Motherhood Archives - Page 12 of 13

4 In Faith/ Family/ Motherhood/ My Journey/ Raising boys

My Journey, Part 3 – Becoming a Stay-at-Home Mama (SAHM)

In 2011, our children’s ministry had grown from 25 kids to about 300 kids! Click here to read that story.

I was also the mother of a growing 3-year old, an extremely active 1-year-old, and very pregnant with our 3^rd son! My husband and I agreed that for this season of our lives, it would be best for me to be a full-time, stay-at-home mom.

Since 2011, we’ve gone from two to three, then FOUR little cowboys!

I’m incredibly grateful for the years of being home with my littles! Getting everyone the food they want, the drinks they need, their teeth brushed, nails clipped … getting them washed up, then dried off, making sure they go potty or get their diapers changed, getting all of their clothes, socks, and shoes on (why can’t I find all the shoes! Where do they hide the shoes?).

On days we have places to go, there are four different types of car seats or seat belts that need to be fastened – while at least one child is crying about something. In winter, I’ll get all extra layers packed onto each one, but when we’ve arrived at our destination, they’ve taken everything off. And so I start over. Let’s just say that I’m GLAD for the “STAY-AT-HOME” part of ‘stay-at-home mom.’

There were days in those ‘little years’ that I’d be so tired by the end of the night, I’d just cry. I knew I’d be up with a baby through the night and have another long day ahead of me with four busy little boys. Ted is an amazing daddy and husband, but for a few of those ‘little years’ he was working full time – plus going to school full time to earn his master’s degree. When he finished school, he commuted to Chicago every day for work – making his long days even longer with an hour-long drive each way! Many days each week he would leave as the boys were waking up and get home when they were going to bed. (Which was one of the things that inspired our move to Colorado – a better work-life balance!)

Being a full-time mama is hard, and I’ve talked about the hard. But it’s actually more wonderful than it is hard. The good far outweighs the bad! It’s hard to understand unless you’re in it!

Some of the things I love about being a mom:

being there for each of the ‘firsts’ – first step, first word, first food,
all of the snuggles, hugs and kisses,
hearing the sweet mis-pronounced words my boys say (lemonade is pronounced “little maid” at our house)
kissing their ‘owies’ and putting on all of the band-aids (so.many.bandaids!)
holding them and being there when they are sick,
watching them love, help, and protect each other,
laughing with them and enjoying the funny and creative things they say and do,
experiencing the world through their eyes! Life takes on new meaning and you begin to appreciate the little things.

What a privilege to be a mom!

Though it felt like they’d be tiny and completely dependent on me forever, I now have four boys who SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT. They are all potty-trained! My oldest son can make his own food – and helps cook for the family as well! They all know how to do so many things ALL BY THEMSELVES!! They make their own beds and help with other chores around the house.

After years of not having five minutes alone all day long, I now have time to do things like START a BLOG and consider opportunities outside the home.

I worked part-time role at New Life church in Colorado Springs Click here to read about it! And I currently substitute teach at my children’s schools.

Others told me it goes by fast, and that was hard to believe when they were all babies, but now I see how TRUE it is.

To read more about my days at home, read this!

October 19, 2017 By Kathryn

2 In Motherhood/ Recipe/ Review

Hello Fresh! My completely honest review.

About a year ago, my mom sent me a coupon code for savings towards my first order of Hello Fresh!

I decided to give it a try, and we LIKED it! The meals were conveniently packaged together with really simple instructions. We enjoyed the three meals we picked. I’ve continued to order about once a month since our first box. Hello Fresh makes it easy to cook meals from home that my family will eat and ask for again!

To save some money, I order the meals for two people, then buy some of the same ingredients at the store and to triple the recipe.

Here are the PROS and CONS.

PROS:

90% of the meals are excellent
Easy to follow recipes that your kids can help make.
I’ve found new foods (and vegetables) that my kids LOVE!
Convenient! All the ingredients you need for dinner in one container.
Saves money because I COOK instead of pick up dinner.
Healthier than fast food.
Nice variety of meals to choose from.
Great customer service.
Simple recipes/instructions that your 10 year old can follow to cook dinner for the family!
They send an email at the end of the week and ask you to complete a short survey giving feedback about each meal you ordered. If you complete the quick survey, your name is entered into a drawing for free meals.

CONS:

A little pricey – about $10 per person.
Subscription service – You will automatically get meals and get charged if you don’t get online and “Skip” the weekly delivery. I get online about once a month to look at all of the meals and decide when I want to order and when I want to skip.
You still have to cook. Doesn’t come pre-made.
10% of the meals are just ‘okay.’
About 1 out of 10 vegetables is not super fresh.

If you would like to give Hello Fresh a try, here is a $40 savings code for you:

https://share.hellofresh.com/x/rX8nrS

I recorded a video of me opening a Hello Fresh delivery if you’d like to see what everything looks like!

October 7, 2017 By Kathryn

6 In Family/ Motherhood/ Raising boys

Luke Washington – Our sweetest surprise!

It was October 2014, I sat with my girlfriends and told them a secret:

“I think I’m pregnant.”

I’d been feeling this way for about 3 weeks but had not said anything to anyone until that night. They convinced me to get a pregnancy test and take it first thing in the morning. The test confirmed what I’d been feeling; I was pregnant with my fourth child.

Now I had to decide how to tell Ted. He would not be expecting this news. We had three young sons – we were busy, sleep-deprived, and money was tight. The news of this fourth child made us nervous. We knew we’d be missing a lot more sleep and buying a lot more diapers. I had just given away most of our baby stuff. And our boys were begging for a puppy. Instead, they’d be getting a baby brother.

I purchased a delicious pie and made a card that said: “God decided to add another cutie to our pie.” When Ted got home that night after a busy day at work, he dug into the pie without even noticing the card.

I handed him the card to read and he was shocked. We both were!

However, once we got over the shock, we remembered that this surprise pregnancy was a gift. Though we knew we’d be losing even more sleep, spending more money, doing more laundry and be busier than ever trying to balance four kiddos – God had a plan for this sweet life growing inside me.

When Luke Washington joined our family in May 2014, it was true. He has been such a gift to our family. The love we have for him is undescribable. We can’t imagine life without him. I’m so thankful that God blessed us with this SURPRISE!

Now, when anyone says they’re considering having another baby, I always say ‘go for it!’ Yes, it will cost you something, however, what you’ll gain far outweighs any cost!

We love you Luke! You are our sweetest surprise!

October 6, 2017 By Kathryn

9 In Faith/ Family/ Motherhood

How do you change this world? Love your family.

Most of us want to make an impact on the world.
I’d love for my name to go down in history as someone who changed the world for the better.

Mother Teresa says we can change the world.
How? By loving our family.

We can start the day with a hug and a smile.
One small step at a time, we will raise our sons and daughters to make a positive difference in this world. We can teach our children to love and respect others by modeling it for them.

Loving, God-honoring families have a positive impact on every dimension of society. When kindness is practiced at the kitchen table, it spreads into classrooms, workplaces, neighborhoods, and into our communities. The way we speak, forgive, encourage, and serve at home becomes the way our children treat the world.

Loving, God-honoring families have a positive impact on every dimension in society!

The task we have in front of us can seem overwhelming. I know some days I feel like I’m failing as a mom. Some days are loud, messy, exhausting, and far from the peaceful picture I imagined. But each day I get to start over and try again. And those small “start again” moments matter more than perfection ever could.

One thing that helps me be a better mother is investing in myself.

It’s difficult to pour good things into our children without first filling ourselves. Spending time daily with God – praying, reading your Bible, meditating on Scripture, reading from an inspiring book or study – are ways to fill your soul!

When I start my day with God’s word and prayer (and coffee) – I have the FUEL I need to be a better wife, mom, and leader. God fills MY love tank, and I can pour that love into my husband and children throughout the day.

And when I fall short, which I do, God empowers me to start again.

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Usually the difference we make is very small. Let me share a personal story. One morning, I was rushing, trying to get everyone fed, dressed, and out the door. The kitchen was noisy, someone couldn’t find a shoe, someone else spilled their breakfast, and I felt my frustration rising fast. I was ready to snap… but instead, I paused. I took a breath, walked over, and helped clean up the spill. I told my son that its okay, we all spill stuff.

It didn’t feel like a world-changing moment. It felt ordinary. Small. Almost invisible.

But later that day, I saw my son comfort his brother when he was upset. using the same gentle tone I had used that morning. That’s when it hit me… this is how the world changes. Not in huge, dramatic moments, but in quiet acts of patience and love that get repeated from one moment to another.

So today, love your family.
Be patient one more time.
Offer one more hug.
Speak one more kind word.

Because those small moments are shaping the people who will shape the world

October 2, 2017 By Kathryn

5 In Motherhood/ Raising boys

Don’t just survive Motherhood, THRIVE in Motherhood!

“Motherhood is a great honor and privilege, yet it is also synonymous with servanthood. Every day women are called upon to selflessly meet the needs of their families. Whether they are awake at night nursing a baby, spending their time and money on less-than-grateful teenagers, or preparing meals, moms continuously put others before themselves.” ~ Charles Stanley

As a new mother, I didn’t want to just survive; I wanted to THRIVE. Here are some things that helped me, and I hope they help you too!

Invite others into your home

In my first few weeks into motherhood, I reached out to some other new moms and invited them to my house for coffee and a breakfast casserole. We ate, laughed, shared stories and got to know each other. Another mom hosted the next month, another mom after that and ten years later, we are still friends.

Put “me-time” on the calendar

My husband was so kind. He could see I was tired and needed a break, so he told me to carve out time each month for some “Me Time.” I would just go to a coffee shop, slowly drink a cup of hot coffee, read and write, think and pray. It was amazing!

Join a group

Whether it’s a play group, a MOPs group, or a Bible study at your church – joining something that will REFRESH and inspire you to be a better mother.

Join a Gym

If it’s in your budget, this will be a life-saver! When I was a new mom without room to think or breath or shower – I loved dropping my kids off at the gym’s child care so that I could get a chance to work out and actually get a shower! I met new friends and even took a few minutes to read!

You be you

Don’t compare yourself to other moms. What you choose is your way – not the only way. I had so many ideas of what was the right way or wrong way before I had kids – and even after I had only one child. But I’ve learned that what works with one, may not work with another. Don’t judge other moms and don’t feel bad when you do things differently. Do what works for your family and for your child.

Get up before your kids

I know this is HARD when you are not getting much sleep, but get up a few minutes earlier than your kids. Having time to read and pray before your kids wake up will make a big difference in your day! My kids are EARLY risers (6 am) …but I set my alarm for 5:30 or 5:45, just to have a few quiet moments before they wake up. Having a morning ritual is important for your spirit, mind and body.

Spirit: Pray, read scripture, complete a day from my favorite Bible Study.

Mind: I write down 3-4 things I want to get done that day

Body: Do about a minute of exercise – push-ups, 1-minute plank, etc. I try to make time for more exercise later in the day.

When my kids get up extra early (before 6 am), they sit with me while I read and pray. When I’ve had a rough night (the kids are sick or not sleeping well, or when I am sick, etc.), this morning routine gets skipped. However, as often as possible, I wake up before my kids to set our day on the right course!

Enjoy the little things

Those beautiful eyes that are staring back at you, the soft hair, the sunshine, a healthy baby, a good nap (for the kids, if not for you). There is ALWAYS something to enjoy and to be GRATEFUL for! A great book to read when you’ve got littles at home is Loving the Little Years. It was written by a mom in the midst of the “little years!” It’s very practical and encouraging.

Finally, never stop being grateful because:

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” ~ Melody Beattie

What helps you THRIVE in motherhood? Leave a comment!

Please subscribe so you don’t miss a post!

September 30, 2017 By Kathryn

6 In Faith/ Family/ Motherhood/ Raising boys

The power of the local church and how it changed the trajectory of my life!

As I reflect on my journey through life, one truth stands out: the immeasurable value of the local church and the impact it has had on my personal growth and development. I am incredibly grateful for the dedicated youth leaders and volunteers who selflessly invested their time and wisdom during those formative years. Their guidance, as well as the nurturing environment of the church community, provided me with a compass when I was navigating the tumultuous seas of adolescence, unsure of my identity and place in the world.

In a society where voices are screaming at us from every direction, the local church stands as a beacon of truth and stability. Beyond the influence of parents, it offers a unique platform for children and teenagers to encounter perspectives that shape their worldview and character. The significance of this cannot be overstated; it’s a lifeline in a world often fraught with confusion and uncertainty.

I’d love to share some examples of the truths that were lovingly poured into my life, altering its course in ways I could never have imagined:

GOD IS MY FATHER and He LOVES me!

–

“My deepest awareness of myself is that I am deeply loved by Jesus Christ and I have done nothing to earn it or deserve it.” ~ Brennan Manning

–

To know that the CREATOR of the universe loved me and cared about every detail of my life changed me from the INSIDE out. It gave me a deep sense of peace, joy, and security. Because I knew that I was unconditionally loved and accepted by Him, I didn’t have to seek superficial love.

COMMUNITY and BELONGING:

–

Within the walls of the church, I discovered a sense of belonging and acceptance. It wasn’t just a place I attended; it was a community that embraced me for who I was, and friendships that have lasted a lifetime.

FORGIVENESS

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“Forgiveness is about empowering yourself, rather than empowering your past..” ~ T. D. Jakes

–

My parents divorced when I was young, and I was holding on to hurt and unforgiveness, allowing it to tear me apart inside. I learned to truly forgive my parents and let go of the hurt.

SERVICE

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“Everybody can be great because anybody can serve.” ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

The local church instilled within me a heart the value in serving others. I began by serving inside my church with our children’s ministry. Next I served with others in my community, working as a tutor and helping build houses with Habitat for Humanity. Finally, I traveled to other states and throughout the world to do mission work – helping repair dilapidated schools and homes, loving on orphaned children, and teaching others about God’s love for them.

PURPOSE and LEADERSHIP

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“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” ~ John Quincy Adams

I learned that I had leadership capabilities and was given opportunities to lead.

The church empowered me to embrace my unique talents and passions, igniting a flame of purpose and leadership that continues to burn brightly to this day.

PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU ARE CONSUMING

“These are decisions you make, and when you add them up, they create your life: What will you feed your mind? What thoughts will you dwell on? Who will you allow to influence your inner life? It’s your choice. Choose wisely.” ~ Ted Egly

I learned to pay attention to what I was consuming (reading and watching) and how it was influencing me. What we expose ourselves to, impacts us in a positive or negative way. There is a cause and effect relationship to what we take in and what comes out.

My youth leaders taught me what it looked like to live as a Christ-follower. I learned how to read my Bible and seek it for wisdom. How to pray and allow God to “speak” to my heart.

–

As I reflect on these transformative truths, I am reminded again of the invaluable role the local church plays in shaping lives and fostering communities rooted in love, truth, and purpose. It is a sanctuary in a fractured world, offering hope and healing to all who seek its embrace.

As I parent four boys, I am grateful to have other adults speaking grace, love, life, encouragement, and truth into their lives. I know my kids are not always listening to me, so it’s good to know they have other people providing wisdom and insight, guiding them towards living a better version of themselves.

I also know that churches aren’t perfect. They are made up of people like you and me that make mistakes. I am not going to forsake one of the best parts of my life because a handful of people get it wrong. I will choose to look for the good and forgive the imperfect. I also choose to serve and help when I see areas of need.

I’d love to hear your story. How have your been impacted by the local church? Send me a message if you are looking for a church!

CLICK HERE for a post I wrote on the importance of investing in others.

Thanks for reading and please consider subscribing.

September 29, 2017 By Kathryn

11 In Faith/ Motherhood

Truth or Lies – You Choose!

Recently I was lying in bed at night with fears that were keeping me awake. Those fears included:

– What if something bad happens to one of my kids?

– I’m failing as a mom. Do I have what it takes?

My mind would follow this dangerous path of negativity making me feel so much fear that I could not sleep.

After a couple nights of this, I decided that I would no longer allow let these thoughts steal my joy…and my sleep!

I got up, and I wrote down what was scaring me – The LIES. Then I found TRUTH from scripture and wrote that down.

Truth vs Lies

This works! Every time those negative thoughts try to fill me with fear and steal my joy…I speak the TRUTH. It quenches the fear and allows me to move forward in confidence, joy, and sleep in PEACE!

Don’t let fear and anxiety rule (and ruin) your life. Write down your fears, and replace them with statements of faith! Every time a negative thought tries to bring you down,

speak truth,

speak faith,

speak life!

We get to choose what you dwell on! I chose thoughts of FAITH and it made all the difference!

For more encouragement in this topic, don’t forget to subscribe.

Also visit HelpClubForMoms.com! It’s a fantastic resource for moms!

September 27, 2017 By Kathryn

5 In Motherhood/ Recipe

No Bake Protein Bites Recipe

No Bake Protein Bites are something I try to keep in my freezer at all times! Ted grabs a couple on his way out the door for work; my boys take one when they get home from school or when they are SOO hungry and can’t wait for dinner.

They are easy to make and taste really good!

Ingredients:

2 cups Old fashioned oatmeal

1 cup Peanut butter (any kind)

3/4 cup honey

1/4 cup flax seed

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

2 scoops protein powder

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla

Optional ingredients – shredded coconut, chia seeds, crushed nuts, 1-2 T melted coconut oil

Mix everything in a bowl really well.

Using a small measuring cup, spoon, or ice cream scooper – scoop it up and put on a plate.

Stick in freezer

Makes 12-15 bites

PS – I didn’t create this recipe. I found it by following moneysavingmom.com!

September 25, 2017 By Kathryn

5 In Faith/ Family/ Motherhood/ Raising boys

Finding Joy in the Journey of Motherhood

“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.”
― Henri J.M. Nouwen

Being a mom is wonderful. And hard.

I try to get the house picked up before I go to bed at night and then by 10 am, it looks a hurricane swept through. The breakfast is finished, but food is out, dishes are piled in the sink, milk is spilled and “sort of” wiped up. I look in the living room and my boys have pulled out every pillow and blanket we own to make a fort. I look around and feel overwhelmed.

Some thoughts that go through my head are:

I’ll never have a clean house.
I’m depressed.
I can’t do this.

I give myself about 60 seconds to feel that way then I PURPOSEFULLY stop myself. I CHOOSE to think different thoughts and my mood immediately changes.

I can’t do this is replaced with:

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

I am depressed is replaced with:

“Today is the day that the Lord has made and I will REJOICE and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

I’ll never have a clean house is replaced with: I have young children living here and I WILL eventually have a clean house again.

And then – I CHOOSE to be grateful.

I look at the breakfast crumbs and spills and think – my kids aren’t hungry! They have food to eat!

I look at the mess in the living room and think – they are creative! They are playing together!

Motherhood is a journey. A hard and joy-filled journey where life isn’t your own anymore. It’s about choosing joy in spite of the messes they make, the noise and the lack of free time. It’s choosing gratitude when it’s easier to be angry, frustrated, and depressed.

Today, stop and look around at the mess and be grateful for it! It means that LIFE is happening there.

I’m choosing joy one day at a time, sometimes one hour at a time.

Stress is a CHOICE! Joy and Gratitude are choices too! Choose well.

What are you grateful for today? Leave me a comment!

For more encouragement – check out the JOY CHALLENGE for MOMs. A daily video on how to choose joy no matter what life brings you. And this study to go along with it.

September 21, 2017 By Kathryn

6 In Free stuff/ Motherhood/ Saving money

FIVE ways to get FREE Starbucks!

If you are like me, you love DRINKING Starbucks more than you love PAYING for Starbucks. It’s hard to justify spending $5+ on a latte when I can make a decent cup of coffee at home for just a few cents.

Well, here are a few ways to get your Starbucks for FREE!

Shopkick App:

I love this app because I earn a free Starbucks gift card at least once a month! It’s an app that gives you “Kicks” when you walk into stores and when you scan or buy products. We’ll both get points toward a free gift card when you try it. Use code SHOP348890 or download http://getsk.co/shop348890

Shopkick

Swagbucks.com:

This is a website that has about 1000 ways to earn points, and all those points can be used towards GIFT CARDS! Check it out here: http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/CMEnthusiast

A snapshot of gift cards I’ve earned through Swagbucks!

Starbucks App:

You get a free drink on your birthday and also after you get 125 “Stars.” The app also runs promotions to earn free drinks. You also get free refills. If you purchase a coffee while shopping at Target, Safeway, or any other location that has Starbucks – don’t leave without getting a free refill on your hot or iced coffee!

Cartwheel App:

Target regularly offer discounted drinks at Starbucks if you use the Cartwheel app.

Buy Gift cards on sale:

Groupon occasionally sells $10 Starbucks cards for $5. If you have a Chase or Visa card, they have promotions for free Starbucks too!

September 17, 2017 By Kathryn

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