{my peeps}

{my peeps}, originally uploaded by ~paula~.

**Here is a pictures of my "peeps" from last week. They are painting the paper mache eggs that we made. This is my favorite space in the house right now. So much happens in this little area! (as you can see!)**

We finished up our parenting class "Have a New Kid by Friday" last night. I am really sad it is over since we really grew close to the other parents who attended. We'll just have to do some stuff with them later!

Dr.Leman had some secrets that I wanted to share with everyone. I can't help but thank my parents because they did many of these themselves if not all of them! Thank you mom and dad!

1. Spend 1 on 1 time. Take them out alone for breakfast. My dad would take me out on a "date" after school to One Stop every once in a while. I loved that!

2. Tell them "I LOVE YOU" every day.

3. Never pay them for good grades.

4. Tell them you believe in them and expect the best.

5. Don't have any habits that won't carry through college (sleeping in your bed, etc.)

6. Be involved in church and have a close church family.

7. Always put your spouse first.

8. Eat dinner together!

9. Avoid the activity trap. Keep life simple.

10. Tell them your thoughts and beliefs and why you believe that way and let them sort it out on their own without pressure.

11. Pray with your kids and for your kids daily.

12. Have fun nights! We had "plate night" where you had to come up with something else to use for supper besides a plate.

13. Write notes and draw pictures for your kids regularly. Both my parents did this!

14. Have holiday traditions and other traditions around the year.

15. Tell them stories about when you were young...the times you got in trouble and the consequences. They will learn from that. (My mom told me about someone writing a bad word on her sidewalk and how she got in trouble. She also told me about lying to her mom and dad about getting the colored chicks at Easter....my favorite story from her ever! Now my kids get to hear it too!)

15. LOVE THEM AS THEY ARE!!!

16. Remember: We represent the AWESOME authority of the almighty God who created the whole universe and hung the sun and moon perfectly in the sky. Be imitators of Christ!

Read more...

{your uniqueness is beautiful}

{your uniqueness is beautiful}, originally uploaded by ~paula~.

I wanted to share a little bit about what I learned at parenting class this week. There was absolutely so much information that it is hard to sum it up so I may have to break it up a little. First, we watched the video of Day 2 of Have a New Kid By Friday by Dr. Leman . He made 8 main points of what your your kids need NOW from you as a parent.

1. safety and security
2. a mom and dad who respect each other and make it obvious to their kids - make sure they see and hear your "closeness"
3. personal attention
4. discipline - there is a difference in punishment and discipline
5. an example in attitude and behavior - manners, courtesy, respect
6. plans - structure - Kids learn best when things are organized!
7. patience - chill out!
8. spiritual direction

I also wanted to share another photographer's blog called Inspirations. She is praying specific prayers for her children and adding her beautiful photography.

Read more...

~PS Mommy : Paula~

I'm going to be featuring mommies here every once in a while. I had this idea a long time ago and even sent out some questionnaires but now that I saw these questions on Whitebox Wedding's blog, I thought mine were kind of boring. I want to add a picture but am too tired to search for one tonight. So, here I go...

PS Mommy : Paula - Maricopa, AZ

occupation: Full-time SAHM, Part-time Photographer

family: married with 3 children (6,4, and 2)(boy, boy, girl)

most fun thing about being a mom: sweet little things the kids say and do

hardest thing about being a mom: being consistent

the last time my kids made me laugh: we were playing wii miniature golf before bed. that was pretty entertaining!

most embarrassing mommy moment: probably when my oldest was a baby. he had a loud blow-out during a prayer one of the first times we took him to church.

favorite place to take my kids: the orchard, hiking, visiting family

i hope my kids inherit my: love for God and desire to serve Him.

favorite kid/parenting websites: www.marthastewart.com, www.pbskids.org, www.familyfun.com

the last book i read to my kids: i think it was Big Red Barn.

at bedtime, I say to my kids: I give them hugs and kisses and remind them of their names given to them by my mom. J- Man of Honor, S- Joy to the World, T- Shining Treasure. Sweet Dreams and I love you!

Read more...

~Love is...~

I think I need a reminder every once in a while, especially around this "love" holiday! :)

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, It is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
(I Corinthians 13: 4-7)

Last night Scott and I were super stressed about a situation and we just stopped and prayed. He prayed the most beautiful prayer that I just cried. I wish I had it recorded but I'll try to sum it up. He prayed that with all the jumble of life with finances, government, family, etc., we get so consumed that we don't see that GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL! It's so easy to slip into the world of devastation and turmoil, but there is peace in God. He loves us and has a plan for our lives. He prayed that we would find direction and not lose sight in the hope we have been given as a gift. I needed that prayer last night and I need God every day. Sometimes He gets buried and those days are a mess. That's when I am thankful the GOD IS LOVE!

Read more...

~lunch options for kids~

One thing that I want to do more of this year is to post some tips for moms. Today is cheap kid-friendly lunches. I made a list last year and check it every once in a while to mix things up when I get in a rut. I love the veggie steamers right now and buy them when they are $1 a bag, quick and easy! I usually serve a fruit also.

- soup (chicken, veggie, potato) - am happy to hear about the NO MSG soups!

- chili

- ramen (sometimes with scrambled eggs mixed in)

- quesadillas (plain or with leftover chicken)

- fun-shaped pancakes with bacon or sausage or other breakfast

- hotdogs, corndogs, or pigs-in-a-blanket

- chicken nuggets or patties

- fish sticks

- breaded shrimp (when on sale)

- spaghetti

- macaroni & cheese

- nachos (rarely, but the kids love it!)

- pizza (sometimes made with bagels, sauce, and cheese broiled)

- sandwiches & wraps (pb & j, jelly & cream cheese, pb & banana, meat/cheese, etc.)

-gtilled cheese

- melts (grilled cheese with meat sandwiches)

- meatballs

- cereal :) my fave!

- french fries, hash browns, tater tots as sides

- frozen burritos

- leftovers are always great also!

Any more ideas? Leave a comment and let me know. I can always use new ideas as well.

Read more...