Mandi Ehman's Blog, page 14

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Published on December 05, 2015 05:01

December 3, 2015

Follow your heart, mama

Follow Your Heart, Mama

As we welcome Lucas Isaiah to our family and adjust to life as a family of eight, I’m sharing some of my very favorite posts from the thousands of posts in our archives. I hope you enjoy these as much as I enjoyed reading back through them once again!

There’s something to be said for adding a new baby to your family when the rest of your children are out of diapers and school-age. It turns out that it’s an entirely different dynamic than the days of four children under five, more than one baby in diapers and interruptions from multiple kids every night. Imagine that!

In some ways, it seems crazy — did we really just go back to night feedings and exploding diapers and reflux when we’d already graduated from those stages? And in other ways…it’s simply blissful.

Follow Your Heart, Mama

Above all, it’s given me a sweet, sweet perspective of motherhood.

There are certainly still days that are frantic and stressful, but there are also days full of cuddles and lots of helping hands.

And what it makes me wish, more than anything, is that I could go back and peel back the curtain for my 22-year-old self when we brought our first tiny newborn home from the hospital.

Although I find myself tempted to give the same ol’ advice that every mother already hears (you know, Cherish these moments. They grow up so fast. It’ll be over in the blink of an eye.), that’s not really the advice I want to give.

Follow Your Heart, Mama

Here’s what I would say instead:

Above all else, mama, follow your heart. Read the books, if you must. Talk to friends. Ask your mama for advice. But then sit in the still and the quiet and listen to your heart.

Yes, I know we tend to measure mothering success in the early years by hours slept at night, and I know sleep sounds good—so, so good—right now, but it’s neither a measure of success nor your ultimate goal.

If the cry-it-out method sounds right to you, then I won’t tell you not to do it, but if your heart is breaking as your little one cries, you don’t have to resist. Follow your heart.

If you want to hold your sweet baby for all of her naps, do it (you might not get that chance with number two, three or four).

Follow Your Heart, Mama

It’s easy to get caught up in worrying about routines and schedules and what your baby needs to sleep in her bed or through the night, but sometimes you just need to let go and follow her lead. I promise it won’t turn her into an out-of-control toddler or a demanding preschooler. There will be a time when discipline and obedience become important, for sure, but that time is not now.

Follow your heart, even when your head disagrees, mama.

Snuggle that baby as much as you want. Let her sleep in your arms or on your chest without worrying about what the next nap will bring.

I know it’s overwhelming and I know you worry that what “they” say is true and you’ll never have a good sleeper if you don’t establish “good sleep habits” now, but it’s not. You’ll be just fine.

Follow Your Heart, Mama

Sure, there may be naps where you end up snuggling the baby instead of getting things done, and that may come with a little bit of regret, but I promise you won’t remember that regret in a few years. But if you give in to the pressure to create a perfect sleeper and don’t follow your heart? Well, that’s a regret that will stay with you.

And now for the clichés: They are only little once. Your baby will be a toddler and a preschooler and a preteen before you know it. You will miss these snuggle naps more than you know. And I promise your 16-year-old won’t still be climbing in bed with you.

Information and advice and wisdom passed down through the ages are all wonderful things, but God made you mama to this baby. Above all else, follow your heart.

**originally published April 2014

Comments I love this!! So beautiful! Sometimes I feel bad that I toss ... by My_Jesse_TreeLove this reminder! I certainly needed it today! by Leigh AnnI don't have kids yet, but my brother is three years younger ... by nameI read this as your 'oldest' is almost four and was trying to ... by nameThank you so much for this – I needed it today, this week, ... by Emilie O'BrienPlus 5 more...Related StoriesFollow Your Heart, Mama

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Published on December 03, 2015 05:01

December 1, 2015

How our family is celebrating advent this year

How our family celebrates advent

If I was a good blogger, I would have written this post weeks ago when you were thinking about and planning your own advent season.

Instead…I’m sharing it today, two days into advent! If you already have a plan for advent, I hope this will give you ideas for next year rather than pressure to add more this year. But if you’ve been wanting to embrace a more intentional advent and weren’t sure where to start, it’s not too late to pick a resource or two from this list.

(And if you’re feeling discouraged about the way your advent has started, be sure to read this encouragement from Haley at Carrots for Michaelmas.)

For myself

I really enjoy the IF : Equip Bible studies, and I’m excited to participate in their four-week advent study this month.

Last year I started Lara Williams’ Then Came Jesus study. I really loved it, but our advent season ended up being chaotic and discombobulated because we were traveling during the first part of the month, and I set it aside after the first week. It may be too lofty this year as well (hello, newborn!), but I’m going to try anyway.

How our family celebrates advent

For the girls

We love Amanda White’s Truth in the Tinsel and have used it for the past four years. Rather than doing the daily crafts, along with the daily devotional. We’ve somehow managed to lose our original set of ornaments since last Christmas, so we colored a new set last month, and they’re all ready to go in our morning time binder.

My friend Heather released a family devotional this year as well, and I’m excited to incorporate the Experiencing Advent study into our daily morning time, especially for the big girls. We’ll be tweaking it some to work for our family—skipping the crafts and recipes and moving the other activities to weekdays—but I love that it includes Bible study, Scripture memorization, historical background, and hymns!

Someone also shared this Scripture writing plan on Facebook, and I love writing out Scripture, so I’m excited to include it as well. (Although I am 100% sure we won’t do it every day!)

How our family celebrates advent

As a family

We first incorporated an advent wreath into our celebration four years ago, and it remains one of my favorite traditions. This year we won’t be doing any gifts with our weekly readings (the gifts, while meaningful, had clearly become too much of a focus last year for our girls), but we will be serving a special dessert each Sunday night just to set aside that time as a special part of our week.

In addition, we’re reading Jotham’s Journey this year (hat tip to Sarah Mackenzie for the recommendation). We started early because one of our big girls will be staying with my parents for a few days and we won’t read on those days, and so far we’re all enjoying the story and daily lessons.

Since I spend much of my day on the couch nursing the baby anyway, we’ll also read through our growing Christmas book collection, and I would like to finish Louisa May Alcott’s Christmas Treasury this year as well.

***

We’ll still be doing many of our favorite Christmas crafts and activities as well—plus lots of baking, of course. I recently stumbled across this post from Laura Vanderkam about why she does not simplify Christmas, and it really resonated with me. If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, of course you should reconsider the activities on your list, but it’s okay to enjoy a full holiday season as well!

***

What are your favorite advent activities in the weeks leading up to Christmas?

Comments Mandi – I also read Laura's post on why she doesn't simplify ... by Rachel Jonat

Click here for the instructions.

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Published on December 01, 2015 05:01

November 30, 2015

Printable nativity set, cranberry crunch bark + more {101 Days of Christmas}

101 Days of Christmas 2015

Each week this holiday season, I’m sharing seven of my very favorite 101 Days of Christmas projects from the archives.

My main strategy for avoiding stress during the holiday season is to start early, but even if you’re just starting to think about Christmas, you can simplify by saying no to the things that don’t fit your vision for the holiday. You don’t have to do certain things because either people do or even because extended family expects you to. Instead, start by making a list of the things that are most important to you and then fill in your schedule and to-do list around those, leaving plenty of margin so you can breathe in the wonder of the season!

Printable Nativity Set

{77} Printable Nativity Set

I love this printable nativity set so much! It’s sweet and fun, and we’ve added a few different variations over the years so you have plenty to choose from!

Click here for this free printable. And don’t miss the popsicle stick puppet and magnetic variations.

Chocolate-Covered Candy Canes

{78} Chocolate-Covered Candy Canes

Again…chocolate and peppermint, what more do I need to say?! (This is a really fun way to dress up simple candy canes!)

Gingerbread Caramels

{79} Gingerbread Caramels

Shaina strikes again with these delicious gingerbread caramels. What a cute gift a box of these would be!

cranberry crunch bark

{80} Cranberry Crunch Bark

Making barks at Christmas time is so much fun because they’re simple, beautiful and delicious. Whether you’re serving them at an event or packing them into cookie tins, be sure to add this recipe to your list.

printable appreciation tags

{81} Printable Appreciation Tags

I love taking time out of our holiday celebrations to say thank you to our regular UPS driver and mail lady, the guys who pick up our trash and more. These cute printable tags can be paired with a special treat or gift card as a simple but thoughtful thank you!

Click here for ideas and directions.

Flat Gingerbread Houses {101 Days of Christmas at lifeyourway.net}

{82} Flat Gingerbread Houses

Although we discovered graham cracker houses last year, these flat gingerbread houses were the perfect activity when my kids were smaller and would get frustrated over the pieces falling apart on them!

peppermint meringues

{83} Peppermint Meringues

I know I’ve mentioned my love for meringues before, and these peppermint meringues are beautiful and flavorful!

What is your favorite way to find peace as the holiday madness kicks into gear?

Click here for the recipe and instructions.

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Published on November 30, 2015 04:30

November 23, 2015

Gingerbread star Christmas trees, fancy cookie plates + more {101 Days of Christmas}

101 Days of Christmas 2015

Each week this holiday season, I’m sharing seven of my very favorite 101 Days of Christmas projects from the archives.

With Thanksgiving just a few days away (and advent starting just a few days after that!), it feels like the holiday season is officially here…and I love it! We’re heading down to North Carolina for a few days to spend Thanksgiving with my parents, my sister and my grandma, and then we’ll be home and start working (slowly!) through our favorite Christmas traditions. I don’t think we’re going to ring the Salvation Army bell this year, only because it’s been super cold most of the years we’ve done that, and I’m not sure I’m up for 3 hours in the cold with a tiny baby!

Gingerbread Star Christmas Tree {101 Days of Christmas at lifeyourway.net}

{70} Gingerbread Star Christmas Tree

My kids reaction to this cute cookie tree made all of the work that went into it worth it, and I’d love to do it again in the future as a surprise for them (or maybe I should just pass this post on to my 11-year-old and let her make it!).

Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Shortbread #recipe at lifeyourway.net

{71} Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Shortbread

Chocolate, peppermint, shortbread…you really can’t go wrong with this delicious and fun recipe that Shaina shared a couple of years ago!

Click here for ideas for your plates.

Fancy Paper Cookie Plates

{72} “Fancy” Paper Cookie Plates

These “fancy” paper cookie plates are a fun way to dress up plates for potlucks, neighbor gifts and more. Simple but cute!

Fiori di Sicilia Sparkling Star Cookies

{73} Fiori di Sicilia Star Cookies

These are definitely another one of my favorite cookies (yes, I have lots of favorites!). The Fiori di Sicilia flavoring is amazing, and the sparkly stars are the perfect cookie for letting that flavor shine!

Click here for the simple instructions.

Graham Cracker Houses

{74} Graham Cracker Houses

I’m so glad we tried these graham cracker houses last year, and this will definitely be one of our regular traditions moving forward.

Popsicle Stick Christmas Tree

{75} Popsicle Stick Christmas Trees

This popsicle tree is a play on the felt tree ornaments I do with my toddlers, but my older preschoolers and early elementary kids always love a project with paint and sequins.

Click here for supplies and directions.

Printable Christmas Placemat

{76} Printable Christmas Placemats

Get ready for your holiday meals with these printable placemats!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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Published on November 23, 2015 05:01

November 21, 2015

Weekend reading: November 21, 2015

Bright eyed baby boy

From Instagram: Hey there, bright eyes! {Is there anything cuter than a baby in a long-sleeve onesie?!}

It’s been two weeks since this little guy joined our family, and we are so in love. He is just the sweetest, most content baby. He started smiling at one week old, but when he’s not smiling, he will just sit and stare at our faces or a pattern on the wall, perfectly still as he takes it all in.

What I’m reading: Orphan #8 by Kim van Alkemade and Coming Clean by Seth Haines (so, so good!)

What I’m thinking about:

{Follow my personal Facebook feed for the things I’m thinking about and talking about all week!}

Thoughts on the Syrian refugee debate

The world is scary as hell. Love anyway. | Washington Post

When we are all Priests and Levites. | Jamie the Very Worst Missionary

Finding Peace in a World of Fear | The High Calling

Syrian Refugees Don’t Pose a Serious Security Threat | CATO Institute

It’s all about choices

Why No & Yes are BFFs | Nesting Place

What You See Really Is What You Get | Chasing Blue Skies

Why Self-Worth Is Essential to Practicing Minimalism | N o Sidebar

An intentional and meaningful Christmas

6 ways to keep Advent simple & special | The Art of Simple

5 Tips for a More Intentional Holiday Season | Becoming Minimalist

Selfless Holidays | Heretical Love

Have a great weekend!

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Published on November 21, 2015 02:03

November 19, 2015

On obedience and the right to an opinion

NOTE: As we welcome Lucas Isaiah to our family and adjust to life as a family of eight, I’ll be sharing some of my very favorite posts from the thousands of posts in our archives. I hope you enjoy these as much as I enjoyed reading back through them once again!

Can you teach your children to obey your authority while still valuing their opinions as individuals?

I sure hope so.

I’ve been thinking about the extremes of parenting lately:

On one hand, you have parents who value obedience over everything else. Children must obey without question or argument, every time, without hesitation. No exceptions.

On the other, you have parents who offer their children a bazillion choices for the minutiae of their day, live to make their kids happy and give in to whining, cajoling or temper tantrums more often than not.

I want to live somewhere in the middle!

You see, I want my kids to question authority. I want them to stand up and say so when they don’t think something is right. I want them to defend themselves and their sisters.

Growing up, my mom was always willing to explain her decisions to me. She had to change her policy slightly with my strong-willed baby sister (and we’ve run into those same issues with our argumentative, precocious 6-year-old), but for the most part she reserved the “because I said so” line for rare occasions rather than pulling it out every day.

I want my kids to accept when I say no to a toy purchase, but I also want them to be willing to say, “Can I save up and buy it myself?” I don’t want them to throw a fit when something we’ve planned for the day gets canceled, but I don’t want them to pretend they’re not disappointed either.

In our home, we teach our kids to obey first, and then ask questions. Sometimes immediate obedience is a matter of safety, and in order to trust our children to walk through parking lots, to play outside by themselves and to become independent, we need to know that when we say “Stop!”, they stop. There are also times when an argument has been made and the answer is still no, and they need to accept that and obey, and they need to do it respectfully and with a “happy heart”.

As they get older, I want to raise kids who question their faith and aren’t afraid to ask the tough questions…and search out the answers. I want them to be willing to disagree with me and say so. I want them to point out hypocrisy in my life and call me on it when I speak unkindly about someone else.

My current mantra is “fair does not mean equal”, and I repeat it a million times a day as first one child and then another declares something unfair. At the end of the day, though, I want my kids to be willing to say, “Mom, I know fair doesn’t mean equal, but next time could I take art classes too?”

I want to raise strong women. Women who respect the office of the president while disagreeing with his or her policies. Women who honor and respect their husbands, but who push them to be better men. Women who buck the norms and do what they believe is right, not what others tell them they should do.

I want my children to know they’re heard—even while teaching them to obey—so they’re not afraid to use their voice later on.

How do you balance these ideas of obedience and allowing your children to have their own opinions and ideas?

**originally posted in June 2011

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Published on November 19, 2015 05:02

November 18, 2015

A tasty, not-too-sweet, dairy-free sweet potato casserole

This post is brought to you by Kenmore, but all opinions are 100% mine:

A not-too-sweet, dairy-free sweet potato casserole

Oh, how tastes change over time.

My idea of a good sweet potato casserole 4 or 5 years ago was one that pretty much tasted like pie for dinner. Since then, however, we’ve worked hard to reduce the amount of sugar we eat on an everyday basis (although we still enjoy our sweet treats!). And as we’ve reduced our sugar overall, things like our favorite sweet potato casserole have become too sweet for our taste buds (at least at dinnertime!).

This year, with a nursing baby once again, I also needed to find a dairy-free version of this dish so that I don’t have to skip it.

The result is this sweet potato casserole, which tastes less like pie and more like good ol’ sweet potatoes!

NOTE: I used ghee in place of butter in my potatoes and the topping because I love its flavor, but coconut oil would work just as well.

Ingredients:

Sweet Potatoes:

6 large sweet potatoes
1/4-1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup ghee or coconut oil, melted

Topping:

1/2 cup packed brown sugar or coconut sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup ghee or coconut oil, melted
1 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

Bake sweet potatoes at 400 degrees for 60-75 minutes until tender.

In 9″ x 13″ baking dish, peel and mash the baked sweet potatoes. Add sugar, eggs, almond milk, salt, and melted ghee or coconut oil. Mix well.

In a separate bowl, mix sugar, flour, melted ghee or coconut oil, and pecans. Crumble mixture evenly over sweet potatoes.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes. If you want to add mini marshmallows, bake for an additional 15 minutes until the marshmallows are golden brown.

More dairy-free Thanksgiving recipes:

Rustic Homemade Rolls
Green Bean Casserole
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Vegan Creamed Corn
Maple Pumpkin Pie
Best Pecan Pie Ever

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Published on November 18, 2015 05:01

November 16, 2015

Homemade nonpareils, felt Christmas tree ornaments + more {101 Days of Christmas}

101 Days of Christmas 2015

Each week this holiday season, I’m sharing seven of my very favorite 101 Days of Christmas projects from the archives.

I’d like to think it’s the joy and the wonder that makes me love Christmas so much, but maybe it’s really all of the chocolate and baked goods…

Homemade Nonpareils

{63} Homemade Nonpareils

My mom and I are huge fans of nonpareils, and I was so excited to make them at home last year. My only regret is I never end up with quite as many as I hoped when making a batch!

felt christmas tree ornament for kids

{64}

These felt tree ornaments are among the very first crafts I ever did with my big girls! I’ve enjoyed repeating it with each of my kids, and I think I’ll add it to our Christmas plan to do with our two-year-old (and mostly likely a few of his big sisters again!) this year.

chocolate candy cane blossoms

{65} Chocolate Candy Cane Blossoms

These cookies are insanely rich. They’re a mess to roll out, but well worth every bit of it when you take your first bite!

Hot Vanilla

{66} Hot Vanilla

This is one of those recipes that is deceptively simple because the end result is so very delicious. Even if you love hot chocolate, you’ll want to give this a try!

printable advent chain

{67} Printable Advent Chain

Advent chains are a fun way to count down the days until Christmas, and this one comes with pre-printed activities (plus blank chains for you to customize or give yourself a break!) for the holiday season. It’s one of my favorite Christmas projects that we’ve ever done!

Printable Santa Letter Templates

{68} Printable Santa Letter Templates

Use these printable templates to write a letter to Santa Claus as well as his reply on official North Pole stationery!

{69} Walnut Snowballs

This cookie may go by more names than any other cookie, but whether you call them Mexican wedding cakes, Russian tea cakes or snowballs, these are a classic Christmas cookie that’s easy and delicious.

Do you have any traditions that you’ve repeated with each of your kids when they were a certain age?