Heart Of A Mommy

Simple Woman's Day Book

2010-01-18T07:03:00.000-08:00

FOR TODAY... January 18th, 2010

Outside my window...
Somewhat cloudy with a nice breeze.

I am thinking...
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. ♥

I am thankful for...
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.

From the learning rooms...
Finally that curriculum I wanted to experience with arrived, so that is what we will be doing

I am wearing...
Pink warm exercise pants, red shirt that says "Jesus Saves", and a pony tail.

I am remembering...

All the funny quotes from Tim Hawkins last night

Come on people! Sometimes you just gotta laugh at yourself! And if you can't
do that.....Laugh at other people! ~Tim Hawkins

I am going... 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.

I am currently reading...
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.

I am hoping...
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.

I am hearing...
The girls cleaning their room. (Hopefully) ;-)

And Tiny Boy pretending to be Spider man

On my mind...
So much. The people of Haiti, and just what I wrote above. About God giving me direction in the area I see that has needs in.

Noticing that...
People in general are confused individuals...sigh....(giggles)

Pondering these words...

The flesh wasn't trying to produce evil-looking behavior in the Galatians.
Instead, these Christians were employing fleshly effort as a means of
perfecting
themselves (growing) in Christ! They regarded their smarts
and
moral fortitude
as the route to spiritual maturity.
~The Naked
Gospel by
Andrew Farley

From the kitchen...
Not sure what yet. Hubby is out of town, so that means I don't cook much, LOL!

Around the house...
I want to re-organize the Kitchen cabinets and pantry. Blah :-P

A few plans for the rest of the week...
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)

One of my favorite things...
The way a horse smells. I know. I am weird. I already know.

From my picture journal...

The plate that my children designed to give to their Great Grandma for her birthday (G.G.)

To read other's day books be sure to visit The Simple Woman's Day Book

Simplifying Christmas Winner!

2010-01-11T13:09:00.000-08:00

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.
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 priorities straight. :D
Have a Happy New Year!!!

Simple Woman's Day Book January 11th, 2010

2010-01-11T12:21:00.000-08:00

FOR TODAY... January 11th, 2010

Outside my window...

Chilly! But beautiful and Sunny, bright and clear

I am thinking...

About our MOPS meeting that went on this morning. Hoping that it was a blessing for someone

I am thankful for...
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! ♥

From the learning rooms...
Going to be doing some curriculum experiencing this week. I need to find a groove that works for me. :-/
I am wearing...
Pink warm exercise pants, white socks, and a teal sweater

I am remembering...
tough times I had, and am *thankful* for them!

I am going...
Already "went" glad to be home!

I am currently reading...
The naked Gospel. More and more good stuff! Loving every minute of it! :)

I am hoping...
That the curriculum that I ordered "samples" from comes today so we can start using it tomorrow

I am hearing
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. ;-)

On my mind...
Hurting people trying to please God, and having a hard struggle with it. Honestly wanting to do right but "failing" in their eyes.

Noticing that...
How far I have come and how far I still need to go

Pondering these words...

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.
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

From the kitchen...
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

Around the house...
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

A few plans for the rest of the week...
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

One of my favorite things...
Coffee on a cold morning!

From my picture journal...
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.
But I peeled back a cover, and found her strawberry blond hair peeking through
To View Other's Day Books please visit The Simple Woman's Day Book

Molly Green's Money Saving Digest January 2010, Review

2010-01-10T16:09:00.000-08:00

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.

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 calender, 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! ♥

Molly has a sweet craft to decorate your house with positive, motivating scriptures and words, for little to no money.

Molly is also motivating us to eat healthier this year and gives some baby step tips on where to start so you won't feel overwhelmed, and also provides a healthy frugal menu, including the shopping list. The pictures to the recipes look absolutely yummy! I really want to try making the Tomato Basil Chicken. Ohhh La La!

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.

Then Molly talks about opening up a bank account for your children, and helping them learn to frugal and handle their money wisely. Home school opportunity! :D

She even provides pretend checks and a checkbook ledger for your children to practice using.

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 encourage me into what is important.

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.

To purchase your own January copy of Molly's Money Saving Digest, just click on the link ♥CLICK HERE♥

Simple Woman's Daybook December 28th, 2009

2009-12-28T05:58:00.000-08:00

FOR TODAY... from Mommy's Daybook

Outside my window...
Slightly Chilly, and very bright and sunny. Looks like it's going to be a beautiful day!

I am thinking...
About my New Year's Goals and Priorities that I am trying to form

I am thankful for...
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.

I am wearing...
Pink exercise pants, and a way over sized turquoise t-shirt, white socks, and unbrushed hair

I am going...
Not sure yet

I am currently reading...
Three Books:
The Naked Gospel by Andrew Farley
The Duggar's 20 and Counting by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar
and
Passionate Housewives Desperate for God by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald

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.

The Duggar's convictions of their family are different than mine. But one reason I love the Duggar's so much, is that they always emphasize that it's their own personal conviction, and they always 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.

I am hoping...
That plans to go out with a friend to Thrift Shop and get coffee will play out without incident tomorrow

On my mind...
Getting the house clean after Christmas and decluttering

Noticing that...
there are more and more hurting and confused people in this country

Pondering these words...

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..... ~Passionate Housewives Desperate for God~

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.
This is one of the reasons I am loving Passionate Housewives Desperate for God. The Book is meant to encourage women in the calling of staying at home with their children and serving God in that position.
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"

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.

Some other Words I am pondering:

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.
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.
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.
In Christ, we die and are reborn--free from the law. So we don't have to pretend. Playing church leads to more sinning every time.
~The Naked Gospel~

Wow, is all I have to say! That is so true. I have seen it with my own eyes unfortunately. :(

From the kitchen...
Most likely leftovers. I have no idea, LOL!

Around the house...
Girls are playing outside and Tiny Boy is asking me for coffee

One of my favorite things...
Clean smelling carpets! Thanks to my friend, who allowed me to borrow her carpet steam cleaner, I now have fresh clean carpets! ♥

From the learning rooms...(if this applies)
Still on break from Christmas

I am creating...
Some Christmas presents that I didn't get to finish. Don't know when I will get to finish them either. :-o

I am hearing...
The girls talking to their daddy, and Tiny Boy scarfing down a bit o coffee

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Go out with a friend, and finish cleaning the carpets. Maybe organizing and getting rid of clothing that doesn't fit the kids anymore

From my picture journal...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. ;-)

To read other ladies Daybooks be sure to visit The Simple Woman's Day Book

New Look, New Year, and New Goals

2009-12-27T17:12:00.001-08:00

Well, the Christmas Meme was tons of fun. I didn't get to the last post that I was planning to do.

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. ;-)

We had a wonderful Christmas. Very simple, and memorable for the kids. Which was my goal. :D

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! ♥

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.

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. ;-)

I also want to thank all my new followers to my blog. I truly appreciate that there are people reading my ramblings. ♥

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!

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!

Until then, have a safe and blessed New Year! :D

Simplifying Christmas Day 13~Christmas Crafts

2009-12-22T08:33:00.000-08:00

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 CLICK HERE. 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. :)

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 simplify things, I had to skip blogging.

I am thinking I will do one more post for the meme. Tomorrow's theme will be to share what you have learned *THIS* Christmas in the area of Simplifying. So be thinking about that. :)

So this is partly what we have been doing this week. Making crafts. A few of these were unexpected.

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.

Being flexible 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.

So this is what Sweetie has been working on:

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. ♥

This is really a quick and simple "craft" for six to ten year old to do. Just cutting and tying.

Sweetie also has plans on making a pillow case for her other cousin. Which I will be working with her on today or tomorrow.

Another thing we have been doing is making salt dough ornaments. These are just waaay 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 ;-) )

So how about you? Have you done some special Christmas Crafting this year? Please show pictures!

I will be visiting every one's blogs and catching up on the last few days that I have missed. Thanks for understanding! ♥

Simplifying Christmas Day 12~Share A Favorite Ornament

2009-12-17T08:11:00.000-08:00

We are on day twelve of the Simplifying Christmas Meme! Today's topic is "Share A Favorite Ornament"
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 CLICK HERE. 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. :)

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? ;-)

Today I am going to share with you some favorite ornaments of mine and my kids.

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.♥
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.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
I am anxious to see every one's favorite ornaments and the stories behind them. Be sure to sign the MckLinky below. ♥
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

Simplifying Christmas Day 11~Simple Recipes

2009-12-14T15:44:00.000-08:00

We are on day eleven of the Simplifying Christmas Meme! Today's topic is "Simple Recipes"
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 CLICK HERE. 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. :)

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. ;-)

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

These two Recipes I got from ladies in our old church. So I want to give credit to them.

First Recipe:

Corn Bread Casserole

1 Stick of Melted Butter

1 Egg
1 Can of Creamed Corn

1 Can of regular Corn

8 oz of Sour Cream

1 Cup of Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Preheat oven to 350

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.

Pull out of oven, and spread Sour Cream on right away. Then Sprinkle on Cheese.

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. ;-)

It's so simple and easy. I am not a fan of cooking, but this is quicker than cleaning up the dishes for it.

And if any of my MOPS ladies are reading this, now you have the recipe. ♥

Next Recipe:

Cream Cheese Cookies

1 box of yellow cake mix

1 block of softened cream cheese

1 egg

1/4 to 1/2 Cup of softened butter. (Depending on how "rich" you would like it to be)

1 tsp of vanilla

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.

Spoon onto cookie sheets about tablespoon size or a tad bigger.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 8-10 minutes. You want the bottoms slightly brown.

Remove cookies from cookie sheet immediately. They are very fragile when hot, and firm up once cool.

Simplifying Christmas Day 10~ Homeschooling During Hectic Times

2009-12-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

We are on day ten of the Simplifying Christmas Meme! Today's topic is "Homeschooling During Hectic Times"
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 CLICK HERE. 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. :)

I find it very difficult to home school through hectic seasons in our life. It seems like this whole fall semester has been hectic.

This is what I have been doing this fall, but I am planning on doing a little more in the Spring Semester.

Just sticking with the Three "R's", Reading, Writing and R'ithmetic. This week for fun though, I am planning on doing a "Christmas Learning Folder" from Hands Of A Child along with the Three "R's"

So, what do y'all do for homeschooling during busy and stressful seasons? I *REALLY* need help in this area myself.

Simplifying Christmas~Weekend Break

2009-12-12T09:54:00.000-08:00

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"

Monday: Simplifying Homeschooling during Christmas
Tuesday: Simple Recipes to make. Meals, Cookies, whatever that is *easy* yet tasty!
Wednesday: Show and Tell. Take a picture of a sentimental ornament and tell it's story
Thursday: A Simple Kid's Craft
Friday: Simple Grown Up Craft

See you Monday! :)

Simplifying Christmas Day 9~ Giving to Those in Need

2009-12-10T20:24:00.000-08:00

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 CLICK HERE. 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. :)

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 everyday of the year besides Christmas.

But, Operation Christmas Child 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!

OK. So now I need a tissue...again! But that's a good thing. ♥

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.

We write a letter and color some pictures to the child that will be getting the box

Then we pack it up and shut it good and tight
Next, we deliver it to a drop off area
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! ;-)
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.

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.

It really shows how MUCH we have already doesn't it?

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. :)

Simplifying Christmas Day 8~ Homemade Gift Ideas

2009-12-09T19:45:00.000-08:00

We are on day eight of the Simplifying Christmas Meme! Today's topic is "Simple Homemade Gift Ideas"
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 CLICK HERE. 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. :)

One more thing. My Friend Mica is having a Christmas Book Giveway on her Blog.

Be sure to visit her blog and enter for your chance to win these awesome books! :)

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

HERE

Part of the reason for this meme is to encourage to keep things as simple as you can this year, but to also inspire you for next year. I have already gleaned a lot of ideas from every one's blogs that have participated. So thank you so much for sharing!

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 their creativity.
My Blogging Friend Heidi always inspires me with her handmade toys that she makes for her children. Go take and look over at her blog.

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 know 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. ♥

Now some of us aren't what other's call crafty. And that's OK! But here's a little secret. My forte' isn't cooking. I like it sometimes. 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. ;-)

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.

Well, I do enjoy baking, but my hips don't enjoy it. Boy I am getting off track.

Anyway! I would like to share with you some pictures of Christmas pasts where I did make a few gifts.

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:
Psalm 27:1
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?

The year I was inspired to make ALL of their Christmas gifts was a busy and hectic one. I did a lot of sewing! I think it was in the space of two weeks that I did it all too. I was crazy I believe.
Pajama's for the kids.

Quilts for the girls bedroom

Tutus for the girls...who found them stashed away before Christmas. But oh well, they were happy!

And a Tepee for the girls. A girly one!♥
And last, but not least, a soft doggie made from an old T-Shirt for my baby nephew
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!

So do you make any homemade gifts? Please share with MckLinky Below. And again, if your reading from my facebook page, please visit http://www.heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/ and visit the other blogs that have been participating. ♥

Simplifying Christmas Day 7~Simple Gift Ideas

2009-12-08T20:04:00.000-08:00

We are on day seven of the Simplifying Christmas Meme! Today's topic is "Simple Gift Ideas"

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 CLICK HERE. 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. :)

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.

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.

Several people have meantioned that you do three gifts apiece for your children. I really love that idea.

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.

This is my gift list for this year:

Sweetie, seven year old girl:

1. A whole set of American Girl Books

2. A knitting loom and ball of yarn

3. Easy Bake Oven

Bean, five year old girl:

1. A Jewlery making kit

2. A real tea set, painted by mommy

3. Snow White the movie

Little Tiny Boy, 3 year old boy:

1. Legos

2. Buzz Light Year movie sized action figure

3. Spiderman action figure with spiderman car

So here goes my philosphy on my "simple gifts"

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

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.

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! ;-)

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".

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.

So Christmas and birthdays are a nice excuse to give them toys. ;-) It simplifies things during the year this way too.

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. :)

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! ;-)

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!

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.

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

Another year I made photo quilts like this for the grandparents:

So those are a few ideas on how I try to simplify gifts. How do you Simplify Gifts?

Remember if you reading from my facebook page please visit http://www.heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/ to see what others are writing about in blog land.

Simplifying Christmas Day 6~ Share Some Simple Family Traditions

2009-12-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

We are on day Six of the Simplifying Christmas Meme! Today's topic is "Simple Family Christmas Traditions"

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 waaaaay more than what I put out?

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!

But that's OK. I guess. ;-)

There are some non-food traditions. But I'll start with the food ones first.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yeah it's a long process, but oh so delicious! I only make them for special occasions. Like Christmas and Thanksgiving. :)

OK. Now for some non-food Christmas traditions.

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.

While we are decorating, I play some old timey Christmas music. ♥

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.

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.

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)

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.

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! :)

And again, if you are reading this from my facebook account, come to http://www.heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com/ to read the other blogs that have linked to this post. ♥

Simplifying Christmas Day 5~ Simple Christmas Decorations

2009-12-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

We are on day five of the Simplifying Christmas Meme! Today's topic is "Simplifying Christmas Decorations"

OK. I have a confession to make. I didn't do any decorating this weekend like I had hoped too. But the beauty of keeping things simple, is to not to stress the small stuff. Decorations isn't what Christmas is about. They will get put up. Most likely between today and Tuesday.

So until then, I have pictures of a previous Christmas. All of these are really simple and inexpensive decorations.

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
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 Wal-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.

Here is a closer view of the door

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! :)

So the tree went on top of an end table.

You can also see that we decorated our tree with a cranberry and popcorn garland. We always have fun making those together. :)

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.
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

Another view of the branches, with a Candle stuck in the middle of it.

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. ♥

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
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. :)

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.
My mom gave me the Christmas candle holders, and the red candle sticks were from the dollar store.

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. ;-)

Well, your turn. Write about anything to do with Christmas decorations. :) And be sure to sign the MckLinky below. ♥

Simplifying Christmas Weekend Break

2009-12-04T18:06:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow and Sunday the Simplifying Christmas Meme will be taking a break. Starting Monday the topic will be Simplifying Christmas Decorations.

Let's get creative with this one! This topic seems to be all about keeping up with the Jone's it seems.

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.

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. ♥

If you are reading this from my facebook notes page, hop on over to, http://www.heartofamommytoo.blogspot.com and scroll down each blog entry and will find that other bloggers 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 encouragement when someone leaves a comment, letting you know that someone out there is actually reading your blog.

Until Monday, have a safe and restful weekend! ♥ And remember to keep things *SIMPLE* :)

Simplifying Christmas Day 4~ Share a Favorite Christmas Memory

2009-12-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

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"

Let's step aside from all the practical stuff of Simplifying Christmas, and let's dwell on our own favorite memories.

I believe when we think back to our own special moments during the Christmas season, we will see how we enjoyed and cherished the simplicity 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 so easy to get caught up in.

I am really looking forward to reading every one's favorite memories. ♥

So here goes mine.

There are soooo many memories that I could share, and it's hard to pick just one.

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 hand bands. They were hot pink and neon purple, LOL! They probably cost about $2.00 total.

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.

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 auditorium. I felt safe and secure in my families love, and anticipated the fun that was to follow the next morning.

Another memory just came into my mind that I want to share.

We traveled from Georgia to New Jersey to visit my Grandma and spend Christmas with her. My cousins were also going to be there.

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. I can remember the *best ever* game of Hide and Seek after Christmas Dinner at Grandma's house.

I also remember my cousin and I mixing different flavors of soda to give to adults to try and see if it tasted good.

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.

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)

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. :)

Simplifying Christmas Day 3~ Keeping Shopping Simple

2009-12-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

We are on day three of the Simplifying Christmas Meme! Today's topic is "How to Keep Christmas Shopping Simple"

I am going to be honest. I hate shopping. Unless.... it's at a sewing or craft store, or a book store; and sometimes the dollar store can evoke a little excitement in me.

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 thing.

Also with three little kiddos in tow, it wipes out any sort of pleasure I may of had. Especially since I bring them along almost everywhere with me.

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 quite a bit. ;-)

And a Frappachino from Starbucks helps me quite a bit. :D

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.

I just can't imagine doing the above for fun, 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)

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!

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!

I remember a time going Christmas Shopping two days before Christmas with a nursing seven month old along with me. I guess some things don't change.

While it wasn't exactly simple to bring my kids along with me, it was the easiest route to go, believe it or not.

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. Shudder! And then I would of missed all the awesome deals before Black Friday.

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.

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.

I did end up getting two things online this year as well.

So what do you do to keep shopping simple? Sign the MckLinky Below! ♥

Simplifying Christmas Day 2~ Christmas Cards

2009-12-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

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, and you will also be entered in for the prize.

Also, I wanted to add that I *REALLY* 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!

Please be sure to stop by those who linked their blogs and read what they have to say and get inspired as well!

Ok! Let's talk about Christmas cards.

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.

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. ♥

However, Christmas cards can 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.

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)

I usually mail out about 30-40 cards....along with my braggy "newsletter". ;-)

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.

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.

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?

Sign the MckLinky Below, or comment away anything about Christmas Cards, and you will be entered into the prize drawing. :)

Simplifying Christmas Day 1~ Simplifying Budget and Gift List

2009-12-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

First off, Welcome Welcome to the first ever Simplifying Christmas meme! To find out what it's all about CLICK HERE 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........

Drum roll Please.......

A Simple pampering basket for you to pamper yourself with after Christmas is over. :)

Included in the Basket is:

A Brand New copy of Debi Pearl's Fiction Book "The Vision" (Very good read!)

A new 2010 day-planner covered by me ;-) in designer quilter fabric

A pretty travel coffee cup in coordinating colors as your new day planner

A sample package of Gheradelli Carmel coffee

and

A bottle of Peppermint foot lotion

So! Let's get busy and have some fun!

Today's Topic is about Simplifying our Budgets and Gift Lists.

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 too much!

We have a lot of extended family. And even "cheap" $5.00 gifts adds up pretty quickly. Try about $120 dollars. That's $120 that could of gone towards my own kid's Christmas.... Does that sound selfish?

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.

My husband isn't even included in that budget.

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!

Every year we hear the same story on blogs, in Facebook statuses, articles, chain emails, yada yada yada, "Christmas isn't about gifts, it's about Jesus' birth, and spending time with family!"

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?

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?

So, still I am in a delima. I think 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.

And don't get me wrong, I am all 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?

So.... I want to hear how everyone is handling your budgets and gift lists this year? Please write. I can't wait to see. :)

So! Get to writing! And then sign the McLinky!

Ps. The goodie Basket above, cost me about $4.00. No joke! ;-)

Don't Forget!

2009-11-30T09:04:00.000-08:00

The Simplifying Christmas Meme is starting TOMORROW!!! 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!

Get the Details HERE.

Simple Woman's Day Book

2009-11-30T08:32:00.000-08:00

FOR TODAY November 30th, 2009...

Outside my window...

Beautiful, balmy, Sunny November Day!

I am thinking...

About the upcoming Meme that I am hosting here starting tomorrow! Check out the information HERE, and participate if you want. I am giving away a free prize, with multiple chances to enter for it!

I am thankful for...

Limes. I love them in iced cold water. Hmmmm! Delicious!

From the learning rooms...

Gearing up to do a Christmas Lap book from Hands Of A Child, and working on the "basics" until we start the lap book.

From the kitchen...

Leftover soup

I am wearing...

My Pajamas

I am creating...

A painted Tea Set for my Daughter's Christmas present

I am going...

To take my girls to Choir practice

I am reading...

Grace Walk, by Steve McVey

I am hoping...

To do my one mile walk everyday this week

I am hearing...

The Dog munching on his dog food

Around the house...

Sweetie is finding a shirt to wear to choir, and I think Tiny Boy, and Bean are playing outside

One of my favorite things...

A good back rub

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Working on School, and having fun with the Simplifying Christmas Meme, and More Christmas preparations. :D

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...Tiny Boy with His Great Grandpa during Thanksgiving. ♥

To See other's Daybooks be sure to visit The Simple Woman's Day Book

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T19:34:00.000-08:00

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

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.....

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.
He did have a slightly disgusted face. He thought it looked like "Rotted cream" instead of "Clotted Cream" ;-)
It was actually quite delicious. More mild than cream cheese, not as heavy, but at lot more thicker than butter.

Care for some Apples?

Our tea party was followed by a reading from a children's book on the History of Thanksgiving. Sweetie about has that thing memorized.

Looking forward to the feast in the morning. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

~In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you~
I Thess 5:18

Monkey Sees, Monkey Does

2009-11-24T08:17:00.000-08:00

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, wispy, slight of thing, strawberry blond five year old. ♥

Stay At Home Mom??

2009-11-22T16:12:00.001-08:00

This is the view I view alot these days.

I laugh now at the dreamy day dreams I used to dream about being a "stay at home mom". You know the ones: Baking Cookies, beating rugs outside in the fresh balmy air, reading to my kids on the couch most of the afternoon (with beef stew simmering on the stove of course). Then working on hand stitching a quilt while my baby (don't have one as of yet, and no I am not pregnant) plays and coos on the floor while giggling with delight when he/she catches my eye.
You know this type of picture:

I write this all in good humor though. I do get to squeeze in reading my kids, and I am very thankful for Viking Sewing machines! :D

Review of Molly's Money Saving Digest November 2009

2009-11-21T20:29:00.000-08:00

I was contacted by "Molly Green" at Econobusters and asked if I would like to review her latest November issue of Molly's Money Saving Digest.

I have been a fan of "Molly Green" for a few months now. I receive her free email newsletter updates, and have already purchased a few of her Digests.

Her digests are *filled to the brim* with awesome ideas and tips on how to save some extra money. The past issues I purchased was Molly makes $5 dinners and $3 dollars desserts, FULL of really tasty recipes. I also purchased October 2009 Money Saving Digest which was about Learning from the Great Depression; which I thoroughly enjoyed, and took away a lot of helpful ideas from that issue.

he November Issue is all about Photography. This issue really caught my attention, as I, within the last year really started to play around with becoming a better picture taker.

This digest covers:

Couponing continued from previous digests

Getting started with scrap booking your family photographs, and how to do it frugally. Scrap booking is something that I have done in the past, and it can get very expensive if you aren't careful! There are helpful links included in the digest that will help you find your supplies at great prices

Digital scrap booking is covered as well.

Digital Scrap booking is something that I have recently begun to play around within the last couple of years, and it is a super duper time saver.... and the end result is amazing! Especially when you get a hard bound book made from it.

Again, links are provided on where to get free or very inexpensive digital scrap booking downloads. I have only heard of website, but have never heard of the other Digital Scrapbooking sites.

There is also *really* cool photo craft idea using a photo collage room divider. And of course many links to other awesome photo crafts, that I am itching to try out!

Another feature in this issue are mouth watering slow cooker recipes. The photographs of these recipes are amazing and tantalizing; I can't wait to try one of them.

The Slow Cooker Lasagna looks soooo good!

An encouraging and practical article about distressing during the holidays is a MUST read for this time of year. It perfectly coincides with my "Simplifying Christmas" meme. (Pssst! Don't forget to sign up! CLICK HERE to read about it more)

There is another awesome article about turning old curtains into something cute and wearable.

My MOST favorite article in this digest was on how to take better pictures. It covered everything from different types of cameras, to different picture hosting websites, free photo editing software, Lighting, Shadows and proper holding of your camera, back drops and props, what to wear, and getting your kids to cooperate. This article was extremely valuable. There was also a piece on how to store your photos safely and properly. I will defiantly be using MOST if not all of these tips when I take pictures next time.

The ending piece of the digest was an inspiring story of one family that bought their house debt free at an amazing price and are slowly remodeling bit by bit debt free. Some amazing before and after pictures are included.

And there is just SOOOO much more in this Digest that I am having a hard time remember all the awesome things written in there.

The ending pages has a list of awesome links to help you save money as well.

This E-Digest only cost $4.95, and all the information in it well worth the price!

Molly is also running a special deal. Buy five previously written digests, and get 20% off the total, PLUS Get the November Digest FREE!

You can find out more information and details for this awesome offer by CLICKING HERE

And just for fun, here is a photograph that I played around with after reading about all the cool photo tips in this issue:

Before:

After:

Simplifying Christmas

2009-11-18T12:48:00.000-08:00

This time of year, aka "the holidays", always pops up on me unexpectedly. But this year, it seems I am just getting over the stress last Christmas and it's already Christmas again! And the stress isn't our finances I am talking about.

This year, I really want to make Christmas more Simple and building happy Memories.

Sweetie's most important wish for me is to make her homemade cinnamon rolls to eat for her Christmas breakfast.

Sure she wants presents, but it isn't her focus. It's the whole process of Christmas that she wants to experience.

Another Pet Peeve of mine is "the keeping up with the Jones'" or that "certain lady who's name starts with an "M", that does everything perfectly, because it's her career" mentality of Christmas. Maybe it's just my imagination, or my perception of the whole thing.

But it just feels that way. From presents, to decorations, to Christmas activities. It seems to be done up REALLY big. And I always feel guilty that I didn't do more than I did. Especially buying everyone that "perfect, unique and personal gift".

I am just exhausted thinking about it! Maybe I am Scroogie about this whole thing. But I just want to stop the crazy expectations, and enjoy my family. Build happy memories. Not expectations of how things should be around this time of year. And in turn get upset, stressed, or maybe even a bit bitter over the whole thing.

And it's so easy to get caught up in all the hoop lah!

I think back the the "Little House" series I read when I was little girl. Christmas was a big deal to them. But very simple. I remember reading about how Laura and Mary each received a tin cup, an Orange, a peppermint stick, and a brand new shiny penny. They felt like it was the *richest* Christmas ever. Especially when Mr. Edwards brought out the Sweet Potatoes from his pocket for the Christmas meal!

Why can't it be like that now? Why do we do the things that we do? Is it because we are expected to? Or guilted into it? Or.... are we too spoiled?

So, starting December 1st...I am going to start a "meme" called "Simplifying Christmas" throughout the whole month of December right up to Christmas Eve. My goal is to encourage and be encouraged to keep Christmas Simple. Hope you will join me!

My plan is to have a post everyday about our Christmas preparations, and how we are keeping things simple. Then have a McLinky up so you can post your related "Simplifying Christmas" topic in the McLinky, and we can all get encouraged!♥

I have googled this subject of simplifying Christmas, and have only come across articles that just leave me with a discouraged feeling. So let's pull together!

I think I want to make the first "topic" of discussion of Simplifying Christmas about our Christmas gift list and budget. How should we simplify our gift list? And how should we simplify our budget? I hope to have my post up late November 30th, early December 1st morning. Be thinking about this topic.

Please Sign up join me December 1st!

1. To those who sign up before December 1st, will win a Christmas Goodie package. Something that will be crafted by me and maybe a few other little things. Not sure what as of yet. ;-D

2. Also, if you blog about this meme on your blog, and give a link back to here, and tell me about it the comments you will receive two entries into the giveaway.

3.Share about this on your facebook, and let me know in the comments, and that will earn you another entry.

4.Tweet about it, you will earn another entry. ♥

5. Grab the button up top, or on the sidebar of my blog, post it on your blog somewhere, and comment about it in my comments, and you have gotten yourself another entry. :-D

6.Every time you write a "Simplifying Christmas" post and sign the MckLinky during the meme, that will also count as an entry; giving you the possibility of 24 entries

Don't forget to sign the MckLinky!

Here are a few rules and guidelines to this meme:

1. Publish your Simplifying Christmas post on your blog.
~Please post a link back to the main page of my blog. This is a courtesy to me, as well as your readers--they will know where to join in the fun, too. Feel welcome to use the Simplifying Christmas graphic button.
2. Copy the "permalink" from from your Simplifying Christmas post, not the link to the front page of your blog.
~People may be looking through these links all week long. It you link to your main page, it will be harder to find your Simplifying Christmas post. For instructions on how to do this, go HERE.
3. Add your permalink to MckLinky.
~Do not sign MckLinky until you have your Simplifying Christmas post published on your blog. This is only fair to the other participants. Links that I feel are inappropriate will be removed.

Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-11-16T07:50:00.001-08:00

FOR TODAY, November 16th, 2009...

Outside my window... It's BEAUTIFUL! Not a cloud in the sky that I can see from the west side of my house. And the doggie is outside enjoying the beautiful weather.

I am thinking... About GUILLOTINES thanks to my wonderful brother in law

I am thankful for... Simple Pleasures that I am trying to be more "mindful" about

From the learning rooms... Going to start working on the unit of The History of Thanksgiving with the kids

From the kitchen... Spaghetti with meat sauce, and Broccoli

I am wearing... Black Gauchos, purple T-shirt

I am going... To take the girls to choir practice.

I am reading... Nothing much at the moment. I want to get a new book though. ;-)

I am hoping... The house stays clean! ;-)

I am hearing... The dog barking outside, and Leapfrog's Letter Factory on the TV

Around the house... Tiny Boy is playing Dress up and the girls are getting dressed for the day.

One of my favorite things... Stevia

A few plans for the rest of the week: Focusing on School

Here is picture for thought I am sharing.

This is what I woke up to this morning. Sweetie was "decorating" for a party. Some party!

To read other lady's day books be sure to visit The Simple Woman's Day Book

Fall Happenings

2009-11-11T18:59:00.001-08:00

It seems like my life has gotten *busier* than when the kid's were little tiny babies and toddlers. I can barely catch my breath most days it seems.

I even bought myself one of those day planner thingies, and to my utter astonishment each square in the calender seems to be filled.

When I first got married, and I tried to be Martha Stewartish, hubby "invested" in a pretty day planner for me. But Alas! I *NEVER* used the thing. It just wasn't needed.

My life was pretty "boring". Well strike that. It wasn't boring, just well....um...... I could at least remember what I had to do during the week, because pretty much everyday was the same except for the occasional wedding or baby shower.

So this year is the first year that I am actually using one, and to my utter shock and dismay I *FORGOT* something, even when I wrote it down on my day planner's calendar!

It happened to be the county fair entry forms deadline. And Bean and Sweetie were both looking forward to participating in entering some items.

Thankfully, Praise the Lord, I know someone who knows someone and I was able to enter a few of their projects in the fair.

So the above ditty is why I haven't really been very faithful to my blog except for some memes here and there.

This week was/is no exception in the "busyness" department.

Monday was a MOPS meeting, taking the girls to choir practice and Grocery Shopping.

Tuesday, Cleaning the House, and had wonderful friends over for supper.

And today....well, I was very tired today for some strange reason, and didn't get much done. Tomorrow, I will be working on sewing dresses for the girls upcoming Thanksgiving Choir Performance,

Friday, a field trip to the chocolate factory and a picnic afterwards.

Saturday, a birthday party and the choir performance.

And in the middle of that I need to try to fit some schooling in there and the daily grind of household chores. Such as cooking, making beds, sweeping, feeding the dog, taking the dog to potty, and other fun stuff.

So that's basically it. Just the life of a busy "Stay At Home" mom.

Sigh.....I don't even Want to think about the month of December!

And here is a little "sneak peek" at the dresses I am working on for the girls Thanksgiving Choir performance.

Simple Woman Day Book

2009-10-19T08:49:00.001-07:00

FOR TODAY October 19th 2009...

Outside my window...

It's a beautiful Chilly morning. The Sun is shining, and hardly a cloud is in the sky

I am thinking...

How to slow down and do quality things rather, than harried and hurried craziness

I am thankful for...

That we found my husband's wedding ring that went missing this weekend

From the learning rooms...

Working on a unit study of Germs. We are almost completed with it. Then we will work on making items for the county fair that's coming up

From the kitchen...

Leftovers!

I am wearing...

Kelly Green Pajama Pants, a Purple T-shirt that I got at my husband's Company's family picnic yesterday, and socks

I am creating...

Centerpieces for my MOPS meeting next Monday

I am going...

To take my girls to Choir practice and the pet store to get crickets to feed our tree frogs

I am reading...

"The Unschooling Handbook"

I am hoping...

That I get everything done today without stressing out, LOL!

I am hearing...

My Kid's watching Franklin

Around the house...

In the middle of decorating for fall

One of my favorite things...

Sleeping with the windows open on a chilly night, and snuggling up to my husband

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Try to keep the house clean and maintained in the midst of a busy life. Finish working on the centerpieces for MOPS, a tea party at a friend's house tomorrow, and Maybe a Mom's Night out

Here is picture for thought I am sharing

Feeding the Ducks at a local park

Be sure to read other's Daybooks over at "The Simple Woman's Daybook"

Oh Me Oh My!

2009-10-15T06:30:00.001-07:00

I think this boy needs a brother. Tu-Tu (pun intended) many girls are in the house.

I was sitting at the computer this morning checking Facebook, and these precious princesses greeted me. Only one of them was indeed the ugliest princess I have ever seen! Of course they giggled and laughed and thought they played a good joke on me. If only their father could see them.

Oh Me Oh My!

Wordless Wednesday~Salad Loving Boy!

2009-10-14T11:55:00.000-07:00

To View More Wordless Photo's please visit Five Minutes For Mom

Thrifty Thursdays~CVS Deals

2009-10-08T07:44:00.000-07:00

So much raving is being done about CVS shopping. I decided to try it out. I don't know if I will ever get really good like some other bloggers that I know of. But I decided to try it out on Friday.

So here are my deals:

Transaction #1:
3 packs of 15 pieces of Wrigley's double mint Gum
total $3.00
1 Gillette five blade razor~($9.99 - $4.00 coupon found in mailer)
total $5.99
____________________________
Total cost out of pocket $8.99 + $.085 Tax = $9.84
Total Extra Care Bucks (ECB's) $6.00 ECBS

Transaction #2
1 Crest Toothpaste ~($3.49 and a 0.75 coupon)
total $ 2.74
1 Scope Mouth wash~(3.49 and a $1.00 coupon)
total $2.49
____________________________________
Paid with $5.00 of ECBS
____________________________________
Total out of pocket $0.69
____________________________________
Total ECBs earned $4.00 to spend the next time

Total out of pocket Money $ 10.53

Total money without savings spent $19.97

TOTAL SAVED: $ 9.44

Not as much savings as I would hope. But it's a start, and I have $4.00 ECB's to work with next time I go.
To see other people's bargains, please visit Tales From Bloggeritaville

Happy Thursday everyone!

Wordless Wednesday~Ballet Class in the Living Room

2009-10-07T07:46:00.000-07:00

To Visit more Wordless Wednesday participants visit http://www.fiveminutesformom.com

Fire Station Field Trip

2009-10-06T07:48:00.001-07:00

Last Friday many of the home schooled kids from our church went to our local fire station. We all had a blast. I don't know what it is, but I think it is more fun to watch the kid's pleasure and delight than it is to experience such things for myself.
Here the fireman asked the kid's to shout if they were ready for the tour of the fire station and for a good time.

After taking a peek in to fire station and hearing the emergency signal broad casted out over the intercom, we were led out for the kids to take a turn at the fire hose.
Tiny Boy was in respectful awe towards all the firemen that day. He *truly* appreciated this field trip. Just look at his face!
And I think I know what Sweetie is *really* thinking in the back of her mind while holding this hose. She probably is wishing she could squirt her brother and sister with it. It's one of her favorite things to do with the hose at home, so why not this one?
A walk through of the cab of the truck. Tiny Boy didn't walk through. Instead he buckled himself up, ready to take a ride around the block. He was sort of disappointed to learn that he couldn't go for a ride.

But they did let him sit in the driver's seat. Pure joy is written on that face.

This picture cracks me up. The kids are looking at all of the truck's equipment. Look at Tiny Boy's pants. Those things *used* to fit him in the waist, but were too long. Now they are too short, and too big in the waist. He is three and a half, and I bought him those when he was 18 months old. Talk about getting the most ware out of your children's clothes. I guess I should invest in at least a belt?Again awe and respect.
More awe and respect. Sweetie thinks it looks a bit silly. The difference between boys and girls! LOL!

Trying on the gear
More awe. I don't know, but I am wondering if he is one of those kid's that won't change their minds about what they want to be when they grow up? I think he is at least seriously considering his career path.

Not Me Monday

2009-10-05T08:42:00.000-07:00

I think this idea for meme is so good. Too often I find in the blogging world we put on "we got it all together" acts. Sometimes I feel like that comes across on my own blog. In fact, I was going to blog a post about that. That I just wanted to be politely *honest* on my blog. To show that I am human.

So without further ado, I will post the things that "I would never do" ;-). This meme is hosted over at McMama's, so be sure to check out what other's are admitting to doing while "not" admitting to it. ;-D

* * * * * * *

1. Well, first off, I did *not* chat with a friend on my face book account and talk about bodily functions that consist of passing smelly air. And I *do not ever* call such functions the dreaded "f" word. Nor after this conversation did not take place, did I post this video on her profile:

2. I *did not* get up this morning late, and made breakfast for my kids at 10:00am. They *always* get their breakfast least by 8:00am

3. And because I *did not* get up late this morning, I *did not* give them gum to keep them happy until I could cook them breakfast. Nope, *not me*!

4. When my oldest was three years old, and shop lifted a Sponge Bob Chocolate candy from the store, *I did not* tell her she would be going to jail because she did such a thing. No! I would never tell her that, because that might mar her self esteem!

5. And I *NEVER EVER* go to bed without brushing and flossing my teeth. *Never*. And I *NEVER* send my kids to bed without brushing their teeth. *Never*

(OK, now I am going to hide after admitting such heinous sins, hoping people will still be my friend.)

Build A Fire Truck

2009-09-29T08:40:00.000-07:00

Early Saturday morning I did something that I haven't done since Tiny Boy was a little baby. I got up early. I took the kids to our local Lowes store for their *FREE* (Yup that's right free!) "Build and Grow" workshops for kids. This months project was a fire truck.

We met up with a friend (who happened to be the one who told me about this) and her little girl who also attend our church. It's always more fun when you have a friend! ☺

Since this program is free, you can expect alot of people to show up and they only have about 50 kits to give away. I was warned to show up a half an hour early. I showed up 40 minutes early and there was *ONE* lady and a little girl waiting outside. Of course, I didn't know that this is where they would be building their project, so I went inside the store to ask customer service where the Build and Grow workshop was going to meet. As soon as I found out where, I ran back outside, and like out of nowhere 10 more families showed up.

Then as I was standing in line, I realized I couldn't find my slip of paper showing that I had already signed up. Let's just say, "frustrated"! I ran back to the car as quickly as I could, and by the time I arrived back to the line, it had doubled in size. No kidding. And I was parked up front! Wow!

We did make it though. But barely. But all the hassle and early morning wake up were worth it. My kids *thoroughly* enjoyed building their little firetrucks.

As you can see they are all in deep concentration, and working diligently. And this is so weird. I am in the picture! My friend (who is an amateur photographer) took these pictures for me. Thanks Mrs. S!
Bean pounding away

Tiny Boy is going to give it a go now. Sweet patiently awaits her turn. She was very good at building this. She really didn't need much help. Just some guidance
Who can resist laughing at this face?
Once he knew the camera was on him, look how quickly his expression changes. ;-)

Lowe's even had the city's fire department show up. That was Tiny Boy's highlight I believe. He really enjoyed building the firetruck, but he was awed by the real deal. On Friday we are going to take a field trip to the fire station. Stay tuned. :)

Swine Flu...A Big Hype???

2009-09-16T19:33:00.000-07:00

First it was the avian flu. It scared me to pieces. I would sit up late at browsing the Internet to see any info I could find on it.
I go to Disney World eight months pregnant, caught the flu there. It was miserable. But it wasn't the Avian Flu. High fever, (104) Horrible cough, and the aches....the aches, oh that was the worst.

So when the "Swine" flu started to make the headlines, I was at first a bit skeptical. Because the Avian Flu never really caused much damage here in the US. But this Swine Flu, it was really close to the US because of Mexico.

Now, me, I am not one to run to the doctor for every aliment. I learned a long time ago, when we were on the more poorer side that it saves a great deal of money. ;-)

Since I don't run to the doctor, I have tried to learn and put into practice some natural home remedies to see if that will nip whatever I have in the bud, before I'll make a trip to the doctor. In eight years of marriage, and three kids later I have gone to the doctor about...um about 10 times, and an emergency room visit. This is not an exaggeration either. We just don't visit the doc very often.

About a week ago a friend of mine posted on her facebook that she had the Swine flu. I am like, "Oh Great! I am worried that I am going to get it now." As it seems every month I have "caught" something.

Sweetie then came down with a fever on Thursday night, so on Friday I made a trip to the health food store and stocked up on some Vitamin C, and a homeopathic flu formula. "Just in case"

Saturday night, I just sort of felt "off", and then woke up Sunday morning feeling pretty much yuck.

I began to drink my little "EmergenC's" every time I was thirsty. Then the fever came. So I began taking my homeopathic flu formula. In between that, I took heavy doses of Echencia/golden seal.

The aches were the worse thing of the whole ordeal. My head ached, my ears, jaw teeth, wrists, ankles, EVERYTHING. Motrin and warm showers helped me immensely. And sleep. After 24 hours the fever broke, the aches went away, and I thought, "nah! I didn't have the Swine flu" I didn't even get the respiratory problems. Just a little stuffy nose.

For one, the Swine flu was supposed to be worse than the regular flu right? Well, I had the regular flu, and that was about FIVE times more worse than what I had just experienced including the aches. And the regular flu lasted about five times longer, so it couldn't be the Swine Flu.

Until I saw my friend and asked her how she was doing, and if the flu was as horrible as the media is making it out to be. Her answer. No. The Media is definitely hyping it up. She said the first day was the worse, but after that, she was fine.

Did I have the Swine Flu? I don't know. But I was exposed to it, I live in an area where the outbreaks are "elevated" and had all the symptoms of the flu. Dr. Oz said that the main signs of Swine Flu were the Fever and body aches.

I certainly don't think it's worth risking your life or health on the up and coming Swine Flu shot

DISCLAIMER: What I wrote above is my own opinions. I am not a doctor, and I am not responsible for any choice you make regarding your own health.

Second Year in "Offical" Homeschooling

2009-09-15T16:53:00.000-07:00

Monday, the 14th, we started our first official day back to school. I am trying to make this picture a yearly tradition.

Here is the First year of "K5" and Preschool for Bean

http://heartofamommy.blogspot.com/2007/10/first-day-of-kindergarten.html

Last year was the official "legal" year of Kindergarten for Sweetie. Legal meaning, I had to keep records and report to the superintendent of education.

http://atranquileducation.blogspot.com/2008/09/our-first-day-of-school.html

How much they have changed over the years. Oh my soul, I just cannot believe how fast they grow up and change. This year Sweetie wants to grow out her bangs, which makes her look two years older right off the bat as I brush them to the side and clip a Barrett in them.

Every year, I *try* to find a good deal on back to school clothing that goes on sale after the public schools are in session. I always tend to start a wee bit later than the public school does. The dresses the girls are wearing I found at Target for $7.00 each. And Tiny Boy got a new Shirt and Shorts as well. His little outfit was about the same price as the girl's dresses put together. I guess they don't put toddler clothes on sale after everyone goes back to school?
This is Bean's first year of "official" Kindergarten. I'd rather she wait until she was six to start Kindergarten. But her Birthday falls "just" in the time frame of having to begin school. Our state law is that children need to begin Kindergarten if they turn six on or after February 16th. I think. I can't remember the exact date. I do know that Tiny Boy can wait if need be as his birthday is February 1st. Which I am grateful, because Tiny Boy...well, I think he's just going to need that extra time. (whispers, if you know what I mean?)
Our curriculum for this year includes:

Math U See
Explode the Code Online
Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons
Memoria Press Copy Book #1 (Both for Sweet and Bean)
Home school Coop Choir
And a little bit of unit studies for history, science, and other "electives"

For our first unit study, Sweetie wanted to study Germs. So I bought a "Germs" lap book from In the Hands Of A Child, and will be using that as my outline. (How Appropriate! Just in time for Swine Flu Season!)

Something that I started last year and got the idea from my best friend Esther, who got her idea from another blog; (I have been pounding my brain to remember the name of the blog, because it's a neat one to share!) is to have a back to school tea party. This year I set the table with a real table cloth and real china.

We had Mint Oreos, and Gingersnap Cookies, along with Chocolate Chunk Cookies. Really easy recipe...just open the box and put on a fancy cake stand. I served our refreshments with Apple Cinnamon tea, Sweetened with a bit of Stevia, and yummy smooth cream.

One of my friend's saw these pictures on my facebook and thought I was a cool mama because I did this. Well, I have never considered myself "cool". I have always been a bit "nerdy" But if she thinks I am cool, I'll take it! ;-)
At each place setting I had a fancy gift bag filled with special school supplies, and a few little extra goodies. All found at the Dollar Spot in Target. I also made them a little name tag for their place setting. Of course Sweetie's real name was on her card, and it was hand written in my ugly handwriting. But to keep her anonymous from wacky people, I used photo shop. ☺Next to her name is a left over princess sticker I had. Bean had the same concept. Tiny Boy had Smiley face stickers on his.

All in all it took about 10 minutes to put this tea party on the table...including the time it took to boil the water in the tea kettle, and brew the tea bags.
Here they all are. Patiently waiting. Patiently, as they *REALLY* want to rip open those bags to see what was inside.
Here's the loot. It included, New water colors, and cutesy puppy school folders, and little scotty dog notebook, cheapo rubber stamps, sparkly pencils, new crayons, and a sheet of stickers

After we cleared all the loot away, we had an enjoyable lovely afternoon tea. Which included good treats, good conversation and good memories

PS. Here is another lady who shared her back to school tea party on her blog as well. ♥

Simple Woman Day Book

2009-08-17T15:36:00.000-07:00

FOR TODAY August 17th

Outside my window...

Pretty hot and sticky, although it's cooling down because it's early evening

I am thinking...

That I wish I could loose weight with all the diet modifications and exercise I have been doing. This has been highly frustrating for me.

I am thankful for...

Hot Water to sooth my achy muscles from the exercise I have been doing

From the learning rooms...

Sweetie and Bean both started choir today with a home school co-op group. I am really excited as their teacher used to be my choir and piano teacher when I was a little girl.

From the kitchen...

Taco Salad

I am wearing...

A turquoise T-Shirt and Black Gauchos

I am creating...

An Etsy Shop Banner for a lady opening up an Etsy Shop.

I am going...

on a field trip to a science center with the kids tomorrow. Then Wednesday I am meeting a few friends for a girl's tea at a tea room. I am really looking forward to that. It's been a long time since I have enjoyed the finery of a tea room.

I am reading...

Several Books. All to do with Herbs and natural health; as I am taking an herbal correspondence course

I am hoping...

To do all that I need to do this week with a cheerful and happy attitude, and keep my grumbling in check.

I am hearing...

Tiny Boy and Bean playing together in the background. Also "Mansfield Park" is on. Sweetie is developing quite a taste for Jane Austin. ;-)

Around the house...

Three loads of laundry need to be folded. There is a sink full of dirty dishes needing to be washed. I need to make and pack a picnic lunch for tomorrow's field trip, and Supper needs to be cooked.

One of my favorite things...

Learning something you never knew before, and it actually be interesting.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Science Center tomorrow. Tea Room on Wednesday. Thursday looks "free", and Friday a MOPS planning meeting. Baking Bread Mopping, Vacuuming, Cleaning Toilets, etc.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is what happens when you bring out a toy that's been in the garage for over a year. Peace and Quiet and contented children.

To Read Other's Day Books please Visit The Simple Woman's Day Book.

Texas Toadflax

2009-08-04T18:07:00.000-07:00

Has your little boy or girl bring these "flowers" to you? And have you thought them to be "just weeds"?

Me too. Until one day, I was looking a facebook friend's profile, in which she had shared a picture of one of these "pretty weeds", and someone told her it was called Texas Toad Flax. And it isn't a weed. It is an herb!

I found this very interesting, as I am trying to learn more about herbs. I even bought a correspondences course to become a "family herbalist". Slowly, but surely, I am making my way through it. ;-)

But anyway, back to the original topic.

Since, this is such a common "weed" I thought I'd share about it. It makes me stop and think what other things we call "weeds" are really useful herbs?

Here is a link to showing a detailed description of this herb:

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/t/toadfl19.html

Simple Woman Day Book~Aug 3, 2009

2009-08-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

FOR TODAY August 3rd, 2009...

Outside my window... It's Sunny and HOT HOT HOT.

I am thinking...

About so many things. How does one conclude about so much stuff. I feel like as though I am on deadline ALL the time. When do I have the *time* to think about all the important stuff?

I am thankful for...

People who give other people the room to breath, make mistakes, and let them rant, and then accept them and love them still. (Me being the one that needs to breath, make mistakes, and rants sometimes. ;-) )

From the learning rooms...

Sweetie has officially passed Kindergarten, meeting all the state requirements. (Whoo Hoo!)

From the kitchen...

Made Oatmeal for breakfast. Probably will pick up something while we are out for lunch. I am not sure what to make for supper yet.

I am wearing...

My PJ's which consist of my clothes that I wore yesterday. ;-) A Green T-shirt, and Grey Gauchos

I am creating...

A Grocery List. :-P

I am going...

Grocery Shopping and Target Shopping today. I am so pooped out from a camping trip last week. I just DON'T FEEL LIKE GOING! But I must; or else we will starve. (Not really but it sounds dramatic)

I am reading...

Several Books. I just finished (I can't believe I actually finished a book. It's been like a year since I have done that for some reason) Debi Pearl's newest book, "The Vision" I HIGHLY recommend the book. Since it's fiction, there are some things in it that I consider "iffy" and even Debi says one of the components in her story isn't "supper natural" like it's portrayed in the story. She has a wonderful imagination. ;-)

But overall, it was refreshing to read! I'll do a review of it soon. :)

I am hoping...

I can get everything I need to get done today without having a meltdown. It's that time of month for meltdowns.

I am hearing...

"The Love Bug" in the background. The kids watched it this morning during breakfast.

Around the house...

I need to fold about four loads of laundry and put it away, vacuum, grocery shop, sweep, clean the bathrooms, make bread, and spend some time with my kids. And honestly, I just want to put it all far away from my mind, and just say, "Forget it"! But I can't. I *think* I am expecting company tonight.

One of my favorite things...

Reading a book non-stop until it's finished. Getting totally lost in the story, that the time passes so quickly you are amazed at how long you were actually reading. ♥

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Catch up on house work....study about herbs, (another thing I'll be blogging about in the near future) start praying and planning for Sweetie's 1st grade year, and Bean's kindergarten year.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Bean making a "Sand Angel" on the beach when we were camping last week

*ALL* of the Grand kids on my mom and dad's side ♥

The Stranger Video Book

2009-08-02T18:28:00.000-07:00

This an awesome Bible Study made free by Good Seed International~ A ministry for getting the Gospel out to Western Society.

There are so many in our own country, and other "Christian" nations that really have not heard a clear and accurate presentation of the Gospel. This study does just that.

The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus - VideoBook

It's been called "the greatest story ever told." Now the central message of the Bible is brought to life in this eleven-hour online Bible study. This self-paced course has been adapted from the popular award winning DVD series - The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus

Your teacher will take these individual elements and chronologically tie them together into one universal drama. Whether you have significant Bible knowledge, or have never read "the Book"—this online series is for you.

Own this VideoBook Course on DVD

Everything you need to study the Bible, all in one package. Share with family and friends and enjoy watching in the comfort of your home.

Buy this VideoBook Online

GoodSeed International is focused on creating tools and training for Bible study and evangelism in the following areas: Bible devotions for kids, on line evangelism course,
witnessing,
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Show and Tell Friday~My Cute Cow Clothing.

2009-07-16T20:30:00.003-07:00

Today I would like to show you the outfits I sewed for my kids for Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-Fil-A. The framework of the idea came from my oldest daughter Sweetie.

This is such an easy romper to sew. It takes about an hour from cut to finish! It's completely lined as well!

This is the dress that my daughter's Bean and Sweetie wore. They both wore identical dresses. I appliqued' the cow faces on a T-Shirt, and then sewed a cow print skirt onto it. It is such fun learning how to applique' with my sewing machine.

All dressed up and ready to head out to Chick-Fil-A. I am asking them to say "Moo" here.

When we got to Chick Fil A the cow spotted them right away, and wanted them join the "herd".

And this is the picture that I have entered into Chick-Fil-A's Show us the Cow photo contest. I would be SO VERY MUCH appreciative if you would click over there and give us your vote and help us make it into the finalists! Here is the link: http://www.showusthecow.com/photos.php?view=browse&tag=CHURCH

To see what others are showing and telling about it on their blogs, please visit Kelli at There's No Place Like Home. ♥

Wordless Wednesday~Couture Cows. PLEASE VOTE!!!

2009-07-15T06:38:00.000-07:00

This isn't going to be such a "wordless" post. This was at Chick-Fil-A's Cow Appreciation Day. I sewed their cow costumes. They did have hats, but by this point they had already ate, and were playing on the playground, saw the cow, and I snapped a picture. Scroll down, and you can see them in their outfits before we went to Chick-Fil-A

Before we went to Chick Fil A. I have also entered the first photo in a contest. And it needs votes. Could you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, pretty please with a cherry on top go over there and vote for them??? Thank you so much!! ☺♥

Here is the link:

http://www.showusthecow.com/photos.php?view=browse&tag=CHURCHKIDS

To see more wordless Wednesday pictures, please be sure to stop by Five Minutes For Mom!

I Am Back!

2009-07-14T06:43:00.000-07:00

It's been a LONG time since I have blogged on my Heart Of A Mommy Blog. I was trying out some new ideas, and seeing how things would go with them. But I think I am going to continue here. I like my Heart of A Mommy Blog. ♥

I feel like I was micromanaging everything, and it got so overwhelming. Home school Blog, Felicity Cottage Blog, all kinds of "blogs".

So I have just decided to write whatever I feel like writing. On *this* blog. LOL! I *am* a mommy, and it's all about sharing my heart. Weather it's homeschooling stuff, sewing stuff, or mommy stuff...it's the same girl, with the same heart. So if anyone really likes to read my blog, they are going to get an eclectic mixture of topics. :D

So stay tunned to my ramblings. ♥

I have missed alot of my blogging friends because I have been *too* busy micromanaging all kinds of stuff. But I think the Lord has started to show me the direction he wants me to take in all of this. One is to simplify things. So that's what I am doing. Just *one* blog.

Whew! What a relief!

Show and Tell Friday

2009-05-22T06:58:00.000-07:00

My Show and Tell Post is on my Felicity Cottage Blog....please go over there to read. I am slowly transfering most of what I write over there...so if you follow this blog, please be sure to go over there and make the transition to Felicity Cottage. Thanks! :) ♥

Where Have I been?

2009-05-15T07:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I have some lovely comments in my comment moderation box....and I just haven't had *time* to get to them. I am SO SO SO sorry!

I have been busy sewing up a storm, trying to promote my etsy business, taking care of three little squirts, homeschooling, Mops, AND we also got bit with some kind of bug. It is worse than a regular cold, but not as severe as a flu.

I have been really evaluating about my time I spend online. I am thinking of just making ONE big blog....and since I really would like to start promoting my business at Felicity Cottage, I believe I will be blogging mainly over there.

However....this blog will remain here for your reading pleasure. AND my Felicity Cottage Blog will still have other posts in it besides everything to do with my business. It will include homeschooling, family life, my opinions, and everything that I would normally write about here.

So please hop on over to Felicity Cottage's Blog and follow me there...pretty please with a cherry on top! :)

And I will try try try to get to all the sweet comments that were left for me some time this week. Thanks for understanding! ♥

Virtual Baby Shower!

2009-05-15T07:37:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! My friend at Comfort Joy Designs is having a virtual baby shower for her sister in law. Please come and join in on the fun!

Isn't He just the Cutest Thing?

2009-05-02T09:00:00.001-07:00

While I was taking pictures of my hair bows for etsy.... Tiny Boy came up, put on his daddy's old hat from when he was a boy and said, "Take picture! I handsome!" Who couldn't resist that? And you know what? He's right! ♥

Been Busy! Whew!!

2009-04-19T06:47:00.000-07:00

I have made four items for customers this week. I have four to do next week as well. My blog on Heart Of A Mommy has been poorly neglected. So sorry! For those who are interested, I have started a business blog for Felicity Cottage.

The new blog can be found HERE

I am going to start praying about the direction of this blog, and some other ideas that are looming in my head. Don't worry! I'll still be here in blogging land...just taking a few different directions with it. And hopefully ones that you will like. ;-)

So don't be surprised if you start to see some changes in the next coming several months. Stay tuned. ♥

Now offering Friendship Dresses on Etsy!

2009-04-13T04:25:00.000-07:00

Please stop by for a visit. Please tell friends too! :) MY SHOP LINK

Now Advertsing on Biblical Womanhood

2009-04-02T07:40:00.001-07:00

I purchased an ad on Biblical womanhood.com for three months. I am not sure if it will help spread the word or not, but it does look really cute amongst all the other ads on her side bar. ;-)

Go take a look! And if you didn't know about biblical womanhood, she is a mom around my age expecting her third little one.

She is an expert on bargain shopping and has two other blogs. One is to help people learn how to save money when grocery shopping and other areas in the fi⋅nance department. The other is to help encourage mom's with little ones as these times when they are little can be a bit tough when one is sleep deprived, LOL!

Here are links to her other blogs:

http://www.momoflittles.com/

"Tell Me Why Are you Striving"

2009-04-01T09:30:00.000-07:00

This song is beautiful! It is almost like my testimony really. So many "Christians" KNOW that they need God's Grace. They KNOW that they are sinners, and are not good enough.

But sooooo many (me included at one time in my life) think that they have to *earn* God's Grace. By going to church, reading their bible, humbling themselves, repenting of their sins, dying to self, being a dedicated Christian worker, etc.

But this won't cut it with God. He isn't impressed with all of our striving, and trying to earn his Grace. Grace is given to us for no reason on our part. God gives it to us, because for some strange reason he loves us sinners. But he also doesn't love us because of our sin either.

God has a true holy balanced character. Sin must be dealt with. And the only way *we ourselves* can deal with sin is to die and go to Hell.

God doesn't want us to go to Hell. So he provided a way through Jesus' death on the cross as payment for our own sins. Jesus carried our sins on his body, and died in our place.

But many do not know that Jesus' death on the cross in the *only* thing that impresses God. Not *our* striving.

So if you want God's grace.... accept it. It's already been provided through Jesus' death on the cross. It's yours to take freely. Only believe that what Jesus did is good enough for your sin.

Second Item Sold on Etsy!!!

2009-04-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

I got my second sale on Etsy!!! It is so exciting that I am getting butterflies in my tummy! Like when I preformed piano recitals and such! Wow!

I sold the Mint Chocolate Culottes. More will be listed soon... so please check back often! ♥

A Peppermint Summer

2009-03-31T09:16:00.001-07:00

Now on Etsy! http://www.felicitycottage.etsy.com

Mint Chocolate

2009-03-30T15:37:00.001-07:00

Now Available!! http://www.felicitycottage.etsy.com

Yet Another Item on Etsy. ;-)

2009-03-28T21:53:00.001-07:00

You can check out the listing by clicking HERE

New Item up on Etsy!

2009-03-26T14:58:00.000-07:00

Please take a look at my shop on Etsy. I have these culottes/split skirt up for sale on there. I will remake them in the size you need from 2T-8. Thank you for looking! :)

Felicity Cottage Creations

Tackle It Tuesday~Pots and Pans

2009-03-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

My Pot and Pan cupboard had been a source of irritation to many. Me... I have mommy brain, so I just really didn't care at the time. I figured it was going to get messy again any way. But I needed to show some care and consideration to others living in my household. ;-)

So, at Target, I found this little handy dandy thingamajig:

Thing is, I bought it thinking it would hold my "pots" not "pans". So I brought it home all excited that there was some solution to my problem. Well a few of my "pots" didn't fit. But MOST of them did. Yippie!!

I turned the thingamajig on it's side, rather than straight up and down.

Here is my before picture.

You can tell, I "really" didn't care. Many of my friends think I am "Martha Stewart" because I like to make whole wheat bread, and decorate cakes, and sew, and stuff. But there are some areas in my life that is weak. ;-)

So....Here is the after:

See my neat little areo pointing to my "pot" rack? Nifty, huh?

Also, my closet got a good cleaning, but I didn't take any before and after pictures of that. Besides, that is a bit way too personal for me to share. ;-)

To see what others are tackling please visit Five Minutes for Mom.

Simple Woman's Day Book

2009-03-23T15:30:00.000-07:00

FOR TODAY~March 23rd, 2009...

*note:
I am getting this up late. Sorry about that, but it was a full and busy day. I didn't *have* to put this up on my blog, but, hey! I like blogging! ♥

Outside my window...

It's grey and a bit blustery. Sweetie is outside pretending something. She LOVES the outdoors. Fritz is out there as well. He loves to be around his family when they are outside

I am thinking...

that life used to be alot more simpler when I was a child.

I am thankful for...

real and genuine people

From the learning rooms...
Sweetie has been picking up alot of "practical learning" this past week. She has also been thoroughly enjoying her free art lessons that a lady in our home school support group has been giving. I am thankful for these opportunities.

From the kitchen... It's defend for yourself night, LOL!. I am probably going to have a bowl of cereal, and most likely the kids will have eggs and toast. I don't feel bad though, because I treated them to Chick-Fil-A today. :D

I am wearing...
comfy denim, and a eggplant purple tunic blouse. No shoes, but white socks. ;-)

I am creating...
I am going to be doing some more sewing this week. I will post my photos of finished products from last week below.

I am going...
To my friend's Katie's house for a Bible Study

I am reading...
Still working on Captivating. And reading tid bits here and there of various books. Some herbal books, some books on gardening. I am having a major bout of ADD when it comes to reading. Also, I am reading "The Doll House People" or something like that to Sweetie. She has really been enjoying it. So have I! :)

I am hoping...
To save some extra cash for something special I have in mind

I am hearing...
The washing machine, and Bean getting a "Boo Boo pack" cause she has a headache. :(

Around the house...
Bean and Tiny Boy are watching Thomas the Train. Last week I purged out my closet, and cleaned my pots and pans cabinet. I am hoping to do some more de-cluttering this week as well.

One of my favorite things...
Chick Fil A Sweet Tea with LOTS of lemon! YUM!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Work on implementing the Family Circles that I blogged about a few weeks ago. Make a batch of homemade wholewheat bread, and do some crafts with the kids.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...Bean Modeling my one of kind outfit that I sold on Etsy three hours after I listed it! I am planning on making more, and I'll be sure to let you know when I do! :)

An Apron I made for my best friend Esther....this was supposed to be her Christmas present, but LOL, she got it now instead. But that's ok. She's my best friend of four little ones herself, and so understands why it was late. ;-)

A Baby Dress and Hat and Shoes that I made for my Sister in Law for her little baby girl due anytime now!The Shoes Upclose

To read more day books, please visit The Simple Woman's Day Book.

Wordless Wednesday~ Teamwork!!

2009-03-18T07:44:00.000-07:00

To See more Wordless Wednesday Pictures please Visit Five Minutes For Mom. :)

Simple Woman's Daybook~ March 16th, 2009

2009-03-16T07:26:00.001-07:00

FOR TODAY~March 16,2009...
Outside my window... Fritz is outside doing his doggie business. It's sunny and very warm.

I am thinking... About so much stuff. Not sure how to put it in writing because my thoughts are swarming around like bees with no direction of where they are going, LOL!

I am thankful for... My husband. He's a good guy that has such a learning heart.

From the learning rooms...We have been working on the "Three R's" Sweetie is getting very proficient in reading. She just gets discouraged too easily before trying. I am wondering how to overcome that?
We have also begun some drawing lessons that a lady in our home school group is teaching for free! Sweetie *really* enjoyed the first lesson.

From the kitchen... Swamp Soup (Aka Split Pea Soup)

I am wearing... Still in my PJ's (blushing)

I am creating... I just got finished with one sewing project. I can't tell about it yet, but hopefully, I will be able to on Show and Tell Friday. I am going to start on another sewing project that I can't tell about yet, but will hopefully on Friday as well! :)

I am going... To the Post Office to Mail my Sister in Law's baby shower gift. I am also going to take Sweetie to another drawing Lesson later this week. Tonight I am going to my friend's house for a Bible Study. Whew! Busy, Busy, Busy!!

I am reading... "Captivating" by John and Stasi Eldredge

I am hoping... To untangle all those busy thoughts in my brain

I am hearing... Tiny Boy playing with Play-Dough next to me. And the girls are watching a Veggie Tales Video

Around the house... Oh man! I *NEED* to clean out my closet or someone will be seriously hurt from the avalanche of stuff that could crush them when they open the closet door!

One of my favorite things... Tiny Boy's spontaneous affection and cuddles

A few plans for the rest of the week: Organize the Pot and Pan cabinet. Somehow someway. *sigh*. Make a batch of bread, and catch up laundry.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...Tiny Boy trying to sit at the table like a *BIG* boy without a booster, and upset that I dare to take his picture.

Please visit The Simple Woman's Day Book to read what other's are up to today. :)

Tippiecanoe

2009-03-14T20:34:00.000-07:00

"Enjoy Your Childhood!"

Ever remember your parents saying that to you? I tried...I honestly did! But now that I am an adult...well I didn't appreciate childhood as I should of.

This is me on my horse Tippicanoe around the age of 13 or 14. I think almost every little girl now adays dreams of horses. Their ultimate fantasy.

I was *extremely* blessed to be able to have a couple of horses in my childhood. And I believe those horses were part of my "positive" shaping in my life.

They taught me soooo many things:

1. Discipline

2. Cleaning up "stinky" stuff. ;-)

3. Life and Death

4. Safety is a HUGE goal, but not a guarantee in life

5. To enjoy the creation that God gave to man

6. God answers prayer

7. Friendship

8. Took lots of time, so kept me out of lots of trouble. ;-)

This horse in particular. He was such a character!

In his lifetime of me owning him, he:

1. broke into a garage and started to eat the dog food

2. Caused another horse to have surgery on their leg...twice! (Same horse)

3. Broke a window

4. Tore a pipe out of the ground

5. Pushed the wire fence off of the top wooden board, and crawled under the fence, and escaped

6. Would wake me up every morning by kicking the gate in front of my bedroom window to feed him.

I miss this guy!

He was terribly afraid of vaccinations. When we bought him we had a really good lady vet. She couldn't handle him for shots, so we had to find a strong man vet to administer the vaccinations, LOL!

When I got married....we as a married couple could not afford him. It wasn't fair to my parents to continue paying for feed, and upkeep.

So...I gave him to a Christian Bible Camp for children. I am sooo glad I did. He is *still* there after seven (almost eight) years of marriage. He is one of the children's favorite horses. He has lots of land to run and play, and he now is giving another child a positive influence in their lives. Yes, the Lord can use a horse. ♥

Rev 6:2
And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

Family Circles

2009-03-12T03:00:00.000-07:00

Doorposts is a neat little company that puts out many products that encourages a home to base everything they do in scripture. One neat little thing they have is called Family Circles.

Here is their description of the product:

Do you ever wonder if you are spending enough time with each of your
children individually? Do you ever feel like you should set aside your work
sooner in order to spend more time with your children or spouse? Do you ever
feel like you really don’t know the people you live with?
This little kit,
combined with your resolve, could change the whole atmosphere of your home. It
is designed to help you set aside time each day for each of your children and
for your spouse.
It is simply two circles mounted on a piece of paper. The
large circle is divided into sections for each child in your family. The smaller
circle is divided into sections listing activities to share with your spouse.
Around the outside of the large circle different activities are written. As
you turn the circle each day, it will tell you what special thing to do with
each person that day.
We can’t tell you how much this has affected our
family! We are getting to know each other in a way we never have before. It has
helped us to spend time with each child each day. And it has renewed our
marriage. (Really! This isn’t just sales hype!)
We know you could do this
yourself--we’re just trying to make it easier for you! This kit gives you:
A
more detailed description of the idea and its results
Circles already drawn
and marked for dividing into the desired number of sections
Suggestions for
profitable activities to rotate
Drawings to paste onto each section so that
eager non-readers will know what they "get to do with Daddy today"
Instructions for assembly
All you need is scissors, ruler, pen, paste,
and a brad fastener!
So I have set one up for our little family, and we will see how it plays out. I really like this idea. I know I need to spend time more one on one time with each child. I tend to spend more with one or the other on any given week. Depending on who is "acting" out more, LOL!
I have six different activities to do with each child each week. So we will see how it goes. But I thought I would let anyone out there know about it, and maybe they too could give it a try. :)

Wordless Wednesday~Myrtle Beach

2009-03-11T06:12:00.000-07:00

I have been playing around with Photo Shop. I am not sure if it is considered "good". But I like it, and that's what counts, right? ;-)

Before

After

For More Wordless Wednesday photo's, be sure to visit Five Minutes For Mom

A Man may Work from Sun to Sun, but a Woman's Work is Never Done!

2009-03-10T11:17:00.000-07:00

" *Sigh* Will I ever catch up with the laundry? Wait! What?! Do I see something in there? Do you?"

"Why, it looks like a little Bean in there! Does it to you?"

"I guess she makes my work worthy to do!" ♥

Pro 14:4
Where no oxen [are], the crib [is] clean: but much increase [is] by the strength of the ox.

Peace and Healing

2009-03-08T12:52:00.001-07:00

My last post~ I *Wanted* to be Amish; it is just a smidgen of who I have become today. It's part of my history.

I am convinced that all of human life on this earth are in pursuit of something, and that is "peace".

Peace is such a pretty word too. Whenever I hear it, I always think of soft breezes, the warm glow of the late afternoon sun. The smell of jasmine wafting in the breeze. Children laughing and playing the neighborhood as an occasional dog barks.

Or I think of a log cabin with smoke drifting out of it's chimney in the twilight hours. Horses grazing and hearing the "munch munch" sound.

But reality is....it isn't *always* that picture perfect.

I am *such* an idealistic perfectionist, that when I "grew up" I had a pretty hard blow to my head when I entered "reality".

Before I entered life in the world of cruelty, I think I was a bit like Anne Shirley. But Anne kept her "dreamy" ways despite the hard cruel world. And there was no Mariella to firmly but gently help guide me back to the "real world". ;-)

So. I didn't stay in my "dreamy" ways after adulthood. In fact, to be blunt and honest. I about lost my mind. ;-) My little duckies didn't all line up in a row. In fact, they were stubborn little things! Most of the swam in directions that I wasn't anticipating and others out right flew away from me! (The ducks being my " idealistic dreams") And my imagination just wouldn't cooperate. (Like Ann, no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn't seem to imagine her red hair away)

I have a very strong sense of "right" and "wrong", "truth" and "lies".

And if there was any breech in these qualities, in my own character, my idealistic perfectionism would take over, and my conscience would be overwhelmingly guilty. I couldn't seem to imagine away the wrong that I had done either. Nor did I feel I had the right to imagine away my guilt. That too would be a sin.

My idealistic perfectionism geared towards my "spiritual life". At first, the spiritual walk that I had chosen seemed to be working quite well.

But as time went on, my mind began to become affected with wrong thinking about myself and about God himself, and it lead into a deep, dark, and l-o-n-g depression.

Finally, after what seemed forever, I found peace. But despite the fact that I had peace, I needed to "heal" from some major wounds. Some of those wounds I had inflicted upon myself, and some wounds, from others who ignorantly wounded me.

But the funny thing is...all of us humans... all of us on the journey to find real peace, we also seem to need some kind of "healing" as well.

My story is different than yours I am sure. But I am also sure that almost everyone that I come in contact with has a story. And most of the time that story involves pain from wounds in their past.

The good news is...there is hope. There *is* healing.

Luke 4:18
The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

I Wanted to be Amish

2009-03-06T17:17:00.000-08:00

I am a "weird" girl. I guess I have always been strange. My brother would always chide me, "Mom dresses you funny" and I really didn't care, because I liked the way my mom dressed me. :-P

And then when mom pulled me out of public school to home school me, my weirdness only got weirder. ;-)

I guess my fascination with the Amish began when my mom, as part of my "history" lessons sat me on the couch and would read hours upon hours of Laura Ingalls Wilder to me.

She and I began to dream of "yesteryear" and how much more "fun" it would be to live in a cabin, sew our own clothes, and be content with the "simpler" things of life.

Then mom introduced me to Kirsten of the American Doll series, and that only fed my love for that time period in American History.

I would pretend to go to "school" in a one room school house while doing my lessons. My sister, an artist, had old quill pens and ink bottles, and I would write "journals" with them.
My mother invested in sewing lessons for me, and I sewed a pioneer dress, and sun bonnet to play my fantasies out.

Then my mom found the Mandie series. Historical, Mystery Fiction. Ah, I was in heaven!

I wished with a "passion" we could go back to the "good old days"

One year, we visited my grandmother who lived about two hours from Lancaster Pennsylvania. She asked us if we wanted to go spend about four days there and see the "Amish". I was about 13 at the time, and I asked "What's the Amish"

Mom explained to me that they were people living out the "simple" life like Laura Ingalls did. They didn't have electricity, they drove horse and buggies, grew their own food.

I couldn't believe it! Really and Truly there were people "alive today" that lived like that! Of course I wanted to go!

Those four days were more fascinating and "happy" than anytime I went to Disney World. We bought tons of books about the Amish. We toured an Amish "farm", we followed Amish Buggies around, and even took an authentic buggy ride!
We learned there were different "sects" of Amish, and that each had their own "rules" to follow.

One rule that seemed to be prevalent in MOST Amish/Mennonite communities was that the women always covered their head with a little hat. I thought it was kind of quaint...but I didn't know that they did it because they thought that the Bible said to do that. (I Corinthians 11)

When my mother showed me this scripture passage, I wondered why we didn't. We were Christians weren't we? Why didn't we wear that little hat?

We went home, and I devoured all the books that we had bought in Pennsylvania. It only fed my thirst for that type of life "more". I discovered that Mennonites had publishing companies such as Rod and Staff, and Christian Light.

They even had tapes, explaining biblicaly why they did all the stuff that they did. As I read this and devoured this, I became dissatisfied with my own "spiritual" life. Compared to the Amish it seemed "vain" and "empty".

I started to wear only dresses, and I tried making little head coverings to wear, but my dad wouldn't let me out of the house with it on, lol!

I started to grow my hair and never cut it. I had read in one of their tracts to even have bangs was "cutting of the hair" and I wasn't satisfied with the hairline that God had given me. Although I had a protruding forehead, and a high hairline.

I began to read my Bible more, and praying more. I discovered other things to fuel my "religious conservatism" Magazines, pen pals, books, sermons on tapes, etc.

At times, my mom thought it was "cute" when I wanted to be Amish, but as it drug on into my early teen years, she probably thought she created a monster! ;-)

Thankfully, that "Amish" phase passed. I now no longer believe modern convinces are a sin, and I no longer think that I have to be a certain "way" to be acceptable to God. But some of those "Amish Philosophies" lingered *LONG* after I ditched the prospects of ever becoming Amish. ;-)

And I'll continue on in my story at a later date:

But... in the meantime, I STRONGLY recommend that you read Beverly Lewis who is a Christian fictional writer who writes fiction about the Amish. After all my research of the Amish, and reading respected sources of the Amish, Beverly Lewis truly gets into the minds and ways of the Amish, without "romanticizing" things. And also gracefully shows the errors in their thinking about God. My favorite series that she wrote was Abram's Daughters. That really clued me in! ♥

Wordless Wednesday~Bean's Build An Elephant! ♥

2009-03-03T21:59:00.001-08:00

Be Sure to Visit Five Minutes For Mom to see other Wordless Wednesday pictures. ♥

Oatmeal Goodness

2009-03-03T07:01:00.001-08:00

As promised, here is a post on how I Roll/crush my oatmeal ♥

First I have my Bosch Universal Mixer. This baby is waaay better than Kitchen Aide. I had Kitchen Aide when we were first married and I enjoyed it immensely. But when I began to bake my own bread I read in several places that the Kitchen Aide would not cut it when I wanted to mix dough with my Whole Wheat Flour. It would burn the moter out.

Bosch has been around for years, and it comes with a limited lifetime warranty. My husband bought ours with a tax return when we were pretty poor. They are fairly pricey. Around $500, but sooooo worth the price!

The attachments that you see next to my Bosch mixer are from the Family Grain Mill. The Family Grain Mill is a versatile hand cranked mill and oat roller/flaker. You don't need a BOSCH to Roll your own oats.

The Family Grain Mill was given to me by my parents as a graduation gift from college. I know. I am a weird girl. I actually asked that from them when they asked me what I wanted, LOL!

When my husband bought me the BOSCH he also bought the connector that allows the Family Grain Mill and Flaker to become motorized through the BOSCH mixer

So here it is all set up to roll the oats.

We buy our Oat Groats in 5 gal Pails that are CO2 packed. The place we buy them from is The Bread Becker's out of Woodstock Georgia. They have several co-op groups through the South and South East. If you visit their website, they give a list of where their co-ops are at.Here are whole oat groats

These are what Whole Oat Groats look like

In the hopper ready to be crushed and rolled and flaked

Coming out of the Roller into a glass pan

All the oats have been crushed and rolled

Now, I have a pan of boiling water going, and I add the oats to the water

I let simmer about four minutes

Then let it set five more minutes to cool down

Add some Raw uncooked honey

Add some pure vanilla extract. My husband actually makes ours. Yum!!!

Add lots of Cinnamon. Cinnamon is *VERY* good for you.

Organic Milk

And Raisins to mine. The kids don't like Raisins in theirs.

So there you have it. That's how I Crush/roll my oats. ♥

Simple Woman Day Book~March 2nd 2009

2009-03-01T22:33:00.000-08:00

FOR TODAY ~March 2nd, 2009...

Outside my window...It is early early morning. It is dark, cold and blustery

I am thinking...About alot of things on my mind, and the wisdom that I need to take the correct direction

I am thankful for... God's Grace, and Help in times of need

From the learning rooms...This week we will be working on more reading, writing and math. Working more on our "fish" lap books

From the kitchen...Rice and sausage and black beans.

I am wearing... My PJ's

I am creating...I did alot of "creating" last week and I am pooped out. So I may just have some "fun" with the kids this week. ♥

I am going... Hopefully No Where. I need to stay at home and focus on the family and managing the home.

I am reading... Tid Bits here and there. Some of Charlotte Masons Companion

I am hoping... To find a solution to some issues that have come up

I am hearing... Our Grandfather clock gently ticking the time away

Around the house... Everyone is still sleeping

One of my favorite things... When a friend gets happy news ♥

A few plans for the rest of the week: Make Bread, and stay on top of my Motivated Moms List

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Tiny Boy's and Bean's birthday Cakes

To Read More Day Books please visit: The Simple Woman's Day Book

Frugal Friday~Depression Era Cooking

2009-02-27T15:23:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine a mom's forum posted this link to a 91 year old woman who has a series of YouTube Videos of her cooking Depression style meals. She also shares tidbits of wisdom, humor, and what life was like during that time.

I am sure that watching her will help with a frugal mindset ♥

Here is her Official Website:

Great Depression Cooking With Clara

And her YouTube Channel

Be Sure to Visit Biblical Womanhood for more Money Saving Tips!

Little Miss Bean, and Tiny Little Boy

2009-02-26T05:53:00.000-08:00

Today at 7:18am Miss Bean was born five years ago.

Little Tiny Boy was born three years ago on February 1st ♥ I missed his birthday post. :(

We have big plans for today....

Grocery Store to pick up cupcakes
Build a Bear
To a friend's house to visit.

This weekend we are going to be having a party to celebrate both birthdays with family and friends.

Have a great day! We are. ♥

Another Sister In Law Blogging

2009-02-25T15:40:00.000-08:00

I am ♥ SO ♥ excited!!!

My other sister in law who had a baby last October is blogging now. Her blog is:

http://www.mommyandlovingit.blogspot.com/

Potty Training Philosophy

2009-02-20T18:22:00.000-08:00

Well, we have been in the middle of potty training around here.

So far so good.

Tiny Boy is my third child to potty train. And I have found a method that works for me, I can dare say, after almost seven years of experience in motherhood.

Over the years, I have heard say, "Boys are harder to train than girls"

Well, that maybe true on average. But Tiny Boy has been a pleasant experience so far. ♥

My method is quite simple:

1. Wait until the kid is ready. Don't PUSH. If they don't understand simple directions, then they aren't ready. Maybe you can "potty train" them at an age where they don't follow simple directions...but it will be a headache in the long run.

2. Make sure that they can communicate clearly with you, the mommy. If you don't understand what they are trying to say to you when they are explaining something important to them, then it will only lead to frustration on the mommy's part.

3. Make sure they they are able to handle dexterity tasks. Can the unscrew bottle caps? Can they put their toys away, etc.

Those are my signs for when a child is ready for graduation out of diapers.

Each child is different. Sweetie and Bean were both ready waaay before I did train them. But I was pregnant and nearing delivery when both of them were ready to train, so I didn't bother. Having a new baby is a huge adjustment for a little tyke, as well as the mommy. Adding the stress of potty training just didn't seem wise to me.

So Tiny Boy. He began showing in "interest" in September. And I "played" with it with him. I wasn't being pushy about it. But I acted extremely pleased if he wanted to "sit" on the potty like his big sisters.

But the time came. It was past his third birthday.

So. I brought out the "big boy pants" with Carz, Woody, Buzz, and Nemo on them. I Stocked up on his favorite Juice.

The morning came, and I told him, "We are going to wear Big Boy pants". I put them on him. He fussed.

I asked him if he wanted Juice. Of course he did. And promptly he forgot about wearing those stupid things.

I set the timer for 10 minutes after he drank his juice.

When the timer went off, I sat him on the potty. That was a bit of a struggle, but I told him that if he went pee pee, he would get a candy. So he sat.

Eventually he peed.

Yaaaaa! BIG BOY!!!! YIPPEE!!!! LET's GO GET SOME CANDY!!!!

You get the idea.

More juice. Set Timer.

Oops. accident. Tiny Boy does *not* like that feeling. We change Buzz Lightyear pants to Mr. Incredible pants

Set Timer again. This time I set it sooner than before.

We made the deadline!

Yaaaa! BIG BOY!!!! YIPPEE!!! LET'S GO GET SOME CANDY!!!!!

Set the timer again.

Success this time.

Yaaaa! BIG BOY!!! YIPPEE!!! LET'S GO GET SOME CANDY!!!!!

Oh no. Another accident. Tiny Boy not Happy. Change Pants.

So you see the routine right?

The next day we start all over. This time Tiny Boy isn't upset about putting on the Big Boy Pants. I set the timer, give him juice, and repeat the process from the previous day.

This time a slight change occurs. Tiny Boy is starting to come and *tell* me he needs to go...and a few times before the timer goes off.

Only one "accident" on the second day.

Day Three. We repeat the same scenarios as in previous days.

This time, I can't remember the timer going off before Tiny Boy comes and says he needs to go. There are no accidents on day three.

Tomorrow will be day four. The real test is when we leave the house LOL!

Now, let me just stop here and go off on a little bunny trail here. I don't know why but Potty Training can be *such* a controversial subject amongst moms, aunts, grandmas, and friends. I am still scratching my head as to ummmm.....why!?

I have been in groups where different ladies were discussing this, and many of them passing judgment on mothers in how they and their husbands choose to go about this not so fun duty.

Well, if the child is eight, then maybe....maybe there might be something wrong. But I know of many friends, and other people, who's little children's bladders are *not* developed in the way they need to be in order to potty train.

And other mothers just need a little encouragement. Not disdain and judgement over what can be a difficult time.

I know I have been made to feel like I wasn't doing my job because my kids weren't trained by the time they were two.

People need to give people grace. Sometimes Mommy's have issues and circumstances that won't allow them the time that is needed to potty train.

Sometimes Mommies are:

1. Pregnant and about to give birth

2. Nursing. (Which is demanding in of itself. Try nursing, hearing your toddler scream, "I gotta go now!" and you have your babe stuck to your boob. Putting the baby down and running the toddler to the potty.)

3. Moving Homes. (packing, unpacking, rearranging furniture, etc)

4 Having more than one child.

5. Have all the above scenarios and your husband works late, and you have no immediate family near by to help you.

Yeah. Those are some pretty trying circumstances in which to take a toddler to the potty every 15 minutes and then sit there and wait patiently until they go. Not to mention all the "normal" things like, laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc.

So the next time you see a toddler in diapers. Make sure you think twice before thinking "Ugg! That Mother hasn't trained him yet?" ♥ ♥ ♥

Feeling Icky Sicky

2009-02-19T07:44:00.000-08:00

For the past month, I have been feeling yucky. I am not sure if it is a combination of some bug traveling around our area or allergies or both.

Normally, I don't get "allergies". The only thing I am allergic to is mold; as most people are, lol!

But the pollen count is high in our area. And whenever the weather changes, I seem to get some sort of attack.

Scratchy throat, stuffy head and nose, and just feeling like snuggling up in a warm blanket. That feeling lasts about two days at the most, then I start sneezing and blowing out whatever was in my body. By day six and seven I am starting to feel normal. Then the next day on day eight or nine, I wake up to the stuffy head, nose, and scratchy throat again. Uggg!

This has been lasting a *MONTH* I am so sick of it!

My hubby was so sweet. This morning, as I lay snoring in bed, he , hid a card underneath a pile of junk mail. He knows me so well, in knowing that I throw out junk mail pretty quick. Thankfully, I checked underneath the pile this morning before I tossed it in the trash, and there was a card with my name on it.

It was a sweet card that just told me he was thinking of me today, and that he hopes I start feeling better throughout the day. ♥ And he wrote a cute poem/verse in it. That sure did help raise my spirits!

My "Get Well" card next to my Valentine's Day flowers he gave me

I got alot of comments about how to roll and crush oats. It's getting time for me to roll and crush some soon, and I'll be sure to take pictures, and write an entry about it. Hopefully next week.

And those of you who left comments, I will slowly come by and visit your blogs as I have a few moments. As well as being "sick", I am in the middle of potty training Tiny Boy. Praise the Lord he is picking this up fast, and I am hoping that most of the "training" part will be done in a couple of days.

But I value your comments and your visits *Sooooo* very much. Please keep coming by. Just please understand, as I am sure you do if your a mom yourself, that other things come first before blogs. ;-)

Wordless Wednesday~Serious Monkey Business

2009-02-18T10:50:00.001-08:00

I am learning with the help of friends and my hubby how to edit photos. My husband helped me with this one last night.
My friend who has some great tips on her photography blog can be found HERE

To see more Wordless Wednesday Posts Visit Five Minutes For Mom.

How I Like My Oatmeal

2009-02-13T18:57:00.000-08:00

For the last several years I have been eating oat-meal every day.

Why?

It's Cheap.

It's Healthy.

It's Quick.

The Kid's eat it.

I don't have my oatmeal the conventional way though. Nope. Not me. ;-)My oatmeal is "old-fashioned".

It is so "Old-fashioned" that I need to buy the "whole" oat groat, and not the "Quaker Oat" old-fashioned kind.

Yup,I crush/roll my own oats. ;-) Sound's kind of naughty, lol!

Seriously, it is "delicious" that way.

Then, I boil about 1 cup slightly salted water to 1/2 cup of rolled oats. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, I turn it down to simmer, add my oats to it, and cook it for about four minutes.

Then I take it off of the heat, and let it sit for about five more minutes.

After that, I divide the pot of oatmeal into individual portions and add to each portion:

1/4 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract

1 TB. of Raw Honey

a heaping dash of cinnamon

Rice Milk

And a Bunch of raisins.

It is sooooo good!

The kids don't like raisins in theirs. And I substitute whole organic milk in theirs for the rice milk.

Sweetie likes it so much, that she eats about two servings of it. And she HATES Mr. Quaker Instant Oats. HATES it.

And you know what?

I don't blame her one bit! ;-)

So, why all of this talk about oatmeal? I don't know, I guess I have it on my brain. I haven't blogged in a while, and I was trying to think of something to blog about, and for some strange reason oatmeal came to my mind. So I went with it. Hope it provided you some entertainment. :)

Bean Giving Thanks

2009-02-08T13:48:00.000-08:00

I was on the computer and Bean was playing the piano and singing to the Lord. It made my heart swell. ♥

Only a few seconds were caught, but if you listen carefully, you can hear it. :-)

Imagination

2009-02-04T07:59:00.001-08:00

For more Wordless Wednesday pictures visit Five Minutes for mom! :)

Modest Doesn't Have to be "Frumpy"

2009-01-30T06:10:00.000-08:00

Recently, browsing my favorite blogs, I heard of a semi-new home based business ran by two sisters, that sells modest clothing at "affordable prices". I checked it out, and I was *VERY* impressed with what I saw.

It really was very pretty, and very feminine, modest, clothing at affordable prices!

I ordered these two blouses:

And I spent $23 for the both of them. The first top was on sale for $6.99. You can't find a cute top with that kind of price in stores!

What I like about these two tops that I chose, is that they can be dressed down or up. A black skirt, and you got a nice going to church outfit.

Pair it with denim, and you are casual, yet stylish!

So give Bellissima a try. Not only do they have the cute tops, but they have accessories such as jewelry, purses, and jackets to wear over strapless formals. Plus a wide variety of cute, and stylish skirts; all at unbeatable prices!

Check them out at: http://bellissimamodestyboutique.com

Fascinating Sea Dragons

2009-01-28T06:43:00.003-08:00

This was taken during our trip to Myrtle Beach at "Ripley's Aquarium" I was taking a picture of the sea dragon, but Sweetie's face was reflected in the glass. I thought this turned out pretty cool. :)

To see more Wordless Wednesday pictures, visit Five Minutes For Mom.

Need Encouragment?

2009-01-27T10:21:00.000-08:00

~1Samuel 30:6
And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

~Simple Woman's Day Book January 26th, 2009~

2009-01-26T11:59:00.000-08:00

FOR TODAY January 26th, 2009...

~
Outside My Window...

It is a *BEAUTIFUL!* Day!! Balmy and breezy. A day to just soak up the sun, and not worry about getting burned! :)

~
I am thinking...

About how long it has been since I blogged. I am happy now to be back. Hopefully a little more regular, but also more disciplined in my use of time while I am on the computer.

~
I am thankful for...

God hearing my heart, and caring about the "small" details, when no one else will/can understand.

~
From the learning rooms...

Well, we have been catching up on schooling around here because of Christmas break. Sweetie is making wonderful progress in her reading. Last week we went on a semi-vacation to Myrtle Beach. I took opportunity of the things available to do there for learning. So we are now doing a unit study about fish based on the activites we did on our trip. We will also be working on a learning folder about fish.

~
From the kitchen...

I bought a frozen chicken pot pie while we were in Myrtle Beach, and never got to use it. So that is what is for supper tonight. YAY! I don't have to cook tonight!!

I am wearing...

Kelly Green pajama bottoms. I went to MOPS today, and dressed up, but as soon as I got home, I wanted to get comfy. I am also wearing a pink melon T-Shirt, that has ruffles on the bottom, and a white Cami underneath of it.

~
I am creating...

a special something for my mom and friend; can't tell you cause they might read this blog, and I don't want them to find out. :)

~
I am going...

hopefully to a friend from MOPS house tonight. If my hubby gets home in time. If he doesn't, that's OK too. Later this week I am getting together with a friend to do a craft together with our kids.

~
I am reading...

A Hodge Podge of books. Rebekah's Diary, Good and Evil (with the Kids) and a few others that I can't remember the titles to.

~
I am hoping...

to make an attempt to start eating healthier this week

~
I am hearing...

Blessed quietness! Tiny Boy is down for a nap, and the girls are playing quietly for "quiet rest time"

~
Around the house...

There is a wet load of wash needing to be thrown into the dryer, and another load of wash to be started. The kids are in their designated spots for quiet rest time. Even Fritz is in his "house" for a "rest", and I am blogging. :)

~
One of my favorite things...

The feeling of accomplishment

~
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

Being consistent in doing school work with Sweetie, focusing more on the kids by doing constructive and joyfilled activities with them, keeping up with the housework, and purposely enjoying the rest of the week no matter what.

~
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

A Sunrise from our room's balcony in Myrtle Beach

To read more day book entries please visit http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Still Living~And Funny Video About Facebook!

2009-01-18T06:54:00.000-08:00

It has been a busy month and half...and I am pooped! I don't know if it is because I am fast approaching 30, or there was more activity than usual this Christmas.

It will be a wee bit longer before I am regularly posting on my blog; at least for another week or two. My husband is going on a business trip, and his company is allowing the family to tag along! How fun!

I'll be sure to post some pictures; especially since I will be using this as an opportunity for homeschooling.

But, before I leave you with nothing fun to look at, I am a big fan of Christine at Happy Slip. She has posted a new video about facebook, that is just too hysterically funny to not watch. If you're on facebook, you will defiantly appreciate this!

So without further ado:

A New Look

2008-12-18T20:30:00.001-08:00

And no, it isn't a Christmas look. :) I think I am going to stay with this look for awhile. Maybe at least until Valentines day. ;-)

There are few things I need to "tweak" but overall, I think this will be good for awhile.

Also, I wanted to let everyone know, who happens to read this blog, that I will be on a longer break until at least the new year begins. This season is a busy time for everyone, and finding time to blog is hard to do.

Well, actually, it isn't hard to find the time....it's just I am plain tuckered out during the evenings, that I'd rather veg out and unwind, rather than blog. I know it is a short season, as I love to blog, so please stick around. ;-)

But, right now, amidst the shopping, cleaning, making, doing, parenting, etc., I am plumb tuckered out come evening! ;-)

So everyone have a blessed and beautiful Christmas. Remember the reason for the Season. In which case, I want to share a video that my MOPS Moppet teacher shared with me:

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

For My Friend

2008-12-11T19:46:00.000-08:00

So. I was ~~commanded~~ asked by a friend of mine to post on my blog. ;-) I know it's been awhile. But....its been one of those months. You know? Actually, I am very flattered that people are reading my blog. So thank you for sticking with me. :)

During Thanksgiving my Sister came down for a visit. I haven't seen her youngest for a year. He and Tiny Boy look like sooooo much alike! The only difference I see is their mouth. So I made a little digital scrap page of the two of them together.

The funny thing is that they both share the same first name. So When I saw one of them out of the corner of my eye getting into trouble it didn't matter whose name I called, because they both came, LOL!

In case anyone is confused, my sister's boy is on the left, and Tiny Boy is on the right.

My Friend's New Business

2008-11-25T06:35:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I helped my friend design her business blog. She is just starting up her business, and I love her "niche" on the market. She is enthusiastic, and eager to please. You can visit her site by clicking HERE

Show And Tell Friday~Fair Winnings!

2008-11-14T08:51:00.001-08:00

For the first time ever, I entered some items into our county fair, as well as my children. Today, I want to show you what we entered, and what we won with our entries!

First off, before I show you the pictures, I want to say that this was *alot* of fun. If you have an opportunity to do this in your state, or county, take advantage of it. It boosted Sweeties self-confidence, and also allowed me tie some heart strings with her as I taught her some new skills.

OK! First thing we did was enter an egg decorating contest. All of the kids were allowed to participate in this. And I think everyone "won" something.

This is Tiny Boy's egg. It placed third, and won a $2 cash awardBean's egg. It also placed third with a $2 cash award
Sweetie's egg. Also third place, with a $2 award. We saw some really unique egg decorations, and got some great ideas for next year! :)

Next, Sweetie and I entered some baking classes

This is the Whole Wheat Bread I bake on a regular basis. It placed First with a $5 award in it's category I guess. I am not sure how the placing system works
Sweetie won 2nd place and $3 for the Cream Cheese Cookies she made!

Then Sweetie entered some "fine art". It was a water color painting of the sun done in dots all over the place.

It placed 3rd, with a $2 award!

Sweetie and I entered some sewing. I entered the outfit I made to sell on ebay.

It placed 1st, with a $5 reward

Sweetie entered a tote bag she had made.
It placed 1st, as well as "BEST IN CLASS"!!!! The 1st place was $5, and the "best in class" was $10, for a total of $15! I was sooooo excited for Sweetie! I am always tell her she is going to be a better sewer than me, and this really boosted her confidence! I am so proud of her!!!

We even had some time for a few fun rides, and fabulous fair food! :)

To see what others are Showing and Telling, Visit Kelli at There's No Place Like Home. Thanks for looking! :)

Wordless Wednesday~Princess Power!

2008-11-12T07:37:00.001-08:00

This can't be such a Wordless Wednesday. I have to explain these photos. Look in my Sidebar, and see the description of Sweetie? Do you see how I described her? Now look at these photos. Am I not correct? ;-)

For More Wordless Wednesday Pictures visit Five Minutes For Mom

Heart Of A Mommy

Simple Woman's Day Book

Simplifying Christmas Winner!

Simple Woman's Day Book January 11th, 2010

Molly Green's Money Saving Digest January 2010, Review

Simple Woman's Daybook December 28th, 2009

New Look, New Year, and New Goals

Simplifying Christmas Day 13~Christmas Crafts

Simplifying Christmas Day 12~Share A Favorite Ornament

Simplifying Christmas Day 11~Simple Recipes

Simplifying Christmas Day 10~ Homeschooling During Hectic Times

Simplifying Christmas~Weekend Break

Simplifying Christmas Day 9~ Giving to Those in Need

Simplifying Christmas Day 8~ Homemade Gift Ideas

Simplifying Christmas Day 7~Simple Gift Ideas

Simplifying Christmas Day 6~ Share Some Simple Family Traditions

Simplifying Christmas Day 5~ Simple Christmas Decorations

Simplifying Christmas Weekend Break

Simplifying Christmas Day 4~ Share a Favorite Christmas Memory

Simplifying Christmas Day 3~ Keeping Shopping Simple

Simplifying Christmas Day 2~ Christmas Cards

Simplifying Christmas Day 1~ Simplifying Budget and Gift List

Don't Forget!

Simple Woman's Day Book

Happy Thanksgiving!

Monkey Sees, Monkey Does

Stay At Home Mom??

Review of Molly's Money Saving Digest November 2009

Simplifying Christmas

Simple Woman's Daybook

Fall Happenings

Simple Woman Day Book

Oh Me Oh My!

Wordless Wednesday~Salad Loving Boy!

Thrifty Thursdays~CVS Deals

Wordless Wednesday~Ballet Class in the Living Room

Fire Station Field Trip

Not Me Monday

Build A Fire Truck

Swine Flu...A Big Hype???

Second Year in "Offical" Homeschooling

Simple Woman Day Book

Texas Toadflax

Simple Woman Day Book~Aug 3, 2009

The Stranger Video Book

Show and Tell Friday~My Cute Cow Clothing.

Wordless Wednesday~Couture Cows. PLEASE VOTE!!!

I Am Back!

Show and Tell Friday

Where Have I been?

Virtual Baby Shower!

Isn't He just the Cutest Thing?

Been Busy! Whew!!

Now offering Friendship Dresses on Etsy!

Now Advertsing on Biblical Womanhood

"Tell Me Why Are you Striving"

Second Item Sold on Etsy!!!

A Peppermint Summer

Mint Chocolate

Yet Another Item on Etsy. ;-)

New Item up on Etsy!

Tackle It Tuesday~Pots and Pans

Simple Woman's Day Book

Wordless Wednesday~ Teamwork!!

Simple Woman's Daybook~ March 16th, 2009

Tippiecanoe

Family Circles

Wordless Wednesday~Myrtle Beach

A Man may Work from Sun to Sun, but a Woman's Work is *Never* Done!

Peace and Healing

I *Wanted* to be Amish

Wordless Wednesday~Bean's Build An Elephant! ♥

Oatmeal Goodness

Simple Woman Day Book~March 2nd 2009

Frugal Friday~Depression Era Cooking

Little Miss Bean, and Tiny Little Boy

Another Sister In Law Blogging

Potty Training Philosophy

Feeling Icky Sicky

Wordless Wednesday~Serious Monkey Business

A Man may Work from Sun to Sun, but a Woman's Work is Never Done!

I Wanted to be Amish