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You are here: Home / Archives for Guest Posts

My Party Trick: “I have 5 kids!”

January 6, 2014 By Jenna 22 Comments

Christy was kind enough to let me publish this even after my brain exploded and I forgot all about it in the abyss of my inbox. Seriously, Christy. You’re the best. Show her some love for me and check her out on Facebook, Instagram and of course, her blog Fountains of Home.

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I have a party trick. It goes a little like this:

I’ll be having a casual conversation with a stranger. Maybe someone at a kid’s event, a cashier at Costco, a new hairdresser, those strangers you meet throughout your not too exciting day of running errands and the like who are friendly enough to strike up the conversation train. We’ll be chit-chatting about the weather, or the roads, or hockey, or Arcade Fire and then somehow get around to kids. Maybe they’re already a grandparent, or a new mom, or someone with older kids and I’ll mention that my girl/boy/baby/toddler did something similar or worse (usually worse) and how wonderful/horrifying/embarrassing/exhausting it was. We’ll share a little moment of kid bonding and sometimes they’ll say “Oh, so you have two kids then. The six year old and the six month old?” At which point I’ll drop the bomb – “Actually, I’ve got five kids.”

 

Gasp!

Jaw drop!

Shock!

Faint!

Well, no one has fainted. But I usually get reactions like utter disbelief, or genuine surprise, sometimes silence, and sometimes a nonchalant “Oh, yeah, 5 kids…” as if that’s a completely normal number of kids for a 28 year old woman to have and happens all the time at Costco. And to that person I wish I could pull a prize from out of my purse.

People usually don’t know where to take the conversation after this. They like to sing the standard “You’ve got your hands full!” or “You must be crazy”. To which I just try to smile and not look crazy. I admit I enjoy the “You don’t look like you have five kids” comments. If you want to feel better about your postpartum body I suggest just having a lot of kids because it really seems to lower the bar in people’s minds, “5 kids! And the woman can fit in pants! She looks great!” I never mention the expensive make-up and/or Spanx that goes into keeping up this illusion of course.

I’ve never been too offended and upset about these conversations. Maybe one day they’ll grind on me. I think I got over the shock and awe of people’s reactions to my family size about 3 kids ago. Now it reminds me that maybe I am living an extraordinary life. A life that isn’t the same as everyone else’s or one that is expected by our surrounding society. I don’t know if I project how blessed and happy I am because of it, or if they’ll ever know, but in the crazy exhausting chaos I know completely that I’m living the life of abundance God wants me to live.

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Christy Isinger is a full-time, at-home, sometimes crazy, mom to five(!) children aged 6 to 9 months. She herds toddlers and tries to keep a chaotic but loving home in northern Alberta, Canada. You can keep up with the craziness at her blog fountains of home where she writes about family, living the Catholic faith, books, and other random observations and opinions. 

Filed Under: Guest Posts, You Know?

Baby Whimsy

November 4, 2013 By Jenna 5 Comments

No doubt you’ve seen some of Queenie Liao’s photography. She takes advantage of her baby’s naptime differently than most moms. Instead of reading a book or doing the dishes, Queenie is busy creating a whimsical dream world for her child which she captures in her photography. Check it out.

But, Queenie isn’t the only mom having all of the fun. My friend Kristen’s newest addition has been captured saving the world, exploring space, deep sea diving, going on a moonlit stroll, and taking a hot air balloon ride:

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Kristen is a SAHM from Pennsylvania. Quinn is their 4th child and 1st boy!

Filed Under: Guest Posts, Livin' the Dream

My SAHMantras

November 1, 2013 By Jenna 2 Comments

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I’m fairly certain you have read Matt Walsh’s latest post about being a stay-at-home-mom. If you haven’t, log into Facebook; someone posted it. Or just read it here. It caused a lot of discussion and controversy as posts like that are wont to do. And in a few days, Miley Cyrus will pull another stunt or Congress will shut something else down, and we will forget all about the article and move on to the next sensation.

But, while everyone is moving on, moms (working in or out of the home) are still doing work that will never make the news and never win them any awards. Hardly anyone will ever talk about her job, and that’s ok. We don’t do it for the fame; we do it for our kids.

And no matter where we spend our 9-5, raising kids is a battle, and moms need mental armor to win the daily fight to raise outstanding human beings. I feel blessed that I was able to choose to stay at home with our kids, but on days when I know I am blessed, but I’m not really feeling it, this is what I keep in mind:

Head over to Messy Wife, Blessed Life to hear my favorite stay-at-home-mantras.

 

 

Filed Under: Guest Posts, Livin' the Dream, The Children

P.F. Changs Chicken Lettuce Wraps Copycat Recipe

October 23, 2013 By Jenna Leave a Comment

Poor Iris. She asked a flighty mom to write a guest post for her blog, and then she had to pester said mom until she finally buckled down to do it. Flighty mom apologizes. Flighty mom comes bearing food. Reallll good food. Head over there to get yer fillins of this P.F. Changs chicken lettuce wraps copycat recipe.

P.F. Changs Chicken Lettuce Wraps copycat recipe. So easy. We have these for dinner about once a month, and they come together in a half an hour. These have some extra veggies mixed in because we all need those! | dinner ideas for family | dinner ideas easy | chicken recipes |

© Joshua Resnick / Dollar Photo Club

P.F. Changs Chicken Lettuce Wraps at Starving Inspired

Filed Under: Guest Posts, Savory & Sweet

Free Fall Embroidery Pattern: super cute, easy and quick. Download it. Stitch it. Share it.

September 23, 2013 By Jenna 1 Comment

Free Fall Embroidery Pattern

free fall embroidery patternIf you’re looking for a quick and easy free Fall embroidery pattern, look no further than my latest and greatest over at Hi! It’s Jilly! Give your crafty soul some lovin’ this season by curling up with your pumpkin spice latte and your grandma’s old embroidery hoop. Crunch Crunch.

And, if you’re looking for a Fall wreath tutorial, a Fall letter tutorial, Fall soup recipes, or anything else crisp and Autumn, check out Hi! It’s Jilly’s Fall in Love with Fall series.

So, I love Fall. Ya know?

Filed Under: Embroidery, Guest Posts, I Made That

A Guest Post from My Mom

September 1, 2013 By Jenna 16 Comments

I asked my mom to write a post for me today because, why not? So, she wrote a little bit about her favorite garage sale finds; super appropriate for this Labor Day. Love you like water, Momma. You can follow my mom on Twitter here.

My daughter Jenna asked me to write about my favorite garage sale finds. This is not an easy task for me. Garage sailing (that’s the way I prefer spell it. Smoothhh Sailing) is by far my most favorite hobby. My house is FULL of unique garage sale finds. My faves? That’s tough, but…

My Disco Ball

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My friends and I happened upon a GS while taking a trip up north. We walked into an old barn, and things were just scattered on the floor. We were about to leave when I saw a glow in the distance. There is was: a large dusty unbroken disco ball. I was in love. My friends knew how excited I was. I asked the man, “How much for the disco ball?” I had a price in my head. I really wanted this; I was going to go as high as $40.

He said, “I don’t know. What do you think?”

I said $5.

He said, “okay”

Okay?? I crossed my legs, because I was going to pee to pants, told my friends to put it in the car while I quickly handed him a five and left.

My Chandelier

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I was sailing away looking at some things. I saw it. A woman was holding this beautiful chandelier asking the man how much. He said $10. I about flipped.

She said, “It has a little chip.”

He said, “Fine, $8.” She kept looking at it. I just kept saying over and over again in my head, “Put down the chandelier. Put it down.” She did. I tripped walking/running to it. Picked it up and said, “I’ll give you $8.” Bam! Mine.

My Polish Lamp

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I was at a block sale. I was sailing away when I looked up. My eye caught a glimpse of this shiny beauty sitting in the driveway. I hurriedly trotted over.”How much for the lamp?”

In his thick polish accent he said, “$50.”

$50?? I truly only had $10 left on me. I wanted it badly. I told him I only have $10. He said, “Go get more. This came all the way from Poland.”

“I don’t have anymore. Please.”

“$40,” he said.

I begged.

“No,” he said. I walked away so sad.  I turned to give it one more plea.

“I promise to love it and take care of it. I promise!”

“Okay, lady. $10. Take it. And love it.”

I do!!

My Vase Collection

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I have to mention my vases. When the kids were little they would ask, “If there was a fire what would you grab?” My orange vases. I got these at three different GS’s! Do you believe that?? Probably my most pricey finds. I think it was about $75 total. So worth it.

My house is decorated in over 50% GS. I wish I could show it all to you. You should see my house at Christmas!!

Isn’t my mom the best? And don’t you think she gets easily distracted by sparkly things? I do.

Filed Under: Guest Posts

I didn’t marry me.

July 16, 2013 By Jenna 3 Comments

I didn't marry me. Tips for getting along.

I’m pretty sure we all go in to marriage knowing that there are going to be good times and bad. I mean, they tell you right up front. But, that doesn’t stop the young mind from doing what it does best: ignoring reality. Mike and I were no different. But these days we are much wiser. Do you want to know why? We realized that the day you have it all figured out is the day you admit that you don’t know anything about anything – including each other.

Want to know how Mike and I figured it out? I’m at To the Heights today, you know, doing a little guest posting.

Filed Under: Guest Posts

Interview with Mom-Spot.com

June 26, 2013 By Jenna 1 Comment

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I’m pretty sure the title sums this one up.
Mom-Spot.com interviewed me, and here it is.
Short and sweet. You know me.

Filed Under: Guest Posts

8 Great Young Adult Novels That Adults Will Love Too

March 4, 2013 By Jenna 7 Comments

I met Kim through a blogger link up site, and she is super cool. Wanna know why? Because she is going to be a librarian. Honestly, if I ever get a chance to go back to grad school, this is what I will do. Maybe I’m a little jealous of her. At least she shared a few of her fave YA reads over here at the Call Her Happy. Here’s looking at you Jen and Katie.

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It seems like young adult literature is all the rage these days. So many of the next big books, authors, and movies are aimed at the 12-18 crowd, but even adults are jumping on board. But what does this mean for the adult reader who isn’t so enamored with sparkling vampires and boy wizards? For those readers, there are plenty of books beyond Twilight, Harry Potter, and Hunger Games that adults can enjoy; books that include plot, character development, and stylistic choices to match any adult novel. Young Adult doesn’t mean sub-par. These eight books are a great start for any adult who wants a taste of YA with the quality.

If you’re looking for books to read - something you can read quickly but still has a plot line - check out these eight young adult novels that adults will love too! | novels to read | books worth reading | YA books to read | young adult books to read |

© erika8213 / Dollar Photo Club

 

If you’re looking for books to read - something you can read quickly but still has a plot line - check out these eight young adult novels that adults will love too! | novels to read | books worth reading | YA books to read | young adult books to read |A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
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After the tragic death of her mother on her sixteenth birthday, Gemma Doyle is sent to Spence Academy, a boarding school for girls outside of London. While there, Gemma begins to have mysterious visions, which lead her and her friends to the discovery of a magical world beyond anything they could ever have imagined.

Narrated by the witty and immensely likeable Gemma, this story of finding who you are is familiar to almost anyone, even if we didn’t spend our teenage years in a magical, Victorian boarding school. Readers will love the rich descriptions and the engaging plot.

 

 

If you’re looking for books to read - something you can read quickly but still has a plot line - check out these eight young adult novels that adults will love too! | novels to read | books worth reading | YA books to read | young adult books to read |If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Amazon

The last thing seventeen year old Mia remembers is laughing with her family, when suddenly she is watching the scene of an accident as paramedics remove bodies – including her own. Stuck between this world and the next, she spends the next 24 hours watching as doctors try to save her, as friends and love ones mourn the loss of her family, and as they desperately hope for her to survive. During this time, she realizes she has a decision. Should she stay on earth? Or pass on to be with her family?

This is a beautifully written story of love, loss, and what it means to be alive. The power of family and friends and the choices we make is something that will resonate with readers of any age.

 

 

If you’re looking for books to read - something you can read quickly but still has a plot line - check out these eight young adult novels that adults will love too! | novels to read | books worth reading | YA books to read | young adult books to read |Sisterhood Everlasting by Gayle Forman
Amazon

This fifth installment of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series takes place 10 years after the last book. Tibby, Lena, Carmen, and Bridget have grown apart from the close friendship they once had, but an invitation from Tibby to meet in Italy seems like the perfect way to reconnect. When a tragedy occurs, however, the women’s lives are shaken to the core.

Though this is a continuation of the series, readers need not have read the first four to enjoy this book. The characters as adults are vastly different than their previous incarnations, but they are no less compelling. This is a book that will break your heart and put it back together again.

 

 

If you’re looking for books to read - something you can read quickly but still has a plot line - check out these eight young adult novels that adults will love too! | novels to read | books worth reading | YA books to read | young adult books to read |Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Amazon

When Jacob’s grandfather died, he thought he saw a monster. But monsters aren’t real, right? That’s what his parents and his therapist say. Jacob’s not so sure, though. To explore the mystery that was his grandfather and finally figure out the truth of his death, Jacob travels to a small island outside England where his grandfather lived during WWII. There he will discover Miss Peregrine’s School for Peculiar Children and learn that his grandfather wasn’t what he seemed to be at all. And neither is Jacob.

This imaginative tale is full of twists and surprises enough to keep any reader from putting it down. The multi-layered story is part fantasy, part adventure, part historical fiction, and all enchanting.

 

 

If you’re looking for books to read - something you can read quickly but still has a plot line - check out these eight young adult novels that adults will love too! | novels to read | books worth reading | YA books to read | young adult books to read |The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
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Saved from dying from Stage IV thyroid cancer by a medical miracle at fourteen, Hazel has spent the last two years tethered to an oxygen machine and living a very quiet life. When Hazel meets Augustus at a cancer support group, her world suddenly changes, forcing Hazel to re-examine her life and her illness. Yet, the future isn’t certain for either of them and they must decide what to do with the time they have left.

John Green has a very distinct, typical voice and plot and this book is no exception, but he manages touch on so much more in this book than his previous works. The beautiful journey and powerful ending will have readers laughing and reaching for a box of tissues.

 

 

If you’re looking for books to read - something you can read quickly but still has a plot line - check out these eight young adult novels that adults will love too! | novels to read | books worth reading | YA books to read | young adult books to read |The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
Amazon

Over the summer Frankie has changed from a quiet geek to a knockout with attitude. She snags a hot new senior boyfriend and a place in the in-crowd, but the intelligent, witty Frankie wants much more than that. When she is excluded from her boyfriend’s all male secret society, she decides to put her scheming brain to the test and use pranks to make a political statement about the classist, male-dominated nature of her school – and maybe earn her way into her boyfriend’s secret world.

Frankie is a truly charming character. Adult readers will love her hijinks and identify with her attempt to navigate the complications of a girl growing up and finding her place in her world.

 

 

If you’re looking for books to read - something you can read quickly but still has a plot line - check out these eight young adult novels that adults will love too! | novels to read | books worth reading | YA books to read | young adult books to read |The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancy
Amazon

Orphan Will Henry acts as assistant to a doctor with a very unusual interest – monster hunting. Despite the bizarre circumstances, Will Henry has grown accustomed to his life until one night when a truly horrifying monster is delivered to the doctor. This leads Will and the doctor on a terrifying chase to stop the world from being overrun with a very dangerous and deadly beast, a chase that will reveal secrets to both Will and the doctor’s pasts.

This book is beautifully written and recalls the style of classic horror writers like Poe and Shelley. One note about this book, however, is the clinical detail with which the study of monsters and their victims is described. It’s not for the squeamish. If they can get past that, even the most skeptical of adult readers will be bewitched with the style, plot, and characters.

 

 

If you’re looking for books to read - something you can read quickly but still has a plot line - check out these eight young adult novels that adults will love too! | novels to read | books worth reading | YA books to read | young adult books to read |Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Amazon

In this future version of United States, love is a disease and the government has found a cure. All citizens must take this cure when they turn 18 in order to be safe from the “delirium” and lead happy, predictable lives. Lena has always looked forward to the cure; she wants to be safe from the disease that destroyed her mother. Ninety-five days from her birthday, however, something happens that changes everything. Lena is no longer sure that the cure, her family, and the government are right about love.

This unique take on the typical dystopian story will have readers fearing for and rooting for Lena. Adult readers who are able to understand the nuances of love and the world without it will find her story even more fascinating and alarming.

 

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Kim is aspiring librarian who loves introducing readers to great books.  She lives in Kansas City with her husband and very spoiled beagle, where she spends her time reading, baking, and blogging at Quintessentially Bookish.

Filed Under: Good Reads, Guest Posts

I’m Guest Posting at Catholic Cookie Jar Today

January 23, 2013 By Jenna 3 Comments

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You know, I feel like it took me a while to find my place in the blogging world, and I’m still working on it. But Mike asked me the other day what he thought my niche was. I told him that I am a Catholic Mom Blogger. I think that’s pretty accurate; what do you think?

Anyway, since starting on this path, I have met so many new bloggers and joined a few Catholic networks. New Evangelization, anyone?

Where am I going with this? Oh, yeah.

I recently got to know Caitlin from Catholic Cookie Jar, and she graciously allowed me into her space today to talk about marriage.

Head over there and check it out. Tell her you said hey.

Filed Under: Guest Posts

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