The "Master" bedroom

(Picture credit: Designaward.wordpress.com)

Now, I know it may seem like cleaning is on my brain more than anything else in this blog and maybe it has been. But it just amazes me how I Spring cleaned everything and yet, my Master bedroom is back to looking like a landfill, not one with trash and dirty diapers mind you - no the one with random movies, books, and things it in. So, I was hunting for a strategy to help me with this problem and came across this article I thought I would share. This week has been odd with my husband being off during what is typically the regular work week and is beginning tonight to work night shift on Tuesday. I hoping Tuesday to get back to our normal schedule and do some more "schooling," before everything learned it forgotten.

Blessings,
Ashley


How To Cleanup Bedrooms In 15 Minutes - By Sarah Aguirre, About.com Guide

*Your bedroom is supposed to be your sanctuary, a place where you lie down at the end of the day and let your worries drift away. Instead, our rooms turn into storage areas where we dare not let anyone enter. Learn a quick cleanup for your room that will let you find the bed and the floor.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 15 Minutes

Here's How:
1. Grab your supplies. Few of us have supplies to clean the bedroom actually stored in our bedroom. Gathering all supplies together before beginning the job will keep you from getting distracted and failing to complete the job.

2. Grab all dirty clothing and put it in a hamper. Since you're in a hurry, don't worry about unrolling socks, and pulling shirts right side out. These tasks are easier to do while sorting the laundry. Just grab all of the dirty clothes and place them in the hamper.

3. Grab all clean clothes and refold or re-hang. If you have a significant amount of clean clothing lying around waiting to be folded and hung, skip this step and place the clean clothing semi-neatly on your bed after you complete Step 5. You can hold your bed hostage and remind yourself to take a few minutes to put away the clothing before bed.

4. Grab all trash and put in the trashcan. This is not the time to determine if you're ready to trash old copies of magazines, or that pair of shoes you've needed repaired for two years. We're throwing away obvious trash, not sorting through boxes and closets. Save the major trash sweep for when you have more time.

5. Make the bed. Yes, I know there is a major debate about whether or not to make the bed. You are just going to get back into it in a few hours. But if we used that argument for other areas of our home, we would never have clean floors, dishes, or laundry. Why wash something when it's just going to get used again? Making the bed changes the look of a room. It makes a room more inviting and uncluttered looking.

6. Pickup all the misplaced items on the floor, bed, desk, etc. Put them in a basket, box, or bag. These are items that belong in another room in the house. Don't try to take them back one at a time. Just put them all in one location for now and move on.

7. Straighten surfaces. If it has been a long time since you have cleaned in here, you may have large accumulations of your stuff that belongs in your room but is not in its proper place. Take a brief survey of this "stuff". If in a minute or less you can put it all away, do so. If not place it all in a container so that you can go through it and organize it later.

8. Sweep and mop or vacuum. Don't move furniture to sweep or vacuum. Just do a quick run through.

9. Put away your supplies. Allow yourself to reflect on how much nicer this briefly cleaned room is. If you keep up this regime regularly on your room, you'll always be able to find your bed. And isn't that what we all want.

Tips:
1. If you have a few minutes left over after vacuuming, grab the baskets and place the items in it in their proper areas. 2. Do not let yourself leave the miscellaneous baskets unattended for too long. The contents will pile up, spill over, and lead to more mess. If you do not have time now to sort through them, take another fifteen minutes sometime in the next day to do so. 3. Make sure you remembered the clean clothes. If there were too many to fold and put away, are the neatly waiting on your made bed?

What You Need:
• A basket, bag, or box to put clutter items. A vacuum cleaner or broom. A hamper. A trash container.

Imaginative play

Imaginative play, that's what's been going on around here lately. We've had a few things come up and now my husband is off from Wed-Friday because he will work the Memorial day weekend. Not that we are hardcore schoolers anyhow, but I tend to start feeling like he's not doing anything after this Diego show or that snack. But in Logan fashion on Monday he began messing with a foam puzzle at the table. At first I wasn't paying attention, but then he said," Look Mommy, animals are sleeping." He had put his animals in the fenced area and said they were napping. It floored me. "Where did my child get this?" And that's when the light comes in that he is listening to all that goes around him, watching everything, and "learning," and that is why we school the way we do, no?

Homemade..

Hello Everyone,
After reviewing our budget, being convicted by the Holy Spirit, and putting up the plastic I have been looking for ways to save money wherever I can. Something that came up to me was birthday and events - so I did some research and thought I would share this article. I love the idea of do-it-yourself.

Blessings,
Ashley

Create Gift Baskets With These Homemade Gift Basket Ideas
http://www.homemade-gift-basket-ideas.com/

This website ... Homemade Gift basket Ideas ... is meant to be a helpful guide to inspire you to create gift baskets for family, friends, coworkers, teachers, and anyone else on your gift list. You will find dozens of gift basket suggestions for every possible holiday, occasion, or special event; with more new information added several times a week.

If you are one of us who has become more cautious with your budget, check out these cheap homemade gift ideas! You will find dozens of recipes as well as decorating tips that make wonderful standalone gifts or to place in your homemade gift baskets.

Gift baskets are very popular these days, but they can also be costly. However, with a little planning and creativity, you can create your own personalized gift baskets within your budget.


A personalized gift indicates your own creative expression for someone who is important to you.

This shows that you put effort, consideration, and love into creating a special gift. And, you can customize it specifically for the person and/or the event or holiday it marks.

Theme gift baskets are a great concept. Not only can you create theme gifts, but you can personalize them as well. As you read through these pages, I'm sure you will come up with your own unique homemade gift basket ideas.

Start by asking yourself these three questions: (1) Is this gift basket for a man, woman, or child? (2) What is his/her hobbies or interests? (3) What is my budget?

A personalized gift indicates your own creative expression for someone who is important to you.

There are many non-food inexpensive homemade gifts that would be lovely gifts for those special people on your gift list all year long.

Creating your own gift baskets can become a wonderful hobby. Once you get the process down, it will become second nature to keep your eyes open for empty baskets, decorative materials, and small gift items that work in many different theme gift baskets.

At this website, you will find detailed information on the following topics related to making gift baskets:

Detailed assembly information which will help you make gift baskets. Read through this information as you come up with your own homemade gift basket ideas.

Theme Basket Ideas: holidays, occasions, gourmet, hobbies, interests, and more.

Directions to tie bows like a pro.

Basket decorating ideas and finishing tips as well as the different filler materials.

Unique container suggestions as enhancements to your own homemade gift basket ideas.


Unusual gift ideas to place in your homemade gift baskets.

Bath products recipes with decorating ideas for the jars and bottles.

Recipes and directions to make gourmet vinegars.

Jar mix recipes for gifts-in-a-jar as stand alone gifts or utilize with your own homemade gift basket ideas.

Decorating ideas for gifts-in-a-jar.

Now let's get creative and save some money. Your rewards will come when you see smiles on the faces of your family and friends.

In addition to the detailed theme information, here are some gift suggestions to use with these Homemade Gift Basket Ideas. These ideas will work for many people on various occasions.

Wine and Cheese Gift Basket: Fill a wicker basket with cheese wedges, gourmet crackers, a cheese slicer, small cheese board, a bottle of wine, corkscrew, book or magazine about wine, or a gift certificate to local liquor store. It's a nice idea to line the basket with a tea towel or cloth napkin with a wine theme. Great homemade gift basket ideas for wine lovers!

Kids Birthday Gifts: Jump rope, Play Dough, Silly Putty, yo-yo, balloons, candles, bubbles, books, dvd, cd, puzzles, stickers, crayons, markers, gift certificates, snack food, candy, or gum. It's best if you personalize your homemade gift basket ideas for kids by choosing their favorite snacks, books, music, etc.

Travel Gift Basket: Travel mug, travel alarm clock, disposable camera, lint roller, compass, maps, travel book or journal, travel size toiletries, gift certificates, stamps, candy, or nuts.

College Students: Use a container, such as a plastic container or basket, that can be useful in their dorm room. Use these homemade gift basket ideas for graduation gifts. Useful gifts are a welcome by most students. School cap, mug, key chain, or banner. Pre-paid calling card, stamps, note pad w/envelopes, alarm clock, granola bars, pizza mixes, tea bags, instant coffee, hot chocolate mix, soup mix, hot cereal or soup mixes. Gift certificate to a local bookstore, grocery store, pizza restaurant, or movie theatre are good ideas also.

Stationery Gift Baskets: A basket or tote bag with handles would make a handy container. Include gifts such as note paper with matching envelopes, personalized return address labels, pens, stamps, stickers, an address book, daily planner, herbal teas, small jar of honey, refrigerator magnets, votive candles, or scented hand cream.

Espresso: A small wooden crate or wicker basket is a good container and easy to work with. Fill it with gifts such as espresso coffee, demi spoons, espresso cups/saucers, Anisette sugar, small bottle of Anisette, biscotti, shortbread cookies, chocolate truffles, or anisette cookies.

Sympathy Gift Basket Ideas: Book, magazine, or puzzle book. Playing cards, cd of soothing music, hand lotion, scented candle, dried fruit, gourmet coffee, tea bags, hot chocolate mix, cookies, nuts, or candies. This theme is also appropriate as hostess homemade gift basket ideas.

Gifts for Tennis Players: A wicker basket or canvas tote bag make nice containers. Fill it with tennis balls, a ball holder,wristband, visor or cap, sun block, copy of Tennis magazine, book about tennis, the recipient's favorite snacks and cans of beverages.

How to Make Your Own Gift Baskets: Guidelines for creating your own theme gift baskets.

Making Bread..

Today is Sunday. Well for some it's still sleepy-time from Saturday, but it is actually Sunday morning here in North Caroline - 0404 to be exact. I got my 4 hrs. of usual sleep and got up to use the restroom. Then I got online and began looking for and printing only grocery coupons. While doing so I was think about homebaked products, more specifically breads and I looked up several bread recipes and thought I would share.

Hope you try some out, I will be!
Blessings, Ashley

Making Bread is Easy as One-Two-Three-Four!
By: http://bobaganda.blogspot.com

1. Put 1 cup of warm water plus one tablespoon sugar in a mixing bowl. Add two tablespoons of yeast. Let sit for about five minutes.
2. Add three cups of flour, 1 cup of milk, dash of salt, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 3-4 tablespoons of oil or melted (and cooled) margarine or shortening. Stir 50 times clockwise, and then 50 times counter-clockwise.
3. Add another 3 to 4 cups of flour and mix until the dough forms a good ball. Turn dough out of the bowl onto a floured surface and let it sit for ten minutes. Then, knead the dough for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Let rise in a greased bowl for about an hour (it should double in size). Punch down the dough. Let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. Divide into two equal parts and shape into loaves. Place in loaf pans and bake at 425 degrees for about 25-30 minutes.

Simple Whole Wheat Bread
By: All Recipes.com
By: Nita Crabb "Simply a great-tasting and easy-to-make whole wheat bread."
Makes 3 loaves

Ingredients
• 3 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 1/3 cup honey
• 5 cups bread flour
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions
1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and 1/3 cup honey. Add 5 cups white bread flour, and stir to combine. Let set for 30 minutes, or until big and bubbly.
2. Mix in 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1/3 cup honey, and salt. Stir in 2 cups whole wheat flour. Flour a flat surface and knead with whole wheat flour until not real sticky - just pulling away from the counter, but still sticky to touch. This may take an additional 2 to 4 cups of whole wheat flour. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the surface of the dough. Cover with a dishtowel. Let rise in a warm place until doubled.
3. Punch down, and divide into 3 loaves. Place in greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pans, and allow to rise until dough has topped the pans by one inch.
4.Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees

From the Website: http://www.bigoven.com
Quick Cake Mix Banana Bread
Minimum effort, Maximum Taste! A favorite recipe for using those ripe bananas.

Ingredients
• 1 box Yellow Cake Mix
• 3 -5 Bananas mashed
• 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• nuts; optional
• Raisins optional
Preparation - Mix thoroughly, put into loaf pans and bake at 350 degrees until done. Yield "2 loaves"

Two Ingredient Beer Bread
This is the simplest bread you can imagine. The loaves look rather rustic, but they're delicious, especially hot and with a smear of butter. Only two ingredients -- and no kneading! You can try different beers for different flavors. We like it made with Budweiser.

Ingredients
• 2 2/3 cups Self-Rising Flour
• 12 ounces Beer

Preparation - Preheat oven to 375. Grease a loaf pan. Combine the flour and beer in a large bowl until flour is completely moistened. Pour into greased loaf pan. Bake the bread at 375 degrees F for 50 to 55 minutes or until top is lightly browned. Cool in pan five minutes before removing to cool completely.

Friday: Food for Thought...

Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (NIV)

Wednesday and the letter,"O."

I am not sure why, but my son is obsessed with "s," and "o," letters. Sometimes I wonder if I should just skip the others and do these two, but I won't! Anyhow, this is a picture he drew yesterday. HE said it was the letter O, he drew one good one and then the picture got crazy. So, what do you say?



All in good fun,
Ashley

A - Lapbook from Tuesday..

Sorry, yesterday proved as difficult as Tuesday, although God did show me a lot through the events, it was exhausting to say the least. It is 9am and I am finally awake this morning and able to post the pictures of the lapbook. It is our first one and very basic, but I think you'll get the idea. My son had a great time and told me yet again," I love this."

Blessings,
Ashley

About Tuesday..

I woke up feeling awful. The thing is my son, is so sweet & flexible and was pretty kind to me. We did an A Lapbook, our first one. It's primative and not made in the traditional way, but I was using what I had as far as folders go. Anyway, it works. The afternoon ended with my husband and I at labor & delivery. 2 hrs. later we heard," You're 2 centimeters, not active, go home and just try to put your feet up and relax." Do they not know what motherhood is? I feel like asking this question, but just sigh. I think I might actually be fighting a cold, wish I would have felt those symptoms before we went. I have several pictures I will post later, but today is going to be very low key, dvds, and just me in bed as much as I can. Please pray for me and the rest of my 33 days of pregnancy if you would.

Blessings,
Ashley

Monday: Recovery Day..

This weekend, wow, did God teach me a lot this past weekend. He even used the sermon in church yesterday to covict me of things. But as much as I was convicted, I was also deeply encouraged, and I was able to see God's love and grace as well. Part of the sermon was on, paraphrasing here, "Whatever you do, whoever you are, you need to do and be that for Christ." Sometimes we think we have to go into a mold or if I am not like so and so or doing this or that, that we're not up to par as Christians. Meanwhile, God, doesn't see things that way. God looks at matters of the heart, the attitude, the why of what you do what you do. So, I firmily believe that if you are in God's will then you will have peace, even as you are being taught (convicted.) Anyhow, this was what I got from my weekend, especially. As I sat in church I was deeply convicted and starting to go through my life and the start of oh my goodness, I am nowhere where I need to be. But God does not beat us down and when I returned home, I got the shock of my afternoon. Indeed, my blessing was I recieved two emails - one from a woman I know casually through a Mom's group. She asked about the church we attend, mentioned she would like to get back into church, and that she noticed I always posted about church things..("WOW, REALLY?, I didn't think anyone read my facebook messages, not really," I thought to myself.) Then I recieved another message from a woman I have known since I was 14, she was 16. She was asking about reading the bible and what not, said she knew I was a bible screamer (as she put it) and bam, (again I was like "wow, thank you GOD for showing me that I am making a difference.") God honored my worried thoughts by giving me a blessing, how can you not see love in that?? Well on this day I did, at least. So, I encourage you not to wallow in conviction if and when you are convicted by the Holy Spirit. Continue to learn, obey, and do as you are called to do.

As for today, I started calling Monday, Recovery Day. No, no one is hurt, but we just keep things really low key. It is something relatively new I have done, with actual intention. I do not plan outtings on this day. I make no real plans inside. We do what we do. Well as I woke up this morning I did my devotion. It was 0230, no less. My body at these last days of pregnancy only seems to give me 4 hrs. as I am in pain if I lay longer than that. Here are some insights I got from my reading various things this morning including the word.

"Christian, remember the goodness of God in the frost of adversity." C.H. Spurgeon.
"Difficulties are meant to rouse, not to discourage." William Ellery Charming.
(My thoughts: Wow God, can you say, DUH. I needed these today!)

*The moment I feel offended, I can choose to forgive.
*Choosing to forgive is an act of obidence to God's commands.
(My thoughts: Gee Lord, I needed to read this.)

"If anyone returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house. - Proverbs 17:13
(My thoughts: Wow, God, have I been evil lately?)


So, as you can see the Lord is speaking greatly to me. The past week I had kind of been quietly moaning about my tired, aching body or the A/C breaking, or a number of things, then Sunday came the sermon I needed and although I was tired when I awoke at 0220, I actually felt refreshed after my devotional time. What an amazing blessing to my mind and body. I was also able to spend a little time with my DS, he woke up needing me, (he quickly went back to bed) as well as I was able to make my husband's lunch (I had forgot to last night,) and see him off to work. And then in his ever giving fashion, God, allowed me to find another couple of hours rest. (As my son slept in.) So, I am greatful for the Lord's love and mercy and I just want to encourage you, if you are discouraged at all in your walk, tell him, cling to him, and he will guide your ways.

Blessings,
Ashey

Thrifty Friday..

We were on Post (Military installation) doing some things and my husband offered to stop by the Thrift store. He knows it's my favorite place in an area he knows as "work." I was as happy as can be and entered expecting to find something and find I did.

I found two pieces of art, European-ish which I new would match the cream colored paint the previous owners had on the walls. I am not overly fond of such a neutral color and at the same time, my husband and I could not agree on a bedroom color, so it's been left for now. Having come from Europe (Germany more specifically) I was immediately drawn to the paintings. I picked them up and they were $20.50 for both of them. I was like hmm..seems good to me since any large art work I had seen, even at Walmart typically starts at $40. Then came the real shocker, I saw the price tag on the back, $42.50 and that was for one, so someone had paid $85 for them both. The the real kicker was the store the were purchased at was at Ross, a place I typically love. So, needless to say I felt much better about $20.50, my husband and I knew we could afford it, and so in the cart the went.

Then came the second set of goodies. We found two simple & small bedside table lamps, matching, for $8.50. The thing about it is was, my husband and I had been talking about lamps, but hadn't seen any we thought were worth the money. However; these were small, would take up less room, and matched our wall color. I supposed aloud that they were supposed to be mine and into the cart they went. My husband is good like that when we find a deal & have the funds.

Then two more frivolous items, an ABC puzzle for my son. He has no puzzles whatsoever and I decided that it would be for "school" time only, no something he casually gets to play with and then a Football pillow Daddy just had to get for Levi's nursery room for $1.75. How do you deny a father who is happily painting and hanging in that same nursery, well I didn't today.

So, Decor for home: $33.75
Lived in home: PRICELESS!!


And that is the tale of my thrifty Friday..
Home decorating doesn't have to be expensive..
One man or woman's too much, is perfect in your home.
Blessings,
Ashley

(Photo credit to: http://customersrock.files.wordpress.com/2007/01/shopping-cart.jpg)

Another Article..

Hello,
If you have not heard of this organization or website I strongly recommend you go check it out. http://www.hearts-at-home.org -- This is where I read this article. I thought considering I just posted about similar things I would post this.

Mean Mom Strikes Again
Written by Mary Steinke

"You're the 'worstest' mom in the whole wide world!" declared my four-year old from his time-out chair. That morning he woke up ready and itching for a fight. He seemed determined to test every limit. He was going to get his own way or go down fighting.

What a way to start the day! Hearing my child declare my "unfitness" made me recall how many times I muttered under my breath similar things about my own mother.

To be honest, I remember giving my mom plenty of trouble plenty of times. I tested the limits. I questioned her authority. I knew just how far I could push her. I knew her weaknesses and I knew how to use them to my advantage.

Luckily for me, she stood firm and remained a "Mean Mom." She took her responsibility to form my character seriously and did not allow me to run the show. I always knew who was in charge -- even when that fact made me furious.

Now I find myself on the receiving end of all the crankiness I dished out during my formative years. Turn about fair play, she'd say.

Being a mother means more discipline problems generally fall into our collective laps. The days of "wait until your father gets home" are long gone.

Every mother not only needs a loving heart, but also thick skin to dish out needed discipline. Being a "Mean Mom" simply comes with the job.

Also, if you happen to be a mother at home, our adversarial role with our children only intensifies because as we spend more time with them.

Yet how do we accomplish our long term goal of building character in our children through loving discipline without sacrificing our sanity today?

Some Disciple Tips
Here are a few tips I've learned along the way through books, parenting classes, but mostly through hands on experience:

Loving Authority - The best way to discipline is not a technique as much as an attitude. Our children need our authority in their lives just as much as they need our love. Children need both to grow strong in their character.

Catch Them Being Good - We work very hard at giving our children more encouragement than correction. Try to say "Yes" more often than "No."

Good Parents are Good Leaders - Our role as parents is to 1.) set the example, 2.) teach our children how we expect them to act, 3.) encourage them, 4.) reward their efforts, and 5.) hold them accountable. Good leaders in business or the community do the same five things.

A United Front - Discipline requires both parents to be active participants. Our children know that my husband and I always back each other in every disciplinary decision. If we disagree, we only do so in private.

Pick your battles - When my four-year old declared I was the 'worstest' mom, I choose to ignore his words. Since he obeyed by remaining in the time-out chair, I choose not to escalate the conflict between us until he calmed down. Later, I taught him about respect and what I expect of him in that regard.

Remain Quiet - With older children, the more you defend your position the less they listen. Therefore, the less impact you have on their behavior. Pronounce the needed discipline. Then remain firm, but silent on the subject.

Consistency - Once, I heard my oldest son giving my youngest son some sage advice. My oldest declared, "I know Mom. Believe me, she won't give in so you might as well do what you've been told." That was the day I knew I had been consistent.

The Look - Your mother used it on you. Practice that silent look of disapproval in the mirror. One look can say a thousand words.

Natural Consequences - We allow our children to make decisions that may cause them to fail. Our oldest waited until the last minute to finish a project and got the low grade he deserved. He learned the natural consequence of not doing quality work and I saved myself having to give a lecture on responsibility.

When/Then - For example, when your homework is done, then you may watch TV or call a friend. Or when the toys are picked up, then you may have a snack.

Restoration - After we discipline our children, we restore our relationship with them. Each child needs to know that even though they have been disciplined for their inappropriate behavior they are still deeply loved. For example, I rock my four-year old. With my seven-year-old, I give him a hug. With my ten-year-old, I tousle his hair and tell him a joke.

Forgiveness - My husband and I apologize to our children when we're in the wrong.

The Golden Rule - As Christians, my husband and I incorporate our faith and values into our discipline. Following God's rules for our actions continues to be our foundation for our expectations of our children's behavior.
Remember, being a loving mom means being labeled a "Mean Mom" from time to time. If you look back at your mother's expectations of behavior, I suspect you're glad she held you accountable for your actions.

Although as mothers we may by default need to do most of the discipline of our children, I imagine we also receive more genuine love. My children dearly love their father, but sometimes only mom will do -- even she turns
into "Mean Mom".

Mary Steinke writes a popular newspaper column, speaks to women throughout the Midwest, and served as director of publishing for Hearts at Home. Before children, she worked in full-time ministry as a chaplain in such diverse settings as nursing homes and prisons. Mary resides in Normal, Illinois, with her husband, Harry, and three sons.

Originally published on February 6, 1999 in The Pantagraph.


Blessings to you all,
Ashley

School is Everywhere..

I posted previously about not being able to do much if any school this week.
Then my son showed me school truly is everywhere.
Yesterday he was helping me sweep and yesterday it was actually a help. He held his dust pan while I swept stuff in..anyway, as we took a break he got a basket full of his cars. We sat on my bed and talk about shapes..the wheels on cars were circles, the car it's self was square, not exactly but at least he's recognizing shapes. We did this with the toys in the basket for several minutes and I smiled to myself thinking, yep you really can learn with anything around you.
As for today, I am finishing my CLEAN SWEEP.
I plan on posting pictures sometime tomorrow and am really thankful for my DH being extra help this week. I think he sees I am working my tail off and that motivates him.

So, I am one happy Mama, lovin' life!
Blessings to you,
Ashley

Chores & Attitudes..

Thankfully our plans for today were canceled. I suppose the Lord saw I would have a rough night, sleep wise, and so today we're at home! Some people, and there are some in my extended family, that think small children cannot be held accountable for their behavior. After all, they are too small to know what they're doing. Right? Wrong. While I believe an 18 month old does not comprehend things a 10 year old can, I still believe that a small child does know right an wrong. For example when you tell a small child not to touch something and they look at you as they do it again, that is them knowingly disobeying. Anyhow, this is not so much a blog on discipline, but rather the fact that I created a chart for my son for chores and attitudes. Lately his Father and I have seen some bad behavior and I know in my heart we must start "child-training," now. We already were teaching manners and what not, but I believe this chart will help my husband and I be even clearer in our mission and our son will have consequences for his actions (i.e. not getting extras.) Here is what our chart looks like. It's only partly done asI typed out the rules. I will be hanging them next to a sticker chart. I also have to discuss the rules with my husband and make sure we are on the same page with consequences and what not.



Logan’s Do’s and Beatitudes
• Pick up toys and books, put them away.
• Throw pull-up away when asked.
• Help Mommy with the clothes when she asks.
• Listening to directions.
• Hearing and doing what Daddy & Mommy ask.
• Help Daddy feed the dogs.
• No whining, rather talking to Daddy & Mommy.
• Put “Logan’s” dishes in the sink.
• Brushing teeth.
• Put shoes on shoe rack.
• Wash or sanitize hands.
• Speaking nice to others.





I just felt led to post this and share my thoughts. I am very concerned about raising a son, soon to be sons who are respectful not only to their parents, but to God and all authority. I start to say it is shocking to me how quickly children learn bad, defiant behaviors, and then I realize we've all fallen and therefore need a savior. Blessings upon you all!

Ashley

Several Links & Articles for Decluttering the Home..

I have posted some Links & Two Articles, Hope you enjoy!


www.momagenda.com


www.realsimple.com


www.easyhomeorganizing.com


www.chartjungle.com






(Picture Credit given to: jdorginizer.blogspot.com)


The Bare Essentials: Simplifying Your Life
http://www.getorganizednow.com/050910.html

Take a look in your closets, garage, junk drawer and even your day planner. Are your valuable spaces uncomplicated and organized or cluttered and cramped? If your answer is the latter, it may be time to simplify your life by getting down to the bare essentials.

For many people, a good number of items which currently clutter up your home are redundant, useless, in need or repair, or just taking up space. We simply do not need all of the possessions we have accumulated. These superfluous items can cost you valuable time and money as you sort through them on a daily basis. Simplification and getting down to the bare essentials will save time and money while reducing stress as well. Although there are many areas of our lives we could simplify, here are a few examples to give you a good start.

1) Simplify your wardrobe. Most people wear less than 20% of the items in their closet on a regular basis. A simplified wardrobe can relieve a great deal of stress. Fewer options will expedite your outfit selection each morning. Stick to mix and match clothing pieces that are classic and timeless. Eliminate items that our outdated, waiting more than 6 months for repair or alterations, or worn less than twice a year. The increased space in your closet will also make it easier to view the remaining clothing you have.

2) Simplify your garage and storage area. As the seasons change, swap snow shovels and ice picks for rakes and garden shovels. Store the unused items above in the rafters. If you have multiples of outdoor tools, garden tools, or sporting equipment, select the one in the best condition, and eliminate the others. Most importantly, if you have boxes in your storage area or garage that have been unopened for over two years, consider discarding it. If it’s been stored that long, you likely don't need it.

3) Simplify your children’s toys. Some toys, such as building blocks, are a staple in a child’s toy repertoire and should be kept. Classic games and toys should be retained so long as they are regularly played with. Others like board games or puzzles which are missing pieces, trendy toys (remember Tickle Me Elmo?) that now sit on the shelf collecting dust, or gifted items that your children never had any real interest in should be discarded or donated. More than likely, your child will never miss those items and their playroom shelves will look considerably less cluttered.




Do you have too much stuff? Need to declutter? Spring Cleaning is the perfect time with tips from Cheryl Miller.
Spring Cleaning Tips:
How Much is Enough?
by Cheryl Miller
Spring is a great time to ask this question - how much is enough? Do you know why it's so windy in the spring? I think it's windy so that leaves and other debris get blown away so there's room for new growth. How about being the wind in your home this spring and clear out the excess?
Until a several years ago, I had no idea what was enough. I had 25 bath towels (just for me), 75 belts, and 20 screwdrivers. You get the picture. Oh and the vases. I haven't counted them because I'm not giving them up.
What was the problem? Lack of awareness, plain and simple. What woke me up was a jammed up bathroom. I kept wanting to squeeze more into the already packed drawers and cabinet. Frustrated that my stuff wouldn't fit, I took everything out. What a mountain of stuff there was. I was amazed that one small room could hold so much stuff.
Something inside of me said "Count the towels." I did and was shocked that there were 25 bath towels . . . and I'm the only one using them. Who needs 25 bath towels? Well a spa maybe. But not me.
So I regained consciousness and thought about how many I actually might use. I work out a lot and take many of my showers at the gym. So I thought I could do just great (even with company) if I kept 10 bath towels. What to do with the leftovers? They are great towels…hum. Ah ha! I remembered the social service league. They price things really cheaply so that with very little can get what they need - free or low cost. What a great solution. I just loved dumping those excess towels into that bin! Somebody else needs them more than I do. In fact the towels on the bottom of the drawer probably hadn't been used in 8 years. Disgusting over consumption and hoarding. I'm almost ashamed to tell you about it.
In a separate instance I decided to get rid of some belts. They were harmlessly, innocently hanging on a belt rack on the back side of a closet door. They weren't in the way or taking up much room. So why mess with them? That voice said "count them" so I did. 75! Gosh who needs 75 belts? A belt store maybe. There were bright ones, studded ones, thin ones, fat ones, aqua ones, holy ones, leather ones, plastic ones, smooth ones, rough ones. It occurred to me that I didn't even wear belts.
Ya know belts are sometimes in, sometimes out. But we tend to keep things knowing they'll come back into style. But have you noticed that they come back in style with a slightly different twist so they will sell well? So why not just let them go peacefully?
So I saved 5 that I thought I might actually wear and gave the rest to . . . you guessed it . . . the social service league. When you find the right place to get rid of your excess, it feels just great, makes letting go easier, and reduces the embarrassment of over consumption.
Now to the vases. I haven't counted my vases because I've decided that I love vases and I actually use them. So they're safe for now. When I pick little bouquets from my yard, I need a wide variety of sizes and colors to choose from. It's important to me. So I like having a lot of vases.
What's the takeaway from this? Well, you CAN keep lots of everything. If you're like me, you just don't have room for all of it or the time to manage it. But you CAN keep lots of the ONE THING you really value. Figure out what that is, feel good about it, and release the rest. Counting them first helps. So here's the action plan:
1. Decide if this "collection" is important to you. Really important to you.
2. Decide if you need that many (count them).
3. Determine how many you will actually use.
4. Think of a really cool place to unload them - a place you feel really good about donating them to. Or give them to your friends.
5. Next time you open the drawer, cabinet, or closet, smile big and enjoy the empty space! It looks so beautiful!
Take advantage of this great spring season to blow through your house and get rid of the unintentional collections that may be stopping up the energy in your cabinets, closets, and drawers.



Cheryl Miller is a wellness expert and life coach. She specializes in helping people like you take action to get fit, quit smoking, eat well, live simply, manage stress, get organized, finish big projects and 1,000 other things. Visit her website at www.cherylmillerville.com and join one or more of the free clubs to help you take action to live a healthy, happy life.
© 2004 Cheryl Miller, www.cherylmillerville.com. All rights reserved
http://www.getorganizednow.com/index.html

Home Organization or if you will, "Spring Cleaning."

This weekend left me to be honest, TIRED. We were on the go more than we had been in since our move. It was not bad, just busy doing family things and being social with others. Then, yesterday, surprise to my husband & the rest of us, he was off of work, so he came home and completely switched up our normal Monday routine. I know that is sounds bad that I was at all annoyed about him having time off, but my son and I are creatures of habit and things like (for my son) not getting a nap seem to be cause for a bad afternoon. Anyway, this week is a little more of doing, today, I am organzing thing and putting them up. I started on the 6th with a bookshelf and getting everything I could on it, but one wasn't enough and so we had to get another one. My husband is putting it together tonight and let me tell you I have loads of stuff to go on it. Wednesday involves Logan and I going to a friend's house. She is doing a yardsale and more than spending time with her, I am taking stuff over to sell at this sale with her. Thursday will be my final organizing day, and then Friday the husband has off again. We are not sure why, but we'll take an extended weekend any day. We might even get to go to the beach, which I personally would love and am ready for! Anyhow, my whole point is not a lot of schooling is going on this week, we're still potty-training, and it's going pretty well. Basically I will be posting links to organizing sites and a few articles I have found. I pray they help you in some way.


Blessings, Ashley

Tips for Potty Training..

These seem to work for us, just thought I would share.

1) Use a small cup when giving your child liquids. We went down to a 4oz. cup and fill it up, after Logan drinks it we have he at least try to use the restroom.
2) Have your child potty in the living room. Obviously we have not had anyone over, but this is what really got Logan going.
3) Sticker chart, bought or homemade. Logan seems really motivated by the fact he gets to place stickers on the chart when he goes.
4) I know this is not an ideal one, but TV (For us NickJr.) on while child sits on the potty in the living room.
5) Let you child go bare. We tried to keep the pull-ups and or underwear on and this seems to create more issues. So, at least when first starting I would suggest you let your child go bare.
6) Create a prize jar. We used an old salsa jar, washed it out of course, and filled it with cheapy prizes from the dollar store and candy, so that for every 10 goes on his chart, Logan can pick a prize.

Happy journey all!
Ashley

Schooling.. (From 05/06/10)

Monday was 15 minutes of the letters A-C. I must confess that my son is too much like me and has more questions than answers, but he got the gist of A-C. Today, Thursday, was a little deep for him - but Logan is such a trooper. He knows his colors for sure, I reminded him about the letter,"A," and I showed him for the first time how to cut and paste. It feels so strange to me that something so easy for me is so complex for him at this point. I am not being pushy by any means, but rather I know that soon I'll be looking back at this stage musing how time flies. 15 minutes today was great! Only one picture would load, it's of circles and the color yellow. He pasted them himself and seemed rather pleased.

Blessings,
Ashley

About Priorities..

First of all, I would like to start this post by saying that I realize everyone has a different set of circumstances in life. I ask that before you get defensive or put off by what I have written that you realize I am not passing judgment on working or not working outside the home (or any part of YOUR LIFE) and also, that you would pray to the Lord about his will (NOT MINE OR ANYONE ELSE’S) for your life.

Priorities, we all have them weather we have thought them out and written them down or not. I was googling for various Christian articles and what not and came across this blog site. I was a tad disappointed that the author has not posted since 2009, but the article I am referring to was posted by the author in 2007. The post is on priorities and it really makes me want to find and read this book. I have read other books by this author and I like her, anyhow back to the topic at hand, PRIORITIES! Priorities can be tough to think about and even tougher to change. I must confess as I read this I knew some things were lacking in my own life. I am 8 months pregnant and the big one, if I am honest, is my house. It is not a dirty-neglected place, exactly, but there are some things I could put away and organize and a basket of laundry I could fold and put away – ah, conviction. I know what I’ll be doing soon, at least in part. My question is where are you as you read this post?
(Taken from a post at this site: http://biblicalmotherhood.blogspot.com ) This is a list that I keep on hand to remind me about keeping my priorities straight. I keep it with my little book of household routines. This was shared by Nancy Leigh DeMoss on her radio show for Christian women called Revive Our Hearts. She was discussing the subject of whether or not a Christian wife and mother should work outside the home. She said that you need to be taking care of the first 5 before you think about having a job.

1. Your relationship with the Lord.
2. Your Husband.
3. Your Children.
4. Your House.
5. Ministering to Others.
6. A job - this is where I put my home business.

*Something the author did respond to is, “Why is your house above ministering to others?” I like what her reply was to the woman who left the comment. Basically she said that if a friend or someone needed her while she was cleaning her home or doing some sort of household chore she would drop everything and be there for that person in a heartbeat. She said the issue arises when we are so busy outside the home, that our house is in shambles and our family cannot function within the home.*

May this post bless you in some way I pray,
Christ’s blessings upon you and your household, Ashley

The Potty Training Cronicles..

Oh the tales we tell. Well my son originally started potty-training at 16 months. This was not forced, he wanted to, and so Mommy and Daddy went along with it, buying the Elmo potty and Mommy even making a neon yellow chart & using stickers. From 16-18months things went well until we got the call in Germany that my DH's Father was critically ill and probably wouldn't make it and so we all hopped on a plane and took ER leave to FL. Before we could get there Lance's Father did pass away. So, we grieved and spent time with family all the while celebrating the Father who was now in heaven with Jesus. This couple with stress from losing our daughter, Arianna, four months before that, and finding out we were moving to North Carolina, as well as pregnant, and subsequently moving created a revolt within my son and he stopped going cold turkey.

So, last fall,I just took my Husband aside and said we would stop until we moved and indeed we did. As I have posted before, potty-training is a battle of will and not just a child's will. I have come to realize it is also parent's will as well. Things get easy, comfortable, you know what to expect - both child and parent(s.) And we are an on the go family, such is life of a military family. But finally last week after being yelled at by my 2 and 1/2 year old that he was "pooping," and also finding him in the church nursery hiding while he was going "potty," this Mommy found her resolve and I told myself," We will be going nowhere next week and doing this training thing for real!"

Well today is day:3 of the serious training and previously my son had two stars on his chart, mainly because Daddy had got him to the potty in mid go. So, last night knowing I needed to keep to motivation going we went out and got candies and various plastic toys and stuck them in what I fondly call,"The going Potty jar," and as his chart has things in rows of 10 we decided that after every 10 goes we would let him get in the prize jar. So, as of today, there are 9 stars on the chart to go with the 2 from the entire month of April. That equals 11 starts, 9 in 3 days and Logan got his first prize. He chose a piece of candy and was more than thrilled as he "high 5'ed" me. I am just amazed and happy this journey is finally on it's way. I know my son is thrilled and is even noticing his body's signals. What more can a Mom ask for? Not much! : )

As of May 4th, How things are looking!

I guess we're not failures after all. There is growth here. What I failed to read at first was it takes at least 70 days for the Cherry tomatoes to sprout. Good things come to those who wait though I guess. I guess God is working on Mommy's patience. Above the sprouting Cherry Tomatoes is our homemade Chiya Pet we got from an Earth Day Fair we went to. It has really grown since we started it as nothing but soil and seedlings in an old stocking..now He's looking like a real rock-star! Here's to our small garden, maybe next year we can do more!

Then that night came,"Elmo!"

I had a feeling Cookie Monster Kit wasn't going to go well just by my lack of understanding of the directions. I am surprised my son wasn't telling me how to do it, since children often get things before their parents. So, after I set that aside, next that night came the Elmo kit! (Cherry Tomatoes in case you were wondering.) This went more like gardening is supposed to go. I felt fairly sure we were going to succeed.

April 5th, 1st We tried,"Cookie Monster."

So, they had Sesame Street garden kits and since I am not a gardener by any means and my son was interests, his Father & I, splurged on two. One was this Cookie Monster kit which, I hate to say we killed on the second day. I don't think I was ready to grow Baby Watermelons.. Luckily we got more than one kit. Next would come, ELMO! More on our gardening adventures tomorrow..

Teaching Letters..

I went and bought a package of these letters and numbers at Walmart, it was $5 but came with multiples of each and seemed like a good thing to start with. I could have made these letters myself, but I thought the sparkle and shine of these would grab my son's attention and trust me, he needs all the help with that, that he can get. I also thought the fact that these letters are different colors would help with continued color recognition, something he's pretty much mastered. So, basically our "schooling" has gone something like this,"What letter is that?" "What color is that letter?" "Where is the same letter?" And if my son feels like it, he answers. And that is how I am going about teaching letters and later numbers. For now, we are just doing A-C. Today was the first day I brought them out and Logan seemed excited to do "class" as he says, so hopefully this will continue to inspire him!

Daddy Helps..

For the past few nights this has been the sight on my couch: Father & Son. Never underestimate technology I am learning lately. I am typically very leery of too much T.V. or too many gadgets for children, but, Logan, at 2 years and 8 months old is learning a lot from his V-tech laptop that he got as a gift for his 2ND birthday. The main thing is letter recognition. I love watching from our adjacent couch as my Dear Husband sits and goes over the letter game(s) with our son. It's such a precious moment and I know my husband is glad to help in any way with our son's education.

Toddler Life Lessons: Potty Training.

Diapers may be expensive, disposible or cloth.
But as a mother I must admit they're easy.
You know what I am talking about, right?
You wait, check 'em, and if they have gone you change them.
Over time you're checking less..
Then comes the moment you where your child is screaming at you that they are going in their diaper.
Well mine will either scream or hide against some wall.
So, take one family emergency (last year when he first was training from 16-18 months), a move from Germany to North Carolina, and being on the go to see family and it makes for one stubborn potty trainer.
But I told myself this week we are going nowhere and we will really do this "thing."
Well today I made Logan move the potty chair to the living room, go bare, and turned on Nick Jr. and we've had one accident and 4 stickers added to the chart. Also, going down to a 4 oz cup is also seeming to help the overall situation.

It is just day one, but I am so proud of my little man!!
Tomorrow will be a post about gardening and school, promise. For now I just had to share..how awesome my son is!