What my daughter taught me this week

The wound was deep.

I saw chunks of gravel embedded in the knee from where she had fallen.

As I cradled my baby girl, I was filled with a mixture of sadness and anger.

I had told her five times to hold my hand, not to run ahead. I had warned her that she was going too fast and would fall. Instead of dragging her along, I had allowed her to try it her way.

Any decent mama knows that when your child is hurting in any way its as if you have the same wound singed on your heart. You want to take the pain away, wipe the tears and make everything better for them.

Sometimes, however, you need to let go of their hand. To let them explore the world, get some bumps and bruises and maybe learn to trust you that you know what you are talking about.

It was as I was speaking soothing words to my baby girl and wiping the dirt away from her wound, I was hit with a realization.

Shamefully this is how I act with my Father. He knows the path that is safest, most filled with joy and the least hurtful. He loves me more than I can ever wrap my mind around and knows the danger that lies ahead.

He will not drag me, however.

Like a spoiled child, I jerk my hand away from the loving grasp, announcing that I know what is best for me. I run ahead wanting my own way.

Then I fall and get bruised, dirty, beaten down, bloody. I look up at a loving Father with big tears in my eyes feeling ashamed and embarrassed.

I knew better.

Just like with my daughter, the Lord could scold me. Point out that he had tried to hold my hand and help me avoid all this drama. He would be justified. He would be right.

Do you know what he does instead? He whispers soothing words to my heart and wraps his arms around me. He wipes away every piece of dirt and heals the wound.

Just like my child, I am comforted and feel the forgivness and love.

Works for me Wednesday: Birthay tips

A long, long time ago in a far off land, I was an event Planner. I loved it. Everything about it. It was exciting and adrenaline and emotions ran high. Then I became a mama ....and really fell in love with my new job. Literally.

So I love the chance to plan parties for my new little bosses. I recently had a 4th birthday monster truck palooza and had some things work out really well. I thought since all of us have birthdays, I would share and maybe save you some hassle and money :)

Have Stations- Instead of trying to gather everyone (Especially five four year olds- comparable to herding cats.) set up activity stations. They can choose to do the activity or not and people can visit at different times so that there is no pushing, shoving or gnashing of teeth.

I set up a card table and made it a tattoo station. I mean what is a monster truck party without some tats...right?

Hire a Young'in to do the dirty work- I had one of my young friends who is a senior in college come and help with the party. She is awesome at taking pictures so I had her take all the pics. Leaving me with free hands to help with gifts and give hugs. It worked out beautifully!

She also help me decorate, set out the food, watch the little one while I got things ready and she manned the tattoo station. I can tell you it was the best idea ever and worth every cent of the gift card I got her!

**Try to find someone who is thinking of going into event planning because they will come and help for free to get experience!.**

Use what you have- I hate buying decorations that are paper and you will never use again! Chances are that whatever theme party your kids have, is something that they are into. Thus, they probably have things related laying somewhere in their room.

In this case, I found several monster trucks and racing paraphernalia in his room. It not only made great decorations that was fitting, it was also practical because it held the paper products down. :)

Serve Appropriate Food- I looooooove themes. I love when the food of a party corresponds with the theme. My girlfriend recently had a Bolt party for her son. ( Bolt is a dog ) She served the food in brand new dog bowls and even served chow. (Which was a mixture of chex, chocolate, peanut butter and other yummy stuff.) It was genius!!

For my son's event we acted like we were really at a monster truck rally. We got the plastic nacho containers and had nachos and yummy- bad for you -cheese. We cooked hot dogs, put them in their buns then wrapped them in butcher paper to serve. (Just like at stadiums. ) We also provided a variety of different little bags of chips, popcorn in the paper popcorn bags and a variety of water, pops and juices. It really felt like fair food and everyone loves it ! I know GFS has a variety of commercial items like these for cheap!

Use your Resources- After ordering expensive cakes for years, we found out that our much loved neighbor creates wonderful cakes in the comfort of her own home...and for a very reasonable price! It has saved us a ton already and it turns out more creative then store bought. Start asking around...I guarantee you will find someone! (Or at least someone that knows someone!)

Everyone had a great time and my son couldn't wipe the smile off his face. I also saved a ton of money by using what we had.....and that works for this mama!

For more great WFMW ideas please visit We are that Family!

We take a pause

I wanted to let y'all know that things are crazy around here! (Like they are not at your house, right?) Spring seems to dump a thousand and one things on this house and I am playing catch up.

So this week is not going to be the usual routine on the blog. There will be no meal plan this week......mainly because I will be blessed to get a meal on the table each night. (Much less know what it is in advance.)

I will be posting about my son's Monster Truck Party and an adorable baby gift that you can make :)

Hope y'all have a great week !!

What mothers really want for Mothers day!

I posted this last year but still find it oh so true, so I thought I would post it again with some updates! Happy Mothers day to all you awesome mothers!!

When you ask a Mama what she really wants for Mothers day, you will often get the following answers.

"I don't need anything. Just being your mama is enough..."

" You are my gift "

" I need a new skillet or maybe a vacuum"

I thought I would break it down and list some things that mamas really want for mothers day. (Or at least Mamas of toddlers / young ones)

To be able to eat a meal- while its hot!

To be able to have one phone conversation without interruption or saying "excuse me... Miles is on top of the buffet... I'll have to call you back."

To be able to take a shower for longer than 3 minutes and without "visitors".

To have all the kids NOT SICK at one time.

To get a report for the sitter or Sunday school teacher that your little one was a delight and OH SO kind to others.

To be able to listen to a song you love on the radio in the car with the kidlets in the backseat. ( Every time a good song comes on that's the time my son decides to ask me how a fire hydrant works or why grandpa lives so far away. )

To be able to take a bath and read a couple chapters in a book... without hearing screaming on the other side of the door.

For your heart not to break when you think someone has hurt your child's feelings

For your little ones to stay little just a while longer. (Except, of course, if your having one of THOSE days in which you quickly wish they were 25 and out of the house.)

To be able to protect your babies from every hurt... emotional and physical.

To have a babysitter that lives next door, is a elementary school teacher/ pediatric nurse who loves nothing more than to read and sing to your children.

To have energy to not just collapse at the end of the day.

To have your hubby say " You have had a rough day...let me cook dinner, do the dishes, bath the kids and put them down while you relax."

A clean house that stays that way for at least an hour.

To get through a meal without an "ewww" "I don't like this" or "I am not hungry."

What is so fabulous about being a mama is that although I would love to have the above items...... I wouldn't trade all of them for one moment with my babies. Isn't motherhood wonderful??

Happy Mothers day to all your AWESOME mama's out there! Your job is priceless and worth more than all the gold in the world.

Mothers day gifts...sure to induce some tears!

This post is from last year. I was hoping to post a new really cool craft but have had some health issues to take care of this week. (And because I believe in the awesome power of prayer I would appreciate any prayers from you readers. ) So hope you enjoy this craft as much as we did making it last year!

Mothers day is one of my favorite "holidays". I didn't fully appreciate it until I have delivered two beautiful children and gave my heart away forever.

Since we are on a budget in this house, I have been racking my brain for gifts that are both thrifty and will produce the proper tears! This is what I came up with....

I just grabbed some cheap Terracotta pots ( I found them for around a $1 at Walmart) then used some outdoor paint that I had. NOTE: Make sure that you use outdoor accent paint that is both UV and water resistant if they will be used outside. I get mine from Michaels crafts- Use your coupon for 40% in the Sunday paper to make this even more reasonable! Just make sure that you have something to apply the paint and some soapy water to wash little hands :)

I painted the kids hands and just had them touch the pots. Then I Painted their names and ages on the pots. The kids had a ball doing it!

You can either put a flower in the pots or fill it with seed packets, new gardening gloves, spade, gardening shoes etc.

I cannot wait to see the looks on the faces of our mamas and grandmas when they open this gift. This way they can have a little piece of the grandkids with them at all times!

Mama knows Best: foo foo coffee at home!

We as mamas have to be innovative and thrifty all in the same beat. Some how we find new ways of doing things that save us money, time and maybe if we are really blessed.... sanity!


One of my "things" that I occasionally indulge in is a fancy foo foo coffee drink. I know its a luxury..... but I love it so!


One of my very favorites is the Cafe Mocha. I usually go through the drive through and then enjoy the aroma and sweet flavor of the special drink. It was when I went inside to order, however that I got a little surprise.


Are you ready?
I placed my order and watched as they grabbed a cup and filled it halfway with coffee. Then they filled it halfway with cocoa. They then put s dab of whipped cream and and handed it to me.

I stood kind of mystified. I quickly looked at the price list and then back down at my mocha... huh.


The next day at church I tried my own hand at the mocha. I filled my cup with coffee and then mixed in a packet of cocoa. Let me tell you... it was delish....and cheap!


Now I make my own before I hit the road. I can use light cocoa when I am trying to watch the waistline and it has saved me a fortune... enjoy y'all!



Do you have a money/time/sanity tip to share? E-mail me at everythingmom@live.com

Menu Plan Monday: New recipes to try!

I found a container of homemade chili in my freezer this week. My first response was to wrinkle my nose. After all, it is already shorts weather here...who wants to eat a hot stew? Then I spied a bag of potatoes and the glimpse of an easy meal. I am excited to try out chili/ cheese potato bar where my people can assemble their own meal. (Can I get a big Ol' woohoo!) I also have a great recipe that I want to try for garlic lime chicken. Doesn't that just sound yummy?!?! Happy eating y'all!

Monday: Oriental grilled pork chops, broccoli, corn on the cob

Tuesday: Chili, cheese potato bar, salad

Wednesday: Leftover buffet- if its in the fridge you can eat it, but mama is NOT cookin!

Thursday: Garlic- Lime Chicken, grilled asparagus and red bell peppers, spinach salad

Friday: Pizza Night!

Saturday: Pulled beef brisket sandwiches, baked chips, green beans

Sunday: Shrimp fajitas, re fried beans, Spanish rice

Garlic- Lime Chicken

1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
2 garlic cloves, minced
6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Combine first five ingredients. Place chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or glass bowl; pour sauce over chicken. Cover or close bag ad refrigerate for at lest 30 minutes. Drain, discarding marinade. Place chicken on grill and sprinkle with pepper. Grill, uncovered, over medium-low coals, turning several times, for 12-15 minutes or until juices run clear.

OH NO HE DIDN'T !

My son would live outside if we let him.

I still recall coming home from the hospital, full of wonder and awe of our new baby boy. It took a couple days, maybe even a week for the colic to fully set in. I remember crying right along with him on the couch.

Good times.

It was by sheer accident that we found that the only time he wouldn't cry was if we stepped outside. He was mesmerized. My husband and I would take turns walking laps around our house, just to stop the crying. When he got a little older we would place him in his bouncy seat, on the porch so he could watch the trees. He was one happy little tree watcher.

Set a foot in the door, he screamed.

Not much has changed in four years. We still have an outside boy. Now he likes to sword fight with sticks, dig canals in the dirt, plant seeds, examine bugs and ride his bake. He doesn't like to come inside for anything! He often begs to eat outside. (We are talking snow on the ground here.)

So my husband is thrilled that he has a little garage buddy to pal around with, teach about all things nature and show him the way of the tool bench. They are buds in every way and I am glad.

Well...almost.

My husband has taught my son that it is super fun to....well drop trough and go number one outside. It started this winter when it was too hard to take off snow pants, boots and a coat just to tinkle a little. We are blessed that our backyard backs up to a historical farm so we just see grass and trees from our backyard. Hubs would take Jr to the back of our shed, and they would do their thing.

Well now its warm and its not really a problem to come inside and pee pee. I still will catch my first born standing behind the shed...watering my flowers. I tried to be cool and roll with it. I told myself.."he is a boy...that's what boys do." (I had a sister so I am not wise to the way of boys.)

A couple days ago I was at the park with my friend and my sons best bud. I was relishing in the fact that we could chat on a spread blanket while the kids played on the playground and how big they were getting. I glanced up to see my sons exact location when I saw a strange sight.

I could see that my baby boy was standing by the slide. (He was on the other side of it.) I could also see that his shoulders were hunched forward and he was looking down in concentration.

I started to get cold and numb as I quickly realized that the way he was standing looked familiar to me...it was the pee stance.

So being the rational woman I am, I screamed across the playground in a shrill voice. His head snapped up and he yelled back equally loud. " Mama...I'm Pee'in. I had to go." He then "put it away" , zipped up his pants and jumped on the climbing wall.

I stood totally frozen. I observed my surroundings. I bet there were ten kids around him at the time and several mamas. Once again I was mortified....I looked at my friend. I can't be sure.... but I think she was trying to stifle a little giggle.

I sat back down trying to process what had just happened. We had a talk on the way home about not going pee on the playground..or anywhere besides behind our shed. I caught his expression in the rear view mirror. It was a look that said "This woman is crazy".

I also had a talk with his daddy that night.

So now when he hits the age where he starts to get embarrassed of us and thinks his parents uncool, I will be prepared with proper ammunition. I will pull this little gem out and make sure the cute girl hears it.

Oh yeah...payback....

Works for me Wednesday: Little plate, Big Plate

Whomever said "nine months on, nine months off" about losing baby weight, never had a baby. Or at least was some kind of supernatural being. For me, although back in my pre-baby clothes, my body never settled into the before shape.

Now I suddenly have fat....on my back. You know.... the fleshy "extra" part at the hips?!?! Don't even get me started on the little layer right on your side where your bra is trying to get it all in. (One time I tried to loosen my bra, to eliminate the extra layer only to have the girls slip out of the bottom during an awkward moment.)

Good times.

This along with trying to be more healthy in general has changed my eating ways. I feel better and have more energy.

One of the things I have done is change my plates. Yep, my plates.

Its a simple thing but it has shown me the power of the mind. For me, its less about my stomach and more about my eyes.

I have exchanged my big plate for a small one.

When I have the proper portions on the big plate, it looks like I don't have enough food to fill me up. Then I go back for seconds.

When I use the small plate with the same portions, the food looks like its in heaping portions...practically falling off the plate. It tells my mind that I am getting a ton of food and surprisingly I get full.

That works for this mama!

For more great WFMW ideas visit We are That Family!

Mama knows Best: laundry mayhem

We as mamas have to be innovative and thrifty all in the same beat. Some how we find new ways of doing things that save us money, time and maybe if we are really blessed.... sanity!

Ahhhh...laundry. You love it when it smells nice and fresh. You hate it when its piled to the ceiling and you don't know how it got that way. Love it or hate it, you have to do it. I am always looking for ways to make the laundry experience more....manageable.

I always fold or hang clothes before I even make the trek upstairs. That doesn't really help the put away process, however. I always go back and forth between rooms. I finish in my sons room only to find something at the bottom of the pile of his and have to go back. It goes on like this ....

Recently I have developed a great process to help me and save me time. I bought 4 laundry baskets, of four different colors. Each person is assigned a color. If you have laundry it goes in your basket. I then take the basket downstairs, wash the laundry, fold, hang and place back in the same basket.

One trip to one room. It saves me some eye twitching in my left eye :)

Do you have a money/time/sanity tip to share? E-mail me at everythingmom@live.com

Menu Plan Monday: A yummy week!

I am thrilled to be able to attend the Women of Faith conference for the very first time. (I have always been too pregnant or nursing to attend in the previous years) Since I will be arriving home Saturday night at dinner time, I have decided to try a easy sounding crock pot lasagna. How cool is that!?!?! I mean really....who wants to slave a couple hours making lasagna when a crockpot can do the work for you!! Happy eating Y'all!

Monday: Grilled chicken, grilled asparagus and bell peppers, salad, crescent rolls

Tuesday: BBQ chicken sandwiches with bacon and Colby cheese, baked fries, broccoli

Wednesday: Leftover buffet- Its if not movin, you can eat it...but mama is not cookin!

Thursday: Asian pork chops, brown rice, mixed veggies

Friday: Pizza night!

Saturday: Slow cooker Lasagna (Recipe follows) salad, garlic bread

Sunday: beef roast with mushroom sauce, mashed potatoes, green beans

Slow Cooker Lasagna

1 (1 pound) package Italian Sausage
1 (9 ounce) package no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into 2 pieces
12 ounces ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
2 (26 ounce) jars pasta sauce
1 tablespoon dried parsley

Spray interior of slow cooker with non-stick vegetable spray.

In medium skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook sausage until brown. Place in slow cooker. Add noodles, ricotta, 2 cups mozzarella, pasta sauce and parsley. Stir gently to combine.

Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. 5 minutes before serving, top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Cover to melt cheese.

Clam up, you !

I try to get my kids to eat good things anyway I can! If that means putting eyeballs on with black olives....well I will do it!

I found a great bag of whole wheat mini pitas at Trader Joes. I will confess, I got them partly because they were cute. (I had no idea what I could make with them but my kids like little things and they were a good prices, so I scooped them up!)

What we came up with was so cute I just had to share.

I split them halfway and filled them with sliced turkey and some shredded cheese. I then popped them in the microwave for twenty seconds and wahlah!

Clams.
I may have chased my kids around with them...but they loved it. We talked about where clams lived and what they are.

Add eyeballs with olives or make them crabs with thin carrot strips for legs. I am also thinking about added some cooked and seasoned spinach for "seaweed".

They loved them and I felt good that it was a healthy and a different lunch for them!

Works for me Wednesday: Keeping the stockpile under control

Hello. My name is Summer and I am a......stockpiler.

I admit that when I see a next to nothing deal, I grab it. Or two or three or a dozen.

I just can't help myself. If I have 3 coupons for an item, its a manager special and it's $.20 for a bag of frozen broccoli, you bet your tushy I buy 3 of them.

I get alot of sighing and looks from my hubs but he rarely says anything because he has seen the power of the money savings. I get the looks because it is his job to go out to our chest freezer and find a spot for all the deals.

There is only one itzy bitzy problem......... I forget what I have out there. I could go out there every Sunday night and see what I have before I do my menu planning. I tell myself, however that Sunday is supposed to be the day of rest, right?!?! I know, however that I just don't want my hands to turn blue as I dig through the Mary Poppins bag of freezers.

So...... I have come up with this.

I found these magnetic whiteboards at a store for $1. I love that I can simply write what I have in my freezer, erase when I no longer have it, post dates of casseroles and baked goods and add as I go to the grocery store. It actually saves me money because we are using the things that I have gotten the deals on and nothing goes bad and gets wasted.

And that works for this mama...who would rather play games with her kidlets than dig through a freezer!

For more great WFMW ideas visit We Are that Family!

Mama Knows Best: Serving veggies in the summertime

I love to entertain. Especially in the summertime. I think we eat outside more than we do inside :) Since we eat from our garden, there is an abundance of salads and fresh veggies.

This is great...except when the heat strikes. It seems as if I barely get the salad on the table when I notice its already wilting!

So, I have found that if I place my salad plates or bowls in the fridge for an hour before dinner, all my salads, fruits and cold veggies stay nice and crisp for serving...which makes for some good entertaining :)