15 phrases your wife says that mean the complete opposite.

Sometimes women say one thing, but mean another.  Click here to read my latest article on FamilyShare.

Hair crush : the under-cut

source

This hair cut/style is the bomb dot com.  The faux-hawk is one of my favorite styles ever.  And I love that you can do it with long hair.  The under-cut is so daring, and I love the design on this one.  I'm not sure if I'm that daring, but maybe I will be someday.  Also in love with her earring and tattoo.

How to spot the miracles in your life

I have been thinking a lot about miracles lately.  Miracles are big, some are small, and I think most might even go unnoticed.  Miracles can brighten your day, comfort your soul, and strengthen your faith.  And the best part is, there are already miracles in your life.  Here's how to spot them.

{Slow down.}

You are busy.  I am busy.  Everyone is busy.  Some people bask in the glorification of busy.  Technology, work, activities, competition - all these things can overwhelm your life.  Stop.  If even for a moment, just stop.  Two words that pierce my soul every time I hear or read them are as follows: Be Still.  I have these two words plastered around my workspace, my home, even my phone.  Be present.  Surround yourself with your family.  Surround yourself with the moments miracles are made of.

{Tender mercies.}

David A. Bednar said, "Tender mercies of the Lord are real and they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence."  What is a tender mercy?  Bednar describes them as personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts.  Knowing that these tender mercies are sent to us personally is a miracle in itself.  See how many tender mercies you can recognize today!

{Seeing isn't believing.  Believing is seeing.}

I was recently watching a classic movie, Charlotte's Web, with my daughter, and one part really stood out to me.  Fern's mother asks the question, "Do you understand how there could be writing in a spider's web?"  And the doctor simply replies, "Oh no, I don't understand it.  But for that matter I don't understand how a spider learned to spin a web in the first place.  When the words appeared everyone said they were a miracle.  But nobody pointed out that the web itself is a miracle."

How many  miracles are already present in our lives, every day?  Miracles aren't just events like the parting of the red sea.  They include simple moments like a baby's first smile or the beauty of the earth.  More often than not, miracles should inspire gratitude, not awe.

{Be grateful.  Be prayerful.}

Speaking of gratitude, I believe this is an essential attribute in recognizing miracles.  This paired with prayer makes it almost impossible to not see the miracles that lubricate your life.  Say a prayer of gratitude.  You might be surprised at the miracles that are already there; ones that you just may not have noticed.  A prayer of gratitude is often the answer you need.

{Write it down.}

Many people have a gratitude journal, or something of the like.  Mine is called a tender mercy journal.  I don't write in it every day.  But when I'm feeling dis-connected or in extra need of God's love, I'll commit to writing down every tender mercy I see in a day, a week, or so on.  I find that when I'm purposely looking for them, they are more easily found.  And when they are written down, they are not easily forgotten.

Everyone experiences miracles.  They are already happening in your life, you just need to know how and where to look.  Instead of trying to over analyze everything, try recognizing those things as miracles.  Big or small, each one is significant and meant just for you.

Fall Faves

I am NOT a fashion blogger, but I have found a few things this fall that I wanted to share.  I could (and maybe do) wear these every single day.  So if you feel so inclined, here are my fall faves.

Essie nail color in Angora Cardi

This color is kind of a dusty rose that doesn't stand out and goes with more than you would think.  I've been wearing it for 2 weeks and plan on keeping it for a while.  I haven't gotten sick of it yet.

DSW Western Bootie in Taupe

These booties are perfect for me because they don't give me much height (short heel) and they are very comfortable.  They also come in black, but I love this color because I can wear it with everything.

H&M Light-knit sweater in gray

I just bought this sweater last weekend and have wanted to wear it every day.  Is is SO comfy, but doesn't get hot.  It is longer in the back, and the sleeves are really long- just what my lanky arms love!  I want to go back and get every color.

Target faux leather leggings

These type of leggings can be tricky because some don't stretch, some are known to separate or look worn after wearing them once.  These have held up really nice and stretch great!  They have an elastic waste band and back pockets.  They are cheap but the quality has been great for me!  I only wish they came a few inches longer, but if I pair them with some longer boots, they're perfect!

Happy Fall Y'all!

Stuffed Mushrooms

These are my favorite appetizers, especially around the holidays! I'm sharing them here so enjoy!

school year scripture themes

I posted this on my Instagram the other day, and had several people ask me for more detailed info on what exactly I and my family do with these scripture themes.  It's one of my favorite traditions, but it only started a couple years ago. 

A few weeks before school starts, I prayerfully choose a scripture that will become our theme for the school year.  I print up three copies: one to display in our kitchen, and one to tape up in each of the kids showers (where they can re-read it every time they're in there).  We have a special Family Home Evening about the scripture and talk about what it means and how we can use it in our lives at school, home, with friends, etc.  For example, the first year we did Matthew 5:16.  Throughout the year, we talked about how we can be a light to others by being a good example in various different ways.

Also throughout the school year, we will work on memorizing the scripture.  When my kids leave for school every morning, I remind them how they can be a light to others or how they can work on strengthening their foundation, or whatever the theme is about.  My goal is to teach my kids (as well as my husband and I) how to use these inspirational messages to better ourselves each and every day, and how to apply these words to our lives.

the quarter order.

My husband and I have been in the parenting game for over 10 years.  We have tried several different chore charts and disciplinary tactics for our 4 kids.  Some worked fine (for a while), and others failed immediately.   Recently, we came across a method that covers both ~ getting our children to do their part around the house and drastically improving their behavior.  Now, I know that this method won't work for everyone, but it is working wonders for us.  Here's how it works:

At the beginning of every month, each child gets an allowance.  You can customize this to your own family needs, but we give our kids $5 each.  The allowance needs to be given in quarters.  No matter how the month before went, bad or good, each child gets their allowance on the first day of the month.  

If a child misbehaves, take away a quarter.

If your kids fight, take away a quarter.

If they don't make their bed, take away a quarter.

If a child unloads the dishwasher without being asked, give them a quarter.

If your kids go an entire day without fighting, give them a quarter.

If they happily go the extra mile, give them a quarter.

Again, you can and should customize this to your own family.  We don't give quarters for doing their regular chores.  That's just something they need to do.  If they don't do their chores, bye-bye quarter.  On the last day of the month, we help them split their quarters into savings and spending. 

Here's what we as parents have learned from this system:

The first month or two, our kids almost ran out of quarters completely.  We have to consciously be aware of giving them quarters, because we don't want this to have a negative implication.  But now, they come out pretty even, and often with a couple more quarters than with what they started.  They are trying to find ways to earn quarters, and this Mama is LOVING it!  There is less whining, less bickering, and less fighting.  There is more helping, more sharing, and more loving.  It is working great for us, and I hope it can work great for you!