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About Me
I am a wife to the man of my dreams! We've been married for nearly three years now and I couldn't imagine my life without him in it! I am also a mom to a seven month old daughter who I absolutely adore! I love the Lord with all my heart...without Him in my life I would not be where I am today! I am enjoying the balancing act of being a stay at home mom and wife and, together with my husband, am enjoying our wonderfully blessed life!!
Motivation For Moms
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Encouragement in Busy Times
Posted by jennasue
Lately life has been extremely busy and hasn't seemed to let up. Between the home improvements we're embarking on, as well as Scott working 14 hours a day/6 days a week...it makes it hard to find any time to relax. This busy schedule has been going on for quite a while...and it's odd to say, but it's actually something that we're beginning to get use to. We know that things are a bit hectic right now and that we can only get done so much in a day. It gets a little overwhelming at times, but "this too shall pass". Soon our basement will be finished and such a wonderful place to spend time together as I family...I can't wait. All of this busyness is well worth it!
In the beginning, when our schedule seemed to increasingly become more and more busy...it was a bit overwhelming! As a stay-at-home-mom I am kept very busy...and with Scott working so much and everything else that is going on...I was feeling exhausted. I've learned through these busy times though, how important it is to keep my focus on Christ, amidst all that is going on. I recently came across the lyrics of a song by DC Talk, "Day By Day" and it really encouraged me and got me thinking.
A Baby's Personality
Posted by jennasue
As Kaelyn gets older, we are beginning to see more and more of what her personality is like. It's really neat to watch as it unfolds! For instance, she's very active and curious. She's always on the go and wanting to explore everything around her. She tends to get frustrated when she tries to do something new, like stand up, and is unable to for one reason or another. Although active in her own familiar territory, in public it's another story! She's often very reserved and almost shy. She shows a bit of stranger anxiety at times and likes to know where mom or dad are at all times! As she has begun to crawl and get into things, she has heard the word "no" a number of times when touching something that she is not supposed to. When she hears the word no and is redirected, she sticks out her bottom lip and gives a very sad cry. Her feelings get hurt very easily, which tells me she will be a soft-hearted little girl. She's such a sweetie and we're enjoying watching as her little personality presents itself! Labels: Children, Home, Motherhood, Parenting
Baby Noises
Posted by jennasue
No matter what time of day, or where we're at...Kaelyn is always entertaining us with her wonderful little personality! It's so fun to see her personality coming through more and more...she's such a neat little girl!! This weekend she was very happy...and definitely was enjoying making noises and listening to her voice. We've noticed so many changes lately when it comes to the noises she makes. If we say something, especially something that starts with a D, B, or P...she beings saying that letter...like babababa, or papapapa! It's so neat. She was doing that this weekend a lot, but also was squealing and really enjoying herself which was beyond cute! :) My brother was visiting and enjoyed her squealing and noises so much that he caught her on video with his phone. I just had to share it.... Labels: Children, Family, Motherhood, Parenting
Homemade Baby Food: Carrots
Posted by jennasue
The next food that I decided to introduce to Kaelyn was carrots. Like everything else that I've made so far...it was so incredibly easy to make. It took hardly any time at all to cook them, and then puree them a bit so they weren't so big for her. I froze a couple of trays full...so that should last us for some time now. Making our own baby food has been so easy, and has saved us so much money!! Who wouldn't want to save money, right?! I would say it takes me a couple of hours a month to get things prepared and stored. It's definitely worth it, because not only is it easy and cheap...but it's much better for her as well. Labels: Children, Health, Home, Making Money, Motherhood
Back to Carrots....Kaelyn had them for the first time yesterday, and to my surprise did not seem that impressed. I was sure that she'd just love them, but they were just ok....or at least that's what I got from the facial expressions and her sticking out her tongue the whole time.:)
Great 6 Month Pics
Posted by jennasue
I was so excited to find out that Kaelyn's 6 month pictures came in a week early. We went to get them yesterday and they turned out great! There are 7 different poses, and we got lots of prints of each one!! We always like to get enough for family to choose from. The Grandparents especially enjoy this! I knew that all 7 turned out pretty good, but I didn't know I'd like all of them as much as I do. It's going to be a hard decision to decide which ones to hang in the frames I have her 3 month pictures in right now. I may just have to buy more frames so I can hang all of them ;) We'll have to see...I'm just glad we got a lot of good ones to choose from. Labels: Children, Family, Motherhood, Parenting
Picking up these pictures yesterday did get me thinking about how quickly time goes though. we got these pictures taken when she was 6 months old, and now she is nearly 7 1/2 months old...where does the time go!?
Earn Extra Money With Social Spark
Posted by jennasue
I've mentioned many times my love of being a stay at home mom. It's the absolute best job in the world and I wouldn't trade it for anything!! While being home, I have come to find some really easy ways to make money online....some bring in more money than others. Recently, I came across one opportunity that really seems to stand out among the rest....that's SocialSpark. Have you ever heard of it?? They are a here to help regular bloggers like you and me make money with our blogs, build community and even drive traffic to them!! Isn't that great?!? Blogging for money is a great way to earn some extra money, and something you can do when you want and where you want. It's perfect for students, stay at home moms...or even people with a little extra time every day. Labels: Blogging, Home, Internet, Making Money, Motherhood
So, you are probably saying...I've heard of sites like this before...what's so special about this one?! Well, let me tell you. The following are part of the SocialSpark Code of Ethics: 100% Audit-able In-Post Disclosure, which is great for those of us who like to let others know when we're being paid for a post we write. I always make sure to give my truthful opinion on things, but still like others to know when it is sponsored, and when it is not. 100% Transparency, 100% search engine friendly, and probably my favorite.... 100% real opinions! That's right, using Social Spark you are allowed to give your honest opinion...which your blog readers deserve and so do you as the author.
How would you like to earn a little extra money each day or week? Well, you can! It's as easy as using your blog to write about things that you enjoy...whether that be products, sites or something else...it's that easy!! It has been a wonderful way for me to earn some extra money staying at home with my daughter, and I know you will enjoy it just as much! If at all interested, I would strongly encourage you to head over to Social Spark's website and learn more about them. You won't be sorry you did!
A Beautiful Wednesday
Posted by jennasue
I was ready for warmer weather, and today I got it!! I didn't even realize how beautiful it was outside until Kaelyn and I headed over to Walmart to pick up her 6 month pictures that came in today. We stepped outside and I realized what a nice day it would have been to spend more time outdoors. By that time in the afternoon, it was already getting close to her nap so we couldn't stay out long. However, I did learn a very important lesson....to always step outside, even if looking out the window it doesn't look the warmest or nicest out. If I would have done that this morning I would have realized how beautiful it was and spent more time with Kaelyn at the park or on a walk. Oh well...there's always tomorrow. Labels: Children, Home, Motherhood, Parenting
Jewelry at Tateossian.com
Posted by jennasue
Have you noticed all of the ads and such for jewelry this month? For the past couple of weeks, I've been receiving lots of jewelry flyers, as well seeing ads around for accessories. I suppose it's because Mother's Day is right around the corner. Personally, I enjoy seeing the ads and flyers. It's fun to look through them and see the different things people will be buying. Recently I came across Tateossian.com. This is a site that offers really high quality men and women's accessories. What's great about them is that they offer a unique line of products, but also timeless pieces as well. It's great if you're looking for anything from semi-precious stones, fiber optic glass or even CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements. I really enjoyed browsing through their site, and thought others would as well. Who knows...maybe you'll even find a Mother's Day gift, like a bracelet or early an Father's Day gift, like Silver Cufflinks?! Check it out and see! Labels: Family, Internet, Motherhood
The Beauty of God's Creation
Posted by jennasue
Labels: Blogging, Motherhood, Parenting
This is probably one of my favorite times of year. As I type, I look out the window and can enjoy the blue sky, the green grass, the birds chirping and the trees and flowers starting to bloom. Isn't God's creation magnificent?! It is beautiful! I think Spring is my favorite season out of the four, mainly because the temperatures are pleasant and it's easy to go outdoors without putting on layers and layers of clothing...at least here where I live anyways. I don't often get a moment just to sit down and enjoy the little things like this...as my days are pretty full and busy. However, I encourage everyone, especially busy parents, to take a minute and relax...soak in the beauty of God's creation. It's a refreshing feeling and important to do this once in a while.
This Too Shall Pass
Posted by jennasue
This is the time of year that I kind of dread. Not because of the weather, as it's actually starting to get warm out finally...but because Scott is in the agriculture business which means Busy Season! As a stay at home mom this is a very hectic and exhausting time for me. He works about 17 hours a day, which means Kaelyn and I are sleeping when he comes home, and sleeping when he leaves. The good thing about the Spring Season is that it's pretty short. It's very busy, but they have to get all of their work done within a short time. The Fall just drags on. So at least there's a light at the end of the tunnel. Being home with Kaelyn and not having any help for a few weeks means that I really need to start taking advantage of the time she naps to get my work done around the house and online. Normally I would do a lot of it when Scott gets home at night around 5:30...but for the time being that is not an option. Oh well, this too shall pass. Labels: Children, Motherhood
Sweet Potato Baby Food
Posted by jennasue
I mentioned before that Kaelyn started solid foods a couple of weeks ago. She actually has taken very well to that bland Rice Cereal, and began Sweet Potatoes last week! I wasn't too sure how she'd like it, but thankfully she took right to it and likes it even more than her Cereal. The great thing is that it was SO easy to make. One sweet potato filled two trays (they're like ice cube trays)!! It's so much more affordable than the jarred baby food, and healthier for her too! I was happy that she's liking some of the foods that Scott and I eat and that she's already eating so much of them. I think my favorite part of giving her new foods is watching her facial expressions for the very first time...too cute for words!:) This week we'll be starting bananas..and I have a hunch that she'll really like these as well. I think that those will be pretty easy to make as well...as they don't even need to be cooked. I'll continue to keep you updated on her progress....what a fun time! Labels: Children, Health, Motherhood
The Joys of Motherhhood
Posted by jennasue
Isn't it fun to watch a baby learn to do new things?! This is one of my favorite things to do, and it seems like a daily occurrence with Kaelyn these days. Whether it's learning to get up on her hands and knees or taking her first bite of cereal, it's the greatest thing in the world!! As I've recently written, Kaelyn is getting so close to crawling! She's so cute as she moves around the floor and rocks once she gets up on her hands and knees. She's also been using her voice a lot more now. Before she would just coo, but now she "jabbers" all day long!! It's so fun to sit with her and talk. She's such a happy baby, and a couple of days ago she began squealing a lot too. It's adorable. I was excited today to catch her on film doing this a little bit.... Labels: Children, Motherhood, Parenting
Lessons in Motherhood: 5
Posted by jennasue
Labels: Children, Home, Motherhood, Parenting
Every now and then I enjoy sharing the lessons that I am continuing to learn in motherhood. Being a new mom, everything is...well...new to me. There are so many things that I have learned and continue to learn each and every day. One thing, which may seem like a "duh" statement to some is the importance of making sure to always have the video camera and digital camera next to me at all time...and making sure that their fully charged as well!
When possible, I am always making sure to try and catch everything on film. This is something that I have wanted to do from the beginning, but as Kaelyn learns to do more and more, it seems even more necessary to have it by my side at all times! It seems that one minute Kaelyn will be on the floor playing with her toys....and in the blink of an eye she is off learning to do something new. Recently that "something" was getting up on her hands and knees. Scott and I knew that this time would come sooner than later, as Kaelyn is a very curious little girl...always wanting to discover the environment around her. She has been scooting around and moving every which way except for forwards for a couple of months now. Soon, she will be moving in that direction though....as getting up on her hands and knees is a very good indication that crawling will be next. It was so cute to watch her as she did this for the firs time. It took so much effort for her to get to that point, and once she did her little face shined and she looked so proud of herself. I'm sure it helped that Scott and I were cheering and clapping...saying "YYEEAAHH Kaelyn!!":) I suppose you could see we're very proud parents!! ;)
Safe BPA Free Baby Products
Posted by jennasue
As with many other moms out there, I am always trying to make sure that the products I use with Kaelyn are safe. This started before she was even born. While I was pregnant I was always careful with the things I ate or surrounded myself with. As a baby it was the same way. I wanted to be careful what I used on her skin, or the things I ate...as I was, and still am breastfeeding. Now, she's almost 6 months old...which means solid foods are coming right around the corner! With that in mind, I have been searching high and low for quality products that are BPA Free, as well as homemade baby food recipes and tips....the things that I feel are great ways to give her a healthy start when it comes to eating solid foods. Finding the actual products was my first priority. So far, I have had a lot of luck finding great products that are reasonably priced and are safe for her to use. The Nuby brand has a lot of safe options for parents who are looking like I was. This is the brand that I probably purchased the most from. Labels: Children, Health, Internet, Motherhood
Weight Loss Products
Posted by jennasue
Everywhere I turn, whether it be on signs, on the television, or something else...I see ads all over for different weight loss products. Some of them I see over and over, and others I hear about once and that's it. Recently I've been hearing a lot about Generic Acomplia. Anyone ever heard of it. It's a popular weight loss medicine out there right now that has an active ingredient called Rimonabant. I always enjoy learning more about these weight loss products, as being a stay at home mom...it's not always easy to get out of the house and exercise. As I researched this product, I went to their site and found it to be quite an interesting product. If you'd like to learn more about this product and how it can help you...check out their site for yourself. I found it to be very informative and wanted to pass it along. Labels: Health, Motherhood
Stroller Rides
Posted by jennasue
As the weather gets nicer, I continue to think about how much fun we will have with Kaelyn this summer. Even though Spring has been here for a while, the weather didn't start to get nice until just a couple of days ago. We're seeing temps in the 60's now...which is very pleasant! Once it warms up a bit more, we'll be able to take Kaelyn outdoors so she can enjoy her surroundings. I think one of the things I am most excited about for this summer, is being able to take her on a stroller ride. It will be so much fun....hopefully the time comes soon when we can go on walks in the afternoon and enjoy the outdoors! I suppose before I'm able to do this, I'll have to be sure and get her a nice stroller that's lightweight and easy to push. Labels: Children, Motherhood
A Healthy Start
Posted by jennasue
Now that Kaelyn is over 5 months old...the topic of solid foods has been on my mind. As I'm sure many mother's can attest, it is a huge milestone when a child beings to eat solid foods. I honestly cannot believe that she is almost to that point already...where has the time gone?? Since I am home with her everyday, I have found time here and there to do some research on the possibility of making her food instead of buying the commercial brands in the store. Not only will it save us money, which is always great, but I feel that it is also more healthy for her as well. Mom mom bought me a great book on this topic, and I am enjoying every thing that it has to say. Labels: Children, Health, Motherhood
Along with the topic of solid foods, also comes the question, what kinds of cups, bowls, utensils, etc should I buy? Some people may not think twice about this, but I have a hard time not researching this topic as well....as there are many toxic chemicals in most of the plastics we use today. I don't want my daughter being exposed to those kinds of things. The great thing is...that I found there are many alternative choices to the plastics containing BPA. There are so many different types of sippy cups, bowls, etc that are not only safe, but also just as affordable as any other dishware you'd buy in the store. I have not had the chance to order any of the things that I've been looking at yet, but I definitely plan on it. It's so great that there are other options out there...don't you think?!
One great site that I have gotten a wealth of information from on this topic is the Nature Mom's Blog. Wow...does she have a lot of helpful information...especially for first time mom's like myself who are looking for healthy alternatives to the food and products we give and use with our children. I have her linked to my blog and bookmarked on my computer, so I can be sure to always have a quick way of finding this wonderfully written and informative blog.
Investing
Posted by jennasue
As I've said many times before, staying home with my daughter is one of the best decisions I've ever made. It has required some financial sacrifices, but I wouldn't change it for the world! Being home, I feel that I can do what I can to make some extra money, even if I'm not working outside of the home. So far I feel I've been very successful in doing so. Not only can I try to do what I can to make money, but I also can take some time to search for ways to make us money through investments as well. Labels: Internet, Making Money, Motherhood
Recently while browsing the web, I came across a web release about the Monex Deposit Company. Have you ever heard of it before? I have heard a little bit about them, but was interested in learning more about purchasing precious metals like silver or gold coin as an investment option. What I found was that Monex is a well-respected company that makes it easy for people like you and me to purchase precious metals and arrange for them to immediately be delivered to us or a place of safe storage...maybe at a bank for example. I was impressed with this company that's been around for over 30 years, and I though there would be many others who would like to learn more as well. Their site offers a wealth of information if you're interested in learning more for yourself.
Money Saving Tip
Posted by jennasue
One of the things I've learned as a stay at home mom, is that there are many ways to save money. Before I had Kaelyn, I never realized all of the ways that we could save money just by doing simple things. Whether it be by making our own baby food when the time comes, or something else....there are really very easy ways to save a few dollars here and there. It may seem easier to just go out and buy whatever it is you need rather than make it from scratch or do something along those lines...but for me...as a stay at home mom, I think it is great to find new ways to save us money where I can. Being a stay at home mom is the best job anyone could ever have, and the most important...and with it many make sacrifices so that financially it is possible to be home for our children. That's why saving a little here and there is really very important and worth a little extra time. Labels: Children, Home, Motherhood
Where am I going with this?! Well, whenever I learn a new tip that other moms would enjoy learning about....I like to share it with them. So, what is my tip for today?! Well, recently I was reading an article online about cleaning our shower curtain. I have never really thought twice about throwing out the old one and buying a new one, until I read this article. Basically, the point made was that you can wash your old shower curtain in the washing machine with regular laundry detergent and a little bleach if you like. The only thing to remember is that you must not turn it up too hot....plastic can melt! It also brought up the topic of mildew and mold. A great way to prevent it is to soak your shower curtain in a salt water solution. To get rid of mildew and mold that is already there you can just soak it in hot soapy water with a little bleach....it will be good as new!
I personally have not tried these things yet, but am definitely planning on doing so. What a great way to save a trip to the store and having to buy a new shower curtain. I can't believe I didn't think of this before...what a great money saving tip! If you have any other money saving ideas I'd love to hear them!!
Pacifier Use
Posted by jennasue
I'm not sure about other parents out there, but once I became a mom (even while I was still pregnant in fact) it seems I did more research on everything we bought, and decisions we made, than I ever had before. All of a sudden it was more important to me to find information on things like air purifiers, food, cleaners...even vaccinations and breastfeeding. I want the very best for my children...so researching the internet and reading books became an everyday occurrence for me that still holds true today! Labels: Children, Health, Internet, Motherhood
My latest "research" was done on pacifiers and their use. Not only was I looking for information on pacifier vs thumb sucking, but also the type of pacifier that was best for my daughter. In reading many different articles from noteworthy sites and books, I found that there are many people who back the use of pacifiers, and many that don't. The bottom line for me is....parents don't really get a choice in the matter. A baby either comes out of the womb sucking his/her thumb, or they do not. My daughter prefers the pacifier 100%!! At first I was a little skeptical because I am also breastfeeding and did not want any problems with nipple confusion. I know there are many controversial debates on the issue, but we have decided that this is ok for us to use with our daughter. The only time she uses it is when she needs something to help her calm down. She rarely uses it before she goes to sleep...it's more for the simple purpose of "pacifying" herself once in a while.
There are some very important things to remember when using a pacifier though. One must always make sure that they are using a pacifier that suits the federal standards so that it is not a choking hazard...this also means throwing out old pacifiers with torn nipples. It's also important to make sure that the pacifier is clean to prevent unwanted germs and infections. Finally, and this is up to the parent, but we have decided that it's also important to find pacifiers that are safe and natural. There is so much debate going on these days about the plastics our baby's are putting in their mouths (including bottles and pacifiers). We prefer the Soothie pacifiers, which are not only one piece, but are latex free and made of medical-grade silicone.
I'm sure there will be many things that come up that I will full research before using...and this just happened to be the most current issue we were facing.
