Never Say Never: A Humble Journey of Joining the Air Force

My humbling experience of joining the Air Force: Something I NEVER wanted to do.

I grew up with my Dad in the Army and I vowed I would never, ever, EVER be in the military again. I grew up moving and I thought I have done my share. I never wanted my husband to go on deployment, potentially to a dangerous area and pretty much be a single parent. I didn’t want the constant life of change with packing and unpacking boxes, reestablishing myself everywhere we moved. My children to change schools and either be behind or ahead depending on the curriculum. I was set…the military would never be in my life again…EVER!

In my early teens my Dad had a job in Idaho between the military I fell in Love with the “Potato State.” I knew this is where I wanted to live the rest of my life. I also met my husband in High School where we where just friends at the time. Well, I moved my senior year, but luckily College and attending Brigham Young University Idaho (BYUI) brought me back to the Gem State and I couldn’t have been happier. My husband after serving a two year mission for our church came to BYUI where we dated and got married.  I remember though that before we got married I told him that military was NOT an option.  Don’t even ask or mention it because I was not going to be moving the rest of my life. I knew that he wanted to join the Air Force before his mission and fly planes but he was too tall at 6ft. 7in and the cut off was 6ft. 4in. (So I wasn’t too worried.) His family was also from Idaho and moved over from Boise area so I knew my plan was set in stone and nothing was going to change it. Well…

After we graduated there were jobs available in Idaho for my husband’s degree with Idaho’s department of Fish and Game; so we applied to several job openings. He did an internship with them so I was sure that it would help with getting the job. It was going perfectly and we would get to raise our family in a small town, with lots of space for room to grow. Then an interview came. Lots of prayers, searching for housing and the adulting began. Then we got an email.

It said thank you for your interest but we will not be continuing with the second interview. We were heartbroken since that seemed to be the trend for the next couple weeks. We looked at other jobs that either wanted a Master’s in the same field or at least 5 years experience. We talked, prayed it over and decided to go to Graduate School. That is where my humbling journey began.

I had a friend in my church who I had a feeling to check up on since I knew her husband was gone on Weekends sometimes. I found out her husband was in the Army Reserves and that Sunday I asked her about it. I asked how she liked it and if they were here on the GI Bill getting an education. We talked about benefits, etc. I JOKINGLY turned to my husband and said, “Hey, maybe we should use the Air Force to pay for our education.” (Because I heard the Air Force is the more family friendly out of all the branches of military). But I wasn’t serious AT ALL. He responded, “We’ll see.” I then got up and went back to sit with my family and as I sat down a feeling and the spirit came over me and I thought maybe that could actually be a good plan. I turned to my husband and said, “Hey, maybe we should use the Air Force for Graduate School.” I thought about it the rest of church and kept mentioning it to my husband since the feeling wouldn’t leave me. We looked into it when we got home. As we were looking he told me that he was actually thinking about the Air Force for a while now. I was confused since he never mentioned anything and I asked, “Why didn’t you say something?” He told me it was because he knew I didn’t want to be in the military. That was a heart stopping moment and I realized later the Lord had to work through me in having the “jokingly idea” of joining the Air Force. I also felt really bad since I was stopping him from doing something he wanted.

 The Lord knew this. He ALSO knew that I would need A LOT of reassurance and help in this process of accepting the military life. He gave me sisters in the ward who were in the military to ask about their experience. Both being positive.

He also prepared my husband. Right after he graduated, he got a strong desire to get healthy and lose weight. He lost almost 60lbs. and once we started to apply and get ready for MEPS he was only 10lbs. short of the weight requirement and easily got it off within a couple weeks.

The Process was long and I was still uneasy. I started to second guess and pray if it was the right thing to do. My hopes and dreams of being in Idaho where getting crushed. Maybe it wasn’t what we were supposed to be doing but while my mom was visiting that prayer was answered. We were driving back from Idaho Falls and me and my mom were having a great conversation then out of nowhere my mom stops talking and turns on the radio. It was on the BYUI station and the speaker said, “Many of us might think, during these times of increasing evil, that we should take our families and hide out in some small town in Idaho, surrounded by other Mormons. But remember, the world needs us.” (4 Mar 2014 – Devotionals, Of Salt, Light, and Leave, Brother Drew Eagar, Instructor, Business Management Department http://www.byui.edu/devotionals/drew-eagar )

It spoke directly to my soul. That’s EXACTLY what I wanted to do…hide out in my small town in Idaho. The talk continued and he said “M. Russell Ballard gave us this great guidance regarding the topic:

In spite of all the wickedness in the world, and in spite of all the opposition to good that we find   on every hand, we should not try to take ourselves or our children out of the world. Jesus said, "the kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven," or yeast. We are to lift the world and help all to rise above the wickedness that surrounds us...

The Lord does not need a society that hides and isolates itself from the world. Rather, it needs stalwart individuals and families who live exemplary lives in the world and demonstrate that joy and fulfillment come not of the world but through the spirit and doctrine of Jesus Christ.^5”

         The Lord knew that’s NOT what we needed to do. Stay in Idaho isolated from the world. We need to be a light wherever we live and sometimes the Lord puts us in places so that we can be that light. It has also made me very humble in realizing I need to be better at sharing the Gospel since it’s so easy when everyone around you is of the same faith.

 Then one Fast Sunday I fasted for the sole purpose of having all my questions answered about the Air Force. I had a lot on my mind and wanted someone who was in that specific branch and active duty to answer my questions since things have changed over the years. During fast and testimony meeting I look over and a sister gets up from the very back to share her testimony. The first thing she says is, “I’m visiting and me and my husband have been in the Air Force for 19 years.” I couldn’t believe my ears! The Lord sent me someone to talk to me about the Air Force. It was one of the fastest prayers of fasting that has EVER been answered in my so far life. I tracked her down after and was able to ask any questions and concern I had. She was so nice and answered every question and told me that the Air Force was worth it. I asked who she was visiting as well. She told me that her daughter and her came up for a visit and picked the first meeting house that listed on the LDS Tools App. Coincidence…I think NOT! It was a blessing to prayer.

With that he sent me friends who recently joined. It’s like a was trying to find a way that it wouldn’t work out or something else would in the meantime so I wouldn’t have to spread my wings but stay in my isolated Idaho State.

The Process began. We were applying as an officer in the Air Force. During the process my husband had appendicitis and had to have surgery and only after to find out that the Air Force put a hold on officers until 2020. Nothing was going right.  We ended up joining as enlisted. My husband did so good on his placement test: 97% that he could do any job as long as it was available. Along the same time we both got a strong feeling that their was another little spirit that needed to be added to our family. 7 months later we were in and my husband was headed to Basic Training. It was so stressful for our family and I started to have panic attacks and anxiety. I prayed to the Lord for help. I told him that he has guided us this far and that I needed help. He gave me family coming for Christmas to help since my brother was getting married. He gave me strength when I had to deliver our baby by myself and a wonderful Mother and Mother-in-law to help. He sent me the right nurse whose son was in the Army and got me connected with my Husband at Basic Training so I could tell him I had our little baby girl since American Red Cross would not.

Then the time came for choosing our “Wish List” for where we would like to be stationed. We put everything out west (Texas, Idaho, Arizona…you name it!). I did NOT want to move down south. After we got our Soft Orders (Meaning it could change but not likely) to FLORIDA! I laughed….a LOT!!!! This whole process has been so humbling to me. I have learned that life is not what you expect, it never goes as planned. Funny though, I never prayed to get stationed out west, I only prayed the Lord would send us to a place that would be good for our family…and It will be! I’m SO excited for Florida now. The Lord has opened my eyes…Yeah, it took about a year because at one point a long time ago I was itching to get out of Idaho and adventure the world. Then that changed only to realize now that I really didn’t change and the Air Force is away to fulfill those dreams I once had. Because honestly, I probably wouldn’t have gone on any adventure because I hate traveling. Now, we are stationed at a place only 6hrs. from Disney World (I’ve never been to ANY Disney Park so you can count that I’m already planning THAT Trip.) We are somewhere warm and right next to the Gulf of Mexico with White Sandy Beaches. I’m pretty much going to live in a vacation area!

Not just that though. The Air Force will provide security, wonderful benefits for our family and a life where we can enjoy. My husband is loving tech school and learning how to do his job. Which he said he is going to enjoy. 

Even if I had those things I’ve learned that I could still be unhappy. It’s MY ultimate choice to be optimistic at whatever life throws you and the Lord had to show me that. He had to show me that what I thought was my ideal dream of living in Idaho the rest of my life wouldn’t actually give me lasting happiness. It was my family, my husband, our marriage and children. He gave me the opportunity to rely on him. He gave me the opportunity to have my husband taken away at the hardest time of our life. I was pregnant and then delivered without him having three little kids at home. I have never relied on my Savior more. I have never been more appreciative of my husband more. He gave me the opportunity to pray for reassurance and he answered EVERY SINGLE PRAYER. I would have never had those experiences if life went exactly how I wanted it too. I have realized life is NOT about me. It’s about people around and what is best for US as a family. I’m still learning and am so grateful for my Heavenly Father, my Savior and especially my husband who has been with me through thick and thin.

     So when life doesn't seem to go as planned and everything isn't working out how you thought. Remember: the Lord is setting up something great for you. He desires to bless you and knows you better than yourself. He raised you spiritually before you came to earth and is helping you physically while you are here. He's not going to just leave you. He's going to provide the best opportunities that sometimes we can't see right away. He is also going to give you opportunities to improve yourself so that you can become like him. Life is too short to be angry that things didn't go your way. Yes, life has many disappointments and struggles and it's okay to work through those. But through those struggles realize the Lord is right by your side from beginning to end.

A Year of Blessings (The Tender Mercies of the Lord)

         I just finished putting my baby to bed and it’s about 2 hours until the New Year starts. As I was holding her I started thinking about all the blessings of this past year that have happened to our family and me individually.  It definitely has been a year full of trial and stress but I can’t help but see the Lord’s hand in our life and how he blessed us every step of the way.

        It started at the Beginning of the year and a little at the end of 2016. When we applied for an apartment (suggested by a friend) that had 6month to a year waiting list. We got a call 2 weeks later saying they had a bottom floor, 3 bedroom apartment available since all the other applications didn’t qualify. Which is EXACTLY what I wanted/needed for my family. The Lord blessed me with the strength I didn’t have to pack up an apartment while I was 37 weeks pregnant and sent angels from my ward and family to help me move TWO days before I had my baby.

     The next big blessing came a couple months later while I was visiting my sister. (We were tight on money since we had 3 kids in diapers and so close to finishing school.) While I was visiting we were driving around she was telling me how she was stressed out because she couldn’t find a Daycare that would take all of her kids so she could keep going to nursing school. The thought came over me and I said, “Well maybe I can watch them.” She looked at me and said, “You’re joking, it’s too good to be true! I would even pay you!” I told her “No,” but she replied “Amy, someone is going to get paid and it’s either going to be you or a daycare.” She said she was praying for a solution and I was praying for extra income. The Lord knew both our needs and blessed us both. I knew it wasn’t a coincidence that I decided to go visit her.

(We were all excited when my husband came to visit while we were gone all summer along with our Christmas in July Party.)

     Then after we came home from a summer of watching kids and celebrating my husbands hard work from graduating college the extra income stopped, but soon after my husband got promoted to Dairy Manager. The Lord just kept blessing us with one thing after the other to help our little family to continue to be provided for. 

    Then in November we had interviews for a Job we applied for back in April. Lots of prayers were going up and fasting that we would get this job. The Interview came and a couple weeks later we got an email saying we would not proceed to the next step. Surprisingly a peaceful feeling came over me that it was going to be okay and we were not supposed to get the job that there is something else. It was confirmed to me when we went to my in-laws and my Father in law said the same thing to us He said, “Me and Angela were talking and thought you know they weren’t supposed to get this job because your needed elsewhere.” It’s been interesting ever since that point on how things have been adding up with other opportunities that we are looking at and I’m excited.

     It ended with December and started with decorating my house. My mother has a wonderful talent of decorating and crafting. She made this beautiful lantern center piece that I really wanted to duplicate. So I was keeping my eye out for a lantern on sale or hoping to find one at a Thrift Store.  Since brand new they can cost well over $30. Well one evening I went DI (Deseret Industries), just to get out of the house while the kids were in bed. I walked around the store wandering and didn’t find anything so I left. As I was walking to my car the thought came to me “Come back tomorrow to look for your decorations for your center piece.” I thought, “okay, I guess I’m coming back tomorrow. My husband came home from work the next day and I left. I was so excited to find my lantern and pieces for my center piece. I got there and looked down every possible isle it could be down at least 3 times. I lifted up all the decorations and scavenged the holiday décor only to find nothing. I felt I should look one more time. So I did. I found these beautiful burlap flowers, this wood circle and all the stuff to put together this woodsy/chic center piece, but still no lanterns. There was only one more place I could look which was the wood area. So I go over and I’m looking through everything. Finally, at the end of the isle right before the lamp shades I say a little prayer. “Dear Heavenly Father I would really like to find some lanterns for my center piece, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.” I open my eyes, look to my right and on the top shelf by all the lamps are two big lanterns side by side. I couldn’t believe it. I immediately thanked my Heavenly Father. Hurried and picked them up and put them in my cart to find they were only $2/piece!

    So many more blessings came the following couple weeks with presents for my family and so much more. This year seems it has been blessing after blessing. The Lord is truly aware of us from the Big things like finances to the little things like a center piece lantern. They come with friends telling you about a place you should apply for, or a sister who needs help but ends up blessing you in return. It comes from promptings of going to a store when you weren’t planning on shopping or listening to a neighbor. It comes from paying your tithing, reading your scriptures, or serving your neighbor and visiting teaching your girls. It comes from you, from us, from the Lord. I’m so grateful for the people and the gospel in my life. This truly is the tip of the iceberg with the blessings that my family has received and I hope I can stay tuned so that I can bless others in this next year to come. I also hope that you can look for the blessings in your life and fill your heart with gratitude especially in this year to come.  

Buying Modest Clothing at a Good Deal

   I hear ya! It's the ultimate search to find a good, long enough, cute enough modest piece of clothing that covers you and at a good price too!

     It started this year when I really wanted to narrow my closet down to basic items I can just put on without so many layers. I've been to a lot of boutiques and shopping malls but sometimes the price for the cute, modest top, is a little out of my budget. I love a good deal and I knew I could find one if I looked hard enough...and with a little prayer and some searching I did! I wanted to share with you what I have found so that you can thank your wallet and dress amazingly modest.   

Amazon is my go to for things like this. I know it is safe and reliable which is a priority when shopping online. Here are some cute items I found and can't wait to get! The Best part is almost ALL of them are under $10!
   
Top #1          
Top #2                                                   
Top #3

Top #4                                                       

Top#5                                

Top #6

Stay tuned for more modest finds....Dresses are next!

From my house to yours, 

Amy

No Job and Two Answered Prayers.

     

  

This quote is so dear to me Now and so True! Here is why:

     I was heading to Boise area to see my sister. I was so excited. It was a blessing getting there in the first place. Not to go into too much back story just read my post “A diaper of a Blessing: The Last 12 Diapers.”

   While I was there I told her about the online Job I didn’t get. It is our last semester of college and if I could work just a little bit we would graduate debt free. My husband was already working full time and doing his internship and we are in the last stretch. We were making enough for bills and everything but no more. I told her how I was so confused since they emailed me back almost immediately saying how I was so qualified and I even had two interviews with them and in the feed back they said I did great and it was what they were looking for. Then all of the sudden I got a response saying that they will no longer continue with my application. Sad day. I was confused and disappointed since their feedback was basically “You got the Job.”

   Well the visit went on and we were driving to her friends house to help her with her animals. My sister started talking about how she was so frustrated and stressed. She was about to start nursing school and doesn’t know what to do with her oldest son since her other daycare (who took care of her other two) won’t take care of him since he is above the age limit of that certain daycare. He had nowhere to go once school was out and Summer started.

   I thought for a few min. and said “Well, maybe I can come for the summer and watch them? ( Since I wasn’t busy with the Job I didn’t get.)  “Let me talk to my husband first but I think it will be okay.”  

She said, “Really? You’re joking me? That would be just a blessing! It’s too good to be true! I would even pay you!”

“Really? No, I’m your sister?”

“No, someone is going to get paid, whether it’s you or the daycare.”

“That would be such a BLESSING! Let me call my husband now!”

(Of course he said it was okay 😊)

    I didn’t think of it in the moment but I dawned on me later. I didn’t get the Job that I was highly qualified for because the Lord knew my sisters prayer of needing to find a babysitter. He also knew my prayer of needing some supplementary income. Both prayers were answered. My sister now has a babysitter All summer for ALL three of her children. I now have a “job” in which I will be getting some income. The Lord also knew that I wouldn’t be able to do both since I would be working from 3am-6am if I did get the other job.

      I’ve learned the Lord truly answers many prayers and usually not in the way you expect it. I know it always works out in the end. Oh, and even better; my husband got a part time Job with Security on campus for the Rest of the semester that he applied to the day before; which is ANOTHER blessing: Because He’ll pretty much be busy even if I was home AND extra income.

So ALL THE BLESSINGS:

-Extra Income coming in

-I get to spend the WHOLE summer with my sister

-My Husband will be busy whether I was home or not (even though I’ll miss him tremendously…thank goodness for phones and google hangouts)

-My children get to play with cousins ALL summer

-My sister now has a babysitter.

-I get to plant a garden (She said I could use her garden beds if I wanted) I’m SO EXCITED!!

Pretty much ALL the desires of my heart where answered. It was just the timing…for which I am grateful. The Lord really answers prayers; AND sometimes two in one.

A "Diaper" of a Blessing: The Last 12 Diapers.

        I couldn't believe it! Pay day came! (I'm pretty sure it's the most exciting day in human history). I started to do the budget and realized that we just had enough to cover bills and diapers for the rest of the month. I got really sad. I've been planning for about a month on visiting my sister next week and we've been making plans. The thing is; I still had to buy diapers for my baby since she only had 12 diapers left (then the diaper money I budgeted would go towards more at end of the month).  As priority I knew I had to tell my sister I had to cancel since I needed to use the gas money towards diapers. I'm not going to lie. My heart was really heavy and sad because we were also on the LAST semester of College and if I keep to this budget we will graduate debt free which is why I wanted to stick to it so bad.
   I called her that night to tell her the sad news and she told me, "Amy, I'm not worried and you know why? The Lord will take care of you because you have children to take care of." I knew it would be okay, but I still wanted to visit her.

    Then the next morning I had a feeling to go check the linen closet for more diapers....

Back Story: A couple days before I knew I had some diapers in the linen closet; an opened package and one other package (they were extra from my previous baby, that were extra I saved). I went to check to see what size they were. As I remembered I had one opened packaged and one closed packaged; no more, no less. I checked the size: Size 3. My baby was in size 2 but I tried them on and they fit perfectly. It was a blessing in and of itself.  At the same time I also applied for an online job in which I didn't get so as you can tell I was a little overwhelmed when I realized I was back to a tight budget. Well, then pay day came and...

   
     I had a feeling to go check the linen closet one more time. As I pulled away the curtain ( I use a large shelf as a linen closet) and you wouldn't believe it... I saw some diapers!!!  I pulled them out and saw more, and more, and more!!! I was shocked...I had 5 packs of unopened diapers!!! OVER 100 diapers! ALL SIZE 3!!! I went and told my husband what I had found! I immediatley felt overwhelmed with gratitude for my Heavenly Father. I did not see those diapers last week when I pulled out the other ones. I knew the Lord had blessed me. I started to cry. I was so overwhelmed by the love the Lord had shown me through some diapers. He really cares about me. Even if that caring is allowing me to see my sister.

      I know things like this are not coincidences. Even if the Lord covered my eyes not to see the diapers until right when I needed them. Or to put diapers there, who knows! All I know is that the Spirit prompted me and the Lord Blessed me. He truly cares about our lives, our happiness and even visiting a sister. I don't need to go to Boise, but I really wanted to and the Lord took that into consideration and made it Possible!

I know he will do the same for you. It is always in the right moment, and sometimes the last moment that the Blessing comes! It's ALWAYS right when you need it and I know that is true.

   I know this is true in the Name of Jesus Christ,
AMEN!!!!

No Degree is Ever Wasted In Motherhood

“No Degree is ever wasted when you choose Motherhood”

                Have you ever had the thought as the days are long and the budget is super tight that you wish you could use the degree you just spent tons of money on to help support your family. I know I have. I used to think “We could be living so much better right now by how much money I could be making using my degree.” But in reality, you can use your High Earned Degree in Motherhood to help you not only save money; but to raise wonderful children and here’s how. According to Salary.com for 2016, Stay at Home Mom's are worth: $112,962!!! That's A LOT of money! 
   (click on Website to see full image:) http://www.salary.com/stay-at-home-mom-infographic/

               Now, I don’t care what degree you got; everything from Biology to Accounting all the way to Health Science, from English to Engineering to Family and Marriage there is a use for it in Motherhood. Now, I’m going to share my example of how I use my Health Science, with an emphasis in Public Health, in my home, EVERYDAY, to help my family.

                As I said; I majored in Health Science, but before that I was also a certified Water Aerobics instructor (for 4 years), took a class to be a certified Fitness Instructor, CPR certified, took classes in Nutrition, public Programming and so much more, I know a ton about the body, how it works, how to help people and it’s fascinates me; but I always wanted to use it in the working world. I wanted to prove my worth that I am making a contribution to society. I wanted to continue to teach, to create programs…but I chose to be a stay at home mommy (Which I LOVE!!!) and in fact IS making a contribution to the world. Sometimes it’s hard to see because we as a people look at value by our “paycheck” and how much money is in our account. But REAL worth isn’t a paycheck it’s what you do to contribute to society. But I do really admire all you hardworking Mommy’s who have to work from home or away from home and then come home to do be mommy to your kids…Now, THAT’S superwoman!!! I understand that some mom’s have to work and I have great admiration because I would probably be so tired and stressed that I wouldn’t know what to do with myself. You guys have my complete respect from me and no judgment here.

                Going back to my degree…I HAD TONS of qualifications. My husband was working (he's a hard worker, like most men who provide for their families and for that I am grateful!) and we had sufficient for our needs but at one point I felt so useless having all these things I accomplished and all I was doing was changing diapers and preparing food; I thought that until recently…

                My husband came home from work and I was cooking dinner. He came up to me and said, “Amy, I’m so glad you cook and eat healthy because if you didn’t I probably would be eating junk food all day.” (Note: He has the biggest sweet tooth). I honestly don’t remember what I was cooking, but I do remember what he said and I really thought about that over the last week. Wow, I am using what I have learned to help my family. I am using my degree to make healthy meals for my family to eat. Then recently I have started a “Amy’s Home Cardio Workouts,” Because the last month I opened and then canceled the next day a gym membership because we couldn’t afford it (after I really looked at our budget) but I took my knowledge and my over 4 years of teaching Water Aeorobics, plus Fitness Instructor course I took, and made my own home workouts for FREE! This saves me over: $532/year! But even better I was able to share my knowledge and still feel like I was using my degree to help people including my family. When I do my workouts my girls dance to my pumped up music and especially my 1 ½ year old…who loves to do pushups with me (in her cute little dress up heals).  I am teaching my family the value of exercise. I realized I am NOT wasting my Degree and neither are you.

                Here’s some examples. If you are a

Business/Accounting major you probably can budget WAY better than I can and you can help save your family money because you know really how it works. You can probably even start your own business from home (which I admire). I try and fail for sure!

                Art Majors, You can create beautiful pieces to display in your home. Teach your children artistic creativity and so much more. (This includes Photography.) I do both of these and have save $100’s of dollars my taking my own children’s pictures instead of hiring someone and I display my own work in my home. (Here's some of my art that I display in my dining room and some Photographs I have taken)

                Science/Biology/Horticultural Majors. You know so much about how things work, plants, animals, etc. You can teach your children about the world around you. You probably have the best yard and garden I have ever seen! (You know how much money you save by growing and creating your own garden)

                Architecture/Construction. You can build and create beautiful things for your home (or even design your future home) and your beautiful yard….don’t even get me started! I hope to get that talent one day!

                Marriage and Family/Child psychology . You can help create peace, love and family unity better than most and understand probably better than others. You can counsel your own family on striving to be a happy family unit. You are probably more patient with your children and can find ways to help them grow in an ideal setting

                Health/Exercise Physiology majors. You can keep your family healthy. You can make play and exercise the same. You can teach how the body works and so much more!

                Nurse. You can treat those “owie’s” Better than most! You can tell the difference between cold/flu symptoms and then treat it with exactness. You know more about bacteria, viruses and can help keep your children safe from those things.

                Home Ec/Cooking. You know how much it cost to BUY a gourmet meal! You can make it at home…and it probably taste way better too! Along with sewing (You can make a Prom dress for your girls for 1/3 the price. These are just covering the basics.
(Here's a dress I made for $25 or less)

                Teachers/Education. Hands down to all you Education majors. I have to use programs and Youtube to help teach my kids. You know how to teach children the most effective way and can help teach your own! Nothing is more valuable than that of an educated child. You can even home school if you wanted.

                Cosmetology/Makeup artist. I always wanted to do cosmetology. You guys make people look beautiful and I bet you save so much money having the skills to use on your own family; especially when prom comes around for your girls; You can do their hair instead of hiring someone. My poor husband will just have to deal with my hands on training haircuts and off to the beauty saloon I’ll go.

                The list goes on and on. No degree is ever wasted!!! You can use your knowledge daily to help create a beautiful home, loving family, children who are educated, a budget that’s works and so much more. Also, if you want to learn or be better at something...you are never too late: You can! There are sooo many resources; youtube, other blogs, books, etc. that can teach you how to do anything! Seriously, my Dad used youtube so much to help him get through some classes he is now taking in college because people just explained it better. Keep it up mommy’s you are doing great!  You are doing better than you think you are and if the time comes were you can use your degree outside the home (which I am hoping I will!) Then that is great! Some may be sooner than most, which is fine, you can help provide and support because you got a degree and the Lord will bless you to be able to do that. Remember: Blessings come and the Lord compensates when you do what is right.  

From my house to yours,

Love, Amy

               

                 

Easy Chicken Pot Pie Casserole!

 

When I had my baby about 2 months ago a dear friend made me a delicious chicken pot pie. I was craving one tonight but didn't have all the ingredients for the recipe she gave me so I made my own and used a pie crust recipe I found. Let me tell you: It turned out DELICIOUS!!! Super easy to make too!

So with that being said: Here's my recipe: