Momma's Time

Pin of the Week - A Good Mother

2012-05-25T11:51:00.000-07:00

I like this week's pin because I think it makes all moms stop and say "Yes, that's right."

I don't know about you, but I get so sick of the mom competition that goes on.

Source: littlefamilyfun.com via Momma's on Pinterest

There is no wrong or right way. We all have our own way, our own situations, our own lives. And we all love our children deeply.

I pinned this on my Thoughts and Such board.

What are you finding on Pinterest this week?

Eiffel Tower

2012-05-24T14:10:00.001-07:00

When asked about what was going on with the toys, Bug informed me, "They are all looking at the Eiffel Tower."

I don't know about you, but I just love it!

Colorful Carnations

2012-05-23T10:44:00.000-07:00

I decided today to share the post that I just put up on my homeschooling blog. I think my readers here will enjoy it as well...

We're studying plants this week so I decided to have Bug do a science project. In learning about plants he has been studying how the roots of a plant act like arms by grabbing the minerals and water from the soil and then delivering it to the stem. The stem then acts like a straw, sucking up those minerals and the water, and delivering it to the leaves of the plant (where food is made) and eventually to the petals of the flower.

For his science project I wanted him to see first hand how the water travels up the stem. He did this by changing the color of carnations - exciting!

I was surprised by how many people out there have never seen this done so I took plenty of pictures to show you the process...

We started with plain white carnations. We cut the stems on a diagonal then put them in about an inch to two inches of water that was combined with a generous amount of food coloring (you need to add at least a teaspoon of coloring to the water). We used red, yellow, blue, and green.

After about an hour you could see the color starting to tint the flowers...

About two hours later the color was really showing through...

And by the time we woke up this morning the color had just exploded!

We put the flowers all together in a vase and it is a rainbow of beauty!

Bug said it was "like magic" and Bean just said a lot of "wow" and "that's amazing!"

What was really cool is that the Hubby had never seen this either so it was a science experiment for him as well.

The concept of how a plant's stem moves the water and minerals up to the leaves has been made very clear to Bug and the miraculous design of God's creation - all things working together - has been reinforced. I'd say this science experiment was a complete success!

Techie Tuesday - SAT Question of the Day

2012-05-22T14:17:00.000-07:00

Perhaps I should rename this post "Get Your Geek On!"

Haha!!!

Seriously though, I love - LOVE - the SAT Question of the Day app for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. It's fun to test your knowledge.

Yes, YES, I said it was fun!!!

The app offers a new, and very real, SAT question every day. And if you can't answer it, the app offers you hints to help. You also will be timed and there are statistics to let you know where you stand in how you answer - were you in the higher percentage of who got it right, or of who got it wrong?

I tell ya, this is nerdiness in a whole new level! I look forward to a new question every morning when I wake up.

And the best part... It's FREE!!!

*This post is my opinion. I downloaded the app for FREE from the iTunes App Store and I use it daily. I received NO compensation for this post.

Fruit of the Spirit Book Two: Meekness

2012-05-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Have you ever wondered what meekness is and how exactly one would live a life of meekness or gentleness - a humble life? If you've ever thought about such things then this latest eBook from Lara Velez is for you.

And for today only you can download it FREE!

I first told you about Lara's Fruit of the Spirit series back in April. I'm really excited that she has released book two and I can't wait to read the next. Like all of Lara's eBooks, this book on meekness is informative, straightforward, and full of truth. Living with a gentle spirit is something God expects of us and this eBook provides scriptural truth to help us along.

*This post is my opinion. I received Fruit of Meekness as a gift from Lara Velez and decided to review it just because I really like it. I received NO compensation for this post.

Happy Birthday, Little Man!

2012-05-19T06:00:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe that Bug is 8 years-old today, but he is...

He can be such a ham for the camera - I love it!

Bug picked out this cake - chocolate with more chocolate and very fluffy frosting balloons. He also picked out his number eight candle.

When I look at my sweet Bug I see more than just a kid. I see love, joy, and compassion - maybe because God has used my son to teach me those things in a profound way.

Sweet Bug, your mommy loves you more than you will ever know. You make me proud every day. I love how your brain works. I love how you think. I love the silly way in which you run. I love the odd way in which you eat. I love your obsession with Jeopardy. I love your spirit. I love your love for God - at just 8 years-old you have already accepted Christ as your Savior. Not even Autism could take Him from you or you from Him! I love everything about you - even when you drive me bonkers! You are a gift, you always have been a gift, and your birthday is more blessing than you will ever know.

Pin of the Week - Oh My Yum!

2012-05-18T13:22:00.000-07:00

One thing Pinterest always succeeds in doing is making me hungry. Man, this look good and I totally have to make it!

Source: food.chatelaine.com via Momma's on Pinterest

I pinned this on my Makes Me Hungry board - now I just need to find the perfect time to test my culinary skills. It think my kids might even like it!

If you click the source link below the picture you will be taken to the recipe - Mmm...

Hand Cups

2012-05-16T13:27:00.001-07:00

For some reason, I guess it's a phase, both of my kids have become obsessed with police, jail, good guys and bad guys, crime and punishment, police chases, police cars, and handcuffs.

It leads to some interesting conversations as to why police do what they do and what is against the law and what is not.

And it also leads to some very funny conversations in which my sweet little girl says the craziest things.

The other day she said to her brother that she was going to "hand cup" him.

Hand cup?

It took me a minute and then I started laughing, "Bean, did you mean handcuff?"

"Yeah, hand cup. He's gonna get hand cupped."

I love the things kids say. Sometimes it's so cute you just can't correct them.

Techie Tuesday - Give Credit

2012-05-15T13:58:00.001-07:00

With so many people using Pinterest these days I think it is only inevitable that peoples' pins will start showing up on blogs. Even I've begun doing my Pin of the Week.

When we find things we really like it is only natural that we would want to share, and that is a good thing! But you must remember to share responsibly.

Just copying and pasting the picture is not responsible sharing. You must give credit where credit is due.

And Pinterest has really made it super easy for you to do this! All you need to do is click on the pin you want to share, select "embed" and copy the code. You then paste that code into your blog post. What will show up is the pin you love along with source information underneath it - it really is that easy!

With such a simple way to stay legit in your posting why would you want to do otherwise?

Below is an example of a pin that I used the embed code with so that you can see what it will look like on your blog should you choose to share from Pinterest...

Source: beautiful.tumblr.com via Momma's on Pinterest

Notice that the source information is given right under the picture I have pinned. It didn't originate with me, but it did originate from the person at that Tumblr account.

This is very easy to do, and it's just polite.

Summer Fun List

2012-05-13T23:11:00.000-07:00

This is just a neat thing I saw on Pinterest that I thought I would share...

Source: mycrazylifeasamomandawife.blogspot.com via Momma's on Pinterest

I like a lot of the ideas and think it would be fun to put together a list like this of our own to keep on the fridge and mark off whatever we do. I know the kids would probably get a kick out of it.

Can you believe summer is almost here? Spring weather has just started where I live, it's hard to imagine summer already but it's coming and it's coming fast!

Happy Mother's Day!

2012-05-11T17:13:00.001-07:00

Wishing all of my mommas out there a very blessed, relaxed, and happy Mother's Day!

Proverbs 31:28
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her...

Julie - I just love you! Have a FABULOUS day!

Angela - You are like a sister to me. I hope your Mother's Day is epic!

Wendy - I'm all smiles whenever I think of you. Enjoy your special day!

Heather - You inspire me! Have a blessed day!

Church Lady - You make me laugh and think and laugh some more. Have a great day!

Becky - You're a beautiful soul and I'm blessed to know you. Rock out Mother's Day!

And everyone else as well! If I didn't name you it isn't because I forgot you, it is because I need to go start dinner for my kids. We moms never rest!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Pin of the Week - Every Day

2012-05-11T09:37:00.000-07:00

This week I am sharing a pin that I felt kind of speaks to me with all of the issues we've been dealing with concerning my son lately...

Source: thinknice.com via Momma's on Pinterest

I've said before that I don't think Autism is some sort of horrible thing that will cause stress and turmoil forever, but right now it is tough. Right now we are just going through a time of hardship, I guess you could say. It's been rough. Not every day is good - and in reality no one has a good day every day. But yes, every day I do find that there is at least a little something good. Even when I am dealing with a meltdown I can find the good. There is always something that comes out of it that makes me smile and reminds me that God has got in under control.

I pinned this on my Thoughts and Such board over on Pinterest.

Chinet Comfort Cup

2012-05-09T14:22:00.001-07:00

Well this, my friends, is just fun...

I love it when companies do stuff like this. And what I love more is that it inspires others to do the same. Random acts of kindness, such as giving someone a free coffee, can really make someone's day.

And if you are interested in those Comfort Cups - I guess they have some great insulation to keep things warm (three layers!) then you can score a $1.00 off coupon by clicking HERE.

*This post was just something I did out of the goodness of my heart. There was NO compensation and I think I'm going to go get myself a coupon, too!

Tough, Confusing, Challenging

2012-05-05T21:56:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I just don't get this thing called Autism. Sometimes I wish I could just use some sort of device to extract the thoughts from my son's head so that I could hear them myself. I don't know what goes on in his mind or why he does a lot of what he does. I can guess, but I am never quite sure. It's very mysterious.

I told you a week ago about how he hardly sleeps at all and how his anxiety has skyrocketed. I told you how tired I am. I told you it was purely exhausting. And it is.

And now I want to tell you that for the last week or so he has been so angry. He is angry about everything. He yells, he cries, he stomps around, he screams out that he is angry but no amount of what we have learned in therapy to help him cope seems to help.

Why is he so angry? I don't know.

There are small things that set him off that I can pinpoint. For instance, one night the TV cut out right at the end of Wheel of Fortune. He was angry because he missed the end of his show. His anger turned into a meltdown. That anger I can handle. That anger has a reason and even though it seems silly it is legitimate to him. He has a routine, it was disrupted, he got angry. I get that.

But other anger is just coming out of the thin air. Everything will seem fine one minute and the next minute he is freaking out. There is nothing noticeable from my viewpoint that could have set him off, yet he just explodes.

I don't get it.

So add that to the lack of sleep and the anxiety and I am just a stressed out, mess of a mom.

Autism is tough.

Autism is confusing.

Autism is challenging.

He'll run up to me and give me the biggest hug and smile that great big smile of his and everything will be wonderful. Then he'll walk away for a minute and his entire demeanor changes and he starts flipping out...

And then he falls asleep and he is so peaceful and he looks like a little angel and it's even more confusing - how could that angelic child be so angry?

Pin of the Week - Coping Skills

2012-05-04T20:45:00.001-07:00

I really like this pin because it is something I can use with both of my kids. They both get a kick out of these things that I only know as being called "cootie catchers" and this idea takes one of those and turns it into a device for choosing and implementing coping skills. It's a brilliant idea that I had never thought of before and for kids who do better with a visual (like my Autistic little man) this is just perfect.

I pinned this on my Autism board on Pinterest.

What great pinning finds have you come up with this week?

Pin Source: thecreativecounselor.blogspot.com via Momma's on Pinterest

Happy Birthday, Hubby!

2012-05-02T13:01:00.000-07:00

Today is my Hubby's birthday.

I love this picture of him. Even though you don't see his face, even though you don't really see him much at all, I love it.

It's perfect to capture his spirit.

He loves to learn and check things out and investigate and discover and it is not uncommon to find him staring through binoculars or looking something up or digging through things no one else would dig through just to see what he can find.

I hope today he feels loved and appreciated.

I hope today he knows that his birthday was not just a gift to his parents, but it was a gift to me.

God knew what He was doing when He made us both and He knew we'd end up together.

Even though we were born worlds apart, here you are. Your birthday is a huge part in the story of me and I just love you so much!

Autism is Every Day

2012-04-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day of Autism Awareness Month, but the journey does not stop here.

I didn't do a ton of posting on Autism this month simply because I post about it off and on all the time. Autism is something that is real in my life and the lives of so many others every day of the year. We live with it 24/7. Bringing awareness is great when there is a month dedicated to it, but I hope that through reading my blogs people find some sort of awareness and understanding all throughout the year.

I would love to end this month on a positive note, but if I stay true to myself and my writing style then I have to keep it real. I don't like fluff and while I don't find Autism to be a horrible thing that will cause massive amounts of stress and turmoil in our lives forever, I do find it to be a big pain in the keister right now.

Why?

I'm so glad you asked!

I'm tired. I'm exhausted. I haven't had a good night of sleep in weeks. Bug doesn't sleep a lot and for the past month his sleep patterns have gotten worse and worse. He is up at 2 in the morning, then again at 3, then again at 4. He comes in my room and just stands by my bed until I respond to him. I try to get him to go back to sleep, but he doesn't. It's like his brain just won't shut off and allow him to sleep. I can tell he is exhausted, too. Even more so than me. But he just doesn't get proper sleep.

On top of that, his accompanying anxiety is hitting a serious high again. He is wigging out over just about everything and heaven forbid I even leave the room to go pee - it's like toddler separation anxiety times ten! He's been crying a lot for reasons I just can't wrap my mind around. He gets upset a lot. He's been more bothered than usual by people and sounds.

And here is just one example of the separation anxiety... I went in the garage for a minute and came back to him in hysterics. He was screaming and crying uncontrollably...

I had told him I would be right back. I had told him I was just stepping into the garage for a minute. But it didn't register or something - he totally freaked out.

Having a nearly 8 year-old child cling to you for dear life every second of every day is EXHAUSTING.

Whatever he's going through, I just haven't figured it out yet. Something is out of whack and when we figure out what that something is it'll be really nice to be able to help with it, but until then we are just dealing with it the best way we can.

That's my reality right now. And it will be my reality for a long time to come because Autism doesn't go away. And for Bug, the anxiety he deals with on top of it will never go away. It is a part of who he is.

Happy Birthday, Beautiful!

2012-04-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

Today is my Bean Sprout's sixth birthday! It's hard to believe she is already six years-old. Time just flies by!

I love you more and more everyday, sweet little girl. You make me smile and laugh and appreciate life in a whole new way. I love your energy, your pizazz, and the way you laugh. I love your fondness of stuffed animals, your innocence, and your smile. I love your emotions, your beauty, and the way how at just six years-old you already question everything - investigating life, it makes me proud!

Pin of the Week - Weight Loss

2012-04-27T08:29:00.001-07:00

I chose this week's pin because it lists so many of the reasons that I am working on my fitness and weight.

So many times I have looked in the mirror and just started crying because I don't like what I see.

So many times I have disliked being around other people because I feel like I am the fat one of the group.

So many times I have been embarrassed to walk into a room full of people because I feel like they are all looking at me in disgust.

So many times I have wished I could wear those shorts on a hot day but I see how I look in them and forget it.

So many times I have wanted to go to the lake and not done so because putting on a swimsuit seems like a fairy tale.

So many times I have felt like a total loser and it is directly linked to my weight.

But not anymore, friends. Not anymore.

I have been on my weight loss journey since August 2011, and I have had a lot of success. I still have a ways to go, but while I am still over weight I am no longer fat.

And this post right here is the first time I've ever said that to anyone.

You see, I looked in the mirror and it finally dawned on me - I've already lost a lot of weight and I already look better. More importantly, I feel better. And where I used to look in the mirror and see a fat girl, I now look in the mirror and just see someone who is still overweight, still has work to do, but is doing a good job.

I don't always have confidence and I most certainly don't always love myself, but all these things on this list I've pinned are things I am working on and I know I'm on the right track to meet my goal and to be happy with myself, confident, proud, and wearing those shorts because boy does it get hot here in Nevada! Ha!

Source: gonnabeaskinnyme.tumblr.com via Momma's on Pinterest

I pinned this on my Thoughts and Such board. I really love Pinterest, so many people are sharing so many cool things.

*Visit this Blog Hop's home at Moms of Faith.

Techie Tuesday - Weekly App

2012-04-24T10:37:00.002-07:00

As most of you know, I'm a couponer. I love to clip my coupons, match them to sales, and watch the savings add up. I also love that couponing has saved my family a lot of money.

One thing that goes along with couponing is researching store circulars to find the best deals. That is why I was so excited to come across the Weekly App for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch.

This app is from a company called Twicular and it is absolutely FREE!

With this app you simply enter in your zipcode (or zipcodes of your surrounding areas) and select all the stores you would like circulars for. Once you've made the selections it is as simple as just clicking on your favorite store to see the weekly sales flyer.

I love it!

Why would you want this app? Because it means no more having to pile up newspapers to find circulars and no more carrying around paper products. Heck, we save money so why not save a tree!

I give it five stars - sales and coupon matching made convenient. On the go I can check my favorite stores - what could be better?!

*This post is my opinion. I downloaded the app for FREE from the iTunes App Store and I use it daily. I received NO compensation for this post.

Be the Example

2012-04-21T10:01:00.001-07:00

Today in my morning devotional this was passage of Scripture I was reading...

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. (Titus 2:7-8 NIV)

When we go about our daily lives it is so important to remember that we are the example for our children. They are learning how to live godly lives by watching what we do and in everything that we do we should strive to show them how God would want it. I think about just my everyday discussions with my Husband and how the kids are overhearing the things we say and it makes me pause to consider these few thoughts...

Am I gossiping?
Am I being overly negative?
Am I using language that I wouldn't mind my children using?
Am I honoring the Lord in the way I speak?

And then I think about my physical actions...

Are the kids seeing me spend time with God?
Am I showing love and compassion to others?
Am I fully obeying those commands we are given by the Lord?

You see, no matter what we are doing in life, our kids are watching. Everything from what we put on our television to what we read to the conversations we have to how we react to people we meet on the street - everything is being witnessed and modeled by our kids. Therefore, our example needs to be great!

My devotional says we need to "model godliness for our kids" - are we doing that?

How great of a relationship with Christ could my young children have if they don't see the people they look up to most having that kind of relationship? If I'm not showing an importance for living as God expects then I can't possibly expect them to find it important.

As parents we must be the example.

Pin of the Week - Blog Hop

2012-04-20T10:44:00.001-07:00

I'm participating in a new Blog Hop that is being started by Moms of Faith and I think it is such a fun idea! In this Blog Hop we are sharing our favorite pins from Pinterest, and who doesn't love Pinterest?!

The idea is that you pick your favorite pin from this week, share it, and then fill in the linky to let others hop around and see it.

I'm starting with a pin from my Thoughts and Such board. It is one that really made me pause and just thank God for the way in which He looks after us. His Word is constantly amazing me and when I saw this I thought wow, He really wants us to look to Him, trust in Him, and find comfort in Him.

Source: tumblr.com via Momma's on Pinterest

I hope some of you readers will consider joining the Blog Hop. What a fun way to share pins and enjoy each other's blogs!

Yes, I Love You

2012-04-19T14:44:00.002-07:00

This morning my son handed me an acrostic he made...

Most nice

Outstanding

Much fun

Most successful

Yes, I love you

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

He really knows how to fill my heart with joy!

God's Not Dead

2012-04-17T10:28:00.003-07:00

Just listen...

I'm Sorry, But I Can't Help You

2012-04-16T13:08:00.003-07:00

There are some things in life that people take for granted that just don't happen in my house. One such thing is having a pet. Many people have pets. We have none. It isn't because we don't want them because believe me, I would LOVE to have a dog. It's because we can't have them. I have two kids. One has Autism. And along with his Autism comes a very real, yet incredibly irrational, yet so intense fear of animals - especially dogs.

We don't have a dog.

We don't go where dogs go.

When we visit family that has dogs they literally send their dogs away for the duration of our stay.

His fear is that serious.

We've made attempts to work past it, but as of now nothing has worked.

These are the kinds of things, even though they seem so small, that many people just don't understand. And today I ran into a person that just didn't understand - and well, I guess I didn't feel the need to explain it either.

Here's what happened...

It's gorgeous weather outside so I decided that today Bug and I would walk Bean to school. As we were walking I heard someone yelling behind us. I turned and looked and a dog (looked like a Border Collie, though very young) darted past and the lady yelled out, "Can you please help me call her? Her name is Gracie. She's a puppy."

I looked at my son. Then I looked at the lady and answered, "I'm sorry, I can't do that."

She, as I suppose is normal, looked very shocked and yelled at me again, "Please help me get her. She is a puppy. Just help me call her."

To which I replied, "I'm really sorry, but I can't help you." And while replying the kids and I kept walking. I couldn't even see the dog anymore.

She gave me a very nasty look and flipped her hand at me in a way that screamed "screw you" and then she kept going.

I suppose I could have shouted back that I have an Autistic son and I just can't chase animals. But I didn't.

I hope she caught up to her dog, I really do. And I think she did because as we walked home she went by me again and she turned down my street so I am certain she lives near me. Maybe one day we'll meet and I'll explain. But I'm not going to seek her out.

I think the lesson here is that not all people are just being rude. There is often a very real reason why people do what they do, and in our case my reason was my son and his comfort. I'm just not willing to send him into hysterics to help a stranger.

And well, she was a stranger so this also served to teach my dog loving daughter that no matter what a stranger says - puppy, ice cream, candy, whatever - we don't just stop and do what they ask.