Our family Circus

Hello visitors from Kelly's Korner. These are my 4 beautiful kiddos. We have a 15 year old, 8, 4, and 19 months. These are the members of our circus. This is our family nickname.

Anywhere and at anytime we're bound to give you a show.

The little girls are double trouble, they remind me of the doublemint twins. They look a like even though they are 2 years apart. Caroline has gotten Mommy's stop that look down early.

Our 2 oldest Kate and Will are tons of fun. Kate's our dancer and Will is our all-star athlete. His nickname is "homerun Will". They've outgrown the picking at each other and get along really well. I think they gang up against double trouble.

Madeline the 4 year old is the spunky girl. Seriously one of the funniest kids. She says the craziest things.

Here we are all polished and fixed up. One of my best friends Adrien who's a photographer took this family photo for us last year.

Most of our photos end up like this. It's hard to get everyone to smile and look at once. Dad even said "Look I see Ariel, it's didn't work"

Many people ask why we have such big age gaps. I tell them I wouldn't have it any other way. We've had time to enjoy each child as a baby and they all interact very well together. We never have to pay for a babysitter although we don't do date nights very often since we moved out to the country about 25 minutes from the city.

Every Sunday night we have family night. It's a highlight of our week. We make a big dinner then play a game. We also unplug our phones and turn off the computer so we can stay focused.

A family favorite is the game of "Life". We get very competitive. Don't worry in the photo above that's my wine not my 4 year olds!

I grew up as an only child and our next door neighbors had 4 kids. I told my mom "It's not fair they go home and still get to play". Now I know it's true!

It brings me so much joy seeing the children interact together. I won't lie it's stressful and we don't have much down time but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Thanks for visiting and meeting our circus!

New Look

What is frugal living?

To me it's living within or below your means.

All of our means are different and with time it changes. We've had our ups and downs financially as most families do.

As you can tell our family has had some major changes. We recently bought our dream home and property.

Without frugal living for many years it wouldn't have been possible.

It's important to make goals and know where your headed. For our family a country home was important. We scrimped and saved and did it with a lot of hard work and saving.

I've had people say you can't be frugal Jen living in that house.

My answer, yes I can. I'm still as frugal as ever. I'd love to decorate the house immediately with all new things but I can't.

We live on a strict budget and we don't live beyond our means.

Frugal is a way of life. You can make it drab and boring or your can make it fabulous and an adventure.

Cheers to new adventures!

Raising Children Today

A sweet friend of mine forwarded me this post. If you have daughters and you feel like it's you against the world read this.

I don't post a lot about my oldest daughter. I try to protect her from the cyber world. You see she doesn't have a cell phone or even a Facebook. She's the odd girl out. We try hard to preserve her innocence and childhood as long as possible. I'd rather her call friends on the home phone. Facebook is well, just a place for kids to slander one another. I choose to protect her from these negative things. Remember our role of parent is one of leadership and not one of "well my kids want it".

Having younger siblings help her stay young. She loves to play with them. We get many comments from friends and family about her babysitting the younger siblings. People always seem to say "What does she think about that or does she enjoy babysitting?"

I don't say much when people asked because it stumped me for a while.

My answer is she's she enjoys babysitting and spending time with her siblings and they adore her. The other part a little harsh of my answer is she's 14 years old she doesn't make the decisions in our house. Our life does not revolve around anyone ONE person it revolves around our entire family. Each person's needs are equally important and we weigh all needs when making a decision.

We each have roles and responsibilities in this large family. I think it's important to make things work. We have chores to do and we don't get money for it. We teach our children that the responsibilities in a family are shared. We shouldn't expect to get something for helping out. It's just what a family does. How do you think a family back 100 years ago did it? Only today we have entitlement issues.

We make decisions based on the whole not the individuals. In my opinion as it should be. This is opposite in today's society. But then again so is having 4 children and thinking about adding a 5th.

Our family is so very rich in love. We spend time together and enjoy each persons qualities and abilities. I can't tell you how many times we laugh so hard we cry. That is joy to me.

We pray and read the Bible together. Our children learn our faith and know Jesus through our family.

The world has become a dark place. Young teens are surrounded by such immoral things. We as a family feel called to be the "light" in the world. We don't give into things because everyone else it doing it.... actually we do the complete opposite because usually that is the "right and Christlike" thing to do.

So what's my point? This has nothing to do with frugal jen. I felt moved today to share my thoughts about raising kids in this world. Sometimes we feel alone in our thoughts and we aren't alone. Many time others would stand if only someone would stand up first.

I hope this doesn't come off as a negative post. You know tone is so hard to read in writings. I love having a large family and I love my family the way it is. I was an only child so this has been a challenge but it's one that is very rewarding! I love my family!

Unplugged

Check my email....

Read blogs....

Check my email again.....

(Computer beep) another email....

Check facebook....

This is what happens throughout the day.

I spend entirely too much time on the computer. I'm going to do a test this next week.

Starting tomorrow Sunday I will have my computer off when the kids are up and awake.

I will only check my email and blog when the girls nap or in the evenings after the kids go to bed.

I'm doing this because I keep saying "If only I had a few more hours in the day" Well I found the answer for me.

Plus the kids learn by example and I want them to know they are so very important, and not be distracted by the computer and my cell phone.

So if I don't respond very quickly to email this is what's up.

I'm actually looking forward to being unplugged a bit.

Does the computer ever suck endless hours out of your day?

Proud Mom

I've gotta take a minute to brag on my oldest daughter Katelyn. She's in 8th grade.

Today we got some very exciting news.....

She won 1st place in the Texas Right to Life Essay Contest!

Her essay advances to the national competition.

Let me share a little more on why this is so important....

(This photo was taken before the Respect Life Banquet this year)

Katelyn is very special. She's my angel, why? Well I found out at the young age of 19 that I was pregnant. I was unwed and just entering college.

I had many people tell me to have an abortion. I even had friends who chose to abort their unborn children. But I didn't. I went to the Crisis Pregnancy Center and those wonderful women helped and encouraged me. They changed my life so much that after I had Katelyn I volunteered for years as a counselor. With the love and support of my parents I finished college and met my husband Josh who later adopted Katelyn.

I've had the honor of speaking to many groups and churches and telling my story as a young mother. The biggest honor and most humbling moment of my life was speaking at the Texas State Republican Convention in 1998 holding my daughter and receiving a standing ovation for my pro-life story and work.

My daughter who is now a young women is the face of how an unplanned pregnancy can turn into a great blessing.

It brings me to tears reading her essay and how on fire she is to protect the unborn. She's changing tomorrow by giving other girls a friend who encourages and protects.

You can't deny this voice of the once unborn speak for life.

Not So Frugal Jen

If you've been reading for a while you know this past year has been a crazy one. The one thing to fly right out the door was frugality. Yes, I am here to admit I'm not so frugal. Sigh.....

I've been grocery shopping without coupons and giving into every whim to buy a product. Hey, did you know eating healthy and with fresh ingredients is more expensive? Well I hope to find a way to save eating fresh and healthy.

The reason I started this blog was to chronicle my journey of spending less and still living fabulously. We have the means to live a more expensive lifestyle but we choose to live BELOW our means. Why, well we enjoy splurging on things like vacations and frankly not carrying a ton of debt. My husband is a investment consultant so we practice what he preaches. Let me tell you we've come along way. I'm a reformed shopaholic. I even struggle today.

Yes, we've been battling the urge to buy our "dream home". It's a struggle when you see your friends in these big house and fancy cars and you know you could afford it too but you choose not to. That is hard, very hard. We are trying to teach our children that life is not about material possessions so what would that teach them if we suddenly switched gears. It wouldn't be true to who I am inside either. I've found money doesn't bring happiness, remember we don't take any of the "stuff" with us. God has never called anyone to stock up on possessions and live life on earth like a king. It's quite the opposite. I try to keep that perspective when I feel bad and want to shop. I think God is calling me to be true to myself and I know what the right thing to do is. Those who know us in real life know we seem to go the opposite way of society norms. My 13 year old is one of the few who doesn't have a cell phone, cannot text and doesn't have a facebook. Call me old fashioned...

So what is my point? Well I'm ready to refocus.

• I've got to get the grocery bill down and keep the meals healthy.
• I desperately need a new wardrobe. I'm hoping to have some guest posts on mixing and matching outfits.
• Christmas is coming and I want to make some great crafty items for family and friends.
• Then there is the house. Decorating on a budget is fun. We've got some carpentry projects we are using a contractor for. Sometimes it's better to pay to get it done right the first time.

Here we are!

It's been a while since I posted. Whew, my life sure has changed! My friends can second that because I've been missing in action for a while. My days of chatting on the phone are long gone.

4 kids makes things exciting around our house. There is never a dull moment. We are all settling into a new routine and getting adjusted to the new baby. If only I could get some sleep....

Here I am with little Caroline. She's a month old now. Last week Kate started 8th grade ( I can't believe how grown up she is... isn't she beautiful! ) and Will (he's a handsome big kid now )started 1st grade. Here they are the first day of school with little Miss Madeline and her Barbie entourage her new faves.

I treated Kate to a special treat before school started. I bought her a new Juicy Couture purse. I splurged because she was such an incrediable help while I was on bedrest and once the baby arrived. What a wonderful daughter! I still was a little frugal I got it at Nordstroms Rack for 50% off.

I wonder if it's possible to have twins 3 years apart because Caroline and Madeline look EXACTLY alike as newborns.


Will loves to hold his baby sister. He says he's her favorite sibling. Right when he gets home from school the first thing he asks is how is Caroline and can I hold her.

This is only time Madeline and Will can sit next to each other without hitting or arguing. Caroline has both of their hearts. They just adore her.

You can see here how itty bitty Caroline still is. I guesstimate she is about 7 pounds now.

Still working on her room. I don't make it out much. Hobby Lobby is calling my name...

Oh one more thing, my husband said I need to give up my frugal Jen name because I haven't been so frugal. I've been hitting the grocery store with no coupons and spending way too much money! I told him I'll be back soon....

Patience, Not My Virtue

Today as I am resting at home I've caught up on some of my favorite blogs. I was reminded today by Heather about patience.

Let me tell you patience is NOT a virtue I have. I can hear my mom and husband read and say "I second that"

Some of my impatient qualities:

• I almost always mess up my paint projects because I cannot wait for them to fully dry
• If I want something I usually find a way buy it... now
• I don't like sitting still and waiting (doctors, meetings.. etc)
• I'm almost always waiting until that next dream house... the next season... the next big change
• I hate my house being messy and clean almost obsessively

As I look at these I see the word "I". So much we get caught up in "me, me, me". It's during this difficult time of being on bed rest that so many of my friends have come and let go of their "me's" and helped our family out. What a blessing to take time out of your day to do something nice for someone else. A phone call, a play date, a meal, a card.... all many blessings and encouraging.

God is teaching me patience right now, in a big way! I've been able to get off strict bed rest and now I can get out a bit but I fine myself overdoing it. Why? Because I am impatient. I have to get things done right? No. I heard God telling me many times during the day "Patience Jennifer, be patient."

I have a feeling my mom and husband have been praying for my patience. God really has a sense of humor because he gives you opportunities to improve yourself and holiness exactly the way you need it. Wow, change is painful!

Heart Break

I said I wouldn't do personal posts but I had to share something. I needed to express some emotions. Yes, being pregnant brings out more....

My oldest daughter experienced heart break for the first time. No, it wasn't a boy, thank you Lord! It was the heartbreak of not making a team at school. We thought for sure she would make it. Lots of preparation and excitement, all ending in let down today.

When she came out to the car today she was holding strong then broke down in the car. My heart absolutely broke for her. You see I never wanted my kids to experience this type of let down and hurt. I put them in extra lessons and go overboard to prevent them from hurt. Sometimes it doesn't work, and as a parent it rips my heart out. It took all of me to not call the school and talk to the teacher. But, I am NOT going to be one of those parents... although it's very tempting. I also found myself getting mad about the other girls who made it. In my mind not nearly as talented as my daughter, yes I know I am biased.

We've had some discussions today and I've shared times growing up when I didn't make a team or was let down. We took her to get a hair cut, nails done then to indulge on some cheese fries. I just wanted to make it better and take away her pain.

As a mom of 4 kids heart break and pain is unavoidable. This will not be the last time one of the kids doesn't make a team. They can't always be the best at every activity. I've just got to put my mom jeans on (the cute ones) and love them and tell them how wonderful and loved they are.

Fellow moms of teenagers or adults, any words of wisdom for this rookie?

Easter Blessings

Easter Sunday is one of my favorite days of the year. It's such a beautiful service after a long 40 day Lenten season (The 40 days prior to Easter). As a Catholic convert (I was raised Baptist) this is a special time for fasting, reflection and preparation. We all need this time in our life.

Little Miss doing some egg hunting at home. These two were so thrilled to wake up, get dressed and see some treats waiting for them.

The trio after mass. This as good as it gets posing 3 kids.

This lent was a difficult one for me. I made a priority to really take time for myself and reflect. It's quiet times with God that you realize areas that need improving. Wow, I prayed for a transformation and I had no idea the junk that comes out during that process.

You might have noticed my lack of blogging or change in posts this had to do with my inner changing.

I hope to become the wife, mother and friend I've always wanted to be. Sometimes even as a 30 something mom we still have childish ways we need to let go of. I pray daily for my strength and for God's will to be done.

Break

Many of my long time readers have noticed a change in my posting pattern. I used to spent many hours researching and working on projects.

I've found myself spending entirely too much time reading blogs, checking my email and catching up on facebook. I realized the extent when I stopped to see that my kids were trying to get my attention away from the computer and made comments about "Mommy's always on the computer". That was my wake up call.

Right now I am pulling back even further from my computer and phone. I feel like God is calling me to be a better wife and mother putting my family first. I apologize in advance if I don't respond quickly to emails or I don't pick up my phone. My energy and focus right now is directly on my family.

I hope to post maybe once a week. I would like to thank all of you for your readership it makes me smile to know I can give you tips or be an online friend. I've met some great people and gained friendships through my blog. Thank you for your pregancy prayers it means very much to our family.

See you soon!

Great Appt!

Thank you for the congrats and prayers! My dr's appointment went great today. We had a sonogram and saw the little heart beating. What a wonderful sight!

I was a bit nervous at first when the Dr was quiet and searching for the baby. We've been down that road and I seem to think negative thoughts and let the fear take over. After she said looks this is the heart beating it calmed me instantly.

So the official due date is August 28th that is 40 weeks. I have my babies at least the other 3 at 36 weeks so we are expecting an arrival the first week in August.

Having #4 you would think I would be a pro but I am not. I still read the milestones and ask questions. I even have another appointment scheduled in 2 weeks with another Dr that delivers at another local hospital. I want to make sure I choose the one with the best fit.

I promise I will be back to frugal posting tomorrow!

End of a Decade, Looking Back

Hey, remember the chaos of Y2K 10 years ago? We are all here and the computers didn't erase everything.

A lot happens in a decade.

The 00's were the decade we built our family.

Let me share some of our highlights

(I am proud of my family and our memories I have to brag a bit):

We got married in 2001 we were blessed with 3 beautiful children and one on the way

We moved 5 times, 2 times when I was 8 months pregnant

We both graduated from college

We said good bye to both my grandparents and Josh's grandfather and Aunt Mary Ann

In 2002 we made plans to move to Breckenridge, Colorado after a few weeks we decided Texas was home! Luckily Josh was able to transfer to a branch office in the DFW area.

In 2004 I left the rat race to be a stay at home mom

I spent money without a care.... then I became frugal.

We took the path less traveled and started our own company in 2009

We drove from Texas to Florida. We took the kids to Disney World and the Disney Cruise in 2008. That was the best trip ever!

Fulfilled a dream of visiting Salzburg, Austria where the Sound of Music was filmed in 2009.

Josh and I visited Switzerland in 2004. We seriously considered moving to Europe.Instead of moving to Europe, Josh went back to school and received his MBA from The University of Texas.... 2 long years!


We went to Disney World in 2001, 2005 and 2008. Can you tell we enjoy Disney?
Josh also has a great grandmother that lives in Orlando.

Took a couples trip to Costa Rica in 2006. Josh caught a sail fish.

No it's NOT hanging on the wall.

I tried to talk Josh into buying a time share at the Four Season's.

I did a zip line over the rain forest miles above the ground on a tiny wire... I developed a fear of heights.

I've been pregnant 4 times. We have an angel in heaven we will meet one day.

Most of all I've enjoyed getting to know my husband in married life. We've had lots of ups and downs. Marriage and parenthood is not easy, but we've stuck together for better and for worse, richer and poorer and sickness and in health.

I look forward to the next decade of my life.... lots to come:

• A new child, maybe more.....
• Kids graduating from high school then going to college
• Celebrating all of the wonderful birthdays and celebrations
• I am sure we will move again.... did you read how many times we moved last decade?
• I hope we visit Italy, France and take a long car trip to Colorado.

Christmas Fun

First of all, THANK YOU so much for your pregnancy prayers and wishes. It mean's so very much!

Your probably wondering how the kids took the "new baby news". Let me share how it went....

We were at my husband's family's house (about 20 people). Josh tells his Grandma in front of Will we are having another baby.

Will says "Well it better be a boy, because I've been praying for one for 3 years. He is now separating his toys for his baby brother.

God I hope it's a boy because I don't think he will believe in prayers anymore!

Little Miss however has NO idea what is going to happen. We said Mommy's having a baby and she makes the "Whaaaa.... Whhhaaaaa sound" pretending she's a baby.

On Christmas Eve we made cupcakes to celebrate Jesus' birthday. Then we got this unexpected incredible surprise....

SNOW!! REAL SNOW! About 6 inches of it.

We braved the snow and cold to celebrate mass on Christmas Eve. The kids were all dressed in their festive attire.

I realized in this picture Kate (12) my oldest looks so grown up! She's such a beautiful girl. Can you see her new bangs? She got a hair cut too.
Christmas morning after presents we enjoyed a couple hours playing in the snow.

My husband as always does a great job for Christmas. He blew me away when he purchased a Nikon Coolpix camera for me. I am still learning but hoping to do some great blog photos with my new clear camera!

A Big Christmas Suprise

Yes it's true....

But it's still a secret for the little one's until Christmas morning. My baby Madeline is going to be a big sister!

Some of you figured out I was pregnant from my clue about being tired.

We found out last week I am expecting. We are very excited!

I am 5 weeks along so it's very early.

I thought about waiting to tell considering my history of miscarriage but then I thought the extra thoughts and prayers would be comforting.

We are telling Will and Madeline Christmas morning (Kate already did some Nancy Drew snooping around and knows). You see Will talks non-stop about having a baby brother and asking Santa for one. We can't guarantee a boy but we can do the baby :)

Little Bit About Me

I read this on Heather's blog and thought I would join along. I also enjoy reading about other bloggers.

So here I go:
1. What is your favorite thing to snack on while your blogging?
Chips and Salsa or chocolate rasinettes.

2. What is one thing you wouldn't want to live without?
My husband and kids. After that .... diet coke.

3. Beach, Mountains, or Farm? Where would you live if you had a choice?
Beach with a mountain view... thinking Costa Rica at the Four Seasons Resort with my own chef and maid.

4. What's your least favorite chore/household duty?
Laundry hands down. I redid the laundry room and still have piles waiting.

5. Who do people say you remind them of?
Natalie Portman... not sure why.

6. Prefer parties and socializing or staying home with the fam?
Staying at home with the fam with some pizza and a movie.

7. What's your all time favorite movie?
The original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

8. Do you sleep in your make-up or remove it like a good little girl every night?
I am embarrassed to say I sleep in my make-up most of the time. I am too tired to take it off. Guess that is why I have fine lines and wrinkles.

9. Do you have a hidden talent or a deep desire to learn something that you've never had a chance to learn? What is it
I would love to be a meteorologist... or a storm chaser.

10. What's one strange thing you're really good at?
Humm, that is hard. Maybe complaining?

11. What first attracted you to your spouse?
His good looks and he was so smart making A's in our college classes.

12. What is something you love to smell?
Cake smelling candles.... I imagine I am eating a big fat piece of wedding cake.

13. Tell something about you that you know irritates people.
I am bad about returning phone calls. I don't answer my phone in the evenings and unplug it on Sunday nights.

14. When you have extra money, what's the first thing you think to do with it?
Want to buy something for the house. My new thing is a wooden swing set for the kids.

15. Are you a silent laugher or a loud laugher? What makes you laugh the hardest?
Both. I get laughing very hard at Will he does some crazy things or when my husband tickles me. It annoys me but makes me laugh.

16. Where is your favorite place to shop?
Target my one stop shop!

17. What's one things you'd do more often if you had more time?
Go on dates with my husband. I enjoy our quiet dinners without the kids.

18. Are you a big spender or frugal?
Easy, frugal. I used to be a big spender. I dream of being a big spender at Nordstroms showing off my expensive jeans, cute top and fabulous designer shoes. Then I wake up in my wal-mart shirt.

19. Who is your favorite character of all time? (from a movie or a book, can't be real)
Oh no.... Sharon from Young and the Restless.

20. Would you want to be famous?
No, I enjoy the simple life. I think with money, fame and power you loose the end sight... the riches of heaven.

I would love to read more about you! Your turn!