Bye Baby Bunting

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 18:47:00 +0000

I moved!!!!

Come follow me at
http://www.ourlittlewildflowers.blogspot.com/

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 03:28:00 +0000

Being silly

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 23:13:00 +0000

Thirteen sites to visit for the fourth

Have a fun and safe 4th of July!

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 05:35:00 +0000

Wordless Wednesday

Underwater

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 06:58:00 +0000

Not so sure about this??

I have to say, I worry about our education system if this is true!!

Movie Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 23:17:00 +0000

Lazy Days....

It's Saturday evening and I have accomplished a lot today.......a lot of nothing!!! Have you ever had one of those days were you just can't bring yourself to do anything. I went to the store to buy some laundry soap so I could wash clothes, but haven't even stepped foot in the laundry room.

Earlier a huge thunderstorm rolled through (one of the thing I love about summer), and I just sat on the rocker enjoying the activity. The kids are now enjoying all the new puddles to jump around in.

We rented Into the Wild to watch tonight courtesy of Lessa's recommendation. So I guess if I can stay awake long enough, I will pop some popcorn and enjoy the movie.

Now Rodney on the other hand has been extremely productive today. This morning he worked on his annulment papers from his first wife (over 10 years ago) so he and I can convalidate our vows through the church. After he was done with that he stripped down all the old wallpaper in our downstairs bathroom, removed the "popcorn" ceiling and is now in the process of painting the room. Sigh, I guess I will get back to warming my recliner seat now *smiles*. I hope you all are able to enjoy a lazy Saturday to.

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 23:08:00 +0000

You know you are Catholic when.....

you genuflect before entering your seat at the theater.

every time you go into your pantry you feel a strange compulsion to cross yourself and say 'bless me father, for I have sinned ...
you have an overwhelming compulsion to say, "And also with you," when Yoda says, "May the Force be with you."

you can only recite the Creed when around large groups of people.
someone says they're going to KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) and you think they are going to bingo at the K of C. (Knights of Columbus)
asked you your favorite Madonna song and you say "Ave Maria"
you have 40 aunts and uncles.
you know more than 15 recipes for preparing tuna fish.
you make the sign of the cross before shooting a free throw.
you spend the first five minutes of the day untangling your scapular from your Miraculous Medalone
most of your Crucifixes has five years worth of dried out palms stuck behind it.
you know that the Rosary is not a fashion accessory
you run all over town in November looking for pink and purple candles.
you'd never tell anyone that the grill mark on your tortilla looks like the Blessed Virign Mary, but you still felt guilty after you'd eaten it
you can whistle the Notre Dame college fight song

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:52:00 +0000

FOR TODAY.......

Outside my Window......is a huge Oak tree that shades our home. you can see the rockers on the front porch swaying slightly from the wind

I am thinking...About how to stay calm for my MRI today

I am thankful for...My husband who loves me despite all my many flaws

From the kitchen...I see the empty coffee pot which I am about to fill so I can enjoy some coffee and a bagel this morning

I am creating...A scrapbook for my Mother-in-Law, she lives so far away she doesn't get to see the kids as much as I am sure she would like

I am reading...Stop whining and Start Living by Dr Laura (I love her no nonsense way of thinking)

I am hoping...To find the strength through God to forgive my enemies

I am hearing...A lawn mower off in the distance. I hope I can smell the fresh cut grass when I walk outside.

One of my favorite things...setting here in my favorite recliner reading.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Clean our bedroom, take the kids to the park, keep up with my journaling

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
Here is a picture from my wonderful weekend with some wonderful ladies!

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 05:28:00 +0000

School's out!!!

School let out a couple weeks ago and we have been trying to find ways to stay busy with the kids. We purchased passes to a local museum, and season passes to a local amusement park trying to keep the kids busy. Even with both those it seems our library seems to be our most frequented, useful, and not to mention cheapest resource. All three children are doing the summer reading program which offers incentives...(IE prizes) to encourage summer reading. As always, Victoria is reading more than her share, while Chandler and Maddie take a little prompting. I have also heard that Barnes and Noble has an awesome reading program where the kids get free books for reading, so check out you local B&N and see if they are participating.

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 22:34:00 +0000

A Week in Review

I have been spring cleaning all week. It is amazing the stuff that accumulate in your house over the winter. It's actually kinda overwhelming. I feel my closets will never be organized the way I would like them to be. It is so nice to open the windows and let the house air out.

Tomorrow Rodney and I get a date night, it has been at least six months, so this is long over due. We are just going out for dinner and a movie. My dad is going to keep the kids over night for us.

Maddie missed a couple days of school due to pink eye. Luckily after two treatments of drops it cleared up. She lost another tooth yesterday, making a total of three now. She has a couple more lose, but is to scared to let me get them out. All in good time I guess.

Chandler has the Pinewood Derby with Boy scouts tomorrow. He has spent weeks now perfecting his car, we are really hoping he will do well.

Victoria is going to be in a play next month and has been spending most of her time at rehearsal after school. I feel like she is just home to eat, sleep, and bathe anymore. But that's how she likes it, she is always going full speed ahead.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 22:09:00 +0000

ONE MILLION ROSARIES FOR UNBORN BABIES

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL ORGANIZATION needs our help! On May 3rd 2008, they are asking us to to pray the Rosary for the protection of the unborn. Right now they have just over five thousand people registered and are hoping to get one million!! The number sounds high, but with God all things are possible. "The intention for this Rosary will be: For an end to the surgical and non-surgical killing of unborn babies. On the day of the prayer event, it is hoped at least one million people in the U.S.A. will be praying the Rosary within the same sixty minute time span." So please click on the link above and register for this event. Also don't forget to spread the word.

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:02:00 +0000

Wordless Wednesday "No sibling rivalry here"

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 23:50:00 +0000

Wildlife Habitat

Chandler is quite the little Ecologist, so we are creating a wildlife habitat in our back yard this year. I have been wanting to do this for a while but when you rent, you really can't go tearing up your landlord's back yard (well, you can, but I wouldn't suggest it). This is the first spring we have owned our home. Tomorrow I am going to start by picking up some Swamp Milkweed, Climbing Aster, and a few other various native wild plants for our native wildlife and begin creating our own little piece of nature.

From the National Wildlife Federation here are a few reasons why you should do a habitat of your own:

Why should I create a NWF Certified Wildlife Habitat?

1.It's fun! Watching wildlife in action can be fun and relaxing for everyone. Your habitat may attract beautiful songbirds, butterflies, frogs, and other interesting wildlife for viewing from your very own window.

2.Curb appeal! Replacing grass lawns with native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees will increase the beauty of your property and provide a nurturing refuge for wildlife.

3.Bring wildlife home! Restoring habitats where commercial and residential development have degraded natural ecosystems can be your way of giving back to wildlife.

4.Eco-friendly! Gardening practices that help wildlife, like reducing the use of chemicals, conserving energy and water, and composting also help to improve air, water and soil quality.
Community!

5.Gardening for wildlife can help you share your love of wildlife with your neighbors and help them get involved in creating a home for wildlife.

After you are done you can register your habitat with the National Wildlife Federation and receive a certificate, newsletter and a yard sign.

For more info on create your on habitat you can also get a free e-book :

This illustrated, step-by-step guide will sell for $6 on Teri’s site, Knowledge House — but it is FREE to readers when you join her informative newsletter. It is so new, it isn’t even listed on Teri’s site yet. This is a beautiful, well done resource that you will really enjoy… so be sure to get your copy before this freebie offer expires!
Click here
PS. The special code you’ll need to claim your free ebook after joining Teri’s list is: green

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:19:00 +0000

Monday: Baked Chicken, Carrots, Green Beans and Rolls

Tuesday: Spaghetti, Salad, and Garlic Bread

Wednesday: Salmon, Wild Rice, and Steamed Veggies

Thursday: Cheese Enchiladas and Rice

Friday: Soup, Salad, and Bread

Saturday: Leftovers

Sunday: Stuffed Potatoes

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 17:07:00 +0000

Spiritual Growth ~ Go to confession!! Pick back up my nightly prayer routine with the kids.

"Must Do"~ Organize Chandler's room! Take inventory of what we need from the store (I am tired of ending up with 8 ketchup's and no dressing because I won't take inventory of what we have). Get all Goodwill clothes around.

Housework~ Get *all* the closets clean and organized. Pack up winter clothes.

Train Them Up~ *Gulp* start the no TV during the week rule (this will go over well).

Menu Planning~ Menu Plan Monday *will be put up tomorrow*

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 15:09:00 +0000

Coconut Creme Cake

I tried out this recipe for Easter and I have to say, this was the best coconut cake and I have tasted! It was so moist, everyone was bragging on it. This recipe is so good I have to share...enjoy.

1 (18.25 ounce) package white cake mix
3 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
1 (14 ounce) can coconut cream
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 container of Whip Cream ®
1 cup flaked coconut

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 or two 9 inch rounds.

In a large bowl, mix together cake mix, eggs, oil, water and coconut flavoring. Beat for 2 minutes and pour into 9x13 inch pan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.

2.In a medium bowl, combine coconut cream with sweetened condensed milk and stir until smooth. When cake comes out of the oven, poke holes into it in even rows using a large fork or chopsticks. Pour milk mixture over, allowing it to soak into the cake. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

3.Use container of of Cool Whip ® to frost and then sprinkle the coconut over top.

Tips:

Do not poke holes through the bottom of the cake.
Be sure to let it set overnight, the longer you let it set the moister it is
Pour milk mixture *slowly* so it has time to sink in
Served best chilled

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 16:21:00 +0000

Thankful ~~Thursday~~ Saturday

Well, it's not Thursday but I am having a really bad day and need to sit down and remind myself of what all I am thankful for.

I am thankful for a loving and forgiving God.
I am thankful for my beautiful and healthy children.
I am thankful for my home (no matter how messy it may be right now.)
I am thankful for my country.
I am thankful for the beautiful spring weather we have been having.
I am thankful for my husband who remains calm and understanding, even when I am melting down.

Okay, I feel a little better now :o)

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 04:01:00 +0000

A new Catholic magazine for children!!

St Marys Messenger is in the works and will hopefully be coming out fall 2008. St Mary's is similar to Highlight's but for Catholics. Right now they are looking for people to view the sample of their magazine and fill out an intent to subscribe. There's no commitment; potential publishers will simply need to see your interest.

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:16:00 +0000

Rebecca recently introduced me to the site The Coupon Clippers. I always hate getting the Sunday paper to find that only about 10 % of the coupons are useful to me. This site has all the coupons from the paper for you to chose from (for a very small fee). You can also buy more than one of the same coupon. You do have to have a minimum purchase of three dollars, but to get only the coupons you will use and multiples of them, you will probably want more than three dollars worth anyway. I am going to use the site for the first time today. Rebecca has been using it for a few weeks now and says she has saved a *ton* of money with it. Check it out!

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 02:23:00 +0000

What a wonderful Easter....

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter, we certainly did. We had Easter here at our house, which was perfect because I love cooking for everyone. The food turned out great, the company was great, and the kids had such a great day. Here are a few of the pictures I took (I was soo busy, I didn't get many)

This cake was supposed to look like a sunflower

Maddie standing guard over the deserts

Chandler looks happy

Victoria

My coconut Creme Cake (yummo)!!

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 04:08:00 +0000

Getting ready for Easter....

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:50:00 +0000

I was tagged (but somehow missed it)

I was going through my comments and noticed that I had been tagged by The Keeper of the Keys for a Meme back in Dec but missed it *opps*. So here it is.....

Rules: Each tagged person must post 8 random facts or habits about themselves on their blog. Have fun!

1. I really hate to be cold!! I keep trying to convince my husband that we need to move to Florida...he doesn't agree.

2. I love to read. I normally have at least three books going at the same time.

3. I just got my nose pierced. I have always wanted one but was to scared. It did hurt pretty bad..but it was worth it.

4. I am competitive. In my younger days I was always in competitive sports. I hate losing at anything. Sometimes I wish I wasn't so competitive

5. I am a terrible speller. Thank God for spell check

6. I have a Myspace. When I first heard of Myspace, I thought only teenagers had them. I finally decided to try once my friends kept pestering me about not having one. Now, I love it! I have found so many old friends on it.

7. I can be a fikle person. I change my mind a lot. I am always bouncing from one thing to another.

8. I hate clutter. I can't stand to keep anything. I hate collecting things. I am even very very picky about the memorabilia I hold on to.

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:08:00 +0000

(List updated throughout the week)

Housework:
Monday:

1 load of wash

Sort through toys in play room and organize them

Carpets and rugs

Wipe counters

Tuesday:

Wash washcloths and bedding

Dust everything

Wipe counters

Wednesday

2 loads of wash

Sinks, tubs, and toilets

Vacuum furniture

Clean windows

Wipe counters

Thursday

Sweep and mop floors

sweep off porches

1 load of wash

organize cabinets

Wipe counters

Friday

2 loads of wash

Carpets and rugs

Clean out cat boxes

Clean car

Organize computer desk

Wipe counters

Saturday

Clean counters

1 load of wash

Prepare school clothes

Sunday

Free Day

Shopping:
Cat food

Must Do:

Gym 6x's this week
School transcripts
X-rays for Chiropractor
Complete and mail off Guardian ad Litem form
Drop off bags at Goodwill

Child rearing:
Set up and explain allowance system

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 03:11:00 +0000

"The true object of all human life is play. Earth is a task garden; heaven is a playground"

K. Chesterton

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:29:00 +0000

"Find what brings you joy and go there."~Jan Phillips

A few pictures from the last few months.....