God, I need you.

Today is Friday which means I should be happy about the start of the weekend but I'm just not.  This morning was really tough.  There's a lot going on with family members right now.  Sienna was whining from the time she woke up and I was not being patient with her at all. I yelled screamed at her in the car this morning and feel horrible about it.  Jacklyn has a non stop cough which probably means she will get an ear infection and I'll have to take time of work.  Money is tight...bills are coming in and life is just stressful right now.  Sienna says "Mommy, you don't love me!" while all that is going through my head is how to provide for her, how to feed her healthy food, how to discipline her effectively, how to give her a nice, clean home, how to have a career that makes sense for our family, and most importantly how to give my undivided attention when she needs it without feeling like I'm pulled in a million directions.
I know it will get better....it always does.  But when you're a single mom you just wish someone could be in the driver's seat for ONE minute.  I would pay for someone to just drive me around the block so I'm not responsible for everything.  I guess that's when my faith comes in.
God, I need you.

10 fun and affordable ideas for fourth of july

1.  FIRECRAKER POPS  

If you are a baker or really enjoy entertaining...out these awesome and yummy treats!

10 fun fourth of july ideas (recipe on link)

2.  PINWHEELS  

If you have children, you know children LOVE pinwheels!! Order these pinwheels on Amazon for only $9.94! You will be the fan favorite for sure! {Click here}

3.  TRIVIA

Q1:  How many people signed the declaration of independence on the 4th? 

Answer: 2

 Q2: Who was the only person to ACTUALLY sign the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776?  Answer: John Hancock. The other 55 signers did not sign til August 2nd (or after).

4.  TATTOOS  What kid doesn't LOVE tattoos???

only $5.30 on Amazon {click here}

5. What about accessories!?!?!

Kids love anything that glows on Fourth of July (or any night for that matter!)

Here are some cheap and fun glow necklaces on Amazon....

Set of 50 for $26.99 at Amazon.{click here}..seems kind of high but when you think about keeping them for next year it's not a bad idea!

6.  CUPCAKES!!  Are you a wanna be pinterest mom but don't have the time or energy to get fancy?  Here are some fake it til ya make it 

cupcake decorations you can pop right in your store bought cupcakes...

$11.25 on AMAZON

7. FUN HATS... How cool are these?

$10.06 on Amazon

8.  FUNNY JOKES

Q: Did you hear the one about the Liberty Bell?

A: Yeah, it cracked me up.

Q: Why did the British cross the Atlantic?A: To get to the other tide

Q: What did one flag say to the other flag?A: Nothing, it just waved.

Q: Why did the duck say bang?A: Because he was a firequacker

9.  CROSSWORD PUZZLES

Print these crossword puzzles or make your own!!

10.  FIREWORKS in your mouth..

***Note: all Amazon prices are with Amazon prime membership..without Amazon Prime the prices will be slightly higher.

Motivational Monday....on Tuesday

As the saying goes, a day late and a dollar short.  Well, we could all use a little motivation on Tuesdays too, right?
Well, here you go..

Last Week Features

Barb of A Life in Balance’s Picks

1. Treat boxes: DIY from party cups | Going Green Mama

2. Black Bean Quinoa Salad…Easy and Delicious! | Lucy’s Nest

Mitzi of Written Reality

3. 4th of July Marshmallow Pinwheels | Homecooking Memories

4. Ikea Stool Makeover | My Pinterventures

Lauryn of The Vintage Mom’s Picks

5. Southern Style Pepper Sauce | Living at My Farmhouse

6. 5 Tips for Running in the Summer | Confessions of a Stay-at-Home Mom

Toni of Tickles and Time Outs

7. 14 Things We Need To Stop Doing If We Want To Live A Better Life | Elite Daily

8. 20 Motivational Songs to put you in a Good Mood #Music #Playlist | 5 Minutes for Mom

Katie- Mom Favorites

9. Tips for a Less Stressed Mom | More Than a Mom of Three

10. Mango Avacado Smoothie | Upstate Ramblings

Marie- Normal Everyday Life

11. Berries and Ice Cream Pie | Simply Suzanne

12. Am I a Writer? | Of Every Moment

Motivation Monday Linky Party #96

Ready to join us? Choose your category and share your favorite post!

Carnival business

1. Please link directly back to this post for your readers' benefit.

2. Link to your post, not your homepage.

3. No giveaways, please. Giveaways will be deleted.

4. Posts need to be family-friendly.

By submitting a link to this party, you are giving A Life in Balance, Confessions of a Stay-at-Home Mom, Chockababy, Written Reality, Mom Favorites, Tickles and Time Outs, The Vintage Mom, and Normal Everyday Life permission to feature your post on their blogs and/or social media platforms and utilize your post images in order to facilitate this feature.

10 Ways to Celebrate the Summer Solstice

It's the first day of Summer! 

HOORAY!!

1.  Create a new drink called the 'summer solstice drink' using juices and/or veggies

2.  Use chalk to outline shadows on the sidewalk

3.  Catch fireflies

4.  Learn cool facts about the summer solstice (click here)

5.  Find a cool place to watch a sunrise or sunset

6.  Draw rainbows or make them with the hose

7.  Have a bonfire

8.  Create a poem about the sun and/or summer

9.  Have a summer solstice party/celebration

10.   Try to make a cool pic (like ours above) or this one...

FASHION FRIDAY! FUN AND FLIRTY DRESSES!

It's FASHION FRIDAY!!!
Here's are some of my favorites this week...

All of these dresses are available at
EXPRESS
JCREW
JOLLYCHIC

How to be a BADASS mom

Why am I a badass mom?
Well, if you know anything about me, you're probably expecting me to say the following (but keep reading)

Completing the Tough Mudder...

Getting shocked by electrical wires...

Jumping off a cliff..

Getting my blackbelt in martial arts..

You might even guess that I would say I'm a badass because I went through a divorce.

But I don't think being a badass mom has to do with any of those things...

Being a badass is about integrity.  It's about saying no often and fighting for all the amazing things that are awesome in life.  Being a badass is about childbirth, giving timeouts, fighting for a marriage, fighting for peace after divorce, respecting people that aren't respectful back, handling difficult family members, making time to volunteer, grieving the loss of loved ones, biting your tongue, potty training while sick as a dog, finding strength for a crying child in the middle of the night when you're exhausted, teething, juggling dinner while the kids are fighting, breastfeeding, not spending money you don't have, being patient when you really want to scream, staying positive when your feeling empty, and not falling to the victim status when you feel like life is beating you up.

The truth is that I know so many bad ass moms that have no idea the strength that they possess.  They wouldn't consider themselves a badass...but they are..

Being a badass is about finding GUMPTION.  It's about keeping your head held high, and fighting for what you want and what's in the best interest of their children.

DISCLAIMER: My badass title could be revoked (on may occasions)

 

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY LINK PARTY!!

I'm a new co-host for the Motivational Monday Link Party!

Link parties are essentially an opportunity to share your work on someone else's blog by leaving a link and a picture from one of your posts. It's a way people can find your blog and you can find theirs.

I hope you'll join us each Monday as we focus on inspirational posts, healthy recipes, crafts, and home decorating/organizing tips. Each category has its own link to make it easier for readers to find fabulous posts. Motivational Monday links with others, too. That way, each post will get more exposure.

Meet The Hosts:

Barb from A Life In Balance

Lauryn from The Vintage Mom

Mitzi from Written Reality

Toni from Tickles and Time Outs

Katie from Mom Favorites

Marie from Normal Everyday Life

Features From Last Week

Barb Hoyer- A Life in Balance 1. Organizing Memories | Satisfaction Through Christ 2. 6 Ways to Enjoy Life More This Summer | Calm Healthy Sexy

Mitzi Smith- Written Reality 3. Corn and Tomato Salsa | The Domestic Lifestylist 4. 10 Minute Table Runner| Little House Living

Lauryn- A Vintage Mom 5. Creative Ways to Maintain Contact With Loved Ones Who Live Far Away | Of the Hearth 6. The Little Things | 702 Park Project

Toni- Tickles and Time Out 7. Grilled Peaches Arugula and Feta Salad | Gimme Some Oven 8. 4 Ways to Start Kids Meditating | Mind Body Green

Katie- Mom Favorites 9. Growing Potted Herbs | Happy House and Home10. Gardeners Hand Scrub- DIY | Confessions of an Over-Worked Mom

Marie- Everyday Normal Life 11. Why Did God Create Us? | Joy Pedrow 12.Create Fun Graphics For Your Blog | Oh My Heartsie Girl

Carnival business

1. Please link directly back to this post for your readers' benefit.

2. Link to your post, not your homepage.

3. No giveaways, please. Giveaways will be deleted.

4. Posts need to be family-friendly.

By submitting a link to this party, you are giving A Life in Balance, Written Reality, The Vintage Mom, Tickles and Time Outs, Mom Favorites, and Normal Everyday Life permission to feature your post on their blogs and/or social media platforms and utilize your post images in order to facilitate this feature.

Inspirational Posts

Carnival business

1. Please link directly back to this post for your readers' benefit.
2. Link to your post, not your homepage.
3. No giveaways, please. Giveaways will be deleted.
4. Posts need to be family-friendly.
By submitting a link to this party, you are giving A Life in Balance, Confessions of a Stay-at-Home Mom, Chockababy, Written Reality, Mom Favorites, Tickles and Time Outs, The Vintage Mom, and Normal Everyday Life permission to feature your post on their blogs and/or social media platforms and utilize your post images in order to facilitate this feature.

Motivational Monday! Say yes to the mess

Breakups can be so lonely and isolating but it's important to remember that things will get better!  I remember literally dropping to my knees on the kitchen floor after my separation. I had no idea how I was ever going to get through this.  I felt like I couldn't see more than 2 feet in front of me and I could not get my head around the fact that I was a single mom going through a divorce.

The good news is that if you choose to say yes to the mess (pain and suckiness) and just accept that fact that it's going to suck for a little while, you will feel so strong and empowered when you come out on the other side.  Break ups give you a tremendous opportunity for growth.  Here are some things that helped me get through that difficult time.

1.  Laughing.  I love watching Jimmy Fallon show clips.  You can follow him on Facebook to see his hilarious segments.  Beware...you might pee your pants from laughing so hard.

2.  Music. Find a great playlist and include songs like this one...Happy by Pharrell.  I dare you to get up and start dancing by yourself!

3.  Volunteering.  How can you not feel better when you are helping someone?  It will take your mind off of things and make you feel good!

4.  My kids. Kids can be a great break from thinking too much-their silliness, simple perspective, and adorable ideas make it hard to take anything to seriously.

5.  Therapy (with a GOOD therapist)  This has been sooooo helpful in my divorce journey.  Don't try to do this alone. It's so helpful to talk to someone that has a fresh perspective and won't give you their opinion only help you solve your own problems. A good therapist will hold you accountable for your own actions and give you tools to be happier and more successful.

5 Fun Things To Do with Dad this Weekend in (and around) Chester County

#1

 FatherFest at The American Helicopter Museum in West Chester

Antique Car & Motorcycle Show at American Helicopter Museum from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entry costs $7 per person. Helicopter rides are available for $40 per person. The American Helicopter Museum is located at 1220 American Boulevard, West Chester, Pa. 19380. For more information, call 610-436-9600  www.americanhelicopter.museum.

#2 CHESTER COUNTY BALLOON FESTIVAL
The kids and I are excited to head to the 8th Annual Chester County Balloon Festival which takes place at Plantation Field in Unionville Friday night and Saturday at 1600 West Doe Run Rd., Coatesville, Pa. 19320.   The kids always have a BLAST at this festival and the best part is we only spend $10.00-TOTAL (per car)!  However, there are plenty of treats to buy if you would like! 

 There is plenty to do including balloon rides, night glows, live bands, more than 100 vendors, kids activities and more.  The event begins at 5 p.m. on June 13 and at 3 p.m. on June 14.  The festival takes place at 1600 West Doe Run Rd., Coatesville, Pa. 19320. For more information, go to www.ccballoonfest.com.

Here's a pic of Sienna and I from the Balloon Festival last year....

#3
Elmwood Zoo in Norristown, PA 

The weather is supossed to be great this weekend, why not check out the Elmwood Zoo? Parking is easy and we love to have a picnic! Check out more info. here....http://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/

#4
Springton Manor Farm in Glenmoore, PA
 Tractors with Dad? Why not!? Also, here's your chance to see a ton of animals on a gorgeous farm!

#5
Marsh Creek Lake in Downingtown, PA
We love Marsh Creek Lake!!! The beauty makes it one of our favorite places all summer long.
The best part, you don't have to spend a dime!  BUT, you can also do boat rentals without spending a fortune!  Check it out here...
http://www.marshcreeklake.com/

What could be better than a little R & R with Dad?

Intentional Living

10 ways to embrace the moment...with your kids

1. Jump on the bed and have a pillow fight

2. Have a race to the car

3.  Give piggyback rides

4.  Give them a fancy glass (for no reason)

5.  SLOW down

6.  Tell them WHY you love them

7.  Listen...I mean REALLY listen

8.  Skip, hop, and twirl

9.  Arm wrestle

10.  Smile often

Mommy Minute:Finding strength

If you're a parent, you  knows what's it like to be EXHAUSTED.  Do you ever feel like your kids need more from you than you're able to give!? You're EMPTY and feel guilty because you can't provide for your kids what they need.  You're trying to balance everything and your gas tank is dry. What do you do?

A few years ago, I was going through an extremely challenging time.  My husband and I had decided to go our separate ways.  I was a stay at home mom with a baby that was 7 months old and a 3 year old.  I needed to figure out how to start supporting myself independently.  The problem was that having been a nanny and social worker before staying home with the kids I wasn't able to find full time work that would cover the cost of daycare for 2 small children.  I decided to watch some other children and take on jobs at night in addition to starting my own business which would eventually be something I could do full time.  While all this is going on my 7 month old was getting chronic ear infection and would be crying and had interrupted sleep patterns because of the discomfort. On top of THAT, my 3 year old needed me....A LOT.  She would wake in the middle of the night with growing pains and she was needy during the day.  I'm not sure if she sensed everything going with her father and I separating but she definitely needed more of mommy than I could handle.  I was exhausted.

As a parent, I'm sure you can understand that a half hour of crying can seem like an ETERNITY.  We've all been there! I remember several times when I would tell her "I have nothing left to give you" while she was crying.  One time, late at night while she was laying in her bed sobbing I remember her saying "You have nothing to give me? You're giving up on me?".

It was that moment that I realized that I needed to change my ways.  Parenting is not a job I can clock out of or take a sick day.  My daughter needed me and I needed to be there for her.  I walked out of the room for about 30 seconds, took some deep breathes and walked back in and told her that everything was going to be o.k.  She was right, I needed to be there for her and not give up.

What helps you during those challenging times when you are exhausted and feel like you're running on empty?

Happy National Donut Day!

Who remembers the commercial...."Time to make the donuts?!"
If you're feeling daring, make your own donuts this 'hole i day'...sorry bad joke.
Here's how...
Making donuts-Step by step directions for making your own donuts.

Or if you're feeling lazy (like us) check out one of the many stores offering free donuts such as Dunkin Donuts! YUM!

How to Make the Best Doughnuts