We recently did just that. In hind sight we are still questioning if it was the right decision. We have ended up where we have ultimately wanted to be to raise our kids… but the mental and emotional battles of staying with extended family and not having our own space, and the unknowing future of my husbands employment has almost been too hard at times.

We have come away with seems to be, too much understanding of others… we are quite bruised from the experience. But then there is the whole learning challenge of all the months with out our own comforts of home, only each other.

There is power in not having life comforts but having your significant other and children around to help you through hard times. It helps the children learn about not getting every thing they want, or think they deserve… it is about dealing with what life brings.

So a family adventure can end up good or bad but it is what you do with what is thrown at you. I truly believe our kids will be stronger more well rounded individuals as they think back to our life changing adventure. It has given them insight that only comes through true experience!

Post from: Jenna Storms

A Family Adventure

Fathers Day and Mothers Day also tend to be where the significant other feels like they need to buy a gift, even if the children make their own.  Where does it end?  It is a bit of a pocket emptier if you ask me.

I tend to think that every holiday in America does not have to be celebrated so extravagantly.  Good food is always a plus but we just put it on out grocery list and use left overs and kind of just incorporate what we are doing into the budget.

For Memorial Day weekend this year, we put up a tent we already had, in the back yard.  The kids got to camp out in the safety of our back yard, while my husband and I got a soft bed and did not have to chase a 2 year old around an unknown area.

We grilled hot dogs on a charcoal grill/ portable fire pit.  So we ate then had a nice warm fire, the weather was perfect… it was awesome, the kids loved it.  We put a table up for condiments with an old birthday table cloth, had fun plastic colorful plates, we already had.  We pulled out tiki-torches I got for 25 cents each.

Really, we probably spent less than $20.  It was great, the kids were so happy!  They had a wonderful time, it was the ‘wow’ factor of it being different, a little dressed up, and the tent… oh ya!!

It has been on my mind because of the economy… all these holidays, including the birthdays of your immediate family.  I think that you do not have to feel the crunch or the push to spend money because every one else is.

If you have to tighten your belt in your budget then consider more creative ways to make it fun.  If it is mostly for the kids, then you can get creative with out spending much, it also helps to get their input.

If it is with friends throw a party together.  Maybe your place will be more spacious, so split the spending with someone… like food or drinks.  Or have every one split up food to bring.  Or condiments, or plates, cups, napkins and things.  It can work out pretty good, if you communicate it all.

Just get a sign up list, make some phone calls… it could work out nicely with less spending.

If you don’t spend so much money on a few of these holidays then you can have the funds to throw a few good parties.  Decide in advance which ones you really want to have a fun party for, then work it out.

I recently wrote an article on birthdaypartyideas.com that talks more about saving for birthday parties for the year, which is why this article came about.  Just in case you are interested.

Thoughts for the week from me 

Post from: Jenna Storms

So Many Holidays!

There are many ways to get caught up in how you should look. As a young teen, I wasn’t really worried about my weight, as the time went on I was a dancer, and I became more concerned with what I thought I should look like. Looking at magazines with those skinny models on them.

My mentality was to just be thin, not understanding what that would make me… not as strong as I could of been, probably made school harder to concentrate. I basically was not eating enough meals, I am pretty sure I was not the only one doing this. I also tried to eat everything “fat-free”.

Which now we know not to be good either! It actually causes you to store more fat, and not absorb that protein which ultimately makes you stronger and leaner.

I married my best friend, who happens to be a personal trainer of 15+ years. I had a pretty messed up understanding of skinny, how to get skinny, how to stay skinny.

My husband has educated me so well in how metabolism works, and what my old habits would actually do to my body… I have come to realize I don’t want to be ‘skinny’, I want to be lean… which is mostly eating. I also have come to realize skinny people are usually not very healthy or strong. I like to be strong and athletic… it is in my nature to want to be tough.

Just another reason why I think the Lord had him in mind for me.

So it all comes down to eating habits… more importantly portion size. At this time I don’t want to miss out on cake at my kids birthday party, or not eat Pizza on our movie night. That is where I am at right now. So I can over eat or eat a portion that will not cause me to gain weight.

Yes, self control has to be exercised. Do I always exercise this? Nope… but again I don’t think many people do. It is how many times you choose to not over do salty and sweet foods in a day.

I do however, when I am a bit older want to be leaner and stronger and walk around feeling a bit more in shape. You know the age thing… closer to 40 and I will go to a lot more trouble to be lean… that’s just me.

Now with this said, exercise is the next step after the eating… obviously. They do go hand in hand, but losing fat is only produced by better eating habits, or portion control. You can burn that fat and build muscle with exercise.

The problem is people over do it so fast that they burn out and don’t want to go back. I say… start changing your eating habits, begin to see the difference and then begin a doable exercise program. Don’t be in a hurry, be consistent and patient.

I know many friends and family that have done Weight Watchers. I completely believe in it. It gives you the tools you need to understand what your body really needs to lose pounds and be at a comfortable place, weight wise.

Every one has their own wants about their size, I am promoting Weight Watchers because it is simple and educational. It just takes doing the work. It isn’t a hard core, muscle building, body changing program… it is a life changing possible life saving program to help you understand eating habits.

So we all have our different desires about our health and our bodies. Some are changeable like our weight, I believe that if your weight is causing you health problems, then it is time to make a change. I truly believe Weight Watchers is the place to start.

They also are there for you, if you need more support! It is a great thing! If you agree with what I have said then check it out… My desire is that it helps you make the changes you need!

Post from: Jenna Storms

Eating Habits

I do not like to wear make up.  I am talking about foundation and powder.

Over the last 5 years of my life, I have been breaking out a lot, which I do not like to admit… but it is the truth!  Since I don’t like to wear cover-up… I just went out of the house feeling ‘not so pretty’.

I had wanted it for a while, and my husband was paying attention.  I was excited and a little nervous to try it because I didn’t want to be disappointed.  It takes a few times to get use to putting it on.  It is easy but you tend to put a little too much on at first.. at least that’s what I did.

I was not disappointed, I love the product.  It gives my face more even tone, and a little sun to my cheeks.  It is totally natural and good for your face.

It gives me a natural look with out the appearance of caked on make-up look.   I also have inherited dark circles under my eyes that this stuff just fades away.  You can use as much or as little as you want.

I worship at church and it is nice to have make up so natural, and it makes me feel pretty.  Wow I sound like a little girl, but that is what I am at heart. I don’t intend to change it. 

So I am putting an ad on my site today, because I personally use the product and believe in it!  To me it isn’t that pricey because it goes a long ways… and NO this is not a commercial, this is the truth!

So if you are interested… try it out, it is awesome!

Post from: Jenna Storms

Bare Minerals

I do!  But I don’t do it once a year, I do it like quarterly sometimes more.  I do it, maybe takes me a week… but I do every room.  I completely exhaust myself, and the kids are pretty tired of it when we are finished.  But I have to say… it is so wonderful when it is done!

Maybe with 6 people in the house the need for purging is needed more.  Who knows?  But I do get a sense of accomplishment from it, I will tell you that.  My house looks ‘spic n span’.

I do find with an toddler, nothing stays clean… EVER!  It is so sad, and very frustrating.  I am not a fan of clutter, but it follows me through my house.  I purge, clothes, toys, books, whatever… to keep my house as uncluttered as possible.  It is a constant battle!

Then I think when I have conquered the battle, watch… it will only be because my kids have grown up and no longer live with us and I will be lonely and wish the clutter was back. 

Isn’t that the cycle of life?  My husband uses that phrases a lot!  I will come in after my boy, because he has broken free into Daddy’s office to say”Hi” and I am tired of chasing him, and my hubby will say, very sweetly… “You’re gonna miss this”.  If I am not too annoyed and step back for a minute… he is so right!

I am going to miss it, all of it… but when it’s gone!  There is a sweet country song about just that by Trace Adkins called “You’re Gonna Miss This”. It pretty much covers  life and how we need to slow down and just enjoy the moments, the good times in the mists of the craziness, it’s poetic!  It is sweet and makes me have to fight back tears every time I listen to it.

So if you are a mother and get overwhelmed and your attitude starts going down the toilet like all of our does, at times… I encourage you to pray for peace and joy amongst the craziness, and then… listen to that song, play it for you hubby too!!

Okay even if you are a Dad listen to it…   I don’t think of guys coming to this site for good reading… (so just in case) LOL!

Just in case you are not a fan of country listen to it anyway, it is so worth it!

“Your Gonna Miss This” by Trace Adkins

Post from: Jenna Storms

I’m Gonna Miss This

I never again want to sacrifice my own space to keep my kids areas and the rest of the house as tidy as possible!  It gives me, no place of serenity!  I only came to this realization because I did actually finished my room, today.

Every time I go in there now… I feel like I am on a vacation. I vacation with a nice room, you know a hotel room, only my stuff is all unpacked.

I moved my dresser so I could have more space when I walk in, it is a more open feel.  A nice big thing is I got the baby’s play pen out of there.  It is spacious and beautiful, and we don’t even have nice furniture. LOL

I think the key word is spacious, not because it is huge but because I do not have unnecessary things on the floor and I did not cover every single inch of available wall space with shelves or a hamper or anything.

It is wonderful and I never want to go back!  I realized I constantly sacrifice my own time, space, things to the kids… which is what mothers do.  Sacrificial love is what we are all about, in our own ways… not anything like Jesus, but He is a great example. 

Anyway… We are suppose to sacrifice… I just don’t think it is suppose to be EVERYTHING…  so today, having a nice clean haven, is just what the doctor ordered!

So I encourage you to find the space you like best and start there.  Clean it and try to not cover every empty space with something.  Leave empty places, don’t add another shelf for more storage.

I am serious, it makes a difference!

The next instruction is… when one of your kids says, “Hey Mom, what do you want me to do with this”… don’t say, “just put it in the empty space on my floor by the door, until I can figure out where to put it.”  Think about where you would find a place for it, and make them do it right then.

Aaahh, now the start of that mess has yet to flourish!  Yeah!

Well, that is my new accomplishment this week, don’t let the kids off the hook to help create a mess you have to deal with later.  I have them do chores and all, and things STILL pile up in the darnedest places.  Again storage is an issue, but not an excuse!

Now I am just talking to myself.  LOL

Hope this helped someone!

Cheers! 

Post from: Jenna Storms

Your Own Space

It was also hard because I had little ones at home, while I was going through some very needed personal growth. Now that isn’t to say I am done, I think we always need to work on ourselves.  Become better people to glorify our God who has created us, and wants the best for us.  That is only achieved if you are always looking for ways to improve, as a person, as a husband or wife, as a parent, as a teacher, as a friend… the list could go on and on.

Anyway… I truly love my 30′s.  I am so comfortable with who I am, I now know what I like and don’t like, becoming molded into the person I was meant to be.  It is like a big weight is lifted off my shoulders, like a sigh of relief knowing I am who I am, and it isn’t all that bad.  And the outside world can take it or leave it, that is fine by me.

I guess I am talking mostly about my personality and my character.  It is almost as if I contradicted myself… I need constant personal growth, but I am who I am… too funny!

It is the person I am inside…really weird to describe myself but I will give it a try.  I am kind, don’t like to be mean and don’t like people being mean or rude.  I am thoughtful…I have a heart for others and what they are going through or what they have been through, I do truly care.

I love to laugh, I love hearing my family at the dinner table genuinely laugh together, because the baby is doing something SO cute.  I love making people laugh, I love being made to laugh.  I love having a sense of humor about life… if you can’t find a sense of humor about hard times of the past, even if it is yesterday then it is just plain depressing!

I love God’s creation, His work on this earth is truly amazing.  Maybe that is why I love so much to photograph it all.  The colors just in the sky alone, is NOT by accident.  My kids and all their expressions and feelings of emotion through their body language.  I wish I could take constant still shots of what God has created in them…it is so lovely.

I really do think Hawaii is my heaven.  I love the beach, and living in tank tops and flip flops…my dream.  I love sunsets, rainy days, and watching the wind blow through the trees.  Busy birds in the sky and clouds floating by.

The smell of flowers coming through the window of my car on a hot day makes me smile.  The beautiful blooming trees and all the different colors of the leaves come spring time reminds me of how thankful I am for winter to be over… oh and that reminds me of all the baby ducklings out in the Spring time… the list could go on and on.

I do not like kids who do not have respect for others, whether it be their peers or adults.  I have no patience for parents who ignore their children and their behavior.  I do not like unthoughtful people, who are rude and obnoxious just for the sake of being selfish. I also could do completely with out confrontation, especially with someone who is right no matter what the argument.

Not a fan of housework, like to do laundry when I have time (which is never), love to feel strong cuz I just worked out, love my husbands laugh, love to be creative… writing, singing and playing guitar, painting, designing and sewing quilts, coloring, building with wood, the list can probably go on and on once again.

I love plants, buying new ones, growing babies, making our windows look like tropical rain forests.  How they have so much different detail depending on what kind they are.  I like how my husband looks at them and tells me how great they look even when he really doesn’t care one way or the other.

I just want to live simply, don’t want so much material as I do quality of life… where I have learned to be a content wife, mother, and most importantly child of God.  Watching my last little boy grow, I realize how much time flew by and I feel like I missed just enjoying my older ones as tots.  That is one of those ‘life lessons’.

So to be sad would be a waist of precious time that God has given us to learn and grow, and to appreciate the NOW.  So my hearts desire is to not forget that.  To soak up the rest of these 30′s as gifts of priceless time with my kids to love and nurture them so they can go have better 20′s and even better30′s than myself.

And lastly… to live in paradise, (Hawaii that is)…aahhh…. with my guitar… oh and my husband… and my friends and family… in our little beach cottage, with a music/painting/sewing/ photography room… and hibiscus (hawaiin flower) growing every where… oh ya, one more thing… and no big nasty bugs, ANYWHERE! 

Post from: Jenna Storms

My 30′s

Okay that is what I have email for, right?

Well… I signed up the day before yesterday.  It was really confusing at first, and of course my little sis was right there to help.  I fiddled little by little with it, trying to understand the way it works.  It has taken some time but by the end of yesterday, I had talked to so much of my family that I haven’t talk to in like 10-15 years…YIKES!

I hate even admitting that, but it is true!

I live Chatted (or do I just say ‘Chatted’) with one of my Uncles who I adore.  It was so great, it really made my day.  I forgot how much I enjoy him and I felt like I got to see him.  We are so many miles away, and yet I feel like we had a visit.  I was really a little giddy the rest of my day.

I also got in touch with a friend that I sang with in high school, who I truly loved!  I am not even sure she realizes that.  She sings and even has a website, it was really great to see what she was up to.  And for not seeing each other in so long, we are kind of doing the same things… so cool!

I have yet to post pictures, but I can’t wait to show my family off!  What a great concept.  I am sure most of you who are reading this are like…”ya, we already know this, but thanks”… that’s okay, it’s my blog! 

I can see how it can be addictive.  For me as a full time mother of 4 kids it is a way to connect with your loved ones and friends with out leaving home.  It is hard for me to get out of the house for ‘me time’, not that I even think about doing that much.

I do have a household to run, and husband and kids to care for.  I do find that some times I am at my wits end and am feeling a bit strained and start losing my patience with every one.  My mojo to do the job God called me to do starts lacking.

I do get to take kids to activities or grocery shop, okay and for church but that is about it.  So I guess I just begin to realize I need some fellowship that is a little more about me, and less about the household.

I  hope to not let it become an addiction, but a God sent for me to have relationship with people I care about.  Wow, is that a little sappy?  Oh well, it is what it is. 

Now I have to start getting my bible out and do devotion before I get on my computer so I can keep my “Christ Centered” life centered on Christ… then all will be as it should be. 

Post from: Jenna Storms

Facebook Newby

Have you ever thought about heaven?  It is really hard to wrap our head around the concept.  It is fun however to try and explain it…especially if you have children.   It is an awesome exercise to give them a visual example.

My daughter just this morning was telling me that she thinks the streets of Gold aren’t actually going to look like gold that we melt down and put on as jewelry…she thinks it is going to look more like honey.  That makes me laugh inside because she LOVES honey. 

How sweet it is to have our children just ponder Heaven and Jesus, it is wonderful to have that child like love and trust in our Lord.  If we believe Jesus is the Son of God, believe that He died for our sins, and He arose from the dead… we are forgiven… we are Saved!  We are forgiven of all of our sins…past, present, and future!

Ponder that…I remember feeling so unworthy.  Feeling unworthy comes right from the enemy of God…if you don’t know who that is then leave a comment.    Our Lord has unconditional love for us…here on earth no matter who you are, love usually seems conditional.  Even as a parent for your child you say it is unconditional but actions that come don’t always show that.

Well our God REALLY has unconditional love for us…and to think about that just gives me a such sense of acceptance and purpose to live an upright life for him.  True love that you feel for your newborn baby, when they are helpless and in need of every thing you have to offer them, is what is felt.  Yes, every one is in need of true unconditional love…even the ones that have made it through life all by them selves.

Look into the one resource that will give you answers to all that I am talking about…The Bible…it is a true testament to His love for us and His willingness to suffer in our behalf…unconditional love…the most beautiful thing I can imagine.

Post from: Jenna Storms

Easter

Homeschooling is the hardest for me when I have a pounding head ache from sinus pressure and my body feels like I am in my 70′s.   I have got 3 kids at different education levels.  They all have different questions at different times, and then there is the whole attention span of each one.

My brain can’t keep up a whole conversation with my busy 6 year old.  And I haven’t even mentioned the very demanding 20 month old, who I love dearly but has lungs that you wouldn’t believe. 

It is fine when a few of the kids are sick…they stay in bed while I run around getting chores done, fixing them something to eat, laundry…the usual stuff.  The house actually seems a bit more quiet when they don’t feel well.  Maybe even a blessing in disguise.  The house isn’t as messy, rooms stay cleaner, kitchen is more tidy…all is just fine.

Now…turn the table and make me the sick one, or even worse…me and my husband.  It is a whole different story.  Last night as I sit on the couch with no energy to move or even speak, my 20 month old is dumping his little snacks all over the floor.  Pouring them from container to container, he thinks it is so cool.

I know he is learning and I think it is adorable,  except…that most of it misses the container and then gets stepped on.  The perimeter of the mess seems to grow and grow as he continues too.

Does this bother me?  Yes, the mess bothers me, do I have any energy to even clean it up…nope.  It stayed until the next day, totally out of my character.  The house is in stand still with remnents of my baby and 3 other children all over.  Which is usually tidied up daily, but I have no energy to even reinforce today.

Instead of their normal home school work, they did less of that and I am letting them do typing tutor on their ‘hand-me-down’ homeschool laptop,  Why…because I can’t even hardly engage today.

It is hard for me to believe I am the only one out there who feels this way…then I realize how lucky I am for not having to get up, get my kids ready for school, get myself ready for work, and then actually go to work feeling this way.  Or taking the day off and worring if I can pay a bill since I took this day off.

That is where I find my blessing in all of this.  The freedom to be sick, let the house go for a few days, recover, and get back to my life.  My hubby had to go to work today feeling this bad, so we can pay our bills… So I guess we all have a sob story when we are sick.

To take a sick day or to not take a sick day…that is the question.

As a full time homemaker, do I even get a sick day?  I think not.  I have to just feel inadequate all day by telling my kids I am sorry we are just going to have to have an unproductive day because I feel really crappy!

That’s okay…life goes on!  I hear a song coming on!

“OoohBlaDeeOoohBlaDaa….life goes on…yeah…Dadadada…life goes on!”

See this is an a perfect example of me knowing the song but not all of the lyrics…to understand what that means you must read my post under ‘Music’…’The Feel Of A Song’ 

Post from: Jenna Storms

A Sick Day