Summer is over and some of you are sending your children off to school. This can be one of the busiest times of year as you organize schedules, meals, car pools, homework and family life.
When we sent our two daughters off to school 26 years ago I realized very soon that I was the key ingredient in making school mornings run smoothly. I was determined to send our girls off on a happy note each day, but like any other family there were mornings where we just barely got everyone out the door on time, let alone happy.
I want to encourage you young mom's to be the key ingredient to a good start in your homes each morning. Getting a little head start on your day before the kids wake up is a good beginning. When your children walk into the kitchen, be cheerful. Sit around the table with your family for breakfast, pray for them, and keep the conversation positive. Children need and want routine and structure in the home, so set a plan into action that works well for your family. Teaching them responsibility and time management early will pay off.
As they head out the door, be their cheerleader. Encourage them to be kind to their friends and to do their best. When they come home, give them some time and space to unwind. Be ready to listen when they want to tell you about their day. Most of all, just love them!
With food allergies on the rise many schools have banned peanut products. I have a nut allergy and was so glad when I found a Pea butter that tastes good and is also gluten free.
Needing a change from regular sandwiches? Think outside the bread bag. Grab a wrap and spread it with No Nuts Golden Pea butter, lay a peeled banana at one end and roll it up. For a little sweetness spread a layer of jam or honey over the Pea butter. So simple, so healthy, so delicious.
I'd never heard of the pea butter...does it have any kind of taste? I've sent my daughter to school with Sun butter (from sunflower seeds) and jam sandwiches, but If ind the sunbutter has a bit of a bitter flavour. I'll definitely look out for the pea butter now though. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the encouragement to be the main ingredient. How true!
this is such a great post.
ReplyDeletethank you for reminding us all to be a little prepared and be an encourager first thing in the morning.
our kids went to a peanut free school. sure makes me wonder were all these allergies are coming from.
i don't remember kids having allergies when i was a kid
Thanks so much for this post. It was just what I needed to hear today!! I am going to try this recipe out for sure on my kids.
ReplyDeleteAs a parent with a peanut allergic child I'm always on the lookout for safe alternatives. Pea Butter is ok but our family prefers Freenut Butter (http://www.soybutter.com/). It's the closest in taste and texture I've found and you can bake with it just like you'd do with PB. It's fantastic! It's made from soy and has Omega 3 and 6 and no trans fat. I've even made Chocolate Peanut Butter bars that taste exactly like Reece PB Cups. I have the recipe on my blog if interested.
ReplyDeleteThese wraps look delicious, Kathy..I'd want to go back to school just to have them:)
ReplyDeleteEncouragement..a good way to start the day!
Laurie, yes...please email me the recipe. Also thanks for the link to the Free nut butter. I will be on the look out for it. Happy baking! Kathy
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of pea butter.
ReplyDeleteMy husband is allergic to peanut butter, but not other nuts, so we use cashew butter and almond butter. The girls favorite is Nutella though. I haven't tried any nut free butters, but I just might have to see what they taste like, especially if you can bake with them. Almond butter is good, but it is milder than peanut butter and doesn't make as good of a cookie!
Kathy,
ReplyDeleteHere's the link to the Chocolate Peanut (or Freenut) Butter Squares. Enjoy!
http://thebakingbookworm.blogspot.com/2009/11/recipe-chocolate-peanut-butter-squares.html
What a great idea! We love peanut butter, so I'll use that!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy I found this blog. I have been completely obsessed with More With Less cookbook as it is teaching me to cook and I LOVE the simplicity and frugality. I have blogged A LOT about it and even given a copy away on my blog! :)
I'll have to try that
ReplyDeleteKathy what a great post. Young mothers have so many more things to consider now than when our children were young and they need all the positive encouragement they can get.
ReplyDeleteSweet post Kathy! I love the photo!
ReplyDeleteSunbutter rules--my kids prefer it to peanut butter and so do I. You should give it a try! You can also get it with flax seed added, which we like, too.
ReplyDelete