Hearts At Home

No More Perfect Days

May 15, 2013 by julie · 2 Comments

We have all been there.

You wake up in the morning, having expectations for a productive, stress free day– and within an hour, or maybe even within minutes, something happens that sets the tone for a not so perfect day.

Isn’t that annoying? How ONE thing can go “wrong” and your attitude goes south with it?

Spilled milk, arguments over breakfast, earlier than anticipated wake ups, being out of a certain cereal, forgetting to do something, change of plans, grumpy kids, grumpy husband, plans for the day falling through– any of these happen to you?

(image made with the BeautifulMess app)

I don’t have many perfect days. If I had to describe one, it would be where I didn’t have to clean up a single mess, sleep however long I wanted, ate lunch or dinner without cutting anything up for the kids, or reading a book until I finished it. But alas– I am a mother– so my actual perfect day is good behaviors, a fun outing, new discoveries and watching them learn something new.

That doesn’t always happen. The good generally outweighs the bad, but it’s never perfect.

And why should it be? We aren’t created perfect, and neither are our days. It’s called LIFE.

Don’t stress if you aren’t having a perfect day or week or even month. God doesn’t expect perfection, so we shouldn’t either.

Filed Under: family, Hearts at Home, life as a mom · Tagged With: Hearts at Home

No More Perfect Meals

April 18, 2013 by julie · 1 Comment

Dinner time at our house is never the same– between Brandon’s busy schedule and the kids wanting to eat on the early side, it is more often that we eat in shifts here. Add in the nights where I am in a dinner rut or busy days where grocery shopping wasn’t on my priority list, and you have a recipe for disaster.

I have a few go to meals– Skillet Tamales, Spaghetti, Chicken Noodle casserole, just to name a few. These I can make almost without a recipe, and I know that my family will eat them because they are favorites here! I try to give my kids a variety, but they have chosen favorites too– yogurt, fruits, veggies, chicken to name a few. Brayden is pickier than Kenley is, but all around I try to give them a balanced diet.

As important as meal times are for us, the most important thing I have learned is to pick mealtime battles wisely. If Brayden doesn’t necessarily want what we are having, I make him try a few bites and then give him something I know he will eat. No snacks if he doesn’t eat a majority of his dinner. Brayden is a snacker, munching on cereal, veggies, fruits, crackers, and cheese during the day. I keep tabs on what he has had and then judge how much dinner he needs to eat. It’s been a struggle, but its just not worth the fight. He mostly sits with us as we eat as well, and is learning to stay at the table until we are all finished.

Kenley has been a better eater since day one, probably because I was more relaxed and more inclined to get her to try a variety of foods in the beginning. (I learned the hard way with Brayden.) Now that Brayden sees what Kenley is eating, he is more inclined to try it, but I try not to bribe him in that way. Food shouldn’t be a punishment, but I DO want there to be structure.

It’s not easy and it’s not always perfect– but somehow, we all manage to eat around here!

What are your go-to recipes?

Filed Under: food, Hearts at Home, Third Thursday Blog Hop, toddlerhood ·

March 24, 2013 by julie · 2 Comments

Last weekend, I attended the Hearts at Home National conference for the third time. As always, it was unbelievable and I am still decompressing from the weekend!

Friday evening was the Mom’s Night Out, and out first to lead us in worship was Meredith Andrews. I must have been living under a rock because I had NO idea who she was, but her voice was amazing and I could listen to her sing all day long. Go check out her site– her song Not For A Moment (After All) has been on my phone all week long. Also amazing? She gave birth to a baby boy a month ago– in her bathroom. And was rocking out in skinny jeans all weekend long. Incredible.

Up next was Anita Renfroe. If you are unfamiliar with her, you may have seen her sing her “Mom Song” set to the William Tell overture. I remember seeing her on Dr. Phil once I believe! She is absolutely hilarious. We had such a fun Friday night out!

Until…my sister’s car was dead when we got back to it. Thankfully, my friends stayed with us until the tow truck came to jump it and all was well again, but it was kind of a stressful 45 minutes.

Saturday were the workshops, and the main sessions were by Jill Savage and Candace Cameron Bure. After reading Jill’s book earlier this year, I couldn’t wait to hear her speak. I was even in one of her workshops called “Being Spiritually Fit” and she is just such a great teacher.

Candace was just as sweet on stage as she appears to be on TV. She shared her very powerful testimony and it is just refreshing to hear about a Hollywood child star that didn’t end up addicted to drugs or alcohol. I bought her book, and I can’t wait to dive in.

I left feeling refreshed, closer to the Lord and His plans for my life and clearer in my role He has placed me in. This season is a hard one, but as a mom, it will always be hard. It will always be something. I needed to not focus on when it would be easier, but rejoice in the gifts that He has given me. In this season. Right now.

I look forward to the conference every year as a chance to be sans kids, with friends, and just spend time learning and growing in Him. The North Central conference is in November in Rochester, MN– so if that is somewhat close to you, I highly recommend it! Your husband and kids will thank you, I promise!

Filed Under: about me, Hearts at Home ·

No More Perfect Bodies

March 20, 2013 by julie · 5 Comments

As most of you probably know, I am a huge fan of Jill Savage’s book No More Perfect Moms. And for this month’s Hearts at Home Blog Hop, we are applying the concept of that book to our bodies and talking about no more perfect bodies.

Our ideals of “perfect” are around us daily– celebrities, pins on exercise and dieting, and advertisements for plastic surgery. The pressure to be perfect is everywhere. Articles on how to get your body back after having a baby, how to make your hair grow longer, how to get abs–it’s all within reach for us!

Am I thin enough? Tan enough? Are my teeth white enough? Am I fit enough?

But the Bible tells us this:

Genesis 1:27– So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

We are created in His image, so He thinks we are perfect no matter what! And though we don’t see our bodies as perfect, He does.

I gained almost 30 pounds while pregnant with Brayden, and lost the first 20 very quickly. But then anxiety set in, and laziness from being an exhausted new mom, and I was just eating whatever I could get my hands on. Those last 10 pounds turned into about 20, and right about the time I got pregnant with Kenley, I was at my heaviest non-pregnant weight.

And I hated it.

Being pregnant with Kenley was rough, because I was sick the entire pregnancy, only gaining 9 pounds while I was pregnant. Crazy, right? So after gaining that and dropping 25 pounds right off the bat, I felt great. Like the old me. I have been able to keep most of that off.

But I am worth more than that. I am worth more than the number on the scale. My body has grown and birthed two beautiful, healthy children. My stretch marks are a reminder of the moment of sheer love and joy as we welcomed each baby into our family. I need to be content with the body I have been given.

I don’t think that living an active lifestyle or having fitness goals is a bad thing, though. God wants us to use our bodies as a temple for the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6). But He is more concerned with our spiritual health–that’s what is important! And I am terrible at that- I hate working out, I never find the time, and that in itself is an entirely different struggle– but I can make time to make my body a priority, and be thankful for it.

I challenge you today to thank God for your body, because HE thinks you are perfect.

Filed Under: exercise, Hearts at Home · Tagged With: imperfect bodies, Jill Savage

Friday Fun

February 8, 2013 by julie · Leave a Comment

image via here

Happy Friday! For those of you out east, I am slightly jealous of all of the snow coming your way! I am just wanting SOMETHING, but so far, all we have had is rain.

I have some links to share with you today–just kind of a wrap up of the week, and things you do NOT want to miss.

–You can still enter the Better Life Bags giveaway HERE.

–If you like shopping at Caroline G, I have a discount code for you! Use the code “julies” for 15% off. This necklace has been taunting me for awhile now!

–My friend Tricia is offering 25% off of her custom Mama Bird necklaces. Use the code “VALENTINE”. This coupon is good through TODAY, so hurry!

–I wrote over at Fancy Little Things this week about how to bring a still image to life– go read it HERE.

–No More Perfect Mom’s is out– and tomorrow is the last day to be eligible to receive the $100 in bonuses! Read all about that HERE. You can also register to win 2 tickets and lodging to the Hearts at Home conference! I LOVE going to the conference–this year will be my third.

Happy Weekend!

Filed Under: about me, blog giveaways, Fancy Little Things, Fantastic Friday, Hearts at Home ·

Celebrating our Imperfections

February 6, 2013 by julie · Leave a Comment

You always knew you would be the perfect mom. Then you had children.

Now that you know more, it’s probably safe to say that most days haven’t turn out like you imagined.

We’ve all been there.

When life doesn’t measure up to our expectations, it’s easy to feel like we’ve failed as mothers and we begin asking, “What’s wrong with me?”

The truth is nothing is wrong with you. You are normal. Your frustrations, your disappointments and your struggles are the same frustrations, disappointments and struggles that every mom is going through.

Hearts at Home is offering two opportunities for moms to embrace and celebrate their imperfections right along with others who are doing this “mom thing,” too!

No More Perfect Moms, the newly-released book by Hearts at Home Founder and CEO, Jill Savage, will help moms rid themselves of the “Perfection Infection.” With refreshing honesty, author Jill Savage exposes some of her own parental shortcomings with the goal of helping mothers everywhere shelve their desires for perfection along with their insecurities of not measuring up to other moms.

And, if you purchase the book any time between February 3-9 (online or at a store…and yes, electronic versions such as Kindle and Nook count too!) and send a copy of your receipt to NoMorePerfectMoms@moody.edu, you’ll be given access to well over $100 worth of resources that will help you on your mothering journey – absolutely free!

What will you receive? Click here for a full list of audio workshops, printables and books and all the details about how to buy the book!

Then plan to join thousands of moms, just like you, as they celebrate their imperfections on March 15-16, 2013, at the Hearts at Home 2013 National Conference, on the campus of Illinois State University in Normal, IL.

Registration is open!

(Yes, I have already registered!) This will be my third time attending the conference, and let me tell you, it is SO so worth it!

Choose the two-day Friday PLUS! option for a main session and three or four workshops on Friday, plus choose three or four additional workshops on Saturday or choose to attend either Friday or Saturday. Add Moms Night Out on Friday for a great day – or two – away!

Main sessions feature keynote speakers Candace Cameron Bure – mom, producer, New York Times’ best-selling author and actress, and best known for her role as “D.J.” on Full House – and Jill Savage – author and CEO and Founder of Hearts at Home.

Moms Night Out welcomes Anita Renfroe , well known for her pop culture parody of the William Tell Overture-Mom Style and special musical guest Meredith Andrews.

More than 30 workshops with titles including Seven Habits of Highly Effective Moms, Real Ways to Connect With Your Kids, Boys R Us–Raising Boys from 2 to 22, and Wise Women Raising Wiser Daughters, give you the opportunity to design the day around your own needs.

With a sell-out crowd at last year’s conference, early registration is encouraged. The Best Value Registration Deadline is February 20, 2013.

Click here for full descriptions of all speakers and workshops and to start the registration process. Group discounts are available!

You will not regret taking the time to come to this conference. It is incredibly uplifting, informative, and I always come home with a better attitude than when I left! It is hard for us as mom’s to take time off (and honestly, my parents are the reason I generally get to!) but do yourself and your family a favor and GO.

Filed Under: Hearts at Home ·

No More Perfect Moms–It’s HERE!

February 3, 2013 by julie · 3 Comments

As you know by now (hopefully!) I am LOVING No More Perfect Moms and feel that it is a HUGE resource that moms of all ages should have! Well– it is available NOW! And, let me just tell you, it is so worth it.

Everyone loves a good investment…especially one that comes with a big bonus! This is one of those investments that you don’t want to miss!

Purchase Jill Savage’s new book No More Perfect Moms anytime between February 3-9 (online or at a store…and yes, electronic versions such as Kindle and Nook count too!) Send a copy of your receipt to NoMorePerfectMoms@moody.edu. Scan it, take a picture of it – just be sure to send it to the email! You’ll be given access to well over $100 worth of resources that will help you on your mothering journey – absolutely free!

What will you receive?

6 Sixty Minute Audio Workshops (MP3 format) from Hearts at Home

Desperate for Wisdom – Dr. Juli Slattery
How to Fight for Your Marriage – Dr. Juli Slattery
It is Well with Your Soul – Jennifer Rothschild
Multiple Intelligences – Dr. Kathy Koch
Ten Stress Strategies Every Mom Needs – Jill Savage
The God Who Sees You- Tammy Maltby

4 Printables from Hearts at Home

10 Stress Strategies Every Mom Needs
“Love Is”–I Corinthians 13 for Parents
Mom Rules
How to Fight Fair In Marriage

3 Free E-book’s (including PDF, Kindle, iPad, and Nook editions!) from Moody Publishers

Live Free by Kendra Smiley
Growing Grateful Kids by Susie Larsen
Real Moms Real Jesus by Jill Savage

1 Contest Entry

You will be entered in a drawing to win hotel accommodations and two Hearts at Home Mom Conference registrations for you and a friend at a conference of your choice! (If unable to attend a conference, a Hearts at Home Conference To-Go will be substituted for the winner and a friend.)

This offer is available for this week only (Feb 3-9)! Grab a copy of No More Perfect Moms, scan your receipt, email it, and start enjoying your new book PLUS all of the extra bonuses you’ll receive! It’s “mom university” delivered right to your computer! You do NOT want to miss this!

Filed Under: about me, books, Hearts at Home · Tagged With: book. No More Perfect Moms, Jill Savage

No More Perfect Moms

December 31, 2012 by julie · 4 Comments

I have an exciting announcement for you today! As you know, I have been blogging alongside Hearts at Home since April, and the Hearts at Home conference is something I absolutely love going to every year. The founder of that conference, Jill Savage, has a new book coming out in February, and I was selected to be on the launch team for her book No More Perfect Moms.

I am SO excited to not only read this book, but share it with other moms! HOW often do we catch ourselves judging other moms in all seasons? It’s a struggle to parent, but even more when there is such a stigma of doing it ALL right. I remember having such high expectations for myself while pregnant with Brayden, only for them to be shattered by a reality that motherhood was a LOT harder than I thought it would be!

The book is not available until February 4th, but don’t fret! Starting tomorrow, there is a 31 day E-mail challenge that you can sign up for to encourage you and what perfect timing– the beginning of a new year!

Also, you can check out the resources on the No More Perfect Mom’s website! AND if you wait to purchase the between February 4-9, there will be a LOT of extra bonuses offered by Moody publishers–valued at over $100!

I will be sharing more about this book on the blog, of course, and I hope you will consider purchasing a copy on February 4th!

–An advanced copy of this book was provided to me as a part of the NMPM launch team. These opinions are my own, and I am so stinkin’ excited, I can’t contain myself.

Filed Under: books, Hearts at Home · Tagged With: No More Perfect Moms

The Season for Giving

December 19, 2012 by julie · 2 Comments

This week for the Third Thursday Blog Hop, we are talking about ways we give this time of year. As far as Christmas gifts go, we buy for our parents, siblings, niece, and a few friends. We set a budget per person and usually do pretty well staying within that budget. Brandon and I usually buy for each other even when we say we aren’t going to. I love surprising him with something on Christmas morning! I get Brandon’s grandma’s their favorite box of chocolates, and I always love shopping for my friend Jacqui. I send little gifts to my friends that live far away to let them know that I am thinking of them this time of year. And I am always sure to send out Christmas cards to family and friends.

But giving this time of the year stretches more than just gifts– we set aside a day to bake holiday goodies/candies, and we will split them up to take to other family events or to give away. When we go out to eat, I sometimes leave a bigger tip for the waiter or waitress (something my mom does this time of the year also!) and as a kid I remember getting to choose a secret Santa from a tree and buying for another boy or girl. I hope that when my kids get older, that we will do this as well. It was always so fun to choose something for someone around my age!

Most importantly, I try gifting my time. Spending time with family and friends during the holidays is something I look forward to, even when it isn’t the easiest thing. I love Christmas Eve at my parents house– us all gathered for chili and hot chicken sandwiches–definitely my favorite holiday tradition. I love setting aside Christmas morning for the 4 of us, and just being able to soak each other in. But mostly, I am thankful for the reason for this season, which is Jesus. Because of him, I get to share in these precious moments and reflect on that day so long ago, when he was born. He is the ultimate gift. I hope you all get to enjoy the peace that He brings this time of year!

Filed Under: Hearts at Home, holidays ·

Third Thursday Blog Hop!

October 17, 2012 by julie · 5 Comments

It’s time for the Third Thursday Blog Hop with my fellow Hearts at Home bloggers! This month’s topic is money and how we teach our kids about money, etc. Honestly, since Brayden is only 3, he doesn’t have a good concept of this. Although- he DOES know that quarters are something special, because when we started potty training, he was getting money for successfully going in the potty–but never quarters!

When I was little, I remember getting an allowance, and I remember putting 10% in savings, tithing 10%, and having 80% to spend. I really like this approach, and I think it is something we will implement if we ever decide to give the kids an allowance.

As the kids get older, I know our actions with money will speak louder than words–so I am thinking about that. No idea HOW we will implement, but we will.

How do you teach your kids about money?

Filed Under: Hearts at Home, money ·

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