Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Things Every Stay at Home mom should Know!

Well I am not going to tell you that being a stay at home mom is easy all the time but I can say it is the most rewarding job anywhere! It is my dream job! I didn't have children for someone else to raise them! I enjoy being with my kids & they enjoy being with me.


There are a few things I feel every stay at home mom should know. Here are a few-

1. Feel Proud of What You Do
(you work hard & you do a great job)

 2. Keep in Touch with Friends 
(mommy's need play dates too) 


3. Get Organized
(it's easier to stay with a routine this way)

4. Get in Touch with Your Creative Side
(sometimes you have to get your hands dirty)

5. Remember your spouse
(this can include many things)

 6. Make time for you
(even if it just 15 mins. in the shower)

The list goes on and on.............
 
 
Have Fun & Enjoy!

Whenever I held my newborn baby in my arms, I used to think that what I said and did to him could have an influence not only on him but on all whom he met, not only for a day or a month or a year, but for all eternity - a very challenging and exciting thought for a mother. ~Rose Kennedy
 
 In bringing up children, spend on them half as much money and twice as much time. ~Author Unknown
 
You have a lifetime to work, but children are only young once. ~Polish Proverb

What's done to children, they will do to society. ~Karl Menninger



We are our children's influence- Be a good one :)



 
 
 
 Who did God want to raise your babies? U! He gave u this gift now be careful with it!




Update after a long wait!



Well today was my younger 2 kiddos last day of public school! They are officially homeschool kids like their sister. I am so excited!

      I know it has been a while since my last post but I have been pretty busy. I can't promise I will be blogging everyday or every week but I will be checking in as often as I can. One thing I wanted to blog about today besides my kids is - Christmas! Only a few days away, I love Christmas! I hope everyone is ready or getting ready for the giving but I hope even more that everyone remembers what Christmas is all about. I think Linus from Charlie Brown says it best! http://youtu.be/pn10FF-FQfs





Thursday, September 8, 2011

10 year tribute 9-11



Besides thinking of all the bad that happened on that horrible day, we need to take a tiny bit of good from it. This event should help us not to take for granted the life we have in front of us & to remember life is shorter than we expect. Please remember our heroes that are all around us. Say Thank you to a vet or a military member or their family. Remember police, fire fighters, EMT/ EMS, and so many more. I hope you & your families hold each other tight like you did that awful day. Give hugs, say I love you. & say thank you! Wear your red, white, & blue. Fly those American flags. Remember the yellow ribbons too!


http://youtu.be/8oOW-1OwtCA     

http://youtu.be/zgTNKAYpVd4

 http://youtu.be/cSvJGp5Iyzw

http://youtu.be/fDSbyHwIuIE





http://youtu.be/Q65KZIqay4E



     












Wednesday, August 31, 2011

To Have & To Hold!

 Bible

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4"

 
 
 MARRIAGE
 
 
I am a helper to my husband! I was created for him. We were made to be together.
 
 

Ephesians 5:22-23

Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.  For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.

Colossians 3:18-19

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.  Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
 

Genesis 2:22-24

Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.  The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman, ' for she was taken out of man."  For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
 

Proverbs 12:4

A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.

Proverbs 19:14

Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
 
 
>I am blessed enough to be married to my best friend. He is my soul mate! I know a lot of times, you hear of couples who get married & a year into it they can't stand each other. I am happy to tell you, there are still marriages where a couple stays in love with each other. We have been married for almost 13yrs. I like to joke & tell people we are still newlyweds. Of coarse every couple has disagreements but the goal is to not hold on to them & drag them through your marriage. Over all I feel like we ARE still newlyweds, we continue to learn new things about each other because we ourselves are constantly changing. I love my husband more today than I did 13yrs ago which on our wedding day, I didn't think was possible. We were high school sweethearts and got pregnant pretty young. Still with God we have made it through lots of struggles. I have come to realize, there will always be something positive or negative we will be going through but to remember I love him & I took a vow that I will keep. When we found out we were going to have a baby our Junior yr of high school, he could have left me & said I was on my own. (like so many men do) But he didn't even think of it. Instead we got married which we had already talked about so many times. We just made it real. We knew it wasn't going to be easy & we had our ups & downs. Ultimately we ended up having a healthy baby girl 8 weeks earlier than doctors had planned. My marriage has taught us so much about a bond. We have each other for ever until death do us part. Until then I will always be able to talk to him & tell him my dreams. He will also always have someone to come to.  Marriage is a very special thing & I am so gratful and proud. 
 

Proverbs 31:10

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
 
MARRIAGE- it will change your life! 
 
 
I love being married
I love holding hands
I love talking
I love having someone to lay with
I love waking up next to my husband
 
 

Mark 10:6-9

"But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.'  'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife,  and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one.  Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."
 
 
 
 
 
He is an extreemly wonderful man! I could do a whole post just on how much I love him & how great he is as husband & father, but I won't I just want to pass on that marriage is a beautiful bond. Be blessed!
 
 
 
 
 
 



Monday, August 22, 2011

Time management !!!!

It doesn't matter who you are, at one point you have wished for more hours in the day. Weather you love your job or absolutely hate it, you look for more time. So since school has started & summer is pretty much over I wanted to take some TIME to share with you some tips on making the most of the time we are given. 

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Time management is the act or process of exercising conscious control over the amount of time spent on specific activities, especially to increase efficiency or productivity. Time management may be aided by a range of skills, tools, and techniques used to manage time when accomplishing specific tasks, projects and goals. This set encompasses a wide scope of activities, and these include planning, allocating, setting goals, delegation, analysis of time spent, monitoring, organizing, scheduling, and prioritizing. Initially, time management referred to just business or work activities, but eventually the term broadened to include personal activities as well. A time management system is a designed combination of processes, tools, techniques, and methods. Usually time management is a necessity in any project development as it determines the project completion time and scope.

I have the best job in the world & I am always wishing I could have an extra hour in the day. If not to do the things I didn't get to yet but to have a little more sleep lol


For me, it starts with routine. If I don't get up at basically the same time every morning or get started with something right away, then I know I am gonna drag that day. I try to stay positive. Sometimes saying a prayer or reading a positive book  such as the Bible can refresh you for the day. For some a cup of coffee gets them going (I don't drink coffee) I remind myself that my husband is off at work (he only gets 1 day off a week now) & that I am at my jobs so I had better get started. I am a stay at home mom & also the home manager. I also homeschool my middleschooler & babysitter my sister's two young children. Some people tell me I have an easy job or they wish they could just stay home, but I have to say it is harder that you would think. Because I stay home, myself & my home seem to be set at a higher standard than homes that the woman works outside the home. I am my worst critic.

I start out looking at my calendar. I have several. I also make lots of lists. Besides writing my bills on the calendar & making sure the payday before things are due they get paid, I also write on there what events are going on each day, along with my huband's sechedule of his jobs. I also have another calendar I check each day ( I call it my chore calendar) I look at the calendar to see what I must make time to do each day such as making sure to wipe down baseboards. Things I don't do on a daily bases are harder to make time to do or to remember to do so I write it down on my chore calendar.

Because I homeschool, I try to write out my lesson plans far in advance. My daughter is an independent worker & is very good at working on her own. Which has come in handy since we are now watching extra kids most days now. We are still adjusting & trying to get some kind of a routine to fit in all the things we would normally be doing plus have plenty of time to interact with them. Because the are so young they need a lot of attention.

I like to be multitasking at all times, well I don't know if I like it as much as it has just became a mandatory thing. I write lots of list & spend the evenings doing several things at once. While relaxing and watching tv with my hubby, I also cut/ organize coupons & make shopping lists for the next day. Or I write my to do list for the next day. I also check emails on my laptop or like to look at magizines. Sometime I have to continue my chores during relaxing time. So I try to leave the chores such as folding laundry for the evenings so I can sit on the couch & still have a conversation with my husband.

I like to use mealtime prep time to catch up with my kids that have been in public school all day. It is also an outlet for them to vent or just refocus their mind to stay positive & not get too stressed out.

Try to be as organized as you can. The more organized you are the easier tasks become & things can get done quicker. I have several folders. One house managing such as chore lists, calendars, recipes, & to do lists. I also have one that is finances, it holds bills & important receipts. Of coarse I have my coupon binder. I also have one for homeschooling & one for my homeschool group. I have other projects that I am working on right now so I have a few extras too, such as breast cancer awareness month is coming up in October so my mom & I are getting her team stuff ready for fundraising walks.

If you become your boss & set goals for yourself for each day, you can accomplish more than you realize. Remember to say no if you need to. If someone wants you to add something to your day & you know you are already struggling then you need to learn to say no. You are not mean because you didn't add that volunteer job to your already hectic schedule.

Remember, try not to let other people get you down. Be realistic! Taking certain tasks like cleaning one thing at a time. Don't give up!!!!! I can't give you more hours in the day but hopefully I can help you use the time you have wisely!

Friday, August 19, 2011

Homeschool!



In Florida check out this link for homeschooling laws http://www.hslda.org/laws/analysis/Florida.pdf

For any other US state check out this link & click on your state http://homeschooling.about.com/cs/gettingstarted/a/legalusa.htm

After you have decided to homeschool, find a support group or a friend who homeschools. Having supportive friends & family will help you on your days that are not up to your standards of expectations. Even public school teachers have rough days. If you have a place to find encouragement, you will be able to bounce back even faster. Don't stress too much. Have fun with it & remember a great part of homeschooling is the flexibilities.

Here are some links I like to use
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lehigh-Family-Educators-Group/260368703991327

http://homeschooling.about.com/cs/learning/p/course6.htm

http://www.home-school.com/


http://budgethomeschool.com/

http://www.superteacherworksheets.com

http://life.familyeducation.com/parenting-advice/teenagers/43735.html?detoured=1

http://www.teachertube.com/

http://www.abcteach.com/

http://www.homeschool-curriculum-savings.com/free-stuff-for-homeschoolers.html

http://www.kidsastronomy.com/solar_system.htm

http://library.lee-county.com/services/programs/Pages/Kids.aspx

http://www.freetypinggame.net/free-typing-lesson.asp

http://www.lifeprint.com/

http://www.123teachme.com/learn_spanish/spanish_for_children
 
I could go on & on.......
And remember you can always use google to find out more from any subject!

We have been our children's teacher since the 1st day so it doesn't matter if you homeschool your 13 yr old or if you are teacher to a 2yr old. The are going to learn from you, why not put a little thought into it & make it the best it can be!













Thursday, August 4, 2011

summer vacation is almost over!



As you are getting ready to send your kids back to school or start another year of homeschool I wanted to just make you aware of a few things. Some children have their own set of Anxiety
. Weather they are starting a new school or just moving up to the next level, there are plenty of stress out there for your children. Try to keep your nerves down and help them with theirs. Some are just getting into school for the 1st time, some are going into a grade that they know has a big test. & some are moving into middle school or high school. If you homeschool, their could still be some anxiety. Maybe this upcoming year they know you are going to be expecting even more from them. Which is ok! No matter what, try not to push ur stress on to them. They have enough! Encourage them to share with you what they are going through. Here are some links to share with your children on how to release some of the anxiety.
http://stress.about.com/od/studentstress/a/back_to_school.htm

http://www.kidspot.com.au/Back-to-School-For-parents-Starting-high-school+1750+153+article.htm

http://school.familyeducation.com/back-to-school/anxiety/37623.html

http://www.education.com/magazine/article/preschool-separation-anxiety/

http://us99country.radio.com/category/audio/racing-podcasts/  (turn up the volume for this one)

Make this an exciting time of year! Weather you buy new shoes or just have a big special breakfast on the first day of school, either way try to stay positive & enjoy this new journey coming

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

A few quick thoughts in just a few quick minutes!



Please read all of this post as it has a bunch of different topics. & keep following it to keep up!

http://www.manylittleblessings.com/2010/08/will-you-still-love-me-if-im-not-mary-poppins/

I wanted to share this because I feel she took the works out of my mouth!

Also wanted to share some other things that I have found.
I have been learning to master sewing. I am far from a pro but I feel I am making good progress. My girls & I have completed several projects. Including very pretty aprons as one of our 1st project. All the way to our project we are working on now. Little dresses. :) I have been working hard learning and teaching my girls but I was thinking I would love to make something with my son. I think it would be great if he knew a little something too. Wish me luck as we try a couple of projects together. Hopefully he will enjoying trying something new with me.http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=5676858000506520023
http://www.kids-sewing-projects.com/boys-sewing-projects.html

Another thing I would like to share is a very easy do it yourself project that will keep you cool the rest of the summer. http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/07/do-it-yourself-homemade-pop-bottle-sprinkler.html

Here is something you can do to prepare your kids for a great new year of school wheather your kids are homeschooled, go to private school or public school it would be good for them to do a little something over the summer to keep the brain going http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/states_experiment_drag-drop_Intermed_State15s_500.htm

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Our longest journey to having another child!





When we started researching adoption and felt the calling to dive in, we knew it would be a long process. We also knew it would be an emotional roller coaster. I am not sure I really realized HOW LLooonnnnggg it would be. We started research about 2 yrs before we went and attended classes. Now it has been over nine months since we finished our classes. All three of my children that I have delivered came early so I guess in my head I was hoping this would be the same. Adoption is a very exciting journey. In some ways it is similar to being pregnant, I am so in love with a child I have never met. I can't wait to see his face & see his personality. I am already proud of him for the journey he has faced and I don't even have any idea what that is. I am looking forward to the day where I can look back at this day and be able to give him a hug & tell him how much it was so worth the wait. I guess it is also very much like a couple trying to get pregnant. I have never had this problem. My children are all 2yrs apart almost to the week. When I tell some one we have 3 children and one on the way I have already set in my mind, yes I have 3 kids but I am not done. I know it is going to be worth the wait just like that couple who finally got pregnant after trying for so long. Say a little prayer for my family in our journey & give the children you have a hug & make sure you don't take them for granted. I know I will be hugging mine & I won't be taking how easy it was  to get pregnant for them for granted either. I can't wait to be mommy of 4!

http://www.adoptuskids.org/
http://laws.adoption.com/statutes/state-adoption-laws.html

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

If you are living on beef & chicken for dinner & are still looking for ways to save!

If you are like me, you eat a lot of ground beef & chicken. Why? because it's cheap & we have to be now days. Well I wanted to share some tips I use to save money on your chicken & beef.

Looking for ways to stretch your dollar on chicken and beef meals?

Look at purchasing chicken breast with the bone in.  Try to buy any chicken with the bone in it. It is almost always cheaper with the bone in it. Cook it down in some water with bits of onions the leaves from your celery, carrots etc. When it's cooked and falling off the bone remove all chicken and vegetables from the water as you now have chicken broth.  Chill the broth so that the fat hardens on top and remove it. You can freeze it for later to use in recipes that call for water or broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Use the chicken about 1 breast is about the same amount as 1 can. Use it for chicken tacos, salads, enchiladas anywhere you use cooked canned chicken.
You can do the same with lower cost beef too.  the broth makes great soups.  I use both with bbq (homemade) sauce for pulled meat sandwiches.

I like to use the chicken pieces for Quesadillas & I shred pepper jack cheese. Yummy!
I enjoy using the chicken broth in my big batch of vegetable soup. mmmmm sometimes I add noodles or rice too.
For the beef I don't do it as much but the broth really does go well with my veg. beef stew. The more you try new ways of cooking the more you enjoy it & find your own twist on it. Plus you can find more ways to save money. 


 
 
 
Keep following, there will be more on this in future posts!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

FREE SAMPLES


Everyone loves something free! Everyone loves to get something in their mailbox other than bills!
I wanted to share some of the free samples that I have gotten or have signed up for & am waiting on getting! Or  stuff that I didn't need such as baby stuff.
Hope you enjoy!
  • haircare/ shampoo/ health care
http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid99356.aspx?cm_mmc=dt-_-Anti%20dandruff-_-Walmart-_-sample

http://www.niveausa.com/Experience/ext/en-US/bodywashsample
  • house cleaner
http://www.invisibleglass.com/Samples/IGWsamp.asp?category_id=22&Brand_id=4

http://www.shoutitout.com/coupon/wipes/

  • food
https://www.splenda.com/freesamples/coupon

http://gmsampling.young-america.com/honeynutcheerios/Default.aspx?esrc=16183

http://networkedblogs.com/kww3G

http://www.startsampling.com/sm/mw101655/captureAddress.iphtml?item=101655&source=ba-YouTube&ss_id=&key=9497a89612abb82f51620154a4e7c731

  • baby stuff
http://networkedblogs.com/kww3G

I will add more on future posts! Enjoy!

Recycling stuff!



Be creative!
Instead of the landfill, Recycle it! Recycling is not hard!

For example, if you do not use reusable bags when you go shopping, take plastic grocery bags back to the supermarket or  save them for bathroom trash cans, dad's lunches, wet clothes, baby diaper disposal, stuffing when you mail something or when you are moving. Use them for picking up poo when you walk your dog or cleaning out the cats litter box. Some thrift stores or food banks except them too. You can even do crafts with them.  http://www.myrecycledbags.com/2007/09/15/large-plastic-market-bag/

Another simple thing you can do is take the dry cleaner hangers back to the dry cleaner.
 (I don't have this problem)

You can recycle your used inkjet printer or laser printer cartridges to manufacturer or school fundraising program. or do what I do & take them to some office supply stores & get a discounts.

Here are some crative things you could do... turn an old golf bag with wheels into a garden- tool caddy or umbrella stand. Or "plant" your old mailbox in your garden for storing hand tools.

We also save all of our aluminum cans in a big trash can outside so we can turn it in.
One of my children's chores is to take the composed out. We use an old ice cream bucket & fill it with peelings, eggshells,  Etc.  We have a spot on the back of our property that it gets dumped. Also now that we have chickens, we give old bread to them. I also use old towel to clean up spills instead of paper towels (we do have them, but I use them sparingly)

Our town also has recycling bins so we have a can next to our trash can in the house to make it easy to divide it into trash or recycling.

So much you could do.....
http://www.squidoo.com/reusepaperroll
http://www.nikereuseashoe.com/
or some even seem like crazy ideas!!!! But if it works for you do it......
http://welovenature.blogspot.com/2008/05/creative-way-to-re-use-old-keyboard.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2279158_reuse-toothpaste-tubes.html

I will be posting more on this in the future! Enjoy the earth & the things in it!

Leviticus 25:23-24 - The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants. Throughout the country that you hold as a possession, you must provide for the redemption of the land.

(Play Dough) some will surprise you

 HOMEMADE!!!!!!


Non-Cook Play Dough
This recipe can be made by children.  Make sure they know to mix it well.
1 1/4 cups flour
1/4 cup salt (4 tablespoons)
1/2 cup water
1-2 tablespoons flour (if needed)
food coloring
In a bowl, add 1 1/4 cups flour and salt.  Mix.  Add the water and some food coloring together.  Mix.  Place in the flour mixture.  Mix together with a spoon (or your hands).  If it is too sticky, add more flour.   Store in covered container or a sealable plastic bag in the refrigerator.
Note:
This will not last as long as the cooked play dough.

Play Dough
1 cup flour
1/4 cup salt
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup hot water
A few drops of food coloring
In a non-stick pan, mix the dry ingredients.  Slowly add the water and mix.  Add food coloring.  Mix.  Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes until it is in a clump; stirring constantly.  Place on wax paper, the counter, or cutting board.  Knead for a couple of minutes (let it cool if it needs to).  Store in covered container or a sealable plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Play Dough
1 cup salt
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons oil
a few drops food coloring
Mix thoroughly and store in a plastic bag. Kids can pull, pound, and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. If left to dry will harden and can be painted. Non-toxic. Tip: If kids dust their hands with flour before play the dough won’t stick.

Peanut Butter Play-dough
This is FOOD and children must wash their hands before touching the dough and only touch the dough on their plates.

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup liquid honey
1 cup powdered milk
1 cup rolled oats.
In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, honey, and powdered milk together. Knead until smooth. (Add more powdered milk if you need to.) Mold dough into any shape you wish.

Nutty Butter Playdough
Provide children with various decorating materials, (raisins, chocolate chips, raspberry chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, dried fruit, pretzels, smarties etc.)
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup white corn syrup
1 cup powdered sugar
3 cups powdered milk
In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, corn syrup, and powdered sugar together. Add powdered milk and knead until smooth. (Add more powdered milk if you need to.) Mold dough into any shape they wish.

Oatmeal Dough

1 cup Flour
2 cups Oatmeal
1 cup Water
Gradually add water to flour and oatmeal in bowl. Kneed until mixed (this dough is sticky, but unique in texture. Model as with clay.
Additions: Add cornmeal in small quantity for texture, Add coffee grounds in small quantity for texture.

Frosting Dough

1 Can Frosting Mix
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup Peanut Butter
Mix all ingredients in bowl with spoon. Knead into workable dough. Model as with any dough.

Playdough

2 1/2 cups flour
1 Tablespoon alum
1/2 cup salt
3 Tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups boiling water
1 package unsweetened Kool-aid
Combine flour, alum, salt, add oil, boiling water. Stir or kneed to mix. Add food coloring or before liquids, add a package of unsweetened Kool-aid for color and scent.

No Fuss Play Dough
1 cup cold water
1 cup salt
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 cups flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Food coloring
In a large bowl, mix together water, salt, oil and a few drops of food coloring. Mix flour and cornstarch and add 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly (you may need a little more or a little less than 2 cups flour so make sure you stir in until it is the right consistency). Knead for a few minutes with flour on your hands.

Cooked Play Dough
3 cups flour
1 cup salt
6 teaspoons cream of tartar
3 cups water
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Food coloring
Mix flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a large saucepan. Blend water and oil together in a bowl. Add to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. Add several drops of food coloring until you get the right color. Cook for about five minutes. Take the play dough out of the saucepan and put it on a cutting board or counter and knead for a few minutes. Add flour if it’s too sticky.
This play dough should last around three months if you keep it sealed in an airtight container or plastic Ziploc bag. It’s so smooth and fun to play with when it’s still warm.

Smelly Tip: For nice smelling play dough, add a few drops of vanilla extract, almond extract, or peppermint extract to any of these play dough recipes.

Activity:
Have your child/children cut out different shapes using cookie cutters, lids, or whatever else you can think of. You don't have to over think it, just have fun with it!


 We have not tried all of these recipes- still in the experimenting process & having a blast!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

The secret is WITCH HAZEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

15 Uses for Witch Hazel

1. The big one: Spot and blemish control

Witch hazel can reduce the inflammation on a pimple. Some people claim daily use helps with acne, and witch hazel can be found in many over-the-counter treatments. You can dab it on with a cotton ball. Ask your pharmacist before you do this, though.

2. Soothe and heal diaper rash

If your baby's rash isn't healing quick enough, apply witch hazel solution with a cotton ball and you should see immediate improvement to your baby's bottom.

3. Shrink bags under the eyes

Some people say that the application of hemorrhoid cream to those little baggies under your eyes can take them away. It's not an old wives' tale. One of the magic ingredients in a product like Preparation H is witch hazel, which helps tighten up the skin and reduce the bagginess. 

4. Soothe and reduce external hemorrhoids

Not only does witch hazel tighten skin, it's also a good anti-itch remedy. By combining witch hazel with aloe, glycerine or petroleum jelly and rub it on external hemorrhoids, you will reduce itching significantly and dry up most bleeding.

5. Varicose vein relief

Soak wash cloths in witch hazel and lay on legs, which are propped straight out, to reduce pain and swelling from varicose veins. The witch hazel helps to tighten the veins, relieving the discomfort temporarily.

6. Soothe poison ivy and poison oak

Just like acne and blemishes, the witch hazel reduces itching and relieves swelling. Something definitely worth packing on your next camping trip.

7. Treat chicken pox blisters

A combination of aloe, honey, lavender and other essential oils create a spray that will vastly reduce the discomfort of chicken pox blisters. And it's all-natural. Here's what to do:
Mix together 1 tablespoon honey, 40 drops lavender essential oil, 15 drops lemon essential oil, 15 drops bergamot essential oil, 5 drops peppermint essential oil, 1 teaspoon carrot seed oil and 1/2 cup aloe vera gel.
Once completely mixed, and 1/2 cup distilled witch hazel and mix again. Pour mixture into spray bottle and use on affected areas (avoiding eyes). A more potent and less unsightly way to treat the chicken pox than traditional calamine lotion.

8. Heal your bruises faster

Been in a fight recently? Well, maybe not. But if you bang your leg or arm and are left with a nasty bruise, a daily dab of witch hazel can help speed up the healing time of the bruise.

9. Soothe razor burn (and in some instances, prevent it)

The anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel stop itchy bumps from forming up around your irritated hair follicles. Apply before or after shaving; it should certainly have an impact on your itchy red skin (and that includes ladies, too).

10. Treat and soothe a nasty sunburn

Healing damaged skin is one of witch hazel's specialties. But as sunburn is also a type of skin inflammation, witch hazel is ideal for treating this too (despite swelling not being obvious). Treating sunburn with witch hazel will lessen healing time and prevent the infamous skin peeling and flaking.

11. Treat dry skin

By applying witch hazel immediately after showering, you are locking in the moisture that has just soaked into your skin.

12. Use to heal and soothe various cuts and bruises

Many chemists and pharmacists refer to witch hazel as nature's answer to Neosporin. Applying a dab of it will cleanse the cut, protects against infection, and encourage quicker healing of minor skin breaks.

13. Take the bite out of bug bites

With its anti-itch and anti-inflammatory properties, witch hazel is ideal for treating bug bites. Just dab a little on the affected area.

14. Refresh tired eyes

NOT by squirting witch hazel in them, but by soaking a clean rag in witch hazel and cold water and placing the cold compress over your closed eyes. After 10 minutes, your eyes should be refreshed, and any redness should be gone. If you've been doing a lot of crying, this can get you back to normal quickly.

15. Make your own deodorant

Witch hazel is often used in deodorants due to its natural skin-healing and skin-care properties. Here is a home-made recipe you may want to try.
Ingredients
  • 1 tsp high proof vodka
  • 10 drops geranium
  • 10 drops cypress
  • 8 drops bergamot
  • 5 drops neroli
  • 4 drops lavender
  • 3 drops black pepper
  • 4 tb sp (40 ml) witch hazel
  • 2 tb sp (25 ml) cornflower water
  • 2 tb sp (25 ml) orange flower water
  1. Measure the vodka into a 4 oz (100 ml) glass bottle with a spray attachment.
     
  2. Carefully add the essential oils, one by one.
     
  3. Shake vigorously to dissolve the essential oils.
     
  4. Pour the witch hazel into the bottle, using a funnel if necessary, followed by the two flower waters. Shake well.
     
  5. Label the bottle and the deodorant is now ready to use.
     
  6. Before you use the deodorant each time, give the bottle a good shake to ensure the essential oils are fully dispersed.

Note

As with many herbal remedies, certain people, like women who are pregnant or breast feeding, should talk to their physician before using witch hazel. When using witch hazel, let your doctor know if you experience leg swelling, breathing problems, chest tightness or pain, hives, new rashes or irritations, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting or constipation. Most people who use witch hazel will not experience these adverse side effects, but some will, so notify a health official if any problems are noticed.

*(I have not made this yet but found it & thought I would share it)*

Being a Mother!!!!!

  

Be a blessing to your children, just as a child is a blessing to their mother!



A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.  ~Washington Irving


/www.webmd.com/parenting/features/being-good-mom

http://diapersanddivinity.com/2011/05/03/being-a-good-mom-is-a-lot-easier-if-youre-a-good-wife/




A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.  ~Tenneva Jordan


Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs in my field, since the payment is pure love.  ~Mildred B. Vermont


A suburban mother's role is to deliver children obstetrically once, and by car forever after.  ~Peter De Vries


The phrase "working mother" is redundant.  ~Jane Sellman


The moment a child is born, the mother is also born.  She never existed before.  The woman existed, but the mother, never.  A mother is something absolutely new.  ~Rajneesh


If the whole world were put into one scale, and my mother in the other, the whole world would kick the beam.  ~Lord Langdale (Henry Bickersteth)


I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me.  They have clung to me all my life.  ~Abraham Lincoln


Some mothers are kissing mothers and some are scolding mothers, but it is love just the same, and most mothers kiss and scold together.  ~Pearl S. Buck



Sweater, n.:  garment worn by child when its mother is feeling chilly.  ~Ambrose Bierce


Women's Liberation is just a lot of foolishness.  It's the men who are discriminated against.  They can't bear children.  And no one's likely to do anything about that.  ~Golda Meir




She never quite leaves her children at home, even when she doesn't take them along.  ~Margaret Culkin Banning


When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts.  A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.  ~Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty


If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?  ~Milton Berle



The sweetest sounds to mortals given
Are heard in Mother, Home, and Heaven.
~William Goldsmith Brown


Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible.  ~Marion C. Garretty, quoted in A Little Spoonful of Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul


Any mother could perform the jobs of several air traffic controllers with ease.  ~Lisa Alther


Now, as always, the most automated appliance in a household is the mother.  ~Beverly Jones


That best academy, a mother's knee.  ~James Russell Lowell




Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.





 No matter if you have been pregnant for one baby or if you are Michelle Duggar http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_1iAMAEvlM, You can be a good mother. You child will love & charish you just as you will them. 
If you are an adopted mother, same goes for you. You don't have to carry the child to love the child. No matter if you are a single mom or a mother in a loving marriage, you feel the love! A child is a gift from the Lord! 

Psalms 127:3
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. 


“Adoption is when a child grew in its mommy’s heart instead of her tummy.”
– Unknown

http://www.adoptuskids.org/

More on adoption in later posts! Make sure you join my blog so you don't miss anything :)

VERY   INTERESTING:
http://www.everydaymoney.ca/2010/05/whats-a-mothers-work-really-worth.html

What would a mother get paid if they recieved a money paycheck???



 It is the hardest job but most rewarding job I have ever had & I love my job!!!! xoxox

Friday, July 15, 2011

KIDS EAT FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Did you know that some places offer great specials on certain days! We have always taken advantage of the kids eat free nights when we can but even more places are jumping in on it! I have made a list of some of the places you should check out!!!!


Pinchers crab shack- Everyday 1 child under 12 can eat free with a purchase of an adult meal (all day)
Applebee's- Kids 12 & under eat free every Tuesday with the purchase of an adult entree (2 meals per ticket)
Beef 'o' Brady's- One free kid's meal with a purchase of an adult meal. 4-7pm (12 & under)
Chick-fil-a- Tuesdays: Free kids meal (4pc) with the purchase of any combo (5:30-8pm)
Cici's Pizza- Everyday: kids 3 & under eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. (drink not included)
Golden Corral- Every day children 3 & under eat free from the buffet with the purchase of an adult meal.
Sundays: A child 10 & under will eat free, with a purchase of an adult meal
IHOP- Everyday: one child under 12 can eat free with a purchase of an adult meal (4-10pm)
Lozano's Mexican-Wednesdays: one child under 10 yrs old can eat free with purchase of adult meal (3-9pm)
Perkins- Tuesdays: 1 child under 12 yrs can eat free with purchase of an adult meal (3-9pm)
Rib City- Everyday kids under 4yrs can eat free (1pc chix & fries) with purchase of an adult meal (dine in only)
MY FAVORITE!!!!!
Steak N Shake- Saturday & Sunday: 12 & under can eat free with purchase of an adult meal.


Check these out & keep coming back for even more specials!!!!!!!! I would love to pass the word on! I know there are lots more too!!!!!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Involve your Kids!!!! Chores are not going to kill them!

Part of our job as a parent is to train our children how to be adults. If you have ever walked in to a Walmart then you know some parent didn't do a very good job LOLhttp://youtu.be/YvxNgdFeWqM Besides some of those issues, we need to make sure our children can survive as adults. They need to know responsibility. They need to know simply things like how to cook, clean, how to shop (lol) on a budget. I know some people think my kids have a lot of chores but it is nothing that doesn't need to be done or that they don't need to learn. They really don't complain about doing their chores ( We have trained them from day one) We always revamp the chores now & then so they continue doing age appropriate things. Taking out the trash, feeding the dogs, or cleaning up their rooms is NOT to much for children. My children do have many more than that but any kid even as young as 1 or 2 can learn to clean up after themselves. Kids also need to learn that money does not grow on trees (because trust me it doesn't!) So my opinion on allowance is my kids don't get it! When they are living on their own no one is going to give them a dollar when they make their beds. Now everyone does need to remember they are kids and are supposed to be having fun. So when my kids were little we always tried to make it fun, we would turn up the music & dance around while we picked up the house. Also  I make my own cleaners so they are safe for kids to use (& cheap) so the "fun" chores like washing the windows, I would put some stuff in spray bottles, give them a cloth & let them spray away. This would always get them in the cleaning "mood" They always wanted to help me. Because we started them young, it has became a routine and they know what we expect of them. We have a list on the wall of all of their chores & they know that mom or dad can rearrange that or ask them to do more. Because we have a lot of animals, the children have also learned how to love & take care of someone other than themselves. Even if they are 10 & you have never gave them something to do, it's not too late. Get started! Make sure you praise them & give them the pat on the back they deserve & don't be too picky. If your 3yr old is trying very hard to make her bed & it is not how you would do it, don't criticize or redo it. That will only make her not try next time because she will feel that she will never be as good as you want her to be. Do a trail and error or a practice run. make a list of what needs to be done & have the kids pick the ones they want to do. (if they are fighting over one or two than explain that you will be doing this again tomorrow & that everyone will get a chance to do all of the chores. After they have their jobs picked out. Let them do them & see who is ok & who need to adjust their jobs. Soon the children & you will know what they are able to do and what they are not. For those of you thinking I don't know what jobs to give them, here are some examples.... (there are always things that need to be done).......
make bed
set table
fold laundry
feed pets
take out trash
vaccum
sweep
empty the dishwasher
THE LIST GOES ON & ON...........
What ever you have them do or what ever their age remember to praise for things done. That is a good thing to do everyday anyway.