Messy Musings: Homework Time!

Is it just me, or does the overjoyed, euphoric feeling you first felt when you realized school on all levels was finally over get violently ripe away from you every time you assist your child with their homework? Branching off that, does an overwhelming feeling of shame wash over you when you've no clue what's going on?! It can't be just me! God bless all teachers and parents who home school!!

Although homework time can be a great opportunity for bonding and a time to reflect on the wondrous growth of your child both inteligently and physically, homework time can also lasso in less positive things. Lie a frustrated child and sometimes a frustrated Momma, too!

Looking over his math homework, RT let's out a defeated sigh, pushing the homework away from him.

RT: I'm going to get it wrong. I'm just not good at this stuff.

Papi: Give it a try. Just try.

After blowing my nose, (I'm not only messy! I'm very emotional, too!) I managed to snap this photo of my dear husband giving a helping hand to my sweet boy.

It is little life moments lie this that remind us to appreciate the little things always. Have a good week, all!

God bless xX

Messy Momma Musings: Reflections of His Love

As I drove into work this morning, I saw an older man standing in his driveway as an older woman, presumably his wife, (I don't know these people - assumptions) backed out of their driveway in a red mini van. The home was quaint with a yard filled with flowers, bushes, and little trinkets. It looked well lived in and made me feel as if home was truly where their hearts were. I watched as the man mouthed I love you, (Or olive juice - who am I to say?) and the woman mouthed it back. It made my heart skip a beat! How beautiful! This couple could have been married one day or married a 100 years, but that love was there, it was evident, and it was strong. It stayed on my mind the rest of the way to work. Love is just awesome and it truly makes me so happy to see.

Love has the same effect on me when I think about God's love. His love for us is great. He's standing outside to mouth I love you before we drive off to work. He's also in the car with us in our travels. He's next to us in our cubicles while we work. He's always with us. Keeping us safe. Always expressing His love for us. How can we not appreciate that? How do we allow our hearts to not skip a beat but to expect His grace. We're horrible sinners. All of us. No matter how we depict ourselves on social media or in front of family and friends; deep down, we're all the same. Broken. Weak. Imperfect. Dirty. Unworthy. Incomplete. Messy. Sinners. Yet, His love for us remains. Always. How awesome is that? 

As a self-admitting "Messy" Momma, I recognize my many flaws and because of this I can truly realize how unworthy I am of His love. This quote by Ann Tatlock explains this concept clearly:

“Here's the paradox. We can fully embrace God's love only when we recognize how completely unworthy of it we are.” 

Love is a beautiful thing. In small moments where you see acts of love it's a great reminder of God's infinite and unbreakable love for you. Embrace His grace. Accept His son. Be gracious for your many blessings. Trust in His plan. Share His love and word. Always love one another. Let love be an inspiration! 

Olive Juice! Xx

Worldless Wednesday

If any day was acceptable for the duck face it would be everyday birthdays!!!

Happy Birthday, sister! I love you tons!

Fun Indoor Activities for the Family

It's been one heck of a winter! I suppose, because the last couple were pretty mild, God said, "I owe you!" Ha!  With temperatures in the teens and mountains of snow, it was simply not suitable weather for kids to play outside in. Not only does cold weather prevent us from going outside, so does the unbearable heat, and spring showers!  So, in honor of it FINALLY being spring, here are some indoor activities to do together as a family!

Purchase a canvas for each member of the family and paint! Have everyone pick two or three colors of their choice of acrylic paints which are relatively cheap at your local arts and crafts store. Equip each member with paint, brushes, and even a paint palette! Once completed and dried, hang the masterpieces in a special place in the home for everyday enjoyment. We did this in the Messy Momma household recently. We all painted a picture of our home! The variations are so.. interesting, but it's a great memory to hang in the living room!

Receiving a letter has become a memory of the past due to our advances in technology. (Can you tell I'm all about writing?!) Have the kids write a letter (or draw a picture depended upon the age) to an aunt, grandparent, or family friend. Have you and your husband join in on this almost forgotten art, too!

If you are looking to gain some exercise and want to shake off those winter blues, conduct a freeze dance party right in your living room! It helps to get the giggles and relentless energy of out everyone! This is a huge hit here!

Entertainment is important and plays are fun! Have the children put on a play. Help them choose costumes and equipment and sit back and enjoy their imaginations run wild!

All of the above activities are great ideas for a simple night in or because of inclement weather. Of course there are our old time favorites: board games, movies, baking, hide and seek, camping out indoors etc. Whatever you choose to do - stay dry and wait for the May flowers!

This article has been previously posted:   Working Mothers Philadelphia Some of it has been changed. 

RT Reviews: Lego Movie

This is a guest post by RT. - MM


Hey guys! I just want to tell you about the Lego Movie. My favorite part is when Emmett becomes a master builder because it was cool. I recommend this movie. Remember guys everything is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 


Hey guys this is me in my Ninjago shirt. This was a good movie, too. It's also a TV show. 

He makes me one proud Momma!

Wordless Wednesday

Messy Musings: Encouraging Your Child to Write!

In a digitally run world, sadly, the use of pen and paper has dwindled quickly. However, the appreciation for it doesn't have to! As a mother of a 9 year old boy who finds anything without controls, buttons, and noise of some sort a small step below torture, I knew I had to find a way to encourage him to write and further more, dare I say, enjoy the craft, too! My big idea, you ask? Pen pals!

I e-mailed a few of my friends with children around my son's age with the idea and gladly everyone responded with great interest. Not only should catching up and meeting new friends be exciting, but who doesn't love the anticipation of waiting to receive a letter back from your pen pal. Some fun stationary and cool colored pens and he's sure to enjoy this experience. He has no choice. It'll be great fun!

If you find yourself having difficulty motivating your own child with writing, below are some fun ideas! I hope some of them will be exactly what you need for your little one!

Journals. Have your son or daughter journalize their thoughts, a prayer, or the days events everyday before bed! This private way will have writing become an outlet rather then a chore. Also, a book full of memories for them to look back on!

Writing games. Writing games can be whatever you make it to be. An example would be purchasing a notebook for you and your child to share. You can start a story and have your child finish it. You could write a funny joke and have your child answer it. There are so many possibilities!

Create a "Writing Center." Create a special and comfortable area in your home where your child can be encouraged to write. This space could be used for homework, penpals, creativeness, etc.

Have you needed to think outside the box to encourage and motivate your child in a subject of school? What things did you do?

As always, be the example you want to set!

God bless xX