The Chore Monster

I have had several requests for the Chore Chart that our family uses. Let me just say, my kids have not always done chores. We only recently began doing 'assigned' chores and getting allowances. 

In the beginning, my kids were in public school and I wanted to spend every minute with them when they got home. I would make sure everything was clean, all (let's get real- it's never ALL done, but most) of the laundry was done, dinner was cooking, etc. We would get homework done, and just enjoy being together. Plus we had sports, and church, and a million other things to do!

The hubs and I disagreed on the children not having chores. He wanted them to take responsibility in the household, and I wanted them to just have enough respect for me when I asked them to do something, they did it. I wanted my family to have no 'worries' of household duties. 

This situation has been tossed around back and forth for at least the last 5-6 years!

Then last year, the kids started asking for an allowance. 

We have always bought what the kids need, and let's be honest, my kiddos are pretty spoiled with wants also. My Papa always says, "Why say no, when you could say yes!" And for the most part, we basically agreed. I have no problem buying my kids a candy bar for being well behaved in the store, or grabbing a $0.50 coke just because. I can't tell you how many times we go to Sonic for happy hour drinks and slushes. $3.50 for a Rt. 44 DP, three small slushes with candy in them, and happy momma and kids? Yes, please! 

But, they wanted their own money. They wanted to spend their own money. They wanted to save their own money. And so, the search for the best option was underway.

If you know me, you know I will research the heck out of something that I don't have an answer for. And so it was with the dreaded chores and allowances. 

"What chores should I give them? You know you're a control freak, Kristyn, they won't do it right and then you'll have to go back and do it anyways. How much do these little turkeys need? How much do they want? What are the benefits of chores and allowances?"

Budget Binder Printables from
30 Handmade Days

All legit concerns and thoughts I had.  I had already printed out these wonderful monthly ledgers and savings sheets for the kids from 30 Handmade Days! That part was easy. The next part... eh, not so much.

We had to decide what chores the kids would do, and how much allowance they would get.

First, I asked the kids what they would like to do to help out around the house. It was amazing to see that they did actually want to help. They were excited even. Kaylie chose to do laundry. Warren wanted to dust, and Hunter wanted to sweep. See, Kristyn, this won't be so bad...

I read a few different blog posts, and spoke with other parents about kids, chores, and allowances. What I came up with was this:

• We, of course, will still provide all necessities and some treats. However, little nick knacks from the dollar store, and candy at the grocery store, etc. are now their choice to buy with their money. 
• Large wanted items, such as an Ipad (Kaylie) require 50/50. If they save/raise half of the wanted item, we will cover the other half. This has been the greatest thing to watch them grow and learn to manage. So far the kids have had lemonade stands, garage sales, and most recently Kay auctioned off a painting!
• I do not require them to save any of their money at this time. I do encourage it, and remind them often of trips or activities coming up that they might want extra money for. 
• The kiddos will get paid every Sunday morning for the previous week's work. We have spoken with our kids about tithing and the importance of giving back to God what he asks of us. If we take the tithe right off of the top, and give it to God right away it is a lot easier to hand it over. Also, they don't have to keep up with the tithe money over the week(end). 
• The children are paid half of their age. So, currently Kay (10) gets $5.00, Warren (9) gets $4.50, and Hunter (7) gets $3.50. 
• They each have five daily chores.
• They each have responsibilities that are required as well. These are not 'chores', they are for personal and health growth. 
• If they do not get all of their chores done in the day, they lose $0.50. 

The kids' basic responsibilities include brushing teeth, cleaning their rooms, and putting their dirty laundry in their hamper before breakfasts. They also shower and put their clean clothes away after I fold them in the evening. 

Their chores are divided into morning and evening chores as well. Here are the chores we have for now. With age comes more responsibility. 

Kaylie:

Morning-

• Gather towels and clothes, and start a load clothes from the kids' bathroom
• Clean counter and toilet tops in all bathrooms

Evening-

• Vacuum family and sun room
• Help with dinner one night a week
• Load dishwasher after dinner  

Warren:

Morning-

• Unload dishwasher after breakfast
• Clean sun room and straighten school items

Evening-

• Clean family room
• Help with dinner one night a week
• Dust family and sitting rooms 

 Hunter:

Morning-

• Fold and put away the clean kids' towels
• Wipe down table after breakfast

Evening-

• Set table for dinner
• Wipe down table and sweep dining room floor after dinner
• Gather shoes from the back door bucket and put away

There you have it, besides this list, if I ask my kiddos to do something I expect them to do it and do it with a good attitude. We are a family; we live together, work together, and help each other. Yes, we have melt downs, we have bad attitudes, mommy gets cranky sometimes, and ya know what- that's okay. We remember that we get to start all over tomorrow and we can choose to make better decisions and have better attitudes.

He loves us so. Be blessed my loves. 

Week 2 Menu Plan

Did you make it through Week 1 Menu? 

If so, or if you're looking for more great recipes, you're in luck! 

It's #FoodDayFriday here at Biscuits, No Butter and

here is our next week of Meal Plans!

Monday:

• Breakfast: Assorted Instant Oatmeal. All of my kids like the different kinds so we usually buy a mix of flavors.
• Lunch: Cup O Ramen. Somedays ya just have to take it easy, plus it's a kid favorite!
• Dinner: One Pot Jambalaya. Throw everything in one pot & it's done in about 30 minutes.

Tuesday:

• Breakfast: Kaylie's Omelets. This kid of mine loves to make these super simple 2 egg and shredded cheese omelets. (I usually add sliced mushrooms & chopped mushrooms to mine)
• Lunch: Grilled Chicken Bites & Mac&Cheese. I just chop up some tenderloins, throw them in a med high skillet with 1/2tsp of olive oil, and cook. Then make a box of mac&cheese. 
• Dinner: Grilled Pork Chops. We buy the thick cut chops because the hubs likes them more. I toss them in a gallon sized ziplock with 1/4c olive oil, 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp season salt, and 1 tbsp garlic salt. Cook thoroughly on a med. heat grill or in a 350 degree oven for 50 minutes. Pick your favorite side, maybe some grilled asparagus!

Wednesday: 

• Breakfast: Choice of Cereal and fruit.
• Lunch: Tuna Salad on Flaky Croissants. I love the fresh packaged croissants from the bakery!
• Dinner: Broccoli Cheese Soup in Bread Bowls. My husband has a super secret recipe from his uncle that we use, but I have tried this Panera Bread copy cat recipe from Budget Savvy Diva, and it is superb!

Thursday: 

• Breakfast: Monkey Bread. Time to pull out my grandmother's bundt pan and make some ooey-goodness! This recipe from Leaving the Rut is pretty close to mine :)
• Lunch: Mini Personalized Pizzas. My kids participate in the Pizza Hut Book It program, and they have earned enough minutes this month to get their pizzas earlier than normal! You can make your own though with some plain bagels, tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella, and your choice of toppings. 
• Dinner: Teriyaki Chicken Noodle Bowl. I have seriously been craving asian food lately. I have never tried this recipe from Damn Delicious before, but I am this week! Let me know if you are too! It certainly looks delicious!

Friday: 

Friday is usually my grocery shopping day, so recipes are usually easy-peasy!

• Breakfast: Pancakes. Nothing wrong with store bought mix. If you have a yummy homemade recipe, I'd love to try it!
• Lunch: PB&J with a side of Apple Slices.
• Dinner: Smoked Sausage and Brat Dogs on the Grill. Thankfully, we have some yummy Jalapeno & Cheddar Deer Sausage, and the kids love (mostly) anything from the grill! *Insider tip for Brats- Boil them first to cook, then toss on the grill. 

Saturday:

• Breakfast: F.F.Y. When your week is just so crazy, and you just want to snuggle with the hubs Fend For Yourself is to the rescue. My sister-in-law had this ingenious idea for a Breakfast Bowl, and I may have high jacked it for myself! We stock a big punch bowl with the kids favorite Pop-Tarts, Granola Bars, Instant Oatmeal Packets, and fruit. They can have how much of whatever they choose, and they are usually great at getting a balanced mix. They also love that they get to choose!
• Lunch: Homemade Lunchables. A long time ago we quit buying Lunchables and started making our own. Different kinds of crackers, turkey, ham, colby jack cheese sticks, fruit, and a sweet treat. Much cheaper, healthier, and funner.
• Dinner: Garlic Shrimp Alfredo. One of the hubs' favorite meals. Super quick and easy, and twice as delicious! If you don't have a go-to recipe already, I suggest this one from Julia's Album.

Sunday:

• Breakfast: Muffins. As mentioned in the Week 1 Menu, the kids get to choose their own flavors and make them during the week specifically for busy Sunday mornings!
• Lunch: Hot Ham & Swiss Croissants. I don't know if you remember your elementary cafeteria, but if you do you might remember Hot Ham and Cheese on a bun. Seriously y'all, I still love these! Jazz them up a bit by putting them on a croissant with some honey dijon mustard. Wrap them in foil and pop in a 350 oven for 10-15 minutes. Mmmmm. Perfecto!
• Dinner: Loaded Chicken & Potatoes Bake. This one dish recipe from Stockpiling Moms is uber good! 

Well folks, that's all for this week! Check back here next Friday for more #FoodDayFriday recipes and menus!

Don't forget to check out my different Pinterest boards for more ideas on Meals, Crock Pot Meals, and Sides!

The "D" Word

Over the years I have seen so many of our close friends and family go through divorces. Why? The reasons are limitless...

"He/She is just not who I thought they were." Infidelity. Mental, physical, emotional abuse. "I love him/her, but I'm just not in love with him/her." 

My own marriage was "rocky" at one point. I threw out the "D" word on more than one occasion.

Thankfully, God gave me a super strong husband. We worked tirelessly through the junk and were able to salvage the pieces to re-make a whole. We agreed to never use the "D'' word again. 

Now, please feel my heart; I in no way am trying to make anyone feel less if you have been through or are going through a divorce. I know that our rough times seemed like there was no light, and maybe that is where you are at right now. This post is for those who might be thinking about marriage, or might be thinking about a divorce.  This post is about the romanticism that Hollywood and the world put on relationships. Relationships are hard. Marriage is hard. I can only imagine that divorce is equally hard. It's raw, it's emotional, it takes a physical toll on everything. 

When it all began, over 15 years ago :)

Crosswalk.com writer Debbie McDaniel has put together this list.

10 Lies the World May Tell You About Your Marriage:

1. “If you’re not compatible, you may have married the wrong person.”
God’s truth says that marriage is a covenant relationship. Once you choose to marry, it’s no longer up for debate as to whether your spouse is the “right one.” Marriage makes them the right one, for it’s a commitment before God. It’s never to be based on shifting feelings, but a choice every day to love the spouse you’ve chosen to marry. In a world that often prefers to “trade in for an updated version,” this truth doesn’t make sense. But according to God’s Word it’s very clear.
"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."  Mark 10:9

2. “The grass is greener on the other side.”
The truth is, the grass is greener where it’s being cared for. Where it’s being watered. The lie of our culture will whisper that everyone else has it better, or we missed out somehow. It will draw us to compare and compete, but that is never God’s way. He desires that we cherish and love our spouse, just as Christ cares for and loves the church. If we spend more time focusing on what we have, instead of what we think we don’t have, we’d be much more grateful for the treasure of His gifts.
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her… and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.” Eph. 5:25, 33

3. “If you’re not happy, don’t stay in an unhappy situation. You deserve more.”
For many of us, marriage can tend to bring our selfishness out like nothing else. We want our way. We insist on our rights. We want our spouse to make us happy, and right now! In the midst of demands, we’ll never be free to truly love and serve one another. Our focus will tend to be one-sided – our side – and what we want. Yet God’s goal for marriage was not just to “make us happy.” The truest picture of marriage is that it symbolizes the love of Christ for us.  And His desire for us all is that we be made more into the image of Himself.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” 1 Cor. 13:4-5

4. “Your spouse should know how to meet all your needs.”
Often we marry someone who is completely different than us. It’s true, many times, opposites do attract. But that doesn’t have to doom us to failure. Marriage is a life-long process of growing together. We don’t always get it right. We might even fail miserably. But just as we need grace and forgiveness, we need to extend it. Our spouses cannot read our minds; they may not receive and give love in the same way we do. But neither are we to expect that all of our needs be fulfilled by this one person. No one can take the place that only God holds. He’s the only One who can satisfy our deepest needs for love. 
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Ps. 73:26

5. “Divorce is always an easy option.”
If we enter into marriage where divorce is an “option,” we’re already in trouble. Because times will inevitably get difficult, and someone will start looking for a fast way out. The truth is, sadly, divorce happens. But even when it does occur, it’s never an “easy option.” It strikes a heavy blow to all involved. God’s truth reminds us that it doesn’t have the final say over our lives. He is our Healer; He gives hope and purpose for the future. No matter the struggles we might be facing, we can make the renewed choice today, that as far as it depends on us, we will not give room to that option.
“For I know the plans I have for you…plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer. 29:11

Reasons 6-10 listed over on Crosswalk.com! 

I know that satan is wanting you to fail. He wants nothing more than for your relationships, your friendships, and your marriages to implode in your face utterly crushing you. The good news is that God designed us to have relationships. To be in fellowship with one another. To be married. Genesis 2 tells us that it was not good for man to be alone. 

18Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”...21So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. 22And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. 23 Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” 24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

God created us to be partners. For a man and woman to become one in marriage. God created marriage for our relationship to mirror the relationship between Him and us. There is no more perfect union. 

He loves us so. Be blessed my loves. 

So You Think You Can Menu Plan

Menu Planner from Happily Hope

I have not always been a stay at home mom. I loved my full-time job, but when both of us worked life was just way too busy. The laundry piled up (more so than now ;) ). I was getting off of work later than Bill. I felt like I never got to see my husband and kids. As a result of our crazy schedules lots of little things were just falling short, and dinner was... well, let's just say it was less than good. Time for a change. When I cut back to a part time job, I decided to give menu planning a go.

Starting out totally sucked! 

I was wayyy overwhelmed. My sister and I looked online, checked out books from the library, and asked other mommies who used a menu plan. If you know me, you know I will research the crap out of something until I get the answer I want. This was no exception.  

That being said, my hope with this post is that if you are looking to get into menu planning this will be your one stop shop! I have found some amazing resources over the years, and I hope that they help alleviate some of the stress associated with menu planning. Menu planning is a process. It takes some time, especially getting started. Once you have your general information gathered, the process gets quicker each time!

So, here is where I would suggest starting:

1. Lists. 

Grab a piece of paper and a pen. Start listing meals that you and your family eat. List meals that you would like to try also! Here are some suggestions:

Family Input. I asked the hubs and kids to each pick three of their favorites. Crockpot Meals. I picked about twenty crockpot meals, soups, etc. Favorite Staple Meals. Add to the list whatever you can make without having to look at a recipe. Tacos, spaghetti, breakfast-for-dinner, etc.

2. Printables 
These resources are my menu planning life!

-Master Grocery List: I use the first one listed, and love the variety of options from Creatiline.com
-Blank Idea Pages:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, these are the exact ones that I use from Homemade by Carmona!
-Weekly Menu Planner: I love, love, love this one from Happily Hope!

3. The Great Mash Up

Week 1

This video will show you how I started using a menu plan. Ursula Carmona over at http://www.homemadebycarmona.com/ does an amazing job at giving us great printables and ideas! Use different resources, check out new sites, find what works for you and blend it together! If you're interested, here is the Week 1 Menu for my house!

Week 1 Menu Plan

Alright folks, here is the Week 1 Menu.
More menus to come on #FoodDayFriday :)

Add your own spices, your own sides, make it yours! Check out my different boards for more ideas on Meals, Crock Pot Meals, and Sides!

Monday: 

• Breakfast: Pancakes- We just use the grocery store brand mix; it's quick and cheap!
• Lunch: PB&J sandwiches with a side of carrot sticks and ranch 
• Dinner: Chicken Lombardy- I found this recipe on Pinterest and we it has quickly become one of our all time faves!

Tuesday:

• Breakfast: Cereal and an orange- We let each of the kiddos pick a cereal on grocery day for the following week to share.
• Lunch: Turkey & Cheese Roll-ups- The kids love making these! Use croissants with deli sliced turkey and 1/2 of a mozzarella cheese stick, follow croissant baking directions- super easy and delicious!
• Dinner: Loaded Baked Potato Soup- We love this recipe from the Curvy Carrot! She also tells you how to cook the potato skins!

Wednesday: 

• Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, and Toast- Keep it simple sometimes!
• Lunch: Nachos- My kids love to use the Nacho Cheese Doritos as their base, and then pile high with chopped veggies, ground beef, and shredded cheese.
• Dinner: Brown Sugar and Garlic Pork Loin with Roasted Veggies- This is a new recipe we're trying out from Dinner, Then Dessert! 

Thursday: 

• Breakfast: Cereal and an orange- My kids could seriously eat a case of Cuties in a day!
• Lunch: Hawaiian Slider Sandwiches- OH MY GOSH, THESE ARE AMAZING! And, we save the extra sauce and put more on top when they're done cooking!
• Dinner: Deer Fried Steak- Wow, looking at this menu- today is going to be the best day ever! Seriously y'all, this is the best recipe for chicken fried steak (or in our case deer! yummm!) 

Friday (this is our normal planning/shopping day): 

• Breakfast: Donuts with Dad- If you can and if you have kiddos, try to do something like this with them. Ours love that special time with Daddy! 
• Lunch: Chicken & Cheese Rolls- Throw some chicken tenderloins in a medium heated skillet with 1tbsp of olive oil. Add a sprinkle of salt & pepper. Cook thoroughly. Throw cooked chicken on a tortilla with shredded cheese and roll burrito style! 
• Dinner: Hamburger Stir Fry over Rice- I eat this stuff right out of the pan y'all! If we have it, I use deer and I also double this entire recipe for our family of 5. If there is any left, I eat it the next day for lunch and it is STILL just as good!

Saturday: 

• Breakfast: Buttermilk Biscuits and Sausage Gravy- This recipe from Dessert Now Dinner Later is great! You get yummy flaky layer biscuits and homemade gravy... ya can't beat it! 
• Lunch: Make-Your-Own-Pizza- Buy your favorite bread from the bakery, or try a fresh french bread. Add some chunky spaghetti sauce and your favorite toppings. Pop in a 350 oven until cheese is melted and gooey! Guaranteed Kid Favorite!
• Dinner: Grilled Steak, Loaded Baked Taters, and Bacon Wrapped Peppers- One little splurge a week won't kill us and the hubs loves those peppers and I love me some steak! 

Sunday: 

• Breakfast: Muffins and choice of fruit- We let the kids pick their favorite muffin mix and make them during the week! They get the experience of cooking all on their own and they love sharing their finished product. (Since they are pre-made, it's also a lot faster to get out the door for church too!)
• Lunch: Hoagie Sandwiches and Chips- Grab some hoagie buns, different deli meats, some yummy sliced cheeses, lettuce, tomato, mushrooms, onions, etc. and whatever condiments your family enjoys. This is quick and easy and everyone gets to pick the way their sandwich is made! 
• Dinner: Crock Pot Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken- Wal-Mart usually has two packs of whole chickens on sale, cook one and freeze one for later! Grab some instant rice, and you have a delicious meal! 

That's it for Week 1 folks. Like I said, the hardest part is deciding what to cook and following through with your menu plan. Once you start though, it's easy peasy! Week 2 Menu Plan coming later this week :)

Pretty Little Liars

photo from reddit.com

While I love the show, (I know, I know... "how could you?" Hush!) you'll be glad to know that this is not what this post is about! Instead, I want to talk to you about the facade of perfection that we as women, moms, daughters, aunts, etc. put out there for the world, and more importantly our families, to see.

The perfect home, the perfect husband, the perfect children; I have all of these don't you? You see my pinterest boards, you know I homeschool, you see my facebook pictures; we have the perfect fairytale life, right?

As my perfect husband would say...

"That's a big negative there, Ghost Rider!"

The truth is this, real and raw-

Kitchen Renos... ughhh

Home. We rent. It is a nice home, but it was not when we first moved in.  There were the most unpleasant little bugs, and they were bad. Like, we stayed in the hotel and we had to have the bug guy come back at least twice, bad! It was also dirty. After days of a professional home cleaner coming and scrubbing, and us painting the entire kitchen, we could finally put our dishes in the cabinets. We had to work hard to make this home what it is today. And guess what? I currently have laundry all over the couch that needs to be folded and put away, dishes that need to be done, boxes in my room that have yet to be unpacked, and my kids' rooms are far from what I pinned on their individual boards on Pinterest!

Hubs @ the THOR

Husband. While he is obviously a total hunk, we have not always had the perfect marriage. He is the love of my life, and I his; it wasn't always this way though. This year we will be married for 10 years! Go us right?! Guess what, at one point we were not sure we would make it to 5 years. There was resentment. There were lonely nights. There were hurt feelings. We were in couples counseling! We still fight. We say negative things. We are flat out mean sometimes. We go to bed mad. We still have to work everyday to get past the hurt. We still have to commit everyday to have the love and marriage that God intended for us to have. We still have to agree that divorce is not in our vocabulary, and that we will fight everyday if we have to to make sure we are still talking!

Children. I absolutely adore my children. They, along with my God and hubs, are my entire world! They have helped make me who I am today. I would do and be anything and everything for them. I had a miscarriage. I have residual feelings of that loss every year on May 26th. I had a child out of wedlock. I have two "baby-daddies". One of my kiddos has anger issues. I am nervous and excited and worried about the possibility of one of my children going to private school. I hope that we have set a strong enough foundation for our kids, and worry that we haven't yet accomplished this. I pray for my children to sleep peacefully, and they still have nightmares. I loose my cool sometimes and yell. I occasionally slip and say a few choice four-letter words, never at my kids, but in their presence. I get frustrated. I play outside sometimes, but not like Daddy. I have seriously said, "because I said so" more times than I can count. The list goes on... and on... and on!

So, my question is this...

If my life is not so perfect, and your life is probably not so perfect; why do we feel the need to promote that it is? Can we not help each other by sharing our struggles? Can we not comfort others by being honest and being able to sincerely say, "I've been there too."? Can we not rest in the fact that only He is perfect? Can we not just sit at our heavenly father's feet, where He knows how imperfect we actually are and listen?

I love the story of Mary and Martha in the book of Luke.

Luke 10:38-42 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

When I read this passage, I imagine Martha rushing around the kitchen making sure there was enough food, enough drink, and a seat for everyone. Her hair's a mess, and she has flour on her face. Everything was not perfect, but Martha was going to work hard to make it so. Mary, on the other hand, just sat quietly at Jesus' feet clinging to every word he was saying. In her angst, Martha calls from the kitchen, "Uh hello, I'm trying to get everything done, can't you tell Mary to come help me?" In her rush to make everything "seem" perfect, she misses the opportunity to be blessed by Jesus' words. We see the same reactions from Martha and Mary in John 11:17-40. Verse 20 says, "Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house." Mary sat patiently waiting for Jesus to come. Martha was again running around worried.

Although Martha and Mary had the same question to Jesus, their hearts (and in turn the response they received) were different. Martha was rushing around, her heart was not prepared and she had not spent much time in God's presence. Mary sat quietly preparing her heart; focusing on God, not her grief, and Jesus was moved and responded to her differently.

More times than not, I am a Martha. I try to make everything seem perfect. I focus on the external and not the internal. I am concerned with how the world views my life and not with how God views my heart. I, like Martha, sometimes miss out on the unexpected miracles in my life because I'm constantly trying to achieve perfection.

Thankfully, we have a big God. His love and mercy are far greater than our shortcomings. It's time to be real folks; are you worried about being perfect on the outside or perfected by God on the inside?

He loves us so. Be blessed my loves.

Travel Time

As I've mentioned before, we travel. Like a lot! We are actually traveling as I write this. If I have learned anything, it's how to travel with the kiddos. So, in this post I thought I'd share some of our favorite tips we've picked up along the way!

Favorite Kids Choice: Laptops
Whether you are traveling two or ten hours, my kids always want a movie on at some point of the trip. They also love to write stories and play games on the computer. With this choice comes extra items in the car, however, we try to keep all extra "computer" items in a smaller backpack. Items to include with this choice: a power inverter (we use a 400W and it runs perfectly), computer power cord, various dvd's, kid friendly computer games, and Story Starters.

Favorite Parent's Choice: Snacks
I usually try to fill my Sam's freezer tote with all kinds of drinks and snacks. I try to make as many
snacks at home before travel as possible. Jello in single serving size containers, sandwiches, and veggie sticks in ziplock baggies, etc. We always grab a case of waters, and a couple of containers of juice. Other great car snacks are animal crackers, individual bags of chips, and raisins or any other dried fruit choice.

Other Favorite Options: Books, tablets, and pillows!

Each kiddo has a small tote bag that their grandmother gave them when we moved from Texas to Mississippi. They came stocked with coloring books, crayons, little car sized games, and activity books. We keep them stocked with whatever current items they prefer as well. My youngest son loves to color and play tic tac toe, so in his bag we make sure he has 2 - 3 coloring books, a small ziplock bag of crayons, and a couple of pencils. Our middle son loves to play games and listen to music. In his bag we make sure to pack his kindle and headphones. He also loves to read Magic Tree House books, so he grabs whichever book he is currently reading. Our oldest daughter also loves her kindle and headphones. She also gets blank paper and colored pencils or markers. This kid seriously loves art! Pillows, well, we tried to get each kiddo a small neck pillow... the boys hated them. They would rather not have one at all. Kaylie's grandmother recently bought her a small travel blanket and pillow, and she absolutely loves traveling with it. All of us have headphones and bring them every time! Whether listening on the computer, kindle, or phones- it is amazing to not hear five different genres at the same time!

Side note: We definitely do not have all of these items every single time! When I have ample time to pack, we do. Most times though, it is a last minute trip and we end up with whatever I can grab the fastest!

What are your travel must-haves?

He loves us so. Be blessed my loves.

Modest Little Men

Hunter and Warren

My husband's job requires travel. For some families that would be a hindrance, but for our family it's great to be able to take the kids to all of these new places. We love driving across the states, seeing new places, making new memories, and welcoming new experiences. Recently, we traveled to Pensacola, FL. Not only is it absolutely beautiful, but in early February when most are wearing coats and sweaters, we were in shorts and ready to swim! The boys got up early, had breakfast, did their school work, and were getting increasingly impatient with my outfit changing. When I stepped out of the bathroom, my oldest son was, well let's just say very vocal about my choice of swimsuit...

[Those of you that know me personally know that when I pack for a weekend trip- I pack! Not just a little, not just one or two bags; usually at least three bags plus makeup and shoes! (I am fully aware of the fact that this is not normal haha) And swimsuits are no exception. For this trip I packed three different ones. My favorite one is a longer tankini type with bottoms that are shorts. I also packed another tankini set that has regular bikini bottoms, and a one piece.]

...Normally, I wear my favorite swimsuit, but there was no one at the pool, and I figured I could tan a little bit more of my legs with the regular bikini bottoms. So, I came out of the restroom in my suit and the response I received was definitely not expected. I was asked what I was wearing, why was I wearing that suit, and told that he did not like that swimsuit. This barrage of questions and opinions from my son was daunting.

To be honest, initially I was offended. My "woman brain" kicked in and started telling me that I was not skinny enough to wear a regular bikini- heck, even my son was embarrassed. I changed into my other swimsuit, the fave, and we headed for the pool.

I pulled my son aside once at the pool and asked what he did not like about my first choice of swimsuit. He openly and honestly spoke, "I think it shows too much skin, Mom." I was taken aback.

Since the kids have started getting older, I always try to be mindful of our outfit choices, especially mine and our daughter's. Her and I have had plenty of talks about being appropriate in attire. It really got me to thinking. Do I talk to my little men about modesty enough? Our daughter is the oldest of the kids, so naturally, she has been privy to more of these talks. Do other families talk to their sons about modesty? Is it even a "male" topic?

"What's good for the goose, is good for the gander." Right? I believe so. I believe we as parents have a responsibility to talk to our daughters AND our sons about modesty. I also believe that modesty is not necessarily only a clothing issue, as much as it is a heart issue. Herein lies the most important issue - how is the heart of my child?

Proverbs 23:7 KJV says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Our goal as parents needs to be to teach them to have a pure heart. In doing so, we will teach them to be pure in spirit and attire. I love what Suzanne Eller from Reel Teen Faith says, "Having a modest heart is expecting and showing character and integrity. It’s demonstrating and expecting a gentle and faith-filled attitude. It’s balancing the cultural message of external value with the truth of the benefits of living as a godly young man." We are modest because 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 tells us to,"Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." 

If you have a son, how are you preparing his heart? I am learning and growing with you other mommas out there. If you have input, I'd love to hear it!

He loves us so. Be blessed my loves.

There's a Game? What About the Food?!

 So, I don’t know if you know this or not, but there’s some big football game airing on television this Sunday… Might not be a big deal in your home, but in mine it certainly is and the food that comes along with it is just as important!

That being said, here are a 10 of my family's all time favorite Super Bowl foods!

Kam's Texas Heat Salsa

1. Ya can't go wrong with a great salsa and your favorite tortilla chips! Of course, our favorite recipe is my Texas Heat Salsa!

Cheesy Bacon Oven Chips

2.Cheesy Bacon Oven Chips with Chipotle Ranch Dipping Sauce. I mean, come on, what more could I say - DELISH! This recipe from Vittles and Bits is superb.

3. If you want something you can throw together in about 10 minutes and then toss in the crock pot these Crock Pot Bacon Brown Sugar Sausages from Recipes That Crock are to die for! They are super easy and oh so yummy!

4. My boys absolutely love nachos! They love to use Nacho Cheese Doritos as the base. Then they layer on taco seasoned ground beef, shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes and onions, shredded lettuce and of course some Velveeta Queso to top it off! Don't care for Doritos? Try this recipe for Loaded Nacho Fries from Sweet C's Designs! Looks so yummy.

5. If you have a big family, like us, or have a few people coming over to join you - here is a great way to make Chilli Dogs for a Crowd. Mmmmmm!

6. Feeling fancy? These adorable Chocolate Covered Strawberry Footballs are not too difficult; you could even get the kids involved in making these ahead of time!

7. Need some spice? Try Lina's Famous Stuffed Mushrooms! This is my mother-in-law's recipe. The first time I had these we were all together for our family vacation on Mustang Island. Talk about an appetizer that seriously disappears in seconds! These little mushrooms are one of my personal faves!

Lina's Famous Stuffed Mushrooms

8. No event is complete without some chicken wings! If you're looking for an easy crock pot recipe, try these Buffalo Wings from See Vanessa Craft. Feel like saving your crock for another yummy? Try these Barbeque Baked Chicken Wings from Everyday Dishes. If your man wants to grill, you guessed it, here's a phenomenal recipe for Maple Mustard Grilled Chicken Wings from Taste and Tell Blog!

Jalapeno Popper Bites

9. Need an appetizer for the man in your life? Try these Jalapeno Popper Bites from Girl Who Ate Everything!

10. My final favorite- no Super Bowl party is complete without- Pulled Pork Sliders. Three words containing so much yumminess! I use my recipe for Pork Tacos, shred the meat instead of chop, and just add my favorite barbeque sauce! Throw these on some King's Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, and you're good to go. The great thing about this recipe is that you can make it ahead of time!

Who will you be rooting for and what are your favorite game day snacks?

Your Best Will Never Be Enough

What happens when your “best foot forward” isn’t good enough? When you feel like nothing you do is good enough? What happens when you feel like you have given it your all and it’s still not enough?

The Wedding at Cana – John 2:1-10

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best until now.”

The family had already put out the best wine first, but it wasn’t enough. Jesus had to step in and fill in the rest and keep the best for last. The areas in our lives where we just don’t add up, Jesus can step in and show us to count on Him to fill us.

There are 3 things I would encourage you to do to allow God to place His best in your life:

1.       Be willing to be authentic. Now, when I say this, I mean that you have to be willing to own your deficiencies and say, “I need you Jesus.” You and I are not super human!

v  When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” (v. 3). She knew that they needed help, and that she could not fix the problem, but that He could. Sometimes admitting that we simply cannot do everything is the hardest. Almost three years ago, my pastor came to me and asked me to consider taking the Children’s Director position at our church. I was ecstatic. My husband and I had prayed that I would find a job in our church that would allow me to still be available to our children throughout the day. This was seriously too good to be true! I took the job. And I did the job mostly on my own for about 6 months. I loved it! At one of our staff meetings, I was advised to pick a few members of the church to be on my Children’s Ministry Team. Let me tell you, this was a big transition! When I spoke with the first person on my list, I actually told her that taking this position on my team would only require her to pray for me and the work we were doing, and maybe occasionally help me with special events! Of course, she gladly accepted! How hard could that be? I was still in control, and I had someone praying specifically for me and the work, ya can’t beat that, right?! Throughout the next two years, my team grew to five women. I learned to lean on them, to give them responsibilities, to let them make decisions. This was not easy. I had to come to the realization though, that I simply could not do it all on my own. I needed someone to fill in the gaps.

2.       Have a divine anticipation that God will fill and give you what you need. Whatever God tells you to do, no matter how simple or how hard - JUST DO IT!

v  His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” (v. 7). Moving to Mississippi has got to be one of the hardest things God has ever told us to do. Honestly, we prayed and knew that God had big plans for our move; we just did not want to leave our comfort zone. I knew in November 2014 that we would be moving away from our friends and family eventually. We did not commit to moving until May 2015. I think we hoped that God would change His mind, or at least change His plans for us. Why couldn’t we just stay in our comfortable home, with our comfortable church, and with our comfortable family and friends? Why? Because God has infinite knowledge and because He has a specific plan for our lives. After living in Mississippi for over six months, we finally have listened enough to figure out what our purpose is for being in this specific town, at this specific time. (*More about that to come soonJ ) How much sooner could we have known what our purpose was, how much closer to bringing God glory with this ministry, how many more lives could have been positively changed if we had just listened and obeyed from the get go? Do whatever he tells you. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. Whatever God tells you to do – Just do it!

3.       Share what God has given you. God saves the best for the end of your resources. Sharing what God has given you, you’ll do everything you can humanly do-  then God will come in and fill in all the rest. When we share our beliefs and talents with others, a miracle happens.

v  And the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best until now.”(v. 9-10)

News Flash: Your best will never be enough! However, it doesn’t have to be because God is! Be encouraged by taking your focus off of yourself and turning it to Jesus. Take comfort in knowing that God fills in the tiny cracks and the gaping holes, where we could never.

He loves us so. Be blessed my loves. 

*My notes from this study were from a live session with Priscilla Shirer: God's Best in Your Life at a DotMom event :)