Being a Boy Mom...

Being a boy mom is certainly busy, challenging, and not for the faint of heart...  I have THREE boys.  They are 5, 6 (almost 7), and 9.

I love my three sweet boys more than anything, but I have many hard days.  Things get broken and spilled often.  They like to try my patience and one minute can be getting along and nice to each other and the other minute can be about to kill each other.  I don't have any girls to compare them to, but I would say that boys are probably much harder.  They aren't as willing to help out around the house and clean (I am not saying that they don't help out, because they most certainly do).  They are not neat at all and I am constantly finding socks and shoes all over the house.  They love to play sports and be rough and tough.

Sometimes I feel very sad that God did not bless me with any girls.  I wanted to know what it would be like to buy dresses, put bows in their hair, and have a shopping buddy.  I feel outnumbered most of the time too. (well...because I am!)  I am not saying that I don't enjoy being with my boys and playing with them, but It would have been nice to get to play dolls and barbies sometimes too.  I saw a show on TV not long ago and a mommy and her little girl were playing with a doll house.  I had a doll house when I was a little girl that my parents built for me and I LOVED it.  I am hoping that my sweet boys will get married and have me some Granddaughters, and I can spoil them and send them home to their parents.  :)

Boys are so rough!  We have had a few mishaps over the years... Trevor has had a tick in his eyelashes that required the eye doctor to get it out (plus dozens of other ticks I have pulled off of this child). I should call him the tick monster.  I HATE ticks.  Trevor has also swallowed a screw.  Thankfully it wasn't sharp!  We had to go to the ER for x-rays until it "passed".  o.O  Thankfully Zack hasn't had anything major.  We have had more bumps, scrapes, and bruises than I can count, but thankfully we haven't had any broken bones or stitches yet...

I think mostly, being a Boy Mom, I struggle with feeling like I am doing a good job.  Just like Mom's of girls would I guess.  I hope that I am raising them to be loving, caring, compassionate men.  Men who will obey God and be good husbands and fathers to their wives and children.  I also struggle with the feelings that they may have because they have a brother with special needs.  I hope that having Ryan as a brother makes them stronger and I hope that they understand why many things in their childhood are different because they have a brother with special needs.  It is hard us to just pack up and go on family trips and overnight stays because of everything we have to pack for Ryan.  I hope they never resent him because we have a different than "normal" life.  I pray often about these things and have also found an amazing group for support.

Ryan, Trevor, and Zack with two of their boy cousins. 

I follow a group on Facebook called MOB (Moms of Boys) and they have also started a new group called:  No More Angry MOB.  You can find them HERE.  This group has really helped me as a boy mom and if you are a boy mom, I hope it helps you too.

Comment below if you are a Boy Mom and tell me your boy's ages.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a great day!

Clean It Like You Mean It.....

Sometimes we focus too much on one thing, and not enough on another.

I have been so guilty of that!  How could I not share something this amazing with YOU?

I talk about Shaklee's Basic H2 Concentrate all the time and how wonderful it is and how long it lasts, but I fail to tell you about Basic G!  I am fixing that today!

I will explain more to you about this awesome Germicide in the video below....

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO!

You can get this amazing Germicide HERE.

Thanks for stopping by!

Ryan Updates...

My Sweet Ryan has been sick again.  He is finally feeling much better today and I never did have to take him to the doctor but it is so exhausting when he is sick because he needs treatments and suctioning continuously throughout the day.  I am very blessed to have a nurse here to help during the day with him because it is difficult to take care of him when he is so sick and take care of the other two boys.
I had to pick Ryan up from school last Friday because he was running a low grade fever and was really "junky".  We immediately started him on all of his respiratory therapies (VEST, Nebulizer, Cough Machine, & Suctioning) every four hours.  By Monday he had thin drainage and coughed all day Monday and Tuesday without much rest.  He never did run a fever so we just kept him home and stayed aggressive with him.  By Wednesday, all of the drainage stopped but he sounded really coarse and the "junk" was thick and harder for him to cough up.  This morning (Friday) he is finally sounding much better and not needing his therapies as often.  He was having some bladder problems too that have also seemed to resolve itself with daily cathing for the last week.  I am glad he is better today because we have snow and ice and that would have made it very hard to get him out.

We are also very excited because in a couple of weeks, we will finally be getting our driveway paved!!  Our driveway is just gravel now and it is so hard to push his wheelchair on it and our ramp on our van doesn't sit well on the gravel either.  We are so excited and can't wait!  Hopefully the weather will cooperate for us to get this done this month.

Spring time always seems to be the worse season for his health and he usually ends up spending a week or two in the hospital with respiratory problems.  I hope this year is going to be different for him because I started him on an Alfalfa regimen.  I give him 3 tablets two times a day.  I have done some research on Alfalfa and have found out that it is a natural antihistamine and is helping so many people with their seasonal allergies.  I buy our Alfalfa HERE.

It can also help with:

• Cleansing the blood
• Helping alleviate allergies
• Aids in blood clotting
• Promotes healthy digestion
• Can easy morning sickness
• Is helpful in reversing tooth decay and remineralizing teeth
• Great source of Vitamin K so it helps improve Baby’s Vitamin K levels at birth if mom drinks during pregnancy 
• Supports the pituitary gland
• Supportive during nursing
• Helps ease morning sickness
• Helps ease gout
• Aids with all forms of arthritis

I never knew all of this until recently so I started taking Alfalfa too and so has my husband. (He also has bad seasonal allergies)  I really feel so blessed to find something natural to help us!  I would rather take alfalfa than an over the counter medicine any day!  

Thank you for all of your prayers for our little superman, Ryan!  

The Special is Extended!! Wahoo!!

Hi! How are you today?  I hope you are having a great day! Your day is about to get even better, because.....

Shaklee is just so awesome and amazes me every month!
The February special has been extended through March! I can't believe it!

You can check out all of the Shaklee Products HERE!

You don't have to order a Get Clean Kit, but that is one of the products that will qualify you for a 50 pv order.  If you need help making sure you get your 50 pv and get checked out correctly, please call or text me at (276)790-2524 or email me at jnjkendrick@gmail.com.  

Another great special for you!

If you know three other people who would love to become a member too, YOU will be rewarded!  Check it out:

Can't beat that deal!!  Let me know how I can help you find a healthier YOU today!

Never before seen deals....

Hi there!

I wanted to take a minute out of my busy day and tell you about another amazing Shaklee special going on right now that has never been offered before!

If you ever thought about partnering with us and becoming a Shaklee Distributor with Project Dream International, this week is the time to do it!!

Shaklee has AMAZING new member specials which can explode your business and you can start earning more money right away!

***If you upgrade as a $599 GOLD PLUS PARTNER before the end of the Friday, you will get $150 rebate from us!!***

Basically, you are getting over $850 of Shaklee products, business materials, and website for only $449!! (We never offered this before!)

We have all the training and support you need plus a Project Dream Facebook page, webinars, coaching calls, etc., where we are with you every step of the way.

So, if you love Shaklee, love our community, want to help others, get paid to Shaklee what you love, start a business, work for your self and around your family, I HIGHLY consider you joining us! I am here to answer any questions you have ~ Contact Me Now!! I'm here to help.

One of the biggest regrets I hear from our partners, is that they didn't start sooner!

Don't wait! JOIN US!!!!

CLICK HERE

Also, don't forget about our other amazing February special going on now...

If you have any questions, pleas email me at jnjkendrick@gmail.com

Taco Soup...

This recipe can VERY easily replace my Chili recipe and my Chili recipe is pretty good!

This soup is so good and has so much flavor.  It has a touch of heat but if you don't want the heat you can leave out the crushed red pepper.  

If you decide to make this soup, you won't be sorry, because It is the perfect addition to any cold winter evening.

What you will need:

1 1/2 pound ground meat (turkey, chicken, or hamburger. You could even add shredded chicken)

1 chopped onion

2 T chili powder

 2 T ground cumin

2 T garlic powder

2 T onion powder

1/2 T crushed red pepper

1 pkg dry ranch dressing (I know this sounds weird, but it makes it taste SO good)

3 cans (14 oz.) tomatoes (I bought fire roasted garlic tomatoes)

1 cup frozen corn

1 (14 oz.) can red kidney beans

1 (14 oz.) can pork n' beans

1 (14 oz.) can pinto beans

corn chips

Cheddar cheese, grated

Saute meat and onions; drain off any fat.  Add seasonings and ranch mix and tomatoes and cook until tomatoes are cooked up and the mixture is soupy.  Add corn and beans.  Simmer about 30 minutes.

Serve with Corn chips and cheese.

I ate this soup the next day as leftovers and it was even better!  I added avocado to it and you can even add some full fat sour cream.

Healthier Peanut Butter Cookies....

I LOVE cookies and I especially love peanut butter cookies, but my husband and I have been trying to eat a lot healthier.  Having cookies around can be dangerous because I have a hard time just eating one or two and walking away.  I may or may not look like the cookie monster... Ha!

I have been craving something sweet so I decided to make my Peanut Butter Cookies and change the recipe a bit to make them a little healthier for us.  I used coconut oil instead of shortening, and Shaklee 180 powder to add some extra protein and leucine. 

I hope you can try them, and if you do I would love for you to comment here or on my Facebook Page and let me know what you thought of them!

Healthier Peanut Butter Cookies:

You will need:

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup all natural peanut butter

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/4 cup of butter, softened

1 large egg

1 cup all purpose flour

2 scoops Shaklee 180 Vanilla Protein Powder

3/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

Heat oven to 375°.

Beat granulated sugar, the brown sugar, peanut butter, shortening, butter and egg in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until very fluffy.  Stir in flour, 180 powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt.

Shape dough into 1 1/4 inch balls. (I used my small cookie scoop)  Flatten tops in criss cross pattern with fork. 

Bake 9 minutes or until light brown.  

Cool and enjoy with a glass of milk.

An Amazing Offer!

I know most of you have heard me talking about my brand partner, Shaklee before.

I have some exciting news to share with you today!

Now through the end of February, If you make a 50 PV purchase you will receive FREE MEMBERSHIP and a FREE canister of our 180 Cafe Late Smoothee Mix!

Combined, that is an amazing $60 value for FREE!!

So wether you are wanting to make a change to Non-Toxic cleaners...

Change up your facial routine to include products that deliver natural vitamins to your skin...

Loose Weight by using our amazing weight loss products...

Or to improve your health using our wonderful line of nutritional products...

I'm here to help!!  Please email me at jnjkendrick@gmail.com or you can browse my shop HERE.

I can't wait to help you get on your way to becoming healthier and earning your FREE MEMBERSHIP and FREE 180 smoothee mix!!

Cick HERE to shop Now!!!

I also have an AMAZING bonus for anyone who is interested in joining my team now through February!  Go to Project Dream today to see if this opportunity would be right for you and join over 100 Mom's on our journey to help others and build health!

Creamy Gnocchi & Leek Soup...

This is one of my favorite winter time soups because it is so creamy and fills you up.

My kids even ate this soup and really liked the Gnocchi.

The Recipe: 

Gnocchi & Leek Soup with Bacon:

What you will need:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 1/2 cups cubed crusty bread

4 slices bacon, chopped

2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, chopped

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth 

1 package of Gnocchi

Kosher Salt and freshly ground pepper

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 1/2 cups frozen peas (do not thaw)

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preheat oven to 400°.  Make the croutons: Melt 1 tablespoon butter, then mix with the paprika in a bowl.  Add the bread cubes and toss.  Spread on a baking sheet and bake until golden, 8 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large saucepan over medium heat until crisp, about 8 minutes.  Transfer with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate.  Discard all but about 1 tablespoon fat from the pan.  Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, then add the leeks and garlic; cover and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.  Add the broth, 2 cups water, the gnocchi and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper; cover and bring to a boil over high heat.  Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, partially covered, until the Gnocci are tender and the soup has thickened.   Puree half the soup in a blender, then return to the pot.  Add the cream and bring to a simmer.  Add the peas and cook until tender, about 3 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper.  Serve topped with the croutons, bacon, and parsley.  Enjoy!

Quick And Simple Oatmeal....

This Oatmeal has been my go-to meal for quite some time now.  I love that it is simple and only takes about five minutes to make. If you are busy like me, you will love this recipe!

I actually took a bunch of pictures of the process of me making this Oatmeal and then realized that my memory card wasn't in my camera... Yeah.  Have you ever done that?  Very frustrating!

I put 1/2 cup of Old Fashioned Oats in a bowl and then pour about 3/4 to 1 cup of very hot water over the top of the oatmeal in my bowl.  (Depending on how soupy you like your oatmeal you can decide if you like the extra amount of water or not  I prefer mine thick.)  I cover it with saran wrap or foil and then I go get ready for my day.

I actually have a BUNN coffee maker so I just get my hot water from there or if you have a Keurig, you can brew a cup of water and pour it over your oatmeal.  It is so fast! 

When I get done getting ready, my oatmeal is all ready for me!  I like to put brown sugar and butter in mine. (Yes, REAL butter is good for you!)  Sometimes I put Coconut Oil in it, but I like to keep it simple.  If you like a little something more in yours you can add fruit, granola, or nuts.  Sometimes I put chia seeds in mine.  Oatmeal is SO good for you and is much better than eating fast food or not eating at all.  If you are on the go, you can make this oatmeal in a cup and eat it on the go.  

I love to eat my Oatmeal with a cup of French Press coffee!  YUM!  How do you like your Oatmeal?

Thanks for stopping by!

The cutest bows ever...

I have a sweet friend named KJ, and she sells the cutest bows for little girls!  I just really wanted to share with you.  I know I don't have any little girls, but if I did she would be wearing these!!

Some of my favorites:

I LOVE pink and gray together, and the bead detail is perfect.

Chevron *swoon*

I love the color combos in this one! So pretty!

So you want to get your hands on some of these beauties?

You can visit my friend's facebook page HERE and tell her I sent you. :)

Thank you so much for supporting her and helping her reach an important goal!

To Stack or Not to Stack.?? That is the question...

Do you have a stackable washer and dryer?  Do you stack it or not?

I have had my "space age" washer and dryer for a few years and LOVE them!  I was so excited that I was going to be able to stack them and put in a utility sink next to them.  (I have a tiny laundry room)

Well, I never got my utility sink...

Bummer!

I started to look on the all amazing Pinterest site at different Laundry Room Ideas and found several that I liked and most had unstacked washer and dryers.  I am pretty short (shhh don't laugh at me!) and can't see the Dryer settings well when they are stacked and furthermore, my kids can't help do more than putting the clothes in the washer.   I told my hubby I wanted them unstacked and he gave me "that look". Ha!  He really didn't want to unstack them and gave me some reasons why. 

I guess I won, because after some measuring and talking we decided to unstack them.

This is before...

I had 2 small shelves beside my washer and dryer and then on the wall to the left I had some shelving...

We decided that we wanted to get rid of the shelf because it blocks the door to our return.  We came up with a solution to put open shelving over the Washer and Dryer and get rid of the shelf.  I thought it was a good idea (we can't afford cabinets at this time) but I hated the idea of everyone seeing the mess on the shelf.  I knew I could organize everything but I wanted it covered.  

I decided to find a curtain and sew it to fit our needs and cover the open shelving.  It worked great!  I love how it turned out!

I sewed the curtain in half and then cut it up the middle so it is like two curtains.  I actually found the curtain and the tension rod at Dollar General.  I paid $18 for this project!!  My husband already had the wood and the brackets for the shelving so that helped.

My 4 year old was so excited that he could reach the dryer and has really been helping me with laundry.  Hope that lasts!  ;)

So what do you think?

Do you have your Washer and Dryer stacked or unstacked?

Thanks for stopping by!