Why I'm a MOPS Mommy

Years ago, I gave birth to the wildest adventure I've ever known: my precious son. I have been perpetually tired since the day he was born. I laugh, I cry, I nap. Some of you know what I'm talking about. Just saying the word "boys" makes you tired. Now I'm not saying girls are easy, I'm just saying that boys are...wide open, loud, non-stop, 90mph whirlwinds of sticky, smelling, bug-collecting, stomping, free-for-all, stop every now and then to kiss you then drive you up the wall, buckets of joy.

He came early and had to be nursed or fed every 2-3 hrs. By the time I nursed, diapered, swaddled, pumped, cleaned everything, and set up for the next round it was time to do it all over again. Ya'll remember those first moths of sleep deprivation. I was tired all the time. Exhausted, really. Even though my doctor said it is harder for moms to bounce back when they are "older first timers" I was still beating myself up a little about it. I wanted so badly to enjoy every second. I figured, I'll rest later. Later came and he was crawling, then walking, then running! You get the picture.

Little-boy wrangling, family obligations, home keeping, Church obligations...the world kept spinning while I grew more and more tired. I felt old. I felt worn out. Did I say I felt, old? Old. Really, really old. I felt a little awkward at library day- the other moms were SO much younger than me. I didn't know it at the time but I had let myself get withdrawn and just a tad bit depressed.

Then it happened. One of the other moms at library day invited me to a Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) meeting. Yeah right... a room full of barbie dolls half my age with their perfect little outfits and their perfect little children with no stains or sticky stuff. I was not interested. No way. It seemed like just one more thing to make me feel pressured and inadequate. Since I told her I would think about it, I did. My son is virtually an only child (his teen-age half-siblings no longer live with us) and a homeschooler, I thought being around other kids his age would be good for him. I went for him.

The kids were downstairs and the moms were upstairs at a local church. I felt so insecure. They were all a good bit younger. The voices in my head were saying I wouldn't fit in but they were so sweet. Everyone was so friendly. Over the next few meetings, I realized they weren't perfect little moms. Nope, not at all.  They had in-a-hurry pony tails, tired eyes and yucky stains too. The screaming from the children's area assured me their kids weren't perfect little tikes either. They were...like me. They were a lot like me. That was two years ago.

Since then, I have developed friendships with some of the most beautiful, caring ladies on the planet. We have laughed, cried, played, and learned together. My son has playmates and playdates galore. This fall I will be assuming a small leadership position within the group. I am so excited to attend the international convention in August.

I am still tired. Are you kidding? The older he gets, the faster and stronger he gets! I am no longer isolated. I am not withdrawn. I know I'm not alone. As women, we are as diverse and unique as we can be. As moms, though, we share the same joys and struggles. We understand each other. We have a sisterhood that strengthens us.

MOPS, is an international organization dedicated to supporting, nurturing, educating, and empowering moms through community building. Their mission statement reads, "MOPS International exists to encourage, equip and develop every mother of preschoolers to realize her potential as a woman, mother and leader in the name of Jesus Christ."  There are local chapters virtually everywhere. Their web page has a group locator and super resources for every single kind of mom. Even the old and tired ones, like me.

I encourage  you to give it a try. You may be busy, you may be shy, but you just may change your life!  Are you a part of a MOPS group? Have you thought it wasn't for you? Why? Share your stories with me. Moms don't let other moms mother alone (yeah, I had to work in the slogan somehow).

Three in Thirty

October Goals

For my October goals, I have chosen:
1.  Read one inspirational book (Relationship with God)
2.  Establish a blog posting/ writing routine (Social Media)
3.  Decorate for Fall (Home/Organization)

I have already completed one goal!  What, you're not applauding? I've put out our fall decorations with the exception of the turkey things.  I'll put those out next month closer to Thanksgiving.  So far we have a few table decorations, window clings, a couple of mantle pieces, and I added a few pumpkins to the year round table center piece.

I don't really do a whole lot of seasonal decorating outside of Christmas.  I don't know why...maybe because my family never did.  We always had a Christmas tree, of course.  Now that I'm a mom, I'll have to do better!  I think my son and husband appreciate it- so that motivates me.  I enjoy making seasonal crafts with my DS4.  I'm sure we'll get more elaborate with the decorations as he gets older.

Silk Leaves

 

Pumpkinized Centerpiece

Living Room Mantle

Sun Porch Window Cling

It's fun getting back into the #3in30 habit!  How are you doing with your goals?  I love seeing everyone's progress.  It's encouraging to me that we all have so many similar goals.  Great minds think alike, right?  Keep up the good work, Ladies. #3in30 Blessings to you!

(You know, I really did want applause- just a little.)

Three in Thirty

September just flew by.  Did anyone else notice?  This month has been especially busy for us.  We've been getting back in the homeschooling groove and had a beach vacation.  Although my vacation has nothing to do with the challenge (or this post),  I know you are just screaming for beach photos. I wouldn't want to disappoint - here's a shot or two:

Blue Crab

Snack Time

I am proud to say that I accomplished two of my three goals.  Notice how I put a positive spin on that?  It's all about attitude, Baby. I created a home management journal.  I may do a post on it with links to the pages I used.  Want to see it?

Front Cover

Calendar Pages

Scripture Confession Pages

And I tackled the over flowing stack of magazines and catalogs.  Now it's down to three that we are actually using.  Here's a before and after:

Before

   

After

How did you do in September?  Are you thinking about your October goals?  I am!  One of my Home/Organization goals is to get out the fall decorations.  You know, sometime before the actual day of Thanksgiving!  Here's a sneak peek:

See you next time...

Want to know a secret?

I have a love/ hate relationship with social media.  I love blogging- sometimes.  I love reading and learning from other moms in the trenches.  I love Twitter, Instagram and Pixoshere. BUT... I'm unreliable, undependable, you just plain can't count on me for regular blog posting.  There, you have it: the cold, hard truth. I'm just a blogger wannabe.  For the rest of my dirty, little secret click here.  You'll be redirected to MommieKate - the fun & fellowship side where I'm currently crying out for time management tips (and a maid).

The Truth Hurts

I have a love/ hate relationship with social media.  I love blogging- sometimes.  I love reading and learning from other moms in the trenches.  I love Twitter, Instagram and Pixoshere. BUT... I'm unreliable, undependable, you just plain can't count on me for regular blog posting.  There, you have it: the cold, hard truth. I'm just a blogger wannabe. I've tried scheduling my time, joining blog hops, even group accountability. Now I know that you, all twenty-four of you WONDERFUL, FAITHFUL, BEAUTIFUL followers have been holding your breath just waiting for my next blog-hopping post. What? You haven't? Well then I know you're not too disappointed.  Whew. That's a relief! Thanks for loving and reading me anyway.

I have so many great ideas, so many posts in my head, so many photos to share...and no time. No motivation to wake up at 5am just to blog.  No push, no pressure, no DRIVE.  What I do have is a very flexible (yeah, that's what we'll call it: flexible) routine.  I have a huge house to clean, an active boy to wrangle and to educate, and a hungry husband to feed - just like most of you.  So how do the blogging divas do it? They have groceries, dishes and tantrums to deal with.  So what have they got that I don't have? OK, that IS a rhetorical question. Please don't even begin to answer that one!

I seriously love, and I mean LOVE writing.  So why is it so hard to do just one little post a week? I started blogging because I wanted to share the things that my Pastor's wife (and very dear friend) had taught me.  Little things that profoundly changed my thinking and my life.  Things about keeping it real with Jesus, how to manage my home for His glory, and how to practically keep a family fed and happy on a budget.  I started with a few posts on how I save money and Practical Faith For Everyday Life was born.  As my son grew older I started researching homeschooling blogs for pointers.  I fell totally in love with the homeschooling community online and I wanted to branch out. Then came MommieKate.

I wanted to join all those lovely blog hops I had found.  I wanted to BE one of those women.  You know her- she works out everyday, pays only six bucks plus coupons at the grocery store for $500 worth of food, has faithful morning & evening devotions, has her housework done by 9:00am, homeschooling done by noon, and loves arts & crafts time with her genius, never- naughty boy.
The woman who does all that AND has time to blog about it. (That's the part I really wanted).  I also have fantasies about photography, jewelry making, and mission trips but that's for another (probably unwritten forever) post.

Don't get me wrong, I have my Bible time. I can stretch a dollar a mile or two. My chores get done. The lessons get done. We get crafty every now and then. Don't ask about the workout.  Oh, alright: I'll confess. The PX90 is still in the closet - you guessed it: unopened. I get things done and I enjoy life. I just can't seem to get a handle on writing about all these adventures.

I have blogger envy.  That's my secret.  Now you know.

I would love to hear how you make it all work.  I'd really love you to send me a maid but while I'm waiting just clue me in with your time management tips.

Rolling Out!

Buckle up, Peeps, we are on the go!

I55 at St. Louis

Road trip! After months of searching we found THE camper that is just perfect for us.  We traveled 14 hours (one way) to pick it up.  Round trip we traveled over 1600 miles in just three days. Yes, it was exhausting but so worth the trip (I'll dish on the savings later)!

Are we there yet?

I have to brag just a bit- my DS3 was an absolute champ!  I wasn't very confident about his ability to endure such a long time in the truck without multiple melt-downs. Heck, I wasn't sure I could endure the trip without multiple melt-downs! He was great! We all had a super time watching the scenery, singing along to the cd player, and visiting with each other.  The promise of a nightly swim at the hotel was a great incentive for good behavior, by the way.

Why on earth would we voluntarily embark on such a journey? To save a boat load of bucks, that's why!  For us camping is a way that we can vacation without breaking the bank. We can do more, see more, go more often for a lot less money.  After a few attempts at tent camping, we decided that sleeping on the ground was not for us.  Face it, for me to consider it fun I have to sleep comfortably.  I want a cushy bed and air conditioning/heating at the end of the day. A microwave in case of a rained-out campfire helps too! 

We researched for months. We had to figure out what we wanted in a camper and balance that with what my husband's truck could haul and with what our budget could handle. When we decided on a few models we started scouting dealers and classifieds.  We purchased our camper at Cheyenne Camping Center.  Even with what we spent traveling to pick it up, we saved between $5-10,000.00 for what the same model was going for locally.  We purchased a brand new 2012 model for LESS than the price of many used ones we saw for sale.  

Was this my original plan for seeing the world?  No. Sometimes you have to have to adjust. Even when your dream seems impossible I have found that there is always a way, ALWAYS. You just have to be open to new/different paths to getting what you want. Sometimes it turns out even better!

Our adventures begin!

What Faith Can Do - Kutlass

Be encouraged!

Video Resources

I have (finally) boarded the YouTube train.  I know, I know... a little late.  Really, I thought it was all about bootleg music videos and weirdo exhibitionists. You know, the DARK side (play sinister music here). Yes, all that's out there and more- but now I have found it to be a wonderful resource for preschool videos, books, music, and mini-lessons.  The subscription button is now my friend (that's my tool for weeding out the yucky stuff).  I'm passing along some of my favorites.  Enjoy!

And one more just for fun!

Thankful Thursday

I am so thankful for spring time.  With everything in bloom and mild temperatures it is so much fun to be outdoors.  My son and I have been able to romp and play almost every afternoon.  We picnic and even do some of our homeschooling lessons on a blanket in the yard.

MommieKate@pixosphere

Spring is a time for renewal.  It gives me that clean slate- anything is possible feeling. The crisp air and sunshine make me smile on the inside.  I feel like a kid again- good thing I have a little kid to be silly with! If you haven't already, take the opportunity to go outside and PLAY. Enjoy nature.  Have fun. Be silly.

What are you thankful for? Link up at Spiritually Unequal Marriage and share!

Shine by Salvador (Just Because I Love It)

I just love this group and this song!  That's it...the whole post...just link & lyrics...nothing else. Enjoy! 


Click below to hear Shine by Salvador:





Lyrics, courtesy of Gospel Music Lyrics:

I woke up to another day

Another day to celebrate

Your beauty and your mystery

Is more than any eye can see

I'm not the man I was before

With you my life is so much more

Break the chains and open doors

To a world I can't ignore

Chorus:

Lord let me shine

Shine like the moon

A reflection of you

All that I do

Lord let me be

A light for your truth

Light of the world

I want to be used

To shine for you

As simple as a passing smile

Or listening a little while

To someone that's convinced that

They are in this all alone

Well, here's my chance to share the news

To introduce the good that's you

Here you go again,

You never cease to blow my mind

Chorus

You're the love that we all need

You lift us up to our feet,

Hold the key to eternity

The King of Kings alive in me

Three in Thirty

For week three encouragement, I offer two of my favorite Bible confessions:

I commit my ways unto the Lord; I trust in Him & He brings them to pass. (Ps 37:5)

In Christ I always triumph. (2 Cor 2:14)

I've completed the dreaded storage food container cabinet.  Yippee! Having checked that off my list I certainly feel triumphant! I hope you're progressing and having fun with your goals this month.  One more week- WE CAN DO IT !

Squeezing in Time for Self Care

It's official: my very first guest post. I feel so...famous! lol - I have the biggest geeky grin on my face! My husband will have to do the dishes tonight, you know, now that I'm (say it with me) famous. OK, maybe a little over the top.  I'm just so happy!

I am thrilled to announce that I am guest posting today at Living Self Care. This is a fabulous site dedicated to helping women take better care of themselves. To learn some of the ways that I squeeze in "me time" in my busy day click here.

I really would appreciate the visit and some blog hugging comments on my (squeal!) very first guest post.  See you there!

Sensory Bins Are Magic!

I've read a lot about sensory bins and how little ones learn so much through sensory exploration.  SO I made a sensory bin for my preschooler. He LOVES it!  I did it for the educational aspect.  If I had only known...it kept my 3yo occupied for an hour.  That's right, I said a whole HOUR.  It's the closet thing to real magic that I've ever heard of.

I filled a plastic bin with dry rice, plastic measuring cups, utensils, and some tiny wooden blocks.  I spent less than $5.00 at the dollar store on the contents and a vinyl tablecloth to contain any mess.  It was great watching him explore: sifting, pouring, and inspecting each item. We talked about how the rice felt, concepts like bigger & smaller, inside & outside, and full & empty.  It seems so simple but it's really a great learning opportunity.  It went over so well, I plan to do another and fill it with seasonal items.

Three in Thirty

OK, OK, OKAY...you win.  I've read your tweets, visited your blogs and now (gasp) I (who totally does not do New Year Resolutions) have joined in the #3in30.  I've been inspired! PLUS, the idea of taking baby steps helps...committing to one month at a time just seems so much more do-able for me.  Having a community to do it with is, well, just plain FUN. So- I'm all in.

This year I want to grow in my relationship with God, dedicate more time to social media fun, and finish some of the home chores that I've been avoiding. Now thanks to 3in30, I can do it one little 'ole month at a time.

My goals for this month:

1. Add a chapter of Proverbs every day to my Bible reading plan (to grow wiser)
2. Participate in at least one blog hop every month (to be more social)
3. Clean out the food storage container portion of my cabinets (to get kitchen organized)

So far, I have done well. I've read a Proverbs every morning.  I have participated in THREE link-ups.  I have not yet tackled the two cabinets.  I'm waiting for hubby's day off so he can have some time out of the house with our son.  I figure I'll get it done faster with no interruptions.

With 3in30, I can get it together AND meet new friends.  You gotta' love that!

Weight Loss Wednesday

I'm very excited about Weight Loss Wednesday!  Alana Morales at Domestically Challenged has started a new feature on her blog about weight loss.  She's offering encouragement, tips, interviews, accountability and the opportunity for others to join her in the fun.  While I can't promise a blog post on the subject every Wednesday, I can tweet- tweet- tweet about it. She and I have started a special Twitter hashtag ( #momfit ) .

My goal is to loose ten pounds (and wear my skinny jeans) by summer.  I'll be walking and using  Wii  & Xbox Kinect video fitness games.  Really, why should the kids get to have all the fun? I plan to limit dining out to one day a week.  I may throw in some weights too

If getting fit is one of your New Year's goals, I hope you'll join the fun. Go visit Alana for details how to join her Weight Loss Wednesday.  Don't forget to use #momfit if you want to tweet your fitness plans/ progress.

Just for Fun

I'm thinking about using my other blog, MommieKate for my FUN side.  I could do my blog hops there and post photographs-things, you know- a little less "practical."  There are so many of you that have social hops.  Having an additional blog dedicated to the more fun stuff will help me participate without compromising the ideal of this site.  I'll still be posting my tips and faith-related thoughts here. I hope you'll "follow" both spots. Thank you!  I truly appreciate your visit!


To read my latest posts on homeschooling,
click here for Report Card Time and 
click here for Sensory Bins are Magic.


For Fitness click here.  


For 3in30 click here.

Report Card Time!

Oh how I used to hold my breath at report card time.  Not that I had anything to worry about.  I was a solid A-B student, but there was this awful feeling. You know, I thought it would be good but you just never know.  Things happen.  Funny, the things I used to worry about.  Now that I am homeschooling my son, I wonder if we'll do report cards.  Right now, we are pre-schooling.  Report cards at this stage just seem unnecessary.  Then again I do have to monitor his progress- ah, who knows?  Right now, posting our work on the wall seems to be enough reward.

We are half-way through the school year.  During our holiday break, I've reflected on what has worked and what hasn't so far. Our Letter Of The Week Curriculum by Confessions of a Homeschooler has been terrific. Not that we get through all the activities, but it holds my son's interest and it's super easy to implement.  It's so rewarding to watch him learn.  Homeschooling has been great for our relationship too.  At the end of the day, I feel like I have spent directed, intentional time with him-  not just in the same house together time.  The flexibility of homeschooling has been great.  We've had an extended holiday due to some family emergencies that arose right before Christmas.  We've done some of the lessons in bed- how great is that?!

I need to get more disciplined about sticking to our daily routine. Some aspects of this year have been about "working out the kinks."  We belong to a Christian Homeschooling group and a MOPS group to squelch socialization concerns. All in all, I am so glad that I decided to pre-school at home.  I've learned so much and enjoyed visiting with the other HS Moms from the Hip Homeschool Hop. Cheers for a great semester: A+!

Super Quick and Easy Life Hacks for a Happy New Year

Many people this time of year reflect upon the past year and look ahead with new goals, resolutions, or at the very least: wishes for improvement.  I have a confession. I don't really make New Year resolutions.  Not that I'm perfect, I just get bogged down in the details...and the guilt when I don't fulfill them.  Why set my self up for failure? (All though I have heard that writing them down and breaking them up into attainable steps works. Hey, wait- I already do some of that with housekeeping.  Keep reading. You'll see.)  Sometimes I just take the easy way out.

Here are some of my "easy way out" strategies.  Some of them require just a tiny bit of effort on the front end.  Over time, they really save me BIG in time, effort, and money.  Some keep me healthy. Heck, some of them even make me look better!

1. Post a grocery list on the refrigerator.  Not on the counter.  Not in your head.  Put it ON the fridge. Whether you use a dry erase board, a pre-printed list, or a plain ol' piece of paper (that's what I do), you can quickly post grocery items as you run out.  Train the kiddos and hubby to do it too. This really does help eliminate forgotten items and trips back to the store. Now, if you really want to save yourself in the long run, take the time to organize your pantry.  Don't go all Martha Stewart, just put all the cans of tomato soup together. (No offense, Martha, its just that most of us don't have have a staff to help and tons of money to spend on closet hardware.)  Group like items together.  At one quick glance you can see what you have and what you need to add to the grocery list.
2. Speaking of your pantry, as you run out of items replace them with the healthier, less processed version when you're at the store. One by one you're feeding your family more nutritious meals. You're not throwing food out either-wasting money.  It's not so overwhelming this way.  Small steps can make good habits last longer.
3. Keep a small notepad in your purse.  I use the notepad on my iPhone.  Train yourself to jot everything down.  This way you can keep track of errands you need to run, gifts you need to purchase, items you need to add to the grocery list, etc.  Not everybody is a list maker, I know, but it does eliminate that feeling of, "I know there was one more thing but I just can't remember."  This way you can save room in your brain for the really important stuff!
4. If you have trouble finding time to spend with God, break it up into smaller, do-able chunks during the day.  See my post on How I Abide In Him for easy ideas.
5. Trying to get your house in order (especially after Christmas guests, and kids home on school holiday) can seem impossible.  Focus on smaller tasks.  Spend just 10-15 minutes once or twice a day on the trouble spots and you'll be organized in no time.  This is how I keep my housekeeping chores from getting away.
6. If you're having a hard time exercising, this one is for you!  At least three times a week, put on some great music, set the timer for 15 minutes, grab the kids and dance your buns off.  March, run, jump, dance- whatever- just go all out for 15 minutes.  Increase your time as your endurance builds.  What's better than having fun with the kids and getting a good cardio workout too?
7. Lay out your clothes (and the kids') the night before.  You'll be amazed at the time this saves in the morning. No more "what to wear?"  No more wasting precious time trying on things. No more fights with the kids.  I layout my clothes on Sunday night for the week ahead. No kidding, I do! Use an over-the-door hook or just put those outfits together in the first space of your closet rod.  
8. Even if you're a stay at home mom, you need to have at least one "go-to" outfit ready. It doesn't have to be fancy, just something that says "I'm fabulous." You'll feel fabulous too running errands in something other than sweats. Jeans and a trendy top (those tattoo t-shirts hide stains) paired with cute low-heels and big earrings are a must. Don't spend much. You can pull together a great, yet inexpensive outfit at most discount or dollar stores if you take the time to look. I'm serious about the big (preferably hoop) earrings.  My theory is that they draw attention away from the dark circles under my eyes. 
9. Keep those dry trouble spots smooth with a stick moisturizer. (I've been using one made by Palmer's but Santa left Heel-Tastic in my stocking. I like it too.)  You can find one in the health & beauty section EVERYWHERE.  Keep it by your bedside or by your toothbrush if you have trouble remembering (like me) to use it. I swipe my heels, knees and elbows in the morning and the evening.  It's a five second spa treatment with no greasy hands!
10. Just like the go-to outfit, I have a quick go-to makeup routine for the days I want to look put together but just don't have the time.  Tinted moisturizer + Lip Crayon + Mascara = Instant (but super quick) GLAM.  Use a mocha or mauve lip crayon in the crease of your eyelids and blend with your fingertips.  With the residue from your fingertips, swipe along your cheek bones. If you use a waterproof mascara, you can use the crayon underneath your lower lashes for a soft liner affect.  Of course, don't forget your lips! With only three products and your fingers you can be gorgeous in less than three minutes. Really- three minutes! 

These tips are so simple yet can revolutionize your day to day routine. I'd love to hear some of your short cuts and ideas!  Let me know if you try mine and how it goes. Why should getting organized, living healthy and looking great be expensive or hard?

iFellowship

  

Please be patient with me while I get the hang of this blog hop!
I hope you'll join me.  Click above.

What You May Not Know...One Lovely Blog Award

I would like to thank Tonya at http://www.redheadthoughts-tonya.blogspot.com/ for giving me the One Lovely Blog Award!  I feel so very special.  And happy.  And (shhhhh...whisper it) popular.  It's so encouraging to know that people actually look at my blog - and like it.  I'm thrilled!

The rules are as follows: You thank the person who nominated you, share eight things about yourself that others may not know, and pass the award on to another blogger whom you love.  
     
Did you know...?
1.  I could eat Mexican food for EVERY meal, EVERY day, FOREVER.  
2.  I also have red hair.  Auburn, really-with highlights to cover extremely premature gray. (OK, not THAT premature.)
3.  If you want to bribe me, I can be bought cheap with a Vanilla Dr. Pepper from Sonic (Happy Hour prices from 2pm-4pm if anyone is driving by and coming my way.  Just saying...)
4.  I'm a late bloomer.  Married at 35.  Miracle Son at 37.   Good things take time so don't be in such a rush.  
5.  Prior to this domestic bliss, I would have been the least likely person you would think would enjoy such a life.  Homemaking was the farthermost thing on my radar.  Who knew?
6.  Except for the indulgence of eating out (where nutrition rules are flung out the window once a week), we eat no refined sugar.  NONE.  NADA.  Not even corn syrup, dextrose, or anything that can not be easily spelled or pronounced.    
7.  I'm not a materialistic person.  Really, I'm not- but I am so totally into my iPhone.  How did I live without it?  There is an app for EVERYTHING.  It has my phone, my datebook, my music, my Bible, my recipes, my photos, AND I can surf the web.  How great is that?  My husband thinks I love it as much as I love him. I don't but almost.  OK, I do.  Not really, but sort of. 
8.  Speaking of iPhone: I am obsessed with Words With Friends.  


Now that you know ALL about me, go visit Suzie Q at http://imarriedamoronandsurvived.blogspot.com/.  I am passing this award to her.  She is AMAZING.  Her blog is sure to inform and inspire you.