Dessert and Cake Plates Tutorial

Sweetie Pie: Dessert and Cake Plates Tutorial: "This tutorial is for this lovely two tiered pedestal dessert plate and cake plates. This project is so easy it's almost embarrassing. ..."

Giraffe Diaper Cake and Frog Diaper Wreath

This post is linked to my craft blog.

Sweetie Pie: Giraffe Diaper Cake and Frog Diaper Wreath:

"This is my newest diaper cake and diaper wreath. Each one turns out different. I loved this one. My Diaper Cake tutorial can be found here..."

What's new?

We could escape the sickness no more. I have been hearing such horror stories from friends of mine who have been sick. Up until last week I could safely say that it had passed us by. And then..

Friday:

A week ago, Friday, Julia and Emily both came down with a stomach flu bug. The poor things got sick for over 12 hours. By the time they were feeling better, I was feeling sick and had a fever. I was down all day Sunday.

Monday:

By Monday, we were all better. It was a good thing too because, I had to drive my Mom out to San Francisco, to the airport. She and I had been taking care of my sisters dog and cats for the last 2 months. My sister and her husband were relocated by the military from Tucson to Hawaii (lucky ducks) and their pets weren't able to go yet. If they would have taken them, they would have had to be in quarantine for 8 weeks,and it would have cost a fortune. There hadn't been enough time since their last shots to be able to avoid quarantine. Once they were to that point, we sent them on a plane. That alone actually cost them a small fortune. We were all sad to see Buster (the dog) go. He was here nearly everyday and we all fell in love with him. Emily, especially. He had never been around kids before and he loved it. He is a fabulous kid dog.

Thursday and Friday:

Things were going well until Thursday. Julia and I both started having a sore throat, then the body aches came, then the fevers and finally the torturous headache. Oh man. It was terrible. Julia started coughing. I made some of this Natural Cough Syrup that Zsuzsanna had posted on her blog last month. It surprisingly tasted pretty good, sort of like, teriyaki. Kiley and August helped out so much and cooked dinner for themselves, Emily and Daddy.  By the next morning, it was worse. Julia was running a really high fever. I don't like to give them medicine (but will if absolutely necessary), so I was searching for natural fever reducers. I didn't want to take her fever away completely because obviously it had a job to do. I was just a little stressed about it being 104. Julia, does tend to get fevers often and they can run high. I got two small wash cloths and soaked them in Apple Cider Vinegar and placed one on her chest and tummy and the other on her forehead. The smell is not very pleasant but she didn't seem to mind. Within an hour her fever was down to 100. I was actually quite surprised. After another half-hour she was down to 99 and up and playing with her sisters. I spent the entire rest of the day in bed with the worst headache ever. It had several migraine characteristics, which led me to take a migraine pill. It did absolutely nothing. I could hardly move it hurt so much. Again, Kiley and August were such a huge help. They took care of their sisters all day.. I'm not sure I physically could have done anything at all. Adam stopped and picked up dinner on the way home. By the next morning, Julia and I were much better.

Saturday:

Saturday afternoon we all went to Haley's two volleyball games. It was a fun time. She sure has a mean volleyball arm.

After the games, we took all of our girls to Adam's parents house for the night. My in-laws were having all of their grandkids over. I got to hold a sweet tiny baby while I was there. I love holding bitty babies. It is always amazing that a human being can be so teeny. I love baby smell and how soft their hair is. Ahhhhh.....

Adam and I took advantage of the "kid free" night and went out to dinner. It was so nice, and the food was so yummy. We got to just sit and talk for an hour. As we drove home we laughed about how "old" we were now. It was only 9:30 and we were ready to be at home sleeping. We had talked about maybe going bowling or something, but our oldness kicked in. Oh well.

Sunday:

Sunday morning I got up and headed to church. I picked up one of the teenage girls who attends and brought her with me. She lives right around the corner from us and doesn't drive yet, so she likes to ride in with us. I almost didn't go, since I didn't have the kids and didn't feel like going by myself. But, I'm glad I did. The message was for me. Funny how things happen like that.

After church Adam and I went shopping for Emily and Julia's birthday presents. It's hard to believe they are going to be 5. Time has sure flown by. We got them a box of "girl" Lego's and a new pair of earrings each. They had their ears pierced a year and a half ago and have only been able to wear their original earrings. We've tried cheaper ones but they make their ears bleed. We got them each a really nice little pair. Julia got sparkly dragonfly's and Emily got sparkly pink flowers, as she requested. I can't wait for their birthday now.

Adam and I spent a good part of the afternoon cleaning our house. I hadn't cleaned it in about a week because of all the sickness. It took us a couple of hours but boy did it look good when we were done. I was so grateful for his help. It would have taken me all day long by myself. It helped that the kids weren't home.

Late Sunday night my Pastors wife stopped by to give us a card. After she left I opened it and they had enclosed a gift card for gas for me to be able to drive to church. I've had to miss a few services because we moved about 30 minutes away and the gas is crazy expensive. That was so very sweet of them.

Bible:

I'm reading through the New Testament, first book to last book. So far I'm at Luke. I've never read it straight through from Matthew to Revelation. I love how I learn something new each time I read a part I've read before.

I also told the older girls I'd give them $20 upon their completion of  reading the NT.

Emily and Julia love their Bible reading time too. They will choose a story and I'll read it to them. I was listening a sermon by Pastor Anderson, and he was talking about how they have never read Bible stories to their kids from a book other than the Bible. Hmm what a concept huh? I really never thought of that, but it makes sense why people think that Bible stories are just fairy tales. The cartoonish colored pages were read to them as children just the same as their fiction books were. I began  to read E & J Bible stories ONLY from the Bible, and I was floored by how much they could understand, retain and recite back. Currently their favorite stories are "Daniel in the Den of Lions" (Daniel 6) "Jonah" (Jonah 1 & 2) and "David and Goliath" (1 Samuel 17).

Homeschool:

We are nearing the end of our school year. Kiley and August have about 7 weeks of school left and then we will break for summer. It's been a great 7th grade year. I was able to learn a lot too. Having to re-learn 7th grade math was exciting. It's more exciting to see them learning and understanding.

 Emily and Julia will be starting their Kindergarten year at the end of the summer. I am still trying to decide which curriculum to use for them. They are currently learning how to do letter sounds so that they will be able to read.

I really enjoy homeschooling them. I am just in love with this season of my life. Motherhood is the most wonderful blessing. Nothing can compare.

That's it for now.

Proverbs 6

**For some reason this chapter wasn't published with the rest of the Proverbs. Sorry about that**

We read the chapter in Proverbs that goes along with the day of the month. Since there are 31 chapters, this works out perfectly. Even with as many times as I've read Proverbs, I still learn something new each time.

Proverbs 6

1My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,

2Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.

3Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.

4Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.

5Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

6Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

7Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,

8Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

9How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

10Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

11So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

12A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.

13He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;

14Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.

15Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.

16These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

17A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

18An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

19A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

20My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

21Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.

22When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

23For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

24To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.

25Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

26For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adultress will hunt for the precious life.

27Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?

28Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?

29So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.

30Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;

31But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.

32But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.

33A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.

34For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

35He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.

Thank you God for your wisdom.

Homemaking Blunders

Oh, homemaking blunders, every homemaker has them. In our need for perfectionism do we ever really mention them? Is it frowned upon to share our short comings?

I have recently posted a few of my homemaking blunders as funny homemaking tips on my Facebook status updates. I was attempting to be humorous, but was pleasantly surprised when I received comments from my friends admitting the same has happened to them.

This got me thinking, and so I'm starting a new series or random chain of posts with my homemaking blunders. I am hoping to help the poor perfectionists relax and take a deep breath and laugh at their mistakes. I have a feeling we all do the same silly things. Now we can all sit back and laugh together.

Instead of going around and bragging about how much we get done and well we do it, let's open the secret, dark, throw it in there and never mention it closet of our homemaking errors. Be brave, we can do this.


I'll take one for the team and confess mine, starting with  2 that I have from the last few days.

Kimmie's Homemaking Tips 

Tip #149: Be sure to turn on the correct burner while waiting for your water to boil.

Blunder: I placed my sauce pan with water on the stove to boil. I turned the burner on high, covered the pot and left to go fold some laundry. 10 minutes later I remembered the pot I put on the stove. I darted for the kitchen expecting to find all the water gone. Instead I saw a gleaming red circle without a pot on it. Of course, right next to the crimson ring was my pot, full of cold water. This gives a whole new outlook to "a watched pot never boils".


Tip #86: - Don't wash and dry the throw rugs in the same load with the clothes.

Blunder: I KNOW THIS!! I have stressed this to my daughters when I was teaching them how to do the laundry.  I am very picky on which items get washed together. Why oh why did I think that it was okay for me to get away with it? I'll explain it, so you can nod your head and say "ohh kay, I get it now".

I was down to the last load of the day, it wasn't quite full, and there were only 2 little kitchen rugs to wash. In my attempt to see that all of the dirty laundry was done for the day...

I tossed the rugs in

closed my eyes

scrunched my face

held my breath

and

closed the lid

I walked away feeling accomplished.

Of course after I pulled them from the dryer all of my clothes had little linty balls ALL OVER THEM!! I ended up having to wash the entire load, sans rugs, over again. I hate when I make double work for myself. Grrr.

Now smile. Take a deep breath and feel better.You're not the only one. 

Mashed Potato Hot Dog Casserole

WARNING: This meal is extremely kid friendly..

I know what you're thinking. Sheesh, does this girl cook anything besides potatoes?

Yes, yes I do cook other things. I know a lot of people are struggling, and new cheap recipe ideas are always helpful.

We didn't have much money growing up so my mom cooked a lot with potatoes. This, like the Potato Soup recipe, are childhood favorites of mine.

While this is a cheap and filling meal, it's not necessarily a "quick" meal. It takes about an hour from start to finish but it's totally worth it.


Ingredients:

• Potatoes
• Hot Dogs
• Yellow Mustard
• Paprika
• Cheese optional

Directions:

1. Prepare a batch of mashed potatoes as you normally would. (I made 5 pounds of red potatoes for this batch)

        2. Cut hot dogs down the center lengthwise and lay them open filling a  casserole dish (I used 17 Hebrew National Hot Dogs in 2 casserole dishes)

     3. Squirt the mustard onto the hot dogs

4. Spread the mashed potatoes over the hot dogs
5. Sprinkle Paprika over the top

6. Bake for about 30 minutes at 350 degrees. At the end of 30 minutes turn on a low broil for about 5 more minutes (if you only have 1 broil temp, just do 3 minutes). At this time, you can sprinkle cheese on the top before you broil. 

Caution: It's really HOT!!

Ooops! Funnies!

And sometimes, you just need a good laugh!

Motherhood is Bittersweet

Our little ones are growing fast, too fast for my liking in fact. Our big ones are growing way too fast too. It's been easy to keep the older girls at a slower pace than most girls their age. With these little ones, it's been harder. They want to be big like their big sisters, and do everything they do. They are my babies and of course I want them to stay little as long as possible.

Emily and Julia are very inquisitive, they want to know everything, why it is, and how it works and what it's for. I love this about them. They are pretty sharp little cookies. They are convinced that they are suddenly going to be as big as their sisters as soon as they are 5. All they can talk about is what they can do and how big they will be when they're 5. It's really sweet. They are into doing everything themselves (which I love). They are very quick learners. They want to try everything and they have fantastic memories. They love to memorize new scriptures and retell stories that we read to them from the Bible. They are so much fun.

This past week Julia has been begging us to remove the training wheels from her bike. Emily started asking soon after Julia. She is very quick to follow Julia's lead, and can't have her twin do something that she's not doing. Instead of removing the training wheels, Adam adjusted them so that they wouldn't touch the ground at the same time, to help them learn to balance. They were not happy about this. Yesterday, Julia told me she wants those training wheels off. I was really not wanting to teach them to ride on 2 wheels yet. All 3 of the older girls were about 7 when they learned and it took a while and several falls for them to "get it".

Adam didn't have work yesterday and was home with us. We took a family jog/walk/bike ride to the park and played soccer. It was so nice. We came home and had lunch. Julia insisted I remove her training wheels right after lunch. Sheesh this child was not going to let up. So we gave in and removed them.

We all went out to the front yard to teach them to ride on 2 wheels. Julia got on her bike and I got in the teaching position holding her seat. I told her what she had to do. She was really anxious and said okay okay. She started to ride as I was running behind holding her seat. She said "Let GO, Mom!" so I did. And she rode all by herself like she had been riding on 2 wheels her whole life. She never fell, she just rode.

Next came Emily's turn. She said she didn't want us to hold her bike, she just wanted to ride like Julia. And.....She did! She took off and rode that bike. Adam and I were standing there amazed. I can't believe they could just ride like that. They are having a little trouble starting and stopping on their own, but they can ride like nobodies business.

It was a bittersweet moment, watching our little babies become a little more grown up. I really love each season of mommy-hood. Each stage is wonderful. I'm just so happy to be able to experience this. I'm so very grateful to God for giving us these sweet children. I'm was so happy that Adam was home yesterday and didn't miss them riding their bikes.

Here are some pictures of their accomplishment (courtesy of our photographer, August)

These first 3 pictures are of Julia

These last 3 pictures are of Emily

Both of them on 2 wheels before they are 5 years old.

Potato Soup

 

Potato was one of my favorite dishes as a child. My mom made it so well. The ingredients are simple and it's easy and quick to make. I make it often because not only is it good, it's cheap and filling and lasts a couple of days. I can usually get 2 dinners and a lunch out of 1 batch.

The directions are for a Gessler family size double batch. You may have to adjust based on your family size.

Ingredients:

• Potatoes (I use 12)
• Chicken bullion cubes (I use 8)
• Leek (I use 1)
• Yellow Onion (I use 1)
• Heavy Whipping Cream (I use 1 qt)
• Salt and pepper
• Chervil

Directions:

Fill pot on stove top with water on high to warm up (I fill my large stock pot a little more than half way).
Add bullion cubes.
Peel and wash and cut potatoes into chunks add to water.
Bring water to a boil.
Chop leek and onion and saute in a pan, then add to boiling water.
Boil until potatoes are very soft (about 20 minutes).
Turn heat down and add whipping cream.
Use a potato masher to start to break up the potatoes (not too much, its not mashed potatoes) My husband likes chunky potato soup so I leave some chunks.
Add about a palm full of Chervil and stir up.
Serve with french bread or something similar.

It's very good, and very easy.

Still think Obama is a Christian?

He's a LIAR!

Felt foods, and a GIVEAWAY

Here is fantastic chance to get a super cute, FREE, felt food set. Head on over to, "ARE THEY ALL YOURS?!??" and enter to win.

ARE THEY ALL YOURS?!??: Felt foods, and a GIVEAWAY: "Making play foods from felt is seriously addictive. The more I look for tutorials online, the more I find. Too bad my family still needs to ..."

Biblical Salvation

I was surprised by the record breaking amount of comments on my post here, about certain things that God hates. I really thought some of the comments were borderline insane. I think people just want to comment just to be mean. A lot of ridiculous comments weren't even published. Being accused of hating people, (which I'm certain I never said to do) and not writing about God's Love, I have decided to go ahead and offer again a post on how to be saved.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

If you were to die today, would you be in Hell or Heaven or are you not sure? Keep reading...

Here is the Bible's way to Heaven: The choice is yours.

1. Admit you are a sinner.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; -Romans 3:23


Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: -Romans 5:12

*No one is good enough to go to Heaven on their own merit. No matter how much good we do, we still come short.

2. Realize the penalty for your sin.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. -Romans 6:23

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: -Romans 5:12


And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. -Revelation 20:14-15

*There is a payment for our sin which is eternal death in a place called Hell and the Lake of Fire. Jesus has already paid this price by burning in Hell for your sin. There is no reason you need to choose this way.

3. Believe that Christ died, was buried and rose from the grave as a payment for your sin.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. -Romans 5:8

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. -John 3:16

And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; - Acts 10:39-40

*Salvation is simply putting your faith (or believing) that Jesus Christ paid for your sins. THAT IS ALL. Nothing else will do it. Being good or doing good things will not save you. Many will say, you have to stop sinning, you have to go to church..NO, all you have to do is believe on Jesus Christ and put your faith in him for salvation.

4. Understand that salvation will last forever.

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; -Titus 1:2

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. -John 3:15-16

*When God saves you he gives you “eternal/everlasting” life; in other words, life that will never end; life that will last forever. So, when he saves you it is forever. No matter what you do after you receive “the gift of eternal life” it can never end. Otherwise God lied, and we know that God “cannot lie”.

5. Pray and ask Jesus Christ to save you.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. -Romans 10:9-10

*Eternal life is a gift purchased by the blood of Jesus and offered freely to those who call upon Him by faith. Anyone who believes on the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved forever. Being saved is a one time event. All you have to do is ask.


Below is a pre-worded prayer. Realize it is not mere words that save, but your faith in Jesus Christ. It's not a magic prayer, you must have faith. 

Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I know I deserve to go to Hell. But I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and rose from the grave to pay for my sins. Please save me and take me to Heaven when I die. Amen.
 
If you made the choice to accept God's free gift of salvation. Go get yourself a KING JAMES Bible. You can find them for only $1.00 at most Dollar Tree stores.

The World Through A's Eyes

A got her first camera for Christmas this year. She brings it everywhere. She really enjoys taking pictures of nature. Actually, she enjoys taking pictures of anything. It's nice to see the world through a child's eyes sometimes. This is a little of what she sees.

A's World

Food

Bridge (photography class)

Church Friends

Shadow

Optical Illusions (photography class)

Her kitty

Rainbow

fuzzy

Friends

Snuggies

Under the branches

Buster

Human burrito

Her favorite things. Critters

Palm

Lovely sky

leaves

Dress up

Green

Sisters

Silly Bands

Anniversary

endings

wind

Silliness

flowers

beauty

You want to stay home, but he wants you to work.

This is my first post strictly dedicated to a readers comment/question. I'm not an expert, but I hope to maybe help a little. I have been in this position before. I think she brought up a very common situation.


Anonymous said...



What is a woman to do that longs to be home but her husband insists that she work? I don't know of one Christian man that doesn't want, suggest or flat out insist that his wife works.


Women that work get such a bad rap in certain circles but they don't work because they want to, they are working because it's what the head of house wants. I see nothing on the web and certainly not in real life that encourages men to at least 'allow' (for lack of a better word) their wives to be keepers at home.


I can relate to this subject. I used to work outside of the home, and after my youngest twins were born, I ached inside to be able to stay home and take care of my husband and children. It took a year and a half of praying but, God made a way. I think my husband and I both thought it would be impossible. It wasn't and now I've been home for 3 1/3 years.


What is a woman to do that longs to be home but her husband insists that she work?


First and foremost it starts with a wife's obedience to her own husband , God said:


Ephesians 5:22-24 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.


Titus 2:5  To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.


More important than being the keeper at home is obeying our husbands (saved or unsaved). If a husband insists his wife work outside of the home, she should do it. But, don't do it grudgingly. A man will be more willing to listen to a happy cheerful wife. Take your case to God. He created your husband, and only He has the power to change his heart. God will hear and see your desire. Wives need to be sure to love their husbands.


There is nothing wrong with a woman earning an income. The Proverbs 31 woman earned money for her family. There are many ways to earn an income at home.


I don't know of one Christian man that doesn't want, suggest or flat out insist that his wife works.


That is terrible. I think the outrageous amount of liberal Christian churches have failed both the men and the women by not preaching the Bible and teaching the roles that God has given them. Women are automatically expected leave the home and hold down a career to help with the financial support of the family. This was not God's plan. It's become the norm in our society. Too many women realize after they have children that they want to stay home, but can't figure out how to get their husbands on board. Women have been expected to "pull their weight" financially. This creates a lot of stress, because usually she is also still expected to keep the home and the schedules of the children. There really is no such thing as the women who can "do it all". Someone suffers and usually, it's the children and husband.


There are Christian men out there who work hard to make sure their wife will not have to work. My Pastor told me once when he was courting his wife, that he said to her "I don't have a problem with women working, I have a problem with my woman working."


Men used to be too proud to have their wives work. It would be over their dead body that she would have to assist him in financially supporting the family.


Do not show your husband scripture telling him he's wrong and he should be supporting his family while you are the keeper at home. One sure way to turn your man off to anything is to preach to him and try and teach him the Bible. Leave this part up to God. Let God convict him. This is also very important if your husband is unsaved (like mine), you have no choice but to let God change his heart. It's possible.
Men are different from women. It's easy to say "Honey I'm going to stay home and I don't want you to worry because it'll all work out." Men are just not that optimistic, they need proof. Especially if his worry is money.


The majority of our society thinks that a family can't survive without two incomes, or with more than two children without living in poverty. My family is living proof that this is false. We live in one of the most expensive areas in this country on one small salary, with 5 children, and no debt (except for a mortgage). There was a time when we thought this was impossible. You have to figure out how to afford to live on his salary.


I see nothing on the web and certainly not in real life that encourages men to at least 'allow' (for lack of a better word) their wives to be keepers at home.

You can't find this because it's probably not there. Men don't go looking online for advice on how to be better husbands. That is something women do.


I'll say it again, men like proof. They want to see it.


This could take several months, but it's worth it, right?  During this time be sure to pray continually that God will soften and change your husbands heart. Hopefully you have an idea of how much money he makes and how much you make. Calculate as precisely as possible, how much it costs for you to work outside of the home. Some things are not purchased every month so you will have to figure the cost per year and average it out per month. I'm jotting down everything I can think of, to give an idea of what the cost is.
You have to become more disciplined buying less and giving some things up.


I realize there are people who have done all this and really can't live without the extra income. I have witnessed people who claim not to be able to live on one income, yet they have expensive electronics, clothing, cars etc. It is God's will for the wife to be at home. He can make it happen for you.


These are the best examples I could come up with, I realize not everyone has the same expenses.


Calculate:
Cost of child care/ daycare
Gifts for teachers/workers at daycare
Value and replacement cost of lost clothing at daycare
Dr. visits, co-pays and prescriptions for extra illnesses caught at daycare
Cost of  each day paid to daycare when your sick child can't attend
Cost of lunches and snacks (not homemade or leftovers)
Late fees for picking up your child late
Cost of the mandatory two week vacation that has to be paid to the daycare while your child is not allowed to go.
Cost to pay someone else during those two weeks.
Cost of gas to and from daycare and work
Work wardrobe clothing and shoes
Gifts for co-workers
Lunch food (unless made at home or leftovers)
Coffee (not made at home)
Dr. visits, co-pays and prescriptions for your illnesses from work/and child at daycare
Extra wear and tear on your car: extra tires, oil changes, miles etc
Anything else you can think of that I didn't write down.


Many people are surprised when they actually do the numbers that the second salary is mostly going to pay for childcare and work related expenses.


Next step:


Most everyone can find extra money within the money they already have. It just depends on what you are willing to go without. Most of the sacrifice in this area has to be the wife's. The husband has already shown he doesn't want to sacrifice, so asking him will be pointless. Besides, we are praying for his heart at the moment, not nagging him or bullying him to give you the okay to put in your two weeks. The quickest way to get your man to stop hearing you is to nag him.


1. Limit your trips to the store. Try and buy everything at once, instead of frequent trips for stuff here and there. It is more expensive to make several trips. Even if you only get the one thing you needed, you're using extra gas to make all those trips (assuming you drove). The biggest reason why frequent trips are more expensive is because rarely do we only get the one thing we went for. If we don't make the trips,we wont buy the extra stuff.


2. Which brings us here. Before you go to the store, always..always..always make a list and only buy what is on the list. If you are an impulse buyer, please refrain. If you see an item you feel led to buy, write down the price and leave it at the store. When you get home add up how much you didn't spend. Exception: grabbing eggs because you realized you need them for dinner and left them off the list, is not the same thing as getting yet another pair of nail clippers or that super cute shirt that is only $5.00. Those small amounts of a few dollars here and there can really add up and could be the difference between spending your day at home or at work.


3. Plan a menu and cook all of your meals (DON'T EAT OUT). Eating out is more expensive 99% of the time. I feed a family of 7 most nights for less than $1.50 per person, and I use real food, very rarely will I cook from a box. 


There are online calendars you can use. Or, just write a list on binder paper. This can be a bit overwhelming at first. Keep your menus so you can reuse them. Keep it simple. Everyone has certain staple meals, make sure they are always on hand. Set theme nights, for instance we usually have spaghetti or some type of pasta on Thursdays. We go to church on Thursday nights, so dinner needs to be quick and easy. A complete and mostly organic spaghetti dinner costs me, $1.04 per person for 7 people. Making a dinner that can last two nights saves time and money too.


By planning a menu you will save money by only buying what you are going to eat. Not being prepared leads to buying unnecessary items like a head of broccoli every time and then finding it rotten in the fridge and having to throw it away. (maybe I'm the only one who does this). (=
Using manufacturers coupons helps save. My experience with this is, once in a while you can save a few cents but usually these coupons are for processed box foods. I am amazed at those Mama's who can do the coupon thing. I tried it for a while, but it took way too much time and I think driving to all the different stores cost more than the savings. However, usually your local grocery store ad will have coupons for their fresh food.


Keep track of how much money is being saved. Don't eat out! Not enough time to cook dinner every night? The Crock-pot is your friend. You can put frozen chicken in, in the morning and it is soft and falling off the bone when you get home. Easy easy.


4. Second hand shopping is a must. It sounds gross at first, but the excitement of a $60 dress for a couple of bucks is awesome. I buy most of our clothing second hand now and it has saved an incredible amount of money. I have found the local type thrift stores offer great deals. I do not go to Goodwill. Every time I've gone there I find damaged items that are way overpriced, sometimes they cost more than they would be at the store brand new.  I don't buy everything second hand, but I start there. I don't care for pre-owned shoes and under garments so I buy those new. Some thrift stores have super great specials too. Once in a while my favorite thrift store will have $5.00 a bag day. It's only $5.00 for all the clothes you can fit in the grocery bag. A lot of times you can get better quality clothing at the second hand store than you can get for 3 times the price at Target or Wal-mart. My husband gets just as excited as I do when I bring home a nice pair of $75 Banana Republic pants for him that only cost $1.00. That's $74 in his pocket.


5. Think of ways to earn income at home. There are a lot of opportunities now to do this. I ran an eBay business for about a year. It made a little extra money but it really wasn't worth the time I was putting in. My husband and I figured out it was like working for a dollar an hour. I stopped that. But there are so many moms who can sew and craft and make money selling the things they've made.


Try for 2 or 3 months to find ways to cut costs and save as much money as you can. Physically stash the saved cash in an envelope or something in your drawer. The actual proof is important, and will be a big encouragement to you. Keep detailed information.


Keep searching for money. What do you do that you can stop paying for? Do your nails at home, try and barter with friends for things.


All of these things are normal for at home wives/moms. Most husbands don't make six figures.


And..


Once you have figured out all of these things you can then show your husband. DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT, put it in front of him and make him feel like an idiot. Ask him when a good time would be to talk without interruption. Make sure the kids are in bed or occupied. Most likely he has already heard you express your desire to stay home. You should have been in prayer up until this point (maybe fasting the day before or that day). Being sensitive to his worries, express to him that you would really like to be living the way that God has outlined for you in scripture and you've calculated up all of these savings and costs and have found the way to make that possible. Don't get angry if he says no right away. If he has the stuff to look at, he will need time to process it all and be in prayer himself. Maybe he will allow a trial run or something. It may take a while for him to be comfortable with the idea. He may need a little bit of time to be confident. Encourage him and cheer him on.


If money is not the issue, all you can do is pray and treat your husband the way the Bible says to. Take a look at your relationship, if you were your husband, would you want you to be your keeper at home?


Ultimately, the wife/mother at home is what's best for the family. If it wasn't God would not have said that women should be keepers at home.


I'm not an expert, but I do understand the terrible desire to be home. And I do know that God can change an impossible situation into a perfect one. God bless.