tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90197896600070797882024-03-05T09:06:36.195-08:00This Mom's LifeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811162943881318888noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019789660007079788.post-79477572096445791182016-10-16T22:04:00.001-07:002016-10-16T22:04:32.519-07:00My Long Long Day...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today has been one of the longest day's I've had in a long time! We had one of my son's best friends spend the night last night and after making a fort and staying up til after 12 they finally fell asleep! So somewhere around 12:30 I got to bed. I woke up at 4:30 to the light in the hall bathroom being on. I thought someone needed the restroom no biggie and layed there waiting for the sounds of sleepy going back to sleep... I heard instead kids not so quietly whispering and making a lot of noise. So, I get up to check out what's up. They are dressed with their backpacks full of nerf guns on their backs like their about to head out on a great hunting trip! I let them know that this really isn't going to work for me and they better get back to bed! Hello! It's 4 in the morning not ok to wake the sleepy Mommy with this sort of thing... So, I go get back in bed and listen to make sure they are doing what they are told. After 2 more times of going in and getting on to them. I move to the couch because at least this way there is no way to sneak past me and maybe I'll be able to get a little more sleep. It worked! Thank you Jesus! Then here comes my almost 3 year old awake looking for Mommy. I bring her to the couch with me forget it we'll snuggle and maybe snooze a little. Who needs sleep anyway... really! <br />
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Thank goodness I was able to prolong the snuggles and snoozing until about 7:30 when they all came out and started asking for drinks and food. :-) That's ok because shortly after this they went outside to play.<br />
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Extra kiddo get's picked up and older son goes with them to watch his friend play at his football game. We eat lunch and get ready for younger sons Soccer game. It was SO HOT! 96 degrees to be exact. To hot to be outside watching 5 and 6 year olds run around chasing a soccer ball. Sorry I think I just won the worst coach ever awards, but sometimes it's just to hot to be out for that sort of thing. Poor kids were red in the face. We were short 3 kids so 3 kids got to play extra which normally they would love, but in this heat by the end of the game they were begging for it to be over already! They held in there and gave it their all. :-)<br />
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We headed home and shortly after getting home I headed to the grocery stores to get our weekly groceries. 6 stores and 4 hours later I pull in the drive! We unload the groceries and get them put away. My sweet little angel had fallen asleep in the car on the way home from soccer so when we came in I layed her down for a little nap. So, late nap equals up til 11pm not wanting to go to sleep. UGH I am so ready to go to crash right now, but Mommy duty is not done yet.<br />
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My youngest son turns 6 tomorrow! I am printing labels to put on cookies to send for school birthday celebrating tomorrow! I love him... I love him a lot... other wise I'd so be in bed right now! LOL The things we do for our kids! He is so excited to have a birthday celebration with all his new friends at school! I may sound grumpy and tired in this post but this long long day has been good and I am truly blessed to have so much to be grateful for! <br />
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TTFN<br />
AprilAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811162943881318888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019789660007079788.post-78035869891594426112015-05-27T09:18:00.000-07:002015-05-27T09:18:06.154-07:00My Clumsy Self and I... Laundry Soap Pods Fail!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Hump Day Everyboy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, my goal yesterday and today during the day has been to get caught up on laundry after a super busy weekend where I completely ignored the laundry! (In my house that means the always present mountain of laundry has grown ALARMINGLY HIGH!) I was admittedly in a hurry starting the next load in the washer when the clumsies attacked!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ok... so I am always looking to save money, but lately if it makes things run smoother and quicker I have been willing to pay a little more. So, I decided to get these cool laundry pods instead of making my own laundry soap (like I have been doing for about a year now). I've been using them for about a week and loving that it's a simple grab and toss into the washer. It's great unless you have these darn clumsy genes that have been lovingly passed onto you! (Love you Mamma!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, I reached up to grab a pod out of the container to toss into the washer and knocked the whole bucket over... pouring about 10 pods into the washer! Yikes! I reached in and started fishing out little slippery pods... slippery as they had started to dissolve instantly when in contact with water! I got about 5 out when the ones in my hand started to leak! All the time visions of soap pouring out of my washer all over the place if I don't get these out of here... surely that is way to much soap! So, I got all but two out... plus a little leaking between my fingers. I dashed to the sink to dispose of the rest of them as there was no saving them now... they were a congealed leaking blob in my hand at this point. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I washed the blob off of my hand and started adding clothes. So far no bubbles are pouring out of the washer so hopefully I escaped that nightmare with this clumsy experience... this time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hopefully your day is less exciting and clumsy as mine! :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TTFN</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">April</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811162943881318888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019789660007079788.post-52268225413458459262015-04-27T11:57:00.000-07:002015-04-27T11:57:35.759-07:00No More Binkie! Day 1<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I decided today is the day! Today we start no more binkie! I've been thinking it is time to get Chaeli off of her binkie for a while, but knowing what I am getting into with her teething on top of the whining that will go on for a few days I just haven't felt up to it. I decided today is the day. It's not going to get any easier! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So far it hasn't been to... bad She fussed some but I kept crackers handy and tried to keep her busy and distracted. Nap was a little bit hard. She cried, but she did fall asleep after a little bit. Daddy went and snuggled her for a minute since I was in the middle of lunch with the other kiddos. She loves to get Daddy snuggles! :-) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What do you think? I know there are lots of opinions on if kiddos should have a binkie or not. My oldest had a binkie for a short while, but changed over to sucking his fingers early on. (BTW it's much easier to take away a binkie than sucking fingers in my opinion!) My second had a binkie but we weaned him off of it easily pretty early. Mrs. Chaeli just loves her binkie! I just don't want her to turn out like her Mamma and almost go to Kindergarten with it! LOL</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811162943881318888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019789660007079788.post-24646917696308984982014-11-04T19:43:00.003-08:002014-11-04T19:43:50.689-08:00Where does all the time go?<div dir="ltr">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>I</u> find myself again today wondering where did the time go? My baby girl is turning 1 in one week! How did that go by so fast?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Truthfully I know how it happens...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It goes something like this:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Somewhere between 5:30 and 6 Wake up and get ready ( this actually is a lot more like hurry to put my self together good enough so I don't look like I just rolled out of bed when my babysitting kids start arriving because I slept in just a little to long... Again )</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">6:30 wake up boys to start getting ready for school...( this involves facing walking through the jungle of boy stuff all on the floor, dodging the play pen that didn't get put up from the day before, all in the dark while being bombarded by what can only be described as a boys room musk! Ewww) Start coffee, make lunches, pack younger boys backpack, check weather, start laundry, make my breakfast, get baby up, change baby, sit baby in high chair with breakfast</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">6:45 wake up boys again tell them what the weather will be like.( particularly important to remind my middle boy that this means he needs to wear pants and long sleeves or what ever is appropriate) Make younger of the two sit up in bed, eat my breakfast (quickly while doing other things) make breakfast for younger boys as they are both up now, down first cup of coffee( if I haven't finished my first cup by this point we're are all in trouble)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">7 wake up oldest boy again threaten to get ice cubes if necessary! Prod middle boy along are you done eating, get your shoes on, hurry up buddy! Get baby dressed</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">7:20ish babysitting kids start to arrive, chatting with parents so I know how kiddos are doing, etc, continue to prod middle boy along</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">7:30 wake husband, continue to prod middle boy along, rinse dishes, general craziness has started, youngest boy wants cartoon, babies are all underfoot, or getting into stuff.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">7:40 wake husband again you have to get up and take kids to school... Now!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">7:45 boys out the door on the way to school. Feed babysitting kids that need breakfast</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At this point it varies day to day but involves a lot of chasing babies, changing diapers, getting juice and snacks, cleaning high chair, kissing boo boos, giving hugs, trying to squeeze in all the millions of other things I need to get done, starting cartoons, putting babies down for naps, and really a ton more! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">By the time the kids are picked up I am usually pretty wiped out, but the day is not over there is still cleaning up, making dinner, getting homework done, eating dinner, ( if there is any events like football practice or choir concerts this just adds to the fun!)kids bathed, quiet time ( which is just quiet time watching a show as a family) getting kids to sleep. Trying to squeeze in folding clothes, cleaning, and whatever I can before I pass out in bed!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How could a day like this go by in a flash... I don't really know since looking at this now I am thinking it's no wonder I feel over whelmed a lot of times, but that said... It does go by in a flash.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So my baby girl is turning 1 and in a way it went by so fast. I am excited! My girl is such a sweetie and I am loving watching her grow and learn. Her little personality blooms more each day! She is so fun! I knew it would go fast, it really did! I just keep trying to make the most of each day, remember the big moments, and continue to be so grateful that I get to be here with her everyday to see and share those big moments!!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811162943881318888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019789660007079788.post-82573162316160292762014-09-24T14:21:00.000-07:002014-09-24T14:21:54.455-07:00The Difference of A Peace Filled Mind!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Howdy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's Wednesday! Which all by it self makes today a great day! I can remember when I was in elementary school my Mom would tell me, "It's hump day your half way there." I was not a fan of school until a little later in my schooling years so getting me up to go to school I am sure was a bit of a chore. Somehow knowing you are half way there makes you feel like you can get going and face the day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week has been remarkable better than last week. Which, really would have been pretty easy to do. I am so glad that things are looking up though. I think it is matter of state of mind more than anything. The past few weeks... probably more like a month I have just been in a weird funk. Do you go through times like that? I was grumpy! Personally, I am going through some trials that are really hard, frustrating, and have me on an emotional roller coaster. High, High's and Low Low's, and they could be within minutes of each other. I would start the day off just feeling down and it would just get worse from there. Then, the added stress of kids, laundry, cleaning, cooking, etc., etc., etc. I knew what was going on, but I couldn't seem to drag myself out of it. I prayed, I knew that I needed to stop stressing, I knew that all will be OK I just couldn't get to my happy place. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What has changed? Well, a lot more praying! Also, realizing that no matter what... I really don't like being unhappy all the time and it was making everything else that I go through on a daily basis so much harder. I felt so out of my element... I am usually a happy person no matter what is going on. (You know one of those happy people who always see's the good in the situation even if it's a bad one.) I thought I had given it to God, but I continued to take it back and stress over it. Which, I knew was a really bad idea and would not help, but... It was like when I tell my kids no and they keep on and on saying but, but, but. I just couldn't let it go. I (think) I have given it completely over now. That has relieved a great deal of stress. When I got to the point of... it really doesn't matter because it will all work out (and it all really is out of my control anyway) I knew and know this, as it has happened repeatedly in my life. I just didn't want to let this one go. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What could possibly get the "happy to a fault" girl down. Well, I don't really get a break these days from babies. Which is a good thing and a bad thing all at once. I love taking care of kids. It is an amazing blessing! It is also the hardest job I have ever had. I love these kiddo's so much! There are days... some days it is really hard to stay "up"! Teething babies, toddlers that are curious and getting into something every waking moment. They are all girls and they are seriously mean little buggers sometimes. Then you blink and they are the sweetest most innocent wonderful little munchkins ever! LOL High High's and Low Low's. Then you add in some stress from the outside world. Such as school just started and my teenager has all sorts of things that he needs money for(not like 5-10 bucks more like hundreds.) Another huge stress has been that I can't seem to fill or keep my spots filled for my daycare. It makes it pretty hard to continue to do something even if I love it if it is not paying the bills. I love the families that I care for. I have made great friendships that I don't want to loose. I love the kids I care for. When I think about not getting to be at home with my kiddos it rips my heart out! Plus, I start to go down the road of I can't get everything done now and I am home all day... how in the world am I going to get it all done if I am not here. Ya, that pretty much sums up the "stuff" that got this happy girl down. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week is a tone better. I have let it go. It is in God's hands and where I land will be where I should be. I am making each moment last (as I should do everyday no matter what) I am making sure that at night I get some "me" time. I have also found that getting outside helped a lot for me. It is getting cooler so it is nice outside and I feel so much better when I have gotten some fresh air. Spending time everyday doing something I enjoy. I love taking pictures, reading, and writing. I have made sure that I have gotten to do at least one of these things everyday. The money stresses... I have decided that it will work out. Either I will find a job that pays better, or I'll get another kiddo to watch, or maybe both, or who knows really, but I know it will work out. It's not my money it's God's money anyway. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also realized that the things that are really important have been taken care of. We have a roof over our heads, we have clothes, food, our health. All of the things that are most important have always been taken care of. Sure, I'd like to not have to figure out what can get paid, and what must wait. I'd love to be able to do, get, much more than we do. Yet, those things are not as important as the time, love, and fun I show and have with my family. So the happy girl is back! :-) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The difference in my state of mind has been a peace filled mind. I have given my worries to my God! I have faith all will be well. The peace that I have fills my days with joy instead of heartache and worry. If you are struggling with stress no matter how big I encourage you to give it to God and see what a difference a peace filled mind can make. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TTFN!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">April</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811162943881318888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019789660007079788.post-43989562105018874832014-09-11T07:58:00.003-07:002014-09-11T07:58:55.517-07:00A Day for Remembering<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today is the 13th anniversary of 9/11. Before sending off my kids to school today we talked a little about what today is and what it means. Why we remember and why we are more cautious today. My teen knew and though he was very young when 9/11 happened he remembers. My 2nd grader understands, but I think it's important to talk about this with him. He has never lived in a world that terrorism is not very real. He does not have a memory of what America was like before 9/11, but I do want him to know why it is important for us to remember this day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think it is important to remember because as time passes the sting of this event maybe fades a little, but I don't ever want it to fade so much that we do not remember that there are people in this world that hate American's. People who hate and want to hurt us. We are aware but not afraid of this. We live our lives today like we would any day, but perhaps we are a little more cautious. More aware of our surroundings. More aware of the people around us. I know for me I feel a deep pride in my Country. Being American is a privilege and a blessing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love seeing the patriotism that is shown today. It makes me a little sad that we don't show this amount of pride everyday. Being an American is much more than living in America. Being American means you understand the sacrifices that have been made through out history up to and including today that make this country great and free. America is more than a place. America is it's people. It's real people the ones who would fight right now to protect our people, land, and way of life. American people are fierce, loyal, protective, hardworking, smart, creative, spiritual, and really so much more. So really 9/11 isn't only about remembering that we were attacked and many innocent people died. It is also about remembering that these people who would try to bring down and hurt America tried, and they failed. We came back stronger than ever. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, no matter what may happen today. America remembers and always will. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">April</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811162943881318888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019789660007079788.post-53707538163862250022014-09-08T07:25:00.000-07:002014-09-08T07:25:30.537-07:00It's Monday!?!?!?!?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_yiprjph14jcUwXIhzzmdJfShwusXiBsn8LoKbuz7FItKRzftL_6EFvRdn3QUeGDjmjQJyUt0b8D3doRCXoldT58jgJ7Pg19WC8UQ_LGdXVm0DAakr_3jRSFCqiKfwmy46IFJnUB33s/s1600/20140907_145508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_yiprjph14jcUwXIhzzmdJfShwusXiBsn8LoKbuz7FItKRzftL_6EFvRdn3QUeGDjmjQJyUt0b8D3doRCXoldT58jgJ7Pg19WC8UQ_LGdXVm0DAakr_3jRSFCqiKfwmy46IFJnUB33s/s1600/20140907_145508.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">my two youngest and I playing!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's Monday and with every Monday comes that uggh I have so much to do feeling... and I'm tired already! That's OK. It only took me a little while to get motivated and organized today so I am on track. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How was your weekend? Mine was... busy... it always is! Let see to recap... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Friday it rained!! Yes this is a big deal around here. We live in the Texas Panhandle and we have been in drought for a while now. Rain is good! We went to one of our favorite burger places in town and ate dinner with my Aunt. It is so good to catch up! My oldest (we sometimes call him "The Teenager" since he's the only Teen in the house right now) The Teenager was wanting to go to a Homecoming Game for one of the local schools (neither team was "his" team). This was completely to spend time with his girlfriend. Being that I remember what it was like to be in high school and make those special memories that you will remember for every and ever... I was ok with it him going. Yet, not really OK with the fact that this school was on the opposite side of town. Anyway long story short he went but there was much Teenage Drama and Teenage Mistake made to where The Teenager was in big doo doo when it was time to get him. It is way to much to go into in this post, but I feel a Teenage Rant coming on so stay tuned! All is well now, but uggh Teenagers!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Saturday was filled with making the meal plan, grocery list, and actually going to the grocery store. I don't know about you guys but going to the grocery store is exhausting! I tried something new this time. I've been thinking about doing this for a while but money is always an issue and I am still not completely convinced that the little added cost is worth it. Instead of shopping at one Mega Superstore (aka Wallyworld) I went to Target and our local grocery store. The thought was that it would be less crowded, stressful, and the overall experience would be a lot better. Now Target was pretty good as far as the crowds and experience. I've always loved Target. I can't say that the local grocery store was less crowded than Wal-Mart would have been because it was packed! Then trying to find things in the store and the items available being different. I am not 100% sold on it so we shall see... Saturday night I had planned on getting some things done, but fell asleep snuggling my little G man and didn't wake up until 11! Oh, well...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sunday was filled with new classes at church, and a great service. Once we got home we worked on getting some items up in the attic, and moving our old dryer out and the new to us dryer in.(thank you Nan Nan and Paw Paw for the new to us dryer) The Teenager did a great job moving stuff around. Sunday evening I made a new meal that I saw on Pintrest! We discussed a small tweek that we will do next time and then it will be perfect! (and then I will share it here for all of you to try it!) My hubby's brother came over to help with a toilet issue (he's a plumber so that is so so helpful!) He stayed for dinner! More catching up and visiting! Kids in bed and ready for the new week and then my hubby and I sat down to watch my show! I am a huge fan of the Outlander series by Diana Gaboldon and it has recently been made into a show on Starz. I am loving it! They have done a great job! Then it was off to bed for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Busy but good weekend!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So now it's Monday and I have so much to get done. On the list for today:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Laundry, Go to the Bank, get a prescription filled, Write! :-), post about my kiddos fundraiser(hey do you want to buy some overpriced popcorn, or maybe some chocolate? It's for a good cause!), Clean bathrooms, and if I have time vacuum. This is of course on top of and when there is any free moment while taking care of kiddos! Ahh let the running around like a chicken with my head cut off begin! LOL</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TTFN</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">April</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811162943881318888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019789660007079788.post-70986683542036582832014-09-01T20:01:00.003-07:002014-09-01T20:01:36.465-07:00Roman Noodles are Really Good for Something... Besides Eating<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQuOBYd5eaIsmW3XbaT1UHxzKPM4TAK1FGH1f3AdnmHNehthlnpf6xhTb_Pu6mxD94n7ZQkPM7QISLR_cJwjLJSapuYw8idGozXciAWskN1lNnlshu38fSzizYr2DcP2-cOJoAmQmGjBQ/s1600/20140901_212636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQuOBYd5eaIsmW3XbaT1UHxzKPM4TAK1FGH1f3AdnmHNehthlnpf6xhTb_Pu6mxD94n7ZQkPM7QISLR_cJwjLJSapuYw8idGozXciAWskN1lNnlshu38fSzizYr2DcP2-cOJoAmQmGjBQ/s1600/20140901_212636.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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At my house Roman noodles are a staple! I keep trying to slowly eliminate them, and they keep coming back! My boys love them and if they weren't so high in salt and bad stuff I'd be all for keeping them around... forever! Especially since I have found such a good use for those boxes that they come in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlmjHv4Fy4YtWFoyxwV3CJMreV9luPQut4dcfKJaVbYKsiJ774eeeuYWGvR82wjFX40D2Nkpao3ruOFm_qC1Z5vnUfS3lYqEq0SVU5EMtCk0LCdHZI6OXcym65UTsR9qB9eV9ISgDO7E/s1600/20140901_212621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlmjHv4Fy4YtWFoyxwV3CJMreV9luPQut4dcfKJaVbYKsiJ774eeeuYWGvR82wjFX40D2Nkpao3ruOFm_qC1Z5vnUfS3lYqEq0SVU5EMtCk0LCdHZI6OXcym65UTsR9qB9eV9ISgDO7E/s1600/20140901_212621.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am a thrifty Mamma, and have a hard time throwing away a box that could be used for another purpose. Have any of you done this... Or something like this... Or am I just a weird cookie!! LOL<br />
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Well for now the Roman noodles are staying so I will embrace the chance to use those boxes!<br />
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TTFN<br />
AprilAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811162943881318888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019789660007079788.post-72514439401985530162014-08-31T13:46:00.002-07:002014-08-31T13:48:45.760-07:00That Feeling... When You are Completely Overwhelmed! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEA3ylya2y0KJ2TmOqkZc4N5fSkj9iNOcNJGZ64_12f1Abnaj2j43lYusPZYZBZwXQWWy6jV_o5Cf95dW5MK8pc1SF_EhFo2EF_BvgEzK00J4kdL_auqZjr-Ewphzj16n7UH8xzZhvDRg/s1600/DSC_7254+e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEA3ylya2y0KJ2TmOqkZc4N5fSkj9iNOcNJGZ64_12f1Abnaj2j43lYusPZYZBZwXQWWy6jV_o5Cf95dW5MK8pc1SF_EhFo2EF_BvgEzK00J4kdL_auqZjr-Ewphzj16n7UH8xzZhvDRg/s1600/DSC_7254+e.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have needed to get my nail polish out and take the chips of purple nail polish that are left on my fingers off for over a week. Somehow every time I think of it (usually in the bathroom... yes I know that is weird... it's the only time I get away either alone or at least with only one kiddo) So... that is the time I notice those little things like I really need to clean that nail polish off. ANNYWAY! It never happens because I come out of the bathroom and notice something like that the laundry needs to be folded or, a little person needs me for something, or any number of the millions (no I am not joking) of things I do around here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, when I realized something this past week after a good long talk with God(...yes I talk to him, yes out loud, and you should too! :-) ... ) that I need to be sharing my life. Surly I am not the only person going through this craziness! or maybe I am but, maybe sharing my craziness will make someone else's craziness seen not so bad! LOL I'm here for you ladies... really I am!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That is why I am sitting here typing away in the very brief moment while little miss is sleeping and the boys are playing quietly (haha ya right) and yes... I still need to remove the purple chips of paint off of my nails. Maybe I should go do that right now... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do any of you feel like the pile of stuff to get done just keeps getting bigger and you just keep falling farther behind. You are not alone! I was just thinking about this today. Why do I feel so incredibly overwhelmed! Yes, there is a lot going on right now. School just started, life in general with all of it's craziness is overwhelming, but I usually am able to keep my head above water. I really don't know why I am feeling this major overwhelmingness (sorry I know that is not a word... but if fits!) So, here is my plan. Give it to God. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You may be asking how is that really going to help? Well, it works out like this. My day is God's day. That is the way I see it. I am right where he wants me to be so I should stop stressing because the laundry isn't done, the house is a mess, the kids just keep asking me question after question after question after question... Me stressing about it doesn't change anything except for how I feel about it. So instead when I start to feel stressed or overwhelmed I am going to give it to God. Ask for what ever I need to be able to deal with and be ok with everything going on in the place that I am at right now. Not only that, but I am going to ask to enjoy it. Remove myself completely from the stress and have fun... even enjoy the chaos! Whoah did I just say enjoy the chaos! LOL </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My kids won't always be little and all of the phases that we are going through right now will not last forever. So I am going to enjoy it while I have them at this stage. I know I will look back and I will miss when they were like this so instead of stressing I am going to enjoy it... all of it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have any of you ever felt like the craziness of life was taking you over and that you were drowning? How did you deal?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://bible.com/97/1th.5.16-18.msg">Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TTFN!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">April</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811162943881318888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019789660007079788.post-13420811137263634412014-08-21T12:11:00.000-07:002014-08-21T12:11:03.362-07:00Countdown... T-minus 3 Days Til School Starts!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYzdqjvj1E3EsvmDh-K2qXejGQj9CjGgp1c0iyk58UvM8uDoG2jF_ffLrY8Gkd_Au5TPD0WB8TeyHaSxt0uNhRbqGdxGw5fnFKVigqDjcN7MoMZ3GgKvaBSC632VqMZWc9xFb2r4ocPY/s1600/apples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYzdqjvj1E3EsvmDh-K2qXejGQj9CjGgp1c0iyk58UvM8uDoG2jF_ffLrY8Gkd_Au5TPD0WB8TeyHaSxt0uNhRbqGdxGw5fnFKVigqDjcN7MoMZ3GgKvaBSC632VqMZWc9xFb2r4ocPY/s1600/apples.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's that time again when the kids are dreading what is coming and the parents are anticipating!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We start the week before trying to get back into our normal school time schedule. My two youngest boys spent a lot of the summer at their Dad's house so I kinda gave them a few days to start to get used to being home before I started pushing the back into school schedule thing. I feel like this is good for the kids so they are somewhat into the routine and it's not as hard once we HAVE to do it! Plus, I need this week to get me back into the schedule. No more sleeping in for Mom either! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also have my now 7 year old doing some school stuff each day to get back into it. They forget some during the summer, and I really didn't have any control over what he did as far as reading and practicing during the summer so I wanted to make sure he started to get back into it before school started. It should make it a little easier that first week if he remembers at least a little bit from where he left off. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What do you do to prep your kids before school starts? </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811162943881318888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019789660007079788.post-56488906211991163222014-05-27T19:08:00.000-07:002014-05-27T19:08:45.036-07:00It's already Tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULbsYBDsCV2iPVw4sISesD28A8vVO3vhyphenhyphentS8H4C_ptk6uQiUUr8M3ZFI1EWNpg5Dcw99AtANvG2PcWGgwETk5HhdWtbYqorwLwoSrt8W27PJqmNPXbLqHBRJx1Mue9PFhFqPLNumeQPU/s1600/Sitting+up+buddies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULbsYBDsCV2iPVw4sISesD28A8vVO3vhyphenhyphentS8H4C_ptk6uQiUUr8M3ZFI1EWNpg5Dcw99AtANvG2PcWGgwETk5HhdWtbYqorwLwoSrt8W27PJqmNPXbLqHBRJx1Mue9PFhFqPLNumeQPU/s1600/Sitting+up+buddies.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I realized it's Tuesday!! The kids only have a few more day's of school. They boys are going to their Dad's for 2 weeks this weekend. Oh, my gosh it's already Tuesday! I have so much to do! I am sure I am not the only Momma that feels like that but sometimes it hits me and I really just feel like I've been pushed along in the week and didn't even notice the time going by. Course I've been busy so you know the saying... "Time flies when your having fun!" or taking care of lots of people! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway! I have realized that I am somewhat addicted to 19 kids and Counting. I know kinda a weird show to be addicted to, but we have it on Netflix and I started watching it. I guess it makes me feel like my life is not so crazy after all. LOL I also have gotten some really great ideas on organizing, and having the kids helping out at home. I love that they are just regular people and that they stick by their beliefs and their convictions no matter what anyone thinks. Children are a blessing from God no doubt about it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am rereading the final book in one of my favorite series. Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series is excellent. I am reading An Echo in the Bone before the next book comes out so I remember all of what happened. I picked up the book and actually kinda chuckled. I don't remember this book being this big! LOL I love big books! I have preordered the next book to go to my kindle so I it will be easier to keep with me than a great big book. I think I will still miss having that big book sitting around. I also think I will miss the look on people's faces when they say... are you reading that! Wow that's huge! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today was a pretty good day... I love teething babies! LOL oh was that facetious. No they are sweet babies my head only hurt for a little while. :-) It is always a joy to see them growing and learning. Chaeli is a determined little lady. She will be crawling in no time. She gets up on her hands and knees and wiggles back and forth. It's so cute! Landree (who I babysit) is getting good at the crawling thing and gets so excited when she gets going. Mr. G was fun today too! He is getting so big! Sometimes I have to remind myself he is only 3! All in all it's been a good day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">OK now I must go rest so I can do it all again tomorrow! :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TTFN</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">April</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811162943881318888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019789660007079788.post-23106326250948899482014-05-27T18:16:00.000-07:002014-05-27T18:16:27.240-07:00Doing the Right thing is Also a Really Hard Thing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2mcQN-Ba449SuXy-oITjKpd8uAxalpian5a7h6sQO8FVE3wq21-89ZbldymvSYOilpTHeBXXNXweYmlK42w_q83VJb8KupuPtMbDJVQIkmuYoQwv0_G6bvU7exN0aUYZLqmVV7YcUEw/s1600/20140323_174250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2mcQN-Ba449SuXy-oITjKpd8uAxalpian5a7h6sQO8FVE3wq21-89ZbldymvSYOilpTHeBXXNXweYmlK42w_q83VJb8KupuPtMbDJVQIkmuYoQwv0_G6bvU7exN0aUYZLqmVV7YcUEw/s1600/20140323_174250.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am preparing myself for what I know is coming later this week. I know it's coming because it happens every time I'm about to send my boys to their Dad's house. It is a good thing for the boys to get to go to their Dad's. It is the right thing for them and for their Dad. I am so glad their Dad wants to be a part of their lives. It is also one of the hardest things that I have to do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> In the days leading up to them going I become a stress ball and end up being short tempered. When I really just want to love on them and let them know I will miss them, but I am really excited for them to get to go. I guess the stress of knowing they will be gone plus trying to get them packed and ready on top of my daily already crazy life just... gets to me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, I am preparing myself because I really don't want it to be like that. I want it to be that I am excited for them. I want to see the good in it all. I will miss them yes, but I need a break sometimes and this is that opportunity. It is good for them to have these experiences. Even though I am not there to see them experience it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think being mentally prepared, spiritually prepared, and physically prepared (get them packed early so it is not so stressful right before they go) will help. This will never be an easy thing. It will always pull at my heart that they will be gone. I will always miss them. I will always feel a little out of sorts when they are gone. That is the way it should be and that is ok. I need to be strong because they need to go and have fun. They need to go make memories with their Dad. They don't need any of the baggage that comes with, "this is the way it is." That will come in time. I need to protect them from that for as long as I can. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I am doing the right thing for my boys. It is a really hard thing. I would do anything for them if I thought it was the right thing for them. So, I can be strong for them I am their Mamma!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TTFN</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">April</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811162943881318888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019789660007079788.post-20392403726284445082014-05-10T20:59:00.001-07:002014-05-10T21:00:07.901-07:00Because You've Been There<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tomorrow is Mother's Day and I've been thinking about the best way to tell my Mom how much she means to me. There are days when I really think back to my child hood and think my Mom was a Super Woman and shake my head wondering how she did it. As I was thinking about this a little poem started to take shape so I decided this is my gift to you Mom on this Mother's Day! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Because You've Been There</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My days are full </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">time is sparse</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">you've been there you know how that is</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My house is not always clean</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The laundry is in piles</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">that need to be put away</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You've been there you know how that goes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I take care of babies all of the day</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and all of the night</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You've been there you know how that goes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My wardrobe needs replenished</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My shoes last a long time</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't buy for me</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">there are little ones to feed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You've been there you know how that goes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My heart is overflowing </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hugs and kisses from my littles</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Little voices calling my name</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sweet babies that just need my love</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You've been there you know how that goes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's bittersweet I see that they are growing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They won't always need boo boo kisses </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I tuck them in knowing they won't always need me like this</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You've been there you know how that goes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mamma you always said</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">when you have kids of your own </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You will understand </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You've been there you know how that goes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have kids of my own now </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I do understand</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know what you gave for me </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know how that goes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love you more for it</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I Thank You today</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For you showed me how all of that goes</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811162943881318888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019789660007079788.post-75170350526221760752014-04-10T07:31:00.002-07:002014-04-10T07:34:55.019-07:00Turning over a new leaf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1bvw6Kaju_GpyaGRPndW9N_EmjjIvZ1lJcoU0d9SknvHFTDFzYEAAqh5yAArV6Uj-hY0oUFAlZJgS_LzoeVaLhhUKsefiygASBpnNvcnlKonF4Rhc4NTwhAGINi8GZfsow_aYLvfzw8/s1600/fall-leaf-carlos-caetano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1bvw6Kaju_GpyaGRPndW9N_EmjjIvZ1lJcoU0d9SknvHFTDFzYEAAqh5yAArV6Uj-hY0oUFAlZJgS_LzoeVaLhhUKsefiygASBpnNvcnlKonF4Rhc4NTwhAGINi8GZfsow_aYLvfzw8/s1600/fall-leaf-carlos-caetano.jpg" height="200" width="199" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Howdy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I titled this post "Turning Over a New Leaf" because that is what I am doing. I've been restless, tired, confused, mad, frustrated, and scared a lot lately. Yesterday was a really rough day for me. I was extremely tired (The baby is teething and getting ready to grow so she had been up a lot at night) So, on top of tired and grumpy I just had a rough day. Not anyone's fault I could have handled the whole situation better if I would have just remembered one of my most important quotes... " Attitude is EVERYTHING" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, after dinner I excused myself to have a few minutes to myself because I was really still struggling. I cried and then decided that I really needed to stop feeling sorry for myself and pray. I had prayed throughout the day but my heart had not really been open to hear what God was trying to tell me. God had put a scripture right in front of my face all day long and I didn't see it until the end of the day. On my phone I have a daily scripture and it is on my home page. So literally this was in front of my face all day long...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Romans 12:1-2 </span><br />
<a href="https://bible.com//97/rom.12.1-2.msg"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">https://bible.com//97/rom.12.1-2.msg</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="label" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1; margin: 0.9em 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">1-2</span><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recently I've been struggling with feeling like I'm not able to get enough done... What I can get done I don't ever feel like I've done a good enough job or that it is ever complete. I've also have been frustrated because I am one person taking care of a family of kids and a husband... I take care of the majority of the house stuff and I never feel like there is enough time to get everything done. So... basically I was kinda having a pity party! :-)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am right where I am supposed to be</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I need to stop being so hard on myself and others</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I need to remember that loving others is my job (not keeping the house perfect)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am turning over a new leaf that will include not being to hard on myself, doing the best that I can do do what God has asked me to do, and not to stress about the things that I can't control.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TTFN!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">April</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811162943881318888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019789660007079788.post-43518060002912440202014-02-27T09:13:00.000-08:002014-02-27T09:13:00.754-08:00So many things to write about so little time...As I sit down to write out this post I realize it has been so.... long since I have really posted on here. I haven't shared about so many things going on in my life. Part of why I have been absent from my dear blog is the newest addition to our family. She is wonderful, beautiful, and needs Mamma's attention... which makes sitting down for a moment to type out my thought nearly impossible. On top of this daycare kiddos and well just life... So if it's not one it's the other and I have a possible 2 minutes every now and then to think about starting to post to my blog... then a baby cries or a kiddo needs a drink or has fallen down and needs their boo boo kissed and that thought goes out the window... As I type... I am being called. Baby is awake. So, I'll write more if I get a chance... when I get a chance. :-)<br />
<br />
TTFN<br />
AprilAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811162943881318888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019789660007079788.post-10202626248877117282014-02-11T08:09:00.001-08:002014-02-11T08:09:29.394-08:00Home Made Apple Goodness!!<p dir="ltr">I used to think that making home made Apple sauce was really hard to make (no idea what I was basing this on...that is just what I thought) I saw on pintrest how to make apple sauce and thought that sounds ridiculously easy I have to try this!! I did and it was so amazingly delicious. So here is how you make home made apple sauce...</p>
<p dir="ltr">Get two bags of your favorite 3 pound bag of apple's.<br>
Peel them and cut them up...they don't have to be cut up into small pieces. <br>
Put the Apple's in the crock pot<br>
If you like cinnamon put cinnamon in with the apple's<br>
Cook for 4-6 hours<br>
I stir them every now and then<br>
Mash then up and eat them!!<br>
That's it!! <br>
I put them in canning jars and seal them </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEf1oDp3Zizn30JYdgXrYyxebQ0fujS4c70jjOD7rYVCdALLqrjbfGP_sDC3QGaK2XCYrm-ehYF5Hr95gM327I-Txrse9NC1LbEEI0oPZPWpIVeIRCbBIIGDvrh_1VytuWO-IyK-I4BOI/s1600/CAM00165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEf1oDp3Zizn30JYdgXrYyxebQ0fujS4c70jjOD7rYVCdALLqrjbfGP_sDC3QGaK2XCYrm-ehYF5Hr95gM327I-Txrse9NC1LbEEI0oPZPWpIVeIRCbBIIGDvrh_1VytuWO-IyK-I4BOI/s640/CAM00165.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811162943881318888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019789660007079788.post-3832699956933803962014-01-07T14:02:00.000-08:002014-01-07T14:02:07.318-08:00Having Faith When Life Gets Tough! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" style="display: inline; line-height: 18px; outline: none; width: auto;" tabindex="0"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My Mom posted this on Facebook today: This may look like an ordinary Wal-Mart card...BUT GOD used it to save my life!!! Back in September I got a coupon from my health insurance saying IF I got a mammogram before the end of the year they would send me a $20 Wal-Mart gift card...sooo long story, short...they found breast cancer....GOD knew what my little frugal heart needed to get me in to the Dr!! <i class="_4-k1 img sp_8co514 sx_a682ef" style="background-image: url(https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/yG/r/hegaDc54WLZ.png); background-position: 0px -3719px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"></i>THANKS GOD!! <i class="_4-k1 img sp_8co514 sx_a682ef" style="background-image: url(https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/yG/r/hegaDc54WLZ.png); background-position: 0px -3719px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"></i></span></span><div class="fbPhotoPagesTagList" id="fbPhotoSnowliftPagesTagList">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finding out your Mom has Breast Cancer is like one of those I never thought it would happen to me or us sort of moments. Mom scheduled an appointment for a mammogram after getting a coupon from her health insurance that if she got the mammogram she would get a $20 Walmart gift card. :-) God works in mysterious ways, but he know what my Mom would need for that final push to get her there. Since she had just had a mammogram the previous year (I think). </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I found out the first instinct was to kinda panic or be scared... and I did a little... but, then I remembered my Mom is in God's protection. I don't understand completely why my Mom would need to go through this, but I trust that God has her right where he wants her and that no matter what He is with her! So the Collins Family is praying and trusting God's got this! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Isaiah 43:19</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="label" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-size: 17px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1; margin: 0.9em 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 17px;">19</span><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #444444; font-size: 17px; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 17px;">Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://bible.com/1/isa.43.19.kjv"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://bible.com/1/isa.43.19.kjv</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Isaiah 41:10</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="label" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-size: 17px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1; margin: 0.9em 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 17px;">10</span><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #444444; font-size: 17px; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 17px;">Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.</span></span></div>
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<span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; font-size: 17px; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 17px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bible.com/1/isa.41.10.kjv">http://bible.com/1/isa.41.10.kjv</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God is in control and I have an amazing amount of peace about all of it. I do wish I could be there to support my family during this time, but I am doing what I can from out of town. I am so grateful for the big family that we are and the amazing friends we have! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your prayers are very much appreciated! We do not know for sure when she will have the procedure and treatment, but I will keep updating on this here. Prayers also for the insurance mess to get lined out... See they rushed a bit getting the biopsy done quickly since my Mom's insurance was going to be ending because of the lovely Obama Care mess! So now she is working through... well a mess on that end. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">April</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811162943881318888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019789660007079788.post-83094714140572221932014-01-02T20:06:00.000-08:002014-01-02T20:06:25.622-08:00My Word for 2014!!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First of all Happy New Year! I pray that this year will bring you many blessings! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been absent from my Blog now for far to long. I am hoping that I will be able to post here on a more regular basis going forward. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been selecting a Word to describe what I hope to do for the upcoming year now for a couple of years. I like this concept that one word describes what I wish to work toward for the year. In my opinion it makes more sense than making resolutions to loose weight or accomplish certain things. Most people fall short within the first few weeks and give up. (or maybe that's just me :-) ) Well if it's just a word a goal for the whole year then it is something that is more reasonable (at least in my mind) :-) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So this year I have selected Obedient as my word. Now this word means so much more than doing what I am told, but it does include this. I have felt for a while now that I need to write. It's more like I feel like God is telling me I need to write. I have put this off... found excuses... all because I am not really sure where to start and what to say. My goal this year to be obedient in that I know this is something I need to do. I also want to be obedient in so many other areas including faith in lots of areas, health, loving others, being more consistent in reading my bible and making time for myself, as well as making time for myself and my husband. So you see one word can say a whole lot more than just one thing! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I was thinking about what to write in this post I was struggling. I am a Mom of 4 kiddos ranging from 15 to 7 weeks old and busy is a word that just doesn't cover how my day usually goes. Making time to do something like writing is hard and is usually at the bottom of the list. It usually doesn't happen. I have been struggling because we are struggling financially. We are in a very very tight spot and I have been pleading with God to show me what I should do. What path he wants me on. Every time I ask I get that he wants me to write. I ask... ok but about what... I just get that I need to write. I have had few other times in my life when I have heard the Holy Spirit speak so clearly to me So, :-) I am writing. I hope you will bear with me as I am not really sure what I should write about, but apparently I have some things to say that maybe others will benefit from... maybe... or maybe this is just for me. Either way I am writing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So here goes! I'm excited to see what this year holds. There are many things happening in my life. The Lord is good ALL the time! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~April</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811162943881318888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019789660007079788.post-74964217402176130432013-09-12T11:13:00.003-07:002013-09-12T11:13:43.071-07:00I Think I can... Getting Organized... To Do List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0sBY-HmphUv3KxSQevIeQkf8fKEcNO_Zjw4KW1IATYx5IRbbRzGngL8bEBO6m11p7LknJN_IwFiAFfSEIkv5AgzDftheSHwRuGVr03SVhpK9YLx7rqRE9bT1g1Mb66jx2Z8nZuY26XY/s1600/bbee4.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0sBY-HmphUv3KxSQevIeQkf8fKEcNO_Zjw4KW1IATYx5IRbbRzGngL8bEBO6m11p7LknJN_IwFiAFfSEIkv5AgzDftheSHwRuGVr03SVhpK9YLx7rqRE9bT1g1Mb66jx2Z8nZuY26XY/s1600/bbee4.gif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am not even going to talk about what I got done yesterday because it really is pretty much nothing. So I am going to move on to today. </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today's To Do:</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Call Caelan's Orthodontist (already did!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mail Cody's Thank You's (already did!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bills (already did)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">posts (doing right now!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Laundry (I've gotten the first step of getting it all to the laundry room... )</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">List for Shower to Sis (doing after this)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cleaned out frig (did this at lunch time)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Still want to do: Etsy researching some stuff</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So today had made up for my really not productive days! :-) Hoping to keep it up! We shall see!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's all for now!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~April</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811162943881318888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019789660007079788.post-85683257698518638532013-09-11T15:30:00.002-07:002013-09-11T15:30:56.559-07:00Tuesday Testimony<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfWnI4idmtAkgibhyDlw-y0OAPM9JXxqu8fRnihYFdehhqrRLEVD5bHIuQDcYlj0VWeRlV2I1sTg3zEWPq41UIUQjLs4ZW5bOYbB5thSqq2BqhX6yFKQIGHXshrYeAHAwpTCzidxPBV4/s1600/DSC_2754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfWnI4idmtAkgibhyDlw-y0OAPM9JXxqu8fRnihYFdehhqrRLEVD5bHIuQDcYlj0VWeRlV2I1sTg3zEWPq41UIUQjLs4ZW5bOYbB5thSqq2BqhX6yFKQIGHXshrYeAHAwpTCzidxPBV4/s1600/DSC_2754.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>~Tuesday Testimony~</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I am a day late, but I had not time to write this out yesterday, but still wanted to share so here is Tuesday Testimony a day late</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you missed my last <a href="http://thiscountrymomslife.blogspot.com/2013/09/tuesday-testimony.html">Tuesday Testimony</a> I am starting from where I left off. I left off that I was in my third trimester of my second child and my husband had told me he wanted a divorce. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A lot happened in a very short amount of time from when he told me it was over to when my second child was born. The situation would have been tremendously hard even if I had not been pregnant, but adding that into it made the whole situation even more difficult. I now look back at this time and realize that being in my final trimester in a way made me stronger. I had to be strong and there were things that I had to decide I couldn't control and let them go. God's timing is perfect. If I accept that than I also have to accept that the timing of all of it was as it should be. I can't say that I am ok with that! :-) In fact there are times when I think about it that it really gets my blood boiling, but the truth is having a small child about to come into the world made me keep my head on straight and not give up. I knew that the Lord loved me and he would not give me more than I could handle. I had many conversations with the Lord that started with," I guess you think I can handle A LOT... I guess that is a compliment, but really I don't think I can take anymore. It was those conversations... I was bluntly honest with God...that I gained the most peace and insight about what was going on in my life. I have learned from that if I am honest and come to God with an open heart talking with him he will show you what you need, and he will give you peace about the things that you can not control or change. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was not ready to get a divorce, in fact I did not give up even after the divorce was final up to a point. I knew what I wanted, and I knew what I thought was right. Divorce did not fit into that. It definitely did not fit into what I wanted for my kids, but I was not the person making the choices that were pulling us apart. Family is one of the most important things to me, and seeing my family being ripped apart in front of my eyes was so hard. I didn't want that kind of future for my boys. I couldn't believe that my X wanted or could be ok with that. It was something that was so out of his character. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">During the first few weeks and for some people all the way until my son was born I didn't tell or talk about what was going on. I told my Mom a few weeks after he told me. When he was sure... see after he told me the next week he was taking a week to "think" he was going out of town for work and was going to think about things. I was hoping so much that he would come back and have a different outlook on things. We definitely had problems, but I wasn't ready to give up on us. I somehow felt like if I told someone else it would make it real. The people at my work didn't know until after my son was born. I didn't tell any of them because it was hard enough for me to get through the day and I felt like if I had to deal with "the looks" and people saying they were sorry that I would be an even bigger mess. I was a huge mess! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After he told me that it was over I can specifically remember that week after. I would be sitting at my desk at work and suddenly feel the tears coming. I'd get up and go hide outside in the back of the building. Until I felt like I could hold it together and then I would go back in. No one said anything. If they noticed they took the prego hormones excuse as the reason. I looked horrible... puffy eyes red nose. Really just a huge mess. When I did tell my Mom I spent most of that conversation crying. I can't imagine how hard that call must have been for my Mom! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I think back on the time when I felt like I couldn't share this with my coworkers, family...Even his family. I wish I would have told them. Having support from those who love you and care about you is very important. It can make a situation that is hard bearable. I felt at the time like I didn't want to share because I was ashamed. I felt like such a failure. I didn't realize then that we all fail. We all go through hard times and that having your family and friends to help you through it makes the hard time the failure and feelings easier to get through. Surround yourself with people who love you, understand you, and who will uplift you. When you are going through a rough time you should be able to trust the people who are around you to be not just for you but back you 100% That said. It is good to have those friends who you know no matter what will tell you the complete and total truth. When it's time to make hard decisions having people who will not just tell you what you want to hear but what is the truth is so important. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also want to share that no matter what your situation is there is always hope. You may feel like you are in a deep dark pit that is never ending and you can't see a way out, but do not give up hope. There is a way out you just can't see it yet. Have faith God is in control! Look to him for comfort and for guidance. I am living proof that even the really bad stuff can work out. Life can turn out in ways that you never thought possible. I am remarried and expecting another child. My kid's are doing great! I am happy and life is good. There are still times that are hard. Times when the things that happened hurt like they were fresh, but life is so much better than I could have dreamed it could be during that time when it seemed like my whole life was falling apart. Keep your chin up. Get up everyday and keep going. Even if your only goal for the day is to just get through it that is an accomplishment. Each day is a gift from God! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">All of this blog are my opinions, memories, and feelings. I am sharing these in hopes of helping people who may have gone or may be going through a hard time in life. I am not sharing any of this because I want to hurt anyone. I am not like that and would never dream of sharing something with a purpose of being hurtful in any way. </span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811162943881318888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019789660007079788.post-44221817865329888922013-09-11T08:00:00.001-07:002013-09-11T08:00:38.322-07:00I Think I Can... Getting Organized... To Do List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0sBY-HmphUv3KxSQevIeQkf8fKEcNO_Zjw4KW1IATYx5IRbbRzGngL8bEBO6m11p7LknJN_IwFiAFfSEIkv5AgzDftheSHwRuGVr03SVhpK9YLx7rqRE9bT1g1Mb66jx2Z8nZuY26XY/s1600/bbee4.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0sBY-HmphUv3KxSQevIeQkf8fKEcNO_Zjw4KW1IATYx5IRbbRzGngL8bEBO6m11p7LknJN_IwFiAFfSEIkv5AgzDftheSHwRuGVr03SVhpK9YLx7rqRE9bT1g1Mb66jx2Z8nZuY26XY/s1600/bbee4.gif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good Morning!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So obviously I didn't post yesterday... It was one of those day's where at the end of the day you go... where did the day go? We had a very busy day yesterday!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had a baby check up. Baby Chaeli is doing great! Growing, moving, heart rate good, all good! I start going every two weeks now and have an ultrasound next visit. :-)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cody and Caelan had check ups in the afternoon as well. So, I got home from my appointment (Thank goodness Brian was off yesterday and helped watch kiddo's) I made them lunch and they played a little before it was time for me to go get the boys from school. Garrett and one of my babysitting kids stayed at home with Brian for nap time. The other babysitting kiddo came with me and we went and got the boys and headed to the doctor office.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The boys are doing great! Aside from Caelan not being happy that he isn't taller than he is... (shhh don't tell him I told you) All is good! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, I didn't get any of my list done yesterday or really the day before so today is a catch up day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mail Cody's Thank You </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Posts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bills</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">List of people to Sis for Shower</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dates in Calendar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Call Caelan's Orthodontist</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Laundry</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Etsy </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Clean boys bathroom</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take a look at Cody's fundraiser stuff that he got from School</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I thought I would add some of my schedule so you can see how I try to fit in the stuff I need to to in my daily routine. We are on a schedule because if we aren't I end up running around like a chicken with my head cut off to get kids int he car in time to pick up kids from school etc. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Up at 4:30 for quiet time... so far this isn't happening! I need my sleep!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Get ready 5am - yes I do get up at 5am to get ready </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Get boys up 6am</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">leave house at 7:20 (why do I get the boys up so early if we don't leave until 7:20... I have learned that giving yourself some room on time is a good idea. I have already had some trouble getting boys up so having time to get them up and give them time to wake up before I rush them around helps us all be in a better mood!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We relax a little when we get home - G likes to watch cartoons sometimes and sometimes plays. I feed Ms. C (9months old) and then she plays for a while. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">C goes down for a nap right around 9 and that gives me a little time to get a few things done... usually kitchen cleanup and maybe start working on a post or facebook/ news time</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">C gets up at around 10 </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">C2 gets here around 11:15 - kiddos play for a while.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I start lunch around 11:30 so they have time to eat and have "quiet time" watch an educational cartoon for a few min. to start to calm down and get ready for nap time.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have the boys start nap time right around 1:15 because it takes them a little bit to fall asleep. That gives them time for an hour nap before I need to wake them up to go get Cody from School</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pick up Cody 2:55</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Come home and depending on the day they play for a few and then we go get Caelan or if Caelan has wrestling stuff they just play until 4:30</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4:30 is pick up time. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cody sits down for homework</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I make lunches for the next day </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Start dinner depending on what I am making leaving time for it to be ready for us to sit down and eat around 5:45.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bath Time around 6:30 G first then Cody - Cody has started doing chores (feeding dog and helping clean up after dinner so while he does that G gets his bath. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7 is quiet time - we watch a show or if we are running behind read some books.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bed time is at 8 for the boys. This leaves time for Brian and I to spend a little time together before I go to bed at 10. It is Caelan's bed time at 10 as well. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are not super strict on most of this, but it's good to have a rough outline to follow so that it is easier to keep on track. :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's all for now!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~April</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811162943881318888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019789660007079788.post-27904305111177156092013-09-09T08:19:00.001-07:002013-09-09T08:19:50.144-07:00Storm Warning! A Message That I Want to Share<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good Morning!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The most recent series that my church has done was called Storm Warning! I felt like this message was something I really wanted to share. The detail and explanation that Pator Jimmy Evan's goes into is more than I could explain or do justice to in a Blog Post. I hope that you will take the time to listen to these massages. They are profound!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://tfc.org/sermon/message_series:69">Storm Warning</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also wanted to share the link to a previous series that goes along the same topic just more details if you enjoyed and found the Storm Warning messages useful and interesting you will enjoy these as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://tfc.org/sermon/message_series:43">Trinity Fellowship Church </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you haven't read the Harbinger I highly suggest it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Harbinger-Ancient-Mystery-Americas/dp/161638610X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378739470&sr=8-1&keywords=harbinger">Harbinger on Amazon</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's hard to ignore the fact that we live in a fallen world. When all of the facts start being layed out it is very interesting indeed!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's all for now!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~April</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811162943881318888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019789660007079788.post-2102625978568510192013-09-09T07:14:00.000-07:002013-09-09T07:14:50.969-07:00I Think I Can... Getting Organized... To do ListGood Morning!<br />
Well we made it through the weekend. My goal was to take it easy this weekend, which I did. Yes, that actually is an accomplishment! I usually can't make my self sit and just take it easy for very long. There is too much to do. <br />
<br />
Friday Got Done:<br />
I really didn't get much done on Friday. I had started to feel crummy and it was about all I could do to get through the day. I started on the list for getting Registered and cleaned in the kitchen some but that was about it besides my posts.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Saturday</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I made the grocery list and managed to relax with my boys. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sunday I felt a little better. My Hubby wanted me to rest up so we didn't go to church. He and Caelan went to the store and I did my best to rest. It was harder because I felt like there was a lot that needed to be done for the beginning of the week. I did manage to make it until 5ish before I started pushing myself to clean etc. I was hurting when I went to bed and paid for it all night. I couldn't get comfortable and felt like I couldn't breath. Baby is taking up more and more room and making sleeping harder. Plus, she was majorly active last night. I am usually able to ignore it when she gets active and still sleep, but not last night. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today's To do List:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since I've been feeling crummy since I got up I am going to try to take it easy as much as possible today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Call Caelan's Orthodontist</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mail Cody's Thank You</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Posts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bills</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">List of people to my Sis for Shower (Can't believe how fast time is going by!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dates in Calendar.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here hoping to a restful day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's all for now!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~April</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811162943881318888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019789660007079788.post-82162266616907899942013-09-06T09:48:00.000-07:002013-09-06T09:49:31.062-07:00Frugal Friday<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Friday's are my day for sharing tips on being frugal! I am big on saving money and anything I can do to help others do the same is great!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Yfzep7SLJByWZj0qs-nDdN_NI7PVV1ryKC9mjS7sNzS5-CyAx69bi5QERZ2DiHRhyrs6lrjiGns8udFEw1RsBFwhEPT-BtElYf54jRah_usNMgkZYdZmUxr_qH1Pi_ehGfXtImQtydU/s1600/IMAG0293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Yfzep7SLJByWZj0qs-nDdN_NI7PVV1ryKC9mjS7sNzS5-CyAx69bi5QERZ2DiHRhyrs6lrjiGns8udFEw1RsBFwhEPT-BtElYf54jRah_usNMgkZYdZmUxr_qH1Pi_ehGfXtImQtydU/s1600/IMAG0293.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Found this idea on Pinterest! I love my meal board!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I am going to share on meal planning. This is one thing that will help you save a TON of money!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every week usually on Friday or on Saturday morning I plan the seven meals that we will make the following week. Sometimes we end up having leftovers so I will have one or two meals that didn't get made. I keep those on for the following week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have this handy meal plan frame that I copied from pinterest. This holds the meals for the week. That way we know what we have to make. It also helps because on the cards I have put the ingredients needed for the meal on the back. That way when I go to make my grocery list I know all of the ingredients that I need to have. That in it self saves me a ton of time! As I add meals I make a new card for each meal with the ingredients on the back.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3cqqy4udM8oWgAsF82fN8Rb5t_jL2o-Z1SOH-lipEDeU08fUng-Donjx8gWBuOIIa8I7A4G9Yfke0ebdhrn4vgmKIWB8bcYDcyEtqyKj7qCLZDVLwKTCSQcs_S6GoTLreC881UQYa7E/s1600/front+of+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3cqqy4udM8oWgAsF82fN8Rb5t_jL2o-Z1SOH-lipEDeU08fUng-Donjx8gWBuOIIa8I7A4G9Yfke0ebdhrn4vgmKIWB8bcYDcyEtqyKj7qCLZDVLwKTCSQcs_S6GoTLreC881UQYa7E/s1600/front+of+card.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">front of the card </span><br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg302JW1il_JIE205_dKhYfPgU_C6QFIOsgXfQx7_S_RbOmI5FDRUEqqwXUHJh-7hYfF4vJSrGKvhsErmr_KfyG3M_wVLUNAJBshpB2j6Vrv5IU1vjv20b8d9aJQDIaht87IdG7lcvn2Kg/s1600/IMAG0295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg302JW1il_JIE205_dKhYfPgU_C6QFIOsgXfQx7_S_RbOmI5FDRUEqqwXUHJh-7hYfF4vJSrGKvhsErmr_KfyG3M_wVLUNAJBshpB2j6Vrv5IU1vjv20b8d9aJQDIaht87IdG7lcvn2Kg/s1600/IMAG0295.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">back of the card</span><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love how handy this is! It has made meal planning easy! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We don't eat out very often. It is expensive! Eating out is a special treat that doesn't happen very often. Most of our meals are easy and fast. We are a big family with a schedule to keep. Complicated meals usually don't get made very often for the very reason that we just don't have time for that! LOL </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you have any frugal tips that have helped you and your family keep on budget and have made your life easier? If so please share! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's all for now!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~April</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811162943881318888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9019789660007079788.post-19864189777430468592013-09-06T08:58:00.002-07:002013-09-06T08:58:35.071-07:00I think I can... Getting Organized... To do List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0sBY-HmphUv3KxSQevIeQkf8fKEcNO_Zjw4KW1IATYx5IRbbRzGngL8bEBO6m11p7LknJN_IwFiAFfSEIkv5AgzDftheSHwRuGVr03SVhpK9YLx7rqRE9bT1g1Mb66jx2Z8nZuY26XY/s1600/bbee4.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0sBY-HmphUv3KxSQevIeQkf8fKEcNO_Zjw4KW1IATYx5IRbbRzGngL8bEBO6m11p7LknJN_IwFiAFfSEIkv5AgzDftheSHwRuGVr03SVhpK9YLx7rqRE9bT1g1Mb66jx2Z8nZuY26XY/s1600/bbee4.gif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good Morning!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had a pretty productive day yesterday!</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I made my posts! :-)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Went to Cody's Back to School Parent Meeting</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Made Squash Casserole</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Checked Caelan's Grades</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Filled out Wrestling Form</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Went to Bank and Store</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cleaned Kitchen</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Started list for Registering</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pretty productive!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today's To Do:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Call Caelan's Dentist</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mail Cody's Thank You's</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Book shelf in play room</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Laundry</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">clean kitchen... some of chores got done but not all...</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">List and plan on registering</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">posts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">dates in calendar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">clean frig</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">meal plan</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">gets coupons together</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">do bills</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So there is a lot to do today and one of the kiddos I watch isn't feeling too well so probably won't get a lot done, but here's to hoping!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's all for now</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~April</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07811162943881318888noreply@blogger.com0