Feeling crafty...

There is simply not enough time to do all that I want to do. I have had the last two weeks off of work, but must return tomorrow. Ugh. I want to do so much still, such as make a quilt, make homemade soap, crochet a baby blanket, organize the house, etc. etc..... I actually have accomplished quite a bit on my break. Lots of cooking, tried several new recipes, and done a lot of purging junk. It feels good and I have enjoyed my stay at home A LOT! I wish I could stay at home with my kids so much, but it's not a possibility right now. Maybe someday. So for now, I'll continue to be a "weekend warrior" or I guess a better term would be "weekend homemaker".  So, now I'm ready to go to the craft store :)

Easy Soft Pretzels

These super easy pretzels were a hit with my family! I guess next time I need to make a double batch because they went quick!

Ingredients:
Coarse salt
1 tbs sugar
6 tbs baking soda
2 tbs canola oil
1 cup warm water
1 pk active dry yeast
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

Instructions:
In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water for about 10 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups of the flour, oil, and sugar. Beat for about three minutes to make smooth. Gradually stir in enough of the flour to make a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for about five minutes, adding flour to keep it from getting sticky.

Place dough in a greased bowl and cover. Let rise for one hour. Punch down after the hour and place on a floured surface. Divide evenly into 12 round, smooth balls. Stretch each piece into a smooth 18 inch rope. Form into a pretzel form. Let rise uncovered on a greased baking sheet for about 25 minutes.

In a stainless steel pot, boil water and the baking soda. Carefully drop each pretzel into the boiling water for ten seconds, turn and do the same to the other side. With a slotted spoon, remove the pretzel and place back on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse salt.

When all pretzels are ready, place in a preheated 425 degree oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Easy Dinner Rolls

I found this recipe online and was so pleased with how it turned out! Made these for Christmas dinner and they were wonderful!

Ingredients:
1 cup warm water
4 1/2 tsp yeast
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp salt
4-4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:
Combine the warm water and yeast in a large bowl. Let the mixture stand for about 5 minutes. Stir in butter, sugar, eggs, and salt. Beat in flour 1 cup at a time until dough is too stiff to mix. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to overnight.

Grease a 13x9 inch baking pan. Turn the chilled dough onto a lightly flour covered surface. Divide the dough into 24 equally sized pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Place balls into the greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for one hour or until doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake until the rolls are golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. Brush with melted butter. Serve and enjoy!!!

Homemade Granola Jars

Merry Christmas everyone! Here is what I am giving a few of the guys in my life for Christmas presents. This homemade granola was so easy and I basically used what I had on hand in the cupboards. You can vary the ingredients to include what you like the best!

Ingredients:
3 cups uncooked oatmeal
2 cups Grape Nuts cereal
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup honey
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

I mixed all of the dry ingredients except the chocolate chips in a large bowl. Add in the honey and mix until the ingredients are clumping together. Spread out on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Let cool completely. Add chocolate chips when the mixture is totally cool. Place in mason jars and secure lids.

I had to kick my husband out of the kitchen while making this because he kept stealing bites! This would also be good with sunflower seeds or any other kind of nuts.

Anniversary

Today was our fifteenth wedding anniversary and it has been quite an adventure if I must say so myself! Many times, our relationship has been one that could have been a romantic comedy, or at least a comedy of some sort! This may include but is not limited to living "in a van down by the river", living in a skating rink, owning a skating rink, having amazing children, and finally getting "grown up" careers. Not that I'm bragging but I'd like to share a few of the reasons my husband is truly "my other half".

1. He makes me a better person. I would never have gotten the guts to go to graduate school, advance in my career, and try as hard as I do at everything if he didn't give me a kick in the pants every now and then.
2. Loyalty. It amazes me how many people we know has been involved in an extramarital affair. So sad. We have been and always will be totally committed to each other. That is God's plan and He made it that way for a reason.
3. I can say that we truly enjoy spending time with each other. We have fun, we enjoy hanging out with each other, and we always have each other's back.

It's been a wonderful fifteen years and I look forward to spending another fifty or so with my dear husband!

Homemade Pomegranate Sugar Hand Scrub

I am making this super easy Pomegranate sugar hand scrub for Christmas presents. I saw something like this on Pinterest in a couple of different recipes but this one is easiest I think. My mother in law found me these super cute pint size mason jars. The only ingredients you need are plain granulated sugar and Pomegranate hand renewal Dawn dish soap. I filled up the mason jar almost to the top, then poured in the dish soap until it was moist but not too thin. Mix it well until all of the sugar is saturated. Dawn also has a lavender scented dish soap like this that would be great too!  I then made a little tag out of a piece of scrapbook paper and a paper sack. Tied it with a ribbon around the jar and VOILA! Easy, inexpensive Christmas present. I have been keeping mine by the kitchen sink and use a couple of times a day. It feels great on my hands and makes them soooo soft!

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies.. Perfect for Santa!

We LOVE chocolate chip cookies around our house.. probably a little too much, if that is possible. They rarely last very long at all. These easy, classic chocolate chip cookies are our favorite. Santa, get ready for a treat!

Ingredients:
2 1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional: 1 cup of chopped nuts (we are not crazy about nuts so we don't use them)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Combine the flour, baking powder and salt in a small bowl. In a large bowl combine the butter, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until fluffy. Add in one egg at a time and beat well. Slowly, add in the flour mixture until smooth. Last, add in the chocolate chips and nuts if you want them. Drop by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Bake for 9 minutes, then remove quickly to a cooling rack. This makes approximately five dozen cookies.

My 2012 "To Do" List

"People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents."
Andrew Carnegie

Yes, I know it isn't Christmas yet but I've been thinking about a lot of things I want to accomplish in 2012. These are not resolutions, because I know I will not keep those. These are more like goals that I'm going to try to work on.  So, here is a few, I'm sure I will add more to the list as I go....

1. Read my Bible more... I am currently horrible at this and I have got to get better at taking the time to read God's word.
2. Save more money... we have been in trouble several times when we didn't have enough money saved and of course, something breaks down or we get in a bind.
3. Give more money to church... again, another thing I am horrible at. I've got to be more obedient to what God wants me to do.
4. Practice slowing down the pace of my life. I know things can wait, I just always feel rushed.
5. Practice being more patient with my kids. They can be a handful sometimes and I really don't mean to get annoyed with them.. I just get tired and cranky, it's not their fault and I shouldn't take it out on them.

So, here is at least the beginning of my "to do" list for 2012. I'll let you know how it goes on meeting those goals!

Honey-Whole Wheat Bread

I admit, I stole this recipe off the back of a whole-wheat flour package but it is the best recipe I've found for bread! It is wonderful warm with butter and honey! This recipe makes two large loaves so it will last us almost a week. I usually wrap one loaf up well and freeze until we need it. It also makes great french toast!

Ingredients:
2 packages regular active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (105 degrees-115 degrees)
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup butter or margarine
3 tsp salt
2/12 cups very warm water (120 degrees-130 degrees)
4 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 3/4-3 1/4 cups all purpose flour

1. In a small bow, dissolve yeast in warm water; set aside. In a large bowl, mix honey, butter, salt and very warm water; cool 5 minutes.

2. To cooled honey mixture, beat in 3 cups of the whole wheat flour with mixer on low speed, scraping bowl frequently, until moistened. Beat on medium speed 3 minutes, scraping bowl frequently. Beat in remaining 1/4cups whole wheat flour and dissolved yeast. With spoon, stir in 2 1/4-2 3/4 cups of the all-purpose flour until dough pulls cleanly away from side of bowl.

3. Place dough on floured work surface. Knead in remaining 1/2 to 1 cup all-purpose flour; continue kneading 5-10 minutes until dough is smooth and springy. Grease large bowl with cooking spray; place dough in bowl, turning to grease on all sides. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and a cloth towel. Let rise in warm place 30-45 minutes or until doubled in size.

4. Generously grease a cookie sheet or other large pan. Gently push fist into dough to deflate; divide in half. On lightly floured surface, roll each half of dough into an approximate 18 x 8 inch rectangle. Roll up dough tightly and pinch edge of dough to seal. Fold ends under loaf; place seam side down in pan. Cover and let rise again in a warm place for 30-45 minutes or until doubled in size.

5. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Uncover dough; bake 30 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. Bake 10-15 minutes longer or until loaves sound hollow when lightly tapped. Immediately remove from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 1 hour.

Makes: 2 loaves, approximately 16 slices each.

Getting Ready for Christmas

It is always busy around here this time of year. This is my first day off work and Samuel and I have been busy! We have been making homemade bread, finished grandma's Christmas present, and wrapped a few as well. It is always fun to have my "big helper" around, even if he usually creates more of a mess than he can clean up. Later, when the bread is done, I will post a pic of it along with the recipe. It takes a few hours, but it is well worth the time.. And with it making two large loafs, it lasts in our house for almost a week! I just put one in the freezer until we are ready to use it.



Samuel making grandma's present, a stepping stone for her garden.

 I continue to have difficulty slowing down. It seems my mind races with trying to make up for all of the things that I want to do with the kids and at home. Work really gets in the way of my life! Does anyone else have this problem? If so, please give me some ideas how to quit trying to be superwoman and slow down!

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

My family loves when I'm home and feeling "domesticated". Today, I thought I'd try my hand at making homemade cinnnamon rolls. They turned out really good, much better than my last attempt which tasted good but didn't rise. These were flaky and big, just the way we like them! It was pretty easy overall.

Ingredients for Rolls:
1 1/4 oz active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup margarine, melted
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour

Ingredients for filling:
1 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon
1/3 cup margarine

Ingredients for Icing:
8 tbsp margarine
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup cream cheese
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp salt

Instructions:
Dissolve the yeast in the warm milk in a large bowl, Add the sugar, margarine, salt, eggs and flour. Mix well.
Knead the dough into a large bowl, about 8 minutes on a lightly floured surface. Put in a bowl, cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

After one hour, roll the dough on a lightly floured surface until it is about 21 inches long by 16 inches wide, about 1/4 inch thick. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

For the filling, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and margarine together. Spread evenly over the dough.

Carefully, roll the dough from the long side. Cut the dough into 1 1/2 inch slices and place evenly spaced on a lightly greased baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes or until browned on top.

While the rolls are baking, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and melted margarine until creamy. Once rolls are done, spread icing on rolls... ENJOY!

Six pack craft caddy

This was so easy it took about two minutes to make! I used the patterned duck tape and covered a six pack box. I made sure to reinforce the bottom with a couple of layers, just to make it a little more sturdy. This is great for paintbrushes and little things.

God has a sense of humor!

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a tendancy to stress out over little things at times in my life. I can help other people deal with big issues in my counseling job and keep my cool, but in my life, the details get to me...

Take Christmas for instance. I think I have done a fairly good job keeping things simple this year. We haven't overdone presents, decorations are minimal, though I'd love to be one of those Martha Stewart moms. But I do really want things to be nice and memorable for my family. But it seems that God has a sense of humor some times. I went and bought the boys new clothes for the several Christmas parties we have this week as well as haircuts, so they look nice in pictures. I just want us to look "put together" sometimes, even if I don't feel like we are.

Getting ready for church this morning, Samuel was playing with a pair of little school scissors, you know, the kind that will barely cut paper. He disappears for a few minutes and then comes in the room with a guilty look on his face... and a gaping bald spot on the top of his head. Oh my, God has a sense of humor.

So now, our pictures won't necessarily be "perfect." But despite being a little upset, okay, I was mad, I know that we will look back at it and laugh. It will remind me that I'm not in charge, He is. And sometimes we just have to sit back and laugh a little.

Visiting Santa

"I've been a good boy... "

Today I took Samuel to see Santa. He woke up this morning asking if it was time yet... at 5:00 a.m.!!! Of course he was a little nervous when it was his turn to talk to the jolly old elf, but he did great! On his wishlist... 1. Air soft guns 2. a superhero and 3. air soft guns... Gotta love living with boys!

Next on the agenda today was making cookies. Every year when the weather gets cooler, I get in the baking mood even more than usual. I love to bake. I'm not a great cook, but pretty good in the dessert department if I do say so myself.. I think in another life, I must have been a pastry chef. Okay, wishful thinking, but I  really do like to make my little one's (and big one) excited when the oven timer goes off!

Making Christmas Traditions with Your Kids

In our house, we try to emphasize the traditions and birth of Christ as the main reasons for Christmas. Our kids do not do without presents for sure, but the traditions we have grown up with always seem to hold much more importance than the things we get. Here a a few ideas to build traditions with your kids.

• Bake cookies for a neighbor or homebound person and let your kids deliver them.
• "Adopt" a grandparent at a nearby nursing center. Buy them things such as slippers, robes, hygiene products, books or crossword puzzles.
• Make a birthday cake for Jesus. Sing the "happy birthday" song and blow out candles on Christmas day.
• Attend a Christmas Eve service at church. Unbelievable and moving experience.
• Read the nativity story to your children. Children never tire of hearing of Christ's birth in a manger.
• Make homemade ornaments and decorations to hang on the tree. Get creative! use things such as pinecones, paper, dried citrus slices and edible art!

• SLOW DOWN! Christmas is a very busy time, stop and enjoy the wonder your children are experiencing and remember the true reason for Christmas... JESUS.

Burnout

It is difficult balancing life and work, as all working moms know. When I was younger, I was very career minded. I worked hard, long hours to satisfy my own competitive drive to be a better employee and attempt to save the world. As I have gotten older, my focus has changed. I want to spend time with my kids and husband. It is difficult to balance the career I have built for myself and the life I want. There are days, like today, I would give up all of the career just for more time at home. I don't think most men understand this.  My husband has made many sacrifices for the family, giving up promotions and better jobs, but he loves his job and looks forward to it every day. Lately, I just want to stay with my babies.

Our Journey to Debt Free Living Part 4... Setbacks

Every journey has some setbacks now and then. On our journey to being totally debt free, this month has had our fair share of them. We have learned some lessons and been reminded of others we have already learned but drifted away from. First, I went to an out of town conferences that, of course, cost more than it should have. Second, my car broke down, costing over $500 to fix... Third, Christmas... enough said.

Here are the lessons that w have been reminded of this month.

1. Emergency fund... needless to say, this is an area we have difficulty with. We always have an emergency as soon as we get our fund, thus we have about $12 in our emergency fund most of the time.. We have GOT to do better at this.
2. Plan ahead. Again, I did poorly at planning for unexpected expenses and saving money for Christmas. I always have good intentions. Maybe next year I will be better prepared for Christmas.
3. Robbing Peter to pay Paul... this has been a common occurrence in our household and it needs to stop. Because of our unexpected expenses, we are now slightly behind on other bills, causing more stress.

This has been a tough month financially. I expect after Christmas, we will be able to get caught up due to my husband getting extra work during the holidays. Again, my goal it to become debt free. It is a journey for sure, and not an easy one. I know we will get there and hopefully we will do better in the near future with overcoming obstacles.

Thankfulness

This time of year we all take inventory for all of the blessings in our lives that we are thankful for. I am no different. I get to come home every day to the two brightest, wonderful children I know and my best friend, my husband.

I am thankful for my Levi. He is kind and honest. He cares what people think about him and he strives to make others happy. He has the prettiest eyes and freckles, though he would hate that I mention either. He is an easy child, though at times emotional and a little dramatic. He loves the outdoors and his momma. I am  blessed.

I am thankful for my Samuel. He is funny and charming, as well as a little mischievous. He brightens a room by walking in it. He enjoys watching Looney Tunes and snuggling with his momma. He likes to help me cook and loves to aggravate his big brother. He has a huge personality and never stops talking, which isn't always a great thing. I am blessed.

I am thankful for John. He keeps me grounded and truly is my other half. He makes me strong when I am weak. He reminds me I am making a difference when I am ready to quit. He makes me get off my tail and do my best when I am ready to give up. He keeps me laughing when I feel like crying. And he reminds me to have fun in life.  He is funny, honest and the most genuine person I have ever met. I am blessed.

I hope we all take time to thank God for what we have and to remember that there are so many who are without.  My children and husband are my blessings and I thank God for them every day.

There's no place like home....

I just got back this afternoon from a three day conference out of town. Although it was educational and I enjoyed myself, it is good to be home. It is not very often that I go somewhere, especially overnight without my family. I had great plans of shopping and reading... none of which actually happened. I pretty much stayed at the hotel, called my family, and went to sleep early. It also did not help that I hurt my back and was in quite a bit of pain. I did have my first massage and enjoyed it very much! Guilty pleasures :)

I am now home, in my bed with my baby boy watching Looney Tunes. All is right with the world and I appreciate more than every the chaos that is my life. Even when I think I will enjoy the quiet, I miss my noise. Dorothy had it right... "there's no place like home."

Cinderella

My husband called me a "princess" today... if anyone knows me, this is NOT an accurate description of my personality. Far from it, except maybe when Cinderella was scrubbing toilets and wearing hand me downs, maybe that part is right... The reason he called me this is that I am going to go for a massage this week. I have never done this and have always thought it rather frivolous. However, I am going out of town for a few days to a conference.. this rarely happens... especially ALL ALONE.. I feel like a "big girl" out past curfew for a few days! I am not a social butterfly by any means so there is some level of anxiety about going to an unknown place by myself. I have decided, however, to embrace this. I am going to enjoy my three days of solitude while not in my trainings.. I am going to read a book, take baths, and yes, enjoy my first ever massage. While maybe it isn't exactly the "royal treatment", I am going to take some time to relax and for at least for a couple of days, try to remember the me that existed befor becoming a wife and mother, many many years ago. The "me" that enjoyed reading for hours on end, strolling through antique shops, and caring about myself instead of every one else. In the long run, I know that a few minutes of "me" time will benefit my family as well. It is hard to care for everyone elses needs when you neglect your own. I expect to return refreshed, enlightened, and ready to tackle the holidays with my wonderful family! Cinderella? Maybe not, but even a peasant girl can sometimes want to be treated like a princess.

Handmade paper Christmas Ornaments

I found a great Christmas ornament that my four year old loved making. They also turned out really cute!

First, tear up six sheets of same color construction paper and place in a blender. Add 1 1/2 cups of very warm water to the paper and let set for about five minutes. Pulse for about 30 seconds. Put the goop into a paper towel and squeeze out all of the water.

Place a towel covered by a paper towel onto a plate. I used a 3 inch star shaped cookie cutter. Place the paper pulp into the cookie cutter taking extra care to get it into the points. Use another paper towel and push out any excess water. Carefully remove the cookie cutter and place the star onto a cookie sheet.

Bake at 200 degrees for about 2 hours or until dry.  Once cool, glue on a ribbon to the back for a hanger! Voila!

Super easy and cute ornament idea! I think we will make a bunch for our tree and to give as gifts.

Catch up

I had a horrible case of strep throat this week so much of it was spent in bed. I hate not being physically able to keep up with all the things that are racing in my mind. Now I am behind. There are no groceries in the house, the laundry is piled up and the whole place needs a good scrubbing. I have been trying to stay ahead of the week by preparing freezer meals, creating menu plans and grocery lists. The last few days, that has all been out the window!

I decided to take today off work just to catch up on rest and my household chaos. Still haven't gotten much accomplished yet, though I know I'll get there. It feels good to slow down a little, take a breath, and relax. I have been reading several blogs about setting weekly personal goals for oneself. So, here is my first attempt to do so:

1. Fold all of the laundry and put up.
2. Spend five minutes each night cleaning my bedroom
3. Have no dishes left in the sink before bed each night
4. Read my Bible daily
5. Make Christmas ornaments with Samuel this weekend

I will let you know how it is going in reaching my goals. It may not seem like that big of goals, but small steps will always get you where you need to go.

Our Journey to Debt Free Living... Inexpensive Christmas Ideas

I have to brag a little... this month we have paid off TWO credit cards!!! Small steps to meeting our goal of being DEBT FREE! Small changes in our lifestyle and better decisions are allowing us to put these bad decisions in our past.

With Christmas coming up very soon, we are making plans and checking them twice in order to stay on track financially. Here are a few things I am doing to plan for a great, inexpensive Christmas:

• Make a list and check it twice! I have made a list of things my kids have asked for over the last few months and researched prices online for the best deals.
• Limit presents to the most wanted, not everything wanted. My kids ask for things all the time, as most kids do. I limit Christmas to the top five or so presents. I have learned that if they get what they really want, not just the quantity of presents they appreciate it more. Besides, we want our kids to understand that it is Christ's birthday, not theirs.
• Don't buy trendy presents... We are a video game free home. We don't spend lots of money on games or toys that will be out of date or "uncool" within six months. Think traditional.... blocks, board games, sports equipment. I want my kids to be creative, not parked in front of the t.v.
• Handmade presents.. .I love to bake. You know what my extended family members are getting now! I also crochet simple things such as scarves, potholders etc. Simple and useful.
• Books. I buy several slightly used children's books on Amazon for very little to keep for extra presents. We always end up having 2-3 extra kids around for holiday get togethers... this way, they will always get a present too. If I don't give them all away for presents, my kids get them... Win-win situation!

I am so ready for Christmas this year! I can't wait to bake cookies with the boys, read the Christmas story, and decorate the tree. I believe that my kids will remember those things in the future much more than expensive toys. I know I do.

You can never go wrong with nerf guns at our house!

Our Journey to Debt Free Living.. part 2

When my husband and I decided that debt was not going to be the lifestyle we were going to pursue, we made some drastic changes. First of all, we cut up our credit cards. It was sort of empowering and a little scary to do so. We had depended on credit cards for a lot. We had went from spending a little as a convenience to depending on them sometimes for groceries and gas. Now we were required to pay our own way, by cash, or not pay at all.

Here are a few of the things we did to change our money spending habits. I will admit, it hasn't been easy and there have been many times we have not followed it exactly. But I believe in the long run, it has worked and paying off for our future.

1. We got with a credit counseling agency to help us lower our interest and consolidate our payments. This has helped dramatically get our credit cards under control.
2.  Sit down and make up a monthly budget, on paper. We had no idea where our money went before we did this. It helped us greatly see where our money was going to and where we needed to focus our lifestyle changes.
3. Work, work and work some more. God bless my husband. He has worked 2-3 jobs for as long as I have known him. He has spent a lot of time away working 15-18 hour days earning the extra money needed to catch up. For the last couple of months, he has only worked one job now that we are doing a little better. It is nice to have him home!
4. Make some lifestyle changes... eat out a little less and curve impulse buying... I will admit, we haven't been as strict as Dave Ramsey recommends, but it has made a difference.
5. We are more creative.. it doesn't take a lot of money to entertain the kids and it is okay to buy used. I couldn't tell you the last time I bought the kids new clothes... used is just as good.

Again, it hasn't been easy but it has been worth the effort. We have a few more months left of credit card debt and car payments so we are not out of the woods yet. But soon, we'll be there. I'm ready!

Our Journey to Debt Free Living

I remember the days early in our marriage when we would eat out several nights a week, go to movies frequently, and pretty much buy what we wanted. Not enough money? Just charge it. Those seemingly carefree days caught up to us quickly. Now, two kids, fifteen years and a mortgage later, we are still paying for those costly mistakes.
After the birth of our second son four years ago, our church offered Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. It totally changed our way of thinking about money. We have worked very hard and have had a lot of obstacles but in about a year we will be debt free, except for our home.
We have a goal. When we can afford to live on one income and have significant savings, we want to move to the Seattle area. We lived there in those carefree days when we were first married. We want to return to our first home together, but this time much wiser. This time we will be debt free.
In the next few posts, I am going to be discussing some of the things we have done to trim our budget and earn more. It has not been easy, and we still have a way to go. It has been a long journey  but we're almost there. Please post comments about creative money saving techniques and thrifty living tips so we can share the journey!

Top Five Ways to Survive Parenthood

Having children is a lot of work, raising them to be moral, upstanding citizens who call their mother is even  harder! Here's a few of my favorite things to remember about parenting.

5. Socks don't always have to match. So one is a little shorter or has a different pattern on the toe, will that really keep them out of an Ivy League college someday? I think not.

4.  Screen your calls when the school wants volunteers to work concession stand or sell for a fundraiser. You can still be a good mom without being "that" mom.

3. If your child occasionally falls asleep in their clothes it is ok. Nobody sees those cute jammies but you anyway.

2. Sometimes "average" grades are good enough...hardest one for me but if I have a great kid in every other way, a C in math is not that big of a deal. Besides, in twenty years who will remember (or care) what grades you got in 6th grade anyway!

1. Even if you feel like you don't have a clue what you are doing with your kids, God knows EXACTLY what He is doing!  He will help you through it and for that I am thankful!

Encouraging your child's potential

I have always felt mediocre in most things, and I'm okay with that....now. As a kid my goal in life was just to fit in..anywhere. I tried sports (3rd string),flagline in band(totally bombed tryouts), grades were always decent but never outstanding . Now as a mother, my child is AWESOME. Reality, however, is that he is much like me. Average grades, average, well maybe a little below, athletic ability, etc. Again, I see how kind, cute, and outstanding he is. He struggles to see his potential, as I did. How do parents encourage our children's potential, while still being realistic? Face it, not all kids are capable of being astronauts or NFL quarterbacks. I think the key is allowing some failure, but always encouraging as they go. I allow new experience, even if I suspect he will be just okay at it. We have tried violin, football, guitar, soccer, hockey, and so on. It is difficult to manage and can be expensive at times. We help and encourage but allow him to make his own mistakes. As a bit of a control freak at times, this is easier said than done! (There is at least one science project that I was up until midnight working on). But I want my kids to discover their own talents and passions , and I can't do it for them. Maybe along the way, he will find the potential that we already see in him, which is AWESOME!

Ten years

Today is September 11 2011. Ten years has passed since almost 3000 people were murdered by terrorists. Those extremists never met any of the people who perished that day, but hated them anyway. I, as every other American, remember that day like it was yesterday. I remember going to my son's daycare just to hold him. I remember as a new mom how afraid I was for my country, those people and their families affected and for my family. Everything changed. What was it like to raise children in a time of war? Motherhood is already hard, how would I be able to be apart from my kids? How could I protect them if I wasn't with them? How could I protect them at all in a world so full of evil? Ten years has passed and a lot has changed; new house, new job, new baby. Despite current world events, life has went on. I can not imagine the horror every mother or wife experienced who lost someone on that day ten years ago. I just know that I will do my best to teach my kids that despite everything there is good in the world, that they can make a difference, and that through it all, their momma will do her best to protect them I hope everyone hugs their babies today.

Faith

Faith is a funny thing....belief in something we can't see. Its so easy for our children to have faith. They believe things we as adults can not even begin to comprehend, such as fairy tales and magic. As we grow older, faith is much more difficult to keep. My faith has been tested so much recently. God says for us to have faith in Him, trust that he will lead us in the right path. He always does, but it is so hard to take a leap of faith, even when we know it's what we have to do. My faith is being tested for sure lately...I know that God has a plan for my career but right now, it is horrible but I have faith that I am there for a reason. Today at church I was reminded that its not about me, its about Him. My happiness isn't the end all. Its about His plan and I am part of it. I will have faith and do the best I can to be part of that larger plan. Please use me Lord and i will keep trusting you.

My baby

Four years ago tomorrow I was blessed with the most beautiful blue eyed baby. Hate to brag but the only word I can describe him as was "perfect". When he was born, his lungs collapsed and he spent four says in ICU and I've never felt so helpless . But he is probably the strongest willed person I've ever met and recovered perfectly. I am so blessed by him, and tired. That strong will is also very tiring at times. He has always wanted to be " a big kid" and is not afraid to try things way before I have been ready for him to. Thank you God so much for my strong willed, independent "big kid."

Fear

Today I have felt lost. My job has taken a turn I was not ready to take and I feel alone, like I have failed. I am not the one for this job. My first instinct is to run. Run away and don't look back...run back to the familiar, to my comfort zone. I have lost sleep, complained and worried for two months about this. Tonight I prayed...I mean REALLY prayed, on my face, crying like a baby kind of praying. I want to hear God's voice, like how we hear a radio or I can hear my dishwasher going right now. It would be so much easier that way. But I kept hearing yesterdays sermon at church. It was about fear. I fought it so hard but I kept hearing that sermon. It was how God told Moses' people to cross that river, can't remember the name, to get to the promised land. But they were afraid and sat there, on the edge for forty years. He then told Joshua to get up and take them across the river to get the rewards they were promised. God told him several times...Be strong and courageous. God, I don't want to be strong OR courageous, but I know you know what you're doing. I have no idea why I was chosen for this but You do. I don't want this, but for some reason, You do. I accept that even though I still want to run...I trust you God. Please help me be strong and courageous.

Mommy guilt

I was recently asked if it is normal for moms to have a nagging, underlying sense of guilt. I don't know how "normal" it is but it is very common, at least for me. It all starts with parenting magazines in those doctor office waiting rooms when we are eagerly waiting for our prenatal checkups. They show glowing women perfectly balancing a fifty pound diaper bag, a perfectly clean toddler, all while cooking organic meals, working as a CEO of a Fortune 500 company while being adored by a model looking husband.....and then reality hits.  Motherhood is full of spit up, loss of sleep, an extra twenty pounds that WON'T go away and guilt. Guilt is a funny thing. It's irrational but persists nonetheless. Guilt that I couldn't breast feed, guilt that I can't be a stay-at-home mom, guilt that I HATE volunteering for school functions. Realistically I know I can't live up to those girls in the magazines. They have hairstylists and air brushing to hide the circles under their eyes. My boys are healthy, smart and well mannered. They love the Lord despite my lack of daily Bible studies with them...(which is a goal of mine). Will I continue to worry that I don't spend enough time checking homework and baking whole grain, organic, faux chocolate chip cookies?  Answer is yes. But I know the only perfect parent is God and He will provide what my boys need, even if I'm too tired sometimes to do so.

Changing the world

I grew up pretty sheltered, which I guess is good. I want my kids to be sheltered too. I always knew I wanted to help people and pursued my career to do just that. Therefore I am now a therapist working with emotionally disturbed children. It is a hard job and it only gets harder. The last few days have been the hardest of my career. It amazes me how a six year old can be so broken. I'll be honest, it makes me question my faith. How can our loving God allow a baby to go through so much? I feel guilty for even thinking that but I think God will understand. There are days I want to do something else, today is one of them. I am so blessed with my children and husband. I don't want my boys to even know what I have to see daily. My heart is just broken for "my kids". Lord, give me strength to do your will and keep my faith that you know what you are doing.

"The Middle"

My boys are almost eight years apart in age. Two different worlds apart....one in preschool, another starting middle school in two days. I asked my sweet little boy , well, he's almost as tall as me, if he was ready for it. His reply, " uh, YEAH! The girls there are HOT!" My reply, "Huh?"  When did this happen ?  I know that just a few days ago my child was playing dress up in cowboy clothes running around with stick for an imaginary gun.....wait, that really WAS a few days ago.  The "middle " is a funny place. Not quite a teenager, not quite a little kid. They are moody and irritable one minute, wanting to snuggle on your lap the next. I am not ready for him to quit playing dress up and start noticing girls. It hurts my heart.... but its starting to happen and I'll be there for him through every heart break, worry, and new experience. And I will cherish every time he wants to snuggle by me.

Boys

I have boys. We don't have anything pink in my home and we won't even go into smells. That's a story all it's own. Boys are interesting creatures. My boys have the biggest, kindest, most mischievous hearts. They will kiss and snuggle one minute and break my heart the next, not that they mean to of course. They are honest, sometimes brutally so. For example, my youngest has made the most endearing comments such as "mommy, you're fat." I love my child, I love my child (keep repeating until I stop crying).  Meanwhile the other boys are all laughing. However, they break my heart in other ways as well.  "I love you infinity and beyond", and "mommy, I want to be with you forever." Boys....natural born heartbreakers, and I wouldn't change a thing.

Organization

Organization, or the lack thereof, is going to be the death of me. School starts in one week and I am both excited and totally not ready. I still get that feeling of a new beginning like I did as a kid when I spent a week planning what I would wear the first day of school. My boys do not share that same enthusiasm. We battle everyday to get them back in their "school routine" of going to bed early and waking up even earlier. It really doesn't matter. I know every morning there will be crying, lost shoes, and at least one homework assignment that conveniently was forgotten. Rarely have I made it out the door without oatmeal as an accessory for my clothes...and that's okay. I will continue to strive to improve my household organization skills by attempting a menu plan, having baskets at entryways to catch papers and keys, and select a weeks worth of outfits at a time. Wish me luck! In the long run, how organized I am is not what my kids will remember...maybe that extra ten minutes of snuggle time in the morning is more important.

Family...

I bought a book this weekend about homesteading. What is homesteading you ask? Basically getting back to "old time" ways like gardening, canning, and living off the land. Basically the way my grandparents lived their whole lives. This book brought back some great memories of my sister and I rolling a jar of cream back and forth across grandma's living room making butter. That was the sweetest thing I ever tasted with her homemade jelly and biscuits.

I wish my life was simpler. It's not exactly complicated I guess but it's not like I have a whole lot of time to spend making butter. I work full time with emotionally disturbed children, I have been married for almost fifteen years to my best friend and have two beautiful boys . I believe God has blessed me greatly and I thank Him daily. I am busy. My house is rarely clean though I can get one room clean at a time, on a good day. Supper is usually rushed and not always complete with veggies, though I try. There are even occasions when my child's socks don't match when he leaves for school.  Oh well, I think overall we are doing pretty good. I have a wonderful family even if we are far from perfect. My goal is to work to grow closer to Christ, be a good wife and mother....and maybe make time to teach my kids how to make some butter.

How it all began....

Once in my undergraduate studies many years ago, I took a class on creative writing. Just a fluff, filler class my senior year. I enjoyed the class and listened to my professor, who had published several books, talk about having lunch with several rather famous authors. I didn't take the class seriously and pretty much goofed off. He told me at the end of the semester, "I wouldn't quit your day job if I were you." Now I have my Master's degree and always enjoyed writing essays and term papers, but never ventured into other more creative writing. Okay, professor..... I'm not quitting my day job but here we go.....