Don't suffer through a kale salad.........drink em up!

It's 3 pm.....and like clockwork everyday I want to munch on something. 

I usually want some form of sugar, fat or salt. 

Instead of just saying I won't snack or should eat a bowl of veggies is a non-reality I have come to grips with. If I don't have something then I will end up eating food that isn't good for me. Like my daughters goldfish or graham crackers (spread with pb and topped with choc. chips....yes....it happens)

So INSTEAD! 

I give you my afternoon pick me up!

My version of the "green" drink! As much as I would love to be someone who can down an all green smoothie with ginger and lemon juice in it, no matter how I try I just can't. I don't like it and then start adding way more stuff to try and compensate the taste and before I know it I have a FULL blender of fruit, yogurt and anything else I could throw in !

That is why you actually do have to be careful with these smoothie blended drinks. You can easily drink in one glass (and quickly!) what would have been a plate full of food. This is why I make mine with lots of almond milk and ice for filler instead of tons of fruit. Cram as many greens as you want in there but watch your fruits and sweeteners. 

I make a million variations of this drink but this is the basic:

2 Cups Almond Milk (or milk)

Several cups of spinach or kale

1 cup ice

1/2 cup frozen blueberries

large scoop of peanut butter

quarter of a banana 

dash of honey (small)

Bananas are a high carb and sugar fruit so add only what you need for sweetness. 

Use only a little honey :) I know it's temping but it is a green drink after all!

This gives me the sweetness that my tongue is craving without the junk. I love watching my kiddo slurp up all those dark leafy greens!!! I usually pour the majority in my glass and then use what is left as the base for her smoothie to which I add more banana and frozen fruit.



Drink up and ENJOY~

Sleep -- contrary to my children's belief, a necessary part of life

Exhaustion

Sleep is one of those things that is just so darn annoying. We really need it. We don't function well without it. And it also can be a touchy mommy subject. As if this is all some sort of competition. ("I was up 2000 times last night") you know what I am talking about. You may have even heard those words from me before. Or the other side of the coin, those who's children sleep all night and are sure the rest of us are doing something wrong. Let me just affirm and challenge both sides real quick.

 Tired mom -- You have been up way way too much, but complaining about and your kids constantly is not uplifting and won't help anyone. And will actually make you feel more irritated AT them. 

Well rested mom --  You may have wonderful tips and tricks that got you to a place where your kids sleep all night long. So share them with true compassion and love. The moms who's children wake up all night or don't fall asleep well are not doing something wrong. There is no simple solution, and honestly until you have been in the trenches of night after night after night for months on end fighting your child on sleep - it will be hard to truly empathize. 

This is my child on the nannycam as I write this. 

It's 9:30pm and she had no nap today. Unfortunately this is not uncommon! 

I hit an all time new in my motherhood journey thus far -- I slept most of the night IN my baby's crib last night....

Yes the baby was in there too :) 

As I was standing there patting his back for what seemed like an hours on end (maybe 20 minutes actually, but at 2 am who can tell) it seemed like the most logical solution in my foggy state. When he started grunting around 3 hours later I woke up and thought "omg, what am I doing in the crib?"

Hey you do what you gotta do right?

Sleep seems like it has just been one of those issues our kids have always had. I literally cannot fathom putting our children to bed before 8 and not seeing them again for 10-12 hours. 

Our first didn't consistently sleep all night till a little before she turned 2 and then it has been on again off again since. Right now she comes sleep walking (quite seriously, I have many stories) into our room trying to get in our bed at least 4 times a night. She bring her pillow, puppy, doll, water and sleep noise maker.

Every. Single. Time...........Yup. 

So we have put a baby gate in front of her door hoping to solve that problem right? Wrong. She now fully wakes up and where I used to be able to redirect a half asleep toddler back to bed I am now coming head to head with a 2 year old {tired} terror. Not only that but she just stands there at the gate SCREAMING so the second I hear her I bolt out of bed before she wakes up the baby. 

Baby wakes up 3-4 times a night to nurse still at 10 months just like his sister did. Lord help us. lol. Hence me somehow ending up sleeping in his crib last night. 

Our current dilemma is that baby boy likes to wake up around 530 am and will only stay sleeping if nuzzled in bed with us. Lovely. (Have I mentioned that I actually strongly dislike my children being in my bed? I am not a huge lover of their little arms and legs slapping me all night). 

So when he wakes up at that time I usually bring him into bed with us and get another precious hour. 

The problem is that every few nights we break after several attempts of getting Juliana back to her bed and just let her sleep with us since everyone sleeps so well. But then when baby wakes up there is obviously no room for one more child in that bed. 

So ya know, there you have it. If it sounds familiar I hope it encourages you that you are not alone! I stumble back and forth between my children's rooms and my own several times a night every night. And that is not a "poor me" boo hoo sob story. Everyone has different battles they face with their babes. My children are not sick, have special needs, poor eaters, biters, hitters or other things (so far!) I would never complain about those two amazing kiddos. But sleep seems to be the issue in this household. If it is in yours as well then from one tired mama to another.........we will survive this!  

P.S. I finally got that toddler to sleep between sentences. I literally put my arms over her and held her eyes closed and counted to 10....boom she was out :)

I will miss these nights...

Oh how I will miss these nights. 

The happy squeals when Daddy is finally home...

Making dinner and finally having time to try out new things, taste and create while listening to daddy play with kiddos

Gathering around our little table with our little family

Sending the 2 year old outside to kick the ball and soak up those last moments of daylight while my babe and I talk about our days and plan the next....with a little kissing maybe (hey, it's my blog right? :) 

Daddy giving kiddos a bath and listening to the songs of happy babies while I clean up and organize - this actually does make me very happy lol

Cuddling little ones to sleep and reading books and singing songs

Praying with and over my littles

Tip-toeing across the floor and realizing, FREEDOM

Gathering ice cream, wine and blankets and cuddling up on the couch

Talking, watching, and loving life together

I love these precious days with little hands and little feet

Of collapsing at the end of the day in pure exhaustion but full satisfaction 

Of course not every day is like this

Many dinners are spent with melting children and even more melting parents

tantrums over teeth brushing or bed ushering

screaming to sleep and waking often

But I still love these days and know I will miss them when school and schedules undo this sweet freedom days :) 

Re-purpose that tuna Salad :)

When you are pinching pennies you eat a lot of tuna.........a lot of ton and peanut butter (no jelly or bread if you are paleo haha)

Thankfully tuna on a salad is quick and versatile -- so maybe give tuna another chance! Dress it up with some yummy extras. 

Try mixing your tuna with (full fat) greek plain yogurt, mayo and lemon juice, olive oil and salt and pepper, or dill dressing. 

Place on a bed of greens or chopped romaine and add your favorite veggies. Of course homemade kraut has to be on there too! 

This is my sisters favorite version of tuna salad. On a bed of kale with hard boiled egg and avo. 

Or add in olive oil, salt and pepper, lemon juice and mix all together :) 

Happy Tuna-ing!

Why Mommy needs to stop yelling

I know you've been there.

I've been there. 

Hearing your own voice grow louder and louder with the frustration about to bubble over.

And you suddenly find yourself yelling at your that little person. 

We all strive to be good mothers. 

We warm milk, we wipe noses, we empty shoes of sand that irritates tiny feet, we bathe and scrub, we play, we cook, we clean and we LOVE. 

Yelling doesn't mean you are a failure, but it does need to be address for the sin that it is so that we can have a game plan of how to deal with it. 

Why Mommy Yells:

I think one of the biggest steps in having a plan to stop yelling (or shouting, raising your voice, screaming, whatever it is YOU do -- and you know what I am talking about mama), is to figure out what sets you off and unleashes your cray cray side lol. This was vital for ME in realizing the times when I was getting the most upset was due to outside circumstances - not only my child's behavior. For example, YES it is always frustrating and aggravating when my 2 year old decides to scream "NO" and launch her cereal across the room. However, it is 1000 x more stressful when we are late, or I have company coming over, or I am tired, or the house is a mess. Instead of merely responding to the behavior (the disobedience of saying no and throwing food) I am now fuming inside with the fact that I have more work to do now in cleaning up, getting more food, and dealing with the issue. So figure out what your triggers per say, are. It is hard to stay calm when a toddler is kicking, hitting and screaming but you must -- because you are the adult not the 2 year old. 

Why Mommy Needs to Stop:

We all know why we shouldn't yell or why it's bad blah blah blah, but if you really don't think it's that bad you will continue to do it. 

You can be anti-spank, anti-shame punishment, anti-whatever -- but if you are yelling and screaming at your kids you are doing just as much if not more damage. You can read countless studies online about what happens in kids brains when you scream at them but the point I am stressing is that when you yell -- you are demonstrating and out of control mama. And the truth is screaming scares kids. It makes them wonder if and when you will lose it again. And an out of control mommy screaming at her child is not only scary, it's missing the point and not allowing you to calmly deal with the ISSUE of your child's disobedience. Then you feel guilty about how you have now responded so you try and justify it by the outrageous behavior of your child.......and the viscous cycle continues. 

Game Plan:

I talked about triggers so discover what things in particular set you off, but if you are a yeller and that has been your M.O. for a while you are going to have to do some major revamping when it comes to dealing with difficult situations. 

1. Take a DEEP breath. I know this is obvious but this works. You feel that anger rising about to bubble out and just STOP. Take a few deep breaths, I promise your reaction will be different. 
2. Take a mommy time out. Seriously. If you need to walk away (given you can from the situation) and take a few minutes to calm down. yes the discipline will not be immediate as it should be but it will be from a calm and gathered mommy instead of an explosively reactive one.
3. Be there for and with your kids. Your toddler is less likely to hurl their shoes at the wall or dump their plate if you are right there with them. This obviously can't be all the time. But if you are sensing a difficult day ahead maybe leave a few things off you list and be attentive to your child's moods so you can correctly handle them when they get out of hand. 
4. Confess and repent. Don't allow yourself to justify your shouting because of your lack of sleep, busy day, or tantrum throwing child. Ask God for forgiveness and his strength to deal with your child in a loving way. Next, confess to your child. I have already done this multiple times and my daughter is only 2 -- yikes! Tell them you are sorry for raising your voice, that their actions were wrong but that your response was too. Ask for forgiveness. This is so vital is showing your kids that even mommy is subject to God. She makes mistakes and has to daily ask for help and forgiveness. I encourage you to begin practicing this even if your child is too young to understand. You will be creating a habit for the future when you mess up and they do understand. 
5. Get on their level and see things from their perspective. Were you running around getting ready to leave while texting and ignoring something? Sure we can't all just throw our breakfast on the ground to get attention, but when you can try to come at it from their view you will have a better response in why that is not an appropriate way to get mommy's attention. 
6. Don't be mad at them for being children. This is huge. Your child or toddler is just that -- a child. You were a child too and had to learn the correct ways to act and behave. Someone took the time to teach us as well :) I can't be mad at my 2 year old for needing discipline, that is what she is supposed to need. I am the adult who has already received the training in what is right and wrong, and it is my job to teach her. I cannot be upset for that. I can be disappointed when she blatantly disobeys me, but it has to do with her heart not her actions. These are the years of guiding and training and guiding and training. If they needed to training I would be worried! 

Whether you grew up being yelled at and that is your motivation to not yell at your kiddos, or are like me and have not ONE single memory of your mom yelling (super mom much?) -- it doesn't matter. Yelling is damaging, and above all else it is sin against God and against your child. Refuse to yell. Ask God for the strength when you feel yourself about to lose it. Pray for patience when you are picking up those scattered cheerios. Take a break if the stress is overwhelming you and causing you to act out more. Spend your few spare minutes during the day prepping dinner or straightening up instead of scrolling instagram that way when kids are crying at 6:30 but you are just starting dinner you won't lose it and lash out. You can control your tongue, and with God's help your heart can change towards your little ones as well.

DIY wood signs

I have been having a blast making re-purposed wood signs.

They are ridiculously easy and fun to make! And cost very little if you have the right equipment and time :)

 While I love the pallet look, I actually don't use pallet boards to make my signs. 

Using Pallet Boards:

Pros: 

• Perfect re-purposed look
• FREE
• Easy to find

Cons:

• Very hard to get apart 
• Possibly harmful - since it is impossible to know where pallet boards have been or what has been stored on them it's possible they have had chemicals stored on them or been in the rain growing mold. They continue to re-use them so you have to decide if you are comfortable handling them

If you are making one sign I say go for the pallets, but if you are going to be making a bunch I would maybe reconsider. I use old wood and my sweet hubs puts them together for me! 

First decide if you want to have all the edges even or staggered, horizontal or vertically put together :) 

Once you have the shape sign you want, sand all the edges and front to make sure it's smooth. Splinters are no fun :( 

I then add this amazing product I love! I got it at Lowes for $8.99 and I have hardly made a dent and have used it for at least 10 projects. Dab a little on a rag or old T-Shirt and rub liberally into the wood until you have the darkened look you want. 

I use a mix of pre-cut words touched up by hand. My amazing mother-in-law has a cricut so I can cut any words out of it, making it way easier! But you could also print any font offline and then cut out to use as a stencil. 

This is my favorite kind of stencil brush because it is tightly packed an won't let the paint bleed under your stencil. 

Once dry, carefully peel off so the paint doesn't bleed.  

If needed, touch up with a fine brush and make sure all the letters are smooth. 

Have fun and happy crafting! 

Your Spring Cleaning Checklist

As the weather warms and you find yourself soaking up the sun don't forget to swing open those doors (and cupboards!) and get a good deep cleaning in. 

After a long winter of being cooped up inside and spending your afternoons cuddled up on the couch it's no wonder it's called spring cleaning. It's finally warm and things that have been left untouched need to be gutted out :) I know they do in my house! 

Here is my checklist, these are things I would do in addition to a normal weekly cleaning. 

My advice:

• Break it up and don't tackle too many things on the list at once--ESPECIALLY if you have kids. I made you a very limited and doable list with 10 or less chores per room! If you are feeling the need for more simply google spring cleaning and you will be blow away ---- seriously. But if this list still frightens you don't be discouraged, pick a few things and do those to start. Or decide to do simple ONE thing on this whole page per day this spring. 
• Include your kids if you have them!! I can still remember my sister and I borrowing my moms "cleaning bandannas" and wrapping them up around our hair (Think the "We can do it" sign) as we grabbed dusters and brooms to "help" my mom out. Make it fun with loud Disney music and make sure there are goodies along the way.
• Meal plan for that "day" or grab a take-out so you aren't worried about starting dinner in the midst of reorganizing your cupboards when the counter is littered with food. 
• OPEN the windows!!!! It definitely makes it feel so much more springy! And I don't know about you but I feel so much more in the mood for cleaning when the breeze is blowing and the sun is shining. 
• Crank the tunes! Whatever music gets you motivated get it blasting. 
• Get movin. For me, I have to start first thing in the morning and move move move! 
• Take a break -- or don't. Okay, so some people need to take a break and put their feet up to get up the energy to start again. For ME, as soon as I take a break (usually around mid-afternoon for naps) that is IT, I am done. No matter how much I try to muster up the momentum I had I am so tired and done for that day. So know yourself! 

Make sure your house is ready to go for deep cleaning! Trust me I know this is hard, if you ever actually have your whole house clean usually it took the whole day (week) to do so and the last thing you want to do is start deep cleaning. So all I say is at least straighten up! It's hard to completely gut out your bedroom when the counter in the kitchen is covered in breakfast mess and dishes. Clean up and then dig in.

I am making these lists in addition to a regular house cleaning. So there are not the obvious weekly tasks that we do when cleaning the house. (PLEASE NOTE, cleaning your microwave, if not already a weekly task, needs to be! I never get why people don't clean their microwaves. Pop a cup of water in there for a few minutes to loosen things up before you clean, trick from my mama). 

Bedrooms:

1. Open windows
2. Change sheets, mattress cover and bed skirt. 
3. Flip mattress
4. Dust all blinds (good kid job!)
5. Wash windows and panels 
6. Take off curtains and wash
7. Clean out under the bed, in closets and under dressers
8. Reorganize clothes and get rid of ones you aren't wearing! 

Bathroom:

1. Scrub behind toilet and sink (if you can) and any area you normally just do a quick wipe down
2. Take everything out of your shower and scrub everywhere -- I am talking toothbrush here people!
3. Go through medicine cabinets and throw out old lotions, medicine (flush) and expired products
4. Wipe out cupboards and cabinets
5. Wash and wipe fronts of sink drawers
6. Wash walls/baseboards
7. Clean shower curtain and liner

Kitchen

1. OPEN WINDOWS -- this is especially important when using strong smelling products. If using natural products no worries........but I'd still open up :) 
2. Apply oven cleaner and follower instructions
3. Take stove top apart and scrub each part (This I do weekly so if you do as well then consider doing a step further like this)
4. Take off stove top knobs to soak and scrub
5. Clean out pantry and cupboards - discard expired food and repacked spilled bean, rice, etc
6. Empty and clean refrigerator and freezer -- this is best done right before a shopping trip when it is the most empty. Make sure to clean before you leave so that you aren't waiting with cold food items when you get home. 
7. Pull away from the wall slightly the stove and refrigerator if you can and clean behind. Be sure to check the cords for any damage. 
8. Run your coffee maker and dishwasher on empty with some vinegar
9. Clean EVERYTHING off your counter tops and scrub underneath
10. Organize drawers and wipe down inside and fronts of cabinets

Living/Family Room:

1. Take all cushions off couch and vacuum -- just vacuum everywhere! 
2. Clean out under couch and entertainment center
3. Move entertainment center away from wall and clean cords, back of tv, etc
4. Clean wains coating  -- I use a toothbrush and rag
5. If you have rugs, move them and clean underneath
6. Wipe down legs of end tables, coffee table, etc
7. Clean light fixtures
8. Wipe down curtain rods
9. Disinfect remote, tv buttons and other electronics that get handled frequently 
10. Buff and clean leather furniture 

Laundry Room:

1. Wipe down washer and dryer
2. Take out dryer vent and clean 
3. DE-CLUTTER this room :) That can take me a whole day as it is my dump zone
4. Wash floors behind appliances under laundry room sink
5. Organize food products with oldest in front and other items on shelves

Kids Rooms (follow Bedroom checklist with these few modifications)

1. Toy simplify! Donate or put in storage toys that have had no play in over a week
2. Wipe down bed frames that may have gunk or stains
3. Wipe down closet doors
4. Organize clothes and shoes pack away or donate too small of ones
5. Take toys and books off shelves and wipes down

Whole House:

1. Dust and wipe fans
2. Scrub/wipe baseboards (this was my job when I was 5!!)
3. After regular mopping take a knife and spray bottle of cleaner around and scrape any gunk off your floors. Jelly and lots of other unpleasant things get stuck in every nook and cranny at my house and this is the only want to get them up!
4. Wash windows inside and out
5. Take off screens and scrub with water and soapy scrub brush then hose off to rinse
6. Spot clean your carpets
7. Wash walls, door handles, light switches and anything else you don't normally clean
8. Vacuum ceiling air vents
9. Vacuum cobwebs from all corners and ceilings  
10. Dust light bulbs, smoke detectors and high shelves that normally get neglected

Happy Cleaning!