Month: October 2012

How to Make Your Own Pumpkin Spice Latte (and not feel guilty over calories)

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

Well, it’s that time of year when I clean out my fridge to make room for…flavored coffee creamers–holiday style. I read on a website about a sugar free pumpkin latte creamer that was out. So I threw on my raincoat and rain boots, since it was raining buckets that day. I trudged into the store only to be disappointed. 

NADA. 

How dare someone set me up like that? 

So I decided over the weekend to see if I could make my own. Without all the calories, and maybe without all the flavor. 

Well I did it. It was delish!

And hey, if you’ve already figured this trick out, keep your comments to yourself as I’m feeling very Betty Crockerish at the moment and I don’t need any funsuckers taking it away.

1 cup of coffee (at a time)
A splash or two of heavy whipping cream (I realize this is probably a little heavier on calories than non-fat milk, but you’re bypassing tons of whip cream so it won’t kill you.)
Splenda to taste (I like it sweet)
A dash or 2 of pumpkin pie spice

If you’re feeling good about your eating habits and calories, you could squirt some canned whip cream on top and a sprinkle of cinnamon. 

So there  yah have it folks. DIY! 

*photo credit: Tina Phillips/freedigitalphotos

What’s your favorite holiday-ish drink? Have you ever created a drink? Care to share it (if it didn’t suck)?

Crud My Kid Says

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

I thought for Friday fun, I’d post some of my favorite conversations with Myles over the week.

Usually they occur on the way to or home from school.

“Mom, XXX called me a nerd today.” 
I always fear my kids’ having their feelings hurt. “Why did he call you that?”
Myles shrugged his shoulders. “I guess because I’m smart. As if I can help that.”
I giggled. “No, I guess you can’t. Did it hurt your feelings?”
“Nah. Not really.”
“You know next time he says it, just tell him it’s okay, but when he’s working for you some day, you might not appreciate it.”
“Serious?”
Yes. “No. Don’t say that.” 

On the way to school my daughter said, “I need a tissue my nose is running.”
Myles’ tone suggested come-back talk. “Yeah, your face needs a tissue.”
Bailey turned her nose up. “Yeah…that’s why I said I need one. My nose is on my face…stupid.”
“Whatever, Bailey. Why don’t you pretend there’s a fire and stop, drop, and roll out of this van.” (It was moving at 30 miles an hour)
Did I intervene? No. No I did not. Why? Because I’ve always said, “Use your words.” I did not specify how. 

And my favorite:

On the way to school Myles said, “Hey Bailey, not that I’m going–Mom said I didn’t have to–but if we go to college, do we drive ourselves or will Mom take us?” 

He really will get called a nerd then. 

Happy Friday! 

What are some fun things your kids say or that you’ve heard kids say?

Glory Due Your Name

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

Glorious God, you
are holy, mighty, beautiful. There is no name besides Yours that can save us.
You do wonderful works, so many we cannot count them; we do not even know them
all.

We sing praises to
your name. We lift your name up and stand in awe of who You are. You, our rock,
shelter, strong tower. Our safe place–under the shadow of Your Wings we find
rest. In Your presence, we become changed.
The thoughts you
think about us are so many they can’t be numbered and all are good. There is
not one that is less than stellar. It’s beyond our imagination but we humbly
accept Your gifts of grace and mercy.
When we are
unfaithful, Lord, You are still faithful. Your call is irrevocable. Your
covenant everlasting. Our hope–secured.
“Give unto the
LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.”
Psalm 29:2
What
is one thing you can give God glory for today? 

Come by our facebook
community and chat
about giving God glory!

The Rhythm Really Will Get Yah

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

You all know I’m twenty kinds of crazy over my great niece, Crimson! I don’t see her enough sniff sniff, but wish I did. My niece constantly sends me little photos or videos over text. 

This one came late Friday night, I believe. I laughed until I cried. It’s less than 20 seconds. 

I caption it: She’s so tired, but she. just. can’t. help. herself. 

So yes, the song lyrics are true: The rhythm really will get you. 

 What songs do you just 
HAVE to dance to?