Friday, December 31, 2010

Recipe for a Happy New Year!

Recipe for a Happy New Year!

Anonymous


Take twelve fine, full-grown months; see that these are thoroughly free

from old memories of bitterness, rancor and hate, cleanse them

completely from every clinging spite; pick off all specks of

pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed

from all the past—have them fresh and clean as when they first came

from the great storehouse of Time.


Cut these months into thirty or thirty-one

equal parts. Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time

(so many persons spoil the entire lot this way) but prepare one day

at a time.


Into each day put equal parts of faith,

patience, courage, work (some people omit this ingredient and so

spoil the flavor of the rest), hope, fidelity, liberality, kindness,

prayer, meditation, rest (leaving this out is like leaving the oil

out of the salad dressing—don't do it), and one well-selected

resolution.


Put in about one teaspoonful of good spirits,

a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a

sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor.


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Wednesday, December 29, 2010

New Year Resolutions Goal: Health


I firmly believe in eating healthy. But I don't follow through with that belief very well at times. I'm sitting here right now with a nice warm cup of cocoa with marshmallows! In my defense, I did make the marshmallows-and I had a blast doing so! They are so yummy, and taste way better than the store bought ones. Those are stale and dry compared to these. But I digress....

For 8 years now I have either pretty much been pregnant or nursing. I have four children seven and under, and I've never had a child turn two without being pregnant, or already holding a new baby in my arms. My youngest, Olivia just turned one. So if my pattern follows-there is a good chance at some point this coming year I will be pregnant again if the Lord so blesses.

It takes a great deal out of any woman to be pregnant. And while I don't view nursing as quite as much of a strain, it still demands health of the mother. I know Mom's who are blessed with easy pregnancies, sadly I am not numbered among them! My last pregnancy was the hardest as far as morning sickness, I threw up daily for a month straight. I've started taking Milk Thistle, as Shonda Parker from The Naturally Healthy Pregnancy recommends this herb to support your liver, and possibly ease your morning sickness. You are supposed to take it several months before conceiving. I figure it can't hurt to try!

Another goal of mine for the new year is to remember to take my vitamins! I'm terrible at taking my pills each day. When I found out I was pregnant with Olivia, I was stressed for quite a while because I had not been taking my multi-vitamin, and I know how important it is for the baby's development to have enough Folic acid in you when you conceive. Thankfully she is fine, but for peace of mind, and just for my general health I want to be more diligent about taking them daily.

This seems to be on every ones list this time of year, but I have to mention the dreaded word. Exercise. I have started and stopped more times than I care to count, but I really do want to be more diligent about doing so. I'll be sharing next month with you my favorite workout, and possibly even do a giveaway!

I normally bake my own whole wheat bread out of flour that I grind. The past few months I have gotten out of the habit and have been buying bread at Costco a lot. I really want to get back into it this year as I know the health benefits are great. And what excuse do I really have since I have a fantastic Bosch Mixer?

Finally, I really need to work hard on eating healthier, and drinking more water throughout the day. I have a problem with low adrenal glands (I will share more about that next month) and since my Mom's passing the stress has not been as nice to to my adrenal glands as I would like. I did an adrenal test this week and I'm waiting to see what the results are. I'm forcing myself to lay down and rest in the afternoons, something I really don't like doing but I know it is needed during this season of life. Reducing my sugar and white flour intake is important for my adrenals-and fatigue in general.

I know I can do all these things and more to achieve good health, but ultimately my good health comes from God. Praying for strength and health is just as important as all the steps I outlined above. I do not take the health I have lightly, as I have seen so many people suffer from terrible sicknesses, or worse heard of young Mother's passing away during tragic accidents. I am incredibly thankful to be in relatively good health compared to many others.

What are some of your goals for a healthier 2011?


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Winner of the Stainless Steel Cookie Sheets!

We have a winner for the Stainless Steel Cookie Sheets! I apologize it took me this long to post the winner, the week of Christmas got a little busier than I had anticipated.

Leah is the winner! (lrwillia1980@) Congratulations! I will be sending you an email shortly.


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Tuesday, December 28, 2010

New Year Resolutions: Raising Children



I wanted to share in the week leading up to the New Year some of my goals for the coming year. I love the week after Christmas, as I can use it to plan away and dream about how good the next year will be! I always plan high, and then get disappointed later in the year that things aren't going as I planned, but I have always been that way. :-)

The first area that I have been putting a lot of my attention to is my Children. This past month things have gotten a bit out of hand here. My children's bedroom is upstairs (our bedroom is right at the bottom of the stairs), and they have learned if they run upstairs and play, they can disappear upstairs for quite a while before Mama realizes where they are and calls them back down. I'm trying to come up with creative ways to let them play, but not upstairs by themselves. So that is a top priority for the new year, to work on keeping the children closer to my side and not playing by themselves.

I asked my husband for his opinion on what character qualities the children needed to work more on. These are the thoughts he told me, in mixed up order for my children's sake. :-)

One child needs to work on being diligent and obedient. I will be doing a lot of games during pick up time specifically with this child to help him learn how to pick up toys faster, timing him as he does chores to see if he can beat his record in how fast he can put away dishes, etc. We will also play a game like Simeon says, instead it will be Mama says. :-)

Another child needs to work on being obedient. I will do the same things with this child.

Our other child needs to work on being humble and truthful. I will be reading lots of stories to this child on what happens when people do not tell the truth, or have a proud spirit. We will study the scriptures together (Proverbs) and memorize verses that pertain to this.

I will be spending more time this coming year praying for my children. And praying that I will be a better Mother. I know that my children are led by example, so it is very important that I show them what it looks like to be humble, truthful, and obedient (by being submissive to my own husband) and that it can be done cheerfully.

Some of the resources I will be leaning on this year are:

Tiger and Tom and other stories for boys -You can read a free version of the book here!
Created for Work and Boyhood and Beyond -These are excellent books by Bob Shultz! I have read the created for work book out loud to my boys, and plan on doing so again this year. It really speaks to the importance of being diligent in our work.

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Monday, December 27, 2010

Zulily: Larrivo Nursing Mom Clothes up to 80% off!



I'm always on the lookout for nursing clothes, and just discovered a company I have never heard of before. Larrivo sells nursing clothes designed for bedtime, and I like that they look like normal nightgowns, but they built in nursing bras with easy to open clasps. These are available on sale at Zulily until Dec 30th.




I think this rose nightgown is so pretty!



They also have this Chic Papoose sling on sale for $26.99, normally $86.00. There are only three styles left.



I have heard of Zulily before, but never checked into them. They have lots of great items on sale for Moms and Children!

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End of the year sale!




I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! Our family had a great Christmas! It was definitely different since my Mom was not here with us, but we had a good time and ended the day watching home videos together so we could see my Mom on tape. My husband gave me an awesome gift, he built me a laundry stacker system from the plans on Anna-White website!


It's time to think about the new year now! I will be posting new year resolutions this week in preparation for a fresh start in the new year. I love this week, it always energizes me and helps me get back in routines that have fallen by the wayside.

I also have other news, Vision Forum is having their huge End of the Year Sale! They have over 200 items that are 30-70% off. Now is a great time to get gifts for next year if they fit into your budget! Also, my all time favorite book that they sale, Large Family Logistics is on sale today only for 55% off! Priced at $10.80, this is the lowest price I have seen yet on it! I just pulled this book out last night and have it by my side today. I can't recommend this book enough!

A winner will be posted soon for the stainless steel cookie sheet giveaway!


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Thursday, December 16, 2010

How to comfort those who mourn

Woman in netting....mourning...not sure

The scriptures tell us that we are to comfort those who mourn. While it might seem an easy thing to do, many people struggle with how to comfort a person who has lost a loved one. You are afraid of saying the wrong thing, of making that person even more upset, and so many times people resort to saying nothing at all. I know this because I've done this myself.

Today marks the fifth month since my Mom went to be with her Lord in heaven. I would definitely consider myself in a mourning period still. Some days are easier than others. Other days are hard...last night at the post office my children were telling the postmaster all about their Mammay and what a good cook she is. Only problem is they never mentioned that she has died. At the end the postmaster said she needed to go to their Mammay's house as she sounded like a really good cook. I choked back the words, "she's dead" and left. It felt too awkward to just blurt out as we were walking out the door that she was no longer living. I ached inside as I led my little flock of children outside.

Comforting those who mourn...what does it really look like? Does a simple "I'm sorry" at the funeral service fulfill that scripture? I've learned a lot through this whole experience, and the biggest thing I've learned is that it is so important to reach out to those who are mourning.

After my Mom passed, our church family brought us in an abundance of meals. It was a huge blessing to not worry about food. But some ladies went way above and beyond what was expected. Not only did we receive food, we were also brought paper towels, toilet paper, tissues (which were used a lot), paper plates and cups, plastic silverware, and hand soap. My sister and I were very grateful, as we were all staying together at my sister's house, and between all of us we could dirty up a lot of dishes! We had offers to let my children come and stay at friends house for the day if that would help. And most importantly, we knew that a multitude of people were praying for us.

I have a dear friend who lost her Dad several years ago. She warned me that about 2 months after the death of my Mom people would just stop asking how I was doing, and expect that I have moved on. For the most part I have found that to be true. But there have been a few dear friends who still ask once in a while how I'm doing and talk about my Mom. Those comments are a balm to my soul. One friend gave me a poem written by Fanny Crosby written about a Mother's passing which comforted me greatly. Yet another friend-the one who lost her own Dad has been someone I have been able to lean on and talk to as she has walked this path before.

The worst thing you can do is remain silent. While I know everyone grieves differently, they do not want to forget a loved one. Every day I speak about my Mom to children, just in passing conversations. I do not want them to forget her, and it helps me to talk of her.

Here is a poem by Fanny Crosby that is very fitting:

Oh! turn not from the weeping one

Whose heart is wrung with grief,

A tender look, a soothing word,

Might give that heart relief.


Nay, turn not from the weeping one,

For oh! ye little know

How bitter was the agony

That caused those tears to flow.


We are not always happiest

When we are heard to sing;

The gayest notes we warble

May thoughts of sadness bring.


The step elastic still may be,
The lip a smile impart,

And joy seem sparkling in the eye

While sorrow rends the heart.


Then turn not from the weeping one,

Whose heart with grief oppressed,

Would lose its anguish for a while

On pity’s gentle breast,


Nay, turn not from the weeping one,

For little do ye know

How bitter was the agony,

That caused those tears to flow.

Fanny Crosby

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Monday, December 13, 2010

Winner of the Lilla Rose Giveaway and more!

I love announcing winners!

The winner of the Lilla Rose Giveaway is: #204-Melissa (ms726@). Congratulations! I will be sending you an email shortly.

I was excited to hear that a friend of mine purchased a Flexi Clip from Lilla Rose and seems really happy with it! She has long, extremely thick hair that is silky. Nothing has worked in her hair before, but this seems to stay put for most of the day. Hurray!

Also, I wanted to let you all know that The Modest Mom is having one last sale before Christmas! The sale goes through Wednesday, the 15th and that will be the last day you can order a skirt and expect it to arrive before Christmas. We have been quite busy sewing orders (which is why the blog has been a bit lonely), and I love picturing all the Moms who will wear new skirts!

One last bit of info. The book I reviewed recently, The Large Family Logistics is on sale 50% off until Friday. Many of you expressed interest in buying it, so if you have not purchased it yet, now is an excellent time! It is on sale for $12.00, and you can choose Media Mail for $3.95 or a flat rate of $5.00. This is not just for families with large families. My sister is married but has not been blessed with children yet. She even wants a copy after looking at mine. There is so much practical information that is helpful for any homemaker, whether you are recently married or you have 12 children!

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Friday, December 10, 2010

HOT DEAL! Cardboard House for as little as $5 shipped!


Update: They are having issues with high demand and closed the deal down. Sorry!
I love finding out about deals that my children would love that cost me little out of pocket! You can get a neat cardboard Box Creations for $5 shipped, but you have to act fast! If you are new to Gaggle of Chicks you can get $10 added to your account for signing up through this link. The price is $15.00 (normally $39.99) but it will come down to $5 when you use your credit for signing up. You have options to choose for a boy or girl creation!


5 different house styles:
Princess Carriage
Medieval Castle
Pirate Ship
Country Cottage Playhouse
Space Shuttle

Once you buy it from Gaggle Chicks, you then redeem it at the Box Creation website and they will ship it to you!

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Free Shipping at Vision forum!


I know I have posted Vision Forum deals a lot lately, but they keep having so many good specials! For two days only they are having a free shipping special on orders over $25! Plus, when you spend $75, you get a FREE $50 Blue Behemoth.com gift certificate! My husband owns an ipod touch, and loves to download new things to listen to, so he would enjoy that.

I know I'm still not done with my Christmas Shopping, so I'm going to go browse and make sure I don't need to place yet another order. :-)

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Thursday, December 9, 2010

Giveaway of Stainless Steel Cookie Sheets!


Whether you love to cook, or it is something you just do because you have to feed your hungry children and husband, Paula's Bread is a company you should know about! They sell high quality baking supplies for every aspect of the kitchen. What I like the most about their company is that it is a company owned by a sweet Christian Family. The website makes it very evident that the Lord is first and foremost in their life, and it is so refreshing to find a company that is not ashamed to have the name of God on their business website!

Paul's Bread sells kitchen products that I personally own and use in my kitchen frequently! My Bosch Mixer is a time saver, as I make six loaves of w.w. bread at once and freeze what we don't use. My family always likes it when I make double batches of cookies in it!

Several years ago I made the choice to buy a grain mill, and I'm so glad I did! While it takes extra work to grind your own grain before making bread, I have studied all the health benefits enough to know it is worth it.

They sell an item that is on my wish list-a Tortilla Press! I have tried making my own tortilla's before, and while they turn out fine it just takes a long time to stand at the stove and cook them all.

You can also find a large selection of stainless steel bake ware on their site. Growing up all we used in our home was stainless steel, so I have personally used almost every stainless steel item she sells! Don't even bother buying cheap cookie sheets or baking pans, they won't hold up! Stainless steel is so much healthier for you, as non-stick pans have been linked to Alzheimer's, which my Great-Grandma had for many years. We are especially careful of aluminium products because of that.

Win It!

Paula's Bread has graciously offered to give 2 stainless steel cookie sheets ($40 value) away to one of our readers! To enter-Go to Paula's Bread and tell me one item that you would like to have!


EXTRA ENTRIES!


You can do any of these things for an extra entry. Make sure to leave a separate comment for EACH thing you do. Please leave a way to contact you if you win. If you currently follow in one of these ways, that still counts as an extra entry, even if you did it a while ago. Just make sure you are still following in that way (i.e via email, facebook, etc.).


1. Follow Paula's Bread on their blog and leave a comment letting me know you did. (2 Extra entries!)


2. Sign up for Paula's Bread Email Newsletter and leave a comment. (2 extra entries)


3. Review a product you already own on Paula's Bread. (3 extra entries!)


4. Purchase something from Paula's Bread and you earn 6 extra entries!

5. Subscribe to our blog via email.

6. Follow us on our blog using Google Friend connect!


7. Follow us on Facebook and leave a comment letting us know.


8. Share about this giveaway on your Facebook page, and leave a comment with the link.-earn 2 entries!


9. Follow us on Twitter and leave a comment letting us know you follow!


10. Blog about this giveaway and leave the link.-2 extra entries (leave two comments saying you did this).


11. Place our NEW Modest Mom button on your blog (please replace the old one you might have) and earn TWO extra entries for doing so!


This giveaway will end Sunday, December 19th at midnight, and a winner will be posted the following morning. We will notify the winner and they will have 36 hours to respond! Open to US Only.


This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were used. The opinions are solely my own. Thank you to Paula Rose who supplied the product for the giveaway.


I know how busy life can get! If you don't want to miss other great giveaways, consider following the blog through email, or google friend connect so you won't miss out!




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Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Sale On Melissa and Doug Toys!



If you are needing Melissa and Doug Toys, there is a great sale going on! If you sign up at One Kings Lane, they have a section of Melissa and Doug toys that are around 40% off. They have everything from blocks, baby toys, paint sets, wooden trucks, magnetic dolls, and lots more!

If you refer a friend and they make a purchase you earn $25!

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Christmas Gifts that are Time Proven


We all know the struggle of finding toys that our children will enjoy playing with day after day. I have found toys that keep my children's attention are a blessing, as I can have them playing in the living room together and be able to get some work done while they are occupied. Here are some tried and true toys that have been enjoyed for a long period of time in our home.

For Boys

Since my two oldest are boys, I have the most time proven list for them. My oldest is 7, and the next one is 5. Here are some of their favorites that they can play with for hours.




Legos-This is the toy that gets played with the most at our house! My two boys can literally spend hours in the afternoon building cars, jets,houses, lawnmowers, and all sorts of other neat creations and be very happy. As Legos are not cheap, I feel blessed to have a tub of Legos that were my brother's when he was small, so that has started off our collection. We have added to it for birthdays and Christmas. They just received the Lego Castle for their last birthday, and they really enjoy playing with it. The knights and horses were a big hit! While the cost is sometime parents might not like, I feel like Legos are not just fun, they are a great educational tool. I appreciate them especially during the long winter months when the boys are cooped up inside a lot.


Wooden Blocks-Don't underestimate this simple toy. I have been amazed over how much my boys have played with these! We don't have quite as many fancy pieces as what is in this set, but they love to build towers, forts, castles, and bridges with them. The round pieces can be turned into bombs, so watch out!




Audio Books and Stories-These are not just good at nap time! When things are getting a little crazy around here, I will settle everyone down on the couch and turn on a story for them. Whether it is a Music story of Bach, a story by Jeff Barth, History Cd's from Vision Forum, or just a library book and tape, it almost always keeps their attention the entire time.






Lincoln Logs-Another proven toy that can be used with for hours! The key to keeping my children's attention with this one is providing them with enough Lincoln Logs so more than one child can build at a time. Guess what someone is getting more of for Christmas this year? :-)












Dress Up-This isn't just for girls! My boys love to dress up as cowboys, civil war soldiers, Indians, knights, and the list goes on! Last year for their birthday their Nana (Grandma) gave them a whole collection of dress up clothes. These have been great! The only downside is it does require some of Mom's attention if they want to be changing clothes a lot.















For Girls

Since my oldest girl is 2 1/2, I don't have as much experience. Here a few toys that she has really enjoyed playing with so far.



Wahoo-I have been amazed over how much this simple toy has been used. Who would have thought a bouncing dog would keep a 2 year old happy! She loves to bounce along and sing on Wahoo! He has a little corner in the living room that is his home, and he always stays there if not in use. This toy has been a new discovery for me, and it is one that I would highly recommend for children 2 and up! They have pink for girls, and blue for boys. :-)




Dolls-Since Carrianna has been two she has started to play with her dolls. My favorite doll for her has been her Bitty Baby Doll from American Girl Company. I was really blessed-my Mom picked it up at a Garage Sale not knowing what it was really cheap. You can believe I was excited when I saw the name written on the back of the doll! She likes her doll stroller a lot also.

What are some of your Children's favorite toys?















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