy Bowie Park, located on the north side of the island, fully equipped with barbecue pits, restrooms and a wooden playground, and Isla Blanca Park,  located on the south side of South Padre with the same commodities.

A rescued turtle at Sea Turtle, Inc.

Sea Turtle, Inc. is a rehabilitative rescue center that conducts educational presentations to help inform the public on good beach habits and what to do if a sea turtle is found.  The center asks only for donations from those visiting and is a non-profit run mostly on donors.  For more details and to plan a visit, please visit their website.

Outdoor Fun
Home to the historic Rabb Plantation and newly opened Barbara T. Warburton Education Center, the Sabal Palm Sanctuary sits right along the U.S./Mexico border.  The sanctuary boasts more than 5 miles of nature trails that feature wildlife sighting areas, for those interested in birdwatching and observing rich biodiversity.  Weekly, guided bird walks and historical tours of the Rabb House are also offered.  Admission is $5 for adults, and $3 for children 12 and under.  Affordable annual passes are also available.  For further details, please visit their website.

Enjoy a bike ride along the Resaca de la Palma trails.

Part of the World Birding Center, Resaca de la Palma State Park is home to over 8 miles of trails and several observation decks.  There is a tram tour that goes around the park every hour and pockets of the Rio Grande can be seen from different areas.

The park also rents out bicycles and binoculars, if needed, for a small fee. Entrance is $4 for adults, with children 12 and under entering for free.  Special events happen monthly, and the summer is full of Ranger Programs.  For more information on these, please visit their website.

Located in Linear Park, the Brownsville Farmers’ Market has grown in the last couple of years.  A family-friendly environment where you can find edibles like farm fresh eggs, raw honey, ready to eat and grow herbs, shrimp, homemade granola, fresh coffee and tea, among other items, the market strives to support local farmers and promote healthy living.  Open every Saturday from 9 am-noon year round, the market will often host morning yoga and Zumba classes, and features live music.

Come support local farmers and healthy eating at the Brownsville Farmers’ Market.

When you are done at the market, head across the street to the Gladys Porter Zoo.  Home to 1500 animals on 31 acres of land, the zoo is a favorite, historic spot.  With a paved, shaded walkway that runs throughout, snack bars with picnic tables, a playground, petting zoo,  butterfly garden and gift shop, it is the perfect escape for little ones to get their wiggles out and adults to enjoy a break.  Membership to the zoo is a worthy investment so that visits can be enjoyed all year long.  Single members pay $60 annually, while a family can purchase a card for $80 (this includes two adults and an unlimited amount of children under the age of 18).  For more information on membership and visiting, please visit their website.

A handsome peacock shows off at the Gladys Porter Zoo.

So there you have it!  Enjoy the summer and all that our city on the border by the sea has to offer.  While you’re making the rounds, be sure to grab a raspa or agua fresca from one of our many locally owned stands to stay hydrated.  Carry plenty of water and sunblock during your excursions and get lost discovering old favorites and new places.  Perhaps I’ll see you around.

If you’re looking for a way to stay on top of your expenses this summer, check out Personal Capital and their useful financial tools. 

As an adolescent, one of my favorite pastimes was opening up my family’s antique cedar chest, and pulling out a small, brown paper bag that contained all I knew about the life of my maternal grandmother.  The old smell and black and white photos made me feel like I was connected to her.  She died on April 14, 1962, the day my mother was born.

My maternal grandmother, Rosario de la Paz Rios.

Her name was Rosario de la Paz Rios.  She was a 26-year old beloved school teacher when she tragically passed, shortly after giving birth, due to not being closely monitored and having a severe heart condition.  I would spend a good portion of my life trying to piece together what she was like and secretly wanting to be like her.  On rare occasions when I visited with older, maternal relatives I was often told that I favored her.  When I finally managed to muster up the courage to ask a closer family member about her life, I was graciously turned away.  Traditionally, the older generations don’t speak of the dead.

I have always known that the bulk of my heritage traces back to Mexico, with rumored drops of Italian and Puerto Rican blood on my paternal side.  I have gone back as far as possible with helpful tools like ancestry.com, but have yet to make it past the early 1900s.  I have been told that it would be necessary to travel into old Catholic churches in Mexico to find records beyond that.  With the current situation across the border, I do not foresee that happening anytime soon.  Plus, I wouldn’t know where to start.

Thus, my research was at a standstill for a very long time.  Until recently, I assumed that I would need to be at peace with not knowing certain things about my family’s history.  Many of my older relatives were gone long before I thought to ask them such questions, and those alive gave me bits and pieces of information over many years, or none at all.

The only paperback copy my family and I currently own of Poemas Del Alma.

The answer seems obvious now, as hindsight often is.  You see, it was my maternal great-grandmother, Elodia M. de la Paz, who was a published author.  She penned a book of Spanish poetry, Poemas Del Alma, or Poems of the Soul, that was printed by Rio Grande Printers, Inc. in 1969.  Why I had not jumped at the opportunity to read the book before now is beyond me.  I can only conclude that I was meant to read it for such a time as this.  

Reading through it has been more rewarding than I could have imagined.  It’s as if the missing puzzle piece is finally within my grasp!  As I read her words, I felt so many different emotions:  inspiration, pride, sadness and gratitude.  Though this was certainly not the case, I felt like she had written this book, so many years ago, just for me.  This was better than any story I had ever heard about her or other kinsmen.  In reading her story, I learned that she was extremely well educated and graduated from Pan American College.  She later married and had four children, her youngest and only girl being my grandmother.  She was a woman of faith and a dedicated mother.  Originally from Mexico, she was a fan and citizen of the United States, often feeling the nuances of navigating both cultures.

I immediately set out to start translating a couple of her poems into English, but was met with doubts.  Would I do the poems justice?  Could I translate without losing the feeling behind them?  Though I am much more confident translating from Spanish to English than from English to Spanish, I am far from perfect at it.  I asked a dear friend, Carla, for her help in translating certain words and colloquial phrases.  Below is our first collaboration of bringing her work to life in the English language:

My maternal great-grandparents. Poet Elodia M. de la Paz on her wedding day.

A mi adorada hija Rosario
(profesora)

No me quejo Señor por lo que has hecho
pues comprendo, tus obras son perfectas;
seguiré en Tí creyendo mientras viva
aunque mis ilusiones ya estén muertas.

Quisiste un ángel más allá en tu cielo
y dirigiendo al mundo tu mirada
escogiste a mi santa hija del alma
dejándome a llorar, desesperada.

Pero a pesar del grande desconsuelo
por el dolor sufrido, te bendigo,
porque con él se lavará mi alma
y te agradezco, oh Dios, ese castigo.

Mi fé hacia Tí me hace reconocer
que poco a poco aliviarás mi herida,
manteniendo mi fuerza la esperanza
con la que pueda soportar la vida.

Mi hija se haya en el cielo, ya a tu lado
sera el ángel que cuide nuestra vida;
es lo mejor para ella destinado
pues vivirá, por siempre bendecida.

To my adored daughter, Rosario
(a teacher)

I won’t complain, Lord, for what You have done
I understand that Your ways are perfect
I will continue believing in You as long as I live
Even though my dreams are dead

You wanted another angel in Heaven
And looking at the world
You chose my soul’s saintly daughter
Leaving me without hope

Though I am deeply grieved
for the pain suffered, I bless you
because with it my soul will be washed clean
and I am grateful, oh Lord, for that punishment

My faith in You makes me recognize
that little by little You will heal my wound
hope maintaining my strength
with which I can bear this life

My daughter finds herself in Heaven, by your side
she will be the angel that takes care of our lives;
it is the best destiny for her
she will live, forever blessed.

Because I looked up to my grandmother so much growing up, it made sense that I would translate the poem her mother wrote about her, first.  In reading through Poemas del Alma, it seems that I have a new heroine:  my great-grandmother, Elodia.  It is a life goal of mine to eventually publish a book.  And not just any book, but a book of poetry.  This whole process has been a reminder that everything happens in due season.  My great-grandmother published her only book long after her four children were grown.  While I do not know if my process will take as long, I know that I need not be in a hurry.

I look forward to the rest of my journey in translation about the life of a woman I never knew, that reminds me so much of myself.

Pregnancy…ah.  The joy and the pain.  The pleasure of feeling your little human move around inside of you, coupled with hormones that occasionally make you feel like a beached whale.

The following is a small collection of quotes that I and other expectant moms I know have experienced.  It’s important to note that most of them were said by well-intentioned family members, friends and acquaintances.  I have written what was said, what would be better to say, and what the expectant mom should not respond with (albeit tempting at times).

“Wow, you’re getting really big!”
Instead, try asking, “How far along are you?”
Expectant mom, refrain from responding with, “Careful, I might eat you next!”

“Are you having twins?!”
Try, “Do you know the gender of your baby?”
The expectant mom snaps, moves her head around and asks, “Does it look like I’m having twins?!” all the while staring down the person who asked.

“So…is this it?!”
Instead of asking this, try, “So what’s next for you (and your spouse)?”
The mama bear wants to say, “Nah…we want at least two more!”

“My doctor gave me the option of having another cesarean with my second born, but I’ve never been one to take the easy way out.”
Why not say, “I wasn’t comfortable with the idea of another c-section, so I opted for a VBAC instead.”
Mama, try not to answer with, “That’s funny.  I’ve never thought of major surgery as taking the easy way out.“

“You already have your perfect pair.”
Instead of this, say something like, “You have been blessed with a beautiful boy and girl.”
The mother with the perfect pair shouldn’t say, “Have I met your limit?”

The day after having the baby:

“I thought you already had a baby…” pats stomach and makes an expression with big eyes.
Instead, ask, “How are you feeling?”
The healing mom might feel like asking something along the lines of, “Do you want me to punch you in the face?!”

“I’m so sorry you had a c-section.”
Ask instead, “Is there any way I can help or serve you and your family during this time?”
Recovering mama, look the person straight in the eye and ask, “Why are you sorry?”  Or retort with, “I’m certainly not sorry.”

“You remind me of Grimace, or Barney, or the Hamburglar!”
Say, “You look cute pregnant!”  Or take advice from Thumper (cue Bambi here) and don’t say anything at all.

“Are you going for a dozen or a half dozen?”
Maybe try, “Do you see yourself having a large family one day?”
The defensive mom is wondering, “I don’t see how that’s any of your business?”

“You only get one good one.”
Perhaps say something like, “You are braver than I am.”
Don’t respond with, “I’m sorry you only have one good one.”

“Suzie had to have a c-section, but that’s okay because it’s her last one.”
Try instead, “I know of other women that have had cesareans.  Sometimes it’s what’s best for the mother and baby.”
Try your best to refrain from saying something snarky.

This is a small sampling of the quotes I have heard from others directed at pregnant women.  When I was pregnant with my first child, I felt as if I was constantly walking around with a sign hanging around my neck that said, “Please give me your unsolicited advice.”  With each pregnancy (this is my third), my skin has become thicker and my confidence has grown.

Bottom line: expectant mothers deserve for you to be gracious with your speech.  Quite frankly, if you knew how much self-control and grace we administer when encountering such situations, you would be amazed.

Now tell me, what is the most absurd thing you (or a friend) have heard while pregnant?!

I knew I needed help inspiring my lad, so I went to the online source of infinite wisdom and ideas:  Pinterest!  Parenting, in my humble opinion, is much like teaching:  other parents and teachers always have the BEST ideas.  I cannot take credit for any of the following gems, but did want to pass on these new tricks that have helped tremendously.  The difference is like night and day.

1.  Create fun faces and shapes, etc. with their food.

This evening, our children enjoyed eating Pad Thai with us. Even the bell peppers and carrots were consumed without a problem!

This was lunch one day when I desperately needed to go grocery shopping.  I usually try to have three food groups (at least) represented.  On this day, there was only two:  berries and sliced turkey (they have no problem eating either).

Something so simple made such a difference.  All of a sudden a typical meal turned into a fun adventure with commentary like, “I’m going to eat the eyes first!” or “There goes the mouth!”  It takes a maximum of two minutes for me to do this when serving the children lunch.  They look forward to the silly face every time!

I found these plastic containers (that come with tops) at Dollar Tree.  I believe they are sold 10 for $1.00.

On the menu for lunch on this particular day:  turkey slices, mandarins and string cheese.  Easy peasy!

The possibilities are endless!

Each day right before lunch, my son asks, “What surprise are we eating today?!”  Serving their food in separate containers has, for whatever reason, made them more excited about what they will eat.  Since my boy will be attending school all day beginning next year, there is a strong possibility that I will be packing similar meals for him.

I also found the jumbo dice at Dollar Tree (2 for $1.00). It’s probably one of my favorite stores.

Both my children enjoy rolling the jumbo dice on the table, counting the dots, and then taking as many bites from their food as they roll.  Hooray for cross-curricular connections while eating!  I know some people are very strict about what they allow on their tables during meals.  On rare occasions, my son likes to bring toys to the table during lunch.  If he eats his food, I allow it.  I’m not a Nazi about it.

Over the years, I have been asked how my husband and I have managed to live on (mostly) one income.  While choosing this lifestyle has not come without sacrifice, it has worked well for our family.  Here are some necessary steps that continue to help us live frugally:

1.  We paid off our debt, first.
When my husband and I were engaged, we took Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University course through our church (we highly recommend him and still follow many of his principles—check out his website). This is one of the most important steps we took, as it got us discussing finances and ensured we were on the same page before getting married.

I came into our marriage with $14,100.00 worth of debt that was comprised of a college loan, my Ford Escort and a credit card.  While that may not seem like a lot to some, we still worked hard to pay it off as quickly as possible.  We began what Ramsey refers to as the Debt Snowball in August of 2009, the month we got married.  We were both employed full-time and paid $800.00 a month towards our debt.  It took us 17 months to pay it off.  I cannot explain the peace that came once that weight was off of our shoulders, but it was well worth it.

As newlyweds, we lived in a modest, two-bedroom duplex.  Because the rent was cheap, we were able to chunk a good portion of our money to what we owed.  We knew buying a home would come eventually.

2.  We have a strict budget for groceries, and I make meal plans every week.
We are currently a family of four, and we budget $600.00 a month for groceries.  I know families of similar sizes that budget much more, and others that set aside less.  This amount works for us, and we strive to eat healthy food.  That means we buy a good amount of produce and fewer processed items.  Trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle is expensive!

When grocery shopping, we withdraw cash.  It is much easier to stay within your budget when you are holding tangible dollar bills.  There have been plenty of times that I have wanted to splurge on something but put it back on the shelf because I know we can’t afford it that particular week.

In our modern world with sites like Pinterest and access to most things at the touch of a fingertip, finding recipes is easy.  I typically plan for a maximum of three meals per week (we are good leftover eaters).  I create my grocery lists based solely on what we will be consuming, and snacks for us.  I do not usually deviate from the list when at the store.  Side note:  crockpots and Rotisserie chickens are especially helpful!

This also means that we seldom eat out.  When we do, it is a welcome treat (and a separate budget line item).  Do we have moments that we go for the convenience of a meal?  Absolutely.  Especially now that we are expecting our third child (hello, frozen chicken nuggets and french fries!).  We just don’t make it the norm.

3.  We bought a house we could afford on ONE income.
I’ll write that one more time:  We bought a house we could afford on ONE income.  Could we have bought a bigger, nicer home?  Yes, but eventually we would have been living above our means and we would have accumulated debt all over again.  When my husband and I were engaged, we agreed that when it came time for us to have children, I would stay at home with them (at least during their most formative years).   We worked towards that end before our firstborn son arrived, a little after two years of marriage.

There is much peace in not ever having to think about my mortgage and whether or not we can afford it.

4.  We love hand me downs and believe in the barter system.
We never say no when hand me downs are offered to us.  If they don’t work for whatever reason, we keep passing them along, or donate them to Goodwill (also a great place to find jeans for the children).  We have been so blessed by some of the most generous people in our community through hand me downs.  I never tire of receiving them, and I keep the cycle going by paying it forward when we are done with them.

Since resigning from my full-time teaching position in 2012, I have been giving piano lessons part-time from our home.  I average about 15 students per semester.  Every year, there are a few students whose parents cannot afford to pay the full monthly fee.  I have bartered piano lessons for help with gardening, babysitting and meals.  I have gained so much through these experiences, not to mention hardworking, dedicated students and families.  It is a joy to live life intentionally with others, even if it means that four out of five weeknights our home is full of people and noise.

5.  We tithe.
Of all the aforementioned tips that have helped us, this is the one that is most instrumental to our faith.  We tithe 10% of our income, which means we give that amount back to the Lord (whom we believe blesses us with all things) and live on 90% of our income.  “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.  Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” -Malachi 3:10  This is the only place in the Bible that the Lord says we can test Him, and we feel that is significant.

We don’t know what it’s like to live on 100% of our income because we’ve never done it.  It has been our experience, however, that the Lord more than keeps His promises when you take Him at His word.

Has it always been easy?  No.  Do I sit around the house all day eating Bon-Bons?  I wish!  It is also important to note that it would be much harder for us to live this way if we lived anywhere else in the United States.  South Texas has a reputation for being the poorest region in our country, and it is.  The cost of living, therefore, is extremely affordable.  When I take a step back and look at the larger picture, I am continually reminded that we are rich in the things that matter.  When you have traveled the world and spent time in countries like China and Mexico, you see what real materialistic poverty looks like.  But that, my friends, is a whole other post…

Now I want to hear from you!  What are some money-saving practices that have helped you and your family (I am always a learner)?