Hip Mama's Blog

New Year New Me.

2012-01-02T09:25:00.000-05:00

Hudson 6 months old

Where do I begin? It's been 1 year and 3 1/2 months since I last posted on this blog. Wow! First of all...that's just ridiculous. I'll be surprised if even one person ever reads this again. I've missed writing. I've missed reading other people's blogs...and experiences etc...but I'm determined to do this...not for anyone this time...just for me. It's been a crazy crazy year. Some parts I'm so extremely thankful for...other parts I could have skipped, but I know and live by the promise that All things work together for God's purpose...(Romans 8:28). Here's the very short version....because I imagine it will unfold as I get back to my blogging.

October 13, 2010...began like any other day....but it ended quite unlike any we had experienced before. My daughter says it's the worst day ever for her. My husband lost his job. With 4 kids and number 5 on the way it was pretty overwhelming. I couldn't stop crying. We were devastated. We had moved to Texas for this job and we loved the life we had just begun to settle into. We had a great church and we were on our way to really creating long lasting, close friendships with other families. Our kids loved their school and we could see us staying in our town for a very long time. Thanks to learning how to budget and Dave Ramsey intensity, and total amazing provision from the Lord we were able to finish the school year and stay in our home in Texas until June 2011.

We were blessed with the early arrival of our 2nd sweet boy, Hudson, on January 18th, 2011. He arrived at least 6 weeks early, and it was a very whirlwind 2 weeks of him being in the hospital. But he finally came home and I was glad to have my husband around to help me. I only just recently found out what having 5 kids all by myself would be like.

In June we moved back to the Florida West Coast to stay with my mother-in-law, who is truly one of the most gracious and generous people on the planet. Even so, it was a real challenge and humbling for this mom of 5 and wife, and woman who has lived on her own since I was 18 years old to live under someone elses roof.

October 13, 2011...did not begin like any other day, we had traveled to the East coast for a couple of interviews. Hopeful that Matt might land one of them, but over the past year we had been through this process several times and been dissappointed before.. Trying not to get our hopes up, we headed back to the West Coast. Exactly one year later, Matt thinks to the exact minute ( or at least within an hour) he received a job offer. It was amazing. What a feeling.

We are so grateful to God for his provision. With his guidance and mercy we survived the past year, in tact, at least somewhat. Not to say that everything is back together...we continue to pick up the pieces and God continues to work...molding and shaping us into, albeit, unworthy, vessels.

We can't wait to see what 2012 brings....and see how the Lord works. I'm amazed by his continued love and grace.

Women Who Inspire

2010-09-16T11:15:00.000-04:00

There are a lot of women who inspire me. It's hard to narrow down just one. There are a lot of "big name" women I think of that inspire me for their adverturous feats, their dedication to a cause, or their amazing amount of faith in God--when facing horendous circumstance. However, while these ladies are certainly "inspirational", I am personally not inspired by them to do something or be something bigger and better than I think I'm able. What does "inspire" mean? To look up to or appreciate, or think highly of someone is great-- but to inspire?---I had to look up some definitions to more fully grasp what that really means.

Here's what Dictionary.com says about the word Inspire:

1. to fill with an animating, quickening, or exalting influence. 2.to produce or arouse (a feeling, thought, etc.): to inspire confidence in others. 3. to fill or affect with a specified feeling, thought, etc.: to inspire a person with distrust. 4. to influence or impel: Competition inspired her to greater efforts. 5. to animate, as an influence, feeling, thought, or the like, does: They were inspired by a belief in a better future. 6. to communicate or suggest by a divine or supernatural influence: writings inspired by God. 7. to guide or control by divine influence. 8. to prompt or instigate (utterances, acts, etc.) by influence, without avowal of responsibility.

9. to give rise to, bring about, cause, etc.: a philosophy that inspired a revolution. 10. to take (air, gases, etc.) into the lungs in breathing; inhale. 11. Archaic . a. to infuse (breath, life, etc.) by breathing (usually fol. by into ). b. to breathe into or upon.

Wow, that's A LOT of information. There are a few women in my life that embody one or more of these in my life. I love and care for them deeply...and I'm so grateful for their influence and love in my life!

First, my mom, her quiet strength and grace in the face of great trial and upheaval in her life, inspires me to be more content in life, more greatful for what I have, and more dependent on God for provision as I seem Him providing for her needs....and she makes me want to be a better mom!

My "Mimi" inspires me to be a better wife. Her long and dedicated committment to my "PopPop"--over 50 years-- gives me inspiration that marriage can really last a lifetime. That it really does continue to get better and that serving your family is a great joy and source of fulfillment---She's amazing! OH, and did I mention...she's a great cook too?--inspiring me to make yummy food too! What a legacy!

My Aunt Lizzie inspires me spiritually. Her reliance on God and dedication and faithfulness to Him inspires me to seek the Lord in everything, both big and small. She's inspired me to turn to prayer...whatever the situation. She has an amazing story of the God bringing her through the darkness of loosing a child, and continues to be faithful in all circumstances. God has been faithful to her, and continues to be--an inspiration for me to not loose faith in my--not so big--circumstances. (Read her Story Here...Journey for the Heart) She's also an amazing writer and communicator.

Another woman in my life, my best friend Roxanne, well she inspires me to be a better me. She encourages me regularly in the little things...like housework, homework and mothering. She inspires me with encouraging words and conversation that I can do it! We are at the same place in life, time filled with diapering, cleaning, kissing boo boos, trying to discipline and raise our children up. We're both working on our schooling.We are both working on our marriages. We're both trying to be better mothers, wives, daughters, sisters...and in our similarities we encourage and spur each other on to do better and stay the course and do our best.

Finally, one recent inspirational woman, well, I don't know her personally, but I feel like I do. I've been reading her blog off and on for a year or two now. Her name is Kristen, and she has has just recently launched an amazing ministry called the Mercy House. I am so moved that God used her fun little blog to write a book, but more importantly, to launch a full blown ministry to young women in desparate need of shelter, encouragement and love. Read all about it Here. It inspires me to believe that God can use even this momma of almost 5, who often feels stuck at home...and unable to be used by God--that He can use even me.

Are there women in your life that inspire you?

This post is part of backtoblogging with TheSITSGIRLS!

It's a boy...and more

2010-08-25T09:00:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I went in for my 12 week checkup, and initial ultrasound. At this point my husband just comes for ultrasounds...so he was along for the visit. Of course we were excited to see the heartbeat and catch a glimpse of the little peanut. To our surprise, I'm about two weeks further along than we initially thought, and the doctor was able to VERY CLEARLY see the little guy's doodle...and we are so pleased to be having another boy! How exciting!

The kids were very excited to find out the sex of the baby. I'm not sure everyone is as happy about it being a boy as I am, because my oldest said, "Well, I hope this one is normal!" The bean said, "I don't want a boy, boys are crazy!" The homeboy was thrilled and can't wait to teach him all about Lego Star Wars, and Lily, well, she was asleep--and unavailable for comment.

So, this little guy will undoubtly be in for a challenge with 4 older siblings. He'll probably be here around the end of January...considering I always go early.

On another note...here are some upcoming previews:

More kid friendly meals

Summer Recap: Closing our business, Disney, New Orleans (with some cool pictures)

Transitioning to cloth diapers

Organization Tips (and any advice you can give for managing a large household :0)

I'm going to Bloggy Boot Camp in October (I'm so looking forward to this)

And...I'm trying to reorganize what I'm doing on this here blog...so stay tuned....

WFMW: Kid's Eat Free

2010-08-11T12:10:00.001-04:00

In an effort to get back on the blogging bandwagon, I thought I join back in the Works for Me Wednesday thingy.

One of our summer highlights was a true test of my "Hipness". Now let me say, that if my kids were defining my being a "Hip Mama" then, I think I definately think I made the grade. However, ANYONE else might have thought otherwise. About a month ago we heard about "Cow Appreciation Day" over at Chick Fil A. Actually I'd heard of it before, but hadn't really thought much of it until I was informed that my brother, who is in college was doing it with his friends, and I thought, "Hey, I'm always up for FREE FOOD, so why not" I mean lets face it, with 2 adults and 4 kids, I can't make it out of ANY Restraurant for under $20. That makes for not eating out very often.

Here's the catch, you have to dress up as a cow. Apparently there are "levels" of how well you dress up to what they will allow you to recieve for free. At the very least, a hat, or T-Shirt, or sign around your neck...gets a sandwich. But for the WHOLE MEAL..drink, french fries and sandwich, you have to dress from head to toe. So, we got our white trash bags, painted them with black spots. We had one for each of us, even the baby. It was hilarious (and slightly embarrassing)! The "Bean" even made ears for all of us to wear. We had a great time, and a lot of fun joining in Cow Appreciation Day. Thankfully there were lots of other people that were as Hip as us there that night. The kids got Full meals and we got a sandwich each. I splurged on some sweet tea, so it wasn't completely free, but we made it out of there for under $3!

That being said, Free food is always cool with me. And that got me thinking, we'd be able to eat out a bit more if we didn't have to pay for every child's meal...and maybe even check out some new places. I need to find out where kids eat FREE. So, I googled it, and what do you know, there are a few Websites that I've found that list places that offer FREE kids meals on certain days of the week. I knew restraurants often did this, but I needed a resource for it. Some of the sites are specific to my area, but here's one to get you started: http://www.kidsmealdeals.com/. I noticed most of the FREE kids meals had a catch, 1 adult entree purchase per kids meal, and the other was most of the establishments require the child to be 12 and under. I don't think many of these require you to humiliate yourself, as I did.

That's 2 less meals we would have to pay for, and the baby usually shares with all of us anyway. Works for Me!

Happy Hip Mama

2010-08-09T17:47:00.000-04:00

Hey there people. Alas, my silence is broken. For those that have wondered...well, I just couldn't do it all...4 kiddos, school and a number of other things going on in the life of this mama, made me have to put my blogging life on hold. But I have to say I miss you bloggy world, for all of your comraderie, frugal living tips, parenting and personal advice, and encouragement!

Not only have I not been writing, but I also haven't had much of a chance to read either.

It hasn't been for lack of writing or reading, for I have been doing A LOT of that. This summer I took 2 classes that spanned 6-8weeks. Remind me not to sign up for that kind of torture next year. I took Art History Survey and Psycology Growth & Development. It was a ridiculous amount of reading and writing. I had several reports due every week, and the reading load was intense. It's finally over, and I'm still recovering...the result was a an "A" in Art History Survey and a high "B" in the other one. I joke that I got A's & B's in my school work, but F's in housework and motherhood.

I'm still up to the same "living on a budget" and balancing being a mom to 4 kiddos, being a wife to best friend...trying to lean on God and ask Him fo guidance, while all the time trying to hold on to "me" despite all the directions I seem to be pulled in.

Last but not least...we're expecting kiddo #5, after 2 miscarriages I've been hesitant to announce the Happy News...but so far things are progressing nicely. Our new little one will be born in February, God willing. Even more reason for me to get back to blogging my way to sanity. Thanks for being patient with me and hopefully I can get back in the habit. Hope you'll join me in my endeavor to be a Happy Hip Mama!

I disappeared, literally!

2010-06-18T16:39:00.002-04:00

Sorry I disappeared for so long. I got super busy with the kids End-of-the-Year School activities...and my exams for my school, and then my domain name, well I let it lapse. I'm not sure if I'll continue with that or not but...I'm still here. I did great at school last semester. I ended in triumph with a 3.6 GPA. I was very proud of myself. At the moment, I'm in School again for summer 1, we'll see how that goes...It's very intense.

Also, I'm not sure where I'm really going with this blog. So bear with me as I search my heart and soul to decide what to do.

This Side of 10 Years

2010-04-22T00:29:00.000-04:00

I've said before, that if I had to marry someone, I'm glad it was you. April 16th marked our 11th Anniversary. Someone was susposed to give me steel. I'm going to count my new struck as my "steel" gift, thanks a bunch, babe. I'm trying to think of our accomplishments, like some major "milestones". When I look back on our marriage so far, I am pretty pleased and feel very blessed. Now, we may not have a huge retirement, college savings, a house, or any of that, but we have managed to accomplish several things, including, having 4 amazing healthy, and most of the time happy kids. We've bought and sold a house, survived any number of financial crisis's, got through year 7 (that's a story in and of itself). Matt completed his degree, with kiddo #2 on the way, and got straight "A's". Dealt with two family deaths, other extended family crisis, divorced parents, three churches, several in town moves within several years and a move 1/2 way across the country. Job changes, dashed expectations, emotional turmoil, and a number of things I'm not ready to mention...however, in spite of it all, we've come through on this side of 10 years, better and stronger for all the trials we've been through. God built our faith, little by little, step by step, showing us how to depend on him and how to depend on each other. We are closer than we have ever been and so blessed that God has kept us strong and continues to bind us tighter together. I've never needed Matt more than I need him right now. In the midst of personal trial and emotional hardship, he has been my partner, my confidant, my rescuer. God gave him to me to be a protector and an encourager, my best friend. Thank you God for our Marriage. Thank you Matt for your friendship and love...for a great surprise of a babysitter and a date night at a really cool restaurant too! The cherry on top of my ice cream!

I am ever devoted to you. My one & only.

And for my bloggy friends...I pray that God blesses each of your marriages and relationships as he has mine. Happy Anniversary to Us!

Too Cute for Words

2010-04-20T09:15:00.000-04:00

ok, well maybe just a few words...but how can you deny this HAS to be THE CUTEST (and "hipest"--but I'm thinking that's not really a word!) little RED HEAD EVER?!!! ( OH, and I am very proud of myself for making her tutu)

Bags, Purses & Organizers, OH MY!

2010-04-19T09:38:00.002-04:00

So about a month ago I was invited to a "party"...thankfully, the party was about 4 hours away, so it was a great excuse NOT to go. I know you feel the same way too...Mary Kay, Juice Plus, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Scentsy, Gold Canyon, there seems to be an endless supply of "parties" to go to. I dread being asked, I dread going and I totally avoid going to them whenever possible. I have to admit that I end up having a good time, and with a few exceptions, the products are usually pretty good.

Though I knew I couldn't go, I took a look at the catalog and that was all it took (for me). I am such a sucker for bags, purses, and ANYTHING that involves organizing. The company is called Thirty-One, and I'm in love with their stuff! So much so, that I decided to sign-up to sell it. Yes, ridiculous, I know, but OMGosh, you have to see this stuff. Very useful, practacle and everything can be personalized! (Double Bonus!!!). I know I'm a sucker--but hey, I'm going to school, I'm trying to pay off debt, how else am I going to afford cute stuff, right? Anyway, you're welcome to check out the website, like I did. I wasn't sure about the quality until I actually had some of the product in hand, but I was really pleased with it and excited to share it with you all. Click Here to check out there awesome stuff!

The name of the company is Thirty-One Gifts. It is a christian, faith-based company, named for Proverbs 31. I thought that was pretty cool. So if you happen to get an invite from me, don't shy away from coming to my Open House to check out the neat stuff! ;0) It would be nice to hang with you too--seeing as how I have 4 kiddos, I don't get out much. If you don't get an invite from me, consider this, I have an online party or "catalog" party, and you could be my host this month. I am going to have a drawing for anyone who orders or gets someone else to order...will get entered into the drawing to be the "host" which = FREE stuff! ;0) Let me know what you think.

If you're interested in ordering Check out the www.mythirtyone.com/autumnwilson and click on Place an Order, and be sure to click on the "Kick Off" party option.

Normally, this isn't really my thing, but think of it as a little Hip Mama Party. :0) Can't wait to see what you think!www.mythirtyone.com/autumnwilson www.mythirtyone.com/autumnwilson www.mythirtyone.com/autumnwilson www.mythirtyone.com/autumnwilson

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-14T14:04:00.000-04:00

Happy Belated Birthday

2010-04-12T02:28:00.002-04:00

Quinny's 9th Birthday

The IPOD Cake
(how awesome its that--and no, I didn't make it)

Wow, I'm really Hit or Miss here...but I've several Birthdays in the family to acknowledge. All of our birthdays are either at inconvenient times...like right after Christmas, right before school starts, or all mashed up together...so for the First Quarter of 2010 we'll give you an update! Our oldest daughter, is 9 and we celebrated her birthday a month or so later, in style(She's one of the ones with their birthday right after Christmas, What was she thinking?)!

Check out her super cool "I-Pod" Cake! She loved it! Quinny is totally awesome and is on the All "A" honor roll at school, loves to read, and loves to annoy me. :0) She wants to be a famous actress...so you heard it hear first, people! These years go by so unbelievably fast! It seems like just the other day I was enjoying her and her first steps and her first words and now 9 years later...next time I blink I'll be celebrating her "18th" !!!!

Hip Hubby on his 35th Birthday! I Love YOU!

Birthday...Crazy! What's a Hip Mom to do?
I guess just allow myself to enjoy the ride and thank God for all of my sweet blessings....
My Hip Hubby turned 35 last month. I truly love him more each and every year. He's more handsome, more thoughtful, more of a husband than I ever could have dreamed! His mom came into town for the celebration...and also gave us a long awaited get-away for a couple of days. It was awesome R & R for both of us. A time to reconnect and enjoy just being "us". Remembering and Reflecting on what got us to now, and thanking God for the journey.

Me an Lily at the Zoo

April 16th will mark our 11th Wedding Anniversary. I can't wait to see what God has laid out for us in the years to come. It has been a bumpy ride...but I'm so glad I had Matt by my side to make the journey with me. And I feel blessed and safe knowing I have him with me whatever road the Lord lays out for us! On that note, I celebrated another birthday...the weekend getaway was part of my present...I have to say, being away from my really dear friends and family is difficult for me during my birthday and some holidays...and this time was especially. I guess I want what "could have been". Or my expectations of others is too high....still. I don't know why birthdays mean so much to me...but they do, and I always seem a tad disappointed. But Oh Well! Quinny made me a cake and Matt got me a book I've been wanting for a while and even called and got a babysitter for a couple of hours....and we went out for coffee. So all it turned out good.

Last but certainly NOT least....Sweet Lily bud...Lillian Joyce. Named after her amazing Great Grandmothers, had her very first Birthday! She is surprisingly moving out of the infant stage and on to toddler-ing (yes, I know it's not a word, but it feels appropriate) Happy 1st Birthday to the prettiest little red head in well, ever...She has brought me more joy than I could ever have imagined. My gift in the midst of my sorrow. We love you Lily! Your smile melts our hearts and your sweetness warms our souls. Thank You Lord for such a precious gift. We are incredibly blessed not once or twice, but three and four times.!!! I bid farewell with pictures of her experience with her very first Birthday Cake! Enjoy!

The Damn Ramsey Plan

2010-03-23T15:04:00.002-04:00

Dave Ramsey Live Event

A couple of weeks ago Matt and I went to see the infamous Dave Ramsey at his Total Money Makeover LIVE event. Let's just say we needed a bit of a recharge in the DEBT FREEDOM track that we are on. I don't think either one of us was really looking forward to it. However, we both really enjoyed ourselves and we were glad we went! The first half of the day was a review for us. Dave took us through all the Baby Steps. The second part of the show was looking more toward the future and giving us a hope to what our life could look like. Here are some bullet points:

Poor is a state of mind
Do rich people stuff...
7 out of 10 Forbes 400 came from nothing
Make a decision on how you want to live your life
Read on non-fiction book per month
You also need three things: emotion/mental health, physical health, Jesus=spiritual health

The reason we needed the encouragement is because we felt like just as we would save our emergency fund, we ended up having to spend it and start all over again. (Baby Step 1: $1000 Emergency Fund and Baby Step 2: Debt Snowball.) Though, I AM glad we had the money--A lot of this was due to car issues. On the one hand we were glad to buy our "beater" cars for the long term goals we have, and I'd rather have to fix something every few months, than have a $300-$400 Car payment every month and still have to fix something. Right? I started to become discouraged when my truck started making some funny sounds and feeling weird when I drove it. I found out that it needed all new suspension. Um, that's like double the emergency fund, so long as they didn't find anything else while they are up in there!
So we prayed...and we sold the truck, and we saved and we got a little tax return money back (even though I claim as much as possible). It took us 3 or 4 weeks to find the truck we wanted and for the right price...but God really provided. I was able to get a car that looks good too! I told my husband that while I didn't mind the truck I had been driving, I was a little self-conscious driving it (mainly it was the dual-exhaust cherry bomb mufflers that were so loud you could hear me coming from several miles away). I told Matt in all seriousness that: "I don't care about keeping up with the Jones's, I just don't want the Jones's to feel sorry for me." Hahaha. I kind of got the feeling that when the crazy redheaded mom of four comes climbing out of the loud, banged up beater truck with four crazy kids...people kind of feel sorry for her...and I'm so blessed and happy and love my life...nobody needs to be feeling sorry for me. So, without further ado, this is the new HIP MAMA vehicle:

BATMOBILE

Matt decided to nickname my new truck, the BATmobile can you guess what it stands for? Bad A** Truck! I know he's kind of goofy but hey, I love him. Did I mention, NO CAR PAYMENTS?

So debt freedom is a long way off but we are still on board, recharged and encouraged by the Live! event we attended and the Lord's amazing provision for our family. Here are some other ways we have made progress:

We are back on the budget...we got off it a bit for a couple of months
We have saved thousands of dollars on cigarettes by quitting smoking last year. (Not to mention our health) Going on 10 months!
We saved $ and bought a nice used car for cash (one that I'm proud to drive)
We recently resigned our lease and asked the landlord for a reduction in rent...saving $1200 a year! yay!
We continue to pay down the debt

I must give credit, where it is due: I stole the "Damn Ramsey" thing from this funny gal at Coal Creek Farm (I adore her BTW)...but it fits. Every time there's something we want but don't need, or we think, lets eat out...we ask ourselves, is it in the budget? Or do we have cash for that in the FOOD ENVELOPE? Matt and I then look at each other and say "Damn, Ramsey!" We laugh and move on, because we have a goal and we know he's right on.

I can't believe you're reading this

2010-03-10T15:43:00.010-05:00

I can't believe you people still read my blog. I know you read and don't comment much (and I wish you would). I have this little tool called Sitemeter that emails me weekly and lets me know how many visitors I've had, and I know you've been here because it says so and I haven't been on so I know it's not me checking in to see how many comments I don't have. You don't comment, but you stop by, you "wave" and I thank you. (that's me waving back.) How long has it been now? Several weeks at least. School's going great, and at the moment I should be writing a summary of some random psychology article that I've yet to find on the World Wide Web. I am making A's & B's so far. This week I started my Math class. It's only 8 weeks long. Sort of an accellerated version . It's taken almost 10 weeks but I feel like I am finally getting a handle on the balance part of school and home life.

I can do all this because I've been blessed with Lily, who is such an easy baby! She is either sleeping in or taking a morning nap, then a shorter nap in the afternoon. This way I get some of my homework done in the morning, and the rest of it after the kids go to bed. I'm one of those people that is way more productive when my plate is full and it's so true. I actually keep up with the cleaning and the housework better now that I'm in school. I know I have to fit it all in, or it will blow up in my face. Miles is home by late morning, and he is getting to be such a big boy and keep himself busy long enough for me to be able to finish up school work and even helps me around the house from time to time.

Thanks for keeping up with me!

Supa Crazy!

2010-02-09T08:50:00.001-05:00

***I have finally fixed the "OTHER HIP MAMA"S" Link,

so let me know if you are not on there and want to be!***

I've been away, been extremely busy and hoping to get back here. Alas, my bloggy friends, I hope you'll still be my friends even if I don't post very often, and rarely comment on your blogs ;0) I do try to get to read blogs every now and again, and I need to put some kind of Blog Reader App on my iphone (not even sure if they have one...but they should). As you know I'm in school, have 4 kids and activities almost every night...so it is SUPA Crazy around here. I actually have a lot of blog material, but not enough time to sit down and write! I'm not sure I'll ever have much balance in my life.

I'll start with the latest school update, and go from there. School is going great for the most part. I had 2 tests last week Philosophy & Psychology. I got an "A" on the Philosophy test and squeaked by with a "B" on the Psyc. test. I feel much more at ease with each of the professors, now that I know their testing style. My Math course has still not started and my Eng. Comp II course is going fine...but honestly, I should be writing a short essay comparing and contrasting two stories right now instead of blogging. I have a couple more assignments to work on this week...and then I have a quick business/see my mom & grandparents trip this weekend...which will be far too short and I will barely have enough time to visit with family let alone friends...so if you read this, and you live in Florida...sorry...you won't be seeing me. Hopefully we'll come down again (this time for longer) in the summer. On a positive note, I am hoping to sell my business out there...and that would relieve a lot of stress for me. So hoping and praying for that this weekend, as I will be meeting some potential buyers. I am hopeful.

I hope you all are well...more to come soon...;0)

Distraction & More...

2010-01-22T23:57:00.000-05:00

Sooo, Week #2 of School. I am so easily distracted! I mean the kids are obvious, I know. But I really need to learn to stop, especially when nap time for Lily is involved and study. Not Check ~~Facebook, Tweet Deck, and my personal Yahoo Email~~ my school email, discussion board, my daily checklist and calendar, I mean sit down and READ. This week less time in general has been spent on actual reading, I felt better about what to expect. I would say I'm still pretty edgy ~~maybe pms?~~ and a bit stressed out with juggling everything, but it made it much less difficult, not having to be committed to a job and/or schedule outside of the home this week.

<-----------How could I not be distracted by this little cutie?

However, in it's place I had apparently booked myself up with Doctors appointments and the like, that I may as well have had another job... but then I realized, oh, oh yes, I do have a job: ~~Chauffeur, Chef, Maid~~ (as told to me by Miles this week--he insisted I was a maid--half of me found it downright hilarious, the other was pissed!) ~~nanny, nurse, friend, police~~, Mom & Household Manager. I need to make sure not to book so many things in during the day, or I will never get things even half accomplished. I am still working on finding that groove...and I think I'm starting to see it...not feel it yet, but I'm getting there.

A couple things that have come to me this week though, before I say g'day for now:

If only I spent the time I have to study for school, studying God's word. Hmmmm.
I'm taking Philosophy (Ethics) and the "Rule of Rationality" what we discussed in class seems ridiculous at the moment. ( In light of the fact that I believe that God's Word is truth)
I read a few stories in English Comp 2:

"A Rose For Emily"-William Faulkner (so-so)

"The Things They Carried"-Tim O'Brian (liked)

"Everyday Use" (liked)

I got a 100% on my Psycology Quiz today (yay me)
I got a iphone this week (I'm trying to sneak this one in--major distraction--but more about that in another post) I love it!
I'm doing good on the birthday card thing, and need to give y'all an update on that!

Have you met Zeus Yet? This is another one of our distractions at the Hip House...you gotta have a lil' Hip Dog...or a lot of Hip Dog.

Zeusy as the kids refer to him as, is a lovable hugable Great Dane Distraction...and we love him!

Um, I think I'm getting distracted...again!

Back to School

2010-01-19T01:06:00.002-05:00

Today marked the 1st week of my journey back to school after...um, 12 years!?! I mentioned in an earlier post that I'm hoping to go back for nursing. I have to admit the first week back was a bit stressful. The store I have been working part-time for is closing and I worked 2 shifts last week. Just a little overview of what my week looked like last week:

Monday: Normal Daytime Stuff + Studying + ~~Girl Scouts~~ (cancelled Thank God!) + Work from 6-11pm + Make sure dinner was available + Daddy remembered to take Quinn to dance.

Tuesday: Normal + Study+Ella's Dance + Dinner + Work 6pm-10:30 pm + Study

Wednesday: Normal + Study + Miles's Basketball + Dinner

Thursday: Normal + Early Dinner + Bible Study 7pm-9pm + Kids in Bed late + Study

Friday: Kids 1/2 day + Miles's Dance Class (morning) + 1st Pyscology Quiz (that I didn't realize I actually had until late Thursday night) Did I mention the kids were home whilst I attempted to take my 1st quiz in over a decade? Ridiculous.

Needless to say, it was a terribly busy week. I found myself snapping and quipping at the kids and feeling quite overwhelmed...and all this in the middle of trying to take advantage of my last week of incredible discounts at Pottery Barn--an amazing discount is quite a benefit...but I think this closing is a blessing in disguise, as I don't think it is helping too much in the getting debt free department!

All in all, based on the extra craziness of having to work a bit extra ~~and did I mention late?~~ this past week, having a few more errands and a car snafu this week, I'd have to give myself an "A" for my first week Back to School.

Randomness

2010-01-10T00:17:00.002-05:00

I am feeling better about our loss, and keeping my self moving forward, rather than backward or just coasting, as I would usually do in "depressing" situations. I know that I've had many people thinking and praying for me, and God has been faithful. He is keeping me motivated to work on some projects around the house and though I am anxious about the school journey, I am excited to officially start on Monday. The kids have kept me busy and laughing, and I am so thankful for Matt to step in and be as supportive as possible in whatever curve ball I throw him when he walks through the door.

On another note, I've failed you again with the Love Dare...but I have it on my table to read, and I forgot that our small group is doing this together in the coming weeks...so hopefully I'll have a little more accountability there. I'm not giving up...I'm committed to finishing it up...so stay tuned.

Something else I've been thinking about are some New Years Resolutions...do you have any? The big one, was to go back to school, which I'm doing...and hopefully get good grades (That would be #2). Another big one for me is I'm hoping to remember my friends birthdays this year, very close friends and family with an actual card in the mail and others through email or FB. Maybe you all could give me some suggestions on the system you use to remember birthdays?! What are your solutions for Birthday reminders? I have an email reminder through Birthday Alarm, FB Hallmark Application, Calendar. I figure one of these might work for me. But I'm totally open to suggestions. Do you write all your Birthday cards at the beginning of the month or the week before? Do you buy individual cards or make them? Or one of those box sets with lots of different topics?

You never know....

2009-12-30T11:17:00.001-05:00

Monday: Well, you never can tell just what life will hold, can you? Just a few days after posting my upcoming announcement post...Here...where I specifically announced that I was NOT pregnant...I found to my shock and disbelief Sunday, December 20th that I most certainly WAS pregnant. Very ironic, no? On Wednesday, I started spotting and without TMI ...it turned into more. Though I still wasn't certain that I lost the baby. Monday, I had a sonagram which was inconclusive....could've been too early...then I went for blood work to check my levels...but my gut feeling was that we lost the baby. I took like 3 First Response Tests that say pregnant...and yesterday I took two Answer brand tests that say pregnant (though the line is fainter)2 Walgreens tests that say "negative"...maybe a faint line on one of them...so who knows...my cycle has been super irregular lately...so I wouldn't be sure until the blood tests came back, Tuesday morning...or I'll have to wait and go back and test again. I know a lot of women experience miscarriage. Thankfully, up until this point I have not.

My first reaction to my pregnancy was shock, happy, shock, scared (remember I have 4 already)...shocked again...then acceptance...and happy again...and planning...or rather re-planning...I like to do that...plan. I like to know what is going on...and God continually reminds me that I need to live more in the moment. Since Wednesday, I have been wondering what's happening...this isn't what my body experienced with the other children. So I've had a few days to accept the possibility of a miscarriage...

One surprising thing about this situation, and I believe because people are praying for me, is my peacefulness at the out come.

Tuesday: As I suspected my levels were way down. Only a 9...but after 5 positive maybe more pregnancy tests...a week & a half ago...it should be MUCH MUCH higher. The doctor is sure I had a miscarriage. I was fine until I talked to Matt. Then I broke down. This has been much harder that I thought it would be.

When I first found out I was pregnant, I wasn't devastated, but I wasn't jumping off the walls with joy and excitement either. Like I said on Monday, I was shocked, and in utter disbelief. I would even go so far as to say disappointed. Maybe that sounds very un-motherly to you, but I am the mother of 4 my youngest being 9 months old...I am about to start school...and while more babies might have been God's plan...it certainly wasn't mine. HOWEVER, I quickly accepted my circumstances and thanked God for the little one growing inside of me...and sincerely decided to make the best of it. Reluctant acceptance quickly turned into excitement and happiness...imagining how this little person would fit into our lives...and looking forward to continuing to experience God's provision for our family both financially as well as how I would handle having the strength, patience and grace to raise now 5 children. I had the picture in my mind that we were no longer a family of 6, but of 7.

Wednesday: It has amazed me that I can already love and accept and grieve a child that I wasn't planning...and with all honesty didn't really want in the first place. Strange, this motherhood. So I am sad, I am grieving a child I won't know...thankful to God that this happened sooner than later...and thankful that it wasn't traumatic, as I understand it can be. I am thankful, this experience didn't come when we were planning our family--it would be a much harder process. I guess God knows what I can and cannot handle. This is just another part of my story and so far the lesson for me is...that God's plan is not necessarily my plan...and I need to allow for HIS change in my plans.

Doing Christmas

2009-12-22T13:55:00.001-05:00

My friend Mary over at Giving Up On Perfect is doing, or did do...this little Carnival, that I am a little late on, but better late than never, right Mary? (See...I'm giving up on perfect...he he.) So, I love hearing how other people do Christmas. You can read some stories on how other people are giving up on a perfect Christmas here.

Anyway, I especially like hearing what those with several children do to make it special, and those challenged with doing Christmas on a tight budget do. I love hearing stories of those families that take the plunge and do something really meaningful, like take the amount of money they would spend, and give it to those in need. I think that's really brave and humble, and hard. We aren't one of those families. We haven't gotten there. I think it would be really neat to do when the kids are older and could understand better the true meaning of Christmas and what a gift God has given us through Him. But not yet.

Now that we have 4 children we have to be even more budget conscience than before. We started a new tradition, and it may change over the years, but for the past 2 years we've given the children 3 presents each. My thought was...that young children could understand the concept of the 3 wise men giving baby Jesus 3 gifts, so if 3 gifts were good enough for Jesus, than 3 gifts could be good enough for them. So we give our Children 3 gifts on Christmas morning. Santa also brings each of them 1 gift. (That's another issue that I won't get into now...)

I love Christmas stockings, don't you? My mom was the best at finding neat girlie things to put in them. My husband's family tradition is to put an orange in them...so we do that too. This year I decided I wanted to revamp the Stocking stuff...because I usually over do it, and probably will again, but I'm trying. So stockings this year consist of new undies, socks, lip smackers (for the girls), $5 in dollar store items each, candy cane, special small toy--like a hot wheels for Miles, and this year I'm making them each a Christmas Ornament. I'd like to give them one each year to take when they get married. I don't think I made it any simpler, did I?

I miss Christmas with my family back home. They are having our Christmas party tonight with my cousins and Mimi & PopPop. Christmas Eve has become our own time, which I am loving. Like my family when I was little, we got new PJ's the night before Christmas...we do that for our children and now we get a new movie, this year it will be "UP" and watch it on Christmas Eve together with popcorn and hot cocoa.

Christmas Morning with a house full of young children is well, there's nothing like it! We open stockings and presents and make a huge mess, and while I miss going up to my parents and having brunch and lazily laying around their house--full of laughter, cheer...now I make brunch for my family and we have more than enough laughter & cheer to go around. It's different now, and it's not perfect...but it's good. Still good.

The Announcement

2009-12-21T11:37:00.000-05:00

So, maybe it's not a huge announcement to you...but it is a big deal for me. In less than a month, I will be going back to school. I have wanted to finish school for a very long time, but really had no direction. I never felt any leading from the Lord one way or the other. I never had any direction on "what I want to do when I grow up". But now I do, and I'm going for it. So it will take me a good amount of time to finish... Since I have children and a household to take care of and anything could happen in between, right. This semester I'll be taking 4 classes. I've decided to get my Bachelors in Nursing. I had a whole year of pre-requisites under my belt, but unfortunately only 3 will transfer into the Nursing Program I want to do. God Willing, my goal is to finish my degree in the next 5 years...I'm pretty sure that's doable, don't you? Eventually, I think I'd like to be a Nurse Practitioner. Which means that after a few years of clinical work I would go back for a Master's degree. But, I'm taking it one semester at a time...so we'll see. Wish me luck...

Only 8 days til Christmas...Really?

2009-12-16T09:45:00.000-05:00

For just about every one this time is super busy! I can't believe it's been 2 weeks since I posted. Best to just get a notification when and if I blog, right? We had a wonderful time with my Mother-in-law. She was here from Dec. 2-7th. We all enjoy having her here. It just barely snowed while she was here, so the kids thought that was cool. Matt took a day off and we went to Fredricksburg, Tx. It's a really cool town with lots of neat shops, restaurants and even a WWII museam...Fredricksburg looks like a quaint little German town, they have a "Christmas Market" and a parade of lights the 1st Saturday of the month of December. I wanted to go, but we had other commitments later that evening. It was a great drive and the kids were pretty good (until the very end anyway--but I'll take what I can get) and we decided this might need a second trip back at some point.

We put up our Christmas Tree just before Nana got here...and I spent a couple of days cleaning up and decorating around the house for Christmas. The children picked out colored icle lights to put up around the house, and everything is very festive. Miles, otherwise known as the crazy little guy, asks every day for a toy...and everyday I tell him he must wait until Christmas. It has been a VERY long wait for him! Time is a hard concept for 4 and 5 year olds! Two days ago his teacher sent home a simple countdown project they had made. It has really helped Miles understand that Christmas isn't SOOOOO far away! Anyone could do this project, and if I had known about it sooner, I would have made it myself. This will definately be on the list of "Things to do"... Here are the basics:

Make a construction paper chain. Staple it to a larger "Christmas Shape". The Shape also had a cute poem about Santa on it with instructions to pull one link off each day, and when you get to the top...it will be Christmas! It's a great visual for impatient kids. Well, I've got a sick one home today, and having someone come to watch her and the baby while I go to the dentist (again) today...so I must go for now but I do have other exciting news to share in the next few weeks (NO I AM NOT PREGNANT!)....so stay tuned.

2009-12-03T01:08:00.000-05:00

I know I just posted this picture...but I just like it! A LOT! We don't get many of ourselves lately...so this was special ( and we learned to use the timer on the camera, YAY!)

You have to know by now...that I am super inconsistent. I really try hard to be consistent, but with 4 kids, husband...well, let's just say I'm consistently, inconsistent. What I'm getting at, was that I really thought I could post about the The Love Dare every-other day, but with the holiday's and all of that...it's just darn near impossible. I'm also slightly behind. Still on day 12, and to be honest, some of the days don't have enough info or "emph" to have anything special to share. I continually have to be more thoughtful of my husband and meet his needs...one of the dares was basically to write down all of his "pros & cons" (a little late for that, I thought). The next day we were to burn the "cons" paper. It's been very thought provoking and helped me to be more intentional. I'll keep sharing as I do the love dare, but it won't be every-other day...I need more realistic goals. More like once a week and more if there is something that really pops out at me.

Hope you like the Christmas Decorations Here! Thanks to April! Check out her blog, she's having a FAB giveaway over there!

A Feast of Thanks

2009-12-01T01:12:00.003-05:00

This was my beeeautiful Thanksgiving Table...eat your heart out Martha!

Napkin rings were from last year's Turkey Day project (check out the table last year) toilet paper rolls, construction paper, glitter...yay! This year we made Turkey/fingerprint place cards from Disney's Family Fun Website.

We had a fabulous Thanksgiving day. We woke up and made monkey bread...The Bean & The Crazy Little Guy...helped.

It was really not a super stressful day...I prepared all the cassaroles & veggies the day before, so I was able to enjoy Thanksgiving Day. I cooked for me & my family & my mom. That's it.

The Menu:

Turkey

Mimi's Homemade Stuffing

Greenbean Casserole

Mashed Potatos

Candied Sweet Potato

Gravy

Quinny's Stuffed Cranberry Sauce

Dinner Rolls

Pumpkin Pie

It was delicious if I do say so myself!

The Next Day we went hiking in the Texas Hill Country! It was one of the Best Days we've had on a family outing. I am thankful for God's love & salvation and his generous blessing in my life...my family. I am thankful for a wonderful husband who loves me and treats me like a queen and 4 beautiful, happy (well, sometimes) & healthy children.

Personalized Christmas Ornaments.

2009-11-22T15:50:00.000-05:00

I am participating in a "grow your talents" fundraiser. Please consider purchasing a Personalized Christmas Ornament. These make great tags for a special gift. It's a great and inexpensive hostess gift. Or just a small way to commemorate your 2009 Christmas. I can personalize any of the ornaments to suit your needs. I may even host a giveaway....we'll see. What do you think? Do you think I should host a giveaway for one of these items? Please Add $1.50 for shipping and handling. If ordering multiples I will personalize the shipping cost. (Probably US Postal Priority Service--whatever is cheapest) Please leave a comment and the best way to contact you. Or email me. HIP MAMA's EMAIL

Sparkle Tree-$7

Personalized with your families names or a friends

STAR-$4

TREE-$5

I can personalize any message to fit your needs!

Large Hearts w/ Small attached-$7

Large Heart Only-$5

Any personal message...but I like "All Hearts Come Home for Christmas...."

Remember all monies will be donated directly to my Church's Fundraising Campaign...we are building a new Kids area, worship center, volunteer center, and hospitality area.

Hip Stuff & Giveaways

2009-11-20T11:38:00.000-05:00

This is the second time I'm posting about a giveaway, but I've found some stuff I really like. I'm tempted to just Link up Brown Paper Packages to the Hip Stuff button...just cuz Sarah finds such neat stuff...stuff I actually would like and use. I normally don't have time to enter each and every giveaway on the blogosphere, but she's been the exception. So Here goes:
This site is full of super cute totes and storage solutions. The patterns are adorable. I could totally see myself using these products. And isn't this little doggie so adorable. Though I'll stick with my Great Dane! A few of my fave items are the Spirit Liftah (a wine tote), the Doggie Bag Lunch Tote, & the Weekender. I think out of all the tote's though, I would get the most use of "The Pocket Rocket" Tote! So if you're interested enter in the giveaway HERE.

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The other giveaway that I entered this week was a jewelry designer...Hot Mama, sort of like Hip Mama, except she's obviously hotter and more creative than me...He He. Anyway, a $100 gift certificate is up for grabs over at Brown Paper Packages (I know she gets all the cool stuff to review...wishing I could get in on that) for Hot Mama Designs . I love absolutely everything she had on her site, which is VERY VERY bad...especially since I'm trying to keep costs down at the Hip House. However, what a fabulous gift idea for Hip Hubby to get me...or for a grandmother or a dear friend. Right? These jewelry designs were so "me" I love simple and beautiful things...silver and my kids :0) So this was obviously right down my alley. Here's the item I REALLY want...A pretty charm bracelet with my children's names & birth stones...sweet. I'm hoping I win the giveaway! We'll see! Enter the Giveaway for the Hot Mama Designs HERE.

I'd appreciate you mentioned you heard about the giveaway here! Thanks! Enjoy your weekend!