What is In the Bible? We want to know!

I'm so excited!  I just received the much anticipated package! 

The "What's in the Bible?" Series!!!!   It is made for the kids by Phil Vischer (Veggietales creator), but it has great info for every age!  This coming school year will be the first year of homeschooling for us.  I'm am excited and nervous...but now I can't wait to get started!  I will be using this DVD set as the Bible curriculum.  I have also found online at www.whatsinthebible.com, a whole bunch of activities to go along with the DVDs!  Bah!  So great! 

Each disk has two, 25-minute episodes and there are 13 of them. I'm thinking I will use one episode a week and then follow up with other things concerning the same topic/story.  And I'm told that these videos are so fun and jammed full of great info that everyone can get something out of them.  

The Hubster and I are so excited about this series because not only does it teach the Bible story- but it also goes into the history, background, and answers some of the whys and how's.  

I can't wait to share these moments with my kids and watch the Bible have deeper meaning for them!  The Bible tells us that as we train our kids, teach them the truth and life-giving message of the Bible, when they are grown and on their own- those truths will not depart from them!  I pray that these videos will be another tool to help my boys hide God's word deep in their hearts. We just might have to start out school year early!;). 

What have you used to help the Bible sink deep into the minds of your babes?

Tips and Tricks to Organizing Crazy- "Get it out, Put it away!"

Welcome to the first addition of "Tips and Tricks to Organize Crazy!"  In my quest to organize the crazy that is my house, I have tried to talk to those around me that have an organized life.  I just know I can do this better but I don't know where I go wrong!  So I decided to call up, talk to, interview those around me that do it well!

The first person I interviewed (and really, I spent 2 hours on the phone with her talking about her routines and such) was my sister-in-law, Tammy.  This woman has a handle on clean!!  In the 20 some years that we have been family I have NEVER seen her house in a mess.  She has 5 kids and my oldest brother as her hubster.

I learned so much from her in my 2 hour conversation- but for this first edition of Tips and Tricks I will share the one thing that stuck out the most. "If you get it out, put it away- always."  Doesn't that seem like a duh?! But shockingly, I rarley do it!    I make lunch for the kids, I put it away at nap time (maybe).  The kids play with toys all day and we wait to put them away before bed (and that is no fun).  I have finished up a paint project, and leave it on the counter for a day or two before getting it put away.  I come in from church and set the whole wad of kid's papers and bulitins on the table and it stays until company comes and we need the extra spot at the table, I could go on- but why embarrass myself further?

I started applying this new mantra to the highchair tray.  Babes always makes a mess of it...and I used to wipe him off and take the tray to the sink and get back to it later (usually before I needed it again).
But now I:
1.take the tray to the sink and hose it off- use the soapy brush if needed.
2. Grab a washcloth and wipe it dry.
3. Stick tray behind highchair
4. Take the same wash cloth and wipe up the babe
5. Set Babe free.

What a no-brainer this is! :) But I don't doubt there is also the mom out there like myself-- where you are good at many things, but keeping a tidy house isn't one of them and need the tips and tricks to figure it all out!

This concept, as simple as it is, is a major work in progress.  But it is a start!

A little less crazy,
Beth

Journey to Oils

I have heard so much about how fantastic oils can be.  Seems there is an oil for everything...  seems too good to be true but there are some things that I am desperate to fix, so I am giving it a try.

There are parts to this oil thing that seems, well...  pretty fruity.  I'm not sure if it is the oil working or simply the power of your brain to say "this is going to make me better, therefore I am better."

A couple of the issues this house is dealing with are these:

• 6 year old got a concussion over Christmas.  Symptoms he is still struggling with are major anxiety, night-terrors, not being able to fall asleep until 12:00 AM and sometimes as late as 2:00AM, and very intense emotional reactions.
• I am pregnant with boy #5 and have had way to many infections over the course of this pregnancy requiring 9 rounds of antibiotics, my the joints are very painful in my hands, and the nausea that has accompanied all 5 pregnancies. 
• My 1 year old has the worst eczema. Ever.
• My husband, while playing 'Keep Away', hyper-extended his thumb in December and is still having swelling and joint pain

For mostly my benefit, I plan on journaling when I start an oil and what results I see or don't see.  I really want to get to the bottom of this.  And since I will be going to the work of writing it all out- thought I might as well add it to my blog.  :)

The oils I have purchased to use are made by Young Living. And resources that I will be using to educate my self with be my oodles of friends who use these  oils, the Young Living Pocket Reference book, online bloggers sharing their experiences.

Also, my husband who is currently a medical student, will be in on my findings and contributing his thoughts on how oils interact with the bodies systems.

All of this effort, in hopes that life becomes a little less crazy,
Beth

The journey- life together-ish

I'm still here.  In my 4th week of being a med student's wife.  The days are long and the nights are rough and every night I have to tell myself it isn't for forever.  See, me and my hubster- we are tight.  Always have been. We grew up together. His dad, while we were in high school would call him " that Wheeler kid" ( my maiden name)  because we were always together.  I enjoy my life with him- we laugh about so much, discuss great topics- we do life together.  

So now I sit here -without him -and am tempted to dwell on that. But the thing is- I know that Tim was made for this.  And I, being his lifetime, forever, do life together, go- to girl didn't support him- I would feel responsible for not letting Tim be what he was made for.  God is so good and so faithful- I am confident that he put this in our hearts and wouldn't set us up for failure.  I am somewhat looking forward to deepening my walk with Jesus. And I say somewhat because I know that hard times are ahead- and who really wants hard times?  But my past tells me that in these times God's presence is all the sweeter.  "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4 ESV). That "steadfastness" bit sounds great.  I pray I can be the woman my boys will remember as a woman who was unshaken in her faith, clinging to God's Word and praying continually.  

By God's grace- a little less crazy.

Beth

Beware of the Croc

Crocs.  Have these sly devils around and you are dabblin' in dangerous waters!  They lie, waiting patiently to chomp on your foot and never let go.  I live in Iowa and they are everywhere around here! You haven't heard of Crocs in Iowa?! Look down and you'll see the poured, soft, plastic kind that fits your foot quite nicely and is a dismal addition to your fashion wardrobe.  You didn't think I meant the green, scaly variety did you? I live in Iowa, ya know ;)

Don't get me wrong- I am about the last person to really put a lot of time into how I look on the average weekday-- but here is what I have observed from my friends that seem to have an organized life.  They don't wear crocs. Ever.

You know how the saying goes "Dress for the job you want."  Well, the mom's motto goes more like this "Dress for the attitude you want."  If I don't get out of my pajamas and leave slippers or socks on all day-- I just never get much done.  And my crocs at the door are there to slip on quick to take a stinky diaper out or run some trash out...but then they come off once I get in the door and I am back to the lounge-around attitude.  But let's contrast that with right-away getting dressed, brushing my hair and teeth, getting my sunscreen on and then putting on my shoes that compliment my outfit-- be it Bobs or cute flats or most likely tennis shoes--what a better start to my day!  I am ready to get things done- and I do!  I love it when I look at the clock and by 9:00am everyone has clothes on, beds made and breakfast put away!  It allows me the freedom to play with my kids instead of feeling like I need to clean all morning.

It might sound like I am anti-croc.  Which isn't the case- this all-boy-mom finds them quite handy to go frog and worm hunting and making mud pies. Crocs have their place.

So this takes a little thinking ahead (I didn't say planning, cause that sounds like too much work!)
My goal is to make my morning as efficient as possible. My new plan is to figure out what I am wearing before I go to bed- all the way down to the shoes!  That way, when my alarm goes off the kids get me up in the morning, I already know what I am wearing. After putting this into practice for a couple weeks- I am loving myself more because I am less likely to waste away my day!  I used to think that since I wasn't leaving the house and only the Hubster was going to see me, I didn't need to get dressed.  I can't say I am ever feeling like I can really rock the croc look either.  If there was anybody in the world that I should care how they see me- it should be my Hubster!  Afterall- we were made to do life together- and who wants to do life with a ho-hum slob?  I don't! Of course, I still have my days where I am behind in laundry or I am just not fitting into my jeans so sweatpants/yoga pants still make an apperance. And on those days- putting the running shoes on is a must!

So here is to hopefully a new, lasting habit of some great shoe choices in the beginning of my day!
A little less crazy!
Beth

Found this at Hobby Lobby the day I wrote my draft for this post :)

Homemade Baby Wipes

After my first was born, I had started to have some trouble with a weird rash on my ring finger.  I had gone to the doctor and then referred on to the dermatologist and spent lots of money in creams and lotions to get it to go away. But it didn't get better...just kept spreading farther down my finger. Yuck.  One day my in-laws came by with a steal of a deal on Pampers Sensitive Skin Baby Wipes.   I started using them and a couple weeks in noticed my finger was getting better.  Turns out, I am the one with sensitive skin- not the baby.

Instead of buying these wipes- I started making my own.  And it is SO EASY.

First gather the goods.

The container I found at Target in the kitchen storage isle and it perfect for wipes.  It has a one hand release, air tight, and just the right size.















Take your roll of paper towels and cut it in half with a serrated knife (or have the Hubster use his power tools and cut it for you!)








* I really like the Bounty Select-a-Size the best.  They hold up really well- the the Select a Size makes for the right size wipe.  I always buy these on sale and with a coupon.

Put the cut side down and leave the cardboard center in it for now.

In a 2 cup liquid measuring cup- fill with warm water to just under 2 cups.
* I find that 2 cups on the nose is too much water

Add 2 Tablespoons oil and 2 Tablespoons Baby wash and stir gently.
*Oil- I like to use coconut or mineral oil aka baby oil
*Baby wash- any brand you like (or find on sale!)
*If you measure the oil first the soap slips right out of the measuring spoon

Pour mixture evenly over paper towels and let sit for at least 5 minutes (or until you have to use them next)

Once it has had a chance to soak through- grab the cardboard center and pull it out

To use your wipes, pull from the center.

This takes me less than five minutes to do.  I have my Hubster cut up a bunch of towels at once for me and then I keep them in a tote in the Babe's closet.  I also keep a tube of diaper cream in with the wipes just so I always have it!

At A Glance

Materials:

• air-tight container 1.5 qt. 
• select-a-size paper towels
• oil for skin
• baby wash

Directions:
1. Cut paper towels in half and place cut-side down in container
2. In a 2 cup liquid measuring cup fill to 1 3/4 cup with warm water
3. Add 2 T. of oil
4. Add 2 T. of baby wash
5. stir gently
6. Pour evenly over paper towel and let sit
7. After water has soaked the roll, pull cardboard center out
8. Pull wipes from center to use

** If you can't find a container that fits- you can still make the wipes by putting this together in a large mixing bowl and then storing in a gallon zip-lock bag.  


The Math

'Carpet' Diem!

Once upon a time we bought a house (June 2010).  It was a small house- but it had a basement.  We thought to ourselves- "hey we can remodel the basement all by ourselves and save so much money!" 2011 we started the major overhaul starting from scratch.

I have hoped, dreamed, cried, stayed up all hours of the night and spent every last penny on finishing our basement.  I have longed for the day that I can send the boys downstairs to play, to be able to invite my middle school small group over for a girls' night, movie nights, birthday parties and so on.  And it is here. But the funny thing is...I am not as thrilled as I thought I would be. Oh, I love how it looks and am so proud of The Hubster!  Getting this carpet in means now it is my turn to take over the basment progress! Yikes!

Now all of my dreams of decorating, organizing, and furnishing has to turn into a reality. It is time for me to put all my creative skills and design eye to work- and make this space functional, reflect my style, and spend as little money as possible!  I see lots of garage sales and Goodwill trips in my very near future.

The plans for these spaces include a bookcase door, built-in toy storage, lego shelves, lighted display shelves, rescued furniture, chandelier light fixture, zebra wall... and so on.  I can't wait for it to be all done!

Feels a bit daunting.. but I'll get there eventually!

A little less crazy?
Beth