How I became Mrs. Utt.

Ronnie & I will celebrate fifteen years of marriage in December. 

Man, do I love that guy.

Funny enough, it didn't start out that way. 

We actually were friends.  Well, if you go back far enough, it turns out we went to high school together.  But since I was the talkative, loved socializing type and he was more the quiet, I'd rather be in the woods type we never met. 

Fast forward almost ten years later:  I had returned to church and there was group of people all around my age that were single so we tended to congregate together.  Ronnie was also part of this group.  We spent time going to concerts, movies, picnics and hanging out at Shoney's after every Sunday night service.  Don't laugh.  Shoney's was the place to be on a Sunday night. 

A few years had passed and I was working in the cath lab with some great folks.  I decided to have a Christmas party at my house and invited a bunch of friends.  Of course, Ronnie was there and my friend Steve from work came with his wife Debbie.  That Monday at work, Steve was questioning me all about Ronnie - what a nice guy he was, was he single - trying to play matchmaker.  I told Steve that Ronnie & I were just friends and would stay that way.  Steve let it drop then but would randomly ask about Ronnie over the next several months. 

The following Summer, my hot water tank went out at my home.  Ronnie offered to fix it for me.  He had to come up to the hospital to get my card so he could pick one up at Lowes.  Of course, his biggest fan Steve saw him and started right back in on his Ronnie campaign.

A few days passed and Ronnie was having trouble replacing my hot water tank.  It still wasn't fixed.  Steve really amped up his campaign.  Every break we had, I had to hear about the awesomeness of Ronnie.

I remember telling him, "Listen.  God is not up there worried about me being single.  If God wants me to date Ronnie Utt, God will tell me to date Ronnie Utt - not you!".

He replied, "Well, maybe He's using me to tell you."

And in all my compassion, I answered back, "Well, he used a jackass to tell Balaam so I guess he could use you!"

Ronnie was at my house working that day but before I headed there I stopped at my Nan's house to set up her medicines for the week.  My mom was there at that time and we were talking about the hot water tank and just what all was going on - basically a gab session.  My mom asks me why I don't go out with Ronnie. 

I already had to hear about this all the live long day from Steve - I didn't need to hear it again so I told her what I had told Steve, "God is not up there worried about me being single.  If God wants me to date Ronnie Utt, God will tell me to date Ronnie Utt"

My mom's response:  "Well, God used a jackass to tell Balaam, maybe he's using me."

I literally turned on my heal and left without saying a word.

When I arrived home Ronnie had finished replacing my hot water tank.  We talked for a while and as he was getting ready to leave, he turned to me and he asked me if I would pray and see if it would be God's will for us to date.  

I told him that after my day, I was fairly certain that answer was yes.

We were married within six months.

Make Over Your Mornings.

Let me start by saying that I loved this course!

At the end of June, I was talking with my friend Tracey about how I just couldn't seem to get on track.  I was accomplishing what had to get done in my life - feeding the tribe, basic cleanliness - but I just couldn't get motivate like I used to be.  I felt like I was always rushing around from one thing to the next but never actually in control of my days.  Just putting out fire after fire. 

Imagine my surprise when my I got an email from my favorite blogger, Crystal Paine at moneysavingmom.com with a new e-course.  Tracey & I decided to take this course at the same time to encourage each other and, if I'm being honest, so that I could be accountable to someone to actually finish it.  Make Over Your Mornings was just the encouragement I needed to get back on track.  The videos were just 5 minutes a day followed by a 5 minute or less read in the accompanying e-book and a 5 minute challenge.  The best thing about this course is that it wasn't a "one size fits all" type course.  It challenged me to think about what I needed to do to make my life run smoother. 

I spent time thinking about what my families priorities are and what my personal priorities are and came up with a daily plan that helps me to accomplish what's important to running this house and making my life less stressful.  Since July, I've been following a morning and evening routine that wasn't just something I found on Pinterest that works for someone else.  My routine needed to include time for running a rental business, homeschooling three active boys, finding time to spend with a consistently busy husband who basically is doing two full time jobs, serving at my church, caring for a small house that with five people in it quickly gets messy and finding time to take care of me - spiritually and physically.  Something that frequently gets tossed to the wayside. 

And yes, I probably could have came up with a plan on my own.  But here's the thing - I didn't.  And I hadn't.  And what I was doing wasn't working.  By taking just 15 minutes a day for 14 days, I was able to get back on track in little bite size increments. 

Interested?  Check it out at makeoveryourmornings.com.  There's a one day sale on August 25th.  You can get the 14 day course for $10.  This is not an affiliate link for me.  I get nothing from it.  I just know how it motivated me to get back on track. 

And maybe I'm not the only one needing some motivation. 

A chore system that is (finally) working. Finally.

Ok friends.  Settle in.  I've come up with a chore system based on a few different that I've seen on Pinterest and from my friend Kathleen.  It seems a bit overwhelming at first, but it really isn't. 


Each day, the boys have four items that have to be checked off. 

1. AM Chores
2. Practice
3. Zones
4. Reading

Here's the break down:

AM Chores:
Brush teeth   
Make bed   
Clothes to laundry
Put away own laundry basket  
Dishes to sink after each meal


Practice:

Practice math cards three times daily
Practice Bible verse three times daily
Practice Bible quiz cards three times daily


Zones:

Living Room:
Pick up toys/clothes/dishes etc., clean under TV stand and computer desk, vacuum daily, mop on Monday - including couch and under couch, dust on Monday, clean TV screen, put Kindles and iPods on charge, spray couch with EO spray on Monday and Thursday, feed pets daily - dog and chicken.


Bathroom:Clean floor daily, clean toilet daily, wipe sink daily, put away towels, clean mirror daily, clean tub on Monday, mop hallway and stairs on Monday, dust hallway on Monday, wipe off light switch and walls on Monday.


Kitchen:Unload dishwasher daily - dishes and silverware, wipe off fridge on Monday, gather trash and take to porch daily and replace trash bag, wipe off table daily, wipe off chairs on Monday, mop floors on Monday, vacuum on Monday.


Bedroom & Playroom:Pick up toys daily, pick up clothes daily, change sheets on Monday, vacuum on Monday - both bedroom and playroom and couch. Dust and clean TV screen on Monday, spray couch with EO spray on Monday, wipe down walls and light switches and stair wall on Monday.


Reading:
Read quietly each day for 20 minutes. May also listen to audiobook.



All squares must be checked and signed by Mom or Dad nightly.

If all squares are checked, you will be paid $1 for each year of your age.

If one square is missed, you will be paid half the amount.

If two squares are missed, you will receive no pay that week. One square may be made up by reciting a memory verse or poem. Anything over two squares unchecked will result in no pay despite number of verses memorized.

We will use the 10-20-70 system for money. 10% for tithe, 20% for savings, and 70% to spend.

20% Savings is to be used only for Mom and Dad approved expenditures such as long term goals like a four wheeler, gun, car or educational purposes.

Payday will be every Saturday. At the same time, new Zones will be chosen for the following week.

All money will remain in the lock box until asked for to keep from losing money.

You will be responsible for all of your toys, non educational online subscriptions, and personal expenditures. You will be responsible for 50% of your clothing purchases with the exception of church clothes, socks, pj’s and underwear. (For example, if you want a new under armour sweat shirt or TMNT shirt, you have to save up half).  I know this sounds a little intense, but just to be clear - this is for things that we don't really feel they need.  Of course, we still buy their clothes.  This is for the extra things that kids want - like yet another Star Wars shirt because the 72 they already have aren't as cool as the one they want.  That kind of thing.

Anything above and beyond what we normally get when we go out can be paid for with your money. (Example: if you want candy or the box deal at the movies, you can use your money. If you want to just eat our normal popcorn, we will cover it).

Additional jobs are available for additional money as long as your original chores are done.

They are as follows:

Pick up yard - $1
Clean out van - $1
Clean out truck - $1
Bath Izzy - $1
Clean extra zone for the week - $2

To help them remember, I made up notecards with what needs to be done in each zone.  They can take the cards with them to remind them what needs done for the room to be considered clean.  We keep a copy of the above information in the planner that's on the fridge as well as their check off sheets for the week. 

So far, so good.

Josiah ended up saying a verse to us this week because he had a hissy fit on Friday and wouldn't clean his zone. 

I admit.  It's been a pain to implement, but now that it's working, I am loving it.  Not only is the house staying cleaner, I've already noticed little things.  Like the boys picking up after themselves or reminding each other to take their cups back to the sink because who ever is assigned that room doesn't want to have to pick up after them.  (Who would have thought it was irritating to constantly pick up after someone else?) 

It's also rewarding to see how their spending money is changing.  Suddenly, when it's your money being spent, you don't absolutely have to have a new and improved whatever. 

Now that we have the hang of it, it's been pretty great.  And it turns out, even with paying them $1 for each year of age, I'm not spending extra money because I'm not being constantly bombarded at the store or movies to get this or that. 

This system is totally a win-win for us!

A trip to Blueberry Hill. (Thrills not guarnteed)

The boys & I went blueberry picking with Tracey from Buildng My House and Lori from Life & Love of an Everyday Wife and Mom on Wednesday. 

And yes, I spent most of the drive singing once again - loudly and off key - "I found my thrill, on Blueberry Hill".  It's a good thing that I think I'm hysterical, because apparently the kids don't. 

If you're local and you haven't been there yet - well, make plans.  It was so much fun! 

It's located way out on Bunner's Ridge.  And by way out, I mean to clear past the Sagebrush and at the end of the road, turn right.  Then continue way out that road following the blueberry signs. 

 

 

There were row upon row of plants to pick from and the staff there were really helpful to let us know which rows were ready to pick.

 

 

The kids spent time picking berries (and eating berries) and running up and down the large aisles playing while Tracey, Lori and I solved most of the world's problems - which is usual.  We were there for almost two hours before the complaints of "I'm hot" and "Can we go now?" started.  Not to bad.



 

 

We will definitely be back.  Not only was it fun, the prices for the berries wasn't that bad.  Each white bucket heaping full was $18. 

 

If you go, make sure you bring something to take your berries home in, sunscreen. cold water and cash.

 

We had homemade blueberry pancakes for dinner that night.  Some berries are being made into blueberry syrup to can for later and some ended up flash frozen and stored in the freezer for later. 

 

I wish there were more pick your own spots.  This was a blast! 

Summer Fun..... and a garden update.

We have been having a lot of fun with our friends this Summer, despite the rainy weather. 

Here's a peek at some of our fun:

Swimming with our cousins.

My nephew Eli turned 5.

Servolution with our church - passing out free water at the parade.



More Servolution fun - a free car wash.  Talk about freaking people out!

Old chickens....

And new chickens...

Soap making with the girls - so much fun!

And finally, the garden. 

Look at that beautiful corn!

John, our garden helper.

Zucchini

We totally beat "Knee high by the 4th of July" this year!

All this rain has been great for the garden - and the weeds!  I've given up on weeding the potatoes.  At this point I'm pretty sure I'll tear the plants out with the weeds.  I'm already getting tomatoes and different squash from the garden and since the corn is already tasseling out, I'm pretty sure we'll be picking corn in about three weeks. 

It may be a wet Summer, but it's still a fun one!

My kids are sick. Now what?

I'm writing this post with one little guy on the couch.  There's been so much sickness this winter.  As a mom of three guys with asthma and more than their fair share of sickness, I thought I'd pass on my tips and tricks for surviving sickness.

1.  Separate them from the herd:
As a general rule,  I practice strict isolation techniques when someone is sick.  They are confined to one area of the house and one cup.  Usually, I set them up in our bedroom that is just off the living room.  This is just Nursing 101.  Keep those germs away from everyone else. 

2.  Scrub those paws:
Good hand washing is the #1 way to prevent the spread of diseases.  Went to the bathroom - wash your hands.  Eating a snack - wash your hands.  Just went shopping at Walmart - for goodness sakes, wash your hands!

3.  When there's a storm a brewing (gastrointestinaly speaking):
This one is by far the most tiring on momma, but also the easiest to handle.  After throwing up, nothing to eat or drink for two hours.  Then start with a drink:  water, 7-up, ginger ale.  If that's tolerated, follow the BRAT diet.  Bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.  Advance slowly.
If it's diarrhea causing problems, encourage fluids.  I like to use Gatorade mixed half and half with water.  Let's face it, these are little kids.  They don't need that much sodium!  I also use the BRAT diet, including yogurt for all that probiotic goodness that your gut needs.  Don't let either of these illnesses go on too long.  If at any point your little one seems listless or hasn't peed, it's time to see the doctor.

My way to manage all the mess that goes along with this is to make layers on the bed.  Over the sheet, I have 3-4 blankets, then 1-2 towels that continue over the pillow too.  That way, when they have an accident, instead of changing the whole bed, I can pull off the top layer and wash it.  Of course, we also use "the bucket", just in case we can't make it to the bathroom in time.

4.  When it's just too hot:
Anything that has a fever, cough, or congestion type illness, I separate them and encourage rest and fluids.  I'm a big fan of a humidifier - just make sure you keep it clean.  I also like to use vaporub (of course, we use a hippie vapo alternative from the health store).  I usually put it on their feet or on their back between the shoulder blades, instead of their fronts.  I started doing that when they were little and didn't know to not touch it.  I would put it on and then cover them up in their footy sleepers.  Anything to keep from getting it in their eyes.  Trust me.

These are just some of the tips and tricks I use.  Of course, I'm not a substitute for sound medical advice and only you know your child. 

Here's hoping Spring (and wellness) is just around the corner!

My new favorite devotional.

Remember when I shared with you about The Dig?  We really enjoyed that as a family devotional, but unfortunately we're done with it and volume two hasn't been published yet. 

Not to worry!  Look what I found:

 

We bought The Action Bible for Joshua last year and it was a complete hit.  I often find him in the corner of the couch just reading to himself from this Bible.  He loves the comic book layout.  I was so excited when I stumbled upon the devotional based on it. 

 

It contains 52 weekly devotions divided into the following sections:

• An illustrated story from the Action Bible
• A key verse.
• X-ray vision:  Thoughts to connect the story with your life.
• Your Mission:  Three ideas to put the theme in action.
• Your Debrief:  Three questions to spark some brain cells.
• Mission Accomplished:  Space to make some notes to remember.
• Share the Adventure:  Ideas to involve friends.

It also has occasional pages where you can write, draw, cut & paste - whatever you want to do to be creative. 

 

We are loving it.  We do a little each day, as well as doing our verse for the week. 

 

One thing I do want to make clear is that The Action Bible and it's devotional are great resources, but they aren't what I consider a real Bible.  We still sit down and read the story for the week from our real Bible.  Any work that we do for school is also done from our real Bible.  However, this is a great resource.  It has my kids more interested in reading great Bible stories than about superheros.   To me, that's a homerun. 

 

I picked mine up from Amazon for around $12. 

 

 

 

Make Your Home A Haven: Week Four.

We've lit our candles, played relaxing music and baked some fabulous goodies.   

Now comes the fun part. 

Week four:  Decorate!

Use your creativity to make your home warm and inviting for Christmas.   Try to find ways to keep the focus on Christ this season, even as you decorate.

I'm planning on doing a little bit each day then ending with putting the tree up Friday night.  I love sitting in the living room with a fire in the fireplace, warm cup of coffee and just the tree lights on.  Talk about peaceful.


Jesus said in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled.”

I have a question for you.

I know.  Normally you have the pleasure of reading all about my foolishness and folly, but today I have a question for you.

I've recently read a great little e-book called Untangling Christmas: Your Go-To Guide For A Stress-Free Holiday by Karen Ehman and LeeAnn Rice.  I've already taken some of their suggestions to simplify the season. 

One of the things they talk about is simplifying our activities.  Ask yourself, what are your must do's for this season.  The events you just don't want to give up because they are traditions you enjoy.

I ended up with only four "must haves" and one "I'd like to".

1. Time with family at Christmas
2.  Christmas program at church.
3.  Driving around town seeing the lights and drinking cocoa.
4.  Family Bible reading of the Christmas story before bed on Christmas Eve.
5.  And I'd like to find a live nativity to take the boys to this year.

The problem for me is that my list of want to's goes on forever.  Obviously we'll end up doing more than just these four things, but the point is to actually enjoy my family and friends this season instead of being stressed out about having one more thing to do.  Let's face it, celebrating Jesus birth should involve more than me looking forward to January so life can slow down. 

So my question to you today is what are your must have traditions?  

Making Your Home A Haven: Week One.

Tomorrow starts our Make Your Home A Haven challenge. 

Here's our week one challenge:

Purchase a big candle and light it every day in your home. I place mine in the kitchen. Every time it catches your eye, pray for peace in your home. 

I have a Paula Deen Pumpkin Pie candle that I'm going to sit on the stove.

If you follow the blog I write for our Women's ministry at church, Woven, you know that I've been struggling with a lack of peace.  I've noticed worry creeping into my thought about the future, about our family and about our jobs and our business.  This is not God's plan for me.  I thought I'd share some verses that I like to reflect on when worry tries it's best to take over. 


Matthew 11:28-30  Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lovely in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden in light.”

John 14:27  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

John 16:33  I have said these things to you, that you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation.  But take heart; I have overcome the world.

Philippians 4:6-7   do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 12:2 “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”

James 3:18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.


I'm praying for peace to dwell in our homes this week. 

Don't forget to check in with Courtney at Women Living Well to see how others are making their home a haven. 

Another Challenge? Why yes, I think I will!

Courtney over at Women Living Well has announced her Fall "Make Your Home a Haven" Challenge which begins next week.

I don't know how I forgot all about this, but I just love doing this challenge.  Why?  Well, it's easy and it really does seem to help calm things down in my home.

Each week has a new weekly challenge and focus. 

Week of November 5th: 
Purchase a big candle and light it every day in your home.  I place mine in my kitchen.  Every time it catches your eye, pray for peace in your home. 

Week of November 12th:
Play soft music in your home.  One of my favorites for this is George Winston's December:  Piano Solos.  I'll also play some worship music, like Scripture Lullabies.
The focus this week is using peaceful words and maintaining peaceful relationships.

Week of November 19th:
Focus on the kitchen, the heart of the home.  Use this week to make something special for your family, a favorite recipe, homemade bread, something that makes them feel loved.  This week is about removing discontentment and thanking God for the home he has given you in which you can create a haven for your family.

Week of November 26th:
Decorate!  Make a special place for your family this season.  Plan on ways to focus on Christ this Christmas. 

I really like this challenge because it's simple and it really works to promote a peaceful environment.

Why don't you think about joining me? 

Rules from the tent.

My Mom bought Josiah a tent with a tunnel attached to it for Christmas this year.  The boys decided that this snowy day would be the perfect day for the tent to go up.
 
At last check, all three boys were in the tent with one beanbag, one spywatch, one book, one blanket and half a dozen Rescue Heros. 

My favorite part of the tent so far has been the "rules"  I've been overhearing.

Somehow, even though this is their own little project that I haven't been involved in, it seems I've been making a lot of tent rules.






"Mom said no dogs in the tent"

"Mom said no Toy Story in the tent, only Superheros."

"Mom said only two people in the tent at a time!" 
         OK, I did intervene on this one.  Everyone gets to go in the tent.

and my absolute favorite rule of all....

"Mom said no farting in the tent!"

So, how's your snow day going?

Bedtime Treasure.

Bedtime.  Oh, how I love bedtime. 

I'm not only physically exhausted, most days I'm also mentally tapped out by the time it rolls around.

One of my favorite things that we do at bedtime is to play music as the boys go to sleep.  It really does help us have a much smoother transition and significantly less complaints of being cold/hot/scared/not sleepy....really, just about any excuse you can think of to not go to sleep.  We've used soft classical and different instrumental music when they were younger, but a few months ago, we found a keeper. 

Hidden in My Heart: A Lullaby Journey through Scripture by BreakAway Music is one of my favorite CD's.  It's not your typical children's music.  It's powerful, it's beautiful, it's worshipful.  The label of lullaby doesn't do it justice. 

Many nights, when I'm tired and if I'm being honest, overwhelmed and frustrated....to hear that beautiful melody floating down the stairs, reminding me "surely goodness and love will follow me, all the days of  my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forevermore", well, that's just a wonderful thing to hear before bed regardless of your age.

I love that not only does the music set a relaxing tone to our home, but the boys are hearing the Word of God each night as they drift off to sleep.




You can hear a sample of all their tracks by clicking on my Amazon link below.  

VBS

We went to VBS at Fairmont First last week.  This is the church that Ronnie's parents and his brother's family attend. 

What a great job Shannon and all the teachers did!  The boys had a blast and I was very impressed with what they learned.  Even Josiah came home telling me that he learned about Saul and Paul. 

Thanks again to everyone for their hard work.  I know of at least three little guys who loved it.  Can't wait until next year!

Fishing Memories

We went fishing at Guyses Run on Saturday morning in what started out to be just a little drizzle and rapidly progressed to pouring buckets down.

On the bright side, the boys caught a lot of nice fish.

Ronnie must have felt a little left out, so he decided to go swimming.....

OK, maybe he was trying to grab his new $40 pole and decided to dive after it. 

Would I have picked a rainy day to go fishing?  No.  No, I wouldn't have.  But I will say that we did have a great time and at least I didn't have to worry about anyone getting wet from falling in.  We were all soaked through and through. 



If you haven't been fishing at Guyses Run, you should go.  It's a great little area.  Adults fish for $3 and kids under 6 fish for free - no license needed.

Check out their hours here. 

And maybe pick a day that it's not a monsoon. 

Happy Birthday Big Daddy!

Tomorrow is Ronnie's birthday.  Unlike his big 4-0 last year, this years celebration will be a little more low key.  I'm planning on a date for just the two of us to see Transformers 3 and then dinner at CJ Maggies or the Aquarium.  My bet would be on the Aquarium - he loves their steaks and I love sitting in the "kissy booth".  On Sunday we're having family over after church for a cookout.  Since he rarely reads my blog, I'll let you know that I'm going to make this cake for him:

I'm only going to do one, since he has requested my ice cream cake too.  I just think this cake is going to be hysterical.  At least it will be for me.

Although he makes me crazy some days with those bees and his farm animals, I do love him madly.  He is a great husband, father and friend.  And he makes me laugh.

I couldn't ask for more.

So if you see him tomorrow, make sure to tell him Happy Birthday.

But don't call him Big Daddy....that's just for me.  ;)