October 22, 2008

Wee Cook Wednesday: Real Caramel Apples

If you love picking fresh country apples in the fall … but hate unwrapping all those little caramels to cover ’em up, this recipe is for you! (Note: Do not double this recipe; make multiple batches instead.) In my last newsletter, I told the story of my first kiss, which I received when I was twelve at my family’s “Harvest Party,” over a pot of bubbling caramel for apples. (To subscribe to the newsletter, just drop me a note at hsaxton@christianword.com). So this “Real Caramel Apples” recipe has a special place in my heart. I make them almost every year for my little gobblins. I hope you […]
October 20, 2008

Mighty Mom Monday: Just Say “No” to Mommy Guilt!

As is our custom here at EMN, today’s post is from the hilarious life experience of Sarah, A.K.A. “Mighty Mom.” Be sure to check out her blog at “My Wonderful Life.” The number-one toughest thing about being a Mom is the colossal amount of GUILT that we carry.  I’m not talking about simple regret, about things that I just wish I’d done different … I’m talking about true, haunt-your-dreams, cry in your pillow guilt. Now, friends.  Here’s my advice to you: Just Say NO to Mommy Guilt! To help you gain perspective and win the battle, I’m gonna share with you things that I’ve felt […]
October 19, 2008

EMN Carnival: Last call for “Mom Stories”!

Tomorrow is the deadline for EMN Carnival posts with “Lessons my mom taught me” or other tributes to mothers (biological or adopted) who inspire you to be a better parent. All who submit their post to me by 10 p.m. tomorrow night win a chance at a $25 drawing … and if you have your EMN button on your site, I’ll throw in a copy of my book Let Nothing Trouble You for free! Send it to hsaxton@christianword.com. Blessings,  Heidi
October 17, 2008

Funny Friday: Dog Gone!

If you’re in need of a little chuckle today, I’d like to direct you over to my book website, where my husband recently posted this ecumenical rib-tickler. (Note, the cartoon has several frames … you have to wait for it.) Thanks, Deb Richardson, for sending it my way!
October 17, 2008

When Moms Fail

Today Catholic Exchange is running my article about the Utah woman who was sentenced to 15 years for killing her adopted son. Although not all adoptive mothers experience depression, there are many of us who have (or do). If you have a history of depression and are considering foster care or adoption, this article may be for you.
October 15, 2008

Spiritual Fitness: Setting the Pace

Today, the feast day of my favorite saint Teresa of Avila, I got a letter from Joanna Davis, a grad student and SPO missionary from my church. Joanna is living and working with a group of college students to help them grow strong in the faith. Although she is not married and has no children, in a sense she too is an “Extraordinary Mom,” for she is using her spiritual gifts to raise up spiritual children.
October 15, 2008

Wee Cook Wednesday: Southwestern Cowboy Pie

Are you always on the hunt for quick, kid-friendly recipes you can whip up at the end of a busy day? Welcome to Wee Cook Wednesdays! This will feature ready-set-eat recipes that the whole family will enjoy. For our inaugural effort, I’d like to share a recent favorite, which features “Newman’s Own Black Bean and Corn Salsa,” in honor of the late actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, who recently died at age 83. “Cowboy Pie” is like Shepherd’s Pie — only with a little kick in the ol’ giddyap. To make… Heidi’s Southwestern Cowboy Pie In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, brown 1 chopped onion in […]
October 13, 2008

Come and Join the Carnival!

You have one more week to get your entries polished up for this month’s “EMN Carnival.”  If you didn’t read about it in my newsletter (if you want the newsletter, just drop me a line at hsaxton@christianword.com), I posted the announcement today at Mommy Monsters. Come and see! Remember, the winner gets $25 plus (if you have the EMN button on your blog) a free copy of my book Let Nothing Trouble You. Deadline is October 20 … Carnival posts November 1!
October 13, 2008

Mighty Mom’s Silly Slimmers

OK, folks, let’s face it. As we get older we get wider. I don’t know why that happens, but it does. After 3 kids, a combined total of 19 weeks on bedrest, and 2 cesarean sections I got quite a bit wider. “Broad in the beam,” you might say. Yet, when on earth am I supposed to exercise?? I mean REALLY!!?? I had 3 kids under the age of 3 1/2. Sheesh. So, I started doing some very silly little things that would increase how often I used certain muscles throughout the day.