tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74086898277861516962024-03-20T02:40:28.133-07:00A Single Mama's LifeMy adventures in single motherhood and unique ability to make lemonade out of lemons. :)Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332185767062893629noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408689827786151696.post-30929766488598337162016-05-19T20:43:00.003-07:002016-05-19T20:43:42.156-07:00A whole new life...I can scarcely recognize the place that my life is in today when I read through these posts. It reminds me of the serpentine journey I was able to experience through my time as a single mother.<br />
<br />
Now I'm blessed to have a new husband, live in a new town, enjoying a new job and truly, profoundly being happy.<br />
<br />
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332185767062893629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408689827786151696.post-29003394684882074132014-01-29T11:45:00.000-08:002014-01-29T11:45:54.030-08:00Helpful hints for single moms<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Single mothers live a very different "family life" than a traditional two-parent home.</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I have a dear friend who recently had her husband leave for a month to train for a sport, and this was the longest time they'd ever spent apart. Because I spent up to a year apart from my husband during our marriage and survived (and that I've been doing the parenting job solo going on 5 years), she sought me out for advice and help on how to cope with caring for her two boys and effectively manage her schedule. This got me thinking that my list may be helpful to other single mothers in need of direction as well.</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1. Do not expect perfection! We can only do what we can, and being frustrated or depressed that we are not able to keep everything in perfect order is only going to set us back further. Focus on the tasks at hand, and check them off one-by-one. How do you climb a mountain? ONE step at a time.</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">2. Form an excellent support system, most importantly by being a reliable, caring friend FIRST! Single mothers often need favors from friends, but don't become the person constantly asking and never giving. Whatever your strengths are.... doing a friend's makeup or hair for a big night out, cooking when they're sick and dropping off meals during trials, watching others' kids in exchange, helping a friend learn how to coupon or craft, hosting a girls' night at your house with movies and popcorn.... be creative in building close friendships that are more than just a Facebook "like" relationship. You know what I'm saying. :)</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">3. Create systems in your home to make your life easier. Lay out the kids' clothes the night before so there is no fight in the morning. Have a boot bench by the door to house shoes upon entry to your home to reduce on the need to clean your carpets every thirty seconds and to keep from playing the "let's find the shoes" game. Put together freezer meals for busy nights (@Pinterest has great ideas!).</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">4. When it comes to kids' clothes and supplies, re-sell them! Don't waste your hard-earned money. Give each item a good wash and spot treat, and sell at either a good consignment store or at a consignment event like Just Between Friends sales. This will enable you to get more of what your kids need in their current sizes. Time is money if you manage it wisely.</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">5. Encourage independence in your children. Have them take tasks into their own hands at appropriate ages. It takes a great deal of time to train them, but the time you save in the long-run will far outweigh the time to teach them!</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">6. Care for yourself emotionally. Watch girly movies. Engage in your passion, whether it be a craft, cooking, hiking, swimming.... anything to get you out of the routine of daily life and makes you smile. Make a list of the things you really enjoy and put it on your bedroom door or somewhere else you'll see it.</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">7. FIND AN EXCELLENT BABYSITTER! Babysitters mean FREEDOM! I have six on speed-dial so I always know I can find someone in a pinch. Of course, make sure they are CPR and first aid certified in case of emergencies, and always request reference letters.</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">8. Take a shower EVERY morning... even on your lazy days. Nothing gets your engine running faster than clean skin and bouncy hair! You may want to skip this when you're feeling tired and overwhelmed, but this will be the fastest ticket to a lack of productivity and poor self-image.</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">9. When you're feeling down, clean! Turn the music up and pick a small spot in your house to conquer. Before you know it, you'll start feeling better and more in control of what is going on in your life, even if the cleaning doesn't solve the problem you're facing... it'll still look pretty and make you smile!</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">10. When all else fails and the world is closing in around you, love on your kids. Look them right in the eye and talk to them. Tell them how much they mean to you and then if they're little enough, snuggle them until they say they want to be left alone. :) The power of touch and connecting to those precious little ones can help to re-focus you on what is important.</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">God knows where you are and what you are capable of. He is never surprised by your circumstances, choices or desires. Although these different ideas/actions help a little, the most powerful thing to change the way you feel and the way you live is to be in perpetual communication with the person who loves you most, through honest, open prayer.</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">If you've ever wondered how to pray, it is simply having a conversation with God as if he were sitting right with you. I pray while I'm driving, cleaning, even during some conversations! Just like when you read a book "to yourself", no one even has to know what you're saying or that you're praying at all. Keep those lines of communication strong and it will serve you well in all aspects of your life!</span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332185767062893629noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408689827786151696.post-76156196808927678842014-01-29T11:35:00.001-08:002014-01-29T11:35:19.109-08:00As the dust settles...You'd NEVER believe the incredible difference in my life if you'd looked at the contents of my day a year ago. I was in a new relationship and unsure about what the year would hold. Little did I know, in just two weeks my then fiancé would propose to me at a favorite restaurant of ours on Valentine's Day. A summer full of classes and a wedding to immediately follow, then another semester of perfect grades later, I'm left in awestruck wonder of what happened in 2013.<br />
<br />
I've grown increasingly peaceful as the transition from single motherhood to wife and mother has continued over the last six months. There have been several changes and I've had to adjust to dividing my time between my children and spouse, moved to a new city (nearby), am in my senior year of college and becoming involved in my new church.<br />
<br />
It's been a challenging phase of life, but I feel energized and prepared for what God has next for me.<br />
<br />
The best thing about my husband is that he loves me just as I am. I met him at a time when I had given up on ever finding love again, and had become sufficiently content in my lot in life. I felt a twinge of hopelessness whenever I saw a couple in love, but now I've been blessed to learn that it is never too late to find someone who is worth investing (emotionally) in.<br />
<br />
The children have benefitted as well. Seeing the peace in their faces as they hug a God-given Daddy who would give his life for them makes me explode with joy. The challenges they faced when their biological father came to visit have faded with focused therapy and prayer. I hear less of their hurts and more of their successes.<br />
<br />
God is SO, SO good.<br />
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332185767062893629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408689827786151696.post-71895719623171295242013-12-02T12:27:00.000-08:002013-12-02T12:27:04.663-08:00A child's turmoil.Watching the process of my son's pain up close and personal day after day after day at times proves more than I can bear.<br />
<br />
When I left my home with what I could fit in my car while 8 months pregnant with twin boys and our 15 month old blonde haired, blue eyed son in tow (at my husband's request), I was devastated. I still held out hope that we would be able to work things out and be a family again. After months of struggle, we divorced and that dream was gone for good, as he had gotten his girlfriend pregnant and had her living in the home I left behind. Now they spend their time raising their two sons, and after months of struggling with child support payment or nonpayment, getting rare phone calls and even rarer visitations with the boys, I have watched my boys grow up not really having a relationship with him.<br />
<br />
Now that they are 7 and 6, they are in school and have formed their identity without their Dad's presence or influence (by his own choice). Now I am married to a wonderful man who loves the children like a son, and they chose to call him "Daddy" after knowing him for only a few months after we were engaged. We prayed about how to address this with the boys, but being that my fiancé was extremely comfortable with the title and grateful to the point of tears for their acknowledgement, we allowed it to continue and were grateful that the boys took to him so rapidly. It was everything I had hoped for them to experience; genuine love for someone who came into our lives without obligation, but full of love and commitment to the lives of my children.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, my ex and his family did not take this response from the boys very well, despite his five year absence from their daily lives.<br />
<br />
In fact, when my sons started talking about their "Daddy" in front of his grandparents, they told them that they weren't allowed to call him that. We talked to a mutual friend about how to handle it, and he explained to them that this was very harmful to the children. 6 months later, during their Dad's first visit in over a year, both he and the children's grandparents again forbade them from calling their step dad "Daddy". They came home in tears, and have been upset ever since. He has been complaining of stomachaches, has been melancholy and has been crying alone on the playground.<br />
<br />
The thing that makes me the most frustrated is that this doesn't hurt Rob, it just hurts the boys. It puts them in an awkward, painful position where they are having to change their words and behavior based on the "feelings" of adults who are supposed to love these children unconditionally. We are at a loss as to how to proceed, and are currently praying about the process to resolve this for the boys in a way that is fair to them and makes them feel comforted.<br />
<br />
<br />
Have you run into this problem? What did you do to resolve it?Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332185767062893629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408689827786151696.post-85200297451674821792013-11-07T19:09:00.001-08:002013-11-15T12:47:41.642-08:00Living GenuinelyWhy is it that so many of us hide behind masks of our own design? When the world already works so hard to push us to conform to a mold of beauty, of femininity, of spirituality... why do we so readily accept this myth?<br />
<br />
I live not so I can get something, or be something, but simply to enjoy the world around me and to work hard for the benefit of my family and those around me. All I ever ask or hope for is enough. Not abundance, just enough to live a normal life and give to charities that I love.<br />
<br />
I do not want to waste my time with pursuits that are not God-centered. I don't obsessively diet or work out, and I don't spend thousands on my beauty routine. Now, don't get me wrong - I want to present my best self whenever possible, but I refuse to make beauty my "god" in this life. Feeling confident and using clothing as a form of expression is a joy, not a prison. I try to only have clothes that A. fit and B. that I love in my closet at any given time. I hang them on wood and velvet hangers and treat them with care. I buy investment pieces that I wear over and over and over again. This is one of my greatest joys - having things that make me smile when I put them on.<br />
<br />
I work out to be healthy. I can outlast my sons in a plank contest, despite the fact that I'm not a single digit size. I run whenever I can, because I love it. I eat what I love, but try not to overindulge.<br />
<br />
It's simple, really. To me, being genuine is being true to the gifts God has given me, using those for His glory, and living a simple existence.<br />
<br />
And this, friends, is what causes my overwhelming, overflowing joy.<br />
<br />
What are your greatest sources of joy?<br />
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332185767062893629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408689827786151696.post-2683725676551538932013-10-27T13:33:00.001-07:002013-10-27T13:34:35.965-07:00Quick Meals for the FamilyHaving good resources for recipes has been a time-saver and has improved the quality of our lives.<br />
<br />
One thing I always insisted upon as a single mom was having meals with my kids, at the dinner table, on plates with silverware, a napkin and a "big boy" cup from as soon as the kids were able and until this very day. There is something about the familiarity of experiencing a meal together that makes food special, and not just something to chow down on and blast through a day. Because we raised our own chickens and food in our garden, the kids have gained an appreciation for food that otherwise would escape them - producing food is hard work, and our preparation of that food needs to be respectful of the farmer's efforts.<br />
<br />
<i>*It doesn't have to take forever, though!*</i><br />
<br />
As a busy mom, fast, easy meals have been vitally important. I have four books that I rely heavily on for their kid-friendly food choices and speed/ease of preparation. They are accessed multiple times per week, despite the availability of internet recipes. There is just something special about those bookmarked pages propped up on my cookbook stand with no need to "refresh" a screen. There are stains, notes and highlights, and it makes the preparation even more personal.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's also time for a contest! <i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Win your very own copy of Martha Stewart's Great Food Fast from me just by commenting on the post with your favorite meal that you make for your family. I love to hear about what is special to you!</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=asimasli-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1933615567&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=asimasli-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1605291471&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=asimasli-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0307354164&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=asimasli-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0307405109&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Have a blessed week! </div>
<div>
<i>Erin</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332185767062893629noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408689827786151696.post-10728086980997522652013-10-15T10:24:00.000-07:002013-10-15T10:24:20.150-07:00Unrecognizable It has been two months now since I was married, and I feel like I have to pinch myself every single morning. Why? I can hardly believe that the life I am now living is mine. It is somehow a continuation of the struggling, lonely existence I was living just a year ago today.<br />
<br />
World-rocking change can come swiftly, and when you're least expecting it.<br />
<br />
My days were filled with struggle, fear and exhaustion. Being a single parent to three young boys on a fixed income that was comprised of child support, student loans, a charity paying my rent, and utilizing limited government aid for food was embarrassing. It was the antithesis of everything I had wanted to achieve by age 28, and what I wanted for my sons. Despite the sometimes crippling shame of what I viewed as a "failed life", I pressed on every day working toward my goals and smiling through the hurt to give my sons the life I wanted for them.<br />
<br />
And then, I met the man who would be my husband. In his own words a couple months after we met:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">"I remember looking at your profile and reading the religion questions, thinking “This woman thinks like I do!” I look to you as a rock in my life. I tell people all the time that I can see Christ in you. You have a heart for the Lord, and spend your existence doing what he wants. I get up every morning and thank God for blessing me with your love and support. I know that we will only continue to grow in Christ and live for him together as we move forward. I am constantly amazed with your positive attitude in spite of all of the heartache you experienced in your life. God has certainly blessed you in a very unique way."</span></div>
<br />
<br />
It took him 71 days to propose. I was terrified at the idea of being "duped" again as I was by my first husband, but I felt an inexplicable peace when it came to the idea of a future with this man. Meeting his friends, his family, and his church family made me realize that he was exactly what he said he was. And, their protectiveness of him made me smile. My friends were much the same way with me when they had the opportunity to meet him.<br />
<br />
Now, instead of fear, hurt and humiliation, my days are filled with inexpressible joy and gratitude for this simple life with a whole family and the ability to achieve my goals with this wonderful person by my side, rooting me on with every opportunity. He listens to my concerns, prays me through solutions and always encourages me to look to God when I sometimes forget His plan and purpose for my life. God has it under control.<br />
<br />
I now have the blessing to be able to turn my focus from my fears to my hopes. The one thing I prayed over and over and OVER again during that time was that someday my cup would be able to overflow and impact the lives of others, and now it is finally happening. My prayer now is that I will be able to maintain my courage and keep my focus on God, allowing him to work through me to comfort others in need and to be a good steward of what he has blessed me with. Being a wife worthy of the love my husband provides, being a mother worthy of the honor my children show me and being a citizen worthy of my community both in church, school and city.<br />
<br />
I pray for each of you daily - that you may find your joy and use all of your gifts to impact those around you in a positive way.<br />
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332185767062893629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408689827786151696.post-84528182579762179542013-08-26T10:27:00.001-07:002013-08-26T10:27:48.240-07:00Our "How We Met Story" Back in early December of 2012, I received an email that I very nearly ignored. A friend of mine had told me after a bad breakup that I should get back into the dating pool, because you never know who might come along.<br />
<br />
I'm glad I listened.<br />
<br />
It was a well-written, well thought out email that said this:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #424242; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Hi there! </span></div>
<div style="color: #424242; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I have seen you around, and finally got up enough courage to message you. I liked reading your profile, and you are a very high match here. I think you are as about adorable as they come. I have lots of questions I would like to ask you if you think we would be a good match. I know that you prefer to date single fathers, which I am not, but if it pleases the court(;-)), I want that opportunity to be a great positive role model in a young child's life and to show them what love between two adults should look like. I hope to hear from you! </span></div>
<div style="color: #424242; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; min-height: 15px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #424242; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Cheers, </span></div>
<div style="color: #424242; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; min-height: 15px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: #424242; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Rob</span></div>
<div style="color: #424242; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #424242; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">
Little did I know, from that day on, I was talking with my future husband.</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">
I was extremely hesitant to open up to him, and simple conversations were dragged out for days between responses. I had a lot of things going on at the time with finals in school and the holidays coming up around the corner, and I was doing what I could to stay afloat after a particularly painful breakup. I was also incredibly hesitant to date online, to get to know yet another person who could break my heart, and date someone who was not a single father (because dating with children is VERY challenging, and it takes a very special type of person to put selfishness aside and put the children first). However, I decided to take a small leap of faith and see where it would go based on the things I learned about him in his profile. He loved God, he loved his family, he loved music and he said "I am more than meets the eye." There was also a picture of him sipping from a teacup that cracked me up, so I figured he might have the unique ability to make me laugh, and along with a solid faith in God, humor can get you through some of the worst things that life has to offer.</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">
Our first phone conversation lasted 7.5 hours. We covered everything from our life stories in a "Reader's Digest" version, to our philosophies on life and faith to our favorite hobbies and things we had accomplished in life that we were proud of. I talked a great deal about my kids, hoping that if he were to be scared off by them, that it would end quickly. It didn't. He asked great questions, and our banter was seamless. We talked until the sun came up. I spent the next day so exhausted, but the exhilarating high from the joy I felt in that conversation lasted until we were able to talk again later that evening after the kids went to bed, with a 6.5 hour conversation. </div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">
According to Rob, that is when he decided that I was the woman that he wanted to marry. Two phone conversations was all it took.</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">
Our endurance greatly changed in the week to follow, but by its end we had spent a total of 23 hours on the phone, not including sweet text messages sent and received throughout the day. We decided on a first date that would be 2 weeks away, just after the holidays with our families. We talked and laughed and continued to discover even more that we had in common. It was thrilling to find someone who I could talk about anything with, and the typical judgmental comments just weren't there. He understood me more deeply than anyone ever had, and we had barely communicated at all. It was a quiet, peaceful undercurrent that made both of us open up more than we ever would with anyone else before we had even met, and it was nothing short of God's grace that gave us that peace.</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">
We finally did meet face-to-face on an impulsive decision - I was going to the mall with my mother to pick out pajamas for my aunt, and Rob mentioned that he lived very close to there and would love to drop off a present that he had for me. This was 2 weeks after we first began talking to each other. I was taken aback by the fact that he already had a gift to give me, and that I didn't have anything for him, but I did want to meet him and agreed, though with a cautious heart. My mom and I were talking about him while he spotted us from the second level, and he came and introduced himself to us both with a very oddly shaped, large wrapped present in his hand. My mom went into the store and I took a walk around the mall with him, feeling very awkward and shy. However, we again had a great time talking and laughing with each other, arms linked and a feeling of transparency between us. It felt.... real.</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">
When I went back to help my mother shop, he stayed with us and had the unique ability to make my mother laugh as well. She is a very shrewd judge of character, and it was refreshing to see her react so positively with him. She does not easily trust people, but she had a very good feeling about Rob from day one. That, to me, was a very good sign. He walked us to our car, and gave me the present. When I got home and opened it, I couldn't stop laughing.</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">
Two weeks prior in one of our first conversations, I had mentioned that one Christmas I'd been particularly disappointed that I didn't get Darth Maul's double-sided light saber so that I could have an epic battle with my brothers. He had remembered, and that was what I was currently holding in my hand.</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">
Best. First. Present. Ever.</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times;">
<div style="font-size: medium;">
It was just another check mark in the confidence box. The more I got to know him, the more I appreciated, respected and was intrigued by him. </div>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
That, ladies, is what to look for! Also keep your eyes peeled for these qualities:</div>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
1. Honest - Above all, you need to make sure you can trust your significant other. If they are dishonest in the initial stages, don't walk away - RUN. It will bring you nothing but heartache.</div>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
2. Genuine - This may seem like a repeat of the first quality, but it's more specific. Look for someone who doesn't change who they are around you. They are consistent in their behavior and how they treat others. If they're a dork, they own it. If they're clumsy, they don't make a big deal about it. They should generally be relaxed in your presence when it comes to the day-to-day interactions.</div>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
3. Sense of Humor - This is what'll get you through the most challenging phases in your lives. The ability to laugh when you really need to. Trust me - within just a couple of months of getting to know him, some incredibly challenging situations presented themselves, and his knack for making me giggle kept me sane.</div>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<br /></div>
Don't let the job, degree or car he has get in the way of finding true happiness!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">More than anything, pray through each step of the relationship and go where God leads you. </span><br />
<br />
That is the one thing that kept me humble, focused and peaceful through the dating process.<br />
<br />
Praying for each of you today and every day!<br />
<br />
~Erin</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332185767062893629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408689827786151696.post-24866800055166005032013-03-01T12:51:00.001-08:002013-03-01T12:51:07.028-08:00Single Mama No MoreA great deal of things have changed since the last time I posted.<br />
<br />
I'm engaged!<br />
<br />
I can't believe the whirlwind we have both been through in the last few months. From meeting, falling in love, getting to know each other's families and introducing my children to this wonderful man who I am so grateful for - all in God's timing. We prayerfully considered each step, and are looking forward to becoming a family in the truest sense of the word.<br />
<br />
Some of the most important things about him to me:<br />
<br />
He is a believer, and puts God first in his life - always. That, to me, is the most crucial for a successful relationship.<br />
<br />
He accepts me for who I am, thorns and all. He sees and recognizes all of my strengths and weaknesses at face value, and doesn't try to change or "fix" me.<br />
<br />
He makes the boys a priority, prays for them, talks gently with them when they misbehave, and encourages and welcomes the involvement of their entire family, former in-laws included.<br />
<br />
He is a solid, stable, caring man, who is honest (even to a fault) about where he stands. It's refreshing and encouraging to be in a relationship with someone who is open and sincere - it allows me to focus on building him up instead of figuring him out. Everything he has ever told me has been backed up by reality.<br />
<br />
He provides for and cares for me on a daily basis, often thinking of things before I do. He even bought a heating pad for his house so that when my back bothers me, I can be comfortable.<br />
<br />
He and I share a great deal in common, but in the areas where we are different, we can appreciate each other's strengths. Nothing is better in a relationship than being a great complement to another person. It makes each person feel like a part of a team.<br />
<br />
He views us as equals, and I don't feel as though I have "baggage". He sees the things I've been through with grace as benefits - I've demonstrated to him that even in the most dire of circumstances, that I will be faithful to God, and that's what was most important to him in a spouse.<br />
<br />
My parents are thrilled, and both like him very much. He asked for my father's blessing before he proposed, and I can't remember seeing my Dad so happy in all of my life.<br />
<br />
Friends who have met him can see his role in my life as well, and they are excited to be a part of the wedding. I can't wait!<br />
<br />
I'm blessed beyond measure to have Rob in my life, especially because I've spent so long raising my sons alone. I know how challenging it is to take on this two person job without daily help and encouragement. I do know, however, that the experience of single motherhood will have changed my life forever. My heart's desire is to help to build up and encourage single mothers in any way I can for the rest of my life. My commitment to women who have shared in this struggle is very real.<br />
<br />
Know that despite my joy, I am remembering each and every one of you daily who are still fighting this struggle alone.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332185767062893629noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408689827786151696.post-2890008839163323762012-12-02T16:30:00.002-08:002012-12-02T16:30:36.727-08:00Stoking the fireHave you ever lost the feeling that helps you to ignite your joy? Your drive? Your hope?<br />
<br />
In the last couple of months, I've lost just that. I couldn't figure out how it happened or why I couldn't get it back on my own. I lost every desire to do things I really loved, and looked at my days with dread instead of thanksgiving (which ironically, was the season we were in). Focusing on my own hurt thoughts and feelings only made things worse. It was a cycle of doom.<br />
<br />
The laundry piled up.<br />
I stopped cooking like I used to.<br />
The dishes piled up.<br />
My house became dingy.<br />
Disorganized.<br />
I struggled to attend social events.<br />
I didn't care about my garden harvest.<br />
I struggled to get ready in the morning or wake up on time.<br />
<br />
Overall, I had symptoms of depression. It happens to us all from time to time, but this lingered longer than I felt comfortable with.<br />
<br />
After a great deal of struggle and prayer, I found the cause.<br />
<br />
I was looking at my life from a worldly perspective, like I used to before I became a believer. I didn't consciously do this - it just seeped into my existence. I couldn't find the motivation on my own to change my days - but God reached into my heart and re-ignited the fire that was not even embers by the time he reached it. By simply acknowledging that He was the source of my contentment, of my security and my peace again, deeply, not intellectually, it changed my outlook and my joy. I also pulled out one of my favorite devotionals, Jesus Calling, and that helped me to re-direct my heart toward HIS truth, not mine.<br />
<br />
Here are some encouraging promises rooted in verses that I also found very helpful:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>He has promised to supply every need we have. The Bible says: "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus". That's Phillipians 4:19. Now notice, God has obligated Himself only to the extent of our needs. That would include food, clothing, shelter, companionship, love, and salvation thru Jesus Christ. It would not include the multiplicity of luxuries that we have come to think of as needs.</li>
<li>God has promised that His grace is sufficient for us. (II Corinthians 12:9). in fact, He has made provision for our salvation by His grace through faith. Read Ephesians 2:8. It is through an obedient faith that we have access into the grace of God according to Romans 5:2.</li>
<li>God has promised that His children will not be overtaken with temptation. Instead, He assures us that a way of escape will be provided. This promise is recorded in I Corinthians 10:13. Jude wrote: "Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present your faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" (Jude v 24). Darius, King of the Medes, said to Daniel, "Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee" (Daniel 6:16). He did deliver Daniel from the den of lions.</li>
<li>God has promised us victory over death. He first resurrected Jesus by way of assuring our resurrection. Peter said: "This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we are all witnesses" (Acts 2:32). Paul wrote to the Corinthians: "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" (I Corinthians 15:3,4). Later on he adds: "but thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Corinthians 15:57).</li>
<li>God has promised that all things work together for good to those who love and serve Him faithfully (Romans 8:28). It may be difficult for us to see and understand how this is accomplished at times, but God has promised it, and He will deliver.</li>
<li>God has promised that those who believe in Jesus and are baptized for the forgiveness of sins will be saved. (Read Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38).</li>
<li>God has promised His people eternal life (John 10:27,28). In closing, let me appeal to you to live so that the promises of God will be yours.</li>
</ol>
<div>
If you've been hurting lately, I pray that you will seek comfort in God's presence, and in His promises. I have to continually remind myself of these things so that I don't fall back into the trap of believing that my value, worth and happiness are wrapped up in worldly success.</div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332185767062893629noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408689827786151696.post-55095918927214804412012-09-23T16:14:00.002-07:002012-09-23T16:14:44.791-07:00Knowing what we want, and what we *don't*.The post-divorce landscape has been covered in rocks and rough terrain, but lately the path has gotten much smoother. Time and space can give us clarity if we allow ourselves to properly heal.<br />
<br />
One of the hardest things to do after a marriage ends is to date effectively. I know that I'm the rule, not the exception when it comes to this. In the beginning, I'd let anyone who showed even a measure of care for me into my life right away. You can imagine the hurt this caused. Time and time again, I would look past red flags and keep charging down the path with no thought to my own well-being.<br />
<br />
Luckily, in January of this year, I reached a breaking point. It was painful, but healing. Not in the I "know" this to be true kind of way, but to DEEPLY know truth in a sincere way.<br />
<br />
As a result, I've accepted dates much less. I know precisely what I'm looking for. I also know what I will not tolerate or "settle" for. It is a long list, to be sure, but I can remember vividly the first time I fell in love and how wonderfully I was surprised that this person did exist. The keeper of my heart. This time, I'll accept nothing less. I've watched him settle for what he stumbled upon, and he's miserable as a result. Simply enduring the trap he set for himself.<br />
<br />
I've gotten good at respectfully breaking up with people who don't fit into my life the way I hope, and that was a difficult skill to learn. For anyone who has to break up with someone, I would hope that you would consider their feelings, but be honest with them. Give them the tools to move forward and overcome the things that held them back in the relationship, with a spirit of kindness. If you can't say it kindly, then by all means, omit it. By all means, make sure that you're *sure* about any choices you make romantically before you make them so that there is no confusion or mixed signals. Clean breaks are hard to come by, but I always hope that we can part having learned from each other and with respect for each other.<br />
<br />
Have you had to walk away from something you knew wasn't right for you? What were some things that made that process a smoother one for you?Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332185767062893629noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408689827786151696.post-61733430411067813742012-09-04T10:55:00.001-07:002012-09-04T10:55:17.444-07:00Success!When I first became a single mother, I had a two year old and twin 8 month old boys. My world was a swirling whirlwind of bottles, diapers and snuggles. I spent most days overwhelmed to tears, unsure of how to get through to bedtime.<br />
<br />
The "kid" years seemed SO distant. Yet, here I am!<br />
<br />
We spent the entire summer together, playing, laughing and going many different places. I had the antithesis of a schedule, and everything was just free-flowing and natural. We woke when we felt rested, we slept when we felt tired. We explored the world around us. We spent time with family. It was beautiful. All good things have to come to an end, but we filled the summer with as many memories as there were moments.<br />
<br />
Today we felt the familiar snap of fall in the air, and was the first day for a couple of months that he needed to take a coat with him. All of his clothes were laid out and ready to go. I had his bag packed with all of his goodies requested by his teacher, and he joyfully poked through the contents before breakfast. I woke him up with some tickles and a song that I was making up as I sang, and made him sausage and toast with hot chocolate for breakfast (his favorite) while we talked about how much he has grown up. His response, "I know. I'm a big kid now. I'm all grown up!" Not quite, son, but you're getting there! All in all, it was enough to make any boy feel ready and capable to face the excitement of the day.<br />
<br />
Many moms were tearing up, but I wasn't one of them. I just sent my darling, mature William off to his first day of Kindergarten and didn't shed a tear. It was nothing but pride on my face. I'm beginning to understand the depth of the meaning of that word. I feel like my heart grew two sizes while I watched him walk confidently into his classroom and make new friends right away. He waved me off sheepishly with an embarrassed smirk on his face, and I stood in the hallway watching him interact with his classmates.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIct02rjQ1EI3rlvhXzim8k_3KUHUT5CDtSJmznimwTZzQ1AKwcDP8uHpc88hD2llf9-PvAVzxg1DDKTT0UkgQdaFSQ9eoTmhDWFZWxxYXsi61V5DC1yuYHzSt5asdytTDmxmPeuBU0k/s1600/381263_10151068555748074_282540102_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIct02rjQ1EI3rlvhXzim8k_3KUHUT5CDtSJmznimwTZzQ1AKwcDP8uHpc88hD2llf9-PvAVzxg1DDKTT0UkgQdaFSQ9eoTmhDWFZWxxYXsi61V5DC1yuYHzSt5asdytTDmxmPeuBU0k/s320/381263_10151068555748074_282540102_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I eventually made my way home with the twins to get some quality time with them before picking Will up and headed back to drop Matthew off for his afternoon Pre-K class. Shane attends tomorrow. The schedule this year is going to be crazy, but it gives me more one on one time with the boys. I want to give them as much training as I can before I'm no longer the most important influence in their lives.<br />
<br />
I didn't think today would ever come, but I'm so glad it did.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332185767062893629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408689827786151696.post-46986091525520979622012-07-30T16:45:00.000-07:002012-07-30T16:45:03.358-07:00SquirrelsToday's post has been brought to you by the letter S, for squirrels.<br />
<br />
I've been doing my annual deep-cleaning in order to prep for a hectic school year, and it's amazing the things I've discovered about my children in the process. Mainly that they stash things they want to play with or want to hide either from me or their other siblings for later in the most interesting places.<br />
<br />
The couch and chair cushions in the living room are the most popular. Just in these four pieces of furniture I've found:<br />
<br />
1. The pair of sandals they always fight over (fashion is important to them?).<br />
2. Three whole chocolate bars.<br />
3. A piece of pizza.<br />
4. Donkey Kong Country (presumably stuck there the last time I removed it from their posession).<br />
5. 16 batteries on full charge (I get the kind you can check the charge on, for this very reason).<br />
6. 8 pairs of socks.<br />
7. Extra bullets for their Nerf guns.<br />
8. A bag of pistachios.<br />
9. A missing iPod.<br />
10. Five dollars.<br />
11. 8.32 in change (they always take coins when they find them for their piggy bank, but since they broke that they must have found this option to be more lucrative and practical - the other day at the movie theater Will paid for a race car video game without my knowledge. Must have accessed the stash).<br />
<br />
I've often thought to myself, "WHERE did they get THAT?" Now I know. The stash.<br />
<br />
I wish I were half as resourceful as they are when I was a kid!<br />
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332185767062893629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408689827786151696.post-252899205118350352012-07-22T21:27:00.002-07:002012-07-22T21:36:41.923-07:00Homemade TortillasOne of the things I enjoy most is cooking. It's my happy place!<br />
<br />
It's not that I'm "good" at it naturally - one day I simply decided I wanted to cook. The secret to success has been enjoying the process and not worrying about possible failure (and having a dinner backup on hand just in case!). When I'm out of something, I just throw together another batch so I always have something homemade on hand.<br />
<br />
These are far less expensive, fresher (more delicious!) and way healthier than any tortilla you can find in the grocery store.<br />
<br />
Tonight I decided to make some slow cooker venison tacos, homemade all the way down to the tortillas. I used the recipe listed here at <a href="http://jazibesrecipes.blogspot.com/search?q=tortilla">Jazibe's Recipes - Tortilla</a>. The items I substituted in her recipe were that I used 1/2 whole wheat flour and 1/2 unbleached white, and I used grapeseed oil in place of lard. Turned out phenomenally! The dough is pretty dry before you let it rest for a bit, so don't be alarmed when you get a large brick. Keep kneading, and give it about 15 minutes to rest, covered, before you roll out the smaller pieces to shape with a rolling pin.<br />
<br />
They turned out pretty great! Start to finish, only an hour. I'm freezing half and keeping the other half in the fridge - I'll be making pumpkin chicken enchiladas later this week to stick in the freezer.<br />
<br />
To make the tacos, I put a 2 lb roast in the crock pot after seasoning it with steak seasoning and searing it in a pan (you can use beef, venison or pork) and a 16 oz. jar of salsa, one chopped sweet onion, a dash of spicy cajun seasoning, a teaspoon of honey, 2 tbsp taco seasoning, 1/2 cup of beef stock, 1 tbsp dark chili powder, and pepper. Threw it in the crock pot for 8 hours, and it was tender and perfectly shredable. I had my father and brother over for dinner and it had rave reviews. We topped the tacos with the usual fixings, avocado, shredded lettuce, chopped tomato and sour cream, along with a little hot sauce for the adventurous.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6h_HPkjKabIvLDSCvdqxXpCwyaaXkcTcsm-e5wCRMm6E_BD1AbRi0HHTmYNFLM3bzqsA0hbwV2hd29qcNLe1XLE6H3Qdbj03ooWMwkdonODPH9hrylsnH7MJElgUkQcWhkJhs6TsU88/s1600/314820_10150980380408074_421684671_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6h_HPkjKabIvLDSCvdqxXpCwyaaXkcTcsm-e5wCRMm6E_BD1AbRi0HHTmYNFLM3bzqsA0hbwV2hd29qcNLe1XLE6H3Qdbj03ooWMwkdonODPH9hrylsnH7MJElgUkQcWhkJhs6TsU88/s320/314820_10150980380408074_421684671_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enjoy!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQ1S03A1Z2pRgQxHVNU7IAm1Ftd6bctYPQ18rBdquUNLHbK6Suc8YULAQp4oFNdSROVpSjwQxqjGXsoeUkq1ibyfvb-GJICTiinNyogd6lZrMbmZOXTpfMsk1fxxQXV0wuIew8jBWHCs/s1600/blog+signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQ1S03A1Z2pRgQxHVNU7IAm1Ftd6bctYPQ18rBdquUNLHbK6Suc8YULAQp4oFNdSROVpSjwQxqjGXsoeUkq1ibyfvb-GJICTiinNyogd6lZrMbmZOXTpfMsk1fxxQXV0wuIew8jBWHCs/s1600/blog+signature.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332185767062893629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408689827786151696.post-18292673065888110962012-07-20T22:52:00.001-07:002012-07-20T22:52:50.316-07:00Maintaining focusIt's all too easy to get off of the path that we want to be on and fall victim to distraction, hopelessness and confusion.<br />
<br />
There are external influences that affect us every day. How our children behave (a HUGE one for me), how much we accomplish on our to-do lists, what our job environment is like, what our bottom line is on our monthly budget, health issues - the list goes on and on.<br />
<br />
How do we find satisfaction and focus despite these emotional and physical pitfalls? It is always amazing to me how setting our minds on the spiritual instead of the temporal (circumstances) can lead to a perspective-altering shift in our hearts that maintains our joy without further effort. Keeping ourselves focused on our eternal purpose, all things that are good and true, and how blessed we truly are can give us the "lift" we need to pull us out of the pit of self-pity.<br />
<br />
The Bible gives us a simple directive:<br />
<br />
"<b>We must focus on Jesus, the source and the goal of our faith.</b> He saw the joy ahead of him, so he endured death on the cross and ignored the disgrace it brought him. Then he received the highest position in heaven, the one next to the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:2 GWT<br />
<br />
Simply acknowledging Him in all we do can give us peace.<br />
<br />
Something that gives me great joy is thinking of and praying for others who are in a difficult place in their life - even those that don't "deserve" it (sometimes ESPECIALLY those who feel undeserving!). Praying on ways to help them directly or praying for their strength in specific areas when I am unable to be a direct impact on their life is an excellent way to remain grateful AND the feeling of being blessed to be Christ's hands and feet. The way I look at it; I've been given two working hands and God knows I'll use them in any capacity I can to help those who need it.<br />
<br />
Right now, the amount of volunteer work I can accomplish is limited being that I have my children at home, but whenever I'm given the opportunity to make an impact, I do what I can. It's been the single greatest way to maintain my focus on my blessings.<br />
<br />
Lately, I've been going through the book "Calm My Anxious Heart: A Woman's Guide to Finding Contentment" by Linda Dillow, and in the second chapter she asks you to make a list of your blessings and things you struggle with. Funny enough, my struggle list involved only two things. Being single and financial strain. That's it! When I listed my blessings, I was overwhelmed by how I tend to focus on the negative instead of relishing the many, MANY blessings I'm lucky to experience right now. Healthy children. A warm, cozy home with plenty of room. A car that is in great working order. My little "farm" with the garden and chickens. Plenty of food in the cupboards. An organized, tidy life. Living in beautiful North Idaho with the mountains and lakes a permanent backdrop to my daily activities. Talk about BLESSED. Fixing my eyes on all of the wonderful blessings Jesus has provided me, and on the promise of a future that is lived with the increasing knowledge of His goodness is more than enough for me.<br />
<br />
What would your list look like right now?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQ1S03A1Z2pRgQxHVNU7IAm1Ftd6bctYPQ18rBdquUNLHbK6Suc8YULAQp4oFNdSROVpSjwQxqjGXsoeUkq1ibyfvb-GJICTiinNyogd6lZrMbmZOXTpfMsk1fxxQXV0wuIew8jBWHCs/s1600/blog+signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQ1S03A1Z2pRgQxHVNU7IAm1Ftd6bctYPQ18rBdquUNLHbK6Suc8YULAQp4oFNdSROVpSjwQxqjGXsoeUkq1ibyfvb-GJICTiinNyogd6lZrMbmZOXTpfMsk1fxxQXV0wuIew8jBWHCs/s1600/blog+signature.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332185767062893629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408689827786151696.post-2793152194218306692012-07-18T14:37:00.000-07:002012-07-18T15:18:40.344-07:00A beautiful summer...After one of the most challenging school years to date for me, I prayed about possibly foregoing my summer education intensive and postponing it for one year. After a great deal of thought and seeking Godly counsel, I went ahead and decided to wait. This was the best decision for my family in more ways than one, and God shut the door to make it crystal clear. I've increasingly noticed his gentle direction in my every step, making the "stressful" decisions seem much less alarming. If anything, I've learned to see more clearly His will for my life.<br />
<br />
This is the last summer for two years that I have with my kiddos without being in school full-time, so I've been enjoying every single minute I have with them! I've been fully focusing on experiencing the moment for all of its temporal glory. I've been given a unique gift over these last couple of months, and I intend to make the very most of it! This is also the last summer before my oldest goes to Kindergarten and becomes a "school-ager". Absolutely floors me every time I think about it!<br />
<br />
Here is a photo-rundown of what our break has been like:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We have been spending extra time snuggling in the morning...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUXsi7JPoIGxXpXTCt12PqcIRwE32azcvemKPIw7QAMMStyJgXOj5Va6iaOh84olKnLy9OY7alvRrtTYbdxdvjfbi6o9k65c460V9IfIf1TC7FO5OoK8yqZx4EVvcbc-iv6o2OLN-S84/s1600/402840_10150965136723074_1039589255_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUXsi7JPoIGxXpXTCt12PqcIRwE32azcvemKPIw7QAMMStyJgXOj5Va6iaOh84olKnLy9OY7alvRrtTYbdxdvjfbi6o9k65c460V9IfIf1TC7FO5OoK8yqZx4EVvcbc-iv6o2OLN-S84/s320/402840_10150965136723074_1039589255_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlbIgoCAq2PC0NWzVK4GeBWmY9bg0ENwhNB7VZs3Zlq8xPAHlud1RHw0r9xjzgsI1WI-cFLe0ENpS_eV2ZQ_j6MTSdXMFYdj6GMfmtVo3trajKtL5oS9ih-UQZ7xVsjhyA7jU2-hMVl4/s1600/532837_10150917519208074_969630337_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlbIgoCAq2PC0NWzVK4GeBWmY9bg0ENwhNB7VZs3Zlq8xPAHlud1RHw0r9xjzgsI1WI-cFLe0ENpS_eV2ZQ_j6MTSdXMFYdj6GMfmtVo3trajKtL5oS9ih-UQZ7xVsjhyA7jU2-hMVl4/s320/532837_10150917519208074_969630337_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Playing dress-up...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37RafI34ZwuDe3WR8XkSj6WTcN90FiVE9qIT65ZMdXKptX3C7HYNi9jlUOXxXisnFe__JNmTf3vcv1mqicAZHoE5SbwF94FQhSv0sxJxfQmAM1Ft-yW2ypU6QLgDHpVSOXd19ZtaWk0Y/s1600/311664_10150968168688074_1269804295_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37RafI34ZwuDe3WR8XkSj6WTcN90FiVE9qIT65ZMdXKptX3C7HYNi9jlUOXxXisnFe__JNmTf3vcv1mqicAZHoE5SbwF94FQhSv0sxJxfQmAM1Ft-yW2ypU6QLgDHpVSOXd19ZtaWk0Y/s320/311664_10150968168688074_1269804295_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Going to the park...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJT7hzD-XnVnQ6PmlZqKaBQRAGdM3haEbGut9jlCOjRWURONZ0CwFgf05T8Qa2duxqUziRD7YGffNJb_nUcCkpCidiyXRwaiY2BTOLGGvDeqNIWWtIGUyHeL6eb8E3HrpBkIoMuHnjlQ/s1600/179344_10150881674188074_88086617_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJT7hzD-XnVnQ6PmlZqKaBQRAGdM3haEbGut9jlCOjRWURONZ0CwFgf05T8Qa2duxqUziRD7YGffNJb_nUcCkpCidiyXRwaiY2BTOLGGvDeqNIWWtIGUyHeL6eb8E3HrpBkIoMuHnjlQ/s320/179344_10150881674188074_88086617_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Skipping rocks...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jz-j6xS08vwV1R_zhvkkK03glLvE-CFzeb7jauccEBj4zphFUHongUEwy13h3cvOEB2ocf-NnNKHCgyDyEKQvehVzyGLi4c4ZoMBkezgj-9TEjsXfhdUClA8u2IqZCSqfkCVb54-S0g/s1600/224905_10150904194323074_370256979_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jz-j6xS08vwV1R_zhvkkK03glLvE-CFzeb7jauccEBj4zphFUHongUEwy13h3cvOEB2ocf-NnNKHCgyDyEKQvehVzyGLi4c4ZoMBkezgj-9TEjsXfhdUClA8u2IqZCSqfkCVb54-S0g/s320/224905_10150904194323074_370256979_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Spending time at CDA Lake...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSltAT6_3hCZSXqewczizzeQP4fR6VLDv1puBkvRUkFU0VGXk1nBp9sgtYX0by_XwsrAEzfaKm_8VaWhYZuZcLH326ssFNIxF4CynZd94yZ2Rhd71yB6gt2qioghqSgrlPKxtqBPozyY/s1600/306843_10150938414933074_1115403886_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSltAT6_3hCZSXqewczizzeQP4fR6VLDv1puBkvRUkFU0VGXk1nBp9sgtYX0by_XwsrAEzfaKm_8VaWhYZuZcLH326ssFNIxF4CynZd94yZ2Rhd71yB6gt2qioghqSgrlPKxtqBPozyY/s320/306843_10150938414933074_1115403886_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Splashing in the river...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSHVBIbAKlb5lpcCeTSRoAwFX77j7qTRbJ41ZqEMaoXJzOXNId7gTkKT3MawsOv0fhWVUK5tdThyphenhyphenYTZ40R-vzBkiXJayYFPMePjHV1-UIGhBjvKVNgAR_4J5ZzFFiH6v7e64ga83crBk/s1600/380684_10150934429023074_1941852328_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSHVBIbAKlb5lpcCeTSRoAwFX77j7qTRbJ41ZqEMaoXJzOXNId7gTkKT3MawsOv0fhWVUK5tdThyphenhyphenYTZ40R-vzBkiXJayYFPMePjHV1-UIGhBjvKVNgAR_4J5ZzFFiH6v7e64ga83crBk/s320/380684_10150934429023074_1941852328_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Finding new mountain lakes to explore...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHl7UicVramUHxeghEZLsFWNH2YcpbzknvOVo8yxTLi4L1L3IhchEg-YMDKBl7eSL-Fn9BFzePeXknLoDkIMYazowczXfGZH-il8XX_SfvKtrViCZu-a0zwEDrRe-oRvY2njGmWpRAKA/s1600/483905_10150944810578074_983758135_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHl7UicVramUHxeghEZLsFWNH2YcpbzknvOVo8yxTLi4L1L3IhchEg-YMDKBl7eSL-Fn9BFzePeXknLoDkIMYazowczXfGZH-il8XX_SfvKtrViCZu-a0zwEDrRe-oRvY2njGmWpRAKA/s320/483905_10150944810578074_983758135_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Playing in the hay at the grandparent's ranch...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPfG2vJVaYXY09KLUAdQyFCKCNu3ma1fKpxtdJzJMb_iv2jQT9qgtz4kmEGjshC3b6YdHBiKPOL6Z3k9JZBMsXfahIaw-0lJY3VQGfL2k0xOZS4Tw6iWxCUYv09ESEPgw34HUtROq4L8/s1600/552265_10150963658953074_667600583_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPfG2vJVaYXY09KLUAdQyFCKCNu3ma1fKpxtdJzJMb_iv2jQT9qgtz4kmEGjshC3b6YdHBiKPOL6Z3k9JZBMsXfahIaw-0lJY3VQGfL2k0xOZS4Tw6iWxCUYv09ESEPgw34HUtROq4L8/s320/552265_10150963658953074_667600583_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Planting our veggies in the garden...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRV0ugvOnci81WXEaLuc4zfEKmqiGz3NITbJNKXQ9PuX1KWkiMBXsUzptMOQByMp6YV9qeubNSVGzqbgIxRWI-1reZLdazg70Y1rkiaRTMuwH6JTnV7iDmh_AYjmPB8RqG6o75iRmOaw/s1600/385679_10150753219933074_1487486785_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRV0ugvOnci81WXEaLuc4zfEKmqiGz3NITbJNKXQ9PuX1KWkiMBXsUzptMOQByMp6YV9qeubNSVGzqbgIxRWI-1reZLdazg70Y1rkiaRTMuwH6JTnV7iDmh_AYjmPB8RqG6o75iRmOaw/s320/385679_10150753219933074_1487486785_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Coaching the boys' baseball team...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpHoZzmLUuPA4XmYvsH8XC6_s_A6Yuik-dZxqGxjJazqneX1Zrgo7pbblxBfWKBPxdPbVk55zgxlx4AfevibthyphenhyphenaM3K2D1sDTixSRa1M-T7VleIkxh7qfDfRwNDJLsplCGysqAKfThFE/s1600/389674_10150770329813074_594113374_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpHoZzmLUuPA4XmYvsH8XC6_s_A6Yuik-dZxqGxjJazqneX1Zrgo7pbblxBfWKBPxdPbVk55zgxlx4AfevibthyphenhyphenaM3K2D1sDTixSRa1M-T7VleIkxh7qfDfRwNDJLsplCGysqAKfThFE/s320/389674_10150770329813074_594113374_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Taking a trip to the water park thanks to our local radio station...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnTrDQTJ9HltLaVi0HycsPeSknpN7bgtNFRSI0ggN4xjE-SFz-2_FedYF3OEAnVAi557MhmIdLMw8_edvDPbrSoMjOOsiP9ohqR5svNQXysTZZjc8n-7pj3iINn49TNphcuC_pC2jh44/s1600/481898_10150959841248074_1179098471_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnTrDQTJ9HltLaVi0HycsPeSknpN7bgtNFRSI0ggN4xjE-SFz-2_FedYF3OEAnVAi557MhmIdLMw8_edvDPbrSoMjOOsiP9ohqR5svNQXysTZZjc8n-7pj3iINn49TNphcuC_pC2jh44/s320/481898_10150959841248074_1179098471_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Taking a trip to the Woodland Park Zoo with all of the cousins thanks to Gigi...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2oR6EO44AfaDzLac2yybwS_ZyptCMLfpfm_ZaykgNH59jzaISyadfCnRRW_PkCvH1yaHMoOSlQo8bFTDQlvu5rhaf6JGUaQayb4MY_XaFeSDLl4bTvLtwIhZA23O1DYh-HOyK-At1ZY/s1600/292644_10150852823068074_1237253873_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2oR6EO44AfaDzLac2yybwS_ZyptCMLfpfm_ZaykgNH59jzaISyadfCnRRW_PkCvH1yaHMoOSlQo8bFTDQlvu5rhaf6JGUaQayb4MY_XaFeSDLl4bTvLtwIhZA23O1DYh-HOyK-At1ZY/s320/292644_10150852823068074_1237253873_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBHaqVqKX4ZUmdPxLVIW9OM3Rfti7Lyoh__XccJdKpzcAs_ROPe0NDee8zNiSI6jAjXND6gAkNmcgs-U2uAOcZeXIBBi407VYBRzgrn9JMflWdTYR9O-iUcbXvS9UtWmm4htHFmzN5aE/s1600/163544_10150852827673074_1561392249_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBHaqVqKX4ZUmdPxLVIW9OM3Rfti7Lyoh__XccJdKpzcAs_ROPe0NDee8zNiSI6jAjXND6gAkNmcgs-U2uAOcZeXIBBi407VYBRzgrn9JMflWdTYR9O-iUcbXvS9UtWmm4htHFmzN5aE/s320/163544_10150852827673074_1561392249_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Look at all these little cuties! 9 kiddos 5 and under!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrYfa0rbFfTfuSJvSiliCg08ydpiDRwyQek0y9buFBSiprdJcG5S3LU4cPVpWqgMcNmfFTm2DwF-CiP_oQWe-k558VqU73dAu96eTIH1Skuj0Lcte4nUiUWECYSuqSlI2F_STeFePwDM/s1600/542373_10150852807183074_654550462_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrYfa0rbFfTfuSJvSiliCg08ydpiDRwyQek0y9buFBSiprdJcG5S3LU4cPVpWqgMcNmfFTm2DwF-CiP_oQWe-k558VqU73dAu96eTIH1Skuj0Lcte4nUiUWECYSuqSlI2F_STeFePwDM/s320/542373_10150852807183074_654550462_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Picking flowers...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6wZsoayCKfOdwBXYkHBgKnkgUo2Nz7qBk7qqC5A9Ndl5hrLdF4p2FaWnq5Ju6NF9S8HWjGcP8you1VrnY8gHXHwOdtrlQDtzjHQu6D2iXQGd17cdiZHHyEHgv8geNPHpYcR3_ttQVcw/s1600/547089_10150831501603074_598028975_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6wZsoayCKfOdwBXYkHBgKnkgUo2Nz7qBk7qqC5A9Ndl5hrLdF4p2FaWnq5Ju6NF9S8HWjGcP8you1VrnY8gHXHwOdtrlQDtzjHQu6D2iXQGd17cdiZHHyEHgv8geNPHpYcR3_ttQVcw/s320/547089_10150831501603074_598028975_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Learning the joys of sparklers on the 4th...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiJwLh-NylgdxMXUDG3LPE6KeqCKAplDeZHiXbUub15XQ86o22HZeG6q9o0Q83ZT1YOPvyUREQa5QrFhIlKkTl8bmCqhd9jjDpWHWGMoP7RHjoV6BLX-WaSc33Ye7bro2kz1NR89MfM8/s1600/553193_10150945396323074_928545860_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiJwLh-NylgdxMXUDG3LPE6KeqCKAplDeZHiXbUub15XQ86o22HZeG6q9o0Q83ZT1YOPvyUREQa5QrFhIlKkTl8bmCqhd9jjDpWHWGMoP7RHjoV6BLX-WaSc33Ye7bro2kz1NR89MfM8/s320/553193_10150945396323074_928545860_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Building their very own treehouse with scrap wood...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVytJPkAQ2NT_JeSFivuW0h3m60w0WTIf_TwkUx4nI7YvpM5H1hJDg8OFvEBgykkiHWdjSDDNs_AjN_A_t0diMFxB7NSs8mUKOC118VHURFAUL-9QguLeWlI6QHZN0cpucTwpqThAr8o/s1600/558455_10150958480313074_33597892_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVytJPkAQ2NT_JeSFivuW0h3m60w0WTIf_TwkUx4nI7YvpM5H1hJDg8OFvEBgykkiHWdjSDDNs_AjN_A_t0diMFxB7NSs8mUKOC118VHURFAUL-9QguLeWlI6QHZN0cpucTwpqThAr8o/s320/558455_10150958480313074_33597892_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Roasting marshmallows in the backyard...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9C5cenxrUitG4WDkRdSpyuGOuwz86a9JL5YiQ_5iNNVP9cOIFinke8xPmLif_rE01Ll6Wub_gLmVjXchIOUEcLdPAjfCJvz2fTdIS1RNZH6LSJSgfnsJqjiMFB12RliV8koQ2VBstaY/s1600/581072_10150875449308074_829781371_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9C5cenxrUitG4WDkRdSpyuGOuwz86a9JL5YiQ_5iNNVP9cOIFinke8xPmLif_rE01Ll6Wub_gLmVjXchIOUEcLdPAjfCJvz2fTdIS1RNZH6LSJSgfnsJqjiMFB12RliV8koQ2VBstaY/s320/581072_10150875449308074_829781371_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And most of all, I've been trying to tire the little guys out! Nearly impossible!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7E6AXsOYpS8mvqjUULgUDDX6T60YtFcBJ6m9uu0iGuYwtxJxYc1T_bYkcgTj1rLv4ws1_p2oZUzqxL3K4FKkFpjP4QSNANQiXZlO6sjLBgYkyT4CpPBMTmBkhafqqd3I2GYecB_KMP8/s1600/548061_10150971418823074_1909155994_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7E6AXsOYpS8mvqjUULgUDDX6T60YtFcBJ6m9uu0iGuYwtxJxYc1T_bYkcgTj1rLv4ws1_p2oZUzqxL3K4FKkFpjP4QSNANQiXZlO6sjLBgYkyT4CpPBMTmBkhafqqd3I2GYecB_KMP8/s320/548061_10150971418823074_1909155994_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Of course, this has me asking myself.... where does the time go? Here they are being full-on boys, and I can remember the early days just like they were yesterday!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgEGebLXg5sBpDTKzalCGw_Yn7RWIJflq45012mfJjf5QQcpAY2bmMRYUN5xA5p40U845mHm7GURpnRZCwPZircKZuznn3z-cct89eq8MwrQEPo1UsEaE_LyxP6up_DdFwutPpyIuHQI/s1600/l-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgEGebLXg5sBpDTKzalCGw_Yn7RWIJflq45012mfJjf5QQcpAY2bmMRYUN5xA5p40U845mHm7GURpnRZCwPZircKZuznn3z-cct89eq8MwrQEPo1UsEaE_LyxP6up_DdFwutPpyIuHQI/s320/l-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All-in-all, it's been a very busy couple of months, and I'm forever grateful! This goes without saying all of my own personal accomplishments that I've been checking off of the to-do list throughout it all. Spring cleaning evolved into summer cleaning/decorating/organizing, and life is pretty beautiful as a result. I've also built some incredible friendships that have re-directed me to what is really important - building meaningful relationships beyond the "surface-level" ones that so often fail us. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What have you been up to this summer? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQ1S03A1Z2pRgQxHVNU7IAm1Ftd6bctYPQ18rBdquUNLHbK6Suc8YULAQp4oFNdSROVpSjwQxqjGXsoeUkq1ibyfvb-GJICTiinNyogd6lZrMbmZOXTpfMsk1fxxQXV0wuIew8jBWHCs/s1600/blog+signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQ1S03A1Z2pRgQxHVNU7IAm1Ftd6bctYPQ18rBdquUNLHbK6Suc8YULAQp4oFNdSROVpSjwQxqjGXsoeUkq1ibyfvb-GJICTiinNyogd6lZrMbmZOXTpfMsk1fxxQXV0wuIew8jBWHCs/s1600/blog+signature.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332185767062893629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408689827786151696.post-7372304580532492082012-05-31T13:37:00.004-07:002012-05-31T13:38:16.063-07:00Never Dreamt...When I first learned that I was about to become a mother, I never dreamed the crazy places my life would take me.<br />
<br />
I wouldn't have thought I'd be in a town hit with a devastating tornado (Enterprise, AL) and narrowly miss being in the tornado's path, I never thought I'd become pregnant again less than a year after having my first child, I REALLY never thought that pregnancy would result in TWIN (!) BOYS (!) coming into my world, and I didn't dream that before their arrival I'd essentially become a single mother, and that after their arrival that it would become official before they turned a year old.<br />
<br />
Most of all, I never planned on doing this motherhood thing alone.<br />
<br />
Although that can seem really sad and depressing to some, I'm perfectly at peace with where God has me. When life throws us a curveball, and in this case, a REALLY curvy one, God is always trying to teach us something.<br />
<br />
What have I learned?<br />
<br />
Patience beyond understanding. Empathy at a whole new level. I've turned my "judgement" button off, no matter how serious a situation might seem. I've learned to value friendships and relationships with family with a reverence I've never before understood, especially with my former-in-laws. Endurance. Endurance. Endurance.<br />
<br />
So, don't pity me. Celebrate our resilience as God's people with me. After all, it is our "signature move". True faith produces all of these things in us naturally, and when those blessings come, we can't help but celebrate with even more joy.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332185767062893629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408689827786151696.post-83741446811499008932012-05-13T10:01:00.001-07:002012-05-13T10:01:21.898-07:00Blessings of MotherhoodBeing a mom is a challenging job, but it's not without it's rewards.<br />
<br />
These days, the rewards for me come in fistful of dandelions, sloppy kisses on the cheek, unabashed declarations of love every five minutes, and hugs that squeeze me so tightly I think they actually hurt.<br />
<br />
Someday, those rewards will be simply a card in my mailbox on an otherwise silent day.<br />
<br />
Being a single mother is definitely fraught with challenges. There is never enough money, time or energy to accomplish what we hope to achieve for our kids: "a normal life". But, as one of my friends at home group said, "How many of us actually came from a traditional nuclear family?" Of those "normal families", how many develop empathy to the level which our children learn? Perseverance? Emotional strength? Knowing the importance of showing each other how much we care?<br />
<br />
I'm increasingly grateful for every twist and turn my life has taken. Being made aware of just what I'm capable of is probably the most freeing thing of all.<br />
<br />
Happy Mother's Day, everyone!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332185767062893629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408689827786151696.post-79288977915452258822012-05-02T10:03:00.002-07:002012-05-02T10:03:59.948-07:00The videoI've had the opportunity to work on a video with a local photography studio - Rayla Kay Photography - that focuses on the struggles of single motherhood and bring awareness to the incredible number of people who experience these challenges. I hope you enjoy! I was so nervous that I was shaking much of the time. Very revealing, but I felt it was absolutely necessary for people to hear the truth. I hope this inspires you to either help a single parent in need or to seek God to comfort you in the midst of your struggles.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qyve3_lYvs4" width="560"></iframe>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332185767062893629noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408689827786151696.post-85073175003990347732012-04-17T13:05:00.000-07:002012-04-17T13:05:12.757-07:00Praying for God-size solutions.My church group meets once a week, and while they have wonderful things to report about their lives with increasing frequency, I seem to be still "just getting by" and trying to endure the hurts and disappointments that continue to blast both me and my children, and I find myself frequently asking for prayer to cope with each new challenge.<br />
<br />
I'm blessed to have an old friend who has such an incredible heart for the Lord who asked me to join this group, and she has prayed for me every time with grace and sincerity. For the longest time, she has believed in me and lifted me up when I thought I had no value or worth. Her faith in my abilities and in the beauty of who God made me to be has been one of my greatest encouragements.<br />
<br />
The other day, she gave me a call after a particularly difficult week, and listened to the latest struggle with my oldest boy's hurting heart as he begins to understand what happened to our family. Seeing my hurt children, complicated family dynamics, learning to be alone and raising a family, financial challenges... the list goes on and on. We always overcome, but we are war-weary.<br />
<br />
Her solution was one that I completely ignored for a time, thinking myself unworthy or "blessed enough". She mentioned that she would be praying to "God-size solutions" and blessings to give me true joy after all of the heartbreak. A state of praise-filled waiting for all of the wonderful good things God is going to accomplish in our lives as a result of all of this difficulty and faithful obedience to His will for our lives. Hopeful patience. Joyful anticipation. These are where my heart and mind are focused now, and I know that is how my God wants me to live. Not just existing, but dancing.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332185767062893629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408689827786151696.post-66432052695502358262012-04-04T22:59:00.005-07:002012-04-05T08:45:38.690-07:00What If'sThere were many moments in my divorce that were pivotal, and at times, symbolic. One of the moments I found most poignant was during my ex's trip to return my belongings during the late summer just weeks after our divorce was final. Interestingly enough, this was the first time we had seen each other in person since he had said he wanted a divorce (after he'd met someone else). We had talked about where things were, and if we wanted to get back together. I had never, ever given up wanting to re-unite. Our feelings for each other had not changed at all, even despite our circumstances (he got another woman pregnant). He ended up coming to the realization that neither of us could endure the painful steps to get back together, especially having to reconcile with the people he had hurt along the way. His answer made me realize that I couldn't, either. We cried on the deck of his parent's house. We had spent time together with our sons as if no time or hurt had passed between us, but that wasn't enough to overcome the growing number of challenges that we would have had to face. I then loaded the kids and drove away, thinking that would be the last time I'd see him for a long while.<br />
<br />
Strangely, fate would have us see each other one last time. The next day I saw his now familiar black Dodge pickup truck with the blue infantry cord hanging from the rearview mirror (that I had placed on his shoulder when he graduated from basic training) pull up to the stop sign near my parent's house at the exact same time as I did. Funny enough, I was on my way to photograph a friend's wedding. I learned later that he was on his way to golf with his dad. We both immediately noticed each other and stared wide-eyed as if we were looking at a car accident. As was his habit, he didn't have a turn signal on. I turned right, and he turned left. Our lives would take decidedly different paths, regardless of how we felt, and that was ok. It was everything I could do to maintain my composure through the ceremony, but I did, and it was a beautiful one.<br />
<br />
It was one of those moments that felt like it was straight out of a movie script, but it was painfully real.<br />
<br />
Today, that intersection is now a roundabout. I couldn't have invented a more perfect scenario on my own.<br />
<br />
I've run over and over the entire thing, from when we met until when we parted thousands of times. I try to find answers to so many questions that, although have been "answered", still do not make concrete sense in my mind. Did he love me? Did I love him? Did I do something to deserve how he treated me? What if he hadn't gone into the Army? What if I had pressed him more to go to counseling after the war? Did I marry him just to get out of Idaho and away from hurtful people in my life? What if I'd joined in the drinking and seen past his fears and helped him find healing? What if we hadn't gone to the flight program? Were we married too young? What if I had finished my degree first? What if I had not gotten sick after my first pregnancy? The list goes on and on.<br />
<br />
The funny thing about roundabouts is that you could choose to go around and around, never stopping, never going anywhere. Or, you could choose to glide out of it as easily as you steered into it.<br />
<br />
Lately, I've been choosing the latter. The first couple of years of the heartbreak left me going around in circles and spinning my wheels, but lately I've been rejoicing in how far I've come, and how blessed I am. I do not have the same emotional baggage that others in this situation have the burden of carrying. I know that I handled the situation the very best I could, and I wouldn't change a single thing. I have the joy of knowing I am raising my children in a safe, loving environment free from fighting and sleepless nights worrying about where my husband is. I'm free to return to school and finish what I started. I'm free to raise my sons where we grew up and with the comfort of a home that God has provided for us in the most beautiful place I can imagine. I have the blessing of being friends with my former-in-laws and having them be an active part of my children's lives on even a daily basis (even bringing us soup when we are sick!). I have the most wonderful church community, friends and family that a woman could ever ask for. I'm even free to fall in love again - the real kind. I know what that feels like, and I know I'll find it again. My eyes and heart are open.<br />
<br />
By focusing on my desired destination, I'm more apt to get there.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332185767062893629noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408689827786151696.post-52694140193657765152012-03-08T11:01:00.000-08:002012-03-08T11:01:20.381-08:00Words To Live BySingle mothers live a very different "family life" than a traditional two-parent home.<br />
<br />
I have a dear friend who recently had her husband leave for a month to train for a sport, and this was the longest time they'd ever spent apart. Because I spent up to a year apart from my husband during our marriage and survived (and that I've been doing the parenting job solo going on 5 years), she sought me out for advice and help on how to cope with caring for her two boys and effectively manage her schedule. This got me thinking that my list may be helpful to other single mothers in need of direction as well.<br />
<br />
1. Do not expect perfection! We can only do what we can, and being frustrated or depressed that we are not able to keep everything in perfect order is only going to set us back further. Focus on the tasks at hand, and check them off one-by-one. How do you climb a mountain? ONE step at a time.<br />
<br />
2. Form an excellent support system, most importantly by being a reliable, caring friend FIRST! Single mothers often need favors from friends, but don't become the person constantly asking and never giving. Whatever your strengths are.... doing a friend's makeup or hair for a big night out, cooking when they're sick and dropping off meals during trials, watching others' kids in exchange, helping a friend learn how to coupon or craft, hosting a girls' night at your house with movies and popcorn.... be creative in building close friendships that are more than just a Facebook "like" relationship. You know what I'm saying. :)<br />
<br />
3. Create systems in your home to make your life easier. Lay out the kids' clothes the night before so there is no fight in the morning. Have a boot bench by the door to house shoes upon entry to your home to reduce on the need to clean your carpets every thirty seconds and to keep from playing the "let's find the shoes" game. Put together freezer meals for busy nights (@Pinterest has great ideas!).<br />
<br />
4. When it comes to kids' clothes and supplies, re-sell them! Don't waste your hard-earned money. Give each item a good wash and spot treat, and sell at either a good consignment store or at a consignment event like Just Between Friends sales. This will enable you to get more of what your kids need in their current sizes. Time is money if you manage it wisely.<br />
<br />
5. Encourage independence in your children. Have them take tasks into their own hands at appropriate ages. It takes a great deal of time to train them, but the time you save in the long-run will far outweigh the time to teach them!<br />
<br />
6. Care for yourself emotionally. Watch girly movies. Engage in your passion, whether it be a craft, cooking, hiking, swimming.... anything to get you out of the routine of daily life and makes you smile. Make a list of the things you really enjoy and put it on your bedroom door or somewhere else you'll see it.<br />
<br />
7. FIND AN EXCELLENT BABYSITTER! Babysitters mean FREEDOM! I have six on speed-dial so I always know I can find someone in a pinch. Of course, make sure they are CPR and first aid certified in case of emergencies, and always request reference letters.<br />
<br />
8. Take a shower EVERY morning... even on your lazy days. Nothing gets your engine running faster than clean skin and bouncy hair! You may want to skip this when you're feeling tired and overwhelmed, but this will be the fastest ticket to a lack of productivity and poor self-image.<br />
<br />
9. When you're feeling down, clean! Turn the music up and pick a small spot in your house to conquer. Before you know it, you'll start feeling better and more in control of what is going on in your life, even if the cleaning doesn't solve the problem you're facing... it'll still look pretty and make you smile!<br />
<br />
10. When all else fails and the world is closing in around you, love on your kids. Look them right in the eye and talk to them. Tell them how much they mean to you and then if they're little enough, snuggle them until they say they want to be left alone. :) The power of touch and connecting to those precious little ones can help to re-focus you on what is important.<br />
<br />
God knows where you are and what you are capable of. He is never surprised by your circumstances, choices or desires. Although these different ideas/actions help a little, the most powerful thing to change the way you feel and the way you live is to be in perpetual communication with the person who loves you most, through honest, open prayer.<br />
<br />
If you've ever wondered how to pray, it is simply having a conversation with God as if he were sitting right with you. I pray while I'm driving, cleaning, even during some conversations! Just like when you read a book "to yourself", no one even has to know what you're saying or that you're praying at all. Keep those lines of communication strong and it will serve you well in all aspects of your life!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332185767062893629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408689827786151696.post-1215749068736192172012-03-02T11:01:00.000-08:002012-03-02T11:01:40.605-08:00Delayed GoalsThis past semester in college was tough, and it made me frustrated and ineffective. Being a full-time mother of three young boys AND a full-time college student wasn't in my abilities. I was trying to get my pre-requisites accomplished to take part in the cohort this summer, a 7:30am-5pm intensive course for education, but I just couldn't get it all done in the short amount of time I was given. I was full-time last summer, too, and felt thoroughly burned out.<br />
<br />
This led me to a place I am extremely unfamiliar with - I didn't achieve the goal I set out to conquer.<br />
<br />
Feelings of inadequacy, hopelessness and disappointment overwhelmed me for much of Christmas break and into the new semester, and I lost focus on what was important. God knew this would happen. He sees everything that happens in my life. It was no surprise to my creator, and He will use ALL things for the good of those who love Him (me), so why was I fretting so much?<br />
<br />
As long as I keep moving forward and putting my children first, everything will come together in His time. Now I get a true summer BREAK with my boys. All I have is a couple of courses online to accomplish, and I won't be stuck there for the majority of the day. This also gives me time to save money for next summer's cohort. Childcare for one child full-time is going to be about 1500.00 per month.....! That is 3,000.00 for just two months of my kids being cared for while I work. Praying that it all comes together at that point! I know, however, that if God means for me to be a teacher, it will happen.<br />
<br />
For now, I can effectively manage what has been put before me, and have time to truly enjoy my sons in this rapidly changing phase of their lives. My oldest is being registered for both t-ball and Kindergarten this week. This has been a time I've looked forward to with such anticipation!<br />
<br />
Doing my best to continue to take one day at a time, advancing my possibilities and staying focused on my ultimate goal - being obedient to God's will for my life with my every step.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332185767062893629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408689827786151696.post-57835093637127228292012-03-01T16:17:00.003-08:002012-03-08T22:01:26.328-08:00Another batch of helpful hints!Lately, I've been making all of my own cleaning products to help in the cost of maintaining my household. With the cost of gasoline and electricity increasing, something has to give! I don't have cable or a car payment. I buy mostly used clothes and home goods. I try to be as frugal as possible, but also as HEALTHY as possible. I don't think that adding a bunch of harsh chemicals into my cleaning routine has been beneficial, so here goes my new experiment!<br />
<br />
Here is a list of cleaners that I've collected from various places around the internet:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #5e5a57; font: 14.0px 'LiSong Pro Light'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 20.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Window Cleaner</span></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'LiSong Pro Light'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 14.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 c. water</span></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'LiSong Pro Light'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 T. vinegar</span></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'LiSong Pro Light'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 T. rubbing alcohol</span></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px 'LiSong Pro Light'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 1/2 t. cornstarch</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px 'LiSong Pro Light'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Mix all ingredients in a small spray bottle and shake to combine. Easy!</span></span></div><br />
<br />
<u>All Purpose Cleaner</u><br />
<br />
Use the peels of a dozen or so oranges to fill a quart size jar, and fill it with white vinegar. Let it sit for two weeks, then it is ready to cut with 1 part water to 1 part vinegar in a spray bottle for a great-smelling all purpose spray!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'LiSong Pro Light'; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Martha Stewart's Tub Scrub</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'LiSong Pro Light'; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Here's a nontoxic but effective way to clean your tub: Add one teaspoon of liquid soap and several drops of an antibacterial essential oil (such as tea tree, eucalyptus, rosemary, or peppermint) to one cup of baking soda. Add just enough water to form a paste, and use it with a sponge or brush to scour bathtub surfaces.</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'LiSong Pro Light'; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Homemade Laundry Soap</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'LiSong Pro Light'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">1 4 lb 12 oz box Borax (2.15 kg or 76 oz) found in the detergent aisle</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'LiSong Pro Light'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 4 lb box Arm & Hammer Baking Soda (1.81 kg) found in the cooking aisle<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'LiSong Pro Light'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda 55 oz (3 lb 7 oz) found in the detergent aisle<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'LiSong Pro Light'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 bars of Zote laundry soap<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'LiSong Pro Light'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 small containers of Oxy Clean (3.5 lbs total)<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'LiSong Pro Light'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">(this is optional, I added it into mine because I have pretty messy kids and the cleaner the better)</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'LiSong Pro Light'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'LiSong Pro Light'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Start out by grating your Zote soap just like cheese. You can use a food processor or just use your hand held grater, what ever you have.</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'LiSong Pro Light'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">**Don't worry the Zote will dissolve in your washer even if you only use cold water like me.** Toss all ingredients in a 5 gallon bucket lined with a garbage bag. This part makes your whole house smell great. Once everything is mixed store soap however you like. I chose a jar that I keep above my washing machine, I also got a little scoop to keep inside. Wasn't that easy? Sure was! Enjoy your soap.</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'LiSong Pro Light'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'LiSong Pro Light'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'LiSong Pro Light'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Bathroom Spray</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'LiSong Pro Light'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">So it's pretty simple. Heat up some vinegar (I used a cup of vinegar and nuked it for 2 minutes). Then pour it in your spray bottle, add an equal amount of blue Dawn (the website comments were pretty specific about getting the blue kind), shake gently, and voila! </span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'LiSong Pro Light'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'LiSong Pro Light'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">Again, that's a one to one ratio of white vinegar to blue Dawn. I measured out a cup of each originally, but only used about half of my bottle. So next time I'll just do a half cup of each. The whole point is that the white vinegar is heated up, and while I haven't used it with it being room temperature and don't know if it'd work just as well, I'd rather just make it fresh each time. Especially if it's going to give me super clean results. Spray it on and let it sit for 2 hours or overnight. :)</span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'LiSong Pro Light'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'LiSong Pro Light'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br />
</div><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332185767062893629noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7408689827786151696.post-84725720592418717152012-02-29T17:24:00.001-08:002012-02-29T17:24:26.700-08:00Momma Must-Haves!I've been formulating this list for quite a while, and I'll have to update it often. :)<br />
<br />
Here are some things I find utterly indispensable as a mother:<br />
<br />
A handheld shower with a hose! If your kids do something disgusting to themselves, or are sick.... this is such help to "hose them down" with nice, soothing warm water. It's also nice for us moms when we want to thoroughly wash our hair quickly, or when we're cleaning the tub!<br />
<br />
<center><br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=asimasli-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B001TM8HBW&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
Secondly, I love my Amazon Prime membership! Tons of free movies, free shipping on select items, and lots of other benefits. Saves me tons on products I need, AND I get them delivered to my door in 2 days! No running around the store with my kids and forgetting what I went for in the first place. :)<br />
<br />
Another thing I've found helpful is a good quality food processor. If you have kids, you know the price of healthy foods can be astronomical! I buy veggies in bulk from Costco, and then process them immediately upon arriving home (what I am not planning on using right away). Sliced, shredded, bagged and frozen, it makes everything so easy when making meals! I also pre-bag "convenience" meals to slap into the crock pot on busy days. A little planning makes a lot of difference! I also made all of my own baby food, and now my kiddos are EXCELLENT eaters!<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=asimasli-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B00004S9EM&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<div><br />
</div><div>My last tip for today will be the Little Green Machine. Singlehandedly, the smartest investment I've made in my carpets and upholstery! It can clean car carpets, spills on the floor in your home, and scrub spots on your couches to perfection. SO worth the price! Just ONE trip out from the pros will cost you more than this little machine, and it fits nicely in a closet next to your vacuum!</div><div><br />
</div><div><div><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=asimasli-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B002KCMH6Q&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div></div><div><br />
</div><br />
What tips do you have to share?<br />
<br />
<div><br />
</div></center>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03332185767062893629noreply@blogger.com2