In the midst of it all...my grace is sufficient for you.

2 Corinthians 12:9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Sometimes life can be a downer. Life is hard. No one you meet will tell you differently. However, our perspective and choice of attitude has a huge deal on our outlook on life. When we get up in the morning we can chose what attitude we will have. There is no excuse to have a bad attitude. Yes life may no be going the way you want it to. God says in His word that HIS grace is sufficient. When we are weak HE is strong. Who better to lean on than our strong and mighty God. After all he redeemed and saved us. We were in the midst of sin and rebellion and yet He chose to save us. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

What choice do we have when all we see are lemons in life. We forget that God knows the big picture. He knows each lemon we face. He knows what is around the corner for each of us. He will turn those lemons into lemonade in His timing. During "lemon" times we are to give God glory. In the "lemonade" times we are to give God glory. 

Sometimes all we can do is breathe and even that hurts. God says to love him with our heart, mind, soul and strength. Next to love others as we love ourselves, against such there is no law.

Go out and love on someone today! You never know how they are feeling, whats going on in their life. They need God's love today more than any other day. Why? Because today is the day we are breathing in! 
  

A Few Brief Thoughts on Homeschooling

When we started our homeschooling journey we did it all on our own. We didnt belong to a PSP just a park group. In that group there were families that homeschooled many different ways. Charter, PSP, all on their own etc. When I was in that group there was a lot of judgement towards people who were apart of a PSP or a charter.
There are so many reasons to homeschool of which I wont go into detail. However, most people homeschool to give their kids the best education, they see fit.
I kind of feel like homeschooling is like giving birth. I know you are thinking this chick is a lunatic but hear me out. When giving birth there are many many options. The option you choose before you are in labor doesnt make you a good or bad parent. Sometimes when you get into labor your options change, but you do what is best for the child and the mother. This is the same in homeschooling. There are so many options out there. Why do we feel the need to say one way of homeschooling is the best way. Why do we judge another family on what they think is best for their family. Why do we judge other mothers on the options they chose for their birth plan. I have always told people we live in this day and age for a reason. Am I better because I choose a natural birth. Nope! Its just my choice, what I feel is est for my family. Praise God our birth plans have always worked out and we never go into an emergency situation. Every birth is different! Any mom would say AMEN!!! The same goes for homeschooling. You think Im going to use such and such curriculum, do it this way etc. Then you get to November and realize this isnt working!!! (happens in labor too!!) Every child is different, every birth is different, sometimes the plan changes right in the middle of the year or labor. Would you seriously after a precious life was brought into this world, tell the mom.."well if oyu would have done such and such, you would be a better mom." Absolutely not. You walk in and look at the miracle and praise God the mom and baby are healthy. Why cant homeschoolers do this? Lets look at an example.
Here is one of my favorite homeschool stories. A family of 5, they charter. Yep already you dont want to hear the story. Your judgements are coming out and you cant stop the vomit of judgement in your mind. Hear me out though its a good one. So they are homeschooling. Their oldest, a strapping young lad, who is in high school, has a plan of going into computers. Sounds great right. I hear computers are the place to be lol. Anyway, I digress, The child (well young adult), takes a course at the local community college. He is in a debate class of some sort. Wouldnt you know that God uses that class to spur this young lad into wanting to become a pastor. Now you are thinking praise God!! In my heart I thought about his mom. Im sure she is excited!!! Wouldnt you be. Any ministry your child goes into, you should be jumping up and down!!!! You have forgotten they charter. whoops I just reminded you. Do you negate the praise God now? Nope!!! This young lad is going to go on and bless this world!! God is going to speak through him and use him to usher people into His kingdom. See...I told you it was a good one.
It doesnt pay to judge a family on how they homeschool. It hurts you, it hurts them and it hurts the homeschooling community. I feel so sad for the people who look around and say well im doing it this way, and im better. Why cant the homeschooling community come together without the judgement.
While that park group was a diverse group, there was a lot of judgement. At the time I didnt know anything about anything. IT did get me thinking.
To all homeschoolers I say give your kid the best. If its all on your own, go for it, with a PSP hit it or in a charter do it. Do what is best!!! Dont let the judgement of others bring you down.

Pattern Test for Little Kiwis Closet

I was able to test for Little Kiwis Closet. The pattern I tested was the Sweet and Sassy Bubble shorts. I loved the pattern. I love the shorts on my little man and it was a very quick sew!!! Im so pleased with them. It was the first pair of shorts I have ever made. They turned out so cute. Even my husband likes them. Which is an accomplishment for sure!!! I have made some questionable items in my day.  There are so many options with these shorts. Pockets, no pockets, or add bows. If you buy this pattern you will not be disappointed!!!
Here is the link the the shorts.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/177632668/sweetnsassy-bubble-shorts-prem-24months?ref=shop_home_active_4

Here I am Lord

Lately I feel like God is going to use me, my skills, my desires, in a new way. Maybe at a different place or somewhere I never expected to be used, maybe big or small.  I don't know where or what but I feel like "here I am Lord, send me." I pray daily that He will open whatever door He wants me to walk through. There are desires in my heart and I pray He uses them for His glory. However, I am content where I am right now. I know that sounds strange. I feel like He's preparing my heart and mind and yet I love where I am at right now.

Moms Bomb Egg Salad

tired of your ordinary egg salad heres the best alternative!!!

hard boiled eggs cut in small pieces
cheese
corn
bacon
ranch dressing
mayo
garlic salt
italian seasoning
paprika

i did not really measure anything - i used about 6 eggs and 4 pieces of bacon. I really just put it all in a bowl and tasted and then added as I saw fit!
Enjoy!!!!

Homemade is the best!!!!

I have a lot of friends who ask me what my recipes are for all of my homemade items... so here they are just for you!!

Homemade deodorant - this stuff actually works. I dont know about you but the natural store stuff does not work. No matter how much I use - i just smell no matter what!!! Heres an awesome deodorant and way cheaper!!!

• 6 T coconut oil
• 1/4 cup (4 T) baking soda
• 1/4 cup (4 T) arrowroot or cornstarch
• essential oils (optional)

What to Do:

1. Mix baking soda and arrowroot together in a medium sized bowl.
2. Mash in coconut oil with a fork until well mixed.
3. Add oils if desired.
4. Store in small glass jar or old deodorant container for easy use.

http://wellnessmama.com/1523/how-to-make-natural-deodorant-beating-the-b-o-with-natural-deo/

Homemade toothpaste

• 5 parts Calcium powder or Calcium Magnesium Powder
• 2 parts Baking Soda
• 3 parts Xylitol Powder- This ingredient is not completely necessary, but just keeps it from tasting bitter. (I use stevia)
• 3-5 parts coconut oil to get desired texture
• Optional ingredients: Essential oils for flavor (mint, cinnamon, and orange are all good), Grapefruit Seed Extract, Myrrh and Trace Minerals

[Note: To keep things simple, I just use a teaspoon or tablespoon, depending on the size batch I'm making, so the above recipe would read 5 TBSP calcium powder, 2 TBSP Baking Soda, etc.]

http://wellnessmama.com/2500/homemade-remineralizing-toothpaste-recipe/

Homemade Hand Foaming Soap
I use and old foam hand soap dispenser. I fill it mostly up with water and then add a little dr bronners castile soap. I also add a little vitamin e, so my hands dont get dry. wallah!!!!

Homemade Laundry Detergent

weve had this recipe for so long and because we are a large family we make a very big batch. im pretty sure this is the recipe we use though.

Hot water
1/2 cup Washing Soda
1/2 cup Borax
1/3 bar Soap (grated)

• In a large pot, heat 3 pints of water. Add the grated bar and stir until melted. Then add the washing soda and borax. Stir until powder is dissolved, then remove from heat.
• In a 2 gallon clean pail, pour 1 quart of hot water and add the heated mixture. Top pail with cold water and stir well.
• Use 1/2 cup per load, stirring before each use (will gel).

Homemade Baby Wipes

2 cups water
1 tbls coconut oil
1 tbls dr bronners castile soap

cut paper towel roll in half and remove the brown core. (save for giving to a church). soak the paper towels in above solution and wallah!!!!

Homemade Lotion

• 1/2 cup almond or olive oil (can infuse with herbs first if desired)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup beeswax
• Optional: 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
• Optional: 2 tablespoons Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter
• Optional: Essential Oils, Vanilla Extract or other natural extracts to suit your preference

Note: All ingredients and many essential oils are available here.

How to Make Lotion:

1. Combine ingredients in a pint sized or larger glass jar. I have a mason jar that I keep just for making lotions and lotion bars, or you can even reuse a glass jar from pickles, olives or other foods.
2. Fill a medium saucepan with a couple inches of water and place over medium heat.
3. Put a lid on the jar loosely and place in the pan with the water.
4. As the water heats, the ingredients in the jar will start to melt. Shake or stir occasionally to incorporate. When all ingredients are completely melted, pour into whatever jar or tin you will use for storage. Small mason jars (8 ounce) are great for this. It will not pump well in a lotion pump!
5. Use as you would regular lotion. This has a longer shelf life than some homemade lotion recipes since all ingredients are already shelf stable and not water is added. Use within 6 months for best moisturizing benefits.

Note: A litte goes a long way! This lotion is incredibly nourishing and is also great for diaper rash on baby, for eczema and for preventing stretch marks!

http://wellnessmama.com/3765/luxurious-homemade-lotion-recipe/

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

Ingredients:

• 3 lemons
• 14 oz water
• 4 oz white vinegar
• 1 cup salt

Cut lemons and remove all seeds.  Chop lemons into small pieces. Put cut pieces in blender with water and blend at maximum speed until smooth. Pour into a stainless steel pot, add salt and vinegar, and stir. Cook just below boiling for about 10-15 minutes stirring occasionally if needed.  Let cool slightly, stir, then store in glass containers. {If your blender is not super powerful, strain final mixture with a thin mesh strainer.} Fill the dishwasher soap dispenser and also put a small amount on the inner side of the dishwasher door. You can also use it to clean your counters and stove!  I would test a small area first just to be sure.  Don’t want to be the cause of ruined household parts!  But it worked really well for me.

http://motherofpearlspcos.org/homemade-lemony-all-natural-dishwasher-liquid-i-love-this-stuff/

5k

yesterday and today i ran a 5k at lake murray - despite my calfs hurting and my nike thing bring wonky i did good :) i cant seem to get out of the 180s. i weighed myself today and i weigh 180.2. ugh trying to break these 180s - im still hoping i hit my goal of 140 by aug 15th :). i feel no difference with my shots. once they stopped making me sick i have felt no difference.