Too Cute Not To Toot!

I think this very first idea will show what we are trying to work on in our house.  slowly.  This idea seems like a good one so I might actually have to get my crafty on sooner rather than later!  This idea for a Potty Chart comes from My decoupaged life.

A little tipsy has been sharing Make a Memory ideas all summer.  One of the latest ideas actually comes from Oopsey Daisy and it is for a Twinkie Party.  It is such a cute idea and could really be morphed into so many other ideas.  Anything that makes a memory is always fun :-)

This next idea is not so much a craft idea as really good information.  I Heart Crafty Things wrote a great post on how to get your Three year old interested in crafts.  I think it can apply to just about any kid; any age - she shares some great tips.  I'm really posting this for my benifit so I can find it later but thought you all might enjoy reading it too!

I tend to be on the look out for new ideas for art and pictures.  I saw this idea over at Nothing But Country and loved it.  I also enjoyed Shel Silverstein as a kid so reading one of his cute poems makes it even better.  She does give a template/download if you happen to be a photoshop person.  I'm not but I do have some Creative memory software that I think I could use to create something similiar :-)

Shhhhhh . . .don't tell my kids but I think I just found a Christmas gift idea for them!  Dukes and Duchesses shoes a simple idea for Fort Making Kits.  I love the idea - something so simple could create hours and hours of fun :- )

Dukes and Duchesses also shares a great way to make reusable gift tags for Christmas.  I always seem to forget about the tags and end up writing the name in the corner.  I really like this idea though!

This next idea is one I saw awhile ago and don't think I shared so I wanted to share it now.  I heart Organizing shared a really cute idea for making an Art Caddy for your kids.  I like the simplicity of it and just the over all look.  Such an easy idea, yet it makes such a big impact :-)

I've delayed putting up my gutter bookshelves in the boys rooms that I saw close to a year ago for no reason other than . . I haven't done them yet BUT I might be glad :-)  I just saw this idea posted at Peas in a Pod and REALLY like it.  It is inexpensive and would be easy to make. 

I love ABC ideas and this little quilted book from Away we go . . . fits the bill.  Wouldn't it make an adorable baby shower gift - something totally unique and homemade?  I don't own a silloutte or anything but . . someone I know does so I could probably get a little help cutting out some letters :-)

It won't be long my house will be covered in Ladybugs; I'll have Ladybugs everywhere and I really don't like it LOL  BUT, this would be a cute idea to do with my kids.  Lines Across My Face shares all kinds of Ladybug ideas and some books too.  (One year, we went to  a historical village and the buildings appears to be moving - they were covered completly in Ladybugs - it was gross!)

It may seem hard to believe but it won't be long and kids will be back in school!  If you are looking for a cute idea to send with your child on the first day, check out this idea from The Idea Room for Apple Pops. These would also be cute at a birthday party or if you are working with your child at home and doing an Apple Unit :-)

I haven't shown a ton of new recipe ideas on here lately (or at least I feel like I haven't)  but when I saw this recipe for Peanut Butter Oreo Ice Cream Pie over at Kevin and Amanda, I had to share.  I almost got up and went and made this as soon as I read the recipe . . .except I didn't have any Oreos . . .that will be remedied quickly! 

For awhile, I was seeing the Subway Art all over the place; than it kinda disappeared.  Until today.  I saw this great idea for a DIY "Eye" chart over at From Gardners to Bergers and just love the idea.  I also love that she gives a link to make your own AND if you look close, when she created her picture wall, she included a frame around the thermestat.  What a great idea. 

I hope you have enjoyed this weeks features :-)  I will admit, I did see one Halloween idea AND one Christmas Idea but I held off posting those yet  . . .I think I need to wait until September LOL 

Facebook - Fun, Frienship and Fellowship (AKA Media Monday)

Honestly, I wrote this post before I knew what the Media Monday topic was for the day - little did I know that it was "Media and your Friendships".  This post that I wrote previously ties right in with Courtney's topic so instead of waiting until later this week to post this as I had planned OR writing something different following Courtney's outline, I'm just going to post this today!  Feel free to click on the link above and read her take on this as well :-)

Did you ever think that we would be able to connect with friends and family around the world with just a click of the mouse?  First came e-mail.  I used to e-mail people all of the time but, than, thanks to my friend Darlene, I was introduced to Facebook.  Now, I don't even have to wait for an e-mail, I can just check out my friends and family by clicking on their page or checking out their wall.  Isn't it great?  I've been thinking about this post for awhile and wanted to share what has been knockin' around in my brain. 

FUN:  For me, Facebook is fun.  When I first started using it, I loved that I could connect with old college friends.  Those were the first people that I searched for outside of my immediate family.  Than it became a way for me to connect with a few people from work, than from church and even cousins I only see every 5-10 years.  I do set limits with my friends.  I tend to "ignore" many friend requests I get if I don't know the person on a personal level or through some group (church, scrapbooking, etc)  I do this because I don't really want strangers having an inside view of my life.  When I was working, I did not accept friend requests of the people who worked for me nor did I add my boss as my "friend" either.  I think that separation is a good thing for all involved.  So what is the fun in facebook?  Reading the status' that friends write and being able to comment on them. Looking at pictures that people put up - sometimes they just make me laugh.  Finding out fun and exciting news from friends that I may have otherwise not known.   For as much fun as facebook is, limits have to be set and I'm not talking about "time" limits.  That is really up to each person.  Limits are more in the line of what you comment on or how you comment.  Facebook, in my opinion, is not a place to air your dirty laundry, have a political debate, or to have a debate with an old friend.  Those things should be saved for a private and face-to-face discussion with the person it involves.  There are people I know who have been hurt and "attacked" through facebook and I just don't understand it.  Remember the words of I Peter 3:10 - Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.
Use caution when speaking on facebook and keep it Fun!

FRIENDSHIP: Facebook is a great away make and build friendships but it can also destroy those some relationships.  Isn't easy to start to think that there is a conflict with a friend because they don't respond to something that you say or isn't it easy to start to think that they like someone better than you because you see a conversation? Isn't it also easy to read into what a person is saying instead of trying to take it at face value?  When I supervised a group of employees in the customer service area, we dealt with customers all of the time - most often on the phone and sometimes via e-mail.  These customers also included fellow employees.   I would often hear the employee complaining about something that was said or written in an e-mail.  I would hear the words repeated with emotion (sometimes STRONG emotion) and wonder to myself if that is what was meant.  Than, I would remind my staff that we cannot put emotion into what someone else has said or written - we don't know where they are coming from or if that is even what they meant.  By removing the emotion - the e-mail or phone call takes on a different meaning . .. and the anger is no longer there.  It is the same on facebook.  Don't read into things that are said.  I do have a few simple things I try to follow to avoid this situation and be proactive.  I don't have long conversations on some one's wall that are just between the two of us - specifically, I don't like inviting people over or suggesting we go out to dinner through a wall post.  That is the first way to make others feel left out.  Instead I send them a private message or, oh my goodness, I call them LOL  I also try not to reference items that are between the two of us where the world can see.  (Or sometimes three or four people)  I also ask myself how I would feel if I saw a couple of friends having that same conversation and, I can answer honestly because I've been in that spot - it's not fun to feel left out!  I DO ask simple questions to friends and faimlyThe righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray
Also Proverbs 16:29 is a good reminder too A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.

FELLOWSHIP: Finally, is fellowship - what I really mean is how Facebook impacts our church relationships (except church doesn't start with "F" obviously!)  When we add friends for church to our facebook page something changes.  You are no longer just chatting it up with old friends, you are now talking to your kids Sunday School Teacher, your Pastor, your Worship leader etc.  These are people that not only you are accountable to but also people who impact your life from a spiritual standpoint.  You also become friends with other people who attend church with you - some who are strong in their Walk and some who are watching what other people do because they really aren't confident in their faith.  What that says to me is that I have a responsibility to keep my speech uplifting and right.  I will admit that I'm guilty recently of complaining some about the weather.  I didn't think alot about it until a few people said things when I saw them face to face - things like "wow, you really hate this heat" (which I do).  I don't want to be known as a complainer so I try to be careful what I write :-)  It is easy to have a view change of someone you go to church with - all they have to do is post something that is inappropriate and you no longer see that person in the same light.  I've struggled with this in the past year and it has been discouraging but I try to focus on being what I know God wants me to be and than allowing Him to work in the lives of others.   I also think that Facebook can really impact relationships within the church.  This goes back to the comments on friendships - it is very easy to begin to feel like the one that is never invited to anything when we start to see close bonds being developed between a small group of people.  My advice remains the same - if you including just a few people, keep the invites Private.  Of course you don't always have to invite everyone but cliques are something we all dealt with in high school and dealing with them in the church is just has hard.  And yes, every church has them no matter how hard they work at NOT having them :-)  That is just human nature!  Is there anything wrong with having close friends in church or inviting a group of people over?  Of course not, I just think it is important to make sure that it is done in a way to make people feel excluded all of the time. 

So, what is the bottom line to this little post?  Enjoy Facebook as a fun tool but don't like it replace true friendship and fellowship.  Take time to really get to know people away from the computer :-)

Any thoughts?

Weekly Menu

I have to admit that last weeks menu did not go as plan.  First, when I went to the store, several items were not available so I had to do some quick thinking to change some meals.  Than, as I got towards the end of the week, I realized I hadn't bought enough of a few things so I couldn't make another recipe.  I've carried a few things over to this week and a few will show up later :-)  Here's our upcoming weekly menu - we'll see if this week goes better ;-)

Saturday: Darryl and I are celebrating our 10th year Anniversary and will be spending the day out; without kids.  We'll be eating at some of our favorite restaurants!

Sunday:  Still celebrating :-) 

Monday: Steaks, Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus, Corn on the Cob,  and Garlic Bread.

Tuesday:  Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Baked Beans and French Fries

Wednesday: Buttermilk Waffles, Sausage, and Fresh Fruit

Thursday: Curried cauliflower "Popcorn", Smothered Pork Chops, and Mashed Potatoes

Friday: Chicken Roll-ups; Corn on the Cob, Fruit

Our Sweet Snacks: Chocolate Chip Toffee Bars, Snickers Pie, Low-Fat PB and Banana Muffins (for breakfast)

Weight Watchers Saturday

Welcome back to Weight Watchers Saturday :-) (Ok, so I wrote this Friday night thinking I could just throw in my loss/gain and publish but I didn't have time before my husband and I took off for the day oops!)   This is where the rubber meets the road - I share with you my success and failure on this lovely game of weight loss and getting healthy. 

You might wonder (or maybe not) why I chose Weight Watchers as my weight loss tool.  Very simply, I think it works.  So many other diet programs limit what you can eat or provide pre-packaged foods.  Weight Watchers teaches that you really can eat anything as long as you plan for it but, you also need to eat those good foods - fruits, veggies, drink water, etc - in order to be full and not eat all day long.  It really is a lifestyle change - which is always a good thing!  I love food.  Good Food.  So learning how to be able to enjoy that food is a must for me!

Looking back at last weeks goals - I did ok on tracking.  I tracked everything on Sun, Mon and Tues but kinda fell apart on Wed, Thurs and Fri.  I planned my lunches for next week based on some Weight Watchers recipes from a blog I follow.  Sadly, I did not walk on the treadmill - but I did mow the lawn and I sweated alot from the heat, does that count? LOL

Weekly Goals:
Tracking: My goal this week is to track Sun-Friday (I leave Saturday as my free day)  I want to stay within my points for each day. 

Excercise: I'm going to downgrade my expectations this week ;-)  My goal is to walk on the tread mill one day and to do a DVD that I have one day a week.  I have had the video for several years so I guess it is time to see if I like it :-)

Mental: Read one chapter in Reshaping it All

Weekly Weigh-In
Weekly weight loss: +1.2 - seriously  I was a little discouraged because I felt that I did better than that but thinking back through the week, the heat really did me in a few days and, on those days I didn't track, I probably went over points.  I've also learned that trying to track how many points a taco is, is really hard LOL
Total weight loss:  about a pound right now.  Looking for a better movement in this number next week.


Finally, I wanted to share a recipe!  If you love spinach dip, this recipe is for you!  It comes from Gina's Skinny Recipes. Here is one little thing about this recipe - I highly suggest that you measure out the serving and NOT eat it out of the dish . . .just saying :-)  Also, find chips or crackers that you love and have the point value you need or have the dip as a snack with veggies! 

Hot Spinach DipGina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 10 • Serving Size: 1/4 cup • Old Points: 2 pts • Points+: 3 pts
Calories: 92.2 • Fat: 6.8 g • Carb: 3.0 g • Fiber: 0.7 g • Protein: 5.3 g

• 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and excess liquid squeezed out
• 1/2 cup light sour cream
• 5 tbsp light mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup Parmigiano Reggiano
• 1/4 cup scallion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 cup (4 oz) shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
• fresh pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375°.

Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl. Place in an oven-proof dish and bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes, until hot and cheese is melted. Serve right away.

Can be made one day in advance and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Makes about 2 1/2 cups

Things I've Told My Husband

Guess what happened 10 years ago today?  Yep, I married my prince charming!  Hard to believe that it has been 10 years.  Unlike many people, I don't have one of those "we knew each other for 10 years and than got married" stories HA  We knew each other 9 months . . .what?  When it is right, it's right! 

In honor of this great day, I thought I would share some things I've told my husband :-)

I recently told my husband that I hate being hot.  Then I told him that they only way I would ever be a heat person is if I had A/C and a pool; I would be tan but the house would be dirty.  His reply?  Ok.  That's it - I think he was ignoring me.

Not long ago, I informed my husband that as of Sept 1st, the house would be clean again, I would wear make-up, and I would actually fix my hair.  Until than, I'm just sweaty and hot.  His reply?  Absolutely nothing.  I think he was afraid I was trapping him.  HA!

I enjoy making statements to my husband that are two sided . . .. he has learned and now says "I'm not answering that because either answer is WRONG!"  :-)  hehehehe 

I realized I take a long time to tell a story when he fell asleep in the middle of my story HA!  Now I say "I'll get right to the point" (And still take a long time to get there!)

So . . .more than anything though, I love to tell my husband how fabulous he is, how much fun he is, and how much I love him!  We have so much fun, laugh alot, and just plain love to be together - what can be better than that?

What a change 10 years brings?  We have two kids, I've been through two jobs and now get to stay home full time; He's been through two jobs, a time of unemployment, and now is at a pretty great job.  We've lived in three different places, own 1 dog and 2 cats; have lost 1 cat and 1 bird; are on vehicles 5 and 6; traveled to Brazil, the Caribbean, Canada, and quite a few states; been through weeks of bed rest; back surgery; and a broken foot.  Not to mention the flooded basement; flooded bathroom; broken appliances; just to name a few.  All of things things are memories in the path we have walked; they have shaped us and made us who we are - stronger, better, and more in love with each other.  There is really only one things to say - Thank you for being my best friend !! 

Happy Anniversary to my fantastic Husband (sorry ladies - he is all mine!)

What I'm Reading

Well, I haven't done a lot of "deep" reading over the last week but I have done a TON of reading.  It has been really hot and humid which means I don't do much :-)

Books I finished this week:

These are books 2 and 3 in the Tucker Mills Trilogy.  After my not so great review of book 1, I have to say that books 2 and 3 were better.  I think that in book 1, the author took a lot of time to introduce you to so many characters that it got boring.  Both of these books above focus more on one or two main individuals and what is happening in their life; the rest of the people just fit in where they need to throughout the story.  Again, if you are looking for some simple reads - these fit the bill! 

My mom passed some books on to me a few weeks ago so I had some new stuff to read!  Yes, I am a Karen Kingsbury fan so continuing on with the Bailey Flannigan series was a must.  These books continue on with the story of Bailey and Cody as well as the Flannigan and Baxter families.  As much as I enjoy reading these books I have to confess that this series, at least for me, has gotten long.  I think part of it is the frustration that Bailey and Cody are stilling fighting to figure out what they want - it should have been resolved about 5 books ago HA!  I also find that Bailey's life seems to be mimicking the life of Ashley Baxter in many ways so it gets a little repetitive at times.  Don't get me wrong, they are great books, I was just stating my little old opinion.  I look forward to the next book in this series so I can see what happens :-)

If you have not read any books by Thomas Kinkade, you are missing out.  He has a series that comes before the books listed based on the town of Cape Light.  I've re-read that series 3 times already.  This begins a new series based on Angel Island but includes some of the same characters from the previous series as Angel Island connects to Cape Light by a Land Bridge.  As is always the case, his writing is perfect, the stories are believable, and it is easy to relate to the characters.  It is so much fun to read how Thomas Kinkade develops the relationships and characters.  Plus, he always throws in something that seems to surprise me - something I didn't see or catch earlier in the book.  I would highly recommend this series of book as well as the previous series.  Looking for some GREAT reads?  Pick up these books!

Finally, I finished up this book on Tuesday.  (I'm back to re-reads!) I enjoy this story very much - it is simple, fun, and creative.  As with many of Lori Wick's books, I find that it is written simply and therefore, sometimes, gets a little "silly" in the wording.  I feel like people would not really talk to each other that way LOL  But otherwise, it really is a great, easy read.

Since none of my other books have changed, I'll stop here for today.  So yes, I've been busy reading.  I'm hoping for some cooler weather now so that I can get back to my daily routines, cleaning schedules, and also some deeper reading (I find it hard to really concentrate when I have sweat dripping down my back ;-) )

Enjoy!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I'm Loving . . . the fact that my 2 1/2 year old is starting to have full conversations with me.  I can't understand every word (sometimes only 1 word out of 20).  We sat outside one afternoon enjoying popscicles and a full conversation that including picking some cherry tomatoes.

I'm loving . . .  that my little garden is actually producing some veggies.  I'm not getting a ton of stuff but it has been so hot . . ..

I'm loving . . .  that I don't have a huge electric bill as so many do that have Air :-) (hehehe - trying to be postive about being so HOT!)

I'm loving . . . . the Oatmeal butterscotch bars I made this week . . . they are like giant Oatmeal Scotchies YUM!

I'm loving . . . our nightly family time in our (nice cold) bedroom!  After bathtime, we take the boys in there to watch Wheel of Fortune and just plain have fun.  We laugh, sing lots of songs and than slowly wind down in time to put the kids to bed :-)  Such great memories!

I'm loving . . .  my Husband!!!  He's my best friend and my everything.  I'm so thankful that he is willing to work such crazy hours and willing to work so many hours in a week so that I can stay home with our kids. 

What are YOU loving this week?