Southern Blessings

Magical Disney Sunday

southernblessings@gmail.com (Nancy M.) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 04:52:00 +0000

It's Magical Disney Sunday with Heidi from Fairy Footprints In The Sand. Today I am sharing pictures of entertainment at Disney World. The first picture shows the characters welcoming everyone to the Animal Kingdom. They tell jokes and things to keep everyone entertained until the park officially opens.

This one is from The Lion King Show. It's really a fun show, even though my then 1 year old slept through it, lol!

Here's a band singing and playing instruments. We had to stop on the path for awhile to enjoy them.

This is the Indiana Jones Stunt Show at Disney Studios.

At Epcot they have Kidcot Stations to keep the little ones from getting bored. Kids go from attraction to attraction and can make things. Here, Hunter is making a necklace with sea creatures on it. He got to decorate it with markers.

This is a group of cloggers in Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom.

The last shot I have for today is of Illuminations from Epcot. Disney likes to end each night with a fireworks show. Illuminations is one of the best.

Finally, The Sun Came Out

southernblessings@gmail.com (Nancy M.) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:17:00 +0000

Thank y'all for the kind wishes when I fell the other day. I am feeling better. My back still hurts, but not nearly as bad. This morning I just couldn't get woken up, and was so cold, I stayed in bed for way too long. My little one, who was laying around all day the other day too, feels better also. I am thankful he didn't get sick. It was nice to be able to hold him, if only for a day. He's back to going a hundred miles a minute again.

Tropical Storm Ida came early Tuesday, and stayed, and stayed, and stayed! It didn't stop raining until today, so my husband was only able to work one day this week. Things were already tight, they're just getting tighter. I would appreciate it if y'all would keep us in your prayers.

SpellQuizzer Review and Giveaway

southernblessings@gmail.com (Nancy M.) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:35:00 +0000

I have been given the chance to try out SpellQuizzer with my son. SpellQuizzer is spelling software for children that need help learning their spelling and vocabulary words. The SpellQuizzer web site has pre-made downloadable spelling lists that you can download and use with SpellQuizzer. You can also go in and make your own lists, no matter what curriculum you are using. It's great for homeschoolers and children in public school too.

I can either go in and make a list for my son by typing in the word and saying the word with a sentence, or I can download a list. The lists can be shared among users, in case you don't want to make your own.. I tried to make it fun for my son by saying funny sentences or relating it to him somehow. The program will even alert you if it thinks you are putting in the wrong spelling of a word on your list.

I tell my son which list he is to study on, and he can do it on his own. If he gets a word wrong, it flashes up the correct spelling, and at the end of the list, he can repeat only the misspelled words. If he finishes the list and spells everything correctly, he is rewarded by cheering from the program.

The great thing about the SpellQuizzer spelling program is that you can make the lists as short or long as you want. I started out making a list of about 20 words, but my son gets nervous when he feels pressured. So, I discovered that it helped him a lot if I made the lists shorter. There was less chance of him getting a shorter list wrong and that helped build up his confidence.

You can also use it for preschoolers. They have a list you can download that helps them learn their letters. I think soon I will be able to use this with my two year old. He loves the computer already and loves to match up things.

You can go here to see a video demonstration of SpellQuizzer. You can also download a free 30 day trial by going here.

Would you like to win a free download of SpellQuizzer (A $29.95 value)? I have one to give away. There are 5 ways to enter.

1. Leave a comment on this post.
2. Follow my blog for an extra entry.
3. Put my button on your sidebar for another entry.
4. Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway for another entry.
5. Post about this giveaway on your blog for another 2 extra entries.

For each extra entry you do, please leave another comment.
Giveaway ends Friday night November 20 at midnight.

SpellQuizzer was provided to me for free from the company in exchange for review.

I Need A New Camera and Some Other Issues

southernblessings@gmail.com (Nancy M.) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:34:00 +0000

(This was not my actual camera)

My camera is broke! I have tried and tried to make it work again, but no such luck. So, until I can afford to buy a new one I'll have to post pics from my Flip video camera. Still pics from the Flip aren't as good as digital pics, so I apologize in advance for the picture quality or for the lack of pictures. If anyone has an extra digital camera they want to send me, I would appreciate it, lol!

In other news, I fell down the steps.....AGAIN! It was raining and the steps were extra slick. It hurt pretty bad, and I have some nice bruises, but nothing is broke. Thank the Lord! I'm sure I will be hurting tomorrow.

My little one wanted to be held all day today, I'm hoping he's not coming down with something. It was nice to be able to hold him without him wanting up and down. He's always on the go these days and doesn't have much time for me.

Bread Machine Mistake #1

southernblessings@gmail.com (Nancy M.) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:17:00 +0000

Last night I was hurrying so I could get to our church. We're doing a drama and I was supposed to help out. I didn't want my husband to be hungry while I was gone, so I was going to put the ingredients in the bread machine, so he would have some bread to eat. Only I forgot something. Something critical.

I think it's called the paddle. I had washed it, and forgot to put it back in. Because I was in such a hurry I didn't realize it. When the machine was "done", the bread was not. It was quite disgusting looking. My poor hubby had to wait until I got home at 10 last night for me to cook something else for him. I hate that I wasted ingredients for a loaf of bread, but at least my chickens enjoyed it this morning.

Sunday's Song

southernblessings@gmail.com (Nancy M.) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:30:00 +0000

I heard this song last night at church. It really touched me, so I wanted to share it with y'all.

Thank You For Giving To The Lord

I dreamed I went to Heaven, you were there with me. We walked upon the streets of gold beside the Crystal Sea. We heard the angels singing, then someone called your name. You turned and saw this young man, and he was smiling as he came. He said, "Friend you may not know me now," and then he said, "But wait - You used to teach my Sunday School, when I was only eight. And every week you would say a prayer before the class would start. And one day when you said that prayer, I asked Jesus in my heart."

Chorus

Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am so glad you gave.

Then another man stood before you, he said "Remember the time, A missionary came to your church, His pictures made you cry. You didn't have much money but you gave it anyway. Jesus took that gift you gave And that's why I'm in Heaven today"

Chorus

Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am so glad you gave.

One by one they came, far as your eyes could see. Each life somehow touched by your generosity. Little things that you had done, sacrifices that you made, They were unnoticed on this earth In Heaven now proclaimed.

Chorus

Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am so glad you gave.

And I know up in Heaven you're not supposed to cry But I am almost sure there were tears in your eyes As Jesus took your hand and you stood before the Lord He said "My child look around you, Great is your reward."

Chorus

Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am so glad you gave, I am so glad you gave.

Surprise

southernblessings@gmail.com (Nancy M.) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:25:00 +0000

For a week or so we had noticed my husband's chihuahua was gaining weight. We thought she may be pregnant, but weren't sure. She never got very big. But, yesterday, she stayed in our room all day, and wouldn't come sit with any of us. This was very surprising, because she loves being held and petted.

Last night after we got in bed, she wanted to stay on the floor in a blanket, instead of sleeping with us. I knew it must be time for her to have puppies. She was breathing really heavy, and after about an hour, I heard whimpering. Of course, I had to get up and check on her. She was trying to cut the cord, when I went over there.

She ended up only having one puppy. It's so tiny and cute! They said she was in heat before they gave her to us, we had no idea she would end up having a puppy. So far, Sugar is a really good mama. She doesn't like it when we take the puppy away from her. I guess this explains why she has been so snappy lately. She had already had one litter a few years ago, so she knows what she is doing.

Wordless Wednesday

southernblessings@gmail.com (Nancy M.) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:55:00 +0000

Don't look!

I told you not to look!

Making Bread

southernblessings@gmail.com (Nancy M.) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:01:00 +0000

I was given a bread machine, by a friend, months ago, maybe a year, I don't know. I guess I was kind of scared of it, because I just let it sit in the cabinet. The other day, we didn't have any bread, so I thought, why not finally break out the bread machine and give it a try.

It wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it would be! You just dump the ingredients in, and it does everything for you, even baking it. My first loaf turned out okay. The bread machine makes a really tall loaf of bread. I think maybe next time, I will just let it knead the dough, and I will cook it in a loaf pan. The family loved it, so I know I will have to make more!

I'm sure a lot of y'all already use a bread machine to make bread. I would appreciate any tips, recipes, or help I can get.

Review- Upturn Game

southernblessings@gmail.com (Nancy M.) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:51:00 +0000

Recently I was given the opportunity to review the game Upturn. My son loves family game night, so he was really excited to try this new game. Upturn is a game for ages 7+ (or sooner if your children know double digits) and it's for 2-4 players. The game includes 106 tiles and 4 playing racks, there is no game board, you just use a table. Also included is a a pouch to keep all the tiles in. I was surprised by how heavy the tiles are, they really are a great quality. They are also curved to fit into each other better. That keeps them from falling apart like some other games.

To begin, players each take 7 tiles and place them on their playing racks. Then, you place a tile to start the game. The first player gets to decide if play will be up or down. The object of the game is to get rid of all your tiles before the other players. You place tiles in numerical sequence, either up or down, depending on the way the game is going. There are also action tiles that can change the course of the game, make players take extra tiles, and skip players. My son had lots of fun deciding who would get the extra tiles he got to give away. When you only have 1 tile left you have to yell Upturn, so other players will know.

It took a couple games before we could really remember the rules, but after that, we had so much fun! My husband even wanted to play with us, over and over. It's a great game for children who need help with numerical order to learn which numbers are greater or less than the previous numbers. My son, who is 12, loved the game as much as my husband.

Upturn sells for $25, because of the quality of tiles, I think this is a fair price. You can purchase the game from Timberdoodle. It would make a great Christmas present, especially for kids who already have everything.

Upturn was provided to me for free to review by Timberdoodle and Mama Bzz.

Magical Disney Sunday

southernblessings@gmail.com (Nancy M.) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

It's time for Magical Disney Sunday with Heidi from Fairy Footprints In The Sand. Today I'm sharing character pictures from our trips to Disney World. I'm sure you know who that is with Mitchell in the picture above. Here's me and Mitchell and Chip or Dale. Sorry, I can't tell them apart. He was probably around 3 then.

This is my friend and Mitchell with Winnie the Pooh. This was Mitchell's first trip he was almost 2.

Same trip with me and Tigger. He was scared of some of the characters.

This one is with his cousin and Chip or Dale and Pluto. He was about 4 1/2 then.

This one is at the same time with his cousin and Goofy.

I know I'm a bad mommy for not having any of Hunter and the characters, but he was scared of anything with masks, so I didn't try.

I Hope y'all are having a Magical Disney Sunday and didn't eat too much candy last night!

Halloween Pictures

southernblessings@gmail.com (Nancy M.) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 02:50:00 +0000

Here are a few pictures of me and my sons. The youngest was a skeleton and the oldest was an army soldier. I'm sure y'all know that I am a flapper from the roarin 20's! None of the kids at church had a clue who I was dressed up as.

Last Saturday we had trunk or treat at our church and the kids had lots of fun with games and lots of candy.

Tonight we trick-or-treated up town and boy, I am worn out! It was in the 80's today and felt more like summer than the end of October.

Happy Halloween!

southernblessings@gmail.com (Nancy M.) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 04:41:00 +0000

Since today is Halloween, I would like to share a video my oldest son made and put on his blog. In the video my husband is Frankenstein, I am the bride of Frankenstein, my oldest son is the vampire and my youngest is a werewolf. My son's chihuahua plays the part of the mad scientist.

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

I hope everyone has a Happy Halloween!

I Won An Award!

southernblessings@gmail.com (Nancy M.) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:20:00 +0000

I won an award! Michele from My Blessings From Above gave me the Over The Top Award. Thanks so much Michele! Michele is a mom to two adorable boys. She also posts very helpful reviews on homeschool products.

1. Where is your cell phone? pocket book
2. Your hair? up
3. Your mother? heaven
4. Your father? heaven
5. Your favorite food? chocolate
6. Your dream last night? unsure
7. Your favorite drink? Gatorade
8. Your goal? happiness
9. What room are you in? family
10. Your hobby? reading
11. Your fear? planes
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? here
13. Where were you last night? home
14. Something you aren’t? organized
15. Muffins? blueberry
16. Wish list item? camera
17. Where did you grow up? NC
18. Last thing you did? ate
19. What are you wearing? shorts
20. Your TV? Supernatural
21. Your pets? many
22. Your friends? loyal
23. Your life? nice
24. Your mood? calm
25. Missing someone? yes
26. Vehicle? Transport
27. Something you’re not wearing? shoes
28. Your favorite store? Disney
29. Your favorite color? pink
30. When was the last time you laughed? minutes
31. Last time you cried? yesterday
32. Your best friend? supportive
33. One place that I go over and over? Disney
34. One person who emails me regularly? Barb
35. Favorite place to eat? Mayflower

Now, I am to pass the award on to some over-the-top bloggers who should copy the list (answering each question with one word) and pass the fun on to even more over-the-top bloggers.

Here are the bloggers I want to give the award to. If y'all don't want to pass it on, that's fine, I just want you to know how much I love your blogs!

Twisted Fencepost
Carolina Mama
Country Whispers
Fit and Flabless
Blind Pig & The Acorn

Thankful Thursday

southernblessings@gmail.com (Nancy M.) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:15:00 +0000

It's Thankful Thursday again with Sonya from Truth 4 The Journey. Here is my list of 5 things I am thankful for this week.

I am thankful for wonderful friends both online and off! Y'all rock!
I am thankful my husband was able to fix his truck.
I am thankful that I haven't had to use the AC or heat in weeks.
I am thankful for the good weather we've had lately.
I am thankful for the Lord providing when I need something.

What are you thankful for this week?

Wordless Wednesday

southernblessings@gmail.com (Nancy M.) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:01:00 +0000

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

southernblessings@gmail.com (Nancy M.) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:01:00 +0000

I made pineapple upside down cake for my family the other day. My husband loved it! My oldest said it was great, as long as there was no pineapple, lol! I thought I would share the recipe I used with y'all.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Topping Ingredients

1/4 cup butter/ margarine
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 large can pineapple rings , drained (I save the juice for later)
7-13 cherries, if you like (I don't like them)

Batter ingredients

2 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Since it's upside down, you'll start with topping.

Melt butter and pour it in the pan. (I used a round cake pan)
Sprinkle the brown sugar over the butter, put pineapple rings on top of brown sugar.
Place the cherries inside of pineapples and wherever else you may want, then set to the side.

Now, we'll make the batter.

In a medium bowl, beat the eggs.
Next, add the vegetable oil, then the sugar.
Blend in the milk and vanilla,
Then add the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Now, pour the batter over the topping that's already in the cake pan.
Bake for about 45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Cool for about 10 minutes, then flip onto cake plate.

I like to use the juice that was drained from the can to pour over the cake. If you do, don't pour too much, it will make it too soggy.

Sunday's Song

southernblessings@gmail.com (Nancy M.) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 04:11:00 +0000

The song I am sharing today was written in 1893 by a Methodist Sunday School teacher named James M. Black. It's funny when I lived and worked in the city people would laugh at me when I said yonder. But, here in the country everyone else says it too, so no one makes fun of me anymore.

I hope y'all are having a wonderful Sunday!

When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder

When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more,
And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair;
When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

Refrain
When the roll, is called up yonder,
When the roll, is called up yonder,
When the roll, is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder I’ll be there.

On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise,
And the glory of His resurrection share;
When His chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

Refrain
When the roll, is called up yonder,
When the roll, is called up yonder,
When the roll, is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder I’ll be there.

Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun,
Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care;
Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

Refrain
When the roll, is called up yonder,
When the roll, is called up yonder,
When the roll, is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder I’ll be there.

Poor Thing!

southernblessings@gmail.com (Nancy M.) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:23:00 +0000

My poor little one just can't catch a break. Between the roosters attacking him, then my son's cat, and now my husband's new chihuahua. I will say he didn't do anything to the rooster to be attacked. But, he tried to pick up the cat and got scratched, so that was a little his fault and partly the psycho cat's fault. Trust me, she's a crazy cat. She lives in my oldest son's room and never comes out. She hates everyone but Mitchell.

But, look at Sugar doesn't she look sweet and innocent? Well, she's not. Hunter does provoke her by hitting at her. But, sometimes all he does is walk by and she snaps at him. I think Sugar is jealous because my husband holds Hunter as well as her. I think she wants him all to herself. She can be so sweet, but also very snappy towards Hunter. See all those red marks on his face? That's where she has bit him. There's about 4 different bite marks there.

Somehow we thought that he might learn from getting bit to not go back and aggravate her again. For some reason, that has not worked. Apparently it's worth getting bit for him to try and play with her.

Thankful Thursday

southernblessings@gmail.com (Nancy M.) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:53:00 +0000

Today I'm joining Sonya from Truth 4 The Journey in Thankful Thursday. Here's my list of 5 things I am thankful for this week.

I am so thankful it has been dry this week so my husband could work.
I am thankful for my chickens who give me fresh eggs, plus they are so fun to watch!
I am thankful my oldest son and I were able to snuggle under the covers on the trampoline to watch the meteor shower the other night. It was so fun just talking.
I am thankful my husband can drive my van to work until we can afford to fix his truck.

5. I am most thankful that I am saved and the Lord forgives me when I make mistakes!

What are you thankful for this week?

Wordless Wednesday

southernblessings@gmail.com (Nancy M.) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:51:00 +0000

Tackle It Tuesday

southernblessings@gmail.com (Nancy M.) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:41:00 +0000

I'm joining in with Tackle It Tuesday at 5 Minutes For Mom. I am the world's worst procrastinator, but, I finally got the motivation up to tackle something I have been dreading - my youngest son's room. He is always getting toys from friends and relatives, and while I appreciate them, they had gotten out of hand. Here are the before pictures:

My older son helped me sort the toys. We had 3 piles. One pile was toys that were broken, another pile was toys that he didn't care for or had outgrown, and the last pile were toys to keep. My little
one tried to help, but he kept getting distracted by all the toys! Here's the after pictures:

I don't know why I had put this off for so long, it wasn't nearly as bad as I had imagined! Now that it's all cleaned up, it's ready to fill with Christmas toys, lol!

Please Read If You Have My Button

southernblessings@gmail.com (Nancy M.) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:50:00 +0000

First, I'd like to say thank you if you have my button on your blog. I really appreciate it! The code has recently changed, so please grab the new code below my button on the left. This will ensure it continues working.

If you don't have my button already, I would love for you to take it and put it on your blog. I already have some of your buttons on my blog under Blogging Buddies. But, if I don't have your button and you would like me to include it, please let me know, and I will. Thanks!

Magical Disney Sunday

southernblessings@gmail.com (Nancy M.) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 05:55:00 +0000

It's time again for Magical Disney Sunday hosted by Heidi from Fairy Footprints In The Sand. I love reliving old memories! This one is from when I was a little girl, maybe around 7 years old. I am sharing pictures of my Disney World lunchbox and thermos. This was way back when the only park they had was the Magic Kingdom. Below is the front of it.

This is the back of my lunchbox, it has the bears from Country Bear Jamboree on it.

Here is a side from the lunchbox. On the left hand side is a picture of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. This was a ride that was open from 1971 until 1994. It was themed after the movie of the same name. The right side shows the Contemporary Resort. It's a Magic Kingdom area resort and the monorail runs right through it.

This is inside the lid of the lunchbox. I thought it was kind of neat that it had some info on safety.

This is my thermos. It shows The Swiss Family Robinson Tree House and the monorail, on the right you can see part of The Polynesian Resort.

The other side has Mickey riding the train.

I know it's rusted and over 30 years old, but I still love it! It reminds me of being a kid and dreaming of Disney World. I always felt special taking my Disney World lunchbox and thermos to school.

I hope everyone has a magical Sunday!

Addicted

southernblessings@gmail.com (Nancy M.) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 07:44:00 +0000

Hi! My name is Nancy, and I have a problem. I'm addicted to the games on Facebook. I tried not to play them, and I even stopped for awhile, but they lured me back. I can't stop trying to beat my best score.

I believe I must have an addictive personality. Once I start something, I can't seem to stop. It's happened before. A long time ago, my husband and I went to a casino. I had planned to only spend a certain amount of money, but when that money was spent, I had to spend more! It was like I couldn't stop myself. I've also been addicted to Tetris on my phone. I have issues, people!

Now, I am addicted to those stupid games on Facebook. How do I stop? Maybe I just need to go cold turkey? Anyone have any ideas for me? I need to stop these addictions. If only I could become addicted to cleaning, my house would be spotless, lol