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...

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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!

 

Valentines Fun!

Valentines Fun!

 If you haven't noticed I love holidays and giving the kiddos a reason to celebrate for a day. I try not to go to o overboard, but a few crafts here and there are fun and give us something to do.

Tip: -Try to plan ahead for the next year by shopping the post holiday clearance.

- Hit up your local dollar store for deals. (I got all the valentines and tissue paper we used there)

- Think of ways to use what you already have around the house.

- Also I cant tell you how much I love the dollar stores for crafting!

 Valentine Place Mats...

Needed: - Valentines

-Tissue Paper

-Glitter  (optional and adult only)

-Contact Paper

-Stickers

1: Cut your contact paper to the size you want (you will need two per place mat)

2: Take backing off one of your contact papers and decorate!

3: Adults this is where it gets tricky ... take the backing partly off the second sheet of contact paper and line it up with the decorated sheet. Then carefully press the two together while trying to minimize bubbles and wrinkles. THIS IS A ONE SHOT DEAL .... I know sorry! But it is a kids craft and does not have to be perfect, plus you can trim the edges after.

4: Place on your table and feel the LOVE!

*When doing it for a highchair try you only need one sheet and will need to decorate it in the reverse!

We also love your little traditions like heart shaped pink pancakes and pink milk. Last year I used extras from our place mats to make a little garland that I would not mind if it got destroyed. We also hang up hearts  on the walls and cupboards and window stickers all around the house.

Super M Turns1

Superman 

Dinner Party for M

 Mr. Super M recently had his first birthday and was so happy to be allowed to destroy his smash cake!!!

I decided that because M doesn't really have friends and did not really need presents or a huge celebration that we would just have family over for a dinner party. I made one of his favorite big boy foods ... Lasagna! I asked Grandma to bring a green salad and Mama to bring garlic bread. I also had some fruit and sodas. I used the nice dishes and decorated the room. Instead of a cake I made cupcakes again and decorated them to match his giant cupcake/smash cake. M was so thrilled about everything and loved being the center of the universe for a night! 

Here are the results...  

 One more little treat for my wonderful readers! A year in the Life of Mr. Man!

A Finding Dory Birthday Party

The Party Is This Way ..... I Think!

E is totally in love with the movie "Finding Dory" and insisted that her birthday party be a "Dory Party"!

This is how we did it! Hope you enjoy... 

She even got to pick where we went to dinner that night because I was just too worn out to make anything. We added a "Dory" Balloon and had game areas, but being the busy bee type I didn't get pictures of them. 

Inexpensive Party Favors

Inexpensive "Dory Themed" Party Favors

I didn't want our guests to leave empty handed especially when they were all far to sweet and brought E wonderful gifts! I knew that we couldn't spend a lot and so I shopped around at 5 different stores before I hit the Jackpot at the "Dollar Store".

Yes that is right I got this stuff at the "Dollar Store"!!!

I did have some stuff at home like the bags and the ribbon.

After calculating it out  each favor came to about 65 cents... yep that is right!

 

Baby Puff Bowling Set

Baby Puff Bowling Set

I really wanted to get the kiddos a bowling set because Drew and I love going bowling for date nights. After looking at sets to buy and searching Pinterest, I decided that I already had everything that I needed to make my own set and spend no extra money! Which is always good right... I mean who doesn't love saving money but still getting what you want. 

Things Needed:

-10 Puff Containers (doesn't matter the brand, I wanted to match) 

-Some craft paint or even colored tape (make it personal)

- A ball heavy enough to knock down the pins

- Rice        - Hot Glue

- Fun Stickers and decorations (E decided she wanted "real" pins)

 

Pin the Dory in the Coffee Pot

Pin the "Dory" in the Coffee Pot

In the movie with the help of Hank the Septipus Dory finds her way around in a Coffee Pot, a SippyCup and a Barrel of Fish for Destiny. I decided for E's birthday party to put a spin on the classic "Pin the Tail on the Donkey" and make it "Pin the Dory in the Coffee Pot".

I got some "Finding Dory" wrapping paper on sale after Christmas. I used this to cut out the Dory pictures and used them as my Dory to pin. (I didn't have to find a color picture and make a bunch which was awesome) However I used one of E's color pictures of Hank.(I of course used my copier to enlarge him a bit)I also wanted to be able to play this again with E because she loved it so much so I covered all the parts in contact paper.

 

 All the Kiddos love it and the parents thought that it was very cute! I hope y'all love it too!

-Jenna

Grocery/Trash Bag Folding

How to Fold a Grocery/Trash Bag!

I use this all the time, literally! I use old grocery bags for poop diapers (stink reducer), bathroom and bedroom trash cans and even in my Car Trash Cans (will be a later post). After looking at about a dozen or so tutorials I tried them and combined a few and this is what I use now. I hope you like it!

Quiet Meditation

Moms (and Dads) we all have those days were we lock ourselves in the bathroom just to check our email or Facebook. Or we hide out in the pantry or laundry room to sneak a treat just for us. 

I call these my Quiet Meditations! Some times they are not as quiet as others with a toddler screaming "mommy" while she searches every room in the house and I just breath knowing that a calmer me will help make calmer kiddos. While others are more like this....

Or in my husbands case like this... yes he is hiding in a ball pit!

Either way these moments are essential to parenthood...they are like a recharge station in the middle of a crazy day. I would like to encourage you to all find time or make time (hiding) to shut out the world for just a minute, to recharge your mommy (daddy) batteries. If you think well then I am being unfair to my children or ignoring them. Well some times instead of feeling like you are about to blow up at them or lock them in their rooms just take a Quiet Meditation. Oh and unfair no not at all because kids especially toddlers and teenagers like to run off and fume when their emotions run high, its the same thing but the adult version. 

Happy Quiet Meditations,

Jenna

A Beginners Guide to Prayer Journals

A Beginners Guide to Prayer Journals

I will be the first to admit that I am in no way a professional journal keeper or do I claim to be great at it. But I realized that when I started "Finding My Way Back Home" I should probably write things down and go more in depth with my scripture studies. I also wanted to write down the things that I was praying for and when I prayed for them, so that I could look back and see when they had been answered and how. 
First off being the little crafty soul that I am wanted a journal that looked good but didn't cost a ton of money! So I decided to just get a black and white composition notebook and a set of cute colored pens at the store. I then colored a saying that I found online and glued it to the from of the notebook. (Quick disclaimer: I have decided because this journal is very private in nature I will not be showing pictures) I then made my first entry about myself and what was going on in my life that made me want to start the journal in the first place. After that the posts go about like this:
-Write down the scripture or a part of the passage I am studying that day. 
(I also use this space to write down amazing quotes when I find them)
- Then I like to write a little about my day and what I did.
(This just in case grand kids wanna know what life was like before hoover cars)   - I then write down the things that I am taking to The Lord in prayer that day.
-Lastly I write down and remind myself of all the things I am thankful for.
-I also like to add drawings or pictures I colored when I was stressed! 

I hope this helps and is not to intimidating or for those like me when I started helps you feel like it does not need to be perfect because after all it is just for you and The Lord!

Praying and Writing,
Jenna