tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-338211232024-03-05T02:40:57.736-06:00No Longer Conforming...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33821123.post-50482826181523697952015-06-01T16:45:00.001-05:002015-06-01T16:49:16.390-05:00Sunday PlanningI'm a planner. I don't always do what I plan, but I still like to make plans anyway. Spreadsheets and lists make me happy. I make menus, but don't always stick to them. Sometimes my yearly school plan ends up being an unattainable dream. One thing I don't mess with is my plan for Sunday mornings.<br />
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That plan is to go to church. There are several facets to this plan.<br />
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Church is a priority. If you are a Christian, you should really be part of a church family and attend weekly. Our calendar is always empty Sunday mornings. Sundays are not the time to go to the zoo or see a movie or go grocery shopping or hang out with friends or get a hair cut. Don't even get me started about kid's sports on Sunday. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Our priority on Sunday mornings is going to church. Every week. Don't just go to church when you have nothing else to do. Don't just go to church when you feel like it. When you </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">don't</i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> feel like going is when you probably need it most!</span></div>
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We are never surprised by the fact that it's Sunday morning. We have planned on it, and looked forward to it, all week. Our family enjoys going to church; we hate to miss. If it's not possible for everyone to go we usually try to split up and send one parent with whoever is able. If one parent is out of town the other still takes everyone to church. Is it a bit harder on those days? Yes. Is it still worth it? Also, yes. It wasn't always this way for me personally - for many years, I looked for any little excuse to skip church. Don't be like that.<br />
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Our church has a weekly potluck, so we have an extra bit of planning in regards to that. We love our church family enough to put a little thought into what we bring each week. It may not be gourmet, but our goal is usually to bring enough to feed our family if no one else was there. This usually means a main dish, some fruit, a dessert, and a pitcher of iced tea. That's what we'd eat here at home anyway. When we lived in Wisconsin we tried to plan ahead and use the crockpot for a warm lunch to eat when we got home. Before we started that we had many afternoons ruined by grouchy, hungry people (mainly me).<br />
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How many times can I use the word plan in this post? Plan. Plan. Plan.<br />
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Listen, we are not parenting experts. We are not perfect. However, we can get this larger-than-average family fed, dressed, and out the door to church on time every single week. And it's not just now that the kids are older either - we've done it with a newborn, newborn twins(!), toddlers, toddler twins(!) and teens (although not yet with twin teens)! We've done it with one kid and with seven. I can't think of one time we've been late in the 17+ years we've been going to church. If we can do it, so can you!<br />
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Our kids don't give us trouble getting to church on Sunday mornings because 1) we wouldn't let them get away with that and 2) they like to go to church too. If you are a perpetually late person, may I respectfully suggest you make a special effort to get to church on time. God deserves your best. Work on being on time in general, but make a special effort where church is concerned.<br />
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I understand there are emergencies. Emergencies are: puke (in which case you wouldn't be late because you shouldn't go to church sick), a flat tire, or power lines across the road. Things that shouldn't be considered emergencies: kids being kids, cooking, eating, showering, laundry, dressing, or driving. Those things are NOT emergencies. Do they need to get done before you arrive at church? Yes, they do - plan for them. If you know your kids move slowly in the morning, then start earlier. If finding clothes and shoes slows you down, then lay them out on Saturday evening. If breakfast takes forever, eat cereal (maybe even the junky sugary kind). And, please, make sure they get to bed at a decent time on Saturday. I may have to write a separate post about kids and bedtime because that's another issue!<br />
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We talk about character qualities in school - usually one quality per week. Punctuality is one of them. Punctual people are dependable, trustworthy, reliable, and show respect for others. I want my kids to be all these things - now and as adults. If being punctual shows good character then what does being late show?<br />
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Being habitually late to church is just plain rude and there really is no excuse for it. Remember, someone has put time and effort into every part of the service from opening prayer to benediction (and beyond). You wouldn't go into a theater halfway through a movie, would you? So, why would you go into church halfway through a sermon?<br />
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I came across this quote (from a book written by an atheist) on the internet awhile back and found it interesting.<br />
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<i style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Speaking of those who walk into church late, I want to know why they do so. Not everyone gets stuck in traffic. If church is so important, there is no reason to walk in late. In fact, if going somewhere to worship God is important, then people should arrive early. It seems completely disrespectful to me when people walk into the auditorium five or ten minutes into the service. And what’s worse is when parents come in with their children, who learn by example that walking in late is not a big deal. It’s just church, right? No need to get there on time. Is that what Christians want to teach their children?</i></blockquote>
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That is a pretty interesting observation, isn't it? The old saying "actions speak louder than words" comes to mind. If you say God is a priority - and if you're a Christian He should be - then prove it with your actions. Don't let church be an after thought, make it a priority and plan for it!<br />
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<b>*Note:</b> If you are one of my midwestern friends you might wonder why I even wrote this. Arizona has a problem - not everyone, of course, but quite a few. I don't know if it's the laid back western culture or if they just aren't embarrassed by stuff, but people here are flaky. They aren't nearly as dependable as midwesterners - they have no problem not showing up for things or canceling plans at the last minute. And they are late. A lot. Even for church. And it drives me crazy!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33821123.post-56428265590090502742012-02-29T16:29:00.001-06:002012-02-29T16:29:56.229-06:00Whole Wheat Rolls<div style="text-align: center;">These rolls are 100% whole wheat and delicious!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KlMO5lLU_w8/ThIoKogPodI/AAAAAAAAEw8/ktB70JBgYIg/s1600/good+earth+rolls-+food_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KlMO5lLU_w8/ThIoKogPodI/AAAAAAAAEw8/ktB70JBgYIg/s320/good+earth+rolls-+food_2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
⅓ cup sunflower seeds<br />
½ cup lukewarm water<br />
1 teaspoon honey<br />
2½ tablespoons active dry yeast<br />
1½ cups water<br />
½ cup honey<br />
¼ cup unsalted butter<br />
2 teaspoons salt<br />
1¼ cup whole wheat pastry flour or spelt flour<br />
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PLUS<br />
2 cups whole wheat pastry flour or spelt flour<br />
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PLUS<br />
2½ cups whole wheat flour or 3 to 3½ cups spelt flour<br />
1 tablespoon oil<br />
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Cover sunflower seeds with water and let soak for a couple of hours. Dissolve yeast with 1 teaspoon honey and ½ cup lukewarm water (110-115 degrees); let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until the yeast forms bubbles. Heat 1½ cups water, ½ cup honey, ¼ cup unsalted butter, and 2 teaspoons salt in a saucepan until the butter melts. Pour yeast mixture and butter mixture into a mixing bowl with 1¼ cup whole wheat pastry flour or spelt flour; stir enough to incorporate, then beat vigorously for 3 minutes.<br />
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Mix and knead in sunflower seeds and remaining flours as needed to prevent sticking while kneading until smooth and elastic. Place dough in an oiled bowl, lightly oil the top, cover with a towel, and let rise until double. Gently punch down and knead lightly. Divide dough in half. Shape each piece into 12 rolls, placing in greased pans with a little space between them.<br />
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Cover and let rise in a warm place 15-20 minutes. Bake in a preheated 400° oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Brush rolls immediately after baking with soft or melted butter.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33821123.post-56521401387223416692010-07-01T17:09:00.001-05:002012-02-29T16:31:05.764-06:00Crockpot Mac and CheeseI had a request for this recipe and thought I'd throw it out on the blog to share. I got this recipe from my sister a few years ago and it has become a Sunday-after-church-lunch standby. We throw it in the crockpot while we're cleaning up breakfast and it's ready to eat when we get home.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Crockpot Mac and Cheese</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 pkg. (16oz) elbow mac<br />
1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine, melted<br />
2 eggs, beaten (I have found these to be optional)<br />
1 can (12oz) evaporated milk<br />
1 can cheddar cheese soup, undiluted<br />
1 cup milk<br />
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese</div><br />
Cook macaroni noodles, do not over cook. While the noodles are cooking toss the margarine in the crockpot to melt (or you could microwave it). When it's soft/melted add milk, soup, evap. milk, cheese, and eggs (if you're adding them). Add cooked noodles to cheese mixture and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours. If you're around give it a stir a few times while cooking.<br />
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*Optional: Reserve one cup of cheese and sprinkle it on top the last 15 minutes of cooking.<br />
*If you like really creamy mac and cheese (like KFC), omit the eggs and cook just until heated through.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33821123.post-84145729137952624312010-06-05T17:09:00.001-05:002012-02-29T16:31:36.122-06:00Book Review: Family Feasts for $75<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0848732960?ie=UTF8&tag=rhywitclo-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0848732960"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 263px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4lB6gjEEDI/AAAAAAAADiw/T_06HbmuR8E/s320/Picture+1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442954098079174706" border="0" /></a>After hearing about it on a few blogs, I was excited to get this book from the library to see if I could learn a few <span style="font-style: italic;">new</span> grocery saving tips. Unfortunately, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0848732960?ie=UTF8&tag=rhywitclo-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0848732960">Family Feasts for $75 a Week</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=rhywitclo-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0848732960" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /> fell short of my expectations.<br />
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I felt a little misled by the title. Knowing Mary Ostyn has 10 children, I figured if she could feed her family for $75 a week, I had a few things to learn from her. But the author (or editors) did the math for her family and then reworked it for a <span style="font-style: italic;">family of four</span> to come up with the title. Mary is <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> paying $75 a week to feed her family. Instead, she pays about $75 per person per month or around $200 per week. With her numbers our goal (for a family of 8) would be about $138 per week. We're already under that!<br />
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The first section covers the "how to" and is relatively short. If you need a "beginner's guide" to grocery savings this book would be an excellent place to start. It's not that I disagree with anything she says... in fact, the reason our grocery spending is so low is that we are doing many of the things she suggests! I was just disappointed by the fact it didn't really have an "new, improved" ideas. The second part of the book is recipes, some of them sound really good, so if you are looking for some new frugal recipes this book might be worth reading.<br />
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Either way, I suggest you check it out from the library first to see if you find it helpful before purchasing it.</div><div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33821123.post-89535031661821295332010-04-01T11:41:00.001-05:002010-04-01T11:43:15.483-05:00Empty Tomb Craft<div>Easter is just a few days away. During Bible time this week we have been reading about the last days of Jesus' life. The boys often surprise me with what they remember or want to discuss. One of my sons wondered aloud early this week why we call it "Good Friday" when it's the day something bad happened to Jesus. My eight year old answered him and said something along the lines of "Well, it was good for us!".<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: </span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. </span><br />Romans 5:8<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">For Christ died for sins once for all,<br />the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.</span><br />1 Peter 3:18<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">While Good Friday is about Jesus' death, Easter is about His resurrection! He isn't dead anymore! This week we have been singing (off key, but heartily) <span style="font-style: italic;">Low in the Grave He Lay</span>. Here's the chorus:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">Up from the grave he arose;<br />with a mighty triumph o'er his foes;<br />he arose a victor from the dark domain,<br />and he lives forever, with his saints to reign.<br />He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!<br /></div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S7QJW4mO8OI/AAAAAAAADow/h2ub4Bm-Ba8/s1600/DSC07467.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S7QJW4mO8OI/AAAAAAAADow/h2ub4Bm-Ba8/s320/DSC07467.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454995337407033570" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">After our reading and singing today we made an Easter visual aid. We made one last year too, but I guess I never posted it to the blog. It's quite easy and if you have little kids they will enjoy it!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Mix up a batch of salt dough (2 cups flour, 1/2 cup salt, 3/4 cup warm water) until smooth. This year I added a few drops of black food coloring to the water to make the dough more rock colored. Last year I just left it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S7QJYJmIxyI/AAAAAAAADpA/VlUq37qouCM/s1600/DSC07465.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S7QJYJmIxyI/AAAAAAAADpA/VlUq37qouCM/s320/DSC07465.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454995359149901602" border="0" /></a><br />Place a glass (oven proof) bowl upside down on a cookie sheet. Spray it with non-stick spray. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness or so then carefully place the rolled dough on to the bowl to make a tomb. Cut away a door. Reshape the door as more of a rock (or just lay it down on the cookie sheet as is).<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S7QJXmuE7mI/AAAAAAAADo4/zgwT9AXV21g/s1600/DSC07466.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S7QJXmuE7mI/AAAAAAAADo4/zgwT9AXV21g/s320/DSC07466.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454995349787962978" border="0" /></a>Bake in a warm oven (the lowest mine goes is 170) for several hours. The original recipe I saw said two hours but it's never done after only two hours in our oven. When it's dry and cool, remove the tomb from the bowl.<br /><br />Last year (see below) we made a little salt dough plaque to write a Bible verse on. This year I just wrote it on the piece of cardboard we are using to display the tomb.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S7QJWF0xbLI/AAAAAAAADoo/JCOLkKjLiZU/s1600/DSC05274.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S7QJWF0xbLI/AAAAAAAADoo/JCOLkKjLiZU/s320/DSC05274.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454995323777805490" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Come and see the place where he lay.</span><br />Matthew 28:6<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S7QJW4mO8OI/AAAAAAAADow/h2ub4Bm-Ba8/s1600/DSC07467.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S7QJW4mO8OI/AAAAAAAADow/h2ub4Bm-Ba8/s320/DSC07467.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454995337407033570" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/346/F7F632E34A3CCFA26D4333616369D6F7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33821123.post-39407733500118128862010-03-08T10:15:00.001-06:002010-03-08T10:15:00.424-06:00Get Organized Presentation<div>I recently gave a short presentation on organizing to a local MoMs club. I am <i>really</i> not fond of public speaking. Before I got started I was nervous as all get out and my hands were cold and clammy, but once I got going I was okay. It helps to be talking about something that you're excited about!<br /><br />Part of my organizing/cleaning skills are nature (thanks Mom and Grandma!) and part are nurture (years of reading books and blogs for new ideas). People already think we're weird (large family, homeschool, frugal, etc.) and I'm afraid I didn't help the cause much with my presentation last night. :) If they didn't think I was weird before I'm sure they do now that they've seen pictures of my closets and drawers!<br /><br />As I was speaking to the group, I realized it really is the <span style="font-style: italic;">little</span> things that make a <span style="font-style: italic;">big</span> difference! I am sure some of the moms saw my pictures and thought I must spend hours and hours keeping up my house. But I really don't!! I <span style="font-style: italic;">promise</span> you, I don't... ask my husband.<br /><br />I told the group that I didn't want to hear any excuses because I had an answer for every single one! Don't tell me about small houses, I've lived in one. Don't tell me you have lots of kids, so do I! Don't tell me you work full time, my house was still clean/organized when I worked. The only "excuse" mentioned that I didn't really have an answer for was being just plain old "lazy".<br /><br />The more I thought about this, the more I thought that's not an excuse... that's <span style="font-style: italic;">exactly why</span> you should get organized!! I'm pretty lazy myself. I would much rather spend my time reading or surfing the internet than doing just about any household chore. My "system" frees up my time so I have <span style="font-style: italic;">more time</span> to do the fun things (like blog) <span style="font-style: italic;">not less</span>. I like to say "I'm not lazy, I'm efficient" but the truth is I'm efficient so I can be lazy!<br /><br />I'm not saying "my way" is the best way. It works for me, but each household manager has to find their own "system". I can only share what works for me. There are literally <span style="font-style: italic;">hundreds</span> of books about cleaning and organizing. Check out a few from the library and try a few of the suggestions. If they don't work out for you, move on and try something different. If you don't know where to start... start small! One drawer or cupboard or closet at a time. But definitely do something... "a penny saved is a penny earned" and "a stitch in time saves nine"... and that "stitch you save"... well, it will give you more time to do the things <span style="font-style: italic;">you want</span>, no matter what it is!<br /><br />In the next couple weeks, I'll be sharing some of my notes from the presentation. If you want to get started right away click on the "Get Organized" tab above. Happy Organizing!! </div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/346/F7F632E34A3CCFA26D4333616369D6F7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33821123.post-66479657565056606092010-02-26T09:57:00.001-06:002010-02-26T09:57:00.548-06:00Seasonal Cleaning: Kitchen<div>The kitchen is the only room that may take more than one day to deep clean. It really depends on how dirty your kitchen is and when you cleaned it last. At the same time, <b>the kitchen is the worth the effort</b>. We spend a lot of time there and keeping the kitchen clean will keep you and your family healthy.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">1. Prep--remove any items that go elsewhere and trash.</span><br /><br />2. Remove dirty <b>dish towels, rugs, and window treatments</b>. Wash them.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="font-size:100%;">3. Dust and/or wash <b>ceiling and walls</b>.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">4. Remove all <b>decorative items</b> from the walls/shelves/tables and clean each item. Wipe surface before returning items.</span> If you have any decorative arrangements you want to keep exactly the same, here's a tip for you: grab your camera and take a quick picture. Then when you go to put things back you can look at the picture to jog your memory.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="font-size:100%;">5. Remove parts of <b>light fixture(s)</b> and clean them. Replace any burned out light bulbs.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="font-size:100%;">6. Wash any <b>doors </b>(front and back), frame, and door knob.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />7. Wash <b>window(s)</b> inside and out. </span>Brush window screen with a dry, stiff brush.<span style="font-size:100%;"> Wipe sill and frame.</span><br /><br />8. Here it is the part you've been dreading. This is the hard part: Empty and wipe out each <b>cupboard and drawer.</b> Vacuum crumbs out of drawers before wiping them. Return only items you use frequently that are in good condition. Toss expired food.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4XuCAJP93I/AAAAAAAADcI/49I_tC2L_X8/s1600-h/DSC06729.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4XuCAJP93I/AAAAAAAADcI/49I_tC2L_X8/s320/DSC06729.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442017442913056626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">If you buy food in bulk be sure<br />to store smaller amounts in handy containers.</span><br /><br /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div> Don't keep four cheese graters, if you want to keep a "backup" just in case then pack those items in a box and put the box in storage. Line the shelves if they are in bad shape or you want to protect them. Organize as you put things back. Use baskets or boxes to help keep like things together. It is also recommended that you store items that you use together with each other. (Baking supplies for example.)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4XnbLv4coI/AAAAAAAADb4/m9GRwigUGhQ/s1600-h/DSC06727.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4XnbLv4coI/AAAAAAAADb4/m9GRwigUGhQ/s320/DSC06727.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442010178943218306" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4XxUSD3f7I/AAAAAAAADcY/LImdPdCy-_U/s1600-h/DSC06732.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4XxUSD3f7I/AAAAAAAADcY/LImdPdCy-_U/s320/DSC06732.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442021055494848434" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4XuCnOOt5I/AAAAAAAADcQ/rzQzsSmJMCY/s1600-h/DSC06734.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4XuCnOOt5I/AAAAAAAADcQ/rzQzsSmJMCY/s320/DSC06734.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442017453402929042" border="0" /></a>If you have a "pantry" in your kitchen, consider it a big cupboard. :) Which means you need to take everything out, wipe the shelves, and organize as you put things back. If you happen to store extra appliances in your pantry, and could use the space for something else, reconsider before you just automatically put them back where they were. If you only use an appliance once a year store it in the basement, if you use an appliance more often but not daily store it somewhere handy (linen closet?) but not in the prime real estate of your kitchen.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4XuBmTh0gI/AAAAAAAADcA/0gfUK7sc2Io/s1600-h/DSC06726.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4XuBmTh0gI/AAAAAAAADcA/0gfUK7sc2Io/s320/DSC06726.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442017435976847874" border="0" /></a>I have a fairly small "pantry" in the kitchen so I keep my overflow food and appliances in the basement. I'm not sure I'll ever do a post on organizing your basement... that seems even more daunting than the kitchen!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4Xz5QMXZHI/AAAAAAAADcw/KXghBUiUh2I/s1600-h/DSC07338.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4Xz5QMXZHI/AAAAAAAADcw/KXghBUiUh2I/s320/DSC07338.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442023889672037490" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">9. Wipe <b>outside and handles of all cupboards and drawers</b>. Take extra care of cupboards above the cooktop. They get greasy and grimy.</span> Don't forget to wipe cupboard sides, fronts, and along the floor.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4XxUydj67I/AAAAAAAADcg/iR6gSDaTI-Q/s1600-h/DSC06725.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4XxUydj67I/AAAAAAAADcg/iR6gSDaTI-Q/s320/DSC06725.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442021064192551858" border="0" /></a>Here's another helpful hint for you: Post a list of substitutions and a few favorite recipes you make frequently on the inside of your cupboard door for handy reference. (I also have an OTC children medication chart there as well.)<br /><br /><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="font-size:100%;">10. Clean <b>oven/stovetop</b>. Use the self-clean if you have it. Soak/wash the stove drip pans</span></span> or replace them, if needed (tip: the black ones are easier to keep looking clean). Remove all knobs and soak them, while you wipe behind them. Don't forget the drawer if you have one. If you are really motivated, pull out the stove and wipe the sides and clean the floor underneath. Clean exhaust fan. Remove and soak the mesh filter, or replace if it is really bad. Wipe down front, door, and handle.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4Xnajt22iI/AAAAAAAADbw/CW-hR9HwGyM/s1600-h/DSC07325.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4Xnajt22iI/AAAAAAAADbw/CW-hR9HwGyM/s320/DSC07325.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442010168197306914" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="font-size:100%;">11. Clean <b>sink and faucet</b>. Don't forget to clean any sink accessories (sprayer, filter, etc). If your sink is stained use a magic eraser to wipe it down. A paste of baking soda and water will usually remove spots from the faucet. If needed, use an old toothbrush to clean around the fixture base. If you have a dish rack, clean it really well (soak in a bleach solution) before returning it to the sink. Clean the </span></span><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="font-size:100%;">garbage disposal/</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">drain area really well.</span> Run some ice and a few slices of lemon in your disposal if you don't want to reach in there and scrub.<br /><br />12. Wipe outside of <b>dishwasher </b>and around the door. If necessary, run your dishwasher with a cup of vinegar or bleach to clean the inside.<br /><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />13. Clean <b>refrigerator/freezer</b>. Wipe all sides and top. A magic eraser or Soft Scrub will get off scuff marks. Pull fridge out and clean wall/floor under and behind the fridge. Vacuum fridge coils.</span></span> Clean the inside of the fridge. Empty the whole thing and remove all the shelves, don't forget the shelves in the door. Wipe down inside walls/floor/ceiling. Wipe all shelves and drawers. Return food, tossing anything that is past it's date or gross. Wipe jars for drips, if necessary.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4XnaPC3xHI/AAAAAAAADbo/i8PvNbCrUGc/s1600-h/DSC07326.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4XnaPC3xHI/AAAAAAAADbo/i8PvNbCrUGc/s320/DSC07326.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442010162648302706" border="0" /></a>Now I know a lot of you won't listen to me on this one but if you <span style="font-weight: bold;">keep stuff off your fridge </span>your kitchen will look a lot less cluttered. I know it is full of kids drawings and photos of loved ones, but those things can be displayed elsewhere. If you have to leave an occasional note to a family member on there that is one thing... an added bonus is if there is not a bunch of stuff on there already they might actually get the message! At the very least limit what you put on there to one piece of artwork per kid and a few special pictures.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="font-size:100%;">14. Clean</span></span><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <b>microwave</b>, inside and out. Put a mug of water with a slice of lemon in microwave and heat for 1-2 minutes. Let it sit before wiping down the inside. This will loosen any stuck on food.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />15. Clean or wipe any other <b>small appliances</b> that you keep on the counter top (toaster, mixer, coffee maker, etc.)</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="font-size:100%;">16. Remove everything from<b> counters </b>and </span></span><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="font-size:100%;">wipe. Don't forget the wall/backsplash. If you feel it is needed wipe with a disinfectant of some kind. Be sure the counter is dry before you replace items. Wipe each item as you put it back. Make sure you only put back things you need or love. A cluttered counter is hard to keep clean!</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />17. If</span></span> you don't have a separate dining room then clean your dining area with your kitchen. Wipe down all <b>chairs and the table,</b> including legs and decorative trim. Magic Erasers get scuff marks off of furniture.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4Xz539Hw0I/AAAAAAAADc4/AeFmL9zMp4g/s1600-h/DSC07374.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4Xz539Hw0I/AAAAAAAADc4/AeFmL9zMp4g/s320/DSC07374.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442023900345516866" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">18. Wash <b>trash can</b> inside and out.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">19. Return all clean wall decorations, light fixture, rugs, window treatments.</span><br /><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />20. Sweep and scrub <b>floor</b>, wipe baseboards.</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4XxVQslJmI/AAAAAAAADco/Xb6x6276UMQ/s1600-h/DSC07331.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4XxVQslJmI/AAAAAAAADco/Xb6x6276UMQ/s320/DSC07331.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442021072308610658" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Stand back and admire your clean kitchen! <b>Good job</b>!!</span></span><br /><br />Want to keep it looking great?<br /><ul><li>Deal with dishes daily</li><li>Wipe counters daily</li><li>Keep your sink empty and clean</li><li>Wipe up spills as they happen</li><li>Sweep as needed and mop weekly</li></ul>The printable kitchen cleaning checklist can be found <a href="http://docs.google.com/View?id=dcnzrrcp_305fsfknsgc">here.</a></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/346/F7F632E34A3CCFA26D4333616369D6F7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33821123.post-43321534253988329292010-02-24T19:36:00.004-06:002010-02-24T21:58:58.020-06:00Coupon Organization<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Coupons can save you a good bit of money... if you remember to use them. Part of making sure you get the most out of your coupons is a good coupon organizing system. I have tried several methods (binder, envelopes, etc.) and this is the one I keep coming back to. If this method doesn't work for you don't give up, just try something different. Coupons <i>are</i> worth the hassle.</div><br />Personally, I don't waste time cutting every single coupon out of the paper. I just cut the ones I <i>know</i> I will use and save the rest of the coupon "inserts" in a file folder sorted by date. When <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/">MoneySavingMom</a> or someone mentions a coupon they usually tell you which insert it was in so you can go get it out when you need it later. You can also search the "Virtual Coupon Organizer" at <a href="http://couponmom.com/">CouponMom</a> to see if/when a certain coupon came out. <div><br /></div><div>This has been especially helpful since I started shopping at CVS. I buy things there that I normally would not have saved the coupon for, but since it is free, I'll get it. This "system" has saved me a bunch of time...and space in my coupon file! The down side to this is if you don't have a coupon with you that would get you a great deal, like if you find something on clearance for instance. But it is still much better than cutting out the ones know you will use and tossing the rest!</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/R7epf0W44VI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/SSdc9Qty9sc/s1600-h/coupon+file.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/R7epf0W44VI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/SSdc9Qty9sc/s320/coupon+file.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167785461526618450" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Coupon File Box (above and below)</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/R7epgUW44WI/AAAAAAAAAqY/Y_YrEy2z2Y8/s1600-h/coupon+file+closeup.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/R7epgUW44WI/AAAAAAAAAqY/Y_YrEy2z2Y8/s320/coupon+file+closeup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167785470116553058" border="0" /></a><br />My coupon box is an accordion style check file from Walmart (costs about $4). It is a bit longer than a regular coupon organizer which is nice since I don't have to fold some of the longer coupons. It also has a little compartment in the front that I use to store scissors, a pen, and a calculator.<b> P</b><b>ut your name and phone number on your coupon organizer</b> somewhere so if you lose it (say in a church parking lot... not that I've ever done that!) then you'll hopefully get it back.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYA8XP-tw_mte2rvKGk7HVzFq1i7ZNgbTXDTJ7d2Ku_PB7EnzePZ_9-1n1vHDhwWcVPI34E92O1Th3-SoMfk7q3lPGOXdTxYedP0U6dDEhpNkMV8xJkxvOf7svk3HfPLiHo5lk/s320/DSC03715.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442000046723805202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Open</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeLay1nRt2vyOuQOesKkoUUsmvXPSW0sYwvXxMtUx3aDMymIb0vlZJnlhCThWrOyxRpw_PElKe1VCRtLmxXwr-fNReKpVa4XHNfpq-TIlSBDOlznGMy4LfeQ8Hk56GCl7Bi71/s320/DSC03728.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442000053118838530" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Closed<br /><br /></span></div>Organize your coupons so you can find what you need quickly. I organize my coupons by category. I use envelopes to divide each category. For example, in my "mouth" section I have envelopes for toothpaste, mouthwash, toothbrushes, floss, etc. On some of my envelopes, I jotted down the known lowest price (like from Sams or Aldi) for items I buy frequently. That way I know if I can get a better deal with the coupon then I should stock up.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/R7ehs0W44UI/AAAAAAAAAqI/B1uH9SOy3Ug/s1600-h/coupons.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/R7ehs0W44UI/AAAAAAAAAqI/B1uH9SOy3Ug/s320/coupons.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167776888771895618" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><div style="text-align: center;">Envelopes</div><br /></span><span>This is probably obvious, but make it a habit to go through your coupons and remove the expired ones. I hate when I think I've found a great deal and then notice the coupon is expired!</span><br /><span><br /></span></div><div><span>In the back of my coupon organizer I have an envelope for each store I shop at (Piggly Wiggly, CVS, Walgreens, etc.) and as I make my list I stick the coupons in the store envelope. Do bring your coupon organizer along though even if you pulled all the coupons out ahead of time to match your list...you never know when you'll find a deal.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/346/F7F632E34A3CCFA26D4333616369D6F7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></div>NLChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11733098506369583508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33821123.post-55199596691961795642010-02-22T20:55:00.002-06:002010-02-24T20:23:05.889-06:00Why YOU Need a Reader!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4Ci4rdEugI/AAAAAAAADaI/mOoWiT-gA78/s1600-h/Picture+3.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 153px; height: 135px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4Ci4rdEugI/AAAAAAAADaI/mOoWiT-gA78/s320/Picture+3.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440527444484602370" border="0" /></a><br />One of my goals this year is to get more people reading blogs! [One of my other goals is to get more people <span style="font-style: italic;">writing</span> them! So watch out!] The biggest reason people don't read more blogs is: "don't have time". What if reading blogs was as easy as checking your email? What if you didn't have to bookmark all your favorites and go to each site? What if each site came to you instead? That, my friend, is what a reader can do for you!!<br /><br />Once you have a "reader" you just add all the sites you want to follow and then check the reader like you would your email. All the new posts show up as they are published. You just have to scroll through them. No more going to a blog only to see it hasn't been updated. You just "set it and forget it". [Hey, I sound like an infomercial!] If you have an Gmail account you already have a reader, just look at the top of your Gmail page and you'll see:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4Cjh9Gk0zI/AAAAAAAADaQ/kW4L53kBKwc/s1600-h/Picture+8.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 37px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4Cjh9Gk0zI/AAAAAAAADaQ/kW4L53kBKwc/s320/Picture+8.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440528153596711730" border="0" /></a>Click on the word "Reader" between Documents and Web.<br /></div><br />A reader really is a <span style="font-weight: bold;">huge time saver</span>! You can organize your reader any way you see fit. So if you are only in the mood to read friends blogs but want to skip the others you can do so easily. I subscribe to all sorts blogs, including several "money saving" blogs. Now I rarely miss a great freebie or deal!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4Cj2P0DcGI/AAAAAAAADaY/xYQj_Tab5KA/s1600-h/Picture+3.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 198px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4Cj2P0DcGI/AAAAAAAADaY/xYQj_Tab5KA/s320/Picture+3.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440528502216683618" border="0" /></a>Another great feature of a reader is the ability to search what you've read. If you want to look up an old blog post for some reason (ex: recipe) then, in Google Reader anyway, you can just use the search function. Again this is a great way to keep up with the deal blogs... just search the store you're looking for a deal at and all posts from all the sites you subscribe to will show up (sorted most recent first). This is how I make my CVS or Walgreens shopping lists.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4CkFO_IT7I/AAAAAAAADag/7WHyP9h61b8/s1600-h/Picture+11.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 265px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S4CkFO_IT7I/AAAAAAAADag/7WHyP9h61b8/s320/Picture+11.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440528759692742578" border="0" /></a>My hubby and I both use <a href="http://www.google.com/reader">Google Reader</a>, but there are other readers available. They are easy to set up and easy to check. There really is no reason not to give it a try! I know some of you use the links on your own blog as a "reader" of sorts, but you are still clicking over to each blog to read. With a reader they are all on the same page. There's no need to click back and forth. You also won't miss any posts. If more than one new post has been added, those sidebar links will only show the most recent post not all the posts since you last checked. You might be missing posts... and you don't want to miss any posts (especially mine)!!<br /><br />If you're skeptical, just give it a try... I think you'll be surprised!<br /><br />Here is a YouTube video that explains it for you visual learners:<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0klgLsSxGsU&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0klgLsSxGsU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/346/F7F632E34A3CCFA26D4333616369D6F7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33821123.post-74770620160581353522010-02-18T15:30:00.002-06:002010-02-23T08:32:32.263-06:00A Tale of Two Hotels<div>While on a trip recently we stayed in two hotel rooms (the rest of the time we stayed with family). One hotel room on the way down and one on the way home. Both fulfilled our three requirements: an indoor pool, wireless internet, and a continental breakfast. At both hotels we got two standard rooms with two double beds. Neither was fancy and both had the usual (no one will ever steal this) hotel decor. They cost roughly the same (actually the nicer one was cheaper), but there was a big difference.<br /><br />It's hard to explain the difference since both seem so similar "on paper". I would highly recommend one and definitely not the other. One was just "warmer" and more welcoming. You could just tell the owners of one hotel took pride in their property. It was well kept and clean. They took the time to replace, repair, and update as needed over the years. The owners seemed to understand things wear out, especially with daily use, and they kept up with the wear and tear.<br /><br />The other hotel wasn't really "dirty" but it wasn't clean either. Things were more worn or just plain broken. They obviously were trying to get a few more years of use out of several items that had seen better days. The pool area was the worst; the ceiling was in terrible shape and we joked it might fall down at any moment.<br /><br />I was talking to my grandma about this when we got back. Her house is over 60 years old and in excellent condition. I know repairs and updates cost money, but that isn't all of it. As Grandma says just taking good care of things goes a long way. [She also says it doesn't cost a lot to keep things clean. See? My disease is genetic. :) ]<br /><br />It just struck me that two hotels, so very similar, gave off such different vibes. I wonder what motivates some people to take better care of their property than others. Is it just being cheap? Laziness? Lack of pride?<br /><br />I'm sure there is some lesson to be learned in this, although I'm not exactly sure what it is. I do know that well cared for homes are worth more financially speaking, but it's more than that. Our homes are supposed to be our getaways from a crazy, busy world. If the place you call home is slowly deteriorating around you, and you don't care, that's saying something. Are you taking care of the home you're so blessed to have?</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/346/F7F632E34A3CCFA26D4333616369D6F7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33821123.post-9840907365167349732010-02-14T22:41:00.001-06:002010-02-14T22:42:26.897-06:00Why We Homeschool<div>Most of our friends and family know we homeschool, but while on a trip to recently we got asked several times... <span style="font-style: italic;">why</span>? Truthfully, my answer depends on who asks. Sometimes a stranger asks (usually if we happen to be out during school hours). My answer to a complete stranger when we have approximately 15 seconds, while standing in the checkout line, is different than the answer I give a friend or family member who seems genuinely interested. Sometimes people ask only to argue and defend their choice to send their kids to school. I try to avoid these conversations because no amount of polite discussion is going to change minds <span style="font-style: italic;">on either side</span>.<br /><br />No matter who asks, though, it is always hard to answer. It is similar to the working mom/stay-at-home mom debate. There are emotions tied up in the discussion. I <span style="font-style: italic;">know</span> what is right for <span style="font-style: italic;">my</span> family and hope others are doing what is right for <span style="font-style: italic;">their</span> family. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Just because <span style="font-style: italic;">we</span> homeschool doesn't mean we think <span style="font-style: italic;">you</span> should.</span> It isn't right for every family and that's okay. Now, do I think more families <span style="font-style: italic;">could</span> do it and do it successfully? Absolutely.<br /><br />I found <a href="http://www.homeeducator.com/FamilyTimes/articles/10-3article1.htm">this article</a> awhile ago that listed ten good reasons to homeschool. As I read, I nodded in agreement the whole time. First, the author has different answers to "why" depending on who asks, just like I do. He also tries to avoid discussing it with some people:<br /><blockquote style="font-style: italic;"><br />I have found that it is often necessary to change the subject quickly, otherwise I’m stuck listening to total strangers defend their decision to place their kids in school, defend their need for two incomes, and then ask me if I’m worried about issues associated with my own children’s socialization experiences. It still amazes me that people I barely know will readily draw me into such intimate and personal discussions. And worse yet, the defensive nature of the conversation inevitably yields to the expression of guilt on behalf of the person who has children in school. Guilt, defense, and the probability that I’m messing up my children – all from somebody I may have just met.</blockquote><br />So <span style="font-style: italic;">why do</span> we homeschool? Our favorite short answer is that we don't want peers to be the biggest influence in our children's lives, but our long answer is much more than that. The author (from the above <a href="http://www.homeeducator.com/FamilyTimes/articles/10-3article1.htm">article</a>) summed it all up much better than I ever could. You should really go <a href="http://www.homeeducator.com/FamilyTimes/articles/10-3article1.htm">read the whole article</a>, but just in case you don't, here are a few highlights that hit the nail on the head:<br /><blockquote style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.homeeducator.com/FamilyTimes/articles/10-3article1.htm">Reason #3</a>: Time. If I had to pick one phrase that summarily communicates why we homeschool, it would simply be "school is a waste of time." This isn’t to say that people don’t learn important things in school, or that school is a total and complete waste of time...</blockquote><br />I would rephrase that to: <span style="font-style: italic;">a lot of time is wasted at school.</span> Even parents who send their kids to school admit this. In school, classmates move as one through each grade. Are each of those children <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> at the exact same level? Are some kids being pushed along? Are some being held back? How much of each day is "busy work" only to have homework with the parents later anyway?<br /><div style="text-align: left; font-style: italic;"><blockquote><a href="http://www.homeeducator.com/FamilyTimes/articles/10-3article1.htm">Reasons #4 & #5</a>: Identity and Control... we want our children to develop clear pictures of their own individual intellectual identities, and we want them to know how to take full advantage of the fact that they are always in control of their own learning.<br /></blockquote></div>Somewhere along the line, I learned how to LEARN. More than anything I want that for my children. You might not know everything, but you know a way to find out. My most successful, and most enjoyable, educational experiences are the times I have taught myself. Would you rather spend years learning something or hours?<br /><br />For example, in the last couple years I've learned a little bit (emphasis on <span style="font-style: italic;">little</span>) about HTML codes. The only reason: this blog. If I had been forced to take a class on computer code in high school I know I would have hated it. It probably would have been a semester of pure torture. I was a good student, so I would have passed. I would have learned what I needed to and then I would have promptly forgotten everything. Then when I found out blogs use HTML code I might have said, "No thanks! I hate that stuff!". Thankfully, that didn't happen. I started a blog and then learned just what I needed to, when I was motivated, in a short amount of time.<br /><br />Everyone is different. That is a<span style="font-style: italic;"> good</span> thing. Different children have different abilities. All students are NOT equal. One of our teacher friends mentioned recently how sad it was that students don't have a sense of "rivalry" (between school sports teams) anymore. I can think of several reasons things have shifted in this area, one is partly due to the fact that students are told everyone is the same. You can't say you're better than someone else, even if it's true. People <span style="font-style: italic;">are</span> different though, that is just a fact. Some people are not as bright as others. Some will be sanitation workers while others will be doctors. And you know what? That's okay! We need both!<br /><br />I often think about people's God-given, innate talents. How many people missed their calling because they had to toe the "school" line and never had the chance to branch out and find their own path. Being taught to be the "same" as everyone else is not what I want for my children. If you're hoping for a classless society where all members are perfectly equal then you're hoping for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communism">communism</a>. <blockquote style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.homeeducator.com/FamilyTimes/articles/10-3article1.htm">Reason #6</a>: Socialization... But it may surprise most people to learn that concerns about socialization are one of the most important reasons why we choose tohomeschool.<br /></blockquote><br />I don't want my children to be "socialized" in the way most people mean when they ask about this. <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/socialization">Dictionary.com</a> says this about <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/socialization">socialization</a>:<span style="font-style: italic;"> "</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">a continuing process whereby an individual acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior, and social skills...</span><span style="font-style: italic;">". </span>Socialization is a <span style="font-style: italic;">process</span> that starts at birth and never ends. That process doesn't magically start when a child enters school and it definitely doesn't stop if they stay home! <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><blockquote style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.homeeducator.com/FamilyTimes/articles/10-3article1.htm">Reason #7</a>: Shelter. One of the criticisms I get occasionally during discussions about homeschooling is whether or not I’m concerned about the fact that our children are sheltered too much from reality...<br /></blockquote>Our kids are "sheltered", but isn't that what parents are for? All parents "shelter" their children in some ways whether they go to school or not. Our kids don't see some of the differences that kids in school might see. They don't think that hanging out with your baby brother is lame. They played with a neighbor kid for months before it dawned on them that her skin was a different color. They don't care one bit about what clothes they wear and they don't ever ask for something "because all the kids have one".<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.homeeducator.com/FamilyTimes/articles/10-3article1.htm">Reason #9</a>: Family. Perhaps the most profound reason why we homeschool is our desire to truly appreciate the daily sanctity of family. Time is a precious commodity, and it is much more worthy of family than many of the non-family experiences...</span></blockquote>I think it's unfortunate that the mandatory age for schooling just keeps getting younger and pulls kids away from their families earlier. I'm only half kidding when I say that before too long we'll just discharge them from the birthing suite to a learning institution of some sort.<br /><br />I have absolute confidence that we can properly educate our children within the walls of our own home. Why? Because one on one "tutoring" works. Because we <span style="font-style: italic;">know</span> our children, their strengths and weaknesses, and we love them more than any teacher ever could! No one cares more than we do about whether or not they are successful.<blockquote style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.homeeducator.com/FamilyTimes/articles/10-3article1.htm">Reason #10</a>: Religion...We homeschool because it is part and parcel of our faith experience. Serving others, praying together, and living lives that are not defined exclusively by the values of our society...</blockquote>We are not religious nuts. In fact, we aren't part of any "religion". We do, however, have a relationship with Jesus Christ and what we believe, as Christians, has become taboo in the public school system while other religions and lifestyles are freely discussed as part of a "global worldview".<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Bonus Reason #11: It's Not All About Fun</span><br />My last point wasn't mentioned in the above article but I thought I'd mention it here anyway. I have to chuckle when people say my kids are missing out on all the "fun". Well, since we are talking about school here, I thought the goal was <span style="font-style: italic;">an education</span>!<br /><br />But don't worry, homeschoolers have plenty of fun. We just took a two week vacation in the middle of the school year! We go on field trips, play sports, and hang out with friends just the same as schooled children. Ourhomeschool group even has their own prom.<br /><br />Homeschoolers, who feel so led, can do <span style="font-style: italic;">everything</span> their school-attending counterparts do. We definitely aren't missing any fun! We're just having fun (and learning) <span style="font-style: italic;">together as a family</span>. And when it comes down to it... I can't think of anything more important than that. I might regret a lot of things later in my life, but I don't think spending time investing in my children will be one of them.</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/346/F7F632E34A3CCFA26D4333616369D6F7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33821123.post-44538092272670183132010-02-14T20:17:00.002-06:002010-02-23T08:32:56.972-06:00Heart Scones<div>Happy Valentine's Day! We had a quiet day at home. Not that we ever do anything too exciting on V-day anyway, but it was extra quiet. We didn't even leave the house once. The boys have runny noses and terrible coughs so we didn't even go to church.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S3is393NdzI/AAAAAAAADZw/UPntBYmBuak/s1600-h/DSC07360.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S3is393NdzI/AAAAAAAADZw/UPntBYmBuak/s320/DSC07360.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438286627548788530" border="0" /></a>We don't usually go all out for holidays, but we do like to do a few fun things to celebrate. I made some delicious <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes.aspx/i-love-you-scones/47b8079c-963d-49d0-8ac3-eb71d5bcdeeb?WT.mc_id=taf_recipe_BC">heart shaped scones</a> for breakfast. I followed <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes.aspx/i-love-you-scones/47b8079c-963d-49d0-8ac3-eb71d5bcdeeb?WT.mc_id=taf_recipe_BC">this recipe,</a> except I substituted white chocolate chips for the almonds. The boys weren't too crazy about them but my hubby and I really enjoyed them. It's hard to tell from the photo but each heart has a center of strawberry preserves.<br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/346/F7F632E34A3CCFA26D4333616369D6F7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33821123.post-56083868312925475972010-02-07T22:29:00.000-06:002010-02-14T22:42:58.678-06:00(Cleaning) Lesson Learned<div>I recently read a great <a href="http://ourmothersdaughters.blogspot.com/2010/02/what-i-learned-from-having-cleaning_02.html">blog post</a> titled: "<a href="http://ourmothersdaughters.blogspot.com/2010/02/what-i-learned-from-having-cleaning_02.html">What I learned from having a cleaning lady, and 5 reasons you should learn too.</a>"<br /><br />Long post title, short lesson. One good deep cleaning will save you a LOT of time in the long run. I know some of you thought <a href="http://nolongerconforming.blogspot.com/search/label/Seasonal%20Cleaning%20Series">my cleaning lists</a> were a little over the top but I'm telling you... taking a few days out to work through those checklists will make your house a lot cleaner with much less effort.<br /><br />I spent the better part of Friday working on cleaning the kitchen, (it's the one room I didn't get to before the holidays and vacation) but I'm not done yet. I'll write up a post and a checklist to share soon... get ready though... the kitchen is the hardest room in the house!</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/346/F7F632E34A3CCFA26D4333616369D6F7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33821123.post-8457479618459602682010-02-07T08:54:00.000-06:002010-02-14T22:42:51.406-06:00Date Night (at Home)<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S23v-HGUbPI/AAAAAAAADYg/vSE9dQtCcMc/s1600-h/DSC07323.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/S23v-HGUbPI/AAAAAAAADYg/vSE9dQtCcMc/DSC07323.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435264175642537202" border="0" /></a><br />This past fall, my dad shared some venison with us. He suggested we save the best cut to fondue and serve it with some shrimp cocktail. So... being good, obedient children that's exactly what we did! Instead of using the fondue pot my dad also suggested using the FryDaddy, which worked quite nicely. To round out the meal we had some bread with two dips (one store bought spinach, the other homemade <a href="http://recipes.robbiehaf.com/C/142.htm">oil and herbs</a>), both were delicious.<br /><br />We fed the children early and kicked them out of the kitchen to watch a movie. We set out our spread, then ate and chatted. The food was excellent. We took a short reality break to clean up the kitchen and get the boys to bed before we settled down to watch a movie. We had Netflix send us "The Proposal". You won't get glowing reviews from either of us, but it was still fun.<br /><br />I voted we should make this a monthly event. Coming up with delicious food to eat is easy (although if you have any recipe suggestions I'd love them). It's the movies that are hard to choose... we don't sit down to watch movies together very often because our taste in movies differs so much. Got any good movie suggestions?</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/346/F7F632E34A3CCFA26D4333616369D6F7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33821123.post-78144059463050592942010-01-22T08:54:00.000-06:002010-01-22T08:54:00.239-06:00Change of HeartThis post has been saved as a "draft" for months. I will never get it "just right" so I may as well post it. Today is the anniversary of Roe v. Wade so I figured it was a good day to hit "publish". Sometime last year I heard about Gianna Jessen, if you have not heard <a href="http://www.giannajessen.com/EPK/bio.html">her story</a> it is compelling. She survived a late term abortion and was put up for adoption. I googled her name and that led to a little research rabbit trail.<br /><br />There is a book about Gianna's life (up through age 17). The book is "<span style="font-style: italic;">Gianna: Aborted and Lived to Tell About It</span>" by Jessica Shaver. I was able to check it out from my local library. Actually, I was shocked my library had it! They have very little on the subject of abortion and even less about the pro-life side. This book won't win any literary awards, but the story was very interesting.<br /><br />The book mentions a short documentary called "The Silent Scream" about abortion. They now have the whole movie available in <a href="http://www.silentscream.org/">short segments online</a>. I had never heard of this movie. It is a bit dated but the footage is amazing and has changed many minds about abortion (including the doctor and ultrasound technician that helped film it). The movie is not terribly graphic like some other abortion films. However, the most disturbing part of the film uses ultrasound to show the abortion of an 11 week old baby.<br /><br />The director and narrator is a doctor (Dr. Bernard Nathanson) that was one of the founders of NARAL (National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League originally the National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws). He worked hard, admittedly lying, to make abortion legal during the Roe v. Wade time frame and performed many abortions, including one on his own unwanted child. However, after the invention of ultrasound, he changed his mind about abortion. In 1996, he became a Catholic. He has written a couple books that I have yet to read, <span style="font-style: italic;">Aborting America</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">The Hand of God</span>, and made another documentary called the <span style="font-style: italic;">Eclipse of Reason</span> about late-term abortions.<br /><br />Next, I wanted to read a bit more about Roe v. Wade. I was curious, who exactly was Roe anyway? "Roe" was really a woman named Norma L. McCorvey that had said she was raped and became pregnant. She wanted an abortion and since they were illegal at that time, she sued to get it. Of course, we all know the results. However, <span style="font-style: italic;">she </span>never got her abortion. The court case went on too long, she ended up having her baby and giving it up for adoption. Years later, she admitted she had lied and that she was not raped. She too has <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_MUUvcvjEg">changed her mind</a> and is now an <a href="http://www.leaderu.com/norma/">advocate of the pro-life</a> movement and campaigns to try and overturn the Roe v. Wade ruling. Ms. McCorvey has also written two books, <span style="font-style: italic;">I am Roe</span> and<span style="font-style: italic;"> Won by Love</span>, and in recent years has become a Christian. She has petitioned the Supreme Court to hear the case again "in light of evidence" to no avail.<br /><br />The abortion rate seems to be dropping a bit in recent years but there are still over <a href="http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/fb_induced_abortion.html">one million</a> babies aborted each year (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abortion_in_the_United_States">less than 1%</a> of those are due to rape). While I'm sure there are many more, here are two people that worked very hard to make abortion possible who have now changed their minds. More/better/improved birth control or even education isn't going to eliminate abortions. I truly believe that the end to abortion will come through changing the hearts of people. People like Norma McCorvey and Dr. Bernard Nathanson. One heart at a time.<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/346/F7F632E34A3CCFA26D4333616369D6F7.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33821123.post-62528705730031727542009-12-22T15:58:00.005-06:002009-12-22T16:09:01.832-06:00A Sneak Peek<div>Here's a sneak peak into some of our Christmas decorations, I didn't go all out this year. We are leaving shortly after Christmas and want to get things put away before we go. So missing from my usual decorations are the "kid's tree" in the basement, my little Christmas village, most of my snowmen, and almost all of my kitchen decorations. Okay, enough about what I didn't get out! Here's what I did!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SymeHVi_vpI/AAAAAAAADJM/XA7rgz-8eZI/s1600-h/DSC06867.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SymeHVi_vpI/AAAAAAAADJM/XA7rgz-8eZI/DSC06867.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416033875769933458" border="0" /></a>I have had this wreath for several years. It was a hand-me-down from my mom. Speaking of my mom, this wreath looks much better this year than it did last year thanks to her. She bought some new balls for it and and gave it a mini-makeover for me. Thanks Mom! It looks great!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SymegCurgYI/AAAAAAAADJU/3FRjAZhsvOA/s1600-h/DSC06878.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SymegCurgYI/AAAAAAAADJU/3FRjAZhsvOA/DSC06878.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416034300215394690" border="0" /></a>Below the wreath and above the fireplace are the stockings I was frantically sewing last year at this time. They are one of my new favorite decorations.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SymgapjqQKI/AAAAAAAADJc/Gg7Jfaf2TWI/s1600-h/DSC06884.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SymgapjqQKI/AAAAAAAADJc/Gg7Jfaf2TWI/DSC06884.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416036406582198434" border="0" /></a>Right as you come in the front door, on the front hall closet door, I have a ribbon hanging where I pin all the Christmas cards we receive. I've added quite a few cards since I took this photo. How do you display your Christmas cards? What do you do with them when Christmas is over. I put the photos and letters into a Christmas "binder" to keep them. If I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">scrapbooked</span> I would do something a bit fancier but this works nicely for me. It's fun to go back and look at how much everyone's kids have grown.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SymhbruYCVI/AAAAAAAADJk/Wgvul0L_9Rg/s1600-h/DSC06887.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SymhbruYCVI/AAAAAAAADJk/Wgvul0L_9Rg/DSC06887.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416037523855509842" border="0" /></a>Here's our Jesse Tree. Only 4 ornaments left to hang! Hard to believe. If the tree looks a little lopsided that's because it's been knocked off the small table I have it on in the kitchen a few times. I did take time to laminate the ornaments this year hoping that will help them last a bit longer. I have new Jesse Tree ornaments on my "to do" list but I haven't decided if I want to cross stitch them or make salt dough or something else.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SymisMCvmgI/AAAAAAAADJs/QmoHCrfjJ7U/s1600-h/DSC06889.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SymisMCvmgI/AAAAAAAADJs/QmoHCrfjJ7U/DSC06889.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416038906920409602" border="0" /></a>A few years ago I got rid of almost all of our Santa related decorations. I want our Christmas decorations to reflect more of what we are celebrating, that's is why I like decorations like this table runner. My mom found it for me and I put it as the centerpiece on the kitchen table with the advent wreath. The kids request that we light the candles more often, but flames, hot wax, and little boys don't mix real well, in my opinion, so we've only lit it a few times.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SymkQ_UNzbI/AAAAAAAADJ0/IC9nn_TaXCQ/s1600-h/DSC06895.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SymkQ_UNzbI/AAAAAAAADJ0/IC9nn_TaXCQ/DSC06895.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416040638670818738" border="0" /></a>This little pillow sits on the wooden bench by the front door year round. Almost each month, but sometimes just seasonally, I change the slip cover. I sewed all the various holiday fabric covers several years ago. I have two covers for Christmas that I alternate. This year it is the Nativity fabric. The other fabric is more of a "country" Christmas with various decorated trees.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/Symo95b3YQI/AAAAAAAADKE/lnYmuLH09eg/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/Symo95b3YQI/AAAAAAAADKE/lnYmuLH09eg/Picture+2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416045808232915202" border="0" /></a>I made this wreath (sorry this photo is so dark) with a dollar store wreath and an ornament I got on clearance. After gluing the ornament in place I just added a few cinnamon sticks, buttons, and tied fabric scraps to finish it off.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/Symo-UjIpOI/AAAAAAAADKM/3_e4BLwfh8M/s1600-h/Picture+15.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/Symo-UjIpOI/AAAAAAAADKM/3_e4BLwfh8M/Picture+15.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416045815511164130" border="0" /></a>These little light jars have been around for a long time. They make a great gift! I keep one in each of my bathrooms during the Christmas season. They are great little night lights and the potpourri smells so nice.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SymqICc1yiI/AAAAAAAADKU/mSx6iCxtRpE/s1600-h/Picture+16.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 237px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SymqICc1yiI/AAAAAAAADKU/mSx6iCxtRpE/Picture+16.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416047081963244066" border="0" /></a>Here is this years Christmas tree. My oldest helped put it up when she was home from college a few weeks ago. The boys helped so the ornaments are all over the place. Some of the ornaments that should be in the back of the tree (you have those type of ornaments too, don't you?) are in the front this year. I swear the ornaments get moved around daily by all my little helpers, so this is what the tree looked like <span style="font-style: italic;">today</span>. No promises this is what it will look like tomorrow, but at least it's still standing and for that I am truly thankful.<br /><br />Just for fun I thought I'd share a "Christmas" cookie recipe. I don't know why I only make them at Christmas time. They are so easy to make, I should really make them more often!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">1 stick margarine</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />2 cups sugar</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />1/2 cup milk</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />6 T. cocoa powder</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />2/3 cup chunky peanut butter</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />3 cups oats</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />1 t. vanilla</span><br /><br />Melt margarine in a large pot. Add sugar, milk, and cocoa then bring to a boil.<br />Boil for 3 full minutes, stirring frequently. Take off heat and<br />add peanut butter, oats, and vanilla. Mix well.<br />Spoon "cookies" onto wax paper.<br />Let set and enjoy!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Did you write a post about your Christmas decorations? I'd love to see it if you did! (Leave me a link.) </div><div><br /></div><div>Merry Christmas!! </div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/346/F7F632E34A3CCFA26D4333616369D6F7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33821123.post-91748896973699602632009-12-22T08:35:00.003-06:002009-12-22T08:44:19.532-06:00Gratituesday: A Heartfelt Gift<div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqz_8GQUa37bfBSwdmLzd9duyjLG0F0B1oTq7R_Dz83OkqUINqnWSBoJJkM8w8so7U0BzSCYLEGLS7GI6-5Xlquut_odH9Re3pRgfiO3LL-t1w9jQPVPw8VydDcSDCKLs-mP8Y/s320/gratituesdaynov09.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399931437889969186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 102px; " /></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">I am in the middle of a marathon baking day! I decided I needed a break for a minute. While I've been making a mess of my kitchen, I was thinking of the year I didn't do any baking. My 5th child was born 4 days before Thanksgiving in 2005 (he wasn't due until the end of January). My twins had been early, but our others hadn't been, so at that point we didn't really expect the latest addition to be early. (Now we know better!)</span></div></span></div></div><div><br />The month between Thanksgiving and Christmas that is normally filled with shopping, decorating, and baking was instead filled with daily trips to the NICU and prayers that our little guy would be home in time for Christmas. He struggled with eating more than expected and just barely made it home in time on the evening of the 23rd. That was the best Christmas gift!<br /><br />That year, of course, stands out a bit in my mind as quite different from the rest. It was more simple. The fun extras were just that...fun extras, not<span style="font-style: italic;"> necessities.</span> The tree went up late, I didn't get out every decoration, and I didn't have time for baking that year. And you know what? We survived! :) Because I'm sure you all know that Christmas isn't about cookies and gifts and decorating. It isn't even about friends and family. It's about the One who came to save the world. But here is the part I wanted to share, the part that I thought of this morning as I made my sugar cookie dough...<br /><br />Knowing there wasn't going to be much baking going on a with a baby in the NICU, one sweet lady from church offered to take my daughter to her house for a baking day. Sure, of course! Then she asked that my daughter bring my cut out cookie recipe along with the frosting recipe and my cookie cutters. I said okay and wondered <i>why in the world</i> they would want<i> my</i> recipe when I was sure they had a perfectly good recipe and cutters of their own.<br /><br />My daughter was picked up. She baked, decorated, and had a great time. She was dropped back at home with a pile of cookies. Our cookies. <span style="font-style: italic;">My</span> cookies. They <span style="font-style: italic;">tasted</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">looked</span> exactly like they always do, made with the same recipe in the familiar shapes. This wasn't just a gift of cookies! It was an unexpected gift of service, of time, of tradition; a modern day foot washing. Those cookies were my second favorite gift that year and probably one of the most thoughtful, Christ-like gifts I've ever received! </div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/346/F7F632E34A3CCFA26D4333616369D6F7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a><div>*Want to read more about what other are grateful for? Head over to <a href="http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/blog/">Heavenly Homemakers</a>!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33821123.post-33880820929356955222009-12-20T20:25:00.000-06:002009-12-20T20:33:31.083-06:00Breakfast Recipes<div>This is what we had for breakfast this weekend:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/Sy6v3FP4NwI/AAAAAAAADLg/2_K9JzrFkLA/s1600-h/Picture+1.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/Sy6v3FP4NwI/AAAAAAAADLg/2_K9JzrFkLA/s320/Picture+1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417460762609727234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday-</span>Egg & Sausage on Biscuits<br /><br />No recipe for these really. Just cook up some sausage patties and eggs. Stack them on homemade biscuits with a slice of cheddar cheese. I cook the eggs kind of omelet style then cut them into round shapes with the biscuit cutter. If you want a great biscuit recipe here's the one I use:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Light and Flaky Biscuits</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">2 cups flour</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />1 tsp. salt</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />1 T. baking powder</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />1/2 cup (1 stick) cold butter or margarine</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />3/4 cup milk (+ 1 or 2 T. more)</span><br /><br />Mix flour, salt, and baking powder. Cut in butter. Add milk and stir with a fork until ball forms. Knead lightly into a ball but don't knead long. Pat out on a floured surface and cut with biscuit cutter. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 400 until golden brown (about 10-12 minutes).<br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/Sy6vsNqopnI/AAAAAAAADLY/naWarDrR4wc/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/Sy6vsNqopnI/AAAAAAAADLY/naWarDrR4wc/s320/Picture+2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417460575890876018" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday-</span>Continental Breakfast Potluck at Church (I brought Poppy Seed bread)<br /><br />If you need something yummy to serve at a Christmas brunch or even a quick baked gift? Try this. I got this recipe several years ago from a friend I went to nursing school with. I hadn't made it in a long time and revived it a few weeks ago. My whole family <span style="font-style: italic;">loves</span> this bread. In fact, my hubby got after me because I've "had this recipe for 15 years and only made it a few times?". What's wrong with me! It is really easy to make too, so I don't have a good excuse.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Poppy Seed Bread</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">3 cups all-purpose flour</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />1 1/2 teaspoons salt</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> <br />1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> 3 tablespoons poppy seeds</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> <br />1 1/2 teaspoons butter flavored extract</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract </span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> 1 1/3 cups vegetable oil</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> <br />3 eggs</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> <br />1 1/2 cups milk</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> 2 1/4 cups white sugar</span><br /></div> <br />Mix all of the above well. Put into two greased 9 inch loaf pans. Bake at 350 for about an hour (until golden and tests done). Cool a few minutes in the pan then poke holes in the top and pour on the glaze (below).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Glaze</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-style: italic;">1/4 cup orange juice</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> <br />1/2 teaspoon butter flavored extract</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> 1/2 teaspoon almond extract</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> 1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> <br />2 (approx.) cups confectioners' sugar</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span>To make glaze: Mix liquids and then add enough confectioners' sugar to make glaze. </span></div></div></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/346/F7F632E34A3CCFA26D4333616369D6F7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33821123.post-47372721156500904132009-12-18T08:45:00.001-06:002009-12-20T20:33:37.077-06:00Sew Cute Part Two: Fold Up Fabric Kitchen<div>Here is the final piece of my little guy's Christmas gift. I'm really kicking myself that we sold the little plastic kitchen a few years ago. But we had <span style="font-style: italic;">boys</span>... and I didn't think they'd want to play with it all that much. Stereotypical? Yes. I know.</div><div><br />Well, this will solve the problem of where he can "cook" his play food and yet doesn't take up any space. I could seriously fit this in a manila envelope and mail it to you! One of my other boys kept asking me if I thought the little guy would share with him. I assured him it will be more fun if everyone plays together!<br /><br />I'm calling it a Fold-Up Fabric Kitchen. I saw the original idea <a href="http://balancingeverything.com/2008/11/28/roll-up-kitchen-playmat-tutorial/">here</a> but modified it a bit and made it my own. Here are the details for those of you who are interested...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/Symx7IvCh9I/AAAAAAAADKc/3oejQQtfPgI/s1600-h/DSC06902.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 199px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/Symx7IvCh9I/AAAAAAAADKc/3oejQQtfPgI/s320/DSC06902.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416055656404912082" border="0" /></a>The entire thing is made of fabric. It measures about 30 inches by 15 inches. The main fabric pieces are flannel, yellow on one side and blue stars (not pictured) on the other--for most of it I just used what I had. The details are all felt. Again I just used the cheap felt sheets you can get at Wal-Mart or any craft store. Most of the details were blanket stitched on by hand but I used the machine for some of the work too.<br /><br />On the far left are two "burners" with the controls and a clock. I made it so the fabric kind of folds over and will hang off the edge of a table to make it more dimensional.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SymzyLJDH6I/AAAAAAAADKk/FlT2qWaOiyg/s1600-h/DSC06904.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SymzyLJDH6I/AAAAAAAADKk/FlT2qWaOiyg/s320/DSC06904.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416057701455306658" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SymzyqGDciI/AAAAAAAADKs/ciw97F8M2zM/s1600-h/DSC06905.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SymzyqGDciI/AAAAAAAADKs/ciw97F8M2zM/s320/DSC06905.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416057709764244002" border="0" /></a>I <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> need to work on my embroidery skills. I can't stitch words (or numbers!) very well at all. In the center is the "sink". I have a little droplet of water that I have yet to sew on by the "faucet". Below the sink is a handy little towel rack with a removable towel!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SymzzBIUsRI/AAAAAAAADK0/TWUrSIaxfaA/s1600-h/DSC06906.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SymzzBIUsRI/AAAAAAAADK0/TWUrSIaxfaA/s320/DSC06906.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416057715947778322" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/Sym1sdlFrXI/AAAAAAAADK8/GWy6JTjQI58/s1600-h/DSC06908.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/Sym1sdlFrXI/AAAAAAAADK8/GWy6JTjQI58/s320/DSC06908.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416059802348793202" border="0" /></a>On the right is a "cutting board" which could also double as a dish drainer if needed.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/Syp-5T4ursI/AAAAAAAADLE/4xuKN7SU0VA/s1600-h/DSC06910.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/Syp-5T4ursI/AAAAAAAADLE/4xuKN7SU0VA/s320/DSC06910.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416281024922300098" border="0" /></a>The whole thing would cost around $5 to make even if you have to buy fabric. Assembly took just a few hours. I did most of the blanket stitching while on the phone with a friend (Hi Theresa!). If you are going to do that, let me suggest using speaker phone. My neck is still kind of sore from holding the phone under my chin. :)<br /><br />If you are lucky enough to have a blanket stitch on your sewing machine assembly will go <span style="font-style: italic;">much</span> faster. Or you could even skip the blanket stitch and just sew it on with the machine, but I liked the look of the blanket stitching.<br /><br />Now I just have to finish the <a href="http://planetmfiles.com/2008/11/25/free-little-stocking-crochet-pattern/">little stocking ornaments</a> I am crocheting for the kids and I'll be done with my Christmas crafts for this year. Four down, two to go. They don't take much time at all to make so I shouldn't have any trouble finishing them. Did you make any crafts this Christmas?? </div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/346/F7F632E34A3CCFA26D4333616369D6F7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33821123.post-15218879480567174002009-12-16T20:14:00.002-06:002009-12-20T20:33:37.077-06:00Sew Cute: Felt Food!<div>Since my youngest doesn't read this blog I think it'll be okay to show you what I've been making him for Christmas. <span style="font-style: italic;">Shhh!</span> Don't tell him about it!<br /><br />Several weeks ago the boys and I went to the library while my hubby went to a political meet and greet. My little guy played almost the whole time with some little dishes and play food. We haven't had play dishes since my daughter was little! We <span style="font-style: italic;">have</span> had plastic play food before, but it has slowly gotten smashed or turned into outside toys, so when I saw some felt food on a blog not too long ago I knew I had found a new project!<br /><br />That little felt food was just so cute! So I looked around and <a href="http://snazzlecraft.blogspot.com/2008/12/sandwich-and-chips-felt-play-food.html">found a free pattern for a sandwich</a>. I didn't have much luck finding free patterns for any of the other foods but there were plenty of pictures and it's not rocket science so I winged it!<br /><br />Everything came out even cuter than I expected. I just used the cheap felt you find in the craft section of any craft store. I used the sewing machine for most of the stitching but enjoyed a little hand stitching on some of the pieces too! I already had the embroidery floss and the felt costs a mere 20 cents so basically this cost me next to nothing... except for my time, of course, which is almost more precious than money these days. Almost.<br /><br />So, are you hungry? How about a bologna and cheese sandwich on white?<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SycH3o6f-fI/AAAAAAAADHU/5X2AebnehKU/s1600-h/DSC06847.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 112px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SycH3o6f-fI/AAAAAAAADHU/5X2AebnehKU/s200/DSC06847.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415305729393293810" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SycH4D2eCjI/AAAAAAAADHc/epsVGCa1160/s1600-h/DSC06848.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 111px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SycH4D2eCjI/AAAAAAAADHc/epsVGCa1160/s200/DSC06848.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415305736624146994" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SycH4bfUCmI/AAAAAAAADHk/tlfGV5X8ckg/s1600-h/DSC06857.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 112px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SycH4bfUCmI/AAAAAAAADHk/tlfGV5X8ckg/s200/DSC06857.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415305742969473634" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Or would you rather have peanut butter and jelly?<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SycJkojDlwI/AAAAAAAADH8/TbSHCudo1XM/s1600-h/DSC06855.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 166px; height: 124px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SycJkojDlwI/AAAAAAAADH8/TbSHCudo1XM/s200/DSC06855.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415307601900705538" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Need something a bit more sweet? How about some milk and cookies? Or donuts?<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SycJj36YWtI/AAAAAAAADHs/tfzTzHA6qwM/s1600-h/DSC06853.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 165px; height: 123px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SycJj36YWtI/AAAAAAAADHs/tfzTzHA6qwM/s200/DSC06853.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415307588845198034" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SycJkCAUWBI/AAAAAAAADH0/Ju0K9Y5Gu6I/s1600-h/DSC06854.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 165px; height: 123px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SycJkCAUWBI/AAAAAAAADH0/Ju0K9Y5Gu6I/s200/DSC06854.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415307591554455570" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SycLhOdyZII/AAAAAAAADIc/V2elHpJoKwk/s1600-h/DSC06856.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 164px; height: 123px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SycLhOdyZII/AAAAAAAADIc/V2elHpJoKwk/s200/DSC06856.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415309742382933122" border="0" /></a></div>No. You like more healthy food. Okay, how about some fruit?<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SycLhmX1g_I/AAAAAAAADIk/_CJ0Ulhwwzs/s1600-h/DSC06858.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 166px; height: 124px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SycLhmX1g_I/AAAAAAAADIk/_CJ0Ulhwwzs/s200/DSC06858.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415309748800422898" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Skipped breakfast? Here's a hearty breakfast for you...<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SycLgPEVWZI/AAAAAAAADIM/vlKFuNPmL_E/s1600-h/DSC06851.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 182px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SycLgPEVWZI/AAAAAAAADIM/vlKFuNPmL_E/s200/DSC06851.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415309725364738450" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Need a protein boost...<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SycMntfiamI/AAAAAAAADIs/S85nIIYtWFc/s1600-h/DSC06859.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 166px; height: 124px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SycMntfiamI/AAAAAAAADIs/S85nIIYtWFc/s200/DSC06859.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415310953302616674" border="0" /></a><br /></div>This food is all that and a bag of chips...<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SycJlCbgJlI/AAAAAAAADIE/ZHJDMBgMrNk/s1600-h/DSC06852.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 137px; height: 182px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SycJlCbgJlI/AAAAAAAADIE/ZHJDMBgMrNk/s200/DSC06852.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415307608848344658" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Here's a shot of everything:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SycLgpD0jtI/AAAAAAAADIU/Bq7m28HGRtk/s1600-h/DSC06846.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 211px; height: 158px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/SycLgpD0jtI/AAAAAAAADIU/Bq7m28HGRtk/s200/DSC06846.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415309732341911250" border="0" /></a><br /></div>I didn't get a picture of the swiss cheese or the sesame seed hamburger bun which were still being worked on when I took these photos. Too late to take a picture now though, I already packaged up the whole set and wrapped it.<br /><br />We got him a little set of plates and pots to serve up his food. To top it all off I'm making a little fabric stove top <a href="http://balancingeverything.com/2008/11/28/roll-up-kitchen-playmat-tutorial/">similar to the one shown here</a> so he can "cook" something if he feels like but we don't have to worry about a real play kitchen. I hope my little guy enjoys it and if he doesn't... well, I'll play with it myself! </div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/346/F7F632E34A3CCFA26D4333616369D6F7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33821123.post-58845309237005347772009-12-07T15:08:00.005-06:002009-12-07T15:12:46.471-06:00Google Voice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/Sx09lpYJX_I/AAAAAAAADFU/-NU10hSA7GM/s1600-h/Picture+14.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 54px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FpW3OWacj9g/Sx09lpYJX_I/AAAAAAAADFU/-NU10hSA7GM/s320/Picture+14.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412550044140789746" border="0" /></a><br />This post will fall into the "good stewardship" category. Using the money my husband works so hard to earn wisely is one of my main goals in life. If you make any long distance phone calls and are paying for them on your (landline) phone plan, I highly recommend that you get a Google Voice number. GV has a lot of features that I think are worth having but the best in my opinion is free long distance. Calls anytime, anywhere in the US won't cost you a penny.<br /><br />I don't make too many long distance calls but for the few I do the fees ad up quickly. Several years ago I started asking for calling cards for birthday and Christmas gifts, so except for the few times I forgot to use the calling cards, I haven't paid for long distance. But now that we have free long distance I find I am more willing to pick up the phone and call our family/friends in Arizona for little things. It's been a lot of fun!<br /><br />Using GV for long distance is a lot like using a calling card. There are a few extra buttons to push but I'm more than willing to do that to save the money. Once you have a Google Voice number set up it is easy to make a long distance call. You simply call your GV number (which is a local number) and enter a PIN. From there you can dial the number and GV will connect you.<br /><br />If you have a blog you can put a widget on your blog for others to <span style="font-style: italic;">call you</span> for free. They just enter their number in the widget box and GV will call them first and then you!<br /><br />There is a lot more to Google Voice than free long distance. With a GV number you get: <ul><li><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">One number</span>:</span> a single phone number that rings all your phones </li><li><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Free SMS</span>:</span> send, receive & store text messages online </li><li><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Block calls</span>:</span> send unwanted callers straight to voicemail </li><li><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Record calls</span>:</span> record phone calls and store them online </li><li><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Conference calls</span>:</span> join several people into a single call </li><li><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Screen callers</span>:</span> hear who is calling before you pick up </li></ul>If you want to know more here's a short video:<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/m4Q9MJdT5Ds&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/m4Q9MJdT5Ds&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />Google Voice is free. <a href="https://services.google.com/fb/forms/googlevoiceinvite/">You can request an invite here</a>. If you request one from Google I'm not sure how long it is currently taking... maybe a week or two. Or if you know someone with a GV number already they can "invite" you. <div><br /></div><div>How about you? Do you have Google Voice? Do you use it? Like it? Ever heard of it?<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/346/F7F632E34A3CCFA26D4333616369D6F7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33821123.post-9833778094332952942009-12-06T20:29:00.001-06:002009-12-07T15:13:43.559-06:00Easy Christmas Potpourri Recipe<div>This will make your house smell like Christmas and it's super easy! Let me know what you think if you give it a try...</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">One orange, cut up<br />1-2 cinnamon sticks<br />2 bay leaves<br />2 tsp. whole cloves<br />water<br />If you have a potpourri simmering pot just put the above in it with water to cover. If you don't have a potpourri pot you can<br /> just put it in a small pot (with about 2-3 cups of water)<br />on the stove burner set to low.<br />Keep an eye one it and refill the water as needed.</div></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/346/F7F632E34A3CCFA26D4333616369D6F7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33821123.post-85535033889239113482009-12-04T11:26:00.014-06:002009-12-04T17:50:40.666-06:00Crochet Edge Around a Fleece Blanket Instructions<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6dc5VoPUqODmxylvJdbumX-JHm6_j3J5OY47RmASIlSrnamw0j_HP1MTHknkOV5OpMJZgHe00LUkAetIziLcUqTaBfrwzCff5m6PMjL5Vq_1oemmDChkfTxTgaaPLTrRdqQl/s1600-h/DSC04425.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 252px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6dc5VoPUqODmxylvJdbumX-JHm6_j3J5OY47RmASIlSrnamw0j_HP1MTHknkOV5OpMJZgHe00LUkAetIziLcUqTaBfrwzCff5m6PMjL5Vq_1oemmDChkfTxTgaaPLTrRdqQl/s320/DSC04425.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411530493526671314" border="0" /></a><br />This is one of my favorite gifts to give as a new baby gift or at a baby shower. But this blanket is not limited to baby gifts! Fleece comes in an amazing number of patterns these days. You could make one of these blankets for anyone!<div><br /></div><div> If you know how to crochet it's very easy to make and works up quickly. I am by no means a crochet expert. I taught myself out of book a few years ago. I still have trouble reading patterns so I hope these instructions make sense! If you make one of these blankets I'd love to see it! (Send me a picture at nolongerconforming*at*gmail.com) </div><div><br /></div><div>If you don't know how to crochet and would like to learn there are some great instructional videos on YouTube. Just borrow or buy a crochet hook and some yarn and sit by your computer for an hour or two learning a few basic stitches. If you can chain, single, and double crochet you can make this blanket!!</div><div><br /></div><div><ol><li><b>Find some fleece</b> that you would like to make into a blanket. I like to get enough to make the blanket square but you can make it any size or shape you would like. I make my blankets with only one piece of fleece, but you could use two pieces sandwiched together (similar to making the fleece blankets that you tie).</li><li><b>Buy yarn</b> that compliments your fleece. When I make a baby blanket it ends up being about 58 inches square and one skein is more than enough.</li><li><b>Prepare the fleece.</b> There are several ways you can do this. You can <a href="http://primrosedesign.blogspot.com/2006/11/stitch-school-blanket-stitch.html">blanket stitch </a>around the entire piece of fleece. You can use a serger to serge around the piece and then crochet in the serger stitching. Or you can go through and make holes around the edge of the fleece. This is the method I use. I use a ruler/tape measure of some kind and washable marker to make marks 1/4 inch apart about 1/4 inch in from the edge around the entire blanket. If you have a small (1/16) hole punch you could use that to make the holes. I use a seam ripper and just poke it through the fleece at every mark. With this method as you are crocheting you'll occasionally come to a hole that has closed up (or that you skipped) and you'll have to punch it again. I don't know why this happens, but it does, so just keep the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIh1funZ5Kch1IDA_IiQ1JWWpSYZppu1iaTKVKAWwx8rSuPWLmYUEkiz-bX_RHeeQOw0_4zLJV29HKAYP3azCbAnZDtvhpQB6V9Kno-u-i386FVDD9uviq8S3Rz2t0S7OMmioe/s320/DSC06777.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411521582944087650" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 100px;" border="0" /></span>seam ripper handy so you don't have to wander off to go find it and realize you have dishes to wash or something! :)</li><li style="text-align: left;">Now comes the fun part!! Once all the holes are ready. <b>Single crochet into each hole</b> all the way around the fleece rounding the corners by putting 3 single stitches in each corner. There is no need to count and when it comes to the second round you'll be fudging the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhl0WWVtVKyUxcZMWv8YYPNhUrYsrA7aYaC2lBMIHYGXXS7D4UnsiSdjouJcabuSc1cD0-PrVTrROHscMMY526R6u2i-lbS4oxgV1UC7Md0dAFM-AMAFSHan8yWpgS05vJ6TxC/s1600-h/DSC06778.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhl0WWVtVKyUxcZMWv8YYPNhUrYsrA7aYaC2lBMIHYGXXS7D4UnsiSdjouJcabuSc1cD0-PrVTrROHscMMY526R6u2i-lbS4oxgV1UC7Md0dAFM-AMAFSHan8yWpgS05vJ6TxC/s320/DSC06778.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411521576497915458" border="0" /></a>numbers a little to get it to come out even. Chain three when you get to the end to get up to the next row. </li><li>The <b>second row</b> will be: double crochet, double crochet, chain one (repeat). Your chain will count as the first double, then double crochet again into the single crochet below it. When you chain, skip a stitch on the single crochet row so you get a little space between the two <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnQTK_Lozi6OYPboMYTTnKemtK8FB7DCMCcST4FvBaPcjI4mfBOL4KwqEBWVL3V4MkZ7cym1AKXbn3KA46qMMs4IaUXINSDWbK25AhxDdWalg9-AbQVgm8Gs5_gJXWWQRiX0R/s1600-h/DSC06780.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 101px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnQTK_Lozi6OYPboMYTTnKemtK8FB7DCMCcST4FvBaPcjI4mfBOL4KwqEBWVL3V4MkZ7cym1AKXbn3KA46qMMs4IaUXINSDWbK25AhxDdWalg9-AbQVgm8Gs5_gJXWWQRiX0R/s320/DSC06780.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411521592278442402" border="0" /></a>doubles. (Is this making sense?) For corners: 2dc, ch3, 2dc. These spaces make a great place to weave in a ribbon for an extra special touch. Chain one to get up to the next row after you've gone around.</li><li>The <b>third row</b> is the hardest. This row makes a cute, little bumped edging. Single crochet in the first double below then in the "hole" or space you created in the second row make one single crochet, chain <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJKM1LUOd-_seRPvrqGa0a-dRYT-YEfN1dXUMjmmHUTyG73quH54GAF2C8_JRr4_q8X1FSl9Lyc04oK-YVtDmEXzXSyTw94te6aGLt5HWIiiWaOnRgJqHINKLcbA2aNc5hzOn/s1600-h/DSC06782.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 101px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJKM1LUOd-_seRPvrqGa0a-dRYT-YEfN1dXUMjmmHUTyG73quH54GAF2C8_JRr4_q8X1FSl9Lyc04oK-YVtDmEXzXSyTw94te6aGLt5HWIiiWaOnRgJqHINKLcbA2aNc5hzOn/s320/DSC06782.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411521599584441746" border="0" /></a>two, and another single crochet. Repeat. So it will be *sc, sc, ch2, sc, sc* repeat around the outside edge. For the corners: sc, ch2, sc, sc, ch 2, sc. When you get all the way around finish it off. If you have to add a few stitches or skip a few to make it come out even it won't matter. Just play around with it a bit until it looks right.</li></ol><div>Fold up your blanket, tie a ribbon around it, and give it as a gift. Who wouldn't want a cuddly, made with love, blanket?!</div></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QhA9CWVHPui4GOPgb77jl2v0TiHQfhh6YZTjf6q3ESrRCITqjDyrRrjncNdt3KPB8yX5m7Cdw5C1ITgrOULHMhBF-VqZWCYCa_cqDKiw7JoQ-bBSnLfRastZkYgikjcYm3Vc/s1600-h/DSC04432.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QhA9CWVHPui4GOPgb77jl2v0TiHQfhh6YZTjf6q3ESrRCITqjDyrRrjncNdt3KPB8yX5m7Cdw5C1ITgrOULHMhBF-VqZWCYCa_cqDKiw7JoQ-bBSnLfRastZkYgikjcYm3Vc/s320/DSC04432.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411530514390986338" border="0" /></a><br />[Click any of the picture above to enlarge if you need to see better. If you have questions feel free to leave a comment or email me.]<br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/346/F7F632E34A3CCFA26D4333616369D6F7.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33821123.post-86114435162338421482009-12-02T16:31:00.000-06:002009-12-07T15:13:51.275-06:00Snow Cocoa<div>If you are doing any holiday entertaining I <span style="font-style: italic;">highly </span>recommend this very easy but very delicious beverage! I always bring it to our annual Mother's of Multiples Christmas party. I think I might get kicked out of the club if I didn't bring it. It has become a tradition! It's a white hot chocolate...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Snow Cocoa</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">2 cups whipping cream</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">6 cups milk (I use 2%)</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">1 teaspoon vanilla</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">12 oz. white chocolate chips</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Put in crockpot and heat on low for 2 hours. Stir well to blend. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Garnish with marshmallows if desired.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>The hardest part about making it is getting it to the party. Carrying a crockpot full of hot liquid is always an adventure but this year at least I won't be walking over any ice! The high Thursday is supposed to be a balmy 34 degrees!</div></div></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/346/F7F632E34A3CCFA26D4333616369D6F7.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33821123.post-63832109973791441462009-11-30T21:35:00.000-06:002009-11-30T21:35:00.176-06:00Apple Pie MuffinsHere is another recipe. I made these for our Thursday morning "muffin day" breakfast. Most of the boys each ate two and asked for a third. One of the boys said they were "horrible" but then ate his anyway. I think he just wanted to say "horrible". The original recipe called for some other type of topping but I didn't like how it looked so I used my own crumb topping recipe which is actually for pies but is also good on muffins or quick breads. This makes a double batch (24) but they freeze well. I froze some to save for our next muffin breakfast day but they didn't last... we already got them back out of the freezer and now they are gone.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOeAIG3fhH_tdVgd_OkADzFQYPq_hHU4CgZPsZRXJ6YRrg8bcZl7imRzW-UtXTPM4VxvoIG2_bZLMyi1AmLn2hyphenhyphenXoBIamNxuA0UXb7GK1ZhWRw4XGJC4ln5F4sil2wh2ifaJeaA/s1600-h/DSC03688.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOeAIG3fhH_tdVgd_OkADzFQYPq_hHU4CgZPsZRXJ6YRrg8bcZl7imRzW-UtXTPM4VxvoIG2_bZLMyi1AmLn2hyphenhyphenXoBIamNxuA0UXb7GK1ZhWRw4XGJC4ln5F4sil2wh2ifaJeaA/s320/DSC03688.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162154504763361426" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Apple Pie Muffins</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><span>1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar</span><br /><span>2/3 cup vegetable oil</span><br /><span>1 egg</span><br /><span>1 1/2 t. vanilla</span><br /><span>2 1/2 cups all purpose flour</span><br /><span>1 t. baking soda</span><br /><span>1/4 t. salt</span><br /><span>1 t. cinnamon</span><br /><span>1 cup buttermilk</span><br /><span>2 cups diced peeled firm tart apples (Granny smith)</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>Topping:</span><br /><span>1/3 cup brown sugar</span><br /><span>1/4 cup flour</span><br /><span>1/4 cup oats</span><br /><span>1/2 t. cinnamon</span><br /><span>1/4 t. nutmeg</span><br /><span>3 T. butter or margarine</span><br /><span></span></div><span><br />Make topping first by putting the first five topping ingredients in a small bowl and cutting in the butter. Set that aside until you need it. In large bowl whisk together brown sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, soda, and salt. Stir oil mix into flour mix alternately with buttermilk. Fold in apples, mixing just until combined. Spoon into greased muffin cups. Sprinkle topping over each muffin evenly. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 24 muffins.<br /><br />*If you don't have buttermilk put 1 T. lemon juice or vinegar in a measuring cup. Add milk to the 1 cup line and let sit for several minutes. Then use as you would buttermilk.</span><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/346/F7F632E34A3CCFA26D4333616369D6F7.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0