One, Two, Three Eyes on Thee: July 2015

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Stephanie's Wish

Thaddeus made over 70 blessing bags to be given to homeless people throughout our valley with the donations from his 8th birthday. He has partnered with another family that has been touched by childhood cancer; the Austin family. Their daughter Stephanie had a wish to pass out one million Bibles to those who have lost hope.

We met with her mom Debbie and got 72 bibles to include in Thaddeus' bags. They are beautiful, New Testament Bibles with leather covers. She also gave Jamie and I lovely Bible promise books.

This is what one of Thaddy's blessing bags looks like...

Him proudly waiting to pass one out.

It would not have been possible without the donations from the Gorman football team!

Packing party!

http://www.stephanieswish.org/

https://www.facebook.com/stephanieswish

From Stephanie's Wish webpage...

Shortly after Stephanie was diagnosed with childhood cancer, she had a dream. She told her momma that the Lord wanted her to get one million Bibles out to people who had lost hope. Stephanie mentioned the homeless, the abused, the incarcerated and anyone who is struggling in this life. So Stephanie's Wish was created.

Stephanie wanted to share God's Word, especially with those that need hope. She wanted all people to know that, no matter what our circumstance, we are loved by our Father in Heaven and that we are saved through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. She knew that God is with us each day through all of our struggles, worries, and difficulties to bring us the peace and love that each of us so desire and deserve.

Stephanie passed away in November 2013, after a long, hard fought battle with Ewing's Sarcoma cancer, but her parents know that she is now in God's Hands.

Please help us to fulfill Stephanie's Wish by putting God's Word into the hands of those who need hope and who need to remember that God loves each and every one of us. We can each do this by donating Bibles to organizations and/or individuals and then creating a log in on this site. Please share information about your experience with family and friends.We would also love to see your posts on our Facebook page.

Let God's Word and the work we do for God be the light that shines in each of our lives. Thank you so very much for helping us fulfill Stephanie's wish. God Bless you all.

Super Summer Theatre

Super Summer Theatre is a summer tradition for many Las Vegas families. Every May-August they put on a high quality show under the stars. This year we were able to watch Bye, Bye Birdie in July and in August we already have our tickets for Tarzan. You cannot beat the fun for $12.75 a ticket!

http://supersummertheatre.org/

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Make A Wish

We are preparing for our Make a Wish Disneyworld vacation! The whole family is very excited. We picked up our agenda, got all the details, and are ready for the limo to pick us up bright and early Monday morning!

This is Thaddeus' poster at the Make a Wish Southern Nevada office. He is so cute!

There is a volunteer fair coming up on August 8th if anyone is interested in becoming a wish granter. What a special volunteer position. They need good people to fill these important positions.

Volunteer Fair

August 08, 2015

Time :

10:00AM-11:00AM

Location :

Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada
5105 S. Durango Dr., Ste. 100
Las Vegas, NV 89113

Sign-Up Today!

We rely on more than 100 volunteers throughout Southern Nevada to help grant the wishes of children battling life-threatening medical conditions. Every volunteer plays a vital role in helping us achieve our mission.
Our volunteer application process is as follows:

Complete the Volunteer Application
Complete the online National Background check (for a cost of $24.43).
Attend a "Volunteer Fair."
Attend a Wish Granting Power Hour training.

Ready to get started? Complete our Volunteer Application and submit it to our Erin Calhoun, Volunteer Manager, at erinc@snv.wish.org.
** Steps 1-4 must be completed if you wish to be a Wish Granter.

http://snv.wish.org/

Chiropractor Visit

I was never a believer in chiropractors...until I went to one three years ago. I had been in such pain for months with my shoulder; I had been to multiple doctors before I went to a chiropractor. He did XRays and quickly found my shoulder was dislocated and proceeded to fix it. No more pain!

I go in whenever my shoulder acts up (which is going to be more often now that I am one of Christian's wrestling partners...lucky me!) I LOVE my chiropractors at Mountain West so if you have been thinking about going to one I HIGHLY recommend them!

http://www.mountainwestchiropractic.com/

Mountain West Chiropractic
9034 W Sahara Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89117

Phone: (702) 256-8686
Fax: (702) 256-2206

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Looking Presentable Always: Slip Edition

In my efforts inspired by Madame Chic to "look presentable always" I am looking for new tips to make this possible. One tip Jennifer Scott recommends is to wear a slip to make your clothes look nicer and preserve them between washes (she has a ten item capsule wardrobe which requires clothes to be worn many times in a week)

So I went and bought a slip...

I had actually totally forgotten about these things. This makes me think of my grandma lol as she ALWAYS wore a slip.

HOW had I forgotten about slips?! These things are awesome! Gives clothes a little more shape and support, smooths any lumps or bumps, and keeps everything covered! I am in love! HIGHLY recommend!

If you want to hear "Madame Chic's" take on preserving your clothes between washes watch her video...
http://jenniferlscott.com/videos/

Taco Tuesday: Weekly Tradition

A fun and easy weekly tradition is Taco Tuesday.

This is a perfect dinner after football practice and Hollywood Kids rehearsal. Healthy and easy for mom to prepare!

Ten minutes after we get home, dinner is on the table and ready to be enjoyed!

We all look forward to Taco Tuesday...those are the best weekly traditions; fun and easy!

Making Bread...Attempt #1

With Thaddy's diagnosis we began a major overhaul of the way our family eats. One big one was bread. WHY does bread need 75 ingredients that we cannot pronounce? Our grandparents ate homemade bread and so should we. So, we are starting the task of learning how to make our own bread with nine organic ingredients. Now, this is going to take time to perfect; so I will update you with new recipes as we try them with what works and what does not. This was attempt #1.

We were gifted a beautiful, brand new Westbend bread machine after I posted on FB about our bread making challenge (our family and friends are awesome).

The recipe for attempt #1:

The method:

The Ingredients:

It only took five minutes to get it going...

Three hours later...

The Verdict:
Could be better, but pretty good flavor overall. We agreed less honey (I may have added a tad over the recipe). But edible and very easy to make. We will keep trying!

Making Home Life a Priority

I love my home. Not a little a lot. I love being a wife. mother, homemaker... I love the video (link below) that talks about making our home life a priority. I love Proverb 31 that gives advice on how to be a woman of noble character.

I think so often we are pulled in so many directions that our homes suffer. We give so much to those outside our home, and all that is left for those inside is leftovers. It should not be this way. The people IN our home are our calling; our gift. God chose US to be their wives, mothers, children, friends... don't give them what is let of you after you have given your all to the world around you. Make your HOME a priority and those in it.

I was not good at this when my kids were young. I was always the one planning and doing...often time for others. I learned a few years ago that though the days are long the years are short and I did not want to look back and see that I had a lot of "accomplishments" in the worlds eyes, but that my kids and husband had been put on the back burner for me to get worldly glory.

I decided then that my home and MY kids would be my priority. This means I often have to say no. I often have to hold myself back from all my "great ideas."

Let me tell you, when Thaddy was diagnosed I THANKED GOD that I had never accepted that full time position (though of course I wanted the money), that I had let go of many leadership roles that had allowed me years spent with him and his siblings giving my undivided attention to their needs, that I had let go of putting a perfect face on for the world around me at the expense of quality time with my kids, that I had never spent hours at work after hours taking away from time with my babies... It was all choice. I chose THEM, and when you are slapped with the reality that forever is not an option, and that actually you aren't even promised tomorrow...those days/hours/minutes/seconds all count. At the hospital the night he was diagnosed I couldn't help but think about all our memories...so many...and cry out to God with a thankful heart that I didn't miss it. I didn't miss his moments so that I could work more, work out more, clean more... I learned by the time he came along that he was it; my purpose.

It also means I have to find joy and purpose in serving my family; in the "mundane." I find joy and accomplishment in keeping an organized and clean home. I find purpose in tending to my husband and children's needs. I find a way to better myself while taking care of my home (podcasts people...they are awesome while cleaning!)

THIS is my calling. These people are my mission. I want to look back when they are grown and think I did all I could to make their childhood wonderful. I want to think of the years of family traditions and hopefully see them using them in their OWN families. I want to see them being loving husbands and wife to their spouses, caring parents, and good homemakers...that is the pay off of years of cheerfully making a house a home.

I do not want them to think back about how mom was always bitter she HAD to keep house...she HAD to take care of us... I want them to see it for what it is; my mission, my purpose, my calling. I want to have a happy heart while I serve my family. They are my priority and I want them to know that.

Make home life a priority video by Jennifer Scott (Madame Chic):
http://jenniferlscott.com/videos/?tubepress_page=3

Proverbs 31: The Wife of Noble Character

¹⁰A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies.
¹¹Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.
¹²She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.
¹³She selects wool and flax
    and works with eager hands.
¹⁴She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from afar.
¹⁵She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
    and portions for her female servants.
¹⁶She considers a field and buys it;
    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks.
¹⁸She sees that her trading is profitable,
    and her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹In her hand she holds the distaff
    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
²⁰She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy.
²¹When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
²²She makes coverings for her bed;
    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
²³Her husband is respected at the city gate,
    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
²⁴She makes linen garments and sells them,
    and supplies the merchants with sashes.
²⁵She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
²⁶She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹“Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”
³⁰Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
³¹Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Monday, July 13, 2015

Day 11 Kitchen Drawers: 31 Days to a Clutter Free Home

I am BIG TIME slacking on this! Oh well, I guess it will all get done by the second week of August which was my goal in the first place.

Before drawers...yikes!

After drawers...

Many of my spices were expired and needed to go. The drawer with all the kitchen supplies was cleaned out and re-organized; but it is still really busy. I may need to look for some way to organize this more.

Tomorrow is master bedroom day.

30-Day Push Challenge

I signed up last week for Chalene Johnson's 30 day Push Challenge. It is free and was recommended by Crystal Paine of Money Saving Mom. I have LOVED it so far! Everyday you get a video (under 9 minutes so far) in your inbox plus an exercise to do. It all takes about 15 minutes a day, but she really has some different ways to think about goal setting. I even have had Jamie do some of the exercises. DEFINETLY worth checking out!

http://www.30daypush.com/

Organize your life

Create better and healthier habits

Improve your relationships

Increase focus

Goal-setting

Weekly Goals

Last Weeks Goals
Spiritual-
-Plan and complete Family Bible Night #5 (ugg missed it!)
-Complete my She Reads Truth, Proverbs, and Women Living Well studies everyday.
-Pray from my prayer journal everyday
-Start gratitude journal

Marriage-
-Date night Saturday night (nope)

Family-
~~-Friday pizza/movie night (Harry Potter series ALL week in preparation for Harry Potter week)~~
-Saturday Spa night
-Sunday Family Game
~~-Family Fun Day Sunday~~
-Family workout 5 days this week
-Complete Kumon and reading 5 days this week
-Nightly read alouds

Home-
Complete the next 5 challenges for the 31 Days to a Clutter Free home challenge

Self-
-Read four books this week
-Exercise 3 days this week
-Write on the blog everyday
-Listen to one podcast a day
-Meal plan and follow through
-Work on Project Life book
-Start daily kids journaling/Happiness journal
-Have a 31 party
-Nagging task- renew my license
-Continue with my Hello Mornings challenge (Bible, workout, and goals)
-Arrange Make a Wish/Lighthouse trip

Sports-
~~Basketball, flag football, and hockey~~

Work-
ON HOLD FOR THE SUMMER

I had kind of a lazy week last week... I need to get to work this week as the next two weeks will be vacation!

THIS WEEKS GOALS
Spiritual-
-Plan and complete Family Bible Night #5 (try again)
-Complete my She Reads Truth, Proverbs, and Women Living Well studies everyday.
-Pray from my prayer journal everyday
-Write in gratitude journal daily

Marriage-
-Date night Saturday night

Family-
-Friday pizza/movie night (Disney movie night everyday leading up to our Make A Wish Trip next week to Disneyworld!!)
-Saturday Spa night
-Sunday Family Game
-Family Fun Day Sunday
-Family workout 5 days this week
-Complete Kumon and reading 5 days this week
-Nightly read alouds

Home-
Complete the next 5 challenges for the 31 Days to a Clutter Free home challenge

Self-
-Read two books this week and finish any others left
-Exercise 3 days this week
-Write on the blog everyday
-Listen to one podcast a day
-Meal plan and follow through
-Continue daily kids journaling/Happiness journal
-Nagging task- renew my license
-Continue with my Hello Mornings challenge (Bible, workout, and goals)
-Prepare for trip
-Everyday work on Chalene Johnson's 30 Day Push Challenge

Sports-
Basketball, flag football, Harry Potter Camp, and hockey

Work-
ON HOLD FOR THE SUMMER

What I am Reading...

My book choices for this week are...

I only chose two as I need to finish up a few others this week so I can pack all new books for our week at the beach in Florida next week!

I am excited to read the book Happier at Home; the next book by The Happiness Project Gretchen Rubin.

Sink Reflections is an old favorite I am just revisiting this week. I am a big fan of The Fly Lady and feel she really helped me learn to be a homemaker.

What I am Trying...Stitch Fix #2

My second Stitch Fix arrived on my front porch today...

I left extensive comments about my last "fix" to help my stylist (so fancy) and made a Pinterest page with fashions I like pinned to give her more inspiration, and this is what I got...

I ALMOST loved it all. I asked for jeans (I want a nice pair) and these fit but I just cannot get on board the skinny jean wagon...now or ever apparently, because those were nice pants!! I ALMOST loved the shirts, but I knew I wouldn't wear them to work (I almost kept the blue one but Christian did not like it). The green dress was beyond hideous. We all loved the orange and black dress. So it was a keeper!

It is fun though, because I literally would NEVER have tried any of this stuff on and I almost liked it. I am super excited to get my next "fix." It is supposed to be just blouse and pant selections with another shot at a jean. We shall see!!

What our kids are up to...Harry Potter Camp!

Each summer a local homeschool mom puts on a Harry Potter camp for the kids. Complete with an owl delivered acceptance letter to your door, official Olivander wand, entry to Hogwarts through Platform 9 3/4, daily Quittich matches, and being sorted by the Sorting Hat (I am betting ThaddyMort ends up in Slytherin)...amongst other awesome things.

They have looked forward to it ever since last years camp. I cannot wait to pick them up and see how day one went... You should make this an annual summer event for your family if you live in Las Vegas!

31 Bags

I LOVE 31 bags! I got the consultant kit for an INSANELY good price. Even if I cannot make a business out of it, I can benefit from all of these cute bags! I love to use them for work, home, sports... the list goes on! My next purchase is for my control center coming in August and the car organization supplies (I really must get a handle on my car...it is an embarrassment!)

Go to https://www.mythirtyone.com/1713641/shop/Party/EventDetail/8450517 to order!

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Hello Morning Update

I signed up almost two weeks ago for a six week Hello Mornings challenge. The challenge includes a free ebook, access to accountability groups, and a Bible study for each session. The goal is to wake up for your mornings, not TO your mornings. To have a plan. This goes nicely with the Makeover Your Morning course I just completed. The goals are to spend time with God, look over your plans for the day, and get your workout in first thing in the morning. Like Money Saving Mom says, "get your big rocks in first thing in the morning." Don't let the important fall to the urgent. Do the things first thing in the morning that when you go to bed you can say your day was successful because you did these things. First thing do the things that tomorrow you will remember. That means not checking FB, browsing online, and watching TV. I love Kat Lee and her weekly podcasts on the Inspired to Action site. Her Hello Morning podcast was FANTASTIC. Do yourself a favor and LISTEN TO IT!!!

http://inspiredtoaction.com/2015/04/ita77/

In This Episode You’ll Hear…

Why mornings matter.
How “tiny habits” can have a big impact.
Tips for getting started.
How HelloMornings.org can help you get started.

The next Hello Mornings session starts August 24th...perfect for back to school!

http://www.hellomornings.org/

http://inspiredtoaction.com/thepodcast/

Looking Presentable Always: Apron Edition

When you think of aprons you think of June Cleaver. As I am taking Madame Chic's challenge to look presentable always, that means I need to wear my nice clothes while at home. The tendency is to change into comfy clothes at home. When I really thought about it though my "nice" clothes aren't uncomfortable. I just do not want to get them dirty while doing home chores. The answer? An apron. It actually does work and is fun to wear! That way your clothes are protected and to be totally presentable you just have to take it off. We have a lot of guests throughout our days so it has been nice to be presentable but still able to do my daily tasks without ruining my clothes.

Links To Jennifer L. Scott from The Daily Connoisseur talking about her thoughts on looking presentable daily as a busy mom...one tip I am trying is to wear an apron.

http://dailyconnoisseur.blogspot.com/2012/01/look-presentable-always-tale-and-my.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHLPifLKGSk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdaT_hsr66k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45MjC82yPNI

Go to Amazon now and get a cute apron!
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=aprons&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aaprons

Games 2 U Birthday Party

We have had two birthday parties with Games 2 U and we have had such great experiences I wanted to share.

As our kids get older parties get harder. These guys make it easy. They bring the truck right to your house, or a park, as well as everything you need to have a GREAT party.

The game truck outside...

and the game truck inside...

We had giant hamster balls...

As well as laser tag...

They always end with a candy cannon.

There are many games you can choose from to customize your party. The people are professional and very engaging with the kids. we HIGHLY recommend this company for your tween party needs!

http://www.g2u.com/

Summer Family Fun...and a little structure

We love summer!

BUT, we really want this time to be a time of growth in all areas of our kids life. When the schedules slow a bit, you have time to focus on things that fall by the wayside during the hectic school year.

Our kids have been starting their mornings with a family workout. This gets their bodies moving, keeps them strong, and gives time for them to bond through physical exercise (and also let's me check off my workout for the day!)

Then at 4pm they have their wrestling partners come over to keep their skills sharp! We will be ready for our first tournament coming up soon. We are all so happy Thaddy will be wrestling again this year after having to take last season off.

At 4 Juliette goes to Hollywood Kids which she LOVES!! She is in their triple threat program twice a week which is four hours long.

The Red Eagles are doing basketball for the summer. So both boys play and Juliette is the mascot. They practice at 6pm.

Las Vegas in the summer is similar to other places in the winter. We cannot do too much outside because of the heat. What we can do is swim; and we do a LOT of that. Our favorite is the JW Marriot on Rampart but we also invested in family season passes to Wet N Wild. We go for a couple hours a few times a week. We love the dive in movie on Friday nights. By having a season pass it allows you to go for two hours guilt free!

We are trying to keep up their studies through the summer too. We set the timer for twenty minutes and they work on their math (I bought Kumon books from Barnes and Noble for them and Juliette also completes her Kumon math at this time). Then they have to read for twenty minutes later in the day (Thaddy does his Kumon reading then). The read alouds are from the Sonlight curriculum and Five in a Row. What's in the Bible is used during our Saturday Family Bible Night. Thaddy goes to Mathnasium everyday at 2pm and Juliette and Thaddy go to Kumon three times a week at 3.

Our first Red Eagle tackle football game is September 12th so we are doing pre-season training by playing flag football. The team meets once a week at 6pm and runs our plays and patterns. This is getting them back in shape before the real season and practices start.

The Las Vegas Ice Center is a perfect place to stay cool on a hot day! The boys are continuing to improve their hockey skills through morning privates, 3 on 3 games, stick and pucks, team practices, and camps a few times a week.

Movies are always a fun summer activity! Matinee prices!

We try to find one fun activity to do a day. We enjoy Hardcore parkour, Pole Position the museums of Las Vegas, the library, Gravady, laser tag, Super Summer Theatre shows...I included links below to some things we like to do.

We also do nightly movie nights! Trying to get all of the Harry Potter movies in before camp and as many Disney movies as we can before Thaddeus' Make a Wish Disneyworld trip!

The summer day schedule goes something like this...

8am "ish" Wake and breakfast (I do my Bible Study and Hello Mornings at this time)

10 Family workout

12 Math and lunch

1 Reading and snack

2 Mathnasium for Thaddeus

3 Kumon for Thaddy and Juliette

4 Wrestling/Hollywood Kids

6 Football/Basketball

8 Baths, Movie night and Dinner

10 Read Aloud and Bed

In between these activities there is a LOT of trampoline time, playing outside, Nerf wars, ping pong matches... A little structure and a little fun makes for happy kids and parents!

http://supersummertheatre.org/