Cinnamon vanilla muffins

I am just really lacking motivation these days. 

However, I have been somewhat productive. Well, in some areas. I am doing my best to stick to the 40-30-30 diet, natural and organic at the same time. Let's be honest... it mostly sucks. But there are a few foods that I love and could eat all day everyday... Chicken chili, And these awesome muffins.

Cinnamon vanilla muffins.

1/2 cup oats

1 1/4 cup 0% Greek Yogurt

1/3 cup coconut oil 

1/2 cup organic sugar

2 eggs {I use egg powder and they are much more moist that way, If you use eggs, add 2-3 tablespoons of water as well as the eggs}

2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

3 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

Add all ingredients except flour, mix until combined. Then stir in flour. Use a muffin scoop to put into cupcake liners. Bake at 375 for 15 min. It makes about 20 muffins. Weird number I know, But I just cant get the ratios correct to get 24 muffins. There are about 115 calories per muffin, And to make it 40-30-30 I eat it with some fruit and some Canadian bacon....mmmmmm.... One of my favorite pre 

cardio meals. Oh and I should mention that they are a huge hit with the kiddos.

I had to throw this one in there, You know, proof to my children in 30 years that when I am old and saggy, I can refer to this post and say listen up you little punk.... I used to be buff and hot. Oh you know, And to let them know that being healthy is and was important to me and that I hope it will be to them too. Blah, blah, blah... 

And a HUGE shout out to my partner in crime Sarah Poor who is on this "diet" {Its really a long term eating plan, not a diet, I hate that word} She is on this too and has now entered into uncharted territory, Weighing in at the lowest she ever has in her adult life, and is killing her weight loss goals! Get it girl! She makes me so proud and keeps me motivated to not eat candy corn and cupcakes. And she also smokes me when we run too. I can't keep up with that machine. I would have put her bicep picture up too, But she would have put me to shame... And we can't have that now can we.

virtual school

Ive had a bunch of friends curious as to how virtual school is going, and curious as to how it works and what not. So, I thought I'd do my best to give you some insight.

Seriously, This isn't even all of it.

First and foremost, I love it. I love the program that we use. The curriculum we are using is through k-12. You can find their site here.  He is still in the public school system, But everything is done at home. {Unless we choose to participate in group get togethers and field trips.}
They sent us a HUGE curriculum package. Seriously there has got to be $500-$1000 worth of stuff. All the student workbooks, And all the teachers books, math cubes, science supplies, 3d shapes, TONS of books, dvds, cds, You name it. And yep, The county pays for all of it! Cost to us... Free!
He has to be logged on for a total of I think 20 hours per week, But between me and you, it only takes maybe an hour to get through the material per day, and then they have pre-set time amounts you can just log in. {Does that make sense? Like a math lesson should have taken 30 minutes, but blake got through it in 10, But you can still log the 30?} any how, So that isn't an issue as far as it being time consuming. I fought with him longer than that to get his homework done after he was at school for 7 hours.

I love that he can work at his pace and it is catered to his strengths and weaknesses. For example, The kid can do third and fourth grade math, No seriously, the kid is off the charts smart in math, bar graphs, division, multiplication, But he struggles with fine motor skills. {He's also dyslexic.} So we can tailor the curriculum to harder math curriculum, that is better suited for his needs than that of a class of 28 kids, and focus more on how to correctly form his letters, also taking more time for that than most children would need. Something that in an average classroom setting we wouldn't be able to do. As much as the teachers love these kids, There is just no way that with the number of students that they are being given is it possible to individually tailor lessons to one kid.

I love having him home still. I know that the time will come and that he will eventually go to regular school. I love that we have individual time together and that I am the one teaching him and enjoying his successes.

I love that there are so many more learning options for him. For example, He has music theory incorporated into his lesson plans, {His teacher writes up lesson plans for the week and tells me what pages to do with him, and if we don't like it, we can skip it! How awesome is that?} And also Spanish. Most schools have done away with the music programs and it crushes me inside to know that something that I learned a love and passion for as a 2nd grader in Mrs. Vonderheids music class, That most children won't have the opportunity to be introduced to that.
There are also tons of other "Electives" that you can choose from.

This is what a typical weeks lesson plan looks like.

So yes, He still has a teacher that writes our lesson plans, But we are on a conference call at least once a week, And she has learning check up sessions with him {Its like a test over all the subject matter that we have covered that week, that is all done online, at least for us}And we are constantly discussing his learning needs. These virtual school teachers are seriously incredible. 
I could not even begin to describe all of the different programs and opportunities that this supplies him with. And I love that it leaves me time {Instead of him being gone for 7 hours a day} To teach him the other important things. Chores, cooking, baking, music, scriptures, manners, Etc. Things that I think are important for him to know.
So, If you are on the fence, Or wondering if you have time, The answer is yes. It's not hard. I think you should absolutely give it an in depth look and I would recommend it to anyone who thinks that their child could benefit from tailored individual lesson plans, or who thinks that the schools are not meeting their child's individual needs, Or hey, If gas is too expensive and you don't want to drive your kid to China, Like me. That was the original reason we started, That and I was nervous about the environment that public school is, Even kindergarteners have potty mouths. But now, after starting it, Just now am I realizing and learning all of the numerous benefits that virtual school offers. It's not nearly as scary as jumping straight into home school, and he is still in the public school system, So if we do send him back, I know he wont be behind. I'm actually scared that with this, If he does go back he will be so far ahead in certain areas that he'd be bored. But that's a bridge we will cross when we get there... He's only in kindergarten.

Excuses.

So here goes.
I haven't written in a while for several reason.

~ The move has been hard on me emotionally. {I'm finally getting over that} And I really do love it.

~I'm busy. Blake is doing virtual school, And I am keeping LaLa home for VPK as well.

~This is a big house and it takes a lot of time to clean. By myself. I don't have help anymore. Seriously, that is the first thing on the list...hire a new cleaning lady. But it has to wait a little while. Until I can get the budget situated. {More on that later}
Although, I did have the kids start putting their own laundry away, and it was life changing... seriously. Made my life much easier. And I felt like I was doing them good making them work.

{Holy Handouts}

~I am overwhelmed. Well, No, Not anymore I'm not. I'm actually in a good place... Today. That may change next week. Or heck, even tomorrow. But I have been. For example.... It all came crashing down Wednesday. Wednesday was a horrible day. And I sat and cried {literally} to my Heavenly Father begging him to help me understand how one person was supposed to do everything that is expected of me. And you want to know the answer I got... Well, Kyrsten, sitting here isn't accomplishing any of it. So put your big girl panties on and deal with it. So I did. {I'll admit, I was wallowing in self pity}  {No, It was really a bad day. And it was my fault. I overdrew our checking account by $800 that day, because I was just careless and irresponsible and wasn't paying close enough attention to a single transaction, you'd think with one that big I would have. But no. And then literally hours later, I got a Voicemail from JEA saying our power was being shut off at 6pm if I didn't pay it by 5 pm. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I paid that bill. But long long long story short I didn't pay $40 of it {Because I didn't know the amount because JEA isn't mailing my bills to the right address} So anyways, long story longer, we transferred some money from savings to checking {Thank heavens we have savings}  I wasted $70 in over draft fee, so that was awesome. The whole point of that story is that I am totally off my groove. I am so crazy about budget and finances normally but since we moved, I haven't even attempted to stick to a real "budget." Ive just been buying what we have needed. Big mistake. I am just overwhelmed and running behind and budgeting takes time and that's something I haven't had a lot of lately. 


~Instead of blogging, I have been reading. I was having a really hard time being released from teaching Sunday school. I missed it. So I started reading more diligently. It was about 6 weeks before I got a calling in this new ward. That was hard on me too. Now I am in Young Womens. I'll be honest. Brutally honest. It wasn't where I wanted to be. I wanted to teach the scriptures. More. The new curriculum is fantastic. And I do get to teach the scriptures, but not as often as I'd like. I'll only teach once or twice a month. Which is good, But Its been hard. I know how Alma felt. {Alma 29:1-10} The Gospel of Jesus Christ burns in my soul. And I want to teach it. I want others to love it like I do and to know the happiness and peace that comes from it. I want others to know of the plan of salvation and our Savior. I want them to know. I don't want them to think they know... I want them to KNOW. And I want to teach them how to know, how to learn. I want to be an instrument in the Lords hands to help others feel the spirit. I want to teach these kids that the people in the Bible and Book of Mormon are real people. I want them to know the promises that the Lord has so mercifully given to us if we will consecrate our lives to Him.
I know that I can do that in Young Womens too, And I am grateful for the opportunity that I have to be with them. It just means that instead of giving lessons, I have to focus more on being an example. Living the Gospel and showing them that I love it, Without saying that in a lesson.
So, I have dedicated myself to learning and loving the scriptures and first obtaining His word {D&C 11:21}, So that when the opportunities do come to teach and testify I will be ready. So, Right now I am studying the new testament again, And have made my goal for this year to read the Book of Mormon once a month. So that's another reason that I haven't had time to write. In order to get through it at that pace, I am going to have to read whenever I get the chance. And to be honest, I need it. I need to feast upon the Word. Not just have an appetizer.
 Captain Moroni wrote "by the maintenance of the sacred word of God to which we owe ALL our happiness." {Alma 44:5} How cool is that? ALL their happiness. So I can gather from that that if I want to be happy, I can find it in the scriptures.
 I can't do anything without Christ. But I also know that I can do ALL things through Christ. {Philippians 4:13} Even if all those things are laundry, dishes, cleaning bathrooms, and taking care of kiddos.
~I have projects. There is a lot of painting and reupholstering and hanging and all that kind of stuff that goes along with a new house. As long as I can remember, my grandma always had a cedar chest at the end of her bed. I asked her if I could have it. So she brought it down this last time she was here. And I have had the privilege of giving it a little facelift. It's a beaut. My niece is getting baptized in February and so I am putting sleeves on her dress, and making her a scripture case too. Not to mention a few skirts and dresses for my girls and myself.

Okay, So now you're kind of caught up. Long story short, I've been in a funk, and I'm busy. But I'm back in the blogging saddle. {As soon as I go get a new computer chair, We don't have one right now so it kills my back to sit at the computer, But I'm on it...it's on the list...the very long list of things to do and buy.}

Today was a wonderful day. My beautiful little Lala turned 5, Blake learned to ride his bike without training wheels, Lala is not far behind him, {maybe tomorrow she'll have it down} and my rug came. I'm living the dream my friends. As my best friend would say, these are the good ol' days. Yes, yes they are. These are the days I'm going to cherish. Simple, ordinary, happy joyful days with this sweet family of ours. This house is slowly becoming our home, but today it especially seemed "homey." I saw our families gathered around laughing and playing and as I looked around and it finally felt like it was not just our house, but it was our home. I don't do well with change, even when it's change that I want and plan.... So this has been a bit rough for me emotionally, but I have slowly started to wrap my head around it and get to a new normal. I know this is the best place for our family to be, and I absolutely love it, there's just some little pieces and conveniences of our old life that I miss. But this move has fulfilled so many of my dreams, and has allowed me so much more time with my sweet family and the simpler, more family and Gospel centered life I have always wanted. Today was one of the good old days that Michael and I will look back on and cherish and hold tight in our hearts.

This is the place

(I am on my phone and typing with fat fingers so excuse any typos)
We are here. Finally in our forever home. However, I still have no internet, tv or cell phone reception. (We have zero bars and no service in the house) I have to go get a cell tower.
Moving, not so smooth. The movers were slower than molasses and of course they are paid by the hour. So it cost us double what we paid for the last move and what we had budgeted. And they put all the boxes in the front two rooms and I had to carry them upstairs to their final destinations. (they would have taken them upstairs, but I figured we would have been there another 5 hours and I didn't have time or money for that.
We still have to get the swing set taken apart and moved and put back up. We are waiting on a trailer. Mikes uncle is going to help us move it but we have to get everyones schedules aligned. In pretty sure that thing will make my life much easier. The kids LOVE being outside already, I can't imagine what it'll be like when they have a swing set.
My mom from Utah is here. Thank heavens. It was perfect timing because I really needed help with kids and boxes. The goal is to get the kids rooms done while she is here. Oh yes, and it's good she's here to take care of the kids because I have strep. I'm pretty sure I have had it for about a week but I just didn't have time to go to the Dr. I've been running myself ragged and so maybe it's a good thing it finally knocked me flat. So I have no choice but to slow down a bit.
Furnishing a house without going into debt is hard. It's really hard. But we are determined to do it and so if that means that a few rooms sit empty for a while, so be it.
So craigslist and garage sales have been my go to. There are a few things in the house that I bought new like a lamp and pillow covers, but all on sale and all with a coupon. However, this is what am most proud of at the moment... My $5 garage sale leather chair.
We aren't talking like cheap bonded leather either. This is the good stuff.
I originally wanted to purchase a little lounge chair from Ballard. But it was going to set us back about $1,000. (I cannot stand fake bonded leather so I was not going cheap on that piece) so I searched craigslist and found one that was suitable but it was still $500. A good savings, but I couldn't bring myself to buy it. It was just too much money. I knew I could find something else. And so sure enough we (Sarah, and my brother in law Barrett) were out garage sale-ing on Saturday and I spotted this thing from a mile away, jumped out of the car almost before Sarah had time to stop it, and asked the lady how much, praying it wasn't sold already. "$5" the lady said. I almost died. I was thinking at least $100. I quickly paid the lady and hauled that thing off happy as could be. So, that's where we are at. Still trying to unpack and get settled. I'll post a few pictures when I get the Internet hooked back up.

Our walk through is tomorrow. We are scheduled to close the Monday after. 1/2 the house is in boxes, And the other 1/2 I am just pretending it will pack itself. There's a few things that still need worked out on the house, {The fence is the only one that I am slightly concerned about, But it will get worked out} I'm kind of stressed, But not really. I probably should be, But I think I am just not facing reality. It's easier that way. 

We have a Halloween party almost every night this week, And I still have to finish one more costume, I'm just going at life as normal, like the whole moving thing isn't happening. After all, I can't just skip the Halloween festivities, It does happen to be my FAVORITE holiday.

Want a sneek peek?

Cutest sidekick ever right??

 Plus the regular school scheduel, and you know, packing the house up. So I will resume the blog after we get settled. Thanks for the help. Thanks for babysitting. And hey, If anyone wants to join me for a paint party on Monday the 29th, Holla at me. I'll pay you in pizza, soda and love. And you can come see the house. {Am I the only one that likes to creep and see other peoples houses? Does that make me a weirdo?}

One mans trash is my treasure.

I am really up to my earballs in stress, boxes, projects, and kids.

Our walk through is a week from monday. And we close a week after that.

Holy cow. I have a lot to do.

The house is beautiful. It's more than I could have ever imagined it would be. Mike and I went through yesterday and it was the first time I had seen the correct backsplash, {The first one that was put in was the wrong color, And it looked terrible. just a little miscommunication, But they fixed it quickly and without issue.} And the wood floors were put in... And my stove. Oh my stove.

I was fighting as hard as I could to not burst into tears. I was so overwhelmed and grateful, and couldn't believe that this was going to be ours.

Here was the list we were waiting on and here are the things that have been completed.

The garage door and front doors need painted. {They were doing that today}

The shutters need installed

The lawn, landscaping, irrigation, and fence need done

The backsplash in the kitchen

Glass inserts in the kitchen cabinet doors

wood floors need installed

carpet needs installed

stairs need stained

stone work on the fireplace 

We are so close. 

Sarah and I went garage sale-ing today.

It was one of the best, most successful hauls I've had. 

I got blake a bag of boy dress up clothes for $5. Retail new - at least $100.

 Including 

optimus prime

bumblebee

swat team leader

army dude

firefighter 

police

pirate

spider man

a knight

A disney store sleeping beauty dress in fantastic condition.
I paid $5. Retail new $45

A Barbie Jammin Jeep power wheel for $40. Retails new - $290

{I got Blake and LaLa a power wheel on target clearance last year and paid $75 a piece and so this one is for Kynzi because we all know LaLa would never let Kynzi drive}

A pair of sperrys for LaLa... get this... I PAID ONE DOLLAR. Retail new is $50

  A pair of Gap zebra print shoes for LaLa -$1.00 Retail new $29

3 Gap shirts $1 each. Retail new-$13 each

Pair of cowgirl boots for lala $2. Retail new $15

A mirror for the girls room-$10. Retail at least $40. {And thats with a coupon from hobby lobby}

An old school desk $20

But my best deal and favorite score of the century... 

This swing set. 

We were going to buy a new one when we moved anyways so finding one at a garage sale was beyond awesome!!!

I paid $500.

Retail new for this particular one is $1200. 

And bonus... I don't have to put it together from a million pieces. 

So, Total saved by buying other peoples "junk"... Instead of new.

$1,241.

The only advice I have is to be picky. VERY picky, Don't just buy junk. Know what you want and don't settle. It's so easy to get caught up in the moment and buy junk just because its a good deal. Or to buy something you will never use just because its a good deal. Only buy it if you need it and will use it.
That being said. I have no shame in proclaiming to the world that I buy used things. I buy other peoples trash.  And you know what? I save a LOT of money doing it.
I don't know why some people think they are "above" that, But they are missing out!