Years later I am back and my life has reached a new season. Blessed beyond measure, I am still a SAHM living the dream! Of course we have our challenges but in the big scope of life ~ Abundantly Blessed.

I have picked up a couple of SAHM jobs that have helped me find my own enjoyment. One is a health and wellness company called Shaklee. Ever heard of Shaklee? Ask your parents or even Grandparents. They may have. This company has been around for 60 years. It is well established and a reputable company. In today's age, our eyes are being opened to the health dangers of chemicals, processed foods and a toxic environment. Shaklee has solutions for nutrition through the highest quality of supplements and even nontoxic cleaning supplies and skin care. You can browse through my site www.myshaklee.betterhealthbetterfuture.com. Feel free to ask me whatever questions you many have.

Another thing I do from home is crafting with my SILHOUETTE CAMEO! Oh what fun it is! I make all kinds of thing and sell them! Again, to see what I am making hop over to www.facebook.com/wonderfullymadeforyou

Happy New Year

Here I sit at the laptop. Allowing my fingertips to do the talking.
It is a new year! Resolutions? Pishah! I do have a renewed sense of what
I want to attempt in the months to come. No promises. No long term commitments.
Just a few passionate ideas that I would like to see where they float and how long they float.
Some may think that is a fool-proof way to fail at new goals. I, personally want to allow for wiggle room. See what happens, watch what the Lord does, and do want works and quit what is not working. How smart is it to lock yourself in to something only to leave you feeling guilty and like a failure? Not smart.

Ok. Some new things that are exciting me.
I am planning on getting creative and making headbands! Spandex headbands! I know tons of girls who LOVE them. I also know some runners and people to work out who use them. They are also just fun for a little fashion.
I plan to pick up my Lilla Rose business too! I love their flexiclips! So pretty and functional!
Ask me about them if you want more info. I will post more about it at a later point.
I also plan to pick up more books for me! I have been using all of MY reading time reading to my 2nd grader. Time to feed my own soul with books once again.
I also plan to post a few more things on this blog. I put this blog on pause while I was having kids and homeschooling. At present I have 4 kids (done) and 2 are in school! Big change for us but the extra breathing room has been a lifesaver. More on that later too.

So, just a few quick things I wanted to put in black and white for things ahead!

Wishing you all an Happy and healthy NEW YEAR!

It has been an awful long time since my last post.

If there are any viewers left on this lonely little blog, please accept my sincere apologies. It has been over a year since my last post. Life got a little hectic with parenting and homeschooling. I now have 4 children and what ever spare time I have it is a toss up between showering, sleeping, eating or cleaning. As you can see blogging is a luxury!
I was also getting frustrated with the HTML codes eating up complete days trying to figure them all out. So I had to put it on the back burner.
But, I am back.
One major motivation for me being back it because I need to put my thoughts into print to keep my self accountable. I have some goals I would like to am going to meet and I need to get my thoughts organized. This is the place I have chosen to do that.
So, my goals. Well, my 4th baby is now 7 months old and I want to loose some weight. PLUS, I will be turning 40 in December! Eeeek! That gives me 8 months to drop some pounds and inches so I can be lookin good when I turn the big four o.
Confession, I just ate a pop tart and a bowl of Frosted Shredded mini wheat's. It is 8:30 pm and all the kids are in bed and hubby has run to the store. So those sweet treats were asking if I would have a last night rendezvous with them. I got suckered in again.
Lately I have been binging. BAD BAD BAD. I am not going to drop pounds doing that. I have lost all self control and absolutely must get that under control.
I am going to be completely candid on these posts not because I want to but because I need to. I tend to be secretive about these little binging episodes. I sneak the snacks so the kids don't see and I eat the bad stuff when hubby can't see. Who am I really fooling. MYSELF! Secrets are a red flag. If there is something that needs to be a secret it must not be a healthy thing. I want to be transparent. I want to gain the self discipline to be around junk food and firmly and confidently say "No, I will not eat it and I do not want it."

In order to reach some of my goals my first step is to
Drink water.
Drinking more water is the cheapest and easiest way to lose weight.
So why not? If I can't do that, then there is a real problem. I have an app on my phone that reminds me to drink my water. With each glass I drink I touch a picture of an empty cup and it watch it fill up with water. I have 8 classes to fill each day. If it has been a while it makes a sound like water filling a cup to remind me. My kids often hear it and they call out, 'Mom! time to drink your water!' Isn't there a saying...'you are what you eat?' Maybe, just maybe, I will become a tall drink of water!

Another thing I have been doing is eating protein for breakfast. Usually and egg or two and some turkey bacon. Other days I will drink a protein shake. I have been using Shaklee's Cinch 180 Cafe Latte. It is so yummy! Breakfast is my weakest meal of the day. Our culture has trained up to eat carbs for breakfast. Think about it. We eat cereal, bagels, toast, English muffins, pancakes, muffins, etc ALL CARBS. Then I am hungry again at 10 am. It is so hard for me to skip the carbs for breakfast but it is critical if I want to set my blood sugar off in the right foot. Another thing I LOVE for breakfast is a big glass of Tropicana Orange juice. I am not a coffee drinker but I love me a glass of cold Orange juice in the morning. But I am cutting it off. Water only. No juices allowed. If I am going to ingest calories I am going to be eating them. Not to mention the sugar content in juice.

Just a few days ago I bit the bullet and bought the 21 Day Sugar Detox ebook. It is my plan to read it  this week, plan my meals and shopping list and begin the 21 days on April 8th. It is only 3 weeks but it is designed to help retrain the palette to not crave sweets. I figure if I can curb the cravings perhaps the self control part will not be so much an issue. We will see.

This is my plan for now. Perhaps in the next post I will share some secret numbers with you..... my weight and measurements. Blush.
If you are reading this blog and you know me personally. Please be kind. I realize I am sharing this info with the world at my own risk. I do it in hopes that some of you will keep me on the straight an narrow.

Thanks for reading.
Until next time...

Update on Willful Submission

A few posts back I explained that I was having great difficulty with my four year old daughter and her defiant disobedience. I got some great advice that really has helped. And that is, when she has done something that merits chastisement she is to stay in her room until she has control of herself and needs to come to me when she is ready to be chastised. So that way she is coming under he own will and I am not forcing her to submit but she does it on her own timing and will rather than me forcing her to submit to the chastisement.


It is now a couple months later and (by request of one of my readers) I want to update you on how that process is going.


It really is a process much like all of the parenting and training we do. She still gets into her little funky episodes and for some reason when I first see it I know it will be a long day. They just seem to be whole days that she has a hard time breaking free from attitude and rebellion in her. We are bathing this situation in much prayer! I will say it again.... MUCH PRAYER!


This nugget of wisdom has most positively affected our relationship as mother and daughter. I could really feel us pushing each other way from each other, as I was constantly having to correct her and discipline her and she would just kick it up higher and harder. 


Heart wrenching to a mom. 
Really. She is only 4 years old! What caused this? If I can't mend my relationship with a 4 year old, how in the world will I do it when she is a teenager?


This method of having her come to me for the spanking has
1.) Allowed me to calm down enough to talk her through it and spank in a controlled manner. 
2.) Allowed her to calm herself down to be able to talk to me and open up to me rather than continue to defend and fight and put more walls up.
3.) Allowed a genuine time of repentance, restoration and forgiveness on both parts. Confession is so good and healthy but can only be done when you are in a humble state.
4.) Sparked something in her to continually express her love for me. Even after I spank her. Before, like I said, she was building walls and wasn't given the space and freedom that she needed. Now, throughout the day she will hug me and tell me she loves me. That did not happen before.
5.) Allowed closure to the incident and gives us freedom to move on with our day. It is left behind and forgiven. When I discipline in anger I have a hard time myself letting go of the frustration and anger for the rest of the day. And now that I type this I see that the apple truly doesn't fall far from the tree. Ahem.
6.) Become much less often and takes less time that it did at the beginning. Now it may happen once in a day and last only 10 minutes v.s. the 3 times a day lasting 45 minutes of her struggling and fighting and coming out of her room when she was not ready to be spanked only to be sent back in. You do the math. That really eats up your day and attention away from your other children!


These are what comes to my mind at this point. It really has helped us both and the affect on our family is benefiting as well. Bit by bit I see her becoming more moldable and teachable. That means the world to me. 
I thank God for his involvement and answer to prayer and power over the evil one who longs to have our children. The victory has already been won. Jesus Christ lives, rules and reigns in my heart and in our home. Evil of any kind is NOT welcome here. There is a reason it is called a 'Spiritual Battle.'  The enemy at battle does not give up easily. He wants our children. So battle I will.... with God on my side.... I have no fear. If God is for me who can be against me? 

Valentine Lesson

With Valentine's Day coming up, we have been working on lots of heart projects.

This one is very special because of the application (that I stole from a dear friend).

I cut out a heart as large as I could from construction paper (we used red, purple and pink).

Then inside that heart I cut out another heart. That left me with a frame of a heart.

We set the heart frame inside a laminating sheet and carefully placed tissue paper squares in the open

space. Then we laminated it to make a beautiful sun catcher.

NOTE: You could make any kind of heart and laminate it or put it in a sheet protector for the same devotional lesson.

Then we ooooed and awed at how beautiful it was when we held it up to the window. The "Son" shines through and makes it more beautiful! Then I asked, "Who loves us MOST of all?"  I got a resounding, "God and Jesus!"

Then I took a black dry erase marker and told the kids, "This is what dark, dirty, sin looks like." And I scribbled all over the pretty heart. The kids we upset that I ruined the heart. I then explained that sin does that to our heart. It makes is ugly and dirty. But if we ask God to forgive us he will. Then I took a white Kleenex (Puffs Ultra to be exact) and said, "This is what Jesus does when we ask for forgiveness, He washes us clean and we look beautiful again. We are most beautiful when we seen the 'Son' shining through us."

The kids then spent time scribbling all over their hearts and teaching that same lesson to each other. We washed them clean and taped them in the window. Now we can be reminded throughout the day of how God has washed us clean!

Peace Enters the Home When a Child Submits Willfully

So, how do you get a defiant child to willfully submit to her parents authority?
Let me tell you what has worked wonders recently for us.
My 4 year old (middle child) daughter has been defiant and difficult since she was two. We were hoping that it was just that 'two's phase' and that it would pass. But now she is four and we see more anger, rebellion and aggression. Let me tell you it breaks my heart to see it. We did not raise her this way. Her brothers aren't like this. Why? Why all the fighting, strife and negativity at such a young age?
We used time outs, spankings, isolation in her bedroom (her rebellion would not keep her there), we we even tried time out in a car seat (that worked for a while). But as she grew she could McGyver her way out of the car seat too. We were prime candidates for Nanny 911.

So, at a point of heart break of tears on my end, once again, I sought council from a friend who teaches Growing Kids God's Way classes. I had heard what she told me before but I needed my memory refreshed cause my daughter was at an age where she could understand enough to be accountable.
Here is what we did and still do that seems to be working! I think it is loaded with wisdom!
When there is disobedience, I tell her she needs to go to her room until she can calm down and be a part of the family again. That usually goes over like a lead balloon. So I take her there (kicking, screaming and sometimes dragging). I tell her that she needs to sit on her bed until she has self control and to call me and I will come get her.  I also tell her that if she disobeys and comes out before she is ready that she will be chastised. I close the door and leave the room. (Another Lead balloon). She comes out 2 seconds later crying, angry and fighting. So I tell her that because she disobeyed she will need to get a spank. HERE IS THE KEY: "When you are ready for your spanking, you can come out of your room." Then, I buckle my lip and take her back to her bed, close the door. We do this how ever many times it takes (usually about 1/2 hour to 45 mins).
I was shocked the first time she said she was ready for a spanking. I thought it would never happen. Simply because I know how stubborn she can be. So I did spank her and then we hugged and talked. I told her I love her. We did this two times back to back the first day.
The second day she was and ANGEL! There were NO incidences that needed to be dealt with AT ALL! It was the most peaceful day I had had yet! She did express multiple times that she loved me and that she wanted me to cuddle with her or play with her. So I filled her little love tank and did some heart mending.
Since that first day we have only had to do that a handful of times and it has been about a month now!
Big difference. She seems much happier and cries lots less too.

Here is what happened. I was forcing her to be under my authority by just spanking her (causing both of us to be angry). This way, I give her time to come to her own agreement that mom is in authority. When I tell her to come to me when she is ready for the spanking, I am allowing her the freedom to submit when SHE is ready.
We have all heard that submission is not forced but willfully bending the heart to another's authority. The heart has to be right. Only she can do that. I can't ever MAKE her do that.
This is huge! And I see a difference in her heart! We love on each other much more than we used to. Our relationship is being built up instead of being torn down. Yes, at times we still have tears, anger and impatience but it is 99% better than it was. It is now manageable.

Fighting for Our Daughters

I subscribe to a blog called 'Unplug Your Family."
I am really enjoying it and as a result our family has chosen to be 'Unpluged' from T.V., video games, movies, and even the computer (mom too) every Tuesday. It has been going great. But I realize how hooked we are on that day. When we are unplugged the kids (ages 5, 3 and 1) actually do better with attitudes, imaginary play and I get more accomplished too! Don't get me wrong, it is hard! Like fasting. There have been times when a kid is throwing a fit or is just grumpy and I want to pop in a video to just not deal with it. But I am teaching them some great skills in self control and using their minds to keep them busy and helping them develop better relationships with each other.


Good stuff but the real reason for this post is this article I just read on her blog. 
Fighting for our Daughters is a fantastic read with a wealth of wisdom. If you have a daughter you will want to read this. If you know of someone with a daughter pass it along.


Click here to read it. You will need a few undistracted  moments to fully absorb its wisdom.
Check it out. 

Memorial Day 2011

You can't go through a Memorial Day without a hot dog, watermelon and listening to this.

Just listen to her! She is 7 years old! She gave me chills!

Sunglasses Solution

Okay. I have had this dilemma for 6 years now (that is how long I have been married).  There are sun glasses and car keys sitting on top of our microwave... along with lots of other junk. See?

Enough of that!

Here was my solution.

Perdy, aint it?




How I did it.
Purchased this rectangular frame at Michael's on clearance for $9.99!
Removed the class and matte.
Cut fabric (that matches my drapery) to size.
Cut a tube and threaded elastic inside to hold the glasses snug.
Stitched the elastic tube every 2 inches across.
I Sprayed Elmer's craft bond spray adhesive to the frame's inside board and fixed the fabric to it.
Once it was dry I put it inside the frame. 
Applied Command Valcro Strips to the back side of the frame - for secure removal of glasses and keys.


Voila!


Initially it was for sun glasses but I decided that by tucking the key fab in the elastic it works well for them too!


I am tickled about it!
What do you think. Would these sell or what?


I am linking up with 

 

and

and

Rage Agaist the Mini Van

I hope you take time to read this post that was written by a sweet young woman. Her words are well placed and need to be heard. YOU can make a difference in the life of one like her.

The topic of single adults who's desire it is to be married yet for some reason God has not opened that door is one that is not acknowledged much at all in life and in 'church.'
I was single for 10 years longer than I would have planned and I can tell you that depression, anger and loneliness were a dark cloud over me constantly. Always wondering 'Why?'

I am married now and have the family I cried out for all of those years and I rejoice, thank and praise God for where He has allowed me to walk!

My twin sister is 37 and still longs for companionship. My heart aches for her. Truly.
The blog post link below sheds a clearer light into this life of adult singleness and it's pain. I share it with you hoping you can and will be more sensitive to those in this situation in your life and can minister to them more effectively.
Read the post here: http://www.rageagainsttheminivan.com/2011/04/what-i-want-you-to-know-being-33-and.html

Resurrection Sunday!

We all have our little quirks. I will flat out tell you that I believe Easter is not real (nor is the Easter Bunny nor is Santa). But, the resurrection of Jesus is REAL! I prefer to say "Happy Resurrection Day!" It really helps ME to remember the most important things that Jesus asks us to remember ~ his Death ~ his Burial ~ his Resurrection!

I am sure most of you have heard of the cute little resurrection eggs that most christian bookstores sell. They really are a neat idea. We have a set and my kids love to play with the little pieces. But I tell you, I have the darnedest time trying to keep the right trinket with the right number on the egg and that is if we can find all the eggs! So, this year I started something new.

THE TREASURE BOX

This has been gleaned from the children's book
Benjamin's Box: The Story of the Resurrection Eggs


This great little book is about Benjamin who lives in Jesus time and he has an empty treasure box. One by one he follows Jesus just before he is crucified and collects items that he will treasure as he remembers.

I read the book to my kids and with each page we added the same item that Benjamin adds to our own treasure box.

One by one they added these pieces (from the resurrection eggs) into the box.

What a fun time they had with it. What a wonderful keepsake to keep our treasure box on display on our bookshelf to interact with and to remember Him.

Heaven on My Mind

Heaven is for Real

A little boy's astounding story of his trip to heaven and back.

This book has gripped me from page one. Thanks to a long wait at a doctors office, I read it in two days. This book is definitely worth the read. My eyes have been opened to a more real place called Heaven. I was raised in the church and in fact my own dad was a minister/pastor but heaven seems so.... far off... so... vague.

The interesting thing about this book  is that these things come from the mouth of a child. He says things no 4/5 year old would know. I am convinced this really did happen to him. I love that the things he passionately talks about that he saw in heaven dealt mostly with relationships! Not golden streets or gorgeous waterfalls but relationships!

I pray people across the nation will read this book and I pray it will trigger a revival!
If you do buy it, read it, and DON'T put it back on your shelf. Lend it out or pass it on. Share it with others! In fact, I plan to share bits and pieces with my 5 year old.

Let's keep heaven on our minds!

I would love to hear your comments about this book once you have read it.



"The Gift of an Ordinary Day" by Katrina Kenison

April brings beauty!

I am thrilled that April has arrived! Although it is still gray and damp where I live, I see evidence of the beauty to come! There are little green shoots popping up in our front yard!

I am also thrilled to share with you something else that I think shows it beauty.
During the month of April, Lilla Rose has a special one time offer of  this flexi clip.

It is called "1 MAJESTIC CROSS"
They come in six sizes to suit various hair types. Click here to see more.

Another reason this hair clip is so beautiful is because of what it represents.

The MAJESTIC CROSS.

My heart pounds a little harder in April because of Easter.  I daily think of the sacrifice Jesus made for our sin, His POWER over death, and the eternal life He has offered us. But in the month of April, we see more people and more things that continually remind us of these truths.
I want to shout it from the roof tops.
HE HAS TAKEN YOUR PUNISHMENT.
HE HAS OVERCOME DEATH!
HE IS ALIVE!
HE IS COMING BACK AGAIN.
HOW CAN YOU IGNORE THESE FACTS?
PLEASE LISTEN AND RESPOND TO HIM WHO IS CALLING YOU
TO HIMSELF!

I pray for a deeper love for HIM and HIS word.
And for a love for people.

I think He wants to answer a prayer like that.
To God be the Glory!

Easiest Peanut Butter Cookies Ever! Tasty too!