Where's Doodle? A blast from the past {eighth edition}

This is the picture behind the original "Where's Doodle?" inspiration. It kind of reminded me of the old school Where's Waldo? craze. : )

As if saying, " I promise to eat all of my vegetables this year".

This is our third daughter… a sweet and very compliant one, who has inherited the nickname "Doodle". She takes daily naps and goes to bed like clockwork. She enjoys most everything from riding in the car to playing with her sisters and even entertains herself for long periods of time. She is such a joy to our family!

Let’s not be mistaken, however. She is full of energy and adventure. As to keep up with her older sisters, she began walking at eight months. We were so proud and she….oh so delighted.

Since then, she has been known to climb the stairs – on the inside and outside of the staircase….GASP! She has also scaled tables, chairs, drawers, the fireplace hearth, desks – you name it. We have found her in the most inconspicuous places. Each Wednesday, I will share a glimpse of them with you in the "Where's Doodle?" segment.

This girl is on the move, which means so are we.

What's your busy toddler doing these days?

Yay, she's 3!

I usually like to write about homeschool subjects on Tuesdays, but I wanted to stop and honor our precious little one who turned three this week. She is especially proud! I'm pretty sure every sentence lately starts with, "when I be three I'm going to....." (Yes, she misuses the verb, but I don't plan to correct her anytime soon....it's way tooooo cute.)

Our little "Cal Cal". She was born in a very, for the sake of being positive, "interesting" time in our lives. When the entire earth around us seemed to be dry and brittle, this little flower popped up. What a joy!

To add to the difficult seaon of life that we were in, when she was born, the doctor told us that she had three holes in her heart. I was beside myself. I/we didn't know what that meant, how it happened or what could happen to her. I'm pretty sure I didn't take my eyes off her and I was on 24/7 watch for weeks. The doctor assured us she was going to be fine.

Her words were literally, "she really is OK, it's like an artist who painted a big canvans and missed a tiny little spot, you'll never even notice it's there." That was such a mental picture for me. I know the Master Artist and he doesn't make mistakes in his creation. I put my trust in him!

This princess is a healthy vibrant little girl. She is a huge blessing in our lives. Yes, she may get lost in the shadow of her best friend/big sister who is more extroverted and outspoken, but her sweet little personality shines through and touches your heart. This little snuggle bunny is a wonderful mommy to her little baby dolls and truly loves her binky.

We are having so much fun getting to know her and her personality every day. Happy 3 years little one!

The art of saying "no" and a resounding yes

Since the title of this post is the "art of saying no", it kind of sounds like I am an expert on this subject and I am handing out advice to others. That is not quite the story. Especially since having children, learning to say no is something that I am being faced with more than ever.

Even before becoming a mom, saying no is just not something I have ever been good at. I remember at one point, I had five jobs at the same time because I enjoyed so many different things. I was teaching fitness classes, giving private Spanish lessons and working at a gym and a retail store. This is one reason I don't like saying no because the choices are so many!

Another reason is because I don't like "letting people down". I'm, for the most part, a passive person. Unless there is a major decision to be made or there is something of great concern, my response is usually "whatever you think" or "why don't you decide". (Yes, I know this can be annoying to the more decisive person.) However, the bigger life decisions I'm okay with. I knew what I wanted to do with my life (or what I was called to do), what major to pursue, what university to attend and who to marry {wink} when the time came . I feel like it was somewhat easy to follow God's leading in those areas. It's the seemingly smaller decisions that I struggle with.

Now, having four very young children, I'm having to say no to things even if to myself, more than ever. I want to serve in our church more, I want to spend more time with friends, I want to travel, I want to continue to go overseas and serve the people, I want to workout more, read more and I want to spend time on my hobbies. I miss teaching international students. None of these things are bad or wrong. In fact, many of them are quite productive or are very good things to do. Where does it end?

Those are just the things that I want to do....not to mention the things others ask of me. Most likely, you are the same. People are asking, calling, needing, wanting, hurting, pulling and pleading. The problem lies in the fact that there are only so many hours in a day. I have only so much energy and so much time to give. In this season of my life, my children (and husband too) require a great deal of that time and energy. In fact, two of my children can hardly feed themselves and cannot go to the bathroom alone. The older two still need some assistance in both areas. Those basic tasks alone can definitely carve out some hours every day.

Is it easy to say no to all of these things? Absolutely not! Having traveled overseas to various countries over the past twenty years, I have seen many needs. I've been faced with decisions. It completely leaves me heartbroken to have to leave and not DO something about every single request. The fact is, I cannot physically be in an orphanage in Costa Rica, a childrens' ministry in Peru, a baby home in India or teach in Mexico at the same time. No one can. The needs big and small will always be there. In your home, in your community, in your country and abroad.

My point is that there is always something outside of the four walls of the home that can be done, that needs someone to do them and that are quite important. As moms, our primary calling (not to be confused with our only calling) is to be a mother to our children. To make disciples. To serve, teach, train, and encourage them. Pray with and for them. Guide and protect them. Enjoy them. Wow! What a responsibility. What a privilege.

As a woman in general or more specifically as a mom, it's up to you to prayerfully pursue those things that will have lasting value. To care for what has been or who has been set before you. For us moms, it's our children. Our greatest ministry.

Saying "no" is an art. You must be strategic as to when and where you say yes. You must first count the cost because sometimes the cost is too great.

"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, 'this person began to build and wasn't able to finish.'" Luke 14:28-30

I know the seasons will change and there will be more room for "yes" to the other things, but for now I will continue to learn the art of saying "no".

Next week I will talk about the "resounding yes".

Wellness Challenge: feeding the machine

Today is week three in the Wellness Challenge. Last week, I talked about the H2O factor and the importance of water in our daily lives.

I labeled today's post "feeding the machine" because of something I once heard that totally changed my perspective on food. A few years ago, I heard someone say that the body is like a furnace that needs fuel to function properly. When I heard that, I got a very vivid mental picture of shoveling coal into a furnace.

Our bodies are such an intricate design that needs a variety of vitamins, minerals and nutrients to function. Imagine throwing a bunch of garbage in a coal furnace or pouring just any kind of liquid into your car gas tank. The results would definitely not be the same as putting in the proper materials. The same goes with our bodies. They respond to what they have/have not been fueled with. Moreover, our bodies NEED fuel to function. In the same way that a car will stall when out of gas, our bodies will not run when not properly fueled or deprived of what it needs to run. We cannot deprive our bodies of essential nutrients. Starvation and extreme dieting can be detrimental to our health.

Naturally, as human beings, our tendency is to very much dislike any restrictions put on us. Therefore, when it comes to eating, I like to think of adding to rather than taking away.

When we fuel our bodies with real and whole foods that are full of vitamins and minerals, we feel energetic vibrant and alive. When we shovel in large amounts of sugar, caffeine, fat and processed foods, we feel lethargic and bloated. I don't know about you, but as a mother of four children under the age of five, I need some serious energy! They keep me hopping day and night. : )

If a healthy eating lifestyle is a new concept or endeavor for you, here are some tips to take baby steps in properly fueling your "furnace" and adding good things to your body. Remember, small changes can make big differences.

• Think colors! Add a variety of colorful fruits and veggies daily.
• Eat lean proteins like chicken breast and tuna instead of red meat.
• Be creative. There are so many healthy and real foods out there. Try new things like different nuts and beans, new fruits or veggies, fish, etc. Ever tried hummus? Greek yogart? Tofu?
• Don't forget about the H2O factor!

I hope this perspective helps you as much as it has helped me to develop a long-term healthy eating lifestyle, rather than a short-term diet.

What are some ways you fuel your "furnace"? We would love to hear some tips on healthy eating.

Where's Doodle? {seventh edition}

This is our third daughter… a sweet and very compliant one, who has inherited the nickname "Doodle". She takes daily naps and goes to bed like clockwork. She enjoys most everything from riding in the car to playing with her sisters and even entertains herself for long periods of time. She is such a joy to our family!

Let’s not be mistaken, however. She is full of energy and adventure. As to keep up with her older sisters, she began walking at eight months. We were so proud and she….oh so delighted.

Since then, she has been known to climb the stairs – on the inside and outside of the staircase….GASP! She has also scaled tables, chairs, drawers, the fireplace hearth, desks – you name it. We have found her in the most inconspicuous places. Each Wednesday, I will share a glimpse of them with you in the "Where's Doodle?" segment.

This girl is on the move, which means so are we.

What's your busy toddler doing these days?

Homeschooling (or just playtime at home) on a budget

I always seem to preface my posts about homeschooling, with something like "we are just beginners", because we are. I have much to learn, but I have truly enjoyed all my "research" and my quest for knowledge on the subject thus far.

For the most part, when homeschooling, families are on their own when it comes to the cost. Curriculum, extra-curriculur activities, and school supplies can add up very quickly. Most likely you are like our family who has chosen (and are so grateful that we can) for me to stay home to teach our children. This also means that we are living on one income. Our double income no kids (DINK) life has quickly changed to one income and four kids {gasp}. For this reason, we try to be very resourceful, careful and purposeful with our finances in every area.

Today, I want to give a few tips that I have learned in an attempt to create an environment for learning while not breaking the bank. Below are some ideas that I have found helpful:

LAMINATE, LAMINATE, LAMINATE!

If you have more than one child at home that you will be teaching, lamnating worksheets are a great way to reuse them. Dry erase markers can be used to write on them and then wipe them clean for the next child.

I found a great deal on this laminator and I find myself quite excited when I get to use it. Strange, I know.

SWAP CURRICULUM

If you have other friends or family that are or have homeschooled in the past, you can share curriculum with them as the age ranges vary within families.

FREE ONLINE PRINTABLES AND ACTIVITIES

There are tons of sites and blogs that offer free or inexpensive printables and activities available online. Some of my favorites include:

Starfall

Confessions of a Homeschooler

Mama Jenn

BARGAIN SHOP

Often, I feel like I am on a treasure hunt for resources and items that will help our at home learning experience more fun, more efficient and more productive. I scout out garage sales, dollar stores, thrift shops and online sites for games, books, DVD's and other school supplies. I have scored many items for a fraction of the price.

I bought this never used Dora the Explorer: ABC Game at a local thrift store for next to nothing.

This Leap Frog Bingo is a garage sale find that I paid $2 for.

SWAGBUCKS & AMAZON

There are great deals on Amazon for many things that can be used to teach at home. Many times, they are sold for a fraction of the cost that you'd pay at a retail store. You also know that I am crazy about Swagbucks and that I get a lot of our stuff for free by using my digital dollars to purchase Amazon gift cards.

Our beloved Learning Resources Calendar and Weather Pocket Chart is something I got on Amazon for free by using my Swagbucks. Can't beat that : )

BE CREATIVE

Try to think outside of the box. Isn't it funny that many times at birthday parties the child will be more enthralled with the box or the wrapping paper and bow than the actual gift. The same thing goes with learning at home. There are treasures all over your house that you probably never knew could help your child develop various skills.

• Pots, pans and utensils for musical expression.
• Dry beans, straws, rice and noodles for crafts.
• Plastic containers to scoop and dump small objects for motor skill practice.
• Too many items to name for imaginary play and dress up.

GIFTS

Because we have four small children, you can imagine that due to birthdays and other holidays, toys are not lacking in our home. If family or friends ask about gift ideas, I now suggest fun school and craft supplies and other resources that we use for homeschooling.

I hope this helps!

Ebates: more money earning tips

Honestly, today my house needs some serious attention, so I was going to forego my "Frugal Friday" post in an attempt to find the floor {wink}. Then I received a very timely email (since it is "Frugal Friday") that I had a $40.20 check on the way from using Ebates to shop online. So, I thought I would share this little secret with you.

Actually, it's not really a secret. Thousands of people take advantage of this opportunity, but in case you don't know...I'm telling you.

Ebates is a site that pays you back for shopping online. Since I'm trying to help you save/earn money, I'm obviously not telling you to go spend money to earn money. I'm simply giving you another way that you can earn cash back for doing what you already do.

If there are items that you currently buy online or if you do birthday and/or holiday shopping online, Ebates is a way to do that and earn cash back for your purchases.

There are hundreds of retailers found on the site. Often, there are deals where the stores will give you double cash back. I've earned as much as 20% cash back for purchases.

I won't list stores, but some of the items I have purchased are photo books, shoes, items for homeschooling, books, etc.

It's free to join and you can sign up by clicking here. I hope you will take advantage of this little tip.

(Note: the links in this post are my referral links.)