Proverbs 31 Woman Wannabe

5 Minutes for Mom is Giving Away a New Photosmart Printer!

2007-08-29T11:52:00.000-04:00

5 Minutes for Mom is giving away a HP Photosmart A626 Compact Photo Printer !

Non-bloggers can still enter. They understand you can’t link back, but perhaps you can email a few friends. US Shipping addresses only… so sorry to our Canadian friends.

If you'd like to enter for a chance to win, just visit 5 Minutes for Mom for all the details. They will draw the lucky winner on Monday September, 10th.

5 Minutes for Mom is Giving Away a The Ultimate Nursing Pillow

2007-08-29T08:56:00.000-04:00

5 Minutes for Mom is giving away The Blessed Nest Nesting Pillow!

Are you pregnant or nursing a young baby? If so, you are going to love this…

Do you have a friend whose baby shower is coming? If so, this is the perfect gift…

The Blessed Nest Nesting Pillow!

If you’ve ever nursed a baby, you’ll know that positioning the little munchkin on regular pillows or on an ordinary nursing pillow can be a challenge.

It’s entirely different than any other nursing pillow. It is flexible and molds to your body and your baby’s body to softly cradle and support your baby while you nurse.

If you'd like to enter for a chance to win, just visit 5 Minutes for Mom. They’ll draw a random winner on Friday, Aug 31st. (Contest is open to both US and Canadian shipping addresses.)

Wordless Wednesday 8/29/07

2007-08-29T08:40:00.000-04:00

This picture was taken a couple of years ago and I'll call it my Hippy Camo Kids LOL. Well, here are 4 of my 6 children anyway and the 2 older boys are in dire need of a good haircut LOL.

To see other Wordless Wednesday participants, click on Wordless Wednesday

Baby Einstein DVD Contest at Its All Free Online

2007-08-25T21:53:00.000-04:00

It's All Free Online is giving away a Baby Einstein DVD!!! My toddler loves the few videos that we have and we don't have this particular episode, so I entered this contest and hope we win! :)

To enter the contest all you have to do is leave a comment on the thread at It's All Free Online. If you decide to blog about the contest you will receive an additional entry. In one week they will choose a winner lottery style and that person will win the DVD. U.S and Canada Only.

While you're there, check out all the Free gifts, contests and giveaways!

New Fall Contest at A Girls Treasure

2007-08-24T11:05:00.000-04:00

"Does Your "Pet" Get Along with the Doll in your Family"

It can be a love hate relationship for some, and for some they just don't care. We want to hear from those who have funny stories with the love hate relationships between thier pets and dolls. Or if you don't have a pet maybe it's your brother/son or sister/daughter and your doll. Or maybe another pet or even a spouse!!! Whatever the case may be, they have to be FUNNY stories. (Go to my newsletter archives and see my cute story this month between my cat and my daughters doll clothes),

How to enter? Write or type your story out completely. Don't leave out any funny details, and send it or email us. If you would like, you can also send in a picture of your pet and your doll together and we will post it to the website. All entry pictures that are received will be posted on the website but that does not determine the final winner. The winners will be determined by the judges here at A Girls Treasure.

There will be 5 winners:

1-Grand Prize Winner - Funniest Overall Story
Prize Category A- Funniest Cat Story
Prize Category B- Funniest Dog Story
Prize Category C-Funniest Brother/Sister Story
Prize Category D-Funniest Spouse Story

The contest starts on Sept 1st and runs through Oct 31st. So get those pens and pencils out and tell us your funny stories and take your best pictures. All entries must be received by October 31, 2007. Winners will be determined by November 10 and notified by email. Send all entries to A Girls Treasure 565 East Walnut St. Long Beach, NY 11561, or email to akranitz@msn.com. Make sure to include your name, address, and email address so that we can contact you. Have fun and GOOD LUCK!!!

Visit A Girl's Treasure--American Girl Doll Clothes, Shoes & Accessories for all the details. :)

Do You Need ARTICLES?

2007-08-22T04:52:00.000-04:00

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Wordless Wednesday! 8/22/07

2007-08-22T04:42:00.001-04:00

To see other Wordless Wednesday participants, click on Wordless Wednesday

One Swanky Chick Designs is giving away a $50 Shopping Spree!

2007-08-20T11:33:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to tell you all about a contest that One Swanky Chick Designs is offering! The owner is giving away a $50.00 Shopping SPREE!!! Who couldn't use $50.00 in FREE design services? She has tons of goodies on her site... everything from website templates, fonts, auction templates, banners, ebay store fronts and SO much more!

Cats, Cats, and More Cats!

2007-08-17T23:45:00.001-04:00

I have 9 indoor babies and just love each & every one of them. Here are some kitty pictures and I hope you'll enjoy them! :)

The 2 above cats are brother & sister

The 2 cats above and below are are brothers

Become a CBD Member and Save $$$

2007-08-17T10:26:00.000-04:00

Ok, so maybe everyone knows about this already and I'm like the last one to find out, but I thought I should mention it anyway.

I'm over at Christianbook.com making a list of books I'd like to buy for our homeschool and I read that if you join as a member for only $5 a year, you will automatically get the LOWEST price available on all items you order no matter how you order them---web, phone, or mail. Isn't that cool?

To be sure there was actually a "lower" price than what is advertised on their website, I called and spoke with a Customer Representative. I gave them a few different stock numbers of items I want to order, and sure enough, each item was between 50 cents to $1 cheaper--with a membership . So, for only $5, I figured I'd make it back in savings with my first order. So, I suppose the real savings would come with additional orders, right?

Well, I like I said, I just wanted to share this information here just in case I'm not the only one who didn't know about it LOL. Oh, I do not gain any financial benefit by sharing this either, so please don't think I'm mentioning it just to make money, because I'm not. :)

5 Minutes for Mom is Giving Away a Pair of Lisa’s Baby Bootie’s

2007-08-17T08:59:00.000-04:00

5 Minutes for Mom is giving away a Pair of Lisa’s Baby Bootie’s!!!

If you are looking for a special shower gift or just to add to your own layette, Lisa’s Baby Booties is a wonderful Mom-owned store specializing in handmade crocheted and knitted babywear.

Lisa’s store offers a wide assortment of beautiful items like Baby Booties, Baby Hats, Baby Headbands, Baby Bibs, Baby Blankets, Preemie Sweaters, Baby Sweaters and Baby Sweater Sets, Handmade Baby Dresses, Layette Sets, and Christening Gowns. All of the products in the store are one-of-a-kind. Lisa makes all the booties and the other items are made by other skilled artisans.

If you'd like to enter for a chance to win, just visit 5 Minutes for Mom. (This contest is only open to US shipping addresses.)

Find A Blogging Job That is Right for You!

2007-08-16T10:58:00.000-04:00

The Problogger Job Board - Helping Bloggers find jobs

The ProBlogger job board is where bloggers looking for jobs and companies looking for bloggers to hire meet.

This site appears to be updated regularly and is easy to navigate. Take a look and see if you can find the "perfect" blogging job today!

Thankful Thursday 8/16/07

2007-08-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

Today, on this Thankful Thursday, I am thankful for:

My husband and the fact that he gets up and goes to work everyday to provide for his family, even though he doesn't really like his job.

My husband's patience that he has for me.

My children--I love each one so very, very much!

Our health, as we are very, very blessed with good health.

Trials the Lord has allowed us to go through, the ability to forgive, and the Lord's unconditional love!

All American Soldiers/Military and the extreme sacrifices they have made and continue to make each and everyday so that I can live here in a free country with my family.

My younger sister, even though she is so crazy!!!

The internet and the numerous things I can do online--help to supplement my husband's income, buy homeschool items, read/learn, listen to services from my church that I wasn't able to attend, etc.

BLOGS and all the wonderful women who write them and the help, support, and encouragement they provide to myself and others.

That the weather is much cooler this week!

Peacefulness among both of our neighbors and us.

All of my pets and their good health, especially my eldest dog who is 13 1/2 years old--everyday I have with her is a gift!

This "Thankful Thursday" activity and the fact that it forces me to STOP and see the many blessings God gives me.

EDITED TO SAY--I forgot to mention how thankful I am that the Lord spared my family and I from a minor scare. A child from church had head lice and thankfully, my family and I have never had it (we use Tea Tree Oil in our soaps, shampoos, and cleaners--a tip I read about a long time ago and began to implement). So, needless to say, I am EXTREMELY grateful the Lord spared us from this!!!

If you'd like to participate in "Thankful Thursday" or just read other lists, visit Sting My Heart.

5 Minutes for Mom is Giving Away a Comfy Easy PC

2007-08-15T21:53:00.000-04:00

5 Minutes for Mom is giving away an Easy Comfy Easy PC System!!!

The Comfy Learning System costs $69.99 and then the software programs are each $19.99.

You simply plug the keyboard into your home computer, run a simple installation program and your youngster is ready to go!

You can watch an online demo here.

The friendly folks at Comfyland are going to give someone an Easy PC System plus their choice of one software program for free!!!

If you'd like to enter for a chance to win, just visit 5 Minutes for Mom. They'll announce the winner Friday, Aug 24th.

7 Reasons Why Meal Planning Is A Great Idea

2007-08-15T15:22:00.000-04:00

by The Menu Mom

Planning meals ahead of time is a great idea, since there are many benefits that come along with it. Meal planning affects many different aspects of life, including your time as well as your financial situation. No matter what situation one may be in, planning your meals ahead of time is always a good idea. Meal planning makes it possible for almost any size family to eat healthy meals everyday of the week on a budget. It also gives you more time together as a family while spending less money.

Saves Time

Planning your meals ahead of time will save you a lot of time. When you visit your grocery store, take a list with you that shows everything you need for your weekly meals. This way there will be no return visits to the grocery store for something you forgot, and you won’t waste any time deciding what you are going to have for dinner that night. Forgetting a key ingredient or having to fight in long lines at the grocery store can be very frustrating, but meal planning can completely eliminate that.

Saves Money

Who doesn’t like to save money? And if you can reduce the amount you spend on grocery bills, you can save it up for something really fun – like a special night out or a family vacation. Meal planning saves anyone a significant amount of money, since meal planning is much cheaper than eating fast food. Also, since you will be bringing a shopping list with you to the grocery store, there will be no more impulse buys and wasted food. We’ve all fallen victim to foods that we suddenly have a craving for when we are shopping only to get home and realize that we need other ingredients to turn it into a meal. And having a shopping list will make it easier for you to clip coupons, since you know what you will be purchasing each week. This means even more savings to you and your family.

Meal planning allows you to create a calendar of what you will have for dinner each night. If you create a menu one month at a time, you can ensure that you aren’t having chicken nuggets five nights a week. Have an overall calendar of meals will allow you to shop for foods when they are on sale and buy in bulk whenever possible.

Health

Planning out what you are going to cook for dinner will make it possible to ensure you are cooking a healthy meal every day of the week. While eating out is convenient in our ever busy world, eating fast food or at restaurants is not nearly as healthy as cooking it at home. This is largely due to the fact that you don’t have control over what goes in those meals. By preparing your own meals, you can choose healthy options, like baked chicken, and add any of your favorites for a side like a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. Most boxed or frozen dinners contain a great amount of fat and sodium, but cooking the meal from scratch can eliminate them. You control the flavor and the fat. You can take steps to reduce the amount of fat by adding seasoning and spices to perk up the flavor.

Prevent Obesity

The rise of fast food chains in the world means that more people are becoming overweight and obese. Obesity can bring on many health issues, including heart or breathing problems. It is important to prevent a child from becoming overweight and teach them the importance of balanced meals. Cooking homemade healthy meals can do this. When you plan out what you are going to make, you can be certain that it will be healthy for the entire family. It allows you to have a better handle on the nutritional content of your meals. You can also tailor it to each family member’s needs. If there is someone who needs to watch their fat consumption, you can cook grill or broil instead of fry. If there is someone that is trying to get more servings of vegetables in their diet, you can help by offering two veggies for side dishes.

Spending More Time With Your Family

Because planning out your meals gives you more time during the day, you can spend it doing something that really matters. Spending time with family should be the first thing on anyone’s priority list, and being able to spend more time with them is a wonderful perk to meal planning. You can use this time to either play with your children outside, or maybe talk with your spouse about their day at work. With the time saved with meal planning, the family can enjoy a walk together after dinner, play yard games such as croquet or bocce ball, or compete in a board game night. No matter how you use the time, it is special and necessary to keep a family running. And when you kids are grown up and look back on their childhood, those will be the times they remember most fondly. Just think about all the home cooked meals that you look back on warmly. No one cooks it like mom does.

Teaching Essential Skills

By including children in the meal planning process, they can learn many skills that will carry with them into adulthood. They can help to plan the meals, and learn about the different nutrition groups. Learning how to assemble a balanced meal is a great skill to have. Measuring different ingredients in the meals teaches children about fractions. Younger kids can just play with the different kitchen utensils, which allows them to explore and learn about the huge world they have yet to explore and learn about. Spouses can get in on the fun, making it possible to bond with one another by cooking a meal for each other. Meals where each person can individually tailor food to their liking, such as making your own pizzas or a taco bar, allow a great opportunity for the whole family to cook and learn together.

Reduces Stress

Our world is hectic. We are being pulled in several different directions each day. Because we live in a fast paced world, it is important to do everything possible to reduce your stress load. We have enough stress with our every day lives without mealtime stressing us out. Planning meals can reduce your stress since you won’t have to worry about everything that goes into making a meal for your family. As long as you bring your list to the store and buy everything on the list, you will be all set. You can choose to either visit the store each week or twice a month, rather than a million times like before. The increased time you have will allow you to relax more often, and even feel great when interacting with your children. If you are enrolled in a food delivery service, having a handy list makes online shopping a breeze. Have it with you when you log in to order food and you won’t have to worry about a thing.

As you can see, there are many benefits to meal planning. From the ever crucial facts of saving money and eating healthier, to reducing stress and spending more time with your family. Meal planning only takes a little extra effort. And once you get the hang of it, it’ll become second nature and make you life so much easier. You’ll be wondering why you hadn’t started meal planning earlier. And will all the time and money you save you can spend on something that really matters – your family!

For more great meal ideas and a FREE Menu Planning Report, CLICK HERE. Watch for a great meal planning offer after you sign up and let me – The Menu Mom – help you take care of dinner tonight!

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Wordless Wednesday! 8/15/07

2007-08-15T08:06:00.001-04:00

These are just "some" of my kitties. Do you see the 2 kitties in the bag? They are brother and sister and it is obvious that they LOVE each other! You can see a "close-up" of them in the 2nd picture. Have a great Wordless Wednesday! :)

To see other Wordless Wednesday participants, click on Wordless Wednesday

The Winner of My Homeschool Bloggy Giveaway Is...

2007-08-13T16:53:00.000-04:00

The Small Scribbler from Small Scribbles! She won 2 Usborne books: Usborne Science & Nature ORNITHOLOGY and The Usborne History of The Twentieth Century.

Thank you so much to everyone for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway! I enjoyed visiting your blogs too! :)

I am TOTALLY ADDICTED!

2007-08-11T11:09:00.000-04:00

Hi, my name is Angie and I'm TOTALLY ADDICTED to reading blogs.

Ok, there I said it and admitted it out loud and publicly.

"How did this happen?", I ask myself. "When did it start?" I cannot recall any specifics, but I think it began by innocently reading one blog (I can't even remember which one--see the power this has over me?).

Honestly, I was just wondering what "blogging" was since I'd heard of it for quite some time, so one day I decided to take a peek to see what all the hype was about. Well, I was immediately drawn in and within seconds I was hooked!

It's all a blur now, but I seem to recall as I was reading my first blog, that I stumbled upon the section called "Blogroll" (or on some blogs it's called "Links") and decided to click on one of the links that was listed.

Well, that's all it took. Did you know that innocently clicking on one link will ultimately lead to clicking on another and another? It's like the potato chip saying, "You can't stop at just one". It's true! I had no idea that this fantastic feature would be so enabling to my new found addiction. Geez, there are no warnings of this behavior posted anywhere! (And if there was, I never saw it, I swear!)

Did you also know that if you are using Firefox as your internet browser that you can open individual tabs which makes viewing multiple blogs so much easier and more enjoyable? I've also since discovered the importance of exporting/backing up my Firefox Bookmarks since I have so many saved blog sites (that I seem to be drawn to visiting on a regular basis) not to mention the incredible fact that it is has no limit to the amount of sites I can add and the fact that it grows daily with new blogs I want to visit at another time.

Are there other ~~fools~~ victims out there who have fallen into this blog reading entanglement? Surely I am not the only one! What does one do to curb this addiction or even overcome it? Is there any cure? Is there any hope for us and our moderately neglected households since falling into this devastating trap? Are there any support groups for folks such as myself?

Someone please tell me so I can try to obtain some sort of self-control and utilize it properly as I really need to return back to my previous responsibilities of maintaining my household and providing for my family since they do have to eat now and then, and it would be great if they could actually use clean towels if when they showered and then had clean clothes to put on afterward.

Wow! I'm a Rockin’ Girl Blogger!

2007-08-10T11:16:00.000-04:00

Thank you to Shannon at Christian Moms Alliance, for nominating me as a Rockin’ Girl Blogger! I am just learning the ropes about blogging, blog awards, memes, being tagged etc., so as usual, I'm behind in things and "trying" to get caught up.

Thanks Shannon for thinking of me and choosing me as one of the "bloggers" to nominate. :) I am grateful for our growing friendship and I enjoy visiting your blog as well!

Now, in the tradition of the Rockin’ Girl Blogger award, I get to choose 5 people to nominate, and I've picked the following blogs because I really, really enjoy visiting them and reading them frequently (as time allows ;) of course).

Casual Friday Everyday

Chocolate and Coffee

Making A Happy Life

Marine Corps Nomads

Where My Treasures Are

Alright, if you’ve been nominated as a Rockin’ Girl Blogger, you now have to go and nominate 5 people on their blogs and post the award image somewhere on your blog--have fun!

Tagged - 5 things I dig/LOVE about Jesus!

2007-08-10T09:42:00.000-04:00

Ok, I have to admit. I was not familiar with what a "Meme" was, so I let the ball drop awhile back when I was first tagged. Now that I have a better understanding of what I am supposed to do, I thought I'd try to "catch up", so here goes. :)

I was tagged by Shannon from Christian Moms Alliance for this meme.

5 Things I Dig About Jesus:

That He was so obedient to his Father God and always turned to Him and was the perfect testimony for all of us to follow!
He knew scripture perfectly and quoted it regularly...especially when He was tempted.
He taught in such a kind, gentle, loving manner to everyone.
He was always, ALWAYS strong and never, EVER gave up!
That He endured the most severe, unimaginable pain and death I could ever imagine so that I and others can spend an eternity in Heaven.

Now I am supposed to tag 5 more people (and I hope they won't hate me for picking them):

A Cup of Tea With Me

God is in control.....Not me!

Jesus and Dark Chocolate

Living for God

Where My Treasures Are

Tagged - Middle Name Meme

2007-08-09T22:47:00.000-04:00

I was tagged by Shannon from Christian Moms Alliance for this meme.

Here are the rules:

1. You have to post these rules before you give the facts.
2. Players, you must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of their middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had.
3. When you are tagged you need to write your own blog-post containing your own middle name game facts.
4. At the end of your blog-post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

My middle name is Marie:

Mother--I am a mother to six beautiful children and feel so blessed to have them.

Appreciative--I really am appreciative to so many people for the things they do, no matter how big or small.

Read--I LOVE to read; whether I read books or stuff online, I enjoy reading.

Independent--I have been independent for so long. I don't know why, but I just am.

Eternity--Because of my savior, Jesus Christ, I will spend eternity with the Lord!

Now I have to tag one person for each letter of my middle name:

Marine Corps Nomads

A Cup of Tea With Me

Refuge for a Single Mom

In Pursuit of Proverbs 31

EMPOWERING Women To Live Christ-Centered Lives

The Battle for the Toy Box Contest!

2007-08-09T20:57:00.000-04:00

The Battle for the Toy Box Contest!
I entered the Battle for the Toy Box Contest on the HSB Company Porch. I hope to win over $100 worth of, Tales of Glory, Bible-based toys from one2believe!!

These Bible-based toys for young children are called Tales of Glory. Beginning this August, Tales of Glory toys will become available at select Wal-Mart stores and other retailers across the country. Isn't that wonderful? Finally some nice toys I wouldn't mind shopping for! :)

Bibleopoly?

2007-08-09T12:08:00.000-04:00

Have you ever heard of the game Bibleopoly before? I was looking at it today and thinking it would be a terrific game to play with my children!

We only have Monopoly Junior and the kids have enjoyed playing it, but Bibleopoly sounds so much better! In the description, I like how it says: win by helping your fellow players! There are not too many games out there that are like this!

If you have this game, please leave me a comment with any good or bad experiences you've had with it. Thanks so much!

Thankful Thursday 8/9/07

2007-08-09T10:28:00.000-04:00

Today, on this Thankful Thursday, I am thankful for:

My husband--for his faithfulness to his family.

My children--I love them more than I can possibly ever say.

For trials the Lord has recently given our family--despite the great pain caused by these trials, the Lord has shown us how to work toward improving things for the better and how to depend on Him more.

For discernment the Holy Spirit provides and the ability to listen to it.

For the incredibly special hugs my 18-month old loves to give me and his siblings and daddy! :)

For the privilege of homeschooling and the closeness it brings to our family.

For my faith and the small amount of hope the Lord has given me regarding a very personal and delicate matter involving someone I love very much AND the fact that I'm clinging onto it with all of my being and depending completely on the Lord to carry all of us through this situation.

All American Soldiers/Military and the extreme sacrifices they have made and continue to make each and everyday so that I can live here in a free country with my family.

For the restored relationship with my husband's parents.

For time spent with my extended family and my husband's parents.

For computers and the web that allows me the opportunity to try to supplement my husband's income and communicate with other ladies at the same time.

For BLOGS and all the wonderful ladies who run them and all the help and support they provide to others through their blogs.

For our air conditioner and that it is STILL working properly despite it's age.

For this "Thankful Thursday" activity and the fact that it forces me to STOP and see the many blessings God gives me.

If you'd like to participate in "Thankful Thursday" or just read other lists, visit Sting My Heart.

Wordless Wednesday 8/8/07

2007-08-08T01:47:00.001-04:00

I can't remember where exactly, but I found this somewhere on the internet one day and thought it was absolutely breathtaking!

To see other Wordless Wednesday participants, click on Wordless Wednesday