The weekend is right around the corner and I'm looking forward to my Aunt Pat and cousin Nicole coming in from Las Vegas for the week. Aunt Pat is Dave's sister and so it is good that she is able to come and spend some time with him. Nicole is about 15 months older than me, and unfortunately, it seems that we only get to see each other at these times when things are not so good.
We were planning to go up to Andy's family farm is Wisconsin this weekend and I think I have talked Andy into still going, taking the kids and I will stay here at home and hold the fort down. I'm really looking forward to just hangin out with Aunt Pat and Nicole, catching up, helping Bonnie as much as I can and not feeling guilty, or that I have to be home at a certain time to be with my little family. They will have a fabulous time in WI on the farm and won't even miss me a bit.
So that is the plan as of now, I'll keep you posted and please continue to pray!
Oh, don't forget to go to yesterday's post and get in on the GIVEAWAY!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Lunch-time GIVEAWAY!
Since today is WFMW and the topic of choice is online shopping tips, I thought I would put in my two cents about eBay!
I used to be a huge eBay shopper and still occasionally shop there. You can find some awesome deals if you look often and are patient. A lot of sellers now offer free shipping which can make eBaying even better. Watch for deals, make sure to read the sellers feedback and ask the seller questions. Don't be afraid to ask...it's better to ask than to be disappointed because you didn't.
While I was getting in my get-ready-for-school mode, I came across these sweet little lunch totes on eBay for my kids. I was looking for something that would be easier for me to clean. The kids each had lunch bags similar to this, but they were a pain in the you-know-what to wipe clean. I never felt as if I actually got all lunch time left-over-crumb-gunk out.
I LOVE these new bags. They are sturdy, they are made of canvas and have a nice wide handle. It is big enough for an adult size lunch, they are even large enough to hold a 6-pack of soda, with enough room to set a sandwich on top. Oh yeah, and they are super cute. The inside cooler lining is even made with recycled materials which makes me feel like I'm doing a little something for the earth. Oh, and they are super easy to wipe clean!
I LOVE this bag so much that I am even thinking for ordering one for me. Since I have to keep my medication refrigerated, I thought this would be a great bag to have for when we travel. It would hold all of my paraphernalia and keep the medication cold at the same time. Its a win-win!
Now, on to the GIVEAWAY part...I know you are eager for me to stop rambling. I have been in contact with the sweet girl who sells these great little lunch totes and together we are doing a little giveaway. Go here and check out all the cutie colors and fonts she has, and then come back and leave me a comment. Let me know who you would get your tote for: your kid, grand kid, yourself, your dog, whoever...then let me know what color you like! If you are the winner, I will contact you, so that your tote will be exactly what you want.
If you don't have a blog...please still enter in the giveaway...just please make sure to leave your name and email address in your comment. I want to make sure I can contact you if you are the winner. (Tammy G.....make sure you write your name....you are good at forgetting that!)
US residents only please! I will leave the giveaway open till Monday @ 12:00, noon CST, this will give you plenty of time to comment!
Now go on...leave a comment, get in on the giveaway and make sure to check out We are THAT family for more online shopping tips!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Quick update
A great big "thank you" is going out to all of you who have left comments here, on Facebook , sent emails or called me about yesterdays post. I appreciate your love and support. It truly means a lot to me. Your very encouraging words inspire me and help keep me strong. Thank you!
Hospice has been called in and now the rest is up to the Lord. This is all apart of His plan.
Please say a prayer for my sweet, sweet step-mother, Bonnie. She just lost her dad (his funeral was July 3rd) and now this. She is going through so much right now, way more than one person should have to handle at one time.
When I opened my little book to Strength, it said this:
"Maybe you feel exhausted-physically, mentally, and emotionally. God has given you strength for your days-even the toughest ones. He is the source you can draw on when you feel your supply is running low. You don't have to go at life alone. When you reach for Him, He's always there, ready to refresh you......"
"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
Hospice has been called in and now the rest is up to the Lord. This is all apart of His plan.
Please say a prayer for my sweet, sweet step-mother, Bonnie. She just lost her dad (his funeral was July 3rd) and now this. She is going through so much right now, way more than one person should have to handle at one time.
When I opened my little book to Strength, it said this:
"Maybe you feel exhausted-physically, mentally, and emotionally. God has given you strength for your days-even the toughest ones. He is the source you can draw on when you feel your supply is running low. You don't have to go at life alone. When you reach for Him, He's always there, ready to refresh you......"
"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
Monday, July 27, 2009
Heavy Heart!
My heart is heavy today. My mind is going a mile a minute and the only thing I know to do is to pray.
I have not had the best relationship with my father. In fact, for many years, there was no relationship at all. In the last few years, we have tried to turn that around and I think we have done a pretty good job for two people who don't really know each other.
The thing is....he is sick...really sick and that makes me sad.
He needs to know that I forgive him for not being a good father....he needs to know that despite not being there for me, that I still love him because he is my father.
I got this little book at Hobby Lobby a while back. When I opened it today....it opened right up to Forgiveness and this is what is says:
"You are forgiven. No matter what you've done. No matter how or when or what-God's forgiveness is waiting for you. The moment you acknowledge your sin and ask to be forgiven, it's done. Strangely, that may be difficult for you to accept. You may feel you must make your own atonement. But it's a feat you will never accomplish. Only God's perfect Son was able to do the job. Abandon your pride and receive His forgiveness. Don't wait another moment."
Dave, no matter what happens, I just want you to know that I forgive you!
I have not had the best relationship with my father. In fact, for many years, there was no relationship at all. In the last few years, we have tried to turn that around and I think we have done a pretty good job for two people who don't really know each other.
The thing is....he is sick...really sick and that makes me sad.
He needs to know that I forgive him for not being a good father....he needs to know that despite not being there for me, that I still love him because he is my father.
I got this little book at Hobby Lobby a while back. When I opened it today....it opened right up to Forgiveness and this is what is says:
"You are forgiven. No matter what you've done. No matter how or when or what-God's forgiveness is waiting for you. The moment you acknowledge your sin and ask to be forgiven, it's done. Strangely, that may be difficult for you to accept. You may feel you must make your own atonement. But it's a feat you will never accomplish. Only God's perfect Son was able to do the job. Abandon your pride and receive His forgiveness. Don't wait another moment."
Dave, no matter what happens, I just want you to know that I forgive you!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Friend-filled Friday!
One of my dearest friends is coming into town this weekend. And we get to hang out with her little family this morning. These pictures are from our visit with them last year....I'm sure the kiddos have grown some more and changed a bit, but we are so excited to see them! Oh, and next years visit will include another little guy...Lani has is pregnant with a baby boy and Max will have to accept that he will no longer be the only guy in this group!
Tomorrow night, while the kiddos are all being taken care of by someone other than their parents, the grown-ups get to hang out and have a little adult time. I'm really looking forward to chatting with my dear friend when neither of us have little people constantly wanting our attention.
Tomorrow night, while the kiddos are all being taken care of by someone other than their parents, the grown-ups get to hang out and have a little adult time. I'm really looking forward to chatting with my dear friend when neither of us have little people constantly wanting our attention.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Movin' on up!
Max moved up to Level 2 swimming lessons yesterday! Maggie's going to do it today! Woo-Hoo!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Road-work Wednesday!
This is what is going on outside my front door this morning.....it is only 7:15 as I type this, and it seems like these guys have been out there for hours already. It's really only been since 6:25ish...but it seems like forever. Max woke up and said "Mom, why are the tractors screaming? Why are they so loud? My clock doesn't say 7:00 yet!" "Yes, I know sweetie, I know!"In preparation for the above street project, we found this in our yard!
Thanks Pauly...the kids loved seeing their names in the grass! Perks to knowing city workers!In hindsight, it's great to have free entertainment right outside the front door. Max has loved watching and chatting with all the workers. Yesterday he came running in the house and informed me that "the guys are hungry....maybe I should take them some fruit snacks!" He's so sweet. Instead, we baked some peanut butter cookies and took a plate out to the guys after lunch.
Max even got his dig-dig out to show it off and I'm sure he even offered to help them...
Here he is in his dig-dig setting right next to the "real" version! 
Doing his funny-face!
Kids club!A big thanks to the city for keeping my kiddos entertained and making a pile of dust in my house!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Just following the list!
Look what we bought the other day:
School starts here in less than a month (August 19th to be exact) and I couldn't be more excited. I'm not excited about Maggie going to school all day, it's going to be weird not eating lunch with my girl everyday. But she will be fine. (I think I will be okay too after a few weeks!)
I'm more excited about buying school supplies. Oh how I love the school supply aisle. I could literally spend hours in a Office Max. Just looking! So many neat great gadgets and gizmos. When I was a child, I truly think going to get schools supplies was one of my most favorite days of summer. I would pack and repack my book bag a million times before the first day of school. I would have my "first day" outfit picked out weeks in advance. I don't know why...a new year and fresh start. It's just a good feeling.
Maggie on the other hand could really care less. I did all the supply shopping without her. Have you ever been with my girl when she is trying to make a decision? Oh boy, it was just better to get the stuff and be on my way. She wanted to check it all out when I got home and wondered why I got a green and yellow notebook and not a pink and purple....(hello honey, the list said green and yellow...there must be a reason! Mommy was just following the list!) She checked it all out and then was out the door in a flash. More important summer stuff going on outside.
So the supplies will now sit here for a month...cause I just had to get them early. I'll probably pack them all in her backpack a few times after I get the label maker out and label all the appropriate items. You know I LOVE to label right?!?!?
Oh it's a happy day for this momma!
School starts here in less than a month (August 19th to be exact) and I couldn't be more excited. I'm not excited about Maggie going to school all day, it's going to be weird not eating lunch with my girl everyday. But she will be fine. (I think I will be okay too after a few weeks!)
I'm more excited about buying school supplies. Oh how I love the school supply aisle. I could literally spend hours in a Office Max. Just looking! So many neat great gadgets and gizmos. When I was a child, I truly think going to get schools supplies was one of my most favorite days of summer. I would pack and repack my book bag a million times before the first day of school. I would have my "first day" outfit picked out weeks in advance. I don't know why...a new year and fresh start. It's just a good feeling.
Maggie on the other hand could really care less. I did all the supply shopping without her. Have you ever been with my girl when she is trying to make a decision? Oh boy, it was just better to get the stuff and be on my way. She wanted to check it all out when I got home and wondered why I got a green and yellow notebook and not a pink and purple....(hello honey, the list said green and yellow...there must be a reason! Mommy was just following the list!) She checked it all out and then was out the door in a flash. More important summer stuff going on outside.
So the supplies will now sit here for a month...cause I just had to get them early. I'll probably pack them all in her backpack a few times after I get the label maker out and label all the appropriate items. You know I LOVE to label right?!?!?
Oh it's a happy day for this momma!
Monday, July 20, 2009
A good laugh!
Just a quick little snippet today...
The other day, Max bonked his head on the wall as he was turning the corner to go upstairs. He hit it pretty hard. He cried, we rubbed it, and then it was over. End of conversation! A few days later we were in the bathroom brushing teeth and hair when he says out of the blue, "Mom, do I still have a chicken bump?"
Chicken bump???
He meant Goose Egg!
I recall telling him he was going to have a pretty good goose egg on his head! Made me laugh!
~Praises for today:~
~My sweet kids who make me laugh every single day!
~The most beautiful July weekend I can remember in a long time! This is totally my kind of weather. Although I do think we need to get hot again for a little more "summer" before school starts back up!
~New friends who stop by the blog and leave comments...oh how I love that! (hint, hint!)
The other day, Max bonked his head on the wall as he was turning the corner to go upstairs. He hit it pretty hard. He cried, we rubbed it, and then it was over. End of conversation! A few days later we were in the bathroom brushing teeth and hair when he says out of the blue, "Mom, do I still have a chicken bump?"
Chicken bump???
He meant Goose Egg!
I recall telling him he was going to have a pretty good goose egg on his head! Made me laugh!
~Praises for today:~
~My sweet kids who make me laugh every single day!
~The most beautiful July weekend I can remember in a long time! This is totally my kind of weather. Although I do think we need to get hot again for a little more "summer" before school starts back up!
~New friends who stop by the blog and leave comments...oh how I love that! (hint, hint!)
Friday, July 17, 2009
More Praises!
This week of praises has been so much fun for me. It amazes me to see all blessings around me each and every day. I have been blessed in so many ways and acknowledging them here on the ol' blog keeps me in a positive frame of mind and lets face it, would couldn't use a little more positivity in their life.
Today's Praises:
One sweet little girl who comes into bed in the morning to snuggle with her momma...and rubs her momma back.
Fed Ex delivery truck! My dear friend, Polly broke the other day and although I had ordered a backup Polly...they didn't know when the backup would ship. I had a little freak-out session where I thought for sure Andy would get his first chance to stick me, and I so don't want him to have that pleasure. Low and behold, the Fed Ex delivery truck to my rescue. I was so happy, that I think if it would have been Tim, my UPS guy, I would have hugged him.
Sweet people who come up and say "hi" at the kids last soccer game. Then they proceed to tell me that they read the blog! I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was. Thanks Wendy, you totally made my day! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE knowing people actually read this thing!
Another night out with girls. A different group of girls! Even a few new girls! I had so much fun with you all and I can't wait till we do it again!
My neighborhood! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my neighborhood. When Andy and I moved back here from P-town, we knew we wanted to be here, raise our family here, send our kids to school here, but we were also in a little bit of a hurry. I was very eager to get here so that I would be able to help out his parents more when his mom was sick. Needless to say, this house is not my dream house, but if I had all the money in the world, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. I would tear down this house and build a new one, right here in the same spot. (Honey, this is a hint, maybe we should start playing the Lotto!)
God works like that, He has put all these people in my neighborhood here for a reason. He wants me to remember that a house is just a house. That the people you share your time with is what really matters.
For all these things, I praise Him!
Today's Praises:
One sweet little girl who comes into bed in the morning to snuggle with her momma...and rubs her momma back.
Fed Ex delivery truck! My dear friend, Polly broke the other day and although I had ordered a backup Polly...they didn't know when the backup would ship. I had a little freak-out session where I thought for sure Andy would get his first chance to stick me, and I so don't want him to have that pleasure. Low and behold, the Fed Ex delivery truck to my rescue. I was so happy, that I think if it would have been Tim, my UPS guy, I would have hugged him.
Sweet people who come up and say "hi" at the kids last soccer game. Then they proceed to tell me that they read the blog! I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was. Thanks Wendy, you totally made my day! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE knowing people actually read this thing!
Another night out with girls. A different group of girls! Even a few new girls! I had so much fun with you all and I can't wait till we do it again!
My neighborhood! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my neighborhood. When Andy and I moved back here from P-town, we knew we wanted to be here, raise our family here, send our kids to school here, but we were also in a little bit of a hurry. I was very eager to get here so that I would be able to help out his parents more when his mom was sick. Needless to say, this house is not my dream house, but if I had all the money in the world, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. I would tear down this house and build a new one, right here in the same spot. (Honey, this is a hint, maybe we should start playing the Lotto!)
God works like that, He has put all these people in my neighborhood here for a reason. He wants me to remember that a house is just a house. That the people you share your time with is what really matters.
For all these things, I praise Him!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Exciting stuff!
Today's Praises:
Being able to help out friends and family by bringing them dinner. Even though I'm not the world's best cook like some people I know...I won't name any names...I can most definitely go by the take and bake pizza joint and deliver a delicious dinner.
One little boy falling asleep in the van while making pizza deliveries, only to wake up to a strawberry milkshake. All he could say was "WOW!"
Maggie and I sharing most of that above said milkshake, and having a little "girl time!"
Dinner with a great group of girls! V-necks or not, I love you all!
Coming home after dinner with the girls to find sleeping children all snug in their beds!
And this is where is gets exciting people....are you ready for this?
A hubby who reads the blog and cleans the bathtub while I'm out for dinner with the girls....cause you all know that I totally didn't get to that on my list of things-to-do!
I just have to say that I think I'm the luckiest girl ever.....although I've been instructed to just ask instead of leaving hints for the entire Internet world to read. (honestly, I wasn't hinting...I promise!) It's just another "he-gets-me-moment!"
For all this wonderful things, I praise Him!
Being able to help out friends and family by bringing them dinner. Even though I'm not the world's best cook like some people I know...I won't name any names...I can most definitely go by the take and bake pizza joint and deliver a delicious dinner.
One little boy falling asleep in the van while making pizza deliveries, only to wake up to a strawberry milkshake. All he could say was "WOW!"
Maggie and I sharing most of that above said milkshake, and having a little "girl time!"
Dinner with a great group of girls! V-necks or not, I love you all!
Coming home after dinner with the girls to find sleeping children all snug in their beds!
And this is where is gets exciting people....are you ready for this?
A hubby who reads the blog and cleans the bathtub while I'm out for dinner with the girls....cause you all know that I totally didn't get to that on my list of things-to-do!
I just have to say that I think I'm the luckiest girl ever.....although I've been instructed to just ask instead of leaving hints for the entire Internet world to read. (honestly, I wasn't hinting...I promise!) It's just another "he-gets-me-moment!"
For all this wonderful things, I praise Him!
Simple things!
Sometimes it's the simple things:
Feelin' well!
Feelin' well enough to mow the lawn!
Having the sweetest little four year old boy, run up to me as I mow, just to give me a kiss! Just makes my heart melt. He probably got in trouble a few minutes before that, but somehow I can't remember.
The electricity being off for 3 hours and yet the Midwest, July weather not being too bad!
My bamboo wind chime making beautiful music as it blows in the breeze!
A nice evening walk all alone, with just me and some great walking tunes!
A very warm bath in a not-so-clean-bathtub! Cleaning that tub is on my list of things-to-do today! (Dirty kids)
A comfortable bed to sleep in and a light thunderstorm to listen to!
These are the simple things I praise Him for today!
Feelin' well!
Feelin' well enough to mow the lawn!
Having the sweetest little four year old boy, run up to me as I mow, just to give me a kiss! Just makes my heart melt. He probably got in trouble a few minutes before that, but somehow I can't remember.
The electricity being off for 3 hours and yet the Midwest, July weather not being too bad!
My bamboo wind chime making beautiful music as it blows in the breeze!
A nice evening walk all alone, with just me and some great walking tunes!
A very warm bath in a not-so-clean-bathtub! Cleaning that tub is on my list of things-to-do today! (Dirty kids)
A comfortable bed to sleep in and a light thunderstorm to listen to!
These are the simple things I praise Him for today!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Big Splash!
This is the last week of swimming lessons for the kids. They are in level 1 and are only doing the basic stuff. It was a huge deal to even have them go under the water and get their entire head wet. But they are having fun.
Swimming is a life skill, it's something you need to know how to do. I wish I would have started them in swimming lessons as babies. But they are getting there. We are taking baby steps, they will get it!
Max is a little less fearful than his big sister. Yesterday was his second time to jump off the diving board. He loves it. Needless to say, his instructor was there to help him get to the side.
That big splash is him. Darn digital camera...with the delay...I missed his actual jump!
Praises for today:
A dirty kitchen floor with traces of Honey Nut Cheerios from breakfast, sandbox sand coming in the back door and Triscuit crumbs from Maggie's favorite lunch. Even though I was complaining at the time, while cleaning up the mess, I felt a huge peace come over me!
"At least you have a floor to clean and people to get it dirty!"
I am also thankful for my uncle John's pool. Thankful for a cool place to go on hot summer days. Thankful for family and friends to join us at the pool on those hot summer days and even more thankful for a comfortable home with a/c to return home to!
For all these things, I praise Him!
Swimming is a life skill, it's something you need to know how to do. I wish I would have started them in swimming lessons as babies. But they are getting there. We are taking baby steps, they will get it!
Max is a little less fearful than his big sister. Yesterday was his second time to jump off the diving board. He loves it. Needless to say, his instructor was there to help him get to the side.
That big splash is him. Darn digital camera...with the delay...I missed his actual jump!
Praises for today:
A dirty kitchen floor with traces of Honey Nut Cheerios from breakfast, sandbox sand coming in the back door and Triscuit crumbs from Maggie's favorite lunch. Even though I was complaining at the time, while cleaning up the mess, I felt a huge peace come over me!
"At least you have a floor to clean and people to get it dirty!"
I am also thankful for my uncle John's pool. Thankful for a cool place to go on hot summer days. Thankful for family and friends to join us at the pool on those hot summer days and even more thankful for a comfortable home with a/c to return home to!
For all these things, I praise Him!
Monday, July 13, 2009
A Week of Praises!
Yesterdays sermon at church was about “Passionate Worship: Returning to the Gift of Worship”. Taking time to praise Him and thank Him for all that we have. The little things that we take for granted, and the big things that we thank Him for, but need to remember to praise Him for everyday. So in honor of that, I'm going to try really hard to praise God this week and in the future, and remind myself of all the wonderful blessings around me!
Today's Praises:
God's beautiful creations! We spent the day on Sunday out at a state park. While Andy was doing a bike race, I took a few minutes of quiet time. Just looking around at all the tall trees, the beautiful green grass, listening to the birds singing and dogs barking, all these things make me so grateful for this beautiful world we live in.
I praise God for my healthy, athletic hubby who loves to be outside in God's wonderful playground, racing a mountain bike in a muddy wooded area on a trail not much wider than his bike. Praise you Lord for keeping him safe! (By the way - He finished second in his age group and fourth over-all in his division! Great Job babe!)
I praise you Lord for the sweet, sweet babies you have blessed us with. Their energy, enthusiasm, and their insight already showing at such a young age encourages me to be a better person, a person who isn't afraid to share the love of the Lord.
For all these wonderful things, I praise YOU!
Today's Praises:
God's beautiful creations! We spent the day on Sunday out at a state park. While Andy was doing a bike race, I took a few minutes of quiet time. Just looking around at all the tall trees, the beautiful green grass, listening to the birds singing and dogs barking, all these things make me so grateful for this beautiful world we live in.
I praise God for my healthy, athletic hubby who loves to be outside in God's wonderful playground, racing a mountain bike in a muddy wooded area on a trail not much wider than his bike. Praise you Lord for keeping him safe! (By the way - He finished second in his age group and fourth over-all in his division! Great Job babe!)
I praise you Lord for the sweet, sweet babies you have blessed us with. Their energy, enthusiasm, and their insight already showing at such a young age encourages me to be a better person, a person who isn't afraid to share the love of the Lord.
For all these wonderful things, I praise YOU!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Showing God's Love!
Last night after dinner, Andy went over to the church parsonage to help some guys with some home repair projects going on there.
The kids and I had planned to go fishing at some friends' farm, although secretly, I was hoping the rain would cancel the fishing. It's no secret that I don't know how to fish, and Andy had forgot about the fishing event when Paul called to ask if he could help at the parsonage. Thanks to Facebook, I got a message about "no fishing!" Woo-Hoo!
So after I got the kitchen cleaned up from dinner, I told the kids that we should drive by the parsonage to see how many guys were there. I told them we would be little spies and that we would be very secretive. We then drove over to DQ and bought 10 dilly bars. We took the dilly bars over to the guys to surprise them. I think they liked the little break and a treat from the kiddos.
On the way home, Maggie said, "Mom, that was a great way to show God's love wasn't it!"
Sure was sweetie, it sure was!
I'm still grinning from my sweet girl's comment! God is so good!
The kids and I had planned to go fishing at some friends' farm, although secretly, I was hoping the rain would cancel the fishing. It's no secret that I don't know how to fish, and Andy had forgot about the fishing event when Paul called to ask if he could help at the parsonage. Thanks to Facebook, I got a message about "no fishing!" Woo-Hoo!
So after I got the kitchen cleaned up from dinner, I told the kids that we should drive by the parsonage to see how many guys were there. I told them we would be little spies and that we would be very secretive. We then drove over to DQ and bought 10 dilly bars. We took the dilly bars over to the guys to surprise them. I think they liked the little break and a treat from the kiddos.
On the way home, Maggie said, "Mom, that was a great way to show God's love wasn't it!"
Sure was sweetie, it sure was!
I'm still grinning from my sweet girl's comment! God is so good!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
WFMW - Summer Tips!
Even though my summer tip is more of an organizing/get ready for school tip, I do it in the summer, which therefore justifies it appearance in the summer tip category.
My yearly calendar!
Oh, it's a wonderful thing!
I started using a collegiate planner (AT-A-GLANCE 70-CP06 to be exact!) a few years ago when Maggie started preschool. I LOVE to get the entire school years worth of events all into one calendar. All the "no school" days, PTO meetings, vacations, 1/2 days...being able to put it all in one calendar before the school year even starts is so helpful for me.
My planner starts in July 2009 and goes to July 2010. It is a monthly calendar that offers a big square for each date, and it is of course, ruled! (lines keep my boxes much neater and I gotta have that!) Since I have a girl and a boy, I use a pink/blue highlighter to highlight the kids different events...just open it up and take a quick glance! LOVE IT!
The other very helpful thing I do is this. I made a Word Document to make labels for all the special birthdays/events that needed to be in my calendar every year. I used the Avery Return Address Mailing Labels (#18167) to make the labels, so every year I just revise the list, print it and stick the labels in my calendar. It saves a lot of writing time!
It is also very helpful for me to do the "calendar-switch-over" during the summer, when I think I have a little more time. Doing it after Christmas stresses me out...cause you know you have a ton of other things to be doing at that time too!
The only thing that I do not love, is that my calendar isn't the super cute ones that I see all around. So if you have any connections with the AT-A-GLANCE people, can you pass the word on that they need to make my planner a little bit more cutie! I would totally LOVE it then! But honestly, it Works For Me, whether it's cute or not!
Go on over to We are THAT family to get more summer tip!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Time keeps on slippin, slippin, slippin....
into the future. (Good ole' Steve Miller Band...I'm totally dating myself here!)
Where does the time go? The summer and gosh, even the days seems to be flying by.
Right now it is 3:47 in the afternoon and this is the first time I have sat down all day. Okay, that's not totally true, I sat and watched the kids both play t-ball this morning. Almost 2 1/2 hours of sitting there. Oh, and then we went right to swimming lessons, where I sat and watched the kiddos in the water. Then I went to get a haircut, where I sat while I got all spiffyed up! So maybe, I've been sitting all day....but I haven't accomplished anything.
My house is a pit, the van is even worse and I can't seem to find anything that sounds good, to make for dinner!
Oh, and just an observation...why are the tissue/Kleenex boxes so darn ugly? Can't they just make them simple with normalish colors!
I feel much better now, thanks for letting me vent!
We'll be back to our regular scheduled program soon...I promise!
Where does the time go? The summer and gosh, even the days seems to be flying by.
Right now it is 3:47 in the afternoon and this is the first time I have sat down all day. Okay, that's not totally true, I sat and watched the kids both play t-ball this morning. Almost 2 1/2 hours of sitting there. Oh, and then we went right to swimming lessons, where I sat and watched the kiddos in the water. Then I went to get a haircut, where I sat while I got all spiffyed up! So maybe, I've been sitting all day....but I haven't accomplished anything.
My house is a pit, the van is even worse and I can't seem to find anything that sounds good, to make for dinner!
Oh, and just an observation...why are the tissue/Kleenex boxes so darn ugly? Can't they just make them simple with normalish colors!
I feel much better now, thanks for letting me vent!
We'll be back to our regular scheduled program soon...I promise!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
WFMW - Super Easy Mexican Dip!
What day is today? Is it really only Wednesday? Every year this happens to me, I'm always "off" a day the week of VBS. Since it starts on Sunday, I always think we are closer to the end than we really are. So it really is only Wednesday...okay...fair enough...now on to our topic of the day!
It's WFMW! Works for Me Wednesday - Summer recipe edition. This recipe isn't necessarily summerish, but it's super easy, with no oven required and is oh so yummy! I always get so many compliments on this dip and it is always gone very quickly.
Easy Mexican Dip
In a pie plate/shallow dish spread your cream cheese over the bottom of your dish (have your cream cheese @ room temp, it makes this process a lot easier)
Next, add your can of chili, top with banana peppers (I put a lot of peppers on), then top with shredded cheese.
That's it....pop it in the microwave for a few minutes, till it's hot and bubbly. Serve with tortilla chips! If I'm taking this dip somewhere, I wait and heat it up when I get there, it's best when it's right out of the microwave/oven.
Oh, and let me just say, it's not the most beautiful dip...in fact, it's kinda yucky looking, but try it, I promise...you'll LOVE it!
Oh, and to be totally fair....I stole this recipe from my darling sister-in-law, but I'm pretty sure she stole it from someone else too! So here's to the person she stole it from! Thank you, whoever you are for this oh so yummy dip!
Want some more summertime recipes? Head on over to We are THAT family for a ton of them!
It's WFMW! Works for Me Wednesday - Summer recipe edition. This recipe isn't necessarily summerish, but it's super easy, with no oven required and is oh so yummy! I always get so many compliments on this dip and it is always gone very quickly.Easy Mexican Dip
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 small can Hormel chili - no beans (I think it's 10.5 oz can - oh and I've tried to Wal-mart brand too...it's just as good)
- mild banana peppers (or HOT peppers if you know everyone will like the hot!)
- shredded cheese (Cheddar, Colby-jack, Mexican blend, whatever suits your fancy)
In a pie plate/shallow dish spread your cream cheese over the bottom of your dish (have your cream cheese @ room temp, it makes this process a lot easier)
Next, add your can of chili, top with banana peppers (I put a lot of peppers on), then top with shredded cheese.
That's it....pop it in the microwave for a few minutes, till it's hot and bubbly. Serve with tortilla chips! If I'm taking this dip somewhere, I wait and heat it up when I get there, it's best when it's right out of the microwave/oven.
Oh, and let me just say, it's not the most beautiful dip...in fact, it's kinda yucky looking, but try it, I promise...you'll LOVE it!
Oh, and to be totally fair....I stole this recipe from my darling sister-in-law, but I'm pretty sure she stole it from someone else too! So here's to the person she stole it from! Thank you, whoever you are for this oh so yummy dip!
Want some more summertime recipes? Head on over to We are THAT family for a ton of them!
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