Is Modesty Necessary?

Over the many years of my service to Christ, I've come to learn the value of modesty. It's not just covering oneself in 

order to make a statement to others. It's an honorable form of worship, a outward statement of faith, if you will. 

Many - and I do mean many - people complain about dressing and acting modestly. They say it's not necessary for 

Christians, it's a form of feminism, I dress this way for myself (makes them feel good), it's not biblical and my very 

favorite "if you've got it, flaunt it". I could seriously go into deep detail, using big words and grammatical compositions 

that would please the well educated, but that's just not how I roll. Simple is best. Anyone can understand it, and the only 

thing it requires is an objective viewpoint.

What is modesty anyways? Modesty is a way one dresses, speaks and behaves themselves. It's the act of being a visual representation of Christ. What does modesty look like? A Man or Woman that is modest is careful to make sure that the physical shape, chest/ breast -and or cleavage - is not exposed in a way to draw attention to those areas with tight fitted clothing. He/She does not take part in obscene language and is careful to avoid the very appearance of sin in everything he or she does(1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV).


1 Corinthians 6: 12-20
The Body Is the Lord’s

12 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. 13 Food is for the[g]stomach and the [h]stomach is for food, but God will do away with both [i]of them. Yet the body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body. 14 Now God has not only raised the Lord, but will also raise us up through His power. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take away the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? May it never be! 16 Or do you not know that the one who joins himself to a prostitute is one body with her? For He says, “The two shall become one flesh.” 17 But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him. 18 Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the [j]immoral man sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a [k]temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from [l]God, and that you are not your own? 20 For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

Knowing that my body is the temple of God....let's backup a bit.

You probably have a beautiful church home. Weather it be a store front, a home or a huge building. You take pride in your church building! If someone were to come visit your church and began writing on the walls, tearing up the carpet or wiping their mud encrusted shoes on the pews, how would that make you feel? Angry of course! You'd be disgusted at the amount of disrespect a person could have for the temple of the Holy Spirit, your place of worship! See where I'm going here? The actual brick and mortar building can NOT be more important than your actual body! You are in fact the temple of the Holy Spirit, or does the Holy Spirit just occupy the body on Sunday's? 

The fact is, we are all called to modesty, both men and women! We are Christ's children and a representation of what His church looks like and is. Sometimes, we are the only example of Christ someone will ever come in contact with. How good is the example if the example breaks all the rules that were given by the Maker? Two things will happen. Either the one watching the example will not think much of the Will of God, or will become a mirror image of the example given (which is scary). If you tell a child not to tell lies because God doesn't like that and Christians don't behave that way, BUT you being the example, are a constant lair. What do you think (honestly) will become of the child's character? The child, unfortunately, will learn to be a lair.

How can I begin to practice modesty? Start with the word of God! His Word will not lead anyone to dress or act provocatively in a public setting (what you do for your spouse in your home is a whole-nother-story *wink*), nor will He lead you to be involved in sinful activity. You can do mental gymnastics all day long to try and switch up God's word for selfishness sake, but it will not change the truth. And anyone that teaches otherwise is going against His word.

Romans 6:1-2

6 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Do you practice modesty? How do you encourage others to do so?

A Birth Story To Remember (Part 3)

   

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Click here if you missed part 2

Carrying a growing child inside my very own body, is one of the most amazing, satisfying, and incredible things God has allowed me to experience. It's also the most taxing!
 
Many women can attest, that from the moment we see those bright pink lines ( blank-stare at our doctor as they present the news) all the way up to "go time", we flow through many emotions.
 
 During pregnancy, we all have the ability to experience joy, fear, sadness, mourn, uneasiness, unsure, excitement and worry (not in that order, but you get my drift) which is why we go through great lengths to make sure everything goes as perfectly as possible.
 
We make lists of things baby will need, we borrow all of the pregnancy library books, we watch birth videos, read blogs, drool over all the updated baby gear AND clean the house like we're hosting The Last Supper! But, the one thing we seem to be most concerned about is the "birth plan" (get birth plan tips here).
     Although I had my very own birth plan, there were a few things I prayed for specifically. I've always wanted a home birth on all fours with zero inductions, zero drugs, and complete calm in the room. I know that's asking a lot, but hey, can a girl dream? Well, did God have a surprise for me!


"I'll be right back, babe", hubby said as he ran to the van hauling his bag and mine.

  I was standing at the table near the front door, bracing myself...another one was coming, but this time, I could no longer stand through it. It took me too my knees. So, there I was on all fours looking out the front door. It was raining so hard. There was not a speck of thunder....just nice, hard rain. I felt a small hand rubbing my lower back. Her voice ever so gently whispered, "it's OK, mom....breathe". My sweet ten year old daughter was comforting me. As I looked behind me, there stood my two sons, eyes wide open....they didn't say a word. As soon as I felt the contraction leave, I jumped up, told the kids I loved them and ran out the door.

"Honey, we've got to hurry", I said running down porch the stairs. I swung open the sliding door, let the captain chair all the way down and got back on all fours. Hubby was right behind me and he slammed the door shut. He ran on the other side of the van and quickly hopped into the drivers seat and started her up.

"Here comes another babe", I moaned to hubby as he turned to look at me, we locked eyes.... It hadn't even been five minutes since the last contraction! There was a lot of pressure this time and I felt a great need to push....but I didn't.

"Babe, should I call 911"?, he said while grabbing his cell phone from the belt clip.

"Yes, "Just in case". My eyes were fixed on the back window, watching the rain hit and roll down. I imagined that I was the waves of a great storm, the tides were high and then were low. Then I imagined that God was swinging me up to Heaven and back down again. I was zoned out! I could also hear hubby on the phone with the 911 operator.

"My wife is in labor.....yes....our address is..." Soon after, he hung up the phone and he turned to check on me.

I was already undressing! 

You see, while hubby was on the phone, I had yet another contraction and decided to push.....well, in fact, I couldn't help it and the results caused the baby to crown!

"OH BOY", were the exact words my hubby used when he turned around. He could see baby crowning! He began applying counter pressure to my lower back (that was in my birth plan) when all of a sudden, another one came! I kept my eyes on the back window, riding my pretend waves and swinging with God, took a nice deep, open mouth breath, ....and pushed. Before I knew what happened, hubby had gotten out of the drivers seat, opened the sliding door and baby's head (and a left elbow) came popping out! I could hear hubby thinking....he was very quiet, until he said,

"Justin's head is out!"

I sorta knew that, but I wasn't quite sure how much more pushing I had to do.

"Oh goodness", I heard hubby mumble under his breath.

"Babe, let me know if you can't catch him, because I need to know if I need to grab him"

"No, honey, I'm gonna catch him"

"Don't let him fall....can you do this?"

"I won't let him fall...I'm gonna catch him....I won't let him fall"

I didn't find out until later that it was at this moment that hubby said a little prayer. It went something like this,

"HELP LORD"

All of a sudden, I see a police car pull up. I'm watching him as walks to the car, until hubby yells through the rain,

"she's having the baby, his head is out!"

By this time the officer was pretty much at the van already, so he took a "looksie"

"Oh Boy"

He then ran over to his squad, and began rumbling through it.

Meanwhile, hubby has the steady position of the worlds bests quarter back ( I think that's the right position). His hands were placed strategically as he held them close to the head of his son.

"Babe, here comes another one....don't let him fall"

"I won't babe"

With my gaze still fixed to the back window, I could see the officer running back carrying what looked like puppy pads as he was sporting baby blue surgical gloves. It was at that moment, I pushed one last time.

"Woah, I've got you little man....you're alright".  I could hear baby Justin's voice through his gurgles. I turned to look at him. What a wonderful sight. Hubby was holding him so close, talking to him....everything was happening so quickly.

   The officer returns to find that "it was a boy". He was frantically looking through his bag for an aspirator, but failed. That made him nervous. I wasn't nervous at all because I heard and saw him breathing normally (although I could hear that there was still fluid...he was fine) and his color was perfect. He then clamped the umbilical cord and began yelling at the EMTs....yeah, they were just now showing up.

"Hurry up, we need an aspirator over here....hurry up"

   Once it clicked in the EMT's mind that baby was already here, they began running. They got to the van to find that daddy was holding the baby, mommy was still on all fours smiling at dad and baby...and officer, telling them how he needed an aspirator. In pure calmness, the EMT's cleared out what was left in baby Justin's mouth and nose and said,

"He's perfect....now let's get mom and baby into the truck"

   There I was, not in my most modest fashion, I realized that I should probably cover up. My van's sliding door was still wide open and I live on a corner lot. Basically, if my neighbors wanted to, they could see all of my business! I asked hubby for his button up, but one EMT placed a warmed sheet over my lady parts and guided me onto the gurney, while another on wrapped baby Justin and carried him close beside me as they rolled me down the driveway. Before we even drove off, I was inside the ambulance truck,tucked underneath a warm blanket nursing baby Justin for the first time. Meet, Justin.

( Justin born on September 10, 2014 st 7:15 a.m.)

I'd love to hear what you think about this crazy, wonderful day of mine. Do you have a crazy birth story? Leave a comment




 

A Birth Story To Remember (Part 2)

 

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   Every now and then, I read a blog entry (or see a movie)  and in it, a woman that always knows exactly when she's in true labor due to her "instincts". All the while, I sit back and think, "geesh I've done this a few times and I still can't pinpoint it". Maybe it's my high tolerance for pain or maybe I'm just a weirdo (I'm actually fine with either of those), but where's my instinct? Did I loose it in the large bowl of chocolate ice-cream or deep down in at the bottom of the cookie jar? (don't judge me). Maybe, I lost it when I got that prenatal foot massage. Either way it goes, I didn't have it....or maybe I did and was doing everything perfectly right.

   With less than a week left for my due date to arrive, I began to think maybe baby didn't want to come out! I had tried everything to get things going. I did lots of walking (more like wobbling), drank lots of water, lost of "indoor sports" with hubby....I even demanded the baby to come out, but he was proving to be very disobedient! The waiting game had started to take an effect on the entire family. Hubby had a hard time being comfortable at work and the kids were ready to meet their baby brother. Not to mention that I was getting daily calls from family that wanted to know if there was any action yet.

   It was about 9 p.m. and hubby was just getting home from a long day's work. I warmed up his dinner and sat with him. We chatted about our day (as if we hadn't been texting all day long) and joked about what if's. What if the baby is actually due in October? What if it's really a girl? What if it's twins? What if I went into labor tonight? 

   That's the one thing I dreaded! I did NOT want to go into labor in the middle of the night. I know I have no control of that happening, but it would be such an inconvenience, right? So I had my fingers crossed reaaaaal tight!

   Once we decided to go to bed, I did my Preggo-Pilates, played a few games on my phone and dozed off into a nice deep sleep. I was sleeping so good! It was the best rest I'd had in about, oooohh, 6 months or so.

   I had the sweetest dream. You see, about a year prior, I lost my great grandmother. We called her "Granny". She was the sweetest little old lady. I was dreaming that I was caring for her. She was sitting in her big, blue, comfy chair, looking at me with her sweet gummy smile. I took a quilt and lay it over her, tucking her in gently. As I stepped away, I felt a "BIG ONE"....I was having a contraction in my dream! It was so real, that when I opened my eyes.....IT WAS STILL GOING! I gripped the sheets a little and tried to control my breathing. Once it was over, I walked down stairs to, you know the drill, "empty my bladder, drink some water and walk a few rounds in the living room". I took a peek at the microwave as I guzzled water. It was 5:45 a.m. I felt well rested, but thought I should lay down for a while. I began walking up the stairs, but half-way up.....here comes another one. I couldn't lift my left leg. So I gripped the banister until it was over. I finished my trek upstairs, laid down and whipped out my phone. "Time to start timing". My even, heavy breathing woke up hubby.

 "Babe....you ok?"

"Yeah, but these contractions are really good", I say laughing.

By this time, I'd had, oooh about five contractions and I had to take a trip to the bathroom. But this trip to the lou was a bit different. I lost my mucus plug and began having very loose stool.

"I'm just gonna start getting ready, just in case this is the real thing", I say ever so calmly.

He jumped into action! I tell you the truth, if you have never seen your husband move fast after you ask him to do something, try saying "it's time"....works like a charm (if you're pregnant of course).

   He woke the kids up, called his parents, packed his bag (he was the only one that hadn't packed yet). I, on the other hand was brushing my teeth when I felt another one coming. I had to brace myself over the small turquoise table in the kitchen and stomp my leg until it was over. All along I had the toothbrush hanging in my mouth. I did that about three more times, because now they were coming like a freight train and more like every 5-7 minutes. Chu-Chuuuuu!

"Babe, are we gonna make it to the hospital?", hubby asked. He saw how zoned out I was.

"Can you drive?", I strangely responded....I mean, what kind of question is that? What my mind actually meant was, "are you going to be able to drive fast?"

And that is when I knew for sure that I was about to have this baby!

Come back next week for part 3. You're not gonna believe what happens next!

Click here to read part 1

A Birth Story To Remember (Part 1)

 

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   I can tell you from experience that every birth is different, but this time it was Super-Natural! It was everything I prayed for.....except for one thing. God had his own agenda on how He would answer my prayers....He showed us His humorous side.

   September 9, 2014: It was a beautiful day. The sun was beaming on me as I sat, rocking gently in my favorite chair on the porch. Watching the kids play outside with friends was one way to get some "me" time and still be able to watch my babies laugh. This day was much like the others. I had been contracting all day, sporadically of course. I was just six days away from my due date and this momma was Tired (do you see that capital "T"?)! Although, I was truly ready for this pregnancy to be over with, I was trying not to think about it,which was a piece of cake (yeah, right).

   Just three weeks prior, Dr. Cansler (the best in the world....no, seriously!) she told me, and I quote "Your cervix is as soft as butta. When this baby comes, its gonna come QUICK"! So, from the moment I heard those words, I thought "YES let's do this! A week went by and there I was, still pregnant. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know I still had plenty of time left, but this was the first time I went full-term and was READY TO POP!

    As I was sitting on the porch, the contractions picked up a bit. They were about 15-20 minutes apart, but I was crusin' through those babies. I was able to walk and talk, so I didn't get excited. You learn not to get excited after you get sent home on false labor charges. It was getting pretty hot outside, so I invited the kids and their friends inside to play with Legos. Hubby was texting me from work every five minutes (exaggeration) to check on me. He worked just a few minutes from home and his boss knew that he could become "Superman" at the blink of an eye!

  My dear friend Moe, lives across the street and was also checking on me through text. Our conversations went something like:

Mo: hey....are you having contractions over there?

Me: yeah, but I'm good tho

Mo: how far apart?

Me: like 15-20min

Mo: when does the dr want you to go in?

Me: When they are consistent for at least an hour

Mo: Christy, it's been 2 hours!

Me: yeah, but I don't wanna get sent home

Mo: When does Jay get off?

Me: at 8

Mo: call him NOW!

Me: I'm gonna wait a lil while longer

Mo: wrong answer. I'm coming over!

It was about 5 p.m. now, and the contractions were a bit stronger than before. I had to breathe through them a little bit. But there I was in my living room watching six kids build to their imagination's extent. Mo was standing there watching me
go through another one just to make sure I was OK. She took her boys home and told me to leave the door unlocked. Just in case she needed to get in quick. I was in chill mode, but little did I know, I was also in labor!

Come back next week for part 2! I wanna tell you what happened next!

The Jokes On Me

A Season and a baby later..... BOY oh boy do I have some stories to tell! But, we'll get to those another day.

With all the hapenings in my life, to be honest blogging was in the back (waaaay back) of my mind. I've been taking some time to adjust to having a baby in the house again and it's been pretty fun! I was't going to start blogging again until baby was about 10 months old, but I've truly missed it. PLUS, my hubby gave me a reason to blog!

If your hubby is anything like mine, he supports the family, he's a great husband and father. He makes the best waffles for breakfast, he always tells you how beautiful you are and......he never knows where anything is. I get it! I'm a full-time homemaker, so of course I usually know where everything is.

Sometimes, he'll ask where something is and I'll know exactly where it is. Sometimes I just know approximately where it is. I'll say, "it's in the cabinet closest to the fridge". He'll look and say "no it isn't". Which makes me go and show him where it is and say, "its right here. If it was a snake, it would have bit cha". We laugh about it and go about our day. But, today the joke was on me!

I'm sitting in the middle of the floor (because I'm a jungle gym for baby, duh) surrounded my a million toys (ok, maybe 10). Baby is recovering from a cold, so I needed the "suckerupanator" for his nose... you know what I'm talking about! Hubby had cleared baby's nose last, so I asked him where it was. He says, "it's down there with you....if it was a snake, it would've bit cha". I could NOT find that thing! I casually look up at hubby who is watching me. I say, "honey its not down here"...he says, "it's not?  That's funny because things always appear when you say it! I laughed so hard! I love that man so much!

Has something like this ever happened to you? Do share

5 Legit Sites To Make Extra Money From Home

Thanks to our guest blogger, Alison from Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, we're learning how to make a lil extra cash!

Who likes free money and cool prizes? This girl!! Making money sitting on your couch playing on the computer while you watch your favorite re-runs of The Walking Dead and Supernatural (or insert favorite TV program here)  – sound too good to be true right? Well let me tell you it is totally possible. Now don’t get me wrong, survey sites are in no way going to make you rich and allow you to quit your job and all that good stuff – a good lotto win is still the key to that dream. However, I have been able to make about an average of $25-$50 a month in cash, gift cards, and super cool prizes. Some months more, but it all adds up in the end. I generally save up my points until I reach a good payout or save up my Amazon Gift card credits and use them to make Christmas shopping free or at least really, really cheap. I’ve tried tons of sites and it’s true, some of them just plain suck…either the points don’t add up very quickly, you screen out of pretty much every survey, or there are way too many ads that you have to click through to even get to the point of taking a survey. I don’t blame you for getting discouraged with those. There are several out there though that are awesome, they send you quality surveys, and a lot of them so that you are able to qualify for enough surveys to make it worth your time and actually earn some money or prizes. My five favorite legitimate survey sites are:
 

• Toluna – Toluna is one of the first sites I signed up for. They’re points system is sort of crazy – surveys can be worth 2,500 to 30,000 points, sometimes more, which seems like tons right? Well, 30,000 points equates to about $10 because it take 60,000 points to cash out for $20 PayPal cash. (There are other reward options, but PayPal and Amazon are two of my faves). Toluna has more than just regular reward items though – they also have “gifties” which are virtual gifts for relative few points (100-250 usually). The thing with gifties though is that randomly they turn into real rewards so there is the chance that the 120 point virtual Coach Handbag or Exercise Equipment that you picked will actually be delivered to your door. I usually save my points for the cash reward and then use whatever odd amount I have left over for gifties – you know just in case I get lucky.

 

 

• Harris Panel – This site is great and the reward choices are great too (who doesn't love Amazon credits?). This one doesn't rack up the points as quickly as some of the others but that’s mainly because they don’t send out as many surveys – I get about 5 a week give or take from Harris that I end up qualifying for and the points values are usually around 100 points per survey. As you can see below, it does pay out though so definitely worth signing up for.

 

 

 

 

• E-Rewards – E-Rewards credits you with virtual cash for every survey you take. Even if you screen out of a survey you still get $0.25 credited to your account. Surveys you qualify for can range from $1.00 to $5.00 on average – some significantly more. The screen shot below shows where my credit amount is at right now so I would be eligible for any of the rewards in the $75 redemption category. You can get to this level pretty quickly and I use this to get Game Stop & ITunes gift cards for my hubby and kiddos (Birthdays, Christmas, and so the ITunes downloads that normally are taken out my checking account are free!!) Now that it’s almost Fall I may be redeeming my credits for a Starbucks gift card because I do love me a good Pumpkin Spice Latte…

 

 

 

 

• Global Test Market – Each survey is worth an average of 15-40 points, some are significantly more. For PayPal cash you can redeem as few as 230 points ($10) or save up until you have 2,300 pints like I’m doing this time to redeem for $100 sent to your PayPal account. No PayPal account? No problem, there’s tons of other rewards at all points levels so everyone is bound to find something that interests them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• American Consumer Panel – I think this is the panel I've been part of the longest and I’ll be honest, the points rack up slow – they don’t send a lot of surveys and you don’t qualify for all of them. You have to have 1000 points to cash out for $20. I usually do that about twice a year. Is it really worth it you ask? Yes, the great thing about American Consumer Panel is this the site where I get tons of product tests from. I've gotten diapers to test several time which is worth about $30 a pop in not having to buy them at the store. I've gotten shampoo, facial cleanser, lotions, boxed dinners, gift cards to purchase groceries to try new recipes, and the list goes on. If you’re into product testing (and who doesn't like to try new stuff for FREE), then this is a great site to sign up for and at the end of the day you still earn a few bucks here and there.

 

 

 

If you have a few extra minutes each day to take some surveys and haven’t signed up already, you should definitely check these out. There are a couple more I just came across in the last couple weeks that I’m testing out – I haven’t used them enough to form an educated opinion though so if those pan out to be legit as well I’ll update you all and let you know.  

What are your favorite survey sites? Did I miss any in great ones in my list? ~ Alison 

My Favorite Things About Fall (Fall Feature blogger)

Hey there!

For the next two weeks, my blog will feature horseshoes-n-handgrenades, a blog by the beautiful Alison. Just few weeks ago, Alison became the lucky winner in the "September Spotlight Giveaway". She's super cool and such a sweet pea so make sure you click on her picture below and become her newest follower. Without running my mouth any longer, allow me to introduce you to the wonderful, the witty, the down to earth, Alison!

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Here's her first feature blog post! Enjoy and don't forget to show her some love.


My Five Favorite Things About Fall 
“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." ~ L.M. Montgomery
 

It's that time of year – schools are back in session, the weather is cooling off, and people are taking a breather before gearing up for the holiday season. Its fall…or at least fall is very quickly pushing the final lingering bits of summer hastily out the back door. Some people hate to see summer go, and I’ll admit there are parts of it that I wish would stick around a bit longer, but for the most part, I welcome fall as it encompasses the landscape, the air, and the season takes over. When someone mentions the seasons changing, the first things that jump into my mind and get me excited about this time of year are:
 
1. Fall Fashion – I love fall fashion! It’s still warm enough for tees and  even tanks and cardis in the day but I love hoodies, jeans, sweats, jackets, scarves, leggings, and layering. I especially love boots! Casual boots, dressy boots, flat boots, boots with heels, and cowboy boots. Fall is the season of boots so I love fall! I love fall colors…while I like glitter and glitz, I’m not a super flashy color person, and so the neutrals that go with the fall wardrobe choices I’m a total fan of. 
 
2. Pumpkin Everything – Pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin cheesecake, and of course pumpkin pie. I don’t think there’s a pumpkin flavored baked good that I’ve tried that I didn’t like…ever. In addition to the wonderful baked goods (and a couple extra pounds to fill out those sweaters and hoodies) there’s pumpkin spice latte’s. It doesn't get better than hot pumpkin spice latte' on a crisp fall morning on the way to work. 

 
3. Blankets on The Couch – I have blankets on the couch year round, but I don’t actually snuggle up in them until fall sets in. (Unless I’m sick in which case it’s no longer an enjoyable activity.) I just find something super comforting, almost therapeutic, in lounging on the couch wrapped up in a soft blanket to watch my favorite TV show on a fall evening. Add a pumpkin spice latte' or some pumpkin bread to that and you've got a happy girl on your hands!
 
 
4. Harvest - It’s not so much the actual activity of harvesting that I love, it’s the end product. I live in an agricultural community so fall means finishing harvest so we have fresh apples, corn, squash, pumpkins, and a plethora of other freshly harvested goodies available that the local farm stands. The price is right for buying in bulk to freeze for the year and those fresh pumpkins and apples are great for making all those seasonal pies and jams that are so in demand through the season. 

 
5. Leaves Turning – Of course there’s the universally accepted sign that fall has arrived…the turning of the leaves. Living in the Pacific Northwest we really get the full effect of the annual transformation of the plants and trees. It truly is beautiful to watch and enjoy. (Now, I don’t care so much for the perpetual raking of said leaves once they fall from the trees…but while they’re still attached they can be absolutely breathtaking.)

So, those are a few of my very favorite things about fall, what are yours and why? If you’re not a fan what is your favorite season? 

Fall Feature Pin Show

I luuuuuv me some Pintrest.

Recently I've been on a mad search for great Fall crafts that are sorta unique...out of the box. And let me tell you, it's not an easy task.

But, I'm not one to give up so easily, so my search continued. Below, you'll find some great unique Fall craft ideas for you and for the kiddos!

Hey, if one of these unique Fall crafts are from your blog, then guess what? YOU ROCK! If you're not on this list, I dare you to pin the one you like most!

I've set this up as my top 5, because a top 10 list would just be too long and I know you guys have lives to attend to ;)

Let's do this thing:

Number 5 (yes, we're going backwards...it's fun, right?)

By: Play.Create.Show 
 " Pumpkin Owl"

Number 4
By: Decor To Adore
 "Wooden Knobs Acorns"
 














Number 3
By: Zakka Life

"Pine cone Votive"            

                                                                         

Number 2By: That Artist Woman"Paper Roll Squirrel"  Number 1By:.........I don't know who it's by....seriously! But it's so cool! If you're wondering what that is, it's dryer vent with a little glue, embellishments and paint! Genius!    

So, there you have it..some unique Fall crafts. Wasn't that fun? Do you have some Fall crafts you would like to share ? I'd love to know about em'   

September Spotlight Giveaway

The coffee is hot and the weather is fine.....

I feel like being generous. I feel like sharing my space. I feel like giving away some dough!

(drum roll please)

Introducing, for the first time EVER......Teacher Momma and the "September Spotlight Giveaway"

(and the crowd goes wild)

I want to feature some of the best blogs out there.....but I can only choose one!

The lucky blogger will get to feature their post (up to 5 posts) for a whoppin' 2 weeks! (a $100 value)

(but wait, there's more)

That same lucky blogger will also get a $10 Target Gift Card!

(and the crowd goes wild, again)

Are you ready for some giveaway action? Let's GO!

May the best blogger win!

That Paper Better Be Able To Talk!

 

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 It's that time ladies and gentlemen....back to school! Some of you have already started and many of you are still preparing. No matter what side you're on, I know you've had to do some sort of school shopping, right? 

The new curriculum, the planning of the trips, the co-ops, the lesson planning and  making sure you have all the supplies. Speaking of supplies, is it just me or did the cost of school supplies take a trip to the moon? Last week I was looking at a local sales paper online and I nearly did a flip when a pack of wide ruled paper with a measly 80 sheets, cost $2.50. Yes....yes...I know, it's ridiculous! Just last year they were 2 for $1. The "frugal" momma in me wanted to buy my kids a personal dry erase board and call it "a pack of paper".

I don't know about you, but I try not to let my kids write on the inside of workbooks so that they can be reused, so paper is a need in our kitchen. I have yet to find a pack of paper that I will waste my money on. I just refuse to pay less than $1 for a pack of paper. Am I asking too much. I mean, let's be honest, most of the paper ends us in the trash or recycle bin anyway. What's a Teacher Momma to do? Have you stocked up on paper yet? How much did you pay? Where should I shop for mine?

Going Out With A Splash

 

 

 

                                                                      

 

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In Just a few more days, we'll be going on vacation! Whoop-Whoop! 

It's almost 'Back To Homeschool" time, but before we result to sitting at the kitchen table for reasons other than eating, we're gonna take a dip,a splash and a slide at the Kalahari Water Resort! Just what we need to start the homeschool year off       right.

My days before the trip will consist of ironing and packing clothes, packing food, packing activities for the road and braiding my daughter's hair...which I'm not looking forward to. We both have a LOT of long, thick hair. BUT, it'll be worth all the work when we don't have to worry about it at Kalahari, right? Right.

 

Oh, yeah, guess what? We've bought some new swim suits! Well at least for my daughter and I. We had them specially made by Meant To Be Modest  and they are super cute. I didn't take any pictures of us in our new suits yet, but here are a few pics from their website

 

Aren't they cute! I Absolutely LOVE how they are made! They are made with such quality and care.....and now I don't have to worry about my "ups and downs" hanging out (ya' know what I'm sayin'). Oh, the things we see at public water parks.......Sorry, I digress.

I'm looking forward to a great start to our homeschool year!

Do you have any plans for fun or relaxation before school begins? I'd love to hear about it!

The Lord's Will Always Wins

I remember it like it was yesterday. My husband to be and I, standing in the living room surrounded by our family and friends awaiting our marriage. The ceremony was to take place at 2 o'clock, but things didn't go as planned. 

You see, the pastor that was to marry us hadn't shown up.....and it was 4 o'clock now! 

The house was quiet (or so it seemed). The family was whispering, trying no to disturb the facts and the great nervousness I carried. Not only was I a nervous wreck, I was furious too! I was just on the phone with the pastor the night before! What was he doing? where was he? how could he do this?

At this time in my life I was drawing closer and closer to Christ and everyone was in my way! There were family members praying that I wouldn't marry my love, but they had no idea what God had already revealed to me, nor would they understand.

The evil one took these facts and ran with them! I already had family against me, and now the pastor that was supposed to be here hours ago! As tears ran down my face, alone in the bathroom, I took time out with God. I asked Him something that many would not have thought to ask...."Father, have Your Will". Nothing more, nothing less. 

It was then that I realized that for the rest of my life, I needed to please God and NO ONE else. I needed to let go of what people thought they knew and what they were saying, because in reality, they knew nothing!

They didn't see two people getting their life together and drawing closer to Christ. They didn't see a beautiful family forming, nor did they see a ministry in the works, but now I know why.

They couldn't see it because they weren't looking through the eyes of Christ. They never looked at us with Christ's love....they didn't understand.

As I cleaned up my face and prepared to walk back out into the living room, something amazing was in the works. My father and my father in-law to be was brewing up a plan! I went over to see what was going on and my father said, "baby girl, we'll be back. We've gotta go pick up my pastor.....you guys are getting married today if we have anything to do with it". I was so shocked that I couldn't move! While I was praying, God had already moved.

We made eleven years in June! Since the beginning, we have been working for the Lord and we won't stop until our faith is our eyes.

Cloudy On Friday, With A Chance Of Laundry

 

It's Friday baby!!!!.......is what I want to yell while standing on the front porch in my baby blue robe, but If I do, I run the chance of getting hit by lightning. It's been storming since about 5 a.m. and my lovely dog, Kitu, has been barkin', yelpin', and whinin' since it began. 

At least the coffee pot went off on time....Oh, that sweet sound. It's second best to the kiddos saying "good morning, Mom". I was actually worried that the storm would knock the power out and reset EVERYTHING, but mainly my coffee (hee-hee), but lucky me, I'm sipping a nice, pipin' cup right now.

Guess what? The kids are going to grandma's for the weekend, whoo-hooooo.....I mean.....I'm sure gonna miss them ;) and you know that means that they need clean clothes.

My laundry day is Monday, and usually on the weekends we do lots of lounging around in our jammies all day (except for Sundays), which are my power-up days to prepare for laundry day. Today, I must sacrifice all that I knew about Fridays in the past. I must start it early. I must iron it all, I must bathe the children (and maybe myself). I must pack the clothes. And then........then, I MUST drive them to grandma's house..... muhahahaaaaaaaaa.....victory shall be mine! All this can only mean that there will be no laundry on Monday and you can't beat a forecast that looks that sweet.

What are your plans for the weekend?

Little Troubles

Hey peeps! I know you've probably been wandering where I've been. Is she hiding under a rock? Nah. Has she left her blog to rot? Nah. Has she been so tied up with little troubles that it's been hard for her to focus? BINGO!

It all started with my oldest sister.She's come across a rough patch in life causing my every waking (and sometimes sleeping) minute to praying for God's will in her situation. I tell you the truth, that girl is strong "like bull" and when life handed her lemons, she gave them to my second oldest sister, and she made lemon meringue pie, LOL.
Speaking of my second oldest sister, she suffers from Multiple Sclerosis. You would never know it just by looking at her, but the underlying issues can strike at anytime. From the lesions on her spine to the giving out of her legs and many other things, I revert to walking and sleeping prayer. Just recently she spent a few nights in the hospital. Which leads me to my niece.
My niece sent me a text (in panic form!!!!!!) saying, "I'm on my way to the hospital". As I bring myself ready to run out the door, I realize that I'm still sitting with my sister, who's still in the hospital....and it's not the same location! My niece was having contractions...."oh goodness", I thought. "I'm not omnipresent...how am I going to be at two places at one time". Here I go with the walking prayer again.
Oh, and in the midst of things, our van decided to join in on the Harlem shake wave! It was shaking and jerking....I thought the thing would take off on it's own. That issue ran us a few hundred dollars, which we didn't have to spare. Since it's the only vehicle we have, we had no choice but to get it repaired right away.

Now that all the little troubles have ceased, I've learned what it means to "pray without ceasing". And Just because it seems that I'm getting a break, there is always someone that needs to be lifted up in prayer. I may not see them all the time or even know them, but somewhere, someone is going through something. So, if you ever feel like the "little troubles" are taking over, just know that Teacher Momma is praying for you.

Blessings

Look What I've Got!

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I can't be happier! I was nominated, not once, but twice in the same day (doing the happy dance)! Allow me to be honest with ya', until I was nominated I had NO idea what this award was about....I mean No idea! Luckily, these lovely ladies that were so kind to nominate me...Shout out to ~Un Super Mom~ you can see her and her beautiful family over at http://mybradybunchfamily.blogspot.com  And to The Resourceful Mama over at http://theresourcefulmama.blogspot.com  where you can see the busy life of a full time mama and a full time computer programmer from Connecticut . Ladies, you guys are awesome! I had a wonderful time reading your post and I'm honored to have been on your list. Thank you. 

What is a Liebster Award?
Ok in a nutshell it goes like this:

not my image

Cool right!

So, now I've gotta get busy with 11 facts about myself, Answer the questions asked by the lovely ladies mentioned above and then nominate 11 blogs. But in all fairness, since I was nominated twice, I'm going to nominate 22 other blogs! Whoop-Whoop!....OK, here goes...

11 Facts about Me:

1. When I was 7, I had surgery to have a needle removed from my knee....My mom was a seamstress lol
2. I really enjoy doing arts & craft projects
3. I don't like touching cotton balls (long story...if you want to know, ask me)
4. I wear a size 4 in shoes
5. My favorite color is pink
6. I have never flown a kite and it actually worked lol
7. I'm married to my best friend and pastor
8. I am a part-time vegetarian...what's that you ask? I Only eat meat if I know where it came from and how it was fed and treated.
9. I make my own deodorant
10. I have a pet turtle named Philippe 
11. I LOVE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST!

Questions from the ladies

From ~Un Super Mom~

1. When do you find the time to blog? I usually blog either early in the morning or late at night....or whenever my kiddos are asleep lol

 2. If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? I would be an Elephant....and honestly I don't have any other reason, but this one....because they are so flippin' cute!

 3. Describe what you feel when you see your favorite color? When I see my favorite color I feel pretty

 4. What is your favorite television show? My Favorite show is Bazaar Foods, it's fun to watch....oh and I also like Duck Dynasty!

 5. What one thing would you like your children to take into adulthood? Their passion to be more like Christ. If they can hold on to Him, everything else will fall into place.

 6. What does you family think of your blog? the one's that follow seem to really enjoy it, but many of my family members are really not interested in homeschooling...booooo lol

 7. What would your dream vacation be? ooooo, my dream vaca?.....Let's see...I would love to visit Italy, that would be amazing!

 8. What is your favorite midnight snack? It's either Moose Tracks ice cream or vanilla yogurt with granola and peaches....yum, yum (checks the clock to see if it's snack time yet)

 9. What daily chore do you despise the most? I absolutely despise folding clothes and putting them away! I need a robot for that job lol

 10. What advice would you give to a first time blogger? I would tell the first time blogger to become a reader, read other blogs, make blog friends, ask questions and be real about who you are. Real people like to follow real people.

 11. If you had 3 wishes what would you wish for? I would wish for world peace, hunger to disappear , and for everyone to make it to Heaven.

That was fun...

Now, Questions from The Resourceful Mama

1. What is the one thing you want to be remembered for? I want to be remembered for being a good mother, wife, sister and friend. And I want all to remember my love for the Lord.

2. What is your favorite food and why? I love veggie tacos because they are amazingly great and healthy at the same time...can't beat that!

3. Who is your role model? My role model is Christ. Every day I strive more and more to be like Him. 

4. If you're a parent what is the one thing you enjoy the most about parenthood?  If you're not a parent, what is the one thing you enjoy the most about not having kids? I'm a mama to 3 of the craziest, funniest, lovable kiddos I know! And the most enjoyable part is watching them become who they will be for the rest of their lives and being able to have a hand in the process is priceless!

5. What is your favorite book and why? My favorite book is the Bible, because it's my road map for life.

6. If you could have dinner with one person in history who would it be and why? Hummmmmm.....I would have dinner with Hitler so I could try talking him out of such an awful deed.

7. What is your best childhood memory? My best childhood memory is my mother. She always provided and was a great influence of who I am today.

8. High heels or flats? LOL I used to be "all heels" even when I was cleaning, now I'm all flats. I don't know if it's because I had kids or what! I like being comfy lol

9. To date, what is your greatest life accomplishment? My greatest accomplishment in life is accepting Jesus Christ into my life and living a life that is pleasing to him...not an easy task, but a task I was willing to take head on....call me a conquer!

10. Where is your favorite place to be? My favorite place to be is wherever my family is...that's the truth.

11. What is your favorite television show? LOL I have two! Duck Dynasty and Bazaar Foods!

Boy, Oh, Boy....I did it! I answered all the questions!

Drum Roll Please........Now, for the list of blogs that I nominate for the Liebster blog Award goes to........

1. Before You Tuck Me In
2. Kidcrossing Barefoot
3. At My Counter
4. Creative Mess
5. The Busy Bee's
6. A Little This A Little That
7. Ahoy Maties!!!
8. Angi's Place
9. Around The Homestead 
10. Between Two Rams
11. Crazy Little Lovebirds
12. Home *School* Home 
13. In the Shadows of Life
14. Kickbutt's Crazy Lapbooks
15. Life With Four Boys...Coffee Please
16. Mom And Monster
17. Night Owl Venting
18. Our Birth Journeys
19. Peters Peapod
20. Stairsteps Academy
21. The Pursuit Of Normal
22. The Southern Northerner 

There you have it! Congrats nominees! This is my way of saying, "You blog is pretty darn cool". If you would like to participate, post 11 facts about yourself, answer the following questions, choose 11 of your favorite blogs and ask them questions and Share the by following each nominee! 

 Please answer the following questions

1. Who or what is you inspiration?
2. What is the first thing you do when you wake up?
3. How do you handle a stressful day?
4. What book do you recommend all parents read to their children?
5. When the kids go to bed what do you do?
6. What is one thing about your past you wish you could change?
7. If you had a million dollars, what would you buy?
8. Why did you start blogging?
9. Are you going to follow all the award nominees?
10. What is one thing you hope you children remember about you?
11. How would you define your character?

 Ok Ladies! You've got some work to do! I had such a blast sharing the love with the Liebster Blog Award and it feels good passing it on. We put in so much work with our blogs and a little pat on the back never hurt anyone ;)

Blessings,

~Teacher Momma~

P.S. Make sure you link back to me when you're done so I can view your answers :)