Gift Idea for the Grandparents

I have recently discovered the pinterest website. If you haven't checked it out, you don't know what you're missing. It is FABULOUS!!! Check it out here.  http://www.pinterest.com/  I found a really neat and inexpensive crat to do for a gift for the holidays. These are photo tile coasters. They can also be used as a display. So here's how you make them.



Step 1:

Supplies:

4x4 ceramic tiles

photos

glue stick

mod podge

bowl for mod podge

foam brush

clear spray sealane (top coat)

felt

scissors/paper cutter

ruler





Step 2:

Next: Choose photos for your coaster, and cut them to fit. I left about an 1/8 of an in on each side to have a border. You can choose how big you want your border.  You'll want to leave a little room to be able to mod podge over and seal it to the coaster.

Step 3: Glue cropped photo onto ceramic tile using glue stick.







Step 4: Once you have finished gluing you will be ready to coat with mod podge. I put 2 to 3 coats on just to make sure it is sealed. It will look like this at first, but it dries fast and clear.

Step 5: For this step you will want to take your photo tiles outside in a well ventilated area and spray a generous coat of clear gloss on top. Let them dry over night outside. Then you can add felt dots to the back corners or cover the back with a square of felt to finsh. Put a pretty bow around the set of 4(or how ever many you choose) and you have a great gift.



Tame your Tongue

Ok...I need to vent a little so I thought what better place to do so than my blog. So...here goes. I have come to the conclusion that the phrase "agree to disagree" no longer holds the value that it used to. Everyone has the right to their own opinion, and that is all good unless, in the midst of expressing your opinion you decide to discredit someone else's. Just because we have different opinions doesn't make us right or wrong...it makes us individuals; sometimes it even makes us unique. I'm all about listening to others opinions, and have from time to time expressed my own, but what I try not to do is disrespect those that I don't agree with. It is fine to have a different opinion, just DON'T disrespect someone because of it. Afterall, what makes one opinion better than the other? They are OPINIONS not facts.  It is also fine to ask why they feel as they do,  as long as you do it respectfully.  If not please LEAVE IT ALONE, and agree to disagree. It is that simple.  As Bambi said, "If you can't say something nice...don't say anything at all." Ok, so now, off of my soap box. Thanks for listening!

Here is what the Bible says about taming your tongue. (English Standard Version ESV)

 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. Proverbs 21:23


There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 12:18 

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1

Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.
Proverbs 17:28



Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.
Proverbs 17:9

"What if...?"

Sometimes I ask myself "What if...?" Let me specify...As a child I was not raised in a Christian environment. My mom was a single parent who worked very hard to get what little we had. She believes in Christ, but hasn't been involved in church for years. There are so many obstacles to overcome while being an only child with a single parent, and not in church. I know God had his eye on me, and had a plan for me. I was ALWAYS a good kid. I NEVER partied, drank, or even smoked. I won't say that I was never tempted because then I'd be lying, but I just never fell in to that type of thing. Most of my friends were the same way. We just never had the desire to do any of that. I now know, that God had put them in my life for a reason. I had always been niterested in church, but never found the one I felt led to...that is when God put someone in my life that went to First Church of God. She later fell out of church and moved away, but I am thankful for the time that God used her to get me in church.  I was 15 and little did I know that going to THAT church THAT one time would forever change my life. From that day on I went everytime the doors were open, no matter what it was, I was there. I loved it. I was on the praise team and in the youth. I even met the love of my life there. To this day I wonder "what if" I had not gone to that church that day. There are so many things that I imagine and none of them are as good as what I have now. Although I have moved away from that small church, I am still very involved in my current church. I am on the praise team full time, nursery coordinator, in a fabulous small group, and married to the guy I met in that small church in Holdenville, Oklahoma. I also have three beautiful, healthy children, and am working on my passion of becoming a special educator.  Now tell me God wasn't involved in all of this. I believe that God has a plan for all of us. We have to be the one willing to listen and change for him, and even though I do sometimes wonder "what if..." I am so thankful that I am, what I am, by the grace of God. So, ask yourself "What if...?" That simple little question will make you stop and realize how blessed you are.

Scouting for Deals

I am all about a good bargain. I LOVE second-hand shops, consignment stores, and garage sales. CLEARANCE racks are my favorite! It is kind of an addiction for me to find the best deals on stuff. I'm not much of a couponer; though I have been known to use a few now and then, but I do love to rummage through gently used things. Especially kid things. Kids grow out of or play through clothes so fast that I find it hard to spend a fortune on clothes when I can find great deals on clearance. I am a "season ahead" shopper. I like to buy things a year in advance on clearance and put them away for next year. ANYWAY...today is what I consider the ULTIMATE success in second-hand shopping. Caleb is joining boyscouts and although the club isn't that expensive overall, the uniforms are quite pricey so I've been asking around to see if anyone had one we could use. No such luck! Well for some reason I got the itch to get out of the house today. So, where else would I go, but to our local consignment shop. (Added bonus: I have an account there and my balance going in was $11.15). YAY...Money to spend!!! As I was looking I really wasn't finding much so I decided it was time to go, but glanced back over at the boy's section one more time only to find in plain sight a brand spankin' new official cubscout shirt, tags still on perfect size for Caleb. It was like it was meant to be. Now, these shirts go for $21.99 on the boyscout website, I paid...wait for it... a whoppin' $6.50!!! WOOT WOOT!!!! AND it was out of my account so it was like free money. So this, my friends was my deal of the day (and possibly the year!!!) SCORE!!! Now off to find the wolf neckerchief, patches, and cap...

Annabella Elizabeth is 1

A year ago today my sweet baby Annie was born. Again, my life was forever changed. Words can't explain how much joy comes from parenthood. It is one of those "you have to experience it to appreciate it" moments, and until you experience it you just won't appreciate it. I am so thankful God has blessed me not once, but three times with this experience. I enjoy each and every day with my kds. There are challenges, but we survive, and each day teaches me something about myself. I LOVE IT!
Today is sort of bittersweet. Knowing Annie is tentively my last child, I am soaking up every moment of her life as much as I can. This past year I have really focused on her every move. In doing this, I have been able to remember what it was like with all of the kids. Comparing their milestones, remember their stages...it's like reliving their baby stuff all over again. And call me crazy, but I miss mid-night feedings, 2am diaper changes, and being awake for days. Missing these things has made me realize how much I look forward to what is to come. With that being said...HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANNABELLA ELIZABETH!!! Check out her first year of life here:
http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=e2f57a887032c4dbd04cc8&skin_id=701&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url

Off the wagon

Well...I have kinda flown off of the fly lady wagon. I am not proud of myslef, but I knew I would. After all, routines are hard to form and keep up on. My plan....Get right back on it. My plan for Monday...ATTACK!!! So, with that being said...weekend then back to FLYing! I'll keep ya posted.

Routine Routine Routine

It's all about routine. Today is day 4 of the FLYlady program and I am still at it. So far I am keeping it up. YAY for me!!!! 

NEW ZONE BEGINS TODAY!!!
Zone 2: Kitchen
Zone work today is scrub stove top for 15 minutes. Take of the knobs and soak them to remove grease.

DAY 3 was:
- Do what we have already done.

-Getting up and dressing to lace up shoes
-Keeping your sink shining


Today's mission is:
- Getting Dressed to lace up shoes

- Keep sink shining
-Next thing is to write these things down on a sticky note and post them on your bathroom mirror and above your kitchen sink. This is the beginning of your Control Journal. The little notes help us to remember the habits we are trying to establish.

 I have completed my task for today, and am going to work on my zone work.

Fly Baby!!!!!!!!!

A friend of mine just told me about the greatest website ever. It is www.flylady.net and if you've never heard of it you are missing out on an awesome thing. For those of us (myself incuded) that have a hard time prioritizing and de-cluttering this website is the best. Today is day 2 for me, and I am hooked. She has simple rules and suggestions to follow as far as organizing, de-cluttering, and just plain ol' routines. Day 1 her tip was "make your sink shine" the babystep of simply getting into the habit of making your sink shine before bed sounds simple, but if you think about it, you have to have you dishes done before you can shine your sink. HA! Brilliant, the hidden message behind this is I have to do my dishes in order to make my sink shine, then the next morning I wake up to a clean sink. LOVE IT!!!! Day 2 "Get dressed from head to laces" first thing in the morning get up, showered, and dressed that way you are ready to start your day. It is small baby steps, but she adds something new everyday, and gives you time to do something fun. It is kind of like your own personal assistant. She also incorporates "zone cleaning" where she picks a zone of the house per week and you are to spend 15 minutes de-cluttering or working on it a day. BRILLIANT. For me, breaking house work into smaller chunks and building up slowly is so much better than looking at it as a BIG picture and getting overwhelmed. I highly suggest this website to those that have a hard time keeping daily chores organized. I am going to try to blog about my progress often (to hold me accountable). I don't know how many actually read this blog, but I hope this helps someone! Best of Luck, and GOD BLESS!


Day 1: Make Your Sink Shine




Zone 1: Kitchen




Zone 1: Entry Way




Family room

DAY 2: "Get Dressed from Head to Laces", keep that sink shined, and zone 1 work. DONE!!!! All before 10:00 am.

My Baby Boy is 7!

Seven years ago today I was blessed with motherhood, and the most handsomest baby boy ever! He is quite the character. He acts just like his Daddy (which isn't a bad thing). He is a very laid back, determined little guy, and "sharp as a tack." He has changed my life so much, and there is nothing on earth I would trade for him. He is my only son, and he makes me proud everyday! Happy Birthday big boy! Mommy loves you!



Caleb 3 weeks





Caleb 7 years

Ideas for alone time with the spouse...get your mind out of the gutter.

Ok...here lately, I have been neglecting myself, and my hubby for my role in Mommy-hood. Let me explain...Since becoming a mother, I have devoted ALOT of time to being Mommy. In fact, I can't remember what it is like to NOT be a mom. I have sort of lost myself to my kids. Don't get me wrong...I love my kids, and there isn't anything in the world that would make me ever regret the time I've had with them, but I have sort of lost myself and neglected time with the hubby for them.  Every evening after they go to bed, I just want to veg out and watch TV. Yes to some, that is a waste of time, but to me it is MY time to unwind, and not have to hear "can I have...,?" or "will you...? or "MOM.....he took my...", you get the idea. Well, until recently, I have failed to notice that none of my day included my hubby. Yes, very sad, but true. AND because he is so nice, he never complained. He's dropped subtle hints, but I would just shrug them off and go on about MY time. Well I realized that, I am not being fair to him by doing this. So I have been doing some thinking and digging online today, and found some cool things that we can do that just makes sense. So I have decide to share these with you, and hopefully those of you who may be in the same "funk" as me can get some use out of them. Most of these are done at home after the kids are asleep. (Don't go there, this is rated PG, so keep your mind out of the gutter.) Also, If there are any you'd like to share with me, that would be great, but please keep it clean, I'm not looking for that kind of advice. Thanks! So here they are...ENJOY!

1. Write “I LOVE YOU” backwards and tape it where it can be read in the mirror so it the first thing he sees in the mirror.



2. After the kids are in bed for the night, turn on some music, and dance.


3. After the kids are in bed, have a starlit, outdoor picnic of you favorite snack foods.


4. Cuddle while looking at wedding pictures and reminiscing about your wedding/honeymoon.


5. Put love notes in your spouse’s pocket/lunch when they are not looking.


6. Cuddle with each other under the stars.


7. Hide notes around the house (where you know they will find them) telling them how much you appreciate them.


8. Take a walk together.

9. Create a clue game for your spouse to play, with clues leading to prizes expressing your love for them (bonus being the prize at the end...YOU.)

10. After the kids are asleep, have an indoor picnic with dim lights and soft music.



11. Talk about the first time you met.


12. Talk about favorite memories.


13. Do Bible devotionals.




Yes these seem like no "no-brainers", but I liked them, and will be trying them. I love my husband very much and sometimes I take him for granted, he is God's gift to me, and I want to cherish him. I really want to improve so, I am going to break the Mommy role, and devote some time for him. I hope you all will do the same.

In the middle of my little mess...I forget how big I'm blessed.

There are many days that I feel overwhelmed, and every little thing that can go wrong...does. Well, I have found a song that speaks wonders when the little things in life go wrong. The song is "This Is The Stuff" by Francesca Batistelli. In case you weren't at church, I sang this song today as a special and it fit PJ's sermon very well (it is always an added bonus when God plans it that way.) Here are the lyrics:

This Is The Stuff :



I lost my keys in the great unknown
And call me please 'Cuz I can't find my phone


This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use


45 in a 35
Sirens and fines while I'm running behind
Whoa


This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use


So break me of impatience
Conquer my frustrations
I've got a new appreciation
It's not the end of the world


Oh Oh Oh


This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff
Someone save me
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
And I've gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use
Oh Oh Oh Oh


This is the stuff You use

Everyone has days like these, but just remember how big you're blessed!

7 years and still feels like yesterday

Seven years ago today, someone special to me, went to live with Jesus. She was not only my mother-in-law, but a very special lady. She was very strong, a devoted Christian, my mentor, and the reason I am a part of her wonderful family. Our relationship was not the typical "in-law" relationship. Ours was special. She and my Father-in-law took me in at a time when I had no idea of where my life was going. She helped me make the most important decisions of my life, and saw me through a really bad time in my life. I know God chose her to be my mother-in-law, and I thank him everyday for that. There are so many times in life that I have thought" If I only had one more day with her, there would be so many things I'd ask her." First of all, I'd thank her for the wonderful job she did in raising her children, and I'd ask her to give me all her secrets. She raised two wonderful guys. One of them being the father of my children and the love of my life. The other being the best brother-in-law a girl could have. I can only hope that I am doing as good a job as a mother as she did. Secondly, I'd ask her for wisdom on how to become such a strong person. She was the strongest person I know. I loved her just like my own Mom. So, on this day, the seventh anniversary of her passing, I say Thank you, God for the gift of knowing her. Thank you also, for the privilege of being apart of her family. Thank you for the best husband and family-in-law a person could have. AND to "B", herself...I will always love and miss you, thank you for being you!

My last baby is getting big.

Annie is 8 months old today. Man, where does the time go? It makes me sad to think my last baby is getting big. It is the end of the tiny new born stage. No more tiny baby stuff for us (well, that is our plan at least, we are complete...no more babies here). We are selling her infant swing, which makes me sad.  Annie has been the most content of all my children. She is a very happy, laid back little girl. Don't get me wrong, she makes it a point to be heard when she needs something, but most of the time she just sits and plays. She loves to babble and squeal. She is starting to put words with objects. When she wants me she will say "mum mum". It melts my heart everytime she does it. She even has "da da" down. One day when M was at work I said "where's da da?", she looked over at his guitar and tilted her head as if she were looking for him and looked back at me and said "da". It is moments like these that I never want to forget. Her favorite thing to do is eat (just like her "mum mum"). She loves to feed herself crackers and cereal she even says "ma" when she wants more. I haven't found anything she doesn't like except baby food green beans, but who likes those anyway? Also, she is a very good sleeper. She goes down so easy. When it is time for nap, I'll take her to her crib or pack n play, lay her down and that's it. It makes me sad to see her growing so fast, but I am looking forward to the next phase too.

The story of ME

Here in St. Louis a common question among the population is "What high school did you go to?" I'm not sure why this, of all questions to ask, is the biggest, but it is. I have lived here almost twelve years now, and I can't tell you how many times I've been asked that question. WHY? I don't get it, but anyway... The conversation usually comes to a screeching halt when I answer Holdenville High School. I get some of the funniest looks and then I follow up with "you have never heard of it...it is a small rural town in southern Oklahoma."  Then there it is, the "ah ha" expression on their face that usually leaves me grinning inside. After that takes place one of two things happen. A) They either nod their head and the conversation is done or B) they continue with further questions about Oklahoma (although, I have had a couple of instances where they actually knew where I was talking about, and that just creeped me out.) Anyway...If B happens I usually give them a brief "in a nut shell" version of my story. BUT for those of you who don't know and are curious...here is the longer version of ME.
I spent most of my childhood in a small southern Oklahoma town called Holdenville...population 4,732 (according to the 2000 census). Holdenville is one of those town where everyone know everyone else, and when someone is in trouble the whole town talks about it. Everywhere you go, someone waves a "Oklahoma howdy." It really makes one feel welcome. Some of the features of Holdenville include a WalMart with a McDonalds (yes that is a big thing to those of us who live(d) there), a Sonic drive in, and if memory serves me right, there used to be a Subway located inside of a Citgo gas station. BUT in this little town it really isn't all about the retail chains it is about all the Mom and Pop stores. I must give a shout out to David's mini market, which was the hang out spot at lunch time for high school students...they have the best cheese balls and burritos with garlic dressing. YUM! Ok....back to the subject. Holdenville is a big part of me. It is what made me who I am today. Growing up it was just my mom and I living in a small house in Holdenville. She worked as a waitress at one of the local restaurants. We never had much money, but managed to survive on what little we had. I went through grade school, middle school, and high school in the same town and my graduating class was roughly 72 people. I wasn't in the most popular clique in school, but I was ok with that because the friends I had were genuine friends, most of which I still speak with today. I wasn't really the partier and those parties I did go to I mostly just sat and laughed at others "enjoying" themselves a little too much. I wasn't much of a trouble maker, and just enjoyed Friday nights dragging main street with my girls and looping through Sonic repetitively. We did this for hours in my beat up 1989 Ford Tempo. Every once in a while, we'd get bored with looping through Sonic and go on down to WalMart to turn around and make the loop again. It was not super exciting, but we had fun doing it. I was very involved in my highschool honor choir. We were called Limited Edition, and we did very well in competitions. I was not athletic or a cheerleader or even a band geek, I was simply a singer, and still am today. Growing up, I was very involved in church (I still am today). I attended a small church called First Church of God. I sang on the praise team, was a part of the youth and eventually met my husband to be there, but I will save that story for another blog. Believe me, it is a good one so you may want to read it after I post it.  Even though I do not live in my comfy hometown of Holdenville Oklahoma, I still love to visit. It brings back so many memories. I do miss the quiet small town, but am really enjoying the suburban life. There is sooo much more I could put, but this is a blog not a book. As with any family situation, there were happy times, and there were sad times, but all in all everything we go through in life makes us who we are. I am just fortunate to have turned out the way I am. I wouldn't change the story of ME for anything. I have learned so much in my thirt...(cough cough) thirty years on this earth. I thank God for getting me this far in life, and I am excited to see what the future holds. He has blessed me with three wonderful children and an excellent husband. I couldn't of had these things without God and the life's experiences I've been through. So now you know the story of ME! What you see is what you get!

Playing the "Jesus" card.

My kids never cease to amaze me(especially my middle child). I know it is normal to have those days when you are ready to pull your hair out because the children are at each throats. Or those days when not matter where you are in the house, you can still hear them screaming at each other. Or, my all time favorite, when they follow you from room to room arguing and hitting one another just to see how you will respond. Yeah...you know what I'm talking about. Well the flip side to all of those crazy times is worth waiting for. I know I am doing right when my kids play the "Jesus" card. Amelia is notorious for this. I shared a story a few posts back about the people who crucified Jesus being on the naughty list, well she has come up with yet another one. This weekend Amelia was talking to M about a birthday party she had been invited to. She wanted to take a toy to the party and asked her daddy if it was OK. He told her that it would be a good idea to leave the toy home because there would be alot of fun things to at the party(I'm paraphrasing a little). She then responded saying "but, I want to take it so I can share it. Isn't that what Jesus wants me to do? Share?" Cracked me up when I heard this. She often plays the "Jesus" card when she wants to do something because she thinks that if she "name drops" it will get her what she wants. Needless to say, we laughed, but NO she didn't get to take the toy. It is times like these that make up for the not so fun times.