The hardest job I've ever had.........being a..............

..........mom.

Once that kid comes out, and everything in your being tells you to protect, nurture, teach, and discipline. But mostly you want to love till it hurts. The other weird thing is that EVERY kid now becomes your own child--------to some degree. I have to admit, I have met a couple of that are an exception to that rule:)

Okay the reason I am writing this is because of the beginning cooking and sewing classes I am teaching.

I have really put my life aside to teach my own girls what it means to have a healthy heart, mind and soul. I really want them to have everything they need to be happy contributing adults some day.

Last night(I'm getting a little side tracked--sorry) it was heart wrenching to watch my daughter have an 'ugly cry' because I wouldn't let her go to youth group because she had unfinished homework. Needless to say, it was a hard night but it turned out to be a bonding experience with awesome finished school project. It's hard being the one who upholds the 'rules'.

My daughters friends, call me 'mom'. They do it in 'fun' but it is the highest compliment possible. So when we are having cooking classes and reviewing the food pyramid I have another confession, 'I want to throw up'.

A simple question like, 'What fruits have you had today?' and only my girls could say they had any-----my heart broke. One gal asked if Fruity Pebbles counted. Ugh. Or, 'What meat have you eaten today?', and no one could answer because their meals are packaged and processed to death----they no longer recognize what food groups they are eating. Sad.

I don't know where this is going to take Marshmallow Mom------but......

....the truth is: God has a special plan and it might not be called the Food Pyramid, but...........
........it will be the hardest job I'll ever love..........being a mom to all (or most).

Marshmallows to you,

Lois

You know what I'm proud of? They aren't HUGE or life changing. They are just what makes me smile at the end of a long wintry day.

Here is my short list for the evening:

Eating oatmeal and homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast.

Deciding as a family to go sledding at 8:30am. We had a blast.

Eating sandwiches with homemade bread for lunch.

Planning future cooking classes with kids.

Entertaining the neighbor girl for the afternoon.

Beth telling me she had a funny email conversation with a friend because she didn't know what a Hot Pocket was.

Teaching Beth how to make spaghetti sauce from scratch.

Walking the neighbor girl home, and delivering some homemade bread(in exchange for eggs).

Clearing off the deck of 12(plus) inches of snow, because there is more on the way, and it could compromise the structure.

Being soooooooooo tired from a 'giving' day, that I fell asleep in my 'old lady chair' at 8pm.

The truth is: I LOVE COOKING and CREATING WITH MY HANDS. The only thing on earth I love more, is my family. Thank-you Lord, I am blessed.

Marshmallows to you,

Lois

Now this is commitment. I am writing a blog before Modern Family is over.
I just had to write a quick message.

Today, as I was making my first batch of marshmallows for a wedding, my imagination went wild.
As the whisk was crazy busy, I imagined that the 20 year old Kitchen Aide was breathing it's last breath. Then I started freaking out that it was not going to fluff up my marshmallows to the perfect 'fluffiness'.

So, this all resulted in my first real reinvestment in my business:) Yes, I bought a new mixer, with money earned from marshmallows. This is a BIG DAY.

Now, that I have a new mixer, I can begin to take myself a little more seriously. So, the BIG DAY, got just a little bigger. We ordered 500 business cards, and............................
.........................wait for it.................................................. a vehicle magnet!

Be looking for it!
This is a BIG DAY, I am now a business owner:)

Look for a slightly dirty van with an AWESOME magnet advertising gourmet marshmallows for all your special events........like Thursdays!

The truth is: Everyday is a BIG DAY when you give yourself permission to dream.

Marshmallows to you,

Lois

If you remember the couple Oprah, whose 'issue' was summed up in, "Oh, baby, I'm sooooooooooooooo tired, you need to respond to this blog.

If you remember it, you are old enough to know what I'm talking about.

I guess it's a blessing that I am soooooooooooo tired.

Today, I had my second cooking class. I hadn't had a lot of time for planning before today. So that, on top of trying to get the toilets cleaned enough so when someone flipped up the lid they wouldn't turn around running and screaming, kept me going non-stop.

The class was a huge success, and the girls had a great time. I LOVE teaching practical, life skills.

The 'icing on the cake' for today---------- I got my first marshmallow request for a wedding. 100 coconut by Friday. Whew!

The truth is: Oh baby, I'm soooooooo tired, but I am sooooooooo excited to see how trusting Him is such an adventure. Never a dull moment.
Marshmallows to you,

Lois

Well, Sundays are usually a day of doing very little, which is SWEET to my weary body and soul but today, we chose to be blessed a little differently.
After an early service at church, a quick 'breakfast' lunch (made by Elanor-SWEET), and a guitar lesson from Marcus to the girls, we all jumped in the van to escape our shaded house.

Who knew that the sun could be that bright?
We went south from our house, avoiding I-5 as much as possible. Winding through the woods and farm land we were treated to a beautiful sight. A herd of Elk. It was no small herd. I counted at least 50. It was SWEET.
Our destination going south is usually Centrailia------more specifically, Goodwill. It is a SWEET store. Beautifully organized (that's what I appreciate), and lots of fun cheap merchandize (that's what the girls like).
I have been collecting white pedestal dishes, and today I got a couple good ones for $1.99. Being the bargain hunter that I am, it was really SWEET to find the same dish at an antique store for over $20. Anyway, the best part of today was the ride home.

We got on the freeway just as the sun was setting (don't see that too much in Washington), and the sky became a canvas of spectacular pinks, blues and purples. Then Elanor yelled, "Hey look, I don't know if it is the sun or the moon but it is so big and bright". So, we all looked to the east and were surprised to see a moon on the horizon, so big and bright it felt like we could just walk over and touch it. We were so amazed at the views between the east and west, we couldn't keep from yelling, "Hey, look......" SWEET.

The truth is: Making memories with your family doesn't mean you have to spend a LOT of money, or a LOT of effort. You just need to be together.

Marshmallows to you,

Lois

The recipe is:

1 vanilla marshmallow
2 slices white bread
your favorite peanut butter

Spread peanut butter over one slice of the bread. Cut homemade marshmallow in half and put on remaining slice of bread.

Put the bread with cut marshmallows in the microwave until melted (15-30 seconds).

Let the marshmallowed (new word I just invented) bread cool for about 30 seconds before marrying the two slices.
Prepare to experience a little taste of heaven.

Of course it's always better with a marshmallow from me---------Marshmallow Mom! It's good to be back!

The truth is: Marshmallows are selling, and this mom is experiencing 'the desires of her heart'. Thank you Lord, and everyone who has purchased a marshmallow or spread the good message. I am blessed.

Marshmallows to you,

Lois