Family
Happy Mother’s Day
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mamas!!
The Growing Weisser family is blessed with a long legacy of pretty spectacular moms. One of those, of course, is our mom, Kerry!!
We are so blessed by you, mom. This one’s for you!!!
From Rachel:
I am so blessed by your example as a mom and a friend and a woman of God. Whenever I strive to be those things it’s your example I think of. You love care deeply for others and your family ADORES you. Thank you for always loving and supporting me, especially on my own motherhood journey!
From Jess:
Our mom is someone I strive to be like; she is genuine, caring, always thinking of others, and a true friend. I’m blessed when I get to be with her and love how much she loves my husband and my kids. I’m honored to call her Mom.
From Bethany:
I love my mom because she is the most faithful, steadfast, and encouraging person I have ever met. And I feel so blessed to have her as my mom, always in my corner, cheering me on, loving me, praying for me, steering me the right direction. Now that I am a mom I value her devotion to her daughters, her constant love, and the time she gives us. She is one in a million and we are so blessed. Now my son and soon to be daughter also at the benefit of her love. I aspire to be a mom like her!
From Bekah:
Mom,
I am so thankful to have you as my mom, my kids Gammie and a friend! You are the best listening ear and Truth giver. You are generous and kind and always thinking of others! I love you so much! Happy Mother’s Day!
We …
Read More5 Directives to Develop Strong Character and Grow in Relationships
A very famous writer and well known orator was known for his commitment to helping encourage people in self development and interpersonal relationships. He was a brilliant man, known for his courage and passion for spreading good news. One of his letters was written to a group of people in Corinth that he had taught over the years. He had committed to helping them thrive in spite of hard times. Over the years, they had stolen his heart and he was passionate about seeing them conquer their enemies from within and from without. He wanted them to work on a few character development exercises before he arrived for his last visit. He reminded them about how they had become new in Christ. He challenged them to “not waste their sufferings”, because suffering connects us with others in a way that no other experience can. He encouraged them to take comfort by looking above the layer of clouds that overshadows people when they are suffering. He talked to them in this letter about how God equips each one of His followers to be free of the chains of their past. He taught them about a God who would be a father to them-a good an generous father. He explained to them about personal generosity-sharing their gifts and talents with others who have needs. And he addressed their comparison thinking which was a big factor in their strife and sufferings. He sent them this letter so they could work on a few things before he arrived so he would not have to make his visit a confrontational and discouraging visit. He ended his letter with 5 directives…..
- REJOICE
- BECOME MATURE
- BE ENCOURAGED AND COMFORTED
- BE LIKE MINDED
- BE AT PEACE
HOW WOULD YOUR LIFE BE DIFFERENT IF YOU FOLLOWED THESE DIRECTIVES?
How …
Read MoreSprinkled with Love Sugar Cookies
We are in full on “SPRINKLES” mode!! This weekend is our Sprinkled with Love Baby Shower to celebrate Bethany and the soon-to-be newest girl addition to the family! We are so excited!!
I decided to try a fun new Sugar Cookie recipe that looks so pretty and delicious for the shower! Probably the most fun part of the process was that Sophie wanted to be my “helper”. She may have been a little more excited to eat the cookies than to bake them but it was pretty special for me to share my passion for baking with this cutie 🙂
1 Cup Unsalted Butter
1 Cup Sugar
1 Large Egg
1 Tsp Vanilla
2 1/4 Cups All Purpose Flour
1/2 Tsp Baking Powder
1/2 Tsp Baking Soda
Sprinkles for Rolling (I used 1/2 cup of Rainbow Sprinkles)
Parchment Paper
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cover cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla and mix until combined. Add dry ingredients and mix until dough is formed.
- Pour sprinkles onto a plate to create a flat layer. Roll dough into bowls and then roll into the sprinkles until covered. Set on the cookie sheet and slightly flatten each cookie ball.
- Bake for 12 minutes.
- Remove cookies from oven and let them cool for 15+ minutes (I was surprised how long it took these cookies to cool. Do not remove them from the parchment paper until cooled.)
Makes approx 20 cookies
We love to hear when you try the recipes we post! Leave a comment here or on any of our social media accounts 🙂
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Grace for Growth
My sweet Sophie has taken being TWO very seriously. It has seemed as if the moment she turned two, she flipped a switch. She still has her adorable, tender moments especially when it comes to her little brother. However, when she doesn’t get something that she wants she makes it very known.
A month or so ago, she started hitting. Where she learned that hitting is something you even do when you’re frustrated, I have no idea. But, my hubby and I decided hitting is a non-negotiable in terms of discipline. So, when she hits, she loses a toy or a “friend” from her stash of princesses or stuffed animals. They go up somewhere where she can see whatever she has lost and does not get it for the rest of the day.
In the last week, she has given me a run for my money. There have been a lot of timeouts and some friends lost for multiple reasons. “Consistency is Key” is what I heard before having kids and now especially when asking for advice or researching for wisdom for a strong-willed child. So that is always on my mind – Be consistent! And, quite often, with my husband’s busy schedule majority the disciplining falls on my plate so I feel a lot of the pressure to keep that consistency.
Yesterday, Sophie got frustrated about something and, in the midst of her meltdown, she hit me. As a result, she lost her Anna doll right before nap time. Usually, she would lose the friend until the next morning. But, as I was feeling super discouraged, I realized that we have not been seeing results or growth in the disciplining. Yes, she’s two and maybe we won’t see huge growth until she gets older but I decided to try …
Read MoreBalance vs. Busy
I often wonder if other parents think about how to balance “busyness” as much as I do. Do they wonder how to balance it all? Wanting free time to do whatever sounds good that day, endless days at Disneyland, with wanting to foster their kids’ passions and talents for extracurricular activities? I wonder.
There’s that part of me that knows the fun and enjoyment of sports and activities and music lessons, etc. I LOVED playing multiple sports and taking piano lessons. I want that for my kids.
The other part of me wonders how my parents ever did it?!!! Mine are little and some days I already feel like I’m just driving them around from one thing to the next.
I don’t have any answers, but I can share with you what our family is doing currently when it comes to extracurricular activities. Right now each kid has 1 activity that we pay for. My 3 yr old is in dance. My 5 and 6 year olds are in gymnastics. (All just for fun). The older girls take a free art class once a month at the library and we are also in Girl Scouts (I’m the leader). So far, we haven’t entered the world of sports or music lessons.
Here’s the other dilemma: they don’t all like the same things!! Do we nicely suggest that they all pick the same sport or activity just for ease even if it isn’t their passion or talent? Here comes the “mom guilt!”
I know at the end of the day what is most important is a family that fosters an environment that loves and honors God above all else. At the same time, I do think about how to find a balance in a world of fun possibilities for my kids.
Here …
Read MoreFriendships Provide New Growth
Memories are a precious possession. I have acquired my most precious memories by opening my heart and taking the risk of sharing myself with others. You can never understand the risk-benefit ratio in friendship until you abandon all fears and jump into friendship with reckless abandon. As a young extroverted girl who loved life and had a zest for learning and sharing my passions with others, I tended to jump right into friendships. I never counted the cost because I just loved people. You meet a friend, share some interests, and over time, soul connections develop into lasting friendships that allow you to pick up right where you left off….friendships that are never limited by time or distance. Deep enduring friendships are committed to working through difficulties and to sharing in one another’s joys and sorrows.
One of the best things I have received in my life is the gift of deep and abiding friendships.
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of gathering with friends that I have known since grammar school. One of the gals and I have been friends since kindergarten and the rest of us met in 7th or 8th grade. So our friendships spanned 50-55 years. We brought photo albums and yearbooks and spent the afternoon and evening reminiscing and laughing and talking about old times. We prepared a meal together and took lots of pictures. We shared about our lives and many of our joys and some of our sorrows. The best part of our time together was there were no walls or pretenses…everyone was willing to be vulnerable and “real”. I am sure there were hidden things in each one of our lives that did not come up that night but in time, I hope that the foundation was set for …
Read MoreHappy Birthday, Bekah!
Happy Birthday to our favorite little sister, Bekah!
In honor of your birthday, Bekah, here are some things we LOVE about you!
- Your genuine care and excitement in your love for others!
- You are very intentional and thoughtful
- A good friend
- Your faithful, loyal passion for the people and things you love.
- Your devotion to her family
- Loyalty to friends
- Ability to research and find incredible deals on everything
- Your creative flare in decorating
- Your stylish outfits
- You shine for Jesus and draws others to Him in gentle ways.
- Ashkon (That’s from your bro-in-law)
- You love to have fun
- Your excitement for silly ideas
- You make others feel good when they are around you
We love you so much, Bekah, and are blessed to call you family!…
Read MoreBecome a Better You
Sometimes the thought of learning or changing one more thing is overwhelming, but growth, maturing, changing can be a really important part of the process of life. We can always been gaining more information, different perspectives, insight, advice in so many things in our lives. There is nothing wrong with seeing something around you and wanting to grow or move more towards that. You just have to keep it in check. Is that desire something tangible, doable, and good for you, or are you stuck comparing yourself to someone else? So keep your growth in check so you can grow to become a better you, not become someone else. You are the best you you can be. That doesn’t mean you are done where you are today, but do the best you can for each day, and you will continue to grow and become more excellent in who you are.
What are some fun ways to grow?
- What is your trade? Read books and articles in that field
- Focus on what you are thankful for and the good things
- Listen to podcasts
- Teach your kids about something new (you may learn from it too)
- Talk to people, become good at asking questions
- Be a good listener
- Set goals and intentions
This past weekend I got to go to a Fit4mom Training to grow in my group fitness instruction skills. I loved the time I got to spend with my team, and the things I learned. I never want to stop learning and growing to become a better teacher and leader in Fit4mom. 
All in all, just pick one or two things that you can focus on, and watch yourself grow. Feel the change happening by taking a little more focus and intention. And write things down so you can reflect …
Read MoreMom Hacks for Easter
Easter is coming up next week! Busy mom life gotten in the way of your desired Pinterest worthy ideas? Don’t stress – here are some tips and tricks to having a great, simple, and still adorable, Easter!
CARROT BAGS
If your time is limited, but you want to do something cute for your kids’ buddies or classmates – this is perfect for you! These bags are so cute! All you have to do is fill them with an orange treat (Goldfish, Cheddar Bunnies, Orange M&M’s), tie them off, add a cute label and you’re set!
EASTER BASKETS
Find cute containers or baskets that can be used after Easter. These are $1 at Target and I plan to use them for toy organization and storage after they are filled with some fun Easter goodies.
Tip for Easter Baskets
Fill Easter baskets with things your kids NEED, not just candy and trinkets.
Clothes and shoes for the warmer weather, an Easter outfit (that can be worn throughout Spring and Summer, too), new school supplies, a craft idea with all the supplies that will give you and your child some quality time together!
Check out some of our favorite (and always simple) ideas to have a super fun, Jesus-filled Easter!
https://www.growingweisser.com/2017/04/05/what-easter-is-really-all-about/
https://www.growingweisser.com/2017/04/04/easter-craft-to-share-love/
https://www.growingweisser.com/2016/03/09/planting-jelly-beans-in-home-grown-easter-grass/
https://www.growingweisser.com/2017/04/14/easter-egg-ercise-get-your-bunny-tails-moving/
https://www.growingweisser.com/2017/04/05/donut-forget-jesus-on-easter-the-empty-tomb/
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Growth through hardship — Your Great Hands
Life shattered on this empty floor
I’ve tried so hard to simply keep it
I know there must be something more
I’m here now to turn it over; complete surrender
Into Your great hands, I will place my trust (ohh)
When I cannot stand, You will lift me up (ohh)
Every failure, every fear, every step that led me here
All I am, into Your great hands (ohh)
To loosen my grip and let go
But really all that I am risking
Is perfect