Tuesday, December 31, 2013

New Year...New Expectations->How About You?

Okay so we are approaching, in less than 12 hours, a new year and I don't know about you but I have new expectations for this year. Expectations that I fully intend to complete and use to better myself and my family. So although a lot of people are setting "New Year's Resolutions", I am calling my changes expectations, because to me an expectation is something I expect to change and its a lifestyle change not something I am doing for everyone else to see. I am making a "forever" change!
So here is my list of new expectations for 2014:
  • To be obedient to my Lord and follow what He has set forth for my life. He has promised me in Jeremiah 29:11 that He has good things planned for me "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." 
  • To not just speak to my children what faith is, but to show them in every thing I do. Faith is something we portray by how we react in life to not only the good but the bad. In 2 Corinthians 5:7 God tells us just that, "For we walk by faith, not by sight."
  • To laugh, cry, run, jump, cuddle, kiss, hug, hold hands, create, and learn with and from my children. They are such a true blessing and my one reason for being here according to my God is love Him and show them that as well. Deuteronomy 6:5 tells us why we were put here on the earth, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."
  • To disciple to His people and spread the word of His love. In the bible Jesus tells us in John 13:35 that we should do this by loving His people, "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."
  • Show more grace to my husband because of the grace God showed to this wretch when He sent His son to die on the cross for me. Marriage is a tough job and was never meant to be taken lightly. I have spent the last year fighting myself thinking "I" knew what was best, only to find out my best was not what the marriage needed. God tells us in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 just what love is, "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
  • Make some new friends through this blog, even if they are people I never see face to face. Be open to differences and be okay with that. You are God's child too and He taught me to love you regardless of those differences. So please feel free to contact me via my Contact page, I would love to connect via your blog or Facebook page or just email.
  • Volunteer with my church anytime I can get. I LOVE my church and let me tell you, I NEVER thought I would find a place where I once again felt completely at home. I feel like I am wrapped up in the arms of God Himself each and every time I am around those people. My church is Team Church of Lancaster and if you are looking for a place of Grace and God's love please come visit us. You will never feel more at home.
  • Cook more and create more. Try to learn how to bake more and not be as scared of the "exact" measurements needed in baking. I am one of those girls who doesn't need a recipe, my daddy even said it on Christmas morning as he stood in my kitchen and watched me make homemade biscuits. He said, "you are like my mama, she never really used a recipe, just eyeballed it." I had a connection to a grandmother I barely knew during my life and I know that one day I will see her again in His kingdom.
  • Connect more with my mama and her parents. I have some of the most wonderful memories of my life locked with those 3 people. Those memories are so forever etched in my mind that my children know most of them, because I share constantly with them. We are never promised tomorrow, but I was blessed with such a loving family that I want to give back however I can even if it is just sitting, talking, and laughing with them.
  • To pray more when I say I am going to. If somebody asks for prayer, stop right then and pray for them, no matter where I am and let them know it. Prayer shouldn't be something we just say but something we actively do. In the bible 1 Thessalonians 5:17 gives us that direct order, "Pray without ceasing."

How about you? What expectations do you have of yourself and life this year? They don't have to be aligned with my beliefs, remember I am going to love you anyway. I want to know how you want your year to go and expect that of yourself. Comment below with 1 expectation of yourself or family this year.
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Monday, December 30, 2013

The Chaos That Ensued

The plans I had in mind for Saturday were to work with my children to get their rooms cleaned and organized from the Christmas holidays and enjoy the rest of Saturday just being lazy or playing games. That was NOT at ALL how it went!
Here are the before shots of their rooms, which let me add had been this way since Christmas with no turn around in site and I couldn't take it another day.

This is just the most shameful mess I have ever allowed anyone outside of my house to see. Now I know most if not all kids dislike cleaning of any kind and I am not so old that I do not remember that feeling. However, I have told my children repeatedly that we live here so we have to take care it. What ensued when I "cracked the whip" as one of my Facebook Fans said was like a horror movie. My children went into fits that contained screaming, crying, convulsing, kicking, stomping, whining, mumbling in a foreign language (it was like kidese or something), threatening, and many other evil things. I kept waiting on the levitation and the head spinning to occur but thankfully it didn't.
I pulled together and prayed to God for guidance because I wanted my children to learn that cleaning wasn't a chore, but a part of life and could be enjoyed if we made it routine. I just wasn't sure how it was going to happen. Now after several hours of fighting and a whole lot of me helping all 3 children clean up and organize their rooms, it was done.

Finished results were fantastic and I felt so much better! It was definitely worth it but honestly I did not want to have to spend another Saturday fighting these children just to clean a room. What was I going to do? Well I just kept cleaning and you know what happened this beautiful Monday morning when I got up. My daughter had gotten up and made her bed!! I was astonished and so proud...she did it without me asking. I think I know...I have gotten up every day since Friday and made my bed, gotten dressed, started laundry, made my coffee, and went to work on my FlyLady Flight Plan. Now if you haven't heard of FlyLady please use the clickable link and check it out. However, I have had a bad habit of not being consistent in my cleaning since I went back to work. Not only have I taught myself how to be more consistent but being more consistent has also started to instill a new habit in my children.
"Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6
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Saturday, December 28, 2013

50 Random Questions About Me

50 random questions:
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
I don’t think so but I never asked.  I think my mom saw the name in the newspaper.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
That depends on what you mean by cried.  I cry all the time when I watch something sappy on TV or my kids tug at my heart strings . . . but last Saturday was probably the last time I cried because I was REALLY upset.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Eh – it’s pretty boring.  I have neat handwriting and my cursive is very easy to read – It is probably the “teacher” in me.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAT?
Ham
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Yes – 4 of them.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Yes.  I’d probably get annoyed that I was always too busy to call myself back, though.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
Yes.  Yes, I do.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
If I were about 50 pounds lighter . . . at my weight I’d be scared it would break!
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL
Krave (the Chocolate ones)
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Not usually.
12. RIGHT HANDED OR LEFT?
Right handed
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Chocolate.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their smile or lack of smile.  I like happy people.
15. RED OR PINK?
Pink
16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
The size of my tummy and hips
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My grandparents . . . and great grandmothers.
18. TEA OR COFFEE?
Coffee.
19. WHAT COLOR TROUSERS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Grey
20. WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE ANIMAL?
Hmmm . . . I really like Elephants – but don’t ask for an explanation because I don’t have one.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The kids fighting over Disney Infinity characters.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Green.
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Pumpkin, garlic, clean clothes, campfires.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My mother-in-law.
25. FRUIT OR VEG?
Veggies
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Football – when I get the chance.
27. HAIR COLOR?
Brown
28. EYE COLOR?
Brown
29. X-RAY VISION OR BE ABLE TO FLY?
Hmm . . . both would come in handy but probably fly.  I could get more done and gas prices are redonkulous.
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy Endings, please.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
33. WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE ACTOR/ACTRESS ?
Ugh.  That’s a tough one.  Currently it would have to be Bradley Cooper.
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Fall . . . seriously, I don’t like the extra hot summer days or super cold winter ones.
35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Hugs
36. WHAT WAS YOUR NICK NAME AS A KID?
Beaner.  I’m sure that it originated from Janener Beaner but it wasn’t
37. GOING OUT TO WATCH A MOVIE OR STAY IN?
Eh – probably staying in.  The movies are too freaking expensive these days!
38. WHERE WAS YOUR LAST VACATION?
Wildwood, NJ
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Honestly, the 17 Day Diet book.
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
No mouse pad.  :(
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
Cutthroat kitchen
42. FAVORITE SOUND(S)?
Is silence a sound?  That and ocean waves.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES
Another tough one . . . probably the Beatles.
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Punta Cana for my Honeymoon
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I don’t think so.  I mean I have talents but no out of the ordinary ones.
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
In Pennsylvaina – where I still live.
47. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Black
48. WHO’S YOUR BEST FRIEND?
My hubby
49. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER?
We kind of grew up together.  He was in my sister’s class all through Elementary School and High School.  Sometime when I was in College we ended up at a party together (a party at my house) and that’s when it all started.
50. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST?
SURE!  I know it’s cheesy but if you do it make sure to leave me a comment and let me know so I can come and check it out!
- See more at: http://morethanmommies.net/2013/12/100-things.html#sthash.6xW66iXK.dpuf
50 random questions:
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
I don’t think so but I never asked.  I think my mom saw the name in the newspaper.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
That depends on what you mean by cried.  I cry all the time when I watch something sappy on TV or my kids tug at my heart strings . . . but last Saturday was probably the last time I cried because I was REALLY upset.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Eh – it’s pretty boring.  I have neat handwriting and my cursive is very easy to read – It is probably the “teacher” in me.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAT?
Ham
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Yes – 4 of them.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Yes.  I’d probably get annoyed that I was always too busy to call myself back, though.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
Yes.  Yes, I do.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
If I were about 50 pounds lighter . . . at my weight I’d be scared it would break!
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL
Krave (the Chocolate ones)
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Not usually.
12. RIGHT HANDED OR LEFT?
Right handed
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Chocolate.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their smile or lack of smile.  I like happy people.
15. RED OR PINK?
Pink
16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
The size of my tummy and hips
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My grandparents . . . and great grandmothers.
18. TEA OR COFFEE?
Coffee.
19. WHAT COLOR TROUSERS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Grey
20. WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE ANIMAL?
Hmmm . . . I really like Elephants – but don’t ask for an explanation because I don’t have one.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The kids fighting over Disney Infinity characters.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Green.
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Pumpkin, garlic, clean clothes, campfires.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My mother-in-law.
25. FRUIT OR VEG?
Veggies
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Football – when I get the chance.
27. HAIR COLOR?
Brown
28. EYE COLOR?
Brown
29. X-RAY VISION OR BE ABLE TO FLY?
Hmm . . . both would come in handy but probably fly.  I could get more done and gas prices are redonkulous.
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy Endings, please.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
33. WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE ACTOR/ACTRESS ?
Ugh.  That’s a tough one.  Currently it would have to be Bradley Cooper.
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Fall . . . seriously, I don’t like the extra hot summer days or super cold winter ones.
35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Hugs
36. WHAT WAS YOUR NICK NAME AS A KID?
Beaner.  I’m sure that it originated from Janener Beaner but it wasn’t
37. GOING OUT TO WATCH A MOVIE OR STAY IN?
Eh – probably staying in.  The movies are too freaking expensive these days!
38. WHERE WAS YOUR LAST VACATION?
Wildwood, NJ
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Honestly, the 17 Day Diet book.
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
No mouse pad.  :(
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
Cutthroat kitchen
42. FAVORITE SOUND(S)?
Is silence a sound?  That and ocean waves.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES
Another tough one . . . probably the Beatles.
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Punta Cana for my Honeymoon
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I don’t think so.  I mean I have talents but no out of the ordinary ones.
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
In Pennsylvaina – where I still live.
47. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Black
48. WHO’S YOUR BEST FRIEND?
My hubby
49. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER?
We kind of grew up together.  He was in my sister’s class all through Elementary School and High School.  Sometime when I was in College we ended up at a party together (a party at my house) and that’s when it all started.
50. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST?
SURE!  I know it’s cheesy but if you do it make sure to leave me a comment and let me know so I can come and check it out!
- See more at: http://morethanmommies.net/2013/12/100-things.html#sthash.6xW66iXK.dpuf
50 random questions:
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
I don’t think so but I never asked.  I think my mom saw the name in the newspaper.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
That depends on what you mean by cried.  I cry all the time when I watch something sappy on TV or my kids tug at my heart strings . . . but last Saturday was probably the last time I cried because I was REALLY upset.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Eh – it’s pretty boring.  I have neat handwriting and my cursive is very easy to read – It is probably the “teacher” in me.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAT?
Ham
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Yes – 4 of them.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Yes.  I’d probably get annoyed that I was always too busy to call myself back, though.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
Yes.  Yes, I do.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
If I were about 50 pounds lighter . . . at my weight I’d be scared it would break!
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL
Krave (the Chocolate ones)
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Not usually.
12. RIGHT HANDED OR LEFT?
Right handed
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Chocolate.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their smile or lack of smile.  I like happy people.
15. RED OR PINK?
Pink
16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
The size of my tummy and hips
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My grandparents . . . and great grandmothers.
18. TEA OR COFFEE?
Coffee.
19. WHAT COLOR TROUSERS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Grey
20. WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE ANIMAL?
Hmmm . . . I really like Elephants – but don’t ask for an explanation because I don’t have one.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The kids fighting over Disney Infinity characters.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Green.
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Pumpkin, garlic, clean clothes, campfires.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My mother-in-law.
25. FRUIT OR VEG?
Veggies
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Football – when I get the chance.
27. HAIR COLOR?
Brown
28. EYE COLOR?
Brown
29. X-RAY VISION OR BE ABLE TO FLY?
Hmm . . . both would come in handy but probably fly.  I could get more done and gas prices are redonkulous.
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy Endings, please.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
33. WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE ACTOR/ACTRESS ?
Ugh.  That’s a tough one.  Currently it would have to be Bradley Cooper.
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Fall . . . seriously, I don’t like the extra hot summer days or super cold winter ones.
35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Hugs
36. WHAT WAS YOUR NICK NAME AS A KID?
Beaner.  I’m sure that it originated from Janener Beaner but it wasn’t
37. GOING OUT TO WATCH A MOVIE OR STAY IN?
Eh – probably staying in.  The movies are too freaking expensive these days!
38. WHERE WAS YOUR LAST VACATION?
Wildwood, NJ
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Honestly, the 17 Day Diet book.
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
No mouse pad.  :(
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
Cutthroat kitchen
42. FAVORITE SOUND(S)?
Is silence a sound?  That and ocean waves.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES
Another tough one . . . probably the Beatles.
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Punta Cana for my Honeymoon
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I don’t think so.  I mean I have talents but no out of the ordinary ones.
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
In Pennsylvaina – where I still live.
47. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Black
48. WHO’S YOUR BEST FRIEND?
My hubby
49. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER?
We kind of grew up together.  He was in my sister’s class all through Elementary School and High School.  Sometime when I was in College we ended up at a party together (a party at my house) and that’s when it all started.
50. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST?
SURE!  I know it’s cheesy but if you do it make sure to leave me a comment and let me know so I can come and check it out!
- See more at: http://morethanmommies.net/2013/12/100-things.html#sthash.6xW66iXK.dpuf
 
 
 
Since I knew I would not have time to post on Saturday since that is typically my cleaning day and I have a few other things to do, I decided to do this post so you could learn a little bit more about me.
 
 
 
 1) Name: Katrina
2) Name Backwards: anirtak
3) Were you named after anyone?: No, I was going to be Brandy but my mama changed her mind.
4) Does your name mean anything?: Pure
5) Nick Name(s): Scooter (my daddy), Trina (my mama), Tooter (my pawpaw)
6) Children: Yes, 2 boys and 1 girl
7) Date of Birth: December 23, 1981
8) Place of Birth: Lancaster, SC
10) Current Location:South Carolina

11) Sign: Capricorn
12) Religion: Believer in Christ
13) Height: 5’3
14) Weight: I'm not telling you!
15) Shoe Size:  7
16) Hair color: blonde
17) Eye color: dark brown
18) What you look like: take a look at my picture
19) Innie or Outie: Innie
20) Righty or Lefty: Lefty
21) Married: Yes
22) Best friend: My mama
23) Best friend you trust the most: God
24) Best friends (your sex): um...my daughter
25) Best friends (opposite sex): um...my husband
26) Best Bud(s): whats the difference between this and the previous questions
27) Boyfriend / Girlfriend: Married
28) Crush: Hubby
29) Parent(s): Lisa (my mom) and Larry (my dada)
30) Worst Enemy: my ownself
31) Favorite Book: too many to count
32) Favorite Movie: too many to count
33) Funniest friend: Lorie Roberts
34) Craziest friend: Lorie Roberts
35) Advice Friend: I would say Alison
36) Loudest Friend: I’m the loudest in out group
37) Person you cry with: Anybody really

Do You Have.

38) Any sisters: no
39) Any brothers: Yes, 1
40) Any pets: Diamond (dog), Marmalade (cat)
41) A Disease: no
42) A Pager: no
43) A Personal phone line: Yes, house phone
44) A Cell phone: Yes
45) A Lava lamp: no
46) A Pool or hot tub: Neither
47) A Car: yes

Describe Your…

48) Personality: Friendly, outgoing, easy to get along with, but once I trust you if you lose it that's pretty much it.

49) Driving: Every day unfortunately!
50) Car or one you want: Chevy Cavalier
50 random questions:
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
I don’t think so but I never asked.  I think my mom saw the name in the newspaper.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
That depends on what you mean by cried.  I cry all the time when I watch something sappy on TV or my kids tug at my heart strings . . . but last Saturday was probably the last time I cried because I was REALLY upset.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Eh – it’s pretty boring.  I have neat handwriting and my cursive is very easy to read – It is probably the “teacher” in me.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAT?
Ham
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Yes – 4 of them.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Yes.  I’d probably get annoyed that I was always too busy to call myself back, though.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
Yes.  Yes, I do.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
If I were about 50 pounds lighter . . . at my weight I’d be scared it would break!
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL
Krave (the Chocolate ones)
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Not usually.
12. RIGHT HANDED OR LEFT?
Right handed
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Chocolate.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their smile or lack of smile.  I like happy people.
15. RED OR PINK?
Pink
16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
The size of my tummy and hips
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My grandparents . . . and great grandmothers.
18. TEA OR COFFEE?
Coffee.
19. WHAT COLOR TROUSERS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Grey
20. WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE ANIMAL?
Hmmm . . . I really like Elephants – but don’t ask for an explanation because I don’t have one.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The kids fighting over Disney Infinity characters.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Green.
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Pumpkin, garlic, clean clothes, campfires.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My mother-in-law.
25. FRUIT OR VEG?
Veggies
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Football – when I get the chance.
27. HAIR COLOR?
Brown
28. EYE COLOR?
Brown
29. X-RAY VISION OR BE ABLE TO FLY?
Hmm . . . both would come in handy but probably fly.  I could get more done and gas prices are redonkulous.
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy Endings, please.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
33. WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE ACTOR/ACTRESS ?
Ugh.  That’s a tough one.  Currently it would have to be Bradley Cooper.
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Fall . . . seriously, I don’t like the extra hot summer days or super cold winter ones.
35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Hugs
36. WHAT WAS YOUR NICK NAME AS A KID?
Beaner.  I’m sure that it originated from Janener Beaner but it wasn’t
37. GOING OUT TO WATCH A MOVIE OR STAY IN?
Eh – probably staying in.  The movies are too freaking expensive these days!
38. WHERE WAS YOUR LAST VACATION?
Wildwood, NJ
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Honestly, the 17 Day Diet book.
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
No mouse pad.  :(
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
Cutthroat kitchen
42. FAVORITE SOUND(S)?
Is silence a sound?  That and ocean waves.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES
Another tough one . . . probably the Beatles.
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Punta Cana for my Honeymoon
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I don’t think so.  I mean I have talents but no out of the ordinary ones.
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
In Pennsylvaina – where I still live.
47. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Black
48. WHO’S YOUR BEST FRIEND?
My hubby
49. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER?
We kind of grew up together.  He was in my sister’s class all through Elementary School and High School.  Sometime when I was in College we ended up at a party together (a party at my house) and that’s when it all started.
50. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST?
SURE!  I know it’s cheesy but if you do it make sure to leave me a comment and let me know so I can come and check it out!
- See more at: http://morethanmommies.net/2013/12/100-things.html#sthash.6xW66iXK.dpuf
50 random questions:
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
I don’t think so but I never asked.  I think my mom saw the name in the newspaper.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
That depends on what you mean by cried.  I cry all the time when I watch something sappy on TV or my kids tug at my heart strings . . . but last Saturday was probably the last time I cried because I was REALLY upset.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Eh – it’s pretty boring.  I have neat handwriting and my cursive is very easy to read – It is probably the “teacher” in me.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAT?
Ham
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Yes – 4 of them.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Yes.  I’d probably get annoyed that I was always too busy to call myself back, though.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
Yes.  Yes, I do.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
If I were about 50 pounds lighter . . . at my weight I’d be scared it would break!
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL
Krave (the Chocolate ones)
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Not usually.
12. RIGHT HANDED OR LEFT?
Right handed
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Chocolate.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their smile or lack of smile.  I like happy people.
15. RED OR PINK?
Pink
16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
The size of my tummy and hips
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My grandparents . . . and great grandmothers.
18. TEA OR COFFEE?
Coffee.
19. WHAT COLOR TROUSERS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Grey
20. WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE ANIMAL?
Hmmm . . . I really like Elephants – but don’t ask for an explanation because I don’t have one.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The kids fighting over Disney Infinity characters.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Green.
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Pumpkin, garlic, clean clothes, campfires.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My mother-in-law.
25. FRUIT OR VEG?
Veggies
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Football – when I get the chance.
27. HAIR COLOR?
Brown
28. EYE COLOR?
Brown
29. X-RAY VISION OR BE ABLE TO FLY?
Hmm . . . both would come in handy but probably fly.  I could get more done and gas prices are redonkulous.
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy Endings, please.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
33. WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE ACTOR/ACTRESS ?
Ugh.  That’s a tough one.  Currently it would have to be Bradley Cooper.
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Fall . . . seriously, I don’t like the extra hot summer days or super cold winter ones.
35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Hugs
36. WHAT WAS YOUR NICK NAME AS A KID?
Beaner.  I’m sure that it originated from Janener Beaner but it wasn’t
37. GOING OUT TO WATCH A MOVIE OR STAY IN?
Eh – probably staying in.  The movies are too freaking expensive these days!
38. WHERE WAS YOUR LAST VACATION?
Wildwood, NJ
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Honestly, the 17 Day Diet book.
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
No mouse pad.  :(
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
Cutthroat kitchen
42. FAVORITE SOUND(S)?
Is silence a sound?  That and ocean waves.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES
Another tough one . . . probably the Beatles.
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Punta Cana for my Honeymoon
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I don’t think so.  I mean I have talents but no out of the ordinary ones.
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
In Pennsylvaina – where I still live.
47. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Black
48. WHO’S YOUR BEST FRIEND?
My hubby
49. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER?
We kind of grew up together.  He was in my sister’s class all through Elementary School and High School.  Sometime when I was in College we ended up at a party together (a party at my house) and that’s when it all started.
50. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST?
SURE!  I know it’s cheesy but if you do it make sure to leave me a comment and let me know so I can come and check it out!
- See more at: http://morethanmommies.net/2013/12/100-things.html#sthash.6xW66iXK.dpuf
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Friday, December 27, 2013

One Word 2014

I had no intentions of posting more than once a day but I came across a blog that shares in my belief of Christ and gave me a another great challenge for the year. I know I am a bit of an over achiever, but I am sure there are plenty of you out there who can relate. 
 
I joined a great site called The SITS Girls which helps bring women in the blogging community together through support, tips, and many other useful resources. They have this wonderful, we will call it a tradition, of having a feature blogger every day. I stumbled across Alli who is a Southern Pastor's wife, mother, and Nana. She can be found at An Alli Event. Her current post is title One Word and she found the great idea through another site which she linked in her post. The general idea is to choose a word that will be a reminder or a nudge for you, in whatever purpose you deem needed. 

My choice of word was "obedience." It is my deepest desire to be obedient to Christ and follow His will. Allow that will to guide my every step in life and I know that when I am capable of following through with that I will be a much happier person. 

On the outside it seems like a really simple challenge, but if you look at it through the eyes of a mother who works part-time, has 3 children, is married, and has a house to keep up...it seems as if I don't have enough time in the day to add one more word to my vocabulary, much less a  word that I need to actually react on. Trying to remember the word "obedience" and then react on it is going to be an act of obedience itself.

So if you have a word that you need to hold closely in 2014 to either help you through something, teach you something, or just be a reminder...tell me below with a comment and join me for "One Word 2014."
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The Orange Rhino Challenge - "Yelling Less and Loving More"

Yelling, screaming, hollering, venting, calling...it all results in a loss of my voice and a feeling of regret yet somehow I manage to keep doing it. It is almost as if I believe that the louder I get the more my children will listen and then obey. Has anyone actually had that result, where you have screamed at your children and they then complied very quickly with understanding and without fear?
 
 
 
 
I didn't think so, but yet as mother's we continue to use that tool as a tactic for getting our children to obey.I have cried myself to sleep, dropped to my knee's and prayed to God for forgiveness, went into their bedrooms after they were asleep and apologized profusely, as if that all made it better. Let me tell you it only took the guilt away momentarily and just as soon as the sun came up I was back at it again and feeling like the worst mother ever.
 
With all that said I did a little research, after having seen a post on the loving Facebook we all adore (are addicted to) and this is what I found. The Orange Rhino Challenge is a challenge for "Yelling Less and Loving More", and this is exactly what I am setting out to do. The Orange Rhino gives me guidelines to set up my goal for not yelling, but to be honest I like the challenge of 365 days of no yelling. Along with the posts I put on here I am going to try and find a counter to post on the blog and if I yell it will revert back, and I will then have to keep myself accountable on here by letting you all know what happened, sort of a second punishment.
 
There are also challenge details that go into the voice levels and where a yell is acceptable, such as yelling to a child for not running in a parking lot, street, or touching a hot object. She has given a join the challenge section, directing us to a community that joins us together to help and support one another on Facebook. She gives alternatives to yelling, suggestions for tracking triggers and many other resources. Now I have read the site over and probably will do that again. You will find here on the right a link to the The Orange Rhino Challenge blog and a tracker on the left for my days of success. If you notice it has gone back to (0) zero look for a post because I will have some explaining to do.
Thanks for joining me and if you want to join just jump right in!
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Thursday, December 26, 2013

Silence...How Sweet the Sound?!

As I sit here completely alone in the house, I notice how quiet it is and I think to myself how many times a day I truly pray for silence? My children are always calling my name, needing something, desiring a referee for the current toy match, looking for lost shoes, mad because the kitten attacked from under the bed. Yet, during each of those times I am desperate for it all to just be over and now I am sure I could not live without it. While I totally agree that ALL mothers need some alone time and freedom to be their own person, outside of being mama, mommy, mom, or ma. Once you have become one of those aforementioned names, your life is one that cannot live with silence.

Somewhere in the middle of all that chaos I have created within my heart a place that houses all those things which I sometimes see as a nuisance and when I least expect it they are viewed only by me as a real treasure. I thought after multiple shopping trips with 3 children in tow that I longed for trips where I was the only one trudging through the chaos, but when I get that rare event I quickly realize that I feel somehow lost and confused without my children there.

Now, again I am not saying that I want to be around them all the time and do not truly wish for my own. However, I know that in my heart of hearts when I hear my name called "Mama!" I am forever more going to be loved, even when I am gone and the memories of me are the only thing to remain. Would you really want it any other way? For those nagging "mama, mommy, mom, or ma's" to be gone, never to be heard again?

I say no, absolutely not! I believe that if I never had the joy of hearing those words again, my life would cease to exist for its true purpose. "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb." Psalm 139:13 They were knitted together in my womb and I am their caretaker, provider, friend, teacher, and mother.