Me: Laila, is that a forehead band you're wearing?
Laila: Nope, it's a fifty-head band.
October 22, 2010
Headbands
Laila was wearing her headband around her forehead...
Me: Laila, is that a forehead band you're wearing?
Laila: Nope, it's a fifty-head band.
Me: Laila, is that a forehead band you're wearing?
Laila: Nope, it's a fifty-head band.
October 15, 2010
Relax!
So I have come to find that the more I relax with my girls' schooling, the more they actually learn. This unschooling business may actually have a point to it! (Although we aren't unschoolers, LOL)
This week we actually had an earthquake that we NOTICED (THAT has never happened in my 24 years living here!). Guess what we spent the day learning about?? My kids had no idea what an earthquake was before that day. Laila wondered why she couldn't SEE an earthquake. She thought that if you could see a tornado, you could see an earthquake! We spent a good hour watching various earthquake videos on the internet. :)
Today the kids were having a PB&J picnic outside, and they suddenly ran in screaming. A bee had come to taste their sandwiches! Then Laila asked "How do bees make honey?" So we spent part of our day learning about bees. (YouTube is handy like you wouldn't believe!!)
It's amazing what you can learn from life... Questioning what's around you and researching it! Their reading, writing, and arithmetic will come along... but some days you must stop to learn about more pertinent life situations, like "Are those hundreds of baby spiders on the back of the momma spider?" Yiiiiiiikes!
This week we actually had an earthquake that we NOTICED (THAT has never happened in my 24 years living here!). Guess what we spent the day learning about?? My kids had no idea what an earthquake was before that day. Laila wondered why she couldn't SEE an earthquake. She thought that if you could see a tornado, you could see an earthquake! We spent a good hour watching various earthquake videos on the internet. :)
Today the kids were having a PB&J picnic outside, and they suddenly ran in screaming. A bee had come to taste their sandwiches! Then Laila asked "How do bees make honey?" So we spent part of our day learning about bees. (YouTube is handy like you wouldn't believe!!)
It's amazing what you can learn from life... Questioning what's around you and researching it! Their reading, writing, and arithmetic will come along... but some days you must stop to learn about more pertinent life situations, like "Are those hundreds of baby spiders on the back of the momma spider?" Yiiiiiiikes!
October 2, 2010
Bling It On Baby! Review and Giveaway
Win a personalized shirt! See giveaway below.
Give a unique and meaningful gift to your little girl or boy with kids personalized gifts from Bling It On Baby! Embroider or monogram with a name or special message for your girl or boy. A personalized gift from Bling It On Baby! makes a great Christmas, holiday, birthday, baby shower or an any-day present.
Bling It On Baby! offers handmade custom applique clothes, embroidery, hair-bows, baby wipe cases, shoes, tutus, and much more!
If you see anything that you love (which I'm sure you will) don't hesitate to email Lisa at LA3621@aol.com to order!
Lisa, owner of Bling It On Baby! made my girls some VERY cute tutus! They've already worn them to dance class this week, and had fun running around the backyard for some pics. Check them out!
There is SO MUCH adorable stuff to choose from! You can order something for your little one just in time for Halloween:
Or find great gifts for a new baby! How cool is this baby wipe case??
GIVEAWAY!!!
Bling It On Baby! is graciously giving away a kids' shirt for a boy or girl, personalized with your child's name! Here is an example:
One lucky winner will get a shirt like this personalized for their child! (Of course a boy's shirt will be more manly, lol)
MANDATORY ENTRY:
- Like Bling It On Baby on Facebook. Come back here and comment on what your favorite item is!
Please leave your email address so I can contact you if you win!!
Extra Entries (please leave a comment for each separate entry):
- Become a follower of Be Real Mom via Googe Friend Connect or reader (1 entry)
- Like Be Real Mom on Facebook (1 entry)
- Follow Be Real Mom on Twitter (1 entry)
- Share this giveaway on Facebook (1 entry, leave link)
- Share this giveaway on Twitter (1 entry, leave link)
- Blog this giveaway (2 entries, leave link)
This giveaway will end October 16, 2010 at 11:59 pm central time. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will be notified by email. Winner will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.
Good luck!!
Bling It On Baby! offers handmade custom applique clothes, embroidery, hair-bows, baby wipe cases, shoes, tutus, and much more!
If you see anything that you love (which I'm sure you will) don't hesitate to email Lisa at LA3621@aol.com to order!
Lisa, owner of Bling It On Baby! made my girls some VERY cute tutus! They've already worn them to dance class this week, and had fun running around the backyard for some pics. Check them out!
There is SO MUCH adorable stuff to choose from! You can order something for your little one just in time for Halloween:
Or find great gifts for a new baby! How cool is this baby wipe case??
GIVEAWAY!!!
Bling It On Baby! is graciously giving away a kids' shirt for a boy or girl, personalized with your child's name! Here is an example:
One lucky winner will get a shirt like this personalized for their child! (Of course a boy's shirt will be more manly, lol)
MANDATORY ENTRY:
- Like Bling It On Baby on Facebook. Come back here and comment on what your favorite item is!
Please leave your email address so I can contact you if you win!!
Extra Entries (please leave a comment for each separate entry):
- Become a follower of Be Real Mom via Googe Friend Connect or reader (1 entry)
- Like Be Real Mom on Facebook (1 entry)
- Follow Be Real Mom on Twitter (1 entry)
- Share this giveaway on Facebook (1 entry, leave link)
- Share this giveaway on Twitter (1 entry, leave link)
- Blog this giveaway (2 entries, leave link)
This giveaway will end October 16, 2010 at 11:59 pm central time. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will be notified by email. Winner will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.
Good luck!!
October 1, 2010
Malachi 3:3
I've had this story as a note on my Facebook page for awhile... and thought it was just too good not to share here!
Malachi 3:3 says: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God ..
One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: ' He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.'
She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time.
The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?'
He smiled at her and answered, ' Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire , remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
Malachi 3:3 says: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God ..
One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: ' He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.'
She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time.
The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?'
He smiled at her and answered, ' Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire , remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
Have a Fever? That's GOOD!
Back to school season also means sicky season! Coughs, sniffles, sore throats, and fevers abound.
Do you or your child have a fever? GOOD! That means your body is working correctly! So many people have been taught to fear a fever... and reach for the Tylenol as soon as baby's temp is above 98.6. Nevermind the fact that every now and then Tylenol gets recalled for various reasons.
A fever is the body's defense against illness. It's natural and means your body is WORKING to eliminate those germs that are trying to take over your body! Dr.Mercola has a great article about fevers HERE . The article recommends not messing with a fever until it goes above 102. (I personally wait until above 103, but that rarely happens). This of course applies to normally healthy kids... not kids with past medical issues, which would of course would change how you deal with things.
I've heard a few moms swear by peppermint oil applied to the back of the neck to help bring a fever down. (I haven't tried it yet because my kids haven't had a high enough fever to warrant intervention...) Definitely something that can't hurt to try! And definitely something that won't be on the news next week being recalled because who-knows-what was accidentally mixed in.
Take care of those sweet babies with plenty of water, rest, hugs and kisses!
September 30, 2010
Kitty-Cat Hair
Royce: "Mommy! I like your hair!"
Me: "Thank you!"
Royce: "How'd you do that!?"
Me: "I don't know..."
Royce: "You look like a kitty-cat!" *He then proceeds to pet the top of my head*
Not sure if I should keep the kitty-cat style... LOL. I had my hair pulled into a messy bun today. :)
Me: "Thank you!"
Royce: "How'd you do that!?"
Me: "I don't know..."
Royce: "You look like a kitty-cat!" *He then proceeds to pet the top of my head*
Not sure if I should keep the kitty-cat style... LOL. I had my hair pulled into a messy bun today. :)
September 29, 2010
September 18, 2010
Imperial Elements DREAM Necklace Giveaway!
Congrats to Loretta R. for winning this giveaway!!
About Imperial Elements:
Imperial Elements creates handmade designer jewelry. Each piece is crafted with caring hands and a loving heart. At Imperial Elements, beautiful, stylish, affordable jewelry is our passion. Creating something amazing for people is what we're about. From exquisite seed-bead necklaces, luxurious wire-wrapped earrings, to hand-stamped metal custom orders, we are confident that you will find something as unique as you are. Which piece will you fall in love with today?
We are proud to say that all of our products are one-of-a-kind pieces. If you are interested in a sold item and would like a duplicate, please know that it will not be identical. We will construct it to look similar to the original piece, but add something special to make it your own!
We also offer custom opportunities. Email us at imperialelements@gmail.com and we will do our best to create the perfect piece for you! The possibilities are endless!
About us:
Christina: Owner and Creative Director
I am a stay at home mother to two amazing little girls, Seyhan and Zoey. Being a Military spouse, staying home and creating jewelry is the best job for me! Creating jewelry is my passion! I've been able to work from home, doing what I love best, for 3 years now.
Krysten: Co-owner and Business/Marketing Director
By day, I work in marketing for a mid-sized book publishing company in Norman. I live with my fabulous husband and darling 18-month-old daughter, Violet. I am always looking for a creative outlet, and combining Christina’s amazing jewelry with my marketing background seems to be the perfect match! I love creating something new and beautiful with my hands, and can’t wait to see where Imperial Elements goes next!
**********
I have a few pieces of Imperial Elements jewelry, and I just have to say I LOVE them! Christina has always been great to work with when I wanted a custom piece done. She made this really sweet necklace for me, because I like wearing crowns, due to my last name:
Even my daughters love wearing her jewelry! They're always asking to wear my cute pink earrings from Imperial Elements. :)
Imperial Elements is graciously giving away their DREAM necklace, worth $30! It's a beautiful silver-toned "Dream" pendant with real kiwi jasper and magnesite stones:
About Imperial Elements:
Imperial Elements creates handmade designer jewelry. Each piece is crafted with caring hands and a loving heart. At Imperial Elements, beautiful, stylish, affordable jewelry is our passion. Creating something amazing for people is what we're about. From exquisite seed-bead necklaces, luxurious wire-wrapped earrings, to hand-stamped metal custom orders, we are confident that you will find something as unique as you are. Which piece will you fall in love with today?
We are proud to say that all of our products are one-of-a-kind pieces. If you are interested in a sold item and would like a duplicate, please know that it will not be identical. We will construct it to look similar to the original piece, but add something special to make it your own!
We also offer custom opportunities. Email us at imperialelements@gmail.com and we will do our best to create the perfect piece for you! The possibilities are endless!
About us:
Christina: Owner and Creative Director
I am a stay at home mother to two amazing little girls, Seyhan and Zoey. Being a Military spouse, staying home and creating jewelry is the best job for me! Creating jewelry is my passion! I've been able to work from home, doing what I love best, for 3 years now.
Krysten: Co-owner and Business/Marketing Director
By day, I work in marketing for a mid-sized book publishing company in Norman. I live with my fabulous husband and darling 18-month-old daughter, Violet. I am always looking for a creative outlet, and combining Christina’s amazing jewelry with my marketing background seems to be the perfect match! I love creating something new and beautiful with my hands, and can’t wait to see where Imperial Elements goes next!
**********
I have a few pieces of Imperial Elements jewelry, and I just have to say I LOVE them! Christina has always been great to work with when I wanted a custom piece done. She made this really sweet necklace for me, because I like wearing crowns, due to my last name:
Imperial Elements is graciously giving away their DREAM necklace, worth $30! It's a beautiful silver-toned "Dream" pendant with real kiwi jasper and magnesite stones:
One lucky reader will win this necklace!
MANDATORY ENTRY:
Add Imperial Elements as a friend on Facebook. Come back here and comment what your favorite piece of jewelry is! PLEASE BE SURE TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS SO I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN! :)
Extra Entries:
- Comment on a picture of jewelry on Imperial Elements' Facebook. (link to comment, 1 entry each comment, up to 5 entries)
- Follow Be Real Mom via Google Friend Connect or Reader (1 entry)
- Follow Be Real Mom on Facebook (1 entry)
- Follow Be Real Mom on Twitter (1 entry)
- Share this giveaway on Facebook (1 entry)
- Share this giveaway on Twitter (link to tweet, 1 entry)
- Blog about this giveaway (leave link, 2 entries)
This giveaway ends October 2, 2010 at 11:59 pm. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be chosen. GOOD LUCK!
September 11, 2010
Big Events This Past Week
There were a couple big events over at my house this past week. On Monday, my sweet little man Royce turned three! He had a great day. He got to choose his birthday dinner... and the smart boy chose steaks, his daddy's baked BBQ beans, and macaroni and cheese! He chose chocolate gooey butter cake for his birthday cake. He got some cool toys too. What better present for a future first round NFL draft pick than a football? ;)
That was the happenings around our house this week! Hope everyone has a great weekend!
The girls this week started dance class for the 2010-2011 year. Kaydence and Laila both take a combo tap/ballet class, and Kaydence was old enough to start pom this year! Here are the girls making their usual funny poses before we headed to Kaydence's first pom class:
September 10, 2010
10 Things NOT to Say To Your Wife While She is in Labor...
Ask him how he knows! HAHA
10 Things NOT to Say to Your Wife While She's in Labor from Lauren K on Vimeo.
10 Things NOT to Say to Your Wife While She's in Labor from Lauren K on Vimeo.
September 8, 2010
Mommy Tip- Make waffles
Mommy Tip of the Week:
Sometimes you won't feel up to cooking an extravagant meal for dinner... sometimes you won't even feel up to making a regular meal. Sometimes you can stick some frozen waffles in the toaster and serve those up with syrup, and it's OKAY! You will all live to see tomorrow... and hopefully you'll feel up to cooking again. (Plus the little kids think it's the coolest thing ever.) Just don't make it a nightly event. :)
Sometimes you won't feel up to cooking an extravagant meal for dinner... sometimes you won't even feel up to making a regular meal. Sometimes you can stick some frozen waffles in the toaster and serve those up with syrup, and it's OKAY! You will all live to see tomorrow... and hopefully you'll feel up to cooking again. (Plus the little kids think it's the coolest thing ever.) Just don't make it a nightly event. :)
Healthshot.tv- New Chapter Organics Vitamin Giveaway!
Congrats to Tim I. in MN for winning this giveaway!!!
NOTE: I've decided to combine my giveaway blog with my personal blog. This is the same giveaway as on Sugar Mommy, and your entries on that blog DO still count. You can enter here for even more chances to win!! Once the giveaways on Sugar Mommy end, that blog will be deleted, and all future giveaways will be posted here. Thanks for being patient with me!
Healthshot.tv is a new website full of videos and articles on natural health. Kyle (a nutritionist that has worked with Doug Kaufman, host of Know the Cause) and Chuck (an engineer with a practical look at health) release new videos twice a week that cover a variety of topics. Anything from raw milk, to exercise, to IBS!
Their mission is to show people that they can live a healthy lifestyle without doing a ton of complicated things or spending tons on supplements. Kyle and Chuck fill you in on great supplements that are pretty cheap... things that work, things that don't work... and they're not selling any products so their opinions are honest!
Healthshot.tv is giving away your choice of either Every Woman's One Daily or Every Man's One Daily whole food vitamins by New Chapter Organics to one lucky reader. These are awesome vitamins! You'll probably learn through clicking around their website, that whole food vitamins are definitely the way to go, since they are absorbed by the body much better than other vitamins!
MANDATORY ENTRY:
You must be a follower of Be Real Mom via Google Friend Connect. Visit Healthshot and tell me something you learned in a comment below. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL SO I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN!!
Extra Entries:
- Follow Healthshot.tv on Facebook (1 entry)
- Follow Healthshot.tv on Twitter (1 entry)
- Become a registered user on Healthshot.tv (2 entries)
- Comment on any of the videos or blogs with a relevant comment on Healthshot.tv (2 entries)
- Follow Be Real Mom on Facebook (1 entry)
- Follow Be Real Mom on Twitter (1 entry)
- Tweet this giveaway (leave link to Tweet, 1 entry)
- Post this giveaway on Facebook (1 entry)
- Blog this giveaway (leave link, 3 entries)
This giveaway will end Saturday, September 18, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. central time. Winner will be picked using Random.org, and will have 48 hours to respond once I email telling them they're the winner.
Good luck!!
NOTE: I've decided to combine my giveaway blog with my personal blog. This is the same giveaway as on Sugar Mommy, and your entries on that blog DO still count. You can enter here for even more chances to win!! Once the giveaways on Sugar Mommy end, that blog will be deleted, and all future giveaways will be posted here. Thanks for being patient with me!
Healthshot.tv is a new website full of videos and articles on natural health. Kyle (a nutritionist that has worked with Doug Kaufman, host of Know the Cause) and Chuck (an engineer with a practical look at health) release new videos twice a week that cover a variety of topics. Anything from raw milk, to exercise, to IBS!
Their mission is to show people that they can live a healthy lifestyle without doing a ton of complicated things or spending tons on supplements. Kyle and Chuck fill you in on great supplements that are pretty cheap... things that work, things that don't work... and they're not selling any products so their opinions are honest!
Healthshot.tv is giving away your choice of either Every Woman's One Daily or Every Man's One Daily whole food vitamins by New Chapter Organics to one lucky reader. These are awesome vitamins! You'll probably learn through clicking around their website, that whole food vitamins are definitely the way to go, since they are absorbed by the body much better than other vitamins!
MANDATORY ENTRY:
You must be a follower of Be Real Mom via Google Friend Connect. Visit Healthshot and tell me something you learned in a comment below. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL SO I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN!!
Extra Entries:
- Follow Healthshot.tv on Facebook (1 entry)
- Follow Healthshot.tv on Twitter (1 entry)
- Become a registered user on Healthshot.tv (2 entries)
- Comment on any of the videos or blogs with a relevant comment on Healthshot.tv (2 entries)
- Follow Be Real Mom on Facebook (1 entry)
- Follow Be Real Mom on Twitter (1 entry)
- Tweet this giveaway (leave link to Tweet, 1 entry)
- Post this giveaway on Facebook (1 entry)
- Blog this giveaway (leave link, 3 entries)
This giveaway will end Saturday, September 18, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. central time. Winner will be picked using Random.org, and will have 48 hours to respond once I email telling them they're the winner.
Good luck!!
September 3, 2010
Friday Thoughts With My Hubby
So I'm giving my hubby a segment on my blog, titled "Friday Thoughts With My Hubby". Every Friday you'll get to view a new video where my sweetheart expresses his mind on a variety of random topics. :) Any ideas or questions you'd like him to answer in future videos would be appreciated!
This week, he has compiled a top 10 list...
Top 10 Comebacks to, "Geez you guys have a lot of kids. Don't you know what causes that!?"
Enjoy!
Top 10 Comebacks from Lauren on Vimeo.
This week, he has compiled a top 10 list...
Top 10 Comebacks to, "Geez you guys have a lot of kids. Don't you know what causes that!?"
Enjoy!
Top 10 Comebacks from Lauren on Vimeo.
Stabbing Day
While enjoying dessert at the table, the dog tried to grab a bite of Maleah's dessert. She didn't like that too much, and fought the dog off with her fork! So....
Me: Maleah don't stab Zola with your fork!
Laila: I thought it was stabbing day.
Me: Maleah don't stab Zola with your fork!
Laila: I thought it was stabbing day.
September 1, 2010
Mommy stuff
Mommy Tip of the Week:
Don't do something or act a certain way if you don't want your child to do it too! Lead by example.
Don't do something or act a certain way if you don't want your child to do it too! Lead by example.
Date Night
Kaydence: Hey would you like to go to a fancy dinner with father?
Me: Yep! I want to have a nice dinner with him.
Kaydence: Then go to sitter.com and you can find a sitter for us!
Too much TV? Yes.
Me: Yep! I want to have a nice dinner with him.
Kaydence: Then go to sitter.com and you can find a sitter for us!
Too much TV? Yes.
Can't Sleep
Laila was in her room by herself for naptime. She came out of her room and told me, "I can't sleep because I keep talking!"
LOL
LOL
August 31, 2010
Lovin' the Hubby
Lovin' the Hubby Tip of the Week:
Make it a goal to compliment him daily. Anything from "Thanks for working so hard for us!" to "I LOVE your big muscley arms!"
Make it a goal to compliment him daily. Anything from "Thanks for working so hard for us!" to "I LOVE your big muscley arms!"
August 30, 2010
Smells
I hand Laila her favorite blanket fresh out of the dryer...
Laila: This smells like old bananas.
Me: No it doesn't. Maybe your nose smells like old bananas!
Laila: Nope. My nose smells like chips and garlic.
Laila: This smells like old bananas.
Me: No it doesn't. Maybe your nose smells like old bananas!
Laila: Nope. My nose smells like chips and garlic.
August 28, 2010
Go Bye-Bye?
EVERY MORNING I get Boo out of her bed. I change her diaper and get her dressed, then set her in the floor to explore the world! And EVERY MORNING Boo opens the top drawer of her changing table, which contains her shoes. She reeeeeeeeeaches high up on her little tip-toes and grabs a pair of shoes.
She runs through the house carrying two shoes and of course her favorite pink blanket (that she goes NO WHERE without!)
"Mommy! Shoes on! Mommy! Shoes on! Mommy! Shoes on!" a million times until I finally set her in my lap and put those shoes on her.
"Go bye-bye?" Boo asks me.
"No, we aren't going anywhere right now..." I tell her.
Then she looks at me with those big squishy cheeks and her bright blue eyes, and with the sweetest yet most disappointed tone, asks "Whyyyyyy?"
<3
She'll make ya wanna pack up in the car and just go bye-bye for no reason!! :)
She runs through the house carrying two shoes and of course her favorite pink blanket (that she goes NO WHERE without!)
"Mommy! Shoes on! Mommy! Shoes on! Mommy! Shoes on!" a million times until I finally set her in my lap and put those shoes on her.
"Go bye-bye?" Boo asks me.
"No, we aren't going anywhere right now..." I tell her.
Then she looks at me with those big squishy cheeks and her bright blue eyes, and with the sweetest yet most disappointed tone, asks "Whyyyyyy?"
<3
She'll make ya wanna pack up in the car and just go bye-bye for no reason!! :)
August 25, 2010
Bedtime Stories
So I'm sitting on Royce's bed, and I tell him to go pick out a book to read before bed.
He brings me the phonebook.
Smart!
He brings me the phonebook.
Smart!
May 8, 2010
Manicotti
Manicotti ranks right up there on my all-time favorites list. I got this recipe from my mom, who got it from her mom. Definitely yummy!! My family of 6 eats this all gone... so if your family is bigger, you'll probably have to double it... if your family is smaller, well you'll have some yummy leftovers! :)
You can switch things up a little too and it will still be great. Like the recipe calls for Italian sausage, but I forgot to grab that at the store, and just used 1 lb ground beef. Still tasted the same! :)
MANICOTTI
Manicotti Noodles
Sauce:
1lb gr beef
1lb sweet or mild sausage
3-6 cloves minced garlic
½ c chopped onion
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1 can tomato paste
2 jars sliced mushrooms (drained)
Chopped parsley
1tsp oregano
1tsp sage
1Tbsp salt
Pepper
¼ tsp thyme
1 bayleaf
2 Tbsp sugar
Filling:
1 container ricotta cheese
½ c parmesan
1 lb mozzarella
2 Tbsp dried parsley
2 beaten eggs
1tsp salt
Pepper
Brown meat in large pot with onion and garlic over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, add tomato sauces, then add mushrooms and spices. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes- 1 hour.
Boil manicotti noodles according to package instructions.
Mix up the cheese filling. Drain noodles and run under cool water. Put 1/2 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of baking pan. (I use 13x9) Stuff each noodle totally full with cheese, and place in pan. Cover with remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle cheese on top if you wish.
Bake in 350 degree oven for 30-45 minutes.
Enjoy!
April 30, 2010
I'm a Sweeper!
Well guys I'm officially a "Sweeper". That's what they call those of us who enter sweepstakes like crazy!! :)
I think I first started in January. I read a little thing on a blog about Sweetie's Sweeps and I checked it out. I read her story about all the things she had won... TV's, vacations, cars, etc. and I was intrigued. Being on a tight budget, I thought it would be nice to win a few extra things (that I normally would not buy!). I tinkered around a little bit inconsistently and didn't win anything. I finally buckled down in March and decided to "sweep" every day.
Chris would laugh at me while I spent an hour every night before bed entering sweeps and finding new sweeps. The whole month of March I did not win A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G. I still did not give up! I told him that I would have to win SOMETHING at some point, and if I won something big, I was going to rub it in his face! And ON his face! Literally! Haha :)
So April comes around and I finally win a Netflix movie download. My first win! I stayed committed to my sweeps every night, with 80-100 links saved in my Favorites tab. April has been a winning month! It's all small stuff, but they are mostly Instant Win Game wins. Today, April 30, a lot of the big sweeps are ending... so hopefully I will hear some good news soon!
I kept a list of everything I have won, just to keep myself motivated. Here is what I have won for the month of April:
- Netflix Movie Download
- Handmade glass cross from Desert Diva Designs (cute decor for my living room!!)
- Personalized Snapfish notebook (has my kids' cute pics on the front!)
- Met-Rx Fitness Guide
- No Nonsense socks
- Two packs of Dentyne gum (two separate wins)
- 2 coupons for King sized Reeses (two separate wins also)
- ADIDAS Pro Baskeball
- Mother's Day Brooch
- $5 Live Nation Cash
- Bouquet of Flowers
- Free Jar of Pace Salsa
- Free 29.5 oz can Juanita's Menudo
Those are my wins for April! Hopefully I win a big sweep that ends tonight! :)
April 22, 2010
JUST stay at home?
I catch myself saying it all the time.
"So do you work?"
"No, I just stay at home."
I say it without thinking. It's an easy answer for the small talk that I normally take part in with people I just meet.
Do I work? YESSSS! I'm on call 24/7 and I hardly get to sit down at all until after 9 pm. I have a SUPER rewarding job that will affect generations to come!
"I JUST stay at home" should really never come out of my mouth. It gives a feeling of inadequacy and of no worth. Like I do nothing.
The fact is I LOVE my job. I would never want another job. I make huge sacrifices for my job. I get paid nothing for my job of choice, LOL. But "they" always say to do something you love doing, and this is what I love doing. I must make an effort to convey that next time I get to tell someone what I do for a living! :)
"I get to stay with my kids and take care of them, and it's the greatest job ever!"
April 8, 2010
Oreo Balls
Oh my goodness these are SO yummy! Imagine the white chocolate covered Oreos, but instead of being crunchy in the middle (because the milk can't get to it! LOL), they are cake-like! Thank you to Rita for this recipe!! :)
OREO BALLS
1 package Oreos
8 oz cream cheese
1 bag white chocolate chips
Paraffin wax
Crush Oreos in food processor until they're very fine crumbles. Then mix with cream cheese. Roll into small truffle-sized balls. Chill until cold. (I stuck them in the freezer for 30 minutes)
Melt the white chocolate chips, and add a tiny bit of paraffin wax to help it set (optional). Dip oreo balls into chocolate, let set.
Enjoy!
March 31, 2010
Revamp
Hey guys! A few of you may be surprised to see my blog back... I took it down for a little while as I wasn't in much of a blogging mood. :) I'm tinkering around with a few things on my blog right now, like backgrounds and new gadgets, so bare with me! I should be up and running again soon. :)
February 16, 2010
So Excited About BOOKS!
Tomorrow I should be receiving a big ol' package of books at my front door. :)
Chris changed his mind about homeschooling. Now next time you don't think prayer works, think again! A few years ago he thought the idea was insane (and that I was insane too, haha). "Homeschoolers are all nerdy and I'm not having nerdy kids!" is what I heard, along with every other (incorrect) reason he could possibly think of. All of my attempts to change his mind were futile and usually just ended up with me having hurt feelings. So I totally backed off, and prayed... a lot. I prayed that if God wanted me to homeschool, that he would change Chris's heart about it.
Kaydence has been attending a university-model school and we've been unimpressed. I do think it's the second best thing to homeschooling... but even Chris noticed that Kaydence was just doing everything I had already taught her the year before. We even noticed a slight attitude change... you know, the one that seems to come once your child goes to school, and now they're much more annoyed by younger siblings and things. Nothing too bad, but it's not what I like to see. I'm all about family unity. ;)
So I asked Chris about possibly homeschooling next year, and he said YES! I even heard him on the phone later on telling someone we were going to homeschool next year, and that I was a math whiz and had worked with Kaydence so much (which made me tear up because I didn't think he even noticed!) He did a complete 180 on his views on homeschooling... and I know that it's only because of the One who heard my prayers! :)
I've spent the last few years researching all types of curriculum, so I already had it narrowed down to a few choices. We used part of our tax return to invest in next year's curriculum... and my first order of Sonlight arrives tomorrow! YAY! For my non-homeschool readers, Sonlight is a company that follows the "living book" method of education. Basically, you learn most everything from reading GOOD books. This will make the basis of our history, geography, and literature. No more boring textbooks. I always HATED history because of those boring textbooks. I'm excited to actually learn (and REMEMBER) some history with my children now! And my children should finish high school being extremely well-read. :)
Kaydence and Laila will both be in the same Sonlight core, but will of course have their own seperate levels for math, handwriting, and reading. I'm soooooo excited to look through all the books tomorrow, and I'll have to try and refrain from reading all of them right away. They're for AUGUST!
Now while I do have a very academically-oriented reason for homeschooling, I can say that the thing I look forward to the most is being able to spend lots of quality time with my children. Life is way too short, and I want to make every minute count. I'm going to cuddle my babies everyday, until they think they're too old for cuddling... but eh, I'll still cuddle them anyway. At least some hugs! Come on now! Haha :)
Chris changed his mind about homeschooling. Now next time you don't think prayer works, think again! A few years ago he thought the idea was insane (and that I was insane too, haha). "Homeschoolers are all nerdy and I'm not having nerdy kids!" is what I heard, along with every other (incorrect) reason he could possibly think of. All of my attempts to change his mind were futile and usually just ended up with me having hurt feelings. So I totally backed off, and prayed... a lot. I prayed that if God wanted me to homeschool, that he would change Chris's heart about it.
Kaydence has been attending a university-model school and we've been unimpressed. I do think it's the second best thing to homeschooling... but even Chris noticed that Kaydence was just doing everything I had already taught her the year before. We even noticed a slight attitude change... you know, the one that seems to come once your child goes to school, and now they're much more annoyed by younger siblings and things. Nothing too bad, but it's not what I like to see. I'm all about family unity. ;)
So I asked Chris about possibly homeschooling next year, and he said YES! I even heard him on the phone later on telling someone we were going to homeschool next year, and that I was a math whiz and had worked with Kaydence so much (which made me tear up because I didn't think he even noticed!) He did a complete 180 on his views on homeschooling... and I know that it's only because of the One who heard my prayers! :)
I've spent the last few years researching all types of curriculum, so I already had it narrowed down to a few choices. We used part of our tax return to invest in next year's curriculum... and my first order of Sonlight arrives tomorrow! YAY! For my non-homeschool readers, Sonlight is a company that follows the "living book" method of education. Basically, you learn most everything from reading GOOD books. This will make the basis of our history, geography, and literature. No more boring textbooks. I always HATED history because of those boring textbooks. I'm excited to actually learn (and REMEMBER) some history with my children now! And my children should finish high school being extremely well-read. :)
Kaydence and Laila will both be in the same Sonlight core, but will of course have their own seperate levels for math, handwriting, and reading. I'm soooooo excited to look through all the books tomorrow, and I'll have to try and refrain from reading all of them right away. They're for AUGUST!
Now while I do have a very academically-oriented reason for homeschooling, I can say that the thing I look forward to the most is being able to spend lots of quality time with my children. Life is way too short, and I want to make every minute count. I'm going to cuddle my babies everyday, until they think they're too old for cuddling... but eh, I'll still cuddle them anyway. At least some hugs! Come on now! Haha :)
February 11, 2010
Lead By Example (And Hitting Myself In The Head!)
I've always been annoyed about how technology seems to drive families apart. You see families where the kids are staring into their phone all day, or Xbox, or TV, or whatever. Tonight I was reading through the archives of one of my most favorite blogs, and came across this post: http://www.generationcedar.com/main/2009/04/1962.html
And then I hit myself in the head. I AM one of those people on their phone all day. I'm checking Facebook, emails, texting, visiting random websites, all throughout the day! Whenever I have a spare moment, I pull out my phone (which is always in my back pocket). It has become a HORRIBLE habit. A habit that I do not want my children to have! But they see me doing it!
So I must start leading by example, and not pulling my phone out all the time. Maybe limit myself to once a day? Maybe put my phone up and limit myself to computer only (which I normally don't get to until late at night!). Either way, I will quit allowing my cell phone to become a distraction and become a wedge between my family and me!
SO MUCH falls on a mother's shoulders. Her example to her children is one of the biggest factors on how her children are raised. If I have high standards for my children, then I must go above and beyond to model those standards myself.
And then I hit myself in the head. I AM one of those people on their phone all day. I'm checking Facebook, emails, texting, visiting random websites, all throughout the day! Whenever I have a spare moment, I pull out my phone (which is always in my back pocket). It has become a HORRIBLE habit. A habit that I do not want my children to have! But they see me doing it!
So I must start leading by example, and not pulling my phone out all the time. Maybe limit myself to once a day? Maybe put my phone up and limit myself to computer only (which I normally don't get to until late at night!). Either way, I will quit allowing my cell phone to become a distraction and become a wedge between my family and me!
SO MUCH falls on a mother's shoulders. Her example to her children is one of the biggest factors on how her children are raised. If I have high standards for my children, then I must go above and beyond to model those standards myself.
January 13, 2010
Lazy Day!
Today I took an official "Lazy Day" that I really needed. The past 2 1/2 weeks I've been working out hard, and still trying to do everything at home that needs to be done. After bootcamp on Monday, I was the most sore I've EVER been! So today I took a healing day, haha. No running, not much housework, minimal cooking. I'll be back at the craziness tomorrow!
During my lazy minutes spent at the computer, I've been contemplating how to get my house in decent order. I'll definitely be spending the summer teaching the kids new chores. Until then, I need to make some cleaning rules and STICK TO THEM. Because if just one day is skipped, the house is in disaster mode again. Over the next few weeks I'll be teaching my kids some new HABITS:
-Cleaning up living room before nap and bedtime
-Cleaning up their bedrooms before bedtime
-Put things in their place when you're done with it! (They're so bad at just throwing trash on the floor instead of the trash can, throwing dirty clothes in the floor rather than the laundry basket... pretty much everything goes to the floor! Haha)
-No leaving the table until everyone is done eating. (I have roaming eaters, and a subsequent very dirty kitchen floor. I admit this is my own fault for not making the rule sooner!)
-Take plates/cups to the counter when you're done eating.
That's what we'll be starting with.
For myself, I need to de-clutter! There is A LOT that needs to go.
And I still definitely need wood floors, and I need to repaint the walls with a more glossy paint that doesn't attract fingerprints so well. Oh but I know someday I'll miss those fingerprints...
During my lazy minutes spent at the computer, I've been contemplating how to get my house in decent order. I'll definitely be spending the summer teaching the kids new chores. Until then, I need to make some cleaning rules and STICK TO THEM. Because if just one day is skipped, the house is in disaster mode again. Over the next few weeks I'll be teaching my kids some new HABITS:
-Cleaning up living room before nap and bedtime
-Cleaning up their bedrooms before bedtime
-Put things in their place when you're done with it! (They're so bad at just throwing trash on the floor instead of the trash can, throwing dirty clothes in the floor rather than the laundry basket... pretty much everything goes to the floor! Haha)
-No leaving the table until everyone is done eating. (I have roaming eaters, and a subsequent very dirty kitchen floor. I admit this is my own fault for not making the rule sooner!)
-Take plates/cups to the counter when you're done eating.
That's what we'll be starting with.
For myself, I need to de-clutter! There is A LOT that needs to go.
And I still definitely need wood floors, and I need to repaint the walls with a more glossy paint that doesn't attract fingerprints so well. Oh but I know someday I'll miss those fingerprints...
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