Called to Serve...

My little brother just left yesterday to serve the Lord for two years!! 
He was called to labor in the San Bernardino California Mission!! 
He enters the MTC (Missionary Training Center) tomorrow!!

I am so happy that he chose to go on a mission!  I know that he will serve with all of his heart!! 

I spent the weekend with the family and it was wonderful.
Too many laughs and tears to count!

We sobbed at the airport...
We sobbed in the car...
We sobbed at home...

As my mama squeezed my brother one last time, as tightly as she could...with tears streaming down their faces...I heard her say, "This is what I raised you for"...

It had me thinking...

What am I raising my youngins for?!
Am I raising them each day to serve the Lord with all of their heart?
Am I raising them to talk to people about what they believe?
Am I raising them to be eager to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ wherever the Lord may send them?

I hope that I raise them to be like my brother.
To be strong and immovable in the Gospel...
To be ready to serve our brothers and sisters...

I miss my brother, I'm not gonna lie...
And two years seems like a lifetime away...

But I'm excited to share blessings with him while he is serving...
I'm excited to see him come home a man of God...
I'm excited to hear of his adventures...

We just wrote him his first letters from us...
We are pathetic!!! =)

I love the people of San Bernardino California...
And they have a huge bunch of people praying for them...their safety...and their acceptance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

There is this new..er country song that states "all you need is love". It talks about living in a van and such... and how that would be OK b/c "all you need is love".  Call me unromantic or a pessimist or self-centered or whatever, but this saying has never settled well with me. Maybe I just can't grasp the concept of "only" needing love, maybe I've never loved another enough that I feel like I could survive off of that alone or maybe I'm reading too much into the saying...

However, just recently I learned to love deeper than I ever have. I know we all have an intense love for our children. It's immeasurable. It's true too, that it multiplies with each child, and love for one child in no way takes from the love of the other child. But this deeper love that I've been feeling, has everything to do with my husband. I married him because he was perfect. With all of my heart I truly believed he was perfect, at least for me. For years I've held him to this same standard in which I found him...perfection. He was never allowed to say the "wrong" thing, look at me cross, or heaven forbid he have a "bad day" without me having a freak out on him (this is not the part for you to say "awww poor Matt", really he has got it good) I mean why would he do those things if he were perfect? I know laugh it up, but it's true. For our whole marriage this expectation in my brain, that I made up all on my own has caused me so much trouble. Logically I knew that he wasn't perfect, but I never connected my heart and my head...until I just did one day. I had the most amazing thought..."wouldn't it be amazing if I had as much compassion for him as I do for the lonely guy I see on the street begging for money, or the guy I pass in the store that looks like he has no pride at all? If I could love him in his weakest moments and listen to what he is really saying when I see frustration in his eyes?" Since having that thought, I got my opportunity, probably an answer to my prayers to show a Christlike love toward him. A true opportunity to understand the beauty of humility and compassion for the one person I do love more than life. It's a little embarrassing to me that for all this time I could treat a complete stranger with more empathy than I did my own husband, but I'm so grateful I finally came into this moment. Life is so so so much easier when we allow those we love to make mistakes.

So you may ask "Sunny do you now believe all you need is love"?  And I would say....."Nope, I still need the man to bring a paycheck home so that I can get my hair and nails done, buy a new purse and also some cute shoes." I mean really? It takes more than love;)

I am Thankful for........

I am thankful for the holidays......good friends, good family, good food, good shopping, good football, good food, good shopping....okay you get the hint I like to eat and shop :)
I am thankful for a husband that loves me even though in his words "I have a little bit of blonde in me."
I am thankful for kids that at the end of the day still love me even though in their words, "I am the meanest mom ever."
I am thankful to have so much family so close....Most of the time :)
I am thankful for the beautiful snow...We just got about 6 inches.
I am thankful for the holiday season, not for the presents but for the atmosphere. The lights, music, mostly happy people, but most of all the time for us to reflect on our Savior and give thanks for him and all he represents!

Happy Thanksgiving!

thanky thanky

i am thankful for my blessings...because they are evidence of the lord's love for me

i am thankful for my challenges...because they make me grow and learn

i am thankful for modern conveniences...because i am too lazy to have survived as a pioneer

i am thankful for my family...because they bring me joy

i am thankful for down comforters...because they are awesome

i am thankful for friends...because they enrich my life

i am thankful for naps...because it's quiet

i am thankful that i have so much to be thankful for

Following Suit...

Here are few things I am thankful for...
In no particular order...

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I am thankful for my Tongan culture. 

I am thankful for the man that said I was pretty seven years ago and made me his eternal companion.

I am thankful for the two sidekicks I gave birth to!!  They rock!!

I am thankful for music that gets my body to rock side to side. 

I am thankful for my siblings.  There are no words to properly express my love for them!

I am thankful for friends that know the worst about me and still like me.

I am thankful for Italian food and Bojangles.

I am thankful for alarm clocks, even when they don't wake me up in time to post my blog!

I am thankful for the sweetest word in the English language...repentance...

I am thankful Olive Garden breadsticks and Special K challenges to cancel out said breadsticks!

I am thankful for imagination and creativity.

I am thankful for sewing machines and embroidery machines.

I am thankful for parents that raised me in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and taught me that families are eternal.

I am thankful for neighbors that tell me when I leave the lights on in my car.

I am thankful for realizing every time I pass by our Military/Air Force bases that our freedom is not free...my hearts swells with love for each of those soldiers.

I am thankful for good movies.

I am thankful for RootBeer.

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I  love this time of year.
The magic in the air and the genuine love that is expressed is enough to have me crying everyday.

What a beautiful life we all have...
May we realize our blessings and be ever thankful for them...

A week of THANKSGIVING...

So since you know, this week is Thanksgiving I thought all of us S@HM could list just a few of our favorite blessings! So here are the ones I've been thinking about...

1. diabetic socks...I know weird huh? BUT I love them and I'm not even a diabetic...they are warm and soft and they don't cut off circulation above the ankle. PERFECT for winter (Oh I only wear these around the house by the way;)

2. Of course my FAMILY...not that they come after the socks, hehe. I love these 4 wonderful beings in my life. I can't imagine happiness existing without THEM.

3. Hot showers. There is NOTHING that makes my life feel better than a hot shower. I only wish I had endless amounts of hot water so that I could stand/sit in the shower all day, then again maybe it's a good thing it runs out.

4. Womanhood (is that a word?) Anyway I am so thankful to be a woman. I mean sure we have a ton of inconveniences with all the little womanly issues, but I have to say I am just fine with all of that because I think we are miracles. Truly, beautiful, amazing, straight from above angels. There is something wonderful about being a woman.

5. Laughter. I love to laugh so much, sometimes I sleep laugh. It's true. I've even woken myself up because I was laughing so loud in my dream. The sound of children laughing is a moment of true Thanksgiving to me. It makes me smile and tear up all at the same time.

I hope you remember all that you are thankful for this season! It's a great time for reflection and to make the most of the moments you have to be with family, to laugh, to be a woman, to take some time for yourself, and to maybe try out my favorite....diabetic socks;)

white chicken chili

i love soup. all kinds of soup. that's my favorite thing about fall and winter...time to eat soup! here is one of our all-time favorites, a recipe passed down from my mom...

white chicken chili

4 cans white beans
4-6 chicken breasts--cooked and cut up or shredded
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 medium onions
6 cups chicken broth
2 4oz. cans green chiles
4 Tbsp. minced garlic
2 tsp. cumin
1 1/2 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. cloves
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

saute onions in olive oil. in a large pot combine beans, chicken, onions, chicken broth, green chiles, garlic, cumin, oregano, and cloves. simmer 30 minutes. add cayenne pepper. simmer until ready to serve.

we usually put shredded cheese on top...enjoy!

Save your Nose

Imagine yourself walking through a meadow of  wild flowers just after a light spring rain. Smell the fresh grass and beautiful fragrant flowers of all colors.

What a perfect day!

But wait...
                something smells wrong....
                                                        what could it be? Not flower or grass or rain.....
                                                                                                                                 but more bestial!
As you walk closer to this foul fragrance your immediate response is to scrunch your brow and plug your nose.
You close in on this filthy, dominating smell...
                                                                   and discover....
                                                                                           it is a diaper, filled with your child's POO!

Now, how many times a week do I work my booty off cleaning this house? Putting everything in it's place and making things look and smell better.
Only to fail EVERY SINGLE TIME when it comes to my child's diaper pail.

Not now!
I have found the answer ladies...have no fear, Glad is here (with Oder Shield and Febreze!)

I got a Free sample of Glad Drawstring Odor Shield Tall Kitchen Bags, 13 Gallon, 40-Count Bags, Case of 4 (160 Bags) the other day in the mail (thanks to Freebies 4 Mom) and stuck it in my Diaper Champ.

(by the way, I totally recommend the Baby Trend Diaper Champ Deluxe over others b/c you can use any 13gallon bag you want and cheaper than other diaper pails)

This trash bag works like a charm! I can not even believe how many Poo diapers I have in that trash bag (7+) and I don't smell a thing!!!! (not to mention all the Lysol spray I will save on waisting)

So, SAVE YOUR NOSE and reach for Glad!


(my new best friend) :)
                                                                                                 

What Saves Your Nose?
Tell me about your experience...                      

Glove Turkey

How cute is this? Just in time for Thanksgiving, here is a cute little turkey idea.

You will need:

Pair of gloves (whatever color you want)

Ribbon

Googly eyes

Yellow felt

Red rick rack
Glue dots (I attached everything with glue dots so whoever gets this cute turkey can use the gloves if they want to!)

Take the gloves and stuff one inside of the other. Stuff the thumb with the other gloves thumb. This picture is the thumb. I am not flipping you off :) Just stuff the rest of the glove inside leaving the rest of the fingers unstuffed.

Fold the bottom of the glove up inside so the turkey will stand.

Take a piece of ribbon and tie it around the four unstuffed fingers.

Take a couple glue dots and attach an eye on each side of the thumb.

Cut a piece of yellow felt for the beak. I cute a diamond shape and folded it in half so it had a top and bottom. Attach with blue dot.

Cut a little piece of red rick rack and attach with a glue dot just below the beak.

Here are my 3 little turkeys that will be going visiting teaching with me this month.

i do...

do you love our new background? i do...

i'm just wondering lately...what makes a good mom? i mean, we all have our different "parenting style". we all have different skill levels and interests in things like cooking, cleaning house, sewing, party planning, decorating, etc. we are all different ages and come from all different backgrounds. we are in all sorts of financial situations. how are we each successful at being "a good mom"?

well, i think the answers to that question are as varied as the situations and personalities of each woman. end of post.

ha ha! :) did you really think i could be that short-winded?!

what i've really been pondering on is what makes ME a good mom? what do i have to bring to the table to ensure a happy and healthy and memorable childhood for my kids? why me, for these kids...?

i don't take a kabillion pictures. i hardly ever break out that camera. i haven't written in any of their baby books in over 3 years. i don't do arts and crafts with them. i don't play soccer in the front yard with them. i don't dress them like shirley temple for school pictures. i don't volunteer at the school--although i do donate "supplies" like crazy. i don't make a big whoop-dee-doo over school spirit days and halloween costumes. i don't like the mess of cookie decorating, so we rarely do that. i don't keep my cool all the time...or even a lot of the time. i don't let them jump on the couch. or on my bed. i don't avoid fast food like the plague. i don't sew my girls' easter dresses. i don't even sew on joe's scout patches. i don't let my kids have a dog. i don't speak in hushed tones all the time. or ever. i don't feed them ice cream for dinner. i don't feed them home-grown vegetables for dinner. i don't...

i do... make their favorite chicken enchiladas and beef stroganoff.

i do understand girls. oh, aren't we all just lucky for this one?!

i do send them to school in clean clothes every single day.

i do hug and kiss them before they leave the house and before they go to sleep.

i do teach them to be kind and respectful and appreciative...not sure if they are learning that stuff sometimes, but i do teach it.

i do tell them how much i wanted them, what an important part of our family they are.

i do sing loudly in the car with them.

i do read to them...silly stories, chapter books, family history, and the scriptures.

i do push them on the swings and catch them at the bottom of the slide.

i do listen to them talk about their days...i love it!

i do snuggle them on the couch on saturday mornings when i'm rebelling against really being awake...

i do love their dad, and i even kiss him in front of them!

i do teach them to work and do their part.

i do share their excitement over fuzzy caterpillars, stray turtles, weeds/flowers, and cute hats.

i do detour for a round of wendy's frosties any time i can.

i do want to be a good mom.



in the end, i hope that what i do will matter more to my kids than what i don't...

i do...dance my heart out on the wii

I'm reading a book...

and it's wonderful.  It's "What the Scriptures Teach Us about Raising a Child" by S. Michael Wilcox.

This is filled with knowledge and guidance for parents.  If you are not part of our faith (We belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), we believe in looking to the scriptures for guidance.  We believe in a loving Father in Heaven that wants each of us to return to Him.  We believe that our children are "on loan" from above and that it is our responsibility to raise them according to what the Gospel teaches.  We believe that we can be eternal families after this earthly experience.

With all that being said, this book is fab!

There is a part in it that I think we can all relate to...here is a little "clip" out of the book that I felt necessary to share with you!

There is a section entitled, "HELPING THE STRUGGLING AND THE WAYWARD"...In this section he writes about Alma's pattern of correction with his sons, here it's specifically Corianton.  There are four parts that can provide a beginning for a parent to deal with children that are struggling (found in Alma 39). Here are the four parts...

1)  Show them where they have gone wrong, are mistaken, or have brought themselves to their present situation.

2)  Explain the short- and long-term consequences of their conduct.

3)  Teach them how to avoid problems in the future.  Arm them against repeated temptation.

4)  End with forgiveness and hope.

**here is the little "clip" part**

     "This ending with hope, love, confidence, and forgiveness is strongly taught in the Doctrine and Covenants.  There are times when 'reproving betimes with sharpness' is necessary (D&C 121:43).  More plainly stated, this phrase means to correct (reprove) early (betimes)- before the problem gets too big - with truth (sharpness).
      We do not reprove with anger...After the correction is given however, the Lord tells us, we must '[show] forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy; that he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death' (D&C 121 43-44).  Alma is a prime example of these teachings."

He continues to write under a section entitled, "THERE ARE NO PERFECT PARENTS",

     "Parents are not perfect - even the best ones make mistakes when dealing with their children...We all make mistakes with our sons and daughters.  We are learning how to become parents as we teach our children how to become responsible contributing adults.  There must be forgiveness on both ends.  We cannot expect mature perfection in our children, just as they must realize they cannot expect perfection in the parenting skills of their parents.
      We have not done this before; just as we do when we are learning to ride a bicycle, we are bound to crash occasionally.  I once said to my daughter when I had made a parental blunder - which she pointed out with some eagerness - that I was grateful for her help in making me a better parent.  I hoped she would forgive me my frequent ineptitudes as she helped me learn how to be a better parent.  In return, I would forgive her errors as she learned how to master earthly maturity with its spiritual and moral independence. 
      This understanding saved us from many hurt feelings, resentments, and disappointed expectations."

I thought that was beautiful!

Every week I seriously ponder on what to blog about.  This came to mind more than once, so I hope that this is something each of us can get at least one thing out of.

I wish I had a way to get you each a copy of this book.  It's so wonderful.  I feel like even though I am a young mother I want to prepare myself for later on...but just as I typed that, it came to my mind that we must not think too much about getting ready for the future if it will take place of living in the present. 

I want their (my children) lives to be so happy.  I know the speed bumps are coming...but if we are able to look farther into the future with the ability to balance the present reality, the speed bumps will be just that...a speed bump...it won't be a huge pitfall...

If you are wondering what to get a parent on your Christmas list, I recommend this book...with my whole heart!

Until next week...
xo

When you don't know what to do...

I don't know what to do

when my child tells me that no one played with him on the playground today

when this same child  is crying, not just crying but sobbing because he will miss me when I die, and he never ever wants me to die because he loves me so much

when my six year old hears words from other kids that I swear he wouldn't learn until he was an adult himself

when my 2 almost 3 year old daughter tells me that she wants to be my friend but she can't "because I was so mean at her"

when I have to explain to my children why they aren't allowed to play with another child

when my child makes a very inappropriate comment in front of complete strangers or even worse in front of people I have to see again

when we are all in complete meltdown mode and daddy won't be home for 3 more hours

when I am reminded by my child of one of the worst mom moments I've ever had...which by the way was... 6mths ago

How do you make better a little boy who says no one played with him? I listened to him, hugged him and then gave him a piece of chocolate cake.

How do you respond to your princess daughter that tells you she can't be friends with you because you were mean at her? I told her "well you were mean at me, and so I was mean at you."

How do you explain to your children that they aren't allowed to play with certain other children? I told my kids that these other children are naughty and their parents didn't teach them right and they aren't being punished I just want to keep them safe.

 How do you cover up a comment made to a complete stranger by your son when he says "Whoa, she has a BIG BUTT"? I laughed hysterically and pretended he was talking about me and then in private explained that what he said wasn't nice.  

What do you do when your child reminds you of a horrible moment you had? I looked at him in shock and simply said "you aren't suppose to remember that".

Most of these happened last week, and the others, I just will never forget. It made me realize that sometimes I am just lost for words AND that I haven't even skimmed the top of this whole motherhood stuff.

IT WEARS ME OUT...

YEAH, JUST LIKE THAT.

Reasons why you should FORGIVE me for announcing our WINNER a day late:

ONE:
  
     My power went out for the better part of my morning...and really messed me up!!


TWO:

     I did my friend's hair for a dinner party she was attending!!  *she looked fab!*


THREE:

    I had to DJ an evening for the YSA in our area!  *which was an 1.5hrs away from my house!*


FOUR:

    My brother's girlfriend was baptized today and we spent the day with the fam!!  =)


So without further ado...
The WINNER of our November GIVEAWAY is:

THE THOMPSON FAMILY!!!

CONGRATS!!

Please email me at jazreece@gmail.com so we can get proper info exchanged!!

((By TUESDAY so I can send it by Wednesday!))

YAY!!!  YAY!!! YAY!!!

No Brain Day...

 I am having one of those days where you think really hard about doing things but never really accomplish anything!

I hate those days!!

Do you remember what you did yesterday?

Glitter Trees

Let me start by saying that I love glitter. I love the sparkle of it and it is so fun to use. I found this idea out there in blogland. I can't find the exact site or I would give them credit. And for those of you that think it is too early for Christmas, NO WAY! My tree is already up :)


First you will need:
Foam Trees Various Sizes (Found at Walmart or Craft Store)
Candlestick Holders (I wanted different ones so I got some at the DI and some at Dollar Tree)
Decoupage (Walmart or any Craft Store)
White Spray Paint (Walmart)
Glitter (I got a pack of silver, green and red at the Dollar Tree)
Glue (I used super glue)


First Take your Candlestick Holders and take them somewhere to paint. Spray with the white Spray Paint. Use some strokes and stray far away because the paint will run on the glass.



Next take your foam tree and cover with decoupage. Make sure and get it in all of the pores or you will have white showing through when you are done. (I did the top half first and then came back and did the bottom so you have something to hold onto.)


Then sprinkle with glitter. LOTS AND LOTS OF GLITTER!!!!!!!! (Found if you do this in the sink it makes for much easier clean up :) I also mixed the glitter for some. I did a green and silver mixed and a red, green and silver mixed)


Let your paint dry, your tree dry, and then super glue the tree to the candlestick. Whala! How Cute! LOVE LOVE LOVE Them!

the days are long, but the years go fast...

my little sister had her first baby last week. i'm super proud. :) she received this bit of advice that i have been mulling over in my head for several days...

the days are long, but the years go fast

oh.my.truth. right? no one knows that better than a mom! for instance...

yesterday spencer was supposed to take a nap. but he was most definitely not taking a nap. instead, he spent the entire 2 hours in his room...dipping everything he could find in the humidifier. that would include each individual torn page from joe's scout book. no joke.

yesterday (i swear) spencer was this scrawny little newborn that most definitely looked like a boy. you know how some babies could pass for boy or girl? just slap on a bow and no one would know, right? not spence. he just looked like a boy.

yesterday ellie peed her pants in the car. ew, that stinks. so instead of going to the gym (i really will find any excuse to not exercise, huh?) we went home and changed her, soaked up the seat, took apart and washed her car seat, and shampooed the upholstery. such a fun morning. and long.

yesterday ( i swear) i was snuggling this little pink princess. she made the cutest little squeaks and grunts. melt my heart! ellie had me wrapped around that perfect little finger...

yesterday gracie threw a fit about breakfast. apparently i only feed my children "nasty trash" and "gross slimy stuff". i am at a complete loss as to how to handle a 6 year-old tantrum at 6:30 in the morning...

yesterday ( i swear) i gave birth to this chubby little girl...9 pounds! she had a perfect little curl right in the middle of her forehead. and a personality to boot! getting her to crawl was easy...we just had to lure her with baby dolls and shoes...and off she went!

yesterday aubrey and i had the conversation about having to brush her hair before school. for the 869 billionth time. i got the look of death. i'm gonna have to check with some more moms, maybe this really is a rule that only our family has?

yesterday (i swear) the blondest little round-faced girl was teetering around, searching for her first easter eggs. each one was the grandest discovery! the entire contents had to be inspected and devoured before moving on in the hunt. i don't know who had more fun...me or her?

yesterday i did math homework with a 5th grader. i found out that i'm dumb and don't know what i'm talking about. and i also found out that my calculator is dumb and doesn't know what it's talking about. i wonder if i'll ever be as smart as him?

yesterday (i swear) i bought my very first jar of baby food. my baby was growing up! i just knew my baby boy was going to love pears. i was right. i think we owned more bibs and spoons than walmart. that is not a joke.

yesterday was a long day...

yesterday i did 6 loads of laundry...and put away half of it...

Because We Care!

We all know that life is hard. 
But do we ever sit to wonder WHY life is hard?!

Last night was hard for me...
The honeyman was up sick all night...
So I was up all night...

Life is hard...
But it's because we care!
We care about those around us...

It's hard being a mom sometimes...
But it's because we care!

It's hard being a wife sometimes...
But it's because we care!

It's hard being a kid sometimes...
But it's because they care about us...

It's hard loosing someone we love...
But it's because we care!

Our church callings are hard sometimes...
But it's because we care about those we serve...

It's hard to always choose the right...
But we try because we care about our Father in Heaven...

It was hard for Him to let us go and experience life on earth...
But it was because he cares enough for us to learn and grow...

Which leads me to this very popular quote:

I never said it would be easy...

I only said it would be worth it...

Our Father in Heaven, husbands, children, family, friends, callings, and everything else are worth it!! That's why it's hard sometimes!!  So stay strong and keep caring!!

I know I'm preaching to the choir...

It's just a sweet reminder! 

Until next week...

xo

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Check out our NOVEMBER GIVEAWAY!!!!!

a couple of things

1. We are so excited about this months GIVEAWAY made by S@HM Jazzy. She is pretty much amazing in every EVERY thing she does...SO read the post under mine to find out what you have to do to WIN these cute aprons!

2. I couldn't get my original post for today to come together....a few technical difficulties ;) which probably had more to do with the person (uh me) that was handling the situation...ANYWAY, so here is what I have instead:

3. I've been wanting to share a couple of things I've discovered in the last couple of months. A couple of  things I like to call my "beauty essentials". Anyone who knows me knows that I have the most unmanageable hair, I think in the world.  It's naturally curly BUT of course I like to wear it straight. Depending on the humidity, time of day, my own mood, what color I'm wearing (ok, not really) but it seems it just does whatever the heck it wants whenever it wants, UNTIL MY DISCOVERY!!! Waaaahoo!

So if you have hair like mine then you will definitely want to try this:

AQUAGE..and a rat tail comb

Seriously I love this stuff and wonder WHY??? in the heck have I not found this sooner! It gives me the shine and smell like I just stepped out of the SALON (which I LOVE) and it protects my hair from the hot hot hot flat iron (Chi) I use after I have sprayed Aquage all over. Amazing! I also really really like my new comb! It helps me to separate my hair so that I can get every piece under control. You can get aquage from your salon($17) and the comb($3), yeah that comes from walmart. Now I would show a picture of my beautiful locks, but honestly I still have bed head...and haven't even showered yet, so there.

Thankful for another GIVEAWAY!!!

This month's GIVEAWAY is:

*drum roll please*

MOMMY & ME APRONS!!!

Which by the way are reversible and machine washable!

They are pink and brown polka dots on one side and pink and brown stripes on the other! (Hope you like 'em!)


You and your little one can MATCH (because we all love excuses to match our little ones?!) this HOLIDAY SEASON (and every season) while baking goodies for that long list of people you love!!! 

And then you can take pictures and send them to us so we can see you in them!!!

So here is what you have to do to win:

1) Become a FOLLOWER of Realities of a Stay at Home Mom!!

OR

Like our Facebook page and invite a couple other S@HM's to like our FB page!!

2) Answer this question (by commenting on this post):

Would you rather know everything that is going to happen in your life as a mother, or take it as it comes?!  And WHY?!

The winner will be announced soon!!!  YAY!!!



Show Your Man You Love Him - 1

Fall brings many different changes. One of the most noticeable is the falling of the leaves!

A few days ago I saw all the leaves covering my in-laws yard/garden and said to myself "My husband should rake up these leaves for his parents!". After I thought that, I remembered how hard it is to get him to do projects like this all by himself (especially when it is not a project that he enjoys)

So, then I thought about what I could write on the blog this week and came up with a great idea!

A great way to show your Man you love him is by helping him complete a chore that would normally be his alone!

We packed up our rakes, our son and the two of us and headed off to the in-laws to rake their yard. When we got there his Dad was already out there trying to take on the task alone (it was on HIS "honey do list"). You could imagine the surprise when we pulled up to help.
We got everything done in a fraction of the time that it would have taken him all by himself.
And, he was so grateful!
And, we all got to talk about things that I had never talked to my husband or his father about - EVER!
And, then we stayed and played games for a while.
So, the bonding part was a major bonus!

Afterward my husband said, "That was actually kinda fun."

Mission Accomplished!

we had to stop and play in the leaves too. :)

Tutu

I made my first tutu this year for my little princess for Halloween. It was so easy and super cute so here you go.

You will need tulle. I bought it on these rolls. They are 6 inches wide and 25 yds long. I used two rolls for the size I made. It was barely enough so if you make a bigger one you will need an extra roll. You can also buy tulle on the bolt. It is a little bit stiffer and doesn't bunch up so bad once you are done. If you buy it this way you will have to cut the strips 6 inches wide.

You will need elastic about 1 inch wide. Measure and cut it to the size you want to make. Sew the two ends together so you have a circle. I ended up cutting some off after all the tulle was on and resewing it.

Cut your tulle. I cut my strip about 21 inches long. You would need to cut them longer based on the length you want.

Then take 2 pieces of tulle put them together. Take them at the middle point.

Place on top of your elastic.

Bring the ends under the elastic and back up through your loop at the top.

Pull through.

Then pull tight. So tight that the elastic will fold almost in half.

Here is a picture of how the elastic folds. Sorry not a great picture. You have to get several on before you can get them to go really tight.
Continue around until you elastic is full.

So cute. I bought red and thought it would be so cute for Christmas. This would be a great, inexpensive Christmas present for your little princess or any little girl on your list. Sorry if the instructions are not great. Let me know if you have questions!

of mothers and moms

i once heard someone say "anyone can be a mother, but it takes someone special to be a mom." of course, i love the word "mother"...it is sweet and reverent. but i'm talking about a technicality here, a difference between being and becoming...

i became a mother on june 30, 2000. that is, of course, a day i will never forget. that cone-headed, handsome little boy was mine. like, for reals...i got to keep him and dress him up and smell him! luckeeeeee...

i had dreamed of being a mother my whole life. it really is the only thing i ever wanted to be when i grew up. sure, i was a good student and school was important to me. i enjoyed learning and going to college was never a question. i did have a hard time nailing down a major, though. i just couldn't imagine "being" anything besides a mother (and a wife).

i became a mom in october 2001. i don't know the exact date, but i do remember that my little joseph was sick for the first time...the throwing-up kind of sick. he had been a mostly happy baby so far, just a few run-ins with ear infections but nothing major. but the flu stuff, that's a whole new ballgame. you know what i'm talking about, right? oh, a sick baby...the glassy eyes, the look of pain on their chubby face...it was heart-wrenching for me. holding his little body while he heaved just about ripped me to pieces.

i felt scared...and for the first time since becoming a mother, i felt like a mom. in just 15 short months, this little boy had become my whole existence. i already couldn't remember what in the world i had done with all my time before he came along! and i already couldn't imagine breathing without him in my life.

mothers grow a baby inside of their uterus. moms grow a baby inside their hearts. mothers give their child life. moms give their own life. mothers accept sticky fingers and floors (and everything else). moms embrace the sticky fingers and floors (and everything else). mothers lose sleep to crying babies and 5 year-olds with nightmares. moms lose sleep to worry and fret over geography tests and 3rd grade friendships. mothers feed their children. moms nourish their children. mothers introduce themselves by their first name. moms introduce themselves as "_____'s mom".

i have mother days. days where i'm going through all the right motions, telling myself this is what i've always wanted. i do all the things expected of me, and i don't resent it. but i'm not enthusiastic about it.

i have mom days, too. days where i'm all over this mom stuff...spills are funny, lullabies bring tears to my eyes, and i want to just lose myself in the cuteness and perfection of my kids. i don't just live my life, i love my life.

mothers are grand. moms are fantastic. the great thing is, i get to be a mother and a mom. i don't just get to raise my kids (somebody's gotta do it!)...i get to love them, too.

i am a mother. i am a mom.

don't be jeal...those freckles are for reals!!

...Some Fun Ideas...

OH MY GOODNESS!!

We have THE HOLIDAYS coming up!
What is it, like 54 days UNTIL CHRISTMAS?!
That means gifts!!

I like to PLAN AHEAD!

So, I'm posting some fun ideas you can use for:

- Secret Santa
- Co-workers
- Friends
- Family
- Visting Teachers
- Neighbors
- Your kid's bus driver
- Your kid's teacher
- Me! =)

Oh, and here are some webistes to check out as well!!
HeRe <-----
and
HeRe <-----

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Jar Ideas

APPLE, CINNAMON, WALNUT OATMEAL MIX


1 package {7 oz.} dried apples
1 container {18 oz.} quick-cooking oats
1 jar {3 oz.} non-dairy creamer
1/2 cup firmly-packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Place dried apples in a processor; process until finely chopped. Add remaining ingredients and process until well blended. Store in airtight container. Give with serving instructions. Makes 7 1/2 cups mix; about 15 servings.

ATTACH THIS TO JAR:
Stir 2/3 cup boiling water into 1/2 cup oatmeal mix until well blended. Let stand until thickened...

GINGER SPICE MUFFINS

A great gift for people on the go!!

1 3/4 cups flour
2 Tbsp. sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. salt

Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl. Store the mixture in an airtight container.

ATTACH THIS TO JAR:
Ginger Spice Muffins
Makes 1 dozen
1 pkg Ginger Spice Muffin Mix
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup milk
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F, and grease 12 muffin tins. In a large bowl, combine the muffin mix with the butter, egg, vanilla and milk Stir the mixture until the ingredients are blended. Do not over mix. The batter will be lumpy. Fill muffin tins 2/3 full, and bake for 15 minutes.


INSTANT COCOA MIX


9-1/3 C. nonfat dry milk
3 c. powdered sugar
1-3/4 C. cocoa
1-3/4 c. non-dairy coffee creamer (6 0Z.)

Mix all together well. Use 1/4-1/3 cup mix per cup of very hot water. Store in airtight container.


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BASKET IDEAS

For Your WORKOUT ADDICT Friend:

Fill a cute tote bag with:

- Towel

- Water Bottle

- Workout Magazines

- Power Bars

- Sport Drinks

- Gum

- Hairbands

- Fruit

For Your CRAFT ENTHUSIAST Friend!

Use a rubber storage container (can find them at the dollar store) and fill with:

- Fun Glue Gun

- Acrylic Paints

- Assorted Brushes

- A Craft Knife

- Beads

- Pompoms

- Wood Sticks

- Buttons

- Craft Patters or How-To Books/Magazines

- Gift Card to Michaels, etc...

For You GARDENER Friend

Use a large terra cotta plant pot as a basket.

You can personalize it by painting it!!

Fill with:

- Gardening Gloves

- Hand Towels

- Hand Rake

- Vegetable and/or Flower Seeds

- Bottle of Liquid Fertilizer

- Gardening Book

- Water Bottle

- Gift Card to Michaels or WalMart etc...

********************

You have plenty of time to put something like this together for those you love! 

Add or take away...make it FUN!! 

Make it all with love...

Have a BLAST!!

xo

Results...

S@HM Jill and Charlotte have given us tons of fun craft ideas, and to show that I'm paying attention I just had to post the results of my very own craftiness, thanks to them:)

 Lesson learned from the project above was that the black didn't show so well when I put a candle in it and turned the lights out. Duh. However, I helped my MIL to make a set for herself and then she went on to make several more for gifts and such! Way to pass on a good thing right?!

I also made the fun candy bracelet's that S@HM Jill posted, but I didn't get a picture. Dang it. Just know that Matt and I set up shop in our driveway with two chairs and a small table and made one for every kid on the block. They all loved it!

I love having pretty wreaths on my door and several years ago S@HM Charlotte showed me the way. I love making things with my own hands and it actually turning out;) lol I also helped my MIL make a wreath for her door and I loved it even MORE than the one I made for my door. Just goes to show that the more practice you get at making something the better you get!

For those of you who don't know, I'm not real crafty. I get anxiety trying to be creative. Although, I'm a quick and eager learner for such things I just don't have the "knack", so grateful for the women around me who do, and who share their talents! Thank you.

Try something new this week. Taking a new way to the store, or trying on something you may have never worn before, or tasting a new food. Don't allow yourself to be defined by the things you believe you aren't. If you aren't crafty, be crafty. If you aren't funny, try being funny. If you aren't a runner, run around the block! Just to prove that you can be, and do whatever you choose. Have fun and share with us what new thing you are going to try this week!