For What It's Worth...

My (Current) Silly Obsession

2015-07-05T21:14:00.003-04:00

When I was little, I collected pencils. I loved pencils. Pencils with my name on it. Smelly pencils. Decorated pencils. I didn't care as long as I could add them to the special box I had decorated just for my pencils. It is probably one of the reasons I have an affinity for school supplies.

As I got older, I moved from pencils to Sweet Valley High books. I bought them all until publications exceeded my funds. I had over 85 books in the series until I moved off to college. I so wanted to be Elizabeth Wakefield.

Now as a mom, I have tried to trim down on collections due to space and time and money. I prefer my collections to be my kids' drawings and art projects.

Still, I have one thing that I cannot stop collecting for some reason:

Food Network Magazine 50 Recipe Booklets

My mother-in-law subscribes to the magazine, and in each magazine there is a pull-out booklet. Each booklet has 50 recipes all with one theme. She graciously allows me to take out the booklet. I LOVE these little booklets. They have all kinds of ingredients and recipes at all degrees of levels. Out of the 63 available booklets, I have 62. I don't have the very first one: Toast Toppers. And in all honesty, I think I misplaced Holiday Cookies in our move, so if I don't find it soon, I will be on the lookout for that one, too. To check out the pictures of the covers of each booklet, click here. Most titles are linked to the Food Network Magazine Recipe Index.

Toast Toppers**

Thing to do with Pasta Sauce

Egg Dishes

Burgers

Stuffings

Things to Make with Pesto

Things to Make with Bacon

Things to Grill in Foil

Milkshakes

Breakfasts on the Fly

Things to Make with Apples

Easy Appetizers

Muffins

Wings

Twists on Mac & Cheese

Things to do with Canned Pumpkin

Deviled Eggs

Party Punches

Things to Make with Cranberries

Things to Make with Zucchini

These booklets are the best. I even look up the media kit for the magazine so I know what is coming up for the whole year. I haven't tried all of them, of course. In fact, I probably collect more than I try out the recipes.

I am willing to buy the two booklets needed: Toast Toppers and Holiday Cookies. Contact me for more info: caroltyner@yahoo.com

Summer Schedule

2015-05-18T15:04:00.000-04:00

We have 8 days left of school! I cannot believe how this year has flown by. For the last two years, we have followed a summer schedule. You probably have seen a few on Pinterest. I made a collaboration of the days I liked, and we have been using the following. We follow this schedule unless we are going somewhere with the church or on vacation. A schedule like this does take some planning, but the kids are eager to help. I do cheat a little by putting in a "Stay-Home Saturday" so I do get to relax some throughout the summer.

Click on the picture to take you to a clickable pdf.

My son has already been asking what we are doing to Make-It Monday, and my older two kids are compiling their friend list for Friend Friday.

What do you do with the kids during summer break?

When to Save Printable

2015-01-29T12:44:00.001-05:00

I love a sale. So after a few months of research, I compiled a list of all the products and when they are usually on sale. Hope it helps.

Pantry List Printable

2015-01-27T09:17:00.000-05:00

Do you have a list of all the necessary items to keep a well stocked pantry? I didn't, so I made one. Feel free to print and use if you want.

Easy Lasagna

2015-01-24T15:18:00.001-05:00

Since my dear hubby wanted lasagna this week, I added it to a the menu. I didn't find a pin I liked, so I took a couple of recipes I had to made my own. Of course, I forgot to take a picture of the finished result, but it was yummy and looked oh so good.

First I gathered my ingredients:

One box of Barilla Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodle (no boil). I truly only used about 6 because I used an 8x8 glass dish. Use a 9x13 to make it a little "thinner".
15oz. Ricotta cheese
2 cups Mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tablespoons dried minced onion
1 jar of Spaghetti sauce- I used Ragu meat flavored because that was what was in my pantry.
2 tsp Italian seasoning

First, I browned my meat with a little minced garlic. Now, we use the jarred kind. Yeah, yeah, I know it doesn't have the flavor, but that is what what we use.

When that finished, I just ladled off the fat. It was a very small amount due to the quality of the beef. (P.S. I got it at The Fresh Market on its Tuesday special; $2.99lb)

Then I mixed the following together: Ricotta, Mozzarella, grated Parm, and dried onion. I love onions; my family does not. These minced onions are small enough that they don't notice them, but I get the flavor. It looked very crumbly, but that is ok.

After that, I started assembling my lasagna. Now, we are a family of five, but my two youngest as super picky, and my family almost refuses to eat leftovers, so I try to fix just enough. you can make it go further by adding a another jar of sauce.I added a little sauce to the bottom of the dish, then placed my two noodles, If you used a 9x13, you would need three. They expand during cooking so don't worry if they don't seem to fit.

Then I added my cheese mixture.

Followed by the ground beef

And some shredded cheese

I used some Kraft Italian cheese. I was in the fridge.

I continued to layer into the top which was two layers of noodles, sauce and cheese. I very top layer was the cheese mixture. I covered it in aluminum foil and cooked for about 30 minutes.

I fixed a little garlic bread to go with it, and hubby was very happy.

-Carol

What if I Don't Wanna Cherish Those Moments?

2015-01-20T12:07:00.000-05:00

"Remember these days; they are only little once."

"Cherish these moments. You will never get them back."

"Hold on to these times. You'll miss them where they are gone."

It seems as though my Facebook page as been inundated when these types of articles and blog posts about cherishing those moments while your children are little. Well, frankly, I am about sick of them. You must understand. I LOVE my children. I would move the heavens and earth for them if it meant them never getting hurt or sick. And as much as I loved them during their baby stages, I do not- repeat- do NOT miss the days of cleaning up spit-up, crying through the night, sleepless nights, baby-proofing everything in bubblewrap, teething, potty-training. I am glad it is in the past. Will I forget them? Probably not. Do I want to keep them little forever? No to that, too.

To me, and it is probably just my interpretation of these sentiments, there are too many people already living in the past: "I miss their little toes." "I miss their smell." "Why can't they stay little forever?" Couple that with all the imagining and pressure we put on the kids about the future, and we forget to celebrate who they are now.

Enjoy the NOW moments. I know I could hold my little girl in my arms and just hold her forever. But you know what, she can sit on my lap now with her arms around me, and we can have a conversation about her day. Her wants. Her fears. Her own visions for her life.

My son, now 7, just lost his first tooth. A milestone. Celebrate THAT. He was the cutest baby ever, but he is growing into a handsome young man today. I know I can't get those little moments back, but I don't think they are any more important than the moments we are having now.

My littlest, finally officially potty-trained over six months now. Hooray. I want to celebrate what is to come. How everyday, I can understand him a little more. He has a major speech articulation issue that requires speech therapy. I would trade those frustration tantrums of not being able to communicate his needs and wants.

I do get sentimental but only when I realize how far they have come, not because I miss how little they were. I don't think it was any easier than now, or even easier now than then. Parenting is hard no matter what stage you are in. I just want to help my little ones celebrate today without regret of their past selves or and without fear of the future. I want them to know I love them now.

- Carol

Free Academic School Year Printables

2014-07-20T21:16:00.000-04:00

As the school year approaches (we start August 4!!), I am attempting to start off and stay organized. This year instead of buying a calendar that never really fits my needs, I made my own. I plan on keeping all of the following pages in a 3-ring binder.

I haven't created a cute front cover yet, but I may not because I like the design of the binder.

My first is my Monthly Calendar:

August 2014-July 2015

Then I have my weekly calendar:

This is two pages with spaces for each family member

Next I have my Birthdays & Anniversaries

I use this instead of taking up space on the calendar

Follows is my To Do List

I can just "x" the task once I am done.

I am also including My Faith Page

I want to try to focus my thoughts on my blessings and to remember those who need prayer

Last, I have my Weight Loss Goals

This will hopefully encourage me to focus on overall health instead of just numbers.

Whatcha think?

My New Cleaning Schedule

2014-05-31T23:06:00.000-04:00

I hate to clean. It's true. I would definitely characterize myself as a little on the lazy side. I would much rather watch television, Netflix, or Hulu, than clean my house. However, I hate my house to be messy. It has become quite a problem. I can't afford for anyone else to clean it, and I don't think anyone will do it for free. So I just have to hunker down and get it done.

I have discovered I love lists. I could lose all day making lists. I like making lists of the lists I am going to make. It's a problem. Nonetheless, I made a check-off list for cleaning. I call it my Completely Possible Cleaning Schedule. It has my daily chores and my weekly responsibilities. The best part is it shouldn't take very long to do it, so I can spend the rest of my time doing those things I enjoy: binge-watching, crafting, getting a pedicure, volunteering at my kids' school, grocery shopping (yup, I enjoy shopping for groceries).

Anyway, hope you enjoy the list. I put it in a plastic page protector and make off my squares with a dry-erase marker. Then, wipe it off at the end of the week, and start again.

Carol

Freebies for Good Report Cards: Macon Edition

2014-05-05T15:09:00.001-04:00

Nearing the end of the year, as we anticipate report cards, be sure to celebrate those A's and B's.

Here are some Macon area places that reward good grades:

Chuck E. Cheese - Take in your most recent report card and receive FREE tokens for good grades.

Krispy Kreme – Take home a free original glazed donut for each A (up to 6 A’s). Simply show your report card and receive your warm, delicious doughnuts!. What could be better?

Hello There, Cupcake - Offers one free cupcake for all As for any report card, any grade level. Simply show your report card.

Now there are more nationwide programs that offer good grades, but I have not verified them in Macon. As I verify more, I will include them.

New Beginnings

2014-01-15T16:59:00.001-05:00

What is it about January that makes people feel rejuvenated and inspired to make grand resolutions and aspirations. I get the whole "It's a brand new year with no mistakes in it." But why do we only have this feeling in January? Are there mistakes in the latter part of the year? By February or March, after we have broken most or all of our resolutions, we often feel defeated, and our pumped up, eager, get-it-done attitude is no where to be found.

I can easily put myself in this category. I sometimes find things easier to begin, if I begin in January. I think it is the same concept as starting that diet on Monday. Why do January and Monday have that magic?

I hope this year, I can find excitement in every month like I do in January and set goals to reach every day like Monday. I want to remember that every day has no mistakes. Every day is an opportunity to change my life, my future, my health, my relationships and that mistake are only speed bumps not road blocks.

I hope to find the continued strength for each day. And I wish that for you, too.

Just One or Two of Those Months

2013-05-14T16:08:00.001-04:00

I know you have had a bad day, but have you ever had a bad two months? I am so glad March & April are over. We have had sickness, and more sickness, ickiness, and just blah-ness. The best thing is we did get to go to Disney World for a few days in March, but even that seemed rushed. I absolutely wore out my kids which probably didn't help with the sickness. Pollen attacked with a vengeance, and we needed a Spring Break from our Spring Break. April just brought more pollen, but at least things calmed down before May and all the end-of-the-year festivities

I have been in such a funk. I have been so self-absorbed lately. Wallowing in my own self-pity about this, that, and the other. I totally feel as though Murphy's law has taken residence at my house. The sad thing is, I just don't know if the upcoming months are going to be any better.

I am just so frustrated. My plan for my life and God's plan for my life are not on the same page right now. I don't even think we are in the same book. It is really hard to release my control (or at least my idea of control since it is clear I have control over nothing) and have faith that God's plan is so much better than anything I could imagine. I am just having a hard time seeing the whole picture Boy, oh boy, is my faith shaky. I haven't lost it, but it is not on solid ground at the moment.

Then, I start feeling guilty for even wavering or feeling sorry for myself, because I know I have it a lot better than some others out there. Still, my problems are still problems that I would like to see go away.

DO YOU SEE MY INNER CONFLICT? I feel like I am in a bitter battle between what I want, and what I need, and whether either of those two things are anywhere close to what God has planned.

Maybe I should pray for some clarity.

My Liebster Nominations (Part Three)

2013-02-14T12:54:00.005-05:00

So Part Three of my little Liebster series is my 11 nominations for the Liebster Award. It was really hard for me to find some blogs that haven't already been nominated. I do apologize if I nominated someone who has already been nominated or if nominee has more than 200 followers. I did my best to make sure I followed all guidelines.

I hereby nominate the following blogs in no particular order:

Growing as a Mommy

Espresso in a Latte World

Meltdowns, Breakdowns, and Timeouts

Random Blog Drama

The Fruitful Home

The Proverbs 31 Sanctuary

The Kristen Project

Get Busy Living

Crayon Marks and Tiger Stripes

Confessions of a Busy Mama

Jolie Kirsten

My eleven questions are as follows:

1. If you could have a super power, what would it be and why?

2. Whom do you consider your hero?

3. What would you eat as a last meal?

4. What is the hardest decision you have every made?

5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

6. What is your favorite book and why?

7. What literary character do you see yourself identifying with the most?

8. Do you have any phobias? If yes, what?

9. What would be your ideal vacation?

10. What do you consider you biggest accomplishmnet?

11. Why do you blog?

Don't forget to tag me back with the answers.

Congratulations!

Missed the first two parts?

Check out PART ONE here

Check out PART TWO here.

My Liebster Questions Answered

2013-02-12T07:30:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, I was nominated for a Liebster Award, a sweet little award given by new bloggers to other new bloggers. I was actually nominated twice, but never got around to fulfilling the duties of the first nomination. So I am trying to fulfill them now. One rule is to answer the questions posed to you by your nominator. Since I was nominated twice, I will actually answer both set of questions.

Sara's questions:

1. Did any blogs inspire you to start blogging? I can't think of any particular blog that sparked an interest in blogging, but I found more and more that encourage me to be a better blogger.

2. If you could travel anywhere, where would it be? I would love to go to Ireland.

3. Imagine you have 1 million dollars that has to be given away to one person. Who would that be? That's tough. Can I say God?

4. What is your favorite movie? The Princess Bride

5. What is your dream job? My dream job is to be a published author.

6. What is your favorite holiday song? "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" by BareNaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan- this version

7. Have you ever had a celebrity crush? Yes, Jerry O'Connell. He is such cutie.

8. Salty or Sweet? Sweet-hands down.

9. What is your favorite band/artist? MercyMe

10. What are you currently reading? Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst

11. How has writing a blog helped you personally? It helps me vent, get my ideas out, express myself.

Vinma's questions:

1. How do you define yourself as a person? Emotional, a great listener, indecisive, a gal-you-love-to-be-around

2. Why do you blog? It is my outlet. Sometimes as a mom I feel secluded, and this is a great way to express myself.

3. What is your greatest pet peeve? Oh, it pick only one... I guess it would be thoughtlessness. Just not thinking about how your actions affect others. That selfishness is just beyond my comprehension.

4. What do you treasure most in your life? Do you mean "thing" or that which I hold dear to my heart. First thoughts are my faith, my children, my husband, my wedding ring. Does that work?

5. What is your short term and long term goal? In what aspect? I have a weight loss goal of 5 pounds a months until I reach my long term weight loss goal of 70 pounds.

6. Who is your role model? I don't know. Is that horrible to say? I like different qualities of different people, but no one role model comes to mind.

7. What is your favorite movie of all times and why? I have to say The Princess Bride. It is funny, clever, romantic, and just a great movie all around. Not to mention that I LOVE the song during the end credits

8. With which color in the rainbow, you identify yourself with and why? Green, It is natural, the color of life around me. I think I am vibrant like the color green, and I am definitely all-natural.

9. Do you like to socialize a lot and be in a wider world or are you comfortable with few friends/ no friends and a small world? I have a lot of acquaintances, and I have my close friends. I takes me a while to open up to people and I often envy others' ease of making friendships. I am most comfortable in my small world though.

10. What is your religion? I am a Christian.

11. Define ‘Love." When I think of Love, I think of God. His love for us includes sacrifice and forgiveness. I think that we cannot truly love others without those two things.

Stay tuned for PART THREE: My Liebster Nominations

Missed PART ONE: Check it out here.

And the Award Goes to ... ME (Part One)

2013-02-11T19:43:00.001-05:00

That's right, readers. I was nominated for a Liebster Award. Actually I have been nominated twice, but I guess I felt I didn't deserve it the first time. I was first nominated by Sara from Fake It Till You Make It and now by Vinma at For the Love of Kids.

So the Liebster Award is an award given out to new bloggers by other new bloggers. Basically, it is a way to showcase other up-and-coming bloggers and give them that virtual pat on the back.

Now, this isn't some willy-nilly random award that has no rules. In fact, there are a lot of rules. First, you have to be a new blogger with less than 200 followers (not a problem there). Next you have to adhere to the following:

1. Each blogger must post 11 random facts about herself (yikes, can I think up another 11. I already posted 13 random facts earlier)

2. Answer the 11 questions the tagger has sent. (Love answering questions!!)

3. Pick 11 other bloggers (with less than 200 followers), link to them from the post, and ask them a new set of 11 questions. (No tag backs)

4. Be sure to let the new bloggers know of your nomination

Now, I have to admit I did not follow through with my first nomination. I didn't know enough bloggers to nominate, so I felt the nominations wouldn't be sincere if I just randomly pick some Now, that I have been following a few, I think that I am able to fully give my nominations

First Things First: 11 NEW Random Things about me.

1. I bite my nails. I have forever and don't think I will ever break this habit.

2. I am a sucker for infomercials. I don't actually but anything, but I will totally stop and watch them. It is a good thing I don't have any money.\

3. I coupon. I am not an extreme couponer, and think the show is totally rigged, but I am proud of the fact that I save at least 40% or more per grocery bill.

4. I taught school for eight years before staying home with my kids. Although my posts are often riddled with mistakes, I taught English. I absolutely LOVED it and hope to return to teaching one day.

5. If money were no object, I would love to open my own gift shop. I would feature the arts and crafts and the life of local artists and crafts.

6. I was pulled over at least four times my senior year in high school. Once for speeding, once for not using my turn signal, once for having a busted tail-light, and once for not signaling when changing lanes. I didn't get a ticket for any of them, but I sure had to talk my way out of them.

7. I want to learn sign-language.

8. For some reason, the idea of other people not taking responsibility for their own actions just gripes me to the bone. Even for my kids, I don't care that you broke my (insert random item) just tell me you did it, so I can replace it, fix it, or throw it away.

9. My computer has crash 3 times since I started this post (GGRRR)

10. My favorite song in the whole wide world is "Time in a Bottle" by Jim Croce. I first heard it on Muppet Treasures (a compilation of Muppet Show segments)...

11. Speaking of Muppets, I cry EVERYTIME I watch the end of Muppets Take Manhattan when Kermit and Piggy sing this song at their "wedding" (yep I even cried while viewing the video)

Since this could turn into a rather lengthy post, I think I will separate it into three posts.

PART TWO: My Liebster Questions Answered

PART THREE: My Liebster Nominees

3. 13 Things I MUST tell my daughter

2013-02-04T12:34:00.001-05:00

When I found out I was pregnant for the first time, I quietly prayed for a boy. They just seemed "easier" (little did I know). The truth of the matter is having a girl scared the mess
out of me. The irony does not escape me- a woman scared of facing the daunting task of raising a girl. But I am sure that this plagues most mothers. I just know I am not alone in this.

Since the day my daughter was born eight years ago, I have mentally rehearsed all kinds of conversations simply in preparation of "that day" when she asks about this, that, or the other.
There I was holding my newborn baby and all I could think about is how am I going to help her through so many things: crying over a boy, her first kiss, her first period, puberty, and so much more.

As much as I want to keep her locked away like Rapunzel (who ended up very well adjusted considering), I know none of these things can be avoided. She will continue to grow up, and while I cannot stop it, I can instill in her those values and beliefs that will allow her to grow in God. While there are so many things I want to tell my sweet baby girl, I think these are pretty high up there in term of importance.

1. God loves you. Don't EVER forget this.

2. I love you. Don't EVER forget this, either.

3. You are beautiful. No, I don't have to say this just because you are my daughter. You truly are a beauty.
4. I am so proud of you. Little things you do each day just makes my heart beam with joy.
5. You will mistakes. Do not let them define you. Oh, the lessons you will learn. Tomorrow is always new and without mistake.
6. There is nothing you can or cannot do that will change the way I love you. NOTHING! I may not always "like" what you do, but never will lessen my love for you.
7. You are enough. Basically, this is about confidence. You do not need another person do make you a better person.
8. Don't be in such a hurry to grow up. Enjoy your childhood. Miss it now and you will long for it later.
9. Don't ever be ashamed of your intelligence. Nothing is prettier than a girl with a smart mind. No really. I promise.
10. Never lose your love of reading. It can take you to worlds unknown. Besides it is just fun.
11. If it ever comes down to following God's plan or making people happy, follow God. He will not steer you wrong. You cannot fathom the wonders of God's blessings on your life.
12. Be yourself. Even though it may take you a while to truly understand what that means. Once you do learn, embrace it. There is only one you; why try to be someone you are not.
13. Taking care of yourself is important. Being physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthy is vital. Once you know how to take care of yourself, you will be able to take care of others.

What would you add to the list?

Copy-Kids DVD Review and Giveaway

2013-01-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

My first review and giveaway. WooHoo!

I am excited about telling you about a great way to get your kids to eat more fruits and veggies. I think I have the most finicky kids ever. I have just about given up trying to get them to eat more veggies. I have since found Copy-Kids - a DVD with young children modelling good eating habits. The idea is simple but the concept speaks to kids' natural ability to mimic those around them. To make it even better, the models looks just like them.

I watched this with my youngest child who is 2. It is a good idea to have the foods you want to encourage in front of the kids. We started with carrots and strawberries. I have to admit that Tuck will occasionally eat a strawberry, but lately he won't touch them. I was hoping to get him to eat more strawberries.

The first thing I did was put out the bowls on the floor in front of the TV then I turned on the DVD and picked strawberries. There are 12 fruits and vegetables from which to choose, so the variety is great. Tucker grabbed the strawberries right away and began to munch along as soon as he saw the kids eat.

The kids were cute, and even I began to be mesmerized at how easily these kids ate those foods. It was easy to tell the kids enjoyed the fruit that they were eating. After the strawberries, we tried the carrots.

I was a little nervous about the carrots, because Tucker does not eat them at all. Here was the true test.

The first little girl was a little funny, and Tucker just watched the kids, but he didn't grab a carrot. He just laughed at the kids. He liked watching the kids, but was not interested in the carrots. In fact, he took the bowl of carrots and dumped them onto the carpet. So I picked up the carrots and pointed to the tv screen to show him that it was something that he was supposed to eat. He took one and I thought yes! However, instead of eating them himself, he tried feeding them to me which showed me he at least understood the concept.

When the DVD segment was finished (each one only lasts about five minutes) he wanted to watch it again so we watched the carrot segment again hoping this time he would eat them. When the segment started, I could hardly believe it Tucker actually picked up one of the carrots that he had been feeding me and begin to nibble on it!! It worked. I got so excited! It wasn't because of my prodding, he simply wanted to join in on the fun the kids were having.

I wanted documentation, so I decided that I would take a picture. That was the wrong thing to do because he became more interested in looking at my camera phone at this point and stopped eating a carrot. After that he kinda lost interest and did not care to eat any more carrots. However, when the segment was over again he got really upset that we did not watch another. So I do think it is interesting how he wanted to keep watch the kids.

I do think that I will continue to encourage these eating habits by watching Copy-Kids. I may even try it with my older children. It is such a laid-back, stress-free approach to handling a situation that often causes parents much angst.

Copy-Kids is gracious enough to offer one lucky reader her (or his) very own copy of this DVD. If you need more convincing of how great this DVD is, be sure to check out these other reviews or check out the awards Copy Kids has won.

Be sure to enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*I am required to let you know that I received a copy of Copy-Kids DVD to review. I was not required to provide a positive review. It just worked out that way. All opinions are my own, and I wrote what I wanted to write.*

A Much Needed Break

2013-01-23T20:26:00.001-05:00

Contrary to what some people may believe, I don't really get that much of a break.

My life is pretty routine: 6:30AM wake up call, get the kids fed, dressed, and out the door (dear hubby drives them to school- he works there), eat something, maybe do a workout from Hulu, try to get in a little me time before Tucker wakes up.

Once Tucker wakes up it is trial and error in trying to figure out what the boy will eat because he won't talk. Then after I get him to eat a bowl of cereal, he spends every waking minute trying to get candy. He's sneaky, too. He will get me distracted then he goes and finds a way to climb on top of the counter to reach the candy bowl. Moving it doesn't help, he just looks for it. And don't let him watch me throw it away, he has been known to knock over the trash can to dig one out to eat. You know the saying "one track mind"? Well that it Tuck when it comes to candy. I must say NO a hundred times a day.

So Tuck is up and fed, now I get to do the dishes, wash about four loads of clothes (because my family changes clothes about three times a day except for the boys who stay half naked throughout the day), straighten the living room, clean the bathrooms, put up the four loads of clothes and I need to do all of this before 1:30. Somewhere in there in have to remember to eat and oh yeah, I have got to feed Tuck who still refuses to give up on his candy pursuit.

After 1:30, I then have to get ready to get the kids. Sometimes I have to drop off Tuck at the in-laws because Judson has gymnastics. Sometimes, DH gets to bring them home from school, too, but lately he goes to the gym. Other days Mel has piano, or soccer practice in the fall. On top of school activities, random subbing for teachers, room mom responsibilities, MOPS leadership responsibilities and actual MOPS meetings, going to church (usually one church on Sundays and another on Wednesday), we try to find time to eat together before bedtime.

This is also coupled with my older two children arguing and fussing and tattling and aggrevating and crying and whining and everything else 8 and 5 year-olds do.

So, when I had the chance to get away for a few days, I jumped at the chance. Now you have to understand, I cannot remember a time in the past two years that DH and I have been away together without the kids. He gets time away due to his band director duties, but I really can't think of a time when I haven't been at night with at least one of my children.

Proud to say I am in Savannah. I am getting to walk up and down the Spanish moss lined streets.

I am sleeping in a bed that looks like this.

I am window shopping in every shop.

I am eating local cuisine.

And tonight when we came back to the hotel we had chocolates on our bed. (I ate one before I took the picture.)

This is such a needed break. I am enjoying every minute.

2. 13 Websites to Kill Time

2013-01-15T18:47:00.002-05:00

Sometimes after I have cleaned the kitchen, washed the clothes, put the kids to bed, checked Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and other blogs, I just want to veg-out in front of the computer and waste time. I don't want to have to think or make a decision, I just want to giggle a little. I have found 13 websites that are truly utterly useless. They have no function except to make the minutes go by a little faster. I guess they are not useless at all then.

Disclaimer: As much as I wish everything was Rated-G, some images or user-submitted entries may not be kid-friendly. Please use mommy discretion when viewing for the first time until you determine whether or not it is ok.

In no particular order:

1. Unnecessary Quotes - I am bit of a grammar nerd, so this appealed to me.

2. The Longest List - A index of the longest whatever. I said you did haven't to think; I didn't say anything about not learning something.

3. Wordle - I happen to LOVE Wordle. You can make the neatest little word clouds.

4. Snopes - I like to go here to debunk every scam, chain letter, spam message I get. Ok, this one is VERY useful.

5. The Drama Button - This is so silly yet, so fun. Try it once, and you will bookmark it forever.

6. Do Nothing for 2 Minutes - The title is self-explanatory. A good way to just relax and take a break.

7. Dear Blank Please Blank - Funny and endearing, sometimes gut-wrenching letters submitted by readers.

8. Attack of the Cute - Enough cuteness to make you go into Awww overdose and an Adorable coma.

9. Cake Wrecks - I bake three cakes a year, one for each of my children's birthday. I understand the hard work that goes into baking these special cakes. These are just too funny.

10. Awkward Family Photos - Just makes you feel better about yourself. Can't wait to see my pic up there one day.

11. Grouchy Rabbit- One-liners that make you go HA, UMM and EWW.

12. Craft Fail- When you need to remind yourself that everyone else is NOT Martha Stewart.

13. Free Rice - OK, my last choice and you do, in fact, have to think. I like vocabulary and feel like I am helping people.

So, there you have it. A few websites to help you wind down after a productive day.

Are there any you would add to the list??

Stop it! My Brain Hurts

2013-01-09T16:26:00.001-05:00

Here I am sitting in carpool, and I am so frustrated because I have so many ideas in my head I can't get them all out before I forget them. And some of them are really good ideas and topics.

I don't know how fast a mind is supposed to run, but mine is going ninety-to-nothing. Blogging topics, craft ideas, (imaginary) business plans, not to mention designing woes for the MOPS newsletter I am supposed to be working on. This doesn't even include the things I am actually doing. Aren't we supposed to think about the things we are doing as we do them? I keep thinking about the things I want to do to my house like clean the table in the corner, sort the clutter, in my bedroom. I feel like I have To-Do lists on top of To-Do lists and the only thing I have accomplished is making a To-Do list.

Some can argue that it is just a matter of using my time wisely- an issue of organization. That may be true, but I would like to think that my awesome is just overflowing and hard to contain.

So I will try to get out as many ideas as I can and will focus on the ones that keep me up at night.

Sorry, I have to go now. I have some things I need to write down before I forget.

1. 13 Random Things about Me

2013-01-02T07:30:00.000-05:00

I thought I would try a new series. In the spirit of 2013, I thought I would write about Thirteen 13s. Thirteen lists about 13 "things."

The first "13" is 13 random things about me.

1. I love the smell of Vick's Vapor Rub, Turtle Wax and Lowe's.

2. I don't like The Cat in the Hat. It annoys the heck out of me. It is almost a requirement for English teachers to like it, but I don't. Other Dr. Seuss books don't bother me, just this one.

3. I love toe socks. I think they are very comfortable. I bought and wore a new pair for the birth of each of my three children.

4. I grind my teeth and talk in my sleep I have since I was a child. I have also been known to cry and to spit (yes, spit) during slumber. Gross, right?

5. I had two favorite dolls growing up and they were my very favorite dolls in the whole wide world. One was just a plain doll, Missy, and the other was my Cabbage Patch Doll, Eleanor Nan. They are still at my parents' house.

6. When I was younger, I used to fantasize that Luke Perry somehow got lost on my dirt road and had to stop at my house for directions. What can I say: I loved 90210, and Luke Perry was so much cuter than Jason Priestley.

7. My favorite snack, to this day, is a whole dill pickle dipped in mayonnaise eaten with BBQ corn chips. It sounds disgusting, but I LOVE it. And, No, I am not preggo.

8. I had the lead in the school play my junior year of high school. It was a silly little musical based on a cartoon called LuAnn. Everyone said I was made for the part because my life somehow tragically resembled the cartoon-it was about a girl who longed for the attention of a boy who didn't know she existed. Yup. That sounded about right.

9. About 7 months after I turned 18, my friend, Maria, and I drove to Valdosta and we both got a tattoo. It is a blue rose on my abdomen, so no one ever sees it. My mom just found out about it this past summer, and I think that in-laws still don't know. It is the most rebellious thing I have ever done.
10. One of my "bucket list" items is to sing the National Anthem for a crowd somewhere. The only problem is I have a fear of singing solo. I can talk and act the fool (drama all the way) but singing- gives me the butterflies. Something fierce. Despite the fact that my voice isn't perfect.

11. One of my goals is to write a novel someday. I have several outlines and have even wrote a little, but I can't seem to work through it.

12. I can't stand Mariah Carey. I don't like her voice, the way she looks, her songs. I am sure she is a nice person. I just don't have anything for her. It is entirely superficial

13. I picked my college (Mercer) because I heard about it from the best friend of my cousin. I had never heard of it until then, but I knew about Macon because we drove through it on the way to see my Grandma who lived in Roswell. I didn't even apply anywhere else.

Any random things you would like to share with me??

2013: Word of the Year- Believe

2013-01-01T16:14:00.000-05:00

A couple of years ago, I heard on K-LOVE the prospect of choosing one word on which to focus throughout the year instead of numerous resolutions that are forgotten and ignored.

In 2011, I chose the word Change. Believe me, we went through some changes. For some reason, I didn't pick one for 2012. I guess that God wasn't finished with the changes yet, because we went through even more in 2012.

I have started thinking about my one word challenge for 2013. I have thought about Patience, and Strength, Faith but the one that keeps returning to my brain is Believe.

So this year I will focus on what I believe.

I BELIEVE in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirt.

I BELIEVE that Jesus Christ died for my sins and loves me in spite of all my wrong doings.

I BELIEVE that I will NOT let doubt overwhelm my mind.

I BELIEVE that God will lead me through challenges.

I BELIEVE that through prayer and study, I will become a better wife and mother who glorifies God.

I BELIEVE that I am a wonderfully made person.

I BELIEVE that through His strength that I can better myself, mentally physically, spiritually and emotionally.

I BELIEVE that no matetr what the devil throws at me, I will make it through my valley.

I BELIEVE that I will make mistakes, but I will not let it define who I am.

I BELIEVE that God wants me to be a healthier version of myself. (Click here for details)

I BELIEVE that God will bless my family in more ways than I could ever imagine.

As I go through the year, I will focus on one thing and how it applies to every facet of my life this year, instead of five or six or more declarations that are bound to discourage and frustrate year.

One word challenges or not, have you thought about how 2013 will be different than 2012?

Christmas Crackers

2012-12-23T15:49:00.001-05:00

I don't bake very often, probably once a month if that, but for some reason, when the holidays come around, I get into a baking mood that makes me feel like a renowned confectioner. Since my parents brought my about 8 cups of the world's best pecans, I have been trying to find things to fix that has nuts in it or on it. So, I made some Christmas Crackers the other day and wanted to share. If you have never had these, they are also called Saltine Toffee.

CHRISTMAS CRACKERS

Ingredients:

1 cup brown sugar

1.5 sticks of butter

1 tsp vanilla

1 sleeve of saltine crackers (about 35 crackers)

1 12oz bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips.

1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans (optional)

First thing I did was cover a jelly roll pan with aluminum foil, spray with non-stick spray and lay out the saltines. The preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Next, I put the brown sugar and butter in a sauce pan and started melting everything and bringing to a boil.

After about 5 minutes, a nice rolling over boil has occurred. Now is the hard part, you have to leave it alone and let it boil for about 4 minutes. If you have a candy thermometer, you want it to reach 235-240 degrees or the soft-ball stage. I don't have a candy thermometer, so I had to eye-ball it.

Once it has reached this stage, add the vanilla, and stir, stir, stir, until it begins to harden. Once it starts to cool down a little, pour it over the crackers and spread. It will cover the saltines, but the saltines will rise above it.

Put in oven and bake about 5 minutes. After taking out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the bag of chocolate chips over the cracker spread.

Within just a few moments, the chocolate chips will be melted enough to spread.

This is where I added the nuts. The kids don't like them, so I sprinkled them on half- OK, 2/3.

I put the pan in the refrigerator to cool and then break into pieces.
They broke at the saltines making nice little squares.

They were really tasty and didn't last long in the house. Hope you like them.

If you make them, let me know how it went.

The Small Things??

2012-12-21T10:20:00.000-05:00

We have had a rough week, I won't lie: busted transmission in one vehicle, busted throttle something in the other, two kids with ear infections, one kid with a nasty cough and a bloody head, the list could go on.

After attempting to get one vehicle fixed, Dan went to pick it up, and it broke down in the dealership parking lot. Since the service department soon closed after returning the car for repairs (again), the dealership arranged for us to have a rental car at no charge to us. The guy from Enterprise asked Dan how he week was going, and Dan proceeded to tell him.

Ok, so where is this going?

Dan mentioned that despite all the troubles, he has been able to spend time with us and that is the good thing. "Yup," the Enterprise guy said, "it is the small things that matter."

People say this all the time, and maybe I am just interpreting it wrong, but since when did spending time with your family and enjoying each other's company become "the SMALL things"? I know there are sayings that it is the little things that matter in a relationship: the sweet notes, the random acts of love and kindness. I am not talking about that. I am not even talking about not sweating the small stuff- the everyday distractions that prevent us from living happily. I am concerned for those who think spending quality time together as a family is small. It is not small. It is HUGE.

We are so caught up in the small things that we often think it adds up to the big things. I want my family to know they are important to me. I want them to know I will be there for them. How is that considered small? I consider small things to be doing the dishes or washing a load of laundry. Yes, it is important for my family to live in a nice clean house, but I would rather hang out with them watching tv, playing a board game, going to the museum. I want them to know they are more important than a clean carpet (which is evident, just come on over to the house).

When my kids are older, I want them to remember our time together, our lazy days in our pajamas or baking something in the kitchen. Maybe for others, these are considered small things, but I refuse to believe that the relationships I forge with my family are small.

All I Want for Christmas. . .

2012-12-11T08:30:00.000-05:00

One of the things that always bugs me about my daddy is that when I ask him what he wants for Christmas, he always says "Nothing." What? How can you not want anything?? That is why throughout my entire childhood, Daddy got a new bottle of Old Spice aftershave. That's right, my daddy is an Old Spice man.

Now, I am a little older (just a little) and I find myself responding to the question in the same way, "Nothing." I have discovered that I have outgrown the need for trinkets. I don't really collect anything anymore; most of my collections have been broken up and sold, or well, broken. Don't get me wrong, it is not that I don't want anything, I do. I just happen to have wishes and dreams beyond my checkbook balance. Therefore, all my wish list items are unrealistic, hence the automatic response of, "Nothing."

Still, it is so much fun to create a wish list, and I have. I have created my ULTIMATE NO-HOLDS-BARRED WISH LIST for 2012. I think the following list is extremely extravagant, but the funniest thing to me is that there are people who would probably call this Tuesday.

MY ULTIMATE NO-HOLDS-BARRED WISH LIST 2012 (in no particular order)

1. A jewelry armoire. I don't have a lot of jewelry, but it is a jumbly mess on the top of my dresser. I happen to like this one. At least maybe I can stop losing my earrings and find my matching sets of earrings/necklaces/bracelets.

2. Unlimited Massages- I am a SUCKER for massages. I blame my husband--wait, don't get any ideas. My love bought me a gift certificate for a massage as a present before we were married, and I got HOOKED. The only problem is they are like 60 bucks a pop, and that is just for 30 minutes usually. Thirty minutes may be enough for some people, but that is just enough to make me mad. I could easily have a massage every week. I'm telling you--when money is no longer a concern...

3. Gift Cards from anywhere for any amount. I know most people don't like gift cards. They think they are impersonal. I LOVE them. When I do get a few, I save them and ration out the funds. If I had to pick a few stores, I would pick JCP, Kohls, Charming Charlie, Old Navy, LifeWay, Michaels, Target, and any restaurant. One reason I like gift cards is they are usually for clothes. Since our budget is tight (whose isn't?) I easily jump over clothes. This way, with cards, I am forced to buy the things I need without sacrificing groceries. Also, I admit, if the need arises, I will use the cards for the kids. While some people may say that it isn't for the kids, I say give me something that allows me to provide for my kids, and that is the best present of all.

4. We are in desperate need for new furniture. We have only had ours for about 8 years, but the springs have popped out underneath. We have had to place a piece of board under cushions so we are not falling through the couch completely. We bought our furniture pre-kids and definitely did NOT put into consideration in the fact that one day we would have kids. Our couches have protruding wood along the bottom and edges of the arm rests. If my kids have bumped and bruised their heads once, they have done it a hundred times. I am thinking I would like something chocolate brown or hunter green. This would be so nice to have.

5. Now I preface this one with a warning. It is not nice. My close friends have heard me say this and choose to love me anyway. Since I never know the dispositions of readers, I simply request that you do not base your entire opinion on me based on this one wish. My dog, Max, needs to go to Heaven. That's right, heartless, rotten, mean me has added the natural death of my 12-year-old, blind, incontinent, kid-fearing dog to my wish list. Go ahead and un-friend, de-plus, unsubscribe yourself if need be, but I am just being honest. Believe it or not, I love my dog. He is just not happy. He has never liked my kids- never even tried or tries to play with them (he bit Melody one time she tried to play with him). He is basically blind, pees constantly in my house and just seems miserable. The thing is we take him to the vet- he is healthy, so there is no medical reason to "help" him move beyond our world. He is just old, and that is no reason to get rid of him. When the day Max leaves us does come, I will be the first to tell you that I WILL be bawling my eyes out. He has been a part of our lives since he was about 6 weeks old. I tell you; it is just time.

Max, in happier times, about 5 years ago

**UPDATE** Sweet Max did indeed go to Doggie Heaven on January 10, 2013. We will be missed.

6. Now, considering the fact that I get everything on my wish list this year, after sweet Max has gone beyond, I will need the best cleaning crew to come in and clean my house from wall to wall and ceiling to floor. I really want this either way; it is just why clean it when my dog is just gonna pee on it anyway. I have to admit, though, I am not the best housekeeper. I often feel overwhelmed with everything and end up doing nothing. A nice cleaning would be great to start the new year fresh.

7. You know how some people just absolutely love "As Seen on TV" products. I feel the same way about "Of the Month" club gift. You know, Fruit of the Month or Pizza of the Month or Chocolate of the Month. I have no clue why, but this type of gift excites me. Maybe it is the idea of being surprised every month with a new something that tickles my fancy. With the exception of Wine of the Month, I cannot think of a Club gift I would not want. Did you know there is even a Pickle of the Month Club? The drawback to these is that eventually they stop.

8. I want a 8 day-7 night all-inclusive trip for five at the Grand Floridian Hotel at Walt Disney World. I want park hopper tickets, three free meals a day, behind-the-scene tours, spa packages, princess character dining- the whole VIP treatment. We LOVE Disney World. Dear Hubby and I went on our honeymoon and have been fortunate enough to do back a few times. I want to be able to take all three of my kids with me and just have a good ole' time.

9. Last, but not least, my ultimate wish list contains becoming DEBT-FREE. We had worked our way into debt, and we are busting our... backs to get out of it. It is hard. I struggle every day. One of the reasons why my wish list is so extravagant is because I KNOW I can't afford any of it, so it doesn't bother me that I don't get it. Of course, out of my whole list, this one is attainable, and once I attain my freedom from debt, maybe some of the others on my list will be attainable, too.

So, that is my list. One of the best things about it is that it is a list for the whole year, not just around the holidays, because if you ask me what I want for Christmas, I will probably tell you, "Nothing."

What are some of the things on your Ultimate Wish List?

"Mama & Me" Journal

2012-12-03T11:18:00.000-05:00

When I was goofing around on Pinterest one day, I came across a pin for the "Mama & Me" Journal.

I just fell in love with the idea. In school, I always wrote notes to friends. Heck, I know some people who still HAVE the notes from grade school. So, I followed the Pinterest link to HERE.

It is a cute little website, but she got the idea from THIS blog who got the idea from THIS blog. Since I like to give credit where credit is due, I wanted to give credit to all three.

So, if you are interested, here is what you do.

1. Buy a composition notebook: I got mine during school supplies sales events, so it wasn't very expensive.

2. Make the cover special. I followed the template that I found at the first website, but next time, I will probably just make my own. It is super easy to whip something up on the computer. I used a piece of scrapbook paper for my background, and then used clear contact paper to seal it.

Our First Mama & Me Notebook

3. Start writing. Even though I talk to my daughter everyday, when I was faced with starting a journal, my mind went blank, so I did kinda use the formula from the other sites:

Dear Melody,
        I thought it would be fun if we became penpals. Would you like that? Instead of writing letters to each other, we would write them in this notebook.  You can write anything you want: it can be serious or fun- just anything you want. Does that sound like fun?
        When I write to you, I will leave it on your bed. Then you write in it when you want and put it back on my bed. Easy peasy.
         Love you, Momma

4. Leave on bed. I actually straightened her room for her and put the book on her bed to find. It was really hard not to tell her to check her room as soon as she came home from school.

After I finished, I put it on the bed for Mel to find.

5. Wait for the mother-daughter bonding to begin.

Of course, when she found it she wrote in it immediately. The first thing she asked me was to not write in cursive (Whoops) We are having so much fun. Already I have gotten questions about sleepovers, being nervous, excitement about events. I hope her openness and honesty continues as she grows older.

I hope we fill many, many notebooks.