Help for the best and hardest job in the world…

As adults, we’re pretty awesome at a lot of things.
We tackle big challenges in our careers, our finances, and our health. We build impressive things. We write legal documents. We manage teams and conferences and estates and classrooms.
But when it comes to parenting, we often feel surprisingly unsure whether we know what we’re doing at all.
We love these kids of ours with a love so fierce and strong, and yet, half the time we shake our heads and wonder if we’re getting it all wrong and why this parenting gig is so darn hard???
Raising these hilarious, amazing, wild little humans of ours is both tough and tremendous, precious and perplexing, all at the same time.
In fact, I don’t know about you, but it’s not uncommon for me to feel totally conflicting things at any given moment:
Looking forward to a quiet empty nest, while wishing I could just freeze time and keep my children exactly as they are in this moment.
Desperately longing for some peace and quiet, while loving the chaos and life surrounding me.
Wishing everyone would stop saying, “Mom! Mom! Mom!” even as I’m craving conversation with these fascinating little people of mine.
No matter what your day has been like…
…whether you locked yourself in the bathroom to cry after you blew up at your kids.
…or if “Mama needs some alone time” evolved into hiding in the pantry and inhaling a bag of dark chocolate chips.
…or your budding artist decided today was the day to create a mural on the living room wall with your colored Sharpies…
There’s one thing you already know.
Sometimes parenting is awesome. And sometimes it’s not.
You’ll take the not-so-awesome parts along with the beautiful parts. Because it’s so worth it.
But if you could find resources to help make it a little more awesome and a lot less hard?
It’d be a no-brainer!
Well, look no further, because I found something that might be just what you need: The Parenting Super Bundle.

For six days only, you can get your hands on a package full of resources to help you rock this parenting gig even more, for the most affordable price ever. (Seriously, just wait until I tell you the price.)
This brand-new bundle includes 35 ebooks, 10 eCourses, 23 printables, 9 workbooks, 2 audios, and 1 membership site.
These top-quality resources cover everythingyou need to make parenting feel less stressful (and more fun!)… chore charts, discipline methods and ideas, strategies for tough challenges (for kids and for parents), printable craft ideas, homeschooling helps, and so much more.
For less than the cost of a gallon of paint to touch up your little Picasso’s mural, you’ll get a complete library to help you:

Apply step-by-step solutions to common challenges like whining, arguing, homework, and lack of cooperation

Build stronger relationships with your kids (even your teens)

Stop playing referee in sibling battles (and teach them how to work things out)

Instill gratitude, kindness, and helpfulness in your child

Become a kinder, more intentional parent

and feel encouraged and inspired in your parenting.

Plus, it comes with over $100 worth of bonus offers from companies you’ll love (this is one of my favorite parts).
You sort of need to see it to believe it, but the package includes 80 digital products and it’s worth over $1270!
Besides being so incredibly helpful, one of the things I like best about the bundle is the price. By offering it for a short time only, they’re able to give you access to over $1270 worth of amazing products for a whopping 98% off!

Here’s how it works:

1. Visit their website, take a quick look at all the goodness that comes in this package, then click the “Get my copy now!” button to go through their simple and secure 3-step checkout process.
2. You’ll receive an email with a login to their online access portal, where you’ll begin downloading your eBooks, signing up for your eCourses, and redeeming your free bonus offers.
3. Use their Getting Started Guide to pick the topic you want to tackle first and give you joy in your parenting journey!

The most important detail, though, is that this bundle is available for just six days!
After Monday night, August 14th, the sale ends and you’d have to buy all of these products individually.
I’d hate for you to miss out, so click HERE (https://us154.isrefer.com/go/PARSB2017/a3732/) to learn more or buy the bundle.
It’s even backed by a 100% happiness guarantee, so you can make sure it’s right for you.
As you already know, parenting is amazing and difficult. Enjoying it even on the craziest of days is not impossible.

You don’t need to be a perfect parent to raise great kids, but if you (like me) could use a little help, learn more or get your bundle HERE
(Psst… the bundle goes away at 11:59 pm Eastern on Monday, August 14th, so don’t wait!)



Want to know what is included in this awesome bundle of goodies?? Here ya go..... get ready to be wow'd!!

Activities & Crafts

• Crafty Critters: Crafts to Go by Amanda Dion ($9.99)
• Farm Life Quiet Book by Kristina Manscill ($4.99)
• Funny Mom Joke Pack: Make Your Kids Laugh Every Day of the Year by Jill Riley ($29.00)
• Mini Mom & Dad Dates by The Dating Divas ($4.97)
• Random Acts of Kindness Cards for Kids by Lauren Tamm & Rachel Norman ($5.99)
• The Ultimate Life Cycle Printables by Kimberly Huff ($9.99)

Chore Charts & Planners

• Back to School Planner 2017-18 by Laura Rizer ($4.00)
• Blockies Complete Routine Chart Set by Samantha Jockel ($6.00)
• Editable Chore Cards for Kids by Sara McClure ($15.00)
• Fairies Complete Routine Chart Set by Samantha Jockel ($6.00)
• Student Planner by Jolanthe Erb ($16.00)

Discipline

• Emotion Coaching: An Essential Part of Your Parenting Toolbox! by Melissa Benaroya ($49.00)
• Kids Don’t Come With a Manual: The Essential Guide to a Happy Family by Carole and Nadim Saad ($7.49)
• Parenting with Positive Guidance: Building Discipline from the Inside Out by Amanda Morgan ($17.00)
• Parenting with Purpose: How to Raise Well-Behaved Kids and Build a Strong Parent-Child Relationship by Nina Garcia ($9.00)
• TEACH Your Children How to Behave by Brittany Ann ($9.99)

Education

• 120 Math & Literacy No-Prep Games for K-2 by Anna Geiger ($12.00)
• 31 Ways to Practice Spelling Words by Terri Thompson ($5.00)
• Creative Freewriting Adventure: A Journey into Freewriting by Stacy Farrell ($18.95)
• How to Talk About Art with Kids by Cindy Ingram ($14.00)
• Nurture Art: How to Develop a Joyful Art Practice With Your Children by Cathy James ($10.00)
• Training Your Children in Home Economics by Angie Kauffman ($2.50)

Faith

• A Firm Foundation: A Scripture Memory Workbook For Children by Crystal Brothers ($17.00)
• Fine Linen and Purple: A Coloring Journal for Teen Girls who Love Jesus by Marcy Crabtree ($9.95)
• Fruits of the Spirit Printables for Kids by Laura & Clay Prater ($5.00)
• Growing Faithful Kids Mini-Course by Erika Dawson ($7.99)
• Hero Training! Kid’s Character Challenge by Liz Millay ($15.00)
• It’s Reasonable: Teaching Kids the Answers to Their Common Questions About the Christian Faith by Christi Gee ($39.97)
• Made To Pray: A 12-Day Prayer Journey for the Whole Family by Christie Thomas ($4.99)
• Priceless: A 7-Day Praying the Promises Mini Challenge by Arabah Joy ($10.00)
• The Prayer Mugs: Pray, Trust, Coffee, Repeat by Laura Coppinger ($18.00)
• Wisdom Talks About Work: Finding God’s Purpose in Our Everyday Lives by Anna Joy Lowell ($19.00)

Food

• A Mom’s Practical Guide to Baby-Led Weaning by Brittany Dixon ($14.99)
• Cooking Around the World by Debbie Madson ($27.00)
• Crunch! Put a Stop to Picky Eating and Help Your Kids to Love Veggies by Dr Orlena Kerek ($15.00)
• My First Kitchen Binder for Kids by Tauna (Meyer) ($14.99)

Homeschooling

• Begin Homeschooling with Confidence by Kelly George ($12.95)
• Cure the Fear of Homeschooling High School: How to Be Sure You’re Not Missing Anything by Ann Karako ($14.99)
• Harried Homeschoolers Handbook by Susan K Stewart ($4.99)
• Homeschool Planner Pack by Kayse Pratt ($5.00)
• Homeschooling When Learning Isn’t Easy: Helping Your Family Excel With Special Needs by Heather Laurie ($4.99)
• Homeschooling with ADHD by Selena D. Robinson ($5.00)
• Schooling at Home While Working at Home by Misty Bailey ($7.99)
• Unschooling: A Lifestyle of Learning by Sara McGrath ($6.99)

Outdoors & Travels

• 1000 Miles of Memories: How To Plan Your First Epic Road Trip & Save Money By Camping by Robyn Robledo ($13.00)
• The Idea Room Travel Games for Kids by Amy Huntley ($5.99)
• Thirty Days of Rewilding: Find Your Place in Nature and Watch your Family Bloom by Lucy AitkenRead ($3.34)

Parenthood

• 7 Key Tips to Save Yourself from a Bad Day (Or Life) by Ruthie Gray ($25.00)
• A Realistic Action Plan For the Weary Mom: 15 Days of Hope From The Intentional Mom by Jennifer Roskamp (7.99)
• Creating A Schedule That Works: Your Life, Your Schedule by Marlene Griffith ($10.00)
• Don’t Panic! A Practical Guide to Twins, Triplets and More by Karen Bleakley ($9.99)
• If Only They’d Told Me: All The Things You Wish You’d Been Told About Pregnancy, Parenting & Relationships by Natalie Cutler-Welsh ($6.00)
• Parenting in Tough Times by Luschka van Onselen ($6.75)
• Peaceful Pauses: Touchstones for Your Mama Soul by Betsy May ($7.99)
• Raising Positive Kids in a Negative World: Audio Version by Zig Ziglar ($49.97)
• Self Care for Adoptive and Foster Families by Sharla Kostelyk ($9.99)
• Simple Ways to Parent without Anger by Adina Soclof ($7.97)
• The Stop Yelling Handbook by Amanda Rueter ($7.99)
• Thrive: Ziglar Family Community Membership by Ziglar Family ($75)

Special Needs

• Autism/ADHD Food & Nutrition Workshop by Julie Matthews ($47.00)
• Children with ADHD: 10 Non-Medication Options for Success at School and Home! by Misty Martin, Ed.S. ($11.99)
• How to Teach Your Kids to Crush Anxiety by Natasha Daniels ($127.00)
• Raising the Blinds on Anxiety: Workbook for Kids by Deborah Kendall ($14.95)
• Taking Time For Me: A 31 Day Journal to Help Increase Mindfulness and Decrease Anxiety by Karla Archer ($9.00)

Special Occasions

• 101 Days of Christmas by Mandi Ehman ($3.99)
• 101 MORE Days of Christmas by Mandi Ehman ($3.99)
• Cupcakes! 12 Months of Happiness by Liz Latham ($3.99)
• Editable Christmas Coupon Book for Kids by Ginny Grover ($5.00)
• How to Throw an Awesome Birthday Party at Home for Less Than $100 by Sharon Rowley ($7.99)
• The Cake Decorating 101 School by Rebekah Allan ($97.00)

Toddlers & Preschoolers

• Babes, Tots and Kids: 52 Weeks of Preschool for Children Ages Baby-5 Years by Raegan Disharoon & Valerie Plowman ($19.50)
• I Can Teach My Child to Read by Jenae Jacobson ($9.99)
• Play Grow Learn: Big Adventures for Pint-Sized Explorers by Christie Burnett ($6.00)
• Playing with Purpose: Character Building Made Fun by Chelsea Lee Smith ($6.99)
• Potty Train in a Weekend by Becky Mansfield ($9.99)
• Teaching Toddlers at Home by Amanda Stockdale ($67.00)
• The Toddler Journey: 100 Hands-On Activities for Toddlers by Angela Thayer ($10.00)
• Tot School Printables A to Z by Carisa Hinson ($12.00)
• Troubleshooting Toddlerhood by Kara Carrero ($4.99)
• When Baby Becomes Big Sibling by Paula Rollo ($9.99)

Bonuses

• FREE 1-month membership from Musik at Home ($30)
• 10 free audio stories for kids from Around the World Stories ($30)
• FREE 1-month subscription from Bookroo ($18)
• FREE All Natural Bug Repellent & Lotion Bars project kit from Detox Project Box ($25)

Photography: Ultimate Impact For Your Blog or Website #ultimatebundles #photography

I’m about to tell you something that might surprise you…
You might think the photography industry is closed-off to people like you – that it’s impenetrable for anyone who’s always had a “regular” job and just taken photos as a passion or a hobby.
But let me tell you: there’s a HUGE market out there for digital photography. And what’s more, you don’t need to have been born in a darkroom to gain access to it. You need mad skills, of course. And passion – lots of passion. But contacts? Referrals? A studio? You need none of it to get started.
Every month, millions of digital photos are purchased online for use in websites, blogs, articles, marketing, materials and more. People like you are taking those photos… AND they’re getting paid for them! They’re making hundreds of dollars – and sometimes much more than that – per day.
If you truly love the idea of being a professional photographer but always believed it was out of your reach, it’s time to change those beliefs!
Not sure where to start? That’s where I come in. If you can bring the passion and photography skills, I can point you in the direction of a collection of resources that will teach you exactly how to start making money from your photos. It’s called The Ultimate Digital Photography Bundle (Business Edition), and it’s been created by the fantastic team over at Ultimate Bundles. It contains all the tools and resources you’ll need to start your own photography business NOW and create income with your pictures.
Inside the bundle you’ll find a whole range of ebooks, video training and useful document templates from today’s biggest names in digital photography – containing their secrets to not only producing stunning digital shots, but also their blueprints to building a profitable, sustainable business that puts money in your pocket on a consistent basis.
Here’s a breakdown of the topics included in The Ultimate Digital Photography Bundle (Business Edition):

• Marketing (techniques, strategies, templates, and even software to help you market your services)
• Adobe Lightroom (inspirational insights into how some of the advanced tools work)
• Studios (information for those who want to set up their own studio)
• Skills improvement (taking you beyond photography, with ebooks and video training on topics included videography and natural posing)
• Templates (an assortment of Photoshop templates and storyboards)
• Forms (business forms, policy documents, print release templates… rather boring but totally necessary – so it’s all here ready for you!)

The price? Well the combined value of everything inside the bundle is $2,036.36. If you were to buy each product separately, that’s what you’d pay.
But The Ultimate Digital Photography Bundle (Business Edition) will cost you just $97! That’s because the Ultimate Bundles team have persuaded these experts to provide their products at a hugely discounted rate!
Ready for even more good news? Ryan and Steph have also thrown in some extra-special gifts worth over $400 in total:

• $20 gift certificate toward any SpinLight 360 Package
• $15 gift certificate to Lightscoop (for pro-like photos with your built-in flash)
• $15 gift certificate to Porteen Gear (where you can buy custom-made, stylish and functional camera bags and gear)
• FREE choice of a premium video photography course from Craftsy.com (up to $50 value)
• FREE three-month subscription to the Light Inspired Women’s Photography Forum
• FREE marketing set of your choice from the Seaside Creative collection ($75 value)
• x4 FREE Volumes of Clarity Magazine – including video tutorials from top photography educators
• FREE FX Photo Studio Pro PLUS Snapheal Pro AND Intensify Pro software from MacPhun which will help to give you a vast number of ultra-powerful adjustments for your photos (combined value $129.97)

There’s a catch, of course – but I think it’s a pretty reasonable one. The Ultimate Digital Photography Bundle (Business Edition) is available this week only! On Monday, June 29, 2015 at Midnight, it comes off sale for good.
Click here to check out The Ultimate Digital Photography Bundle (Business Edition)!
You can buy with complete confidence because you’re covered by the Ultimate Bundles 30-day money-back guarantee. That means you have a full month to try out all the ebooks and video courses in the bundle, and if you don’t think they justify the price or they weren’t what you were hoping for, you can get a full refund.
But remember: it’s on sale for this week only – until Monday, June 29, 2015 at midnight! After that, it’s gone for good!

HURRY!! Last Day is TODAY!!

Depression: Learning How To Sail My Ship

How many of you suffer from depression, sadness ,dysthymia, constant feelings of worthlessness or guilt over something out of your control? Well join the club sista, we are all in this together!
Depression is a life sucking debilitating problem that has followed me for many years now, beginning when I was a teenager.
I have learned to hide my sadness fairly well until the last few years, I am usually a smiling happy go lucky appearing person on the outside, in public mostly. My family can attest that at home it is a totally different story. Home is where you find me in bed on bad days, no energy to do anything, up all night due to insomnia. On medication I am better some days, but it is a constant struggle to get anything done.
Slowly and day by day, I am learning how to sail my ship myself with prayerful guidance from above.
Without prayer and turning my struggles over to God, I would be nothing, He is my Rock and my salvation.

Lets focus on just what is depression, you need to recognize and then accept that you have an actual problem. It is really easy to blame your problems on other people, but take a good hard look at yourself first. It's ok, we all make mistakes and take the wrong paths in life. I have taken many paths of resistance and learned how to get back on the right path again.

From Healthline.com

Symptoms of depression can vary. They may manifest themselves differently from person to person. People who suffer from the condition often experience several of the following.

Sadness

The most common symptom of depression is a feeling of sadness or emptiness that lasts for more than two weeks. In the case of dysthymia, it can last for longer than two years. Dysthymia is a type of chronic depression in which a person’s moods are consistently low.

Worthlessness

Continual feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or helplessness often accompany the condition. People tend to focus on personal shortcomings or past failures and blame themselves when their life does not go the way they would like.

Irritability

Depression may cause people to get easily frustrated or angered, even over small or insignificant matters.

Fatigue

People with depression often experience lack of energy or feel tired all the time. Small tasks, like showering or getting out of bed, may seem to require more effort than one can manage.

Crying Spells

Sufferers may find themselves crying frequently for no apparent reason.

Apathy

People with depression commonly lose interest or stop finding pleasure in activities that they used to enjoy, including sex.

Restlessness

Agitation and restlessness, including pacing, an inability to sit still, or hand wringing, may occur with depression.

Lack of Concentration

People with depression may have a difficult time remembering, maintaining focus, or making decisions.

Withdrawal

Many people with depression shut themselves off from the world. They may isolate themselves, not answer the phone, or refuse to go out with friends.

Sleep Problems

People’s sleep habits are likely to change as a result of depression. They may not be able to fall asleep or stay asleep, or they may wake up in the middle of the night and not be able to go back to sleep. Other people may find they sleep for long periods and don’t want to get out of bed.

Overeating or Loss of Appetite

Depression can often cause a lack of interest in food and weight loss. In other people, depression leads to overeating and weight gain.

Thoughts of Suicide

Thinking or fantasizing about death is a serious sign that needs to be addressed right away.

Physical Pain

Physical symptoms, such as body pain, headaches, cramps, and digestive problems also can occur.

Wow, do you have almost all of those symptoms, me too at one time or another. Taking it day by day for me is the best plan, thinking of what good things you have in your life instead of all the bad.

Getting help immediately for deep feelings of suicide or self harm is imperitive, it is not failure to want to kill yourself, I have had these feelings myself, attempted several times ( yes I am a suicide surviver and thankful for everyday I am alive now!) but there is help for those feelings and people that do care about you and love you, even though you hate yourself right now.

Take overwhelming projects in small sections will help you accomplish them and feel good about yourself.
I have this huge mess right now out in my sun-room, it seems to be a catch all for everything that I don't want to deal with. I know that it needs to be cleaned up and I stare at the overwhelming pile of mess everyday. That room has become a source of anxiety, depression and avoidance for me, so I made a choice to take that chore in small sections. I will update you on my progress, if you will share with me some of your overwhelming anxiety producers too, deal?

Let's sail our ships into the sunset each day with faith, hope and love. Praying for you until next time.

 

 

Letting Go Of Your "Life Stuff" or "Junk In Your Trunk"

Just how much extra junk do you have in your "life" trunk? I am not talking about those extra pounds you are always dieting to get rid of either! I am talking about the crap that we see as important in our life, that really is not! The stuff that is always holding us back and making us feel miserable or less than worthwhile. My junk causes me more stress and anxiety it seems, how about you?

We all have junk... Yes I have been learning a hard lesson that some of this junk of mine needs to go, so the true woman in me can shine. The woman that God made to glorify Him and not myself or worldly possessions.

Here is a list of some Junk In The Trunk items for anybody to pray about and begin to work on...... one at a time:

• Need to be perfect
• Fear and worry
• Comparing myself to others
• Anxiety and stress
• Trying to do it all
• Multitasking and getting nothing done
• Not saying No!
• Saving everything "just in case I might need it"
• Actual possessions that are just clutter
• Lack of real organization in your home
• Not Letting others be right (spouse)
• Not Letting others help you
• Constant thoughts of sadness since death of a loved one (for me my mom just passed away in Feb 2014)

There are many more I am sure, but I think you are catching my drift.

Below is a wonderful list from writer / speaker Brene Brown, if you have not heard her TED talks or read any of her books I strongly encourage looking her up.

This speaks mountains to me, I pray it will touch you today also.

Be blessed today!

Next time let's talk about that list and how we can work thru it, one day at a time.

 

 

 

The Birds Are Singing Again......I Am Choosing Joy!

Choose your Joy! Let the birds of your heart sing again.........

I have not posted here for some months now. My mental disposition has just not been to that point in my healing process yet. I do firmly believe that writing/blogging about my depression/PTSD may help other women who deal daily with this disease or condition. I have been in such a dark and deep place for months now, simply functioning on a small spark with no flame. My joy in life has dissipated until recently when I just decided to try and pick my self up off the floor(literally), my family deserves more than this....they deserve the real me, the woman full of joy, love and life. A woman of God that does not give up so easy .....

For those of you that don't know me, my mother recently passed away in Febuary with lung cancer. My mother, my mentor, my hero, my best friend!

It all happened so fast that I really had no time to think nor grieve or prepare until boom she was gone.

I still hold feelings deep internally that I can't reach past to move on. I wake up every day thinking about my poor mother and how she suffered til the end. How I wish I could have spent more time with her. What did I do wrong, I am a nurse......a healer....I failed!

Just when I thought I was moving forward in healing and the grief I experienced when my dad died in 2009, now I am faced with the lose of both of my heros in life. (I' m not bitter...nah)

Both of them have been taken away by the dreaded disease of cancer. Cancer sucks is all I can say, it seems to steal your joy away completely.

I miss my mom so much now it hurts my soul. I wake up in the morning thinking about her and go to sleep thinking about her. Little things that happen now in our life I want to call and tell her, but she is not there to answer the phone....I still have her numbers in my cell phone, I can't bring myself to erase them. I have even saved the last voicemail she left me, so I can just hear her voice.

Letting go of things has always been a problem for me, but I am working hard to let go of some of my moms material possessions that really don't make sense for us to clutter our house with. She would have wanted me to donate her clothes to a worthy cause and I am still just hanging on to them. I did let go and did not go back to the house for even more "stuff", my younger brother was a trooper and took care of the rest of the mess. I would have just hauled more junk back here to my house when I am beginning to hoard stuff already. I still cry daily over it though....crazy huh?

Homeschool moms seem to hoard tons of "stuff" as it is..lol , I am trying my best to avoid a tv episode of "Hoarders buried alive" one day.

Come with me on my journey back to a better place, each week I hope to post more about my journey one day at a time as the birds begin to sing again.

 

Gotta Glow Yourself, To Give Light To Others

Another new year is rolling on by, more resolutions made have been broken by the second week of January if you are like me.

Or rather were like me before I began to accept a new attitude about New Years resolutions.....This year I have resolved to accept me for me and build on those building blocks I already have.

I have to adopt the mentality "Gotta Glow Myself from Within" in order to help others out.

Even teaching my own children at home is sparking a love and light for learning in them, but requires a certain glow from me to help nurture that light.

Learn how to glow from the inside out if you want to give and pass your light on to others..... Think about it.

 

 

Merry Christmas Blessings

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Wishing your family a wonderful and joyous holiday season. Praying that you find the joy in Jesus that our family shares.

The birth of one small child in a stable on a starry night in Bethlehem is the reason for the season of joy!

Share it with someone you love.

 

 

Bring That Special Christmas Joy To Your Loved Ones

For years now, The Mommies Network has provided an easy way to bring special Christmas joy to the children in your life with letters from Santa himself. This year we've partnered with Top Santa Letters to make it better than ever!

With help from Top Santa Letters we are able to offer more personalization, more letters, and add on gifts and prizes! And because the elves at The Mommies Network don’t have to print, ship, and repost those letters, you know yours will arrive in about 4 days- direct from the North Pole.

Here are just some of the things you can expect from your Mommies Network exclusive letter packages: -FREE and fast shipping -Full editing capability to make a truly unique letter. -Order for more than one child in a single transaction. -Stickers, activity pages and more!

Ordering your Santa letters from Top Santa Letters through The Mommies Network allows us to raise funds that maintain our sites across the country and support moms daily both online & offline. Great products for a great cause! Get on Santa’s Nice List and order today.

Choose Your Gift Card Giveaway #bloggeropp

Sign-ups are now open!

This event is free to join with an Announcement post here.

You will receive one link for participating. (Twitter or Pinterest)

If you do not wish to post the announcement you can pay a $5 non-post fee.

Sign-ups end November 26th.

Max of 25 bloggers! Co-Host Spots available ($5)- 3 Links, Host Page, Link on Giveaway Additional Links are $1

*Prize*

One lucky reader will choose their own Gift Card of choice! (Target, Walmart, Amazon, Khol's, Old Navy or Toys R Us)

Amount right now is $25! All money collected will go toward prize!

Blogger with most referrals will receive a Free Co-Host Spot.

Please send payments via PayPal GIFT to simplysoutherncouponers@gmail.com

Sign Up HERE

 

 

 

Quote Of The Day: Laughter

Laughter is the best medicine, make a point to laugh daily.

 

Quote Of The Day: HOPE September 10th

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day 2013~~

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem, believe me I know first hand that it will not fix the problem. As a survivor of several suicide attempts when I was younger, and a woman living with depression for many years now, I can tell you that it will solve nothing. The number one cause of suicide is untreated depression, there is hope! Treatment can make your life feel real again. Much of your suffering is unnecessary. If you or a friend of yours is thinking of ending the pain, it is not a secret to keep. Help is just a call away

1-800-784-2433

1-800 -Suicide

 

 

Keep communication open with your kids and spouse, educate yourself about signs and symptoms of depression and suicidal ideations. It might just save a life.

 

Quote Of The Day: Momentum #quotes

I always love those people who spend more time complaining about topics or situations than producing solutions to the problems. If you are going to waste the energy complaining, why not come up with solutions instead. Move on in a positive light~~ Momentum is a forward motion, not a backwards approach in my opinion.

 

 

Happy Memorial Day: Thank You

Happy Memorial Day to all those who have served our country so bravely to keep us safe here at home.

We say thank you!

 

 

Here is some coloring page fun if you are studying Memorial Day this week.

 

 

 

Just Do It! Homeschool Them! #atozchallenge

So you feel the tug on your heart to homeschool you kids? Maybe for several years now you have thought about it, prayed about it, almost started to do it and something held you back.

I am telling you now Just Do It!

You will be blessed and your family bond will grow stronger. It is not an easy road, and you will face days that are frustrating, tearful and gut wrenching. But, joy, laughter and raising lifelong learners will overshadow all the bad days.

I started out trying to resist the direction that God was leading our family's life. For at least 3 years I felt that God was leading me down the homeschool path, but I refused to listen to his call. We tried private Christian schools (2 different ones) and I started to realize, as our 3rd child came along, that paying for an education when I could do the exact same thing at home was just not making much sense.

We embarked on a homeschool journey, taking a leap of faith and trusting God to lead and guide our education. We have been so blessed because we followed God's will for our family.

So if you are feeling that pull, like something is missing from you children's education, maybe some prayerful time with The Lord will lead you down the path you are seeking.

 

 

 

A Berry Sweet and Baked Day~

 

This recipe can be redone in a variety of ways, try blackberries or rasberries maybe? I like almond milk, but have used coconut milk before. Greek yogurt is so much higher in protein, and adds to the smoothie consistency. Play around with your smoothie to make a healthy snack for yourself or your family, kids love the color.

Blueberry Boysenberry Smoothie

• 1 cup milk of choice (I used unsweetened almond milk)
• 1/3 cup plain greek yogurt
• 2/3 cup frozen wild blueberries
• 1/3 cup frozen boysenberries
• 1 Tbsp chia seeds
• 2 Tbsp old fashion oats
• 2 tsp honey

Puree all ingredients in a blender and enjoy!

Recipe credit to http://www.tasteofhealthygoodness.com/2012/02/snack_attack/#

This delicious treat can be made Sunday night and then eaten all week long as breakfast. Just cut a piece and heat up. What a mommy timesaver! Yummy and healthy.

Blueberry Baked Oatmeal

adapted by The Curvy Carrot
from Super Natural Every Day by Heidi Swanson
via Annie's Eats
makes 6 servings
nutritional value will vary depending on the fruit and ingredients you use

ingredients:

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, divided
1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup maple syrup (I used sugar free)
1 cup milk (I used skim)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2-3 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
1 cup blueberries or raspberries, fresh or frozen, divided

directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375F.

2. Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish. In a medium bowl, mix the oats, half of the walnuts, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to combine. In a liquid measuring cup, combine the syrup, milk, egg, butter, and vanilla.

3. Spread the sliced bananas in a single layer over the bottom of the baking dish. Top with half of the berries. Sprinkle the dry oat mixture over the fruit in an even layer. Pour the liquid ingredients evenly over the oats.

4. Sprinkle the remaining nuts and berries over the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is browned and the oats have set. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Recipe and photo credit: http://www.sohowsittaste.com/2012/06/blueberry-raspberry-baked-oatmeal.html

Enjoy and have a Berry sweet day today!