Category Archives: challenges

Weekly Goals

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This week I did really well on somethings but somethings fell by the wayside as both myself and my older child came down with a cold. It wasn’t too bad to handle but the cold, rainy weather added to our lazier behavior this week. Even so we still managed to keep the TV OFF for the majority of the day and did some wonderful activities that I will share a bit later. And on the bright side the new baby steered clear of our sickness. With writing that I realized she is no longer a new baby as she has passed into the 3 month threshold.

Valentine’s Day was joyful even with out my sweet love since he managed to send me goodies even through the deployment. Now he can not ever say he was too busy any holiday for romance ( not that he would) since he still managed romance while fighting a war! Hope everyone’s week was as enjoyable.vday

Week of February 11th

Family/Motherhood goals

1. Take Valentine’s pictures of kids. The little ones came down with a cold this week so we are postponing this, again.

2. Attend weekly music class.

3. Take them to the park 2x.

Marriage goals

1. Finish reading The Power of the Praying Wife.

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2. Mail quilt to hubby. I love how this turned out and was very simple. I am not the best sewer but I worked on it from an idea in my head and it turned out great.

Household goals

1. Work on baby’s name sign and bow holder

2. Drop off donations.

3. Work on quilt.

Self Improvement goals

1. Attend FRG training.

2. Finish reading How to Potty Train a Toddler the Loving Way.

3. Attend FRG meeting. The date was changed.

Personal goals

1. Continue exercising 5x a week. I was side lined two days this week but will be back on the fitness track tomorrow am.

2. Continue no TV before 5 pm. ( This has been one of my greatest achievements for living with purpose goals. Not having the glare on during day as background noise has increased focus and organization so much. I will be writing more on this soon.)

Goals for February 18th

Family/Motherhood goals:

1. Attend weekly play group. ( The holiday canceled music class this week.)

2. Concentrate on number games this week.

3. Do two creative indoor play activities.

Marriage goals:

1. Mail Quilt.

2. Read The Power of the Praying Wife

Household goals:

1. Finish baby’s room bow holder and name sign.

2. Finish one March present ( I have 8 individual items to complete for upcoming special days)

Self Improvement goals:

1. Attend FRG meeting.

2. Continue Proverbs study.

3. Try one new recipe.

Personnel goals:

1. Exercise 5x a week.

2. No TV weekdays.

3. Start fitness progress journal.

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Turn That Thing Off

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A challenge! This year I have set out to be more proactive in my role as wife/mother/homemaker and friend. Everyday I am attempting to work on something extra so that at the end of each week I have something great to show for the time that has passed.

Not many people may admit this and some may not even struggle with this but I will ashamedly admit that my home does. We are far too in tune with our electronic devices. The television is on as back ground noise for a  portion of everyday and I was beginning to know the schedule of even the most mundane of shows during my last pregnancy. Not to mention the smartphone that I use for everything from recipes to couponing to an oven timer and the endless messaging of other mentally unstimulated homemakers.

There is no end to the reasons of cause for this. Pregnancy, injury, winter weather, depression, a physically exhausting job the list goes on and on for why one might veg during their down hours. Myself in particular had been pushed to watch or leave on the TV for more hours than I would have liked by an exhausting pregnancy as well as a few other smaller factors. So this year when I was making my list of great goals to achieve in 2013 I realized something:

-Make all gifts by hand this year

-Begin early homeschooling of my toddler

-Plan more day time activities that stimulate learning and creativity

-Support my deployed spouse by keeping a productive home and happy loved children

-Get back into great prepregnancy shape

…hmmm watching the next big thing on television was not a priority. Then why had I made it a daily occurrence?

So I have implemented some rules since the start of the year.

1. No television before 5 pm with the exception of using the Wii fit for myself during nap times.

2. Limit night time viewing by always having a task to do during those hours. Usually I fold clothes or do strength training when watching.

3. Show the children who I want them to be through actions not words. It is all well to say I want them to be healthy and productive. It is another thing to help them learn how to be those things.

So off the television has gone and in that time we have had some great fun. Exploring other ways to stay busy with a toddler during winter time is a challenge but I remember so many more great days now that our focus is where we would like it to be.

Articles like this one  from kidshealth.org have pushed me further to get back to basics with my children.

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Pipe cleaner and colander activity found on Pinterest here!

So where is the challenge? I have enjoyed so much turning off the daily glow of television that I would like to challenge myself, and anyone else interested in joining along, in taking a no television approach to the week. Friday night, Saturday and Sunday will be the only days permitted with a use limit of two hours a day. I hope to change my family for the better and reinforce learning and creative play before any television viewing in our home.

If you haven’t been motivated by my testimony already here are 5 great reasons to step away from the noise box.

1. According to this article scientists found that sitting sedentary for 3 hours a day can cut 2 years off your life expectancy. Eep that alone gets me moving.

2. Television watching is said to lower IQ scores and impede memory.

3. Family albums do not usually have pictures of everyone sitting around watching tv. That is not the activity most want to remember so get out there and do something greater.

4. Obesity and television go hand in hand but so do mild pudginess and daily viewing. As I have gotten *cough* older I noticed I have to work harder to stay fit. Replacing watching hours with do something hours have made up quite a bit of that difference.

5. The more you watch the more you want to watch. Every time we sit for viewing hours we are shown commercials for other semi appealing shows.

Just turn it off.

I would love to hear of your own personal experiences with this challenge.

Growing in Faith

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“Bloom where you are planted”

One of the challenges I am finding daily is controlling the negative thoughts. Telling myself that these things I think sometimes are not helpful and pitiful. Exercising control over them. This is so much easier when everything is going my way. When all the colors of the rainbow are reflected in the prisms of the home and dance on the walls. When life is beautiful and our family whole.

Nights that sleep is hard to find are another story. I can’t believe I actually miss someone’s laundry, but I do.

Some days I think of the time left until homecoming and get down. And that is okay.

What to do with the days and hours between where I am and where I want to be? Reunited as a family, healthy and whole.

Pray. Lots and lots of prayer carries me through those nights of self-pity. The days I am carried by a devotion to live each day with purpose. Not letting them slip by without consideration for what I am trading for today.

It would be a shame to have someone I love so much sacrifice so many of his days with his family and not live them well. Honoring his service to our country by growing in faith and function are my choice. Even here alone on this hill with little rain and a hard wind this seed can poke through the soil as a new person. That new life found by the inspiration of watching him toil. Giving thanks for all that he is doing by simply “blooming”. Everyday pushing through the soil further.

So that when he returns he doesn’t find a wilted mess but something beautiful made better by our time apart. Not worse for the wear but more wonderful because of the experience.

Fellow military wives, or anyone facing heartache, breathe in and out and just grow where you are today. God knows it is probably not where you want to grow or where you flower best naturally but meet the challenge and show what strength lives in you. Trust that God has brought you here to show you how to get through. Maybe to show you to help other get through. When the days get too hard and you feel down shake off the dirt and just bloom.

Week Goals for February 4th

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So back on the wagon of living with purpose! Here is my list of goals to accomplish this week!

Family/Motherhood goals

1. Take kids to weekly music class
2. Story time playgroup
3. Take Valentine’s pictures of kids
4. Read Bible aloud daily

Marriage goals

1. Finish baby onsie blanket for hubby.
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2. Read The Power of the Praying Wife

Household goal

1. Establish a craft area
2. Continue working on quilt
3. Clean out closets

Self improvement goals

1. Begin exercise program
2. Read How to Potty Train a Toddler the Loving Way

Personal goals

1. Help another family
2. Reach out to another spouse
3. Reclaim our schedule after sickness brought chaos!

Full week in the One Loved home! What are your goals this week?

Here we are…

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A few short weeks from delivery of our second little one and my excitement is finally rising. I have been excited but there is something about having child number two that puts family in perspective. My family. No longer are we a small group floating along we will be an even number. As many dependents as adults will reside in this home. It is sobering.

I can’t recall how many days out of the week my twenty something self feels like an adult, a functioning adult, but today is one. I look around at the home I reside in and am overwhelmed with the journey here. So many memories floating back. And it is good. Life is good. God is good.

The early years

The once fun man cave has been turned into a nursery complete with diaper genie. That will send you a wake up alone. Only an adults house has a diaper genie. Only a responsible home keeper thinks of diaper disposal. Where have the days gone?

And with the passing of more time we are closer to separation once again. Duty calls. I am so grateful to have an uplifting partner that knows the power of his words. Everyday a new affirmation of our life together. A new piece of love to keep me plowing on, down this unknown road. He is beautiful in that way.

I see friends struggle with the coming time apart. Spouses that have given their fair share of strength to the role of military wife shaken at the promise of another time apart. I have no words for them only faith. Faith that is growing with every dark thought swept aside and every reassuring word. In all things He is there. In all things He remains faithful.

Our newest addition!

Weekly Roundout

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This week was very full. I bustled to many new baby appointments in this burgeoning heat and was so grateful for the creation of ice cream! I carried a fuller work load with the husband gone and was reminded what a blessing a good nap can be. After every tantrum or sore fit from teething there is a moment of pure baby cuddling bliss that is a reminder from God as to why all this is worth the struggle. Right now I laugh as I watch little one on the monitor sleep with feet out the crib rails cross ways. You would think it would be more comfortable to sleep the other way but then again it is a little present from God to see the daily humor of children. I am so grateful for the week that has passed and looking toward greater goals this week. One day at a time…

Goals for week beginning 7-9

Family Goals:

1. Take my sweets to a play group every week.  He did so much better this week at group play!

2.Read out loud to him for an hour a day. Lunch time is turning out to be the perfect story time. He chews intently while his eyes focus on the pages. He may be too young yet but I have an urge to buy his first chapter book. Maybe Charlotte’s Web…

Personal Goals:

3. Finish Life on Planet Mom. I have almost finished this review to follow shortly!

4. Work 30 minutes daily on quilt. My progress is coming along nicely and the pride wells at having almost completed something that was a real toil for me.

Pregnancy Goals:

5. Do Yoga 30 minutes daily. I feel more “alive” this pregnancy than the first. I was a bit of a bump on a log last time and exercising daily has truly helped my energy levels.

6. Start piecing together baby’s room. I didn’t get far on this. I feel lost moving things without the other half.

Marriage Goals:

7. Create separation and welcome home traditions. (We don’t have our own yet!)

Household Goals:

8. Continue to cut down on clutter!

9. Red Velvet Cake recipe perfection.

 

Week Goals for week 7/16

Family Goals:

1. Take little one to weekly play date.

2. Continue to read aloud an hour a day.

Personal Goals:

3. Work on quilt daily.

4. Finish Life on Planet Mom.

Pregnancy Goals:

5. Continue to work out 30 minutes a day.

6. Add nightly walks with the little one.

Marriage Goals:

7. Write him a love letter.

8. Mail off care package.

Household Goals:

9. Organize hall closets.

10. Find baskets for deep freezer.

 

What are your goals this week?

 

What My Toddler Taught Me of Patience

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In this fly by the seat of our pants society where everything was created for immediate use the virtue of patience is not easily found. It seems my toddler, the same who enjoys his Cheerios more when spread on the floor, has mastered the art of teaching. In his young *year* I have learned more about myself as a person than I could have without his guidance. Delayed gratification takes on a whole new meaning. Waiting for what I perceive to want is not the toil I once believed it to be.

1. Take it one step at a time. Literally. My son has mastered the art of climbing and as with any new-found skill you want to do it constantly. He takes to the stairs hourly with me following behind. He giggles and coos as he climbs each step stopping occasionally to inspect a hair or mislaid cheerio intently. He doesn’t rush to his destination, the top, but saviors the climb. He enjoys the journey. I find climbing stairs laborious but necessary. Through his eyes I stop to enjoy each step. If that is not an intense baby Yoda metaphor in the making I am not sure what is!

2. One truck is enough. We have all heard of hoarders. My toddler would be perfect hoarding therapy. I have watched him play with one truck or block for upwards of an hour. He studies it. Bangs it on every surface to hear each noise it produces. Chews on it endlessly. I could be taken an amazing lesson of minimalism from enjoying each item as I receive them, fully. The greater lesson that stands out to me is once again his patience. He does not delve into the box for more toys after eying one. He enjoys fully what he has in the moment.

3. Savor every bite. As with the stairs he has another newly learned skill.  His love of texture and taste are making for meal time fun. Well for him at least. I tap my foot at each poke at the eggs or manipulation of that grape. He truly enjoys what he is eating. Not as a rush to the next bite but as understanding this one. A healthy habit to enjoy indeed.

4. Count the days. He used to fit in this last week. I remember when he required a paci to sleep. I used to swaddle him it that. All phrases I utter repeatedly to remind myself  when patience slips. This too shall pass so savor the moments.

 

 

How to Have a Successful Yardsale

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So the husband and I will be having a Yardsale this weekend and I would love to share some of my tips for a great sale.

1. I learned from our last sale that you must start early!This is so important since “salers” are early risers. They try to get out early to find the best items before everyone else. If you want traffic I advise a 7 am or 8 am start time.

2. Be organized! No one wants to dig. I thought I’d I grouped the baby clothes all together someone would look through them for the size they wanted. Nope they glanced and moved on quickly if they didn’t see what they wanted. So I learned the hard way to group the clothes by size, style and item. I sold much more much faster.

3. Talk. How ackward is it to browse a selection with a seller leering at you. A friendly disposition pays off in the end. And you might find a way to offer them more. “You have a son? I have a ton of boys clothes here.” It helps, trust me!

4. Have change. People rarely carry cash nowadays so if they have anything it’s probably fresh out of the ATM. If you don’t have change you’ll probably lose their money all together.

5. This I can not stress enough,
advertise. Signs just don’t cut it anymore. Still use them in addition to more new age attempts. Many towns have a yard sale Facebook page or Craigslist devotion. Utilize these.

6. Remember to price reasonably. People expect to get a deal. You do not have to give things away but think what you would pay second hand for these items.

7. Set a sale for several days. If you can have a Saturday and Sunday or Friday and Saturday sale. You will get different traffic on each day.

8. Be negotiable. Haggling is fun. Try it!

Good luck with your sale. I’d love to hear some additional tips in the comments!

A Great Discovery

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So in the midst of my sleep deprived state I welcomed such great excitement into our home. We are projected to have a GIRL! I never envisioned myself a mother of a girl. Always one to veer closer to the male dominated activities and further from the female as I get older. I hope to teach our love for camping, the outdoors and pursing many a museums as we broaden our horizons together.

Life is an ever changing lesson. Just when you feel you have read all the pages there comes a pop quiz.

So now to set our sites on making this home baby girl friendly. We already live in a sea of jungle animals and building blocks. Girls like those things right?

Roast Chicken Repurposed Ten Ways

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Mmm…how I craved one tonight! I bought a small five pound bird for a small price and am already considering all the things I can make with the leftovers. As I stated in my guest post on moneysavingmom.com I love cooking chicken. It can be repurposed so many ways. Here are my top ten.
1. Sliced Chicken and gravy. This was one of my Mother’s third day leftover favorites. After serving the Chicken for two days she would often whip up her favorite gravy with flour, chicken stock and butter in a skillet on the stove. She would then simmer the meat for a few minutes to repurpose it into a whole new meal!
2. Chicken salad sandwich. There are a million go to varieties of this meal. My preferred having low fat mayo, diced red grapes and celery on a whole wheat roll.
3. Chicken soup. After picking all meat off the bone you can add noodles, a variety of vegetables and the chicken to stock you easily have a kitchen go to!
4. Chicken tacos. After having made these using a variety of spices I discovered my husbands favorite using McCormick’s spicy taco packets and very small pieces of diced chicken breasts.
5. Chicken fajitas. Again these can be made simply with a pre made spice packet in you grocery aisle and a few other ingredients.
6. Chicken and dumplings. Left over roast chicken is perfect for this recipe!
7. Chicken and enchiladas. Also a great use for leftovers for here.
8. Classic chicken sandwich. I love shaved chicken breast, mayo, tomato and lettuce on wheat bread. The real reason my “eating for two” self roasted a chicken tonight. Amazing!!
9. Chopped chicken salad. Veggies get a protein kick with this addition.
10. A chicken casserole. With the meat already made you can easily whip one up in less than 30 minutes in one pan. An ideal meal.

By buying a whole chicken instead of breasts you can save up to 50% off. With a little creativity and a few on hand ingredients you can serve the cooked meat many different ways before you family tires of frugality. What are your favorite ways to repurpose a chicken?