SuperMom or SlackerMom? Just call me Mom.

So, this week I thought I would ask a question: Do you ever feel like a slacker mom?

I think we all do.

So much we are "supposed" to do - love our kids no matter what, feed them healthy food, listen to their every word, take them wherever they wish to go, determine when they are actually lying, catch every sneaky act, point them to the Lord every day, take advantage of those teachable moments, push them when they need it - but not too much, reach their hearts with our discipline, never yell, never lose our tempers, never show them any impatience, teach them to make the right choices, make sure they look "cute", make sure they never act up, make sure they are respectful at every moment, always expect first-time obedience, enjoy every little moment, keep a perfect house, make sure they fulfill their potential - and I'm quite sure I left out a few hundred things. And don't get me started on the wife "supposed" to list: confidante, chef, model looks, ... well, you know the rest, I'm sure.

I believe in high expectations. For ourselves. For our children. I think it's biblical and I'm not knocking the goal.

But, I am concerned that some may think that we here at Multi-tasking moms are in the "SuperMom" category. And I sincerely feel that I need to address that - at least for myself.

I am so NOT a SuperMom. I do some things really well - I can turn out a mean schedule and sometimes it actually works! And, I can almost always help you figure out how to do more in less time. How to get more things done, and how to do that with less stress. I can organize an office, a file, a pretty good birthday party. What is the saying "Necessity is the mother of invention"? Well, organization in my life with homeschooling and a business is absolutely necessary - so I've discovered some things that work. For me.

So, here's my true confessions - knocking myself off the Supermom pedestal. Because I firmly believe that we all have strengths and weaknesses, and if I'm strong in the "organizational" category and you are not - I can guarantee you that you do something well that I am a total "slacker" about.

Yes, I have a 6 week meal plan, a daily schedule for every 15 minutes, a cleaning schedule, a daily to-do list, a homeschool "plan".

But, also:

I have a cleaning company every other week - and if I care about your opinion of my house - no you may not come over. Trust me.

My house is decorated in "very lived in." And that's phrasing it nicely.

I have a picture frame that has hung on my staircase for 2 years with no picture in it.

You cannot walk in my daughter's room.

I let my daughter choose her own clothes - and it shows.

I let my daughter fix her own hair - and it definitely shows.

I rarely do the evening's dishes that night - I'm too tired.

I never have time to just sit and watch TV with my husband, and I think he misses that.

If you don't see me write on my to-do list in my computer, it won't happen.

I never get enough sleep.

I only need my glasses to drive, and I can never find them.

We are frequently late. (usually because I cannot find my glasses - which I need to drive, remember?)

I cannot drive and do anything else at the same time. Can't even talk. How I wish I could take advantage of those "deep" conversations that my kids always seem to want to have - in the car. When I am trying to drive. Trying to, you know, not kill us.

There's more, but that's all the self-exposure I can handle in one conversation.

I only have 2 children. I homeschool - which means they are with me all day every day. And there are more days than I would like to admit that I get to the end of the day and realize that I have not once looked into their eyes that day and actually, truly listened to an entire sentence.

And I can guarantee you that when they are grown - listening or playing a game with them now is more important than anything else.

And, that, my friends is the whole point FOR ME of organization. If I don't have to think about dinner - then I can spend that few minutes doing something worthwhile. Lasting. Meaningful. If organization does that do that for you, but instead adds another "expectation" to your list, then DO NOT organize another thing. It is not worth it.

So, please don't think of me as a supermom. You may think of me as a mom a little farther down the path. You may think of me as a mom with different gifts from God. Please think of me as the mom with a few good ideas.

But please don't think of me as a supermom.

It was a day that changed our nation

As the memories from 6 years ago return today, may each of us remember and pray for all those affected by the events, six years ago, in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington DC.

I'm sure we can remember the moment when we heard about the attacks in NY and the planes down in PA and at the Pentagon.

I know we can still reach out to others, showing God's love for all. We can have faith and hope in Him and share His love with those around us. We need to fill our children with faith and love because we don't know what the future holds. We need to give them the hope and strength that only our Heavenly Father can comfort us with.

Moms - today, let us share how we can fill our children with love for others. What can we do today, in the lives of our children, to affect their future?

I know one way - to pray. If you haven't visisted this parent's prayer blog, please do - and pray together with us, for our children.

Let us remember those who gave their lives and let us never forget.

Recipe Roundup: My Ultimate Cookbook

Most busy moms have a favorite cooking resource they always turn to: a Web site, a collection of old family recipes, their own moms. Although I do turn to the Kraft and Epicurious websites, as well as my mom, my favorite resource happens to be "The New Basics Cookbook" by Julee Rosso and Sheila Lukins.

There are many reasons why I love my well-worn copy of this 800-page book (849 pages if you count the bibliography and index in the back). One reason is that this is the first cookbook I bought after my husband and I got married 15 years ago. Another reason is the gingersnap recipe the authors included in this book. That particular recipe, with just a few alterations by me, has been a hit at every cookie exchange party I've participated in since 1992. (Stay tuned. I might post that recipe in a roundup closer to the holidays.) But what I really like about this cookbook is all the helpful food hints the authors provide throughout the book.

I can't even count the number of times I've referred to the beef roasting chart; the selecting, storing and preparation methods for various produce; the herb and spice chart (including their best use); and their suggestions for how to stock what they call a "Panic-Proof Kitchen" and a "Basic Pantry."

Most of the recipes aren't the kind you make in 30-minutes or less, but the time you spend on what you prepare is worth the effort. Some of my favorites are recipes for shrimp scampi, olive rosemary bread, chicken Kiev, curried zucchini soup, lemon shortbread cookies, and of course gingersnaps.

If you haven't picked up this cookbook before, I highly recommend that you do. It came in handy for me as a newlywed who didn't know her way around the kitchen, and it comes in handy for me now when I want to try a special recipe or need more information about a specific ingredient.

I love collecting cookbooks, and would love to hear about your ultimate cookbook. Use the Mr. Linky below so others can visit your blog and learn about your favorite cookbook. don't forget to leave a comment to let us know you plan to participate. Also, if you've used "The New Basics Cookbook," let me know some of your favorite recipes. I might try them out and post either for a Recipe Roundup or on my cooking blog, Just Mom Cooking.

God's Little Devotional Book

I'd like to share with you a devotional book that I like called;

" God's Little Devotional Book for Mom's"

Here are a couple devotions out of it that I'd like to share with you.

A child is fed with milk and praise.

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Ephesians 4:29

Consider these "Commandments for Parents," written from a child's point of view!

1. My hands are small; please don't expect perfection whenver I make a bed, draw a picture, or throw a ball. My legs are short; slow down so that I can keep up with you.

2. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; let me exlore it safely; don't restrict me unnecessarily.

3. Housework will always be there; I'm little only for a short time. Take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world, and do so willingly.

4. My feelings are tender; don't nag me all day long (you would not want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness).

5. I am a special gift from God; treasure me as God intended you to do - holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by, and disciplining me in a loving manner.

6. I need your encouragemnet but not your empty praise) to grow. Go easy on the criticism; remember , you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.

Children are natural mimics -
they act like their parents in spite of every attempt to teach them good manners.

Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. 3 John 11a

If a child lives with criticism
He learns to condemn;
If a child lives with hostility
He learns to fight
If a child lives with ridicule
He learns to be shy; If a child lives with shame he learns to feel guilty
But
If a child lives with tolerance
He learns to be patient;
If a child lives with encouragement
he learns confidence;
If a child lives with praise
He learns to appreciate;
If a child lives with fairness
He learns justice;
If a child lives with security
He learns to have faith;
If a child lives with approval
He learns to like himself;
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship
He learns to find LOVE in the world!

I leave you with these devotions. Make some wonderful memories with your families.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Gym vs.Dentist

I am the opposite of a gym rat. I would rather visit the dentist than work out at a gym. Speaking of dentists, I actually enjoy having my teeth cleaned. Peaceful music, relaxing in a chair...no kids in sight. It’s like a day at the spa. Well, ok, not really. But you get the idea.

Back to working out. I played soccer with my husband for years, and during those games I experienced for the first time enjoying “exercise”. I think it was because I was so focused on the tasks at hand (don’t kick the ball to the wrong player...don’t kick it into the wrong goal, etc.) that I forgot I was actually burning calories

But after our third baby was born, it was too much for me, to find babysitters for those weeknight indoor soccer games. I wanted sleep, not soccer. Sleep was so much more important than exercising. And that was the end of my soccer “career”.

But, there is one form of exercise I actually like and will be able to do (God willing) all my life. Walking. I really enjoy a good walk, especially if I don’t have a bunch of things to do upon my return to the house. I can think, I can listen to music, I can actually burn calories and enjoy burning them...nice!

This week, Leslie Sansone over at Walk at Home is hosting a Teen Walk. What a great idea! Plus... we're giving away a free Teen Walk DVD! Check out her site- just click on the button- and leave a comment below to enter the contest.

And, keep in mind...even if you haven’t visited the gym in years (like me), you can take a walk! Every step counts.

"Me thinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow." ~Henry David Thoreau

"Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time."
~Steven Wright

And my personal favorite:
"He who limps is still walking." ~Stanislaw J. Lec

Finding Peace among Chaos

Chaos reigns. There is a trail from the front door through out the house of things left behind as people come trasping in. There is a similar trail leading from the garage throughout the house. One child is on the floor crying because he step on a lego, there is a yelling coming from another room about having nothing to wear. And then there is my husband, complaining he can't find a coffee mug.

Have you ever noticed that your outside world reflects how your soul feels on the inside? If your life and home are in chaos there is a good chance your soul is feeling the same way. I know mine is.

For the last two months, I have basically been stuck at home. I couldn't attend church or do much of anything but sleep, taking my pain meds, and pray for another day to pass. Recovery from surgery has been no picnic for me or my family. Not only that but life hasn't stopped happening around me, it kept on going and expected me to find some way to cope with it all. I have but I have neglected my relationship with my Father.

This past week, the pieces of my life finally fell into place. I finally starting getting "back to normal." It was like awaking from a fairy tale. Everything was safe and warm there. I didn't have much to worry about. Now I have snacks for soccer, homework, lesson plans, spanish lessons, laundry, and somewhere under all this dirt is a house. I have spent the last week rediscovering the living room floor, the kitchen, and the bathroom. The house is looking normal but yet chaos still reigns.

I was really confused about this until I realized - while I was busy righting the wrongs in my home, I had forgotten to right the wrongs of the hearts living in this home. The boys are fighting, hubby is stressing, and I am quite sure no one has prayed in a month. It so easy to see what is in front of us and ignore the mess within.

This next week, I plan on letting the house go and focusing on the hearts within it. We need to start our day off with prayer and end it the same way. To begin our day with our bible lessons, to make church a priority, and to remember who gave us all the blessings we take for granted.

If chaos is reigning in your house, I urge you to stop everything. Look up and beg for help. Chaos isn't meerly a reflection of the busyness of our lives but rather an ache in our soul. God is there to lead us on our path through life yet so often we try to take over and do it 'better.' If you are living in chaos, you have lost sight of God's plan for your life. You are leading instead of following. Take this week to ask God to lead you and your family again. Make him a priority and let peace find its way among the chaos!

My Multi-Tasking Secrets Revealed

I am honored and thrilled to be the first Featured Multi-Tasking Mom. In the blog-world, I am TCC of The Campbell Corner. I am a real mom with real kids learning how to navigate real life. Sound like you? Let's find out what else we may or may not have in common...

Do you enjoy laundry; thrilled at the opportunity to scour off a layer of skin while attempting to remove a stubborn stain from your child's clothing? Are your children naturally obedient, prepared to responsibly respond to the next request that is made of them? Do you have hot fresh meals prepared daily with apron cleanly pressed and pearls around your neck? If you answered yes to all of these questions then sadly, this post is not for you. However, if a "no" crossed your lips, then read on...there may be something that has worked for me that will work for you too.

#1 The Moldinator
Do you know what this is a picture of? It is a petri dish covered with mold. I am actually comfortable with this. I did many labs with my students where we grew colonies of common bacteria and fungi. It allowed them to become familiar with how quickly bacteria form colonies and what environmental variables impact that growth, observe and classify bacteria according to their physical properties, follow the procedure of Gram staining and determine if the colony was Gram + or Gram -. They were also able to observe differences between bacteria and fungi. It was scientific. It was in a controlled environment. Procedures were followed for the completion of the growth and disposal of material which is considered to be a biohazard. This is when I am OK with these 'germs'.

Outside of the classroom I am not a fan of bacteria - or any other microorganism. I wash my hands after I handle raw meat or crack an egg. I make sure I use a cleaner with paper towel to wash down my sink and counter tops and table and any other surface in my home. I NEVER use a sponge. Even though I zap it in the microwave to kill those microorganisms - you just never know.

You can imagine my glee when I discovered that Barber's train sweatshirt (that he received as a Christmas gift and has worn maybe 3 times) was covered with mold because it was left in a plastic bag, soaked, for about 2 weeks in the basement laundry room. I am not proud of this fact. I didn't realize it was soaked but obviously this means I hadn't frequented the laundry room for about 2 weeks...

Back to the point. It was covered and stinky with teeny reddish dots. Although those teeny dots had merged in certain areas making it simply a red patch. I was utterly disgusted and annoyed with myself. I was feeling a bit helpless too. Kind of like the time when I discovered that I had somehow overlooked a purple crayon in Jeter's clothing and only noticed it after everything was dried. Loverly. The difference was this was mold...a biohazard. Ugh.

I have no idea why but I decided to lay it on top of the washer and sprayed a little bit of OxiClean Active on a spot. I really didn't think it would help. I was looking for definitive proof to declare the sweatshirt a 'lost cause' and toss it. To my utter amazement when I went down to the laundry room the next day (to actually do some laundry) I noticed that there was a patch that was lacking red spots. NO WAY!?! Was it actually possible to clean mold out of this sweatshirt?!?


YES!!! Granted I used about half of my bottle of OxiClean Active but it was well worth it. I put the sweatshirt on an old white sheet and sprayed this all over one side - no scrubbing. Just saturated it and let it sit. 24 hours later I repeated the step. 24 hours after that I turned the sweatshirt over and saturated the back of it. After another 24 hours I sprayed the few spots that still remained. If I had a digital camera I would be showing you a clean mold-free sweatshirt that cost me $2 (to fix - I bought it at BJ's), about 15 cumulative minutes of spraying and then patience to wait for the spots to literally disappear. I do not typically advocate products on this blog but seriously, this is amazing. I also don't plan on this ever happening again but you never know... On another note, it's also excellent at removing grass stains with limited scrubbing - if you don't feel like waiting for them to disappear.

#2 Growing Up and Being Responsible
I know charts are not for everyone but these have worked wonders for our family and you never know...it could give you the peace you need as well.

Barber experienced tremendous success with the potty chart and kept asking me for a new chart. We are still figuring out what he will receive besides stickers but right now the stickers mean a lot and I have seen tremendous improvement in his behavior is just three days. I needed this. Three is an important age. I prefer to reinforce positive behavior and there has been a need to focus on areas where improvement is needed - like making good choices, quick obedience and respecting others. At the same time I added areas where he is already pretty successful but we want to continue to reinforce; brushing teeth, zero accidents and being a helper fall into this category.

Jeter's chart is set up to reinforce positive behavior, establish new levels of responsibility and teach him valuable lessons about tithing, depositing money into his savings account and saving for the purchase of something special. Each sticker he receives represents five cents. Last week was his greatest earning of $1.95. Since I recently added two categories, he has the potential to earn $4.20 per week. In a few weeks his level of obedience has improved and he is quick to complete his responsibilities and even jump in to help with things that aren't on the list. Simms and I are purposely not labelling this as an allowance. Rather, it is a tool to teach Jeter responsibility while instilling in him (hopefully) a strong work ethic.

Finally, I shop and cook in bulk. This allows me to provide healthy meals for my family amidst the busy-ness of life. It allows us to enjoy the seasons of soccer, t-ball, swimming, church activities and whatever else ends up on our schedule and still eat a good meal together as a family. If this interests you, check out the food category of The Campbell Corner. You will also see cakes and cookies that I have made (I love to bake) but if you scroll down you will find information about bulk preparation and cooking as well as some neat recipes to try.

Thank you, Multi-Tasking Moms for the opportunity to share with you today. I am still learning how to master the art of multi-tasking and appreciate the encouragement and practical resources that the women of MTM provide daily. If you are interested in being the next Featured MTM click here for more details!