That's Baloney!

How do you get the attention of three boys and two dogs?

noreply@blogger.com (Jonni Baloney) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:30:00 +0000

You really want to know?

It's super easy around here.
You'll get the undivided attention of every member of your house.

See?

Whatcha doin?

To hear the whole story, head over to the RHOK.

Old McDonald Had A Farm

noreply@blogger.com (Jonni Baloney) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 03:31:00 +0000

I'm having a lot of fun watching my baby learn to play the piano.
He's having a lot of fun too!
See?

Wonder Woman

noreply@blogger.com (Jonni Baloney) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:12:00 +0000

We're playing Superheroes today at the RHOK.
I'm proud to be Wonder Woman!

Play along...

Your results:
You are Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman		90%
The Flash		80%
Superman		75%
Green Lantern		70%
Spider-Man		70%
Supergirl		60%
Hulk		55%
Iron Man		55%
Robin		50%
Batman		45%
Catwoman		25%

You are a beautiful princess
with great strength of character.

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Test

Perfect Pairings: Wisdom

noreply@blogger.com (Jonni Baloney) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 03:20:00 +0000

I'm running a little late today on my pairing.

OOPS!

I wanted to share a verse with you from my church. Our current series has to do with doing things "BETTER" and I am really enjoying it.

These cuties are my nephews on their first day of school last year.

Seemed like a good fit for this verse since they are all set for some learning!

How much better to get wisdom then gold,

to choose understanding

rather than silver!

~ Proverbs 16:16

Wisdom is truly better.

If you want to see the sermon, you can go to the Life Church link.

If you have a pairing to share, please give your post address in the comments!

Google It

noreply@blogger.com (Jonni Baloney) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:26:00 +0000

Do you ever google your own name?

I did it last night. I was inspired by the word on the street that my picture showed up in the midst of a "Blush Nightclub" google search. Rumor has it that a picture from this here blog showed up among the images. Yes, my picture was in the midst of a plethora of pictures of girls wearing next to nothing. Google if you like, but I didn't see it. I think she was fooling me with that story. If you go there to check, I'm going to know you were just wanting to see nearly naked girls and I will judge you for it.

But that's how I ended up google-ing my name.
I'm not as big of a narcissist as it made me sound.

Having a name like Jonni, I figured this bloggy blog would show up. Since my mom spelled my name wrong (as in phonetically-challenged) I didn't expect to see it anywhere else. I was wrong. If you're not catching on, Jonni rhymes with BALONEY in my case.

I tried my maiden name first. My very favorite thing to pop up was the question...
(hint - look for the big blue star)

Yeah. Hardy har har har.
I've been fighting the whole Johnny thing for years.
When I turned 18, I got paperwork saying I had to sign up for the draft. That was a confusing mess to try to get out of!
And, yo - that's not my Facebook page either in case you were wondering.

But lookie lookie at what popped up under my name results!
Apparently, in the future, I am going to finally get big boobs.

Really big boobs.
If I had those, I would have guaranteed my permanent spot in Google Images for Blush.

Or maybe I'll be an investigator fighting crime.
I look pretty tough.

But some people think a little less of Jonni.
Or maybe people think a little LESS THAN JONNI.
That second one is the thought I'm going with.

And that is the story of Jonni & the Google.
I know you are fascinated.
I also know you are super duper thrilled that I bothered with this post.
You're probably wondering why you are still reading.
I would be.

But there is one very important lesson to learn in all of this and here it is:

If Google says it... it simply must be true.

Source: i-do-that-too.polyvore.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Do you ever Google your own name?

Out to RHOK

noreply@blogger.com (Jonni Baloney) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:05:00 +0000

You won't find me here today!

I went geocaching with Yogi yesterday and I'm telling you all about it at...

The RHOK!

Perfect Pairings: The Call

noreply@blogger.com (Jonni Baloney) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:46:00 +0000

Snicker doesn't get a lot of calls, and he doesn't get too excited about it when he does.

It will, however, help me make a pairing today!

I call out to the Lord,

and he answers me from

his holy mountain.

~ Psalm 3:4

Do you have a pairing today?

Leave your post address in the comments and I will stop by to see it!

I Apologize

noreply@blogger.com (Jonni Baloney) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:30:00 +0000

Looking through my computer files this morning, I came across this little nugget.

Last year, Michael got in trouble for something that neither of us ever totally understood.
Part of his punishment was to write a letter of apology.
The letter had to go to a different teacher than the one who was mad at him.

Confused?
Yeah, me too.

It still makes me giggle when I see the first draft.

If you can't read the picture, here goes, typos and all:

Dear Mr. Powers, I sencerly apologize for being late and lying It will never happen again
Sincerly,
Michael
Segnar
P.S What was I lying about
P.P.S Was an apology note REALLY necessary
P.P.P.S He He He

We're still working on that whole "just apologize and move on" thing.

Are You Holding On To Mediocre?

noreply@blogger.com (Jonni Baloney) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Since the big switch from our old church, we have begun attending LifeChurch and we love it. We are especially grateful for their attitude of inclusion for ALL people attending. They even included autism in their volunteer training -- and I wasn't the one who asked for it either. I think this says a lot about them. I really feel that their vision is matched by their actions.

Having spent three hours at church that morning for training, I really wanted to skip the weekend worship service. I'm so glad I didn't. The current sermon series for our pastor is called "Better." The tagline for it is: "When life hands you choices, choose better."

Can you think of any better way to start your year?

As I listened to the sermon, I thought of one of my favorite movies. If you are an animal person, Animals Are Beautiful People will not disappoint. It's hysterical. One out of four in my family adore this documentary.

If you want to watch the clip I'm about to talk about, go here. In this clip, a man who needs water tricks a baboon into showing him where the reserve is. The baboon puts his arm in a hollow rock and grabs seeds. With his hand closed, he can't get his arm back out and is easily captured. He trapped himself by his unwillingness to let go!

As you think on how to improve your life, be thinking of things you can let go of that will make your life better.
Are you holding on to things that entrap you?

For me, I'm lightening the load of my schedule by volunteering a lot less. I'm focusing on a few things instead of doing so many. This will bring me a better sense of peace and allow me to encourage a more peaceful atmosphere in my home. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around this one. I have a constant feeling that I'm forgetting something because I'm not so busy!

I have lots of ways to make my life better, but I won't share them all.
What are you controlling in life that holds you back?

Find your purpose and move forward.
I'll be praying that you all find something better.

I will also be posting his sermon on my Facebook page when it's available.

Perfect Pairings - Healing

noreply@blogger.com (Jonni Baloney) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:11:00 +0000

A year ago this Thursday, I had surgery on my shoulder.

We knew it was going to be ugly, but we didn't know my case would be worse than average.

It took nine full months of medication and therapy to get to a functioning level.

NINE LONG MONTHS.

Thanks to helpful friends and caring family, we made it!

And thanks to my physical therapists who talked me down from the ledge many, many a day.

I was on the brink of another surgery.

I was beginning to think I'd never heal.

It's hard to be patient.

Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it;

I will heal my people and will let them enjoy

abundant peace and security.

~ Jeremiah 33:6

Hallelujah!

This shoulder is not perfect but it is now my good shoulder!

Do you have a pairing today?

Leave your post address in the comments and I will stop by!

Money, Money, Money

noreply@blogger.com (Jonni Baloney) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:10:00 +0000

Live in South Tulsa and want to make some dough?
Head over to the RHOK to see how Mrs. Sinclair and I are going to make 1000!

Sick.

noreply@blogger.com (Jonni Baloney) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 02:27:00 +0000

What a way to start a new year - with a cold!
Dagnabit!
I knew I had been healthy for way too long. I was pushing my luck.

I don't know about you, but this time of year I wash my hands about every 30 seconds. This means I have to spend the night with lotion and gloves on my hands quite a bit. Is it just me?! I'm sure there are other OCD pals amongst my blog-friends.

I learned my lesson about cooties spreading my senior year of high school. It wasn't a boy that I was sharing sickness with, either. Sheesh. It was one of my best friends!

Yes, after two whole months of passing a cold back and forth with a friend I constantly shared space with, we made a pact to stay away from each other for a whole week. That's what it took to get better, folks. A week apart from one of my favorite people in the world. It was torturous, too.

The weird thing is that none of our other best friends got sick.
Just us.

And for the record, the Doc never catches this crud either.
How is that?
I take my Vitamin C, people.

So, Leslie, as I blow fountains of snot through my nose... I think of you.
Isn't that sweet?

Perfect Pairings - Prayers

noreply@blogger.com (Jonni Baloney) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 17:09:00 +0000

My sweet friend Jessica gave me a prayer box as a gift a couple of years ago.

As we begin 2012, I wanted to share it with you.

When you have prayers for yourself or others, write them down and put them in the box.

Revisit your prayer cards and make notes of changes or answered prayers as time passes on.

It's amazing.

Happy 2012!

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

~ 2 Corinthians 9:15

Do you have a perfect pairing?

Share your post link in the comments!

She Flies Through The Air With The Greatest of Ease

noreply@blogger.com (Jonni Baloney) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Looking for entertainment without leaving the house?

Maybe not?

It works for us.

Cutie Moody is quite the acrobat.

Someday she will break free and join Gibble, the escapee.

Hope you have something fun planned for New Year's Eve.
Surely you can top this, right?

Christmas Recap - 3 Words Or Less

noreply@blogger.com (Jonni Baloney) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:30:00 +0000

Christmas 2011 has come and gone.

362 Days until we do this again.

Start shopping!

Too soon?

Yeah, I think so too.

We had a great time with the Doc's parents and their dog Stanley. Lots of food to eat around here and a couple of nights playing cards make for great memories.

But just in case you needed to know a little bit more, I have added it below.

Captions in rhyme, three words or less.

Here you go:

Won't wear shirt

Dig in dirt

Ho Ho Ho

Chia PO

Stole dog bone

Needs car phone

Wears the bow

Ninjago

Merry Christmas!

Perfect Pairings - Merry Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Jonni Baloney) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

It's Sunday and you probably aren't here, but I had to post anyway.

Today, I stole my picture and verse from someone else.

They said it so beautifully - how could I resist?

http://adventuresofabettycrockerwannabe.blogspot.com/search/label/Printable

Hope you are enjoying your time with loved ones today.

Santa is fun - but Jesus is the ONE.

Merry Christmas to you!

Bon Bons & Christmas Go Together Like Peas & Carrots

noreply@blogger.com (Jonni Baloney) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

I always, always, always make these for Christmas.

I live for sugar cookies with frosting. Mmmmmmm.

I'm not sure why I think bon bons can only be made at Christmas, but around here that's the only time I make them. And when I started the process this year, Jacob asked why I was making trash.

In case you were wondering, "trash" looks like this.

I mix up the trash, then make it in to a jillion little balls.

But the balls don't dip as easily unless they are cold, so I put the whole pan in the freezer. Once they are frozen, I put them in a sealed container.

After all, I am tired and want to continue this project another day. I put that bowl of balls in the freezer until I'm ready to deal with them.

And when I am ready, voila! I heat up some chocolate bark and dip, dip, dip. Then guess what -- I stick them in the freezer.

They freeze well over long time periods and this recipe makes 5-6 dozen.

When I'm ready to serve these babies, I stick them on a cute plate at least thirty minutes before they will be eaten.

Yummy.

Want to make some?

Go for it!

I'm hoping my recipe card will be larger if you click on it so you can actually read the recipe!

What goodies are you baking for Christmas?

Having a Ball!

noreply@blogger.com (Jonni Baloney) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Whoever came up with the concept of a cookie swap party was a genius.

Every year, girlfriends head over to my place for an evening of pjs, cookies, games, dirty santa, rum punch and food. Lots and lots of food.

It wouldn't be Christmas without it!

Some people take the whole dirty santa thing a little serious. The gifts are all good, but the stealing gets a little crazy. To take the pressure off of wrapping I like for all of the presents to look alike. We "wrap" our gifts by placing them in a brown paper sack.

And you can't predict what a girl will fight for. You know, like the "I <3 Balls" bracelets floating through the room. Who knew girls would want these bracelets? WHO KNEW?

And for the record - I did not bring that.

After the gift swap, I made them play a game called Quelf. You have to do silly stuff. They really loved it.
See?

Notice the only people smiling have a drink in their hand...

Don't let the picture fool you. They weren't really sleeping.
Karaoke didn't last long.
I guess they were feeling shy.

I made a few cookies for the party, of course.
I put some of the chocolate mice out there for friends to grab, but I made bon bons for the exchange. I know it's a cookie swap, but any bite-sized dessert is allowed!

Tomorrow I'm going to (try to) post recipes and directions for bon bons and show off sugar cookies that Michael and I iced.

For today, I want you to head over to the RHOK to see more cookie party fun.
My rum punch recipe is over there and you might be needing it for the holiday!

Not A Creature Was Stirring...

noreply@blogger.com (Jonni Baloney) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:26:00 +0000

My mother-in-law sent me a picture of a treat my niece made with her nanny. Knowing my love of rodents, she knew I would want to make these with Jacob!

And make them we did.

You can make them too!
So easy.
What isn't easy is figuring out why my computer wants to flip my pictures sideways.

The one trick I didn't know was to rinse the cherries and let them dry first.
There - now you know!

How to make chocolate mice:
Dip Maraschino Cherries in chocolate (I use the Candyquik dipping chocolate because it is easy) and set on wax paper. Press a Hershey kiss up to the cherry. Add slivered almonds between the cherry and kiss to make ears. (I found that letting it harden just barely helped the ears stay in place easier)
When the mice are made and hardened, use red frosting to add eyes and nose. I had a hard time with the ready-made Wilton icing container because it was too hard to control for such a small amount. You might be able to apply eyes and nose easier using a toothpick.

Any kiddo can help make these.
Enjoy!

Perfect Pairings - Christmas Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Jonni Baloney) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 15:31:00 +0000

God has blessed our family and we look forward to our holiday season as we show our love for each other through presents. We are often reminded, however, of those who are unable to purchase gifts for loved ones, those who are feeling loss, of anyone experiencing an unpleasant transition through the holiday season. These friends might need a secret Santa, an invitation, a thoughtful note - something to spread a little joy.

And as we get excited over the gifts we are giving our kids this year and look forward to their lit-up faces as they open them, we must also think of the blessings our Father gives to us. Think on it.

So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

~ Matthew 7:11

Dollar Store gifts for Keno - hopefully, you can do better than this!

They share freely and give generously to the poor.

Their good deeds will be remembered forever.

~ 2 Corinthians 9:9

This is a great time of year to remember any family less fortunate than yours.

Angel Tree

Bell Ringers

Community Food Banks

You don't have to look too far to figure out a way to help.

As Christians, we are called to serve others.

How does your family help out this time of year?

7th Grade. Our Thoughts Thus Far.

noreply@blogger.com (Jonni Baloney) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:32:00 +0000

It has been a while since I did a serious update on Michael. Seventh grade has been an adjustment for us all. Over the summer I fretted a bit about how the transition was going to go. I knew he would be in good hands because in April I met with the special education teacher who would be monitoring him. She is a rockstar!

Seventh grade has been so much better than expected. For the most part, his teachers have done an incredible job of managing Michael and communicating with me. For some reason, we have struggled with that in the past two years with a few teachers. This year is different. Different in a good way!

Can someone please help Michael remember to bring his coats home?

The highlight for Michael was testing into Algebra. For the first time, our district created a 7th grade Algebra class. My baby boy is getting high school credit this year! The challenge and prestige (in his mind) of being in this class have inspired my school-hater to like school a little better. Who knew? Maybe it is because his Algebra teacher is my favorite teacher so far. Ever.

How does one achieve that status? He communicates with me. He emails. He tutors after school for any student who needs it. He is available and appreciates parent interaction. He actually "gets" Michael and is fascinated by that big brain of his. He understands that his job as an educator is to teach the material, not just to get through each lesson. Ta Da!

And dagnabit, I'm sure going to cry when he moves in January. Michael just might cry as well.

Why, God... WHY?

For now, we will try to remain upbeat with the help of our new karaoke machine.

"I love Rock'n Roll" by Joan Jett and the Baloneys

And in the meantime, we will spend this week falling apart over drama.

Ahhhhh... drama.

Yes, that's a whole other post.

I'll save that one for after his grade is posted.

Keno!

noreply@blogger.com (Jonni Baloney) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:22:00 +0000

If you're looking for a fun game to play with a group, might I recommend a little Keno?

Fun for all ages -- and prizes too!

Hop on over to the RHOK today to hear all about it!

Perfect Pairings - Reading

noreply@blogger.com (Jonni Baloney) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Every week, I read with Jacob and his classmates one at a time in the hallway outside of their room.

I love it.

I took a picture of Jacob reading recently because we had his cousin's Flat Stanley.

We had fun showing off Flat Stanley to Jacob's classmates!

Think back on the days when you were learning to read. You gained fluency because you practiced, right?

So... how much have you been reading your Bible?

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

~ Revelation 1:3

Join me Sundays for Perfect Pairings.

All you need is a photo and a corresponding (kinda) verse.

Grab a button and leave your post address in the comments!

What's Michael Watching?

noreply@blogger.com (Jonni Baloney) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:31:00 +0000

It's time for another installment of the new series:

WHAT IS MICHAEL WATCHING?

Today's emailed video seems like stupid fun, but it takes a turn for the worse at the end.

Enjoy.

What Not To Buy... The 2011 Holiday Gift Guide (Etsy Style)

noreply@blogger.com (Jonni Baloney) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:36:00 +0000

Many of my friends have an Etsy addiction.
Me? I just don't get it.

Sparked by a friend's posting of Spock on Limoges Porcelain, I went to search for other tacky Etsy items.

Let me just say that it wasn't too hard to find more things I don't want.

I love the sentiment here. Nothing expresses my feelings better than this note card.

Yours for only $3.50.

Here's one for those who must post on Facebook (daily) how awesome their husband is. Pillows, of course. One for him... and one for you! It's your daily affirmation. You are welcome.

I'm glad your husband is so wonderful, by the way.

I thought the purpose of mittens was to keep your fingers warm?

Are we dressing like Madonna again?

Christmas sweater panties. A swing and a miss.

There are many Christmas sweaters listed as "tacky" or "ugly" on Etsy. They forgot to add it on this one. Not only is it unattractive, but it also has all the makings of an unflattering fit.

The chitlins in your life need some toys, right?
I highly recommend purchasing a sandwich. They sell ice cream for dessert too.
Every kid loves play food.

Let's not neglect the animals in your life.
After all, every dog needs a hoodie.

I've always said cat people are weird. Here's proof.
Know what they filled with catnip?
Do you?
It's a Cat Toy PeePee.

Yes. IT IS.
Right click on that link if you don't believe me.
This is why we don't have cats.
(Ok, really... we don't have cats because we are all allergic.)

And lastly, we must shop for the hamsters. Michael has already made a list for them! Unfortunately, he didn't know about Etsy and the adorable lizard and zebra hamster costumes.

I just can't decide which one to buy!

What's the tackiest gift you ever received?