Frito Pie. Week Night Dinner

This week I experimented with a new recipe. My husband isn't to partial to the Mexican flavored food but he likes this and said " it wasn't bad" haha. I loved it. It was super easy, and fast. The best thing is I could put it together before hand pop it in the fridge and heat it up when we where ready to eat dinner. 

This recipe was pretty cheap and went a long way. I browned my meat with some fresh onions. My husband said he would have rather not had the onions. This step is up to you. I think it gives it great flavor. 

Once I browned my meat, you just dump everything in. It was super easy and didn't take long at all. You could add different things here or take what you didn't like out. I would add some jalapeño peppers next time or maybe add fresh pico de gayo. 

It doesn't look to tasty here. But I assure you, it turns out awesome. 

Once you get all your ingredients stirred in you can make your first layor. This looks horrible, but like I said it comes a long. 

Ingredients

1 lb of ground beef

1 can of corn 

1 can of rotel

1/2 cup of sour cream

1/2 cup of salsa

1 onion

1 packet of taco seasoning

1 cup of cheese

1 bag of Fritos

Directions

1. Dice your onion. Place with ground meat and brown. 

2. Drain your meat. Place back in the skillet. Mix in your taco seasoning. Place your corn(drained), salsa, rotel, and sour cream in. 

3. Once mixed and heated through place half of meat mixture in your baking dish. 

4. Crush your frito chips and place a generous layer on top. Too with cheese. Repeat this step with the remaining mixture, Fritos, and cheese

5. You can now store in the fridge till ready to heat or go straight to the oven. 

6. When ready to bake. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Bake for about 10-15 mins. Or until cheese is melted and hot all the way through. 

We served this with the left over Fritos, and chips and salsa. You could also serve with Mexican rice, very cheap and fast or some heated tortillas. It would make a great taco !!

Hope you enjoy. 

- Jess

How to raise a Godly child, in a atheist driven world

I was scrolling through some articles the other day and came across an article entitled " Why I'm raising my child atheist, in a God driven world" I was took back. No. I did not read it but I was just shocked by the title. 

First I want to know what world they live in that is God driven. I can only wish. But it did get me thinking how I raise Jase. I want to go ahead and say I'm not a perfect mother, I mess up, I do not discipline like I should, I'm to strict sometimes, I have break downs but this is my experience. 

1. Monitor what he sees. 

Yes my son is 1 but what you instil in them now is what sticks. We try as parents not to let Jase see or hear anything that would not please God. We try to only watch clean, family movies. Usually pure flix films. We also make sure he is not around vulgure language or alcohol. You would be so surprised what they take in. 

2. Know where he is. 

This is a little controversial but i do not leave jase with anyone. Our church does not have a nursery but when we visit other churches that have them available. If I let jase go in and play I always stay with him. There is a couple of occasions that I have let someone watch him for 30 mins while I council with some one but that's it and I know the person very welI, usually family. I want to make sure my child is safe. I have heard and know many people that have been victim to there children being abused or sexual assaulted. Which is terrible. I could never imagine the thought. This is a way me and my husband try to raise my child in this crazy atheist Godless world. 

3. Homeschooling 

I am not against public school. I'm against ideals and theories being pressed on my child. I'm against Christ being pulled away from school. I want to make sure that everything that my child takes part in, honors The Lord. I was public schooled my whole life. I have seen drugs being sold, I've had things pressed on me that I didn't want to do, I've seen things that no one should see. As a mother I never want that for my child. I believe public education can be effective sometimes, especially when a child has a special need. But as far as public education vs. homeschooling. Homeschooling wins every time. 

4. Dress 

Modesty is an issue for us. Many times it's focused on girls or womens but even for jase who is a boy modesty is something we instil to make sure we raise our child in a Godly way. I make sure jase always has the proper clothes on when swimming or out. To some it seems pointless but it teaches your child morals, from day one. It also makes a statement to the world that even my children honor The Lord 

5. Stand strong. 

It is so hard sometimes not to waver from things you have already decided I. When you are under pressure. If you want to teach your child or disicii e your child a certain way. Do not let this world tell you it is wrong, abuse, or stupid. God have us the bible and as far as I am concerned that is the only thing I am going to follow to raise my children. No book nor man can change my views. I can speak on this because I have been a victim to many times. I had decided not to vaccinate jase when he was born but after he was born I was talked in to it. If you and your husband make a decision on something stick to it. 

In today's society it is so hard to raise a Godly child. I mean it's hard to be a Godly person. As a parent  I bieleve in monitoring everything possible to make sure this world ( atheists) stay far from my son. People may disagree with me but i believe if God commands it, it should be a priority in your life 

Stay strong

-Jess

Long lost friend.

Well friends,  I'm back. Our lives have been beyond crazy but it is starting to settle down so I figured I would have the time to start writing again. In the past weeks I have thought of so many things I want to write about. So in the upcoming months I hope I will have A LOT of posts and more importantly help a lot of people. 

In the pasts months me and my husband have been trying to conceive. Be praying for us. Trying to get pregnant is such an emotional roller coaster but we are putting our faith in God that we will be blessed with a sweet baby. 

Also we have been a part of 3 VBS (vacation bible school). Which has been extremely crazy. But totally worth it. Between all three there was around 50 professions of faith. Amazing right. There is no better feeling than help lead a young child to the thrown of God. 

Jase has literally grown by the day. I have realized I do not have a baby anymore. I have a little toddler. Which is awesome. 

Jase and his daddy got new golf clubs which was the highlight of his little life. 

He has learned to sleep in his big boy bed. I told y'all. He is getting so big.  So get ready readers this family is back In action. 

-Jess

Created to be his help meet.

Chris and I have been reading a book together titled " His needs, Her needs". It is an awesome read for a married couple. It teaches how to affair proof a marriage. Now I want to say that is something Chris and I do not struggle with but it could be in time. I have seen so many marriages crumble due to affairs. Anyways this post is not about that book
, but a book I started reading due to my mind moving from my reading with my husband. 

This is such an amazing book thus far, yes I haven't finished it. I have a one year old, for goodness sake. 

I want to start a weekly read along of the book and share with you my thoughts and what I have read. I truly believe it will help any wife strive to be a better wife and mother for the sake of glorifying God. 

Part 1: The Help Meet

And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. (Genesis 2:18, 21, 22 KJV)

For women that are married we have realized we have not met "Mr.Right". Not in the sense he isn't everything you ask for, but in the spirit he is a sinner. No matter what, he sins. I think wives seem to forget that men lie and sin sometimes, it's hard to say but it's true. 

As wives we are made to be help meets, just as it says in Genesis. God makes it clear that it is not good for man to be alone. A man obtains Gods favor by getting a wife. Crazy huh. You never thought your husband was pleaseing God by marrying you ??

I was asked this question, If God created a special help meet just for your husband, would it be you ?? Hmm a little mind shattering ah? This seem to get me more than anything. Are you everything your husband needs or do you have the mentality that he can just do it ? Do you truly strive to help your husband in everything and go out if your way to please him?I dont sometimes and we should. When you are a help meet to your husband , your helping Christ, because God commissioned man for a reason and gave him a women to help in fulfilling that calling. 

Many women forget this, when you obey your husband you are obeying God. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. (1 Corinthians 11:8, 9 KJV) Sometimes it's hard to believe that your husband deserves you as a help meet. We should do what we are designed to do, help. I see so many women leading there families, but if you always lead your family you will never find satisfaction In it. It's is far better that the job be done poorly by your husband than to be done well by you. 

Now with that said men are made to be helpers too. Look at Jesus he is a great picture of a helper. Men and women must submit there selfs everyday, weather it be a job, the government, police, the irs. When submitting your self there is no lose of dignity when there is a higher purpose. God made you a help meet  to help raise up your husband , make him better. 

I will leave you with this, a quote from this book, I have found it a great help " A perfect help meet is one who does not require a list if chores, as would a child. Her readiness to please motivates her to look around and see the things she knows her husband would like to see done. " 

-Jess

I'm back.

It has been a while since I have posted anything but I needed to spend some time with my family and get some things together. So since the last time I posted jase has had his first birthday!!!! I can't believe my sweet little baby is already 1!!!!! 

His party was a stress, but we got it done, thanks to a lot of helpful hands. His party theme went well, but I do not ever want to have a veggie tale party again!!!! To hard for this momma haha. 

This was jases present table as well as party favors. He got so many presents I may have to make an addition to our house. Lol. 

I threw this little picture taking spot together last minute and I think it turned out great. The blanket was actually mine when I was a kid as well as the rocking chair. Did I mention my family our pack rats!!!

I tried to get this cutie to wear the hat but it didn't really work to well. But he is stil so cute!!

This was jase eating his first birthday cake!! It was so cute by the end of it he was trying to share with me and Chris. He is really the sweetest haha. 

All and all jase had a great birthday party. I was a little stressed coming back from vacation but we got it done !! If any one wants to see more pictures or know how we did anything just comment below!!!

How to pray for your husbandy

I see so many families fall apart each year that it is extremely ridiculous. Being in the ministry you would think that you would see so many 'perfect' marriages,with 'perfect' kids, and all the 'perfect' things that come along,but you DONT. Its crazy to see all the families fall apart. I just think of families that are going to church are falling apart, think about how many families that are not going to church are falling apart.

I think the key to keeping a marriage wholesome and Godly is praying for your spouse. I'm sure in your head your saying of course I pray for my husband. Duh. Who doesn't? You would  be surprised. Saying a unheartfilled prayer is not praying for your husband.

When praying for your husband you should think of your own struggles, there struggles, and what you both strive to be.

1. Pray for conviction- I would never want my husband to become numb to the sins of this world. When that happens it seems that sinning becomes so easy to do. I want my husband to truly be convicted of his sins,and to strive to walk in perfection.Will it happen,no. But that's the way Christian's should strive to be. I think that husbands and wives should share there struggles of sin with each  other. For one, it will keep you more accountable. And two, your spouse can specifically pray about that sin in your life.
2. Pray for humbleness- My husbands favorite quote," A humble man does not think to highly of himself,nor does he think to lowly of himself, but a humble man does not think of his self at all." I think I could stop there, but I will go on. In Proverbs, it talks about being prideful. Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before the fall- Proverbs 16:18. I love my husband and I pray that he is successful in everything he does,but with that I pray that he gives all the glory to God and he stays humble.
3. Pray for patience's- I'm sure Chris will not mind me saying this,but he is extremely patient with me. That within itself is a blessing. I am not patient at all, and its a terrible trait to have. Not only should one be patient because it is a commandment from God but because it is a necessity in marriage. With kids,with finances, with problems, with relationships, with family Patience's is needed.Especially with my cooking, and laundry problem.Lol. Have you ever seen the impatient person that is so quick to complain, and get angry? Well that is definitely not something you want in your husband.
4. Pray for love-No not love for myself but for the Lord. I pray that my husband loves the Lord more than he loves me and my child. When someone can put God before anything else, it is then when everything else gets closer. It is so easy for people today to worship idols. Some people have no clue. I love sports, but when a sport comes before worshiping God it becomes an idol. I am not a good god, I would hate for my husband to put me or my children before the Lord.
5. Pray for Guidance- Do you ever feel like your husband is not where he should be in his spiritual walk? He has strayed interest, lost focus in a sense. You need to share your thoughts with your husband, and then you need to pray. Pray for your husband's guidance when he is walking the right path. He needs help making the right decisions. Then also pray for your husband when he is off the path,that God will lead him back on to the right trail no matter what has to happen.

Happy Easter

Our family had a great Easter!!! Although we were not able to see any family, we had a great time with our church family. The most exciting news is we had a record breaking number of people in church Sunday morning. It was amazing. We were finally able to see the fruit from the work of visiting for weeks. Hopefully some of the people continue to come to church, but as for now, the seed was planted.

Chris and Jase wore matching suits, probably the cutest thing in the world for a mama. To just add to the amazing timewe had on Easter, my class quoted Psalms25:1-10. I was so proud of them. They have came such a long way.

Well I thought I would share some pictures of the great time we had.

Are they Handsome,or what?

I told you we had a lot of visitors on Easter!!!!

Mhmm

I heard a song today on the radio and it touched my heart. I was on the way to our local produce stand to pick up some grapes for chicken salad( I have been craving it ) and this song comes on. I heard it and I almost starting crying, which isn't very hard lol. But I loved it 

Make me broken

So I can be healed

'Cause I'm so calloused

And now I can't feel

I want to run to You

With heart wide open

Make me broken

Make me empty

So I can be filled

'Cause I'm still holding

Onto my will

And I'm completed

When you are with me

Make me empty

[Chorus:]

'Til You are my one desire

'Til You are my one true love

'Til You are my breath, my everything

Lord, please keep making me

Make me lonely

So I can be Yours

'Til I want no one

More than You, Lord

'Cause in the darkness

I know You will hold me

Make me lonely

[Chorus]

'Til You are my one desire

'Til You are my one true love

'Til You are my breath, my everything

Lord, please keep making,

I know You'll keep making

Lord, please keep making me

  

These are the lyrics. It's insane what we need to praise God. Getting up in the morning, breathing, having a family sometimes is not enough. Sometimes heartache, pain, change needs to happen to honestly praise God. This is my prayer, that God uses me no matter what he has to do. Is it scary? You better believe it. But I know I am a child of God and he will protect me. 

Sometimes this is not a persons prayer but it's what God does to I turn get this person back to were they need to be. I know a handful of people that have lost everything, on there knees asking why? Then it's in a moment they have a revolation and find Gods loving peace. 

Today two people talked to me about there situations going on. Both of them in a little rut needing Gods grace over them.  If you know anything about me I'm terrible at quoting scripture. I try and try and try I just can't seem to recall it when I need it. This week my Wednesday night class I teach had a memory verse, Psalms 118:113. You know what,some how today that verse is just what those people needed. 

Psalms 118:113 "Order my steps in thy word: and let not iniquity have dominion over me. "

I don't know what you are going through today but maybe this verse will touch your heart too. 

10 things you do know you need the first week with baby

So a 839263947 of my friends are pregnant with little precious babies. One is even having twins!! Which is awesome. So it got me thinking what could I write that could actually help them. Then it hit me the other day when I was cleaning out my bathroom cabinet and I found stool softener. Gross right ?? Just wait.

If you do not want to know the truth about after birth life. STOP READING. Some things may get a little personal but it's what needed to help. 

So first thing first. 

Stool softener. 

So this sounds a little gross but is awesome after having a baby. Basically you are sore and swollen, I mean you just had a baby so the last thing you want to do is bare down. Hahah. The softener helps everything go smoothly so no pain. Believe me,take it !!! Some hospitals give it right after birth. If not bring your own !! For real. 

Breast pads 

So if you plan on breast feeding, then you should know your going to need these puppies. Let me tell you. Your milk on tap will sometimes uhmm.... leak..... EVERYWHERE. So if you want to save your self the embarrassment of wet marks on your shirt get them!!!

Granny panties 

Okay I know it's a little weird but it is so true, you don't want to ruin all your good undies from all that after baby "stuff" so I would suggest buying some walmart dark undies till the post partum bleeding stops then switch back to your "pretty panties". Who wants to ruin those $30 VS???

Netflix (TV)

You always hear that you better get sleep when your pregnant because you will not get any when they get here. Well there is a little truth to that but newborns sleep all the time the first couple of days so a good netflix series comes in handy when wasting some time around the house. 

Food & water.

So you think it's common sense, but it's not. When your breastfeeding, at least for the first couple of months, you are extremely thirsty. I literally could drink a lake. It's crazy how women get so thirsty. Also you are always hungry. I mean your feeding another person which is hard work. I suggest always bringing granola bars or yogurt or crackers. Some kind of food or snack to hold you over will work great for on the go. 

Dry shampoo. 

Those first couple of weeks your time is stretched to the max. So getting a nice hot shower is pretty difficult ,so having some dry shampoo will ensure your 'do' is not one big grease ball. It will make you feel prettier. If that's possible hahah. 

Lanolin

I did not specifically use this a lot but I did use it a couple times and it worked great. Also I know friends that love it!! Basically breastfeeding makes your lady "milk spouts" hurt. Not to discourage anyone though. This help relieve the pain and carry on. 

Nursing bra. 

I never thought I would need one. I just figured I would make my regular bras work. It didn't work. I didn't buy the most expensive brand but I would really suggest getting a good nursing bra and a couple sports type nursing bra for the house. You will be so surprised how fast you will go through them. With all the leakage and the nasty smell you will be washing the fire out of them.

Theses are the things that I found a necessity when recovering in the first week after having Baby Jase. Some people may have thing thy loved that I have never used. I would love to hear what people have used and even if they didn't use these things.

Here comes the bride

So I have been contemplating on writing this post for a little while. But one of my friends who actually has her own blog, is getting married!!! So I said, hey!!! Let's write it 

So I had the best wedding, it was just what I wanted. I didn't spend $50,000, I didn't have everything traditional either it was perfect though.  But if I could change one thing it would be my dress. I loved the style of my dress and it was beautiful but not too modest. I regret it all the time. 

Ladies these are things you should think about when buying and trying on dresses. 

1. When my children look at pictures are they going to say " That was classy". I hope my kids think that. But they deff will not think I was modest. 

2. Is it modest. So obviously wedding dresses are sort of modest because they usually go to the grown. But the top, Not always ,which was my problem. I loved it when I bought it but not on my wedding. 

3. Will my husband love it. Okay all girls have a dream dress, but sometime there husbands have a different dream and that's okay. You should both talk about it , and meet somewhere in the middle. If I hadn't pushed my way so hard I probably would have had a more modest dress and be more pleased now. 

4.Dont break the bank. Obviously you want a beautiful dress. But after the wedding it will be put up never to see the sun again. You literally wear it for like 5 hours. So don't go spending your whole budget on a dress. The guests will remember your ceremony and reception more than your dress.

So to you friend, I wish you the best marriage. I hope it is God filled and carries on to the end of time. I pray that you find the perfect dress that pleases you and The Lord. That you have a perfect wedding and the joy carries into your marriage. 

And to those ladies with a ring on it out there seek God before seeking your dress. Find something that would be acceptable to Him, not to the worlds standards. 

To the ladies with no ring on it, seek The Lord. Find the qualities you want in a husband in your heart ,and bring it to The Lord. Pray that God sends you the perfect husband and be patient. 

-jess

Jesus in the garden

So I have not been blogging as much as I should. Our family has been so busy with the baseball coaching, and all the church events. Man our life is so crazy right now. Jase is napping so I just wanted to write what has been on my heart, and share some pictures of our sweet family for all those family members reading my blog out there.

So I was doing my devotion this morning which happens to be the study of Jesus in his last days on this earth. I was reading about when Jesus was in the garden praying, sweating tears of blood and He called on his disciples, 3 of them to pray with him. To all our disbelief, they slept. I find my self thinking how could they sleep. The man they have been following, who says He is the Christ is crying out to his father, and they are sleeping. Then it hit me, I fall asleep on Jesus too. So many times we put things of this word before praising our Lord.

I will be the first to admit I need to work on not falling asleep. Some times I get so busy and running late and I just see some one that I think God has put on my heart to witness too but Jase is crying and Im already late so I pass them by, or I hand them a track and say " Come to our church". Seriously. Writing this I want to hit delete but maybe it might help someone. I think this could all be stopped buy spending some quality time with God.  Dig deep in His word, spend time in prayer daily, seek his wisdom. When these things fall into place, God will work wonders in your life.

Well enough with my daily thoughts, and forward to sweet baby Jase.

So all these pictures were taken on the way to the baseball park, or actually at the park. Try not to die from cuteness. lol

Free clothes!!!!!

So there is this awesome app called thredup. Basically it's a high end consignment shop through an app. Awesome. Right?? So even better than shopping while sitting in your bottom, they are running a special!!! Once you sign up, you can send a friend $10 credit to buy anything, and when they use it you get $10 free. I'm planning in buying my Easter dress from here!! The best part. They even have kids clothes!!

http://www.thredup.com/r/RHJL0K 

^^^^^ click on this link to get your free $10 credit an start shopping. 

This is what the app looks like on the apple App Store. It's free and even easier than the full website !!!

Once you make an account this is what it should look like!!! Thi is awesome. Can't wait !!!

http://www.thredup.com/r/RHJL0K

http://www.thredup.com/r/RHJL0K

He is in the midst

I just want to praise The Lord for being so great to me and my family this week. My husband helps couch a baseball team of 7-8 year olds. They practice a couple days a week, so me and baby jase always tag along. They actually have a track at the fields so my goal for the past couple of weeks has been to jog. 

Yesterday I laced up my tennys and packed the stroller and me and baby jase went jogging. I use to love to run and ran cross country in high school, that was all before baby jase. I only ran 1 stinking mile. A shame I tell you. But I did it. 

As I was running my poor legs were burning, the wind was blowing I was doing all I could to keep going then all of a sudden a peace came over me. I know God was watching over. Silly right. I was just running. But I knew he was there. I prayed and lifted up my hands. I'm sure those kids and parents thought I was crazy. God gave me the strength to press forward, but to me it was so much more. The past couple of weeks have been so tiring. I have literally wanted to give up at times, in that moment I realized my God was so much bigger than any of my problems and he was with me through it all. I just wanted to share my spiritual expo wrench this week. It may help some one out there!!!! 

I want to encourage you all this week to praise God for the things he has blessed ya with. !! With out him, we have nothing. 

...

So recentley as you all know I miscarried a precious baby. It was hard but our family got through it. Well with our hearts set on getting pregnant again. It happened and we just learned that this baby has also went to a marvelous place called heaven. 

The past couple of days I have been bitter. Is it right. No. Do I have the right to be. No. God has a plan. But it's hard to stand strong in my faith. I have been questioning everything these past couple of days. And I need to admit that I am Wrong for doing that. Jesus was always talking about faith, I mean my husband preaches on it every Sunday but I feel like I have been lacking that trait this week. 

I just wanted to write to tell you all how careful to be around women who can not hav children or who have had trouble with pregnancies. Like is aid I have been bitter but God is truly convicting me of that and I'm finally seeing the light. Some women you may know might not have a relationship with my Lord and they may not be at peace. 

Things to advoid.....

Do not complain about the children God has blessed you with

I have done this. I will be the first to admit. It's wrong though. Baby Jase didn't sleep more than 2 hours till he was 8 months old. I was so tired and exhausted. But so e women are longing to be up all night with a child. Before you say things think about your problem as a blessing 

Do not abuse your privilege of being pregnant 

I always hear women complain about pregnancy. I'm so big. I am getting stretch marks. I just can't wait till I have my body back. God intended every women's body to go through pregnancy and it's a blessing. Many women may never experience it. Be thankful 

Don't say " It was or the best "

I kid you not this is what my dad said. I knew he didn't really mean it. We'll I really didn't know that. But it still hurt. I mean it hurt bad. But no matter what anyone says it's Gods plan 

Be sensitive toward people

I know it's just my emotions but I feel the past couple of days everyone had to talk about there babies. Or they have to tell me there pregnant. I am over joyed at babies but right now I'm just depressed and don't want to here it. You may not mean anything by it but remember what the other person is going through. 

Don't ask what happened it details

Some people ask we'll did they find out what happened. No. And If I did know I most likely couldn't tell you without breaking down. Once again people are just trying to comfort but women are in pain at times like these. Expect ally women that have no children. They think it is all there fault. 

At the end of the day I know I am blessed beyond measure. I have a beautiful baby boy. And if God doesn't bless me with any other children I know it will be okay because he already have me one miracle

Me Chris and baby jase will go on with our lives. One day at a time!!! But only through the power of our Lord and Savior , Jesus Christ (:

Agh

So with jases birth I went for the medicated highway. I never even thought of going all natural. How barbarian right ? Haha that's what I thought. But God has been working on my heart. 

When I became pregnant a couple months ago, I did miscarriage, but God got my little mind a going. I started to ponder in my head the thought of natural birth. But I didn't tell NO ONE. I mean no one. A couple days after losing the baby Chris approached me and said " I don't think you should get an epidural next time ". 

My heart stopped. If you knew my husband. He just doesn't care about that. How could he have known tht this was in my heart. I automatically poured out my heart to him about what God was doing to my heart. 

So here is the shocker, I have vowed to myself that out next baby I will pray, seek God to have a natural birth. No medicine. My tummy hurts just saying it. Haha. But I know this is what God wants. 

If you have any questions why I think it's biblical to not have a medicated birth. Just ask ?  I do t want to go into just to have people go against it. But I would love to express to you why!!!

Also something I want to work in is being more adamit with breastfeeding. Yes I breast fed.  Yes I loved it. I breast fed jase till 8 months. I loved every minute of it. Although I didn't always love it hahah. I would like to enjoy it more and go a little bit longer next time. God willing. Personally I feel like breastfeeding is biblical. Once again I do t want to go into it unless you want me to. I don't mind at all but for argue sake I'm not going to express my opinion until asked (: 

So I just want to encourage my readers to keep me accountable to my decision and help me through it. In return I would love to answer your questions on birth, labor , breast feeding , anything you want(:

Seriously though hiw cute is this. With all this serious talk I needed to lighten up the mood. Jase gets tired sometimes and he wants to play so bad he stands up and lays his head down. He is so crazy !!!

Speak up

I haven't posted in a while mainly because I feel like I have been so overwhelmed with things I have to get finished. Sheesh. I feel like a robot stick in over drive. 

On a side note. This is jase. He has decided it's his new favorite activity to climb up his walker

Today at out second stop at the hospital to visit someone I finally got my devotion in. Sometimes I just have to stop and take a minute to get some good God stuff. If you know what I mean. 

Today I just want to talk about couples in the ministry. If you and your spouse are not in the ministry then this may help you I'm not sure. But it's mainly focused on relationships in the ministry. 

I hope none of my church members are reading this. Haha. Lol. Just kidding. I love all my church family. I'm just going to me honest. I love my husband and the works God has called him to do. I'm amazed at the strength He gives us daily. BUT sometimes I feel like my husband has literally been kidnapped. Especially recently. My husband is a man of his word. Which is a good thing but sometimes it's harsh. He promises everybody something and then he has 7383737 promise sansei am stressed beyond measure. 

As a mother it's hard sometimes. I know it's my God given jobto take care of the house and the children but sometimes it's overwhelming. I get tired and stressed and feel like nothing is going my way

I'll stop there and say a lot of women who husbands are in the ministry feel this way. We'll thrones I have talked to. The understand that there husbands are called and this is the life they have to live, so they suck it up and never say anything and over time the stress just builds and builds till you have an Empire State Building of stress. Which is wrong 

I want to stop and say before you get they pressured and when you get to the point of 'sucking it up' you need to talk to your husband. He most likely has no idea you feel that way and he will most likely will try to help fix it. 

Personally when I tell my husband this instead of him being mean and saying" this is my job, and that is yours. Suck it up "  He usually says sorry and makes it known he had no idea I felt that way. He may even watch jase so I can go get an iced coffee. 

I feel like if more wife's were more vocal to there husbands a lot less families would be falling out of the ministry. But who am I ?? Right. I just want to encourage all mommys and wives married to a called man of God to be vocal with your husband and tell him how you feel (: 

God has been so amazing these past couple of weeks. I have went through some things but praise The Lord for granting me patience and understanding. I have took on teaching a Wednesday night kids class at our church. When I took over the class I quickly noticed the children had no memorization of scripture. 

If you have ever seen any child quote scripture you have seen a blessing. I'm telling you to see such a pure soul speak words of wisdom and guidance is unreal. So any who I have been stressing to my class the importance of memorizing scripture, and maybe a little bribing(; but we are making progress. This week I made them learn 2 Kings 19:19. So far I know three have got it down. Which is awesome !!!

So I want to stop and tell you how I have started to slowly getting my children involved. 

First I get every child to read the verse. If I don't have enough time I get a couple to read it. Usually the " Wild" ones haha. This gets everyone involved and ready to go. 

I then teach my lesson and at the end quote the verse. Then I give the kids time to read over it there selfs. I then tell them to stop and ask who is ready. 

I first pick a "checker" and get the first soul to step forward. As the first one bravely says there verse, they most likely bobble over a word. The checker follows along while the quote it when they pause to long, or mess up they say STOP. And the checker reads the verse correctly

So basically I try to get the kids to say the verse as many times as they can. Doing this helps them not to just regurjatate the verse but memorize it. 

If no one is able to memorize it I send them home when papers of the verse and give them some incentive to know it next week. 

This is the technique I use I find it works the best for my specific age group. Eventually I hope to get my class ready to quote a whole chapter. Which I have total faith in them to do !!!

Writing this I get so excite for Wednesday night service. Do you have any techniques? Does this work for you ?? Comment below !!

Couponing

To all my couponers out there I want to let y'all know about a shampoo deal I am doing and if you have been buying your papers you should be able to get it !!! 

So the coupon you need is in the march p&g. ( The p&g comes out the beginning of every month and expires the end of that month. ) It is the 2.00 off one Vidal Sassoon product. This is shampoo and conditioner. 

At dollar general or family dollar the small bottle is in sale for $2.00. Which means with the coupon your shampoo and conditioner will be complimentary or FREEE!!! I mean how easy is that. Seriously you can do it. 

^^^^ This is the coupon you need to do the deal!!  ^^^^^^

So if you don't have a family dollar or dollar general around you they have the same smaller bottle at wal-mart I believe for $2.47 which means you would only pay .47 per shampoo or conditioner. 

Sweet Summer Time

Ladies and Gentlemen Summer is right around the corner!!! Praise The Lord. I can not wait to finally get out of this house and start swimming and grilling out. With the talk of summer, the talk of swimwear has to be brought up.

The other day I was talking with someone and she had asked what our family wears to go swimming. I kindly explained. Then she commented back with, "I almost would be embarassed to go with yall" I laughed. I just thought it was funny she was being serious. A Lot of people now a days are so caught up in the views of this world they dont even realize how bad something is.

I understand people have different views on how they can portray modesty, but to me a bikini can and will not ever be considered modest. Have I wore a bikini in the past? Yes, an I thought I was hot stuff let me tell you. If I could take it back I would. With that being said Ill tell you what I wear to go swimming, and places I find stuff.

So basically when I go swimming I try to cover up the parts that most women tend to 'Let hang out'. I usually wear a swim skirt, which can be pricey, or a pair of board shorts. Usually boys because its pretty hard to find girl swim shorts.

Click Here to Buy & See Shorts

As far as tops I wear a bathing suit top, usually a tankini with a swim shirt over the top. When I say swim shirt I mean a dry-fit shirt, or rash guard something a long the sort.

Click Here to Buy

Now these are not specifically what I have, so as far as the shirt I will try to buy about a size or two bigger just so its not so tight and form fitting.

So thats one way I try to stay modest swimming. But I recentley just came across a awesome website on Pinterest. One of my friends actually had pinned it. Its a company that makes swim dresses that are a little more appealing to the eye. A Little more cuter and dainty I guess. I just showed Chris and told him I wanted one for summer, but these dresses do run on the expensive end, but sometimes things like these are worth the investment.

The Dainty Jewells Website

There are other swimwear sites that base there products in modesty, such as

Swim Modest

Simply Modest

Modest Apparel

Just to name a few. So thats the way our family does it, have an opinion let me know below!!!! Any questions feel free to as (:

A real Virtuous women

So since I started my blog my husband has been on my case about a true virtuous women. Recently the topic has been brough up in our house. Today my husband was listening to a message on Proverbs, and what do you know. It was about a virtuous women. 

So not related to this. But isn't my little buddy so stinking cute !!

I want to stop and say. I have yet to meet a women like the bible talks about to be virtuous. Isn't that sad ? So your proababley saying well my granny was such a good mother and house wife. I bet not like the bible talks about. I'm not saying they don't exist but I am saying if they do , they are an endagered species. Fo real. 

So the whole point of this is too stress how the world has changed a women's role in society. So when as I carry on please have an open heart. And remember these are not my opinions but the bibles facts. Am I a virtuous women? I strive to be but I promise I am no where close.  

So first. The world has a perception that women and mens decisions within there house is 50/50. Which up to know I was thinking okay this sounds right. But if we study it out women have the say over children, but the husband has the say over the whole house. I'm not saying communication should not be made , but biblically the man has the decision to make. So saying that, how far is the world from this ? 

Second, I think I'm stressed , let's talk about a virtuous women? Seriously. She woke up at midnight to fill the lamps. If I get some sleep intake advantage of it. She was a loyal wife. Her husband never had to worry about fidelity when he was away. She would travel for food just so her family would have the best, and new food. She never complained. She would sew all her families clothes, and would sell others to make money to buy land and make her own garden. I want to stop and applaud a women like this. 

I strive to be a women of virtue, but I am so far away even in effort to succeed. Think of the world. I just want to encourage women out there that are trying to live right in this corrupt land. Stand I. Your faith, submit in your marriage and follow Gods word (: Don't fall into this worlds trap.  What do y'all think ? Are you a virtuous women ?

Things you need to know about newborns

So one of my dear friends is having twins. I have not been blessed with twins but I was a first time mommy and I know the struggles I went through. I didn't have family around really when I had jase so I had no one really to tell me what to expect. But here are some things that I learned about baby jase withing the first week. 

Your going to be sore. No matter how many kegals you do or how easy labor is it's going to happen. It's okay. Have medicine on hand and take it is. 

Learn how to say okay. When I had jase I had a mind 'thing' I didn't want anyone to help or bring me food but when I did say yes it was awesome. If someone offers help take. If you are a pastors wife I feel like it's hard to take help. Mainly because everyone looks at you as a rock. As much as I would like to think I am. I'm not so embrace the help 

Stick to it. Breast feeding is tough but keep with it. Once you get past the first month it will come easy I promise. 

If it hurts, seek help. Breastfeeding should never hurt. If it does check there latch or consult a lactation specialist. 

You can't spoil a newborn. No matter what those old women at church say. It's not possible. They need your undivided attention. Embrace the time with your little miracle. 

Buy everything you can second hand. So I never really thought about buying second hand when I was pregnant. But it's an awesome idea. Half the stuff you buy , you most likely will not use. 

You don't need everything. Baby registries make everyone believe that you need all these little nick necks and you don't. I promise. 

Your baby will proababley end up in your bed. This is my experience. Feeding jase ever 45 minutes was so tiring it was just easier with him in bed with me. 

Don't listen to the books. I read everything I could while pregnant and no baby is the baby they talk about it those books. It's okay though. Jase woke up every 45 minutes the first month and a half. At least. It's okay though God will give you strength. Things you think you could never do just happen. 

It comes natural. This is a little embarrassing I guess. But before jase I had never held a baby really or been around a newborn. I was so scared no matter what I say. But when your little baby gets here everything just comes naturally it will be okay. 

Doctors are not always right. Okay use common sense here people. I'm not saying there always wrong but you know your child. If you think it's better for them, then do it. 

Breathe. No matter how stressed you get you just brought a little miracle into the world. The laundry may get backed up, the dishes may not get washed. It will be okay. All mommys have been there. God is a God of possibilities he gives you strength in times it seems impossible to go on. Praise Him and take a breathe. Your going to be an awesome mommy!!!

The joys of parenthood.

So all I can say is I'm exhausted. These past couple of days have been absolutely exhausting for our family. 

We just got back from my nephews party and let me tell you it was a splash(: so I have never really watched the show until T's birthday party, but his theme was bubble guppies and it was so cute !!! I tried to help with food and decorating and that in itself was a chore but I was blessed to spend time with my family. I love spending time with my nephews it one of the reasons I wanted to have so many kids (: 

But any who us thought I would share some if the things we made for the party. I will for warn you these are not the best picture quality. Hahah

So these are the under water pretzels. Which I think turned out awesome. So easy. Want a tutorial?? Comment below 

So I have a couple more pictures but looking at them they do not do the whole party justice !! It was awesome (: 

But the point of this post was for me to tell y'all the funniest/cutest story that happened today. 

Today as been so busy we had a senior citzen trip for our church today to a civil war reinactment which was Awesome btw. Haha. Which was an hour there and back so needless to say jase was SOOOOOOO tired. Then when get home I cooked dinner and had to clean our church. 

I love cleaning the church but I have been so tired. Did I mention I have been drug ever which way this week? Haha. So after cleaning the church I come home and me and jase are just sitting in the hallway. 

We literally just say there looking at eachother for a good couple of minutes 

Okay here comes the cute part !!! Jase sees his bottle and crawls to it and starts drinking. I look up from my tired daze and jase is sitting straight up, drinking his bottle , and falling to sleep. It was so cute. I mean I jut had to smile and it really made my heart warm because it was so cute. 

I scooped him up and rocked him to sleep. It just reminded me no matter how fast we get going in this word and busy you just have to take a break sometimes and spend time with your children it husband because at the end of the day it doesn't matter if the floor is vacuumed or floors mopped but if your family is together. You got it all(: 

Suck it in!!!

So I recently had some questions about the girdle after birth so I thought I would expand on the subject. 

So up till I became pregnant I thought girdles were for grandmas. No offense grandmas. Lol but I read a couple articles hiw moms used girdles after birth to help tighten skin. 

Basically you wear a girdle right after birth and it helps the skin tighten and go back to normal. I did this after jase, and I believe it worked. If it didn't it at least gave me confidence haha. 

If you didn't start wearing the girdle right after birth I believe there is still hope. Mainly because skin is skin and it will stay there until it's messed with hah. 

I used a snap up girdle, mainly because it was the cheapest. I purchased mine from walmart. Mine started at my hips and went to the top of my ribs. Some women prefer the wrap around kind with Velcro but they are a little more pricey. 

I started wearing mine about 2 days out of the hospital and I could start to tell a little sufferance after the first week. I also breast fed which may have helped the process. 

This is the type of girdle I used. Sorry for such the raunchy picture!! 

Things that will help you get back to your normal body type:

Wearing a girdle the first couple if weeks

Breast feeding

Drinking water

Eating good healthy food. 

Things that you need in baby's medicine cabinet !!

So I was laying down after getting jase to sleep one night and found this article 

http://get-your-baby-to-sleep.com/babys-medicine-cabinet/ 

So I was reading it and thought to myself, who really needs all that so I thought I would make my own medicine cabinet list for jase. Now these are things we use and remember I'm frugal. If you want to can over the big bucks. Go for it. 

1.) Fever reducer

A.K.A. Tylenol or Ibuprofen. I'm not a name brand person so the walmart or store brand will be just fine. This is good to have to help with fevers, teething pain, and over problems that arise. Don't forget NO IBUPROFEN for babies younger than 6 months 

2.) Benadryl 

So this is a life saver. Especially right now when jase has a little cold nd is teething. Not to help him sleep lol but to dry up that runny nose. I think I was played to use this at 4 months it may have been 6 I'm not sure. 

3.) Gas drops

Has drops are made out of natural ingredients so it's almost impossible to overdose on them. These are great for those tiny tummy aches the first couple of months.  Once again I go cheap and by the store brand. 

4.) Diaper rash cream. 

So I am a little brand specific here maybe because I have never had to buy any because I usually get prescription. I use destin. The blue kind. It works great. Jase usually gets yeast infections and we have a prescription for nystatin. 

5.) Booger getter. 

So I'm pretty sure there is a better name for this, maybe an aspirator. Haha. This is nice to use when your child is still new and wiping there tiny noses is hard. I got two from the hospital which I hear are the best ones, so don't forget to grab yours. 

6.) Thermometer. 

So any one will work. I as of right now have a pink one because that was the only one walmart had at the time. Some people swear by the temple one, which we also have and it works but is a little hard when jase is being stubborn. If you don't get a 'nice' one at your baby shower don't sweat they all work. 

7.) Baby shampoo & soap

So we have always used Johnson & Johnson or aveeno which we love. Any type would probably be okay as long as it doesn't brake out your child. Also lotion is good to have especially for newborns when they are peeling there skin. Didn't know baby's peel. They do. Just like snakes haha

8.) Nail coppers. 

I have a baby pair which can in a medicine kit, but I don't think it would matter what brand. Actually when jase was first born I just used a baby fingernail file or peeled them. I was just so scared if cutting him. 

9.) Toothbrush. 

So this is needed until they get teeth. Which jase was almost born with haha. I have a finger brush that slides unto my finger which he likes, but quit frankly he usually ends up with an adult tooth brush because he is fascinated with it. Once again a cheap child's tooth brush will work. Just make sure if toothpaste is used make sure it is safe for them. 

So these are the 9 things jase seems to use it have used most often and really the only things you need hah. 

Some things they had in there list I didn't agree with is first those expensive boogie wipes. A wet wipe will work just fine at wiping little noses. Don't spend the extra. 

Saline spray. If your newborn is really congested this actually may be needed but praise The Lord jase never needed this. Saline wipes where on the list as well. I think these are pointless just like the boogie wipes. 

Gum massager. Some people may really like these but these really didn't work. Jase didn't like them and after the first tooth it's hard to use. Give them aomething to chew on and be done. 

Orajel. I'm sure I will get some very mixed opinions I just think this is pointless. It only works for a little while, and is expensive for a couple minutes of relief. Also it's hard to apply with a wigglelay baby.nao you run the chance if numbing there tongue and cheecks. I hate taking medicine when not needed so that's my opinion with this as well!!!

So that's what you will find in the Holden babies medicine cabinet. Any products you swear by, or things you bypass. Comment and let me know !!!