Back To School - Do You Celebrate or Mourn?

The start of September marks a new beginning for all parents. 

New School year.

New teachers.

New book bags and freshly sharpened pencils.

New exciting expectations and hopes. 

Jokingly, I hear a lot of moms saying they are ready to celebrate as soon as their kids get on the bus. We all laugh and agree that summer has been long and we want them out of the house ASAP. 

But do we? 

Do you celebrate or actually mourn deep inside the swift passage of time? 

Do you ask yourself how is it you have a child in (n)th grade already? Do you cry a small tear realizing they don't need you anymore as much as they used to? They can tie their own shoes, they can get their own lunch or even make you one. 

Changes are tough and more so they are tough on moms. 

I have to say that I mourn the quick end of innocent and carefree childhood. For the last five years there was no homework, no exact times to be home or consent forms to sign. I loved being a stay-at-home mom to my boy and those years have flown by so fast, I didn't even have a time to blink. I mourn the innocence and the pure heart that will be tested and hurt more than once. The sweet spirit that will be crushed and tried so many times. 

Time flies. It flies even faster when you are having a good ole time.

But life goes on. They will grow up, they will move on and we will never get this time back ever again. 

So cherish it. Make it special.Take the time to talk to them. Have family night and play games with them. 

Don't get so caught up in making a living that you forget to make a life!

Have a great school year!

Pistachio Cupcakes {Recipe}

Hello everyone! Long time no see huh? Well, I'm not turning this into food blog, just popping in to post this amazing and seriously delicious recipe. Whenever I go to a party which requires me to bring food, I bring these. They never disappoint - always a hit and so easy to make. It's not mine so I can't claim it but I did come up with an awesome version of frosting so enjoy! The original recipe is from The Little Kitchen but I reduced sugar to 1/3 cup and frosting is almost like cheating on baking, it's that easy. Hope you like these!

• CUPCAKES:

• 1 1/2 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 3.4 ounce box of instant pistachio pudding

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon avocado oil

• 2 large eggs

• 1 egg white

• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 
  

1.   1. Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a cupcake tin with cupcake liners.
2. 
   
3. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add flour, baking powder, salt and box of instant pudding. Whisk or mix together with a rubber spatula. Set aside.
4. In the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment or a large mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer, cream butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add avocado oil and vanilla extract and mix until well blended. While still mixing, add eggs in one at time until completely incorporated. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed
5. Add dry ingredients and incorporate with a rubber spatula until most of the dry ingredients are moistened. This step takes seconds and it’s okay if there is unincorporated flour. Add milk and mix with hand mixer or in your stand mixer using the paddle attachment on the lowest speed for 30 seconds. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl and mix for another 20 to 30 seconds. The cake batter should be smooth, and very thick except for the pistachios from the pudding.
6. Fill cupcake liners with 1/4 cup of cake batter. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into one of the cupcakes comes out clean. (If using a 3 Tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out cupcakes, bake for about 16 to 18 minutes.) Or you can make mini cupcakes as I did, filling them with a tiny melon scoop, or one teaspoon 
7. This recipe makes 14 regular cupcakes or 32 mini cupcakes.

      FROSTING:   

     

     2.5 cups heavy whipping cream   

     1/2 cup of milk

     1 package of pistachio pudding.

   1. Combine whipping cream and pistachio pudding in a bowl of an electric mixer. Slowly start mixing on the lowest speed to incorporate the pudding. Once it has melted into the whipping cream, increase the speed to the highest and beat until it turns into thick cream. 

   2. Add up to 1/2 cups of milk to loosen up the frosting. You don't have to add the milk but the frosting will be very difficult to pipe.

    3. Cut a tiny hole in a gallon-size Ziplock bag. Place the Wilton 2D tip inside the bag pushing it out so half of it is still inside the bag. Place the bag with tip inside a large glass and transfer the frosting in to it. Gather all the frosting and push it toward the tip so there are no air pockets. Pipe the frosting on to your beautiful cupcakes in a circular motion, starting with the outer layer and going up. 

If you want to see how it works, HERE is a great video on how to pipe different types of techniques with one tip.

Enjoy your cupcakes and if you make them, tag me so I can see! 

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Seasons of Life {Words for My Babies}

leggings // top

When summer was drawing to an end, and the school was starting I was a little bit sad to be honest. I didn't want the carefree, hot and fun days with my kiddos to end. I really didn't want to get into a routine of waking up early and going by schedule because our summer was full of so many adventures that happened on a whim. 

I wasn't enjoying the change.

Then came autumn. With its ever changing leaves and chill, crisp mornings. I was starting to like the fact that we can layer our cardigans and enjoy the sunlight instead of hide from it. 

Then fall became this beautiful array of colors everywhere I looked. There were gorgeous magenta tones, bright oranges and stark yellows all around me. The sun was still warm during the day but nights were refreshingly chilly. 

I started to enjoy it. 

                                It got me thinking. It's the same in life. We love or enjoy something so much that we don't want to let go or move on. There is something to enjoy in every season - in both valleys and high peeks. Right now, I'm enjoying the toddler stage in life. My children are always with me and seems like on me. But they share everything with me, I'm their best friend of choice and we do everything together. The cuddles and fears, the night time prayers and songs, the trips to the zoo and exploring, the learning about life and trying their limits. I'm here for all of it and I love it. I'm going to miss it when they are grown but every season will have something beautiful in it. So find yours and enjoy it, whatever it may be. 

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven                                                          (Ecc 3:1)

When You're Letting Go of a Piece of Your Heart {Motherhood}

I opened the white, front door of our family home and stepped outside. Cold morning air hit my face and I remembered that it's not summer anymore. September is here with a hint of fall and changes with it. Down the stairs and a few steps onto the street, I was trying to remember the shopping list that was his first school year's necessities. Lunch box, sneakers, uniform, light jacket, and snacks. I reached for the handle of the car door and reminded myself that I wasn't going to cry when I will be dropping him off in a few days. I will smile, wish him a good day and tell him that I will be back soon. I won't make it a huge deal and inflate this out of proportion but at the same time, I will make this milestone a little bit special. I reminded myself to add another thing to the list and drove off.

My big boy, my first born baby is going to school, pre-k to be exact. To some it may be just another trip down the road but for me it was an end of an era. It's the beginning of the end of innocence, carefree childhood and flexible bedtimes in the middle of the week. It is what so many mothers experience this time of year. 

It's a time to embrace the new and remember the old. 

It's a time to give yourself a pat on the back that you've made it so far but to roll up your sleeves and get to work on their homework. 

It's a time to clean out their room and help them settle in their dorm room, while leaving a twenty dollar bill under the rug for a rainy day. 

It's a time to give yourself a break when your last one boards the bus and waves you good bye, leaving you home alone not sure what to do with yourself.

It's a time to give yourself permission to have a good cry and watch a sappy chick flick in the middle of the day, then throw some pizza in the oven and call everyone for dinner. 

It's a time to make homemade cookies when they come back from their first day. 

It's a time to settle down and buckle up, to face the reality of your kids' abilities and push them harder to reach for more. 

It's a time to let go of the extra curricular activities that break up your family time, make your head spin and your hands reach for fast food more times then you should.

It's a time to plan family meals and listen to their conversations.

It's a time to invite the Lord into your morning devotions with your kids before they board the bus.

It's a time to encourage them and uplift them

It's a time to pray for them while they're away 

It's a huge change that brings painful and joyous moments with enormous challenges.

It's an adjustment of routines, bedtimes, shopping lists and budgets. 

It's an expansion of our hearts to find the space and strength to forgive those who will hurt our babies, those who won't understand them and those who will reject them. 

It's an appreciation of those who take the extra time and put extra effort in their success because let's face it, we can't do it alone. 

When you are letting go of a piece of your heart, let God take over. Trust Him to take you through this uncharted territory of firsts - first unaided written letter, first A for enormous effort, first totally failed exam, first oppositional college professor and even first love.

As moms we go through a lot and we all go through similar situations. We all need each other to learn from, to share with and to uplift. It's a tough job and we shouldn't be going at it solo. Find friends who will encourage you, who have gone through similar situations and those who will uplift you in their prayers.

Mama, you are strong, persevering, tough,  unbreakable and courageous. One who wants her child to not just follow the rules, but follow God Himself.

Let me take your hand. And stand with you.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Home With Aroma Soy Candles

Decorating the house is always a favorite of mine. I love refreshing tour home with some beautiful items and new candles. The candles are a great addition for fall, as they add warmth and great smell. I love putting a candle on when I'm doing my devotions in the morning and it makes my day. The awesome natural candles from Aroma Soy Candles are handmade using only high quality-natural materials: 100% pure soy wax, lead/zinc free cotton wicks and blends of natural oils for fragrance. All proceeds from this weekend will go to benefit a family in Houston! Give the Aroma Soy Candles some love and check them out on Etsy! 

Thank you for stopping by!

Contentment is a Great Gain in the Eyes of Jesus

Have you ever thought that you got it? Have you ever felt like there is one area in your life where, really, you are on top of things? You are doing the thing you are supposed to be doing and it's going great. You know God has you in His this exact place and time and it feels so good. Then, just as you were settling into your comfy spot and petting yourself on the back for a job well done, you get the wind knocked out of you. You wonder, what just happened? Everything was going so well.

I was in that spot. I never had an issue with jealousy. Yes, others may have had better, bigger things but it was them. I was in a different place. I may have felt covetous but never jealous. I haven't felt the need to show that I want something others have. 

We bought a small house a few years and have been very happy in it since. I love the lay out, the fact that we live on a quiet street inside the city, all grocery stores are close by, both sides of the family live nearby too. I've loved decorating and making this home ours. We have a large family room which has come handy with having little children and containing the mess. We have a large, private master bedroom downstairs (currently undergoing a major renovation). We have a small but private backyard. We have large kitchen and a nice open floor plan. I've loved living in our home since the day one.

Then came the wind.

The other day I visited a friend who bought a new house. They have lived renting an apartment for a while and this was a huge blessing for them. Having multiple children, they were in real need for a backyard, more space and privacy. The home was beautiful. It had a unique floor plan and large backyard, updated kitchen and other awesome features. I felt a sprig of jealousy rise up. I tried to hide it, praising and admiring the new residence.

On the way home, I felt like a huge lump was stuck in my throat and I just couldn't shake off the feeling of not being satisfied with what I have.

I was so grateful.

I was so content. 

I was in a good place.

I had to work on this all over again.

You see, being content is not something you can just have and never work on. At one point in your life you will come along someone with something better then yours. Unless you keep the focus eternal and fix your eyes on Jesus, you will fall into the trap of wanting more. 

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:6-12)

Fighting a good fight means, it's an ongoing action which you have to keep up your entire life. It does not mean if you won one battle, you may rest. The scriptures teach us that 'the love of money is root of [all kinds of] evil'. That evil may be something you see on the inside or something that grows on the inside. Don't give discontent any space. Don't let the seed get root and destroy your whole life with poor choice, wrong priorities and shift in thinking. 
We are called into a life where the 'righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness' are main possessions we should boast about. Unfortunately we all fall into the trap and temptation to seek more earthly desires. 
Having good things isn't necessarily wrong but the love of them will take you onto the path of evil. If we desire to be rich and seek possessions with all our might, that path will lead us "into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction".
Lastly, we are in the presence of many witnesses. Whether it's our neighbors, our friends or the people we pass by on the street, we are made witnesses to the Lord. With are grateful attitudes and content hearts, we can either draw people to the Lord or push them away. We are also standing before Jesus and serving Him. If as Christians we still have to work on contentment, the Lord will have to take us through some trials before we learn to have a grateful heart and serve others. In His eyes, we are living the life He wants us to live, He supplies all our needs and gives us necessary things for life. To Jesus our soul is far more precious then any earthly possessions, or fulfillment of our temporary desires. Jesus brought us to this place and He will sustain us, our part is just be thankful and content with the life He chose for us. After all, He knows best and delights in our contentment. 

Summer Happenings {Family Photos}

 Taking family photos is the most labor intensive job out there. Kids are running around, adults are cheesing and you are desperately trying to look natural but have the perfect photos at the same time. Well, I'm loving our these photos we did couple of days ago! We got all dolled up and made a trip downtown to one of our local landmarks and snapped away. Thanks to the talented and patient photographer TC from the Thenappan Picture Gallery, we got some great shots! I honestly want to post all of them - there is so many good ones. If you are in the area, I recommend you hit him up for some photos because honestly I didn't even edit any of these. I also can't wait to frame them because we don't have many recent pictures of all of us together. Hope you have a great weekend and enjoy the weather because it's not going to last long (especially around these parts).

Thank you for stopping by! 

Setting Right Priorities Will Make Your Life Blessed

I recently read some discouraging news about a public figure I admired for years. It simply hurts reading that people you thought were strong and faithful, fall prey, yet again, to the age-old attacks from Satan. It's just so discouraging. If they couldn't make it, what are the chances of me making it in the long haul? Slim to none. Yet, I have the Lord on my side, He is the one who guides and leads me through the valley of the shadows. 

After I read about yet that couple getting a divorce, I started thinking what went wrong. Why did something that God destined to serve as an eternal example of His love ended up breaking into pieces? Why are they not sticking with it? Why are they not putting more effort? Why quit? Why?

I know I am not perfect. Far from it. I have to constantly remind myself of what's more important and why I'm doing what I'm doing because there plenty reasons to quit. Yet, one of the important things I learned in my life is that priorities are what separates people from successes and failures. The way you set your priorities is what makes you, who you are. Basically, whatever is the most important to you, you will love, cherish, spend time with and invest energy in.

Question: What are the most important things in your life?
I was recently reading a few articles about habits and routines of highly successful people and one thing stood out among all of them. They all make something a priority, make a plan and set out to pursue that goal. They narrow down the most important things and only focus on those, while ignoring the distractions and developing themselves in that direction.
Successful people focus on something and make that a huge priority in their life, then work very, very at getting to the point of achievement. Whatever it may be, emotional, spiritual, financial or social prosperity is a matter of priority. It doesn't necessarily make those priorities right, because people pursue all kinds of things that aren't worth the time. But one thing remains the same - setting priorities in correct order will make your life blessed.
God is looking for people who will put Him first, and I don't mean going to church. Making the Lord a priority, means that everything else will follow only after the relationship with Him is fulfilled. It means you don't start a job, build a family or get a new friend without consulting with the Father. He ultimately is your source of strength and wisdom for all decisions. He is the number one priority in your life.
Priorities are what drives us to pursue the life we will eventually live, blessed or completely destroyed. The choice is up to us.

Managing your time wisely and employing personal discipline to pursue the correct priorities will make all the difference in your life. Putting action into your life towards the goal you set out to pursue will release the blessings God has promised to those who love Him. When we make our relationship with Him a priority, the Lord will bless and prosper us in a way we haven't even imagined. The relationship with Him is absolutely worth it all.

Nobody is too busy, it's just a matter of priorities.

Summer Happenings {Exploring Our Own Backyard}

This summer has been one of the best to date! Honestly, in my entire adult life I haven't had so much fun. The excuse is? Kids. Having kids is really, really fun. I mean, it's really, really hard too but so much more exciting. Couple of weeks ago we ventured out onto my sister's property to explore the woods and do some pretend fishing. One day we will fish for real. We found crawfish, splashed in the creek, climbed some rocks and got completely wet all in the name of exploring. I mean when else would you venture out into the woods on a weekday afternoon? Never! Except the Jonathan has been asking me to go hiking and this was perfect opportunity. I mean we didn't exactly go far but they enjoyed it. 

It doesn't matter where or how you do it - get out there and explore. We live in a very picturesque place yet, so many places we didn't even know about. This year we are making a point of visiting old favorites and exploring new ones. Hope you have a great weekend! 

Thank you for stopping by!