Keeping it Real.

Short and sweet.

I'm fighting allergies. Have been for almost two weeks now and it is getting old.

My baby has been up at least once a night, sometimes for two hours, every night since Thursday.

I am tired.

My body is tired. My mind is tired. My spirit is tired.

All you momma know how it goes. You are doing the job that you are called and created for. The job you love. But you are tired and weary and the littlest thing sets you spiraling out of control. A pile of useless emotions and tears.

That's where I am at today.

I went back to bed with Jeremiah and slept until 9am. Something I never do!! My girls were amazing and everyone was up and fed and ready for school when I woke up. School wasn't the smoothest we've ever had but we got it done.

Now the kids are eating lunch. Or I really should say junk! Frozen corn dogs, chips and to ease my mind a little I threw some fruit cocktail and corn on their plates. Not my most rock star meals.

But, I love my job. God has called me to this job and has gifted me accordingly. I am trying to focus on that today. He hasn't called me to anything He won't give me the power to do. So, today, I am living in His power. And trusting and praying that He will do so much more with this day for His honor and glory than I can in my own strength.

Ephesians 3:20 (King James Version)

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

So, mommas, how is your day going? Just keeping it real. This is a really hard job and some days, you just survive!! Make it through and do the best you can and leave the rest to God. Love you MOMMAS!!!

Meaningful Monday

It's time again for Meaningful Monday. A time to reflect on blessings and memories that I might otherwise forget. So here they are for this week.

We made "bag bread" this week. A post about the process later. But it was a great big messy load of fun!!

We missed a huge expo here in town this weekend. I was battling a stuffy nose, the weather was super nasty and we stayed in. I was so disappointed!! But it blessed us with a super relaxing family Saturday. Something that doesn't come our way often.

On Friday we had an unexpected blessing of family visiting for lunch. It was so nice to catch up and visit while the children enjoyed playing.

The four oldest children got to sleep over at Aunt Erin's this weekend. That is always a very special treat.

I had the rare opportunity to spend an evening of quiet relaxation with my husband. It was much needed. (Thanks Erin!!)

We got to worship as a family. We sang, read, and fellowshiped with our family in Christ. It was renewing, motivating, and convicting.

My husband and I shared a deep heart to heart talk. I love those times when we can openly share our deepest fears, desires, and struggles. I am so blessed to have such an intimate relationship with my husband on so many levels.

I have five amazing children!!! They are smart, caring and beautiful.

Case in Point!

Action.

Love is an action.

A verb (in most cases) to be exact.

It should grow. It should change who we are and how we act. It should be visible to others around us.

2 Thessalonians 1:3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.

It should affect how we treat people. How we talk and how we think. How we act and how we respond. It should be a living, changing part of us.

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Love needs to be demonstrated. God showed us His love and through us others can see that love as well.

We MUST be intentional about living love. We should go out of our way to love others more than ourselves, to put others first.

Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

No matter what walk of life, lifestyle, age or race, we are commanded to love. If we are saved and are living through faith in our Savior, we WILL love.

Love my husband by doing things, saying things, and conducting myself in a way that is special just for him. Every man is different and loving them is different too. Find out what is "love" to your husband and become a rock star at doing that very thing.

Love my friends. Find out what makes them smile and do it. Over and Over and Over again. Drop off their favorite treat. Call them on a rough day. Whatever it is, find out and do it!!!

Love my children in their own special way. Each child will recieve love differently. Some through words, some through time spent together, and some through gifts. Figure out how to make each of your children special and love them in that way.

Love your church. Your church? Why? How? Each church has its needs both as a whole and as individual members. How are you showing love? Serving where needed? Growing in your walk? Being present for services? All of these things show your church that you love the body of Christ and don't want to bring harm or hold it back.
Over the next few weeks I am planning posts on putting love into action. Posts that will look at intentional ways to show and grow love to different people. I ask that you be in prayer that God would direct my words for these posts. That they would be His words to encourage and touch hearts. And that your, my dear readers hearts, would be ready to receive His words.

31 Things - Update

There is just about a week left in the month and here is where I stand on my list.


1.Take photos of my hats and get them posted to Facebook and my blog. Did this. Hosted a giveaway. Now making the hat for the winner.


2.Sew new velcro on the rest of my diapers.

3.Hang a coat rack in the boys' room.

4.Move some toys downstairs now that our basement isn't being used anymore. Moved them slowly over several days and my children didn't even notice they were gone!!

5.Move toys from storage upstairs and organize play room better. Did this and it has made a world of difference.

6.Pick school books for next year and get my list ready for the used book sales coming up. Got this done!

7.Plan garden layout and buy seeds.

8.Plant seeds indoors and early crops outdoors.

9.Organize pantry once the shelves are built. Doesn't look as if shelves will be ready. This will have to wait.

10.Finish church directory.

11.Finish Mother's Day/Father's Day preperations.

12.Host a Puzzle Party for the kids so we can see what puzzles still have all the pieces.

13.Pull out spring/summer clothes.

14.Shop for next winter's clothes for Maggie. (Everyone else should be fine.)

15.Start Christmas shopping. I have officially bought 2 gifts!!

16.Sprout Beans Starting this process today!

17.Clean out storage room in the basement.

18.Start baking all our bread homemade. I haven't bought bread all month!!!

19.Go on at least one date with my husband.

20.Buy scrapbooks for Kate and Jeremiah. (I'm determined to do this again. Haven't touched it in years. But I love it!!)

21.Mail a card a week to a friend.

22.Host two families for dinner.  I did this last week. I still hope to host one more this month.

23.Wipe down my cabinets. This has been done!! It needed it badly!

24.Clean my dishwasher. (Sounds funny but it needs it!!) This is harder than it sounds. It's a work in progress still.

25.Finalize vacation lodging for Sept. This is just about done. Got to call in our reservations!!

26.Start making calls for a big outreach idea I have for this summer. Made the call. It's in the works!!

27.Pick on Easter skit and music and start practices. Practice starts tomorrow!!

28.Buy fabric for Josiah's bed spread. We were gifted one so this isn't needed anymore.

29.Make Kate a jean skirt to match Maggie and Samantha's. It isn't a jean skirt but I made a skirt this weekend. I'll post pictures soon.

30.Clean out under my kitchen sink. This job is done and it makes me smile each time I open the cabinet!

31.Take more pictures each week of my family and our lives. I have been much better about this. I am hoping to get a small camera for my purse to help me capture our lives more thoroughly.
 
I still have a ways to go but I have made some huge progress too!! The weather has turned nice and the windows are open and I am praying for the focus and energy to push through the rest of the list. I'll let you know next week.

Winner

And the winner of the birthday hat giveaway is comment 5!!!



Jenilee said...

I have a sweet little niece named Sloan who would look adorable in that hat! :) I'm visiting from the preacher's wife M2M featured blogs. :) nice to meet you!



Congrats Jenilee! I can't wait to get to know you more!!! I will be emailing you shortly!!

A Birthday Giveaway

In honor of my birthday (Today!!) and in an effort to "pay it forward" and spread a little joy and sunshine to others, I am hosting a giveaway!!

He gets excited about his work. Can't you tell?

I am offering a hand-made hat in your choice of girl or boy colors. You may choose any style you see in my Facebook album. For any baby in your life. Don't know a baby? Well enter and give the hat away to the NICU near you or you can send it with the pile I am making to take to the NICU Jeremiah was in.



My "favorite" model.
Oh those eyes!!!



But I know many of my readers are expecting and these hats are great for summer or winter babies. To enter is simple. Just leave me a comment telling my what baby would be wearing this special hat if you win. I can ship to anywhere in the US and I can include a gift message if needed.

Giveaway ends on Sunday night and I will announce the winner on Monday March 21st.

Meaningful Monday

Blessings I am pondering today.

1. An unexpected snow day with cuddles and snuggles this morning and lots and lots of school work done.
2. My husband. Amazing man of God and leader of many. So much strength it blows me away.
3. A baby whose cough is better.
4. Lots of snuggle time with my baby yesterday.
5. My crockpot. It keeps this mother of five sane!
6. Paper
7. Phone calls. From friends and family checking on Jeremiah.
8. I will get to spend Thursday (my birthday) with all my family under one roof.
9. A working washer and dryer.
10. My daughter who cares about her momma and wants to help the little ones to make my job easier.

Take time to "stop and smell the flowers". Have a grateful heart!!

Ten Blessings, every Monday. Ten things you are grateful for. Big or little it doesn't matter. Can you do it? What ten things are you thankful for today?

My hats

Check out the album of hats that I have for sale. I can custom make them to match the style you like. I have sizes newborn, infant, and toddler. I can take orders for older children as well. Pricing and pictures available by following the link.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=286119&id=596835772&l=3935044074

 

 

31 things.

My new goal is to accomplish one thing other than "everyday" chores each day this month. I'm a little late getting started but I'll just double up to catch up. So, here are my 31 things....

1. Take photos of my hats and get them posted to Facebook and my blog.
2. Sew new velcro on the rest of my diapers.
3. Hang a coat rack in the boys' room.
4. Move some toys downstairs now that our basement isn't being used anymore.
5. Move toys from storage upstairs and organize play room better.
6. Pick school books for next year and get my list ready for the used book sales coming up.
7. Plan garden layout and buy seeds.
8. Plant seeds indoors and early crops outdoors.
9. Organize pantry once the shelves are built.
10. Finish church directory.
11. Finish Mother's Day/Father's Day preperations.
12. Host a Puzzle Party for the kids so we can see what puzzles still have all the pieces.
13. Pull out spring/summer clothes.
14. Shop for next winter's clothes for Maggie. (Everyone else should be fine.)
15. Start Christmas shopping.
16. Sprout Beans
17. Clean out storage room in the basement.
18. Start baking all our bread homemade.
19. Go on at least one date with my husband.
20. Buy scrapbooks for Kate and Jeremiah. (I'm determined to do this again. Haven't touched it in years. But I love it!!)
21. Mail a card a week to a friend.
22. Host two families for dinner.
23. Wipe down my cabinets.
24. Clean my dishwasher. (Sounds funny but it needs it!!)
25. Finalize vacation lodging for Sept.
26. Start making calls for a big outreach idea I have for this summer.
27. Pick on Easter skit and music and start practices.
28. Buy fabric for Josiah's bed spread.
29. Make Kate a jean skirt to match Maggie and Samantha's.
30. Clean out under my kitchen sink.
31. Take more pictures each week of my family and our lives.

There you have it. My list. Let's see if I can do it!!! I hope to post each week and comment on my progress of this list. I am hoping that this accountability will keep me motivated.

Couponing.

Here is my load from yesterday!!

Before you head to Target this week you will want to print out their store coupons from their website. They have some general coupons for Up and Up brand products from cleaning to cotton (q-tips and cotton balls) to mouthwash. You can pair them with items your family uses. Many of the coupons are for $1 off!! Here is a list of ideas. I didn't do all of her ideas but I used them as a jumping point so to speak.

This is what I came out with....

Up and Up Ibuprofen (x4) - on sale for $1.77 printable coupon for $1 off

paid $.77 a piece

Up and Up mouthwash(x2) - On sale for $2.89, printable coupon for $1 off

Paid $1.89 a piece

Up and Up dishwasher gel(x1) - priced $2.59, printable coupon for $1 off

Paid $1.59

Up and Up dryer sheets(x2) - Priced $1.37, printable coupon for $1 off

Paid $.37 a box

Up and Up bleach(x1) - Priced $1.27, printable coupon for $1 off

Paid $.27

Up and Up q-tips(x1) - Priced $1.12, printable coupon for $.50 off

Paid $.62

Up and Up cotton balls(x1) - Priced $1.42, printable coupon for $1 off

Paid $.42

Up and Up ziploc bags(x1) - Priced $2.19(100 count), printable coupon for $.50 off

Paid $1.69

Up and Up pantiliner(x1) - Priced $1.97, printable coupon for $.75 off

Paid $1.22

My splurge for the day since I had a printable Target coupon and a manufacturer's coupon

Ritx bits Peanut Butter crackers(x2) - Priced $2.69 each, man coupon for $1.00 off wybt and target coupon $1 off wybt

paid$3.38 or $1.69 each!!

My original total was right around $32. I paid out of pocket $19.31!! I cut my bill by almost half!!! I consider that a couponing victory!! Have you found any great deals?

Blessed

About this time last year my husband and I decided to take the plunge and throw off the blanket of traditional health insurance and put our family under the care of Christian Care Ministries. We had many reasons in doing this. One being the sheer cost of our health insurance through my husband's employer. We were paying right at $1,000 a month for our family to have "ok" health insurance. That didn't include eye or dental. It was becoming ridiculous. Also, most (probably all) corporate health insurance companies fund, help fund, cover or whatever you want to call it, abortion and birth control. So we opted to buy our coverage for the children and I through a Christian company. It cut our monthly premiums by more than half!! While they don't cover regular office visits (sick or well) they are a great resource for helping you find what you need at a discounted price. The Health Dept gives my children their shots and it is only $5 a visit.

We set up a Health Savings account to be used for medical expenses. This ensures that the money we put into this account can be a tax deduction for us. It helps to off set the fact that on paper it looks like my husband got a huge pay increase because health insurance isn't being taken out of his checks anymore. So, this year, we turned our taxes over to our accountant and "held our breath" so to speak. More income, another baby, monthly health premiums that aren't tax deductable??? How would it all come out in the wash?

Well.....

This is the best year that we have ever had. We are getting more back this year than ever. We consider it a huge blessing that God has given us. After having a baby with over $200,000 in medical bills we have seen God work through this company in amazing ways. I can't say enough good about them.

If you are looking for new health insurance or to save money on your monthly premiums I would highly reccommend that you check our Christian Care Ministries Medi-Share.

Four. ...

....months that is.



I swear he fell asleep with his hat on straight. The kids thought he looked so funny
with his hat on side ways!



...siblings that love him.

...hour naps this baby usually takes.

Trust!

Psalm 37:1-7

Do not fret because of those who are evil



or be envious of those who do wrong;

Sometimes in this world it does seem like those that are willing to cheat, lie, and hurt others often do "get ahead" or succeed. But this will last but a little while and they will pay for their actions sooner or later. And these people are really not truly happy.


2 for like the grass they will soon wither,


like green plants they will soon die away.

See, even the Bible promises that they will soon die and they will not last long in their success.

3 Trust in the LORD and do good;


dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

But if we place our trust in the Heavenly Father, and we live according to His higher calling we will enjoy His protection, even when the storms come.

4 Take delight in the LORD,


and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Does this mean that if we delight in Him he will be a "genie" and grant our every wish? Not at all. But if we delight in Him and His path for our life, He will change our hearts to find delight in His ways. And before we know it, our desires would be whatever He desires for us. And He will grant that.
5 Commit your way to the LORD;


trust in him and he will do this:

There is that hard word "trust" again. Such a little word but so hard to practice. We must live for Christ and trust Him with the rest. Whether storm, sickness, trial, or persecution, He will be with us, protect us, and love us.

6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,


your vindication like the noonday sun.


We will shine for Him and others will see His protection and blessing in our life. When "our turn" comes He will get the glory for our success and not our back handed schemes.
7 Be still before the LORD


and wait patiently for him;

Big command! Be still. Be patient. Don't push myself ahead. Wait for the Lord to make me shine. He can be trusted. He is faithful! And He is my God!!

Chicken Alfredo Pizza

Chicken Alfredo Pizza

Pizza Crust (I used this recipe)

Once you have rolled out the pizza dough to cover the pan that you are using, pre-bake the crust for about 10 min.

Then top with Alfredo Sauce (recipe to follow), chopped cooked chicken, broccoli, and cheddar cheese.

After pizza is topped, bake at 375 degrees until cheese is melted and crust is browned to desired color.

Alfredo Sauce

2 tbsp butter

2tbsp flour

1 cups of milk

Melt butter in pan and then add flour to form a paste. Stir in milk all at once and whisk until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, garlic salt, and parmesean cheese.