Hi fall! Where did summer go?

Well Summer is winding down and I remember " I have a blog!".  My sis blames my absence in the blog world and pretty much all social interaction on my Hubby.  It is probably kind of true.  He is off in the summer and we pack it in!

- June we drove to Chicago ( I LOVE the portable dvd player) and spent about a week with my extended family- it was wonderful and really made us feel like we got a head start on summer.  Then Hubby had a few weeks of paid training so Mover and I just hung out...don't really remember what all we did..

- July we stayed home for the Fourth and watched them from the roof.  I Turned 30 (wow seemed big then but now it feels pretty normal).  Mover turned 2!  We made little dirt pudding cups- super cute.  Oh and ended with a weekend just me and Hubby in Denver- honestly it was so needed- we went to Waterworld and went down all the slides together and sat in the sun and read for hours.  Honestly I don't know about the Hubby, but I needed that day-- I missed my baby (he was with Grandma) but it just felt good to reconnect without distraction.

- August we  drove to Spokane to see the Hubby's fam and then we all went over to Seattle for a long weekend-  swam in the hotel pool, hung out with family, ate at Red Robin with a million screaming kids=), walked around the Pier and Pikes Market.  I love Seattle- to visit at least.  Then back to Spokane for some air conditioning at the Hubby's momma's house and just relaxing.  Came home and Hubby started school.

That takes us to today ohhh

and

WE ARE GONNA HAVE A BABY!!!!

Whooo hoo- We - well I figured it out about the second week of July so now I am about 16 weeks or 4 monthsish.  We waited to tell everyone till after the first trimester because of the miscarriage and really I was struggling with fear and trusting that God's plan is the best plan--not that God will make my plan "The Plan".  Basically trusting even when things have gone badly before is hard.  But it is better-- we had an ultrasound at 10 weeks with was AMAZING pretty sure it lifted 100lbs from my chest!  And since that I have heard the baby's heartbeat and felt a few kicks now and then.  And ya know don't fit in any of my pants=).

Well I don't want to overwhelm you with too much information at once so I will sign off...if anyone would like to donate a computer that doesn't break on a regular basis you may hear from me more=)- for now I am just using Hubby's from school and I need to upload summer pics.  Oh and I have to update you on my gardening adventures!  Next time then..

Sooner than later....

Mom Day

The best part of my Mom's Day was laying in bed between my boys- hubby- sleeping, baby- trying to..had a little tummy ache just rubbing my baby's back.  I love being a mom! 

Other highlights...

Hubby built me a big raised bed garden...I photo documented but I am waiting till there is a least some dirt in it to show it off=)- I am pretty impressed with our mad skills!

Went flower shopping with mom and sis- not kids--kind of nice.

Laid on a blanket in the sunny 75 degree weather and read- ahhh..

Hubby and Mover made me a card---ok Hubby made it and Mover scribbled on it--it made me cry.

Being a mom is a hard job--and even on Mother's Day we still are thinking about diapers, and naptimes, and food--etc-- so it really never ends, but it is nice to feel appreciated.  I am a big fan.

Happy Late Mother's Day- mom followers-- you all rock!

Thanks little Mover for adding Mom to my list of hats!!

My hubby has been gone a lot this quarter of school.  Nothing compared to many husbands out there.  Just more than I am used to.  He is in Yellowstone with his class Friday-Monday night.  So the Mover and I cleaned up the house, played in the tent, are washing diapers, and I have no idea what we will do next.  It is dang cold out and snow and windy so outside is a bit limited.
 
So I just finished reading a book about IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and I have decided to start an elimination diet that makes sense to me.  Just trying to get a better grip of what my triggers are so I can feel good continually.  So basically I do 2 week stints of eliminating food groups: diary, gluten, sugar, fructose, and last insoluble fibers.  These are the big ones that usually affect IBS people.  I am pretty sure some of these are not triggers, but I am going to try it and make sure.  The gluten one is gonna hurt BAD!  I love me some bagels and waffles and bread!  So today I am starting the no diary 2 weeks.  Then at the end you go crazy eating dairy and see how you feel.  This will be the easiest for me because I really only eat cheese and butter in the diary group.

I cut the end off the Mover's binkie today..I was nervous!  He was really funny with it..kept taking it out and slobbering all over.  Finally I asked him if it was broken.  He said yeah and through it away.  I think he has no idea it is gone...well nap time is soon.  It will be his first binkieless nap (crossing my fingers).

The Mover wants to be held like a baby all of the time lately.  It is funny--he just backs up to me saying, "baby, baby".  He does get a little heavy though=).  Ironic since he hated being cradle held as a baby!

It rained the other day and we went out in it....it doesn't rain too often in Wyoming--the Mover was confused but soaked, happy, and refused to come inside.

So yeah I kind of miss my hubby =( but it is ok.  He called and all is going well so that is good.

Oh I am also reading a book called "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan.  It is really good--very good=)

So I am on a little mission to get votes for a contest/job I would love to have.  The company is Hopscout and they sell one "classic" toys one a day, that are reviewed and approved and sold at a discount.  They are looking for 5 moms or dads to review products and write blog posts and such--$40 and hour plus  $200 a month toward your child's college fund and $200 stipend for groceries.  Sweet deal right??  Well I am sure it is a free advertising tool for them, it is still a sweet gig.  I am not feeling SUPER positive at this point, but if you have a chance before Friday at Midnight please vote for me on the Hopscout facebook page...and tell all you brothers,sister, moms, etc to vote too! =) thanks
 This is the link to my video I did to enter- top 20 people with the most votes at in the running for the 5 positions.
Hopscout

other than that-  I am just super ready for warm weather....I bought everything to try to fix the screen on my storm door (after watching a "How to" video on Lowes.com=)...but I can't get the screen out of the door...I don't know- the video just said take the screen out and they popped it out....mine is not working like that...hmmm..still problem solving that one.

So it is Holy Week.  I have been ready the Easter story to the Mover every morning we read a few pages in his kiddie bible (  I am not capitalizing because it isn't really The Bible it is a story booky version but I love it).  He doesn't really get it or care he just points to animals and such- but it has been good for me to really remember the sacrifices my Savior made for me. 

We are hosting Easter dinner this year.  I am excited- Hubby is making Ham and potatoes, I am making chocolate raspberry truffle, carrots, and punch.  My dad- salad and pineapple bake, and my homegirl Lynn is bringing dessert.  My mom is working at the hospital and my sis and her fam or headed to Nebraska to see my bro-in-law's family. 

That's all she wrote..I need to get some stuff done for my Hubby.

God Bless and happy Passover, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter-- aka- Holy Week.  So thankful that my God is so big he conquered death and made me clean.

I haven't been really feeling very great the last few weeks.  I sometimes feel like it is more emotionally and sometimes physically--just tired and sluggish and unmotivated.  Part of it is I haven't been very busy and I really function better under some pressure.  I also have an evil stomach (IBS)--I haven't talked about it much hear because really I just don't like dwelling on it more than I have to.  But amazingly I have been pretty good- I have been able to eat a lot of things that a few months ago would have had me doubled over in pain.  But I think maybe the flexibility I am allowing myself in diet is part of my sluggish feeling.  I mean, I will take sluggish ,I guess, over miserable, but it is getting old.  I am thinking about taking the plunge back to my old diet...maybe not as severe.

Basically I couldn't eat anything with sugar in it.  Fresh fruits and veggies- out, breads- out, caffeine, chocolate, ice cream, fruit juice, yogurt, all out.  It did help though- -I have done that on and off when my tummy flares up and it helps settle it down.  I still can't handle caffeine or juice-- especially acidic juices.  I have found I can handle small amounts of sugar from fruit if it is not on an empty stomach...I know it is a mess.  My poor hubby can never keep up with all of these things.  So I am going to cut out all refined sugars- still trying to keep the fruits and veggies- and keep the whole grain bread- that does have a little sugar but no high fructose--it has never given me issues.  I am hoping that and getting exercising will help.

I also just need to admit that I need more social interaction than I get in a day, and it wears on me.  Most of my stay at home mom friends are either content to stay at home a lot, or are really involved in "kid activities".   I just want to hang out and let the kids play, but I feel like I am always the initiator and that gets old.  What is weird is I was chatting with a friend who told me that she things everyone feels that way....hmmm...maybe?

So..yeah...I have been really disjointed in my posts lately- thank you all for reading!


Question--what keeps you motivated and energetic???

A day in my brain....

My baby was so tired today- he has been waking up early and almost fell asleep at 11am sitting at the kitchen table, helping me make some pumpkin bread.

Have you heard the song Breakeven by The Script?  It is super catchy I think.

I am working on a material list for my garden (first ever!)  I am gonna need to find some free dirt though...haven't figured that into the budget.  I was looking into doing a compost pile but I think that will wait for now.  I am super excited to do this little project!

Funny story- my friend Chris gave my hubby and I, a Crate and Barrel gift card for our wedding..yes over 5 years ago=)-- I really thought it had $25 on it and I have looked online. but never really found anything I needed and forgot about it.  A few weeks ago my Hubby found it and took it with him to San Fransisco and saw a Crate and Barrel and they scanned it (guess we could have done that online just never thought about it) and it had $60 on it!  Funny huh?  So I bought myself a fancy Cuisinart waffle maker- since I have been using my mom's and she wanted it back.  I haven't gotten it yet but I am super excited and glad I forgot about that card!  It cost me $1.99- whoohooo=)!  Thanks Chris!

My son is the cutest kid ever.

I made this orange cleaner- basically orange peels and vinegar then dilute it in half.  It smells kind of funny.  I can't really decide what I think...

I think we are having Salmon and salad for dinner tonight...I haven't been feeling my meal plan this month...I am still using it, I just never want what I am supposed to make on the day.  Next month my Hubby and I are doing it together.  It will be good I hope..a little worried he will want to spend more--more fancy stuff but then I guess we will see!

I Like

1.  This bag on Piperlime under "Girl on a Budget"- super cute huh?

http://piperlime.gap.com/Asset_Archive/PLWeb/Assets/Product/847/847254/category/pl847254-00viv01.jpg

Tried to paste a picture but it was not wanting to go-- seriously though I think I need it=).

2. www.lynnskitchenadventures.com   I haven't made any recipes yet but I like looking at them.  She also has gluten free which is nice-- we are not gluten free, but I have a few good friends who are so it would be nice to have good recipes ready.


3.  www.organizedhome.com  great ideas that are doable-  I am using this and the Money Saving Mom's printables to start my home management notebook tomorrow.  I am excited I need to get everything in one place--I am naturally scattered.  And I love templates- they are my friend.

4.    This is actually a lot rolled into one- I like the Mover, and summer, and playing outside at my parents with the Mover and his cousins (which we were doing in this picture last summer--wow time flies!)  I also kind of like his hair here..I miss it longer...

5.  Days off- as in tomorrow when my hubby is taking the Mover all day so I can just have ME time!!  I am getting a massage and going to a baby shower and to lunch and hoping to get some home management notebook going and scan old pictures into my computer that never happens.
  Oh and I like my hubby who is taking over for the day!!

Confessions

I don't really feel the need to appease people often by pretending I am something I am not.

1.  I don't eat all organic food.

2.  I don''t eat all wheat flour.- or I do eat wheat.. whichever concerns you.

3.  I eat sugar (as much as my ridiculous body allows- not much) and I let my son have sugar.

4.  I buy Walmart brand (just not those few things that are yucky like biscuits and cereal)

5.  I let me son watch TV- Blue's Clues hear we come!!

6.  I don't always understand being a mom or wife.

7.  I don't always trust God.

8.  I listen to non Christian music on Pandora (lately Wilco and The Fray)

9.  I want more of God.

10.  I want to be honest.

I feel like I am finally to a place that I am pretty secure in myself as a house manager..I usually think I am good as a mom, but then a new phase hits --God keeping me humble!  Not that I am perfect, but that I am not going to be easily swayed by other's notions about how it should be.  I may change my views on things through time- actually I am sure I will, but I am OK today just striving to honor God and raise a man with a godly heart and love my husband well.  Basically the grace of God is a beautiful thing.

Off the subject my computer is temporarily working...it is a TOTAL mystery!  So a few old pictures for you.  Happy Tuesday.  I am tired- Goodnight.

This was for Christmas Eve service...OK I know it is April!  Sorry!  But so cute huh??

Christmas Morning Little Mover and the Hubby with his new tent! 

Thick and thin I love these boys!

" Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in love." Romans 12:12

I appreciate you all!

Snow and other stuff

Big white snowflakes falling today..yes it is April in Wyoming...which pretty much means bipolar weather patterns!  Yesterday I wore flip flops for the first time since ..oh summer and cleaned out my window wells and cleaned up the flower beds a little.  Today yeah...not so much! 

So I have started to "feel" a little freedom in my grocery budget from my few things I am making at home these days.  Loving the $15 or so increase a month from not buying paper towels.  Figure I am saving about $10-15 a month on laundry detergent.  Also made a batch of cream of anything soup- just a simple powdered mix that makes 6 cans worth for maybe $2.  Got that one from www.hillbillyhousewife.com .  That is really all but I can tell I feel let stressed about the food.  It is nice.  Makes me want to figure more easy ways to be able to spend more on what we want and less of the budget on what I used to think of as needs.

I have been really annoyed with my cloth diapers lately.  They are stinking really bad when they are dirty.  Ok maybe that sounds dumb but if you are a cloth diaperer you know what I mean--really ammoniaish ans way more than it should be.  I have stripped them with Dawn and bleach like BumGenius says to and about 3 days later--stinky again.  They are still absorbing so who knows!!

My little Mover goes in Tuesday for shots and all that..icky.
Speaking of the Little Mover- he is really testing lots of boundries right now.  Ok pretty much every boundry we have establish this far in his short little life he is being testing.  Hitting, not laying down for bed, not coming when I call him, yeah-  it has made for a trying week or so.   God grant me patience and consistency!

I passed my Eleutian Technology (teaching English to Korean students online) test and mock lesson.  Didn't go as well as I would have liked, but I passed so now I just need to get some paperwork in and start looking for positions. 

I need to go be consistent with my little man right now. :)

Making Money...hopefully

Back to the workforce for me!  Part time at least...I kind of forgot how intimidating being evaluated could be!=)
Tonight I had my first training for Eleutian Technology.  It is a Wyoming company that teaching English in Asian countries via Skype or other similar tools.  I left my Mover for 7 hours today and 7 again tomorrow- ugh- but the huge benefit of doing this is that you are teaching during the day on their side of the world and night time for us.  So pretty much I wouldn't miss anything really except the Mover sleeping (and my hubs sleeping too:).  I am only going to do it a few days a week because I do still have to get up with my little guy at 6ish everyday so I don't want it to drive me to a sleep deprived insanity.  But so far so good-  I am a little intimidated but I think I can learn the systems and hopefully learn to talk slower=)! 

What else??
Oh I found pictures of the Mover from Christmas SO CUTE!  Then my computer freaked (again- Nate if you are reading this HELP ME) and will not turn on!  I haven't had time to figure it out the last few days, but I have to admit I am losing sleep thinking about the dumb computer!  I know I know-- my hubby tells me that is a silly reason to lose sleep too, but oh well it doesn't stop me really!

I also loose sleep because my Mover has these little red bumps on his foot and I start thinking about it in the middle of the night with a tired, irrational brain- ugh- wish I was better at shutting it down.  Anyways he has a Dr. appt. the 5th of April so I am not going to worry.

Second day of training tomorrow at 9 and my momma is watching the Little Mover.  I miss him but honestly he does not miss me!  He has so much fun with his cousins or grandma!

Confession-  I have been living in wind pants lately.  Today I wore jeans and felt so restricted!  Who ever decided that looking "nice" or "professional" or whatever had to be uncomfortable?  I am back in my wind pants for the night but I guess I have to face the reality that no one wants to see me in wind pants and yoga pants everyday=)!!

Prayers

Last night I heard sad news.  A little boy about my baby's age passed away a few days ago.  He had a seizure during nap time.  It was unexpected.  Completely.  I just met this little boy and his loving parents last week.  It is shocking and heartbreaking.  There is nothing you can say or do besides pray.   I cannot imagine that kind of pain.  I cry just trying to.  I am not one to quickly question God but, this is one of those moments for me.  I struggle to understand why God would allow this precious sweet boy- with loving, caring parents to leave this world so early.  Too early.  I guarantee he meant the world to his mom and dad, just as my Mover means the world to me.  I say all this to ask you to pray for this family as well, since it is all I can think to do at this point.

Oh and hug your babies- whether they are old or young- many or just one.  My baby slept with us last night.  I didn't sleep real well getting kicked all night, but I didn't want him out of sight- ya know?

Makes me realize that my little complains are just that "little".  I didn't lose my home or family in a tsunami or have devastating, unexpected loss. 

Thank you Father for our many blessing and be with those who are struggling, lonely, or broken today. 

Thank you for your prayers.



 

waffles and Moab and laundry...

It has been a good and busy week.  My Hubby had Spring Break this last week and went to Moab biking and camping with his good buddy Wade from Montana.  They had a great time and I got a little done here and spent some time with my teacher friends and their kiddos that I rarely get to hang with.  Also just had a lot of time just me and God.  Just really good.  Still kind of formulating about those things.  So on a lighter note....

I am super excited - I have a full fridge and pantry half way through the month- even produce!  And I still have a little money in envelopes!   I was really feeling negative about my budget this month.  It has just been kind of screwy with Hubby's trip and car and truck repairs and yeah- ya know when it rains it pours=)!  So it was good to know one of my envelopes was weathering the storm!

I am partway through my paint and organize my "office/toy room/Grace's closet room" and it is coming together!  Feeling good about it so far.  It is bright..really bright but I think I like it!

I (with the help of my little sis- holla!) made 4 gallon size bags of waffles to freeze today.  That felt good.  The big revelation to me is that I can use my freezer!  I know I know- duh right?  But  there are only 3 of us.  I always have leftovers.  And I often throw them away a week (or so) later.  Why don't I freeze them?  So the last 2 weeks I have been freezing leftovers here and there and now I have 3 meals for this week pretty much ready minus some rice or noodles.  And let me tell you that rocks!  One less meal to cook never hurt my feelings or my budget!  I do find sometimes if I made something and it wasn't a favorite it is hard to get it back out for another meal but that doesn't happen too often.

Well I can't type in the dark..no skills really and my hubby is ready to turn off the light so night all!



I also started using my laundry detergent I made.  It is a powder recipe.  The liquid are a little more frugal but a lot more work than I wanted to deal with Recipe . I used the powder for a top loader.   I was nervous but it worked well--did about a million loads today- yeah know the whole campfire smell thing!  I love it though- literally took 5 minutes to make- super easy.

Distraction

I am using you all as a distraction.  Thank you.  My son has been gradually reverting to infant sleeping patterns and not wanting to fall asleep at bedtime (unless we are cuddling in our bed) and then waking up at 2 or 3am wanting in our bed again and screams and screams.  The biggest problem is that I admit my Hubby and I are suckers.  We love our little Mover and love cuddling with him.  But I don't want to go to bed at 7:30pm and the Mover really needs to.  And I miss having a little "no kid" time at the end of the day.  So tonight I laid him down (kicking and screaming mind you) at 7:35pm after 25 mins of book reading and solid winding down activities.  Well it is 8:15pm and I haven't heard him in the last 2 mins.  Good sign.  Not getting my hopes up yet but- good sign=).

This week is spring break for the schools here.  Ummm it is 30 degrees and my backyard has A LOT of snow.  Just in case you are wondering...not exactly planting time around these parts.  Sometimes when my Hubs and I are talking about our future moving situation or possibilities I realize that milder winters are rising on my list of things I would like in a new home.  That and bigger closets...and rain so I don't have to spend 100s every summer keeping my grass green.=)

I am working on some Spring projects- slowly but surely- but I am waiting till I am done to show you all.  That is what I should be doing but this project is my office/ clothes/toy room and it is right next to my Mover's room.  I am not taking any chances tonight!  I am trying to figure out how to incorporate the fruits of the Spirit into wall art..hmmm let me know if you have ideas.

Have any of you read the "Mar Needs Moms" book that they are making into a movie?  A friend gave me that book for the Mover and I LOVE it- it is one of my favorite picture books ever.  Kind of curious how it will work as a move.  

Sorry no pictures---honestly I would need a whole post just to explain my camera issues lately!  =)  Happy Wednesday!

God Bless

Sunday Confessions

1.  I don't feel like my bedroom is really clean unless there is an afghan folded at the end of the bed.  I think that might be kind of old ladyish.

2.  I am a picky eater and I realize it has nothing to do with taste and everything to do with texture..I don't want a crunchy thing in my soup or whatever.

3.  I realize my week is better when my Pandora Chris Tomlin worship station is on often.

4.  I am emotional this weekend--nothing beyond just being a girl but it is annoying.

5.  I haven't showered today.

6.  I just made my hubby's lunches for the week.  When I decided to stay home we decide I would do that for him.  I haven't in well...awhile.

7.  My son is the cutest kid ever.

8.  I have like 5 crafty ideas hanging out in my brain- I don't thing I have ever completed a craft in my life.

9.  I read a Ted Dekker book the other day- the whole book--400 pages or so...that is why I don't read except on vacation.  I can't stop---it is like a dormant addiction from my childhood that I suppress so I can accomplish things.

10.  I love the world of blogging and bloggers-  It is so helpful and great to know other people are where you are.  It is a great encouragement and has taught me a lot about a lot of stuff.

Happy Sunday!
God Bless!
Galatians 5:22-26

Monthly Plan and Shopping- Month 2

Well stocked fridge, freezer, and pantry...feels good.  Not done, still need to do Sam's Club and Safeway for some produce and couscous.  I went at 9pm last night.  I was tired but it was nice to have the place to myself pretty much and no Mover trying to climb out of the cart every 5 minutes!=) Spent $150 at Walmart..I thought that was a little high but I did get enough bread and eggs for the month. The checker was impressed though=)!




I meal planned more thoroughly this month using a template I got from the Money Saving Mom 4 week meal planner vertical.  It doesn't have a lot of space to write but has breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack for everyday.  I usually put the ingredient that I will need in my meal plan, but couldn't with this.  It definitely made me realize that it really is ok to buy 4 loaves of bread and 3 dozen eggs because we really will use them.  Also helped me to get a realistic picture of how much of each fruit and veggie I would need.  I am also trying a few simple meals I found on www.myfrugalfunlife.com.  I was referred to this blog by the lovely Amy Horst (responsible for breaking my paper towel addiction- go Amy!).  I like this "frugal fun life" lady- she is a real mom.  I think we would be friends.  She makes snacks and freezes them...hmmm I need to do this so my Hubby doesn't go to DQ every time he needs a little sweetness.  She also makes her own waffles and freezes them..I totally need that -we burn through waffles like nobodies business.

Well little man is napping and I have a Stella and Dot Trunk Show at 3:30pm so I better bust a move!

HAPPY FRIDAY FRIENDS!!
You all learn anything new and exciting from the blog world lately? I would love to hear about it!

I spend money--it is ok

Today my mom said, " So you are trying to do all this stuff to save money so why did your family take your sister out for a nice dinner at Outback last night?"  Made me realize that if she doesn't get my money philosophy maybe I need to clarify.

I don't save money just to save it.  I save it to spend on things that enrich life.  Yes sometime those are "important" things like putting money in our Roth IRA, but sometimes it is things that allow us to live.  I don't want to live to work, but work to live.  If we are working so hard we want to be able to enjoy our personal splurges.For use those splurges are usually travel related, eating a nice meal out, or activity related.  These are the things that make us feel more free.  We don't want money to rule every part of our lives.  Sometimes it feels like it does, but we try not to let it.  Also my Hubby figured out that we could add $20 a month to the food budget but I realized again I don't want our extra money to just give us more food budget or gas budget- though at times we may have to do that-  I want it it be money we can go to Mexico with, or make a worthly investment, or buy a pair of jeans with!  I look forward to being able to bless others without worrying if we can afford it.  I don't want to spend more on food- I want to make my $350 work more efficiently.
So that is that- my philosophy on money=).

Side note:  I bought 10 boxes of cereal on sale at Smiths (Kroger affiliate) - spent 18.00 and saved 23.00-- I love that they tell you how much you saved!  Also bought a two drawer file cabinet for $10 off of the school district classifieds.  I have been looking and waiting and bam! found one A LOT cheaper than in the stores new.  I do need to buy the little bar thingies to go it it but that is ok=).  So yes this fine Thursday (new Bones tonight!) is just a good day- working in my favor.  Now my son just needs to fall asleep for nappy poo.

I thought he could handle it...

So my son LOVES-- I tell you LOVES yogurt!  So gave him some for lunch- well with lunch the other day.  Didn't even put a bib on--he is so good at eating by himself.  I'm just in the kitchen doing whatever moms are always doing in the kitchen, and turn around to this...

 Doesn't look too bad on first glance..just dipping the ol' binky in the yogurt.  Then I noticed this...

Wow....I don't even know how he got so much in his hair so fast.  That boy has some skillz!!  Oh and this was about an hour after a bath!  Had to laugh!  That stinker:)!

Happy Sunday all and God Bless

Budgeting month in review

So I was gonna give you all some updates that I have wanted to do for a while but...my camera is MIA again (maybe hubby took it to school), and Hubby's camera is minus 2 rechargeable batteries?? Hmmm..not so sure about any of that but I guess it will have to wait.

So I almost made it my first month with ad matching and the whole "try to buy a lot of the big stuff at the beginning of the month".  It has worked pretty well.  We still have 6 days till pay day and I will most likely need milk- no I will definitely need milk but other than that I am close to on budget. (To be honest I was supposed to put $50 gas in the truck but I only put $25 then bought some groceries with it a few days ago).  Anyways envelopes are pretty empty but we haven't used the card and we haven't pulled from savings!  Whoo hoo.  We are feeling a little ghetto but I don't mind really.  It just feels good to assess the month and feel good.  My hubby always has trouble with his spending money for the month running out fast (burns a hole in your pocket ya know?) so this month I split it in half and hid the second half.  I did this with our gas month too (helps us not to "borrow" gas money for other things).  It worked awesome!  Even my hubby felt really good about it.  I think we all look forward to some breathing room but for now I feel like that really helped us.

I am also starting to go through  "31 days to a Better Grocery Budget" on www.moneysavingmom.com  I haven't gotten far yet but I think she may have some good ideas.  Check it out if you are interested.  I have just found it really difficult to make tasty, fresh foods and still have money for staples and a little snacks on our budget ($350 a month).  Hoping Money Saving Mom will help!

Lastly, and totally off the subject.  I took the Mover swimming today at the indoor aquatic center.  My 1 1/2 year old got in trouble!  From a life guard!  They have a little kiddie slide...he was going down head first. Oops!  I was guiding him down but he kept lunging head first before I could catch him and get his feet out in front.  So I guess mom got in trouble too!  But he LOVED it and was having a blast!  Another little boy a few month older was afraid to even walk up the 4 stairs to the little slide.   I think my son is the smartest, bravest, most adventurous little man around....but I am his mom and all.

Mommy Mayhem

Moms feel this innate need to be better than each other.  Sometimes I feel it is one of the easiest and biggest thing that mom’s let creep into their lives.  Doesn’t take long, I tell you.  I saw it before I was a mom and it annoyed the crap out of me and made me never want kids.  

Then I went and met my match and loved him more than anything on earth and wanted to make babies!  So we had our little Mover and I entered into the “mommy mayhem” as I like to call it.  It is one thing seeing this from the outside- on the inside it is so totally out of control!  And I am not above it!! You would think for all my awareness beforehand I wouldn’t allow it to set in!  But nope I did- and still do.

I am learning that it is really just a need to prove to ourselves that we are “good enough”.  

Examples:

“Oh I use cloth diapers- they are so much better for my baby”

“Oh you let him do that?”

“I only let my kids eat organic.”

“I got up at 5am and made my husband breakfast then when grocery shopping with all my kids before 9am- just saying”

Ok all of these are fine statements in themselves, but it is the heart that is very apparent in the way it is said.  It drives me insane- yet I know I do it and have done it!

Why do we constantly feel like we have to measure up as Moms?  I feel like God is continually reminding me that the cross is still enough- even for MOMS!  Sometimes I feel like my security in Christ really dissipated when I had my son, I have been trying to rebuild it since- trying hard not to let me desire for the approval of others, overrule my desire for my Heavenly Father’s approval.

Hey mommas out there- please don’t be offended- take courage- we have a God that is so much bigger than our successes or our failures.  Be encouraged!  You are kicking butt!  Don’t take the judgments of others and don’t give out your own.  We are a fragile crew sometimes- let’s support one another and be transparent- loving, helping (in love), and accepting help from one another.

" Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you  may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." Hebrews 3:13

price matching update

Just realized, I never let you all know how the whole price matching and meal plan for the month went.  Well I think it went fabulous!  It took a while and I am SO THANKFUL I didn't have the Mover with me,  but it was good!  I am not going to give you a major rundown of everything I bought but my cart was full- hard to push kind of full.  And I spend $135!  That is not bad!  So when I went back and tried to figure out how much I saved it was about 25-30 dollars.  Which I am super happy with that.  Also I learned that every Wal-Mart is different and ours is really laid back.  She didn't even ask to check the ads or anything.  She just was helpful and patient. 

Here is what I learned:

1.  Take the time to circle everything in the ads that you may buy if it is cheaper than that Wal-Mart.

2. On the grocery list - next to the price matched item, some how mark it and but the name of the store you are price matching with (that was the most consuming time wise because I did not do this).

3.  Try to go at a less busy time of day if possible.  I had no one behind me and it really help my nervousness.

4.  It feels super good to leave the grocery store happy! 

Now as long as I stick to the meal plan this should last us a few weeks, minus milk and those staple things and a few little things here and there.  Whhooo hoo!


If you try it in your area, let me know it goes.  I am sure you big town peeps out there can save even more!

On a deeper note

I tend to believe that God will use whatever we have in our lives, to speak into our lives.  Sometimes we give him more opportunities than others.  The last few weeks I am out of control- I  listen to Caedmon's Call everyday, so God is just using it to remind me who I am in Him. 
I could pick a lot of their songs that hit home for me but this one seemed right today. One of my favs anyway, but lately I just really feel like it is a prayer.

"So keep on coming with these lines on the road,
Keep me responsible be it a light or heavy load
Keep me guessin' at these blessings in disguise
Cause I walk with grace my feet and faith my eyes."

And also the line-
"But I get turned around
I mistake my happiness for blessing
I'm blessed as the poor
But still I just success by how I'm dressing"


I could interpret and analyze cause that's how I role, but I will let you listen a few times and do that yourself- for yourself.

Eph. 2:4-9 ish
"Because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ even when  we were dead in transgressions- it is by grace you have been saved....For it is by grace you have been saved through faith- and this not of yourselves but the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast."

So glad my defining of "success" is not my Father's.  I am better than "good enough",  I shouldn't worry about what others think, or if I think I am "enough".  Christ is my security.  For some reason I find this a difficult truth to hold onto.

Outside

We played outside the other day.  It was warm-- well about 35 degrees=).  The Mover ran around and played in the little snow drifts.

 Investigating every detail.  He tried to tip the wheel barrel over...lots of frustration but kind of funny.

Ended with a nice sippy cup of hot chocolate.  It was good to get outside.

Speaking of outside it is 1 am and I am awake because it is SO windy outside!  If you haven't been to Wyoming -you haven't seen wind-  I am thinking I need hurricane shutters!  Weather.com says 35 mph but it is sounding more like 45 mph at my house!
I was going through summer and fall pictures on my camera cause if you remember my camera was lost since deer hunting.  Tonight I finally downloaded and looked at them.  Wow my baby is growing fast!  I will share some soon. 

Also took a little nap this afternoon with my son, and had the weirdest dream.  I was laying on the couch and in my dream someone had left the front door open and the mover was heading outside.  I knew all of this was happening but I couldn't get off the couch I was just too tired.  I kept falling back asleep and waking up panicking that he was outside.  The weird part is I wasn't really waking up at all, it was all part of my crazy dream.  When I actually woke up- well I didn't feel rested that is for sure.  Anyone else ever have a dream like that?

Just a little bit of the Mover's skillz!  He can turn the iHome off and on- technology is already setting in- and LOVES to dance!

Hope you are all tucked into bed sleeping soundly!

This last week I didn't meal plan- because, well, by nature I am not a planner.  So I just didn't!  It wasn't pretty I tell ya!  I spent my grocery money and still didn't have what I needed and couldn't figure it out.  Super frustrating- got my week all out of wack!  Also this week I really realized something I already kind of knew.
I grocery shop for most things at Wal-Mart- don't judge me. And lately they have raised the price of milk and I have been bitter.  Through this I realized that they price match with any local stores that has things cheaper.  So our Smith's (Kroger) has had milk for $2 instead of $2.50 (Wal-Mart).  At the register I just tell them that and they give me the new price!  I save a dollar (two gallons)!  Then I found this blog...opened my eyes... www.iheartthemart.com this dad explained the extent of price matching at Walmart and how much you can save.  Now they only take local sales so mine aren't as many as his, because I don't have as many competitors in town but still it got me formulating.....
So today I sat down and made a meal plan for the whole next month (23rd to 23rd- payday aka payday) Then I listed all the items that I would need weekly so I can buy bulk- if cheaper, or look for sales on those items.

So I have gotten this far but am a little nervous about spending so much of my monthly budget up front  but it makes more sense...also a little nervous about going in and price matching a bunch of stuff and them looking at me like I am crazy.  So I am prepared- I have my Wal-Mart price matching policy and am ready for the ads to come out tomorrow.  Also I am getting mixed answers about if I can price match and have a manufacture coupon for the same product??  I also don't want to get so couponing happy I am buying things I wouldn't even normally buy, just because I am getting a $1.00 off- ya know?  I couldn't sleep last night because I was consumed with these thoughts.

I will let know know how it all goes next week!  I am excited..and nervous..it is good though...I like saving money=).

Happy MLK Day- my Hubs is home and hanging with the Mover- he loves his daddy and I love them both!

Fighting My Paper Towel Addiction

A few months ago I went to Nebraska and visited my wonderful friends- The Horst-(www.brandonandamyhorst.com) I love them but that is another story-  Amy Horst (wifey and mom of 2  boys) is all greeny and good.  Ya know compost pile and all?  Well one of those green things she is doing is - eliminating paper towels in her house.  I almost hyperventilated at the idea of days in a house with my son without paper towels!  And to be fair they do keep paper napkins around for guests like me.  But I decided to be brave and try it.  Well I survived a few days without them and my son wasn't dirty all the time- huh crazy!
Every time I go to the store I about get nauseous having to spend so much of my precious food budget on dang paper towels- we have a real love- hate relationship!  So I did it!  Took the plunge!  After reading lots of opinions about what is best to use instead of paper towels, I decide on bar mops ( got a few packs from Target) and wash cloths, for the little messy faces and such- they were on sale at Target for..like $1.50 per pack of 6.  Then I bought 2 microfiber towels for windows and such.  Total I spent $14.  I haven't gone cold turkey but I am definitely cutting down.  I think I just threw the tube from the roll I put on there 2 weeks ago.  That may not sound great, but I was burning through paper towels like there was no tomorrow.  And when they run out I am not buying more.  The only thing I really like them for still are the "hey I think I want to dump my bowl of soup on the floor Mom" moments!
I would love to tell you that I am just really earth-friendly but it is probably more true that I am cheap=).  Oh and I got 6 new Bum Genius 4.0 pocket diapers- love them so far and finally feel like after 18 months of washing I have enough diapers!

So there- I am conquering  my addiction to paper towels- never thought it would happen.   In other news- I think my brain is frozen because I just am a flake this week... can't keep track of anything- I blame it on the fact that I am frick in frack freezing in this arctic wasteland called Wyoming- not joking -15 or something in the mornings- dang cold.  Did I just say frick and frack?  Haven't heard that one in a while.

Little Mover has been saying something super funny lately but every time I try to get some audio he stops-  but wait for it- its comin'!

1.  My tree is still up..it is undecorated...my hubby would probably take it out if I reminded him, but I don't, because it is not dead and I love it- it is the perfect tree.  ( I just tried to find a picture but hubby's memory card has disappeared and my camera just got resurrected from my parent's truck where it has been since deer hunting).  So just picture the best tree- yep that was mine.

2. I had an emotional breakdown yesterday because I realized I am yet again lost in the job of parenting and not sure how to get the boy to stop whining and being crazy.  Weird to love someone so much and still clearly see that they are being downright naughty.  So anyway my lovely husband showed his love for me in a way I could definitely understand.  I called him at work (school was over but he was still working- as teachers often do)- crying- he said he would be home in 10 minutes - which essencially means he set everything that he needed to do aside and hurried home.  He took the Mover out for dinner and the the C'mon Inn (we like to go to hotels to run him around- lots of open space=)) and then bought me a "Get Well" balloon and the dollar store.  It might has been the sweetest thing ever.  I sat at home and breathed and drank a cup of tea and prayed and slowly felt sanity return. Honestly 3 hours later when they return I was ready to see them.  I didn't mind though that the Hubby still got him ready for bed and laid him down- no responsibility for me.  It was so needed.

3. I realize just know that to stay in this happy, sane place I need to take a nap while the Mover does - so I better get on that biz.