What I do to Kick start our morning!

Are you looking for some ideas or motivation to get your day started?  After God revealing my husband's health and the importance of me leading my family to eating and living a healthier life style.  I began to buckle down.  I needed to invest in learning, making better choices and putting them into action.  Not only for me but for my entire family. If wouldn't do it, then my whole family would suffer.

Here is a few things, I do to help my family. If you have any ideas to add, I would love to hear them. I'm always looking for ways to grow and improve. I hesitate to write about how I live and things I do, because I'm not bragging nor do I think I know it all!  I write for God.  So, if this helps you great and if doesn't thanks for visiting my blog anyways!

• I get up early before everyone else gets up. 
•  I walk in the morning to get some exercise and when my 2 year old coroperates and doesn't get up a ton of times in the middle of the night and sleeps in like she is suppose to, , then instead of walking I work out. However, the work out  does happen every morning!
•  I find time with God and my Bible, which is my favorite time of the day! If mornings are not your thing, then find time at night, work out and get everything ready before bed!  Mornings are hard for me.  I stay up late and spend time with Mark but I know for me getting up early, is something I need to do.  It's something that has come with time!
•  There Nothing is written in stone. as one of my mentors taught me b flexible, versitle and adaptable.   When things change or don't go the way planned you have to be able to go with it!  It will save you from getting in a bad move!  I have this saying embedded in my kids mind!!!
• Then I make a smoothie filled with everything we need to get our day going.  Fruit, vegetables( try to have them all organic but it doesn't always work out that way), yogurt ( the kind from Calder's) and some kind of protein.  This way, I know my kids and husband are getting what is most important in their bodies.
•  With the smoothie, we'll have healthy organic cereal.  If not organic, as healthy as we can get!  Sometimes, we'll have eggs, oatmeal or pancakes.  Normally, it's simple.  A smoothie , cereal and all of our vitamins.  We keep things very simple in the watt house.  It's easy to do and clean up and now we are ready for our day!    
•  By eating this way and having our vitamins ( becareful not all vitamins are good for you...do your research.  I make sure the kids get their whole food multi vitamins, vitamin D3, and their omegas)   helps stop any cravings during the day and I don't find and I don't want to snack!
• I try to make my husband his lunch every morning.  He'll make his lunch sometimes, but for the most part, I get up make it knowing then he is eating something healthy and not stopping off and eating fast foods.  Plus it saves us money!

I find when we eat healthy, everyone is in a much better mood!  I know when I get my time with God, eating right and exercise, I'm ready for the day!  I don't do any of this to try to be the best mom, wife or to be perfect because I'm not.  I do it because it's what God expects from me.  Because everything we do including the small things matter to God.  I do it for God.  He is my motivation and my love for my family. How we do anything is how we do everything!

^" Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well."  3 John 1:2

 I know deep in my heart that by being obedient to God and taking care of my family, will produce awesome fruit!  It's going to take time and I may not see it over night but all the hard work is going to pay off! When we start off our day on the right foot, then we are ready to face whatever comes our way including babyfits!!!

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

It was one of those mornings!

Today, sure didn't start the way I wanted it to!  My youngest daughter, who just turned 2, woke up at 7am crying and didn't stop until 11:30am!  It just was one of those mornings.  I'm weaning her from nursing and she is not one happy toddler!  The more she cried, everything I wanted to get done, started piling up in my mind.  The more this happened the crankier I was feeling inside.  My list was becoming bigger and bigger and nothing was getting done.  My husband was on his way home,  So, I called him to and  warned him I was irritable and not to mess with me when he gets home!!!  Isn't it funny, when we start feeling upset with ourselves, we look to take it out on someone else. All of a sudden, I was getting mad at him and he wasn't even home!!

Thankfully, I have an awesome husband.  Not perfect by any means but someone who loves me, God and wants to be the leader of this family God has called him to be.  When he came home, he asked me why I was so grouchy?  I told him, it was best if I kept my mouth shut because it would just make things worse! He  laughed and said, well do you want to same something to me?  I said, "well of course I do!"  Then he said do you want to flick me in the head!"  I said not flick but maybe punch you a few times!"  

He grabbed the bible and said, "let's read where we left off the other night."  I sure didn't want to at that time.   I seriously was still thinking about how good it would feel to punch him!  As we prayed and began to read God's word, the tension began to fall off of me and my spirit began to feel at peace again.  As we were sitting out in our back yard reading, mark looked at me and said, This is life kim.  We are reading God's word, enjoying the beauty in the back yard and watching our kids play on our neighbors swing set!  ( thankful we didn't have to buy one!!!)  

The list and the baby fits didn't seem important and that big of a deal anymore!   

 Therefore,  my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord's work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in Vain.  

We have days that don't go the way planned or we just want to throw our hands up or just cry because we just feel that there is so much to do or are we doing anything right.  God being so awesome gives us his word to remind us to keep moving and  the baby fits, messy house or the never ending list, is all worth it because everything we do is for the Lord!  

It's Time to Put on Your Shoes and Take Care of You!

Carting the kids from place to place, having their friends over, grocery shopping, cleaning, cooking, you know the deal, can be exhausting!  This is just to name a few things on a mom's plate.  There is so much more that we do that we often forget or either that decide to throw the towel in on taking care of ourselves.

Why do our hair, makeup and put on cute clothes and for that matter cute shoes?  What's the point?  By the end of the evening there are many nights I look like a train just ran me over!  My mascara is smeared under my eyes, my hair is looking crazy and food stains are all over my shirt. 

It's easy at least for me to get in a rut and forget about taking care of myself.  It takes effort and when our focus is on our family and kids we tend to our put needs to the side.  But God didn't not create you or me to feel like a torn up dish cloth nor does he want us to look like one either.  It's important for us to take time with God, reading his Word, eating the right foods, exercise and yes putting on makeup and putting on outfits that helps us feel better about ourselves.  I know when I get up start my day with God and take care of myself my days feel more productive and I just feel good about me,being a mom and being a positive influence on my children..  But when I don't start my day with God and just let myself Go, it changes everything.  

God did not create us to put a bag over our head and hide the beauty he created.  He loves you and you are his masterpiece.  It's not about getting up and taking care of yourself to please the world or for any selfish reasons.  It's to Glorify God.  Seriously, grouchy, moody, tired and frumpy people are not the best witnesses of Christ.  You don't have to spend tons of money on clothes. It's your additude you have toward God and yourself that make you beautiful.  It's doing the best with what God gave you and being grateful for it!

Honestly,I felt myself starting to let myself get a little sloppy.  We are on a budget. We have four kids and I'm a stay at home mom.  We don't have the extra money for me to go out and spend tons of money on the latest styles ( nor would I want to anyways.  We want to be wise with the   money GOD gave us  and how we use spend it so my kids can also see it's not spending all your money on material possessions. Plus, there are millions of people around the world that don't have clothes or even a pair of shoes to ware. So, this conversation isn't even an option for them.  So, I'm extreamly grateful for God's grace and mercy and what he has given me.) I have a friend that I just love and admire. She came over my house one day wearing the cutest high heels.  We weren't going anywhere but letting the kids swim in my backyard.  She looked great and you knew she felt great about herself. She inspired me to get my cute shoes back on and I do not have to let myself go just because I'm a  Christian and a busy mom! For that same reason is why I should take the time to make myself look and feel better because I love God, my family and all the blessings He has given me.

Ladies, take time for you!  When you get up early, put on your makeup, get dressed and wear a cute pair of shoes know matter if you are wiping butts all day or carpooling it will help change your day!  When your kids have a tantrum in the store you can look around at all the other mom's and say at least I have my shoes!!!  

Have an awesome day today!  Always remember

^" For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10

Why We Joined our FB Page Together

Mark recently received his real estate licenses.  He still works full time but was looking to make extra money but also wanted to help others and learn more about this industry for our his own personal reasons.Plus, lets be honest, we have four active kids!  We needed a way to make some extra income.  Joining my dad's company was the perfect answer.  He needed to get the word out and of course he said let's open up his face book page.

At first I had some hesitation, because I knew I would be doing most of the FB for him and I didn't want to get sucked in to it again! FB can be a great tool, but it also can be used to for gossip, hurting others and other selfish reasons.  So, before getting back on FB I prayed. I take everything to God it doesn't matter how big or small, I want His direction for my life.  I wanted to make sure my heart was right and I was getting on FB for the right reasons.  I do not want to get preconceived ideas about other people based on their post. I want to continue to love others for who they are and not have any expectations.  I didn't want to have a prideful spirit nor did I want this to be all about us and trying to brag or make our life look like it's perfect because it's not.   I didn't need to get on FB trying to make a fake allusion about my life, care about the opinions of others or try to see how many people will like my status!

I didn't feel God leading me to stay off FB, but I did feel him want Mark and I to have one FB account together.  If you are reading this and are not on my FB account, we decided to have both of our names on the account.  Not because Mark is trying to control me or vice versa or because we had any problems in the past being on FB, but because everything we do we do together.  There isn't anything I don't know about Mark and he knows everything about me.  We know many people who have fallen into the temptation with social media and have hurt or destroyed their marriage.  They have viewed things they shouldn't of or chatted with old flames or found someone new to have conversations with instead of their spouse, which only leads to disaster.  Mark and I are human just like everyone else.  It only takes something so small to begin to lead you away from the heart of God and all his blessings.  The enemy likes to disguise himself as good just to get the door open.  Mark and I work together to keep those doors shut. 

"The thief comes only to steal and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10

Now, we are not suggesting everyone close their FB page and open one up with their spouse!  This is what God placed on our heart and we want to be authentic and what you see on FB is what you see in the real world.  Not perfection but a love for each other, for others and for our God!  

No matter what your reasons are for being on FB, if you truly love God and your spouse, protect your mind and conversations.  If you wouldn't do it in front of your spouse then you shouldn't be doing it don't let those doors creep open which will only lead to disaster...

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful' he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10-13

My Son said, "Christians sure know how to party!"

Christians sure know how to party was music to my ears as my son was whispering those words in my ears!   God has brought some amazing families in our life and when we get together it is just one big PARTY!  Everytime we all get together it's all all day and night affair!  On a couple of occasions our kids were begging to go home because they were so tired!  It was almost time for breakfeast the following morning and to be honest we could of kept hanging out, but Mark had to get up for work the next day.

The crazy thing is there was no drinking of alchol beverages, no crazy drinking games, no gambling, no swearing, obscene music that kids really shouldn't be listening to or movies that would corrupt our brains!  What in the heck did we do and how could this be a party is what you may be asking?  Trust me years ago this was not my idea of having fun! 


When we get together with our friends, we play games, joke around, laugh so much my stomach hurts, enourage each other, talk about dreams or struggles we may have and just really get to know each other. The kids run around like wild maniacs!  Playing games, eating candy, swimming, and just being kids!  The most beautiful part is that my kids are seeing their parents having FUN without beer or wine!  They see their parents acting silly but not because we are intoxicated and never see witness their mom and dad unable to get out of bed the next morning due to a hangover. 

I'm not writing this claming mark, our friends or myself are perfect because ask anyone of us and we will openly tell you how screwed up we are.  However, God has just opened our eyes and showed us what FUN really means.  Also, by being the LIVNG example for our kids they to have learned that fun doesn't have to include what the world believes fun may look like. 

I'm not condoning drinking adult beverages.  God doesn't say you can't enjoy a glass of beer or wine but the Bible does talk about drunkeness. Mark and I both have had negative experiences and it caused major pain in our marriage. We choose not to drink and not only do we make those choices because we love each other but because we adore our chidren.  We want so much more for their lives!

We trust and believe in the scripture, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not run from it." Provers 22:6. 

Will it be an easy road raising our kids to live for God? NOPE but it will be worth it and as long as Mark and I LIVE and BREATH what we teach than I have no doubts they will go out and serve the LORD in amazing ways and always knowing that Christians ( most of them not all!) sure know how to party!!!

Should We Vaccinate?

This past weekend I had the opportunity to listen to Mary Tocco speak on Vaccines and healthy organic living.  I almost didn't go because it was a Saturday morning and an hour away from my house.  Thankfully, my mom and husband motivated me to go! 

If you didn't know, I'm passionate about my faith and how we feed our minds, body and soul.  One of the main reasons I am is of all my past mistakes and by the grace of God being able to learn and change our life style. I just want to share my life lessons with someone else in hopes it can help them.  I'm just a mom and have so much more to learn!  I don't blog thinking I know it all or have it all together nor do I expect everyone to agree with me.  I do know there are other women out there just like me needing the encouragement to know they are not alone and to keep on going despite what the world says about us!

I have four kids and my first two kids have all their vaccines.  My third has most and my fourth will NOT receive any vaccines.  If I could do it all over again, I wouldn't have any of my kids vaccinated. My kids call my fourth the healthy baby!!!  Now, before you call me names and think I'm crazy, I encourage you to just do your research.  If you decide to vaccinate that is your choice just like It's my choice not to.  The one thing we never want is the government or medical community  to decide what is best for our children and family.  Education is one of the key componets to living a better life.  Just don't do what the doctor's are telling you without knowing why and knowing all the facts.  I know there are great docotor's out there but they are not God. It's important to have all the facts and be able to make an informed decision not based on FEAR. Do not be decived. 

I could blog for hours on my husband's health and what the doctors were telling him to my own experience with my children.  I know deep in my heart my son was affected by vaccines. It breaks my heart.  I did research on my own before my kids were born.  In my heart I did not want my kids to have any vaccines but I was insecure in many areas in my life and just gave up.

God in all is goodness didn't let me give up!  He has worked on me and helped me brake through and to stand on him and his strength.  I kick my self every time I hear someone speak on vaccines and the side effects.  On saturday, I couldn't help but cry becasue even though I new better years ago I wasn't strong enough to stand on my own two feet and go agaisnt what everyone else was doing. 

It's never to late and I continue to educate myself and surround myself with people who can keep me focused on running this race!  It's easy to give up, to think you are crazy or just get a little off track because of our schedule.  Then God send's someone your way to say don't give up and keep on going!  It's a process and I still have so much more to learn and grow but I do celebrate how far God has brought me so far! 

If you question vaccines, please check out these websites...www.marytocco.com, http://www.childshots.com/, http://www.mommsvaccine.com/   Whether you decide to vaccinate or not to just know you have a choice and be educated on why you are making the choice not because someone is forcing you to do so!  The same goes for the choices you make with your food, medication and even how you educate your children.  You may be shocked to see what you find!

When your child has one of those moments!

I think my next few blogs will be on what Freedom really looks like!  Not that I have it all together and not that I still don't have more to learn because I do but what God has taught me so far has set this sister free!!

Here I am outside with three of my kids just hanging out with them playing a game, when an old friend out of the blue stops by.  She is the mom of a friend both my husband I grew up with and I haven't seen her in about 7 years. 

It was exciting to see her, we made small talk catching each other up with what is going on in both of our lives when my one of my daugther's had a moment!  If you are a mother, you know exactly what kind of moment I'm talking about!  When your kids decides to do something totally out of control and there is nothing at that moment you can do! It wasn't as bad as it sounds but it still was one of the moments that if you cared about what other's thought you would want to crawl under your bed and stay there!

For some strange reason, Marcia ran in the house for something.Iinstead of coming back outside, she decided to climb up on the ledge and swing from the storm door inside the house. As she is swinging back and forth I hear my friend's mom say, "oh my!"  Hoping Marcia would stop she continues to swing back and forth calling my name!  By this time she jumps down and as she jumps down our dog, who is not small by any means, decided to HUMP HER!  Marcia is screaming HELP ME MOM!!!

Here is where FREEDOM comes in.  If I cared or was more focused on pleasing people, impressing them or concerned what other's thought I would of been furious!  Anyone who is mom or dad knows that Kids make mistakes.  I know Marcia and this girl is on fire for Jesus at 6 years old, loves life and has a heart that is humongous!  If you don't really know her than you miss out on knowing one beautiful girl. However, she is not perfect and keeps me humble and life interesting. I just thought God is this what you do when we screw up a million times everyday!  Do you sometimes just sit back and laugh.

As my friend left, I began walking in the house.  Marcia knew she was in trouble not for embarrassing me because honestly I didn't care what she thought.  I wanted her to know why we don't act like that, manners and be respectful.  She went to her room and came back later to ask for forgiveness.  She really meant it.  Of course I forgave her.  God has grace and mercy with us why wouldn't I show the same to my children.  I mess up everyday and I'm 37 years old!  She learned her lesson but it won't be the last one.  She's not perfect and I don't expect perfection.  In the grand of things, what she did was not horrible but it could of been if I was more focused on the opinions of others instead of teaching and loving my kids! 

FREEDOM:  My kids are not perfect and neither am I!  No longer does someone opinion of my family or myself define me or Who God says I am!!!  I know longer live to please man only GOD!  Yes, we will all mess up but when we ask for forgiveness God gives his grace and mercy!  We need to show the same to the children God has trusted us with!!!

Encouraging our kids to make a difference!

Yesterday, I read a story about a nine year old boy who learned about children in Africa who had become orphaned because of AIDS.  Instead of just hearing the story and going on with his life he decided and believed  he could do something to help. He had a "talent" that God could use.  On the World AIDS day this boy decided to shoot free throw.  HE shot 2,057 free throws to represent the 2,057  kids who would be oprhaned during his day at school.  People sponsored him and he was able to raise almost $3,000.  That year, the money was used by World Vision to provide hope to 8 orphan children. 

Since then, thousands of people have joined him in a basket ball shoot a thon called Hoops of Hope.  By doing something as simple as shooting fee throws, Hoops of Hope participants have raised over $500,000.  The children left behind by AIDS now have access to food, clothing, shelter, a new school and finally a medical testing facility. 

One boy who didn't listen to any adult who might have told him no.  He listened to the voice of God and made a huge impact on the world.  It reminds me of the parable in the Bible when Jesus feeds the five thousand with five loaves of bread and 2 fish.  His disciples who knew Jesus was the Son of God.  They witnessed Jesus do many miracles yet they still doubted and couldn't see the solution only the problem.  What does Jesus do?  He uses the bread and fish from a young boy in the crowd! 

God has called me to Home Educate our four children.  Our goals for our family are not just focused on Academic, but character, leadership skills and to be a fully devoted follower of Christ.  Sometimes,  parents forget the potential are kids have and the difference they can make right now.  It drives me nuts when our family wants to serve and volunteer but yet the organization will say put an age limit on who and when someone can help. Would Jesus say no? 

Begin believing in your kids.  Ask them how and what they would like to do to make a difference in the world. I want my kids to know they don't have to be head of some huge organization, pastor of a mega church, famous athlete or musician or well educated to be the hands and feet of Christ.  They don't have to start big they can start by doing something small in their own community.  Encourage your children to think beyond themselves.  It will make a difference in their life and your relationship with them!

The boy in the parable gave what he had and not only did Jesus feed over 5,000 people there was even 12 basketful of broken pieces that were left over.  The boy who started with just a basket ball and a hoop has saved millions of kids around the world.  What Jesus can do if we just give him what we have and say Yes!  It doesn't matter what are age we  might be...