Thursday, September 27, 2012

A Mary Heart in a Martha World

Do you ever feel like you just aren't cutting it?

I watch these other moms who seem to have it all together. I've had my fair share of chats with other stay at home mothers to know that they don't have it together. 
But I am constantly feeling "behind". 
I can't seem to keep my kitchen floors clean. There is always laundry in the dryer waiting to be folded (and then sitting in the basket for another couple of days waiting to be put away). 
There are always toys on the floor, socks in the bathroom, junk mail on the counters, and dishes in the sink. Always a kid calling my name. 
My to do list is only getting longer.


(In our playroom)

I find that the stress of a messy home and having a long "to do" list is causing me neglect what is really important; (it's not my children…totally) it's my time with Jesus. When I sit down after a day of chores, I don't want to use my brain or my heart. I want to sit on the couch and watch some mindless, trashy show on Netflix. I know that spending time with Jesus takes a lot of time and effort, just like any relationship. It takes the effort of opening my Bible and listening to what God has to tell me. It requires a quite space and an attitude of desire. 

But I'm tired. I don't want to exert any more energy, anywhere.

I can't stop thinking about Martha in Luke 10: 38-42 (NLV).
"As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
But the Lord said to her, 'My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.' ” 
I love this translation (NLV), because it says "you are worried and upset over all these details".  I am Martha, not Mary. In fact when I read this passage I find myself thinking "But Jesus, she was cooking you dinner! Things have to get done! That was her way of showing you love." I can defend Martha. I know her motives, because they are mine too. I want to serve, I want to make sure my home looks nice and I want to make sure my food is tasty. I want to be sure that my kids look clean and put together in public and that I don't look like I feel (a hot mess). 
Can you just see Mary sitting there soaking up Jesus, listening to his wisdom. She had it figured out. She probably knew this was the only chance she was going to have with her Savior. She was desiring the relationship. She wasn't bent on trying to impress Jesus like Martha was, like I am. And Jesus called her out. He told her her priorities were wrong. I've always wondered if after he said that to her if she left the meal to burn on the stove and sat with them. 
That is what I'm working on now. I am working on leaving my worries behind. During quite time I'm trying to leave the lunch dishes sit in the sink and do my Bible Study (Beth Moore's James). I don't want to be called out by Jesus as having my priorities off (even though I'm pretty sure that's exactly what he's doing right now). 
I'm pretty sure we can all agree that is it so hard to have Mary's heart in Martha's world!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

First Sleepover


It's tradition in our home to have whatever you want for your birthday dinner. 3 years in a row Josiah has chosen Lucky Charms. This year was a real treat….chocolate Lucky Charms. YUM

I always throw birthday parities for Josiah. Big ones. Too big.

I wanted to do something smaller this year. My solution: A sleepover.

I know. Crazy, right?

I have to say….it was so much fun!


5 boys; ages 5 to 3. One little lady. 17 hours of party. Chaos. Popcorn. Pizza. Treats.



Park Playtime (best idea ever).


 The Birthday boy was dying of excitement the entire night.







They all ended up shirtless, why does this always happen at my house.
Yes…even Ella got in on that action (cool your jets girl).


James brought home a parachute and set it up in the playroom. Instant fort.
They all fell asleep by 10:15pm. I was pretty impressed.


The morning after. Looking a bit more docile.
The funniest part of the party was that they were dying to change their clothes together. They were so excited to get in the pajamas, and then more excited to get into their clothes the next morning.


And I finally had a reason to make these birthday cake pancakes. To.Die.For.

It was so much fun.
And I loved being able to be the "cool parents".
Who am I kidding…James is always a cool parent.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Peach and Goat Cheese Salad

I am lucky enough to be married to a man who loves salads.

I know, right?

So I'm always fumbling around the kitchen looking for something yummy to put on lettuce.
Enter: Peaches and Goat Cheese

Yes, I have a slight obsession with goat cheese


I just throw sliced peaches and goat cheese onto green leaf lettuce.


Drizzle with Kraft Light Raspberry Vinaigrette. A lot goes a long way!


Voila!


Sometimes you just need a salad.

Enjoy!

You know I did.




White Lights on Wednesdays
The DIY Dreamer

Monday, September 17, 2012

Norwex Cloths {Change the way you Clean}

I am a born skeptic of commercial products.

I never jump on the bandwagon, and I never spend money on name brand products.

That being said I have to plug Norwex.
I had a fellow mom, Rachel, come over for a playdate. While she was here she showed me these amazing Norwex products.




These are life changing!

I've talked before about how I love thrifty cleaning products, but these microfiber clothes take the cake.

Not only are they sanitary (using silver as an antibacterial), but they make cleaning SO EASY!

Here's what she showed me:


These were two of the exact same tubes. Filled with the same amount of liquid.


Then she rub raw chicken on my counter. Yes. Raw Chicken. Ew!


Then she tested the area she rubbed the chicken. Look at all that protein that is evident.


She wiped it with just this cloth and tap water. Just water!
Then retested the area for protein.



None.

Amazing. It really, truly was impressive.

These products are designed to clean without any chemicals, just water. And they work!

I cleaned my windows (which are the bane of my existence with three small children) with just water. I was able to clean up bacon grease with one easy wipe and the grease was gone. Then I went over it with the window cloth and they were no streaks. My home has never been so streak free. I even cleaned my TV screen and MAC screen. No exaggeration!

Imagine the money you can save!
I am one step closer to being a completely chemical free home.

I'm in love.

Thank you Rachel for changing the way I clean forever!

Check it out for yourself!





Friday, September 7, 2012

Cutest Diaper Bag Name Tags

I am now in charge of doing the crafts for our MOPS group.
So I thought I'd share what we'll be doing.

Our frist craft is usually name tags, and I loved this so much I had to do them!

So here's how to make a unique and adorable name for your child's bag.

You will need:

Painted craft shapes from Michaels ($.59 each)

Key Ring

Sharpie

Drill and bit


Drill your hole where you'd like the key ring to go through.

Make sure you use a bit that is big enough to get your key ring through.

(Pardon the lighting)

Put your key ring through.
I had to use a staple remover to get it though.
Find that here.


Write that name!


And, voila!


For less than a dollar you can have the cutest tag on the block!


Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Frugal Fashion

I love fashion. I really do.

I just don't want to spend a fortune while showing my appreciation for it.



So on the rare occasions I get to go clothes shopping, I'm always trying to make my dollar stretch.
Enter….my frugal stores.

~Ross
~Target
~Forever 21
~Marshall's
~Wal-Mart (no lie)
~E-bay

As long as you have the time to search for a good deal, I promise you'll find something at one of these places.

I have found that Ross is much less expensive than Marshall's, but Marshall's has many cuter clothes.
Make sure you're shopping the clearance at Target. I've found $2.00 shoes, and $4.00 dresses before.

And I never buy anything at F21 unless it's on clearance. Their clothes tend to fall apart quickly, so I refuse to spend over $20.00 on any one item there.

I'm always surprised to find cute things at Wal-Mart. I have extremely small feet (size 3) so I can always find cute kids boots for my tiny feet on the cheap!

Online shopping is one of my favorite things to do. But it's the most risky. You can't try an item on before you purchase it. So you need to be confident of your sizing.

Here's an example of something I've been eyeing for a while now, but I'm nervous to commit to buy it. There are so many of really cute things from Korea for SO cheap. But be warned…they are made for tiny people. If you are tall, don't even attempt to purchase anything shipping from Asia.

Here's 3 outfits I've gotten on the cheap. And I'll tell you how.


Dress: Ross $7
Belt: Gordman's came with another dress
Shoes: Sorry, no pic Free from my mom
Earrings: So old, but I'm sure they were cheap
~So I'm guessing this entire outfit cost me around $10 total~


And here's a tip when wearing strapless dresses. 
If you are going for a "sexier" look, wear your hair up to show off your shoulders and back.
It made for a fun date night look.


 Dress: Ross $9.00
Belt: F21 $3.50
Shoes: Target, so old, but clearance
Earrings: Claire's, so old

Give those belts a knot to add to your dress.


~I would have added a higher heel to this outfit for a dressier look.~


Cotton Tee- Wal-Mart $3
White Shorts- Wal-Mart $9
Belt- F21 $3.50
Shoes- Hand-Me-Downs from my sister in law (awesome, right?)
Necklace- ClipClipHooray

Not bad right?
So take your time and shop those clearance racks!
And never be afraid to take somebody's old stuff! I'm never shy to ask either.
You never know what your friends have in their closets that they don't wear anymore.
Happy hunting.