tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66541199528043690472024-03-19T05:03:18.083-07:00Heart Of A MommyMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313980535349477065noreply@blogger.comBlogger172125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654119952804369047.post-7444467194896498872010-01-18T07:03:00.000-08:002010-01-18T07:47:04.130-08:00Simple Woman's Day Book<a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428104629573541842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 148px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPPcxgg1318aJNtYBsUJE7k2NJbG-zW0PnMNDteseBI6s2IUhyPuq03r2dWJ4KP78zdx4LQflPqetyxiNQdbSzO2Mvz8R6zaPX4ujTVyZFCmzOUTKoHwFlUmVjne6RKcJim7jS80kNf0/s400/simple-woman-daybook-small.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>FOR TODAY...</strong> January 18th, 2010<br /><br /><strong>Outside my window... </strong><br />Somewhat cloudy with a nice breeze.<br /><br /><strong>I am thinking...<br /></strong>About the fun time my family and I had at a *FREE* Tim Hawkins concert last night. It was just so nice to loosen up and LAUGH and LAUGH and LAUGH! Not just little giggles, but Belly Rolling laughter. ♥<br /><br /><strong>I am thankful for...<br /></strong>For the little ways that God evidenced his love to me yesterday. In a crowd of an exuberant amount of people at the Tim Hawkins concert, I spotted a friend from our old church we moved away from.<br /><br /><strong>From the learning rooms...<br /></strong>Finally that curriculum I wanted to experience with arrived, so that is what we will be doing<br /><br /><strong>I am wearing...</strong><br />Pink warm exercise pants, red shirt that says "Jesus Saves", and a pony tail.<br /><br /><strong>I am remembering...<br /></strong><div>All the funny quotes from Tim Hawkins last night</div><blockquote><p>Come on people! Sometimes you just gotta laugh at yourself! And if you can't<br />do that.....Laugh at other people! ~Tim Hawkins</p></blockquote><p><strong>I am going... </strong>Hopefully to see my 93 year old Grandma to give her, her birthday present. The kids painted a plate for her at a pottery shop.<br /><br /><strong>I am currently reading...<br /></strong>Still Reading "The Naked Gospel" by Andrew Farley. It gets better and better. It's one of those books you need to take time and chew on it.<br /><br /><strong>I am hoping...<br /></strong>That God gives me some direction in an area, that I keep "seeing" needs in. I want to do something about it, but not exactly sure where or how to begin.<br /><br /><strong>I am hearing...</strong><br />The girls cleaning their room. (Hopefully) <strong>;-) </strong></p><p>And Tiny Boy pretending to be Spider man<br /><br /><strong>On my mind...<br /></strong>So much. The people of Haiti, and just what I wrote above. About God giving me direction in the area I see that has <em>needs</em> in.<br /><br /><strong>Noticing that...<br /></strong>People in general are confused individuals...sigh....(giggles)<br /><br /><strong>Pondering these words...</strong><br /></p><blockquote>The flesh wasn't trying to produce evil-looking behavior in the Galatians.<br />Instead, these Christians were employing fleshly effort as a means of<br />perfecting<br />themselves (growing) in Christ! They regarded their smarts<br />and<br />moral fortitude<br />as the route to spiritual maturity.<br />~The Naked<br />Gospel by<br />Andrew Farley<br /></blockquote><p><strong>From the kitchen...</strong><br />Not sure what yet. Hubby is out of town, so that means I don't cook much, LOL!<br /><br /><strong>Around the house...<br /></strong>I want to re-organize the Kitchen cabinets and pantry. Blah :-P<br /><br /><strong>A few plans for the rest of the week...<br /></strong>Hang out with my MOPS friends at the bowling alley tomorrow, stay consistent with exercise, and be more consistent with homeschooling too. (Gritting my teeth in determination)<br /><br /><strong>One of my favorite things...<br /></strong>The way a horse smells. I know. I am weird. I already know.<br /><br /><strong>From my picture journal...</strong></p><p>The plate that my children designed to give to their Great Grandma for her birthday (G.G.) </p><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428104634283545170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZyjnT_Z1WJG3D4AC2w2LJQdt-CaQ7gb5ykmKrpIoxKFhk7TehiDZ_HMqxlK1hJFlhz0oTKJF7pTDrfqn1LTn_MlVa1p8pAR_yDcAudzow2GFOM55wTgqWHyvs0D2tjsjZ2Tqv15msK4/s400/Blog.jpg" border="0" /></strong></div><br />To read other's day books be sure to visit <a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/">The Simple Woman's Day Book</a>Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313980535349477065noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654119952804369047.post-84075800612651432712010-01-11T13:09:00.000-08:002010-01-11T13:14:46.627-08:00Simplifying Christmas Winner!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmM22fDo5zzmqSq9Ocd9rhf7e4J735tL923F-K7Uf3dSajFVYDTtom8orpqsVFLehgQ54cyny7QhA30RqmXZNpIb5_JSOFvAuhe7EhVT01p7OfeD05qQAQUxZC9FzOvx5FdNR96VSbjk/s1600-h/SimplifyingChristmas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmM22fDo5zzmqSq9Ocd9rhf7e4J735tL923F-K7Uf3dSajFVYDTtom8orpqsVFLehgQ54cyny7QhA30RqmXZNpIb5_JSOFvAuhe7EhVT01p7OfeD05qQAQUxZC9FzOvx5FdNR96VSbjk/s400/SimplifyingChristmas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425592954346909890" border="0" /></a> I have drawn a name for the winner, and it was someone who commented on here that doesn't have a blog. Mrs. M! Thank you to all who participated! Please check in for more fun stuff that I am planning on doing with my blog.<br />I am very sorry it took me so long to announce the winner. The new year has already started with a "bang" and I have to purpose to keep my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">priorities</span> straight. :D<br />Have a Happy New Year!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaeg-utKEjDlEvmgUCI81j1Lg2ybfEnG24c2sx62tEqYtM5sqN_i92sXfvzJHZANDO1peXGrN4jJxbKw_lGkKxfq5T51FExLm59sIVnvpghs_7ZopsxLOd0hBCGnsv16CwmxvXCqVcuiI/s1600-h/IMG_6392.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 372px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaeg-utKEjDlEvmgUCI81j1Lg2ybfEnG24c2sx62tEqYtM5sqN_i92sXfvzJHZANDO1peXGrN4jJxbKw_lGkKxfq5T51FExLm59sIVnvpghs_7ZopsxLOd0hBCGnsv16CwmxvXCqVcuiI/s400/IMG_6392.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425592960524384674" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><br /></a>Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313980535349477065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654119952804369047.post-13886082543747305482010-01-11T12:21:00.000-08:002010-01-11T13:08:57.907-08:00Simple Woman's Day Book January 11th, 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_YgvxY0C38MMO9b1Wti2RkS5UmPAFKR28Ld6NqorlDK4BS4d3tIbi5QP3MSQEkOrQ2fx7dxfji8NJCaf9bOF20rsIaneHuWnB0CBDKaCkXj-nJgO3c1Md6G1Oh1OACwk4Ir_nX4CEIw/s1600-h/simple-woman-daybook-small.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 148px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_YgvxY0C38MMO9b1Wti2RkS5UmPAFKR28Ld6NqorlDK4BS4d3tIbi5QP3MSQEkOrQ2fx7dxfji8NJCaf9bOF20rsIaneHuWnB0CBDKaCkXj-nJgO3c1Md6G1Oh1OACwk4Ir_nX4CEIw/s400/simple-woman-daybook-small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425586602945198242" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >FOR TODAY... </span></strong></a>January 11th, 2010 <a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span></span></span></span></strong></a><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong></strong></a></div><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong> </strong></a><br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >Outside my window... </span></strong></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Chilly! But beautiful and Sunny, bright and clear</span></span></span> </div><br /><br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >I am thinking...</span></strong></a><br /><br />About our MOPS meeting that went on this morning. Hoping that it was a blessing for someone <a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" > </span></strong></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >I am thankful for... </span></strong></a><br />That I have a relationship with Jesus and don't have to rely on "religion" and perform for God to make myself right. Jesus did that all for me! ♥<br /><br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >From the learning rooms...</span></strong></a><br />Going to be doing some curriculum experiencing this week. I need to find a groove that works for me. :-/<br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >I am wearing... </span></strong></a><br />Pink warm exercise pants, white socks, and a teal sweater<br /><br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >I am remembering...</span></strong></a><br />tough times I had, and am *thankful* for them!<br /><br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" > </span><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >I am going...</span></strong></a><br />Already "went" glad to be home! <a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" > </span></strong></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >I am currently reading...</span></strong></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The naked Gospel</span>. More and more good stuff! Loving every minute of it! :) <a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" > </span></strong></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >I am hoping... </span></strong></a><br />That the curriculum that I ordered "samples" from comes today so we can start using it tomorrow <a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong></strong></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >I am hearing</span></strong></a><br />My second daughter playing in her room for quiet rest time. Tiny Boy is taking a nap, and Sweetie is also "resting" but her door is closed. Oh, and the refrigerator is running. ;-) <a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong></strong></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >On my mind... </span></strong></a><br />Hurting people trying to please God, and having a hard struggle with it. Honestly wanting to do right but "failing" in their eyes. <a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong></strong></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >Noticing that... </span></strong></a><br />How far I have come and how far I still need to go<br /><br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >Pondering these words... </span></strong></a><br /><blockquote>The original sin didn't outwardly appear to be evil, nor would it be ridiculed today. It might even be praised today, just as we applaud those who seek what is "right" in their own estimation. We call it integrity and self-discipline. But God wasn't pleased with the first human's decision to enter the realm of right and wrong.<br />God intended us to be dependent on him with no concern for morality and ethics. Adam and Eve were only to know this: the life I display is God's life. With that, they were to be satisfied. But the story of the fall is that they weren't satisfied. They were tempted to settle for a substitute. That substitute is something we call morality and ethics today~The Naked Gospel by Andrew Farley<br /></blockquote><br /><br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >From the kitchen... </span></strong></a><br />Brown rice cooked in homemade chicken stock, with black beans, and Italian Chicken sausage. Topped with cheddar cheese and sour cream. With buttered broccoli on the side<br /><br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >Around the house...</span></strong></a><br />I don't want to think about that! :-P So much to do to get it in order from the hectic previous week and weekend<br /><br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >A few plans for the rest of the week... </span></strong></a><br />Go through stuff to give away for a garage sale fundraiser for my girl's home school choir. They are planning on doing an end of the year musical/production of Pinocchio<br /><br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >One of my favorite things...</span></strong></a><br />Coffee on a cold morning!<br /><br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >From my picture journal...</span></strong></a><br />Bean made a cocoon to sleep in on one of our coldest nights. This is what I walked into. I honestly thought she wasn't in bed, because she was so snuggled down into a little hole.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hUlhXjRvjCfbiyhxsDCSv6NgPJ5AkOSVC3sfO0qSk3YzNS72vE6mybtURg2EqxH8VHKinAy6LsAIhptRWiI3zIXIQIp1JA1Bm1k3C1zEcSbi0Km0_TQzOOn-cGeUddPbJiRJqRoGbzU/s1600-h/blog1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hUlhXjRvjCfbiyhxsDCSv6NgPJ5AkOSVC3sfO0qSk3YzNS72vE6mybtURg2EqxH8VHKinAy6LsAIhptRWiI3zIXIQIp1JA1Bm1k3C1zEcSbi0Km0_TQzOOn-cGeUddPbJiRJqRoGbzU/s400/blog1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425585992327207090" border="0" /></a>But I peeled back a cover, and found her strawberry blond hair peeking through<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5d3AqKYUHfj_DFWZSkfHMfRyAzwddkeT_LltpxpqRtF06i8_013D0i7Ee2FSAisUU8Zh1-r8meSxyl-nczNua81WI0Ig8ah1UzbcZeQNs8I_inJJQFZXn8PxhDDW2ct8hk9C93aL-VYc/s1600-h/blog2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5d3AqKYUHfj_DFWZSkfHMfRyAzwddkeT_LltpxpqRtF06i8_013D0i7Ee2FSAisUU8Zh1-r8meSxyl-nczNua81WI0Ig8ah1UzbcZeQNs8I_inJJQFZXn8PxhDDW2ct8hk9C93aL-VYc/s400/blog2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425585994811115490" border="0" /></a>To View Other's Day Books please visit <a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/">The Simple Woman's Day Book</a><br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><strong></strong><strong></strong></a>Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313980535349477065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654119952804369047.post-40290043737877200892010-01-10T16:09:00.000-08:002010-01-10T16:30:15.730-08:00Molly Green's Money Saving Digest January 2010, Review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOme5O_sx_Y3JN26M3534U1ee6HaFjv3dDdxX5EApTUi72-KOpe7w6Qpg-lLlgnc7YnimCL4jSIyU0uvygCJBfizhdFSR5uRyairRJpR-qpNQ9jeIDmSU9Xfayq5ZOvscc7mhyphenhyphen2I6dHfQ/s1600-h/January+2010-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425267897638668786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 309px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOme5O_sx_Y3JN26M3534U1ee6HaFjv3dDdxX5EApTUi72-KOpe7w6Qpg-lLlgnc7YnimCL4jSIyU0uvygCJBfizhdFSR5uRyairRJpR-qpNQ9jeIDmSU9Xfayq5ZOvscc7mhyphenhyphen2I6dHfQ/s400/January+2010-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I loved reading this issue. It was very motivating and encouraging to start out the new year with a positive mind frame to accomplish your goals.<br /><br />This issue is particularly focusing on Organization. I really like this part of the digest because Molly graciously provides forms for monthly bills, budget, a January <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">calender</span>, a daily to do list broken down into sections so you won't feel overwhelmed, and a family clothing inventory sheet. Which I can't wait to put into practice! ♥<br /><br />Molly has a sweet craft to decorate your house with positive, motivating scriptures and words, for little to no money.<br /><br />Molly is also motivating us to eat healthier this year and gives some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">baby step</span> tips on where to start so you won't feel overwhelmed, and also provides a healthy <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">frugal</span> menu, including the shopping list. The pictures to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">recipes</span> look absolutely yummy! I really want to try making the Tomato Basil Chicken. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ohhh</span> La La!<br /><br />One of the newer features in Molly's Digest this coming year is the "Kid's Corner" and this month is awesome! She has a craft to help your kid's make their own piggy bank that looks like a real piggy using items from around the house.<br /><br />Then Molly talks about opening up a bank <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">account</span> for your children, and helping them learn to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">frugal</span> and handle their money wisely. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Home school</span> opportunity! :D<br /><br />She even provides pretend checks and a checkbook ledger for your children to practice using.<br /><br />Molly also delves into the important topic of prioritizing, which is something I *REALLY* need to set my mind to. This month's digest came at just the right time to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">encourage</span> me into what is important.<br /><br />And of course, Molly provides awesome links and resources at the end of the digest so you can dig in even deeper and research even more! I really enjoyed reading this digest, and can't wait to get my clothing inventoried with the inventory sheets, and make those awesome piggy banks withe my kids.<br /><br />To purchase your own January copy of Molly's Money Saving Digest, just click on the link ♥<a href="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=166&products_id=13847">CLICK HERE</a>♥Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313980535349477065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654119952804369047.post-15773763383337714962009-12-28T05:58:00.000-08:002009-12-28T06:57:04.249-08:00Simple Woman's Daybook December 28th, 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgdAJnHW06igAmXASID7M1EMOYCAJ-F65eyPp5EL3V7b4hjyCO9biN2XCFSGT5tAkoHtQp0ffPgTbuY2RUR9lOQ4TBT1cWm0rq9QH-EsTA6QEzkwOxJC_ElJDybjqhKzOlIaaB8TMupQ/s1600-h/simple-woman-daybook-small.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 148px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgdAJnHW06igAmXASID7M1EMOYCAJ-F65eyPp5EL3V7b4hjyCO9biN2XCFSGT5tAkoHtQp0ffPgTbuY2RUR9lOQ4TBT1cWm0rq9QH-EsTA6QEzkwOxJC_ElJDybjqhKzOlIaaB8TMupQ/s400/simple-woman-daybook-small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420286453760874642" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">FOR TODAY... from</span></a><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> Mommy's Daybook</span></a><br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);"> </span> </a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">Outside my window... </span></a><br />Slightly Chilly, and very bright and sunny. Looks like it's going to be a beautiful day! <a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"> </a><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">I am thinking... </span></a><br />About my New Year's Goals and Priorities that I am trying to form<br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"> </a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">I am thankful for... </span></a><br />For the family that God has given me. Almost everyday I am amazed at how perfectly they fit me. How they challenge me. How they have taught me, molded me and grown me into a better person.<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">I am wearing... </span></a><br />Pink exercise pants, and a way over sized turquoise t-shirt, white socks, and unbrushed hair<br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"></a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">I am going... </span></a><br />Not sure yet <a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"> </a><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">I am currently reading... </span></a><br />Three Books:<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Naked-Gospel-Truth-Never-Church/dp/0310293065/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262009167&sr=8-1">The Naked Gospel by Andrew Farley</a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Duggars-Counting-Raising-Americas-Families-How/dp/141658563X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262009234&sr=1-1">The Duggar's 20 and Counting by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar</a><br />and<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Passionate-Housewives-Desperate-Jennie-Chancey/dp/1934554154/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262009302&sr=1-1">Passionate Housewives Desperate for God by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald</a><br /><br />All books are great reads so far. I have differing thoughts and opinions on the Passionate Housewives one, but for the most part, it's pretty good. Just gotta chew the meat and spit out the bones. ;-) And for the most part there is more meat than bones.<br /><br />The Duggar's convictions of their family are different than mine. But one reason I love the Duggar's so much, is that they <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">always</span> emphasize that it's their <span style="font-style: italic;">own personal </span>conviction, and they <span style="font-style: italic;">always</span> encourage their reader to read their Bible and pray before they make a decision on which direction they should go with their own family. In essence they let the Holy Spirit do His job with individual Christians and don't force their ideas down peoples throats. <a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"> </a><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">I am hoping... </span> </a><br />That plans to go out with a friend to Thrift Shop and get coffee will play out without incident tomorrow<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">On my mind... </span></a><br />Getting the house clean after Christmas and decluttering <a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"> </a><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">Noticing that... </span></a><br />there are more and more hurting and confused people in this country <a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"> </a><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">Pondering these words... </span></a><br /><blockquote>If we find ourselves in a position where we feel that serving our families gets in the way of serving Christ's Kingdom, then we should fall on our faces and repent..... ~<span style="font-style: italic;">Passionate Housewives Desperate for God</span>~</blockquote><br />I agree with that whole heartily! So many people in church leadership positions think that if a woman stays at home and serves her family and doesn't participate in outside ministries at the church that she isn't obeying the Great Commission.<br />This is one of the reasons I am loving <span style="font-style: italic;">Passionate Housewives Desperate for God</span>. The Book is meant to <span style="font-style: italic;">encourage </span>women in the calling of staying at home with their children and serving God in <span style="font-style: italic;">that </span>position.<br />I am liking the perspective that this book exalts the woman in her calling to be a stay at home mother. Rather than a "season of life" that she needs to get through in order to go onto "higher and better things"<br /><br />However, the bones that are in this book have to do with scripture that has been taken out of context, and a hint of a legalistic attitude. But I am not finished with the book yet, so I can't make a fair judgment as of yet.<br /><br />Some other Words I am pondering:<br /><br /><blockquote>As a child, my wife, Katharine, lived in Colombia, South America, with her parents who served there as missionaries for four years. In Colombia, Katharine visited some of the most legalistic churches imaginable. Elders and deacons who were well respected among their peers were caught with other men's wives. Admired church leaders turned out to be drunks, compulsive gamblers, or extortionists.<br />Perhaps the most amazing even was when a man's car blew up in his own driveway, apparently an assassination. The charred body was recovered from the flames, and a funeral was held for the man. About a year later, the man was found alive and well in another city--married to another woman! It turns out he had dug up a cadaver from the cemetery and staged his own death. Apparently, he carried out his charade because of the extensive gambling debts he owed to the local mafia.<br />Katharine witnessed both extreme legalism and extreme immorality at the same time. Those outrageous evens served to illustrate an important point about life under the law. We can dress up, play church, and gain the respect of those around us through the trumpeting of our strict religious rules. But no amount of window dressing can change reality. Sooner or later, life under the law will evidence itself.<br />In Christ, we die and are reborn--free from the law. So we don't have to pretend. Playing church leads to <span style="font-style: italic;">more</span> sinning every time.<br />~The Naked Gospel~</blockquote>Wow, is all I have to say! That is so true. I have seen it with my own eyes unfortunately. :(<br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"> </a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">From the kitchen... </span></a><br />Most likely leftovers. I have no idea, LOL!<br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"> </a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">Around the house... </span></a><br />Girls are playing outside and Tiny Boy is asking me for coffee<br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"></a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">One of my favorite things...</span></a><br />Clean smelling carpets! Thanks to my friend, who allowed me to borrow her carpet steam cleaner, I now have fresh clean carpets! ♥ <a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"> </a><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">From the learning rooms...(if this applies)</span></a><br />Still on break from Christmas <a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"> </a><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">I am creating...</span></a><br />Some Christmas presents that I didn't get to finish. Don't know when I will get to finish them either. :-o<br /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"> </a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">I am hearing...</span></a><br />The girls talking to their daddy, and Tiny Boy scarfing down a bit o coffee <a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"> </a><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">A few plans for the rest of the week:</span></a><br />Go out with a friend, and finish cleaning the carpets. Maybe organizing and getting rid of clothing that doesn't fit the kids anymore <a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"> </a><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">From my picture journal...</span></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirndnpNv0cpZK6-kAsE4MdUpltg1WjAzEODGwLm0E4tEanBqqY__N5Pe2Mjt55IS5uUvOL3Cpy-uMWef3lxlHXoMVRd4qy-lzabg9C0Oawa9lxOcD03sd0YoBnZIcfdS4D8j10FlIFZdU/s1600-h/IMG_6537.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirndnpNv0cpZK6-kAsE4MdUpltg1WjAzEODGwLm0E4tEanBqqY__N5Pe2Mjt55IS5uUvOL3Cpy-uMWef3lxlHXoMVRd4qy-lzabg9C0Oawa9lxOcD03sd0YoBnZIcfdS4D8j10FlIFZdU/s400/IMG_6537.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420295314378960290" border="0" /></a>The children got pajamas and blankets from their Nana and Papaw on Christmas Eve. My mom told me as a little girl she and her brother would take a picture by the Christmas tree in their new pajamas. That happened with her in the late 50's. So we decided to go retro here~ Only we have a digital and colored camera. ;-)<br /><br />To read other ladies Daybooks be sure to visit <a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/">The Simple Woman's Day Book</a>Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313980535349477065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654119952804369047.post-47547738851938565112009-12-27T17:12:00.001-08:002009-12-27T17:22:59.678-08:00New Look, New Year, and New Goals<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RdzZguFqsc5nt3pO1ld0VK1Fi0MuHHSg3T7ksjmJJb9iRp2SeSAx_F3nv1cY08YM60XuPguOWAi3tLSsoeUheIVROuPq9iGwaWb5Eu8-5a_bZYbow5dX8SwlgQDEizqnwTrsBWSrIkY/s1600-h/AMP04129704001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RdzZguFqsc5nt3pO1ld0VK1Fi0MuHHSg3T7ksjmJJb9iRp2SeSAx_F3nv1cY08YM60XuPguOWAi3tLSsoeUheIVROuPq9iGwaWb5Eu8-5a_bZYbow5dX8SwlgQDEizqnwTrsBWSrIkY/s400/AMP04129704001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420090752558556018" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span>Well, the Christmas Meme was tons of fun. I didn't get to the last post that I was planning to do.<br /><br />Plans changed. It's always a good idea to be flexible, and not get in a hissy fit and pull out your hair because things didn't go as you expected them. ;-)<br /><br />We had a wonderful Christmas. Very simple, and memorable for the kids. Which was my goal. :D<br /><br />I will announce the winner this coming weekend on the meme. I have to go back and see who commented, who, participated, and such and put all the numbers in a hat, and will announce then! ♥<br /><br />So how do you like the new look of my blog? I think this look is going to stick around for a while. I am known to change my blog around a lot. But I need to keep things simple.<br /><br />I know it looks very springy, and it is nearing the dead of winter for some of ya'll. But I have a lot of plans for the year 2010. I want to start new and fresh. And well, Spring reminds me of new and freshness. ;-)<br /><br />I also want to thank all my new followers to my blog. I truly appreciate that there are people reading my ramblings. ♥<br /><br />There are several ideas looming in my head as to the direction I want to take "Heart Of A Mommy". I am praying about those directions. Fun things!<br /><br />My goal is for the blog to be an encouragement, and a "fun" place to unwind. I want to be more "interactive" on this blog too. So stick around and let's see what will happen!</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><span>Until then, have a safe and blessed New Year! :D</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313980535349477065noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654119952804369047.post-10657683800119898082009-12-22T08:33:00.000-08:002009-12-22T09:07:25.105-08:00Simplifying Christmas Day 13~Christmas Crafts<a href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/11/simplifying-christmas.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418104888079517362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDVpuBha-Xg-N69LAtM-ytLgulBpVw7FUUyDEURuj53ygzI5AnELbr3WFoMIvXxteV1ckawNvZBhcO274i1BfE1i4BzffVEGb8gjl0Sr66jmV-X5bKwxTrvSKshJ68y_GOONDL4aRYvk/s400/SimplifyingChristmas.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em><strong><span style="color:#000066;">We are on day thirteen of the Simplifying Christmas Meme! Today's topic is "Christmas Crafts"Click on the Christmas Button above to get details on this meme, and join in on the fun! To see the prize you could win</span></strong></em><a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(0,0,102); FONT-STYLE: italic" href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/12/simplifying-christmas-day-1-simplifying.html"><span style="color:#660000;"> CLICK HERE</span></a><span style="color:#000066;"><em><strong>. To win this prize, either write about this topic on your blog, and link back to here, and post your link in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MckLinky</span> at the bottom of this post, or leave a comment about this topic. :)<br /></strong></em><br /></span><br /><div><div><div></div><div>First off, I am *SO* sorry that I have skipped the last couple of days. Things have been *very* busy around here. Some unexpected plans have come up, and in order to <em>simplify</em> things, I had to skip blogging. </div><div>I am thinking I will do one more post for the meme. Tomorrow's theme will be to share what you have learned<strong><em> *THIS*</em></strong> Christmas in the area of Simplifying. So be thinking about that. :)</div><div></div><div>So this is partly what we have been doing this week. Making crafts. A few of these were unexpected. </div><div></div><div>Sweetie really wanted to make a few gifts for her cousins. I don't want to discourage her creativity and willingness to give, so I took her to the fabric store, and have been working with her to make the gift.</div><div></div><div>Being <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">flexible</span> with our plans allows things to become more simple I believe. I had to put aside some things that I thought we would be doing to allow her to do this. But the benefits are better than my plans. I am spending time with her, and encouraging her. </div><div></div><div>So this is what Sweetie has been working on:</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418104881546054930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAyNsWQXm-FPbgFebVz2gdVlcZf6RxEaq5gkQ88TXUYiUJROyTd_5taDbwxhMDxRkrjFkoWpWuj6AsSFHnda472KbykYA-wqAFDSvGCw3qjkbH6LTn3sTsVm1flbZNKa0_E0Huqo1O_Q/s400/ModestArianna.jpg" border="0" />This is one of those polar fleece blankets that you cut into fringe and then tied together. Sweetie picked out the fabric. She LOVES monkeys. Sweetie is hoping that her cousin will enjoy the monkeys as well. ♥</div></div></div><p>This is really a quick and simple "craft" for six to ten year old to do. Just cutting and tying. </p><p>Sweetie also has plans on making a pillow case for her other cousin. Which I will be working with her on today or tomorrow.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418104889503405122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRNnvqP0KwxnSVSY01izhv3KR5c3Za9mnwscztSsE2gPk7xNxG27heZfKHQNPGXbH2HsJ45Lhkmm4IWsKxX3squixwz7oWdO44EhC_BrjmrgDUS4jtNj_TM-KZwkJnBtBtt3R2sWzxi0/s400/IMG_6470.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Another thing we have been doing is making salt dough ornaments. These are just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">waaay</span> to fun to make. So *SIMPLE* and easy. Messy? Yes. But wonderful memories and fun! These aren't finished. I had just pulled them out of the oven in this picture. Now they are cooled and waiting to be painted. Another thing we will be finishing today or tomorrow. (hopefully ;-) )</p><p>So how about you? Have you done some special Christmas Crafting this year? Please show pictures!</p><p>I will be visiting <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">every one's</span> blogs and catching up on the last few days that I have missed. Thanks for understanding! ♥</p><p></p><br /><br /><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=13199" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com/" target="_blank"><img height="39" src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" border="0" /></a>Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313980535349477065noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654119952804369047.post-30706855380005946202009-12-17T08:11:00.000-08:002009-12-17T08:42:05.158-08:00Simplifying Christmas Day 12~Share A Favorite Ornament<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/11/simplifying-christmas.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyd_NQadflvVHYDFKsSrBgfCEpMgG8cLC9zyIoWo_XOYxKgusSSF5C9mTLhdn86-v0msPxT7U4xwZ-AzvlvpAIGTP4MKeOCz_NlaqpRnJi2R5rintBA6cpjwvF4AUNjd1CA_USu5GiRb4/s400/SimplifyingChristmas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416243259041901938" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">We are on day twelve of the Simplifying Christmas Meme! Today's topic is "Share A Favorite Ornament"</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Click on the Christmas Button above to get details on this meme, and join in on the fun! To see the prize you could win</span><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/12/simplifying-christmas-day-1-simplifying.html"> CLICK HERE</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">. To win this prize, either write about this topic on your blog, and link back to here, and post your link in the MckLinky at the bottom of this post, or leave a comment about this topic. :)</span><br /></div><br />I am so very sorry that this post is up late today. I have been dealing with some things for the past two days. But better late than never, right? ;-)<br /><br />Today I am going to share with you some favorite ornaments of mine and my kids.<br /><br />The first one is an ornament that is pretty self explanatory. It's first Christmas together. My mother in law got it for us. I LOVE that it's a precious moments ornament.♥<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-Zau8E5HW_Iu_xEnHbEHTLghVXIERu-mI2EogUva9cEtNjIS276gA428rw07yOuYRBtSTJMakLy5N0fhFwwR1SW7T1doMPOA4sBK_XBHC-GyFkupMVx0x79_lwHB5cWHiRLJ3D2b61Y/s1600-h/IMG_6461.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-Zau8E5HW_Iu_xEnHbEHTLghVXIERu-mI2EogUva9cEtNjIS276gA428rw07yOuYRBtSTJMakLy5N0fhFwwR1SW7T1doMPOA4sBK_XBHC-GyFkupMVx0x79_lwHB5cWHiRLJ3D2b61Y/s400/IMG_6461.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416243251119185986" border="0" /></a>This one is Bean's Ballerina Bear. It has her real name on it, but I blurred it out. It's her favorite ornament. Grandma got her that one.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItjAjrJmPr2t45dCIbdCzBzVEatRc1595L_IZSFge7GgM3in7OBTVYCxfk78kfh-4_GRFm5hmXaMj6EOZayAkdNLKzoOLK310xKEpoJ6XbXLU_AX1oGJtiTcf2TjMPl3fa9nNE61p7EU/s1600-h/IMG_6462.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItjAjrJmPr2t45dCIbdCzBzVEatRc1595L_IZSFge7GgM3in7OBTVYCxfk78kfh-4_GRFm5hmXaMj6EOZayAkdNLKzoOLK310xKEpoJ6XbXLU_AX1oGJtiTcf2TjMPl3fa9nNE61p7EU/s400/IMG_6462.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416243950932283298" border="0" /></a>This one is Sweetie's. It's a Church. It lights up when you put a Christmas light inside of it. But the light burned out. It has special sentimental value to it, because Grandma also got her that one, and it has to do with something about our family name. :D<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOa7MEQBmvzuhFSor0LqBlBYvd6MgZUWEkmp6rTJS2zDO1bB5hh-587GmW16xLh8XNTPuoy5JbqDWxJ9RjdZZ3Kk7jDBs3qzBwmszH9PAYc8iNS2c9sh703YZQRK3Lf_0mdLCfZkc-9yE/s1600-h/IMG_6465.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOa7MEQBmvzuhFSor0LqBlBYvd6MgZUWEkmp6rTJS2zDO1bB5hh-587GmW16xLh8XNTPuoy5JbqDWxJ9RjdZZ3Kk7jDBs3qzBwmszH9PAYc8iNS2c9sh703YZQRK3Lf_0mdLCfZkc-9yE/s400/IMG_6465.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416243958062243218" border="0" /></a>I am anxious to see every one's favorite ornaments and the stories behind them. Be sure to sign the MckLinky below. ♥<br />I'll try to get the next post up tonight. I am planning on a busy day ahead, so we'll have to see. Thanks everyone for participating! :D<br /><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=12903" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" border="0" height="39" /></a>Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313980535349477065noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654119952804369047.post-55002402421434369382009-12-14T15:44:00.000-08:002009-12-15T10:27:55.203-08:00Simplifying Christmas Day 11~Simple Recipes<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/11/simplifying-christmas.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415242362405398354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwZnbwTc96ZvsTI96rgm8qvjHdhpNRf11MtcBITRU2y3PKN9ympNn9D3UofL2QSGnf3bQuM54Mbdg2xGpHMFWunuJgjDUSPkSCPQBNc1woiOLxkZw-TZzJZrjP_-76G8Loq9PVT-hFcc/s400/SimplifyingChristmas.jpg" border="0" /></a><em><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,102)"> <strong>We are on day eleven of the Simplifying Christmas Meme! Today's topic is "Simple Recipes"</strong></span></em><br /><em><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,102)"><strong>Click on the Christmas Button above to get details on this meme, and join in on the fun! To see the prize you could win</strong></span></em><a href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/12/simplifying-christmas-day-1-simplifying.html"><strong><em><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,102)"> </span></em></strong></a><a href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/12/simplifying-christmas-day-1-simplifying.html"><strong><em><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,102)">CLICK HERE</span></em></strong></a><strong><em><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,102)"><a href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/12/simplifying-christmas-day-1-simplifying.html">.</a> To win this prize, either write about this topic on your blog, and link back to here, and post your link in the MckLinky at the bottom of this post, or leave a comment about this topic. :)</span></em></strong> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left">Sorry about getting this post up later than usual. Yesterday was a crazy busy hectic day. I was out of the house by 7:30am and home by 3:45. Then I was just too burned out to "think". I played on facebook a bit, and made a simple meal of hot dogs, and played a game of Uno with my kids. ♥ Then I vegged out on watching The Duggars on Youtube. ;-)</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left">Today's post is pretty simple though. Just share a recipe or two that is a fun simple thing to make around the holidays. For us that means Thanksgiving and Christmas</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left">These two Recipes I got from ladies in our old church. So I want to give credit to them.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><br />First Recipe:</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Corn Bread Casserole</span></strong></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><em>1 Stick of Melted Butter</em></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><em>1 Egg<br />1 Can of Creamed Corn</em></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><em>1 Can of regular Corn</em></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><em>8 oz of Sour Cream</em></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><em>1 Cup of Shredded Cheddar Cheese</em></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left">Preheat oven to 350</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left">Mix together melted Butter, egg, creamed corn and regular corn including liquid. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan. Bake for 30-45minutes. Stick in knife to test. Should not be "wet" but still a bit sticky. You don't want it dry.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left">Pull out of oven, and spread Sour Cream on right away. Then Sprinkle on Cheese. </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left">This is always a hit everywhere I bring it. I brought it to our MOPS meeting yesterday and there wasn't a crumb left! Whoa. ;-) </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left">It's so simple and easy. I am <em>not</em> a fan of cooking, but this is quicker than cleaning up the dishes for it.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left">And if any of my MOPS ladies are reading this, now you have the recipe. ♥</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left">Next Recipe:</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Cream Cheese Cookies</span></strong></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><em>1 box of yellow cake mix</em></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><em>1 block of softened cream cheese</em></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><em>1 egg</em></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><em>1/4 to 1/2 Cup of softened butter. (Depending on how "rich" you would like it to be)</em></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><em>1 tsp of vanilla</em></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left">Cream together Cream Cheese and Butter. Add in cake mix, egg and vanilla. Mix together to get a stiff cookie dough. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left">Spoon onto cookie sheets about tablespoon size or a tad bigger. </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left">Bake in a 350 degree oven for 8-10 minutes. You want the bottoms slightly brown.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left">Remove cookies from cookie sheet immediately. They are very fragile when hot, and firm up once cool.<br /></div><br /><br /><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=12743" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" height="39" border="0" /></a>Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313980535349477065noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654119952804369047.post-9708876252495660812009-12-14T00:00:00.000-08:002009-12-14T00:00:00.727-08:00Simplifying Christmas Day 10~ Homeschooling During Hectic Times<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/11/simplifying-christmas.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414866080879297970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJqTQf7jPN7LdOI-4Cx2CgW_vBv99hcsW9lhgOlZsT6eEXCyswUHc-c7c4Yneu8xEj61du3kcH5NLx3_0-NPkNsmbXm5yAFDGcMyswsQIfT7ERbsb_uj2s3fLe_ICxoFfnRxOp9p2WVE/s400/SimplifyingChristmas.jpg" border="0" /></a><em><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,102)"> <strong>We are on day ten of the Simplifying Christmas Meme! Today's topic is "Homeschooling During Hectic Times"<br />Click on the Christmas Button above to get details on this meme, and join in on the fun! To see the prize you could win</strong></span></em><a href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/12/simplifying-christmas-day-1-simplifying.html"><strong><em><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,102)"> </span></em></strong></a><a href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/12/simplifying-christmas-day-1-simplifying.html"><strong><em><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,102)">CLICK HERE</span></em></strong></a><strong><em><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,102)">. To win this prize, either write about this topic on your blog, and link back to here, and post your link in the MckLinky at the bottom of this post, or leave a comment about this topic. :)<br /><br /></span></em></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414867820675520306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmkfoEqEAJ5kcR9ufgwA1JDs2i4lvUHZW4TX-xrz4HkGw6EteWD1RV_wR6hr8U8aiZq91t-s99hR1DkUCGqQJ-M1JNCOB8gXjN0lXA2VCSzdSn-wZsQhtPeHJhi9nZRX5VBmFChddvp0/s400/IMG_5512.JPG" border="0" /> I find it very difficult to home school through hectic seasons in our life. It seems like this whole fall semester has been hectic.<br /><br />This is what I have been doing this fall, but I am planning on doing a little more in the Spring Semester.<br /><br />Just sticking with the Three "R's", Reading, Writing and R'ithmetic. This week for fun though, I am planning on doing a "<a href="http://www.handsofachild.com/shop/12-Days-of-Christmas-Fun-Project-Pack-P662C94.aspx">Christmas Learning Folder</a>" from <a href="http://www.handsofachild.com/">Hands Of A Child</a> along with the Three "R's"<br /><br />So, what do y'all do for homeschooling during busy and stressful seasons? I *REALLY* need help in this area myself.<br /><br /><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=12585" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com/" target="_blank"><img height="39" src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" border="0" /></a>Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313980535349477065noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654119952804369047.post-76038735856854874632009-12-12T09:54:00.000-08:002009-12-12T09:58:39.340-08:00Simplifying Christmas~Weekend Break<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7egppLZ2JYgHxqZGBzJlNDrhVZFUHwjQKH-NcWHP9gnz8Q80XK3N_6vtatG6025lrp2avpfmh5OKw9I__tGeD7fxUb6OyS05FlI_b3pzqVuWHG4ArHfJjLj1Hu0DHaYNnU1QfQUKicg/s1600-h/SimplifyingChristmas.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414409684434913346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7egppLZ2JYgHxqZGBzJlNDrhVZFUHwjQKH-NcWHP9gnz8Q80XK3N_6vtatG6025lrp2avpfmh5OKw9I__tGeD7fxUb6OyS05FlI_b3pzqVuWHG4ArHfJjLj1Hu0DHaYNnU1QfQUKicg/s400/SimplifyingChristmas.jpg" border="0" /></a> Let's take this weekend to enjoy our families and focus on being "simple" Simplifying Christmas will start again on Monday. In order to start thinking about what's coming up for next week here is a mini "schedule"<br /><br />Monday: Simplifying Homeschooling during Christmas<br />Tuesday: Simple Recipes to make. Meals, Cookies, whatever that is *easy* yet tasty!<br />Wednesday: Show and Tell. Take a picture of a sentimental ornament and tell it's story<br />Thursday: A Simple Kid's Craft<br />Friday: Simple Grown Up Craft<br /><br />See you Monday! :)Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313980535349477065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654119952804369047.post-70985625198450713312009-12-10T20:24:00.000-08:002009-12-10T21:31:46.024-08:00Simplifying Christmas Day 9~ Giving to Those in Need<div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413830269363948578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBwaxnbM8CTwqMhfsTJVbsKOTLkCjYOiaH3bFsHyIYeBwHUIM4g-jy7hniCLm07eRQ77oY99h69Geq77_6PA6USRjWR1RHTlawJOn3U8MCGvn-rJZrT_O5lScO3Tzi-9_8LEJ4MNUAsc/s400/SimplifyingChristmas.jpg" border="0" /><em><span style="color:#000066;"> <strong>We are on day eight of the Simplifying Christmas Meme! Today's topic is "Giving To Those In Need"Click on the Christmas Button above to get details on this meme, and join in on the fun! To see the prize you could win</strong></span></em><a href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/12/simplifying-christmas-day-1-simplifying.html"><strong><em><span style="color:#000066;"> </span></em></strong></a><a href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/12/simplifying-christmas-day-1-simplifying.html"><strong><em><span style="color:#000066;">CLICK HERE</span></em></strong></a><strong><em><span style="color:#000066;">. To win this prize, either write about this topic on your blog, and link back to here, and post your link in the MckLinky at the bottom of this post, or leave a comment about this topic. :)</span></em><br /></strong><br /><br />I believe part of Christmas is the old adage of "It is better to give than to receive". I also believe that we should have giving hearts <em>everyday</em> of the year besides Christmas.<br /><br />But, <a href="http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/index/">Operation Christmas Child </a>is such an awesome way to demonstrate giving at this time of year. These kids have little to nothing in the way of worldly possessions. And showing them that someone out there cares and loves them, softens their hearts to listen and hear the gospel. Watch this and prepare to bawl your eyes out!<br /><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZZA7bQJ_7xI&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZZA7bQJ_7xI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />OK. So now I need a tissue...<em>again! But that's a good thing. ♥</em><br /><br /><br /><p>Almost every year since Sweetie was around three years old, I have been participating with my MOPS group in packing a shoe box. I LOVE doing this with my kids. We go to the dollar store and find all sorts of wonderful goodies to put in a shoe box. I love seeing my kid's hearts for the other boys and girls come out. They want to pick the best for the person they are packing for.</p><br /><p>We write a letter and color some pictures to the child that will be getting the box</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413831010184276402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXMCwcQ8tnuFQqxQUwjGS9Sgy79pAIkq2PFWujTDnZ7z-u6RbPoWXU2uPqUMuiTHe632ax_BhkqBUJnRYKpe27y1rwSw52OjuwgAI46B8gBe5FQeDE736Hp_s2IyAMAj5fzR1Md1cZ_E/s400/IMG_6247.JPG" border="0" />Then we pack it up and shut it good and tight<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413831017883167250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5v_Jx61GTwu_I4yE6U6v1Qdsb4A5ueH75lwIrhON3NA_bMQppI2_KtzYBsU6Ze73pllTlB0HSLH6BsG-KCXi_36Q2DhX2unHTbr80059xk1fwUT1fejxA8RTMzwGxIUS7nJQKnjCkfE/s400/IMG_6250.JPG" border="0" />Next, we deliver it to a drop off area<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413831029384074674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZf2jmT87lAl932ravInf9Z98sZmK0P-b4D6eFjI7R7kl7z5lrov3ELT4cERcHpS_w_sFEbUXAbediJ-bg3flj3H0GbmY2qe_lGUruaE6aS90f71qjJ0cYNrxr7rf1i2z2pOBTBxGBvwE/s400/IMG_6264.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413831037945334546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72mF9CLedjNqX7TksVHFrIrpE7HSvQQOvFlaOwYThWBkZecOs0c3C9cfE4QwVCeeq-iq81-KKYqnCnVsHNgqjajedqnsE-NYdZNhTz9RGGdm3gOGErc4yOTpNaJBaqZJk65dsHppmxPg/s400/IMG_6266.JPG" border="0" /> We are excited to believe God is going to do something special with the shoe box we packed....well us girls are excited. Tiny Boy on the other hand is in dire need of a nap! ;-)<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413838482088645442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlpA-1H9Xfzc6m-yLrNjFeJcF-DymFnMhBxnJDve1VIkakhNSnQF1s98jOyGKqlsWjfgG39rvRZXzo3_48DEIcK4w3nM0fVBXcP95XqZSlNZ-gG2AshNogx-ut794i7cpcbg5oERL4Wk/s400/IMG_6268.JPG" border="0" /> Giving doesn't have to be complicated. I read a story that was posted by a friend on facebook about her little girl giving a necklace she made out of straws to a demo lady at the grocery store. The demo lady cried because someone had broken into her home and stolen all of her jewelery. The Straw necklace made her so happy! Wow! A little girl's craft brought a lot of joy into someone's life.<br /><br />I also think that giving simplifies things in our lives. It helps put things in proper perspective. Some of the children in Operation Christmas Child live in a garbage dump. A literal garbage dump. They scrounge around the dump for their food and rare items to be sold.<br /><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/66e42TH3AWA&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/66e42TH3AWA&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />It really shows how MUCH we have already doesn't it?<br /><br />What about you? Do you participate in something like Operation Christmas Child? Do you do something through your church, or as a family? I would love to read and hear about it. Be sure to sign the MckLinky. :)<br /><br /><br /><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=12353" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com/" target="_blank"><img height="39" src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" border="0" /></a></div>Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313980535349477065noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654119952804369047.post-31421580026241864162009-12-09T19:45:00.000-08:002009-12-09T20:51:20.015-08:00Simplifying Christmas Day 8~ Homemade Gift Ideas<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413448912613844578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctDK3JK6_0eyH2_8F4T8gYQWi6o54yeoXks5LRfzBAZyC2QCNoHGpKr1Ggtqf-F-M0TW-bG4QMmJZXW7fCwmf5gTozQcLPlPmV5NL7Vp8JFJQyM5QuOKlV-kHtsk7CdsbAFxv_riJGMo/s400/SimplifyingChristmas.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>We are on day eight of the Simplifying Christmas Meme! Today's topic is "Simple Homemade Gift Ideas"<br />Click on the Christmas Button above to get details on this meme, and join in on the fun! To see the prize you could win</strong></span></em><a href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/12/simplifying-christmas-day-1-simplifying.html"><em><span style="color:#000066;"><strong> </strong></span></em></a><a href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/12/simplifying-christmas-day-1-simplifying.html"><em><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>CLICK HERE</strong></span></em></a><em><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>. To win this prize, either write about this topic on your blog, and link back to here, and post your link in the MckLinky at the bottom of this post, or leave a comment about this topic. :) </strong></span></em></div><br /><p align="center"><em><span style="color:#000066;"><strong><span style="color:#660000;">One more thing. My Friend Mica is having a Christmas Book Giveway on her Blog.</span></strong> </p></span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413460007428949778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnp1NLcmCgXr7SXhyphenhyphen0AVKmlkV1pKyf1gy8EvYgcl37RGtS8wm0TXwGIvmJQ_no_L_kvCwMwu8M2hVhbTyTfoO78mnpvAlvp4QxWXUfmiXT-7CBfvpY_ERPvAn06axMMBgVE-gmuEwXpCw/s400/SDC11445.JPG" border="0" /><br /><em><span style="color:#000066;"><div align="center"><a href="http://thechildspaper.blogspot.com/2009/12/book-give-away-and-more.html"><strong><span style="color:#660000;">Be sure to visit her blog and enter for your chance to win these awesome books! :)<br /></span></strong></a></span></em></div><br /><span style="color:#003300;"><strong><em>Oh! I almost forgot! I think I was asked by a few people to share the cinnamon roll Recipe. Well, you have to Thank Miss Paula Dean for it. Cause that's the one I use. ;-) You can find it </em></strong></span><div align="center"><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Cinnamon-Rolls-Paula-Deen-284995"><span style="color:#003300;"><strong><em>HERE<br /></em></div></strong></span></a><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Part of the reason for this meme is to encourage to keep things as simple as you can <em>this</em> year, but to also inspire you for <em>next</em> year. I have already gleaned a lot of ideas from every one's blogs that have participated. So thank you so much for sharing!<br /><br />One year I was inspired to make all of my kid's gifts. This year, I am not doing that, but trying to get them gifts that inspire <em>their</em> creativity.<br />My Blogging Friend <a href="http://knittywit.blogspot.com/2009/11/state-of-things.html">Heidi </a>always inspires me with her handmade toys that she makes for her children. <a href="http://knittywit.blogspot.com/2009/11/state-of-things.html">Go take and look over at her blog</a>.<br /><br />This year just really crept up on me. So I took the easy route for me, thus the most simplest. But I love the idea of handmade gifts. One you <em>know</em> it was made in America. Two, you know who made it for you did it with thoughtfulness and love. I know when I make a gift I tend to think more about the person I am making it for. Imagining how they will enjoy the gift. ♥<br /><br />Now some of us aren't what other's call <em>crafty</em>. And that's OK! But here's a little secret. My forte' isn't cooking. I like it <em>sometimes</em>. But I would rather get my hands dirty another way. So all you ladies out there baking dozens and dozens of cookies this Christmas. That is so not me. I make the cut out cookies for my family. We enjoy and consume them. I don't give them to no one else. ;-)<br /><br />I might enjoy cooking more often. But when I was younger I never learned to cook well. Sweetie joined our family one year after our wedding day. And for about six months of our marriage I didn't have a kitchen. So I have been a very distracted cook my whole marriage. It isn't fun, but a necessity of life.<br /><br />Well, I do enjoy baking, but my hips don't enjoy it. Boy I am getting off track.<br /><br />Anyway! I would like to share with you some pictures of Christmas pasts where I did make a few gifts.<br /><br />Below was the "family gift" for our extended family that I made. It's a clear Christmas ornament with a lighthouse painted on it. Sand is placed on the bottom with teeny tiny sea shells. I also wrote the Bible Verse:<br /><em>Psalm 27:1</em><br /><em>The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? </em><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413451777698766722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirczty9sx4L1UG5lssfKezIoBPSHi02WF3UkLfakIrDJB7VFFCzfxE0uuT2p2qgAIYo8441J5kMnHzFgaiIj0wuWZd1enFcxNPn0fYDLo_GmfcBUlcBSGa8E87eiKWG-KJxaytY0HwU2I/s400/IMG_3582.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413451780465180994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZwtemBvhjyiknRsDfoQPNAmo8ULqtYCmWR76cnWfI5iDnmnFO9Bzh1Ikzn-Cf362ibg_LyH18MfwfplgTazPeWRG8D7tkJuayJ6s5gtte24g7PmS6uBcPhh-XG_OVvCD4u13ymArTwI/s400/IMG_3583.JPG" border="0" /><br />The year I was inspired to make ALL of their Christmas gifts was a busy and hectic one. I did <em>a lot</em> of sewing! I think it was in the space of two weeks that I did it all too. I was crazy I believe.<br />Pajama's for the kids.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413450150485543618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg775XpsVdInarAUT5rtVNSXMBcDXpb-VEhMxYyj75vyFNL5eP4v3XXMUuHXo4wdbgzH2hrZl-d6g1JCo9bozWB4LkuKhCTXs2puxuSPEVBEOuVgKcTdDELQh4vubOSjfPoxKY5zN5r9i8/s400/100_4498.JPG" border="0" /><br />Quilts for the girls bedroom<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413451765991175906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVN0E-6S948UT2Mm5S0JRE6tBZYMoGkj7BcJFjn26wmG3RIN2F8i-JWXSEyJTTUHPukRIRc8MQFYWbd-Jhtz8udHjs1y50jLEyU6ss4mMKD0sdiKrJJhU9NIVoGoH5cqehQs7Bcjf4w_c/s400/100_4387.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413450154281458498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbj_8oXSxRCYulcGFtC2iD80dLZSWBudMwvhuSvUyndK9YixipC_ywlq3b_aJJWWO7rw1pIucczx1WfE4L_zHSWMQ5wOTEXui0JJy66JFYo1qrK9Qj_hKSubeayw4F-Thk-91bAnMsP0s/s400/100_4535.JPG" border="0" />Tutus for the girls...who found them stashed <em>away</em> before Christmas. But oh well, they were happy!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413450162331901234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIUwwLQ0hHBYiSRBwfTfpf9G91R1dXn_PNHlmkdzy59moZ3I8j34hxn-Tkqd4WHyJFVPCgbQhh6y4IDPa4im8iC1U63rOonSk6bC5WbtOFsDNc9gLT0Z_BusoiBkAhDm3dq5ZEsJO7Yo/s400/100_4344.JPG" border="0" /></p>And a Tepee for the girls. A <em>girly</em> one!♥<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413450170194703890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9CWHqFUzpxC-kFs7NLs7fOW-3rx8wcvOTpYmKaularvLQl_Zhed6LkgrO-PIaVkLAF0ncHYh5a6HVIaESh0205QHR-4iOciIMsUwTPCH6Fni2bt3bTKp6u8xxp1LTQUHIBe2ThfxHG4/s400/100_4370.JPG" border="0" />And last, but not least, a soft doggie made from an old T-Shirt for my baby nephew<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413450173522220098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcB52dmYdPJhANvNGALbJt1wZfRO7-txtGvYO3IHPdyolwwSmqdOha-AO_t1gdNsd0u_NJSTe0ZnhGBegRN4MwiJvHNAOa9cceiwz8fErkYGS8e9qrRoJrwileCCnBvKHSXsIoRjEweE/s400/100_4388.JPG" border="0" /> So that's what I made for that particular Christmas. Last year I only made one measly thing. And I did it in a hurry, because I made it in about one day, and didn't take my time like I should of. But that's the beauty of kids. They don't notice sewing mistakes. :) This is a Beauty and Beast Belle dress. Well, it's supposed to be anyway. Bean was thrilled with it though!<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413451773479512610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0PoaVGOeiaWkj4T8hWTjCgfdcWt7Me_h4g2QPHJ2mcgOQ-VjmvjK8O3tP_WVBciCnStWhc1lww4zQ_DmmGwgiNzsMUaktXbJPiYpID_JUqLSuohXUvHgfJpt5eyvp3cOP-iws2k1VH64/s400/IMG_4064.JPG" border="0" />So do you make any homemade gifts? Please share with MckLinky Below. And again, if your reading from my facebook page, please visit <a href="http://www.heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/">http://www.heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/</a> and visit the other blogs that have been participating. ♥ </div><br /><br /><br /><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=12228" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com/" target="_blank"><img height="39" src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" border="0" /></a>Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313980535349477065noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654119952804369047.post-84574867671057804712009-12-08T20:04:00.000-08:002009-12-08T20:51:45.882-08:00Simplifying Christmas Day 7~Simple Gift Ideas<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413083484590578546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJUoMdj3v2tVMegSDXpuKEOqU5y8u9X2LRO9IfpKc6eMeJyS73FaomtWEyavp2G3JvhLA2orpwFsreUWSH94vAJ94-qo8AzV1IWLhTFxIjRtybIIQjQ_ZGPGgZqBFgU4i9aOXNZcsZZA/s400/SimplifyingChristmas.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="left"><em><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,102)">We are on day seven of the Simplifying Christmas Meme! Today's topic is "Simple Gift Ideas"<br /></span></em><em></em><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,102)"><em>Click on the Christmas Button above to get details on this meme, and join in on the fun! To see the prize you could win</em></span><a href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/12/simplifying-christmas-day-1-simplifying.html"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,102)"><em> </em></span></a><a href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/12/simplifying-christmas-day-1-simplifying.html"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,102)"><em>CLICK HERE</em></span></a><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,102)"><em>. To win this prize, either write about this topic on your blog, and link back to here, and post your link in the MckLinky at the bottom of this post, or leave a comment about this topic. :)<br /><br /></em></span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"></div></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center">I need to apologize for the MckLinky not working right yesterday. I think something was off with the html coding. So today, just link your the post you posted yesterday in today's post. And then link the post you do today in here as well. Just label yesterday's post "Traditions" and Today's post "Gifts" next to your name. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">Ok, so lets talk about gifts, Especailly in the area of children. At least for me anyway I know it's hard not to go all gung hoe.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center"></div><div align="left">Several people have meantioned that you do three gifts apiece for your children. I really love that idea. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"></div><div align="left">I decided to adopt that idea myself this year. And it truly has really has simplified things. But it was *REALLY* hard not to get more. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"></div><div align="left">This is my gift list for this year:</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"></div><div align="left"><strong>Sweetie, seven year old girl:</strong> </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left">1. A whole set of American Girl Books </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left">2. A knitting loom and ball of yarn </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left">3. Easy Bake Oven</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"><strong>Bean, five year old girl:</strong> </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left">1. A Jewlery making kit </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left">2. A real tea set, painted by mommy </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left">3. Snow White the movie</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"><strong>Little Tiny Boy, 3 year old boy:</strong> </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left">1. Legos </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left">2. Buzz Light Year movie sized action figure </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left">3. Spiderman action figure with spiderman car</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left">So here goes my philosphy on my "simple gifts" </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"></div><div align="left">I will be reading these books out loud to Sweetie and Bean will most likely listen in. The Knitting Loom can be used by everyone. ;-) And So can the Easy Bake oven. Although Sweetie will most likely be in charge of it. These gifts are all good for the mind and creativity</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"></div><div align="left">Bean's gifts will also be used by the others. She will be sharing her tea set as she serves tea, and the girls have anxiously been awaiting Snow White to come out on DVD. The jewelry making kit is something that Bean especially requested. And it's also good for creativity.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"></div><div align="left">Tiny Boy's gifts. Well, the Lego's can be shared by all. The last two toys aren't exactly "simple" but they didn't cost a lot. I got them on sale. And the poor boy is sorely lacking in some really manly toys. He plays with his sister's Poly Pocket car at times, good grief! ;-)</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"></div><div align="left">None of the gifts are "practical" but my personal opinion is that Christmas is a time for "special". I don't buy toys for my children much during the year. Not because I think it's wrong to, or am I gearing up for "Christmas". </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"></div><div align="left">But since they go shopping with me (ALL. THE. TIME) I don't want them to come to expect that I'll pick up stuff for them every time we go out. I am proud to say that I have never had a tantrum in the store over a "must have toy". I just simply say, "I can't buy that right now" they put it back, and that's that.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"></div><div align="left">So Christmas and birthdays are a nice excuse to give them toys. ;-) It simplifies things during the year this way too. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"></div><div align="left">Also clothing. Clothing I view as a necessity. I buy it as we need it. And sometimes that isn't during Christmas. Now last year for Christmas I did buy the girls Disney Princess panties instead of the generic panties that are like three dollars cheaper. :)</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"></div><div align="left">And this year I think I am going to get some fruit roll ups and other "snacky" items to put into stockings instead of candy. Because that is something that I NEVER buy. Only Nana buys that kind of stuff! ;-)</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"></div><div align="left">They somehow pawn candy off of complete strangers sometimes. Not joking. I went to the dollar store the other day, and the check out lady asked if she could give them candy. Crazy! </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"></div><div align="left">Another thing I do to simplify gifts is to give the same gift to immediate family, but give a few variations or none at all.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"></div><div align="left">One year I painted a red plate with the words "You are Special Today" with special glass paint. I have even made these for bridal shower gifts</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left"></div><div align="left">Another year I made photo quilts like this for the grandparents:</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413091342773846274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 364px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEZs4p3M6UiS5z2Jo8kW2sWM9FZPVJAEBqMFtAbg6sanY79QifC5WuAhyphenhyphenInpXK01gmS74saVjTz1Pdi0kPlJxjKz4nXHWBQ70nkcWm9ov-QJkSRTgmq3Xjo7G1qmTx36TX0Iey7P_Dqw/s400/etsy2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div>So those are a few ideas on how I try to simplify gifts. How do you Simplify Gifts? <div align="left"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Remember if you reading from my facebook page please visit <a href="http://www.heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/">http://www.heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/</a> to see what others are writing about in blog land. </span></div><br /><br /><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=12133" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com/" target="_blank"><img height="39" src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" border="0" /></a>Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313980535349477065noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654119952804369047.post-91311961571899652142009-12-08T00:00:00.000-08:002009-12-08T00:00:06.688-08:00Simplifying Christmas Day 6~ Share Some Simple Family Traditions<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412690473953610530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVzk_NeVa47oYFvipwOlUlmY1aKolKK89xewrlxwayBv6r86-ERDvmgQdnMGM7MsoOp7NPCtnMzSWjTCZ-AqHPlGXWRiu-SUDnaA1_WAiCAYa7ZbRRlqteugvk0jo3iIgw938ufnEnns/s400/SimplifyingChristmas.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"> <em><span style="color:#000066;">We are on day Six of the Simplifying Christmas Meme! Today's topic is "Simple Family Christmas Traditions"<br /></div></span></em><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#000066;">Click on the Christmas Button above to get details on this meme, and join in on the fun! To see the prize you could win</span></em><a href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/12/simplifying-christmas-day-1-simplifying.html"><em><span style="color:#000066;"> </span></em></a><a href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/12/simplifying-christmas-day-1-simplifying.html"><em><span style="color:#000066;">CLICK HERE</span></em></a><em><span style="color:#000066;">. To win this prize, either write about this topic on your blog, and link back to here, and post your link in the MckLinky at the bottom of this post, or leave a comment about this topic. :)</span></em></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Well, first off, I gotta mention how I got some comments that I do more than a lot of other people do in the way of decorations. Really!? It seems like in every other house I have been in their decorations are <em>waaaaay</em> more than what I put out? </div><br /><div>Then, I laughed when I got the pictures to share with you some of our favorite family Christmas traditions. It all has to do with food, LOL! </div><br /><div>But that's OK. I guess. ;-) </div><br /><div>There are some non-food traditions. But I'll start with the food ones first.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412690482066785218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 339px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQqqQANvSx6zKboHecMLuwuwpSBbawzbG-SE6XLk8Qf-MhUmIDVknS-OSLHBzwfL1tbz8SVq4gogNR7rX86VJp-1RIWDfa7EO0ta9Wnv7yOl7-AxkPoamXJ5YL6wZR4k7wrmCO2wjV0k/s400/caleb'seggnog.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>As soon as it comes out in the stores, my husband gets egg nogg. He loves to see the kids drinking it for some reason. I am not a big fan of egg nogg. I can tolerate a sip of it, but more than that it's way too rich for me. But the kid's like it. </div><div></div><div>The other day, I caught them sneaking a cupful. They thought it was "Daddy's Special Milk" and were raving about how good it was. Crazy Kids! LOL!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412690487353775746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiek454iVQxnQJeOKEfuQhu3tZvizvAwvX6fty6LjzDCzxA5r4MS__KHnpGsC3aVAgXfEtVqj0JGXxY9HT0w_CU67xu7l-LXf2PojFO7nEnrOzGD5Gw8Pud5siszGeJmUbDf7eKWXBzQlc/s400/kidsmakingcookies.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Another Tradition that we do, is make the cut out cookies. Some years I just buy Pillsbury and give them a jar of icing to frost them with. Last year, I made the dough and the icing. Frugal for sure. Maybe not very "simple", but it was a lot of fun. I had them up until midnight that night. They thought it was great that they could stay up that late making cookies.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412690476058437458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 324px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KKpUPDVBPzYara48Rljyt-lF-dLc4qe2gkuSFyufgn0RM8BIe3ihhz83VmuMgn2gzYv5F-cS1f09cYOFhqIbo_g-ZxUmoaRmIYbE6CUEREWQu6dFtThGfDTcosA_cHt5ctk7tyIWHq4/s400/blogrolls.jpg" border="0" />And pictured above is Sweetie's MOST requested thing for us to do for Thanksgiving and Christmas morning. Homemade Cinnamon Rolls. These are so awesome! (if I do say so myself) My husband even asked me to make some for a special thing at his work. But alas, I don't have the time. </div><div><br /></div><div>These extra "bad for you" cinnamon rolls, are partially made ahead, to cut down on the time. I make the dough the night before, and put on the cinnamon, and butter and sugar, roll it up, and place it in the fridge overnight.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next morning I let it sit out for an hour and then slice the roll up and bake. While baking I make the icing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yeah it's a long process, but oh so delicious! I only make them for special occasions. Like Christmas and Thanksgiving. :)<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>OK. Now for some non-food Christmas traditions. </div><div><br /></div><div>I let the kids help me decorate the tree with me. This can be a stressful time, because of the breakable ornaments. Usually, I give them a box full of plastic or unbreakable ornaments, let them hang the things, and come back later when they are in bed, and rearrange them if they are all clumped together in the same spot. </div><div><br /></div><div>While we are decorating, I play some old timey Christmas music. ♥</div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 331px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 223px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.rangebuzz.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/candy-cane.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Every year since we have lived here, a local church does a live reenactment of the Christmas Story. But instead of sitting and watching it on a stage, it is set outside at different "stations" and we walk to the different scenes, and watch it played out before our eyes. </div><br /><div>It is held at night and the pathway is lite with hurricane lanterns, and they have live animals, and everything. At the end of the "journey" we get hot chocolate and cookies. And the kids get a little candy filled stocking. </div><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 254px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 184px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://api.ning.com/files/JQub9rVbYA3C0QrmeWXBXoF1M0jutDiZQnzuDtucZxBN480cd3f8Qf59S2AKY1p5A7A*S6Eth-rcYSJQNG9XePUb3XNfHFcK/CaramelHotChocolate.jpg" border="0" />My kids really enjoy doing this. They were supper duper excited when they knew we were going to do it "again" (The year before that, it was only a vague memory)<br /><div>Another tradition we do, is make a Christmas ornament for the tree. I am not sure what we are going to make this year, but I have a few ideas up in my head. </div><br /><div>Well, that's all I can think of for now. Be sure to comment or sign the MckLinky if you wrote on your blog. Remember there is a prize to be won! :)</div><br /><div>And again, if you are reading this from my facebook account, come to <a href="http://www.heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/">http://www.heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/</a> to read the other blogs that have linked to this post. ♥</div><br /><br /><div></div><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com/" target="_blank"><img height="39" src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" border="0" /></a><br /><div> </div>Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313980535349477065noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654119952804369047.post-11379896995069686572009-12-07T00:00:00.000-08:002009-12-07T00:00:04.212-08:00Simplifying Christmas Day 5~ Simple Christmas Decorations<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/11/simplifying-christmas.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUI7v2qnZP7BeIJ-ikz0lOb33nZrMzrZdmu_fTEwZylFoLZhuNLFiHGD_7t3xi1pTMtQ7V7w9bfJ0lZk2OZKM7cxXMVpjoQ28McjIBN-0-8RqVJup2yZGLRjmiTgNibeNemPX-Hr2L0ho/s400/SimplifyingChristmas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412340021801656082" border="0" /></a><em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">We are on day five of the Simplifying Christmas Meme! Today's topic is "Simplifying Christmas Decorations" </span></em><br /><div align="center"><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><em>Click on the Christmas Button above to get details on this meme, and join in on the fun! To see the prize you could win<a href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/12/simplifying-christmas-day-1-simplifying.html"> </a></em></span><a href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/12/simplifying-christmas-day-1-simplifying.html"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><em>CLICK HERE</em></span></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><em>. To win this prize, either write about this topic on your blog, and link back to here, and post your link in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MckLinky</span> at the bottom of this post, or leave a comment about this topic. :)<br /><br /><br /><br /></em></span><div style="text-align: left;">OK. I have a confession to make. I didn't do <span style="font-style: italic;">any </span>decorating this weekend like I had hoped too. But the beauty of keeping things simple, is to not to stress the small stuff. Decorations<span style="font-style: italic;"> isn't</span> what Christmas is about. They will get put up. Most likely between today and Tuesday.<br /><br />So until then, I have pictures of a previous Christmas. All of these are really simple and inexpensive decorations.<br /><br />Since the first thing people usually see is the outside of a home, here is my humble abode, and the Simple decorations on the outside<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLtV6Hd23mGzvPO0O9gxyUA6qjesfQqrGE1k7gA_SWnifhwHaYFEtiQqDi1_zmDcuPJuH5DNP5QkXkMfYPUmG-Pcf9giZe2Gp51y2t3OHh5QtKldUzGb1aI-LCbBUf-SC-lko2UWjAsk/s1600-h/100_4407.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLtV6Hd23mGzvPO0O9gxyUA6qjesfQqrGE1k7gA_SWnifhwHaYFEtiQqDi1_zmDcuPJuH5DNP5QkXkMfYPUmG-Pcf9giZe2Gp51y2t3OHh5QtKldUzGb1aI-LCbBUf-SC-lko2UWjAsk/s400/100_4407.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412338976254660290" border="0" /></a>Electric Candles in each Window, A wreath on the front door. I made the wreath at one of my MOPS meetings. The candles each cost about $1.00 at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wal</span>-Mart. And a Snowman Windsock hangs by the door. I also have some fake red poinsettias in a snowman flowerpot. The flowerpot, was given to us by my husband's office I think.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjw_e155_dNnJ-r79AkIXEmrE1XpPGBj5pJ28tBMnWIMD2WfUtRPVXSapOv8DBlMhgH68NhVW9Vk0jo8UNNzXqu2bbcWbHeUMfnLccN2i_AVRs2cgUUvzgyPrSSeRkcOWHJWydCwwHCg/s1600-h/100_4399.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjw_e155_dNnJ-r79AkIXEmrE1XpPGBj5pJ28tBMnWIMD2WfUtRPVXSapOv8DBlMhgH68NhVW9Vk0jo8UNNzXqu2bbcWbHeUMfnLccN2i_AVRs2cgUUvzgyPrSSeRkcOWHJWydCwwHCg/s400/100_4399.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412338971067820418" border="0" /></a> Here is a closer view of the door<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdD48lhbkUunFttGLy6o65b3mPFrkp0UHQUvSpQ4W29zNJ0DgsS_IGigxQsnRRX7BtDE8E6AW2Aqt8OKRE_i3tb5qZ1B391xK8OzJ9bMvvFOJcdlFvZgsjZStEVoGni-O1ElMtFjl6zXs/s1600-h/100_4431.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdD48lhbkUunFttGLy6o65b3mPFrkp0UHQUvSpQ4W29zNJ0DgsS_IGigxQsnRRX7BtDE8E6AW2Aqt8OKRE_i3tb5qZ1B391xK8OzJ9bMvvFOJcdlFvZgsjZStEVoGni-O1ElMtFjl6zXs/s400/100_4431.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412338965940209714" border="0" /></a>Usually the first thing you see when you walk in is our tree. Our tree this particular year was real. That was because we could not find our fake tree hidden in our garage. I got the smallest tree at a tree lot, and asked if I the guy would take $25 for it. Even the small trees were like $35 and up. He said yes! :)<br /><br />So the tree went on top of an end table.<br /><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><em></em></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxG-lou1JB1iY3K5GWnEx0H9YYuWwT09FhWTSQH6uj_ONWK4FM4gtzvRW-qpVznXRK2gL4xy8i8W9Z2QjOfaf5_Z8sB44vaL4b-Iy9uO9ksct1WIZFTaDrfIwET00Zw2m4y21DhTHBXk/s1600-h/100_4432.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxG-lou1JB1iY3K5GWnEx0H9YYuWwT09FhWTSQH6uj_ONWK4FM4gtzvRW-qpVznXRK2gL4xy8i8W9Z2QjOfaf5_Z8sB44vaL4b-Iy9uO9ksct1WIZFTaDrfIwET00Zw2m4y21DhTHBXk/s400/100_4432.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412340014702937378" border="0" /></a>You can also see that we decorated our tree with a cranberry and popcorn garland. We always have fun making those together. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPo_pG55cMq8dIErwnb-JA66C9S-4h26F8CQZb9iwcxXMsmEGx4_3P_Jvup6bCXLNHc1mqGV-DHKVdPOTlucIeODFKux0ysuL6cczHeiqADfw7nzBnrwc7pKPtHC3gwFmBJ1IqxgVkZOM/s1600-h/100_4422.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPo_pG55cMq8dIErwnb-JA66C9S-4h26F8CQZb9iwcxXMsmEGx4_3P_Jvup6bCXLNHc1mqGV-DHKVdPOTlucIeODFKux0ysuL6cczHeiqADfw7nzBnrwc7pKPtHC3gwFmBJ1IqxgVkZOM/s400/100_4422.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412339612858446514" border="0" /></a>This is a shelf above our couch. I just put pine colored candles in the votive holders I already had, and a fake poinsettia between them.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LP4KOd-KrH-IEYdP3XHFUH5gvKOC1_MHA2SpmtlD2JA9Avqkkzla8CPMS0L6VekzSCNqQHW6RxzkTomhCdVj3x21V8ZPF_o1EfJnsD7QTAae2u8J7cuvV-0RovdH59yeosIlm5tsXas/s1600-h/100_4426.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LP4KOd-KrH-IEYdP3XHFUH5gvKOC1_MHA2SpmtlD2JA9Avqkkzla8CPMS0L6VekzSCNqQHW6RxzkTomhCdVj3x21V8ZPF_o1EfJnsD7QTAae2u8J7cuvV-0RovdH59yeosIlm5tsXas/s400/100_4426.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412339606456033234" border="0" /></a>These sat on the end of my piano. I won these at a Home Interiors party. :) Also, when I bought the tree, I asked the man at the tree lot if I could have some of the branches that they had trimmed off of some of the bigger trees. I used those extra branches to adorn the top of my piano, and end tables<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yE3uiHa-08PypQRuLWoA59Nsu354Jf59YwJ9KvQjrrv1FZjMqc1j9Gx9-qLWeLi30n-q_32Gh799v5GqIgDrxvmhIH0Zd76rSAF2ucxtD8EQsdfqUV7CcPBAzcnDic71rgdrhNTT71c/s1600-h/100_4411.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yE3uiHa-08PypQRuLWoA59Nsu354Jf59YwJ9KvQjrrv1FZjMqc1j9Gx9-qLWeLi30n-q_32Gh799v5GqIgDrxvmhIH0Zd76rSAF2ucxtD8EQsdfqUV7CcPBAzcnDic71rgdrhNTT71c/s400/100_4411.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412338978789145282" border="0" /></a>Another view of the branches, with a Candle stuck in the middle of it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32MPnNfzVFJ2QjLXyMJS50cixRu63Z3V3THn6MX2t0wdSJlhLncpqyvtzwuYmcxo65AcYp8G0gRc4X1_w0ae2Kusm250Y-Hwq2nKxgbrd4QGX-VsB4i57aFgGQ_UgyrI_POKFDsMfaBY/s1600-h/100_4425.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32MPnNfzVFJ2QjLXyMJS50cixRu63Z3V3THn6MX2t0wdSJlhLncpqyvtzwuYmcxo65AcYp8G0gRc4X1_w0ae2Kusm250Y-Hwq2nKxgbrd4QGX-VsB4i57aFgGQ_UgyrI_POKFDsMfaBY/s400/100_4425.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412338985426806642" border="0" /></a>This piece was also on my piano. I took a plain white pillar candle and put it in my crystal hurricane lamp. (A Wedding Gift) Then I put cranberries between the candle and the glass. A very simple yet stunning effect in my opinion. ♥<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYqOBhgs3QG1EdYypAf-oShX7TOnYLDEtIY1YDktr878QOmQU66CIv-Lnfk6rRJcsDS5gmsaAQSvWn002qWE_f3DXTFvEaCbRcada1OB4hTFtR3EfZXW8-6xlfXMej6s3tanDxwcs3dY/s1600-h/100_4448.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEYqOBhgs3QG1EdYypAf-oShX7TOnYLDEtIY1YDktr878QOmQU66CIv-Lnfk6rRJcsDS5gmsaAQSvWn002qWE_f3DXTFvEaCbRcada1OB4hTFtR3EfZXW8-6xlfXMej6s3tanDxwcs3dY/s400/100_4448.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412339597618396610" border="0" /></a>In my kitchen I put up lights on the top of the cabinets. Last year I put up white. I like white lights better. Another simple thing, is that last year I didn't take my lights down, so they are already up. They are beautiful year round, and I don't have to climb up there and put them up again this year<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7vPQJ1_1yD80usRO4rpoHgaEFoD-1UEBSnemdG9SwUmMGtqG2S2GNLdeuoTSghL1hyCEF0YRC6cu8pCgZrDDhfAFA2mRaIYcm4Uqdy_6nDxbKwbBh5mE9JH69c2oUPC-XzdOWtyllr0/s1600-h/100_4435.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7vPQJ1_1yD80usRO4rpoHgaEFoD-1UEBSnemdG9SwUmMGtqG2S2GNLdeuoTSghL1hyCEF0YRC6cu8pCgZrDDhfAFA2mRaIYcm4Uqdy_6nDxbKwbBh5mE9JH69c2oUPC-XzdOWtyllr0/s400/100_4435.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412339590356121906" border="0" /></a>This is my dining room table which is also in the kitchen. A simple plaid plastic table cloth is on top. Plastic is the best bet with our family of small children. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgHvrGIOZ74cFR4Yb-EcppouC-U6137Ln5wuMZ0fVTMxgVZGA1w23uGVdLHz8eJrS6KWicAz8jrKKw7swMWRYEscJmq2ldSLQSWdGxwEGiVN5EFFwlfSfOqkvVDcqFwQk9gQs0sYg8ks/s1600-h/100_4439.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgHvrGIOZ74cFR4Yb-EcppouC-U6137Ln5wuMZ0fVTMxgVZGA1w23uGVdLHz8eJrS6KWicAz8jrKKw7swMWRYEscJmq2ldSLQSWdGxwEGiVN5EFFwlfSfOqkvVDcqFwQk9gQs0sYg8ks/s400/100_4439.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412339595940266786" border="0" /></a>For my center piece, I took a doily I already had, and placed on top of it it, a milk glass bowl. I already had the bowl. Then evergreen sprigs were placed in the bowel and then more cranberries. On top of the evergreen and cranberries I put silver Christmas Balls.<br />My mom gave me the Christmas candle holders, and the red candle sticks were from the dollar store.<br /><br />So that's about what it looks like every year, with a few variations here and there. This year, to save money, we will most likely use our fake tree. I finally found it. ;-)<br /><br />Well, your turn. Write about anything to do with Christmas decorations. :) And be sure to sign the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MckLinky</span> below. ♥<br /><br /><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=11944" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" border="0" height="39" /></a>Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313980535349477065noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654119952804369047.post-62471998703272256872009-12-04T18:06:00.000-08:002009-12-04T18:19:50.402-08:00Simplifying Christmas Weekend Break<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXOEvJZFsSd6_ixuUzI2t2wph3MxL9lRCJRWSs1kPuauOIxHF9Mi-P2l_zr35Msw1ok3ktp_pvx816K8cvdXB4zv_JfFWI50abDSVDqyhVxi4Av7qvPdHQ4iVPvEgybsiWHsOCQHfyHY/s1600-h/SimplifyingChristmas.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411568824863067506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXOEvJZFsSd6_ixuUzI2t2wph3MxL9lRCJRWSs1kPuauOIxHF9Mi-P2l_zr35Msw1ok3ktp_pvx816K8cvdXB4zv_JfFWI50abDSVDqyhVxi4Av7qvPdHQ4iVPvEgybsiWHsOCQHfyHY/s400/SimplifyingChristmas.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /> Tomorrow and Sunday the Simplifying Christmas Meme will be taking a break. Starting Monday the topic will be Simplifying Christmas Decorations.<br /><br />Let's get creative with this one! This topic seems to be all about keeping up with the Jone's it seems.<br /><br /> Share pictures of your simply decorated house. I have a few simple tricks that I will be showing. I am planning on doing some decorating this weekend.<br /><br /> Please be sure to read other's blogs that are participating in this meme. And leave a comment too so they know you stopped by. The purpose is to encourage each other, and get inspired to have Christmas be about the right reasons. ♥<br /><br />If you are reading this from my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">facebook</span> notes page, hop on over to, <a href="http://www.heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/">http://www.heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com</a> and scroll down each blog entry and will find that other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">bloggers</span> have linked their blog to my blog. Click on those links and you can read what others are doing to simplify their Christmas. Be sure to leave a comment. It does a world of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">encouragement</span> when someone leaves a comment, letting you know that someone out there is actually reading your blog.<br /><br />Until Monday, have a safe and restful weekend! ♥ And remember to keep things *SIMPLE* :)<br /><div> </div>Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313980535349477065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654119952804369047.post-91553442282483131312009-12-04T00:00:00.000-08:002009-12-04T00:00:04.237-08:00Simplifying Christmas Day 4~ Share a Favorite Christmas Memory<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411205818375141906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7c8zPCILt1DeJPAj47s2hyphenhyphenazFqd8KSyGqVs6NjwXvkOFPWdvTIKXtolPsPaEAXNphxya3MVYXSMs1MHKz8GvDYPFnQOD2Gknsa-fwEjNztQOZl-BuDDk3Bbc4m9XSkpSuW3hKDCHbgs/s400/SimplifyingChristmas.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000066;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#000066;">We are on day four of the Simplifying Christmas Meme! Today's topic is "Share A Favorite Christmas Memory that was something that was Simple" </span></em><br /><div align="center"><br /><span style="color:#000066;"><em>Click on the Christmas Button above to get details on this meme, and join in on the fun! To see the prize you could win </em></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=6654119952804369047&postID=4591555154658307865"><span style="color:#000066;"><em>CLICK HERE</em></span></a><span style="color:#000066;"><em>. To win this prize, either write about this topic on your blog, and link back to here, and post your link in the MckLinky at the bottom of this post, or leave a comment about this topic. :)</em></span></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#330033;">Let's step aside from all the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">practical</span> stuff of Simplifying Christmas, and let's dwell on our own favorite <em>memories</em>.</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#330033;">I believe when we think back to our own special moments during the Christmas season, we will see how we enjoyed and cherished the <em>simplicity</em> rather than the Martha Stewartish details. ;-) Which will in turn to help us keep our focus on the important things, instead of the commercialism. Which is<em> so easy</em> to get caught up in.</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#330033;">I am really looking forward to reading <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">every one's</span> favorite memories. ♥</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#330033;">So here goes mine. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#330033;">There are soooo many memories that I could share, and it's hard to pick just one. </span></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#330033;">One year, when I was about 12, my mom said I could pick one present on Christmas Eve, and open it. I opened up two simple <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">hand bands</span>. They were hot pink and neon purple, LOL! They probably cost about $2.00 total. </span></div><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#330033;">But they matched the outfit I was wearing. I had gotten all dressed up to go to a candle light Christmas Eve service at our church. I can remember sitting in church holding my candle, and feeling extra pretty in my new headband.</span></div><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 197px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 304px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/4675424/candlelt1-main_Full.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#330033;">My mom, dad, sister, and grandma were all there with me. It was late at night, and I loved the how the candle light glowed and lit up the whole <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">auditorium</span>. I felt safe and secure in my families love, and anticipated the fun that was to follow the next morning. </span></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#330033;">Another memory just came into my mind that I want to share. </span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#330033;">We traveled from Georgia to New Jersey to visit my Grandma and spend Christmas with her. My cousins were also going to be there. </span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#330033;">My Grandma had an awesome, huge house that my Grandfather had built for her. It had amazing nooks and crannies. The perfect place to play hide and seek. </span><span style="color:#330033;">I can remember the *best ever* game of Hide and Seek after Christmas Dinner at Grandma's house. </span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#330033;">I also remember my cousin and I mixing different flavors of soda to give to adults to try and see if it tasted good. </span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#330033;">Then my sister came prancing down the stairs in her newly crimped hair, after she crimped it with her new crimping iron she got for Christmas. </span></div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 210px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 124px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/images/CS5.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#330033;">You remember those? LOL! My sister also did my six year old hair, and I believe my cousin's as well. We probably looked like hideous beasts, Oh my goodness! Can you imagine!? The adults probably had a rough time holding back the laughter. (Giggles)</span></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#330033;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#330033;">Oh there are just too many good, happy memories for me to write about. Now I am just itching to read yours. Please share! And be sure to sign the MckLinky below. :)</span></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com/" target="_blank"><img height="39" src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=11717" type="text/javascript"></script></div>Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313980535349477065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654119952804369047.post-39272533434118429972009-12-03T00:00:00.000-08:002009-12-03T00:00:03.221-08:00Simplifying Christmas Day 3~ Keeping Shopping Simple<div align="center"><a href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/11/simplifying-christmas.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410826762468928930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVleYE65rimO8oYzo5bHvUtdWd_P00Hr2DON5UWwTqUGpGA_Wh7dFc1idIJw3fiGyQXOgCebdELA731SGu1_5saE69sI23lW3I_Nl9QdlCv4kiqUFX1Wc2_joFT3ZHzUsR7JRKzsIAgQ/s400/SimplifyingChristmas.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000066;">We are on day three of the Simplifying Christmas Meme! Today's topic is "How to Keep Christmas Shopping Simple" </span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000066;">Click on the Christmas Button above to get details on this meme, and join in on the fun! To see the prize you could win </span></em><a href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/12/simplifying-christmas-day-1-simplifying.html"><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000066;">CLICK HERE</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000066;">. To win this prize, either write about this topic on your blog, and link back to here, and post your link in the MckLinky at the bottom of this post, or leave a comment about this topic. :)<br /></span></em><br /><br /></div><div>I am going to be honest. I <strong>hate </strong>shopping. <em>Unless</em>.... it's at a sewing or craft store, or a book store; and <em>sometimes</em> the dollar store can evoke a little excitement in me. </div><div></div><div> </div><div>Other than that, it is a necessary duty in my life. I would rather go and do something more active. Like horse back riding, or read a book. Or something like that. Shopping for pleasure just ain't my <em>thing</em>.</div><div></div><div> </div><div>Also with three<em> little</em> kiddos in tow, it wipes out any sort of pleasure I <em>may</em> of had. Especially since I bring them along almost everywhere with me. </div><div></div><div>And that's exactly what I did with them with Christmas Shopping. I brought them along. ;-) I can't exactly explain to you how I accomplished buying their gifts without them knowing what I got them. But let's just say a Slurpee from Target's snack shop helps out <em>quite</em> a bit. ;-)</div><div></div><div>And a Frappachino from Starbucks <em>helps</em> me quite a bit. :D </div><div> </div><div>Target was doing some awesome pre- Black Friday Sales. I got better deals on the pre-sales than I did when I *tried* to go on black Friday after the mob had died down. </div><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 351px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://tech4teens.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/black-friday-lines.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>I just can't imagine doing the above for <em>fun</em>, let alone out of necessity. I would rather wake up early and prepare for a horse show, then do that. But to each his own. I guess. (giggle)</div><br /><p>Since I got most of my shopping done for my kids at Target before Black Friday, I was DONE with shopping before November ended. A first for me. Whoo Hoo! SUCH A STRESS RELIEVER!</p><p>I do think there will be some odds and ends that I'll need to pick up here and there. But not much. Amen! hallelujah!</p><p>I remember a time going Christmas Shopping two days before Christmas with a nursing seven month old along with me. I guess some things <em>don't</em> change.</p><p>While it wasn't exactly simple to bring my kids along with me, it was the easiest route to go, believe it or not.</p><p>My husband gets home late often, so I'd have to wait the weekend to go if I didn't want to take them along with me. Which would of been Black Friday. <em><span style="color:#330033;">Shudder</span></em>! And then I would of missed all the awesome deals before Black Friday. </p><p>I got Sweetie and Easy Bake oven for $15.00! When I went to see if I could snag any deals on Black Friday the price had gone up $3.00. </p><p>Another thing that simplifies Christmas Shopping for me, is to do shopping online. I have done that in the past, and I can do it while the kids are in bed, or napping. It is pleasant because you don't have to go anywhere, except maybe the post office to pick up a package or two.</p><p> I did end up getting two things online this year as well. </p><p>So what do you do to keep shopping simple? Sign the MckLinky Below! ♥</p><br /><br /><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=11634" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com/" target="_blank"><img height="39" src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" border="0" /></a>Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313980535349477065noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654119952804369047.post-23563270676651494112009-12-02T00:00:00.000-08:002009-12-02T00:00:14.227-08:00Simplifying Christmas Day 2~ Christmas Cards<a href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/11/simplifying-christmas.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410455757886948562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Uzfkz_Q4x1WgLdJyvybhhB9gRXsFXO1Y4t0rtFuv_bgNvtYrA4UL1VgyDu4cqoDE7eV5ZOTUei-LXkU0xTSUR6rWoyd1VprlZz0bkZTc4W5yPVDa6u8oUFYaMPBkMP2iwHfEVf_qJbE/s400/SimplifyingChristmas.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Before I begin this discussion on Christmas Cards, I want to add something I forgot yesterday. Click on the button above to find out details about this Christmas Meme, and join in on the fun! If you don't blog, that's OK. Just leave a comment in the comment box about this topic, <a href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/12/simplifying-christmas-day-1-simplifying.html">and you will also be entered in for the prize. </a></div><div></div><div> </div><div>Also, I wanted to add that I <strong>*REALLY*</strong> enjoyed those who commented and wrote on their blogs about their ideas on budget and guest lists. I got some really good ideas for next year!</div><div> Please be sure to stop by those who linked their blogs and read what they have to say and get inspired as well!</div><br /><div>Ok! Let's talk about Christmas cards. </div><br /><div>I'll be honest. I love to receive a Christmas Card. I have always loved to receive something in the mail, that has a hand written envelope.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I even love those family letters that update you on what's been going on during the year especially. Some people find them to be too "braggy" and annoying. But I find nothing wrong with bragging about positive highlights that happened during the previous year. ♥</div><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 360px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 360px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://cdn-write.demandstudios.com/upload//1000/500/30/8/61538.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>However, Christmas cards <em>can</em> be a source of stress. Writing them out, addressing them, money for stamps and the cards. And the extra braves ones out there; making them. </div><div></div><div> </div><div>Most years I have done Christmas Cards. Criteria to make it on my Christmas Card list includes extended family and friends that we don't see at very often if ever. I even have a "Christmas Card" address book in my Home Management Binder, which keeps me on track of who and who not to send to. (And that's about the only thing I use the thing for) </div><div></div><div> </div><div>I usually mail out about 30-40 cards....along with my braggy "newsletter". ;-)</div><div></div><div> </div><div>This year, however, I am going to do something different. I read about it on a blog somewhere, but I can't remember which blog? I wish I remembered, and I would of linked ya'll to it. </div><div></div><div> </div><div>Oh well....anyway.... the something different I am going to do, is send out a "New Years" letter. That way, I have no more added stress on top of everything else that is going on and "have to dos". And, we can recuperate on some extra cash by the time January rolls around. </div><div></div><div> </div><div>So, what are you all out there in bloggy world doing for Christmas Cards? Do you have a Christmas card system that simplifies things for you? Do you even send them? </div><div></div><div>Sign the MckLinky Below, or comment away anything about Christmas Cards, and you will be entered into the prize drawing. :)</div><div></div><br /><br /><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=11531" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com/" target="_blank"><img height="39" src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" border="0" /></a>Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313980535349477065noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654119952804369047.post-45915551546583078652009-12-01T00:00:00.000-08:002009-12-01T00:00:01.626-08:00Simplifying Christmas Day 1~ Simplifying Budget and Gift List<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410103988002486930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiUnXt0gTfUrNSU-JYxrEOFEPzFzOa1jYxatzuI6ZnL1Gqt1ZutEEdANJAhf0Iaoo1YW7qm-m2wB2QH0IUHca-0UdynSKnIkIELli8FDYu9F7CcbBKoI-hDZPQ3AcCLLZ2lsdxYDUK4c/s400/SimplifyingChristmas.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>First off, Welcome Welcome to the first ever Simplifying Christmas meme! To find out what it's all about<a href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/11/simplifying-christmas.html"> CLICK HERE </a>and have some fun participating! :) And remember, every time you sign the McLinky at the bottom of this post and share a link to your blog about Simplifying Christmas you can enter to win........</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Drum roll Please.......</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410109991223698402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 372px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLbV1L4Evt422slojXw3HOnDLOinMBJ1pdcLdKCVaDGzVMpcFaDfv0tY-stuvZn5b3_fYLKC0IePlBk4lsD45knYnoIpVGssLflZoEniOkv1LY5BPj13bnn45kiBTEWJaGj-23AuR5-U/s400/IMG_6392.JPG" border="0" />A <em>Simple</em> pampering basket for you to pamper yourself with after Christmas is over. :)<br /><br />Included in the Basket is:<br /><br /><em>A Brand New copy of Debi Pearl's Fiction Book <strong>"The Vision"</strong> (Very good read!)</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>A new <strong>2010</strong> day-planner covered by me ;-) in designer quilter fabric</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>A pretty <strong>travel coffee cup</strong> in coordinating colors as your new day planner<br /></em><br /><em>A sample package of Gheradelli Carmel <strong>coffee</strong></em><strong> </strong><br /><em></em><br /><div align="center"><em><strong>and</strong> </em></div><em></em><br /><em>A bottle of Peppermint <strong>foot lotion</strong></em><br /><em></em><br /><div align="left"><br />So! Let's get busy and have some fun!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Today's Topic is about <em>Simplifying our Budgets and Gift Lists</em>.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">I have heard so much on "how" to do this. But it eludes me almost every year. I either feel guilty for cutting down my guest list, or for spending<em> too</em> much!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">We have a lot of extended family. And even "cheap" $5.00 gifts adds up <em>pretty quickly</em>. Try about $120 dollars. That's $120 that could of gone towards my own kid's Christmas.... Does that sound selfish?</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">This year's budget for my kid's is $150 for all three of them. So in essence I am spending $30 more on my own kids than the extended family. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">My husband isn't even included in that budget. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">One hundred and fifty dollars is quite a bit of money during these times. Then to spend $120 more on top of that; it is $270! Wowzers!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Every year we hear the same story on blogs, in Facebook statuses, articles, chain emails, yada yada yada, <em>"Christmas isn't about gifts, it's about Jesus' birth, and spending time with family!"</em> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">But every year if you don't get something for someone, you may end up wondering if they will be mad at you for the rest of your life because they got you something, and you didn't get them something?</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">I like the idea of giving cookies to neighbors. But for some reason cookies just doesn't seem like enough for close friends and family. Does it?</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">So, still I am in a delima. I <em>think</em> I came up with a solution to this years crisis. I am going to make some gifts that cost about $1.00-2.00 a piece to make. But that does add up too.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">And don't get me wrong, I<em> am all</em> for giving more than receiving. But one shouldn't go into debt over Christmas, right? And what about those that have a hard time giving? Should we make them feel bad if they can't give a gift? </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">So.... I want to hear how everyone is handling your budgets and gift lists this year? Please write. I can't wait to see. :)</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">So! Get to writing! And then sign the McLinky!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><em>Ps. The goodie Basket above, cost me about $4.00. No joke! ;-)</em></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=11431" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com/" target="_blank"><img height="39" src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyLogo119.gif" width="119" border="0" /></a>Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313980535349477065noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654119952804369047.post-80349858220352753322009-11-30T09:04:00.000-08:002009-11-30T09:07:38.921-08:00Don't Forget!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzyBm2deloKhgTUiCGWcY2n5lY2SgshyZXEnYugmjdFOHKGYsWGnaEB5K5ipUIl3V2yq6okwhzQNb_bUkP_ocUQAx9ICeI6bIeLOSny-n4EDtOgqwn2QPU7pfl0iUxSnAPlF5UXe1jd4/s1600/string%2520around%2520finger.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409943838583486146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 270px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzyBm2deloKhgTUiCGWcY2n5lY2SgshyZXEnYugmjdFOHKGYsWGnaEB5K5ipUIl3V2yq6okwhzQNb_bUkP_ocUQAx9ICeI6bIeLOSny-n4EDtOgqwn2QPU7pfl0iUxSnAPlF5UXe1jd4/s400/string%2520around%2520finger.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Simplifying Christmas Meme is starting <strong>TOMORROW!!! </strong>Be sure to sign up *now* to get an extra few entries for the prize. I shall be unavailing the the goodie package tomorrow on the first post!</div><div>Get the Details <a href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/11/simplifying-christmas.html">HERE</a>.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409943846828314578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0EHN3bRt8xGM1w8WygmcdHnSCcMTCaR3ygV-cevnyAVoU0AS7Lnr_4luN74e7gOFXuG6pEC8-K_IsIYOFvfte9JOyWawEpAZnRxQgHhbmjR8-Q6fbW_pW4RD1F51rRUwE5HUdfmONjTA/s400/SimplifyingChristmas.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"></a></div></div>Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313980535349477065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654119952804369047.post-63235588145264638152009-11-30T08:32:00.000-08:002009-11-30T08:58:16.070-08:00Simple Woman's Day Book<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DF-d-053WsH14YwRjMdo4Anqf3fL7GaKg55jy-KfsmElWWU5h7_0qGJJB63j3-IaEhe7SI62dGXWrKcU5tjfrn3sJ4aLd9cSDXXztSg8OxsQwv4I1e_IQO8DrxMz33vDICMm0Sroens/s1600/simple-woman-daybook-small.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409941782159453986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 148px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DF-d-053WsH14YwRjMdo4Anqf3fL7GaKg55jy-KfsmElWWU5h7_0qGJJB63j3-IaEhe7SI62dGXWrKcU5tjfrn3sJ4aLd9cSDXXztSg8OxsQwv4I1e_IQO8DrxMz33vDICMm0Sroens/s400/simple-woman-daybook-small.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div>FOR TODAY November 30th, 2009...</div><br /><br /><div>Outside my window... </div><div>Beautiful, balmy, Sunny November Day!</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I am thinking... </div><div>About the upcoming Meme that I am hosting here starting tomorrow! Check out the information <a href="http://heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/2009/11/simplifying-christmas.html">HERE</a>, and participate if you want. I am giving away a free prize, with multiple chances to enter for it!</div><br /><div>I am thankful for... </div><div>Limes. I love them in iced cold water. Hmmmm! Delicious!</div><br /><br /><div></div><div>From the learning rooms... </div><div>Gearing up to do a <a href="http://www.handsofachild.com/shop/12-Days-of-Christmas-Fun-Project-Pack-P662.aspx">Christmas Lap book from Hands Of A Child</a>, and working on the "basics" until we start the lap book. </div><br /><div>From the kitchen... </div><div>Leftover soup</div><br /><div>I am wearing... </div><div>My Pajamas</div><br /><div>I am creating... </div><div>A painted Tea Set for my Daughter's Christmas present</div><br /><div>I am going... </div><div>To take my girls to Choir practice</div><br /><div>I am reading...</div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Grace-Walk-Always-Wanted-Christian/dp/0736916393/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259599706&sr=8-1">Grace Walk, by Steve McVey</a></div><br /><div>I am hoping...</div><div>To do my one mile walk everyday this week</div><br /><div>I am hearing... </div><div>The Dog munching on his dog food</div><br /><div>Around the house... </div><div>Sweetie is finding a shirt to wear to choir, and I think Tiny Boy, and Bean are playing outside</div><br /><div>One of my favorite things...</div><div>A good back rub</div><br /><div>A few plans for the rest of the week:</div><div>Working on School, and having fun with the Simplifying Christmas Meme, and More Christmas preparations. :D</div><br /><br /><div>Here is picture for thought I am sharing...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409936677508255138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 279px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlmMfa1K7dtHdkmSNvGvIaQN4W38egDnmi-TSXI7nlE9qVq_872hTDmYv5hGpz4PJ0P-hPIoeei8EOO6lITDCVXrJG-HuhBRWylEQGF-GITx7PT78HAfTbWV9-m9P_3AJjXLIPYCg49o/s400/CalebandGreatGrandpa.jpg" border="0" />Tiny Boy with His Great Grandpa during Thanksgiving. ♥</div><br /><div>To See other's Daybooks be sure to visit <a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/">The Simple Woman's Day Book</a></div></div>Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313980535349477065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654119952804369047.post-36478747306139589292009-11-25T19:34:00.000-08:002009-11-25T20:33:17.772-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqe7dOCYztPP9gAUusxBXkDq1OMBp6CKgLPriFhstjqazrf3ACPuhwfVwwYGEiDEvJhP8BFGZG6fSSgsQyEhr3aHWdoILnPZYCM9GTP5haTvyiG7qZFqX2bydI8e9hCfLwJJ7zJtrVKwg/s1600/photo5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqe7dOCYztPP9gAUusxBXkDq1OMBp6CKgLPriFhstjqazrf3ACPuhwfVwwYGEiDEvJhP8BFGZG6fSSgsQyEhr3aHWdoILnPZYCM9GTP5haTvyiG7qZFqX2bydI8e9hCfLwJJ7zJtrVKwg/s400/photo5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408262555763192562" border="0" /></a>The Eve Before the Feast of Thanksgiving I thought it would be fun to have a fancy tea party. Decorated with a Cornucopia, and fall leaves. A Real Table Cloth too! :D<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8xK0Bk5prl6dXzWbQhLiS2ToLsXIcyhuSsdO9BFR7-X-Xuy6zrT8YWFi2LgDEFVzDfXtcZ25Qd7hSLcgPX7Vy3p9x-5KPeglc4aNOBdomact0nByST2ZoBIWFo4S32l7ZbHXSErBlis/s1600/photo2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8xK0Bk5prl6dXzWbQhLiS2ToLsXIcyhuSsdO9BFR7-X-Xuy6zrT8YWFi2LgDEFVzDfXtcZ25Qd7hSLcgPX7Vy3p9x-5KPeglc4aNOBdomact0nByST2ZoBIWFo4S32l7ZbHXSErBlis/s400/photo2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408262542254410786" border="0" /></a>The Menu Included Chicken Salad Sandwiches, Apples drizzled with Carmel, Homemade Chocolate Chip Scones, Orange Juice, and Lady Grey Tea. And we topped the scones with.....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfteJPKWfWudgG7E37azrfLp02oKUaI_Pa9CyTyYZgRTZUoyWfrp4LJON98TLDEYYqoWNgIv7WkRMpffbh3GqRO4olEYhB7ubsowRgf6aO4LlJTcVGyc8luORET5of6mut9h6X3GCckLY/s1600/photo4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfteJPKWfWudgG7E37azrfLp02oKUaI_Pa9CyTyYZgRTZUoyWfrp4LJON98TLDEYYqoWNgIv7WkRMpffbh3GqRO4olEYhB7ubsowRgf6aO4LlJTcVGyc8luORET5of6mut9h6X3GCckLY/s400/photo4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408262547723972946" border="0" /></a>Authentic English Clotted Cream. A Co-worker of my husband told me that Whole Foods sold it. I have always been anxious to try it. And my husband picked some up for me.<br />He did have a slightly disgusted face. He thought it looked like "Rotted cream" instead of "Clotted Cream" ;-)<br />It was actually quite delicious. More mild than cream cheese, not as heavy, but at lot more thicker than butter.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PF14uAI2jw9zEYTL9-oRGM2ahtYo1NBBmXwEHwM9x5X2_hP2fan4N_KaUgR-3HkQPurgfLFmpdoQ3w5UUQIArbQcmOfs1_d2wwk0tGjvyNvlLXXtmTJpYGKPbUppNUvV_8rkZPZxtuc/s1600/photo3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PF14uAI2jw9zEYTL9-oRGM2ahtYo1NBBmXwEHwM9x5X2_hP2fan4N_KaUgR-3HkQPurgfLFmpdoQ3w5UUQIArbQcmOfs1_d2wwk0tGjvyNvlLXXtmTJpYGKPbUppNUvV_8rkZPZxtuc/s400/photo3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408262547271857394" border="0" /></a>Care for some Apples?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iWcMPnnLaNCFeszN8-8vjfV2Lc9mEAC50zay0Lz5h7F1pwm3VRFx0aokor96bB81VduQqnGayB5BcmhfZHO0t6fox1kjXa4WFwVmRfxbBfbH8bzoITMyXYfuXrcybWziozMPXmuTgfM/s1600/photo1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iWcMPnnLaNCFeszN8-8vjfV2Lc9mEAC50zay0Lz5h7F1pwm3VRFx0aokor96bB81VduQqnGayB5BcmhfZHO0t6fox1kjXa4WFwVmRfxbBfbH8bzoITMyXYfuXrcybWziozMPXmuTgfM/s400/photo1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408262538016268130" border="0" /></a>Our tea party was followed by a reading from a children's book on the History of Thanksgiving. Sweetie about has that thing memorized.<br /><br />Looking forward to the feast in the morning. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">~In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you~</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">I Thess 5:18</span><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"><br /></a>Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313980535349477065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654119952804369047.post-21680197154482412152009-11-24T08:17:00.000-08:002009-11-24T08:39:44.207-08:00Monkey Sees, Monkey Does<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UHh21X1sPPEpzzMl_P3PFeBKjyEBULBa4KkEj6lUcffsssAIXRwjRF9JKW3bVC6XW7mwfuGNuvstETsFB8qiT5-JBkMB5pPq9rO6voP2S3o5BiDD5Tnu906F_jJvX9MjYiQeJgiSIYo/s1600/edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407710177270540306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 260px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UHh21X1sPPEpzzMl_P3PFeBKjyEBULBa4KkEj6lUcffsssAIXRwjRF9JKW3bVC6XW7mwfuGNuvstETsFB8qiT5-JBkMB5pPq9rO6voP2S3o5BiDD5Tnu906F_jJvX9MjYiQeJgiSIYo/s400/edited.jpg" border="0" /></a> I am sure the majority of the population has seen something like this. But it sure is cuter when your own kids do it. Especially when it's a skinny, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">wispy</span>, slight of thing, strawberry blond five year old. ♥<br /><div><a href="http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j297/MommyChurch/?action=view&current=scrolly.jpg" target="_blank"></a></div>Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313980535349477065noreply@blogger.com0