My Husband ROCKS! Friday

My husband ROCKS because he is building/making a playroom for the kiddos in our basement! I am soooooooooooooooo....... excited about this!!! I'm getting the toys out of the living room - woo hoo! :)

Socialism 201 (Scargosun Had A Great Comment)

Hello all! I was going to write a follow up post regarding what I wrote earlier, but my sister-in-law wrote a comment that was pretty much exactly what I was going to write! Here is her very poignant comment:

Scargosun, I have to say, yours is the comment I look for on all of these interesting topics! :) I am (proud to say) Sarah's sister-in-law, and though I have never commented before, I read her blog everyday!

Your comment about socialism and Jesus makes a lot of sense. I'm wondering if socialism is our culture's answer to the deficit that Jesus-followers have created by NOT following what Jesus says regarding the poor and needy: a 'pure and undefiled religion' is to care for the orphans and widows in their distress and to love our neighbors as ourselves. The Bible has given extensive information on how to specifically care for the poor and needy. What if those of us who claim to follow Jesus put His Word into practice faithfully? Would there be any 'poor' any longer? Would we even need any 'social services'? Or, maybe we would have these services, but they would be funded by us?! So- thank you for your comment(s) and fresh perspectives on topics that concern all Americans.

And Sarah, great post...you made some great points that I've never thought about before. Wish we were neighbors! I'd come over for a warm cup of coffee right now! Much Love!

P.S. As a former art teacher, I really am grateful too for government programs that fund the arts and keep art/music programs in our schools and communities.

I would like to add that I do think we need government, and in fact, I am thankful for government. I just want it to have it's proper place and not be inflated so much that we lose our liberties.

Prayer For The Nation

Billy Graham’s recent prayer about this election:

‘Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and toseek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, ‘Woe to those who call evil good,’ but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor’s possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Amen!’

Socialism 101

I have been shocked lately at how many people think socialism is a good idea.

Recently I have heard from more and more people (admittedly from Facebook) that they believe in socialism and even consider themselves socialist. These people of course also will be voting for Barack Obama. Let me take a moment to explain the problem with socialism:

It stinks.

Oh, not enough detail? It really stinks.

Socialism basically says this: I will take (steal) your money in order to deal it out according to how I (the government) sees fit. I (the government) will give it to who I (the government) believe needs it so they can share in your (our) wealth. Let's spread the wealth (via the government).

Why do I have a problem with this? BECAUSE I HAVE A BRAIN! I don't need the government telling me who to give my (actually, the Lord's) money too. I would rather not have the government, who is horrible with money management, choose how they use my husband's hard earned money (or anyone's hard earned money for that matter).

My other problem with socialism? It is based on envy. Yep, socialism says: that person over there makes more than you and they can buy X,Y, and Z while you have to live on a tight budget and only have one (gasp) T.V. and can't go out to eat at expensive restaurants. The horror! You need be able to share in their wealth because it's "not fair" that "they" can do things and have things you can't.

Thus I go back to my original statement on socialism; it stinks!

Thoughts?

"I'm Joe The Plumber"

No really, I am, I fixed a leak in my sink this morning. Woop! :)

I am soooooo..... Joe the plumber!

Who Do You Work For?

Work plays a very important role in our spiritual lives. It provides the opportunity to put into practice spiritual principles that would otherwise be mere 'academics'. -Larry Burkett

"Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve." Colossians 3:24 NASB

One Woman Lost

I opened a bank account

when I was nine years old

I closed it when I was eighteen

I gave them every penny that I'd saved

and they gave my blood

and my urine

a number

now I'm sitting in this waiting room

playing with the toys

and I am here to exercise

my freedom of choice

I passed their handheld signs

went through their picket lines

they gathered when they saw me coming

they shouted when they saw me cross

I said why don't you go home

just leave me alone

I'm just another woman lost

you are like fish in the water

who don't know that they are wet

as far as I can tell

the world isn't perfect yet

his bored eyes were obscene

on his denim thighs a magazine

I wish he'd never come here with me

in fact I wish he'd never come near me

I wish his shoulder wasn't touching mine

I am growing older

waiting in this line

some of lifes best lessons

are learned at the worst times

under the fierce flourescent

she offered her hand for me to hold

she offered stability and calm

and I was crushing her palm

through the pinch pull wincing

my smile unconvincing

on that sterile battlefield that sees

only casualties

never heros

my heart hit absolute zero

Lucille, your voice still sounds in me

mine was a relatively easy tragedy

now the profile of our country

looks a little less hard nosed

but that picket line persisted

and that clinic's since been closed

they keep pounding their fists on reality

hoping it will break

but I don't think there's a one of us

leads a life free of mistakes

-Lost Woman Song, Ani Difranco

Wisdom & Treasure Series: Does Anybody Know The 10th Commandment?

"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

You know, coveting (to long for; desire; hanker after; crave) has a tight connection with envy. It is so easy to want, to covet, to envy what others have, that we are left feeling discontent and unsatisfied. We compare what we have to what other's have. If we only had just a little more, we could be happy...be content. We are willing to sacrifice many things for things: our time, our children, our homes, etc. Most of our money problems come from coveting.

"For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." 1 Timothy 5:7-8

Start to pay attention to your thought life. If you find yourself saying, "If only I had a bigger yard, then my kids could run around and play..." Try thinking something like this, "I am so thankful that I have a nice small yard that doesn't take my husband long to mow and care for - that really gives him a break and more time to spend with our family."

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2

You get the idea! Please know that I am not saying there is anything wrong with having things - I think you all know that. The problem is when we can't afford them and we lust after them and eventually put ourselves in a bad position (debt, strife between a marriage, etc.) in order to have them.

"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." Proverbs 14:30

Is there something that you have been coveting? Has there been strife in your marriage over money? Have you put a career before your children in order to have more things? Go to the Lord and ask Him where your heart is, ask Him to help you, and trust in His sovereign hand.

I Was Just Introduced To The Best Blog!

Well, for mama's with kiddos, that is!

http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/

Be filled with simple crafts and more to your hearts content!

Wee Little Update...

Hello friends!

Sorry I've been absent in the middle of my Wisdom & Treasure Series (is this turning into my fate?) - I have been very tired and yesterday my internet connection was down. I'll jump back on board tomorrow!

I Don't Like Howerd Stern, But...

To laugh or to cry?

Do you support Obama more because he's pro-life or because he thinks our troops should stay in Iraq and finish the war? Do you support his VP pick of Sarah Palin?

Get out the vote! Yea...

Planned Parenthood, Obama, and Black Genocide

We had our ultra-sound today and...

Our baby...

is a GIRL! Yippee!!! :)

My Husband Rocks! Friday, Chocolate, And More About Money!

Okay, so maybe not more about money today, but I do intend to continue the series on Monday. Yea, I really don't know how long it will last - just go with it! :) By the way, thank you for linking up yesterday and sharing your great tips!

As for hubby, he so rocks because he is very wise with our finances...cutting up my credit cards was the best thing he could have done for us! Thank goodness one of us is financially savvy! (The Great Adventure has more stories of lovin' on husbands!)

Ooooh, and now chocolate, the best part (sorry babe, chocolate is right up there with ya!) Lisa over at Stop & Smell the Chocolates hosts "Do You Want Chocolate With That?" every Friday, and I'm trying to get on board! Here is my easy, yummy, healthy recipe for ya'll (it's the Georgia gal in me comin' out!)

Yogurt Chocogranola (totally made up word from yours truly) Fruit Treat

What you need:

Yogurt (I use strawberry - hmmm...)

Granola cereal (I picked something with chocolate in it so I could post today!)

Strawberries (I just buy 'em frozen)

Bananas

Here's what you do:

You just layer all the ingredients how you like! Yep, that easy! Enjoy!

Wisdom & Treasure Series - Giving Generously During Tough Times (And Mr. Linky!)

(Today is the day you can link up and share YOUR best money tips!)

When we go through difficult financial times, especially as a country, it can be tough to continue to give. What we have to remember is that if it's tough for us, just think about all those who have it much worse: missionaries, ministries, those who literally cannot feed their babies, or have clean water; those who lost a loved one and now are suffering with making it alone, etc. We must not hoard away our money, especially during times like this. It's also realistic though that when financial burdens come, we do have a harder time giving.

How Can I Give When I'm Struggling Myself?

Here are some organizations that you can give to that won't break the bank:

Blood:Water Mission $1 = ONE YEAR OF WATER FOR AN AFRICAN. YOUR ONE DOLLAR WILL SAVE A LIFE.

Can you spare only a $1? If that's all you have extra to give at this point then Blood:Water Mission is for you. It was started by the Christian band Jars of Clay and it exists to "promote clean blood and clean water efforts in Africa, tangibly reducing the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic while addressing the underlying issues of poverty, injustice and oppression. Blood:Water Mission is building clean water wells, supporting medical facilities, and focusing on community and worldview transformation, both here in America and in Africa."

Samaritan's Purse More than just operation Christmas child.

I love this organization because they give you so many diverse ways to help those around the world, and .90 cents of every dollar goes directly to the cause. One of my favorite ways to help people is to order the Samaritan's Purse Christmas Catalog. In it you will find so many ways that you can help those in need. For example, if you have $70 you can buy a family a dairy animal, for $35 you provide an orphan the cost of a month’s worth of meals, lodging, education, and healthcare, or for only $9 you can feed a hungry baby for a week (can you imagine not being able to feed your baby?). These are just a few examples of the many ways to help others with a flexible budget. (World Vision is another organization like Samaritan's Purse).

The Home Foundation Did you know that over 10 million children world-wide have been sold into sexual slavery?

This organization is a non-profit charitable foundation that is "dedicated to the eradication of human trafficking both domestically and abroad. Through advocacy, education and relief efforts, the Home Foundation is committed to end the suffering of women and children sold into sexual slavery." You can donate any amount online, or if you are a college student, you can sign up for an internship to go and be a part of a 10 week program where you will learn how to be powerful and effective change agents in the fight for justice and dignity.

Now it's your turn!

Not just to tell others about your favorite ways to give on a budget, but any savings tips you may have, money-related tips, your budget...really anything goes if it has to do with being wise with money! Link up by posting your "two cents" on your blog and then coming back here and putting the direct link (not your general blog link) into mr. linky. I can't wait to learn from you all!

Wisdom & Treasure Series - How Do You Spend $300 A Month On Groceries?!

It's Wednesday, and spending $300/month on groceries works for me!

Some of you were wondering how we only spend $300/month on groceries, including diapers. Today, I'll show you (but remember, it's not ideal, I'd like to have a larger grocery budget).

First off, I break my budget into weeks, so I have about $75/week to spend on groceries. The first thing I do is figure out the basics: milk, bread and water. Then I throw in diapers - I buy the cheapest store brand diapers (around $8) and they work just fine (unless you go to Family Dollar - there diapers stink! We shop at Weis or Wal-mart) and they last about a week and a half. As for meat, we only buy it when it goes on sale - chicken breasts for .79 cents/Ib. and ground beef for around a dollar. We buy it in 10 Ib. bags and it lasts us a month (or more), so that's about $25 -$30 there. Here's a breakdown:

$75 - $30 (meat) - $8 (diapers) - $15 (basics) = $22

Now, because my husband gets paid bi-weekly, I actually have $150 in the grocery budget at this point, so I can separate the budget a little better between two weeks when we buy meat. So in actuality, I have more like $37 left (does that make sense?).

If you pay attention to what you're buying and shop carefully, $37 can go a long way. I usually only have room in the budget for one unique dinner. Some of our cheap meals include:

Spaghetti (usually every Monday)

Homemade Pizza (usually every Friday)

Chili over baked potatoes

Chicken and buttered noodles with veggies

Cheese tortilla (small tortilla with shredded cheddar cheese, Oregano seasoning, and green onions, melted in a 400 degree oven for about five minutes)

Bean burritos

Chicken noodle soup over mashed potatoes

*I buy things that are on sale and use coupons if they match up with a sale item, otherwise I get certain items at an outlet store.

As for lunches, my husband packs a lunch and I give the kiddos PB & J sandwiches with an apple, hot dogs, tortillas and cheese, etc. Simple.

Another thing to note is that we live in a place where there are a ton of outlet grocery stores, so that probably gives me a slight advantage.

*Sometimes we dip into savings for groceries, this is where I told you I'm not perfect with the budget!

Hope this is helpful! :) Now don't forget, TOMORROW we link up to share ideas with each other! Just write a post about that has your budget/ideas, tips for savings/great organizations to give to, etc. and then link up here so we can all help each other!

*My husband corrected me and said that our oil bills were closer to $200 then $300 a month. Sorry for the mix-up!

Wisdom & Treasure Series - Debt

"The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender." Proverbs 22:7

How many of you like the idea of being a slave? Yea, me either! So let's commit to freeing ourselves from debt (with the help of our gracious God of course)!

When I first got married, I had about $800-$900 in credit card debt. I know that doesn't sound like too much, but it would have continued to grow had my husband not CUT UP MY CREDIT CARDS! Yep, he literally took scissors and slicey diceyed them (even the J.Crew!) We were married in August, and because of his diligence, we had them paid off by Christmas. I was an angry angry elf at the time, but boy am I happy now!

So, my very first suggestion to you in getting out of debt is this:

CUT UP YOUR CREDIT CARDS! Seriously, chop chop. Keep one for emergencies, if need be.

Next, work on paying off the smallest card amount first, only paying the minimum on all others. Even if you feel like you're not making a dent, you are. Trust me.

If you have a bulk of money somewhere (we had an investment my grandparents had started for me when I was a wee little thing - I know, more fortunate circumstances), pay off fully what you can. For us, we were able to pay off one (out of the two) school loans we had - about $2000. That felt SO good! If you can do it, do it!

If you have a mortgage, pay attention!

Let's say you have $100,000 mortgage for a loan length of 30 years. Here is what you will save by plunking down an extra $100 a month:

Savings in interest: $62,463.88 (what could you do with an extra $62,000+ ?)

Savings in time: About 10 years (now you only pay for 20 years instead of 30!)

Payments eliminated: 118

If you want to calculate your mortgage specifically, and what you could pay extra (maybe it's only $20) click here to use a free mortgage pre-payment calculator (it's from Crown Financial).

Okay, I'm going to leave it at that tonight - you have something to work on! Besides, on Thursday (Mr. Linky - don't forget) you will get some great ideas from others on how to get out of debt! I can't wait to read them!

"Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death. The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked. A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame." Proverbs 10: 2-5

I really like the way The Message Bible paraphrases verses 4 and 5:

"Sloth makes you poor; diligence brings wealth. Make hay while the sun shines—that's smart; go fishing during harvest—that's stupid." Proverbs 10:4,5 (The Message)

Let The Money Series Begin! Take A Look At Our Family Budget

Jump in anywhere:

Wisdom & Treasure: Budgeting

Wisdom & Treasure: Debt

Wisdom & Treasure: How To Spend Only $300/Month On Groceries

Wisdom & Treasure: Giving Generously During Tough Times

Wisdom & Treasure: Coveting (Wishing for what other people have)

First things first - transparency.

I am going to share with you all (with my hubby's permission) our budget. Why am I going to do this? We live on a tight budget and I figure it may help out someone out there to see that "it" can be done. Plus, if you happen to make pretty good money, but you live on a budget like ours, think of all the money you can save/give/pay off debt! So, without further adieu, I present our family budget:

We are a family of four (including two toddlers and a preggo!) and we live on $2,074 a month (this does not include any overtime/side jobs, etc. which go directly into savings). Here is the breakdown of our monthly budget:

Giving - $200

Mortgage - $748.70

Landline Phone - $60 (we keep our landline because with it we get Internet)

Cell - $60

Electric and Water - $140

Insurance (vehicle and life) - $95.82

School Loan Payment - $105.78

Groceries - $300 (this includes diapers)

Gas - $160

Entertainment - $5 (Redbox baby!)

Medical (towards co-pays) - $8

Toiletry - $10

Gifts - $5 (during Christmas we use some of our savings)

Savings - $175.70

*We only have one vehicle and a motorcycle, both of which are paid for (we had a very fortunate situation with our vehicles. My dad used to own a car dealership, so we got our van, used, for free. My husband rides a motorcycle and I had got that for him in my "spoiled" days as a wedding present.)

*The only debt we have, other than our mortgage, is school loans, which are about $11,000. As you saw above, we have a fixed payment we pay every month.

*We only use credit cards in an emergency or for an expensive purchase that we know we can pay for fully when the bill comes. For example, when my mom got sick, I had to use the credit card in order to go and take care of her in Florida. We paid it off with our savings.

*We do not have cable.

*We only have one cell phone that we share.

*We cut off our oil and have decided to use electric space heaters throughout the house to save money. And warm sweaters! We will only use our oil in the dead of winter, but will keep it around 55 degrees and continue to use the space heaters. We also put in a water heater to save money.

*My husband is very blessed to have a job with a school district where we have health, eye, and dental insurance. We have not always had this, and we had to pay a little over $200/month for health insurance.

*We have no pets (unless you count children). :)

*We are due for another vehicle now that my husband needs the van more with winter and the side jobs he is doing. We are waiting until we can find a used vehicle that we can pay cash for. Since we don't have the money right now, we will just have to wait and be patient.

I hope this is helpful to someone! Tomorrow I will share some secrets that I've learned when it comes to debt and getting out of it.

On Thursday, I will put up a Mr. Linky so everyone can share their budgets/savings tips/giving organizations they like, etc. This way we can all benefit from learning from each other.

One more thing - if you have a good idea for a name for this series, please share! I'm no good at creative names! Thanks! :)

Tomorrow, Tomorrow...

...we start the savings/budgeting/giving generously series! Woo hoo! (I seriously need a better name for the series - any ideas?)

Have You Yielded?

"It's not about being a good boy or a good girl, it's about yielding to the Spirit."

-Pastor Bob Kramer

Is Barack Obama Legally Allowed To Be President Of The U.S.?

The man in the video, Philip Berg (former Deputy Attorney General of Pennsylvania, life long Democrat, chairman of the Democratic party in Montgomery County, PA and even a Democrat candidate in different elections in PA), has brought suit over the real questions raised by the absence of a valid Obama birth certificate. Is Obama a natural born citizen of the U.S.? If he was, did he lose his citizenship after moving to Indonesia? Very interesting information. Mr. Berg even talks about the bias of factcheck.org.

It's worth watching the video (which is surprisingly not boring). I'd love to hear your thoughts after hearing what Mr. Berg has to say (for all I know the guy is a kook).

My Husband Rocks! Friday, And... Award Time!

My husband rocks because he just goes with my spontaneous personality! This week I decided that I needed color in our house (it's seriously all beige and brown - bleck!) I told him that I need the paint right now or I'm going to be depressed and just die (yes, I'm that dramatic). He said okay, and we're going to tomorrow to get some paint! Woo hoo! Thanks babe! ;)

And now it's...

AWARD TIME!

Thank you, dear Katy Lin, for your sweet award to my blog! I love it...it has coffee mugs in it, filled with Creme Brulee Creamed Coffee...mmmm....

Now this award isn't just any award, it comes with a questionnaire. Here goes:

1. Do you have the same friends since childhood? One, my dear friend Tania (the Chinese baby boy - wink wink).

2. What do you value most about your friends? Sincerity, honesty, fun, being encouraged and going deep. I really value what I call the "warm cup of coffee" trait. It's those friends you can be around that are just warm and soothing.

3. Are your friends your sounding boards? My husband, my best friend, is my first and foremost sounding board. Then my girlfriends, definitely!

4. What is your favorite activity to share with your friends? Staying up all night (hello 6th grade slumber party!) eating pringles and chocolate, and having great talks.

Now I get to pass this award along to four (but I'm going to give seven because it's my blog) of my bloggy friends (I love this part!) Gosh, I think so many of you are fabulous, but alas, I shall pick seven. Are you ready? Here's to you!

Melanie at "Uncle" Travelling Mel

Robin at Robin's Egg Blue (She is an awesome older, wiser Titus 2 woman)

Scargosun

Katie at Three Blondes and a Redhead

Laura at 10 Million Miles (She has GREAT pre-school ideas for your kiddo)

Heathahlee at Butterfly Genes

Lisa at Stop & Smell the Chocolates

Now pretty pretty please go give them some comment love! :)

"Soup Line" Follow-Up

It seems like quite a few of you are affected by the economic crisis, especially when it comes to your husband's jobs. I feel like a jerk for even asking my questions because I realize now that many people are hurting. My prayers go out to your families.

I think on Monday I am going to start a series on Saving Money/Budgeting/Giving generously. My husband has taught me so much, and going from being a spoiled young lady to a "poor" woman, I have truly learned how to save and budget (even though I'm certainly not perfect at it!) I have also come across some amazing organizations and resources that I'd love to share.

What do you think?

Abortion And Apathy

An excerpt from Ray Comfort's blog:

"I told the congregation (with some passion), that I would never, ever, vote for a man who advocated the murder of a child in the womb. I don't care about his fiscal policies, because the blood of the innocents is on his hands...

However, the answer to the issue of abortion isn’t just to protest, although that's a start. A nation that kills 50 million of its citizens through abortion with no qualms of conscience needs more than a voice of protest. We are no different than Nazi Germany. We have given ourselves to the wickedest of sins, and that will eventually have terrible national consequences. We desperately need God’s forgiveness, and we need a new heart that can only come with conversion. Only the gospel can take a self-righteous, blaspheming, idolatrous, hypocritical, baby-killing nation, forgive it, and make it brand new..."

To read his whole post, click here.

Is Anyone Out There Standing In A Soup Line Because Of This "Economic Crisis?"

I don't want to start a fire, or be insensitive, I'm honestly just curious.

I keep hearing in the news that we are facing the worst economic crisis since the great depression of 1929. Time magazine had a cover picture of people standing in soup lines. I'm having a really hard time believing all of this.

I'm curious as to how your life has been impacted due to the "economic crisis." Are you unable to buy groceries? Go to the movies? Buy those cute decorations on sale? Put enough gas in your tank to get you where you need to go?

I realize that many people have seen a drop in their investments, but investments are usually for the long term and will eventually bounce back, so I kinda don't count that unless you are literally ready to retire. Isn't the stock market a risk anyway? Don't we all know that going in?

Oh, and with jobs and people losing them, I can understand how that would be a serious consequence of the economic crisis, but there are still jobs out there. They may be lower paying, and people may have to sacrifice some things (cable, Internet, smaller house, etc.), but is anyone becoming homeless? Unable to eat? Is anyone, because of this crisis, standing in soup lines like people did during the great depression?

As for my family, we've always had to stay within a very tight budget, and nothing for us has changed (yet). In fact, this weekend my husband and I even went out to a movie (very rare for us) and there were loads of people there buying popcorn, soda, and snacks.

People are still shopping, eating out, and enjoying everyday "luxuries."

Have any of you been personally affected by this "crisis" in a life-changing sort of way?

*Update*

I talked with my husband about this whole subject and he explained that it could get very bad because of people/businesses not being able to get loans and then people won't buy as much and then people will lose jobs. However, he also agrees that it will never be like the great depression, which was my main point. Either way, it's going to get worse before it gets better, but eventually the economy will come back around (I guess this also depends on who becomes president).

Bring On The Deli Meat! Preggo's And Cold Cuts...

For all you preggo's out there who thought that you couldn't eat cold cuts cold, be prepared to jump for joy.

The wonderful nurse at my prenatal visit told me that you absolutely can eat deli meat as long as you get it freshly sliced. Did you hear that? YOU CAN EAT COLD CUTS...COLD! Yippee!!!

(Am I the only one completely ecstatic over this?)

YOU ALL ROCK! Here Are Your Fabulous "To Do With Toddler" Ideas!

In the makeshift fort...and loving it!

You all are so stinkin' amazing! Thank you for the brilliant ideas and encouragement!!! Knowing there are many other moms out there who could use some ideas and encouragement of their own, I am going to share with you some of the great ideas I received! Enjoy! (And thank you again!)

What To Do With Your Kiddos During The Long Days

(This SO works for me!)

• Schedule activities in 20-30 minute increments

Example Schedule:

8:00--breakfast

FREE play

One-on-one mommy time [one year old plays in playpen with 3 toys or so while you spend it with the other], Then switch--mommy time with the baby while the older one plays independently snack

30 min. DVD,

outside play/walk, story/books

FREE play

12:00--lunch, naps/room time[anywhere from 1-3 hours].

• Build a fort!

Fort Building Ideas:

Use your dining room chairs and put a sheet over them. You can also take a large sheet and drape it over your dining room or other table. Tell the children it is their "fort" for the morning. They can put their toys in there, draw or color (or other age appropriate thing), and have a snack or have a lunch "picnic" in there. You may have to sit on a chair with the "door" open (sheet lifted up) while everyone eats. Usually they can come up with their own play with a special "fort". Maybe small flashlights? Or special music (do they have their own tape or CD player?) or watch a DVD (if you have a portable DVD player).

• Drink lot's of water!


• Play music and let the kids go wild dancing - give them instruments as well, even homemade ones.


• Put out a pile of big and small pillows or large stuffed animals and let the kids play/wrestle/roll around


• Bring out the Christmas movies and Christmas cookies!


• Save some housework for them to do like dusting, windows, picking up, etc


• Take treasure walks...walk around the block (good for them, you and the baby) and let them pick up different things they find! When you're done, put them in a treasure jar. (I did this today with the kiddos and they LOVED it!)


• Give a quiet time (aside from nap) to sit with his children's Bible, color Bible pages or listen to Bible songs.


• Vary your days: Monday could be movies. Tuesday could be Tent Day (build tents using sheets and your furniture). Wednesday could be Wiggle Days (put on some music and dance!)...etc.


• Set them up on a chair at the kitchen sink with a sink full of soapy water, an old fashioned egg beater, and a straw to blow bubbles with.


• Read to them...lot's!


• Rotate the toys so it's like getting something new.
  
  

My friend Laura has an awesome list of "It's 8 a.m. and I'm tired out already!" things to do; Check it out here! It's really fantastic!

Advice that warms me:

"Make memories. You do not even have to do anything special to do that. My daughters remember food we ate while watching a movie or reading a book. Just because we were together and their senses were being engaged: yummy smells, soft material, warm towels, classical music playing, dress-up material of all sorts. Don't worry about entertaining them, just engage them. read, play, make them play without you, give them chores, memorize scripture, have them fold all the wash cloths, give them a water bottle and let them spray the appliances and wash them. Don't try to do it all, just breathe and do the next thing JOYFULLY." Robin

"This too shall pass."

"The days are long, but the years are short."

"Give yourself PLENTY of grace; you might as well, God does." Laura

"To marry and have children is the ideal life for a woman. What career could ever be as fine? To give the world splendid men and women - isn't that the noblest thing a woman could possibly do?"

~ Jessie Willcox Smith

Moms of Toddlers - HELP!

I am in a rut.

What the heck do you with a three year old and a one year old in the morning until about 12pm when you are zapped of energy because your prego and on top of it, not a morning person?

Seriously, I need help. I need advice. I need energy.

What do they do in daycare centers? I need to know! What is their schedule? I mean, a craft can only last so long, and the one year old eats his crafts!

Oh, and when the house is actually clean, I really don't know what to do. I'm bored. I'm tired (I think I mentioned that). Please please please somebody come to my rescue with a plan! I'm starting to feel a bit depressed.

Oh, and did I mention I don't have the car everyday. Yea, stuck in a small house with toddlers. HELP!

Thank you in advance. :)

My Husband Rocks! Friday

My husband rocks because he let's me sleep in on Sunday mornings. He gets up with the kiddos, makes them breakfast (and sometimes even brings me breakfast in bed), and plays with them while I get my Z's. Whatta man!

Tell everyone why your husband rocks by going to Katy Lin's blog, The Great Adventure!

Your Hard Earned Money Goes To...

Here is is folks, what your hard earned money is going toward in the "Bailout Bill:"

• Manufacturers of kids' wooden arrows - $6 million.
• Puerto Rican and Virgin Is- lands rum producers - $192 million.
• Wool research.
• Auto-racing tracks - $128 million.
• Corporations operating in American Samoa - $33 million.
• Small- to medium-budget film and television productions - $10 million.

Who knew all these things would save the economy. Thank goodness we have such a responsible and fiscal government making wise decisions with taxpayer dollars - just makes ya feel so good, doesn't it? (Oink, oink).

The New York Post is the source for the pork inforomation. Click here to read it for yourself.

"Why Are Men So Intimidated By Strong Women?"

"Why are men so intimidated by strong women?"

The above question was asked by a viewer of the morning show where a panel of men sat ready to be grilled. The hosts of the show followed the question up with, "would you date a woman who was a CEO and made more money than you?" That question fired me up a bit!

Let me get this straight. The first thought of what a strong woman was to these hosts was that

A.) she was career successful and powerful, and

B.) she made more money then a man.

Hmmm...

Now you know why I got to thinking about how we perceive strong women in our culture. Many people automatically think that a strong woman is a career driven, money-makin', business woman. I don't define a strong woman in that way, and according to the comments I received, many of you don't either (whew!). Not to say that a career driven woman can't be strong, she certainly can, but she can also be weak. A housewife who raises her children, takes care of her home and her husband is no less strong; in many cases she can be considered even stronger. Why?

She knows who she is and therefore doesn't need approval from the world about what success is. She is grounded. She chooses the often times hard and lonely path of putting her family first by raising little ones (completely exhausting and many times monotonous), taking care of kids in general, scrubbing floors, changing diapers, etc. day in and day out. Let me say that again. She sacrifices herself and her desires so that she can give her family the best, and she does this willingly everyday. That takes strength.

Here is an excerpt from a comment I received that I think sums up true strength:

"...strength to be gained is a wholeness that consists of mental, emotional, spiritual and physical strength. A strong woman is a woman of character. Not all have the same personality but all strong women of developing character have what consists of service with love and kindness through giving selflessly."

I'm thankful that so many of you think outside the cultural box.