Micah + Tonka = Happy {Daily Debriefing}

Last week we borrowed from our library a book about big machines and equipment.  It was a Scholastic book by Tonka and full of bright pictures of excavators, bulldozers, large dump trucks, and more.

Micah liked it.

A lot.

While I read the other borrowed books to the girls, he would sit across the room and pour over the short picture book.

Then somewhere in between doing laundry and fixing supper, it occurred to me that just maybe it was listed on paperbackswap.com.

Sure enough, it was! 

And better yet, there was a copy to be requested right away!

It came in the mail today and now I am so excited for him to wake-up so I can give him his own to keep. 

And to sleep with. 

And to read over and over again!

Meanwhile, you can visit me over at my book review blog to see the latest reviews or search for a good book to read yourself.

Today there is a great article posted about kids and contentment.  I highly recommend you hop over and read it.

Then maybe you want to check out paperbackswap.com for swapping books you don’t want for ones you do want!  I wrote a short post about several options to do this and you can read that over here.

The Little “me” in Mommy!

Hi there!

Welcome to my blog…my life from the trenches of motherhood!

First I must confess that I’m a day late with my Everything In 2010 post that was supposed to have been up yesterday.

But better late than never and on that note…here goes!

This is week 17 of the series and we are working through the 4th unit of goals which are about personal growth. 

And – NO! – I’m not talking about physically growing, but rather growing to be better at some things.  Not mommy stuff, but personal stuff.

This week the goal is to add some personal care into my routine.  This is one that I fail at miserably. 

It almost pains me to take the time to paint my nails or color my hair.  And soaking in a bubble bath?  Well, that is just completely out of the question!

But last night I forced myself to take 10 minutes to do Satin Hands by MaryKay on my work weary hands and apply a quick coat of fast drying nail polish.

Here is the proof…

 And…I even took time to clean my rings!

While I actual dread the process and the time it takes to pamper myself, I always enjoy the end results.  So the goal is to do this more often.

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How about you?

Do you enjoy taking the time to put a little sparkle into your self? 

What tips, tricks, and products do you use to make this easier?

How do you fit “self-care” into your busy schedule?

Please share, share, and share!  Right here!

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Thanks to Jamie from Mommy’s Camera for her creative talent in the blog button!

Chocolate Milk

What would you think if you came over to my home and found a gallon jug of chocolate milk in my fridge?

Most likely you would chalk it up to me being a nice mother and spoiling my kids with a special treat. 

However, around here that is usually not the case. 

If you find chocolate milk tucked in between the regular milk and the bottle of apple juice it is because this Mommy is feeling stressed. 

Yes. 

I admit it.  Chocolate milk is my ultimate comfort food.

I am learning to recognize that when I feel the urge to grab a gallon of that creamy goodness, that I need to stop and take stock of my emotions and where I am in my relationship with Jesus Christ.  It is a tell-tale-sign that sends me running to the arms of my Heavenly Father for His comfort first instead of hiding behind a glass of cold, brown sweetness.

I love this post that Traci wrote this past Sunday.  I think it ties in well with this, don’t you?

I am learning to cry out to God – the lover of my soul – when I need strength, encouragement, help,  comfort, or…anything!

Sooner. Faster.  Quicker.

And I am learning to let go of the things that I like to hide behind, escape in, or use as distraction.

How about you?

When do you know you are stressed?  What do you do when you are feeling the pressure of life build?

Join me in my community forum to talk about stress, chocolate milk, and the overwhelming love of God!

A Little Bit Of Humor…

So I was over visiting a great blog – Girl Talk – and they had this great humor that I thought I would share with you here.

After you’re done laughing, run over to visit Girl Talk for some serious encouragement.

Now, before you click play…please know that I don’t agree with everything on this video, but the overall humor can be a lesson too.

What did you think? 

Sound familiar?

NO TV: We did it!!!

Wow!

Seriously?

It’s been a week…already?!

It went by so fast.  Really!

Last Monday, on a whim, I unplugged the TV and told the kids they were not going to watch TV for one week. 

Seven whole days.

No TV.  No DVDs.

Nothing.

The first two days they asked about watching when the girls got home from school but after that they didn’t really complain.  And they actually played well – considering all – for the entire week.

WHEW!

Now TV seems more like a luxury to them again, rather than a right that they can demand.  Which they can not!

Okay, now it’s back to my weekly cleaning.

Have you tried a TV fast with your kids?  How did it go?

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Join me in my community forum to share your ideas on this topic and others!

Out Of The Mouth Of Emily

Kid’s say the funniest things! 

Whether you have kids, babysit kids, spend time with your nieces & nephews, or walk by a kid in a grocery store, you will at some point here one of those little humans say something that makes you want to drop laughing. 

Just don’t drop on the grocery store floor.  It’s not so clean down there!

The other day it was Administrative Assistant’s Day and the short of the long story is that I was explaining what this day is to my almost-five-year-old daughter, Emily.  That’s when in a serious and thoughtful voice she asked me this:

“Mommy, you are like Daddy’s secretary…how come he didn’t get you a gift?”

Hmmm…I couldn’t have said it any better myself!

I was driving down the road at the time so I couldn’t drop to the floor laughing, but I sure wanted to!

And just so you know, I honestly have never said anything to lead her to that conclusion.  This was all on her own.  Seriously.  She’s sharp like that.  It comes from her Mama.

*Snort*

On a completely random and side note, while stopping at the grocery store today, the car I parked next to was un-manned, yet running.  And there was no one around it for a good 15 minutes.  Seemed a little strange…

What thinketh thee?!

Everything In 2010 – Week 16

This week in our series, Everything In 2010, we are starting the unit of goals about our personal growth.

Here is the first goal:

(Enjoy the guest vlogger!)

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Thanks to Jamie from Mommy’s Camera for the creative button design!)

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Related articles:

• Everything in 2010 - Week 15 (fromthetrenchesofmotherhood.com)
• Everything In 2010: Week 4 (thetrenchesofmotherhood.blogspot.com)
• Everything 2010 - Week 10 (fromthetrenchesofmotherhood.com)
• Everything In 2010 - Week 13 (fromthetrenchesofmotherhood.com)
• Everything In 2010 - Week 7 & 8 (fromthetrenchesofmotherhood.com)
• Everything In 2010 - Week 12 (fromthetrenchesofmotherhood.com)

Micah & Max

For more funny things my kids have said or done join me here!

Unplug

Today is Monday, and for those who know me – real life or otherwise – you know that it’s cleaning day around here.  However, I have to confess that today I only did about half of my cleaning.

*GASP!*

I know.  I’m slacking. 

But since I was not feeling well at all for the past 3 days, and still don’t feel 100%, I figured it wouldn’t kill the kids to sleep on the same sheets for another week and that I could catch up on all the vacuuming through out the next few days.

However, for those of you who may be coming to my house in the next few days, please be assured that I did clean the  bathroom, kitchen, and all common room areas that you may find yourself in on your next visit…with the exception of the playroom.  But hey!  A few extra pieces of paper and some chip crumbs on the floor never hurt anyone, right?

RIGHT?!

So anyway, one thing that I DID do while cleaning today was to unplug any appliance or electric-needing-item that did not need to be plugged in.

I just read in a well-balanced, fairly easy-to-read book titled, Green: American Style, that even though an item is turned off, as long as it is still plugged in it is using energy.

Now you all know – well, maybe you don’t! – that I am not big on all the green hype.  However, I am all about saving the green that goes in my wallet!  So I unplugged as many things as I could, including the TV.  (Complete side note: I’m attempting a TV fast with the kids this week – PRAY FOR ME!)

In the past few weeks I have read 2 books about the topic of going green – one for kids, one for adults.  The most recent – the one for adults – was a well balanced approach and while I didn’t agree with everything, I liked a lot of the ideas.  The basic point is that it’s more than just about the earth, it’s about a lifestyle that is healthier for you and one that saves you money. 

So I’m joining the ranks on a low level.  I’m still no “tree hugger”!  Especially since the bread and butter for both sides of our family comes from trees!  But I can do simple things, like unplug my appliances that are not being used this very moment.

If you would like to win a copy of this book that I read, please jump over to my book review blog – To Read, Or Not To Read – and enter the giveaway.

Or, perhaps you could take a minute and talk with me in my community forum about simple ways you have gone green.

And if none of these subjects appeal to you, then talk to me about how good a steaming, hot, fresh slice of bread is when it’s slathered in butter!  Oooo!  I suppose that is not so good for the health!

Everything in 2010 – Week 15

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

 

This is the 5th – and last – week of the goal unit on our Personal Health.  Next week we begin a new “unit” of goals on our personal growth. 

Until then, let me talk about the 15th goal of Everything In 2010!

The goal:

Drinking Tea!

Drinking tea is healthier than drinking many of the other things we drink.  Especially if it’s caffeine free herbal tea.  Some of my favorite teas are made by Celestial Seasonings.  I especially like their Wellness Teas…including the Sleepytime Extra.  It makes for a perfect way to unwind at the end of the day.

Do you or do you not like tea?  If you do, what is your favorite kind, brand, or way to fix it? 

Join me in my community form to talk about tea!  And other things, too!

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Thanks to Jamie from Mommy’s Camera for the design work of the button.

WFMW – Easter Candy to Trail Mix

Easter was over a week ago, but there was still some candy hanging around our home.

Until this morning.

When I got a bright idea.

I found a can of cashews in the cupboard that I didn’t know I had.  And I also checked and found I had a box of raisins and half a bag of craisins, too.

So I turned the un-healthy, hyper-child-making, leftover Easter candy into a somewhat nutritious snack!

Leftover jellybeans and skittles mixed into a whole lot of nuts and dried fruit make for an easy and healthy(ier) snack!

This Mama is not only brilliant, but happy!

And since I am feeling so brilliant, I am linking up to Works For Me Wednesday.  I hope you will join me and that your brilliance can rub off on me some more!

Bittersweetness – A Daily Debriefing

Today is Monday and if you’re a fan, friend, follower, or family member you know that I heart Mondays. 

It’s the day that I get to make a fresh slate so to speak of the house and get ready for what the week holds and brings along.  It’s the day I do all my house cleaning and a bunch of other household chores such as food prep, banking, and laundry.

Today was no exception to the rule.  Unlike last week when there was an exception due to the kiddos being home on spring break.

I did 5…or wait!…I think it ended up being 6 loads of wash…if not 7.  I hung the towels up on the line because (a) it was nice enough to do so, and (b) my husband loves a fresh wind blown towel.  I also washed both comforters from our bed.

Yes,  we technically have 2 comforters on our bed because my Grandmother made us a beautiful quilt and I wanted to make it last as long as possible so I asked her to make me what I call a ”liner comforter” that goes under it to help it wear better.  And longer.

You can see a picture of in this post and in this post, too.  (The “liner” is the light blue that shows up at the bottom under the dark blue border of the top quilt.)

*Ahem*

Anywaaaaaay, now that I’ve shared the details of our quilt with you!

Today is a bittersweet day.  While my house is clean, laundry is washed, and food is prepped, and my shopping list is ready for tomorrow…which is all sweet…my back, neck, and arms ache.  Or better said, they are screaming.

But that’s the price I pay…the “bitter” as I could say…for all the sweetness of lots of work accomplished.  And also on the sweet side of things is the fact that our insurance plan now makes it possible to cover medical massage therapy which relieves my pain for longer periods of time than anything else I have tried.  The pain is aggravated by my cleaning, but it originated from the injuries caused by this.  And for those wondering…it doesn’t matter if I split my cleaning up into multiple days or not.  It’s the action not the amount.

Since this is a daily debriefing – a random post about my day – I’m going to close by changing the subject yet again and leave you with a verse that just jumped off the page at me tonight as my husband read our WOL Quiet Time passage.

It’s found in Proverbs 19:22 and and the ESV says it this way:

“What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar.”

The point is that love and integrity are what bring real happiness.  Those are only found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

And one last thought…

…err, picture rather…

Abby picked these flowers for me tonight.  My first real bouquet – other than dandelions – from my kids!

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And I just want to remind you that I would love to have you visit me in my community forum or over at my book review blog – To Read, Or Not To Read – or both for that matter!

ChaChing!

Hello! 

You have stopped by From The Trenches Of Motherhood but we are not “home” today! 

Instead you can find me guest posting over at www.chachingonashoestring.com. 

Please leave a message comment and I will see you back here tomorrow!

Until then…have a great day!

TSMSS – Oh What A Savior

A friend and I will be singing this song in church tomorrow.  We can’t compete with Ernie’s version, but the message is powerful nonetheless.  I hope you enjoy!

Join me at Signs, Miracles, & Wonders for more Then Sings My Soul Saturday posts.

5 Question Friday

1. Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?

Hmmm…I don’t really keep up on the Stars and all so I’m not knowledgeable about this, but my quick answer would be Drew Barrymore or Reese Witherspoon…Reese being my first choice.

2. Did you ever go to summer camp?

Yes, for 6 summers I did.  I loved all of them but 1 when I just felt like I didn’t  fit in.  Now my oldest daughter gets to go for the first time this year and I am so excited for her.

3. What sends you running and screaming in the other direction?

Snakes.

4. What is something you do that drives your spouse nuts?

My obsession with details in our home.

5. What is currently your favorite song?

Matthew West’s “The Motions”.

Warning To NY Drivers

Yes, the police our out all over the place in hopes to catch some drivers being just enough naughty to make the Governor some money!  While I was out today I saw police every where I was and within a 2 mile stretch of road there were 5 – 3 of them with drivers pulled over.

Be careful if you’re driving in NY!  Cruise may be your best friend right now!

Everything In 2010 – Week 14

It’s week 14 already and this week’s goal is to take vitamins!  Watch my short vlog for more…

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Thanks go out to Jamie from Mommy’s Camera for her design skills!

Related articles:

• Everything In 2010 - Week 13 (fromthetrenchesofmotherhood.com)

• Everything 2010 - Week 10 (fromthetrenchesofmotherhood.com)

• Everything In 2010 - Week 7 & 8 (fromthetrenchesofmotherhood.com)
• Everything In 2010 - Week 12 (fromthetrenchesofmotherhood.com)

Sneezes, Coughs, and Snot

Do you sneeze?

Do you cough?

Do you blow your nose?

I am guessing that most of us use a tissue for these things.  I personally prefer a soft tissue because my nose gets so red in no time at all.  Hence my friends calling me “Rudolph” when I was a teen. 

However, there is something fun here in the midst of talking about sneezes, coughs, and snot…something creative that I came across.

The other day I was searching (for swagbucks!) and came across this fun link to the Kleenex website where you can create a custom box of tissues!

No joke!

For $4.99 you can have your own customized box of tissues with a personalized picture and all.

I am really curious now as to what you might do with a customized box of tissues…wedding favors?  Gift for the person who has it all?

What are YOUR ideas for making and using a customized box of Kleenex tissues?

Join me in my community forum to share your fun ideas and join the laughter!

And did you know that my community forum has a new and improved look to it?  No?  Then hop over and see!

Join My Community!

Hello!

It’s me.  Again. 

And this time I’m posting a short video on how to participate in a Blog Frog community.

Why?

Well because I have one and I would love to have you join me in talking in my forum from the comfort of your own home, local coffee shop, or wherever you may be!  (Are you in Starbucks?! Extra brownie points if you are!)

On the right hand side of my blog you will notice a green & white box that says “Join Me In My Community”…all you need to do is click on the white button on the bottom of that box and come check out my community!   You can read what everyone is saying, say something yourself, or start a discussion for us all to join in on.

So please take just a minute and watch this clip so you’ll know how you can join me!

How to Participate in a BlogFrog Community from Holly Hamann on Vimeo.

Want To Hop With Me?

Are you rolling your eyes at my title?

{grin & giggle}

Okay, so I’m not really asking you to hop with me like a frog physically speaking…

…but I am asking you to hop with me out here in the blog world!

I am a Community Leader for The Blog Frog and I would love to have you join me in not only blogging about your life, but being part of a community.  The Blog Frog is all about community and today they are launching a huge update that is so fun, easy to use, and super friendly!

Here is a short video about it…

Video Tour of BlogFrog's New Site from Holly Hamann on Vimeo.

Want to hop with me now?!

Click HERE to join me and many others!

Little Blessings That Make Big Smiles

This is a vlog about something that happened on Wednesday that was a little blessing in my day.  Hope it encourages you!

Related articles:

• Becoming More Than A Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa Terkeurst (thetrenchesofmotherhood.blogspot.com)
• Piece Of Cake (fromthetrenchesofmotherhood.com)
• One Word (thetrenchesofmotherhood.blogspot.com)

Everything In 2010 – Week 13

Hey ya’ll!

Welcome to week 13 of my weekly post series about my goals for the year of 2010.  Here is this week’s post in vlog format.  Enjoy!  Uhm….I mean, bear with me!

Please join me in my community forum to share your tips, ideas, thoughts, and whatever else you want to talk about!

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Thanks to Jamie from Mommy’s Camera for the blog button design.

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Related articles:

• Everything 2010 - Week 10 (fromthetrenchesofmotherhood.com)
• Everything In 2010 - Week 7 & 8 (fromthetrenchesofmotherhood.com)
• Everything In 2010: Week 4 (thetrenchesofmotherhood.blogspot.com)
• Everything In 2010 - Week 12 (fromthetrenchesofmotherhood.com)
• My Bible Reading Plan (fromthetrenchesofmotherhood.com)