16years = 5,847 days

The below post I started on Mothers Day Eve but didn't finish, today (June 3, 2025) I realized that it had been 16years since I started this blog and over those years I've shared a lot of my past, trials, struggles, heartbreak, good moments and odd things. Pretty sure at this point no one is even reading it (if you are say hi!) 

Not sure if I will continue this blog, will keep it active through incase there is something you love ive shared. Over the past 5yrs me updating it has become less and less. Life has just been busy and I only post when I have something to share.  

16 years is a long time to keep at something 

Enjoy

The Hand That Rocks the Cradle is the one that rules the world.  For better or Worse. 

Mothers day for many is a basket of mixed emotions, its not all neatly tied up with a bow like Hallmark commercials make it seam. Some of us had no moms, good ones that are now gone and bad ones. 

Mine falls in the later category and I've spent years in a therapist chair untangling the web she weaved. 

Fear I am failing my kids all the time as I try to live to a standard that's in my head (June Cleaver, Rosanne, Mom from 7th Heaven). Want to give my kids the mom that I didn't have, the mom they deserve but feel I fail constantly. 

Don't have enough time, didn't listen enough, too overstimulated, trauma triggers, patience thin and coffee obsessed. 

Effects of a Mom good or Bad....rule the world. The tenacles of that upbringing are far reaching. Passed down generations, hangs around your neck, effects thoughts, confidence, relations. Who we, how we talk, private thoughts, emotions  are is shaped by the one who rocked the cradle..good or bad. 

I've spent the past 3yrs working to trace everything trigger to the source, work through it so it no longer claims me. My kids deserve a mom that's healed, whole or at least working on it. Not sure why my moms family see's her behavior as acceptable and ok but it ends with me. 

Oatmeal Bake - Good for Breakfast or any day time snack

Oatmeal Fruit Bake - Breakfast or any daytime snack 

This recipe can be made with any type of fruit, frozen is best.  So if you want fresh strawberries chop them and freeze them for a bit. We typically do frozen strawberries, chop with mini chopper and return to freezer. 

Preheat Oven to 350

Grease 9x13 Pan 

1 3/4 Cup Milk 

2 Eggs 

1/2 cup 100% Pure Maple Syrup (not Pancake syrup) 

1/4 cup Melted Butter (not margarine ) 

1/4 cup Apple Sauce or mashed bananas

3 Cups Old Fashioned Oats

1 tsp Vanilla

1 tsp Baking Powder

1 tsp Cinnamon 

1/4 tsp Kosher Salt

2 cup frozen fruit (fresh can make the recipe more liquid, if so increase the amount of oats by 1/2 cup) 

Mix all together put in a 9x13 pan and bake at 350 for 35-40 Mins

Printable Recipe can be printed here 

Nutrition Label can be seen here 

Growing up with Narcissist

I've eluded to this topic over the years, shared some personal events in detail and even yes sorta kind of named it.  

What I've never been able to do is see the full effects of how being raised by a Narcissist effected me more than most people realized.  What can be seen is the physical scars on my arms and those don't even phase me how ever what cant be seen is the deep deep scars that have shaped how life, love, motherhood, dietary, friendship and relationship with God. 

Wasn't until I needed to see a therapist to deal with another issue in my life did I see that living my life in fight or flight mode has damaged my thinking, how i react, my thoughts and feelings to things. 

Living my life waiting on the other shoe to drip is exhausting and having someone point that out felt so intrusive but safe at the same time. 

Not sure I know how to live in the moment, experience true joy or even rest. 

If something good happens, expectation of something bad is coming follows soon after. 

I have been living life on the edge for years that my jaw hurts from clenching, shoulders ache from constantly being braced, friendships ruined because leaping to worse chase scenarios is always happening. 

Trusting someone fully is something Ive never been able to do, it always ends bad for me when someone is given that access. There has never been a safe place for me to land, Know our heavenly Father always provides a safe place to land, peace that surpasses all understanding...yet no matter how much I want to feel as if I cant trust it. Feel like I have to do this my self because my self is the only one I can trust.

Religion was used as a weapon growing up, demanded and forced to be in every event/group in our church. Attendance wasn't expected, it was forced and we were punished if it didn't happen. Bible verses were threw at me as fast as the belt hit my rear end, or hand to my face. Was told "See God didn't let that happen because you did XYZ and vengeance is His! He wont let you hurt me, I am a child of God!" 

I may update this post later, just trying that took it out of me. 

Aunt Tosh's Yeast Rolls

A Family Favorite since 1930 

Aunt Tosh's Yeast Rolls 

1pkg Yeast

1cup Mashed Potato's (just plain potato's mashed)

1/2cup Potato Water

2/3 Cup Sugar

1Teaspoon Sugar

2/3 Cup Shortening 

2 Eggs 

2tsp Salt 

1 Cup Milk

6 Cups Flour 

Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup lukewarm water, add 1 tsp sugar 

Cream: 2/3 cup Sugar, 2/3 Cup Shortening 

Add: 2 Eggs - Beat Well

Add: 2tsp Salt, mashed potato's - Beat Well

Combine Potato Water with Milk and add mixture with dissolved yeast

Blend in 6cups of sugar with mixture 

Place in greased container and let rise until doubled in size 

Form into rolls and let rise until doubled in size again (we like to place in muffin pans to let rise and bake)

Bake at 350 for 15-20mins 

This was written exactly as my grandmother did, she inherited the recipe in the 1950's .  

You would think this is like a potato roll but in reality it reminds you of a really good yeast roll and I was shocked to learn about the potato when I inherited it in 2008

Lavender Oatmeal Bath Soak DIY

It's winter I have itchy skin and no matter how much lotion I apply when I lay down at night I itch!
Recently while scrolling through Pinterest I came across a bath soak that used real dried lavender and oatmeal.

Since I don't have real lavender or access to dried lavender..... I improvised! If you don't know by now I'm quite addicted to essential oils.

I've been a rep with Young Living for almost 2 years. I'll admit I jumped on the bandwagon because it was popular, I spent a few months buying and playing with different essential oils and then about 9 months doing nothing with them. I've decided I spent my well hard earned money on them so  I'm going to put them to use!
Ive got several recipes for EOs and DIY around the house and this one is by far my fav!

Relaxing, moisturizing, cheap to make, and most importantly a recipe that works.

Lavender Oatmeal Bath Soak

1 cup Steel Cut Oats (Or any oatmeal)
1 cup Epsom Salt
20 drops Lavender Essential Oil
1 quart glass Jar
Cute Scoop is Optional :)
(Mine are left over from Formula)

Take oatmeal and place it in a food processor, magic bullet, or emulsion blender grind until powdery smooth. Will not take long. I did mine in the single serve Cup that fits on my Ninja Blender.

Once oatmeal is ground place in 2 quart glass jar, add the epson salt and lavender essential oil. Put lid on and Shake to mix well, I did mine half and half when mixing. Example I put half the salt oats and oil in the jar gave it a good shake and then added the rest.

Because of Essential Oils will eat certain plastics you will want to keep the soak in a glass jar, you will also want to keep it out of direct sunlight.

Let sit 24hrs, When ready add two tablespoons to your bath water and enjoy! I found this help my sleep, itchy skin and temperament if I use this at night before bed.

What this Pandemic Taught Me

When the pandemic first happened and first cases of COVID hit the US I kept thinking of Ebola virus, that this was all made up or blown up and stay at home orders where to keep us controlled. 

Then a friend lost her son to it.

 Pandemic brought more than fear to my house hold, it brought food shortages, mental health issues, cancelled year and a 19yr marriage almost dissolved.

 In July of 2021 I can safely say the scars of the pandemic still run deep. Yes I am still wearing my mask, staying away from crowds, picking who I hang with.

 Jan 2020 I was diagnosed with IIH, Intercrainal Hypertension...something that sounds like high blood pressure but isn't. Long Story short is my brain thinks I have a tumor (I dont) so if floods my head with CSF fluid to protect it self, which causes vision issues, incredible head pressure, headaches, ear pressure problems including hearing loss and the chance of stroke. This cannot be cured but it can be managed by one of 3 routes. First being medication Topamax or Diamox, second option is lumbar punctures and finally a shunt. All 3 carry their own risks, rewards and neither is fun. January 2020 I started on Topamax that was slowly increased from 25mg to almost 200mg over the course of few months, this medication was horrible to adjust to and get on. By Mid March early April I was firmly on the new dose. April was also smack dab in the middle of Texas shut down, so for months my mental health declined and no one noticed. Friendships where reduced to facebook, text and phone calls but if you only talk to a friend via text message 24/7 they dont notice the little things that eventually added up. Melissa a friend who I met through my oldest in 4H called one day to chat, I had mentioned starting Topamax...she mentioned taking it. We talked about the hardships of getting on it, daily struggles (its nick name is Dopamax because it feels like your out of it) something I said during that conversation had her calling back. No I wasn't depressed just...idk how to even describe it. My anxiety was at a def con 10 level and rising, so Melissa kept calling. Yes we talk often but not weekly, or even every other week before Topamax but she kept calling every other day. She noticed the decline in me when others didn't, possibly because she knew the struggle personally. One day she begged me to call my doctor, asking for a change. So i did...Diamox was issued and Topamax was solely weaned off (with it came withdraws, anxiety at a level I had never experienced) and Diamox was slowly introduced. 

By this time its mid-fall going into November when I finally come out of my Topamax fog.

 My husband didnt even notice How can a husband of 19yrs not notice the mental health decline of his wife? Well that part was easy! He was texting, talking and having an emotional relationship with a woman from work. Aug 2020-Jan 2021. January 2021 is when I found out.

 I should say in March of 2020 my oldest was suppose to get her drivers license and my youngest his eval for Autism, neither of which happened. School was cancelled, groceries where hard to find and I had a undiagnosed High Functioning  Autistic kid who was out of control because we couldn't get any help, mainly due to no diagnosis then followed by Pandemic. December 2020 we have our diagnosis, ABA is started, Jan 8th 2021 we finally see a doctor who can prescribe medication to him. We are finally making some headway, he is MUCH better than 2020 but still has struggles like most ASD kids.

Jan 25th 2021 Husband comes home from work on a Friday and tells me he wants to take the weekend off to think things over, lol umm no if anyone is getting a hotel room for the weekend its me. The mom who single handily took care of both kids, worked from home and homeschooled the both of them. Momma is tired! He proceeds to tell me I have done my part as a wife/mother I can have the house, car, everything hes just going to walk away. Umm what? This was such a curve from left field I couldn't follow the play, questions start to flying and he abruptly says "Fine Ill stay and work it out" My head still spins and cant fully grasp all that transpired that Friday.

That Sunday night something told me to check the cell phone records, sure enough in the month of January 1500 messages to one number had been exchanged, a number I didn't know. So I checked his phone (this was at 12am) sure enough the number was in his phone as Kristin Hartani. LOL Of course his butt needed to get up and explain somethings, he tells me they are just friends. I call BS on that. 

So that Monday I show up to his work, bring cookies to the office and put a face with the name. While I am in the office she is sending a email to my husband that they need to talk. She thinks about him alot, she can only be truth ful about her feelings how she cares for him and finally that I am in the office checking up.  Something tells me on the way home that to check his email, so I do and find that email in his deleted folder (I mean she did title it "Delete") The truth finally comes out, along with it alot of stuff he now says he didnt mean.  Of course he says that now, hes been told how deeply its hurt me! 

I am a pretty good private eye on my own but I did enlist the help of a professional. Kristin Hartani moved to Texas in 2015 from Florida, has two kids and is married to Mohamed Hartani for 20+ years. She speaks another language, has a brother locally, a father & mother who passed up north and her husband pays for a expensive house with no job. The cars are also financed by USAA. Which is important to note that you can only get USAA if a sibling, parent, self or spouse (her kids are not old enough) can use. Armed with alot of information, I go and meet the homewrecker in person. Yes I know he was just an active in this as her, but shes married with kids and still actively sought a relationship with my husband.  I have nothing to be ashamed about in this, she how ever does not like that I call her on her game. I proceed to tell her how the cow is going to eat the cabbage because that email she sent? Well it was a direct violation of the employee code of conduct (and a newly formed clause, because this same situation had happened in another dept and lead to a law suit), sent on a company email to a employee email during office hours and she was in her probation period too.  

The days that followed my husband becomes very open, he tells me she blocked him on social media ...he was depressed about it (which i can only assume he did talk to her in person for a few days because there is no trace on his phone) then I start telling him I finally have my background report on her. This woman knows a ton about me, only fair I know more about her.  So he starts asking, I start sharing info that can be proved, backed up and verified...what I didnt know is that the info I had poked holes in her story.  Example she told him no one in her family had served in the army, she was a orphan, she was sole bread winner of the house hold husband didn't work. How did the pay the mortgage on a 2K a month home, car notes, utilities on her salary that didn't even being to make that much.  This point he starts to feel betrayed and I still dont know how to process those feelings in that moment. I cannot sympathize with him because I so intensely dislike her, anger, hurt, betrayal those are my emotions. 

Since January 30th 2021 when I found everything my husband has worked to restore the brokenness in our marriage, counseling, weekend marriage retreats etc.   God is the only one who can restore whats been broken and hes been doing that. I still carry around scars from this that run so deep they hurt to look at, some day I hope to be able to to look back and only feel Gods presence in this instead of tidal wave I feel now. 

Let me also say that in times like this is best to have a good friend, your person in life who isn't scared to do some shady stuff. So shout out to Katie because girl, while you have always had my back you single handily carried me for months. You & God are the only reasons I am not in jail or a mental headcase, you two put me back together when I couldn't even find the pieces..kept me sane and refused to let me lay in bed and waller. 

Other things the Pandemic taught me: Food & Medicine Storage

Yes here we are months later and Costco/Sams still get regular orders from me. Stocking up on food has become almost an obsession that I do know has to stop. 

2020 & 2021 hasn't been the kindest to me, but God always prevails...Light in the darkness 

The best Slow Cooker Pasta sauce EVER! I really mean that

This recipe came out of a combination of other recipes till I found the one I liked. Dont let the baby food ingredient fool you, Buca Di Peppo uses it! 1lb Lean ground Meat ( Beef works best) 2 Onions diced (or half bag of frozen prediced) 2tbs Minced Garlic (I use the preminced jar kind..so much easier) 3-14oz Can Tomato Sauce 1-6oz Can Tomato paste 2- Stage 2 Carrot baby food (or 4 of Stage 1, do not use Stage 3 its chunky) 2 Celery stalks finely chopped (i often leave this out, cant decide if its nessary) 2tsp Salt 1/4 tsp Black Pepper 2tsp Dried Oregano 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme 1/2 tsp Dried Basil 1/4 tsp Dried Sage 1 Bay leaf 1 Cup water Cook Meat and drain any fat Combine everything in a crock pot Slow for 8-10hrs. I have a 8qt Crockpot and CANNOT double this, yes it originally fits but after 8-10hrs it starts to over flow. It freezes very well and a family favorite

The Best Beef Stew Ive Ever Had-Instant Pot

Instant Pot Beef & Barley Stew

1 Onion diced to taste 

1 pkg of  raw carrots cut to taste (my family prefers rounds, or sticks)

1 Bunch of Celery diced to taste

Potato's Cut to taste (my family prefers reds and cut small) 

2 lb of Beef Stew meat, I cut excess fat off and larger pieces in half 

1 cup of pearl dried barley 

8 cups beef broth low sodium 

1 tsp basil 

2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp white pepper (honestly regular black pepper is just fine, i ironically had it on hand) 

1 package Onion Soup Mix

2 tsp oil of your choice, I prefer Extra Virgin Olive Oil  (Evoo) 

Turn Instant Pot on Saute 

Put in EVOO and Onion, Celery, Carrots, Potato's and let them sweat

after about 10 minutes turn off and put in seasonings...stir

Mix in the meat, barley and broth 

Seal lid, put valve to sealing 

Select Meat/Stew or Stew/Soup 30 Minutes. If you do not have those options select manual for 30 minutes. 

Once the instant pot is done do a quick release and serve. 

Enjoy 

My kid feels called to go on a Mission

As parents there are many moments that take our breath away one I didn't expect was for my teen to tell me she feels God calling her on a mission.  This article isn't to convince you to send your child, or tell you not to. Its my journey


Lets back up 16yrs to the moment I first held her it was 12hrs after her birth, scary news was delivered and prayers sent up. I finally get to hold her, arms still little numb from the medications brain a little foggy from morphine.... I saw that beautiful face and my first thought was "My kid is going to change the world".  At the time I figured it was a drug induced thought but one that stuck with me.  LOL I only mentioned this to my mother in law years after


Fast forward to Super Summer 2018 I get a phone call on day 4 at a time I normally wouldn't and my pulse quickens something must be wrong.  She was calling to say hi & telling me about her day along with a group she met called IGo Global.  Something about that 5 second sentence stayed with me, I quickly googled them. Sitting back in my work chair I am on verge of tears, why I don't exactly know happiness? Fear? Inability to comprehend? I felt a peace I cannot describe in the same moment.


Next day she comes home my only thought as she climbs off the bus is "My Kid is going on a mission" in the same breath as she descends the final step of the bus is a whisper of my mother in law who passed last year say "You have known this for a while" . The breath I had been holding was exhaled


She applied, She Fundraised and She went to Germany.  I knew 10 days would not be enough for her, sure enough she came home, applied again.  Next trip? 7 Weeks Destination unknown


My Church provides us with Parenting Teens Magazine by Lifeway the same month we find out she's going this was the topic... LOL God always prepares for us!

While I have no issue sending my child where God calls her I know for some parents this can be scary so I am going to share with you some things I hope bring you peace.

2 Million Americans go on short term mission every year of those 74% of parents say it made a lasting impression on their teen...less materialistic, appreciate other cultures & more understanding. Our primary job is to raise children who know God personally, love him passionately and respond to Him obediently. Our Teens act of serving others reflects what God has done for us in Christ, LOVE. The purest kind of love and that is something we want to support with our whole heart and soul.

God has called your child, take pride in knowing your child has such a relationship with God they herd the call  and answered "Send Me".  Discouraging teenagers desire to go on a mission steers their Christianity toward mere religious knowledge and empty Sunday ritual. Missions is not a call its a command! Matthew 28:18-20 is Gods Command for us to go out into the world and make disciples of ALL nations. Proverbs 22:6 "Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it"

I know its scary, I cried big ugly tears dropping her off...my momma heart was scared but Lord gave me a peace that even when the tears flowed everything would be ok.

Some people did not agree with us "allowing" her to go, they where openly opposed to it. Told her God didn't give her a brain to make that sort of decision at her age, that God don't speak to children. Said I must not love my child if I am allowing this, I'm sending her to be killed (lets forget that Germany is the 22nd safest county in the world, USA? 138th) yes that all came from Family. Strangers, our Church and Friends supported her more than one family member. Sad.

Here are some things I did in preparing my teen for a trip 5,300 miles from home, hopefully they can help prepare yours too.

1) Pray...Pray for guidance, clarity, ability to hear Him in this decision. For me I personally prayed that if this was His will there would be no road blocks. If She wasn't suppose to go the road block would be so big I couldn't deny it.

2) A job dealing with the public every day, its important for our kids to have a good work ethic but also how to handle a variety of different people. Yes they will see all kinds in their trip, having comparison and ability to keep a cool head is worth its weight in gold. So fast food it is, Chick Fil A to be exact! She has had food thrown at her head, been cussed out, seen intoxicated people, those under the influence of drugs, people with different religious, cultural and political belief's.  No the chicken sandwich did not prepare her for everything Frankfurt threw at her it did help her when someone was in her face yelling in a language she didn't understand.

Dealing with coworkers, a boss, schedule, getting ready on her own for the day. Worth every drive I did for pick up and drop off. I also turned the helicopter off (yes I am that mom, that's ok too!) let her handle all the issues that came up by her self, I would not be with her on the trip. (Now if I needed to this momma would be up in that place and making heads roll but so far Momma bear hasn't been needed)

3) Money management! I got some check registers from the bank, gave my kid "bills & Paycheck" and taught them how to manage their money. What you don't want is on day 3 having to send them money. Ps. lets be honest, this is a GREAT life tool as well

4) While I've been working on preparing her Physically my next step is helping her prepare Spiritually.  Months earlier I did the Bible Study Seamless by Angie Smith and it was AMAZING! Yes a lot of work but you are soo prepared to answer almost any question about the bible! So Seamless was done

5) My child has been helping on local mission trips before this one with her youth group, working in a local women's shelter, food pantry, and those of our church who needs it.  She had been doing this for a few years, If you child has not I encourage it. Let them see locally what it may be like. 

6) This step was for me, I had to fully relinquish my fears, thoughts, reservations to the Lord. I would be home when she was afar, I could not protect her...I had to fully bend my knees and lay it at the cross. Faith with out works is dead, so with my hand held to the flame I practiced what I preached. Was it easy? NO! Did I often pick back up what I had just laid down? YES! I Lord knows us too well, He knew how many times I would lay that down....Each time He met me.

This trip isn't just about your child, its about you too. Both of you will grow in faith and person.

7) Sleep as much as you can before they leave, because lets be honest? I watched that plane very second of the 10 hour flight. Time zones are awful, I was good asleep when she was starting her day. Every day that passes will get easier by the end you will be a pro. Oh and pack all toiletries with two pair of clothes in their carry on. LOL that gave me an unreal peace of mind! HAHA

I love my child with a intense fierceness that would make a lion cower, God loves our children so much more than that!  If He can call her.....I can send her. 

Hoping this helps you!



Motherhood is Exhausting

If your a mom or a grandmother lets stop a second, stand up and give our self a pat on the back. Motherhood is HARD! Yes its the most rewarding, fulfilling, wonderful adventure of my life but its also equally as exhausting.


I love my kids more than I could ever possibly imagine, cant even articulate the correct words to express it.  My three are so individually unique as they are different from each other, no two is the same. Oldest is lost in the adult world, she's unreachable, middle is trying to save the world one soul at a time, youngest we are struggling to meet his needs.   My youngest has sensory processing disorder, anxiety, ADHD and a few other diagnosis they cannot officially give until hes a few months older.


Youngest has started school and (ill make a dramatic pause here) We know the principal by first name. He was given a wonderful patient, grace giving teacher who longs to reach him, help him and grow him....but he keeps pushing those boundaries.


If you are of the praying kind, say one for my sweet boy. He is soooo sweet, soooo loving, soooo funny and incredibly smart; he just has needs that we need to meet just don't know what they are.

Busy Summer Time

Its been since March since I last posted, I don't like posting unless I feel like I have something to say or worthy to share.


November 2018 I had a 3 inch plate and 7 screws but in my Ulna bone along with 3mm shaved off it.


Feb 2019 My partially disabled mother had rotator cuff surgery


March 2019 My youngest was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder, Anxiety
(two more possibly diagnosis awaiting but my youngest needs to be older to official receive them


July 2019 My middle left for 10 days in Germany on a mission trip


There where about 1.9 million other things happening at same time as well.


Please don't give up on me, I am experiencing some writers block. Forcing my self to finish this actually!

Spelling, Writing Free Work Sheet with Education.com

Spring Break just wrapped up for us which has me thinking about Summer break (and the warm temps!) and school work.  If you have followed my blog over the years you know my kids have been in public school, private school and now homeschool.  At the moment I only have one in school (10th grade) and one about to start Kindergarten. 

Just because its summer break does not mean we take a break from school, yes its more relaxed but I feel if you don't use it you lose it.  Even when the kids were in private or public school we did work sheets/reading a few days a week. 

I felt as if summer time was the time I could sharpen a skill that was lacking, or prepare them for the upcoming year. So every summer I scourged the internet looking for work pages, buying homeschooling books, or getting work sheets from friends who are teachers which lead to late nights & frustration. There simply wasn't enough or one place where I could get it all. 

I received an email recently from someone at Education.com  asking if I did guest post, I do not blog about something unless I feel strongly about it. I refuse to put ads on my blog because I hate seeing them on others. So I asked her to send me a sample and I would see. 

I received the attached free worksheet (and answer page) which surprised me! They were pages I had been searching for years prior and couldn't find. So I hopped over to their website and found LOTS of free work pages, create your own by grade and subject! I had found the motherload of work pages! 

(ps I can hear my kids groaning as I type that hahaha) 

My little is about to start kindergarten, with SPD he needs all the help he can get...so needless to say my printer has been running a lot today! I printed lots of stuff for us to work on, I want him to be prepared as he can be because I know the struggle he faces. My middle struggled with math, I can proudly say all those summers of work pages paid off, shes in advanced math with an A in high school. 

I wish I had found Education.com when she was little, the frustration to find just what I needed wouldn't have happened. 

This webpage is for homeschool, private school, public school kids or kids who are not in school! (TEACHERS THERE IS STUFF FOR YOU TOO!!!) Lots of free stuff if your on a budget if something you want isn't free its only $8.00 a month and you can cancel any time. 

I have attached the sample worksheet so you can see what they offer, or click the link above and explore (and print lol if your me!) 

You kids will love learning to write their numbers with this word tracer! For more learning games and activities, visit Education.com. Click HERE for the free worksheet (answer key click HERE)

DIY Cleaning Wipes

I LOVE Clorox (or store brand) cleaning wipes! Not so much the price or the amount that I use them.  So one day as I was throwing away an empty container of them I wondered if DIY wipes would be worth it.  After some searching on my go to site (Pinterest of course!) server options were found, played with a few and found one that works for me. 

Do you really save money? YES! Here is a quick break down 

1-6 Pack Bounty Paper Towels (Essentials/Yellow Package)  $5.98 (Makes 12)

1-16 oz Mrs. Meyers Dish Soap 3.99 (Makes 32)

1-32fl oz 90% Isopropyl Alcohol 2.50 (Makes 16)

1 -15ml Bottle Young Living Peppermint Oil $28.95 (Makes 83)

Total for all $ 41.42 

Price per Half Roll of Wipes $1.16

Paper Towels $ 0.50

Dish Soap $ 0.24

Alcohol $0.15

Peppermint oil $ 0.34

I have been using them for over 6 months and WILL NOT go back to store bought again

Resolutions 2019 Challange

As 2018 Comes to a close and 2019 starts many people start to talk about resolutions and things they are thankful for. Well in 2018 I saw an instagram post by Clean Mama and went to her blog for that I am thankful it completely changed my house hold...and going into 2019 I want to share it with you.

** If your looking for the reset, declutter weekly or monthly schedule jump down till you see the **

Don't worry I am not trying to sell you something only share what changed my cleaning routine and has my house always looking nice. Well most of the time.


She has a cleaning system that's easy to Follow and if you do it weekly the amount you have to clean each week gets easier. Her cleaning routine can be found HERE (Free Printable), I did make some adjustments to my cleaning schedule from hers ...here is what I do
(in addition to cleaning kitchen counters nightly and picking up clutter from rooms & making beds daily)


Monday - Bathrooms (including Floors)
Tuesday- Dusting and while dusting I pick up stuff that's been sat down on dust able surfaces and put up.
Wednesday - Floors Except Bathroom and Kitchens
Thursday - Kitchen including Floors
Friday - Laundry including sheets
Saturday - Make menu, grocery list, order my pickup stuff from Kroger...Monday I usually pick it up.


What I have found is that after a few weeks that the amount it takes to complete the tasks takes no more than 15mins.  I don't have to scrub my tub as much or has hard, because it stays cleaner, my stove does not have the gunk it use to because its being cleaned weekly. Dusting/polishing while need weekly isn't much of a chore as it use to be. I do use a spray daily after showering to keep it clean (see below for a list of free DIY cleaner printable). Its part of my daily routine and I do not spend my weekend cleaning. 
Kitchen DIY Cleaners
Floor DIY Cleaners
Bathroom DIY Cleaners

** Reset or Declutter your home in one week or month**

On her website she has these free pintables (below) on a daily, weekly or monthly guide to reset your home or declutter. Each has the same idea in mind but they all take a different approach so go through each and figure out which one will fit your schedule the best. One of the best thing about her approach to cleaning the home is its all flexible!


If you are just starting out or this seems overwhelming start with the one week then pick a monthly.  Once you have done the one week reset/declutter the monthly one does not seem that over whelming. Looking at my monthly I can cross of 6-10 days because I have already done them, while looking for a DVD the other day I cleaned them out (took 30 mins), same with my books when dusting. Holiday décor is already put up because well we do it as soon as Christmas is over lol because we put it up before Thanksgiving.  So the monthly seems less daunting!


You can do this once a year or every 6 months choice is yours! Just because it says January on some does not mean its less effective in August.


30 Mins to Clean - Daily
 One Week Reset
30 Mins/30 Days
Come Clean Challenge One Month
Simply Clean One Month
Clutter Challenge One Month


Clean Mama's Free Printable including the above and lots more can be found HERE
Clean Mama has a Housekeeping Society that is subscription based and very cool. I have not joined yet but its on my to-do list this month...for more info OR to join visit HERE




All of these printable and ideas are the sole product of Clean Mama I take no credit for them, only share what an amazing thing she has done.

Keep Calm and Mommy On!

For us we are staring down the barrel of the last week of school, yes I home school one but the other attends Mothers Day Out /Preschool. My homeschooler does an online program with teachers, assignments I seriously just pay the bill and check to make sure her assignments/grades are good.
We try to mirror a traditional school setting, schedule so if she decides to return to public school that part of the adjustment is taken care of.


I work from home, have a farm and 3 kids. I am exhausted.


My kids are 21,16,3 lol so I have every walk of life and two who can take care of their basic needs with out me helping or reminding them to potty.


I am terrified my carefully crafted schedule will go kaput when schools out, organization and routine is key in keeping this family on track.  I've spent years reading mommy blogs, pinterest tips to keep on track and the below is what I have found to be the most effective.


A Sunday well spent leads to a week of content (my mantra)


Sundays are not for work but for God /Church and getting our week in line, naps, BBQ-ing (is that a real word?) and relaxing.


My Schedule
Saturday Night :
Set Coffee Maker to go off at 6:30am
Everyone takes a bath- If hair must be washed on Sunday morning its the only thing washed (sink or head over tub)
Clothes laid out


Sunday Afternoon
Church 830-12
Lunch 12-1
Nap - 1-4 We all respect this time, either by nap, reading, quietly cleaning (me catching up on DVR)
4pm - All clothes are laid out for everyone for the week, including tops, underwear, jewelry (that goes with said outfit), socks and if a specific shoes goes with out fit those are set with it.
Lunches are made for the week, we have a crisper drawer that's always empty for this purpose
Breakfast if it can be premade, its done
Coffee Maker is loaded  with timer for each day the night before
Dinners are planned, written on white board and Mondays nights dinner stuff set in fridge (if needed)
Planners, Appointments are written down & discussed
School work glanced over and if any thing is required for the little that week its done
(We have this down to a science, it takes maybe an hour to get this all done for everyone)
Dinner 5-7 this varies depending on what we cook, if we play in the yard or relax on the swing


After Dinner slow down, depending on what time dinner is served we either watch a movie, tv show or play a quick game


EVERYONE is in bed by 8:30 Except Mommy and Daddy


8:30-?? That's our time, to be together or catch up on various things we cant do when the kids are around.


Monday? That flows seamlessly most of the time, we do have hiccups but we all try to be up by 6:30 and ready for the day

Best Shave Ever

I hate shaving my legs, dont get me wrong I love smooth legs but I have 3 kids ages 21, 14 & 2. I never have enough time to shower, shave and get out the door looking nice. The moms who can, my hats are off to you! Jealous! A while back i saw a Pinterest post on making your shave last longer, yes it worked but I had some issues with the method and after a while I finally found one that works.

I double tested it this weekend and it gave me a good 3-4 days of smooth legs. Yes about day two i could feel some "prickly" (as my kids say) but its was a very small amount and only in one section. Today is day 4 and I do have hair you can feel but not really see

*** NOTE** You DO NOT have to use the exact same products as pictured or mentioned! I had them handy and found they did work but on occasion I have used other products in their places with same effects. I DO NOT sell these products, work for the companies and finally I am NOT being compensated by them for this post. Actually they have no idea who I am or that this post exists. ***

 Condition! Hair that is softer comes off easier. Coochy by Pure Romance is meant to soften course hair for easier rash free removal. I had this on hand, I have also used hair conditioner. Either works. Leave on for about 2-3 minutes and rinse off with warm water. 

Use shower gel, shaving gel, shaving cream to lather your legs, then shave as normal

Since most of us have some sort of shower gel laying around I decided to use this but I have even used baby shampoo. It all works!

Scrub

Course scrub or just a mild one does the trick, what you want to do is remove the dead skin on your legs. Then repeat Step 2. It provides a much closer shave which leaves legs softer for days. 

REPEAT STEP 2!

 Yes you read that right, after scrubbing repeat step 2

 Extra Tip, if you cut your self apply witch hazel to the cut. Lavender Witch hazel works best in my opinion. 

I love this product! Seriously you apply to wet legs (out of the shower) and pat dry! Legs looks great, feel great for 24hrs. Who could ask for more?! You can use any lotion this is just my favorite 

In the summer lotion feel "heavy" on my skin or i tend to get razor burn. 

I use this and it does give a cooling sensation which is nice for when i put it on and leave out into the hot Texas sun. Its medicated so it helps with any rashes, razor burn and cuts. 

 I detest spending $10 on a razor BUT i love love love Venus razors! So i use my cartwheel app (Target) and purchase the disposible Venus razors on sale.  To keep them sharp and lasting longer than usual I keep the razors out of shower and after every shave I pour alcohol on them. I cleans, dries up any moisture and keeps the blades sharp.  Let air dry and store them until next time.

 

To 2018 Me from 2017 Me



Hello all!


I only blog or post things when I feel led to, not because I need to write a post and its been a few months since I last posted.  I'll be honest in saying I am heart broken and dealing with some things I wish I wasn't; dealing with that I was reading blogs on bible studies and I came upon an intriguing idea.....


Instead of doing a new years resolution, bullet journal or even a list....write your self a letter to read at the end of 2018 from your 2017 self. Write about how you feel, your dreams, goals and most importantly advice you learned from this year and at the end of next year....write a letter to your 2019 self.  The point of it was to see how much you have changed in a year with out setting some silly new years resolution to do so because we are humans we change/adapt to our lifes around us with out thinking about it. Some feelings this year may not seem like something but will make a break through when read next here.


Since I always blog my resolutions here goes.






Carolyn,                                                                                                      December 26,2017


This year has been hard, real hard.  Losing Mary Lou was the surprise we saw coming and the pain we knew we would feel, what we didn't expect was the pain/loss was much bigger than we could have expected. While she will always be missed I hope in 2018 you can say her name, think of her with out tears in your eyes with out the pain sneaking up on you suddenly. Peace with it all is what I  hope 2018 brings you.


Its time to get the blasted ALZ tattoo that's on your pinterest board...do it. You know you want to and you've put it off.


Works been different this year than previous years, Max Lucado Anxious for nothing has helped, hoping that when you read this letter again that you have more peace and the Lords spirit has filled you so you are not anxious for nothing.


Weight, I know you have tried for years... 18 to be exact to lose the weights from the Hashimotos but lets work on that. Goal? 20lbs. You weight (haha not going to put that in the public post) and start that routine you pinned and bought the stuff for.


Open that Etsy store!! List those earrings and try to sell them. Set no goals and be surprised at what you do....its easier that way.


Finally retire from all things livestock, nothing wrong with it just finally let it all go. Who knows in a few years when Charl is older you may have to set up to do it again...don't burn out now (even though I know you are close to burn out as it is)


Bible study don't finish one with out a few one on the horizon, keep your hunger for God.


Chan will have her learners permit...REMEMBER GOD HAS HER DONT FREAK OUT TOO MUCH.


Charl...lol I hope you successfully have him potty trained by next year. hahah




Theres a very real possibly that next year you live in a new town, new home with a ring less finger. Pray and remain faithful in prayer let God guide you.  Keep your friends close


Most of all I hope in 2018 you finally let go of the doubt, self hate and find some confidence. I know you think you are werid, that everyone thinks you are werid and don't like you. Its quite possible that's the truth but who cares what they think...you are designed in Gods image He makes no mistakes.


Look in the mirror and actually like what you see, wear the make up, pull out the perfume/jewelry you been saving for a special occasion and use them. Love you self or find a way to love your self better.


FINISH THAT BOOK!!!


Love,
2017 Me

Thanksgiving 2017

The Houston Parade is on, the turkey is cooking & smells amazing, the kids are fighting but here I sit reminiscing about Thanksgiving past.


This year is a new for us in many different ways, for 15 years all my InLaw family came to Texas, (all 60 of them) and it was incredible.


Mother in law passed in August of this year, it was the surprise we saw coming...we keep telling our selves we had 3.5yrs longer with her than expected. My heart still hurts when I think of her, she wasn't just a mother in law she was a second mom to me.


So this year no in law family in, the in law family that is here decided not to do things with the family....so I am cooking my first turkey, having thanksgiving with just my family and missing my mother in law terribly.


So I am choosing to list the blessing instead of being sad


Gods Grace, Forgivingness and Mercy I do not deserve it, but he loves me so much
My kids- they may be fighting but they are wonderful
My husband  of 15yrs, hes pretty amazing...most days haha
Our Health
Home - No matter that its small and falling apart its home, paid for and provides us with warmth, cool and there is no rain on our heads
Work - I get to work from home and be with my babies
15yrs with my mother in law
29yrs with my granddaddy
Gilmore Girls Marathon
Coffee
Netflix, Amazon Prime TV, HULU
Suddenlink
Food in the fridge
Working Furnace
Water to pay my bills
Ability to raise my kids with a freedom of religion and vaccine choice
Clients- current, past & present
My boss - I pray he keeps me


This is just a few


Happy Thanksgiving to you!

31 Days of Slow Cooker / Freezer Meals - Plans, Recipe Cards, Shopping List and Monthly Plan

31 Days of Yummy Slow Cooker Meals just in Time for Back to School. Who don't like to dump frozen dinner in the crock pot to come home to yummy dinner in the evening? Not to mention after its prepped, it takes only minutes to get dinner in the crock pot or prepared in the evening. Less Dishs, less mess.


I personally do not use the crock pot liners, I put in the dish washer every night and every morning I pull it out. Also depending on the meal I leave our dinner dishes in the washer until I get home (I had washed them the night before) so I can use them for dinner. Again saving me time as I don't have to unload them in the morning and pull them out of the cabinets at night. I know super lazy but with 3 kids and a packed schedule all time saved matters.


I also included some extras besides the 31 day book, all free, no sign ups or ads. Simply click and its free to you.


** Some of the attachments are in other posts, the 31 Day book can only be found in this post, the Muffin and others you may have already down loaded in previous post. I share them again because they are so awesome!***

Click on the hyper link to find a PDF you can save, share and print if you wish

31 Day Slow Cooker Meals HERE

20 Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner for $ 150 HERE
20 Freezer to Slow Cooker Dinners (Some reason the shopping List is separate from this post)  HERE
Shopping List for Second Plan HERE
Blank Shopping List HERE
Weekly Planner Blank HERE
Monthly Planner Blank HERE
Blank Different Type Shopping List HERE
Planner Guide - This Weeks Goals HERE

Homemade Seasoning Mix HERE

Muffin Mix Recipes HERE


All the Above can be printed, saved or downloaded in one file HERE

* Printables, Recipes and Shopping list are creations of $5 Dollar Mom , I purchased them from her. All Credit goes to her

Two - 20 Freezer / Slow Cooker Meal Plans with Recipes, Shopping List and Extras

Easy to Follow Meal Plans, Recipes, Shopping List and Planning guides for Freezer or Slow Cooker Meals.  I don't like Blog post that put ads, make you sign up or join to get the recipes. So I will make this simple!  Below you will find the recipes and blank shopping list to help.

Click on the hyper link to find a PDF you can save, share and print if you wish

20 Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner for $ 150 HERE
20 Freezer to Slow Cooker Dinners (Some reason the shopping List is separate from this post)  HERE
Shopping List for Second Plan HERE
Blank Shopping List HERE
Weekly Planner Blank HERE
Monthly Planner Blank HERE
Blank Different Type Shopping List HERE
Planner Guide - This Weeks Goals HERE

Homemade Seasoning Mix HERE

Muffin Mix Recipes HERE


All the Above can be printed, saved or downloaded in one file HERE

* Printables, Recipes and Shopping list are creations of $5 Dollar Mom , I purchased them from her. All Credit goes to her