My Charmed Life....

I HAVE MOVED TO A NEW ADDRESS!!

2011-06-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

I have moved to a new address, come check it out....

http://mycharmedlife-cyndi.blogspot.com/

Thank You,
Cyndi

A Story of a Family Farm

2011-06-13T00:27:00.001-07:00

It's Monday morning, I have spent my last week packing up my parents house.They live in an area that is part of a controlled flooding. They were told to evacuate and that they had about two weeks to get out before the water reached their home. 45 years of belongings, and a barn have been loaded into two 40 foot trailers to be stored until they know what they are going to do. Seven tractors, grain trucks and many other pieces of equipment have been taken to neighbors in the hills It has been a sad and busy week for all of us and I am so blessed to have an amazing family who have come to help. It is never a situation of calling people, they all just show up and ask what to do.

This is a picture of my dad, his sister and brother. There are four of them left out of six siblings. They all live within a half hour of the farm. I have never known a family as close as they are, they are always there to help each other no matter what the situation. All six of them were born and raised on this farm. The farm was purchased in 1850 by my Great, great, grand father. It has been passed down to each generation to farm. It's been a sad couple of weeks for them, but they all still have a smile on their face.

My dad and his sister and brother

While I was down there I took some pictures of the things that have been around for many years. I thought they were interesting and they have many memories attached.

This is an old house barn that sits on the property. It has seen it's day. My sister and cousins spent many summers playing in the top of that barn.

These are just a few other pictures that I thought were interesting.

Of course my kids have had a blast playing with all their cousins everyday, they come home exhausted and filthy dirty from playing so hard.

My older son got them all up in the tree and yelled for me to come see them. I was thankful no one fell out!!

My Aiden, the little man of many faces. He loves having his picture taken.

I have no idea how he did this, but he couldn't get himself undone from the pole. I was daddy was there because I couldn't stop laughing!

Well, I am off to the farm again to pack so more. One good thing that has come out of this is that we have gotten rid of so much stuff that they didn't need anymore and I have found a few treasures for myself.

Pasta Salad

2011-06-09T12:57:00.000-07:00

I have posted this recipe before, but I have to feed a large group tonight and thought it would be the perfect dinner for a hot summer night. Every time I make this simple pasta salad people go crazy for it and ask for the recipe. It is sooo easy, but good.

This is what you need:
The salad:
1 box dry penne or rotini pasta
1 can "small" black olives
1 container grape size tomatoes
1 cup of fresh mushrooms washed and sliced
1 green pepper diced into bite size cubes...you can also use a combination of red yellow and green...I only had green on hand.

The dressing:
1 seven seasonings kit...comes with measuring bottle and season packet
Olive oil...extra virgin lite
salad vinegar
Use the directions on packet to make dressing

1 cup of FRESH Parmesan cheese
Fresh cracked pepper to taste
Fresh cracked sea salt to taste
OPTIONAL...1/4 cup of Italian salad dressing if you want more flavor

Cook pasta, drain, rinse and let cool. Mix salad dressing using directions on package. Add black olives, tomatoes, chopped peppers and mushrooms. Sprinkle with fresh grated Parmesan cheese

and fresh cracked pepper and sea salt.

YUM!! If you wanted to make this a meal you can add slices of grilled chicken.

Cute summer rental and 40 years of belongings...

2011-06-09T00:34:00.000-07:00

My parents cute new rental for the summer

The last 3 days have been spent packing my parents house. It has been a process for sure! 45 years of belongings and farm equipment is taking some time, but it has to be done. The flood water will start coming around the 15th and we are going to be cutting it close. The good news is we found them a cute little cottage in town. It won't fit all their stuff, but it will work for the summer. The previous renters left their trash for us to do something with...YUCK1!!

Flooding Threatens Family Legacy

2011-06-06T23:51:00.000-07:00

This is a news piece that was done about my family. They are one of the many families that will loose their home in the midwest floods. We have been fast and furiously packing all their things. On a happy note, we found a cute little cottage for them to rent until they know how bad it will get.

Follow the link:
Flooding Threatens Family Legacy

Weekend Fun!!

2011-06-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

What a busy weekend!! Saturday Luke got to play his first T-ball game . They have been rained out three time so far.

Sunday I taught Sunday school. I am filling in while the permanent teachers take a break. We made helmets of salvation. The kids love doing crafts.

Luke loves to be chosen to collect our pennies from heaven...right now the money is going to families in Joplin

KIDS DAY!! Every year the town does a kids day. It is one of my kids favorite events. They buy tickets and each thing is one to three tickets.

Yeah...it was so hot they ran around without shirts, but so was all the other kids.

Pet the animals

Sack race

Bubbles!!

Waiting patiently

Look how pretty

My husband has been wanting a cat since we have moved here...I finally gave in and now we have two.

Love at first sight!!

Mommy "can we name the kitty Tree" lol

Good weekend!!

Summer Fun List 2011

2011-06-02T15:35:00.000-07:00

Check out my summer fun list. I saw this over at "Whatever". Meg is amazing and very insipatitional. I love reading her stuff. She does a list of all the things she wants to do over the summer with her kids. Here is my list of all the fun activities that the kids and I want to do. Go check out Meg at Whatever!!http://megduerksen.typepad.com/whatever/

I also wanted to add a list of crafts that I want to work on with the littles this summer.
Craft ideas:
Pet rocks
Stepping stones
Tie snake
Paper bag scrapbook
Marble magnets
Trash monster
Fariy house
Greeting cards
Collage
Just a few I was thinking about.

First day of summer school Kindegarten and a backpack tag.

2011-06-01T06:24:00.000-07:00

Luke went to his first day of kindergarten summer-school today. He also rode the bus for the first time. He was sooo excited to do that. I wanted to drive him, but he wanted to ride the bus so bad. I have been a little teary eyed about the whole thing...of course that's what mamas do.

Waiting for the bus

Here comes the bus

Backpack Tag

Theses are a cute way to help your child to find his backpack and they are super easy to make. I made this one last year before pre-school. Of course I didn't take any pictures while I was making it. I can not take credit for this, I found the idea a couple of years a go and I don't remember where it came from.

Luke's backpack tag

All you need is a pack of self-sealing laminating pouches, which you can buy at Wal-mart or Target. Some cute scrapbook paper, stickers to spell out their name, metal ring(bought in the office supply section at Wal-mart) and some ribbon. I also uses a eyelet because I have an eyelet setter, but you don't need to, a hole punch will work.

To make these you just need to trace around the laminate pouch onto a piece of patterned scrapbook paper and cut it out. Cut down a picture to size. Cut a piece of solid scrapbook paper a little larger than your picture. Glue the picture to to the solid piece and then to the patterned piece. Add your child name with stickers. Add extra stickers to decorate.Turn over and write information on the back...for example:

This backpack belongs to Luke xxxxx

If found please contact his mommy Cyndi at 555-444-1234

Now take you take the completed piece of paper and slide it into the laminating pouch. Follow the directions on the package to laminate.

I used my Crop-A-Dile to punch a hole and set the eyelet, but you can also use a hole pouch and no eyelet.

I then slipped a ring through the hole an tied two colors of ribbon on. You make leave off the ribbon if you make them for a older boy. I love how this turned out an plan on making more for this fall.

Poor little Aiden feels so lost without his big brother to play with. He told Luke(he calls him Fluke) that he is going to miss him when he goes to that school. So funny!

The little things in life that make me smile!!

2011-05-31T11:59:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the littlest things in life can make me happy! When I was out shopping yesterday I stopped by my favorite scrapbook store. They are carrying a line of products called SMASH. If you are a creative/crafty girl like me, you will love this stuff! On this trip I only bought the dual end pin and gluestick. I had seen it on u-tube several months ago and have been waiting for them to get it in. It goes along with a whole line of really fun products. Check out the link and watch the video...I have watched it several times just because it makes me smile. I also got some cute tabs. I didn't buy the notebook yet because I didn't have my coupon with me, but plan on it on my next trip in.

Gluestick end

Pin end

Cute tabs

Help for Joplin

2011-05-30T22:04:00.000-07:00

I should be in bed right now, but I decided to put together my hygiene bags for Joplin. I found several things at the dollar tree and then the rest at Wal-mart. It turned out to be only about $8.00 a bag. I may still add some extra stuff and a verse or a quote.
My church is going on Thursday to take down supplies and do clean up and whatever else is needed.

Church service and old fashioned picnic

2011-05-29T16:44:00.000-07:00

Today our church had servicee at one of the members homes and then we had a good old fashioned church picnic. People brought their lawn chairs and the choir brought their instruments. The weather turned out to be beautiful and the food delicous.

Pastor giving the sermon

The church member has a baseball field in his back yard. It's amazing!!

Pastor playing some ball

This is the home of the church member. It was built in the 1800"s...I love it!

My littles wanting to take a spin.

Vollyball with daddy.

It was a fun day for eveyone!!

Todays progress,,,

2011-05-28T18:10:00.000-07:00

Yeah!! I have a roof!! It is strating to take shape!

Rain Rain go away!!

2011-05-26T08:09:00.000-07:00

It's been slow going on the porch this week. The rain has made it hard to get very far. We are suposed to have two full days of sun...I will keep my fingers crossed!

Help for Joplin Missouri

2011-05-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

If you have been watching the news lately you would have seen all the devastation in a small town called Joplin. We live only a few hours from Joplin and have relatives that live outside of town. It has been so sad to watch all the heartbreak of the people that live there. My church is taking a trip down next week to help with clean up and whatever else is needed. If you read this blog and would like to help here are a few things you can do.

Joplin Disaster Relief

To make other material donations please visit our FAQ page for more information on how to do so. If you are unable to deliver the below items to Annual Conference please see the list of additional drop off sites at the bottom of this page.

EMERGENCY CLEAN-UP BUCKET

five-gallon bucket with re-seal able lid

1 dry laundry detergent, 50-78 oz.

1 roll heavy-duty trash bags, 24 to 28 count (30-45 gallon) ( remove from box)

1 bottle liquid concentrated house-hold cleaner (like Lysol®), 12 oz.

1 bottle liquid antibacterial dish soap, (like Dawn®), 25 oz.

Clothesline, two 50 ft. or one 100 ft.

50 clothes pins

1 scrub brush (remove packaging)

1 pair work gloves

2 pairs latex gloves (like Playtex®)

7 sponges, assorted sizes

5 scouring pads

18 cleaning towels, (reusable, like Easy Wipes® NO Cotton towels)

5 dust mask

1 bottle insect repellent (drops or lotion, not aerosol) 6-14 oz.

Please purchase all liquids in plastic bottles. Send only new, unopened materials. Make sure lids on bottles are tightly closed. Put all items in the plastic bucket, making sure they are packed securely to avoid damage during shipment. Seal lid with packing tape.

PERSONAL HYGIENE PACK

1 fluoride toothpaste, 6 oz. or more

1 washcloth

1 toothbrush in original, unopened pkg.

1 bath-size bar of soap

1 deodorant

1 bottle skin lotion (11-14 oz.)

1 hand towel

1 bottle shampoo (11-14 oz.)

2 disposable razors

1 comb or brush

Tighten lids and place all items in a large zip lock bag (2-gallon size works best). (2 or 2.5 gallon bags have been found at the following stores: full line grocery stores and Target.) Place zip locks in boxes labeled "Personal Hygiene Pack." Please also mark the quantity on the outside of each box.

Phase 1 complete...

2011-05-24T08:24:00.000-07:00

Brandon completed phase 1 of the renovation yesterday. He instaled two more windows. The big arched on is the one I have been waiting for. It changes the look of the house so much. Today he will start phase 2, which is the new porch...I am giddy with excitment over this. I just hope and pray he can get it done before his vacation is up.

The new window...can not get this picture to rotate

Church today...

2011-05-22T12:25:00.000-07:00

It's been such a busy two weeks around here it was nice to go to church for some quiet reflection. Today the pastor talked about carving out time for prayer and being more humble in our life. Reflecting on the last few months I have done nothing but run. My 18 year graduated from high school and there was so much to do during that time. So, my plan is for the summer is to carve out a little time everyday for some quiet time to study, pray or reflect.

Speaking of church ...here is ours...
I love our little church! We don't have a very large congregation but it is perfect for us. The church it's self is beautiful, it was built in the late 1800's .

I love a good weenie roast!!

2011-05-21T20:14:00.000-07:00

I know it seems silly, but there is just something special about gathering my familty around a fire with a stick and a hotdog that makes me happy. Weenie roast are something that we have done in our family since I was a kid. We always try to have one or two each spring and fall. It's just simple fun.

Good times
with the family

Grandpa giving some hotdog cooking advice

Kids playing vollyball

All four of my kids playing together. This doesn't get to happen to often anymore because everyone is so busy.

This is how we roll!!

This was so funny, my husband had hooked the wagon up to the lawn mower to bring stuff down to the lower yard. Well, the girls thought it would be great fun to go for a spin.

Renovations to out side of the house...phase 1

2011-05-21T16:50:00.000-07:00

OK, so let me get you up to date on what has been happening with our house. We bought this house almost two years ago on foreclosure. It was in a great location and had some land with it. This was very important to my husband. he loves hunting, gardening and pretty much anything to do with the outdoors. I liked it because it was big enough to fit our family and it has room to add on a kitchen on the back. One thing I didn't like was the front exterior. It had two large columns and a tiny brick porch. I have always dreamed of having a large front porch to have a porch swing,wicker furniture and rocking chairs.Since this will be our last house for many years I was disappointed that I would not get my porch. Well, after a little measuring and figuring, Brandon decided he could build one for me. It is going to take him much of the summer to complete it (he is doing it by himself) but it will be nice when it's done. So, here is Phase 1...tearing off all the old siding and replacing all of the windows. This week he is taking off a week from work to work on it. I will post more photos soon.

Removing the columns and the siding.

Craigs List Rocks!!

2011-03-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

Why I love Craigs List...Let me count the reasons!!

If you have never shopped on Craigs List, then good, there will be more stuff for me...Just kidding! I found this amazing leather couch for $200.00. It belonged to an older couple that used it in their formal living room. They were retiring to another state and buying a smaller house so they didn't need this couch any longer. The couch sat in a room that was rarely used so it is like brand new.
So far this year I have bought this couch, a china hutch, carpet( it had never been used) and a set of bunk beds. It is a great source for finding items that have been gently used.
A few tips:
Decide what you need or you will get overwhelmed....make a list.
You should check everyday to look for your items, stuff sells fast.
Look at the item before you buy it, don't buy it over the computer.
Have a friend go with you to stay safe.
Happy Shopping!!

Back to blogging...life unscipted!

2011-03-29T03:44:00.000-07:00

Well, I decided to give this blogging thing a try again. I really enjoyed it before, but I didn't know why I was doing it. I could never figure out if I was a craft blog, decorating blog or just a family blog. What I finally decided I am just going to blog about my life and whoever wants to read it, great! I have seen where you can have your blog printed and I thought that would be an amazing record of our family life. So here I go again.

A little catch up of the last year.

2011-03-29T03:05:00.000-07:00

Luke's 5th birthday at the YMCA

Celebrating Summer Solstice...Mid Summers Nights Dream...A party for the fairies!

2010-06-26T00:21:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to post this for the last week, but just haven't had the time. I got the idea of a fairy party from one of my favorite books called Mrs. Sharps traditions. It's a book about reviving Victorian family celebrations and is beautifully illustrated. It is one of those books I look at over and over. The author name is Sarah Ban Breathnach and also is the author of Simple Abundance. The book goes through each month and gives ideas of old fashioned traditions. I have been doing crafts with the littles several times a week so I thought this would be a fun one to work on. It started out much more simple than it turned out, but my teenage daughter got involved and it became a week long project. She made the large fairy house and the littles made the smaller ones. We started our prep by purchasing small bird houses, moss and flowers at Micheal's. I had paint and glue. We then out in the yard and gathered tree bark, sticks and other dried grass an leaves. We then proceeded to paint then and hot glue all the dry stuff on. Like I said it was a week in the making...we worked on them several days. On the day of the summer solstice I told the littles that the fairies come just before dark. We sat about setting things up for the party....we put out the fairy houses and covered the table with a table cloth. I got a chance to use my new snack trays that I got a garage sale for $2.00. I had told the littles that the fairies come and bring gifts in exchange for the use of the houses. While my daughter caught lighting bugs with them, I sat out a few dollar store items...a glow wand, beads, candy. When they came back it was waiting for them...they were so excited. It is all kind of silly, but they had so much fun preparing for it. We also talked about what the summer solstice is and how it has been celebrated in many countries for thousands of years. I figured that I may get to do this with them one more time, but since they are boys they may think it to girly to continue in the future. Here are some pics from our party.

Trip to Farmers Market

2010-06-17T16:15:00.000-07:00

A little friend the boys found...

Today we took a trip over to our local Farmers market. It is about 10 minute from our house. I love going there. I think it is one of the pretties places ever. In the fall they do pumpkins and hay rides and during the summer months they have produce from about six different farmers. They also sell grass fed beef and eggs. They are open pretty much year round for one thing or another. They have the cutest little country store filled with jams, jellies, hand made soap, and fun country decor. They also have animals to pet and lots of open space for the Little's to run around.

Our bounty...peaches, cherries, radishes and peas..

I plan to stop by every few days, they will have new stuff daily depending on the what crop are ready at the time.

Goodwill Hunting

2010-06-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

Trip to the Goodwill store...
Movie motherload!!

OMG....Is that a TV/VCR

OMG...does that say only 2.99...it's so mine!!

Cute glass candle holder...only 99 cents!

Shoes...how cute are these? I don't usually buy used shoes, but these had never been worn. How could I pass up cute sandles for 3.99....again why do people get rid of such cute stuff??

No...not not the movie Good Will Hunting, but the store the goodwill...we always say we are "treasure hunting"....and did we ever hit the mother load yesterday. I ran in to kill some time while my son was at the ortho, I figured that would be enough time to scan the shelves and pick up a movie for the littles. I always buy my vhs tapes there, because they have the best selection. They are more expensive, but they have better choices. So anyway, when we walked in the first thing I spotted was a TV/VCR combination....price tag said 2.99. I couln't believe it...I grabbed it up and went directly to the check out to see if it worked. The nice girl behind the counter pluged it in and told me to go grab a tape. Sure enough it worked. I told her "I'll take it" At this point I am feeling pretty good and then the girl also mentioned that they decided to make all of their VHS tapes 99 cents. I was like REALLY...I rushed to the back and started grabbing tapes...of course I think I was the only one excited about this. Every since the littles have gotten old enough to watch TV I started collecting tapes. DVDs are terrable for toddlers, they scratch them within a few uses and they cost so much. Plus I love the older movies anyway. We found a stack that we hadn't seen yet and also some christmas and adult ones that I wanted. I think I spent about 20.00 all together. I had been planning on buying a new/old VCR and the ones I had found had been around 15 to 20 dollars, so this worked out perfect. I also found a few cute tops for my daughter, two pairs of shoes for me and some home decor stuff. The hardest thing about goodwill is not to buy stuff that you don't nee. I saw so many cute things, but I couldn't justify buying them. I am always amazed that people get rid of such nice things.

An old fashioned "Kids Day" and small town liven!

2010-06-10T23:50:00.000-07:00

One of the great things about living in a small town is the types of activities that are available for families to do. We went to "Kids Day" on Saturday at our down town park. It had a cowboy theme with all kinds of activities. We only have about 1500 residents in the area but we have been blessed with three beautiful parks. All of them have been updated within the past 2 years. This park is in the middle of our down town area...walking distance from everything. It has a gazebo, an area to cook, and a play area. It is one of those places that just makes you feel happy and like you have stepped back in time. It's funny because the whole town feels that way...everything moves just a little slower. You have the time to take it all in and enjoy whats around you. I took that for granted when I was growing up. After living in the city for many years with neighbors who don't know me and with people who are always in a hurry, I feel so blessed to be home again!!!

Here is the gazebo where they did popcorn and crafts.

Pony Rides...

The Littles just won a prize and got tattoos...

The petting zoo area...

Bean bag toss....

Balloon animals...oops...some of them have popped

The bouncy house...

The ball toss...

It was a fun day...can't wait till next year!!