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? 

Too Cute Not To Toot!

Lets start right off with a cute snack idea from Come Together Kids.  I really love the taste of S'mores so this little snack idea seems perfect.  I'm going to tuck this one away for fall when the chocolate won't melt sitting on my counter :-)

This idea from Michelle Paige is great for those that like creative thank you card options. I used to be really good at sending thank yous and such but a husband and kids kinda have changed that HA!  BUT I love this idea and, again, am tucking this away.  It will actually fit in nicely with some plans I have for next year.

Kitchen Fun with my Three Sons shares a very creative idea for lunch.  When I saw the picture and read what it was . . I had to read the whole post just to find out how this was made!  So cute :-)

This post from The Scrap Shop shares several ideas using vinyl.  My favorite is this one - I would love to make it for my boys :-)

One thing that I am always on the look out for is ideas to do in the future with my kids.  When I saw this outdoor game board idea, I had to share it. The 36th Avenue gives an easy tutorial/explanation of to make this idea perfect!

I hope you enjoyed these ideas :-)  I can tell that people are enjoying summer - the linky parties are a little "thinner" than normal :-)

Media Challenge - Week 4 - Media and Homemaking

 It's week 4 in our media challenge!  Last week - there were actually two parts to the section on our children and media.  I did not end up posting a Part 2 to my Part 1 because he had to do more specifically with dealing with older children who are accessing media; mine are not so I didn't have a lot to say!  You can read more at Women Living Well.  You can also check out my previous posts  HERE.

This weeks topic is Media and homemaking.  Courtney really does this one well so I won't spend a lot of time talking about what our grandmothers used to do - you can read that HERE.  I can't say that I ever heard about either of my grandma's killing a chicken but I know that they gardened, cleaned and didn't have running water for a long time!  Things have changed, that is for sure.  I'm thankful for our local grocery store even when I get frustrated that the selection isn't great compared to other areas.  Sure, I'd love a great bread store to get fancy bread and bagels but, that's ok too! 

There are certain things about homemaking I have already enjoyed and some things I haven't.  Growing up, I always said I wanted a chef and a butler . . .well, that didn't happen HA!  Now, I don't mind cooking so much and enjoy making and trying new things.  I have conquered some homemade things like Pizza, Cakes, Cookies, and various fantastic dinners.  I'm on the search for the perfect homemade taco seasoning, cheesecake, and . .well, I'm sure there are more!  Now, cleaning is not my forte.  For years we talked about getting someone to clean the house but now that I stay home, that is not a top priority.  So, I'm learning how to clean in a way that I "enjoy" it.  I'm thankful that I don't have to run clothes through a ringer or sweep a dirt floor!!  I do wish sometimes that I could empty my entire house on the front lawn, clean the entire inside from top to bottom, and than only put a few things back . .. just like they did when they didn't own anything HA!  I digress though . . .

How does media impact my Homemaking?  I think there are pros and cons.

1) Cooking - I love finding recipes on-line to try - it is great to be able to read others ideas and recommendations.  Another thing I love is finding videos of how to do something. 
2) Cleaning - It is so great to look up ideas of how to fix, clean, and do things better.  So often I can search "how to . . " and find the answer

I'm sure there are more pros :-) But how does it impact me in the other direction?

1) I'm guilty of not taking time out to discipline my kids as needed (they are perfect of course!) because I want to finish something online - whether it be an e-mail or reading a blog post.

2) I'm guilty of forgetting about laundry in the washer/dryer because I'm too busy looking up recipes or cleaning ideas.

3) I'm guilty of not getting outside with my kids because I feel the pull of needing to get something done.

Yes, media is a time wasting without a doubt.  As I've done this challenge the last few weeks I have really worked to limit my media time during the day and have noticed a change in all of us.  Yes, there are things I have to get done, but I am trying to do those things early in the morning before the kids or up or in the evening after everyone else is in bed. 

Our Weekly Menu

Last week, after a very busy weekend, I chose not to go to the grocery store and, instead, got creative with what was in my freezer/cupboards.  I was kinda surprised at the great stuff we ate all week!

Here is this weeks Menu Plan - I decided to include our weekend meals even though I don't plan on posting this until Sunday or Monday; I shop on Saturday morning so our "week" actually begins on Saturday!

Saturday:  Well, our local HUGE fair was cancelled due to extensive flooding so our plans kinda got nixed . . on to plan B!  We are going to the lake and having a picnic :-) 

Sunday: Baked teriyaki chicken, Savory Rice, "Fried" Zucchini (just zucchini sliced and cooked with onion and a little butter) and Creamy 5-Cup Fruit Salad  The chicken is one of our favorites!  The other two sides are old stand-bys which we enjoy.  The Fruit Salad is something new (and is very good!)

Monday: Tacos - we love tacos in this house and I came across this recipe to make them without the packet of seasoning.  It is something I've been wanting to do so this seemed like the perfect time to do so.  We'll also have Savory Rice and Chips with some of my canned salsa.

Tuesday: Turkey enchiladas with creamy cilantro - just a new recipe that intrigued me. Biscuits and Salad

Wednesday:  Spaghetti, Green Beans and Garlic Bread

Thursday: Chicken Roll-Ups with Sweet Carrots and Salad.  I've tried various Chicken Roll-up recipes and have not been thrilled.  This one seems a little better - it is "dryer" that a lot of the ideas I've tried.

Friday: I'm not sure :-)  Our Anniversary is Thursday; the kids are going to my parents for the weekend (as of today); so I think we'll either order pizza or maybe even hit up Applebees for dinner here in town.

Our Sweet Treats: Oatmeal Butterscotch Bars - my husband has told me he loves Bar cookies more than regular cookies so I've been on the search for more recipes; we'll see how this one turns out!
Heath Bar Cake - this just looks really yummy :-) Blueberry Muffins - these are really for my breakfast - I have to have something simple or I end up snacking all morning!

There are actually quite a few new recipes listed so I'll make sure and let you know what ones we really enjoyed :-)

Weight Watchers Saturday

So, yes, I've been debating on posting about this for a few weeks.  I had two opposing thoughts,you see, one tells me not to say anything because than you get the "police" who question everything you do/eat and the other one tells me that this is one of my 40x40 goals so I might as well share.  I've seen a lot of blogs lately where people are sharing their success and failure as they do Weight Watchers, workout, and change their lifestyle so . . .. I guess I'm jumping on board.  For all of my perfectly in shape followers, just cheer us on - for all of my followers who struggle with even one area of your appearance, maybe I can encourage you slightly (or make you laugh by my escapades!)

I am not going to post my weight - sorry, no going there!  (Who asks a girl her weight anyway?)  I find it is to easy to look at a number and judge - either way.  Some of the blogs I've seen I've even said to myself - "Seriously, they need to lose weight?".  It is kinda discouraging to see someone who is all over losing the 5 pounds they need to lose HA!  I will tell you each week my losses or gains as well as how I did tracking my points (i.e. points plus as it is called now), and how I did with exercise . . .which I hate!  I'm choosing to do this post on Saturdays because I weigh in on Saturday Mornings AND not many people read blogs on Saturday :-) hehehehe

First up with be my weekly goals that I want to work on the following week.  I'll also share my results from the week before. 

Tracking:  A huge part of being successful in Weight Watchers is tracking what you eat - both the item and the Points Plus value.  It really makes you realize what you are eating in a day.  My goal this week is to track everything.  No excuses. 

Exercise: I really, truly hate exercise - I hate sweating, breathing hard, and being tired . . . all things, that ironically, I am anyway because I'm out of shape.  I have several ideas and/or books I want to look into but for this week, my first goal is to just walk on the treadmill 4 days this week.  I have a friend that is helping me with my "program" so I am doing 30 minutes - starting at 2.5 going up towards 3.5 and back down, all in 5 minute sections. 

Mental: Isn't part of losing weight, mental?  My goal this week is to get a book on Strength training that another blog I read recommended.  From everything I've read, I have to add strength training at some point in order to actually tone. 

Food: If I don't plan, I don't eat well.  My goal this week is to plan my/our meals to be healthy, full of fruit and veggies, and to limit my snacking.  I will say that eating very healthy is expensive so I have to be creative with the fruit and veggie concept in order to be able to stay inside our grocery budget.

I will be honest, my goal topics and goals may change on different weeks - because each week I may have a different goal I want to achieve. 

The second thing I'll share - more because I have enjoyed it on another blog I read - is what I eat.  Now, I already post our dinner menu each week on Mondays (or at least I've just started this last week is a more accurate statement) so I will probably just share breakfast and lunch.  Sometimes even just a new recipe or idea I tried for one of those meals that helped me stay on track. 

No time like the present to begin, right???

Weekly Weigh In:  -1
Total Lost: 2 pounds
Total To Lose: 6 trillion :-) hehehehe Just trying to lighten the mood! 

I just have one quick recipe idea to share and the points value totally depends on how you make it!

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
(doesn't that just sound like it would ruin your diet - it won't!)

Ingredients:
Asparagus
Bacon
Oil (Opt)
Salt and Pepper

Directions:
Very simply, break the hard ends off of the Asparagus (right where they SNAP). If desired, drizzle a teeny tiny amount of olive oil on the asparagus and toss to coat.  Then, take one slice of bacon and cut into 4 even pieces by cutting it once in half long ways (giving you two long skinny pieces) and next cut each of those pieces in half right in the middle, (cutting across the short middle) which gives you 4 pieces about 1/2 inch wide and maybe 3-4 inches long.  Wrap one small piece around each asparagus.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake on a cookie sheet at 425 for about 15 minutes than, turn on the broiler and let them sit under the broiler for 3-5 minutes (this helped crisp the bacon up).  If you are worried about the time - just read the back of your bacon package and see what it recommends for baking time.

As you can see - if you leave the olive oil off, you will use less points.  The way I make it - 4 pieces of asparagus takes 1 piece of bacon and most bacon is 1 point a slice.  Not too shabby!  You could even stretch it further and cut your bacon into 6 slices especially when the veggie is really skinny. 

I had this for lunch twice this week but it would also make a quick and easy snack! 

"To See a Change; Make a Change" 

Another Post of Randomness

I have a bunch of randomness to share so what better way to do it than in a random post :-) 

1.  Reaping Fruit Veggies - You may remember that I planted my first garden back in June.  Between the dog and kids plus my lack of watering, I wasn't sure what would happen but, when I checked on it on Sunday evening this is what I found :

Do you know what that is?  It's a cucumber :-)  Do you want to know what's funny?  I didn't even know I planted cucumbers.  Seriously.  I thought I planted peppers.  Which did; just not as many as I thought. HA!  Guess what I had for lunch on Monday?  This lone cucumber :-)  It was very tasty.  I noticed today that some of my tomatoes (yes I knew I planted those) are turning red . . .we'll be tasting those soon! 

2. Planning Tot Time - Due to a very busy weekend, I didn't work on anything for our fall tot time.  Knowing that I need to get busy in order to have things ready, I made up a calendar that looks like this:

Basically, I just listed what to get done each week - either planning or preparing.  If I stick to my plan I'll have through the end of the year planned and ready by mid-October.  I've been thinking about our schedule.  I'm really leaning towards doing circle time during lunch - my boys are late sleepers so trying to do it at breakfast isn't going to work.  (Trust me, I love letting them sleep!)  I'm planning on trying to get Bible and ABC time done in the morning with all the boys; than do reading/math in the afternoon with just Josh. 

3. Simplify -  You'll notice very quickly that I love lists and planning . .. .

Isn't it awesome?  This is my simplify plan for August.  The "X"ed out days are dates where we already have plans so nothing will get done.  I than took my most recent list, and plugged each item into the calendar.  This will (hopefully) keep me focused on what needs to get done.  I'm REALLY hoping for some nicer weather (not the 90's plus humidity = 105 degree days) because it is easier to work when you don't sweat just standing up. 

4. "Mommywood" - I've only seen this advertised but there is a special on Wednesday night talking about how the top celebrity moms "get everything done".  I'll tell you how they do it - with their nanny's, trainers, chef's, housekeepers, and money to purchase anything they want (or need!) Seriously.  This is a special? 

5. My kids - My boys are adorable, if I say so myself but this is why they aren't normally allowed free range in the kitchen :

 Yep, the clean out all of the drawers . . what fun! 

 Nate decided that he wanted some "peeper" to draw on :-)  I love that little face.  He is quickly becoming a little boy instead of a toddler.  I've been watching him - sometimes he walks like an old man, all bent over with his arms out . . until his arms touch the ground, than he does a somersault.  He makes me laugh every day.  His new word is "nooooh"  (no) .  Nate also LOVES to walk through the house yelling MOMMMMYYYYYY at the top of his lungs.

I know it is hard to see but this is Josh sitting at his desk.  He has a thing for lights right now.  He wanted his desk light and dresser light turned on; but his big light turned off.  He will go around the house and ask to have all of the lights turned on too.  He is also turning into a little man . . .tonight he helped me clean up and put away everything I asked.  He favorite new word is "Puke" (as in, blah, I puked momma)  You have to read my post about the reunion to understand why he has this word in his vocabulary!  This little boy loves his Papa.  When we left my parents house on Sunday, he cried for the first 15 minutes just asking for Papa over and over and over.  So very sad :-(

6. Some new Blogs - Just by chance I came across two now blogs that look creatively neat. 

First up is Meet the dubiens.  One thing that really caught my eye was her "Fun with Food Friday" posts.  Check on the most recent post:

Isn't that so adorable?  I looked through quite a few of these types of posts and noticed that most of the ideas are pretty simple.  I know, I know, I've talked about all of the fun ways to do food before and currently am doing my boring "same thing every week" idea (which works out perfectly, by the way) but I also like the creative ideas . . .maybe I'll try them again soon!  She also shares lots of craft and food ideas on this blog as well.

The second one is The Generous Wife.  This blog/site contains daily ways/tips/tricks to help make your marriage all it can be.  I read through several posts - she has some really simple things that can make a big differance.  She also gives links (it appears to happen once a week) of some other great blog posts/articles that she has found throughout the week.  I read several of those too - really great stuff.

Well, I was thinking I had more random thoughts but that is all I can think of for now :-)