JustJenny

Happy Birthday to my Little Honey!!!

2011-12-17T16:55:00.000-06:00

Little honey is six years old today. Hard to believe it. What a wonderful experience we had getting him. You can go here to read about our adoption.

You are our precious son and we love you so much! Can't wait to see what the next six years will hold!

Wacky Tacky Ugly Christmas Sweater Party!!!

2011-12-13T09:27:00.001-06:00

Had a blast last night with my Women's Group at church celebrating Christmas early. I wanted to share my MAD skills for a Tacky sweater ~

Surprisingly I only won 2nd place!!! I should have gotten a pic of the winner!!

Check out my gingerbread earrings ~

And look at these fun shoes ~

I felt so elfish!! and very jingley!! I know I make up my own words too! I'm gonna have to step it up next year if I want to win....hmmm. Maybe I could make a MooMoo style dress that looks like a Christmas tree?? Sshhhh don't want to give my good ideas away!!!

Hope you are enjoying the Christmas season!

Christmas Play at church...

2011-12-12T09:27:00.000-06:00

Little honey got to be Joseph at the Christmas play at church.

At first he didn't want to do it. I had to bribe him with some new lego men...but it worked! In fact it worked so well that he wants to be Joseph again next year!!! I guess he fell in love with the spot light!

Here he is talking to the wise men!

He had to pull the "Donkey"with Mary inside... and he said it hurt his muscles!!

But in the end it was all worth it!!

Happy Thanksgiving to you!

2011-11-24T07:00:00.002-06:00

Enjoy the day and show your thanks to someone you LOVE!

Stand Up for HIM

2011-11-22T12:47:00.001-06:00

Peer Pressure

- the influence exerted by a peer group in encouraging a person to change his or her attitudes, values, or behavior in order to conform to group norms

- This can be negative or it can even be positive…

When I started looking into peer pressure it is amazing how much I found. Did you know there are over 300 pages on Facebook that have Peer Pressure in the title? Some were for peer pressure, some were against it and some it was the name of a business. Very weird!

Teens today have it hard. But so do we. Another term for adult peer pressure might be “Keeping up with the Joneses”

Everybody wants to be loved and accepted. It is only natural to desire approval, affection & good will of our friends.

You might think that peer pressure doesn’t affect you like it does others..but you’ll be surprised at how easy we are misled with the little things. And those little things will lead to bigger things.

Keep in mind that it is not always evil people out to get you.

It’s Usually People you know – it may be mere acquaintances, close friends, family, neighbors, coworkers or your boss or leader. It could even be people at church.

In Daniel chapter 2 the story of King Nebuchadnezzar and Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego or even Daniel and the lion’s den in Daniel chapter 6 – the king was Daniel’s boss and planned on putting Daniel in charge of the whole kingdom! He felt the pressure to conform and not pray to God…but he didn’t.

Another thing to keep in mind is that it is not usually just once it is usually- Day after day Ask your self– is this happening frequently?

I have a couple of examples of this - first let’s Look at Esther 3:4 –“Day after day they spoke to him but he refused to comply.”

Mordecai was asked to bow day after day. You’d think he would get tired of it happening.

Here is another example - Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife in Genesis 39:1-10 we all know the story of Potiphar’s wife tempting Joseph but let’s look at verse 10 “And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.”

Again day after day. Could you imagine the pressure he must have felt. Both of the men so far were feeling the pressure to conform and do what someone else wanted.

Now I have another example with a not so good outcome –

the story of Delilah and Sampson – in Judges Chapter 16:16 “With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was sick to death of it.”

And he finally gave in!

This is what we all want to avoid.

________________________________________________________________________________

Here are 5 Things to help keep you as far from the bad peer pressure as you can.

1. Keep the right friends/ or avoid people who might corrupt you -

1 Corinthians 15:33-34, Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God-I say this to your shame. NIV

Exodus 23:2 (NIV) “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd,

2 Thessalonians 3:6-7 (NLT) And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don’t follow the tradition they received from us. For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you.

Psalm 1:1 (TNIV) Blessed are those who do not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,

     Proverbs 12:26 (NKJV) The righteous should choose his friends carefully,
      For the way of the wicked leads them astray.

2.      Avoid the things that tempt you to sin. This is an obvious one and yet it can be the hardest sometimes.

Matthew 26:41 (NLT) “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”

Proverbs 1:10 TNIV “My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.”

Proverbs 4:14-15 (TNIV) Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.

Praying and staying in the word is going to make this step easier. Which leads me to =

3. Pray and know the Word of GOD!

Psalm 1:2 delight in the law of the LORD and meditate on his law day and night.

I can’t say this one enough. Keeping your mind on God and continuously praying is the only way we are too keep ourselves pure and holy.

Thank Him for keeping you from the things that are tempting you ahead of the temptation. If you know you are having trouble with cigarettes for example. Thank Him for taking the temptation of the

Thank You Lord!

Colossians 4:2 and 4 “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.”

Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

4. Know that God will rescue you -

2 Peter 2:9 (NLT) So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

5. Help lift one another up, not knock down –

Hebrews 10:24(TNIV)“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,”

Ephesians 4:32 “ And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as God in Christ forgave you.

Colossians 4:6 “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

Let us not put peer pressure on our friends! This seems logical but really we want to fit in and we want others to do what we do! But consider what you are asking of your friends and neighbors- is it right? And is it going to help or hinder them?

As women we need to be careful what we say because sometimes it can really be hurtful…not only to our friends but our spouses too! Don’t you think we sometimes put pressure on our spouses to conform to our way of thinking – cuz you know we are always right! All kidding aside. This is peer pressure!

Proverbs 14:1NIV) The wise woman builds her house,
but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

We need to Dare to be different, Dare to Be Right

It is easy to stand with the crowd, but it takes courage to stand alone!

Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

When ridiculed for being a Christian; for standing for sound doctrine – Count it an honor to stand with Christ! Not alone!

What do you want the most: To be popular & accepted by men, or to be right with God?

You Will need: Self-control, prayer, persistence.

Shift desire for approval from earth to heaven.

Seek heavenly approval rather than earthly!

Seek to please God before men –

Don’t be ashamed of Christ –

Mark 8:38

The Message

"If any of you are embarrassed over me and the way I'm leading you when you get around your fickle and unfocused friends, know that you'll be an even greater embarrassment to the Son of Man when he arrives in all the splendor of God, his Father, with an army of the holy angels."

Are you willing to be different? To be Right? To Not be ashamed of Christ? Are you willing to stand up to peer pressure that is pressing on you? Are you willing to be different for Him?

Are you?

That is all He asks for. To stand up for Him!

On the Hunt...

2011-09-30T07:00:00.008-05:00

This is what we are ~~looking for~~ in need of - - a 3 wheel bicycle.

Nothing fancy, it doesn't even have to be pretty. But we need one.

Need is a strong word. Why would someone need a 3 wheel bicycle you ask?

Well as you know hubby works on motorcycles. (He helps fix them and helps build custom motorcycles, too). On Saturdays he works at his friend's shop building custom bikes.

Last week, a 12 year old boy came into the shop to visit. He wasn't your average 12 year old. He was a 12 year old who has a brain tumor. A 12 yr old who just started walking again. A 12 year old who doesn't have all of his coordination back and walks with a little limp. A 12 year old who mentioned he wants a bike that he can ride. One with 3 wheels.

Well Hubby and his friend put it upon themselves to build a bicycle for this boy. They haven't told him yet. They aren't even sure how they are going to do it. They do make bike kits that you can add to an average bike to make 3 wheels...but the cheapest is over $300. A little more than either of us can afford right now. And the price of a new bike is way over $300. So they are trying to figure out how they can rig up back wheels or get an older bike to redo. They are going to redo the paint and trick it out like a custom bike. Sounds cool, huh?

If you live in the KC metro area and know of a 3 wheel bike for sale for cheap...or if someone is willing to give it away...please let me know. I really need to find one and soon.

When this project is complete I will post pictures of finished cool 3 wheel bike!

Thank you!

My latest finds....

2011-09-29T14:15:00.000-05:00

Found this basket thingie at an estate sale last month. Not sure what it is...but it looked cool and it was cheap so hubby bought it for me!!! Thanks sweetie!

Right now it is sitting above our armoire in the family room. Too much wood as the armoir is the same color...but that will change soon as I am getting ready to paint the armoir. Watch out...black is showing up more and more in my house!

He had originally seen this clear stain glass window and thought I would love it. That is why he took me to the estate sale the next day. And bought it! He knows me sooo well! I just love it!

But not sure where to put it. Above our bed (since I can't find a headboard I like) or in our entryway above the door? Decisions, decisions!

Love it honey!

Today I went to an estate sale looking for a bike...that's another story... but I found this instead ~

A fun retro metal desk for little honey! Isn't it so cute! I like the blue/turquoise color but it doesn't match his room at all...plus it needs a little refreshing. I am thinking of maybe orange or lime green.

What do you think??

I love that it is adjustable and it will grow with him!

Cute little wooden chair that will go with it for a few years before he out grows it! Not sure what to do with this little guy either. Maybe paint it, maybe keep it wood?

What would you do??

My latest obsession...Pinterest!

2011-09-15T20:45:00.001-05:00

Have you heard of Pinterest? It is the most happening thing on the interenet right now! And I think I am addicted!
What is Pinterest you ask?

Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes. Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests. To join you have to request an invite or be invited from someone who is already joined.

I am having so much fun pinning new ideas I find and starting my to do list!

Here is my first project ~

<<-- found this on pinterest from blogher.com and loved it! Little honey like the pic too and wanted me to fix his jeans this way so off I went....

This is my version...sorry the picture is blurry, I have to use my camera on my phone...did I tell you I ran over the "good" camera with my car when we were on vacation?? Yeah...that's another post. So cell phone camera is all I have right now.

Well Little honey thought it needed eyebrows - or in his words - the hairy things above the eyes. And it also needed a tongue. So that is what I did.

There are sooooo many things I want to make for the holidays and for my house that I have pinned - it is crazy! Addictive is the word I think!!!

Go check it out and start following me! You will be amazed at the things you will find....

Remember 9/11

2011-09-11T20:56:00.002-05:00

10 years ago today...9/11/01. A day that will forever be in our minds.

A Question that was and still is on everyone's mind...was God with us that day??? Of course He was and still is. A promise from Him that includes 9/11 ~

Psalm 91:1 - He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

photo LA TIMES

HE is with us always. And we will always remember.

Adoption Information and our story...

2011-09-06T16:30:00.000-05:00

I was a guest blogger on I can teach My Child. Lots of information about the paperwork and about the finance of adoption.

Please go check it out here and tell me what you think!!

Our Latest Project

2011-09-05T14:40:00.001-05:00

If you are like me then you LOVE making crafts with your kids. Which means you must like Family Fun magazine! They always have cute ideas that my son and I can make together or that I can make for him that he will LOVE.

Their June/July issue was no exceptions. It included their 20 Years of Summer Fun Projects. My son spotted the shark t-shirt and we had to make it!

The magazine included instructions to use contact paper - which I don't have and didn't want to purchase for one project. So I used freezer paper instead which is cheaper! I had to free hand the shark picture from the magazine. I was never able to find the free template online. oh well I think momma did pretty good! He like spraying the paint and even had to paint a few rocks for his rock collection at Nana and Papa's house.
After drying and peeling off the freezer paper (sorry I didn't take any pictures of the process - let me know if you have questions about using freezer paper) he was ready to wear it.

Notice his cute "Chandler" smile! I just love my son!

Featured on a Blog!

2011-08-30T22:09:00.000-05:00

I was featured today on Kansas Etsy Team Blog!

Go check it out and learn a few more random facts about me.

I tried something new... Zumba and a review ♥

2011-08-02T11:20:00.000-05:00

So I did it again, I went and tried something new. I like to venture out and explore what's out there.

This week Little honey and I are at the Lake. Where the In-laws live. We are staying here all week without hubby. I am a little sad without him...but absence makes the heart grow fonder ♥ Little honey is attending his 4th VBS this summer at the grandparents church. So we are making a mini vaca out of it.

Well as you many of you know I have been working out the past few months with Jillian and her 30 day shred - which I LOVE! And so has hubby! He has been doing it pretty faithfully most days. So I couldn't just take the DVD with me and leave him with nothing to work out! What kind of wife would I be? Instead I took another Jillian dvd I had purchased and never used...hoping I would like it. It is called Yoga Meltdown. Basically aerobic yoga. ehh, not my favorite.

Well as I was driving by the church here in town I noticed a ZUMBA sign. What is Zumba you ask? Well it is a Latin inspired dance aerobic class. Very intriguing! So I went!

"Wild" is all I have to say to sum it up. First the relative age of the locals here is around age 55. So I stick out like a sore thumb and am expected to do better than them! HA! They have all been doing the class for a few weeks and I am choreographically challenged to say the least! The class incorporates hip-hop, samba, salsa, merengue, mambo and some Bollywood and belly dance moves. Squats and lunges are also included.

Have you ever been to a workout class with senior citizens and not laughed a little. It was so hard to keep my composure and keep up with the instructor (who did seem about my age) and not giggle at the cute, little, old ladies! They really put their heart into it and try! I even thought one was going to take off and do some swan lake dance moves at one point...she was in the moment!

I was a little worn out after class. I have no cardio skills and this is something that I am working on. I guess it wasn't so bad...although I don't think I'll run out and get the dvd. It was something new and different to throw into my workout schedule.

I guess I'll go back to Saturday's class and try it out again. Just for the fun of it!

Would you go to a random class where you know no one and don't know what the work out is about?? Let me know!

Start listening today...

2011-07-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

I found this poem and wanted to share...

Take a moment to listen today,
to what your children are trying to say.
Listen today what ever you do,
or they won't come back to listen to you.
Listen to their problems.
Listen to their needs.
Praise their smallest triumphs.
Praise their smallest deeds.
Listen to their chatter.
Amplify their laughter.
Find out what's the matter.
Get to what they're after.
Tell them that you love them every single night,
and as you tip toe out,
"Brush your teeth,
Happy dreams, sleep tight."
Turn out the light.
Turn around and say,
"Oh, by the way,
Regardless of our differences today,
Tomorrow everything will be all right,
and things between you and I are bright."
Take a moment to listen today,
to what your children are trying to say.
Listen today whatever you do,
and they'll come back to listen to you.

Dennis Waitley

I started this post on Sunday, but little honey "interrupted" me and needed me to make his milk and watch a movie with him. So that's what I did! Life happens so fast and can pass you by in a moment - don't let your kids pass you by while your "busy" on the computer or "working".

Enjoy your day!

What I've been up to lately - 30 Day Shred Work Out

2011-06-24T14:22:00.000-05:00

So I have been working my bum bum off - literally! I read about this workout on another blog, although I can't remember whose :( and I thought I would try it out!
Luckily it was on the list of our Netflix and I could try before I buy! I love to do that with all of my books - get them from the library first in case I don't like it. That is my frugal tip for the day ♥

If you are looking for a good, quick, effective workout than this is the one for you! I am finding muscles I didn't know were there and they are hurting too! So far I have lost about 8 lbs. My goal is about 12lbs. I know it's a weird number - why doesn't she just round it up to 15 or down to 10? Well 12lbs. is what it will take to get me to my ideal weight! I guess the question should be - why did I gain a weird amount of weight?????

I have also changed my diet. Yes, I am now eating better. Not as much chocolate (I HAVE to have some at least every other day), more fruits and veggies, added Protein shakes for breakfast, and am now having Meatless Mondays. (I will have to share some of the Yummy recipes we have tried lately in another post).

I was even able to get my hubby on board with all of the changes. Actually he is the reason I jumped to make all these changes. See hubby went to his ~~yearly~~ bi-yearly physical last month and got some not to exciting news. He has very high sugar levels which I have always been concerned about because both his mother and grandmother are diabetic, and his cholesterol was too high for his age.

At first he didn't like the diet restrictions the doc and I gave him. But he is starting to enjoy the new meals and how much better he is feeling♥ I was even able to get him to do the Shred workouts with me!! I thought he would bail after the first day - but he is even getting up 30 minutes earlier to make sure he has enough time to do it before work! I am so proud of him! I tried to get up earlier (5:30 instead of 6:00. but I REALLY need that extra 30 minutes or I am not a happy person to be around!)

So I get up at usual time to make his lunch and protein shake, send him off to work, make the bed and then do my workout. All before little honey wakes up! I am so proud of me, too!

Then the sad news hit - hubby lost almost 12 lbs!! UGH! so unfair. and he did most of this weight loss just by diet before he started working out! Well I guess men are made different then women. I just keep huffing, puffing and sweating along.

What are you doing to get into shape?? Please leave a comment as I am almost done with this 30 day and ready to try something new ♥

Tangled or Rapunzel themed T-shirt

2011-06-16T06:01:00.002-05:00

Well it happened. Little honey got invited to his first girl/boy party! Can you believe it! 5 1/2 years old and a girl wanted him there! (Well all the kids from preschool where there.) I was worried about how little honey would act or if he would even go!

So I asked him if he would want to go to a GIRL party? Yes he did!

Then I asked him what he wanted to give to a GIRL? He wanted me to make her something! Ahhh. Just melts a mamma's heart that he wants to take something I made!

Wait.

What do I make for a GIRL? A 5 year old GIRL? I haven't made anything for an GIRL before! Only babies!

So I went to the invitation for some inspiration. The theme was Rapunzel/Tangled. Hmmmm. Maybe a shirt with Rapunzel's hair on it?

This is what I came up with....

A little different ~ but little honey loved it! And he was so proud walking into the party and giving it to the little girl.

I did a little free style flower and grass embroidery at the bottom. Hey cut me some slack it was my first time embroidering! But I had fun.

And the little girl and her momma liked it!

When I picked up little honey he was upstairs playing with the other little boys in the older brother's room ~ no girls allowed!! Funny how it always ends up that way♥

Hope you enjoyed!!

GIVEAWAY - Credit to Just Jenny Etsy shop

2011-05-16T07:41:00.001-05:00

It is official ~ I have now been featured on someones blog with a REVIEW and now a GIVEAWAY!! I am so excited to share it with you.

Kerrific Online is having a month of giveaways and reviews for all things BABY! If you are expecting or know someone who is then you need to visit her blog and enter her giveaways! Some of the items don't even have any entries yet! That means low entries and a better chance to win!!

new patchwork burp cloths just added to my etsy shop!

She is giving away a $15 credit to my etsy shop, baby wipes, baby booties, taggie blankets, toddler bib, crochet items and much, much more!!

Go HERE to enter.

Her giveaways will end 5/31 ~ so hurry and enter!

Review - JustJenny

2011-05-11T14:07:00.000-05:00

My first official review happened at Kerrific Online.

So what do you think? Stop by later for her giveaway ♥

Happy Mother's Day to you!

2011-05-08T07:47:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful day to celebrate! The joys of mommyhood! It's been another great year with my little honey and this post rings true again this year -

Before I was a Mom, I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations. Before I was a Mom, I had never been puked on. Pooped on. Chewed on. Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts. I slept all night. Before I was a Mom, I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests. Or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep. Before I was a Mom, I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom. Before I was a Mom, I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy. Before I was a Mom, I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom . Author Unknown "Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs... since the payment is pure love." - Mildred B. Vermont

I am so proud and honored to be called a Mommy! It is only because of our precious birth mom that I can have this title. Thank you A.! We appreciate you so much and what you have given us! You gave us the world!

Before you were conceived I wanted you Before you were born I loved you Before you were here an hour I would die for you This is the miracle of life.- Maureen Hawkins

Yesterday was technically the day to celebrate her - it is called Birth Mother's day. The day before Mother's Day so that they can get recognition. I am so glad someone thought of that!

Being a mother has made my life complete.- Darcy Bussell

The bible has a lot to say about mothers, but this is one thing from the bible that I long for - Her children arise up, and call her blessed.- Proverbs 31:28
What is more precious than that?

and I stand on this promise - He makes the barren woman to be a homemaker and a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord! Psalm 113:9(Amplified)

Enjoy your day ~ Happy Mother's Day!!

Little Honey got glasses!

2011-03-29T07:00:00.003-05:00

**Warning** I am opening up and telling you about my feelings - so be nice!!

Well about 2 months ago I found out from our birth mom that her daughter got glasses. I figured it was time to go get little honey checked out. Sure enough he needed them! I had a feeling that he would - but still hoped that he wouldn't need them! I cried when I found out. I know, I know it sounds so selfish and silly - but as someone who has worn glasses since they were 10 years old - I know how hard it is! I was picked on at school, made fun of so bad. The glasses would fog up when I got hot, they would get dirty and hurt my nose and ears. I hated them!!!

I did not want that for my little honey. He is perfect. So I cried.

I know it was selfish. Why should my perfect son have to wear them? I made sure he didn't see me cry and I really pumped them up. Telling him how cute he would be and listing off all the people we knew who wear glasses. So he was excited. Hubby didn't care either way - he has perfect eyesight and didn't understand, but he was nice about it ♥

Well that night I prayed. "God, please forgive me for these selfish thoughts. I should be thankful that my son has eyesight. He CAN see and nothing else is wrong with him! Thank you Lord for my beautiful son and thank you that we can afford to go to the eye doctor and afford glasses. Please change my heart and forgive me."

I am thankful that glasses are all we have to worry about. There are many parents out there who have to worry about Cancer, blindness, hearing loss, asthma, etc, etc, the list could go on and on. I am thankful that I HAVE A SON to worry about!! Thank you JESUS!

So without further ado - here are his new glasses ~

He just got them and we went to the playground at the mall. This is his funny face!
He told everyone there kids and adults "These are my new glasses!" I was so proud of him!!

Pretty cute, huh!

Well I just wanted to share...thanks for listening.

New Blog to check out ~

2011-03-25T15:55:00.005-05:00

I wanted to share with you a new blog to check out! I could call her my friend, counselor, kindred soul, my wanna - be mentor , but her name is Michele.

She is an ordained minister and frequently speaks at my women's group and teaches Bible Studies at our church. She started a ministry called Faith Builders Ministry. Their vision is "one of Hope, Faith, Joy, and restoration for God's people. This ministry is for anyone who has had a reason to give up, give in, or give out before their race is finished."

She has written three books and is currently working on the fourth. I am excited about her current book as she is graciously letting me help edit it with her! I can't wait until she is complete and we can share it with you!

Here is a snippet from her blog -

I do not want to be a balanced believer I want to be an untraditional, sold out, radical, on fire, willing to be lead by the Holy Spirit even if I do not know where He is leading me kind of a believer. I want to strike a match in the heart of God’s people wherever I go. I want to make a difference in a place where being the same has been accepted as fitting in but in reality if we were to examine the truth its only living with a compromise standard. I do not want to compromise the Word of God any longer.

I don't know about you ~ but that's how I want to be!! I am learning so much from her and you will too!

You can find her books at Amazon.com ~

In addition to her book "Ripened on the Vine" she also has a free downloadable study guide to go along with it! Isn't that nice! I just love Free!! You can find it on her web page.

She recently started blogging to update the World on her writings and what is going on with her life and the ministry. You can find her blog at Faith Builders Ministries and now on FACEBOOK!

Please go check out her BLOG and give her some blogging LOVE ♥ Maybe we can convince her to write a guest post here or even a giveaway?? Let's show her some Love and see what happens!! I would love to share that with you!

WINNERS

2011-03-22T11:18:00.000-05:00

Well we have three winners for the PUREX Complete Crystals Softener

Congrats to ~
Asheley
Cheryl F.
and
Rebecca!!!

I will send you an email and please respond with your addresses so I can mail out the Certificates.

Thank you all who entered!! I love all my readers!

GIVEAWAY - Purex Complete Crystals Softener - NOW CLOSED

2011-03-13T14:49:00.005-05:00

Have I told you I am a member of Purex Insiders? I get to try out new laundry detergents and softeners and spread the word! (and giveaway a few for you to try too!)
I was excited to try a new type of Fabric softener! I just love the smell of clean laundry and a fresh new scent is wonderful. Well a few weeks ago Purex sent me a sample of their new Complete Crystals Softener to try.

Here is some information and facts that Purex shared with me and the reasons why I am so excited about it!

Introducing Purex® Complete Crystals SoftenerTM*; a purer way to get laundry that smells clean and fresh for weeks. 92% natural, this product’s unique crystal form works differently than traditional oil-based softeners that coat fabrics with oily residue, because it infuses fibers with long-lasting fragrance. In addition, since you add it directly with your
laundry, this means no more waiting for the rinse cycle, no messy residual gunk in your washing machine, and no more stains from spilling liquid fabric softener.

Purex Complete Crystals Softeners are safe for all laundry and will not harm, wear down or discolor your fabrics like oil-based softeners.
Safe for all fabrics, including baby clothes, athletic wear, towels, and whites. Unlike other softeners, Crystals WILL:
• Preserve the flame retardant benefits of your children’s clothes
• Retain your athletic wear’s wicking ability which draws sweat away from your body
• Maintain your towels’ built-in ability to absorb water
• Keep your white clothing from yellowing and graying vs. using traditional softeners.
The product won’t harm your clothes and is safe and convenient for the entire family!

No oily residue!!! This is great news! This is the reason why I never use the old fashioned type of fabric softener on my towels because I always had a hard time drying off! I didn't know why until now - and with Purex Complete Crystals - I didn't have this problem! YEAH!

I tried the scent "Fresh Spring Waters" the blue Crystals. The scent was nice - but I am really excited about trying the other scents ~ "Lavender Blossom" and "Tropical Splash". I think the lavender one will be my favorite.

So are you ready for the good news??? Purex was kind enough to give me not one, not two, but THREE coupons to try it out for yourself FREE!!! One Free 28 oz. bottle each for three winners. That means I will randomly pick 3 WINNERS!

WIN ♥
If you are interested in this giveaway - please do the following ~ Post a comment telling me what scent you would like to try. This is your first entry and is required before any other entries.

Extra Entries ~

~ After completing step #1 above - leave an extra comment if you are a following me ♥ or a new follower - Thank you ♥

~ Become a FAN on Facebook HERE - please make sure you leave an extra comment to let me know.

This giveaway ends at 11:59pm CST on March 20th when I will draw a winner at random. PLEASE leave your email address if it is not visible on your blog profile. I will notify the winner via email and they have 48 hours to respond. Open to US residents only.

Good Luck!!

Monster Jam this weekend

2011-02-15T14:34:00.000-06:00

So Hubby and Little Honey wanted to go to Monster Jam. What's a momma to do but buy the tickets. I asked little honey last week if he wanted me to buy two tickets and he could go with daddy.

No - he wanted the whole family to go and make a family date!

So Momma got to go too♥

So this is the only picture I got of him. He refused to take any pictures with my camera or his. The Center where the show was had this display where you can pick the background and you stand in front of a grey wall. The computer imposes you and they email it to you. Kinda looks like he is about to get run over!

He was cool standing in front of the grey wall - nothing else.

Then the show began. LOUD and stinky exhaust. But little honey had fun. So did hubby. I guess it was a good day had by all ♥

What did you do this weekend??

Meet ME on Monday

2011-02-14T21:33:00.002-06:00

Yeah, a New Monday!

Reminder - So here's the deal - I answer 5 questions about myself to get to know me a little better and you can link back to find out about others!

Questions:
1. Did you get any Valentine's Gifts?
2. What is your favorite topping on something toasted?
3. Do you pick out your outfit the night before?
4. What food item do you absolutely despise?
5. Righty or lefty?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
#1. Did you get any Valentine's Gifts?

This cute little heart and poem from my little honey. He is so cute!! And Hubby got me a box of chocolates = which I normally hate and even told him ~ so he found me a box of Hershey's Kisses! LOVE THEM!!

#2. What is your favorite topping on something toasted?

LOVE Grape jelly on toast!

#3. Do you pick out your outfit the night before?

I try....but usually I go straight to bed without doing it. I know it is a great habit to have - love Fly Lady and Missus Smarty Pants - but not getting all of my bedtime routines down. But I am fluttering ♥

#4. What food item do you absolutely despise?

Sour Crout I mean Sauerkraut. It STINKS so BAD! My mom used to make it with pork chops and try to tell me that the pork chops laying on top of the sauerkraut would not taste like sauerkraut. HA! The taste impermiated the prok chops and I hated them! So finally after many years of protest she would make my pork chops seperately! I refuse to be in her house the day she makes it or the few days following. STINKY!

#5. Righty or lefty?

RIGHTY all the way baby!!

Hope you had a great MONDAY! And Valentine's Day too♥