Looking For The Bright Side

1st Grade Projects So Far

2012-09-28T01:09:00.001-04:00

We are having a blast and just wanted to share a couple of projects we have completed this year..

This is our 1st attempt at a lap book.
Days of Creation

Fall leaf hunting for the wreath we made

Here is the finished product

I Am Now a Home School Mom

2012-09-28T00:51:00.006-04:00

I have not been blogging lately due to adjusting to my new incredible life of home school! When I made the decision during the last 2 months of Kindergarten last year, I knew it was what I wanted to do but was not sure if I would like it or what to expect really. I had my fears of whether or not I was capable of teaching my son and it was no doubt a huge decision! I can say now, after one whole month of experience,I absolutely love it and there are no regrets.
I never went to college because I never could figure out just what I would love to do or even be good at. Hated to waste the time or money on something I just was not sure of. I did manage to get an Early Childhood Education credentials but that was it. I always knew I loved working with children but not so much a ton of them in one room.
Now finally at the age of 34, I have found my love! No paycheck but the benefits are awesome! Just looking forward to the new adventures and experiences to come!

1st day of 1st grade

Wonderful Stain removing product!

2012-05-30T11:28:00.000-04:00

After two kids and two accident prone adults, the couch we bought pre-kid in my mind was just beyond ever looking clean again.My kids eat in the kitchen but we have had the leaky sippy cups and some of our drinks have been knocked over.Then you have the times where kids have gotten sick and the newborn spit up to try and combat.

I always try and clean up the messes when they happen but unfortunately the couch we bought before we had children is microfiber and it seems to not clean well at all.

NOTE: Planning on having kids ever? Microfiber is not the best way to go!

If you have already,I have found a product that will work wonders for it.It's called Folex.I bought mine at Food Lion for a little over $6.00 but I think Wal-mart carries it as well, and probably cheaper.Nothing else I have tried even put a dent in my stains and I'm pretty sure I tried almost everything that claims to clean upholstery.

Before

After

One of the things I love about this product other than how well it takes out stains, is there is no chemical smell.Actually,I can not tell it has any smell at all.

The directions say to spray a generous amount on spot and rub in with finger tips.Then blot with an absorbent cloth. It can also be used in steam cleaners.

In the before and after pictures,you can see I had more than just a spot.I'm totally amazed!
I am going to go over it one more time because there is just a bit more I want to get off, but as you can see after just one go at it there is a major improvement!

Oh How Fast The Years Go By!

2012-05-27T22:55:00.002-04:00

It's a real eye opener once you get old enough to see kids you used to babysit when they were toddlers graduating high school,getting married and having kids of their own.It's a bit depressing to me at times because it makes me realize that life really is so short.Then I ponder questions like, have I accomplished much of anything so far in my life? I already know my answer,NO! Nowhere near what I should have. We waste so much time on things that really do not matter in the long run.Have we made a difference in any ones life? Have we spent more time worrying instead of trusting God to meet our needs.What kind of impact have we made on our society? How will we be remembered when we are gone?

James 4:14 KJV says, For what is your life? It is even a vapour,that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

When we look back doesn't it really seem to have done just that? Whatever good and meaningful thing we plan to do in this life must be first priority because none of us are promised tomorrow.Even if we live to be 100 years old, it will only seem like yesterday we were young.

I once heard it preached at a funeral that the dates on the headstone are not what was important in that persons life, but it is the dash in between the year of birth and the year of death that really defined that individual.It was what they did in the time that was given to them between those two dates.The ones they loved and cared for,the time they took to help someone in need,how they conducted themselves on a daily basis,their attitude,kind words,values and their morals.All the really important things in life.It will not matter how much money we made,where we went on vacation or all the possessions we were able to obtain after we are gone.

I think on these things so often because watching my children grow and and learn new things is a constant reminder of how fast the years go by.My son will be 6 soon and it seems like yesterday he was just a little baby .My little girl just slept in her big girl bed last night for the first time.I look down at her in her bed thinking,Lord help me to teach them and guide them in every way that is right in your eyes with such little time to work with.Grant me the wisdom to use my time wisely and be all I can be with the time I am given.

Tricks For Getting Kids To Eat Veggies

2012-05-25T15:23:00.000-04:00

My son is a very picky eater,but I have managed to add a few new things to his diet over the months.It all started with broccoli one night.Knowing he didn't do anything green I had my doubts he was going to even try it.

Out of desperation to get some green into his diet,I just started eating it like it was the yummiest thing in the world.He looked at me and looked at the broccoli, and said, what is that? I said,looks like trees to me, and they are soooo good!.He started laughing and said,your eating TREES? Yep,I guess I am.So,he tried them just because it sounded fun and is now one of his favorite veggies.I knew this was something I had to remember in the future so when it came to cauliflower,it became snowy trees.Lettuce and spinach are just leaves.He will now eat all of the above.

Wish I would have thought of this when I introduced green beans,peas,and tomatoes cause he already knows he doesn't like any of that.I think the trick is to do this when introducing a new food. Once they have already had it they don't care what you call it.

How the whole idea came about was from a book called,"I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato",by Lauren Child. Very cute book about a boy getting his little sister to eat healthy.
Would love to hear some of the ways you have tried to get your picky eaters to try and like new foods.

Learning Toddler Language

2012-05-18T11:43:00.000-04:00

My son is going on 6 years old so its been a while since I have had to try and interpret the interesting language of a toddler.My daughter is now almost 17 months and we moms know what this age can be like.Happy,fun,confusing,frustrating and difficult all at the same time.Some days it seems like there is no pleasing her and both of us just get through the day the best we can.

I often think to myself, if I could only know what it is that's bothering her, then maybe I can make it all better.Figuring out what is causing her frustration will surely ease mine.Sometimes it's obvious and sometimes not.So, I decided to start paying closer attention to some of her gestures and foreign words to see if I could better figure out what makes her tick.

If you think about it even adults that have communication barriers have problems in their marriage,on their jobs,friendships,and family.What to do about it?

  Learn a persons style of communicating and pay closer attention to what they are trying to say or need from you.

So here is what I have learned in the past month by trying to better understand what the melt downs really mean.

   We were at my Mom's and while my kids were in the living room playing,my mom and I walked down the hall to her bedroom so she could show me the curtains she made.We finished that and as we were coming back down the hall, Gabriella was working her way toward us.When I got to where she was I took her hand and was going to lead her back to the living room with us.Well,she threw herself in the floor and began to cry! At first I was thinking,what in the world is this all about and attempted to get her to calm down and go with me.Then,it hit me to think where it all began.We were in the bedroom and she was on her way to us.So,I took her by the hand and said,"you want to go see too?" Instantly she quieted so we walked to the bedroom.She looked around curiously at the room and smiled.Then she turned around to go back to the living room.All she wanted to see where we had been and what we were doing and she was fine.

We learn pretty quick as parents what their cues are as far as hunger,need for a nap,and wanting to be held because that started at birth but as a baby grows and learns about the world around them they begin to have interest in things other than the basic needs in life.Its up to us to figure out those cues as well.I know we all have busy lives but sometimes it only takes a few minutes to satisfy them.If your toddler is standing close to the door and is screaming at the top of their lungs, its probably not just a by chance she chose to have a melt down in that particular spot.Could be if you get down on her level and talk to her there might be a chance you will find out just by asking a simple question what the problem is.Do you want to go outside? Then open the door and watch for a reaction.If she seems to be happy about it, then take a five minute break for some outdoor time.More than likely just those few minutes will solve the problem.Also,by asking the question she may learn to say outside over time,making the communication barrier a little easier,and no reason for all the screaming about that particular desire again. In my sons case "ou si" was the first go at the word but it was enough I knew what he meant. Toddlers may not know what to say but they understand more than you might think what you are saying.So don't be afraid to ask what they want,thinking they don't know what you are saying.Sometimes I will take her hand and say show me what you want and I watch for pointing and what she may be looking at.

   Of course,there are just some things they will want that they just cant have because it maybe dangerous, unhealthy or just bad timing.That's OK though, because we are not the only ones that have things to learn.The best thing I have found for those situations is distraction to get their mind off the forbidden.A lot of times my favorite trick is to turn some music on or begin to sing her favorite songs.
    Understanding my toddler been one of my biggest challenges but I am glad to finally be seeing progress!

TGIF

2012-05-04T07:59:00.000-04:00

Its Friday and I am so thankful.Looking forward to spending a fun day with the kiddos tomorrow.Planning on going to our spring festival our church puts on every year.My son is especially excited about the bounce house! I'm just looking forward to some good old adult conversation and godly fellowship.Today I have plans for making a chocolate cake for the bake goods table and just trying to get the house in good shape so we don't have to worry about anything tomorrow but having a great time together.

I am so looking forward to school getting out so we can have more of these fun times.I just really enjoy spending time with my kids.Life is tough and life is short! Make the best of it and enjoy your children while you still have them by your side.Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Changes!

2012-04-20T20:51:00.000-04:00

Seems like life is always changing the past couple of years! Sometimes I cant keep up with how fast things are moving.This past year we had 3 major changes in our lives.New baby girl,Joseph started school and my hubby's career change.All three were good changes but all have really took some getting used too and required even more changes in my routine just to keep up with all the new things going on.

The only one of those changes I have only recently been disappointed about is Joseph being in school.Its not that I dislike the school or his teachers.The school has been great and he has learned so much, but he has also learned things that chill me to the bone from other kids.The things Kindergartners are doing and talking about in this day and time are mind boggling.I prefer my child to remain a child and enjoy his childhood without all the extra baggage of adult knowledge and such ungodliness.I know kids will find out things from other kids eventually but it should not be Kindergarten.

Why are kids 5 and 6 years old using profanity?(which is not even half of the problem) The answer to that is because they hear it at home.I feel as though I'm fighting a losing battle trying to be a good example and teach my son right but I'm allowing him to be exposed to every abomination under the sun, everyday of the week that he goes to school.I only know the things that go on because I question him everyday after school about how his day went,who he played with and so on.The things he tells me has only left me to one conclusion,I must make another change! My heart can not handle it no more.I have to take him out of public school.It's not really what I want to do but it's something I feel way down deep I need to do.

Being private school is way beyond what I can manage financially right now, we will be home schooling next year.I have actually gotten excited about it now and really looking forward to it.I have picked out what curriculum I will be using (ABeka),purchased some organizational stuff,a desk and have done tons of research.Joseph loves school and I was worried about how he would feel about it all, but to my amazement he was excited too.

I know it will definitely be a big commitment and a challenge but we will work our way through it just like we have all the other changes in the past year.I think it will be great also, that he will always be home when his daddy is home.Him being a truck driver and not being home much is hard enough on him but it makes it even harder when his dad comes home but he cant be here the whole time because he is at school.Might not seem like a big deal to some but when your dad is away 2 weeks at a time every hour counts when he is home.I feel like it will be a good change for our family.

Frozen Yogurt Bites

2012-03-09T20:53:00.000-05:00

I'm always trying to figure out ways to make healthy snacks my kids will eat.Joseph is picky and Gabriella will pretty much eat anything but can't eat just anything due to choking hazards and things like that.

I noticed on the gogert box that it said you could freeze those little tubes of yogurt.Joseph likes those, but yogurt in those little cups just are not any fun I guess, cause he wont eat that kind.So,it hit me that maybe I could make it more fun and appealing to him.

I decided to buy a large cup of yogurt and make frozen yogurt bites,which makes it a nice little finger food for Gabriella.I made some smaller ones for her.They turned out great and pretty much melt in your mouth quickly so I don't have to worry about Gabriella choking on them.

She gobbled hers right up! Joseph liked them but complained about them being cold.He is temperature and texture sensitive, so I kind of expected that comment.He eats ice cream in the Summer, so I'm thinking he will warm up to them and will make a great summer snack at some point.

I just dropped a little on a cookie sheet which I lined with wax paper just to not have the extra mess.Put it in the freezer for about 20 minutes.As they got done I put them in a freezer bag until I got the container empty.
When they were all froze I wanted to be able to just dump them all in the original container for freezer storage.

If your children like yogurt this might be a great option for summer time snack.Much healthier than ice cream.A toddler that is unable to use a spoon yet can actually feed themselves yogurt without quite the mess.

Ready for the freezer

Comes right up with a spatula once froze

How To Keep Bananas From Ripening too Fast and How To Ripen Them Faster

2012-03-09T13:17:00.002-05:00

My kids love bananas and I used to feel like I could only buy a few at a time because some would go bad before they could get around to eating them all.I was constantly running out and Joseph telling me we needed more bananas.

When I was working in a produce department at a local grocery store, I discovered a tip from a customer one day.She said just put them in the refrigerator and they will keep up to 2 weeks sometimes.I tried it and it worked like a charm! Instead of just buying a few at a time,I could buy a bunch to last the entire week or more.

The only catch is the peel will turn brown and look like it is bad but when you open it up,you find a perfect banana.You will want to refrigerate them when the are ripe or however you prefer to eat them.If you like yours green(believe it or not some people do) refrigerate when it is green.

This is a banana that has been refrigrtated about 4 days

Also, I will add if you need your green ones to ripen faster to make that pudding you are wanting asap,put it in a brown paper bag and it will ripen a day faster.

Making my baby clothes last longer

2012-03-08T15:29:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you but I never feel like I get enough use out of my daughters clothes before she grows out of them.I try to find deals at thrift shops and consignment but sometimes its hard to just find what you like or the right size.I have found a way to make her continue wearing her clothes long after she has out grown them and also have more to choose from in stores by being able to by them to small or too big.I just have to make a minor adjustment once I get them home.

Below there is a pink sundress for a 12 month old.My daughter wears 24 mths now and this dress would not completely cover her diaper if she had it on.I'm pretty picky about the length of a skirt or dress even on a baby.
All I had to do was cut the straps off and there isn't even any sewing required.She now has an adorable skirt.

The one next to it is an 18 mth but as you can tell would fit a bit shorter than the first would have.The way this one is made you cant just cut the straps so I just went down a bit below.This type will require a little sewing so it does not unravel the material, but it is something even I can do and I don't sew hardly at all.I like to find the ones like the pink one of course if I am actually purchasing it for this purpose in mind.Both of these I paid very little for at a thrift store.

The other two I already had and she just grew out of them.The white one was the first one I did like this.She wore it last year as a dress and is still wearing it today almost a year later.You can also find the little long summer tops to do this with especially if they are a size or two bigger than what your little girl would wear.

Help In hard Times

2012-03-07T08:48:00.002-05:00

Todays economy have so many people discouraged and wondering how to make it from pay check to pay check.Just seems the dollar goes nowhere anymore and does not seem that its going to improve anytime soon.

I admit there are times I am so overwhelmed while paying bills and have a list of 100 other things I truly can say I need,but dont see it happening.

I know I am not alone in this and knowing God has always seen me through somehow has always been my strength and comfort.Also,I find a comfort in feeling like there are things I can do while being a stay at home mom to feel like I am doing anything to relieve the pressure while my husband drives his truck doing his best for his family.

Couponing is always a help and if it were not for a few sites that focus on finding me coupons,I would have no idea where to begin at times.They have been such a help to me,so I would like to take time to say thankyou and also share them with you.They can all be found on Facebook,so if you want some great deals check them out.
     The Savvy Savin' Mama
     WeUseCoupons.com
     Money Saving Mom
     Deal Wise Mommy
     Freebies 4 Mom
These sites have helped save me on everything from food,diapers,household products and pictures.Since my daughter has been born I have gotten 2 free photo books and hundreds of free photos.

Not only do they find me great deals but they provide me with encouaging and interesting topics I can relate to as a mom.I always do my best to look on the brightside when things seem tough, but its also nice to have some resources to help us out.We all feel better if we feel like there is something we can do instead of feeling helpless.

To potty train or not to potty train...That is the question??

2012-03-06T08:12:00.000-05:00

   So I have been thinking a lot about potty training and honestly I am dreading it.I have read a lot of info about it and have already had the experience of potty training my son which is why I dread it.

Sometimes I wonder if starting earlier would of made things go faster.It seemed like such a long drawn out process.Now days you read how most parents don't even think about it until age 2 or 3 but our parents and our grandparents started way earlier.Some were not even walking when they had their first sit on the potty.My own mother claims I was using the potty at 1 yr old.I look at my 1 yr.old and am terrified of the thought but the thought is also very inviting.

I am not afraid to say,I hate diapers! You will hear the experts say not to push the issue and make sure your child is ready, but was I truly ready at 12 months? I guess I am wondering why things changed in potty training so much over the years when it seemed to work fine for the older generations before us.

   So with all this in mind I would like to hear from some of you who have not waited until age 2 or 3 to start the potty business and what was your experience? Those that waited are also welcome to share their experiences as well.

                                                         My daughter,Gabriella
                                                       Just meeting her potty

Im back

2012-03-02T14:20:00.003-05:00

Just as I was getting into the blogging somehow I could not access my google account which meant I could not access my blog.Finally go the issue resolved now.It has been so frustrating because I was thinking about so many things to write about and couldn't.

Wouldn't you know it as of right now,I cant think of any of those things! Oh well,just glad that now when I get an inspiration I can now share it.Writing is such good therapy for me and I have so missed my blog no bigger than it is.

The Beginning of my weight loss.Day 1

2011-12-07T11:52:00.001-05:00

Well, today is the day I am going to get serious about weight loss.I have been very discouraged about it the past few months and had pretty much give up.After I had Gabriella, I really assumed it would come off as easy as it did with my son.Big mistake in thinking that!

When she was 3 months old I began to realize it was probably going to take some effort on my part this go around, so I just began eating healthier foods and cutting back on junk.Thought it was going great when I lost 4 lbs, but then although I still was eating healthy, for some reason it came back.

I joked about it with my hubby who had been doing the same trying to lose weight and was actually working for him.Deep down though,I felt really discouraged and beginning to feel depressed.

For the most part, I have been 115 lbs since I was a teenager which is a good,healthy weight for someone that is only 5 ft tall.I need to lose 23 lbs to get back to that and I am pretty sure it will take some major exercise to do this.I have a plan in mind to make it more fun by making it more about play than work.Being my life is pretty much centered around my children it will include them.So we will see how it goes.This mornings work out was fun but I could tell I had a work out.Gabriella had a blast and thought I was the funniest thing she ever saw.I just want to feel better and get back into my clothes.

This is my most recent picture that really opened my eyes and has inspired me to give it another shot.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Easy Chicken and Tortilla Dumplings

2011-11-22T12:38:00.001-05:00

Yummy and easy recipe I came up with.I have been hearing how you can make dumpling with flour tortillas so decided to give it a try and add a few experimental ingredients as well.This would work well if you just did not have time to make the traditional dumpling.To make even quicker, boil chicken the night before and refrigerate until ready to cook.This way your not trying to remove hot chicken from the bone or waiting for it to cool so you can.Also,a great way to use up some of that left-over Thanksgiving turkey!

4 chicken breast or chicken of choice
14 ounces of burrito size flour tortillas
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can of cream of celery soup
2 tbl.spn butter
1/3 cup cream
salt and pepper to taste
couple dashes of basil

Fill 4-quart pot half full with broth
Boil chicken until tender.
While chicken is cooking, slice tortillas with a sharp knife 5 slices across and one slice through the middle.
Remove cooked chicken,take off bone and cut in cubes,shred or however you desire.I like to just pull mine apart into big chunks
Place chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, butter, salt, pepper,basil into boiling broth.May need to add a little water if much evaporated while boiling chicken.
Bring to a rolling boil.
Drop tortilla strips into pot one at a time.
Stir gently around the top, not bottom of pot
Boil medium/high heat for 10 -12 minutes.
Add 1/3 cup whipping cream and move the dumplings around gently to mix the cream,then remove from heat

The Things I have learned about Kindergarten

2011-11-21T07:14:00.001-05:00

I am amazed how much Kindergarten has changed since I was in school.There is such a big difference in what is taught now days and what is expected of our kiddos.Then there is the stuff that has not changed for the parent and child but you just don't expect or know until it's your little one starting school. Here is what I have found out in the last 2 1/2 months.

You will cry on their 1st day no matter how hard you try not to.

Your child may not react the way you have thought they would.Mine didn't even want a hug before I left.Almost acted as if he did not know me.A real heart breaker!

By the end of the 1st week most teachers really don't want you walking your child to class.WHAT!? Are they crazy? Just drop him off at the door of the school and let him find his own way? Which leads me to # 4

They really are capable of finding their way to class and other places in the school right by themselves.This horrified me, thinking about him wandering the halls of the school alone.Really took some getting used to for me.

What we learned in Kindergarten is what they are expected to know when they arrive the 1st day.

They do not take a nap.This is a good thing for us.I am quite positive his teacher would not want to see how much more energy he has after getting rested up.

They actually start some algebra now.This really blew my mind and also frightened me.When told this,I thought I may need to go back to school myself so I will be able to help with homework.

They will have homework everyday.I don't remember doing much at all.

Homework is not hard but boy the directions can really be confusing.Once you spend an hour calling all your friends with kids in kindergarten and figure it out it only takes about 10 minutes to do.

Your kid will probably know how to read 3-4 letter words by the 2nd month of school.Now they can read you some of the book.This part of school really excites me.Listening to my little man read is the coolest thing!

You really begin to realize just how much more your child is capable of.Don't let them fool you! They can do far more than they let on.If you knew they were smart before school, you might feel like they are near geniuses after you see what they learn in such a short amount of time.They really just make us feel like we have to do everything for them.Its not a fact of life.They are so much smarter theses days!

When they get home, it is possible they will try to eat everything in the frig and cupboard.Even though my son eats breakfast at home and school,then lunch,he walks through the door as if he has not ate all day.

Last but not least,no matter how grown and independent they now seem, they need you.They need to know you are interested in their day and are proud of all of their achievements.We always talk about what Joseph does at school.I ask a lot of detailed questions, like what did you eat for lunch?Who did you play with on the playground and what did you play? He kind of acted like this irritated him after a while so one day I only asked one question. Did you have a good day? He said,yes.When I did the same the next day he said,"Mama,you don't want to know what I did at school anymore?"He really sounded disappointed.I said of course I do.Then I realized he really did appreciate my interest in his day and I guess it took a day or two without it for him to realize that himself.

Very excited about his 1st day

Getting a bit nervous once at school

These are just the things I have learned in 2 months.No telling whats in the future for the rest of the year!

Getting to work and totally ignoring my existence!

Saving Money and Having Fun

2011-11-19T17:40:00.001-05:00

Living on a tight budget can be stressful but you don't have to totally deprive yourself of a fun shopping trip to do it.What woman does not like to go shopping once in a while? It can be done even if you don't have $100.00.I am a thrift store lover and it saves me money and my sanity.I know some people that would not be caught dead in one.Everything has to be brand new and name brand.Well, I like new and name brand myself but I choose not to pay the new and name brand prices for it.I would rather pay $2.00 for a Vera Bradley pocket book than 50.00 or more any day.I did just that, not long ago too.Don't get me wrong, you can over spend in thrift stores if you walk in with the wrong mind set.I know a lady who goes from store to store buying up things she is never going to wear or use just because its cheap,but this is not a way of saving if you don't need it! When I walk in I have things in mind I'm looking for that we need or maybe a special toy my children would like.I only buy the things I know I can use.I have been needing to get Joseph some new dress shoes for church,and he needed a belt.At a normal store I knew this was going to cost me at least thirty to forty dollars, if I found a sale, so I have been keeping my eyes open in the thrift stores.Today I found what I needed and more.
Here's what I got for $12.00!

There is the belt and shoes I needed.The shoes were $2.00 and were brand new and the belt was $3.00 and I have never seen one a Walmart for less than $7.00.Joseph had a good report card and my husband and I were talking about getting him some of those tiny Lego's he loves.A small box of 60 pieces is $5.00 and today I got a lg. box of 600 for $4.00! That was the most expensive in the picture above.A lot of times I make out better than this but I felt pretty satisfied anyway, and had a lot of fun too.

How to Brine a Turkey

2011-11-16T13:29:00.001-05:00

With Thanksgiving coming up, I thought I would share how I made the best turkey in the world one year.It was extremely moist and yummy.My family still talks about that turkey!

what you will need

two cups of kosher salt
two gallons of water.
include sweeteners

Dissolve salt (and sugar, if using) in two cups of hot water. Stir in remaining gallon plus 3 ½ quarts of cold water.
Remove giblets and neck from turkey. Immerse turkey in brine and refrigerate for at least eight hours but no longer than 24 hours.

Cooking the Turkey

When you're ready to roast, pour off the brine. Rinse the turkey well with cool tap water, and pat dry with paper towels. Tuck the wing tips behind the back and place the bird, breast-side up, on a roasting rack. Proceed with your preferred recipe, but remember that the turkey has already absorbed a significant amount of salt--any drippings that you use for gravy will already be salty, and no salt should be added to compound butters or spice rubs.

Wednesday Wisdom

2011-11-16T08:19:00.001-05:00

Proverbs 27:1
Boast not thyself of tomorrow;for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

Make the best of today! Do all the can,love all you can and enjoy all you can because none of us are promised tomorrow..I sure don't want to waste today thinking on my troubles and hardships but rather think on all the Lord has blessed me with.Enjoy all the precious moments my children bring to my life.The laughter,the hugs and I love you mama moments.Feels much better to smile than frown. Sometimes we will let one little problem rob us of so much joy, when all the while there are so many great things happening all around.We can not see the good because we have magnified the problem until it has blocked our view of the things that really matter.Right now is all I am promised and I refuse to let anything steal that from me.

Too Blessed To Be Stressed

Terrific Tuseday,30 Second Breakfast

2011-11-15T08:48:00.001-05:00

I posted last night about making sausage and cheese crescent rolls for breakfast to reheat this morning.I had tried one after they were done and I thought they were good but the real test would be this morning after they had been reheated.Then to see if my picky eater would like them.Well he gobbled it up, no problem.They reheated in the microwave just fine.Took about 30 seconds to fix breakfast this morning! I feel almost victorious!

Quick and Easy Breakfast Idea

2011-11-14T20:46:00.001-05:00

I am always trying to find ways to simplify my life so that I have more time to do the things that are most important to me.Cooking and cleaning is very important but I would rather spend that time with my children.My son especially always has something on his mind and sometimes it gets frustrating trying to keep up with a hundred questions and all of his great ideas while trying to get meals ready and such.Then there is my little Gabriella crawling around my feet,hanging on my skirt tail begging to be held.With all this going on at the same time I can get a bit overwhelmed because I have this over here pressing me to get it done and all the while I really want to be giving my babies that undivided attention the are begging for.I have only just recently started freezing home cooked meals for dinner which has been an awesome help.So today while trying to get everything caught up from the weekend, I was wondering how I could do breakfast ahead of time.I do not like the easy idea of always throwing a bowl of cereal in front of my son before school.We do it once or twice a week but the rest of the week he has a hot breakfast of some kind.So,I came up with the idea of sausage and cheese crescent rolls that I have prepared to- night and can be warmed in the morning.I tried one after they were done and I believe they will be a hit with my semi-picky eater in the morning.They are not all that pretty but was very easy.I will probably try with bacon later.

Sausage & cheese crescent rolls

1 can of refrigerated crescent rolls (makes 8)
2 slices of cheese cut into 4 squares (can add more if you like)
8 precooked breakfast link sausages

lay crescent dough out on cookie sheet
put 1 square of cheese on each crescent roll
lay sausage on top and fold dough around cheese and sausage
bake according to direction on can.I did mine at 375 degrees til golden brown.

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

2011-11-12T13:43:00.001-05:00

We really don't seem to appreciate things as we should until they become limited or not there at all.A sad fact but so true in most cases.Since my husband has become a truck driver and is gone all but 1-2 days a week it has made me realize just how much we are blinded to this fact too many times.There were so many times we probably could have spent quality time together and did not just because we were wrapped up in other things when we were not working or doing other things that had to be done.Maybe not doing things that required money but we could have shared more moments together just the two of us.Even if it wasn't anything more than going for a walk hand in hand and enjoying quiet moments listening to the sound of the birds chirping.Things like that now seem like such a luxury now that we have so little time together.People really do waste so much time just doing things that are really of no importance to this life or the life to come.Though I'm speaking of this in a way that sounds negative there is also a positive note in my thoughts about this because it is a valuable life lesson for me.Yes his job is a necessary one, and it does take away from our time and time with the children.On the bright side it has forced us to see to the fullest extent how precious our time together is and we make the most of what we get.Which in the long run we are spending more quality time together than ever even though we are together less.We no longer just see being in the same room as spending time together but we talk,listen,laugh,cuddle or something that actually makes a lasting memory.Instead of just being in the presence of one another thinking that's all there is to do.Now we are doing things that actually strengthens our family.It has taught us to cherish every moment and therefore our relationship has grown instead of just existing.
I believe this is a lesson we can learn with every relationship in our lives.Not only our marriage but our children,friendships and our relationship with God.We should live our lives as though there is no tomorrow or as if those special to us may not be here tomorrow.It may not be an occupation to just limit us as in my situation, but it could be death that takes away all opportunities for those truly meaningful moments permanently.I want to ask myself now and in the future is what I am doing really mean anything or will it just become a forgotten nothing in a few days.I want my actions to have an impression that last not just go through life doing mindless things that have no lasting effect on me or anyone else.

Times of Thankfulness

2011-11-10T09:46:00.005-05:00

I was just thinking about how we grumble and complain so much through out the year but as Thanksgiving rolls around we begin reflecting on all the great things in our lives.

I'm just as guilty as anyone else at times.Do you notice though, when we do reflect on the good, how much happier we feel? Would it not be better to make this a practice all year around? Looking on the bright side can only make our lives seem more positive.I have sure had my share of troubles but dwelling on them only brings me down.When I really think about it, I have also had an abundance of blessings.God has seen me through so much.If wanted to I could think back on all the stress we had this year and think, I must have the worst luck.Just to name a few...

We came very close to foreclosure so many times its not even funny.My hubby could not find any work,my car was costing us more and more money we did not have,until it finally just quit.Went months with out my own car and one that was loaned to me caught on fire! Dealing with all of this with a baby and a 5 year old was extremely stressful on myself and my husband who was doing the best he could but his best seemed useless.That's just a drop in the bucket to the things we faced but looking at all these, I am forced to see a lot of good came from it.Yes,my husband was out of work because construction was slow (dead actually) but it forced him to make a decision that has made a huge difference in our lives.

He struggled his way through school to make a career change being the one he had always done obviously wasn't cutting it now, due to the economy.It was also something he always wanted to do.He is now a truck driver,making decent money and enjoys his job.We are finally climbing out of the hole.I now have a vehicle I can depend on and like it very much.

If we had not went through what we did, we would still be exactly where we were.Just getting by,making constant repairs to that car trying to keep it going,and my husband working a job he was good at but not as happy with as the one he has now.He has been able to do something he has wanted to do his whole life.What a blessing! But just where did that blessing come from? The answer, from the rocky road the Lord put in our path.He put us on that road so we would make a detour to a better one and for that I am thankful for those struggles.

Pinching Pennies

2011-10-31T08:45:00.000-04:00

I must say this economy has got me really pinching the pennies and Im willing to bet a lot of you are as well.I have never been one to just blow money and always ask myself is this something I really need or even like? Am I still going to wear it a month from now or is it still going to be of good use to me in the future? Although I am like this, I still have to be a bit tighter with the buck more than ever.Anyone that has children will tell you they are not cheap.So one of the ways I cut back is where they are concerned.There are some things they just have to have but you don't always have to spend a fortune on it if you are willing to make a few changes.
Something I just found out about recently is how to make my own baby wipes.It is working wonderfully and is so much cheaper.I have to give thanks and credit to Homemade Mamas for this

What you need:

a round plastic container with a tight-fitting lid , roll of white paper towels ( prefer Viva brand, as it is very thick and strong but also soft and cloth-like)Bounty works fine as well just not as soft..

Sharp, serrated knife to cut paper towel roll in half

2 cups water that has been boiled and cooled to room temperature

2 Tbsp. baby shampoo or baby wash

1 Tbsp. baby oil

First, cut your paper towel roll in half and remove the inner cardboard tube.

Then mix your liquid ingredients in container and place one of the paper towel halves inside, cut side down (save the other half for the next time you need to make wipes). Put the lid of the container one tightly and let it sit until all the liquid is absorbed. Next, turn the container upside down and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then turn it right side up, open your container, and "start" your roll by pulling a towel from the center of the roll.

You have just made baby wipes that will not only clean your baby's skin, but make it feel super-soft as well! Plus, these wipes are way cheaper than commercial brands and don't contain mystery ingredients.You may prefer to make washable, reusable wipes, simply use this solution along with cloth wipes!

I actually started doing something a little different from this and you may like to try this as well.I started putting mine right inside of a cottonel toilet paper cover that has a lid. I like the the cute look of it and it works just as well and takes up less space.These work great for cleaning up small messes as well.The wonderful thing about this is if you have a baby you more than likely already have everything you need on hand.