Mommy Talk - It takes a Village

It Takes A Village

It used to be said often that in order to raise a happy & healthy child it took a "Village". I know that I grew up with a "Village" around me as a child. I had parents, grandparents, aunts & uncles as well as the parents of my close friends and the friends of my parents. I had our church family, my teachers at school and athletics coaches. I knew that I was loved by many people!

I can only hope now that I can build a "Village" just as wonderful for my children. I know that my children are loved by all their family and my dearest friends (Auntie Jossie is a favorite of my E). I know that they have their nursery leaders and teachers. I know that the are loved by many across the country in the various states which we have lived and where they were born. 

Knowing this gives me comfort that my children will always know that they are loved. But beyond that I know that there is a whole "Village" out there willing to help if and when times are hard. There are other mothers that I can turn to and lean on when I feel insufficient as a mother myself. I know that there are wonderful strong male figures & graceful loving women for both E & M to look up to and learn from.

I hope that if you feel like you don't have a "Village" of your own that you know that we are here for you. We cheer you on in all your endeavors. We pray for you and your families. We love you!

With Love and Prayers,

Jenna

Welcome Back Y'all

Welcome Back to The Blog!

So I know it has been a long time since I have written but life is a crazy mess around here some times! M has had his tonsils and adenoids out in the past few months. He has also had multiple genetic tests to see what we are dealing with. Not to mention he has new nasal stints and will have them for 8 months or longer. E is as silly and lovely as ever. She is learning so much all the time and deep into the "But Why?" phase. We go to music class once a week now and E loves it and looks forward to it all week. Drew is doing so well at work and loving it. Recently the company had a trick or treat in the office and the kiddos made out like bandits. E was a Princess and M was her pet Dragon! 

More new posts and content to come so stay tuned!!!!

Love Y'all,

Jenna

Car Trash Cans

Car Trash Can

So my cars always seem to collect trash and then it seems to multiple overnight!

I decided to take action and keep a trash can in the car. That way I didn't put stuff down and forget in the craziness of getting the kids out to pick it back up.

Items Needed: 
- Empty Cleaning Wipes Container
-Scraps of Fabric
-Mod Podge
-Sharp Cutting Tool

First you will need to take the label off your container and clean it inside and out.

Next measure your fabric.
(I like to just lay my container on the fabric and measure from there. Also remember to leave an overlap)

  Use the Mod Podge on the area of the container that had the label stuck to it. From there apply about Mod Podge on about two inches and apply fabric ... Continue till you return to where you started. 
(I like to put extra Mod Podge on the overlapped piece so that it stays a bit better.)

I wanted to make my cans look a bit fancy so I added a strip of a different color fabric to the bottom rim. 
(This can also help hide any unevenness.) 

  With the lid you may (depending on brand and size) need to cut the wipe holding piece out.
(I used a razor tool.)

  Lastly add a grocery bag and tie the handles around the can to keep them out of the way.
(I like to have an extra folded in the bottom of the can just in case) 
 Also here are a few ideas if you want to hang it on a sticky hook so that it doesn't roll away!

Happy Crafting,
Jenna

Mommy Talk - Never Alone

Mommy Talk

Welcome to our newest series! Mommy Talk is a place for "girl chat" because all moms need it and sometimes crave it! I decided to start this to talk about all the crazy things moms deal with day to day.

Lets start with something every mom can relate to in one way or another. Never Being Alone!!! Yes sir, right after having my beautiful babies I have never truly alone. I am either thinking about my kids, taking care of them or worrying about them non stop. Also they invade every private space I have ... yes even the bathroom! Even right now when Mr. M should be napping so that I can write... I have a co - author who gets mad when I back space his ideas so here are his thoughts...

'/?;;']=l;p;'

./\'/"u78p0mp9

Now that we have gotten that out of the way. I recently saw a very cute video online of another mom from Utah hiding in her pantry just to get a quiet moment and a snack! We have all been there right... if not just nod your head because the day will come. I have to make "alone time" by going to the grocery store or staying up late at night just to not have a tiny human in my personal space. But even those moments are never truly alone because I am thinking or worrying! Gee kid you came from my personal space can I have it back now.

 I was talking with my mom yesterday and she said something about having not moved that morning because she was really into the book she was reading. I then commented "oh I wish!" to which she responded "well honey someday you will have an empty house like me and can do whatever you want." Yeah thanks mom, that is at least 17 if not more years away for me .... there is no light at the end of my mommy tunnel yet. 

But when it really come down to it.... I don't think I would want it any other way because I love my babies and know that one day I will have an EMPTY house. Those are the days I fear that I will mess the crazy tiny people being in my personal space.

Never Alone & Loving It 

Jenna Rae

Finding My Way Back Home #6

Brain Therapy / Counseling

Alright let us first address the stigma that surrounds those that receive care for their mental well being. When did it become wrong to want to improve ones mental state? We are continually trying to change our bodies and outward appearance to be better, but forget that happiness is not always about just the body. Some times our brains absorb trauma and for some the "wires" are not quite doing what they should. No matter the reason we should never feel like we can not seek help, even if it is just talking something out with a friend. 

As those who have read my previous posts will know. I suffer from depression and PTSD. I will admit that it took a lot of faith, prayer and self reflection to realize that I needed more help than my anti-depressant alone could offer. Drew and I had been seeing a wonderful therapist for Marriage Counseling and I asked him about doing a few personal sessions. I knew that not all the "troubles" I saw in our marriage were not just couple issues but personal issues.

I have been going for about a month now and am very pleased with my mental healing and how I feel about myself. I may at a later date write about the trauma that I have been dealing with, but for now while I am still healing we will leave it as "the Trauma". One of the most amazing things is EDMR, it has changed my life and taught me that my brain knows how to deal with trauma if I will just get out of its way. 

Please know that if you need someone to talk to I am here and so are your loved ones. It takes courage and faith to be vulnerable and let others knot that you are hurting inside, but know that it is worth it. Also know that it might not work right when you want or how. In that case realize that all things have their time and the Lord will bless you to find that time and place. 



Disclaimer: I am not a mental health Dr. or specialist. This post is to be taken as my own personal experiences. 

4 Ingredient Orange Chicken

Orange Chicken

Who doesn't love a nice home made meal! Even better who doesn't love a healthier version of a favorite ... Orange Chicken!

Here is a very easy and healthier version that both the husband and picky 3 year old love and ask for!

Ingredients:

- 1 lb Chicken Cubed

- BBQ Sauce

 - Orange Marmalde

- Soy Sauce

Optional

-Rice

-Broccoli 

Start with cooking your chicken. (I boil mine it is easy and does not dry the chicken out terribly)

While the chicken cooks mix the BBQ sauce, marmalde & soy sauce together in a bowl. (I also have just mixed mine in the pan that I will be cooking them together in *less dishes)

 

 After the chicken is done cooking add it to the sauce in your pan. Now let it simmer on low for about 15-20 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on it so that it does not burn. (I have burned it once before when I got distracted by the kiddos)

 

We like our chicken on a bed of rice and with a side of a veggie to keep our meal balanced our favorite is broccoli.

Dish up and Enjoy!!!

Jenna

 

Cowboy Casserole

Cowboy Casserole

Another awesome and easy meal! It is one Drew and E ask for regularly and one I enjoy making. 

Ingredients:

- Ground Turkey

- 1 Can Creamed Corn

- 1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup

- 1.5 Cups Shredded Cheese (I use Mexican mix or mozzarella) 

- 1 Bag of Tatter Tots

- Onion Powder

- 1/4 Cup Milk

First thing is the most time consuming part. Brown the turkey and add the onion to taste or not at all. Mix together in a bowl corn, soup, cheese and milk. After meat is done add that to the mixture.

In a 9-13inch dish place a layer of Tatter Tots and then a layer of the mixture and repeat.

Bake at 350 for 30-45 minutes and Enjoy!