It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas...

 

Well A Great Big Hello To Ya Folks!

With all the hustle and bustle around here I haven't taken the time to do any blog posts.  It's been great learning along with my boys as we get accustomed to our new homeschooling schedule.  Besides all of that, the hubby and I are seeing tremendous strides in our new business. 

I'll tell you a little more about that in a later post.

Our tree has actually been up since the day before Thanksgiving but I am just now taking a moment to show you a few pics.  The boys and the hubby are feeling in the Christmas Spirit thanks to all the sparkly decor.  All of my tree ornaments were purchased from Wal-Mart at the end of last years Christmas season.  Our tree is artificial and was purchased from, you guessed it, Wal-Mart over 6 years ago.  I love that tree.  It's beautiful and it's branches go all the way to the floor.  I would still like a white tree next year but I am not getting rid of my green tree.  I'd also like to get our stockings monogrammed next year as well.

So without further a due....

Hope you enjoyed them.  What is your color scheme?  Did you opt not to put up a tree this year?  Tell me about your Christmas Decor.

Until we read again...Happy Blogging!



The Stairs...Phase One Complete

Well Peeps,

The pics are in and here you see the completion of phase one.  Just wait until you get a load of phase two.  Still a few touch ups to be done.

Tell me what you think. 

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Another Teaser Pic

Hello All,

This is an "in progress" pic for the transformation of the stairs in our home. 

Gotta go work onfinishing up Phase One of the "Beautification of the Stairs".

More to come, stay tuned. ;0)

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Beautification of the Stairs...Teaser

Hey Blog Fans! :0)

It's been too long and I've missed you all.  While my computer is almost back on track I've discovered the Blogger App and am loving it!  Now onto our topic.

I'm coming to you tonight with a bit of a teaser.  My latest project if to spruce up my stairs.  They're one of the first things you see when you walk in our front door.  I want to give them a makeover and a signature presence of there own.  The hubby is all on board, well kinda.

Check out the pics to peak your curiosity.   Stay tuned...Blog ya later :0)

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What I've Been Up To...

Hey folks,
I've missed sharing my life's stories with you.  It has been two weeks since I've posted a blog entry. We've had a lot going on.
We've started a business, withdrew our son from public school, started home schooling, and forged lots of new relationships.  It wasn't until now that I realized how much stress school had on our entire family and the way we live our lives.  Everything is so flexible now and my son learns more in a shorter amount of time.  Our first day with the Classical Conversations curriculum is coming soon.  I'll update you on that as it comes up.
The business that my husband and I started allows us to work from home and work in our spare time while earning a significant amount of extra money.  I'll tell you more in the coming weeks.
We've had the pleasure of meeting some great new friends that have opened us up to even more new relationships.  We are expanding our horizons as well as our sphere of influence.
These are the things going on in the world of WifeyMom as of late.
I still haven't fixed my computer so for now I'll just post when I can.
Stay tuned...

Technical Difficulties ;0(

I am sad to say that this blogger is being forced to take a time out. 
Unfortunately, my computer is down so I am having to use someone elses to send this little note.
Until we "read" again WifeyMom Peeps...

Home Schooling Mom Continued...

As I mentioned before I have researched the subject of home schooling for the past 2.5 years.  I tell you that so that you understand that we did not just arrive at this decision overnight.  I also tell you this so that you can understand that arriving at this decision should be preceded by lots of research and consideration.  After gathering the info our decision was further solidified by a visit to the local campus for Classical Conversation.  I'll tell you more about Classical Conversation in depth and why we chose it's curriculum in a later post.  When I arrived I was greeted with friendly warm smiles.  There was clear structure and the children were so bright.  The class I sat in on was a class of 3rd and 4th grade boys.  They were reciting Latin, multiplying by 14, reciting times in history starting with the Crucifixion and doing class presentations.  Sounds like a lot of work?  Nope, it was short fun facets of the same class.  They were singing songs and acting out memory verses and all in a laid back setting.  Most importantly, they were having a blast!  I was have a blast as well.

The process is simple.  You get together once a week at the campus, usually a church.  There is an initial assembly to start, where learning is taking place.  Then you break up into groups.  The trained tutor conducts the class and introduces the information to you and your student.  You then take the resources acquired from Classical Conversation and put it with your own creative resources and teach you kids.  You have a support system, you have a network of other parents, and you have accountability.  Best of all, you have a child excited about learning!  The financial investment is minimal in comparison to the benefit.  It is God centered learning that teaches them the way they learn.  I am so pleased and look forward to beginning before years end.  I can not wait to see my children flourish as I teach them what God has led me to teach them.
I'll give you more info in a late post on Classical Conversations as a whole.

Home Schooling Mom

Well folks, I come to you today to speak on a subject that is taboo in some circles.  It's Home Schooling.  I for one NEVER thought I would even consider it.  I certainly didn't think I would actually be preparing to do it.  Yep, It's true.  After 2.5 years of research, and by research I mean looking for a good reason not to do it, I have found nothing but benefits. 

But first, a bit about my opinions of public school education:

I have an 8 year old son that has been in public school for 4 years.  He is and has always been a top notch student.  He works for it but in the end he achieves mostly A's and some B's. 
However, I have always picked up on a trend in his learning process through public education.  The curriculum seems to be geared towards a standardized way of learning.  They subscribe to the belief that there is this "On Best Way" approach to teaching.  There are some moving around and incorporation of additional schools of thought but the basic premise is the same.  There is a pattern of teaching that is taught so that it is measurable on a grand scale.  A formula, if you will, that when followed will produce a magic number by which a child, class, teacher, grade, school, or district can be quickly assessed for worthiness of resources.  The system expects a child to rearrange and conform to the expectations of it's stipulations.  Oh but my friends, I submit to you that it should be the other way around.  The system should be changed to better suit a child's needs.  But how can you with so many children to reach.  Let's be clear.  We are talking about students that make A's & B's that struggle taking a standardized test.  It's sad to see your child that was in love with math last week despise it this week.  The suggestion of ADD/ADHD is thrown around far to much since now the system is frustrating the very teachers it has set up to support.  They are often times looking for that one quick fix.  As I step down from my box of soap, I am relieved to have opened my heart and mind to the final answer.  Home Schooling.

Tune in again to hear the rest of the story.  Including more about Classical Conversations.

Are you a GPS?...Grocery Positioning System

It takes tenacity to navigate a grocery store at 3:30 pm on a school day.  There is no shortage of obstacles and distractions from the path in which you tread.  And if you are doing this with a 3 year old and an 8 year in tow, oh ho ho ho, yeah you da bomb.com.

Easing in and out of different aisles with stealth precision as you narrowly escape the granny giving out samples of "Sugar O's".  You know that sugar dipped caffeine crunchy goodness in cereal form that is sure to have a 500 pound adult up and bouncing for 3 days, much less your two little boogers.  Yep, you manoeuvre past the toy aisle unbenounced to your kids.  It requires heart, sticktoitiveness, and focus.  You've got 30 minutes to get your bag of salad,  potatoes and chicken breast before your shopping time cuts into homework time.  You are moving and shaking, bobbing and weaving.  As the stars align with Jupiter and Mars you get in a no wait check out line and complete a speedy checkout.  As you run past the "kid shopping rewards" machine you screech towards the exit where you get a high five from the sausage sampler lady and a chest bump from Mr. Door Greeter himself.  With kinetic energy on your side you hop onto the cart and let it's force propel you to the back hatch of your SUV.  Your 8 year old jumps out, throws the bags in the back while your 3 year old snaps right into his car seat.  The kids are buckled, the basket is out of the way and as you're leaving, through your rear view mirror, you can see the entire parking lot erupt in sensational applause. You have completed your mission and are on your way.  You did it!  You didn't win the lottery but the exhilaration and excitement is no less meaningful.  Take a bow, Mommy Dear.  You are on your way......To start the arduous multi-task of preparing dinner and completing homework, in a single bound. Lol!

You are woman and I hear you roar.  You are a super hero.  You Are A WifeyMom!!!

Are you a GPS?  Do you find yourself dreading the grocery store?  Tell me your funniest or not so funny grocery store experience.

Blogger Break...Taking a break from blogging today. See ya tomorrow WifeyMom readers ;0)

When That Time Comes

I was taking a moment to think of my boys and their future.  I know there will be a day when my current role will change.  I will go from primary caregiver to stand by advisory.  I tear up when I think of the day that they will go off to college, get married, and become parents of their own.  It's bitter sweet because it is exactly the crescendo that I have worked up to for so long.  I have long prepared my heart to receive my daughters-in-law.  I have prayed many nights for their mothers.  I have called them "awesome husbands" and "wonderful fathers" while they lay sleeping.  God has shown me little snap-shots into their futures and I am proud to be a part of it.  I look forward to all the different dimensions that God has set in place for my life.  But for now, I will relish in every moment as their main source, second only to God.

A poem/declaration written for my boys:

A Note To My Sons:

I am a WARRIOR Parent. Being your friend, dressing you in the best brands, helping you travel the world IS NOT in my job description. I am commissioned by God to give you the love and direction that makes you a great father, godly husband and compassionate leader. Thereby forfeiting my selfish desire to keep you from being sad and giving in when you cry. My reward...watching as your maturity and revelation not only out shines that of your peers but noticing how it serves as a bar by which others will measure their progress. I accept being unpopular, unconventional, and undesirable. I die to myself as I cry to myself when trading in your beautiful smile for the reality of inhibiting you from doing what ALL your friends do so freely. I don't know all the rules automatically. Therefore I posses the humility to apologize when I mess up because in that action I also teach you strength of character. We spend more time cuddling and smiling than we do crying. But it is the times that you may not like me that also shape you as a man.
Do I focus on this too much? Am I obsessed with the task that I have been given? Am I over zealous in the site of your growth or decline?
YOU BET I AM!
I Love You, So I Raise You To The Status Of King Not Peasant!
I am honored to be the Mother of Men!
-Alana Rene' Higginbotham Feb '10

Don't Beat Yourself Up

While navigating this treacherous terrain called motherhood, one can easily get caught up.  By that I mean it's easy to focus on what others are doing well in comparison to what you are doing not-so-well.  Self doubt can be crippling.  It can have words of discouragement swirling around in your head and creating a tornado cornucopia filled with missed opportunity and misguided criticism.  Well, point blank, they are all lies.  Quit frankly, if you couldn't do this job you wouldn't have been hired.  No everyone is not deserving of it and no all moms don't take care to hone their craft but that's not you.  You're the mom that just last week pulled over at a gas station to help an elderly woman fill a gas can that she was having trouble with.  That mom that thought enough to text or call the PTO President after you heard the family dog died, that's you.  The neighbor lady that moved the neighbors trash can out of the street just before the delivery guy pulverized it with his dually truck, yep, that's you again.  So what you're not always on time or you forget to send the field trip money in before the deadline. 

There are plenty other things you excel at.  Now I am not advocating that you shouldn't try to improve yourself in certain areas.  However, relish in the fact that you know your flaws.  I mean if everyone had no areas for improvement we could all just head up to the heaven right now. 

It's important to prioritize your life.  If you are the kind of person that needs a schedule, Use one.  If you are the kind of person that doesn't use a schedule, Use one.  (I'm taking my own advice on this one)  I mean, everyone doesn't look like this while they are cleaning:

The main point is this: For a person with no on-the-job training (or any training for that matter), no checks and balances system and no ongoing evaluations to measure your progress you are doing pretty darn good. (excuse my language).  So keep  your head in the game and run for every touch down that comes your way. (sorry it's football season at my house)  Until next time WifeyMom peeps...

Tell the truth, you wanna smack her don't you? 

Happy Mom...

Nuggets Of Wisdom

Never lend out anything you are not willing to lose...

The Aftermath of a Morning Gone Right

WifeyMom Readers what a morning it was to behold on yesterday.  Before I get into the details let me issue a disclaimer:  If you have ever thought to yourself, "Gosh I love reading Alana's posts, I hope she doesn't run out of things to write about."  Pah, ha, ha, ha!  I can assure you that will never happen.  My life is one big blog post just waiting to happen.  NOW! On to the show!

Now, you should know that when my cell phone rings my boys have a habit of stopping whatever they are doing to bring it to me.  This is no matter what I am doing or Where I am doing it.  It is sometimes welcome but most times unnecessary. 
Back to the story, my cell phone rings while my oldest is supposed to to be finishing his spelling homework that morning.  After the first ring I can clearly hear him yell, "Moooooooom!"  I quickly cut him off by replying, "Son, just leave the phone alone.  I'll get it later."  My son, "But Mooom, there is smoke in the kitcheeen!"  "Smoke in the kitchen?!?!?!", I thought. 

I ran to the kitchen and the waffles that were in the toaster for my little guy were in flames.  Yes I said FLAMES people.  I quickly unplugged the toaster.  The kitchen was filled with smoke along with the rest of the house.  The waffles had popped up just enough to slightly raise out of the toaster but not enough to turn off the heating element.

Exhibit A:  The Naughty Toaster

She's given us lots of years, that little toaster.  But alas, her tour of duty has ended.  Fairwell Oh Family Dollar toaster.  Also, I love how this pic gives the illusion of a clean stove top.  Ahh, perception, lol.



Exhibit B:  The Senged Waffle Remains

The center of that waffle was white hot!



If you're wondering why the post is titled "The Aftermath of a Morning Gone Right" it's because even after this epic travisty I was totally unphased by it.  And that is because hours before this fiasco I started my day with prayer and then some quiet alone time.  That's right before I started a day filled with being needed by others I had alone time with God and then alone time to myself.  It TOTALLY centered me.  I have been waking earlier in the morning to pray consistantly for about 2 months now.  It has made a world of a difference.  However, yesterday I woke up earlier than my alarm and decided to just stay awake and start the day.  That gave me the extra time I needed to add alone time to my prayer time.  Because of that, a day that I anticipated to be a struggle was easy breezy.  I plan to make a habit of adding that quiet alone time to my day.

Do you have time or want to make time to rise earlier?  What would you or do you do with your extra time?

Whatever you do, make it a great day folks.

Quality Time with the Hubby

With our days sometimes running together we can forget the importance of quality alone time with our hubbies.  It is easy to get so involved with the kids and other activities that we put our husbands on the back burner or not on the stove top at all.  Just like many other things in my life, I find that this challenge is best overcome by making it simple and going back to the basics.  "Date night" doesn't have to mean going to a restaurant or a night out.  Go back to the beginning of your relationship and relive what things you two crazy kids in love did when you were dating.  Take a hint from some of the following simple Date Night In Ideas:

Car Courting: After the kids are in bed (and ASLEEP) sneak into the garage and sit in the car with the music on and talk the night away or whatever else you may have done when you were dating. 
SIDE NOTE TO MY DAD: We listened to music and mostly prayed while we were alone in the car back then. 
Oh and if you are gonna have the car running while in the garage please, please have the garage door up, safety first.

Indoor Romantic Picnic: Feed the kids early one night and save your dinner for after they are in bed.  Once the little balls of energy angels are in bed and asleep lay a blanket on the floor in the family room, living room, etc. and have your dinner picnic style.  You can even add a little music.

Starlight Movie Night: Brace yourself for this one girls there is a lot of cuddling involved.  Set up a new movie to watch in the comfy confines of your bed.  Use the popcorn recipe that I previously posted and you are set for a relaxing evening together.  And hey, with any luck you won't even be able to finish watching the movie........because you will have fallen asleep!  Geesh, stay on topic people, lol.

These are just a few creative ways to spend time with your Prince Charming.  They are cost effective, time friendly and focus more on the quality of time spent.

Marriage is like a fine automobile.  With the right on-going maintenance and regular tune-ups it will serve you well.  I love my Sweety!

He always has been and still remains the best friend I've ever had.

I love him xoxox

The No Sew Window Treatments

Hello WifeyMom Followers,
Today I bring you more crafty ideas from the mind of WifeyMom herself...Me.  I have had a project on the cutting room floor of my mind for sometime.  It has evolved a few times for one reason or another.  I am talking about my family room window treatments.  Although we are working with a bit of color in the room with the nice dots on our chairs and ottomans I still felt it needed some pop of color. (and so did the hubby for that matter)  After much consideration, I decided on simple drapery panels that would frame our sofa.
I also decided, after not much consideration at all, that I did not intend on taking out my sewing machine to do the job.  So I went out and had some custom made, NOT!  Come on folks, they're only two panels not a full on widow covering.  Keep on reading to see how I achieved this.


My Supplies:

Lay out your fabric and measure to the desired length then cut.

Now fold over all your edges and glue them.

Let stand for glue to dry.  Since there are 12 clip rings I put 6 on each drapery panel. (And she's good at Math too!)
I hung the rod, then the drapes on the rod and Tah Dah!

Please forgive the not so great pics.  But I still love my drapes!

Do you have any windows that need an accent?  Are you daring enough to try this method?  Tell me your thoughts.

The Journey of the Entertainment Center

Oh the projects, they are never ending...And I love every minute of it!
Now, the entertainment center area in our family room has been ever changing.  Here are a few pics of its metamorphosis:

The Early Years...

Saddening I know, But don't you cry for me Argentina because

 wait til you get a load of the finished product.

This little beauty was a piece that I refurbished and showed to you in a previous post. 
It was my mother-in-law's dresser when she was a kid.

I absolutely love this as my entertainment center.  Aside from the one-of-a-kind look it has sentimental value.  However, it gets lost on the wall much like that poor excuse for a TV stand in the first pic.

My hubby gave a Diaper Party for a friend of his that was expecting a baby.

Just wanted you to know that we don't usually keep diapers and gift bags

stacked next to the TV in our family room, lol. 

Oh and I'm not sure who those poorly moisturized feet belong to. 

Surely one of the party goers.

So what's a girl to do?  Why use what she's got on hand of course.  My hubby had this one lonely speaker in our family room because the "mate" to it was acting as an end table of sorts upstairs, with its non-operational self.  So I brought it downstairs from the game room to create some semitry (that I am normally against).  Along with two lamps from a set I already had and two of the panels from a 3 panel screen/divider that was hiding out in our garage.  I also had a pretty iron piece that was intended for the foyer.  I put it all in place where it made the most scence to me and here it is...

*Que the Stevie Wonder music* "Isn't she looovelyyyy, Isn't she wooonderrrful..."
Ahhh, big sigh!  I love it.  It's just the right presence for the wall size and it was all re purposed.  Here are a few more pics...cuz I am in fun-i-chu LOVE with this set up!

Mmm, hmm, I see ya looking at those drapes on the far right...Well, don't worry your pretty (or handsome) little head, there will be a post on them soon, The No Sew Window Treatments.

Stay on the look out for more Do It Herself posts and Before & After pics of it all.
Stay Inspired ;0)



Artistic Expression...Removing Crayon Marks From A Door

Well, well, well...I have added yet another line to my resume.  Graffiti Removal Specialist. 

I'll begin the story back a few months ago when it actually started.  Let's walk down memory lane, shall we?  A few months ago I laid the little guy down for a nap.  It seemed to be quiet up there.  My mind wanted to believe that the silence was from his quiet angelic slumber.  (stop kiddin' yourself chick) But, I went on to finish my "nap time tasks".  When it was time to wake him up I sat on the edge of his bed and sweetly kissed him.  "Did you have a good sleep?" I said.  "Yes, mommy and did I blue on da door" he replied.  "Oh, blue on da door? Ok"  I mumbled.  I had no idea what he meant.  That is until I turned around to leave the room with him and saw this on the closet door....

Did I blue on da door Indeed!  I have to admit, when I saw this little work of art I was so discouraged.  The first thought I had was, "As if I don't have enough to do!"  My shoulders sunk down and I just imagined how hard it would be to get it out.  I even tried one product in particular that I was certain would work.  But, no luck.  For those of you that don't know me, I am an advocate for natural products in the home.  My hubby has asthma & eczema and my little guy has eczema.  All this adds up to the seriousness of keeping an environmentally friendly home environment.  I have tried other products but I really needed something more powerful than what I was using.  The stuff that I tried first did not even so much as budge that blue Picasso.  So alone on the door it sat for a long while.  Then I found out about this little gem.

Sol-U-Mel Stain Remover by Melaleuca

It's made by a company with a funny name but an awesome line of products.  It boasts of the ability to get rid of all types of stains and mistakes.  So I put it to the test and these are the results.

I am so pleased to say the least.  And the little guy has been introduced to art paper.  It even left his room smelling so fresh and not perfumy or chemically.  If you are interested in the product and where to get it just contact me by commenting on this post.  I can set up your shopping account and you can order directly from the company.  What can I say, the hubby and I are so impressed by the company that we are now building our own business by referring other customers to the company...And we are excited about it.

Tootles to you all  ;0)