Photo fun...

I just saw this on my friend Ashley's blog MoreThanDogChildren and thot it would be fun, plus I've really been wanting to get myself back into blogging. My last post was August 26th!!!

Here's the rules:

1) Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer

2) Select the 4th picture in the folder

3) Explain the picture

4) Tag 4 people to do the same

NO CHEATING! (cropping, editing, etc!)

Oooohhh! Now isn't that cute?! Okay, so this was actually the 5th folder in my pictures but the 4th didn't have four pictures. So, here's the deal on this pic...used to be able to lay little man on the couch and he wouldn't move! Ha! Gone are those days! Anyway, this was just an average day back in July of 2007.

I'm not gonna tag either but you're welcome to play along.

Breathe

Sounds like a good idea, huh? Recently I won a new book from 24/7MOMS by Keri Wyatt Kent called "Breathe". It's a great book for any stage in motherhood for the one simple fact of helping all of us remember to slow down. I was encouraged that the little things I'm doing now (saying no to certain things, staying home all day some days, etc) are all helping lead me down the path of simplicity (or Sabbath Simplicity as she calls it) and, hopefully, not getting over committed in the future.

At one point in the book Kent talks about where we find our value and as a stay at home mom sometimes it's really hard not to commit to something just to show that we aren't "just staying home with the kids". She says, "It's as if we believe that our value comes from what we do...The only problem is, it's a lie! Our value comes not from what we do but from who we are. And we are beloved children of God."

So, I challenge you, as the new school year begins and your children are getting days/months/years older, to really look at your schedule and those letters asking you to do this or do that to just sit for a minute and ask Him what He would have you do or not do. You may find a little peace in this sometimes crazy, hectic world.

much love

Isn't it so obvious why I would love this little man so much?!

Ecoist

Just a fun little store that might make you smile with their products.

Visit Ecoist.

New blog...Living on Mayo

Hey all...

I'm creating a new blog in order to share my love of freebies, coupons and hunting out deals! It's called LivingOnMayo. Check it out here!

You might even find a small incentive to add it to your blog-role.

"working" from home

Awhile back I began really struggling with the whole idea of being a stay-at-home mom and yet being a Proverbs 31 woman.

For those of you not familiar with Proverbs 31 it talks about the "perfect" mother and wife. She takes care of her family clothing them in the best of the best, preparing their food before the crack of dawn, selling her wares in the market, etc. And in the end..."Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also and praises her..." (vs. 28).

So, I mulled that around in my head for awhile. All the while knowing that I am called to stay home with Ryan and I absolutely love it! However, I want to not just stay at home but be the best I can for my family.

One way that I realized I could "help" our family be good stewards of what God has given us is with our grocery budget and our budget in general. I started searching for other blogs on the topic of being frugal, getting things for free, coupons, etc. I ran across and added the following blogs to my bloglines: freebies4mom (she scouts out the very best and real freebies, coupons, etc.), becentsable (these women shop all our favorite stores and tell us the best bargains at each store in relation to the coupons around the Internet and newspapers), hoorayforfreebates (a running list of all the rebates that are worth filling out and taking part in - I haven't really done this yet but the comments let me know it works), and themotherload (not only are there great recipes, ideas and such, but my favorite is freebie Fridays!). These are my favorites but there are others out there too. And a lot of these ladies are God-seekers too which makes it all the more connecting.

So, I thought I'd share one of my recent outings. To preface...Paul and I have recently been trying to bulk shop once a month and then only go out for things like bread/milk/bananas as needed. This is helping me plan meals, eat less packaged food, and stockpile so that I'm buying less in future outings. I now scout the weekly CVS ads to see if there is anything worth my time. They have a great rewards program that, if used correctly, can really save some bucks. Check out becentsable to learn more. I started by buying 2 Listerine Smart Rinse that were on sale for $3.49 and CVS gave you $3.49 in rewards to use on future purchases. I bought two (=6.98) and I had 2 coupons each for $1.00 off. Total with tax =5.47 and the best part?! I had $6.98 in rewards to use towards my next purchase!

So, then I went for the cereal. Usually I don't buy cereal or cereal bars there because they're expensive but they the deal was by $20 of General Mills and/or Folgers and get $10 rewards/ExtraCare bucks back. And the cereal and bars were on sale 3 for $9. I had 8 coupons worth $5.95, a coupon for CVS for $5 off a $25 purchase and the $6.98 from before. So, I stocked up on 3 boxes of Sweet and Salty bars, 2 boxes of Fiber One bars, 1 box Lucky Charms, and 1 box Cinn Toast Crunch...I also got a gallon of milk and a pack of gum. My total was $25.91 but once all the coupons were added it came to $7.75!!! Total for all the stuff you see below...$13.22!!!! And for the kicker...I still have $10 in rewards for my next trip to CVS! I think thats being a pretty good steward, don't you?!

thoughts on being tagged

I've been tagged a few times lately and I really do what to participate and answer the questions but sometimes it seems like an insurmountable task and I chicken out. So, I decided to make up my own version and answer some random, silly and maybe even thought provoking questions.

Ready?

Where all have you lived?

Roeland Park and Olathe KS (both KC area), North Platte NE, Grand Island NE, St. Libory NE, and Lincoln NE.

Who was with you when you delivered Ryan?

My hubby and my mom.

What do you like to watch on TV?

Anything on TLC or HGTV, I also like the Food Network. But I'm addicted to LOST and really love CSI Las Vegas.

Who do you want to be like when you grow up?

My mom and my sister.

What are you self-conscious about?

My belly, blotching skin tones in my face.

What stresses you out?

Backseat drivers, or passenger seat drivers! :)

What do you love to drink?

Coffee, fountain soda (best is Dr. Pepper from McDonald's), margaritas.

What do you do in your spare time?

Play with Ryan, decorate/rearrange/organize, read, watch TV, go for walks, antique hunt, garage sales.

What do you think Paul would say about you right now?

You're beautiful, silly, amazing, great mom, and crazy for bidding on two pairs of shoes and winning them on Ebay!

Where would you rather be right now?

Heaven! But maybe San Diego, Tucson to meet my newest niece!, a nice beach.

How many kids do you want?

3 maybe?

What's your favorite accessory?

I love shoes, bags, jewelry.

Annoying habit(s)?

Biting/picking my hangnails. I also am one of those people who chews two m&ms on the right side of my mouth and then two on the other and things like that.

Where were you ten years ago?

In college with no clue that I'd end up married to the man of my dreams! I was beginning to get a clue that he might be in to me but still made stupid choices for the next year.

Where were you five years ago?

We were just beginning to think about Paul going back to school to get his masters, we moved to this awful little farm house outside of town and that winter sticky trapped 50+ mice! We could hear them in the walls and ceilings, they'd eat dog food out of Adah's dish right in front of her, we found dog food stashed in the pockets of our coats that they'd carried in there, day after day there'd be droppings all over my counters and kitchen drawers/cupboards. But enough about that.

Well, how's that for a few things you may not have known about me? :)

New suds

So, not really something you want to just go out and spend your hard-earned money on but when the need arises what's a girl to do?


I guess it's been a few weeks now since our washer finally bit the bullet. Poor thing, or should I say poor hubby who's had to fix it and the washer a time or two. It was time so we loaded up and headed to pick out our new set. Of course I couldn't pass up the cherry red color! And, yes, I did watch the first time we put a load in...we all did! It is pretty snazzy and a huge blessing.

Carrot Cookies

I love the idea of eating veggies and fruit but don't always make wise choices. I'm all about sneaky them into anything I'm already eating, especially if it goes undetected by those consuming. So, when I saw this recipe in the JournalStar I thought I'd try it out.

Beta Carotene Cookies

½ cup currants

1½ cups all-purpose flour

¾ cup whole-wheat flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup light brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon grated orange zest

2 cups grated carrot

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Cover currants with boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. In a large bowl, sift together flours, cinnamon, baking soda, salt and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, beat together butter and brown sugar. Add eggs and orange zest; fold in carrot and drained currants. Add flour mixture, stirring until just combined. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, then scoop teaspoonfuls of dough onto nonstick baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

They're not bad as long as you aren't thinking you're biting into the worlds best chocolate chip cookie. I sub'd raisins for the currants and would probably experiment with the recipe a bit next time...like scaling down the butter! Also, I thought it might make a good muffin or loaf. And what other veggies could you hide in there?!

Love

Freebies

Most of you don't know that I'm a freebie and coupon enthusiast. I've fallen way behind on my daily freebie and coupon blogs but have spent the last 1.75 hours reading them all and then some additional reading.

Lately I've been more and more aware of what I'm eating and wanting to feed my family more healthy and organic if possible. I think it would be fabulous to eat organic 50-75% of the time. But I am just so cheap! And I really do like the thrill of getting a great deal on something. So, fortunately for me, there are lots of coupons out there for organic items and lots of stores have their own line of organic items which makes it even easier on my budget.

One fun freebie I just found is at AnniesHomegrown Natural and Organic Foods. I'm in love with Shells and White Cheddar a more healthy and real version of mac and cheese. And look what they're offering for FREE!!! Woot! Okay, I'm going to bed.

survey says...

My friend Becca did this on her blog and I thought it was so fun so I decided to copy her.

1. Go to www.photobucket.com (don't sign in)
2. Type in your answer to the question in the "search" box
3. Use only the first page
4. Copy the html and paste for the answer.

1. What's your first name?


2.What is your relationship status?


3.What is your favorite color?


4. Who is your celebrity crush?


5. What band are you listening to right now?


6. What is your favorite movie?


7. What is your favorite Disney Princess?


8. Name your favorite alcoholic beverage?


9. Where is your dream vacation?


10. What is your favorite dessert?


11. What do you want to do when you grow up?


12. What do you love most in life?

Going green in the blender!

So, my friend Sara is always up to something and her food passion compels me to try new recipe now and then. Her newest bloggings have been about green smoothies. Check her out here...HappyFoody!

Since Ryan is eating just about anything these days and mommy and daddy's food is always way better I've been more concerned with making sure what I feed him is pronounceable and good for him. Mind you I am the mom that will feed him excellent and healthy food all day and then let him have some ice cream...again, I love to celebrate!

Today we tried a green smoothie for breakfast. I was a little hesitant that I'd have to choke it down but was pleasantly surprised to taste it, with only a banana, 1/4 cup cherries and a bunch of Romain, that it was really sweet. It tasted a little grassy and was really green so I added about a 1/2 cup more mixed berries. We shared it and I think you can tell by the picture that he enjoyed it as much as I did.

So, it was a good start to our day...Proverbs and a green smoothie!

Scone Love

I have a little obsession with scones. Oh, the sometimes bland taste with the little sugar crystals on top and a bite here and there of cranberries, blueberries, or chocolate chips! I know I am a little strange but they're just such a fun little indulgence.

I often feel that life is too short to not eat the things I like so I try to find ways to eat them anyway. Plus, I think everyday is a day to celebrate and I can't celebrate eating foods that don't do it for me. So, I found this recipe for Pear-Ginger Scones using Fiber One cereal. Only I didn't have pears and I don't really like ginger so I improvised! Basically I just omitted the pear and ginger and added a wee bit more cereal and milk. Usually when I improvise I end up wishing I hadn't but this time it was completely the opposite. These turned out to be one of my favorite scones of all time. However, there is a catch, they are the most amazing hot out of the oven!

What do you see by?

This morning I was flipping through the outer pages of my Bible looking at notes I'd written throughout the years. I came upon this quote by C.S. Lewis.

I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen. Not only because I see it, but because I see everything by it. - C.S. Lewis

What do you see by?

the arts

Lately God has been teaching me about being content in exactly who He created me to be. The more I let myself be creative and free in that area the more fearful and scared I can sometimes get. I often find myself comparing my talents and abilities to those around me. The trouble with comparison is that God did not create me like this person and that person, He created me in His image and did not make any mistakes when doing so. That means that the gifts, talents and abilities I have are exactly what God wanted me to have...no more, no less. Therefore, I want to rejoice and be free in the fact that I can't fail if I do it all for God's glory. So, I've been letting myself be vulnerable and free in my creative side. Here are a few projects I've been working on.

We went on a double date with some friends of ours, Eric and Nikki, to Paint Yourself Silly. I had never been before but had a great time. And I really do like how my platter turned outI've been working on the patchwork for quite some time. I thought I would make it into a throw but realized the way I'm going I might be 93 before that happens. So, I took some of it and covered a pillow instead. I really like how it turned out. Also, I had this idea of making a snake for Ryan. Mighty Mac-dog is trying to save us from this venemous little reptile!