What I'm Loving Wednesday

I'm Loving . . . that our McMaster family reunion is just a week and a half away!  I'll see family that I haven't seen in 10 years (since the last reunion!) 

I'm Loving . . . that my mom found some great outdoor toys for the boys AND that my parents come over on Saturday to bring them to us.  The boys have so much fun playing in their new "houses". 

I'm Loving  . . . that my husband had a short day on Monday.  He had to work on Saturday so our weekend was very, very short . . .have him home Monday afternoon was a nice bonus.

I'm loving . . . .that Design Star has started - yes another one of THOSE shows that I enjoy.  I used to watch HGTV alot .  .not so much anymore but I still love this show!

I'm loving . .. listening to my boys laugh together.  They are learning to play together and that is wonderful!

What are you loving today? 

What I'm Reading

Welcome to another week of "What I'm Reading".  I'll start out with the books that I finished reading this week.

 The three books by Cindy Woodsmall is a Trilogy based on the life of Hannah Lapp.  She faces the "unspeakable" and through a series of terrible misjudgements of her and by her, she faces difficult choices.  I love how the author develops her character throughout each book yet keeps her grounded in her beliefs.  I truly enjoyed reading each one of these books and would recommend them to anyone.  They are based on the Amish culture (which I love reading about) but don't follow the typical style of many of those stories. 

This was a really quick, but good read.  It is the basic story of love lost, love found that shows how true love can outlast and heal so much.  The funny thing about this book is that I had recently been thinking about the story and could not remember the name of the book.  I just happened to grab this one to read and  . . .it was the exact book I had been thinking about!

Well, I still love Liz Curtis Higgs but . . .well . . I gave up on this book.  My disclaimer is that it is not a "bad" book but it was not a book I could just sit down and read.  The basic way it is set up is that within a chapter, Liz gives a verse that relates to the chapter topic, a short explanation, a snippet from a letter from a reader who struggles with the issue and a short "you can do it" thought . .. . over and over and over again.  It would be a book to use for counseling or just for encouragement - not so much for a "sit down and read me" book. 

Now for what I'm reading:

 I just started this book on Monday and I am hooked.  I really look forward to sharing the author's 120 day concept as I get further into the book.  I sense a challenge coming on - a personal challenge but I will also challenge you as well!!

This is my "fun" book - I'm just picking this one up and it is a re-read but I don't remember anything about it at this point. 

And of course, my two books that I'll be picking up this fall ;-) when I get back into my devotions full swing!:

I promise I'll get back to both of these - I was really enjoying them both a lot!!!

Too Cute Not To Toot!

Welcome to another week of Too Cute Not To Toot!  I'm going to start right out with a . . . .4th of July Idea :-)  Actually, this star idea could be used as a decoration for any party, just change the color of the paper.  Ask Anna gives a very easy tutorial to follow.

Do you have any road trips planned for the summer? Well, check out this idea from Oopsey Daisy.  She has created three differant versions of road bingo!  Such a great idea and something you could use over and over :-)

Do you love the Red, White and Blue buntings that hang on porches during the 4th?  I do . . .except when they are faded and icky HA!  Well, I saw this idea over at Homeroad and thick it would be perfect because it won't fade :-)  I would love to hang one of those on my fence!  She gives a good tutorial but I'm not sure what she means by "wooden walkway" . When I look at it, I think you could possibly use wooden shims and get a similar look (since they are thicker on one end than the other) or you could cut the wood yourself :-)

I saw this idea posted and wanted to share the link.  I don't have a picture to post with it but, Sweet Serendipity shares a bunch of camping with kids ideas that you really should check out if 1) you already camp with your kids or 2) you want to plan a fun back yard camping night with the family or 3) You are taking your first camping trip with the kids!  One idea she gives is how to create magic pine cones - she gives you the "recipe" to create the cones which will burn in pretty colors when you throw them into the fire!  This is just one of many ideas that she has :-)


Here's a simple idea from The prudent pantry to update a knife block.  I love it - and think it will go on my project list for when I finish up my kitchen.  My accent color is red so this is the perfect "what it will look like" picture!

Sunscholars has put together a ton of ideas to create to keep kids busy on trips - they are planning for a long plane trip but these would also work for any type of car trip as well. 

This cute idea for Salad from Home Spun with Love would be perfect for a picnic or a party.  Most times I skip a lettuce salad at a party because there isn't room on the little plate :-)  This would solve that problem!

Here's a twist on the Travel Bingo - this one would be great for older kids because .  . it uses Bubble Wrap.  Check out the idea over at Dukes and Duchesses.

It is week three at So you Think you're crafty and there are some cute ideas - check them all out and vote for your favorite. Can you guess mine?  (here's a clue!)

I saw this idea just as a picture on a blog so I went searching for the source through Pinterest.  I found this tutorial with printables over at Peppermint Creative. It is really a great Valentines Idea for your hubby but you could also use this as a creative gift for a friend and say "52 Reasons why I like You" or even make it a tradition to do this for your kids on their birthday - surely we can think of 52 things throughout the year to write about :-)

Get ready to drool!! Just look at this delicious treat from Six Sister's Stuff.  Now, my husband doesn't like the texture of coconut so, I guess if I make these, I'd have to eat them all :-) hehehe

Keep drooling :-) I design shares a recipe for S'more bars . .. how can you go wrong with a S'more??

 So, I have a photo wall in my house but, when I saw this idea, I just fell in love with it.  It is one of those ideas I'm tucking away to use in my next house (my house has texture walls which don't work well with vinyl!)  Check out the tutorial over at Lil Linu.

This next idea made me think of my friend Tonya.  I can see her doing something like this with boots her girls out grow and the thing is - she would make it look so adorable!!  Check out this idea from Primp.

You can tell it is summer time - there are so many great recipes and this cake takes the . . . cake :-)  A Diamond in the Stuff shared an easy tutorial for a cake that will make everyone think you slaved for hours :-)

Here is a great idea to do with your older kids to keep them entertained!  Ruby Kay shares this great idea for using your junk drawer treasures, some water, and a freezer . . .to entertain your kids for an hour.

This is such an awesome idea to have at the beach - a blanket that is a game:-)  Check out the full tutorial at Polka Dots on Parade.

Enjoy :-) 

Commenting Challenge Wrap-up

Over the past week, I participated in a great challenge from Jenna's Journey.  See, I love reading blogs; I love having being read my blog; I love when people make comments on my blog posts; I love when I see new followers; I seldom comment on other blogs . .. and always forget to click "follow" on my favorite blogs.  Do you see a problem with those statements? HA!  I love things on my blog but don't do it in return! 

Since July 4th, I've visited over 80 new blogs and commented on every single one PLUS somewhere around 80 new people visited my blog and commented too.  It made me smile!  And, did you notice - I'm now up over 50 follows and that makes me so happy too!!! 

In the midst of visiting all of those blogs I also found some new ones that attracted my attention enough to add them to my little "Blogs I follow" list.  I try to keep all of my blog lists and buttons as updated as possible.  If I notice that someone hasn't posted for 6-8 weeks, a lot of times, I remove them from my list.  I don't want to weigh down those lists too much!!  So, yes, the list grew a lot this past week  - take time to click on some and don't forget to comment on the post that caught your attention.  Oh, and comment on mine too!!!! 

Thanks Jenna for hosting this great challenge!!!  I'm not sure how long the "Linky" will be open but you can still find it on her page - check out some of those blogs as well - you may find something that attracts your attention that didn't attract mine!

Media Monday - Week 1

It's been awhile since Women Living Well has hosted a weekly challenge.  Courtney is very good at posting thoughtful discussions and I have enjoyed participating in the past.  The current challenge, which begins today, has to do with the Media around us. She wrote a really great post - so click the link and read her thoughts as well!

Before I can even begin to think about how media impacts my life, I needed to list the media items that I allow in: Computer - Facebook, blogging, general searching; Phone - just basically talking to my husband but my phone does have texting; TV/Music - the "oldies but goodies".  I don't own a iPad, iPod, or iPhone nor do I do anything with Twitter.  Courtney has challenged herself with tracking her time using the basic media items (facebook, twitter, writing blogs ect).  I don't feel the need to do that - most of the time I spend on the computer is done after my family goes to bed.  My husband's hours puts him to bed at about 7:30 - the same time as the kids so I have several hours before I head to bed.  Throughout the day, yes, my computer is on, but I don't spend tons of time on it - rather for a quick check more than anything.

So where do my challenges lie?  For quite awhile I've had the burden in my heart to make sure my kids don't grow up thinking that their mom is attached to the computer. 

It is easy to make the computer the central focus not just because of fun things, like facebook and You Tube, but because everything that encompasses our daily lives is stored on there.  From pictures to schedules, to plans for fun family ideas and more.  Who uses paper anymore?  In my stocking for Christmas, my husband got me a 3 subject notebook, pens, and high lighters.  No, he wasn't trying to give me a hint, but he knows that I've always loved those little supplies.  At first, I just stuck them in a drawer but as I started to realize that most of my free time was spent sitting at my desk in front of the little screen . .. I pulled that paper out and use it more.  When I need to brainstorm, or make a to do list, or even work on the beginnings of lesson plans - I use paper.  I can always type up the master list later.  I also created templates for things like menu planning, grocery lists, and other often used lists, printed them off, and fill them in with pen.  Basically, I cut the cord between myself and the computer.  Of course I still spend time on it each day - but I have tried to limit it more and also be willing to walk away.  I play more with my kids and we go outside on the really nice days.  

The other challenge to me was one that Courtney touched and that is the computer verses my quiet time.  Yes, I've slacked off this summer but that is sheer laziness on my part (called not wanting to get out of bed) but, when I was being disciplined this past year, getting up 30 minutes earlier to ensure I had time to get through my devotions, I pulled away from using the computer during that time.  This past year, as I was doing a study in James, I found that half way through my quiet time I was on the computer searching for an explanation of a verse; which made me think, "Oh, I should just do my devotions on the computer!" . .. .that idea quickly was replaced with a "no way"!  This is my time - I don't want to give it up to the screen.  So instead, I pulled out my husbands J. Vernon McGee commentaries and kept the one with James in it with my Bible Study books.  When I needed some help understanding a passage, I would just use that old-fashioned book instead.  I get so much more out of my quiet time as I sit in the semi-dark living room, without a computer screen glaring at me, or the TV on or even music for that matter.  It is so easy to find a way to use the computer for everything - when really we need to turn off everything so we can focus on what is truly important.

As far as Facebook - I know that many people struggle with it - they get into the middle of discussions, get stabbed in the back, get wrapped up in all of the hype and even feel the need to take breaks from it.  Personally, I enjoy facebook.  I find it fun to read status' of friends and family; I find it entertaining to look at their pictures or read the fun notes the put up.  I have not had a problem with anyone on facebook and periodically remove people from my friend list who I have had no contact with or who are posting things I would rather not see.  I don't accept every friend request that comes my way and I try not to get in the middle of any discussion that I know will blow up.  I don't plan on giving up Facebook - and, despite the fact that my brother thinks I'm always on it - I'm really not :-)  I do enjoy a page that links me with other Flylady followers and often use that page as an accountability to get things done throughout the day but otherwise, I'm not on there very much. 

Those are my simple thoughts today on this topic - anything to add?  Feel free to leave a comment. 

Deep Cleaning 101 - The Living Room and Dining Room

With the 4th of July holiday last Monday, I did not post my Deep Cleaning post as planned.  I didn't want to leave you all hanging (I know, you are so excited, aren't you?)  If you want to see the previous posts, just click here.

First up is the living room!!

 The "after" pictures:

 So, the big thing I try to do when I deep clean the living room is to organize, clean out, and move toys.  It helps when my kids are gone - I'm able to do this without "help" (hehehe)

And, the dining room before . . .

 And the after:

No, my dining room doesn't always look like the "before" . . .that is what it looks like after cleaning other rooms because my dining room table is my drop zone.  As I'm cleaning - I put stuff there, and put it all away at the end .  Honestly, I spent a full day cleaning the bedrooms, living room, and dining room while my kids were gone a few weekends ago.  I planned it that way knowing it would be easier to clean!

Here are my deep cleaning lists:
Living Room:  Because we "live" in the living room, it gets the most picking up on a daily basis so this deep cleaning (according to Flylady) takes place on the last days of the month - sometimes it is only one day, sometimes it is a full week.
1) Clean out/organize all toys
2) REALLY dust - move things, dust knick knacks, etc
3) Move furniture and vacuum
4) Wash insides of windows
5) Vacuum under couch cushions
6) Wipe down trim/baseboards
7) Clean off my desk

Dining Room:
1) Dust everything
2) Scrub chairs and table (all of those sticky fingers!)
3) Clean blinds/insides of windows
4) Wipe down ceiling fan
5) Wipe down baseboards
6) Move table - move rug - steam mop the entire floor; put rug back and vacuum the entire rug; move table back (I need my husband for this - the table is too hard to move by myself)


Now for reality:  This week, following my routines, I should have deep cleaned my kitchen again.  Well, it has been hot and humid here - all I'm doing is keeping up with simple routines.  And today, if you walked into my house, you'd find toys not neatly organized anymore . . .it is so hot in the evenings in the house that we are  not doing our normal clean-up but just putting the kids in bed and hiding in our room, where it is cold.  We only had one and a half bearable days last week - on Thursday I did the basics in the kitchen but that was it.  (On Friday -we went to the park!)  Even though I'm trying to keep up with the deep cleaning plan - until fall, when it is cooler, my cleaning is dictated by the weather!!! 

Happenings in this House!

Welcome to our week in pictures!!

I'll start out by taking you back to the 4th weekend.  We went to my parents house and one of the first things we did was try out the "new" Gator.  This little vehicle belonged to my nephews; they have outgrown it so the deal was - if my dad could get it running, we could have it.  Well - of course my dad could do it :-) hehehehe  At first, Josh just sat in it but, by the end of the (very hot) afternoon he was driving it like a pro.  Nate - well, he isn't a huge fan yet :-) 

The boys love to be read too - books are always a big deal in our house.  Not only do they love to be read to - but they will often sit and "read" books themselves.  This makes me happy!

Just two little boys messing around and having some fun !!

On Friday of this past week, I decided to "live dangerously" and take all three boys (my two and the cute little munchkin!) to the park.  First, we went to Dairy Queen and they were fantastic - making friends with every person that walked in the place.  We than went to the park and, I'll just say we survived HA!  Trying to chase the two boys above and keep them in my site while walking running behind a stroller (it is a good thing it's a jogger stroller!!) was more than I want to deal with again :-)  This particular park is just to spread out for the boys at this age - there is another park closer to home where I'll take them next time :-)  They played hard though, and we ALL went to bed early!! 

Finally, my parents came over on Saturday and brought some awesome outdoor things.  My mom, who never went to garage sales, has been finding some awesome things - she got both of these little houses for $15.00.  Seriously!!!  The boys get SOOOOOO excited when "Papa and Nana" come over. (And "wiwwow"  . .Willow is their dog!) So, Papa had lots of help spectators while he put the things together.  I really appreciate them doing stuff like this for us - it helps us out a lot!  Plus, since Darryl was working, my mom stayed with the kids so I could go grocery shopping . . .and my dad even took my truck and detailed the whole thing for me.  How cool is that?

So that is our week in pictures - it was HOT this past week and is starting out that way again!  We don't do much in the heat - except watch TV :-)