Chips off the old Block

Amore' ~~Amazing Valentines Printables

2012-01-27T22:30:00.002-05:00

Such a wonderful list of Valentines printables that are free to download from a absolutely fabulous blog I found today while surfing the Pinterest site ~~ http://www.kindovermatter.com/ , I love her site, such inspiring information there and ideas galore! Have to share!

Valentine Maker at Invys
Do You Love Me Card at Indie Fixx
Snail Lollipop Card at Zakka Life
Valentine’s Day Cards at Maquette

Teabag Wrappers & Tags at Creature Comforts
Valentine’s Day Goodie Bags at Twig & Thistle
A Colorful Valentine’s Day Card at The Long Thread
Valentine’s Day Dice at Daily Candy

Love Notes-Pink & Chocolate at Tricia-Rennea
Vintage Valentines at Free People
Giddyup Valentine at Cottage Industrialist
Tweet Valentines at The Long Thread

Valentines at Inside a Black Apple
Valentines at Simply Handmade
Valentine Cupcake Toppers at The Creative Party Place
My Heart Beats For You Valentine Cards at tortagialla

Love Cupcake Pennants at Ruffled
Vintage Valentine Cards at Ruffled
Valentine Cards at designworklife
Dino Valentines at Cottage Industrialist

Alligator Pillow Box at Skip to my Lou
Valentines at Secret Agent Josephine
Classroom Valentine Cards at Bunny Cakes
Sweetheart Classroom Cards at Bunny Cakes

Valentines at Handmade & Homebaked
Gift Package at Good Gravy
Gift Tags at Good Gravy
Love-Notes at Creating Keepsakes

And for you girls on a budget last years theme was Valentines on a budget here

Non-Corny Valentine's Day Coupon Book
Printable Valentine CD Sleeve
Love is Sweet Water Bottle Labels
Sugar on Top Felt Bear
Polaroid Pillowcase Tutorial
Printable Mini Valentine's Banner
Valentine Papercut Template
Homemade Sugar Scrub
Valentine's on a Budget Printables + Ideas

Hugs and Kisses

Valentines day is near

Numberical Intricacies in Art and Nature

2012-01-27T04:34:00.001-05:00

Have you ever thought about Math as Art, No, I had not either until I watched this
incredible video on Google + and saw just how amazing numbers can actually be, how intertwined, intermingled and woven together they are to form such natural objects and shapes. Amazing how intricate, yet so simple these things can be and how nature rises up from the stiff, straightness, curved sharpness to form beauty and grace.

Enjoy and let me know what you thought

Pink Lemonade Pound Cake~~yum

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness, I am going to have to make this today, saw it on Pinterest and knew that it would need to be shared here. Thank you to "Baby sugar Aprons" for the great recipe idea

Pink Lemonade Pound Cake

1 (18.25 ounce) package lemon cake mix
1 (3 ounce) package instant lemon pudding mix
4 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup pink lemonade concentrate
4 drops pink or red food color, optional

Glaze:
1 cup frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed
1/2 cup white sugar

Recipe
1) Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour one 10-inch tube pan or
bundt pan.

2) Combine the cake mix, lemon pudding mix, eggs, vegetable oil, 1/2
cup lemon concentrate and the milk. Mix until smooth. Pour the batter
into the prepared pan.

3) Bake at 350 for 50 minutes to 1 hour. If your oven runs hot be
sure to adjust accordingly!

Remove from oven and prick cake all over with a fork. Immediately
pour lemonade glaze over top of cake.

Let cake stand in pan until almost cool.

LEMONADE GLAZE:
Combine the remaining thawed frozen lemonade and the white sugar. Mix
thoroughly and pour over still warm cake.

I guess you could use this for a Valentine dessert or get together, you can even change the color and use yellow, or green for lemon/limeade flavor, maybe even some strawberries to a strawberry limeade cake.....hmmmmm.

So Easy, and I have all the ingredients in my kitchen already, yipee!!

Have a fab day!!

~The Birdcage ~

2012-01-18T19:13:00.000-05:00

There once was a man named George Thomas, pastor in a small New England town.

One Easter Sunday morning he came to the Church carrying a rusty, bent, old bird cage, and set it by the pulpit. Eyebrows were raised and, as if in response,

Pastor Thomas began to speak.....

I was walking through town yesterday when I saw a young boy coming
toward me swinging this bird cage. On the bottom of the cage were three little wild birds, shivering with cold and fright. I stopped the lad and asked, "What do you have there, son?"

"Just some old birds," came the reply.

"What are you going to do with them?" I asked.

"Take 'em home and have fun with 'em," he answered. "I'm gonna tease 'em and pull out their feathers to make 'em fight. I'm gonna have a
real good time."

"But you'll get tired of those birds sooner or later. What will you do then?"

"Oh, I got some cats," said the little boy. "They like birds. I'll take 'em to them."

The pastor was silent for a moment. "How much do you want for those birds, son?"

"Huh?? !!! Why, you don't want them birds, mister."

"They're just plain old field birds. They don't sing. They ain't even pretty!"

"How much?" the pastor asked again.

The boy sized up the pastor as if he were crazy and said, "$10?"

The pastor reached in his pocket and took out a ten dollar bill. He placed it in the boy's hand. In a flash, the boy was gone. The pastor picked up the cage and gently carried it to the end of the alley where there was a tree and a
grassy spot. Setting the cage down, he opened the door, and by softly
tapping the bars persuaded the birds out, setting them free. Well, that explained the empty bird cage on the pulpit, and then the pastor began to tell this story:

One day Satan and Jesus were having a conversation. Satan had just come from the Garden of Eden, and he was gloating and boasting. "Yes, sir, I just caught a world full of people down there. Set me a trap, used bait I knew they couldn't resist. Got 'em all!"

"What are you going to do with them?" Jesus asked.

Satan replied, "Oh, I'm gonna have fun! I'm gonna teach them how to marry and divorce each other, how to hate and buse each other, how to drink and smoke and curse. I'm gonna teach them how to invent guns and bombs and kill each other. I'm really gonna have fun!"

"And what will you do when you are done with them?"

Jesus asked. "Oh, I'll kill 'em," Satan glared proudly.

"How much do you want for them?" Jesus asked.

"Oh, you don't want those people. They ain't no good. Why, you'll take them and they'll just hate you. They'll spit on you, curse you and kill you. You don't want those people!"

"How much?" He asked again.

Satan looked at Jesus and sneered, "All your blood, tears and your life."

Jesus said, "DONE!" Then He paid the price.

The pastor picked up the cage and walked from the pulpit.

Thank you to my friend Teresa for sharing that wonderful story on our forums
that we would be so inspired.

Crashing Waves ~~

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

If you ask me to leap
Out of my boat on the crashing waves
If You ask me to go
Preach to the lost world that Jesus saves

I'll go, but I cannot go alone
Cause I know I'm nothing on my own
But the power of Christ in me makes me strong
Makes me strong

Cause when I'm weak, You make me strong
When I'm blind, You shine Your light on me
Cause I'll never get by living on my own ability
How refreshing to know You don't need me
How amazing to find that you want me
So I'll stand on Your truth, and I'll fight with Your strength
Until You bring the victory, by the power of Christ in me

If You ask me to run
And carry Your light into foreign land
If You ask me to fight
Deliver Your people from Satan's hand

To reach out with Your hands
To learn through Your eyes
To love with the love of a savior
To feel with Your heart
And to think with Your mind
I'd give my last breath for Your glory

What are you waiting for? Just let kindess boomerang!

2012-01-16T16:05:00.000-05:00

It amazes me what just a small gesture of kindness can do to make another person's day. Then again it also amazes me the people that will walk right by another person knowing that they are in need of help and not even smile or say hello, even trying to not make eye contact with them.
This video is great, shows how we should act daily toward our fellow man or woman, even a small act of kindness can boomerang back to you.

Show YOU care today to somebody !!

Watch as the camera tracks an act of kindness as its passed from one individual to the next and manages to boomerang back to the person who set it into motion.

Watch the official song of the "Life Vest Inside" " Show you Care"

Now that you are all warm and fuzzy, go do something! you will feel great and pass it on to others also. Just imagine if all of those individuals in that video had ignored their heart and just walked on.......

Donations are greatly appreciated: http://lifevestinside.com/donate.php
Stand with us in spreading the love and repost our video on your wall! Together we can make a difference! Re- blogging is expected and appreciated, pass this one for me please!

Learn more about Life Vest Inside by visiting our site lifevestinside.com

Something for your Sweethearts

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

How about a different twist to your favorite Cinnamon Roll recipe, shape them into "hearts" for that special Valentine Sweetheart breakfast, even if your kids are going out the door or like mine staying at home to do school, they will love the sweetness of these little treats.

First you will need a recipe or some store bought Cinnamon rolls, a little extra sugar and cinnamon, butter for extra gooey fun!

Here is a good recipe I found on epicurious that is delicious :

Dough:

1 cup whole milk
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 1/2 cups (or more) unbleached all purpose flour, divided
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
2 1/4 teaspoons rapid-rise yeast (from 2 envelopes yeast)
1 teaspoon salt
Nonstick vegetable oil spray

Filling:

3/4 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

Glaze:

4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For dough:
Combine milk and butter in glass measuring cup. Microwave on high until butter melts and mixture is just warmed to 120°F to 130°F, 30 to 45 seconds. Pour into bowl of stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment. Add 1 cup flour, sugar, egg, yeast, and salt. Beat on low speed 3 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down sides of bowl. Add 21/2 cups flour. Beat on low until flour is absorbed and dough is sticky, scraping down sides of bowl. If dough is very sticky, add more flour by tablespoonfuls until dough begins to form ball and pulls away from sides of bowl. Turn dough out onto lightly floured work surface. Knead until smooth and elastic, adding more flour if sticky, about 8 minutes. Form into ball.

Lightly oil large bowl with nonstick spray. Transfer dough to bowl, turning to coat. Cover bowl with plastic wrap, then kitchen towel. Let dough rise in warm draft-free area until doubled in volume, about 2 hours.

For filling:
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl.

Punch down dough. Transfer to floured work surface. Roll out to 15x11-inch rectangle. Spread butter over dough, leaving 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly over butter. Starting at 1 long side, roll dough into log, pinching gently to keep it rolled up. With seam side down, cut dough crosswise with thin sharp knife into 18 equal slices (each about 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide).

Spray two 9-inch square glass baking dishes with nonstick spray. Divide rolls between baking dishes, arranging cut side up (there will be almost no space between rolls). Cover baking dishes with plastic wrap, then kitchen towel. Let dough rise in warm draft-free area until almost doubled in volume, 40 to 45 minutes.

Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 375°F. Bake rolls until tops are golden, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and invert immediately onto rack. Cool 10 minutes. Turn rolls right side up.

For glaze:
Combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla in medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat until smooth. Spread glaze on rolls. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Take your dough and roll it upwards to shape the heart , put in the pan and pinch the bottom to form the heart, you may need to add more sugar and cinnamon to help shape. Drizzle in extra butter if you like and bake as above, you can frost with the cream cheese glaze or serve plain.

Thank you to http://poppiesatplay.blogspot.com/2010/02/think-about-it-thursday_11.html for the idea, I found on Pinterest.

Enjoy and hug your Sweethearts

The Butler Adoption~ help bring these girls home

2012-01-10T03:26:00.000-05:00

About $4 for 4 tickets! The Butler Adoption

I just wanted to share this story and encourage others to share and reblog also, help this family get these beautiful girls home where they belong.

Our story ~The Butlers

Our family began the adoption process in May 2010 as a result of Danny's mission work in Nicaragua. We fell in love with the country and its culture and our plans were to adopt a baby girl or young toddler from there. But God had different plans for us. The program was going slow and we had hit some bumps along the way. This past May2011 a friend of ours that was contracted with our same adoption agency was posting photos of some children that were to come to America for the summer on an international orphan hosting program called New Horizons for Children. The photos she was posting were children that were NOT CHOSEN. They had not been selected by a host family and there was only one day left before the program closed. We were immediately drawn to the photo of two sisters and could not get them out of our minds. Many things unfolded very quickly over the next few days that made it clear we were to host them. But we were contracted with another agency and to adopt from Nicaragua, not Latvia and hosting was going to swallow up a good chunk of our adoption fund. What was the Lord trying to tell us? At that point we didn't know what He was doing but what we did know is that these are the faces the snagged us. Hook, line, and sinker :

So we jumped in with both feet not sure what was going to happen next! That's what stepping out in faith is all about right? Taking the next step and not seeing the stairs below?

These are our girls leaving for their trip to America. Unsure of what the family they were coming to would be like and if they'd want to keep them or forget them.

The summer came and they arrived and in the beginning they were two very scared girls with some major emotional and trust issues but over the next five weeks we came to know each other and they began to trust us. Bonds were formed and hearts began to mend. These sweet girls love to be outside, are very athletic, and artistic. A has an awesome pitching arm while D loves to dance. Both love animals and play piano. We loved the time we had with them and it went all too fast. The day we had to return them to Latvia was the hardest day of our life. Sending our girls away that begged us to stay, to not send them back. They didn't want to return to the orphanage where life was hard and no one cared. Nobody there to tuck them in an night or to take care of them when they are sick. But unfortunately we signed a paper that we had to return them or we could get into some big trouble.

These are my beautiful girls just days before they left us. Notice the difference in their expressions? Amazing what family does for a person

This is our whole family. Did we mention we have 3 sons too? We will soon be a family of seven! God is so awesome!

We just knew that we had to bring them home to us. FOREVER. Those were our DAUGHTERS and they belonged WITH US! So the change in direction and a whole new paper chase began. I'll skip the boring details and tell you that we have just received our court date! Latvia requires three trips be made before the adoption is complete, however they do allow the children to return home on a student visa after the first trip so that makes the first trip the most expensive one. We must bring $9000 on this trip for various expenses. Tack on another $3700 (two round trip tickets and two one way tickets) in airfare and we are looking at just under $13,000! Thankfully we were blessed with a $6500 grant from Show Hope but we are still short $6200 to cover the remaining expenses of trip one and the plane tickets.

Did I mention we got a court date? Court is January 31st! We leave in just 25 days! That's 25 days to raise $6200!

And since it's a little too cold to get back to holding yard sales or plan a big fundraiser ... here we are. Would you consider donating $4 (one dollar for each one of our tickets) to help us bring our girls home? I've seen first hand what difference a little bit makes when the body comes together as a whole.

We would love to have you take a part in bringing our family together in 2012.

But aside from donations we need you to share. We need you to share our link and ask your friends to donate $4 and share the link too. If just 1550 people give $4 we have it covered. We will be all set!

Share our link, ask your friends to donate, tweet, facebook, email and blog about it!

Stand on the street corner, shout it out from the roof tops, write it as graffiti on the bath room walls (kidding about that part) but spread the word! Tell your mother, tell your neighbors, tell your friends and tell them to tell their friends!

We have been very blessed with a supportive family & friends in this journey. We are coming into the homestretch now and need this final push. Just about everyone I know can spare $4 and I'd love to see those little $4 turn into big, overflowing buckets of dollars to help us get those two beautiful girls home.

Thank you for taking a minute of your time out to read our story and for blessing us with your donation.

In His Name,

Danny, Tabitha our FIVE precious children

$4 for 4 tickets! The Butler Adoption Details

Campaign Goal $6,200.00

Raised So Far $1,373.50

Days Left to Give 21 Days

Donate Now

[ Inspired to do even more? Click here to create your own fundraising campaign for this charity. ]

[ Click here to view other fundraisers associated with this charity. ]

The website for more info and this story http://www.acharityproject.com/f/4for4ticketsTheButlerAdoption

Donate please and help this family~~ Giving back to your fellow man will make you feel great and know you have done something great

Even if it is just $4.00

That means the world to some.

Oh My Goodness~ 6 of them

2012-01-08T03:08:00.002-05:00

Get out your scissors and coupon books, this week is a great one!!
Sunday Coupon Preview
from the webpage http://www.sundaycouponpreview.com/
My favorite weekly spot for coupon news.

6 Huge Inserts This Week To Get You Back To Couponing In 2012

Starting the new year off with a bunch of coupons is great!

Smartsource coupon insert #1
Afrin Save $2/1 nasal spray (2/5)
Airborne Save $2/1 product (4/1)
Barilla Save $.55/1 whole grain pasta (3/4)
Bausch+Lomb Save $5/1 Ocuvite product (3/31)
Benefiber Save $1/1 product (2/25)
Benefiber Save $5/2 products (2/25)
Benefiber/Gas-X/Prevacid 24HR/Maalox Advanced Save $3/2 products (2/29)
BIC B1G1 free disposable razor up to Save $6.99 (2/5)
Biotrue Save $1/1 multi-purpose solution (2/8)
Biotrue Save $3/1 twin pack multi-purpose solution (2/8)
Bob Harper’s Save $5/1 Smart Weight Loss 72ct (3/8)
Boca Save $1/2 packages of meatless product (3/4)
Cepacol Save $1/1 product (2/19)
Cream of Wheat Save $1/2 packages 11oz+ (3/31)
Delsym Save $1/1 children’s or adult product (2/29)
Dole Save $.75/1 All Natural Fruit in 100% Juice (3/31)
Dole Save $.75/2 Fruit Bowls Fruit in 100% Juice (3/31)
Dole Save $1/2 frozen fruit single-serve cups (4/1)
Eatsmart Save $1/1 4oz+ naturals snack (2/29)
Excedrin Save $1.50/1 80ct+ product (2/25)
Excedrin Save $1/1 20ct+ product (2/25)
Foster Farms Save $1/1 boneless & skinless fresh chicken breast item dnd (3/31)
Gas-X Save $1/1 Prevention product (4/14)
Gas-X Save $1/1 product (4/14)
Glucerna Save $2.50/2 products (2/29)
Glucerna Save $3/1 Hunger Smart product (2/29)
Hershey’s Save $1/2 Kisses 9.4oz+ (2/8)
Hershey’s Free Air Delight aerated milk chocolate bar wyb any milk chocolate bar up to Save $1.19 (2/8)
Hormel Save $.50/1 Natural Choice deli sandwich meat (3/2)
Hunt’s/Sara Lee Save $1/both Manwich 15.5oz can AND Soft & Smooth whole grain white or wheat buns (2/28)
International Delight Save $.75/1 pint or quart (2/28)
International Delight Save $1/1 coffee creamer singles (2/28)
Jamba Save $1/2 8oz frozen smoothies (3/31)
JELL-O Save $.60/1 refrigerated snacks (2/28)
Ken’s Save $1/1 16oz dressing (2/28)
La Victoria Save $1.50/3 products 12pz+ (3/4)
Maalox Advanced Save $1/1 product (4/7)
Maalox Advanced Save $2.50/2 products (4/7)
Mariani Save $.50/1 dried fruit snack dnd (2/29)
Method Save $1/1 dish product (3/31)
Method Save $2/1 laundry product (3/31)
Mitchum Save $.75/1 men or women ets (2/12)

1-8-2012 Target Johnson & Johnson coupon insert
Sunday coupon preview
Regional coupon inserts & value differences are to be expected!
(x) before coupon = multiple of same coupon
ETS = excludes trial sizes
Target Johnson & Johnson Insert Coupons (Expire 1/14/12)
ACUVUE Buy 9 months of OASYS contact lenses, get 3 months free
Aveeno Save $1/1 18oz baby item
Aveeno/Neutrogena Save $1/1 hair care item ETS
Aveeno/Neutrogena Save $2/1 facial moisturizer item ETS
Aveeno/Neutrogena/Clean & Clear Save $1/1 facial cleanser or acne treatment excludes bars and trial sizes
Aveeno/Neutrogena/Lubriderm Save $1/1 hand or body skin care item ETS
Band-Aid Save $.25/1 6ct+ adhesive bandages ETS
Bengay Save $.50/1 3oz Zero Degrees menthol pain relief gel
Carefree Save $1/1 feminine care item ETS
Cortaid Save $.50/1 1.5oz advanced 12 hour anti-itch cream
Desitin Save $.50/1 4oz+ diaper rash treatment
Johnson’s Baby Save $.50/1 8oz+ bath or skin care item excludes shampoo and natural items
K-Y Save $.50/1 intimacy item
Lactaid Save $1/1 60ct ultra caplets
Listerine Save $.75/1 1 liter+ mouthwash
Neosporin Save $.50/1 original antibiotic ointment
Neutrogena Save $2/1 face cosmetic item excludes eye and lip items
o.b. Save $1/1 feminine care item ETS
OneTouch Save $10/1 blood glucose meter
Red Cross First Aid Save $.50/2 10yd 1/2″ waterproof tape
RoC Save $3/2 skin care items
Rogaine Save $3/1 topical solution or foam ETS
Splenda Save $1/1 80 or 100ct sweetener packs
Stayfree Save $1/1 feminine care item ETS
Tylenol Save $1.50/1 Precise pain relief item ETS
Viactiv Save $1/1 100ct calcium milk chocolate soft chews
Visine Save $.25/1 Totality multi-symptom eye drops
Zyrtec Save $2/1 12ct+ adult allergy relief item
Read more on the coupon preview site...

Walmart insert (Diapers!! )
Huggies Save $2/1 Snug & Dry Diapers ets dnd (2/4)
PULL-UPS Save $2/1 Training Pants ets dnd (2/4)
Huggies Save $3/1 Little Movers Slip-On Diapers 64ct+ dnd (2/4)
Goodnites Save $2/1 Underwear ets dnd (2/4)

Our First and Second Responsibilties ~

2012-01-05T03:28:00.003-05:00

Our First Responsibility is to be happy, our second is to make others happy. Seems simple enough and a wonderful thought to live by. I was touched by this video and wanted to share. Something so simple yet so hard probably for most people to do, give back to others. Accept change and just do it! Giving back to others is one of my most important life works, my profession as a nurse I guess has lead me to think like this. I teach my children the same thing (when they listen) in hopes that a legacy of doing and caring about others will remain for generations to come.

30 gifts to 30 strangers : how sweet this was to do, celebrate your birthday by making others happy! Do you think we can do this when I am 50? hmmm 50 gifts :)

Enjoy!!

Thank you and big hugs to Lucas for posting on You Tube for people like me to enjoy, made me smile :)

Here is more of Lucas
Website: www.lucasjatoba.com
You need to see his work, incredible artist both print and video!! Wow
Twitter: www.twitter.com/#!/iamlucasjatoba
If you liked the video, watch the making of! www.vimeo.com/28850787

Who lives in the gingerbread house?

2011-12-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

Mommy, do gingerbread men live in the gingerbread house? That is the question that my youngest daughter asked while we were putting together our gingerbread house this year. I snapped a few pictures of our sweet little house covered in white icing and candy of all colors and shapes.
The house now looks like a tornado hit it, a hungry tornado that is. Much munching has occurred since the roof raising.

The Kit~ picked up at a local craft store

Oh Mommy I am so excited!!

Our finished chalet de gingerbread!

Yummy-O

Gumdrops, sprinkles, icing, peppermints Oh My!!

Miss Lucy says " and when are you people going to bed"?

huh? I am gonna attack that house....

The Great Tree Trek 2011

2011-12-28T22:30:00.000-05:00

Each year we take a family trek to the mountains nearby to look for that just perfect "real" Christmas tree for our house. For 2 years now we have visited the "Greene's Christmas tree farm in Boone NC. and received outstanding service, this year they even met us at the farm for a private appointment when we called. The beauty of the rolling hills are covered in snow with lines of Frazier firs all waiting with anticipation, reaching for the sun.
After a short walk around the farm we found the tree we wanted to take home, the winner, the best in show for the day. Our escort with chainsaw in hand, took care to cut, haul, bail and tie our festive tree to the top of our "family-tank ". We headed back down the mountain once again home to decorate a Christmas tree.

Why are my ornaments on the floor?

2011-12-15T16:35:00.000-05:00

Caught!!

The reason is called "LUCY"

Our Christmas tree has gone up in stages this last week, and it is also coming down in stages. Miss Lucy, the newest baby at our house has delighted in all things bright and shiny. Nothing glass or breakable has gone on the tree unless it is well secured.

I do believe that she thinks this grand bush is hers and is celebrating nightly the joys of having her own decorated tree in the dining room. I had to move the chairs so that she could not stand on the backs and easily swing at her toys.

Hopefully I will get the lately trek to get our tree 2011 pictures

downloaded and share soon.

Leslie

All dressed up and it snowed...

2011-12-06T06:47:00.000-05:00

All dressed up For Winter time now, our blog that is......

I love to change up the scenery as you can tell, and in comes winter complete with a header from last years great "Christmas tree hunt" when we went to the mountains in
the snow looking for that perfect tree.... boy it snowed, as you can see by the roads our trek to the tree farm was not an easy one, but so worth it. We began a yearly
tradition of driving to the mountains to chop down our Christmas tree as a family and spending the day all together no matter the weather. This week we will go again on our yearly trek, thought I would post some of last years 2010 pics. In the mountains near Boone North Carolina.

Here are a few more pics I love:

The blog header above was created with this cute picture, one of my silly kids running up and down this snowy hill....

Here Piggie Piggie Piggie....

2011-12-05T21:16:00.001-05:00

Spiced Gingerbread Piggies

Recipe courtesy The Neelys
Food Network Cookies

Prep Time:30 min

Inactive Prep Time:2 hr 0 min

Cook Time:15 min

Level:Easy

Serves:: 12 to 16 cookies

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup mild molasses
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Royal Icing, recipe follows
Special equipment: 5-inch-long and 3-inch-wide copper piggy cookie cutter

Directions

Combine butter, sugar, and molasses in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together the remaining dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in increments, and continue to beat until thoroughly mixed together.

Pour the dough out onto the countertop and divide into 3 pieces. Press each piece into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator and chill for 1 to 2 hours, or up to 3 days.

Adjust the racks to the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line sheet trays with parchment paper.

Spread 2 large pieces of parchment paper out and very lightly flour them. Place a disk of dough between the parchment sheets and roll out to 1/4-inch thickness. Repeat with the remaining disks of dough. Rework all the scraps into balls and re-chill before reusing. Repeat with all the dough.

Cut out cookies and place on the parchment-lined sheet trays with an offset spatula, leaving 1 inch between each cookie. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on the sheet trays for 5 minutes, and then transfer to a cooling rack to continue cooling to room temperature before decorating the cookies with Royal Icing.

Royal Icing:

2 egg whites
3 cups confectioners' sugar, whisked to remove lumps
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Food coloring, optional

Add the egg whites, sugar and lemon juice to a large bowl. Beat, using a hand mixer, until glossy and stiff, 5 to 6 minutes. Add food coloring, if using, and mix well. Place in icing bags with fine tips to decorate cookies.

Whose getting a Letter from Santa?

2011-11-26T19:30:00.000-05:00

I bet we are here at the Blockhouse, our Elf on the Shelf is back and he going to make sure that our kiddos are being good this year. Their letters are in that stack are yours?

The elves are busy coordinating delivery of Santa letters to boys and girls across the United States. Is your letter in the bunch? If you haven't yet ordered your letter(s), don't delay! Place your order by Nov. 30 to ensure delivery before Christmas.

Remember, Your first custom letter is only $6. If you purchase more than one, you will receive a 10 percent discount on the entire order. Use coupon code SANTA at checkout to receive 10 percent off the total.

You will be asked a few questions about your child during the ordering process. Your answers will assist Santa in creating a unique letter for your child. Letters will be printed on Santa's special stationery, signed by the jolly fellow himself, and with the help of a special elf, shipped in bulk to North Pole, Alaska, in time for your little one to receive a special letter before the holidays.

Reserve your letter(s) before Nov. 30 to ensure delivery before Christmas. We hope you'll take advantage of this terrific treat from the North Pole. Place your order now! http://www.themommiesnetwork.org/santa.html

The proceeds of this fundraiser will support The Mommies Network and your local chapter. Please mention your chapter's name to ensure they receive credit for your purchase. Our Chapter is Centralfoothillsmommies.com it would make this mommy happy if you put that chapter down or just placed an order would be fine too. The Mommies Network is my most favorite support group in the world.

Got Turkey? Make Enchilladas and some biscuits

2011-11-26T07:25:00.000-05:00

Oh what to do with that leftover bird....lets make a casserole of course on our Saturday afternoon. I found this fun recipe in the Centralfoothillsmommies.com recipe database online when I searched the word turkey and leftovers. Enjoy!
As I posted this on the CFM blog it looked to good not to share with my friends
here also and save for my family this week.

Leftover Turkey Enchilada Casserole
Recipe Number: 1228663126
Contributor: Amberleila
Rating: 9.00
Rate This Recipe
Review This Recipe

Serves: 5-6
Calories Per Serving: NA
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Print Friendly Version

Ingredients:

Leftover Turkey
1 can enchilada sauce
1-2 cups cheese (your choice)
15 corn tortillas
1-2 Tomatoes finely diced
1/4 c sour cream

Cooking Instructions:

Slice tortilla's in half and then slice in thin strips. Mix diced tomato with enchilada sauce. Put a little sauce in bottom of pan, layer a handful of tortillas, then turkey, then cheese, then more sauce. Continue till all ingredients are gone. Bake at 350 for 15-30 min. Depending on how thick you make it. Let cool for about 5-10 minutes. Put sour cream on top.( I use a dollar store ketchup dispenser to get a small squirt)

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with rice and/or beans (and more cheese and sour cream---yummy)

Garnishes:

Chopped red onion
Chopped avocado
Chopped fresh cilantro
Sour cream or crema fresca
Ice berg lettuce, sliced thin and sprinkled with salt and vinegar

You could also pair this with those wonderful cheese biscuits I posted a few weeks ago, here they are:

Are you drooling yet??? ha ha

These are so easy!

{source: Plain Chicken}

Better than Jim 'N Nick's Cheesy Biscuits

(Printable Recipe)

1 1/2 cups Bisquick

3/4 cup buttermilk

3 Tbps sugar

1/4 tsp vanilla

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 425. Stir together all ingredients just until combined. Scoop into a mini muffin pan coated with cooking spray. Bake 12-15 minutes, until golden. **I used a medium cookie scoop and got 20 muffins**

These are so easy and melt in your mouth, I am not a big biscuit maker, but I can do this and the kids helped me measure the ingredients. Thank you so much Stephanie at the Plain Chicken blog for such inspiring recipes that are simple and so good.

Lets Lapbook~~ Native American Study

2011-11-22T11:50:00.001-05:00

Have you ever made a lap-book with your children, we often do these to help understand a particular topic of study or interest. What on earth is a lap-book?
This great video shows you how to make a lap-book (thank you to The Homeschool Club)

The following article credit: lynnhsmomof2.blogspot.com/
Lapbooks are a great educational tool that are very popular with homeschoolers and are gaining in popularity with classroom teachers. A lapbook helps a child learn about the subject and it is something they can look back on to refresh their memory later about the subject. This article is to teach you how to make a simple lapbook.

Step 1: Choose a subject to use. The subject you're doing your lapbook on should be broad enough to have many sub- categories, but not too broad that the subject goes on forever. The category "animals" may be too broad, but "animal classification" or "horses" would be ideal. The category "history" wouldn't be so good, but "pirates" or "pioneers" would be great. Just make sure the category is broad enough that you can have at least 8-10 sub- categories.

Step 2: After you choose the subject, choose mini books and printables to go along with the subject. Don't overwhelm your student by doing to many mini books in one day. Your student may need a lot of your help, especially if they are younger. Store the mini books that have been completed in a large plastic baggie ( I use the 2 gallon size) until you have them all done. You can check out this page if you need help finding resources for your lapbook: Lapbook Resources

Step 3: After you have finished the study and the mini books and printables are complete, you are ready to assemble the lapbook. Take a file folder and open it up so you are looking at the inside of it holding it so its width is longer than its height. Fold the outside edge inward so that the edge is touching the middle and crease the fold. Then do this to the other side so that both of the sides are now in the middle and the file folder opens like a shutter from the middle.

Step 4: Arrange the mini books on the inside of the file folder (now a lapbook) so they all fit on. Glue them into the lapbook only after you have the arrangement that you want.

Step 5: Decorate the front. There are many ways to decorate, some of my favorite ways are to use die cuts, stickers, coloring pages, or have your student draw on the front.
Your lapbook is now done. Your child will probably enjoy looking back over it and remembering all that they have learned.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now lets lapbook about Native Americans:

Create a Native American Lapbook along with your Native American studies. A lap-book is a very education, but fun addition to any American Indian study.

Kidinfo.com - Your Guide to Native American Histories and Native American Facts: Quality Sites that contain information about Native Americans, First Nations of Canada, Native Americans Important to History, Documents Important to Native Americans, Native American Historical Events, Native American Legends,Native American Treaties, Native American Arts and Crafts, and Important; North American Indian (DK Eyewitness Books)

by: David S. Murdoch
Amazon Price: $9.89 (as of 11/22/2011)

Things you can add to your lapbook.

1. Clipart- Its good idea to have a good source of clip. Not only is it great for lapbooking, but it can be used in other homeschool projects too.
2. Stickers
3. Scrapbook Paper
4. Mini Books
5. Die Cuts
6. Coloring Pages
7. Games
8. Puzzles
9. Drawings

Native American Worksheets

Printable Native American Tribes Alphabetical Order Worksheet | Native American Heritage Month Worksheets: Interactive printable Native American tribes worksheet. Place the names of Native American tribes alphabetical order. This activity can be done online or printed out.
Printable Native American Word Search | Native American Heritage Month Worksheets: Printable Native American word search worksheets - learn vocabulary words associated with Native American Heritage Month.; Native American Printables and Lapbooks
Native American Lapbook Resources: Printable mini books that can be used for any American Indian tribe.
Printable Indian Paperdolls: These Indian boy and girl cutouts will be fun for children to dress up in different Indian clothes. There is coastal, desert, plains, and woodland clothing to choose from.
Free Squanto Lapbook | Albright News: Free lapbook printables about Squanto.
Native American Lapbook Achejeman Juaneno Indians -Homeschool Bin: Native American/ American Indian lapbook
Coloring pages Native Americans - Free, printable, realistic. Coloring book pictures, sheets.: Coloring pages Native Americans. Free realistic colouring pictures. Educational coloring sheets to print and download. Coloring book pictures. Online coloring pages.
Native Americans - Dynamic 2 Moms: Free units/lapbooks and notebooks for homeschoolers. Scroll down for lapbook pages.
If You Lived With the Iroquois Lapbook: Lapbook for the book If You Lived With the Iroquois
D'Aulaire Pocahontas Lapbook: Lapbook for Pocahontas
Native Americans - Dynamic 2 Moms: Free units/lapbooks and notebooks for homeschoolers.; Native American Coloring Books

Coloring pages can add a lot of interest to your Native American Lapbook. Coloring pages can also be a good teaching tool.

Indian Tribes of North America Coloring Book (Dover History Coloring Book)

by: Peter F. Copeland, Coloring Books

Amazon Price: $1.80 (as of 11/22/2011)

Native American Masks Coloring Book (Dover History Coloring Book)

by: Dianne Gaspas, Coloring Books

Amazon Price: $1.51 (as of 11/22/2011)

North American Indian Design Coloring Book (Dover Design Coloring Books)

by: Paul Kennedy, Coloring Books, Coloring Books for Grownups

Amazon Price: $1.40 (as of 11/22/2011)

Wigwams, Longhouses and Other Native American Dwellings (Dover History Coloring Book)

by: Bruce LaFontaine, Coloring Books

Amazon Price: $1.38 (as of 11/22/2011)

Great Native Americans Coloring Book (Dover History Coloring Book)

by: Peter F. Copeland, Coloring Books
Amazon Price: $1.50 (as of 11/22/2011); Native American Indian Tipi Coloring Page

Tepee Clipart Public Domain Drawing; Here are some more resources for your lap-books~; Lapbook Booklet Templates

Lap-booking templates are really great lap-booking resources. With a lap-booking template you can add so much to your lapbooks. These are blank lap-booking templates for you and your child/ students to fill in. They can be used in a variety of ways and for multiple projects.
Homeschool Share: Lots of blank booklets.
Lapbook Template Pack: Basic lapbooking template pack that can be printed out for any lapbook subject.
Notebooking Pages: Free templates
Lapbooking Needs: Thatresourcesite.com - Free learning resources for homeschoolers - Free Lapbooks, lapbook templates, and more.
Minibook Master Template Download « Practical Pages: Lapbooking templates
Minibook Master Template - Lapbook Lessons: When I create new minibooks or a lapbook, I use my Minibook Master Template with all my favorite minibooks and my handy lapbook planner. You may have to join the site to see this.; Enjoy making lapbooks with your kiddos and be creative!

Six Points of Light for Healing Hearts

2011-11-17T21:32:00.001-05:00

My wonderful friend Carrie Draher, whom I work with and share the same passion for saving kids from the risks of youth behaviors, sent this to me in an email today and I had to share with others. The Six Points of Light for Healing Hearts applies to anybody that has lost a loved one or those that live on and share the gifts of love with others.
It takes a special heart to think about others so much, to share hope and send it out into the world, not expecting anything in return.

Thank you Lord for the chance happening that brought me together with the team that is Ed4Ed4all, Carrie, Lyndi and Ken inspire me daily and make me proud to be a part of something so important. Education about youth risk behaviors is something we all need to be doing at home with our children, they are never to young to learn how to be safe, thus staying alive so you can hug them every night.

For free education and more information check out our website here

See our blog here

Thankful for the word No

2011-11-16T07:30:00.000-05:00

Strength comes with experience I have found out the hard way, today I am thankful for those who let me do for myself, step out in Faith and let God lead my path.

Every year Thanksgiving has new meaning, new challenges and new horizons.

Praising God today for the blessings that are bestowed upon us, no matter how small.

Tuesday's child is a Thankful Helper

2011-11-15T13:11:00.001-05:00

Tuesday's child is a thankful helper with this cute little chart from DJ Inkers, use this chart to encourage those helping hands to be more independent and help mom and dad around the house.

Taco Dip Heaven

2011-11-13T01:52:00.001-05:00

~~Source: Plain Chicken~~

Taco Dip (Heaven in our house)
adapted for the Blockhouse crowd

1/2 lb ground beef (Or I used shredded chicken also)
1 can refried beans (I use fat-free)
1 packet taco seasoning
8 oz sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (I used Mexican mix cheese)

Preheat oven to 350.

In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, drain. Mix beans, cooked ground beef and taco seasoning. Spread bean mixture in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the sour cream on top of the beans and then top with cheese.

Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes - until cheese is bubbly. Serve with Fritos or your favorite chip, scoop or your fingers...lol.
Watch it disappear, better make 2...

Determination~

2011-11-10T01:56:00.001-05:00

Which one are you Determined or Stubborn ? a strong will or not? think about that one and how it applies to your everyday life, relationships and your view of yourself.

Have a determined day! not a stubborn one!

A Night To Remember.....BOO!!

2011-11-02T02:53:00.000-04:00

How was your Halloween? spooktacular? Ours was full of mischief with vampires, ninja warriors and teenagers! What more could a momma ask for? Her youngest daughter transforms into a Vampiress( she called it a "Monster High" girl) that is out to eat all the
candy in the land of BOO!! (or trunk /treat and the mall). My middle daughter steps out to save the night as the "Blue Ninja Warrior", the Zombie daddy walks the mall in a really wonderful mood, an escort for the Vampiress of the night. And the teenager is a typical teenager with his ipod blasting rock music, texting and chatting away via the wonderful cell phone.....
At least the night ended on a good note with a trip to eat (not zombies) at Chili's, where we had lots of family giggles about our night on the town....I do cherish making memories that will last a lifetime.....even with the vampires, ninja's and grouchy zombie daddy's.
Enjoy our pictures via my "Storie" app, click to see each slide..

Leslie~~ aka Vampiress Mommy

Wordless Wednesday~ leaves of blessings

2011-10-26T06:51:00.000-04:00

Wordless Wednesday~ many leaves of blessings pouring out upon the ground

Have a terrific day! think positive and throw some leaves!