A little of this and that to help mommy's stay organized, stay crafty, and stay active.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Just a few thoughts......
I haven't posted in a long time, but had a lot on my mind tonight and wanted to write. I've been so busy with school and the kids that sometimes I lose track of all the things going on in my brain. Tonight I'm really burdened about what to do regarding work. Last December I was laid off from my job. At first, my husband and I were a little nervous about our financial stability with me now working, but it seemed to just work itself out. I have been able to stay home with the kids as well as return to school in hopes to receive a degree in graphic design. Everything has been going great. Now my husband and I will soon be closing on a house that we are just ecstatic about. I have always wanted my own home and now I finally have the chance. Things are just becoming tighter and tighter financially and that's not what I want. I love being able to stay at home with the kids, but I don't enjoy having to live paycheck to paycheck. Its such a dilemma. My goal right now is to finish out school and then possibly get a job in graphic design.... I now however, have this new passion and idea to start my own photography business. I love taking photo's of kids and families especially newborns and building memory books along with announcements and cards. I just keep going back and forth trying to figure out what would be best. I know I need to work but, do I continue trying to work from home or get a reality check and go apply to places around town???? Decisions..... Decisions... Decisions..... I know the Lord has a plan for me and my family and He will work it out! Thanks for listening to me tonight :-)Pin It
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Being a stay-at-home mommy!
As I sat late tonight writing a paper for my English class on the topic "My greatest accomplishment this past year" I decided to write about transitioning from a working mom to being a stay- at-home mom. It was one of the biggest decisions my husband and I had to make, but also the most rewarding. Every day is a new challenge of meeting new expectations of what is being required and requested of me. Not only do I stay at home now, I also decided to take a few courses at our college nearby. So tonight I decided to write this blog about the stay-at-home-moms and the misconception people have about how easy their job is.
When I think about all my daily duties that are required for only taking care of my four I often wonder how women used to raise such large families. Back in the older days women did still live with their families in the same household so there were always many many hands to pitch in with the daily duties. But these days, if you’re a stay-at-home-mom, the load is all on you. It’s up to mom to get the kids up, feed them, clothe them, get them to and from school/activities/playgroups, shop for food, cook dinner, do the laundry, change the sheets, tidy the house, holy cow I’m exhausted just typing that....
Now many Stay-at-home-moms have very helpful husbands who do their fair share of work around the house. I happen to be one of those. My husband is wonderful at helping out when he comes home from his long day of work. And if he’s not helping with something where I really need his help, I know I can tell him I need help and he’s more than willing to help with it. Its because of our teamwork that we are able to keep our house in order. Often times people have this misconception that we all need to be super-moms.
Pin It
When I think about all my daily duties that are required for only taking care of my four I often wonder how women used to raise such large families. Back in the older days women did still live with their families in the same household so there were always many many hands to pitch in with the daily duties. But these days, if you’re a stay-at-home-mom, the load is all on you. It’s up to mom to get the kids up, feed them, clothe them, get them to and from school/activities/playgroups, shop for food, cook dinner, do the laundry, change the sheets, tidy the house, holy cow I’m exhausted just typing that....
Now many Stay-at-home-moms have very helpful husbands who do their fair share of work around the house. I happen to be one of those. My husband is wonderful at helping out when he comes home from his long day of work. And if he’s not helping with something where I really need his help, I know I can tell him I need help and he’s more than willing to help with it. Its because of our teamwork that we are able to keep our house in order. Often times people have this misconception that we all need to be super-moms.
My question is where does this expectation come from?
Do we put it on each other? Do my friends and family and neighbors think that I need to have a super-clean house and super-happy kids who eat super-healthy food all the time and have super-cute clean clothes? My personal opinion is no. And maybe that’s just me. Maybe I’m just lucky that I have such a wonderful community around me that doesn’t expect that from me.
Does it come from media? Do we see TV shows or read magazines and books and see what the media portrays as “perfect” and so we feel we must strive to be that? Personally, I think that’s a huge influence. How often have you picked up Better Homes & Gardens and thought “Wow, I wish my house looked like that?” And consciously or subconsciously I believe that registers in our minds as what a home should look like rather than what a real home looks like. And it causes us to go buy things to try to be more like that version of perfection we now have in our heads.
Now I’m not blaming the media or Better Home and Gardens for stay-at-home mommy woes. I love looking at magazines and watching tv for ideas for how to make my home look nicer. But I’ve chosen to not let it weigh on me. I have a nice home that I try to keep tidy and neat (as best I can with 4 kids ages 10 and under) but I’ve decided that my priority in my life today is NOT my house. So my decor may be outdated, my shelves might have some dust, and you will step on a toy at some point if you’re walking around my house, but that’s because we LIVE in our house. It’s not a museum, it’s not a show home. It’s our home. Which includes three active little boys and one princess who love to play and make messes the way little kids should.
I hope other moms out there are doing the same thing I am. Not necessarily with their homes, but I hope they’re evaluating their lives, deciding what is important to them and focusing on that while letting the rest fall to the bottom of the list.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining, per se. Nor am I saying totally neglect your home and let it fall to shambles. I wanted to stay home with my kids. We chose this life. I could have very easily gone back to work.
I just think stay-at-home-moms don’t get even close to the credit they deserve. When you mention that you’re a stay-at-home-mom you get responses like “Oh, you have such a hard job!” or “Oh, staying home with kids is so rewarding!”. But I often feel people say it just because they “have to”. Because they don’t want to look like a snob by saying what they really think “How hard can it be to stay home with your kids?” (Except for those moms who have stayed home with their kids. They know.)
Well if you’ve never done it, you don’t even know the half of it. It is without a doubt the hardest job and yet the most fulfilling job you’ll ever have. And I’m so glad that I have the opportunity. To all my other stay-at-home-moms. Keep your head up, stay positive, and remember whats important.
Being a mother is learning about strengths you didnt know you had and dealing with fears you didnt know existed
Pin It
Monday, June 25, 2012
Makenna's 3rd Birthday
 |
| Makenna and her poppa taking a picture together. I had a lot of fun making this picture prop. |
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
 |
| Party buckets were made off the cricut with the sticky vinyl. |
 |
| Beautiful birthday girl. |
 |
| Makenna with her special guests. |
.JPG) |
| Princess blowing out her candles. |
.JPG) |
| Her favorite present her new Mickey. |
 |
| Makenna getting some love from her daddy. |
 |
| Birthday girl going down the slide. |
Like I said we had such a fun day. If you are interested in getting special instructions on how anything was made then just comment below and I'll get you the information!! Have a great day!
Pin It
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Making Memories
I love being able to teach my kids new things and have fun at the same time. Tonight we chose to mark something off our summer bucket list and that was making cookies. We decided to make some yummy delicious peanut butter cookies. Its nights like these that make me so honored and grateful to be a mommy. Here are some pictures of the fun we had.
 |
| My Kiddo's being goofy. (Notice Jonathan down front) |
 |
| Kenna of course testing to make sure the dough tastes good. |
 |
| Nicholas adding the final touches before they go in the oven. |
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Father's Day Gift Ideas
Have you thought about FATHER'S DAY yet? Yes, its that time already!!!! I know most moms are just getting used to their new summer routine now that the kids are out of school. To help you all out in creating a memorable and fun display to surprise DAD this year, I've got a FREEBIE to share with all of you today. I created some printables and gifts ideas. All you have to do is click the printable picture, copy and paste it in your documents then print it out on your own paper or cardstock. Hope you enjoy!
Print these out and add them to dad's favorite soda!
Pin It
"Pop You Put The FIZZ In My Life!"
Now I have to admit, I am a soda lover!! And you know why?????… I love it for the FIZZ! The bubbles that dance all over your mouth. They make me happy. Some days that is all it takes to make my day… a good fresh, straight from the fountain Diet Coke or Mt. Dew. Those are my all time faves, because you know a girl needs variety in life. Anyway… like the bubbles in my pop, my Pop brings so much joy in my life! This can work for a dad that you call Pop or, like in my family, a grandpa that you call pop who is just as special as daddy.
Print these out and add them to dad's favorite soda!
More Father's Day Gift Ideas
 |
Make Dad’s day special with a day-long feast he'll never forget. From his favorite breakfast and lunch to a dinner he’ll love, here's some recipe ideas you need to make this a Father's Day he'll remember for years.
Breakfast Recipes: Start Father's Day off right with hearty servings of his favorite breakfast foods. From bacon and eggs to French toast and waffles, these recipes are the perfect way to begin the day.
- Hamburger Hash
- Baked Pancakes and Sausages
- Blueberry Muffins
- Breakfast Pies
- See all Father’s Day Breakfast Recipes
Lunch & Dinner Recipes: Gather up the kids and make Dad an extra special lunch or dinner with any one of our yummy recipes. They’ll put a smile on his face, guaranteed!
- Beef Nacho Casserole
- Crispy Wings
- Triple-Decker BLT Sandwich
- See all Father’s Day Lunch & Dinner Recipes
BBQ Recipes: Fire up the grill with these recipes. Whether Dad prefers chicken, seafood, beef or pork, these barbecue meal ideas are sure to please. Yum!
- Best Ever Barbecue Burgers
- Lemon-Garlic Chicken Kabobs
- Seasoned Sirloin Kabobs
- See all Father’s Day BBQ Recipes
Dessert Recipes: Satisfy Dad’s sweet tooth with any of these delicious desserts. They’re simple to make and a satisfying finale to any Father's Day meal.
If you've got a wonderful dad, step dad or even granddad make sure you make their day extra special!
Pin It
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Great Coupon Website
http://www.southernsavers.com/
I had someone ask me what website I use to get all my coupons and deals. I use Southern Savers. All you have to do is sign up to receive daily emails on great deals in your area. You will be able to print out coupons from home. Great way for you to save money for your family. I use this website all the time. Hope it helps.
Pin It
Favorite Sunday Morning Breakfast!
My favorite breakfast smell to wake up to on a Sunday morning has always been Monkey Bread cooking in the oven. I can remember how excited I would get when I was growing up if Momma had made some for us that morning and we got to eat it before church! It's quick and easy for anyone to make. Super Delicious. Hope you enjoy the recipe!
Pin It
Prep Time: 25 Min
Total Time: 1 Hr 5 Min
Makes: 12 servings
INGREDIENTS
1/2
cup granulated sugar
1
teaspoon cinnamon
2
cans (16.3 oz each) Pillsbury Grands Homestyle refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1
cup firmly packed brown sugar
3/4
cup butter or margarine, melted
DIRECTIONS
1.) Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease 12-cup fluted tube pan with shortening or cooking spray. In large -storage plastic food bag, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon.2.) Separate dough into 16 biscuits; cut each into quarters. Shake in bag to coat. Arrange in pan. 3.) In small bowl, mix brown sugar and butter; pour over biscuit pieces.4.) Bake 28 to 32 minutes or until golden brown and no longer doughy in center. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Turn upside down onto serving plate; pull apart to serve. Serve warm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)