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!