ABC Hide and Seek

Earlier this year I reached out to one of my best friends because I was worried about my son Brecken’s interest in anything educational. Brecken is 3 ½ years old and is an active, funny, adventurous, sweet and kind little boy. He has a great vocabulary and actually seems kind of grown up for his age, but it was worrying me because he just didn’t seem interested when I tried to teach him things.

I loved to learn and school was very easy for me. My husband Jeremy on the other hand did the very minimum he had to do in order to get through school and was never very interested in his studies. Brecken’s disinterest in learning had me worried so I called my friend Catelyn to get some education advice. Catelyn is a School Psychologist.

The specific thing I was concerned about was Brecken’s seeming inability to identify his ABC’s. He has been able to say his alphabet for a long time, but when I started trying to get him to read and write them, he just got frustrated. Catelyn gave me a wealth of advice and suggested making a game out of learning. She said that it is possible that Brecken gets frustrated because I ask him too many questions. So possibly, if I steered away from asking questions until he was comfortable in knowing the answers, he would not get as frustrated with my educational attempts. She suggested playing ABC Hide and Seek.

We took pieces of different colored construction paper and I cut them into different shapes. I then took a marker and wrote A, B and C on different colors and shapes. Brecken covered his eyes and I then went around the house and hid the alphabet shapes. When I was done, he had a basket and I asked him to find all of the letter B’s. He went around and to my surprise was able to easily identify all of the B’s. Then we repeated the process with A’s and C’s. When he would bring them to me I would ask him the colors and shapes.

Brecken really enjoyed this game and he did not seem to get frustrated at all. What are some educational games that you play with your children? Please leave links in the comments section to blog posts you have written regarding early childhood education. I am always looking for new and fun ways to teach Brecken and Annabelle!

Frozen Fruit Cups

Frozen Fruit Cups have been a favorite of mine for as long as I can remember. My mom always made them when we were growing up and they were an easy snack or a special breakfast treat :) When I was pregnant with both Brecken and Annabelle I CRAVED these fruit cups. I honestly had a fruit cup almost every night before bed.

If you make ANY of the recipes I have posted thus far on my blog, this Frozen Fruit Cup recipe is the one I would recommend. They are super easy to make and a great summer treat.

Ingredients:

-6 ounce can of frozen lemonade

-6 ounce can of frozen orange juice

-8 ounce box of frozen strawberries

-16 ounces crushed pineapple (use juice)

-4 ounce jar of maraschino cherries

-2 bananas

-2 ½ cups water

-1 cup sugar

Additional supplies:

-small plastic cups

-tin foil

If you make the recipe like this it will make around 10 fruit cups ¾ of the way full. I typically double or triple the recipe just to have them on hand.

Thaw lemonade and orange juice and put into a large bowl. (I online shopped at Hyvee and accidentally got a bigger orange juice than lemonade. Follow instructions for proper ratios).

Cut strawberries into smaller pieces. I prefer bit sized. Add strawberry pieces to bowl.

Pour can of crushed pineapple along with juice into bowl.

I cut or tear the cherries in half and add them into bowl. You can use the juice if you want to, but I typically don’t.

Slice and halve bananas and add to bowl.

Pour 2 ½ cups water into bowl.

Add 1 cup of sugar.

Stir until it is mixed evenly.

Ladle into plastic cups until the cup is around ¾ of the way full.

Cover with tin foil and I typically write the date on the top.

Put in freezer and let fully freeze.

You really can't go wrong with these Frozen Fruit Cups. Children love them, adults love them, they have fruit in them so they can't be that bad for you. It's really just a win/win all around!

#prayersofgrace Cancer

This week there has been so very much to pray for, but one thing in particular stuck out in my personal life. This week I am focusing my #prayersofgrace on cancer: those who have cancer, those who have had cancer, those who have beat cancer, those who have died from cancer, those who have family members and friends who have cancer, children with cancer, mothers with cancer, fathers with cancer.

My cousin Jenifer was diagnosed with breast cancer this week which was heartbreaking news for her and our entire family. Her mother, my great-aunt Vicki, also has cancer and her sister-in-law Tara underwent a bone marrow transplant last week due to her cancer. One of my best friends’ father is undergoing treatment for cancer. My husband’s aunt also has breast cancer. I have had very best friends who have lost their mothers and fathers to cancer.

As you are praying this week, if you could please take some time to pray for those who have been affected by cancer. Pray for healing and peace of mind for them and their families and ultimately a cure for this disease.

Please leave your prayer requests in the comments, or hashtag #prayersofgrace on social media and I will be sure to pray for you throughout the next week!

#prayersofgrace

Last week my husband Jeremy was offered a new position with his company and will no longer be working swing shift! Jeremy has been working two weeks days, then two weeks nights for the last 5 years. When he first started the job it was just him and I, and though I wasn’t thrilled about the schedule, it wasn’t that big of a deal. But after we had children, it became evident that not having Jeremy home at night was a huge deal. When I was still a working mom I would get home at 5-5:30pm, we would eat supper and Jeremy would have to leave for work at 6:30. That left me to do the nighttime routine by myself, get a 2 year old and a newborn to bed, and then try to sleep myself. I have never been able to sleep well when Jeremy isn’t there, and also, I was up 2-3 times a night to nurse Annabelle. Then I would have to wake up the next morning and do the 8-5 grind before coming home and repeating the same night-time schedule again. It was less than ideal.

Since becoming a Stay at Home Mama, his schedule has been a lot easier for me to manage, but it still leaves me feeling lonely at night and I never get a good night sleep when he isn’t there. Jeremy applied for this job a couple of months ago and we have been praying and praying and PRAYING about it. When he told me he had been offered the job I just started crying and thanking God because this is such a great opportunity for my husband and our family. Jeremy has worked very hard at his company and he is a perfect example to our children that hard work pays off.

Last week, after he found out that he got the job, I surprised him and scheduled him a massage and a pedicure :) Jeremy loves massages and he has never had a pedicure, but I have always wanted him to get one just to see what it was like. He went and got his massage and then we took the kids to my younger sister’s house and Jeremy and I went and got pedicures and then went out to dinner. It was so nice celebrating how awesome of a guy he is- and getting a pedicure because let’s be honest mama needed it :)

Whenever there is a big life event like this or something hanging in the balance that might happen, I always have my group of girls that I text and ask to pray about it. This got me thinking, wouldn’t it be nice to have an online thread for prayer requests every week!? So I have decided to start a #prayersofgrace prayer request thread. How this works. I will post a picture on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and on my blog and I may include a personal prayer request for myself, my family, or someone we know. Then in the comments section you can put your prayer requests and hashtag #prayersofgrace. I promise to pray for each and every person who comments or hashtags and I would encourage everyone on the thread to do the same. You are more than welcome to be specific or vague with your requests, whatever makes you most comfortable. This can be prayers of thanksgiving for something great that has happened the last week, prayers of comfort for yourself or others...whatever is weighing on your heart as a prayer, feel free to comment. Or, if you aren’t comfortable commenting prayers on social media, you are welcome to email me at acreageofgrace@gmail.com.

I am a huge believer in the power of prayer and hope that this is something that will be beneficial for anyone who choses to be involved. So for my first #prayersofgrace I want to thank God for Jeremy’s new career opportunity and pray He keeps Jeremy safe as he continues to work hard to support his family.

Celebrate Your Independence (Day)

This week is full of Independence Day preparation and fun! Today I am sharing fashion tips from another guest contributor. Stephanie is the creator of the lovely peony. She started her blog as a way to showcase her passion for fun and stylish fashion while also getting back to something she enjoys: writing. She is married to her husband Mick and together they have a fur-baby (Chompie). Stephanie works in marketing at a Fortune 500 insurance company in Omaha, Nebraska. She is also a follower of Jesus Christ. She graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with her degree in Communication (Journalism-Public Relations/Advertising) and is a master's student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Please join me in welcoming Stephanie to my Acreage of Grace!

I cannot believe it's going to be Independence Day on Monday. That means JULY EVERYONE! Where has the first half of the year gone? So much has happened already and cannot wait to see what the rest of the year brings. 

With Independence Day come all the celebrations so I pulled some inspiration together to help you get ready to celebrate our nation's 240th birthday. America, you've never looked so good!

What's the easiest way to look like you're heading to an Independence Day event? Dress in red, white, and blue baby! Below are some cute ideas to get your fashion mind going.

DRINKS WITH YOUR SQUAD

If you're heading out on the town with your squad, go for a bright red dress like this one-- it's super flattering [it has a racerback and ruched sides]. Pair it with some on-trend wedges like these in a neutral color -- don't take away from the gorgeous color of the dress -- and some dainty jewelry like this watch and this bracelet. Add a spritz of perfume and you're ready to go.

Photos from the Nordstrom website and the J. Crew website

BACKYARD BBQ

If you're heading to a backyard bbq, chances are it will be casual and laid back. I am loving this cute racerback unicorn tank top, and it's only $28! If you sign up for their emails, you can get 10% off your purchase, too. Pair it with some boyfriend shorts like these and you're cute and comfortable. No need to go overboard with accessories, either. A wrap bracelet and cute bar necklace are all you need. Head out with some flippy floppies like these and you're stylin'. It's all about K.I.S.S [keep it simple, sassy]. Yes, I prefer sassy over stupid. 

Photos from Tipsy Elves website and Nordstrom website

HAVE FUN!

Don't forget: the best thing to wear is your confidence. If you don't feel good wearing it (clothes), that's what you'll portray and I bet it'll be on your mind the whole time. Stick with lighter fabrics, especially if your weather is anything like here in Omaha (muggy city) and have fun with your family, friends, and loved ones! Be safe. 

What are your plans for the holiday?

# # #

If you enjoyed Stephanie's post and are interested in keeping up with her fashion and lifestyle blog, please visit www.thelovelypeony.com. You can also keep up with her on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

American Apple Pie

When I think of America, apple pie definitely comes to mind. Monday we will all celebrate Independence Day in America and I thought, what better way to do that, than with an Apple Pie recipe!

It is with great joy that I welcome my second guest contributor to my Acreage of Grace today. Gina is the first blogger to reach out to me after I started my blog. As a fellow Nebraska blogger, Gina's blog Sweet+Modern focuses on her life as a newly married Nebraskan and (dog) mom to their super cute baby Brick. She enjoys trying new products and experimenting with hair and makeup. You can frequently find her in the kitchen coming up with her latest and greatest baked goods recipes. She is a lover of sweets, family and friends, her husband and all things girly. She is a follower of Jesus, "His grace has changed my heart and life, and for that I am thankful every day."

Join me in welcoming Gina from Sweet+Modern!

Today I wanted to share what I believe is the very best apple pie recipe...in the world.

I based this recipe (the filling & topping) on The Pioneer Woman's "Dreamy Apple Pie" because... let's get real. Ree knows what she is doing. I just made a few changes that I have found better suit my baking style :)

the BEST apple pie

Filling:

4 Granny Smith apples, peeled. I prefer to use my peeler and peel the WHOLE apple into thin slices as opposed to chopping it up. It makes the pie that much more delicious!

2 TB flour

1/2 c brown sugar

1/2 c (overflowing) sugar

1 c and 2 TB heavy whipping cream

3 tsp vanilla extract (not imitation!)

1/8 tsp cinnamon


Topping:

7 TB cold butter, chopped into pieces

3/4 C all purpose flour

1/2 c brown sugar

1/2 c pecans

Sea salt (to taste, depending on how much you like!)


Pie Crust:

2 sticks unsalted butter (COLD!)

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp sugar

1/4 cup ice water

(this makes 2 single layer pie crusts or 1 double pie crust!)

Alright! Here's what you do. First, I make the pie crust! This is because it has to be refrigerated for an hour. So...

1. Put the flour, salt and sugar in your food processor and pulse just a few times to combine the dry ingredient.

2. Toss in your cut up chunks of cold butter. Pulse just until coarse. There can still be some pea sized chunks of butter, this is fine!

3. Sprinkle the ice water over your mix. Pulse again a few times. Take the lid off and check it out... it will look course, but when you squeeze between fingers it (should) stick together. If it's not doing that yet, add a little more ice water. Pulse until you find this consistency.

4. Take half of the mix and press it together. I then put it on plastic wrap, push down into a disk, wrap up and throw it in the freezer/refrigerator. You can do the same with the rest, it will save up to 3 months in freezer!

While my dough is chilling I prepare the filling and topping.

1. In a large bowl, mix together heavy whipping cream, flour, cinnamon, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract.

2. Peel the apples. First peel off the skin and get rid of it. Then peel the apples directly into the bowl. Mix until apples are coated.

3. In food processor: pulse together butter, flour, brown sugar, salt and pecans. JUST until coarse and chunky. You want it to remain spreadable :) (This is your topping)

Easy!

Now.. preheat your oven to 375 degrees

Take out the disk of pie dough and set it on wax paper. Smash it down. Put another piece of wax paper on top. Roll out to the best of your ability with rolling pin, over the wax paper (mine never ends up being a perfect circle. No worries, it will still work).

Peel back the wax paper and then lay the pie crust onto the bottom of pie pan (9 inch works great! I like to use a deeper pan for apple pie as well!) Push down into bottom of pan and then peel off top wax paper. From here you can correct any areas with your fingers and make the edges all even. Or pretty, whatever suits your fancy!

Pour the filling in over pie crust.

Pour topping evenly over the filling.

Your pie should now look like this:

Put your ready-to-bake pie pan on a cookie sheet. Loosely lay a piece of tin foil over the top of the pie.

Bake for 1 hour (or until the topping is golden brown!) I remove the foil for the last 20 minutes of baking.

And.. finished product! Now, it is my service to tell you that apple pie should ALWAYS be served warm and with vanilla ice cream. But maybe that is just my preference? You be the judge :)

Enjoy!

Please follow along with Gina at www.sweetandmodern.blogspot.com and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sweetandmodern/

When Anxiety Trumps Your Plans

I have lived with anxiety most of my life. I don’t let my anxiety define me and other than my family and close friends, most people might not even know that it is an issue I deal with. Before having children I was consistently an anxious person. Surprisingly, after I had children and got through their newborn stages I believe that my anxiety has improved.

But sometimes I still let my anxiety get the best of me. This weekend was Junkstock in Omaha. This is a huge fun “junking” festival that happens in Nebraska once a year. I have wanted to go for a couple of years now, but for one reason or another have always been busy. This year I was 100% free. Jeremy and Brecken had a fishing tournament on Saturday so it was the perfect opportunity to do a girls day with Annabelle and go junking. My mom and best friend had agreed to go and everything was set up. But then my anxiety got the best of me and I talked myself out of it. “It is too far of a drive,” I said to myself. “You won’t buy anything anyway.” And then I started worrying about the crowds and the parking and just being in a city the size of Omaha. So we didn’t go. The thing about my anxiety is, in the past I would try to logically justify not attending this event and tell myself it was actually the smarter decision. But this weekend I fully realized that it was just my anxiety rearing it’s ugly head.

Something I have done in the past 3.5 years since becoming a mother is, if I don’t want to attend an event due to anxiety, I ask myself “Would Brecken and Annabelle benefit from attending this?” If the answer is yes, I can convince myself to attend because I care more about their well-being than my own and I would never want them to miss out on anything because of my anxiety. That gets me through a lot of hurdles. But, I find it hard to convince myself to do things just because it would benefit me.

This weekend I decided, instead of making myself feel bad for being “defeated” by my anxiety, Annabelle and I would still go shopping with my mom, just on a smaller scale. We went to the farmers market in a nearby town. We walked around and looked at crafts and bought some jalapeno jelly (it’s the best over cream cheese with crackers). Then we went to Hobby Lobby and shopped through the clearance section and found some awesome treasures. After Hobby Lobby we went and bought Annabelle some shoes and myself a really cute outfit. After we were done shopping we went and had a nice lunch and then Annabelle and I drove home. She slept the whole way home and until Jeremy and Brecken returned from the fishing tournament.

We had a beautiful weekend despite missing out on Junkstock. Do you live with anxiety? What coping tools do you use that help you get through difficult situations?