Winter Weather Got Your Kids Out of School? 6 Activities to Keep Them Busy!

If you're like most of the U.S. right now, you're still trying to thaw yourself out from the blistering winter weather sweeping across the east coast. This probably mean that your adorable, loving, energetic kids are home due to school cancellation. My kids have been out of school for just about the entire month because of extreme cold weather along with other issues at the school. I've had to get pretty creative around here to keep my four and five year old boys entertained. To be honest, because they are so close in age they keep each other entertained! Lucky mommy.:) For some of you who are at their wits' end here are some suggestions that could help. Yes, these are all education based!

1. NOTECARDS!!! I am a notecard fanatic! You can do so much with them. Right now, I'm working on number recognition with the boys. 1-100. At first I thought it would be too much for them but they knew more than I thought.

You can put anything on note cards.  Words, numbers. multiplication facts, adding, subtracting. Seems so simple but I promise it can be so helpful. Have your child take the cards and practice on their own and then you can test them. If you have young kids like I do, just go through the cards and have them repeat what you say. You can even scramble them around on the floor and call out a number or word and have them find it (my boys like that the best).

2. STARFALL.COM is a FREE website for preschoolers through 2nd graders... and did I mention that it's FREE!!!

We all know that our children are technology driven, so this is a good way to keep them busy while learning.

3. RESEARCH. All kids are interested in something and go through phases of obsessing about that one thing. Allow them to do some research on something that interest them. My boys attend a STEM school and I popped in one day and Orlando was dong research on cucumbers! The boy was all in it! I love that he gets to research things that are of interest to him.


We have this animal encyclopedia and we choose animals from the book and do research on them. The boys love it!

4. PUT ON A PLAY. I know this sounds so cheesy and time consuming, but depending on the age of your child this could be a lot of fun! This is what you could do, first read one of your child's favorite books, next create a space (stage) and let them act out the story. They will probably put their own twist to it (that's the funny part). If you have any old unused socks, you can even make sock puppets using old buttons and markers. Have fun with it!

These paper plate mask were a lot of fun. Use paper plates, makers, glitter pens (if you have them), glue and popsicle sticks! We got the Mardi Gras mask from the dollar store.

5. CREATIVE WRITING.  This is for older aged kids. Pick a topic and let your child write about it. Make sure the topic is fun and allow their creative juices to flow.

6. BAKING. Everybody loves delicious baked goodies! This is a perfect time to teach your child one of your favorite recipes. Whether it's simple chocolate chip cookies (my favorite), or a banana bread, this is a great time for bonding with your child along with creating a delicious snack!

The Coldest Winter Ever

School was out, yet again today. I'm not sure what is going on with our weather but it sure does feel like the coldest winter ever! I think the boys have been to school 5 days the whole month of January because the temperatures have been below zero. So what does this all mean? It means that we have been totally thrown off of our schedule, my grocery bill increased this month ( extra snacks and lunches), my house is a wreck because it's too cold to play outside so superheroes have invaded our home (Orlando and Tyson) all while Thomas is on the road recruiting! Although the crazed clean freak in me wants to scream, I have managed to let go of trying to keep everything nice and neat. I have a real issue with keeping things clean...I literally lose it (mentally) when things are a mess. This cold winter has taught me that it's okay when things are out of place. Sometimes that's when you have the most fun! I've been laughing at my boys nonstop because their imaginations are out of this world! Even though spring can't get here fast enough, I've found joy in all this chaos. I'm just so grateful we have heat!

 

 

Being stranded also called for Giovanni's ... the best pizza in town!

                                    

Our light post still shining...oh I just love it..so cute:)


KEEP WARM!

His word never fails

When I was doing my devotion this morning I was flipping through my journal and found this writing. I'm not sure where I got it from or who said it but I wrote it down March 26, 2012 and it prompted me to write this devotion today. The writing read:

Keep in mind that in the heat of our struggles, the Holy Spirit is probably doing his greatest work within us. He is not moved by the circumstances.So many times we get sidetracked by how slowly things seem to be going. In fact, the enemy loves to point that out! God will help us if we remain steadfast. Galatians 6:9 says, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up."

 I remember when my husband was done playing football, not necessarily by choice but due to so many injuries, he had to transition from playing to a different career. By this time we had kids and a household to think about. This time was extremely difficult for the both of us. Not because we didn't financially prepare, because I was saving money left and right, but when you work so hard on one thing and want so badly for that one thing to work out it could come as a hard blow emotionally when it falls to pieces. You feel lost and confused and begin to wonder, "Where is God in all of this?" You find yourself angry and disappointed, maybe even mad at God. But God has a path that he has already mapped out for us. It may not be the path that we anticipated and he may have to reroute us along the way when we decide to disobey him and go our own route. When we realize and grasp hold of the truth that God made us for himself and for his purpose then we can really understand that, "for my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord" (Isaiah 55:8-9)

I can even remember so many times through the course of my young life that God was doing his greatest work in me when I was experiencing the greatest pain. From losing friendships to really dealing with childhood issues, I was able to grow my faith through my struggles.

We have to be in constant fellowship with the Lord and allow him to direct us. Yes, times will get hard, you will feel lost and afraid. You might even feel like God doesn't hear you because everything that you hoped for is not happening but during this time ask yourself, Am I in alignment with God or am I on my own agenda?  Whose agenda are you on?  We are all searching for something, whether it's financial stability, happiness, love, etc. Regardless of what it is, you must begin with God when you begin a search, PERIOD.
As I look back over those years of feeling lost and starting over I can't help but thank God for keeping me. Indeed, God was doing his greatest work in my husband and in myself during our struggles. The work is continuous but it all started with the disappointment, followed by the searching. God will definitely help you if you remain steadfast and continue to search for him in every situation. The enemy wants you to think that God doesn't hear you and that things will never get better, but it will. Just trust and be obedient to his word. His word never fails.



Father, I thank you for your never-ending grace. During my difficult times I am reminded that my ways are not your ways and that your plan for my life is far greater than my own plans. Help me to remain steadfast in your word and not lean unto my own understanding. I know that you are doing a great work in me as I remain obedient to your word. In Jesus name I pray, amen.


xo,
jessica ann

Simply Breathtaking

The snow is really coming down and I'm loving it! Surprisingly the boys are so over it. I'm like the kid in the situation. I want to go out in it, walk around, and take pictures. Now if we get completely snowed in, I will be singing a different tune. I will immediately jump on Orlando and Tyson's bandwagon because by no means do I want to be stuck in the house.
On our way home from their basketball game (yep, I'm from Georgia and I'm driving in the snow...we don't do that down there) we stopped and took a few photos of the park that we often visit during the summer and the snow has completely taken over.
I couldn't help but think how amazing God is. Sure it's cold and the snow can be such a headache, but when you step back and take a look at the scenery, it's simply breathtaking! Our creator never ceases to amaze me.:)

Hope you guys are staying warm!



6 Super Bowl Worthy Recipes

 It's about that time! Super Bowl XLVIII is a week away. Although I'm excited about the game, I'm more excited about the food! This is one of the few Sundays when appetizers are endless and you can eat a whole meal without a vegetable insight (minus the celery that accompanies the wing platter) and not feel bad about it. Naturally, I headed over to Pinterest and found my favorite recipes that are Super Bowl worthy. These are recipes that I've personally made or come highly recommended by a friend.


                                                              BLT Meatball Sliders

These sliders are so yummy! My husband and I love them. I made them at the start of football season. Simply delicious!

Five Bean Vegetarian Chili

For all you vegetarians, this chili is the bomb! I added some shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream and was good to go. If you're looking for some comfort food next Sunday, you've found your dish.

Slow cooker Sticky Wings

My good friend recommended these wings. She made them for her family and said they are irresistibly delicious.The best part is you can use your slow cooker!




Chicken Wing Dip

What's the Super Bowl without a dip? I could literally eat the whole bowl of chicken wing dip by myself. It's just that good! I use tortilla chips with it (my go to dip chip). They just go with everything.



I added two dessert recipes, which I haven't tried yet BUT they look delish and easy for your family or guest to grab and enjoy.

Caramel Apple Bites



No-Bake Salty Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars




Happy Super Bowl. Let's Eat!!!

Sarah Jessica Parker's New Shoe Collection - I can't even deal!!

My O magazine arrived today and in the words of Gayle King, " I feel like I've died and gone to shoe heaven."  Brace yourselves ladies because what I am about to say is a lot to handle. Sarah Jessica Parker has teamed up with George Malkemus, CEO of Manolo Blahnik and is coming out with a shoe collection that will be exclusively sold at Nordstrom!!!
Yes, Sarah Jessica Parker and shoes!!!
 I am over the moon excited!!! I had a bit of a shoe problem back in the day but I cut back when I had kids. The wait is officially over and I'm getting back in the game.
For those of you who don't understand what this means, I have no words. I will just give you a few from the O magazine article to describe SJP; Fashion icon, shoe goddess and heck, I'll even add my own word, FABULOUS!
Gayle King (Oprah's BFF and the ultimate shoe lover) got a sneak peak of the collection. Not only did she say the shoes are beautiful but they're comfortable as well.
What more could a girl ask for?

Nordstrom.com, I'm coming for you (in moderation, of course)!!

xo
Jessica B.

How I deal with change and moving

People always ask me, "How do you deal with moving so much?" The truth is, I like change. I hate packing but I like change. Yes, I would love to stay put and "put down some roots " so to speak ,but there is plenty of time for that. I read a quote by Alan Watts that said, "The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance." This quote speaks to my life on so many levels. I choose to plunge right into life and I will dance this dance until the tune changes. My initial response to change may not be pure joy and bliss, but eventually I find the good in the situation. Moving 300 miles away from my family and friends was a drastic change for me, especially because this move came out of nowhere (but I guess they all have). Finding a home here was also a challenge. Coming from a big booming city, finding real estate has never been a problem. The homes here are a lot older and a decent rental is hard to find in the city. We were blessed to have found a nice home near the park and work. It's funny because I've come to appreciate the charm in this 1950's home. I love the little things such as our red front door, our cute white mailbox (I love that the mailman comes to the door), my chair by the window (for those quiet moments) and our eventful walks to the park.You never know what God is leading you to but learning to appreciate wherever you are in life can push you to strive for better or teach you to appreciate the simplicities of life; and I've been in both situations. Embrace the change and flow with it. Life is an adventure but you will miss it if you are always focused on things left behind instead of on the present moment and what's to be gained ahead. Every move has taught me something about myself, my marriage, friendships and my faith in God. If I wasn't open to the change, I would be blind to the opportunities that God has placed in my path. Spending more time with my boys for one. Being a stay-at- home mom was never my intention but having extra time with them has been a joy. My point is, change is inevitable. You can choose to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance or you can waste your time complaining and standing still. I say dance!  :) 

 

xo,

jessica ann

Is it spring yet?!

Spring can't get here soon enough! I swear it's been snowing every week. Between the water issues in West Virginia and the weather, it seems like Winter Break is ongoing.  I try not to complain too much about the snow because snow is rare in Georgia. So I'm taking this experience all in!!! The boys were kind enough to cooperate while I took a few photos for our scrapbook (yes, I'm thinking about taking up scrapbooking). :)

Site words and laughter!!

 

 

 

Over the summer I created this word board using Velcro and felt. It's slowly falling apart but it still gets the job done. I found a list of the most common Kindergarten site words and have been using them with the boys. I also threw a few bible verses in the mix. Surprisingly they love it! Mainly because we've made a game out of it. The "let's see who gets the most words right" really brings out the competitiveness in them. Who knew site words and laughing could go hand-in-hand?!

I decided to start them on site words because we had too much time on our hands during the summer and I also found myself getting lazy with them and not reading to them as often as I would have liked. I always worry about them viewing reading as a chore or punishment so I make a point to make reading fun around our house. It also gives me quality time with them.There are endless reasons why we should read to our kids in these early years - developing speech, teaching them that you read from left to right, listening skills, word exposure, etc..  At this point, I want the boys to hone in on listening skill, communication skills, and expose them to different ideas and words during our reading time. It's also funny how they like to reenact the stories that we read. Especially if I read the story with lots of enthusiasm. It's quite entertaining to hear them put their own twist on it.

Do you think a word board would be helpful to you child?
If so, they're so easy to make. I purchased a self-adhesive foam board from Michael's for under $10. The felt also came from Michael's and it was under $5. I cut the felt to fit the board and stuck it right to it. The adhesive has done a decent job of keeping it together. Get some notecards, a sharpie, velcro tape and voila, you've got yourself a word board! If you want to make your board sturdier, you can staple your velcro to a big piece of cardboard and that should last longer!

Snacks, snacks, and more snacks!!! [Weekend Recap]

Weekend snacks are draining the life out of me. I know I'm being a bit extreme but how many snacks does a kid really need in a day? I mean seriously.

This is how the day seems to go:

Breakfast. Snack. Lunch. Snack. Snack. Snack. Dinner.

Enough already, geez! Maybe I should push dinner up earlier and breakfast a little later. Or maybe I should just toughen up and set some strict rules about snacks! Like one a day!! Anywho...

The pressure has been on for me to wean the boys off of processed snacks and so far so good but the go to snack has been fruit. They love strawberries and blueberries. Orlando likes to eat both but of course Ty (my picky eater) doesn't like blueberries at all. I love the fact that they love fruit but buying it can get expensive, especially if you are buying organic. I don't buy all organic food but fruit is definitely something I try to buy organic 99.9 percent of the time (those pesticides are something serious). My search for healthy affordable snacks has kicked into high gear and I can't wait to share my new snack recipe finds with you guys.

Oh, how could I forget, the AFC Championship game was on yesterday. My child has been bugging me about this game all week. He was front and center cheering on the Denver Broncos with his Falcon helmet in tow, and of course a bowl of blueberries! Ty was somewhere with his UGA helmet on calling plays waiting for his beloved Seahawks to play for the NFC Championship. Gotta love these kids!!!

The boys also had a basketball game on Saturday and #4 was back in action. He did great on defense and I have no injuries to report. I think it was the new basketball shoes!:)

Choose to be happy

Throughout the day when browsing through my social media sites I see people negatively commenting on the lives of other people. I've read comments like "she looks too happy" or "why is he with her", or "she's not really all of that" and so on. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but why waste your time putting negative energy into the atmosphere? Why publicly comment about people you don't even know?  Many of us were taught as children that "if you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all". That seems to be easier said than done, so let's just assume that people are going to continue to talk and it won't always be good. What I am really coming to grips with is that people will always have something to say, so why not just do what makes YOU happy. Every day I am learning to take that extra step towards taking control of my own happiness. Whether it's buying myself some flowers during my grocery store runs, or literally laughing out loud at my corny jokes. All I know is that my happiness lies within myself not in the hands of commenters passing by. So my advice to you is to follow your heart and choose to be happy! Don't allow haters to contribute anything other than motivation to your life.

Just a thought.:)

xo,
jessica ann

Get Unstuck!

 All to often we make plans to accomplish certain goals, to break bad habits, to start living a healthier life-style or strive to be that awesome go-getter that we've envisioned ourselves to be .I don't know about you, but sometimes I feel like I am just stuck in mud. I find myself getting all pepped up to do something and set out to make the first steps to accomplish my goals and I just get stuck. Stuck in negative thinking. Stuck in convincing myself that I don't have enough time or the right resources. Once that negative thinking starts to set in, my body begins to respond to it. I'm all of a sudden too tired to do anything and unmotivated about life. I can't think straight and my sleeping begins to go haywire. My attitude stinks and my overall quality of life is affected.What I have  come to understand is that during these times I have to find a way to get unstuck, and to get unstuck quick! The longer you get stuck in a negative mindset the harder it is to recover. Reading the bible is one sure way to change your thinking. Proverbs 23:7 says, " For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he...". We must change our thinking and begin focusing on all that is right rather than everything that is or could be wrong. Make the decision to get and stay unstuck. We must call on God during our times of uncertainty and frustrations. We can ask God to guide us in the right direction but it is up to us to move forward and to not get "stuck" in negative thinking and past disappointments.

 

Let's all make the decision today to get unstuck from the past and negative thinking and focus on the present and moving forward.

 

 The year of Forward Progress!!

 

Father, today I choose to focus on all the things that are going right in my life. When I feel like my mind is headed towards negative thinking, I ask that you will cause my thoughts to be agreeable to your will.  I thank you for your continuous guidance, in Jesus name I pray, amen.

 

 

xo

Jesisca B.

 

 

 

Weekend Recap

So the day finally came! The boys had their first basketball game.
How did it go? Well, I'm glad you asked. Orlando thought he was running track and Tyson already tried to quit. Now in Tyson's defense, the other team thought we were playing football and Tyson just couldn't understand why they were attempting to tackle him. I completely understood his logic. As a result, he hit his head on the court and had an attitude the rest of the game. He said that he didn't  want to play anymore but Thomas and I thought this was a good time to talk to him about quitting. Hence, he will be out on the court next weekend and finish out the season.
Orlando on the other hand was constantly beating everybody down the court. He put a brand new meaning to the word hustle.What can I say, the boy can run! I mean, check out his form below. Lol

Anywho, after such a stressful game ( my nerves were shot from watching all the tackling on the court) the plan was to grab some sushi but the almighty NFL PLAYOFFS were on and the Japanese Steakhouse didn't have TV's. I was a bit disappointed about not having my sushi rolls but a cosmopolitan made up for that. Plus, Thomas is about to head back to work and recruiting is about to gear up again so mommy needed a cocktail to mentally prepare herself for double duty. All in all, family time is always great even if it means watching preschoolers in oversized shirts fall all over each other for a basketball. I enjoyed every minute.

How was your weekend?



Tyson expressing his concerns to daddy

The boy is focused, lol

Orlando sprinting down the court

Playing defense



Cosmo 'hello lover" :)

Glued in to the TV. Ty was asking endless questions...ha!

Sunday Afternoons

About to flip through the pages of Elle magazine's January issue and admire the fierceness of Joan Smalls while listening to Elle Varner and enjoying an afternoon cup of coffee. 
Also, glancing over next week's blog post and getting organized. What else are Sunday afternoons for?

Hope you are enjoying yours.

Parents can use the internet to their advantage

Lets face it, the internet is an endless highway of information. Some of us use it to past time, other as a connection to the outside world. One thing is for sure, our children can navigate it like nobody's business! In our household we struggle to put limits on the time the boys use the internet as well as other electronic devices. I must say, I have struggled in this area because when I am up to my neck in laundry and other house chores, these devices are definitely a go to option. I have found that the internet isn't so bad when you put limits on it and monitor the activities accordingly.

Tyson is home with me two days out of the week while Orlando heads to school fours days out of the week. On those days that I have Tyson we find online stories and activities to do. My mother-in-law found an affordable site (www.education.com ;  $1.99/month or $24 a year) where the kids have individual lessons for their age group as well as activities. This website is great and both boys love it. Not only is it good for learning, it's also a great distraction when I need to sit and write an email or pay bills (be sure to use all parental control locks on all devices). Lastly, I love this because the kids are not just staring at a game system. They actually have to use some brain cells to use this program. So far so good!

I will keep looking for other websites for children to maximize leaning skills. When I find them I will be sure to share. I will also begin posting activities from the site that were successful.

If you have other websites that have been useful for your children, please share in the comment section.:)

"Train up a child in the way they should go.." Proverbs 22:6

Reading the bible daily is something we all have a hard time doing at times, but as a mom I have to remember that I must lead by example. I love my boys and I want them to have a foundation based on biblical principles. I'm far from perfect but I have tried to read bible stories to them daily, weekly when I'm slacking off. I've recently realized that slacking off is not an option. They are growing so fast and I am determined to train them up the way my mother trained me (in God's word). So regardless of how bored they may be during our reading time, I know that they are listening. There have been times that I thought that they have just completely checked out and the next morning they repeat the story I read the night before verbatim. Children are always listening so be sure to tell them the stories that you would want them to remember and repeat. It takes patience and dedication but our heavenly father is definitely here to help.

Father, thank you for blessing me with the opportunity to be a parent. Your word says that children are a blessing and I pray that you will help guide me in training them up in your will. I ask for patience and consistency in this area. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

xo
Jessica B.

We're those parents

My husband has been waiting forever for the boys to be old enough to play a sport. Luckily, they are not only old enough, they desperately want to play. Before kids, and I guess even when we had kids, I would attend sporting events and see the parent who's screaming at their kid to get the ball, to stop crying and get up, or constantly snapping pictures and telling their kid to smile in the most awkward positions and I would say " I am so not going to be that way." Whelp, the day is here and my husband and I both failed miserably at not being those parents. It started with me asking the kids to pose outside in the 1 degree weather to take a picture (it only took a second, I swear). Before we could figure out what court the boys would be practicing on, my husband was snapping photos and telling Orlando to stand still so he can get a picture with his smart phone (a.k.a. the time guzzler....you can spend hours on a smart phone and wonder where your day went) . Meanwhile, I was on the sideline taking pictures with my huge camera while the parent next to me had to listen to endless clicks. In my defense, it was their first practice and well...they are my babies dang on it! So I will say in advance to any parent who will be sitting next to me in the bleachers this season - No, I will not scream and shout but I will definitely be taking pictures until my fingers catch a cramp! Sincerely, the unapologetic mom with the camera. :)

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

 "What do you do when you feel like your voice has been silenced? When everything that you want to say has been crumbled up in a ball and placed in a bottomless pit with no way out? Your eyes cry out for help through endless tears, but no answer.  You look around, but no one to be found.  You’re left with your thoughts, left with your demons, alone with your pain. Who will save me, you ask? Who will hear my cry? Who will find me in the midst of this darkness that is trying to engulf me? My fear is that no one will. No one will hear me, no one will find me, and no one will look for me. BUT then I hear a still voice. A whisper. I feel a calm wind take me up in its arms. It took me. It held me. Saved me from the darkness. Suddenly, my pain was healed, my scares cleared, my blindness reversed, and my voice heard. I got an answer. Without a doubt ,I was saved . I once was lost but now I’m found."

Life can sometimes bring so much heartache and pain that you feel like your drowning in despair. Whether it's stress and anxiety from losing a job, raising kids alone, being trapped in a dangerous relationship, experiencing loneliness, or  just feeling like your world is crumbling all around you, life can be extremely difficult. The good thing is that you are not alone. Your Father in Heaven knows exactly what you are going through. He sees you, He hears you and He loves you so much. When we are falling to pieces He is right there catching every piece waiting to put us back together. As believers in Christ we must go to Him and ask for help. With endurance and steadfast patience he will be faithful to His word. The bible says " In the world you will have tribulations and trials, distress and frustration; but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world!" (John 16:33) So, even in our darkness we must seek Him and we will be comforted. For He has already overcome whatever we are going through.


Heavenly Father, I want to thank you for demonstrating the love that you have for me. You didn't have to save me, but you did and for that I am grateful. Thank you for lifting the clouds in my life and allowing me to feel your goodness. I submit my life to you and believe that your word is true. Teach me to be still in my time of trouble and trust in you and in you alone. I ask that you continue to keep me and allow your light to shine through me. In Jesus name I pray, amen.



xo
Jessica B.