And, I am not sure exactly how to take it. Either it means I have a lot of dexterity and stamina, or it means that I like to beat up children.
Thursday, January 31
Not Sure What to Make of This
Here is the most recent little quiz I took.
14
And, I am not sure exactly how to take it. Either it means I have a lot of dexterity and stamina, or it means that I like to beat up children.
And, I am not sure exactly how to take it. Either it means I have a lot of dexterity and stamina, or it means that I like to beat up children.
Wednesday, January 30
PayPerPost, why you should check it out.
I recently finished a blog design for Our Seven Qtpies. As we discussed her blog and other things, she introduced me to PayPerPost.
PayPerPost provides bloggers with opportunities to write posts about various organizations, web sites, services or products and in return, receive a compensation for their work. I found it very easy to sign up, and once my blog was approved, it was time to see what opportunities were available. So this is my first PayPerPost contribution, and all I have to do is take the time to introduce you to their program.
I am one of those addicted to blogging. I love to spend time sharing my life with my readers, and the idea of getting paid for doing something I love and enjoy, is wonderful. With PayPerPost, I can take part in as little or as many posts as I want, up to the maximum per day. When I log in, I can click to view the open opportunities. If there is one that I think I could easily write about, or that interests me, I choose to reserve it, then I write my post, insert the necessary links provided in the opportunity description, and then submit my post. Within 30 days, if my post has not been rejected because of an error on my part, then I get compensated for my work, through PayPal.
I can write up to 3 posts per day, as long as I have regularly scheduled posts, the ones I typically write, in between my paid ones.
So, sounds like fun and easy too. And I get to share some products with you that you may really enjoy. Plus, I get paid, too. And with almost three kids running around here soon, any extra money I can make is truly a help. I could use it for date nights, for little things I may want, but don't always have the money for, or I can just use it for my day to day expenses.
drive traffic
PayPerPost provides bloggers with opportunities to write posts about various organizations, web sites, services or products and in return, receive a compensation for their work. I found it very easy to sign up, and once my blog was approved, it was time to see what opportunities were available. So this is my first PayPerPost contribution, and all I have to do is take the time to introduce you to their program.
I am one of those addicted to blogging. I love to spend time sharing my life with my readers, and the idea of getting paid for doing something I love and enjoy, is wonderful. With PayPerPost, I can take part in as little or as many posts as I want, up to the maximum per day. When I log in, I can click to view the open opportunities. If there is one that I think I could easily write about, or that interests me, I choose to reserve it, then I write my post, insert the necessary links provided in the opportunity description, and then submit my post. Within 30 days, if my post has not been rejected because of an error on my part, then I get compensated for my work, through PayPal.
I can write up to 3 posts per day, as long as I have regularly scheduled posts, the ones I typically write, in between my paid ones.
So, sounds like fun and easy too. And I get to share some products with you that you may really enjoy. Plus, I get paid, too. And with almost three kids running around here soon, any extra money I can make is truly a help. I could use it for date nights, for little things I may want, but don't always have the money for, or I can just use it for my day to day expenses.
drive traffic
Tuesday, January 29
She'll Make A Great Mommy Someday
My miss is a doll. She loves to watch cooking shows. The first time I caught her watching one, I was shocked. It had come on on PBS, that we had just happened to have on all day long, and she watched it intently. She was very excited as she watched the chef chop up peppers. She also loves to help me bake, as most little girls do.
Recently, she got her first pair of scissors. She has been begging for scissors, and I finally found a pair for 4 year olds with blunt edges. So, lately she has been cutting paper and what not. It's funny to watch. She holds them all wrong and cuts all crooked. It's really cute. I do help her out, but she seems to always go back to her funny way of cutting.
On Sunday morning, she got into a bag of felt that I had bought to use with the day care kids last year. She had her little scissors out, and was cutting away at it.
She told me that she was cutting "fabwic" to make a blanket for a baby, just like you do, mommy.
She then asked me to get her a sewing machine. So, I told her that on her fifth birthday, if she still wants one, I will get her a sewing machine for big girls. I think they make ones for young girls. And I told her we could sew together.
Here's the one I am thinking about for her birthday, which isn't until the fall.
And, it's only $29. In case she decides she isn't cut out for sewing. She may still be a little young though, so I can hold on to it for her if she is.
Tonight, she wanted to watch a cooking show, but there weren't any on. I looked at her and told her that she will make a great mommy someday, since she seems to like to cook and that her baby will be warm with a nice blanket that she'll make. And she said, "Yep, I know."
Recently, she got her first pair of scissors. She has been begging for scissors, and I finally found a pair for 4 year olds with blunt edges. So, lately she has been cutting paper and what not. It's funny to watch. She holds them all wrong and cuts all crooked. It's really cute. I do help her out, but she seems to always go back to her funny way of cutting.
On Sunday morning, she got into a bag of felt that I had bought to use with the day care kids last year. She had her little scissors out, and was cutting away at it.
She told me that she was cutting "fabwic" to make a blanket for a baby, just like you do, mommy.
She then asked me to get her a sewing machine. So, I told her that on her fifth birthday, if she still wants one, I will get her a sewing machine for big girls. I think they make ones for young girls. And I told her we could sew together.
Here's the one I am thinking about for her birthday, which isn't until the fall.
And, it's only $29. In case she decides she isn't cut out for sewing. She may still be a little young though, so I can hold on to it for her if she is. Tonight, she wanted to watch a cooking show, but there weren't any on. I looked at her and told her that she will make a great mommy someday, since she seems to like to cook and that her baby will be warm with a nice blanket that she'll make. And she said, "Yep, I know."
A Letter for Roger - Today's Small Thing
I work nights at the front desk of a nearby hotel, and man, the stories I could tell you. We have some very strange guests.
We also have a few really wonderful guests. Our hotel rooms are kind of studio style, with a kitchen and stuff, so we have some guests who have been there for a couple of years.
One of those guests is Roger. He is this kind, old man who seems to be a permanent resident on the third floor. He comes down most nights to say hello and usually spends some time chit chatting. I have heard about tornadoes he has lived through and wars he has fought in. He is just such a genuinely sweet person and he is one of those guests that makes my job a little more pleasurable.
He will also call me at the end of my shift to wish me a safe drive home. It's like he's my grandpa, telling me to drive home safe and be careful on the icy roads.
And like a grandpa, I think he watches from his window some nights too, to make sure I make it to my car safely, since my shift ends at 11:15 at night.
Most nights, when he comes down to the front desk, the first thing he asks me, is if he has any mail. And the answer is always the same. He never gets any mail. I always think to myself that I should mail him something, but then I get busy with my day and my kids and everything else, and I forget.
But then I saw what today's small thing was, and knew just what I needed to do.
Today's small thing is to write a letter to someone you've been meaning to write to, and put it in the mail.
So, I grabbed a thank you card from my stash, filled it out and addressed it to Roger.
It was fun and I know he will appreciate it. And I will actually mail it, because that way the day shift will get it, place it in the bin for mail for our guests, and call his room to let him know he has mail. And I bet he will be so excited.
Monday, January 28
My True Color
You're green, the color of growth and vigor. Good-hearted and giving, you have a knack for finding and bringing out the best in people. Green is the most down-to-earth color in the spectrum — reliable and trustworthy. People know they can count on you to be around in times of need, since your concern for people is genuine and sincere. You take pride in being a good friend. For you, success is measured in terms of personal achievement and growth, not by status or position. Rare as emeralds, greens are wonderful, natural people. It truly is your color!
Bloggy Giveaway
****************GIVEAWAY CLOSED************************
It's the Bloggy Giveaway Carnival, and there are so many neat things being given away, that I had to join in on the fun.
I am an Usborne Book Consultant, although I haven't gotten to do much with it, except stock up on a load of books to use for a home show someday. My Home Shows always seem to get postponed though, so like I said, I guess I am kind of inactive, although I'd prefer not to be.
Anyway, I decided I'd give one of you a book from my stash. And, it's a fun Book.
It's an Usborne Activity Cooking book designed for ages 9-12, with a parent's help, of course. There are such adorable and scrumptious looking recipes inside.
My book is an older edition, so the cover is purple, instead of pink. But it has all of the same delicious recipes inside.
So if you have a child that would love spending some time in the kitchen making some yummy chocolates and treats, then this giveaway is for you.
I will choose one commenter at random at the end of the week.
Good Luck!
It's the Bloggy Giveaway Carnival, and there are so many neat things being given away, that I had to join in on the fun.
I am an Usborne Book Consultant, although I haven't gotten to do much with it, except stock up on a load of books to use for a home show someday. My Home Shows always seem to get postponed though, so like I said, I guess I am kind of inactive, although I'd prefer not to be.
Anyway, I decided I'd give one of you a book from my stash. And, it's a fun Book.
It's an Usborne Activity Cooking book designed for ages 9-12, with a parent's help, of course. There are such adorable and scrumptious looking recipes inside.
My book is an older edition, so the cover is purple, instead of pink. But it has all of the same delicious recipes inside.
So if you have a child that would love spending some time in the kitchen making some yummy chocolates and treats, then this giveaway is for you.
I will choose one commenter at random at the end of the week.
Good Luck!
Go On Over and Vote
I submitted a sidebar button I designed for 5 Minutes For Mom's Ultimate Blog Party button contest. I am a finalist in the design contest and up against 10 others. Head on over Here to vote for your favorite. Mine is entry number 9, and looks like this:
Now, there were some really cute designs entered. And to be honest, I didn't vote for my own, because there was another one that I really, really liked.
But, if you do like my design, go and VOTE FOR IT
Now, there were some really cute designs entered. And to be honest, I didn't vote for my own, because there was another one that I really, really liked.
But, if you do like my design, go and VOTE FOR IT
Sunday, January 27
Psalms Sunday - Psalm 60
You have made the earth tremble; You have broken it; Heal it’s breaches for it is shaking.
You have shown Your people hard things; You have made us drink the wine of confusion.
You have given a banner to those who fear You, That it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah
That Your beloved may be delivered, Save with Your right hand and hear me.
God has spoken in His holiness, I will rejoice; I will divide Shechem and measure out the valley of Succoth.
Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim also is the helmet for My head; Judah is my lawgiver.
Moab is my washpot; Over Edom I will cast my shoe. Philistia shout in triumph because of Me.
Who will bring me to the strong city? Who will lead me to Edom?
Is it not You O God? Who cast us off? And You O God? Who did not go out with our armies?
Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless.
Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who will tread down our enemies.
So, I admit, after reading today's Psalm, I knew I had a lot of studying to do, before I could post on it. See, I am not as well educated in all of the Old Testament as I should be. This Psalm refers to so many events that I know little about.
So, it was time to research, to dig deep, to understand David's words in this Psalm. Because honestly, from first glance, it again seems like such an angry Psalm, and to be honest, if it was not for doing Psalms Sunday, I may have read this Psalm and just move on to the next Psalm, without once trying to learn the background information, or the meaning of the Psalm.
I consulted several sources and I encourage you to check them out as well, since I will simply paraphrase what I read and feel that the sites have so much more to offer.
First, I went to Darlene Zschech's site She writes on each Psalm and I love the way she discusses each one. I am usually on her site each Sunday to read her take on the Psalm and to learn from her.
The second site, which provided me a wealth of historical information, was Spurgeon's Commentary on Psalm 60
So with the help of Spurgeon and Zschech, let's break down this Psalm and learn together, shall we?
Verse 1: O God, You have cast us off, You have broken us down; You have been displeased; O restore us again!
What displeasure is David talking about here? Well there is much. First and foremost, as you can find in I and II Samuel, the Hebrews demanded a king. This desire went against God's desire for His people. The Hebrews desired to be ruled by a person, as opposed to being ruled by God. And although He didn't like it, God helped to appoint their King, Saul.
And Saul was chosen king by the people based on worldly attributes, like his looks and height. And Saul continually disobeyed God.
According to Spurgeon, when David found himself on the throne, after Saul's death, he was put in a position to deal with an already crumbling Israel. He also had to handle problems at home and invasions from abroad.
He knew that the strife was due to the Lord's displeasure. And David chose to place himself in genuine prayer over the condition of Israel.
Verse 2: You have made the earth tremble; You have broken it; Heal it’s breaches for it is shaking.
I am going to quote Spurgeon here....
"As a house in time of earthquake is shaken, and the walls begin to crack, and gape with threatening fissures, so was it with the kingdom. For it shaketh. It tottered to a fall; if not soon propped up and repaired it would come down in complete ruin. So far gone was Israel, that only God's interposition could preserve it from utter destruction."
Verse 3: You have shown Your people hard things; You have made us drink the wine of confusion.
Israel had been through very difficult things because of the wrong choices they had made, but despite that, God still loved them. They were still his chosen people. But their hardships, though caused by their decisions, were God's will and served a purpose.
And in regards to drinking the wine of confusion, they were staggering, as though drunk, and they were ready to fall. Also, they were so hung up on all of the trouble they were facing, that it overflowed in them, so that they could no longer be joyful.
Verse 4: You have given a banner to those who fear You, That it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah
Again, I find it neccessary to quote Spurgeon, because he just said it so well.
"The truth of God was involved in the triumph of David's armies, he had promised them victory; and so in the proclamation of the gospel we need feel no hesitancy, for as surely as God is true he will give success to his own word. For the truth's sake, and because the true God is on our side, let us in these modern days of warfare emulate the warriors of Israel, and unfurl our banners to the breeze with confident joy. Dark signs of present or coming ill must not dishearten us; if the Lord had meant to destroy us he would not have given us the gospel; the very fact that he has revealed himself in Christ Jesus involves the certainty of victory."
Verse 5: That Your beloved may be delivered, Save with Your right hand and hear me.
Notice how David says to save first and then to hear. He is desperate.
Verse 6: God has spoken in His holiness, I will rejoice; I will divide Shechem and measure out the valley of Succoth.
David could speak with confidence, because God made promises that Israel would be victorious. He trusted in those promises.
My pastor today said that biblical hope is the confident faith that God will meet your expectation. It isn't just a wish, it is a confidence, in knowing that God can be held to His word.
Verse 7: Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim also is the helmet for My head; Judah is my lawgiver.
Again David talks of other lands that he will conquer, that God will give to Him.
Verse 8: Moab is my washpot; Over Edom I will cast my shoe. Philistia shout in triumph because of Me.
And now, I will quote Darlene who so eloquently stated... "Re the washpot…well David is stating the fact that as a washpot was a symbol of where dirty feet would be cleansed, and a man would cast his shoes aside before he washed his feet… that this nation coming against him was a mere washpot, a mere going through the motions now for David…he had dominion in his heart, and dominion in his stance…
Whatever you are going through, you may feel like God is a long way away, but believe me, he is closer than your next breath…and ready to intervene in His perfect time."
Verse 9: Who will bring me to the strong city? Who will lead me to Edom?
David intended to gain access into Petra, the city of the rock. But who would bring him into that strong and inaccesible city? David knew he couldn't do it with his military's strength only. No matter how many successes he would have before heading to Petra, it wasn't his own stregnth that was getting him the victories.
Verse 10: Is it not You O God? Who cast us off? And You O God? Who did not go out with our armies?
In His mercy, God will gather His people. He will rejoice in helping his prodigals. He loves it when we go astray and then seek His face again. He will not cast us off, He will hold our hands, He will carry us through. But we need to come to that place where we realize all that we had done and that we really do need God.
Verse 11: Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless.
This verse sure does speak for itself. How often do we seek the world for our answers? Instead of the Bible, we seek self-help books. When we are down, we want a friend to encourage us. Why not run to God? He gives us TRUE help for our troubles.
Verse 12: Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who will tread down our enemies.
"The Lord is with us, omnipotence sustains us, and we will not hesitate, we dare not be cowards." - Spurgeon
"Take a good look at EVERY area of your life, and lay hold of God for the answers to those seemingly troublesome areas that you cannot seem to get victory over. For IT IS HE…WHO WILL TREAD DOWN OUR ENEMIES…."
- Darlene Zschech
Friday, January 25
Can I get a Witness.....Uh.....
Okay, really that title has nothing to do with my post. For some reason as my blogger screen was loading, that song by Nicole C. Mullen, Witness, came into my head. So, I serenaded you for a few seconds.
I know I haven't blogged since Monday, which probably almost gave G.G. a few heart attacks this week, since she gets worried when my blog is silent. But, really, people, I must tell you, I am nesting. I am. Either that, or I am finally fed up with all the little messes, or big, depending on how you look at it, that have been in our home well for a couple of years maybe. Okay, maybe not that long, but then again, maybe so.
I am really good about sweeping almost 3 times a day, because I have little ones who can't keep their food on their plates. I also usually have to scrub down my counters and do the dishes and make my kitchen look nice, before I can really relax.
I am really good about vacuuming my front room, since it's the first room you see when you walk in the door. And since the mister isn't scared of the vacuum anymore, I don't have to wait until late at night to do that job.
But then there are the things that seem to slip away from me. The things, that for the past year or so, I just haven't been good at being consistent about, although I need to....like cleaning the stove top really well. I will of course wipe up spills. I am not good at cleaning the microwave consistently. Usually I wait until I am so embarrassed by the sight of it when it is opened, before cleaning it.
I hadn't touched the top of my fridge in ages, and kept it as a piling place for stuff...since it's way too high for the kids or even me to reach. But it got so bad, that when you opened the freezer, things would fall off and get you in the head. It was like Russian roulette when you'd go to get yourself some ice cream. Although, it never did deter me enough from having my yummy frozen treat.
So, this week and the past couple of weeks, actually, I have been cleaning these pesky places. Like, I have been on my knees in the kitchen with a scraper, getting dirt out from between the floor and the baseboards. And in my defense, I think it's been there for awhile. This house was built in 1999, and the family in it before us had three boys...10, 8 and 4 I think or somewhere around there. So there was a lot of "hidden" dirt, that you couldn't see when first moving into the home.
I bought new drip pans for my stove, finally, and began scraping off the burnt on crud that has been circling the burners for quite some time now. It's been a tough job that Magic Eraser couldn't even pull off on its own. I had to scrape with a butter knife. But don't worry, I've been careful not to scratch the stove top surface.
So, I've been spending free moments doing silly things like that. And I feel so proud when I am done. I even boast about my accomplishments to my hubby who then tells me that he never even realized that part of the house had been that dirty and kinda shrugs. Okay, so he said that about the dirt that had been built up on the kitchen tiles, that never mopped up, but the magic eraser got. The dirt that I have tried to mop out since we moved in. I finally thought it was part of the tile, LOL, because it wouldn't budge. But, I guess he had never noticed it.
So while this mama bird gets ready for the baby, I have been neglecting this blog and I am sorry.
I do have one or two pictures maybe, let's see....
That's the mister getting caught playing in his sister's toy box.
And he was enjoying himself.
Oh, and here is a quilt I started for a friend of mine who is having a baby girl. She is due a couple of weeks before me. So if I am early or she is late, we may end up having our kiddos really close together. :o)
It's a cuddlebug quilt and I have messed up a bit, but oh well, right? I still can't seem to sew straight, LOL, or maybe it's because I rushed through it, since her shower is in 2 weeks. It's about halfway done, well the quilt top is, I then have a border and backing to add. And then I have to tie it. Wow, I should get to it, huh?
So, that's what's been going on over in this neck of the woods. The sun is out a bit today, so maybe we'll go outside and play for a bit. Since it's finally not freezing cold outside. And there is still some snow on the ground, so I am sure the miss will be excited. She keeps telling me she wants to throw snowballs in my hair.
Oh, and she also told me yesterday, as we were driving home fromthe place that takes all my money Wal-mart, that she doesn't like that there will be two boys. She wants me to have a girl. She said that two boys and two girls would be good. She doesn't want just one girl and two boys.
But, I think she may just have to get used to the idea......
Alright, the mister is awake from his nap, so this blog post is done.
I know I haven't blogged since Monday, which probably almost gave G.G. a few heart attacks this week, since she gets worried when my blog is silent. But, really, people, I must tell you, I am nesting. I am. Either that, or I am finally fed up with all the little messes, or big, depending on how you look at it, that have been in our home well for a couple of years maybe. Okay, maybe not that long, but then again, maybe so.
I am really good about sweeping almost 3 times a day, because I have little ones who can't keep their food on their plates. I also usually have to scrub down my counters and do the dishes and make my kitchen look nice, before I can really relax.
I am really good about vacuuming my front room, since it's the first room you see when you walk in the door. And since the mister isn't scared of the vacuum anymore, I don't have to wait until late at night to do that job.
But then there are the things that seem to slip away from me. The things, that for the past year or so, I just haven't been good at being consistent about, although I need to....like cleaning the stove top really well. I will of course wipe up spills. I am not good at cleaning the microwave consistently. Usually I wait until I am so embarrassed by the sight of it when it is opened, before cleaning it.
I hadn't touched the top of my fridge in ages, and kept it as a piling place for stuff...since it's way too high for the kids or even me to reach. But it got so bad, that when you opened the freezer, things would fall off and get you in the head. It was like Russian roulette when you'd go to get yourself some ice cream. Although, it never did deter me enough from having my yummy frozen treat.
So, this week and the past couple of weeks, actually, I have been cleaning these pesky places. Like, I have been on my knees in the kitchen with a scraper, getting dirt out from between the floor and the baseboards. And in my defense, I think it's been there for awhile. This house was built in 1999, and the family in it before us had three boys...10, 8 and 4 I think or somewhere around there. So there was a lot of "hidden" dirt, that you couldn't see when first moving into the home.
I bought new drip pans for my stove, finally, and began scraping off the burnt on crud that has been circling the burners for quite some time now. It's been a tough job that Magic Eraser couldn't even pull off on its own. I had to scrape with a butter knife. But don't worry, I've been careful not to scratch the stove top surface.
So, I've been spending free moments doing silly things like that. And I feel so proud when I am done. I even boast about my accomplishments to my hubby who then tells me that he never even realized that part of the house had been that dirty and kinda shrugs. Okay, so he said that about the dirt that had been built up on the kitchen tiles, that never mopped up, but the magic eraser got. The dirt that I have tried to mop out since we moved in. I finally thought it was part of the tile, LOL, because it wouldn't budge. But, I guess he had never noticed it.
So while this mama bird gets ready for the baby, I have been neglecting this blog and I am sorry.
I do have one or two pictures maybe, let's see....
That's the mister getting caught playing in his sister's toy box.
And he was enjoying himself.
Oh, and here is a quilt I started for a friend of mine who is having a baby girl. She is due a couple of weeks before me. So if I am early or she is late, we may end up having our kiddos really close together. :o)
It's a cuddlebug quilt and I have messed up a bit, but oh well, right? I still can't seem to sew straight, LOL, or maybe it's because I rushed through it, since her shower is in 2 weeks. It's about halfway done, well the quilt top is, I then have a border and backing to add. And then I have to tie it. Wow, I should get to it, huh?
So, that's what's been going on over in this neck of the woods. The sun is out a bit today, so maybe we'll go outside and play for a bit. Since it's finally not freezing cold outside. And there is still some snow on the ground, so I am sure the miss will be excited. She keeps telling me she wants to throw snowballs in my hair.
Oh, and she also told me yesterday, as we were driving home from
But, I think she may just have to get used to the idea......
Alright, the mister is awake from his nap, so this blog post is done.
Monday, January 21
Menu Plan Monday
I am trying out some new recipes this week. One fun thing about menu plan Monday, is it makes it so easy to find new recipes.
Monday -
Creamy ranch potatoes and chicken
(Crockpot Recipe)
Tuesday -
Rotisserie Turkey with Au gratin potatoes. (You may see this on our menu each week, because my hubby loves it)
Wednesday -
Baked Spaghetti and Garlic Toast
Thursday -
Salsa & Sour Cream Crockpot Chicken
Friday -
Pepperoni Pizza Bake with a tossed salad
Saturday -
Cheese Enchiladas with Spanish Rice (another meal we seem to have weekly)
Sunday -
Chili and Cornbread
Sunday, January 20
Psalms Sunday - Psalm 59
To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.”[a] A Michtam of David when Saul sent men, and they watched the house in order to kill him.
1 Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;
Defend me from those who rise up against me.
2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity,
And save me from bloodthirsty men.
3 For look, they lie in wait for my life;
The mighty gather against me,
Not for my transgression nor for my sin, O LORD.
4 They run and prepare themselves through no fault of mine.
Awake to help me, and behold!
5 You therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel,
Awake to punish all the nations;
Do not be merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah
6 At evening they return,
They growl like a dog,
And go all around the city.
7 Indeed, they belch with their mouth;
Swords are in their lips;
For they say, “Who hears?”
8 But You, O LORD, shall laugh at them;
You shall have all the nations in derision.
9 I will wait for You, O You his Strength;[b]
For God is my defense.
10 My God of mercy[c] shall come to meet me;
God shall let me see my desire on my enemies.
11 Do not slay them, lest my people forget;
Scatter them by Your power,
And bring them down,
O Lord our shield.
12 For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips,
Let them even be taken in their pride,
And for the cursing and lying which they speak.
13 Consume them in wrath, consume them,
That they may not be;
And let them know that God rules in Jacob
To the ends of the earth. Selah
14 And at evening they return,
They growl like a dog,
And go all around the city.
15 They wander up and down for food,
And howl[d] if they are not satisfied.
16 But I will sing of Your power;
Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning;
For You have been my defense
And refuge in the day of my trouble.
17 To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises;
For God is my defense,
My God of mercy.
Look at verses 9 and 17, they both call God, O my strength.
In fact throughout the Psalms, we can see David address God in that way. Here are a few examples:
I love you, O LORD, my strength. Psalm 18:1
But you, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me. Psalm 22:19
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. Psalm 118:14
You are God my stronghold. Psalm 43:2
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
the Lord is the one who sustains me. Psalm 54:4
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.Psalm 18:32
As I studied the word, strength, found throughout the Psalms, I found that in some instances, it meant rock. In others, it meant
refuge.
In Psalm 59, it is used as might.
David knew that he couldn't handle his enemies with his own strength. He knew that God is all mighty and all powerful.
He found his strength in bringing it all to the feet of God and trusting in Him to take care of it.
Not only do you have to believe and know that God is your rock, refuge and might, but you have to also TRUST.
And when you are taken out of those pits, by His mercy and His love. When the time has passed and you see how God handled things, how God helped you, how God used the circumstances for His glory, it is incredible.
Don't fight it on your own, for you are not strong enough. Let God fight for you, let Him sustain you.
Saturday, January 19
More Educational Children's Links
I may just have to start a weekly post with fun and educational links for kiddos. Maybe I'll make a cute little button for them each week too. Hmmmm, we'll see. I think that I like to pretend that I have a lot of free time for such things.
Anyway, I was looking around online for things to do with the miss in the coming weeks, and here are some things that I found.
First, let's have some fun with snow.
I found these fun ideas HERE
- Target Practice
Cut three or four holes, each about a foot in diameter, in an old sheet or blanket. Fasten this target with lots of clothespins to a rope strung between two trees or posts. Have each child stand about 10 feet away and throw snowballs at the holes. Score one point for each snowball that goes through a hole. The first player to score a set number of points is the winner. A child playing alone can see how many snowballs it takes to score a certain number of points.
- Shoveling Snow
Your child will really enjoy this activity because it will make him feel big. Buy your child a child-size shovel and let him "help" you after a snowstorm. Not only will your child benefit from the fresh air and exercise, but he'll also feel proud for helping you with the work.
- Catch Me
Follow around in each other's footprints in fresh snow. When fresh snow isn't packed, it will take double the effort for both you and your child to walk in. Take turns running after each other in the snow. If you have many children over, bring out noisemakers and have a parade
- Bubbles
Have you tried bubbles outside in the winter? Let your child jump up and try to burst them. The bubbles stay a little longer because of the cold air.
- Snow Shake
Fill a ziploc bag with one scoop of vanilla ice cream and 1/2 cup of milk. Seal the bag and hand it over to your child. Make sure they hold the top closed with one hand while they smoosh the bag's contents with the other. Once it has been blended well, hand them a straw, open the bag and let them enjoy a snow shake.
Here are two sites with free file folder games printables.
Childs Place
Early Learning Activities
And lastly,
This is a really fun number rhyme, to help your child learn how to write their numbers.
Anyway, I was looking around online for things to do with the miss in the coming weeks, and here are some things that I found.
First, let's have some fun with snow.
I found these fun ideas HERE
- Target Practice
Cut three or four holes, each about a foot in diameter, in an old sheet or blanket. Fasten this target with lots of clothespins to a rope strung between two trees or posts. Have each child stand about 10 feet away and throw snowballs at the holes. Score one point for each snowball that goes through a hole. The first player to score a set number of points is the winner. A child playing alone can see how many snowballs it takes to score a certain number of points.
- Shoveling Snow
Your child will really enjoy this activity because it will make him feel big. Buy your child a child-size shovel and let him "help" you after a snowstorm. Not only will your child benefit from the fresh air and exercise, but he'll also feel proud for helping you with the work.
- Catch Me
Follow around in each other's footprints in fresh snow. When fresh snow isn't packed, it will take double the effort for both you and your child to walk in. Take turns running after each other in the snow. If you have many children over, bring out noisemakers and have a parade
- Bubbles
Have you tried bubbles outside in the winter? Let your child jump up and try to burst them. The bubbles stay a little longer because of the cold air.
- Snow Shake
Fill a ziploc bag with one scoop of vanilla ice cream and 1/2 cup of milk. Seal the bag and hand it over to your child. Make sure they hold the top closed with one hand while they smoosh the bag's contents with the other. Once it has been blended well, hand them a straw, open the bag and let them enjoy a snow shake.
Here are two sites with free file folder games printables.
Childs Place
Early Learning Activities
And lastly,
This is a really fun number rhyme, to help your child learn how to write their numbers.
My Super Girl
I was in a creative mood last night and since I was running to Joann's anyway for fabric for a cuddlebug quilt I am making for a friend's baby, I decided to get the items I needed for THIS.
It's an awesome reversible superhero cape. And the tutorial, that I just linked to above, is wonderful. This was my first time doing something other than straight line sewing that you do for a quilt. This was my first time using an appliqué, using heat bond fusing, cutting fabric and such from templates and doing a zig zag stitch.
It took me 2 hours, so I only got the cape for the miss done. Hers has Super Woman on one side and a princess crown on the other.
I may do the one for the mister today. He will have superman and batman, and I am sure it will be darling. And of course there will be pictures, if I do.
Now, I must admit, I skipped a few of the last steps. I didn't iron it or do the final stitching around the edges, but it looked okay to me without doing those steps and it was after midnight, so I was ready to be done. Plus, it's just a little dress up thing, so it doesn't really matter.
So, here's the finished cape, that my little miss sadly wasn't too thrilled about, although it's all she talked about last night before going to bed. And she was actually crying when I made her put it on to take pictures of it. But it was the very first thing I had her do when she got up this morning. And I think she woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Maybe tomorrow she'll be excited about her mama's efforts.
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It's an awesome reversible superhero cape. And the tutorial, that I just linked to above, is wonderful. This was my first time doing something other than straight line sewing that you do for a quilt. This was my first time using an appliqué, using heat bond fusing, cutting fabric and such from templates and doing a zig zag stitch.
It took me 2 hours, so I only got the cape for the miss done. Hers has Super Woman on one side and a princess crown on the other.
I may do the one for the mister today. He will have superman and batman, and I am sure it will be darling. And of course there will be pictures, if I do.
Now, I must admit, I skipped a few of the last steps. I didn't iron it or do the final stitching around the edges, but it looked okay to me without doing those steps and it was after midnight, so I was ready to be done. Plus, it's just a little dress up thing, so it doesn't really matter.
So, here's the finished cape, that my little miss sadly wasn't too thrilled about, although it's all she talked about last night before going to bed. And she was actually crying when I made her put it on to take pictures of it. But it was the very first thing I had her do when she got up this morning. And I think she woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Maybe tomorrow she'll be excited about her mama's efforts.
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Friday, January 18
Mama's Been Lazy
Okay, I really haven't been THAT lazy, but I do need to make some changes around here.
Lately, my kids in the morning have been playing pretty well and quietly, so I have taken advantage of that by spending maybe 1-2 hours on the computer.... emailing, blogging, visiting blogs, chatting with friends, searching for recipes or activities for the miss.
And then at nap time, while my four year old is still awake, I decide I want to clean or something, which leaves my 4 year old, bored and needing stimulation.
It hasn't been working well for anyone.
So, here's my new schedule to begin on Monday.
7:00 - 8:00 = - Breakfast
- Calendar and weather songs
(Talk about month, day, year and season)
- Music Time - Put on worship songs and dance around, sing kid songs, do
motion songs, get the kiddos moving.
8:00 - 8:30= Free Play. Mommy can clean if need be or have some quick computer time.
8:30 until done = Lessons for the miss. Work on alphabet and numbers.
(use handwriting sheets, finger plays, activities, crafts, games)
The mister can join in too...focusing on colors and shapes.
9:00 or 9:15 or so = get down from table for a quick break. Exercise, run around, tickle, play tag or ring around the rosie.
9:30 - 10:10ish = Science Lesson or baking time, so many avenues to go down for this one. And if time remaining, story time.
10:10ish - 11:00, maybe sooner if need be= Outdoor play, when nice outside. Indoor play when cold outside.
( If inside, Will consist of free play, fort building, games, hide and seek)
11:00 - 11:40= Lunch Time
11:50 - 12:00= Story Time
12:00 - 1:20= Mister's Nap Time
(Miss can choose computer or vsmile play, movie time or quiet play)
Mommy has time for computer, sewing or chores.
1:20 - 2:00= Mister still sleeping
Mommy and Miss enjoy some time together playing games, doing crafts, etc.
2:00 on= Errand time, if there are any, which usually there always seems to be something, huh?
Then since I work at night, I usually start getting ready for work and cooking dinner around 4:00.
Now, speaking of lessons and computer time and so forth, it's been awhile since I left you all any fun links for lessons and things, so here are two that I found recently:
Starfall Online Calendar Game
Starfall ABC's.
This site is so great, it goes over the sounds of each letter, it shows the upper and lower case version of the letter and it shows a word that starts with the letter. You really should check it out.
Lately, my kids in the morning have been playing pretty well and quietly, so I have taken advantage of that by spending maybe 1-2 hours on the computer.... emailing, blogging, visiting blogs, chatting with friends, searching for recipes or activities for the miss.
And then at nap time, while my four year old is still awake, I decide I want to clean or something, which leaves my 4 year old, bored and needing stimulation.
It hasn't been working well for anyone.
So, here's my new schedule to begin on Monday.
7:00 - 8:00 = - Breakfast
- Calendar and weather songs
(Talk about month, day, year and season)
- Music Time - Put on worship songs and dance around, sing kid songs, do
motion songs, get the kiddos moving.
8:00 - 8:30= Free Play. Mommy can clean if need be or have some quick computer time.
8:30 until done = Lessons for the miss. Work on alphabet and numbers.
(use handwriting sheets, finger plays, activities, crafts, games)
The mister can join in too...focusing on colors and shapes.
9:00 or 9:15 or so = get down from table for a quick break. Exercise, run around, tickle, play tag or ring around the rosie.
9:30 - 10:10ish = Science Lesson or baking time, so many avenues to go down for this one. And if time remaining, story time.
10:10ish - 11:00, maybe sooner if need be= Outdoor play, when nice outside. Indoor play when cold outside.
( If inside, Will consist of free play, fort building, games, hide and seek)
11:00 - 11:40= Lunch Time
11:50 - 12:00= Story Time
12:00 - 1:20= Mister's Nap Time
(Miss can choose computer or vsmile play, movie time or quiet play)
Mommy has time for computer, sewing or chores.
1:20 - 2:00= Mister still sleeping
Mommy and Miss enjoy some time together playing games, doing crafts, etc.
2:00 on= Errand time, if there are any, which usually there always seems to be something, huh?
Then since I work at night, I usually start getting ready for work and cooking dinner around 4:00.
Now, speaking of lessons and computer time and so forth, it's been awhile since I left you all any fun links for lessons and things, so here are two that I found recently:
Starfall Online Calendar Game
Starfall ABC's.
This site is so great, it goes over the sounds of each letter, it shows the upper and lower case version of the letter and it shows a word that starts with the letter. You really should check it out.
Wednesday, January 16
A Mustang For Your Kiddo
Would you like a chance to win THAT for your toddler/preschooler????
That is the fabulous prize being given away at 5 Minutes For Mom.
So, if you just said, "wow", like I did, then head on over and enter for your chance to win the mustang for your kiddo.
Oh, and check out Pedal Cars and Retro Collectibles for other fun pedal cars and decor.
Today's Small Thing
So, I have participated in other Small things since my last small thing post, but it was things like doing a load of laundry, which I didn't feel I needed to post about.
But today ironically, I was talking to my friend, Andrea, about how the shoe area of our coat closet had become a disaster area and I needed to do something about it. And sure enough, when I visited Home Sanctuary for today's small thing, it was to organize your shoes/shoe area.
So, lookie lookie, Andrea
Tuesday, January 15
Little Friends
I watched a friend's daughters today, while she went to wash and clean out her car to prepare for her hubby's return from Iraq tomorrow.
Above, are pics of the miss and Z. When they first met over a year ago, they fought constantly. But they play pretty nicely now and are pretty darn cute.
Monday, January 14
So Excited
I am sooo excited because tomorrow, I start this:
It's the Beth Moore, Daniel Bible Study. It's my first time going to a women's Bible Study at our church. I am excited to meet other women and spend time with God...and it's Beth Moore!!!!!!!!!!!! I love her!!!!
And it's for 2 hours. Yes, from 9:30 A.M. - 11:30 A.M., my kids will be playing with other kids and supervised by other people, while I have some mommy time.
I can't wait!!!!!
It's the Beth Moore, Daniel Bible Study. It's my first time going to a women's Bible Study at our church. I am excited to meet other women and spend time with God...and it's Beth Moore!!!!!!!!!!!! I love her!!!!
And it's for 2 hours. Yes, from 9:30 A.M. - 11:30 A.M., my kids will be playing with other kids and supervised by other people, while I have some mommy time.
I can't wait!!!!!
Sunday, January 13
Psalms Sunday - Psalm 58
To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.”[a] A Michtam of David.
1 Do you indeed speak righteousness, you silent ones?
Do you judge uprightly, you sons of men?
2 No, in heart you work wickedness;
You weigh out the violence of your hands in the earth.
3 The wicked are estranged from the womb;
They go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies.
4 Their poison is like the poison of a serpent;
They are like the deaf cobra that stops its ear,
5 Which will not heed the voice of charmers,
Charming ever so skillfully.
6 Break their teeth in their mouth, O God!
Break out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD!
7 Let them flow away as waters which run continually;
When he bends his bow,
Let his arrows be as if cut in pieces.
8 Let them be like a snail which melts away as it goes,
Like a stillborn child of a woman, that they may not see the sun.
9 Before your pots can feel the burning thorns,
He shall take them away as with a whirlwind,
As in His living and burning wrath.
10 The righteous shall rejoice when he sees the vengeance;
He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked,
11 So that men will say,
“Surely there is a reward for the righteous;
Surely He is God who judges in the earth.”
I see this Psalm as discussing sin nature. Upon first read, it just sounds so harsh and cruel, maybe in a sense how we can be toward friends or maybe others around us who are living a fallen life.
But as I read it more, it makes me sad for those who are lost, consumed in their sin.
And that is the way we should feel about it. We should want nothing more but to help those to find Christ and to help the prodigals to find their way back to their Father.
The verse that really spoke to me, is verse 8...
"Let them be like a snail which melts away as it goes"
I may be off on my assessment, but I took it as how when we are consumed in sinful ways, when we are focused on our own pleasures, no matter how they hurt others.....when we are doing what we feel in our hearts is wrong, yet we do it anyway, because at the time it's fun or what not, in a way, we lose a piece of ourselves each time. Our faith, our fruit, our relationship with God, our joy, it all begins to melt away.
I have been there before, so wrapped up in the world, that I didn't realize how much of myself I was leaving behind at each turn. I was becoming someone else. And it's so easy to have it happen.
We need to keep a hold on our hearts to make sure they are focused on what really matters. We need to keep a hold on our tongues, to make sure they are speaking good, not evil. We need to keep a hold on our hands, to make sure they are in worship to God, not in worship to the world.
Don't let yourself melt away.
Saturday, January 12
A Good Ol' Survey
1. WHAT TIME DID YOU GET UP THIS MORNING? I think I first woke up at 7:00, because my daughter came in the room. But I put some cartoons on for her and then tried to go back to sleep and ignore the awake mister for a bit, but that didn't work too well. So, I think I was up for good around 7:20.
2. DIAMONDS OR PEARLS? Diamonds, although pearls are very pretty.
3. WHAT IS THE LAST FILM THAT YOU SAW AT THE CINEMA? I honestly can't even remember. It's been awhile, I can tell you that much. Maybe when I took the miss to see Surf's Up at the Dollar theatre.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW? currently, Grey's Anatomy.
5. WHAT DO YOU USUALLY HAVE FOR BREAKFAST ? Pancakes or oatmeal.
6. WHAT IS YOUR MIDDLE NAME? Kristin
7. WHAT FOOD DO YOU DISLIKE? Really spicy stuff. My hubby loves it, but I just can't handle it.
8. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CD? I find it impossible to choose one absolute favorite cd. I have a mixed one I made with my favorite worship songs on it, so I guess I choose that one.
9. WHAT KIND OF CAR DO YOU DRIVE? Trailblazer
10. FAVORITE SANDWICH ? Subway Turkey with American cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo on parmesan oregano.
11. WHAT CHARACTERISTIC DO YOU DESPISE? I really have a hard time with selfish, self-centered people.
12. FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING? My boots, I guess.
13. IF YOU COULD GO ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD ON VACATION, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? Ireland, I think.
14. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR BATHROOM? the bathroom in the master bedroom, which I don't use, was painted by the previous owners in some butter yellow color, which we have yet to change. Although the shower curtain and bath accessories are lavendar.
15. FAVORITE BRAND OF CLOTHING? American Eagle, without question. I usually don't buy much from there, because it's pretty expensive for me, but whenever I walk in there, I find about 100 things I want. I love their clothes. They are definitely "me". And I could easily max out a credit card there, if I didn't have to spend the next 10 years paying it off.
16. WHERE WOULD YOU RETIRE TO? Long Island. New York or the Hamptons...but I'd have to be pretty darn rich, huh?
17. WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE BIRTHDAY? I think when I turned 17. It was the first birthday with my hubby, well when we were first dating, obvisouly. And we had only been dating for a little over a week, but he came to my door and surprised me with a yellow cake with chocolate frosting, my favorite, that he baked himself.
His cake surprise came after I mentioned to him that my parents didn't really do much for my birthday anymore. I didn't get cake or anything really. And he felt bad. So he knocked on the door, had the cake out with the candles lit, and sang "Happy Birthday".
All together now, "Awwwwww".
18. FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH? On tv, Women's Ice Skating, Women's gymnastics, or Cheerleading on ESPN. If I were to watch live, it would be basketball or football, definitely.
19. FURTHEST PLACE YOU ARE SENDING THIS? It's going on my blog and I have readers from all over.
20. WHO DO YOU LEAST EXPECT TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Well, I am blogging it instead of emailing it
21. PERSON YOU EXPECT TO SEND IT BACK FIRST? Just look above.
22. FAVORITE SAYING? It takes both rain and sunshine to make a rainbow.
23. WHEN IS YOUR BIRTHDAY? December 21st.
24. ARE YOU A MORNING OR NIGHT PERSON? I am a total night owl, although, lately I crash by 10:00. I don't do mornings well. Although my kids have forced me to wake up usually by 6:30, I don't wake up until maybe 9:30. And I am usually no fun to be around until I have woken up!
25. WHAT IS YOUR SHOE SIZE? 7 or 7 1/2, depending on the shoe.
26. PETS? We have a fish that we got for the miss, and that is all we will have for awhile.
27. ANY NEW/EXCITING NEWS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?
Not really, everything's same ol'.
28: WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE LITTLE? A broadcast journalist, lawyer, author, singer or teacher.
29. WHAT ARE YOU TODAY? I am a mommy.
30. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CANDY? Milky Way, Three Musketeers, Kit Kat, or Ghiradelli with caramel filling. Oh, and peanut butter cups.
31. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FLOWER? Sterling Roses and Tulips
32. WHAT IS A DAY ON THE CALENDAR YOU ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO? My due date.
33. WHAT IS YOUR FULL NAME? Well, see I am not going to share that on my blog.
34. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Complete silence.
35. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Cheese Enchiladas and Spanish Rice.
36. DO YOU WISH ON STARS? The hubby and I have a star that I look at at times and maybe wish on for sentimental reasons, although I don't really believe in it, ya know?!
37. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Periwinkle. It was always my favorite crayon color growing up and even to this day, I love it.
38. HOW IS THE WEATHER RIGHT NOW? It's pretty chilly outside. It's the worst when the wind is blowing...brrrrrrr.
39. FAVORITE SOFT DRINK? PEPSI!!!!!
40. FAVORITE RESTAURANT? I don't know if I can pick a favorite. There are still some I want to go to, that I have yet to try, like The Melting Pot and Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. So, I can't pick a favorite.
41. SIBLINGS? I have a younger brother.
42. FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR? Christmas
43. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD? My Fisher Price Record Player. I spent hours in my room putting albums on and dancing around. I should get the miss a cd player in her room or an old record player. I still have some of my old albums from when I was a kid.
44. SUMMER OR WINTER? How about Spring?
45. HUGS OR KISSES? Both
46. COFFEE OR TEA? Used to be tea, but now, coffee wins.
47. CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA? Chocolate, except I don't like chocolate ice cream really, unless it's an ice cream cake with chocolate ice cream and vanilla cake or something.
48. DO YOU WANT YOUR FRIENDS TO EMAIL YOU BACK? Ho Hum, I am not emailing.
49. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? It's been awhile. I really can't remember.
50. WHAT IS UNDER YOUR BED? Probably some runaway socks
51. WHAT DID YOU DO LAST NIGHT? I worked for 7 hours and then got home around midnight after picking a few things up at Safeway, and I goofed around on the internet and had some oatmeal and then I think I finally got tired around 1:00 A.M.
52. FAVORITE SMELL? Cinnamon, cakes baking, a campfire, especially when it's the wood that smells good, the smell after it rains, my hubby, my kiddos, well when they have been bathed recently, and I swear, winter has a smell and I love it.
53. WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF? scary people harming me or my family.
54. SALTY OR SWEET? Sweet!!!!
55. HOW MANY KEYS ON YOUR RING(S)? House, car, mailbox, fireproof box, and a few random keys.
56. HOW MANY YEARS AT YOUR CURRENT JOB? my part time job, just 4-5 months.
57. FAVORITE DAY OF THE WEEK? They all seem the same to me. Maybe Sunday.
58. HOW MANY TOWNS HAVE YOU LIVED IN? Cobalt, CT East Hampton, CT Phoenix, AZ Glendale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Surprise, AZ Huntington, IN, and my current location.
59. DO YOU MAKE FRIENDS EASILY? I try to.
2. DIAMONDS OR PEARLS? Diamonds, although pearls are very pretty.
3. WHAT IS THE LAST FILM THAT YOU SAW AT THE CINEMA? I honestly can't even remember. It's been awhile, I can tell you that much. Maybe when I took the miss to see Surf's Up at the Dollar theatre.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW? currently, Grey's Anatomy.
5. WHAT DO YOU USUALLY HAVE FOR BREAKFAST ? Pancakes or oatmeal.
6. WHAT IS YOUR MIDDLE NAME? Kristin
7. WHAT FOOD DO YOU DISLIKE? Really spicy stuff. My hubby loves it, but I just can't handle it.
8. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CD? I find it impossible to choose one absolute favorite cd. I have a mixed one I made with my favorite worship songs on it, so I guess I choose that one.
9. WHAT KIND OF CAR DO YOU DRIVE? Trailblazer
10. FAVORITE SANDWICH ? Subway Turkey with American cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo on parmesan oregano.
11. WHAT CHARACTERISTIC DO YOU DESPISE? I really have a hard time with selfish, self-centered people.
12. FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING? My boots, I guess.
13. IF YOU COULD GO ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD ON VACATION, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? Ireland, I think.
14. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR BATHROOM? the bathroom in the master bedroom, which I don't use, was painted by the previous owners in some butter yellow color, which we have yet to change. Although the shower curtain and bath accessories are lavendar.
15. FAVORITE BRAND OF CLOTHING? American Eagle, without question. I usually don't buy much from there, because it's pretty expensive for me, but whenever I walk in there, I find about 100 things I want. I love their clothes. They are definitely "me". And I could easily max out a credit card there, if I didn't have to spend the next 10 years paying it off.
16. WHERE WOULD YOU RETIRE TO? Long Island. New York or the Hamptons...but I'd have to be pretty darn rich, huh?
17. WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE BIRTHDAY? I think when I turned 17. It was the first birthday with my hubby, well when we were first dating, obvisouly. And we had only been dating for a little over a week, but he came to my door and surprised me with a yellow cake with chocolate frosting, my favorite, that he baked himself.
His cake surprise came after I mentioned to him that my parents didn't really do much for my birthday anymore. I didn't get cake or anything really. And he felt bad. So he knocked on the door, had the cake out with the candles lit, and sang "Happy Birthday".
All together now, "Awwwwww".
18. FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH? On tv, Women's Ice Skating, Women's gymnastics, or Cheerleading on ESPN. If I were to watch live, it would be basketball or football, definitely.
19. FURTHEST PLACE YOU ARE SENDING THIS? It's going on my blog and I have readers from all over.
20. WHO DO YOU LEAST EXPECT TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Well, I am blogging it instead of emailing it
21. PERSON YOU EXPECT TO SEND IT BACK FIRST? Just look above.
22. FAVORITE SAYING? It takes both rain and sunshine to make a rainbow.
23. WHEN IS YOUR BIRTHDAY? December 21st.
24. ARE YOU A MORNING OR NIGHT PERSON? I am a total night owl, although, lately I crash by 10:00. I don't do mornings well. Although my kids have forced me to wake up usually by 6:30, I don't wake up until maybe 9:30. And I am usually no fun to be around until I have woken up!
25. WHAT IS YOUR SHOE SIZE? 7 or 7 1/2, depending on the shoe.
26. PETS? We have a fish that we got for the miss, and that is all we will have for awhile.
27. ANY NEW/EXCITING NEWS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?
Not really, everything's same ol'.
28: WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE LITTLE? A broadcast journalist, lawyer, author, singer or teacher.
29. WHAT ARE YOU TODAY? I am a mommy.
30. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CANDY? Milky Way, Three Musketeers, Kit Kat, or Ghiradelli with caramel filling. Oh, and peanut butter cups.
31. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FLOWER? Sterling Roses and Tulips
32. WHAT IS A DAY ON THE CALENDAR YOU ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO? My due date.
33. WHAT IS YOUR FULL NAME? Well, see I am not going to share that on my blog.
34. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Complete silence.
35. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Cheese Enchiladas and Spanish Rice.
36. DO YOU WISH ON STARS? The hubby and I have a star that I look at at times and maybe wish on for sentimental reasons, although I don't really believe in it, ya know?!
37. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Periwinkle. It was always my favorite crayon color growing up and even to this day, I love it.
38. HOW IS THE WEATHER RIGHT NOW? It's pretty chilly outside. It's the worst when the wind is blowing...brrrrrrr.
39. FAVORITE SOFT DRINK? PEPSI!!!!!
40. FAVORITE RESTAURANT? I don't know if I can pick a favorite. There are still some I want to go to, that I have yet to try, like The Melting Pot and Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. So, I can't pick a favorite.
41. SIBLINGS? I have a younger brother.
42. FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR? Christmas
43. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD? My Fisher Price Record Player. I spent hours in my room putting albums on and dancing around. I should get the miss a cd player in her room or an old record player. I still have some of my old albums from when I was a kid.
44. SUMMER OR WINTER? How about Spring?
45. HUGS OR KISSES? Both
46. COFFEE OR TEA? Used to be tea, but now, coffee wins.
47. CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA? Chocolate, except I don't like chocolate ice cream really, unless it's an ice cream cake with chocolate ice cream and vanilla cake or something.
48. DO YOU WANT YOUR FRIENDS TO EMAIL YOU BACK? Ho Hum, I am not emailing.
49. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? It's been awhile. I really can't remember.
50. WHAT IS UNDER YOUR BED? Probably some runaway socks
51. WHAT DID YOU DO LAST NIGHT? I worked for 7 hours and then got home around midnight after picking a few things up at Safeway, and I goofed around on the internet and had some oatmeal and then I think I finally got tired around 1:00 A.M.
52. FAVORITE SMELL? Cinnamon, cakes baking, a campfire, especially when it's the wood that smells good, the smell after it rains, my hubby, my kiddos, well when they have been bathed recently, and I swear, winter has a smell and I love it.
53. WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF? scary people harming me or my family.
54. SALTY OR SWEET? Sweet!!!!
55. HOW MANY KEYS ON YOUR RING(S)? House, car, mailbox, fireproof box, and a few random keys.
56. HOW MANY YEARS AT YOUR CURRENT JOB? my part time job, just 4-5 months.
57. FAVORITE DAY OF THE WEEK? They all seem the same to me. Maybe Sunday.
58. HOW MANY TOWNS HAVE YOU LIVED IN? Cobalt, CT East Hampton, CT Phoenix, AZ Glendale, AZ Scottsdale, AZ Surprise, AZ Huntington, IN, and my current location.
59. DO YOU MAKE FRIENDS EASILY? I try to.
So I Was Thinking...
This may be a fun thing to do, designing for the Blog party.
Of course I am a photoshop newbie, but it may be fun to do anyway, in some free time of mine.
Wait, do I have free time?
Of course I am a photoshop newbie, but it may be fun to do anyway, in some free time of mine.
Wait, do I have free time?
Friday, January 11
My Little Protector
I forgot to share a little something that happened today, that was cute. I had an appointment with my midwife today. Usually she comes to my house for the appointments, but today, I had to get blood drawn. So the kids and I headed to her office. When it came time for the blood draw, the miss got very concerned. She stopped playing with the toys that they have out for the kiddos, and walked over. The nurse was prepping me and the miss asked if she was going to hurt me. I told her that if it hurt at all, it would just be a pinch and I'd be okay.
But she stared down the nurse saying, "don't hurt my mommy."
She then took her hand and cupped it over the little area that they had just prepped with alcohol. And again asked the nurse not to hurt me. It was so darling. At that point, my midwife distracted her with some toys and a little trip into the hallway. By the time they came back into the room, the blood draw was over.
But my little girl was protecting me, and it was darling!
But she stared down the nurse saying, "don't hurt my mommy."
She then took her hand and cupped it over the little area that they had just prepped with alcohol. And again asked the nurse not to hurt me. It was so darling. At that point, my midwife distracted her with some toys and a little trip into the hallway. By the time they came back into the room, the blood draw was over.
But my little girl was protecting me, and it was darling!
Wednesday, January 9
Fun in the snow without the bitter cold
So, it's snowing again today and the miss wanted to play in it, but it's pretty cold outside.
So, I brought the snow inside, and we made little snowmen.
The mister ate most of it, and then tried eating the snowman's arms.
After we made the snowmen, we used food coloring and turned the snow green.
But then there was green melted mess all over my floor, so snow time was over.
So, I brought the snow inside, and we made little snowmen.
The mister ate most of it, and then tried eating the snowman's arms.
After we made the snowmen, we used food coloring and turned the snow green.
But then there was green melted mess all over my floor, so snow time was over.
Fort Time
The other day, I read This post at 5 Minutes For Mom, about her son's fort building. I was instantly reminded of the hours I would spend as a kid building forts with sheets and chairs, in my parent's living room. I wondered why I never thought of doing that with my kiddos.
So, today, we built a fort. The miss has been enjoying it more. We even put the portable dvd player in there for her. The mister hung out in there for a few minutes, but didn't really get what the excitement was all about.
The miss helped out by laying pillow cases, sashes and some scrap fabric on top of the fort, it was really cute!
She's currently in there enjoying some Little Mermaid. So I am going to go fold some laundry, because I really need to.
So, today, we built a fort. The miss has been enjoying it more. We even put the portable dvd player in there for her. The mister hung out in there for a few minutes, but didn't really get what the excitement was all about.
The miss helped out by laying pillow cases, sashes and some scrap fabric on top of the fort, it was really cute!
She's currently in there enjoying some Little Mermaid. So I am going to go fold some laundry, because I really need to.
Tuesday, January 8
Today's Small Thing
Today I am doing my second small thing. I wanted to participate yesterday too, but didn't find the time. :o(
Today's was so easy and fun! All it entailed was asking a family member what it was that we could do for them today to make them happy. Well, I emailed the DH, who has yet to respond to the question.
I also asked my four year old little miss. And I must tell you that after I asked her, she got the biggest smile on her face. She then said that it would make her happy if I took her to the zoo to feed the giraffes. Unfortunately, I couldn't do that today. We got about 4 inches of snow yesterday and the hubby took the blazer to work. It would be a bit cold to trek the zoo today anyway.
I asked if there was anything else I could do. To that she responded with bake a cake together and cupcakes and cotton candy. We compromised on a cake. I don't have any cake mix laying around, but I do have all the ingredients for a yellow cake from scratch. And we just so happen to have some frosting laying around too. So, looks like that's what we will be doing this afternoon.
So, I best run, since I have a cake to make.
Monday, January 7
Just Some Rambling
I don't have pictures to go along with the rambling, sorry. I wish I did, though.
It was quite a busy weekend. The miss earned two things that she received this weekend. One, was a trip to Chuck E. Cheese. She finally made it to the top of her reward chart. it took her almost two months, but she did it. So, we spent Saturday afternoon eating pizza and playing games. It was a good time though.
I think the rest of the day was spent cleaning and recouping from the week.
Sunday was busy too. Well, it just flew by. We unfortunately missed church because the mister has quite a snot nose right now, and I knew they wouldn't let him in the one year old room. And trying to sit with him during the service just wouldn't work.
So we did more resting, more cleaning and some grocery shopping. Then I worked for seven hours that night.
On Sunday, we also got the miss a fish. She earned that too. It's a blue and red male beta fish. I'll try to get a picture tonight or tomorrow. According to the miss, it's a girl fish and her name is Dorothy. She either got that name from the Wizard of Oz or because it's the name of Elmo's fish, I am not too sure.
But she is quite fond of Dorothy. She spent some time this morning talking to her, serenading her and even introducing her to some items in our kitchen.
"Dorothy, this is a candle. Do you like it? You do? Oh, great!"
She has also been enjoying sticking plastic spoons into the water which probably scares the fish to death.
It's very cute though watching her interact with her little fish.
Today we've been pretty low key. I've been working on some blog designs and we played for a bit. We were about to start building a fort downstairs, you know with sheets and such, but the miss is currently in her room for being almost unmanageable at the store during our quick errand run.
Speaking of which, I was at Target this afternoon on said errand, and can someone please tell me why on earth we are selling bathing suits in January??? The little kids and adults all had bathing suits out on racks for sale. And no, they weren't clearance items. I mean I understand that some people go on vacation to get away from the cold. But just how many do? And didn't they already prepare and buy their bathing suit? Didn't they buy it when it went on clearance back at the end of summer to make room for Christmas items and wintry clothes like sweaters and such?
I just don't understand it. It's currently snowing and 26 degrees. Are we in denial?
The last thing on my mind right now, is buying a swim suit.
It just doesn't make any sense. Is anyone else seeing them in the stores too? Or is it just here? Is there some new indoor pool/swim place that just opened up that I am unaware of?
I am just a little confused.
It is winter, right?
It was quite a busy weekend. The miss earned two things that she received this weekend. One, was a trip to Chuck E. Cheese. She finally made it to the top of her reward chart. it took her almost two months, but she did it. So, we spent Saturday afternoon eating pizza and playing games. It was a good time though.
I think the rest of the day was spent cleaning and recouping from the week.
Sunday was busy too. Well, it just flew by. We unfortunately missed church because the mister has quite a snot nose right now, and I knew they wouldn't let him in the one year old room. And trying to sit with him during the service just wouldn't work.
So we did more resting, more cleaning and some grocery shopping. Then I worked for seven hours that night.
On Sunday, we also got the miss a fish. She earned that too. It's a blue and red male beta fish. I'll try to get a picture tonight or tomorrow. According to the miss, it's a girl fish and her name is Dorothy. She either got that name from the Wizard of Oz or because it's the name of Elmo's fish, I am not too sure.
But she is quite fond of Dorothy. She spent some time this morning talking to her, serenading her and even introducing her to some items in our kitchen.
"Dorothy, this is a candle. Do you like it? You do? Oh, great!"
She has also been enjoying sticking plastic spoons into the water which probably scares the fish to death.
It's very cute though watching her interact with her little fish.
Today we've been pretty low key. I've been working on some blog designs and we played for a bit. We were about to start building a fort downstairs, you know with sheets and such, but the miss is currently in her room for being almost unmanageable at the store during our quick errand run.
Speaking of which, I was at Target this afternoon on said errand, and can someone please tell me why on earth we are selling bathing suits in January??? The little kids and adults all had bathing suits out on racks for sale. And no, they weren't clearance items. I mean I understand that some people go on vacation to get away from the cold. But just how many do? And didn't they already prepare and buy their bathing suit? Didn't they buy it when it went on clearance back at the end of summer to make room for Christmas items and wintry clothes like sweaters and such?
I just don't understand it. It's currently snowing and 26 degrees. Are we in denial?
The last thing on my mind right now, is buying a swim suit.
It just doesn't make any sense. Is anyone else seeing them in the stores too? Or is it just here? Is there some new indoor pool/swim place that just opened up that I am unaware of?
I am just a little confused.
It is winter, right?
Menu Plan Monday
So, I am back to doing Menu Plan Monday. We are trying to cut down on our grocery bill, and making a menu each week helps tremendously, plus what's nice, is some of the things I buy carry over into the next week, which helps in the money department.
So, here is our menu.
Monday
Rotisserie Turkey
Au Gratin Potatoes
Corn
Tuesday
Asian Meatballs
Sticky Rice
Wednesday
Southwest Chicken
Spanish Rice
Mixed Veggies
Thursday
Vodka Penne with Chicken and Peas
Friday
Cheese Enchiladas
Spanish Rice
Corn
Saturday
Tilapia Filets
White Rice
Green Beans
Sunday
French Onion Meatloaf
Au Gratin Potatoes
Spring Veggies
Sunday, January 6
Psalms Sunday - Psalm 57
PRAYER FOR SAFETY FROM ENEMIES
To the chief musician. Set to “Do not Destroy” A Michtam of David when he fled from Saul into the cave.
1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!
For my soul trusts in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge,
Until these calamities have passed by.
2 I will cry out to God Most High,
To God who performs all things for me.
3 He shall send from heaven and save me;
He reproaches the one who would swallow me up. Selah
God shall send forth His mercy and His truth.
4 My soul is among lions;
I lie among the sons of men
Who are set on fire,
Whose teeth are spears and arrows,
And their tongue a sharp sword.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
Let Your glory be above all the earth.
6 They have prepared a net for my steps;
My soul is bowed down;
They have dug a pit before me;
Into the midst of it they themselves have fallen. Selah
7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and give praise.
8 Awake, my glory!
Awake, lute and harp!
I will awaken the dawn.
9 I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing to You among the nations.
10 For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens,
And Your truth unto the clouds.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
Let Your glory be above all the earth.
The Psalms sure are beautiful, encouraging and uplifting, aren't they?
In this Psalm, once again, David is dealing with fear and anxiety. He has fled from Saul, he has many who are looking to kill him. And he takes all of his anxious thoughts and brings them to God.
He knows that through it all, he can seek refuge in his Father's arms.
Meditate for a moment on verse 2, because I think it is so important for us to remember during difficult times.
2 I will cry out to God Most High,
To God who performs all things for me.
It is He who performs all things for us.
So when anxiety sets in, remember to not be afraid. Instead, lift up your hands and sing praises to God and trust in His unfailing love.
Have a blessed week!
Saturday, January 5
Sanctuary
I am sporting a new button on my sidebar that looks like this...
Wanna know what it's about?
Rachel Anne over at Home Sanctuary, is helping us all out in doing small things to help make our home a sanctuary. And there are prizes, people. So, not only do we get the satisfaction in knowing that the little things we can do each day are helping to make our home more peaceful for our family and inviting for our guests, we also have a chance at taking home some fun things in the process.
So head on over to her peaceful place on the web and become a company girl too.
Wanna know what it's about?
Rachel Anne over at Home Sanctuary, is helping us all out in doing small things to help make our home a sanctuary. And there are prizes, people. So, not only do we get the satisfaction in knowing that the little things we can do each day are helping to make our home more peaceful for our family and inviting for our guests, we also have a chance at taking home some fun things in the process.
So head on over to her peaceful place on the web and become a company girl too.
Thursday, January 3
Yes, I am alive
I know, it has been almost a month since my last post. I am so sorry that I went MIA. The whole month of December was busy, I tell you what, and it flew. Also, now that I am no longer doing the day care, I run more errands during the day, since I have the freedom to leave my house. And so I have less time, it seems, to get onto the computer to blog. But I have missed it and all of you.
Now, when I switched my design over to the little Christmas one, I didn't save the design I had been using. I was ready for a new look anyway. I didn't want to start posting a bunch, with the Christmas layout. So, I am working on a new look that will hopefully be up tomorrow. :o)
My pregnancy is going well. I am now in my third trimester. Crazy, huh? Time sure is flying. We are still debating names, although, I think we may stick with the name, Christian.
I received a wonderful Christmas present, a gift card to Joann's, and with it, I got fabric to start a cuddlebug quilt for the baby. So, I have my fabric washed and ready to be cut. So, my goal is to finish it this month, if possible, because then I want to start on one for a friend of mine who is having a little girl soon.
Is it just me, or is everyone pregnant right now? I know about 4 preggo gals and it seems every day, a new celebrity is pregnant.
Well, stay tuned for my new look and hopefully some more regular posts. And for all of you Psalms Sunday gals, I am so sorry that I went MIA without an explanation, and I will be doing Psalms Sunday this week, so be on the lookout for that.
Now, when I switched my design over to the little Christmas one, I didn't save the design I had been using. I was ready for a new look anyway. I didn't want to start posting a bunch, with the Christmas layout. So, I am working on a new look that will hopefully be up tomorrow. :o)
My pregnancy is going well. I am now in my third trimester. Crazy, huh? Time sure is flying. We are still debating names, although, I think we may stick with the name, Christian.
I received a wonderful Christmas present, a gift card to Joann's, and with it, I got fabric to start a cuddlebug quilt for the baby. So, I have my fabric washed and ready to be cut. So, my goal is to finish it this month, if possible, because then I want to start on one for a friend of mine who is having a little girl soon.
Is it just me, or is everyone pregnant right now? I know about 4 preggo gals and it seems every day, a new celebrity is pregnant.
Well, stay tuned for my new look and hopefully some more regular posts. And for all of you Psalms Sunday gals, I am so sorry that I went MIA without an explanation, and I will be doing Psalms Sunday this week, so be on the lookout for that.
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