Life As I Know It

Tips and Hints Tuesday - Restaurants Where Your Kids Eat Free

2012-01-24T20:14:00.000-05:00

Offers may vary, so call before you go.

Applebee's - Monday nights, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree. (Additional kids meals are $1 each)

Denny's - From 4-10pm on select nights, kids under 10 get a free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entree.

Pizza Hut - kids 3 and under eat free from the lunch buffet.

(Real Simple - October 2010 p 217)

Chili's is ALWAYS offering kids eat free coupons and deals. Check out their website.

Money Monday - Coupon Sites That Really Save

2012-01-23T20:04:00.000-05:00

Parents Magazine Feb. 2011 issue (p. 86) has some good couponing sites. They weed the good from the bad.

Check out:

mommysavesbig.com - Updated printable mail-in rebates and online discount stores geared towards moms. (i.e. Kohls, Walmart)

cheapstingybargains.com - daily deals on electronics, housewares and clothing.

couponmom.com (LOVE THIS SITE) Helps you organizes sales and coupons in over 38 supermarket chains.

currentcodes.com - discount codes for over 2000 online stores. They even include stores like Babies R Us and Gymboree

Family Friday - Magic Window

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

I read this in a magazine and I think it makes a lot of sense. The detailed article can be found here

I found it interesting and well-thought out. It makes the assumptions that most kids have a "magic window" in which they best comply with learning a new task or foregoing a "baby" habit. Here are some they suggest.

2-4 weeks - Give a bottle to a breast-fed baby. I started both from day one with both kids and had ZERO problems.

4-6 months - Get him to sleep through the night. I also think kids can be sleeping through the night WELL before this stage, but it makes sense to get serious about it if they aren't by this time. Both of my girls were great sleepers, though.

Around 6 months - Start solids - Agreed. People start too early. I also think they need to be started VERY gradually, and you don't need to start with rice cereal.

7-9 months - Use a sippy cup. Babies can start earlier than this, but I definitely wouldn't go later.

12-18 months - Introduce A Lovey - I think this is interesting. I think certain kids are prone to lovies and others aren't. Hannah couldn't care less about at attachment to anything. Emma doesn't go anywhere without her blankie and her paci. I don't know why you would want to encourage them to be attached to something if they don't have a need for it.

12-23 months - Take away the pacifier. Lord help me. I try to keep the paci and the blankie in Emma's crib for nap and bedtime, but, at 13 months, she will go in there, yank the blankie through the crib slats and point and grunt for her paci all day. *Sigh* I wonder if she'll go to Kindergarten with it.

2.5-3 years - Movie from a crib to a bed. - Agreed. Keep 'em in there as long as possible! When they learn to climb out you "Super Nanny" them into knowing they need to stay in there!

2.5 - 3 years - Potty Train - I suppose this is right, but I'll still try earlier. I hate diapers.

3-5 years - End Nap Time - Keep nap time as LONG AS POSSIBLE! Sometimes, my first grader still naps. I love nap time. Some people say their kids stop napping at 15 months. FIGHT IT!!

5-7 years - Take off the Training Wheels - That's gonna be a battle. I think Hannah (6) has a bike that's too big for her. Her feet don't reach the ground totally and she ends up frustrated. We'll be on the late end of this one!

6-7 years - Bathe by his/herself - I still think their hair needs checked, but everything else - go for it!

Tips And Hints Tuesday: Significantly Cut your Energy Bill TODAY

2012-01-17T09:50:00.002-05:00

Pennsylvania recently passed a law that residential customers can now choose their own energy supplier. It's relatively simple. You still pay you're current company (i.e. West Penn Power or Duquesne Light) but the distribution charges drop significantly.

You could be paying over 9 cents per kWh right now.

By switching suppliers, you could cut that almost in HALF. It's only part of your bill, so you won't be paying half of your total bill, but you will see a significant decrease.

We pay Duquesne Light but our Supplier is First Energy.

We are pretty good about keeping lights off here, but I instantly saw an $18 per month reduction - and it's gone done every month so far. It costs you nothing and puts extra cash in your wallet. Look into it! But, do your homework and make sure you choose a reputable company!

Spiritual Sunday - Deep Breath

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

This Psalm is like a deep breath to me. It makes me feel like I can say, "Okay, it's taken care of. It's going to be alright." I hope that it gives you the same peace today.

Psalm 121

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

¹ I look up to the mountains—
does my help come from there?
² My help comes from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth!

³ He will not let you stumble;
the one who watches over you will not slumber.
⁴ Indeed, he who watches over Israel
never slumbers or sleeps.

⁵ The LORD himself watches over you!
The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade.
⁶ The sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon at night.

⁷ The LORD keeps you from all harm
and watches over your life.
⁸ The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go,
both now and forever.

biblegateway.com

Scrumptious Saturday - 10 ideas for Smoothies

2012-01-14T19:51:00.000-05:00

I love my Real Simple Magazine - and I love my smoothies!

A year ago, they included a section on smoothies. I tore out the article and I'm just getting around to sharing it with you. Follow the link for the full article. I'll just give you my favorites.

Mango

1 cup chopped ripe mango
1/2 cup lowfat milk
1/2 cup ice
1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt (I'd use vanilla)
1 tbsp honey

Blend in blender until smooth

344 calories

Banana-Cashew

Place in blender:
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup raw unsalted cashews

Cover and refrigerate until cashews have softened, at least 6 hours.

Add 1 cup ice
1/2 banana (I'd use a whole banana)
1 tbsp maple syrup (I'd use honey)

Blend until smooth.

301 calories

Freebie Friday

2012-01-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Are you a cheapskate like me? Even if you're not, everyone loves a freebie, so here you go!

Free Panera Pastry - Just sign up for their rewards card in any store.

Free Computer Games - full version - at Miniclip.com (Sudoku, Golf Ave, and Fighter Pilot)

Free Dunkin' Donuts Coffee - TIMES TWO - enroll in their perks club at www.dunkindonuts.com/perks

Business Cards - Get 250 free from Vista Print (vistaprint.com).

Did you know that if you bring a reusable bag (or bags) to certain places THEY pay YOU????
Try it at: CVS, Target, Giant Eagle, and Whole Foods (5 to 10 cents per bag)

How about Birthday Clubs?
Sign up online and get free birthday treats:
Here are a few that participate:

Red Robin (Yum!)
Starbucks
Toys R Us
Baskin Robbins
Cold Stone Creamery
DSW
Express
IHOP

Go get some freebies!

Don't tell him I told you...

2012-01-10T00:19:00.003-05:00

Hey, I'm allowed to be gushy in my blog....So that's your warning and here I go. (He would kill me for this)...

These are some of the sweet things my husband of almost 10 years does to show me he loves me:

He starts my car and turns the heat on before I get in it.
He carries me to bed if I'm tired and laying on the couch.
He says he likes it best when I'm in sweats and no make-up.
If he's out of clothes, he does laundry and doesn't complain when I don't do it.
He can do anything that I do for the kids - and does it gladly.
He listens when I talk - which must be hard since I talk so much.
For Christmas, he hunted down a Creative Memories consultant, and met her in a parking lot so I would stop buying cheap scrapbooking albums - and bought me a nice one.
He ends every single text and phone call with "I love you."
He tells me what I need to hear.
He loves me when I'm crazy, which is often.
He tells me I'm beautiful in such a way, that I believe it.
He used to put my pajamas in the dryer to warm them before I put them on...Now he does it for Hannah, which I think is still cute. (He used to warm Emma's wipes in the microwave before changing her - so we had to get a wipe warmer.)
He brings me medicine and a hot pack if he knows my neck has been bothering me - even if I don't say anything.
I have NEVER seen a better father. He will play anything with the girls - even Barbies, if he has to!
He has taken care of me through every health issue I've ever had without complaining.
He loves Jesus and teaches our kids to love Him too.
He works hard to provide financially for our family, but leaves work at work. When he comes home, he's focused on us.
When we buy a new car, I get to drive it ;)
He let me be the mom of two amazing little girls.

I could go on all day. I always say, I know Jesus better after being with Matt because I really think he embodies what Jesus wants a man to be. I know he got the short end of the stick, but I have become more in love with him every day since he took me on that first date thirteen years ago...

Recently, I'm reminded once again of how much he sacrifices for us. I love you Matty.

Teenagers

High School Graduation 2000

Hannah's Second Christmas

Right after Hannah was born - 2005

Smoochie

Reading to the girls.

Playing with Emma at the Pumpkin Patch

Money Monday - One Day Late

2012-01-03T17:43:00.001-05:00

Now is the time, where you pull out last month's bank statement (if you look at that sort of thing) and try to balance your checkbook for the end of last year (if you do that sort of thing). You can probably look at your budget (if you keep one) and see the damage. Ours was lovely - especially since we took a trip to Disney!

It's a new year though. A fresh new page. Start now. Write a simple budget and try to stick to it. Get rid of that debt you put on those credit cards and cut them up. You don't need one...but that's another blog.

It's time to be organized with your finances. You have control over your money. YOU tell it what to do...Now get to it!

Now, here comes my "hanging-my-head-in-shame" moment. I forgot to turn in my Homestead Exclusion Act form last year and so it wasn't applied to my Escrow...which was short many hundreds of dollars, which not only raised the projected amount needed for Escrow, but added the shortage amount too...causing a HUGE increase in our mortgage all because I was literally 3 days late mailing the form in. I already mailed in 2 forms for 2012 just to be sure...and I'm STILL kicking myself.

So, I may seem anal and overly organized, but I make some doozies too. I just have to move on, pay for my mistake and get back on the horse.

You do the same!

Spiritual Sunday - It's been a while

2012-01-01T20:54:00.001-05:00

Whenever I disappear from the blog world, it seems like something is always going on. I just checked and it's been over five months since I've blogged. I'm sure most of you don't miss it as much as I do, but I always say - even though I talk A LOT, for every ONE thing I say out loud, there are TEN things I don't say. My mind is always racing.

Many of you know, for the last two months I've been struggling with mono. The disease seemed so harmless my whole life, until I found out, FINALLY, that it was my problem. I don't know if having it at an older age, makes it worse. Or, if it's the fact that I have a husband and two children and can't sleep my life away. Or, possibly my immune system is ravaged due to years of an autoimmune disease and anxiety.

The anxiety has been at an all time high. I hate it, and I need a miracle. I feel crazy sometimes. My mind can't just accept that my symptoms are due to mono and I have myself dead and in the grave every day. It's so overwhelming.

Well, I could go on about that, but today something happened inside me. Deeply. It's not that it has taken away my anxiety, cured my mono, or even made me more optimistic. But, it has given me truth to hold on to.

Today I went to church with my family. I didn't sleep well last night and was anxious this morning. I was trying hard to focus, but where I was sitting I had full view of faces of people I knew were struggling - with angst that should far surpass anything I am going through.

There was one woman in particular that I kept glancing at. Poise, beauty, strength, and faith. She is facing the biggest and most difficult journey of her life (if I may speculate.) I just kept looking at her and I just couldn't grasp how she seems to have such peace, even joy. At one point is seemed as if our eyes met and she smiled.

It broke me. I felt God speaking to my heart. He was saying - "You worry about nothing. You bring imaginary trouble to yourself and it causes your faith to teeter. You are healthy, and strong - and yet you can't trust that I am taking care of you. Look at this woman - who faces obstacles much larger than yours. Her faith is strong. Her spirit, peaceful. Her face shows true joy. Learn from this."

My fear steals the blessings God gives me every day - because I focus on them instead of the beauty that is in TODAY.

Even knowing this - I still want to fear all of the what-ifs.

But, I had the sheer HONOR of speaking with this angel of a woman today - and, both of us tearful, she comforted me. SHE comforted ME.

I have so much to learn.

²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life^[c]?

²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?

(biblegateway.com)

Thankful Thursday - Thankful for the Little Big Things :)

2011-07-28T22:24:00.000-04:00

I haven't blogged in a long while. I'm neck deep in life. But there are many things about life that are so beautiful, I don't want to forget them so I must share them with you.

Tonight, while Matt and I were working out in the game room, Hannah was playing with a childhood toy of Matt's, a fire truck. Who was driving the fire truck? Why, it was Strawberry Shortcake and Mickey Mouse of course. Happy the dwarf from Snow White was saving the cat up in the tree, but he fell down...and Strawberry missed it all because she was "going out in the nude..." HUH??!!??

Here are some other little things that have brought beauty to my life:

This is Hannah and me at Princess Camp right before the coronation and after she got her glitter.

What a blast!

This is my little Baby Emma, 7.5 months old, 15.5lb and ever so lovely.

A scary glimpse into my future! I'm not ready for driver licenses yet!

A friends new miracle baby, Evan. What a sweet little one!

Hannah's zinnias which look better close up than far away. I love my little camera!

For some reason braids make Hannah want to do the "scuba."

Look at these Twinkies!

I think it's safe to say...I'm in love.

I thank God for my blessings.

Mommy Monday

2011-06-27T10:41:00.000-04:00

I hear so many people say, though they love being a mom, the miss the "woman" they used to be. They say they miss being a person, forget who they are, and need some "me" time.

I don't disagree with this, certainly don't think it's wrong to feel this way, and can even partially attest to needing a break to do something I like to do, HOWEVER:

I can honestly say, I never knew who I was created to be until I became a mom. This is what God made me for and, although exhausting, my girls are the greatest gifts I could have ever been given.

Random Blog

2011-06-14T16:46:00.001-04:00

This isn't a Tips and Hints Tuesday blog. I haven't blogged in forever. I have a lot to say, but no time to write it down these days...So, here's a LONG update.

Things have been a little crazy since my grandfather passed away. It's just sad. I look at pictures and I just can't wrap my brain about it. How could he have been here 3 weeks ago and now he's just gone. Where exactly is he? I mean, I know he's in heaven, but I don't really know where that is at the moment. It's just weird.

Last night, we had a Nexus staff meeting at our house. I guess if you really want a TIP for this TUESDAY here's one: Don't buy those gas fire pits. I borrowed my parents and the propane tank caught on fire. No one was injured, but my lawn chairs were abused and the three fire trucks disrupted my quiet street. We got some laughs out of the deal, though!

Hannah is home for the summer and I was so nervous she'd be bored all day. I know it's just been a couple of days, but I just adore my girls and love having her home! She is AMAZING with Emma! Sometimes I'm afraid I put too much on her, but I have been able to get so much done because Hannah entertains her, gives her a paci, puts the boppy around her so she doesn't fall over, and wipes her spit up with a burp cloth. She is just one swell kid!

Today we hung out in the morning, went to lunch with my mom and then headed to the park for an hour and a half. It was so nice! Then after coming home and putting Emma to bed, Hannah and I played the piano and sang together. So fun! I'm really enjoying teaching her how to play and sing with harmony. I don't care if I sound like I dork; if you could have seen that sweet face singing "You Lifted Me Out" with her eyes closed and her hands clasped together, you would have melted right a long with me.

Hopefull I'll be back soon!

Spiritual Sunday

2011-05-15T20:38:00.003-04:00

I'm just plain sad.

For a couple weeks now, we've been watching my amazing grandfather prepare for his next adventure. Sometimes leaving for a trip with a one way ticket is hard - even if you're traveling to paradise.

We are at the point now where we feel just a bit guilty for wanting him to be at rest. But we shouldn't feel guilty. It is a very unselfish thing to be willing to sacrifice our relationship with a beautiful man so that he can live in peace, in eternity, in wholeness.

The Bible says:

2 Corinthians 5:4-8 (New International Version)

⁴ For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. ⁵ Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
⁶ Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. ⁷ For we live by faith, not by sight. ⁸ We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:4-8 (New Living Translation)

⁴ While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. ⁵ God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit.

⁶ So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. ⁷ For we live by believing and not by seeing. ⁸ Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.

I included both translations because I can't decide which I like better. It's not that we WANT to die, but we WANT our new bodies. Sums it up just about perfectly doesn't it?

Right now I feel like we especially "groan and sigh" watching such an amazing man suffer. Our hope is for him as he leaves us on his new journey. I will miss him. My heart aches. I love him. I'm going to miss him.

I'm so grateful for God's promises. Life is short. I will see him again soon. My prayer for today is that God will give my grandpap Carl peace and comfort during these last days and hours. Will you pray that with me tonight?

Pappap and Hannah Dec. 2005

Happy 80th Birthday! 2008

Christmas 2006 Hugs from Great Grandpap

Christmas 2009

Pappap with Baby Emma

Thank you God for the privilege of knowing such a beautiful man.

NEW RECIPE! Broccoli Chicken Muffins

2011-03-21T21:55:00.000-04:00

It can be difficult to make bread for hot pockets all the time, so I adapted a recipe I found from food.com and it was a success!! These are less than 150 calories per muffin...and they're very yummy - great for freezing and throwing into your lunch box to thaw the night before. The recipe makes 18 largish muffins.

Ingredients:

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup white flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1/4 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 1/3 cup buttermilk (or regular milk mixed with 1 1/3 tbsp of lemon juice or vinegar)
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp melted butter
1 cup chopped cooked chicken
1 cup finely chopped cooked broccoli
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat muffin tins with cooking spray.

2. Combine first six ingredient in bowl.

3. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, oil and butter. Add chicken, broccoli and cheese.

4. Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients and mix until moistened. Batter will be thick. Scoop into muffin tin

5. Bake 15 minutes.

Feel free to add extra seasonings such as garlic or onion powder, rosemary, chili powder etc. I'm using these in Hannah's lunches, so I chose to leave them pretty simple.

Money Monday - Some freebies and savings

2011-03-07T08:00:00.001-05:00

I'm a sucker for a free sample. Emma is 3 months old and gets one bottle of formula a day. I'm STILL using up free samples!! If you're willing to punch in your address info and create an email address for junk mail ('cause they all ask you for one) then go to town on these sites. I get free granola bars, formula, shampoo, coffee (even though I don't drink it,) lotions, vitamins, bibs - you name it. I NEVER complete a free sample form where I have to select offers or pay money for something else. I have to filter through things sometimes, but the sites I give you are all totally free.

Here are sites I frequent if I have time:

The Sample Loft

Squidoo

Cheap Stingy Bargains This site is new to me, but it has a freebies tab that has some cool stuff!

Coupon Mom - This site has great printable coupons! I use it often.

Current Codes - I haven't used this site as I don't do much online shopping, but Parents Magazine suggests it has discount codes for 2000+ online stores including kid-friendly ones like Babies R Us and Gymboree.

Wellness Wednesday

2011-03-02T16:45:00.001-05:00

I think New Year's Resolutions are stupid. I never make them - but every once in a while, I get a burst of motivation to get my house organized or to lose weight.

When a friend suggested some accountability regarding eating, exercising, and drinking water, I was leery. I mean, I like pizza - and SUGAR! But once I got started and saw that scale drop a pound - I became motivated to shed these last few pregnancy pounds. I want to buy some new clothes (I have a gift card), but I refuse to do so until I get the rest of my weight off.

Now that I'm accountable to someone and have to send her a list of the things that I ate for the day - I'm much less likely to pound a bag of mini Cadbury eggs...but I'm still going to eat some after dinner! I can't deny myself or I'll binge completely.

I'm also trying to get back into drinking more water and exercising most days. I've gotten kinda lazy with both.

To keep track of my calories, water intake, and exercising, I've jumped on the "My Fitness Pal" bandwagon. I can see it annoying me by being too time consuming at some point, but right now, it's really helping me know how much (or how little) I need to eat to lose a pound a week. I hope to reach my goal weight by the end of the month. If you want to check it out - it's really quite easy to navigate. They even have a free iPhone app for it. Because I have never kept track of my calories, I find it quite interesting at the end of the day to see how many I've consumed. I'm realizing that condiments can ruin a meal calorically speaking!

Anyhow, I have 2.5lb to lose to get back to my pre pregnancy weight and 2 more pounds to get to where I'll be comfortable. It seems like such a little bit of weight to lose - but I'll remind you, I'm only 5 feet tall! 5 pounds is a lot on me!

So anyway - that's where my wellness is going right now. Will you join me?

Tips and Hints Tuesday - Storing Towels, for Michele.

2011-03-01T19:36:00.000-05:00

Alright - after I posted my tip on storing sheets in their pillow cases, my friend Michele asked me if I had any tips on towels.

I don't know if I have anything ingenious to report - but I was inspired to clean out my linen closet!

I was talking to another friend who agrees that there is only one way to fold towels.

1. Fold them in half from short end to short end.
2. Fold them in half again.
3. Then fold in thirds.

This ensures that you can store the most towels in the smallest area.

It's nice if you are able to store them so the smooth side is showing, but my closet is narrow, so in order to fit two columns of towels, you have to see the not-smooth side - which annoys me.

So here's my before and after...

Here is my messy bathroom closet.

Yes, that is a caulking gun next to toilet bowl cleaner, next to mouth wash...

Here's the finished product. My towels are old - and I bleach them all (colored or not.) I'm in the process of replenishing with new WHITE ones, but it'll take a while. You can clearly see where the new white ones are. Haha. It's obvious from the photo, that my recommended way to fold towels allows me to neatly store many of them. The bottom shelf holds bath toys mostly. The top shelf holds cleaning products. It's not perfect but, it will do.

Money Monday - Coming Back Around...

2011-02-28T23:18:00.000-05:00

It is time...

I've been in a spending habit. I'm not a spender. I'm cheap. Very cheap...like, wear the same clothes I've been wearing since high school cheap. Like, probably spend more in gas than I save by going to 10 different stores for sales cheap...

Just lately - shopping is...well, fun. We did the whole bedroom remodel thing. It's not like we spent a bundle. We did the entire room - linens, curtains, wall hangings, lamps, and furniture for a low price - and I don't regret it. But - we need to get back to a stricter budget. I just feel better when we're saving a little more.

When we became debt free (except for the house) we stopped doing something that was one of the main strategies used for our success.

PAYING OURSELVES FIRST....well second. We pay God first, but you get the point.

When we were getting out of debt - I would, on the day we got paid, put a huge chunk of money onto our school loans. That way - I couldn't say later in the month that we didn't have the money.

Now that we're trying to save for ourselves, I find excuses - "because I DESERVE it!" I think it's time to change that attitude - though I don't want to. I need to start depositing our money into savings on the day we get paid - no excuses. That will keep us from taking that money later when we want to go out to dinner or buy something for the house when we've already used up the money budgeted for it.

If you want to make a change, make a change. Don't they say, "the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result?" I think it has to get a little uncomfortable.

We have an emergency fund that is just about complete, two cars and a new roof to save for.

So, while I'm totally in love with my new bedroom...

...and getting haircuts...

...and new clothes...

It's time to get serious again.

It was fun while it lasted. :)

Scrumptious Saturday - Light 'n Hearty Easy Chicken Pot Pie

2011-02-26T08:00:00.001-05:00

Matt's Aunt Dee made this for us when we had Emma and it was AWESOME!

1 can reduced fat/reduced sodium condensed cream of chicken soup
1 can reduced fat/reduced sodium condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup plus 2/3 cup of fat free milk, divided
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp poultry seasoning
2pkg 16oz each frozen mixed vegetables thawed (broccoli/cauliflower/carrots)
1 1/2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
1 1/2 cups reduced fat biscuit/baking mix (or a can of refrigerated low fat biscuits)

In a large bowl, combine the soups, 1/2 cup milk, thyme, pepper, and poultry seasoning. Stir in vegetables and chicken.

Transfer to a 13x9 inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.

In a small bowl - stir biscuit mix and remaining milk just until blended. Drop by 12 rounded tablespoonfuls onto chicken mixture (or place refrigerated biscuits on top.)

Bake, uncovered at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes or until filling is bubbly and biscuits are golden.

Scrumptious Saturday - Chocolate Oat Squares

2011-02-19T08:00:00.003-05:00

These are delicious! I got the recipe from Taste of Home October/November 2000 issue.

Ingredients:

1 cup plus 2 tbsp butter - softened/divided
2 cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs
4 tsp vanilla extract divided
3 cups quick cooking oats
2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp salt divided
1 tsp baking soda
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts

In a mixing bowl, cream 1 cup butter and brown sugar. Beat in eggs and 2 tsp vanilla. Combine the oats, flour, 1 tsp salt and baking soda. Stir into creamed mixture. Press two-thirds of oat mixture into a greased 15x10x1in baking pan. In a saucepan, combine milk, chocolate chips, and remaining butter and salt. Cook and stir over low heat until chocolate is melted. remove from the heat. Stir in walnuts and remaining vanilla. Spread over the crust. Sprinkle with remaining oat mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool. Cut into squares.

Yield: 4 dozen

Family Friday

2011-02-18T07:08:00.000-05:00

Well, Matt's off today and I'm on day 5 of this silly cold. To be honest - I feel worse today than I have all week. I'm cranky, my house is a mess, and I'm wondering if all of my efforts to keep Emma from getting sick are going to work. So far it has.

I think Matt and I will go out to breakfast after Hannah goes to school and try to get this house back together. I decided to scrapbook instead of clean yesterday - and I'm paying for it today!

Anyhow - I have to say - I love watching my girls together. Emma is starting to become responsive to all of us - especially her big sister. She'll follow Hannah around the room with her eyes and coo and talk back to her. She'll even yell to get her attention. I just adore the two of them and nothing makes this mama happier than to see them loving each other - now I get that whole thing! The photo above totally captures their relationship. Hannah is such a little mommy to Emma - she cleans up spit up, reads her books and pulls her hands away gently when Emma tries to scratch her face. So sweet!

Not-So-Well Wednesday

2011-02-16T11:07:00.002-05:00

I'm not well today...on day three of cold and cranky.

Sorry for the lack of insightfulness.

Tips and Hints Tuesday - Making Your Own Bread with BAGEL RECIPE!

2011-02-15T13:29:00.000-05:00

Anyone who knows me at all, knows that I like to make my own bread, hamburger buns, and now... BAGELS!

Why though? It does take a long time to do (as I don't have - or want - a bread maker), it's cheaper (but not that much), and it takes a little practice to get down.

Well, for our family it's a better choice because:

1. IT TASTES BETTER! There's nothing like homemade bread from the oven!

2. NO PRESERVATIVES! This is a biggie for us. All three of us have stomach issues after eating processed breads and macaroni. Not so with homemade bread. Also - if you've ever had a loaf of bread that was still soft after a month of sitting on the counter - you know they're putting SOMETHING that just isn't right in it to make it last. A homemade loaf of bread starts to go stale in a couple of days and is done by a week. I don't know what they do to that bread to make it last so long, but I don't want it in my body!

3. IT FILLS YOU UP FASTER! Not quite sure why, maybe it's denser, but you're satisfied after eating it!

4. You can do whatever you want with it! Italian bread, pizza crust, hot pockets, honey oat, rolls, bagels, buns....be as creative as you want! I actually ENJOY kneading the dough!

Here's the bagel recipe I've been asked for. I was surprised at how easy and tasty they were!! I added some crushed rosemary and olive oil to mine.

TWO TIPS FOR THIS RECIPE:

1. Use hotter water than lukewarm when mixing your yeast.
2. 1/2 ounce = 1 tablespoon.

ENJOY!

TIP:

Money Monday - Refinancing, is it worth it?

2011-02-14T13:29:00.000-05:00

I saw something cool in my Parents Magazine that gave guidelines when you're thinking about refinancing your mortgage. Interest rates are at 50 year lows and it can be difficult to know whether or not it's worth it to refinance. Sometimes, with closing costs (averaging $2654) and fees, it's better just to stay put. I've heard that, as a rule of thumb, you should stay where you are unless the interest rate is more than a full 1% below what you're already paying.

Two websites that will help you calculate whether or not it's worth the hassle?

bankrate.com

hsh.com

Also keep in mind:

REFINANCE IF:

• Interest rates are at least one full percentage point lower than what you already pay.

• Your current loan has a variable interest rate. Rates are only going up from here!

SIT TIGHT IF:

• The value of your home has gone down significantly since the economic crisis and you are unsure if you're qualify for a new mortgage.

• You plan to move in the next few years.

I must say, I was shocked to get a 4.25% interest rate when we purchased our current house last summer that. Our previous house was 5.1% and I really didn't think people got much lower than that. If you're financially prepared - now is the time to buy.

Scrumptious Saturday - Best Candy Ever

2011-02-12T07:00:00.023-05:00

This past Christmas, a student named Ashley brought me some of the yummiest candy I've ever eaten...and I'm a candy snob! I had to get the recipe.

While I made one of these recipes already - I'm awful at dipping things in chocolate. Please tell me what the trick is!!! I get chocolate everywhere and the Bon Bons were falling apart! Help!

Anyway - here are the recipes that are SURE to please! They're GREAT for Valentine's day and don't have too many ingredients!

Thanks Ashley (and Ashley's mom!)

Graham and Peanut Butter Bon Bon

1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs
1 1/4 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 cup crisped rice cereal
12 oz. chocolate

(Ashley's mom uses Trader Joe's "Pound Plus Dark Chocolate" which tasted better than the semisweet chocolate that I used)

Set chocolate aside. Mix remaining ingredients together in a bowl. Refrigerate for one hour.

Melt chocolate.

Form Crumb Mixture into balls and dip in melted chocolate. Place on waxed paper.

Let cool and set up.

Makes 44-48 bon bons...Ok, I got maybe HALF of this - which is probably why I had such a hard time. I made them huge!! None the less - they were DELISH! Make them...TODAY

Chocolate Fudge - Peanut Butter Balls

2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup undiluted evaporated milk (or half and half)
1/3 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup chopped peanuts

Melt chips with evaporated milk in medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Whisk in peanut butter until blended. Refrigerate until mixture is firm enough to shape into balls but still soft, about 30 minutes.

Spread peanuts on waxed paper. Shape scant tablespoons of peanut butter mixture into 1 inch balls. Roll in peanuts. Store in refrigerator.

Candied Walnuts

2 1/2 cups walnut halves or pieces
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Place walnuts in a shallow pan. Heat in 375 degree oven for about 15 minutes. Cook sugar, water, cinnamon, and salt to a soft ball stage (236 degrees with a candy thermometer) without stirring. Remove from heat. Add vanilla and nuts. Stir gently until the nuts are well coated and the mixture becomes creamy. Turn out on a greased platter. Separate walnut pieces as they cool.

Family Friday - Planning Conversation

2011-02-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Do you have any Valentine's Day plans this weekend? We don't really have anything going on as a couple. Matt and Hannah are going to a "Daddy Daughter Ball" tomorrow and I think that's just adorable.

Having a new baby and an older baby has definitely made it more difficult for Matt and I to have time together. We have to consciously make an effort now to be affectionate and have good conversation. I'm surprised that one little 10 pound baby can do that!

We're totally loving our family. I couldn't feel happier or more blessed, but let's face it folks - whether we mean it to or not, our marriage often takes a back burner to the kiddos. I am a firm believer that a happy marriage produces happy children. Therefore, you can't feel guilty about focusing more on your husband or wife.

That said - how many times - when we do get a minute alone with our spouse, do we talk about the kids the entire time? We do - and we love it. We enjoy our children; watching them grow, spending time with them, talking about the cute things they do, planning activities and discussing discipline strategies. But, I don't want "us" to get lost in that.

I saw this silly article in a Parents magazine (Feb. 2011 issue) titled "Date Night - A Cheat Sheet." It's basically a list of conversation starters when you and your love have time together.

It gives a disclaimer at the beginning (which you're all gonna think when you read this anyway) that it's kind of sad to need talking pointers when you're out with your spouse - but it's fun. Hopefully one of the questions spurs on a delightful conversation preventing you from finishing the list.

Enjoy!

PS: I'm not advocating drinking (unless it's pop) :), I just copied this out of the magazine.

Thankful Thursday - Wouldn't You Be?

2011-02-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Wellness Wednesday - An Expensive Way to Beat Winter Blues

2011-02-09T08:00:00.008-05:00

Last December 2010 - Pittsburgh

Last December 2010 - Disney World

I hate Winter. Why do I live in Pittsburgh??

Every year, around this time, I start getting a little down, claustrophobic, anxious....I feel like that gray sky is closing in on me!

Last weekend we were walking around Monroeville Mall and stopped in Brookstone. They have this really cool light.

It's called a Rise and Shine Natural Wake-up Light.

It's a "white" light that gradually increases in intensity based on when you set it for in the morning to help make it feel like the sun is coming up in your bedroom - thus making it easier to wake. I want one. I don't get up to an alarm anyway, but it still would be nice to have. But, at $100, it's a luxury!

What are some other...ahem...less expensive ways to boost your spirits?

Here's what works for me:

Spending time with friends - I have some pretty funny friends who make me laugh...a lot. Even chatting on the phone while doing mundane chores can help.

EXERCISE - this is huge. I always feel better when I get in a little cardio. Even 20 minutes will help. Go out an shovel your driveway. Then you can get your exercise in while getting that annoying task accomplished.

If it warms up to a remotely reasonable temperature and the sun is out - get outside! (This will save you the $100 cost of buying a lamp, ha ha)

Change things up - Have a picnic in front of a movie at dinner (we always sit at the table together,) have a dance party with the little ones, read a good book, play a game together, rearrange some furniture, search summer vacation spots on the internet...

Warmer days are ahead. A certain 5 year old groundhog fan told me so.

Hang in there and be useful during these yucky days. It won't be long before the blazing sun will have you pining for some cooler weather...but I'm not there yet!!

Tips and Hints Tuesday - Storing Sheets

2011-02-08T13:23:00.001-05:00

I've mentioned this tip before. I hate folding sheets. It really is a pain. Who in the world invented fitted sheets anyway? There's this famous "Martha's Stewart's way to fold fitted sheets" garbage that is stupid. I'm 5 feet tall and it is impossible to fold a deep pocketed queen size fitted sheet well.

So, I've resigned to doing my best to make it "look" like it's folded, when in reality, it's in a ball with a smoothed out top. So there.

But, that's not what this post is about. I can't give you a tip on folding sheets when I stink at it.

I do, however, have a tip on STORING sheets. After you wash your sheets fold them all except for one pillow case. Stack everything else and place the folded sheets inside the leftover pillow case and store in your linen closet.

It makes it SO EASY when you are going to change your sheets. You just grab the stack and go. No more - looking for that blasted fitted sheet or pillow case anymore.

Spiritual Sunday - Feeling the whole world's against you?

2011-01-30T08:00:00.002-05:00

If you feel like the whole world's against you, and you just can't do anything right, you're not alone! King David felt this way too, and he cried out to God who rescued him. That was so many years ago, thousands of years ago - and we can still call on the same God in the same way.

Psalm 3 (New Living Translation)

Psalm 3

A psalm of David, regarding the time David fled from his son Absalom.

¹ O Lord, I have so many enemies;
      so many are against me.
² So many are saying,
      “God will never rescue him!”
                         Interlude
³ But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;
      you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
⁴ I cried out to the Lord,
      and he answered me from his holy mountain.
                         Interlude
⁵ I lay down and slept,
      yet I woke up in safety,
      for the Lord was watching over me.
⁶ I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies
      who surround me on every side.
⁷ Arise, O Lord!
      Rescue me, my God!
   Slap all my enemies in the face!
      Shatter the teeth of the wicked!
⁸ Victory comes from you, O Lord.
      May you bless your people.
                         Interlude

New Living Translation (NLT)

Thankful Thursday - Still Reeling

2011-01-27T16:18:00.000-05:00

Pastor Donnie and me with the logos of the student ministry.

Me with Hannah and Matt

I have you all fooled....I'm not as great as some of you say I am, and certainly utterly undeserving of the celebration that I was surprised with last night.

January 12 marked my 10 year anniversary on staff at Riverside Community Church. It's crazy how fast time goes. I'm thankful for the leadership that led me before I helped to lead.

I'm thankful for the beautiful and wonderful friends, family, students, those who gladly serve with me and for the effort that was put into making me feel special last night - for the cards, video, kinds words, and facebook-takeover. I will never forget the love I was shown. It will surely keep me going for another 10 years...maybe :)

Wellness Wednesday - Shut it off!

2011-01-26T13:03:00.001-05:00

A couple of facts for you:

Did you know that two thirds of American adults are overweight or obese?

Did you know that school aged kids spend an average of 7.5 HOURS A DAY in front of a screen?

Even BABIES log an average of 2 hours of screen time per day (even though the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time at all for kids under 2.)

I have found that I can slip into these stats myself once I really start counting how many hours of screen time my five year old gets.

I can't help but feel that the facts listed above are connected. As a nation, we're fat and lazy. Kids hardly have imaginations anymore. I'm all for keeping them updated with technology, but we need to shut the televisions, computers, and gaming systems OFF sometimes.

Kids need to get off the couch and run around and play, create imaginary worlds, and build with blocks. They need to exercise their bodies, minds and motor skills without the aid of a screen to entertain them. By not allowing kids quiet time, studies show that the consequences are obesity, difficulty paying attention, difficulty making friends, lack of imagination, lower grades in school. and more aggression.

Furthermore, the quality of the television our kids watch disgusts me at times. I'll just say it (even though it's no secret to my friends who know me and love me anyway), I can't stand shows like Sponge Bob, Hannah Montana, and iCarly. They lack all educational value and throw stuff at our young kids that they don't need to be focused on, like dating, panty raids, and push up bras...all of which I've seen myself when watching.

Studies also show that kids who watched small amounts of EDUCATIONAL television were better readers and students in general. They also got higher grades as teenagers than those who watched television shows geared toward entertainment.

Ok, I'm on my soap box here...forgive me. We all raise our kids differently - I realize that. I allow my Kindergartner to watch PBS and the occasional Phineas and Ferb...maybe even Sponge Bob in a rare and weak moment. I don't want to shelter my kids so that they hate me and run off to do all the things that were forbidden as soon as they are smart enough to sneak around. That's why I try to compromise here and there. But, we've been shutting off the television more, talking about why we don't watch/listen to certain shows and music, and trying to focus on creative play.

The result? A much quieter and peaceful house.

My recommendation for the health of your family? Enjoy screen time. It's no secret I'm obsessed with my computer! But, put it away for a little while today. Try to cut back on the screen time while increasing your communication with your family. Really, nothing bad can come of it right?

Below is Hannah at around 10 months old! GUILTY! But at least it's educational!

Tips And Hints Tuesday - The Witching Hour

2011-01-25T12:31:00.001-05:00

Oh, if you have kids, you know what I'm talking about when I say "the witching hour." I refer to it as that time between after school and when your spouse comes home (or bed time.) It's that time when everyone is tired and cranky and hungry. Homework needs done, dinner needs made, kids need bathed and loved on and you're TIRED!

Last night was a prime example of this. My phone was ringing, Hannah was in the tub, dinner was on the stove, Emma's crying and my smoke alarms are blaring. Emma finally calmed down as Hannah ran in the room yelling something. Emma was startled and started screaming again. Hannah, who felt terrible that she made her sister cry, starts bawling too...and there go the smoke alarms again!

I had to stop, take a deep breath and calmly ask Hannah to move out of the way (after giving her hugs and telling her Emma was just cranky) as I grabbed a kitchen chair to one-handedly yank the stupid batteries out of the smoke detector.

Does this ever happen to you? Sometimes, when Matt comes home, I just want to hand both kids to him as soon as he walks in the door and go lay down in my bed and watch Food Network while someone else changes that leaking poopy diaper.

Planning ahead is huge in helping with this area. Sometimes, I'll do all my dinner prepping before I pick up Hannah (chopping, mixing, measuring.) That way, I can focus more on the kids and less on dinner and other things that need done.

This means deciding earlier in the day what you'll eat for dinner and taking meat out of the freezer to thaw. Once you do this, your afternoon will go so much more smoothly. I do my best to have a calm house for Matt when he comes home, and preparing ahead of time helps with that. It doesn't mean that our house is always like Donna Reed's (remember that show??) but it is so much more mellow.

So, what's for dinner tonight? Go ahead and get it started now. Toss it in the crock pot, or simply get your meat out of the freezer, your dishwasher ready to load and your recipe on the counter. You'll thank me later!

Money Monday - Hodge Podge•Home Repair/Updates/Etc

2011-01-24T07:00:00.002-05:00

We have so many odds and ends that need done around the house (landscaping, attic floor, new light fixtures, refinishing hardwoods). It can be overwhelming financially. I also want to buy bedroom furniture, an entryway bench with storage, and wall art for the entire house....and all new bathroom towels!

So, in order to get this stuff done, we budget a certain amount per month towards home repair/updating. It has really helped me not to feel guilty spending money on that stuff.

Another thing that helps when budgeting for home repairs is - KNOWING WHEN TO CALL A PROFESSIONAL.

On Christmas Eve, I turned on our bathroom light and blue fireworks shot out at me! This was one of those cases that you shell out a few extra bucks for someone who is not going to burn your house (or themselves) down. Luckily, we had a very good electrician who only charged us $30 to fix the issue.

But, when you can do something yourself for cheaper, by all means! Matt just caulked our shower and I'm obsessed with how fresh and clean it looks. Although - please make sure if you do this job, you're safer than my husband.

But I do think he's pretty cute.

UPDATE ON US:

Our savings goals for the year?

Our fully funded emergency fund should be complete next month and then we'll move on to saving for a car. Hopefully we'll get a decent new-to-us car by the end of the year!

Lastly, for my entertainment - here's the entryway bench I want....

What are your financial goals for the year?

Family Friday with a bit of Thankful Thursday added...

2011-01-21T10:01:00.001-05:00

Remember the storm of last February! I guess I shouldn't complain about this!

It's the weekend, we're snowed in and Hannah's off school! I love snow days...however - I miss my Matty!

Matt was away all last weekend at Winter Retreat - then, Wednesday morning, he came home from work around 9:30am with a stomach virus. I promptly packed up the girls and myself and moved into my parents house - determined to stay healthy!

I do feel guilty and everything, abandoning the sweet love of my life when he feels so yucky and needs to be taken care of....but not guilty enough to put the girls at risk (and he feels the same way). I did make sure to leave him with a comfy space with crackers, gingerale, popcicles etc...so I'm not completely heartless.

So, we've had a fun couple of days having slumber parties with grandma and pappap, shopping, eating out, and making rice krispies treats...but I miss my Matty!! It looks like it might be a while before we see him too. Looking out the window, the roads seem impassable.

I'm so thankful we have a place to go when my neurotic, germ-a-phobe tendency over powers rational thought. It's such a weird feeling to be a grown up mom and a daughter to my parents at the same time. Parenting and being parented at the same time. I'm sure my parents are ready to have their privacy and mellow house back - but it was fun to switch things up for a bit! I do love my family!

Wellness Wednesday - The Truth About Chicken

2011-01-19T07:00:00.006-05:00

I'm a cheap-o when it comes to groceries. I buy healthy food, but I don't like to spend a lot of money. Recently, I've come to the conclusion that I'm sick of "gross" meat. You know - the chicken that's always on sale at the grocery store is untrimmed and full of those nasty red veins...and why are chicken breasts so enormous now? I can feed my family for 2 dinners on two of those things! So, I've resolved to start buying, grass fed, antibiotic and hormone free meat. I'm not going to snub my nose at the other stuff all the time, I just want to make a switch.

Anyhow, I've been reading a book my sister got me for Christmas called Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to Be 100 by Dr. Maoshing Ni. After making my decision about the meat thing, I read this:

"Commercial feed for animals is full of growth-stimulating hormones, [hence the huge chicken breasts] coloring agents, pesticides, and drugs. And that's not all - of the 140,000 tons [that says TONS] of poultry condemned annually as unfit to eat, mainly due to cancer, a considerable amount is processed into animal feed! More than 40% [40%?!?!?!] of the antibiotics produced in the United States is used as animal-feed additives. The ecological result, after we urinate and defecate the antibiotics, is the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains that can sicken or kill us."

Wow, I'm not a super-organic-health-nut type of person, but this freaks me out. Reconsider your meat...or SOME of your meat. A lot of times, meat doesn't have to be certified organic to be better for you. Look for the amish chicken if you have it in your area. It's usually hormone in antibiotic free, they just don't go through the expensive financial process of being labeled organic.

And so, I leave you with pictures of my cute little Turkey from this past Thanksgiving.

Wellness Wednesday - Be Nice To Yourself

2011-01-19T07:00:00.004-05:00

See these two sweet little girls? I happen to love them with every fiber of my being.

Having a 7 week old baby and a Kindergartner can be challenging. Maybe I'm a wuss or something, because I've found that, while I'm totally loving my life, I become very frustrated that I can't do "things" at the same capacity I used to do them. I can't clean as much as fast. I can't do as much in one day. I don't love the way I look anymore...not that I did before - but you know what I mean.

When I go out, I have to do so much planning. Sometimes it's just easier to stay at home. I have to nurse my baby in the car and plan outings around her schedule. And someone is always sick around here!

That said, when things change your plans, or you beat yourself up because you can't squeeze it all in, in a day, take a deep breath, take your time, and do what you CAN get done happily. The rest will wait until tomorrow.

I've learned to give myself a break. When I'm nursing in my tiny car, I look at it as a built in time to relax. If there are dishes in the sink - yes, that drives me crazy, but it's okay. Emma is only a baby once, and I could just sit and gaze at her ALL DAY. I love caring for her and Hannah.

So, from now on, I'm putting the following on my to do list...then I'll feel accomplished:

1. Play with kids

2. Change 400 poopy diapers

3. Change 200 outfits as a result of blowouts from aforementioned poopy diapers.

4. Feed Baby

5. Feed Baby

6. Feed Baby

7. Feed Baby

8. Feed Baby

9. Feed Baby

10. Feed Baby

11. Find something for family to eat - even if it is Hostess donuts :) No wait, those are mine.

So today, take a deep breath, do something for YOU today and cut yourself some slack. You'll be in a much better frame of mind to do what needs done!

Tips And Hints Tuesday - Hot Spots

2011-01-18T07:00:00.002-05:00

Do you have a place in your house that's a dumping ground?

A table?

Desk?

Hall Closet?

Junk drawers?

We all have those places where we toss stuff - never to be seen again. Maybe you have multiple "hot spots" that need your attention.

You can eliminate these spots if everything has a specific place. If it doesn't have a place - get rid of it!

This is an overwhelming task to start. So, I'm going to help you!

First, pick one of your hot spots - let's say a junk drawer.

Remove EVERYTHING from the drawer.

Categorize like items - and try to find a specific place for them (even get a container or drawer organizer for those specific items.

Throw/Give away what you don't need (old candles, dead batteries, and that charger to the cell phone you had six years ago.)

Put away items that have another home!

Return items that belong in that place TO that place neatly.

Promise to keep it neat.

Repeat with other hot spots.

To show that I'd participate with you and follow my own advice, I chose to clean out one of my hall closets. This took about an hour with two sick little girls - one of them a crying baby! So, I believe it would have taken 30 minutes if I was "hands free!" Since we have a walk-in closet inside our garage door, that's where we keep most of our coats and winter gear along with toys. The upstairs closet usually holds lighter jackets and summer shoes. Here are my before and after photos.

Below: THE MESS. On the top shelf is a bunch of JUNK that gets tossed up there when we are lazy. There's a handheld vacuum, a Happy Birthday sign, a basket with our old video camera and tapes, a laundry bag, mesh shelves and a bunch of snow gear.

Hanging on the coat rack is a hanger with a bunch of reusable bags. How messy looking and what a waste of space!

On the bottom right our make-shift shoe rack is housing a stack of puzzles and there's a bag of books on the floor.

Here's the finished product. I actually hung up the the mesh shelves. Vertical storage is a great way to use space! Notice that most of the top shelf is empty and there is still space on the shelves. Try to leave yourself room to grow! I folded the reusable bags neatly, and put them in the largest bag and placed it on the bottom shelf.

Odds and ends are in the white basket (rechargeable batteries, external speakers etc.)

We bought those Command hooks so that Hannah has a place to hang her coat and book bag after school. Remember, if everything has a place, there is no clutter.

I took the vacuum out of the closet and will store it in the laundry room for now. Once I clean out the basement closet, it'll probably fit in there. Take note that we're ~~using~~ repurposing an old, cheap TV stand as a shoe rack in this closet. I don't want our dirty shoes on the carpet. (That's a pet peeve of mine in general.)

So, let's hear about your progress. Take pictures. It makes you feel so accomplished!

Money Monday - FREE STUFF

2011-01-17T07:00:00.014-05:00

I got these ideas from my Real Simple magazine.

For those of you who have Kindles or iPhones/iPad's with book downloading capabilities, you can download HUNDREDS of free E-Books like Jane Eyre and Little Women at the Gutenburg Project (gutenberg.com.) You can get a free e-book reader ap like iBooks or Stanza at iTunes.com.

Getting married? If you create your registry at JCPenny, you can receive a free engagement portrait session at their studio. Just make sure you ask for a manager to do the pictures. I worked at SEARS Portrait studio in high school and know that they'll let any Joe-Shmoe run those cameras!

Spiritual Sunday

2011-01-16T09:45:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm feeling a little out of the loop this morning.

Matt's been at Winter Retreat with 75 of my favorite teenagers all weekend, and I stayed home with my babies. I'm not resentful in the least - I enjoy being with my babies, but I do miss being there. I've only missed one Winter Retreat in the last 12 years and that was 9 years ago when my grandmother passed away. I love seeing pictures of our kids worshipping. That's such an inspiration, encouragement, and example to all of us - old and young alike.

I was going to venture out to take the kids to church this morning and to my sister's concert at IUP, but both girls have colds - so we'll be just hanging around the house today. Emma was up all night feeling yucky.

So what do you do spiritually when it seems as though the things that should recharge you are out of reach?

I believe you should rejoice.

Psalm 35:9 Then I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be glad because he rescues me.

Psalm 97:12 May all who are godly rejoice in the Lord and praise his holy name.

Phil. 3:1 Whatever happens dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord.

And rejoice I will because whether I'm in church or not, I can worship God for his love, salvation, and blessings on my life - and there are many. So I sit here today thankful and at peace.

Rejoice today!

Tips & Hints - Simple reminder to shorten after-dinner clean-up

2011-01-11T20:30:00.000-05:00

I hate doing dishes. We didn't have a dishwasher for the first 8 years of our marriage.

When we moved this past June and I got one, I wanted to marry it!

Doing dishes took away TOO MANY hours of my life.

I've found out the hard way, that to save time and frustration after dinner, I clean my pans, casserole dishes, roasting pans, etc. as soon as possible. The other stuff can wait, but those pans with baked on food are a lot easier to clean if you do it right away. You'll be surprised at how quickly they come clean compared to letting them "soak" (you know you use that excuse) until the next day...

So during the next Biggest Loser commercial break, hurry up and clean them up!

Money Monday - Are you paying attention?

2011-01-10T11:02:00.000-05:00

I'm always amazed when people tell me the don't balance their checkbooks or keep a transaction register. There is no way to tell what is in your account by looking online...NO WAY.

Anyhow, today I want to illustrate why I feel so strongly about knowing what kind of money is in your account.

I really don't like paying one-time bills online. I feel like I always have to deal with some error or mistake. However, I decided to pay some hospital bills ($368 worth, to be exact) online so that they would show on the 2010 tax year. I made my payment December 28.

Move ahead to last Tuesday. I'm balancing my checkbook and paying bills. After I reconciled, I went online to make sure I didn't miss anything (since we save our receipts - and sometimes those can turn up missing.) At the top of the statement I see a few transactions "in process." The hospital was taking out my $368 PLUS ANOTHER $730 that I did not have a bill for NOR did I authorize. $730!!!!!! I was freaking out! I called the hospital and they said they had no record of it and the bank said they couldn't stop payment. I HAD NO HELP.

I dragged my un-showered, still in pjs, baby-puke-covered self to the bank to file a dispute and transfer money over. Matt called the hospital billing department after my 6 calls landed me no success. He can be a lot more forceful than I am with this stuff. He got nowhere either.

We decided that, once we called, the hospital realized their error and the people there were scrambling to fix it.

And, three days later, we were right. The money was put back in the account and a representative from the hospital sheepishly called to tell us about the mistake but said ONE MILLION times that they put the money back the same day.

I was too nice to her. After making us feel like we didn't know what we were talking about, I guess her calling to say they made a mistake was good enough though. I didn't receive an apology (for the record.)

That said, if I hadn't paid attention to my bank account, that money would have come out, and who knows if something might have bounced.

It's so important to stay on top of your money because companies like this make mistakes all the time. I don't know about you, but I don't have the money to waste on the incompetence of a company who is already taking my money.

So today, go balance your checkbook!

Spiritual Sunday - Wisdom Trumps Age

2011-01-09T07:00:00.002-05:00

Working with students, I often become frustrated when adults tell them to "wait until you get into the real world." As far as I'm concerned, today's teenager is more a part of the "REAL" world than any adult who goes to work and comes home every day. Teenagers make decisions that will affect the direction of the ENTIRE rest of their lives. If they can seek God's counsel and stay the course, they are truly heroes, guided by God himself and we owe them some credit.

I'm finishing up the book of Job and came across a verse that illustrates this well. Some of us old crotchety adults need to be reminded of this, the next time we think our age and experience trump youth.

Job 32: 8
But it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty that gives them understanding. It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right.

Scrumptious Saturday - Perfect Baked Fries

2011-01-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

I have tried SO HARD to get home made baked fries to taste good. I don't need them to tasted exactly like the deep fried version, I just want them to be crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and flavorful.

I think I may have finally got it.

First, at the direction of my sister-in-law Doreen, I soak the peeled, cut potatoes in water for 30 minutes to an hour. I'm not quite sure what this does, but I'm going to assume that it removes some of the starch from the potatoes allowing them to brown.

Drain the water and pat the potatoes down with a clean, dry dish towel.

Then, here's the recipe I follow for 4 large-ish potatoes.

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.

In a bowl combine:

2tbsp parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tps paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp chili powder

Add potatoes and toss to coat.

Drizzle with 2 tbsp oil, tossing again.

Arrange potatoes in a single layer on 2 baking sheets sprayed with cooking spray and bake for about 35 minutes or until golden brown.

After MANY tries, this one worked for me.

Yum.

Family Friday - Lighten Up

2011-01-07T07:02:00.017-05:00

Okay, it's no secret that I'm a little tightly-wound. (Go ahead, have a little chuckle and nod your head.)

But, I try to at least be aware of who and HOW I am, and lighten up every now and then. On New Years Day this year, we were all pretty miserable. Matt had the nasty cold we all passed around, the baby was STILL feeling fussy from it, and I was exhausted...and Hannah wanted to play.

For Christmas, she received a Fancy Nancy book about a spa day, "ooh la la!" Fancy Nancy creates a nice little pampering session for her mother and tells little girls exactly how to do it for THEIR mothers. She even, so thoughtfully, includes a recipe for a honey banana face mask.

Enter Hannah, so excited to do such a "nice" thing for her mommy. I wish I had pictures. I had just gotten out of the bath tub and she had transformed her room. There were pillows and towels all over the floor, the "Cartoon Song" was on repeat to create a "relaxing" atmosphere. She made me put a towel on my head, put that goopey face mask on me, gave me a massage, painted my fingers and toes (in a rainbow fashion,) and she even made a "foot bath" with a container full of her gems as massage beads. HOW CUTE IS THAT??

I really had to get into the frame of mind to let her put that mask on my face (and I even gagged a little), but she was so excited to do it. She kept referring back to her book for instructions. We had such a fun time!

As I said, I'm usually pretty high strung and I've created a high strung daughter. I think it's important, however you are, to relax a little and have a good time. Make a little mess, get a little dirty. She'll remember this for a long time. Are my toes painted like rainbows? Yep, and she did a great job "staying in the lines." It's a reminder to me of a fun time we had together, and how much I love my Hannah.

So, today, lighten up. Get a little messy. And create some memories.

Thankful Thursday

2011-01-06T09:01:00.000-05:00

Today, I'm thankful for the basics: my beautiful family and our health. I'm feeling so blessed and grateful to God for taking care of my family and me as he has and pray that he continues to do so. I'm so enjoying being the mother to two sweet little girls. Every day I enjoy watching them grow and learn new things.

I'm grateful for a husband who is more hands-on than any other man I know. He does such a fantastic job of taking care of all of us. He doesn't even complain when he's sick. He plays girly-games with Hannah, changes poopy diapers, and will get up in the middle of the night if I ever need help. He doesn't complain about what's for dinner, or if the house isn't clean, and actually listens to my incessant ramblings and musings about my day.

How could I not be bursting with thankfulness?

What makes you thankful today?

Money Money - Tax Time

2011-01-03T13:00:00.000-05:00

When it comes to filing your taxes, are you one of those people who utilizes the late hours of the postal service on April 15?

Surprise, I'm not. I'm sure you knew that.

I want to get the taxes out of my hair ASAP!

During the year, I keep a folder called "taxes 201_" in our file cabinet. Anytime something comes in that I'll need for my taxes, I put it in that folder.

I also have documents on my computer where I log my unreimbursed business and medical expenses - receipts are filed in the drawer (because sometimes we can claim them - like this year!)

When it comes time to do our taxes, everything is organized and ready to go so we can get our refund ASAP. I create a binder with tabs holding all the documents I need for easy preparation for my tax preparer. We rarely have to wait longer than a week for it since we file so early.

So, get organized. Stop scrambling at the last minute. It actually COSTS you MORE money to have your taxes done when you're disorganized. I know people who have paid HUNDREDS of dollars more because they threw a shoebox full of receipts at the accountant. The following year, they had all their ducks in a row and paid much much less.

So today, save yourself some money by becoming organized so that you can use your refund to get your DEBT SNOWBALL started!

Spiritual Sunday - Wisdom

2011-01-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

In my journey through the Bible, I'm kind of stuck on Job. Honestly, I just don't want to read it. All that tragedy just gives me a bad feeling. I know I need to push through it - but that's how I feel.

Anyhow, I came to an interlude in the book on wisdom and how hard it is to find. Isn't that the truth?

In chapter 28, verse 23 it says, "God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells."

The chapter ends with, "The fear of the Lord - that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding."

After reading that last statement, I ponder what it is to truly fear the Lord and what biblical fear really is. It makes sense to me that if you're wise - you understand how huge and holy God is and you try not to "mess" with Him. And, in turn you show that you understand this by staying away from sin.

I suppose it seems logical - just a whole lot easier said than done!

Scrumptious Saturday - Back in the Saddle

2011-01-01T08:00:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year! 1/1/11

I haven't been blogging OR cooking much lately. With the holidays and the new baby, I've had a nice little break. We had so many people bring us some seriously delicious food for almost two weeks after Emma was born.

As we near the end of a fantastic vacation where Matt has been home a bunch, I need to get ready for school to start again and for Matt to go back to work BLAH!

Yesterday, I made some granola and ham and cheese hot pockets for Matt and Hannah's lunches. I need to make some corn dog muffins for the freezer too....when I get around to it.

I'm cutting coupons and menu planning so I know what to buy when I finally make it to the grocery store. Menu planning ensures that I do not overspend and that I have everything I need when it comes time to make dinner.

Here are some of the things the Terebessy's will be eating over the next week or two. I don't usually eat the stuff I make for breakfast and lunch. My lunch usually consists of a salad with homemade vinaigrette. I always make enough food to last us two meals. We're not leftover snobs in this house.

Breakfasts:
Egg and Cheese English Muffin Sandwiches
Whole Wheat Pancakes
Homemade Granola

Lunches:
Whole Wheat Corn Dog Muffins
Turkey Meatloaf (we have some frozen leftover in the freezer)
Homemade Broccoli/Ham/Cheese Hot pockets on wheat
Almond Butter and Jelly Sandwiches (homemade honey oat bread in the freezer)
Fruit/Carrots/Cucumbers

Dinner:
Homemade pepperoni pizza with roasted broccoli
Grilled BBQ chicken breasts with mixed roasted veggies
Turkey burgers (with turkey bacon and grilled onions), homemade buns, grilled asian green beans
Teriyaki turkey meatballs, brown rice and sugar snap peas
Cranberry BBQ chicken with cous cous and peas
Green Chili Enchilada Casserole with sweet corn cake

I have recipes for all for all of these if you're interested.

Life is a lot easier when I menu plan because there's no blank staring into the fridge at 3 o'clock wondering what I'm going to feed my family - and then sending Matt to subway.

Try it today! ...or tomorrow since today's a holiday!

Family Friday

2010-12-31T12:08:00.000-05:00

Wow, it's the last day of 2010. How much my life has changed this year.

I can honestly say that this year has brought me the most intense ups and downs.

Maybe it's the postpartum emotional state I'm in anyway, but I get emotional just thinking about it.

At the beginning of the year I had a miscarriage. It was something that was too painful for me to talk about for months. After waiting so long for another baby, it just seemed unfair, but I was secure in knowing that God had a plan and knew what he was doing. It just hurt so bad. I still think about that little baby and it's hard for me to say that I only have two children when anyone asks - because in my heart, I have three.

A month after our sad loss, we found out we were pregnant again. We were overjoyed but kept quiet for a while out of fear.

In June we moved back into the house I grew up in. How stressful! But, I love the house and it's perfect for our family. I love having a finished game room, two bathrooms, and a cul-de-sac for the girls to play on. Our street is so much quieter. I do miss my old neighbors, but the new ones are pretty cool too!

Hannah started Kindergarten in the fall. Academically, she does fantastic. I was not, however, prepared for the emotional struggle she would have leaving me every morning. We'd both end up in tears and the after school exhaustion only made things more difficult. We finally got into a pattern and routine and things settled down. Moving, starting full-day Kindergarten and having a baby sister on the way is a lot for a five year old - especially when moms lap, though still welcoming, is shrinking! While excited about all of this, she also had a lot of anxiety and fear. I guess this is just part of the journey of parenting and growing up.

Then, during the last 10 weeks of my pregnancy, the doctors informed me that little Emma Grace wasn't growing like she should. This began the 10 weeks of constant worrying, monitoring, testing, and specialist visits to check on her. I'm grateful for the doctors and their precaution. That's important to me. They wanted to induce a week before my due date. We packed up and got ourselves ready only to be sent home after the induction failed. I'm glad they didn't force the induction, but boy was I disappointed to come home with Emma still in my belly. A week later, November 29, 2010 at 12:58pm, little Emma Grace made her entrance into the world. She was a peanut at 5lb 14oz and 18 inches long, but she was perfectly healthy and beautiful. There's nothing like the pure bliss of holding your baby in your arms for the first time.

I feel like things are going pretty smoothly and I'm thankful that, through all of this, my eyes have stayed healthy. I pray they stay that way! I'm anxious about germs and sickness because of the season and the holidays - and at 4 weeks, Emma has already had a cold. I thank God she hasn't had a fever or breathing issues. As I sit here looking at a full year gone by, my family recovering from the excitement of celebrating our Savior's birth and from colds (Matt's just getting hit with it now,) I'm grateful to God for saving my life and for blessing me with a family that I couldn't have thought up in my wildest of dreams. I have a husband who is unlike any other and two gorgeous and amazing little girls. I pray that they grow up serving and loving the God who has blessed our family in so many ways.

I pray that the beauty of this year carries over in the many to come. I pray that our family and yours is blessed with health and joy and peace. I pray that I can serve God with all that's in me, do everything as if I'm doing it for him and cast my cares and concerns onto Him fully, trusting that He's going to take care of things.

My family has been through so many transitions this year, but as I sit on the floor in Hannah's room, listening to Matt read her stories and look at Emma sleeping next to me (serenading me with some serious GAS) - I am at peace and filled with a contentment that brings me so much joy.

Thank you for the part that YOU have played in our lives this year. We have been so blessed by the love of family and friends on this journey and we love each and every one of you who has touched us in one way or another.

I leave you with a verse that gets me through life.

Philippians 4:4-9

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Scrumptious Saturday - Low Fat Granola - Melissa's Way

2010-11-13T08:00:00.002-05:00

Ingredients

8 cups Quick Cooking Oats (you can use Old Fashioned)
1/4 cup honey
3/4 cup agave nectar
1/2 cup unsweetened all-natural applesauce
1/2 cup canola oil
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup sliced almonds/walnuts
1 cup raisins

I have been messing with a low-fat granola recipe that satisfies the craving that I have for the full-fat version I've been making for a couple years. It's been a difficult transition for me - because I really love the full-fat version. To Hannah - she prefers the ZERO-fat version. Weird. So, I think I've got it. I still include a little bit of oil and probably a little more sugar than I should have but - the agave is good for you, doesn't spike your blood pressure, and the honey has antioxidants.

Here's what I did.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Take a two cup measuring cup and add the oil, honey, agave, and applesauce. You'll only dirty one measuring cup for this step :)

Dump the mixture into a large sauce pan and heat until it starts to bubble. Add cinnamon and vanilla and mix well. Remove from heat and add oats and nuts. Stir until thoroughly combined.

Spread evenly between two baking sheets with sides.

Bake for about 35 minutes, stirring every ten.

Remove from the oven when granola looks crisp. Let cool. Add raisins or other dried fruit - and eat.

*You can substitute all honey if you don't have agave, add coconut if you like it, and change up the nuts or dried fruit.*

Family Friday - Does Guilt Come with Parenting?

2010-11-12T04:11:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling so guilty.

Hannah got an invitation to a birthday party. It's for a little girl in her school that I know she plays with and interacts with a good bit. We just got the invite on Monday in the mail and the party is tomorrow. I didn't even tell her about it. Matt said he would take her to the party, but I just asked him to call and tell them we couldn't make it.

I feel awful.

First of all - the party is at Chuck E. Cheese. Despite the fact that I'm a germ-a-phobe, you have to at least agree with me that, that is one germ infested place. I know she comes in contact with this stuff every day at school, I just really don't want to risk her getting sick with all that's going around, all that she's been through physically and emotionally, and the possibility that she might be sick when the baby comes (which could happen anyway.)

Second of all - We are constantly moving. With all of the stress of this pregnancy and how she's been managing school (which is finally settling down) I just hate to add ANOTHER thing to her schedule. Last weekend was an overload of events and I just feel like we need some downtime as a family - and she needs time to relax and recoup from the week.

Lastly, HOLY COW! MONEY. It's not a big deal to buy a gift for a kid, but come on. There's always something. I'm trying to finish Christmas shopping before Emma comes, we have to get a roof leak fixed, and our car is getting inspected today...Our 10 year old car. There's always some kind of birthday party or event to buy something for. Sometimes you just have to say no!

This post should have been encouraging YOU about how guilt is a natural emotion as a parent and we just need to learn to keep it in check, but I'm just feeling guilty about not telling her about it. I know she would have had a blast going to this party.

Am I just being selfish??

Maybe we'll do something else fun tomorrow or something.

Thankful Thursday

2010-11-11T20:41:00.000-05:00

Sigh....

I know a lot of you have been wondering what's going on, and I've been pretty much MIA since my appointment today.

I was at the doctor's from 9:15am to 1pm. It's really enough to drive one insane. I'll spare you the annoying details and get to the specifics.

Emma fell below the 10th percentile and didn't gain much weight since the last ultrasound.

I'M THANKFUL THAT she is in no distress and, other than lack of weight gain, looks fine. (She's hairy like the rest of us too!)

I'm not dilated or they'd induce me now. So, I'll be seen two times a week to be checked to see if I'm dilated at all and to do a non stress test on the baby. If I start to dilate at any time, they'll induce. If Emma doesn't look good at any time, they'll induce. (They don't want to do so beforehand because of a high risk for a C Section.)

If I never dilate, I will be induced no later than Wednesday, November 24 (the day before Thanksgiving.) Who's bringing me turkey in the hospital???

Please pray that my body prepares itself so that it's ready for labor, and that Emma is completely healthy AND FAT. They believe she's just physiologically small at this point.

I'm frustrated and worried. I just want her to be healthy and I don't want to have a C Section. I just don't understand why she's so small and not growing well. I feel myself detaching from her a little bit emotionally because I can tell anxiety will take over if I don't.

I'll let you know what happens Monday. I'm hoping I'm dilated!

Wellness Wednesday - Nesting

2010-11-10T10:42:00.000-05:00

I'm 37 weeks! Full Term! CELEBRATE!

I have a doctor appointment tomorrow along with an ultrasound and a non stress test. If the baby hasn't grown enough, and falls below the 10th percentile, there's a chance they might induce this weekend. So, I'm spending today making lists and finishing up my bag packing.

I feel bad saying that part of me WANTS them to take her out tomorrow. I'm getting uncomfortable and cranky. One friend looked at me yesterday and exclaimed with much zeal that I have dropped. I told her not to tease me! I'm having a lot of pain...pretty much everywhere. Lots of contractions...and some delightful mood swings. I know it's par for the course, and ultimately I want Emma to stay in my belly as long as she can, but can you blame a girl for wanting to wear pants with a zipper??

Another important thing I'm doing today. Vacuuming the blinds and the baseboards...Weird. It's been bugging me - and I love to vacuum.

I need to fold clothes now and get some more things done.

I'll do my best to keep you posted if it's time to have the baby this weekend.

Tips and Hints Tuesday - Stop your cookies from burning

2010-11-09T06:45:00.000-05:00

I have a couple of old, dark cookie sheets that I now only use for roasting vegetables. They burn my cookies and anything delicate that I put in them.

I have the lighter colored air-bake cookie sheets and I love them, but I've run into a problem.

When I make granola that needs stirred (my low-fat recipe will finally be posted on Saturday) those pans don't work, because they don't have sides. But, when I try to use my dark cookie sheets, the granola turns to BLACK in about 5 minutes.

Not ready to buy more cookie sheets, I simply used a piece of parchment paper to line the dark pan and my granola came out perfectly.

I was surprised at the expensive cost of parchment paper, but for as long as it lasts, it's worth it. Plus, it's way cheaper than buying new cookie sheets for one recipe!

Money Monday - Cars

2010-11-01T16:11:00.000-04:00

Well, I feel like we've learned some lessons the hard way.

We've been duped by mechanics and it's getting old. Last month we paid $400 to "guarantee a fix" to our car and got completely cheated. We had the car back to the mechanic 3 times and each time, it was worse than the last.

When we took there, the engine lagged a bit when you first started the car. After they "fixed" it, it stalled every time you started it.

We got about $75 back and learned that location may be convenient, but reliability and honesty is better.

Our car is due for inspection and we're going to drive a little further for the honesty we know we'll get from someone else. I don't mind paying a little more if my car is going to be fixed! Just don't lie to me.

Matt has been putting a $3 bottle of "Gum Out" in the gas tank at every other fill up. Now, not only is the car not stalling, it's not lagging at all either...Pretty sad that our $9 fix cost us over $325 and 3 days without our car.

It's just difficult when you don't know about cars enough to argue with a mechanic. Oh well - lesson learned.

Thankful Thursday - AHHHH my sweet bed has found me.

2010-10-28T15:38:00.000-04:00

35 weeks today.

Well, Thursdays are my doctor day and just like the last 2 - I was there ALL DAY (9:30am-2pm) with this one. This child is going to send me to the nut house.

When I got to the doctor they put me right on the monitors for my non stress test (NST). I was armed with Kool-Aid and a Poptart to get that little sucker moving so I didn't have to go over to the hospital again.

For twenty minutes that kid didn't move AT ALL. Turd. Her heart rate was steady but barely even moved - which isn't good. The nurse took the printout to the doctor who came in and said, "You're having an ultrasound." But, from the time the nurse left until the doctor came in, little Emma was going NUTS. I told him she was moving again and he looked and said she looked good now. Whew.

So, I go back for my appointment. He measures my belly. STILL NO GROWTH!! I'm still 30 stinking centimeters (should be 35). My belly hasn't grown in 4 weeks and I had no weight gain from my last appointment (even though my scale at home said 2lb.)

I can tell he's going back and for in his head between:

1. The baby is just small because I'm small.

2. What if something else is wrong?

He says - "Get dressed, I'm sending you to Allegheny General for a special ultrasound." He then walks out of the room leaving the door OPEN. That was interesting.

Finally a nurse came in and said that I was to go down to AGH to see a perinatologist who specializes in these sort of things to get a higher level ultrasound. We would see what she said and then, "discuss delivery options."

Enter lump in throat.

I call Matt and tell him he should probably come home because who knew if they were going to send me right to be induced if the ultrasound showed Emma in distress.

The appointment there was extremely fast. Baby looks good...She's SMALL. She's gained some weight since last week and stands (or swims) at about 4lb 13oz and in the 12th percentile. It looks like my placenta is functioning well, the cord is functioning well, and her heart beat, movement and fluid are all great. GREAT.

Concern: Her belly is what's measuring small. This can indicate lack of nutrients. So, they'll keep doing what they're doing. If she doesn't stay on HER growth curve (meaning a half pound of weight gain a week) she's coming out. Even if I do make it to 39/40 weeks the perinatologist wants to get her out. We want to leave the baby in as long as possible, but not too long. We have to weigh what's safer for Emma and if I'm full term - she might as well come out to be monitored.

So, I'm pretty calm about the whole thing. Matt never even made it down to AGH, but it was nice to have him here when I got home. He set up my pillows and my computer in our bedroom so I could lay here while he went to get Hannah from school. He's a good husband.

Lastly, Emma looks just like Hannah on the ultrasound. Big old lips and same button nose. It's so calming to see that precious face on there and know my beautiful second little girl is doing okay. She just likes to give people a run for their money. I guess I'm okay with that.

I'll post her ultrasound picture later. I think Matt took it with him to show Hannah. Thanks for all your prayers and concern.

Family Friday - Updates

2010-10-22T08:12:00.001-04:00

These are two front pictures of just Emma's face. The top of her head is to the left. Her big Terebessy lips are to the right. We couldn't get a good 4D shot because her arms blocked her face completely.

Well I went in for my 34 week appointment and ultrasound yesterday.

Little Emma is...well, little.

In three weeks she has only gained about a half a pound. I was so hoping for a pound and a half.

She's about 4lb. She fell from the 37th percentile to the 18th percentile. This is concerning.

Good news? Everything else is good: Her heart rate, her movement, fluid levels, placenta - all look very good. This hopefully indicates that Emma is just a small baby.

The decided to do a non stress test (NST) at the office to monitor the baby's heart rate and fetal movement. Emma kept moving away from the heart monitor causing them not to get a good reading so I had to go over to the hospital AGAIN. I was there from 10:30am - 4pm. She looked good other than one heart rate dip to about 70. They think she might have just stepped on her cord briefly.

Here's the plan:

I will have appointments weekly with NSTs each time. As long as those are consistently good, at 37 weeks (3 weeks from now) I will have another ultrasound at which time they will determine whether Emma is safer inside my belly or outside. I may be induced then.

How do I feel? I was really hoping she was going to bigger than she is, but my ultimate hope was that they'd let me keep her inside for a couple more weeks, and I got that so I'm leaving it in God's hands. I am, however, extremely annoyed because my husband has forbidden me to exercise even though all the doctors said I still can. I'm completely miserable about it and I don't want any comments from the rest of you about how you agree with him - because I just don't wanna hear it! :)

----------------------------

As for our firstborn, she's doing well right now. Her persistent vomiting is currently on hiatus. I'm extremely disappointed in our pediatrician as I feel like she went way overboard with her suggestions as to what it could be and was trying to scare me. She spoke way to bluntly in front of Hannah saying she could die from a twisted bowel. After taking Hannah to the nutritionist, they found that she has a parasite and gave me a calming spray to help with her anxiety.

If, after a month, Hannah does not show improvement, we will move forward with the doctor's suggestions for an upper GI and blood work. At this point, to me, that just seems like overkill.

------------------------------

I am looking forward to spending time with my family at Open Mic night tonight and at Zoo Boo tomorrow. There's lots of fun fall stuff going on and I'm loving the crisp cool weather.

Lots of love to those of you who care about all this stuff :) Thank you for your encouragement and prayers and stories of success. It is so helpful to know that I'm loved.

Wellness Wednesday - Hitting home

2010-10-20T07:30:00.001-04:00

Oh this is so hard for me to write about. I don't like to write about my "emotions." I can show my emotions and I can give factual information - but when it comes to admitting weakness...ick.

There are two issues at hand here and one maybe causing the other.

You all know we've been worried about the baby's size. I have an ultrasound tomorrow morning at 10:30am and would appreciate your prayers for lots of growth and a healthy looking Emma. As of my last measurements, the size of my stomach hasn't grown in 3 weeks. Hopefully that doesn't mean the baby hasn't grown.

My nutritionist heard of what was going on and called me. She is one of the most amazing people I've met. People wonder why I'm so obsessed with Health Horizons in Oakmont...It's because they care about PEOPLE, not MONEY.

Anyhow, apparently she had the same thing happen with her fourth pregnancy. Her midwife told her to rest. Well, she had three kids at home and it was the middle of summer. There was no chance of her taking a two hour nap in the middle of the day. So she told me she began resting as soon as she put her kids to bed at night, every night and from then on, the baby began growing well again.

I know I'm over-doing it. I can't help myself. I just can't stop doing things. No one is telling me I have to stop exercising, but that I need to rest. There is something in me that's overtaking common sense.

These are the things I think about constantly every day:

How much weight am I gaining? (I'm eating plenty and gaining normally)
The house needs to be clean and organized.
I need to have food prepared for after the baby is here.
I need to get my work done.
I need to get the budget updated.
I need to get my scrapbook caught up before Emma gets here.

These are the things I focus on after I get Hannah to school and before I pick her up. When she's home - we have a whole routine that I'm focused on. I don't sit.

Anyhow Dr. Palombini told me I'm probably running off adrenaline and that I just need to find time to relax in the middle of the day. I told her that when I sit down in the middle of the day - I fall asleep for two hours - and that just confirms what she's saying.

Here's the part that's hard to share. After two afternoons spent in Labor & Delivery for dehydration and contractions on top of all this growth stuff, I told Matt that part of me just wishes they'd put me on bed rest. It would free me from the overwhelming pressure to constantly be getting things done. Do I really want to be on bed rest? Of course not. I guess I just wanted permission from a doctor to stop.

Pregnant people who act like invalids drive me crazy. I don't want to be physically limited because I'm pregnant. Maybe that's flawed thinking. Too far one-sided. Too extreme. Obviously it is, because I've reached my max. And today, I was given permission to stop. Now granted - I do this to myself. My husband, family and friends have been giving that permission (and telling me I'm nuts) for months. I just needed to hear it from a doctor.

This won't be easy for me. I'm not going to stop exercising and I'm not going to stop my cleaning routines. But I am going to make time to lay down and relax in the afternoons. I have to.

In the evenings, I'll let Matt take over a little more. He already takes over with Hannah once he gets here, but I always feel like I have to have her bathed and in her jammies when he gets home. He's more than able and willing to do that stuff for me.

So there you go. I'm not superwoman. I'm a weakling who has just aired her flaws in cyberspace.

(Wanna know what I'm thinking? I hope I have time to rest AND make a double batch of that mexican casserole tomorrow.)

:)

Wellness Wednesday - Is this pregnancy over yet?

2010-10-13T16:45:00.002-04:00

I went to the doctor's for a routine check up this morning.

Last night I had two dreams -

1. They told me something wasn't right with the baby.
2. I got stuck in an elevator (I hate elevators!)

Hence the start of my day...

I drop Hannah off at school. I haven't been feeling well, and while waiting for my appointment I had 8 contractions.

After running ANOTHER test for preterm labor - he says the baby is still small and that he wants me to go over to Labor and Delivery at the hospital to be monitored while we wait for the results of the tests.

My measurements were the same as 2 weeks ago - but he said that doesn't necessarily mean it's accurate since two different doctors were measuring me.

I was 30cm - and I should have been 33cm.

So I go over to the hospital - and see the same nurses who tortured me with needles last time.

All the while I'm thinking - I have so much to do today - and no one is giving me ANY explanation as to WHY the baby is small.

Finally - we determine that I will NOT go into preterm labor based on the test results. I am mildly dehydrated AGAIN, and that I need to start going in for weekly ultrasounds. The problem would be (if she's not just a small tyke) that the placenta is not giving my little one enough nutrients to grow for whatever reason. If at anytime, Emma hasn't grown since the previous week's measurements - they're taking her out immediately...Um....yikes.

The doctor on call at the hospital said that Emma's size according to my LAST ultrasound was small but not excessively small.

So I left the hospital and I'm continuing on with life. On my way out, I asked the nurses where the STAIRS were!

Please pray this little girl keeps growing strong.

Scrumptious Saturday - Italian Herb Bread

2010-10-02T11:53:00.002-04:00

Nicki at Domestic Cents has THE GREATEST bread recipes. I highly recommend you head over there to check out more than just this one I got from her listed below. She has a great blog too!
This bread is absolutely amazing I can't stop eating it! I'm going to try to make shredded Italian Roast beef and make sandwich buns from this dough...YUMMY!
Italian Herb Bread
(adapted from allrecipes)

3 cups warm water
1 tsp. white sugar
2 tbsp. (or 2 packets) active dry yeast
1 tbsp. salt
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. dried basil
7 cups all-purpose flour
cornmeal

Directions:

Dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water for about 10 minutes until it appears slightly foamy and creates small bubbles (this is proofing).
Stir in 4 cups of flour and beat it until it’s smooth. Then let it rest for 15 minutes.
Beat in the salt and herbs. Add remaining flour, one cup at a time, until it forms a firm dough.
Knead until it is smooth and springy. This is going to take about 8 minutes or so if you knead it by hand. It needs to be very smooth in order to have a fantastic consistency.
Place it in a greased bowl and turn it over so that the dough is greased all over (you don’t want it sticking to the bowl). Cover dough with a cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for one hour.
Punch it down gently and divide into 3 balls. Lightly grease 2 cookie sheets (be sure you pick two that will fit in your oven at the same time) then sprinkle lightly with cornmeal (cornmeal is optional, but I like it). Form dough into either long or round loaves on the cookie sheets. Use a very sharp knife a cut a few slits in the top of the loaves. Cover and let rise about 30 more minutes.
Bake in a 450F degree oven for about 20 minutes. The top should be golden brown and the bottom of the loaf should sound hollow when tapped.

Wellness Wednesday - A Day in the Hospital

2010-09-29T05:59:00.000-04:00

Ah well - I suppose I was due.

Saturday morning, I just wasn't feeling right. I was feeling a lot of pressure among other things that just left me uncomfortable. I called the on-call doctor at the hospital who said I was probably fine, but to come in anyway.

I went in through the ER but was quickly whisked up to Labor and Delivery when they could see I was having trouble standing.

Can I just say - that from this point on - I have never had a more torturous experience??!! I've always been satisfied with Forbes Hospital. They delivered Hannah and took out my appendix. Neither procedure was easy on my body - but I was fine.

THIS VISIT WAS TORTURE!

I am NOT a fan of residents. I know they have to do what they have to do - but please don't practice on me! One procedure left me with two bite marks in my arm because it was so painful. I don't like to think of myself as a wimp, or someone with low pain tolerance - but this was just awful.

After registering 4 contractions at 5 minutes apart and confirming that I was dehydrated - the nurses insisted on IV fluids. This was so frustrating! For the last 2 or 3 days I had be MEASURING my water to make sure I was drinking AT LEAST 8 glasses a day!

Well, the first nurse tried twice to start the IV line with no success. Blood everywhere. 4 MORE PEOPLE TRIED. JAMMING WRIGGLING AND GIVING ME THE PLAY-by-PLAY about how they were hitting valves and such. I wanted to puke. Finally they had to call anesthesia in to run the stupid line.

I'm scarred.

Once the contractions slowed and the IV was in - they let me go home waiting to confirm test results that preliminarily indicate that I also have an infection as well. Emma was fine the whole time - spunkily moving herself off the monitor constantly.

I came home very depressed, feeling tortured and bummed at a beautiful Saturday with my family wasted - and even more irritated that our Red Box movie was going to be a day late. Blah.

Glad baby is healthy and staying put for now - but I am subsequently now nervous about labor and delivery - which I was not before!

Tips and Hints Tuesday - Just Do It!

2010-09-28T08:00:00.002-04:00

How many times do you sit around and say to yourself...

I have to remember to do __________.

I can't forget to pay the ____________bill.

I can never remember to _______________.

Instead of writing yourself notes, making to-do lists, or simply TRYING to remember, when you think of that "thing," get up and DO IT! Right now.

You might be tired, you might be in the middle of something, but just go get it done. It makes such a huge difference especially when it's something you can do very quickly. If you do things right away - you won't forget to do it and your mind will be so much less bogged down.

So...JUST DO IT!

Money Monday - When you get discouraged.

2010-09-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

Money is overwhelming, frustrating and discouraging at times.

When, on your journey to financial freedom, you're feeling like you're never going to "arrive" and maybe even like quitting - let me remind you of a few things.

Every step forward is one closer to your goal. BABY STEPS.

The freedom that comes with a lack of debt is worth a difficult journey to get there.

It's always easier to get yourself INTO a mess than it is to get OUT.

Work hard now, be rich later! Be stupid now, PAY PAY PAY FOREVER!

Focus on mini goals instead of the end goal.

Look how far you've come, not how far you have to go.

You can do this!!!!!!!

It's great being debt free and all. I know we're doing pretty well building our emergency fund and saving to pay cash for cars, but I'm sick of paying for car repairs and inching our way to our goals. I want to buy maternity clothes, stuff for the nursery, artwork for my house and furniture for my bedroom. The attic floor needs put in and the siding is STILL damaged from the snow in February. I'm feeling discouraged because there's just not enough money to all of this stuff right now AND buy a new car. Within the next year we need to come up with at least $9,000 and that just seems like a huge goal with a new baby on the way in 9 weeks! So, as you can see, I need some encouragement myself.

Does the discouragement make it worth it to me to go out and finance a car?

Nope.

That answer will always be the same.

So, that said, we might as well suck it up, look how far we've come, and keep plugging away!

Spiritual Sunday - No Quitting!

2010-09-26T11:16:00.000-04:00

It's amazing to me, as I read Nehemiah, how nothing stopped him. He went into Jerusalem to rebuild the wall. The government officials were not happy in the least with him. He had been told he had no authority to come in and do what he was doing. But his response was always - "God is with me." and "The God of Heaven will help us succeed." (Nehemiah 2:20)

It's so interesting how quickly we quit, forget about God, or assume he's abandoned us. Look what Nehemiah faced - ultimately death, but he knew God was with him, so he plugged away. Was he afraid? I'm sure. But, when you have the God of the universe on your side and you BELIEVE it, I suppose you make it through.

Today's encouragement: No quitting!

Scrumptious Saturday

2010-09-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

Some of you have been asking for the pizza dough recipe that I've been using. It's quick and easy and I've adapted it to make my own "hot pockets" for the freezer for lunches.

This is the straight up pizza dough recipe. Please note that I use half white and half wheat flour.

If I am making pockets - I make the dough and then keep cutting the dough in half until I have around 30 little golf ball sized balls.

I roll them in my hands and flatten them out on the table with my rolling pin. I put 1 teaspoon of filling in the dough. If you put more in, you will be sorry! It overflows and doesn't seal properly.

Then I fold the dough over, pinch it shut and use the back of a fork to seal the edges.

Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.

FILLING:
Whatever you want!

Pick a meat, a veggie and a binder - with seasonings to your liking.

I've done:

roasting chicken, broccoli and a light cheese/light ranch dressing mixture to bind
pepperoni, spinach, sauce and mozzarella
turkey, broccoli and cheddar/light sour cream to bind

The options for fillings are endless. Just prepare and have slightly cooled before you roll out your dough.

Family Friday - Stuff to do this Weekend.

2010-09-24T13:39:00.000-04:00

FREE American Girl Doll Event at Michael's Craft stores from 10am to 2pm. Check your local store to see if they are participating.

Locally - Harvest Festival - Saturday, September 25 11am-5pm
Carpenter Log House (Pierson Run Rd - Boyce Park - Plum)

Entertainments
Crafters
Re-enactors
Scarecrow Making
Chidren's Games
Food

Thankful Thursday

2010-09-24T06:34:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted in a week or so. Things have just been pretty busy I guess - but I am very thankful this week for many things....

Hannah is FINALLY starting to adjust to Kindergarten! For the most part, this week she's been back to her old self with the exception of yesterday. She was asleep by 7pm! I think we're going to need to figure out some sort of adjustment regarding Wednesday night church - because she's losing over 2 hours of sleep that night. The options are - she doesn't go OR I go down to Nexus to set up earlier in the day and give her a nap after school. We'll try both and see what happens.

I'm in the 10 week countdown! I've always told pregnant people - wait until you get to the 10 week countdown - it goes fast (until the last 2 weeks that is!!) Woo hoo!

I'm thankful I'm back into reading my Bible. I'm still on my journey from reading the Bible from start to finish and this morning I made it to Esther!

I'm thankful God still loves me when I'm stupid...because I just realized it's not Thursday - It's Friday.

Wellness Wednesday - How about a little laugh?

2010-09-15T11:59:00.000-04:00

Tips and Hints Tuesday - Racing mind keep you up at night?

2010-09-14T10:13:00.001-04:00

If you're like me, the second I lay down to go to sleep, my mind starts racing.

I need to remember this at the grocery store....
Hannah's library book needs turned in on Friday...
I have to take something out of the freezer in the morning for dinner...

Sound familiar?

Keep a post-it note pad and a pen beside your bed. When your mind starts racing, jot down what you need to remember and leave it for the morning. This has helped me to relax on many occasions! Happy rest time!

Money Monday - Little Budget Busters

2010-09-13T11:47:00.000-04:00

For this Monday - I want to look at some things that nickel and dime your budget away, leaving you asking, "Where did it all go?" at the end of the month. Here are a few that come to mind this morning.

Purchasing coffee out each morning - I know a lot of people like their morning cup of coffee from [insert favorite cafe here], but you spend so much more money than you would if you made your coffee at home! If you're a Starbucks/Dunkin' Donuts fan - even consider purchasing their brand to make in your own coffee pot!

MONEY MATTERS: Here's what coffee's costing you and how much you can save by dripping your own. Data received from Financial Edge.

Leaving Lights On - We're having such a hard time with this since we've moved. There are light switches and lamps everywhere. There are no overhead lights, so we need to make a conscious effort to shut off the lamps. There are always lights on! Pay attention to how much light you need and switch them off when you leave the room! Consider purchasing the lower wattage fluorescent lights.

MONEY MATTERS: You can save 10%-20% on your energy costs simply but turning off lights.

Not planning ahead (errands/trips/purchases) - If you plan ahead, you can save a ton of money on plane tickets, clothing, gifts, and gas. By knowing at the beginning of the money/day/year what you need to be prepared for - you can plan by looking for sales, deals and coupons.

Something as simple as running your daily errands can cost you more money than necessary. If you know what needs done in a day - plan your route so that you're not backtracking or forgetting what needs done - so you have to make extra trips. Try to do all your errands in one day (even if you're tired and don't feel like it!) You'll be glad it's done and your car will use MUCH less gas!

Letting the water run while brushing your teeth You can save up to 8 GALLONS of water a day by shutting of the water when brushing your teeth!

Skipping the meal planning/shopping list/coupons Now - I've been lazy more recently, but if you don't plan for your meals, you spend A LOT more money.

MONEY MATTERS: By scanning sale ads, meal planning, digging for coupons and checking my cupboards so I don't make double purchases - I'd say I save at lease $80 a month. Now when we were hard core and paying off all our debt, our grocery budget was $150-$200 per month for the 3 of us and less than $40 a month was spent on eating out. I don't go THAT crazy now, but our grocery budget (including toiletries, paper products and cleaning supplies) is at about $300 a month which still isn't bad.

Buying school lunches At $2 a day that's $40 a month per child for your kid to eat CRAP - but that's another story. Making your own lunches can be very quick if you plan ahead with freezer cooking, much healthier and definitely cheaper!

Interest and Fees
Overdraft fees, parking tickets, interest payments, and NSF fees are all a result of poor planning. Budget, know what's in your checking account and work hard to have an emergency fund for unexpected expenses to avoid these fees.

MONEY MATTERS: According to a study produced by Dartmouth College it is reported that the "average cost of annual fees for a share draft account at a bank was $183.14. Of those fees three-fourths of them came from NSF/Overdraft fees."

So in the end, walk away with this. The little things do matter. They can add up to a lot of cash that leaves you wondering why there is so much month left at the end of the money. Small changes add up to big ones that may just help you get started on your road to financial freedom.

Spiritual Sunday - It's pretty simple.

2010-09-12T06:06:00.001-04:00

I'm still reading through the Bible and working my way through 2 Chronicles. I'm almost on to Ezra!

I know it's the Old Testament and things have changed under the New Testament, but sometimes I'm just fascinated by the stupidity of some of the ancestors of David who reigned as kings during this time - and how it's applicable to today. Maybe hindsight is 20/20, but come on.

It's totally clear that when these guys followed God and tried to please Him, He blessed them....and when they didn't...he didn't. It's this total back and forth game they play where success abounds when these people align themselves with God, and destruction ensues when they try to do their own thing.

Uh...sound familiar?

This is totally how we live our lives today! It's not that our lives are perfect when we follow Jesus - but the puzzle pieces certainly fit together much better!

I leave you with this:

Proverbs 8:32 And so my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful.

Scrumptious Saturday - Leftover Bananas?

2010-09-11T09:37:00.002-04:00

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE BANANA MUFFINS

So yummy - I added some Peanut Butter Icing to mine :)

Family Friday - Discipline - For Myself?

2010-09-10T07:10:00.000-04:00

It's been a difficult two weeks. I never anticipated the struggle that we would have with Hannah starting Kindergarten. She's always been an independent and well-behaved kid and I was sure she'd move into the change seamlessly. Although, things weren't as bad as they could have been, I simply wasn't prepared.

The transition into Kindergarten has meant adapting to very long days, earlier bedtimes, and frustrations and anxieties surrounding both of those things. Simply put - she was tired and she missed her parents.

I put funny notes in her lunch box and a picture of the family in her folder - but still I was noticing a pattern. Every morning, Hannah would throw a tantrum about something - a two-year-old tantrum. It instantly sent me into anger-mode. I just don't tolerate her fits over her shoes, or the back of her shirt feeling "weird" when she sits in her car seat. Everything was a battle. Then I'd yell at her and she would cry and the morning would be a disaster. WHAT HAPPENED TO MY SWEET LITTLE GIRL??!!??!?

Then came homework time. We just...clash. I'm guessing it's because we're so much alike. Matt told me to let him manage homework time, but I refuse to dump it in his lap because I can't get control of my relationship and communication with my daughter. I went to school to become a teacher for goodness sake!

After days of fighting over scissors techniques - I feel like I'm starting to make progress.

Notice I said "I" and not "she."

I believe that there are times when we, as parents need to discipline ourselves. This has been extremely difficult for me - and all I can say is that I'm making progress.

In the mornings, I've come to ANTICIPATE Hannah picking a fight about SOMETHING right before it's time to leave for school. Instead of getting angry - I remind myself that this is coming from anxiety. I purposely change the tone of my voice to a kind one and give her a hug. It's amazing how much smoother the morning goes when I'm prepared for her attitude. It's quickly dissipated and things are fine.

During homework time (which is right after school) I have learned to WALK AWAY unless she needs my help. She doesn't do well when I hover. When she becomes angry - I CONSCIOUSLY LOWER MY VOICE and ask her if she's frustrated and if I can help. Then I'll check her work at the end.

Asking "ARE YOU FEELING FRUSTRATED?" seems to immediately validate her feelings and relax her.

Lastly, I HAVE TO REMIND MYSELF to COMPLIMENT GOOD WORK AND BEHAVIOR. I think I've heard that for every criticism, there should be 7 praises. I need to do better with that.

After a day or two, I feel like we're finally making progress and our days aren't ending with both of us in tears!

So - it's a little twist today. Think about disciplining YOURSELF to get better behavior from your kids. Sometimes I think we can encourage bad behavior by how we respond!

Thankful Thursday!

2010-09-09T07:01:00.000-04:00

Today I am thankful for last night!

We had our kickoff Junior High Service to start of the school year and it was AWESOME!

54 students in grades 6-8 came out for meet with Jesus and have a great time. I always leave Nexus recharged by their energy and passion. It was amazing to see the fantastic group of senior highers and volunteer staff loving on Junior Highers and praying over them. It truly makes me feel like I'm part of something worthwhile and important.

After a difficult day, I ended the night with my heart filled up - thankful to be able to make relationships with students and help to show them a path that will save them from so much heartache during their teenage years and for the rest of their lives.

For that and many other things - I am thankful today.

What are you thankful for?

Wellness Wednesday - Update

2010-09-08T15:09:00.000-04:00

You know - I'm so consumed with the new baby, that I never talk about my eyes anymore.

That's because - thankfully - there's nothing to talk about!

I had an eye doctor visit today with my favorite specialist and everything is fantastic. I had to confess that I only use one of the 3 drops I'm supposed to be putting in my eyes because I don't feel like it does anything!

The first lady I saw (who checks my stats and vision) gave me a bit of a hard time about it and put in my chart "NOT FOLLOWING DOCTOR'S RECOMMENDATIONS."

Yikes!

So, I told my doc I really wasn't using them because I didn't think I needed them and he said to go ahead and stop them because my eyes look great...So there, lady.

Other than that - I'm feeling pretty darn fantastic and looking forward to seeing my junior highers again tonight. I'm nervous about the stress that Wednesdays will bring now that Hannah is in school full time. She really needs her sleep! It's just a busy day - but I know we'll adjust.

Hope you're all feeling mighty healthy today! I gotta run to pick up my baby and get a move on with this evening!

Tips and Hints Tuesday - Left Over Hair Conditioner

2010-09-07T06:50:00.000-04:00

Okay, let me just say I think this post is kind of silly. I have leftover hair conditioner and I'm too cheap to throw it away - but don't care to use it on my hair. So, I'm looking for other things to do with it, so it doesn't go to waste. If you have any ideas that are better than the ones I've found - please comment.

If you're wondering what to do with what's left in the bottle, here are some ideas.

Make a detangler spray - Mix a couple tablespoons of conditioner and fill up a spray bottle with water and voila!
Eye make up remover - Eh, I don't like this idea. I think Vasaline works very well and seems so much safer. I wouldn't do this.
Use it as a UPC label remover on merchandise.
Use after you clean paintbrushes to keep them pliable. After washing, apply conditioner and let sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.
Use it to remove fake tattoos.
Use instead of shaving gel.
Rinsing pantyhose with conditioner supposedly gets rid of static cling.

I don't know that I'll keep that bottle of conditioner long enough to try all this stuff, but there are some good ideas for alternative uses. I just hate waste!

Money Monday - CHEAP home renovation.

2010-09-06T06:47:00.000-04:00

I hope you're all enjoying your holiday Monday! I took a couple days off from blogging and really enjoyed spending a long weekend with my family after the first week of school. But, it's Monday morning at about 6:30am and I'm back to the grind, albeit enjoying the quietness of early morning.

I have been able to exercise and spend time reading my Bible already this morning, and I feel well!

If you are friends with me on facebook, you have no doubt, been seeing my excitement in our progress in little Miss Emma's bedroom. We removed carpet in 2 of our bedrooms when we moved into the house, but never managed to refinished the fairly beat up floors. Everyone told us it was a time consuming and expensive job.

Then, one of our friends mentioned that our floors didn't look stained and it seemed like they just might need a light sanding a clear coat of polyurethane. Well, that's the idea we investigated for Baby Emma's room. We aren't tackling the other bedrooms yet because it's a toxic job and the rooms are full of furniture!

None the less - I am excited to show you the finished project which (because it was a smallish room) took a minimal amount of labor and get this....$20!!!!!! That's why this is a Money Monday post, because I'm shocked at the outcome for such a cheap price and little hassle.

Here are the before and after photos:

I can't tell you how excited I am! Now I want to do the other floors!

Happy Labor Day everyone! (I'm giving Matt the day off :)

Family Friday - FINALLY

2010-09-03T08:00:00.001-04:00

Today's Family Friday will express my excitement that my brother Ricky and his wife Doreen are flying on a one way trip from Houston to Pittsburgh this Saturday! They are moving back here for good! I believe it's been 3 years since Ricky has moved down there (2 since Doreen joined him when they were married.)

I'm sure Houston and Johnson Space Center will miss him, but Hannah wants her uncle (and his "moon boots") here. While skyping, Uncle Ricky pretends to wear moon boots that make him float around the screen and Hannah thinks it's hilarious. She's certain that they will run out of batteries by the time he gets home.

Aunt Doreen always picks out the best dresses totally suited to Hannah's taste. She knows just how to love on her neice(s) and nephews!

So, gushing aside, I'm glad to have my family close by and hope they won't get sick of us too quickly.

WELCOME BACK RICKY AND DOREEN!!

Thankful Thursday!

2010-09-02T08:19:00.001-04:00

27 weeks Finished - 3RD AND FINAL TRIMESTER!!!!

I'm feeling huge, but thankful that things are still going well with little Baby Emma. She loves when Hannah talks to her and always goes nuts when she hears her voice!

First day of school.

This was all I got of the first full day of school. I should have taken pictures of the half day we went with her the day before.

Here, she was irritated that I was taking pictures and milking some sympathy hugs out of her daddy! That said, she loves going to school and has been coming out of her bedroom in the mornings completely dressed.

What more could I ask for!?

Wellness Wednesday - Vaccinations

2010-09-01T14:59:00.001-04:00

As our little bambinos head back to school, doctor well-visits ensue.

Since Hannah has a late birthday (she just turned 5 last week), she goes literally right before school starts and every year I think about vaccinations.

When she was an infant, I AGONIZED over vaccinations. Is the MMR going to give her autism? What if she gets sick as a result of the vaccine? I felt like I couldn't win - which in turn helped me to understand delayed vaccinations and those that are spread out.

Each year when this time comes around, I reevaluate my feelings on the necessity of yearly vaccinations and flu shots. Even with all of the "natural" tones my life has been taking over the last couple of years, as of right now, I'm settling comfortably with "pro-vaccine" status.

Why?

Well, I guess my response is, why not? Don't reply to this post with a list of "why nots" PLEASE. I have done a lot of digging and feel educated in the somewhat rare side effects of vaccines and have decided that, for my family the benefits of vaccines outweigh the risks.

Some childhood diseases that were once eradicated, seem to be popping up again due to the number of individuals foregoing vaccines for them. The argument that "my child will not get a disease because it's long gone" can't be used. It's "long gone" because we're vaccinating!

Even the flu vaccine, which many people skip, can be beneficial. Why would I put my daughter through fever, chills, and missed school days if I don't have to? Now, don't get me wrong - I really worried about the swine flu vaccine and chose not to get it for anyone in my family. I was adamant that they weren't going to test a new drug on the people I love! But, most of these vaccines have been around for ages and have been well-studied.

One vaccine that does concern me is the chicken pox vaccine - as I heard one can lose his immunity to it over the years, putting people at risk for shingles - which is so much worse than childhood chicken pox. This bothers me.

On the flip side, I worry about little baby Emma who can't get a flu vaccine and worry about children who have never been vaccinated coming in contact with her - if that should ever happen.

So, I'm settling on vaccinations. I do have concerns, but at this point have decided to move forward.

.

Tips And Hints Tuesday - My Binder...

2010-08-31T08:30:00.000-04:00

....is not finished.

It's functioning well for me and I've been debating all morning on whether or not to show it to you (as I've actually gotten some requests to see it!) because it isn't perfect.

But then, As I sit here, I'm thinking - it doesn't need to be perfect, it needs to be functional.

You all know I use my daily life organizer and I posted a link to what it looks like on last week's Tips And Hint's Tuesday. Basically it has a list of chores to do each day, spread out over the week, slots to check off my water intake, Bible reading and blogging.

Then in my binder I have dividers that allow me to plan out my day in a more detailed way. I'll write down everything that needs accomplished in the order I want to do it.

I have a tab and loose leaf paper for meal planning, projects, longer term to-dos, shopping lists, budgeting, and a pocket in the back to hold my coupons. It's really nice to have everything in one spot and when I think of something - I can quickly jot it down in the appropriate area helping me not to forget things! There's also a folder in there to hold miscellaneous things. It's been really great and for the most part, I'm sticking with it. I don't beat myself up if I miss something - but it's easy to get back on track - and things are getting done.

Here are a couple poor quality pictures of my primitive little binder.

This photo is flipped, but it's the front of the binder showing where I jot down my detailed daily plans.

This is the back of the binder which shows my coupon pocket and the folder for stray items.

Money Monday - Christmas Shopping...Now?

2010-08-30T07:07:00.000-04:00

It's not so ironic that I'm already thinking about money this morning! Since it's the 30th, I was really hoping my paycheck would hit the bank today instead of tomorrow (the 31st), but I must wait another day. Oh well, I supposed we will survive. Looks like a spaghetti night for dinner, $10 in the gas tank, and one more day to stay away from retail therapy.

Since we had a month without a mortgage payment, we've been really trying to save enough this month to put that money into our savings account in order to replace some of what was used in the move. Sitting down to budget for September has been somewhat daunting as our mortgage and utilities have increased, we need more car and home repairs, and we have a baby on the way!

With all of this going on - I'm going to be very diligent (starting now) about saving for the holidays, and Christmas shopping early. I figured we can probably do Christmas in $400 or less this year, so if we save $100 a month, starting now - we should be good.

I also want to be done shopping by mid November since I'm due December 1. Who needs the stress of holiday shopping in the middle of December with a newborn and a Kindergartner? NOT ME!

So today - if you're with me, mentally plan out how you'll pay for Christmas this year. Set aside $5 here and $10 there. I know - I've never done it before either - but you'll be so glad when December comes around and you have money set aside for gifts! You can leave that credit card at home! Now that's getting rid of holiday stress!

Scrumptious Saturday - Making

2010-08-28T18:02:00.000-04:00

We had two of our favorite guests for dinner tonight and decided to make our own pizzas! We had a great time. I didn't feel like ordering out because I'm sick of fast food, preservatives, and not knowing what's in my food.

So, I made some homemade sauce, pulled some part-skim and fresh mozzarella from the fridge, and started my own quick wheat pizza dough recipe which you can find here at Hillbilly Housewife. I used 2 cups of wheat flour and 2 cups of white. The dough tasted great and the recipe was requested by Cierra herself :)

I liked this activity because we all had fun. Hannah - who's 5, all the way to Cierra - who's 11.

Here are some pictures of our good time.

Truly a scrumptious Saturday!

Family Friday - Getting Ready for #2

2010-08-27T09:15:00.000-04:00

You all saw my embarrassing pictures I posted of Emma's room a week or two ago. If you want to ogle at it, it's right here.

Well, I haven't posted the pictures, but the NEXT DAY - her room looked like this:

I would say that's a significant improvement for one day! Now to get rid of that carpet and redo the floors. Im ready to get this show on the road! I'll keep you updated on our progress with that.

I'm itching to do something fun tonight. I want to buy things. I want new furniture for our bedroom and side table lamps. I wanted wall lamps, but I know the cords will drive me INSANE! Any tips on that?

I'm just looking forward to hanging out with my family this weekend. Hannah has an appointment at the eye doctor this afternoon after we have lunch with a student who has graduated and is leaving us to move across the country for college. HOW RUDE! :)

It is the last Friday I'll have with my baby before she's in Kindergarten all day every day. She's so excited!

Well, off to be efficient!

Thankful Thursday!

2010-08-26T07:33:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a little bit exhausting for me! I got a lot of stuff done, but ended up working a lot more than I had planned and snapping at Hannah too much.

This morning I feel fresh and ready to start my day! After about seven and a half hours of sleep I've done a half hour of yoga, read my Bible, made my bed, cleaned the downstairs bathroom and got Hannah breakfast.

I AM THANKFUL FOR MY NEW SCHEDULE. Hannah and I both do so much better on a schedule. I'm much more productive and less lazy. I have been scheduling EVERYTHING, from an hour to rest, to blogging, even playtime with Hannah.

Scheduling allows me to not feel guilty stopping one thing and moving on to the next. It also helps me not to feel SO overwhelmed about everything that needs done, that I do nothing.

Also - I'm thankful for the sweet little girl who sings to my belly, and for the one inside who kicks back.

I'm thankful for my sweet husband who waits on me hand and foot and puts up with my minor mood swings.

Lastly, this morning, I'm thankful for PRETZEL M&Ms!

Hope you all have a day where you can find things to be thankful for all around you!

Wellness Wednesday - Easy Ways to Maintain A Healthy Weight

2010-08-25T06:17:00.000-04:00

Well, if you're trying to manage you're weight and you're anything like me, you can put away food without even realizing how much you're consuming. Some days I just try to forget what I ate because I am able to consume massive quantities without batting an eyelash!

I'm not a fan of dieting, eating only sprouts and grapefruit, or counting points. What has worked for me in the past consists of 4 very simple steps.

1. 30 minutes of cardio most days. I don't beat myself up if I miss a day, but my rule is - I can't miss more than one day in a row.

2. One Plate Rule No seconds. This is hard for me because I like to pick - especially when I'm putting food away.

3. Keep A Food Log Write down what you're eating. You'll be surprised at how much you're consuming with a little taste here and a little snack there.

4. Don't Eat After 6pm period.

As you can see, my tips do not include specific foods although I eat fruits and vegetable every day. I allow myself junk here and there and I eat dessert...every day. I need something sweet!

At this point - you can't totally model yourself after me because I'm gaining a half a pound a week! But, before I started growing a baby, I was able to maintain a very healthy weight and BMI by doing these things.

Start that log today! And remember, write it ALL down! You'll be less likely to eat randomly if you have to account for it!

Tips And Hints Tuesday - More On Organization

2010-08-24T06:33:00.000-04:00

Call it nesting or call it the start of a busy school year, but I have an itch to get everything in order. Lately, I've been feeling like I'm accomplishing a quarter of what needs done in a day. I'm finding that I become so overwhelmed with what needs to be done, that I do nothing. So, last night I took the bull by the horns.

If you're feeling like I did last night, let me recommend some ideas to get you back on track. Who knows how long it will last, but so far I feel fresh and ready to go.

A while back I showed you my Daily Life Organizer. Since moving and having life change, I've altered it a bit to suit me now, but I'm going to try to pick this back up again. But before I even looked at that, I sat down with a piece of paper and wrote down the goals that were important for me to maintain each day. These are things that I feel fulfill my family and me on a daily basis.

My list looked like this (in no particular order):

Bible Reading
Active play with hannah
Meal planning
Time with Matt
Exercise
Catch up on Scrapbooking
Work
Computer time
Blogging
Emma's Room
Budgeting/Bills

If you look at my list - not one item includes cleaning...perplexing.

I look at it this way - In order to accomplish the above goals - I need to organize my day so that I have TIME for the things I WANT to do.

So (and I realize this sounds neurotic) - I planned out my day today - last night. I wrote down what I want to have accomplished during time frames the entire day. Crazy? Maybe. But, I find myself killing hours doing virtually nothing and have nothing to show for my day at bed time, leaving me feeling useless, unaccomplished, and still overwhelmed with what needs done.

So, today's tip is to PLAN YOUR DAY. Write it down and check it off. It will get you motivated and help you to accomplish your to dos. I find writing it on paper is better for me than typing it on a computer.

Next week - I'll let you in on the Organizational Binder I'm creating. Hopefully I'll still be using it by then!

Spiritual Sunday - A Glimpse Into The Future - From the Past

2010-08-22T08:00:00.004-04:00

I find it fascinating to see what God said through the prophets about the coming of Christ. Back in Chronicles, as David is thinking about building a better housing structure for the ark, God reminds him, through the prophet Nathan what his real purpose is, and I find it simply amazing.

"And now I declare that the Lord will build a house for you - a dynasty of Kings! For when you die, I will raise up one of your sons, and I will make his kingdom strong. He is the one who will build a house - a temple - for me. And I will establish his throne forever. I will be his father and he will be my son. I will not take my unfailing love from him as I took it from Saul, who ruled before you. I will establish him over my dynasty and my kingdom for all time and his throne will be secure forever."

1 Chronicles 17:10-14 (NLT)

Imagine how David felt. Jesus was to come from his bloodline. It's just fascinating to me, as well as a reminder of the might and power of God!

Wellness Wednesday - What's lurking in your hair/skin products

2010-08-18T09:00:00.000-04:00

Say hello to 25 weeks. It's 3am as I type this post and can't sleep because Hannah is having some pre-K jitters and I have some sort of pregnancy related stuffed up nose that's driving me NUTS!

Other than that and my large butt, I'm feeling fine and so is the rest of the family which I'm thankful for.

On to Wellness Wednesday:

Natural and organic products can be so expensive, but do you know what's in your shampoo? Your makeup? Many of us have heard of the term parabens and that they're bad, but why? Last time I checked (5 days ago) Johnson and Johnson still has them in their baby wash - so it can't be that bad right?

I was reading an article in this month's Taste For Life magazine that I receive free at the health food store near me and it made me shudder once again.

"Parabens are preservatives found in 75-90% of all conventional beauty care products. They can travel to body tissue and mimic the hormone estrogen." Have you heard of the rise in breast cancer? It has an entire awareness month! Much of the breast cancer seen recently is "estrogen fed." So many products (including soy) mimic estrogen in the body and are worth taking a second look at. It's been all but unanimously decided that synthetic estrogen is less than ideal for women going through menopause, but look at the other ways it's sneaking into our bodies!

"Propylene glycol is used to help seal in moisture, but it can contain impurities such as LEAD, NICKLE, or [get this!] ARSENIC!! It is also the active ingredient in ANTIFREEZE." This sickens me. Look at your makeup containers and your children's shampoo bottles, but stand near the toilet in case this bother's you as much as it bother's me.

Suave Naturals brand is an inexpensive way to avoid some of this. Their shampoo and body washes for children lack the aforementioned items, but I just checked my body wash which contains propylene glycol.

Obviously everything seems to be bad for us these days, and we can't win. I just suggest making minor changes where you can. Too much can be expensive and overwhelming, but education is the best weapon. BE INFORMED.

Tips And Hints Tuesday - Home Organization

2010-08-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

I don't know if it's early nesting or what, but I have been wanting everything to be in it's place. The baby's room is a mess and is going to need to be started soon - but for the last 5 months, I've been throwing anything and everything baby related in there. In fact, as of a few days ago, you couldn't even open the door. I would have taken a picture if I could have.

I've been throwing all of my maternity clothes in there and every baby item given to me to borrow or have - not to mention all of Hannah's outgrown clothes. It's a mess. And, as I just went in there to take before pictures - I just realized why I never actually post before pictures. It's embarrassing. But, I must squelch the preconceived notions some of you have of me, thinking that I'm always neat - because it is as far from the truth as it could be. Ask my mom :)

So, please keep in mind, that I have actually STARTED in this room. I have sorted and labeled maternity clothes and put most of them in my drawers after saying goodbye to the last of my pre pregnancy pants and tiny tees.

This is what I'm working on.

That's not every angle, but it's all you're getting.

So, my tip for you today to motivate you to move is to SNAP A COUPLE BEFORE PICTURES! I guarantee you'll be motivated to take some "afters!" I'll include mine in the MONTHS ahead. We're a ways off completion in this room

Money Monday - Snagging Deals

2010-08-16T08:00:00.001-04:00

An update on the depleted emergency fund after our home purchase? By the end of this month we will be 57% of the way there, and then we'll need to start saving for cars.

Today's Monday Post is about "deals." How often do you shrug sales/deals/coupons off, or throw them away because it's only a few dollars, or you can't make time for them?

Tonight, we went to Kohls. I didn't feel like going, but we went. We had received a $10 coupon in the mail and we tried to use it last week, before it was valid and had to put our $10 worth of stuff back because I am so cheap!

We went back today and got a new bed pillow for Matt, a three way picture frame for me, and a shirt for "Red White & Blue Day" for Hannah and we paid...get this...$1.66. They weren't frivolous purchases because we have been thinking about buying those things and we spent next to nothing to get them.

Sometimes it's worth paying attention to what comes in the mail, coupons, circulars, or random deals. If you scout, you can get some great deals - just make sure you know what you're looking for and what you need.

Spiritual Sunday

2010-08-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

I'm just reminded in my devotions how beautiful, mighty and powerful my God is.

Let the whole world sing to the Lord!
Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.
Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.
Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.
Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!

1 Chronicles 16:23-24 (NLT)

Isn't that a beautiful reminder?

I'm still on my journey through the Bible - though it is moving slowly. I'm not quitting!

Scrumptious Saturday - Asian Grilled Green Beans

2010-08-14T08:00:00.000-04:00

I have air conditioning, but my kitchen becomes STIFLING when I cook and it's hot outside, so we've been using our grill. I made these green beans and even Hannah, who prefers canned, said they were her favorite.

Ingredients:

1tbsp brown sugar
1tbsp canola oil (can use sesame oil)
1 tbsp teriyaki sauce
1/4 tsp garlic powder (to taste)
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
1 1/2 lb. fresh green beans, cleaned with ends snapped
1 medium sweet onion thinly sliced

In a bowl combine and mix first five ingredients and onion. Toss in green beans and coat well.

Put the vegetables and sauce mixture on top of two sheets of heavy duty foil (about 18 inches). You can do two pouches if you need too. Roll foil edges up to create packet and seal completely.

Place on the grill for 18-22 minutes (25 minutes if you like your green beans soft like we do)

Remove and open carefully.

Delicious.

Family Friday - Reflections

2010-08-13T08:00:00.001-04:00

3 & 4 year old first day of preschool pictures.

It always surprises me when I become emotional about something I don't think I'm going to get emotional about.

Enter my firstborn starting Kindergarten in 3 weeks.

She's ready. She's excited. She will thrive.

I'm ready. I'm excited. I will thrive too.

At least I THOUGHT all that stuff.

As of two nights ago I decided:

I'm not ready - I could use another year.

I'm not excited - I'm afraid she'll get lost on her way from my car to her classroom.

I will not thrive - I will be lonely.

I know these feelings are normal, I just didn't expect to have them. I burst into tears as I was laying in bed the other night thinking about how I will see my daughter for MAYBE 4 hours a day after 5 years of having her attached at my hip. I don't do anything by myself.

I had to think; have I used the time I've had with her to the best of my capabilities? Did I teach her all she needed to know before starting school? How to behave? How to be kind? How to be strong and independent?

Did I yell too much? Did I play enough? Does she know how much I love her? Will she be safe?

All that to say, the next day, we read books, sang songs, played barbies and I let her paint my toes. :)

I'm going to miss having my baby girl with me all day every day. I know there will be plusses, and with the new baby coming soon, it'll ultimately be a blessing, but I can't help but shed a tear over a season ending.

I'm very glad, however, at the season beginning. I'm excited for Hannah and I know she's ready to embark on this new adventure! So, I'll be ready too, to hold her hand and guide her through albeit from a further distance than I'd prefer!

Thankful Thursday!

2010-08-12T08:00:00.004-04:00

I'm generally pretty thankful these days.

But lately.....besides all the normal stuff, I'm thankful for this.

I heart my dishwasher. It's as close to cloning myself as I've managed to get!

Wellness Wednesday - Water

2010-08-11T08:03:00.005-04:00

I really need to get back into regular blogging because I miss it, and because Facebook can't handle all my thoughts and comments!

Today I am 24 weeks pregnant and feeling very well. I wish I could eat a little less, but it's a bit out of control :)

I've managed to continue a pretty normal exercise routine which I'm very glad about. I'd like to keep exercising until delivery, but realistically, I may have to slow things down to a walk during the last month. I have 16 weeks to go!

Here's my 24 week picture:

Anyhow, I do have a wellness Wednesday discussion for you. WATER!

Typically, I could go an entire day without a drink of ANYTHING. I'm not generally a thirsty person and I don't love water. Give me juice, and I'll drink the entire half-gallon in a day. But, since I don't like to drink my calories, I usually drink NOTHING.

That's just not working for me now. It's so amazing how getting enough water changes your body. You fill up faster, and if you have digestive issues, getting enough of it may completely restore you to regularity. And, during this heat, swelling, water retention, and dehydration are a given! It is also thought that many headache-sufferers are lacking in water intake.

When I drink my full 8 glasses of water, I feel completely different - but it can be hard to get it in.

This is how I get water down:

Get a BPA free water bottle that you really like. I love this one in pink at Target.

Get the packets of Crystal Light Pure Fitness packets and sprinkle a little bit in your water every once in a while. No artificial sweeteners!

Make a conscious effort to fill up a glass and drink it down in between meals. Chugging water at meals inhibits digestion.

When at a restaurant, try to drink your first glass of water before your meal comes.

Drink it at room temperature. It goes down easier.

So - go get some water :)

Tips And Hints Tuesday - School Organization

2010-08-10T08:49:00.005-04:00

As I struggle to believe that this little girl...

is now this little girl...

...I must think about school starting an organization. It's getting late, but we still do not have Hannah's teacher assignment, or instructions for the first day. However, the school calendar came out and I put all of dates she has off as well as holidays and school makeup days on my calendar.

Doing this will help you to have this information at your fingertips when planning family vacations and activities.

If you don't use a regular calendar, get one and use it.

Here are some of my back to school tips:

1. Put dates on your calendar: show and tell, school breaks, and permission slip due dates as soon as they come in.
2. USE YOUR CALENDAR!
3. Have a folder or a centrally located bin for each child's papers and stuff.
4. For every piece of artwork you save - throw three away. If you feel guilty about this, explain to your child that he or she must pick a favorite and toss the rest his/herself. There's just not enough room for all that paper clutter.
5. Have a clearly set after school routine. Your kids will appreciate it. I believe ours will look something like this.
6. Pack those backpacks and lunches at NIGHT so you're not rushing in the morning.

15-30 minutes to relax/snack
HOMEWORK
Dinner
Family Time/Play Time
Bath/Bible/Bed

Find what works for you, but have a plan. Things go much smoother.

Family Friday - Bowl For Free

2010-07-16T09:06:00.000-04:00

Too hot, too rainy, too muggy??

If the outdoors is wearing you out and you're looking for some free fun indoors, head over to bowlforfree.com to print of some coupons for free bowling at bowling lanes in your area.

It's hard to find stuff to do as a family that doesn't break the bank, so it's nice to find something free!

Have fun and have a great time with your family this weekend.

We have A LOT going on!

Matt's brother is in town from California and tomorrow we have a baby shower, birthday party and graduation party. I'm tired and FULL just thinking about it!

I love time with family though! Have a great weekend!

Life As I Know It

Tips and Hints Tuesday - Restaurants Where Your Kids Eat Free

Money Monday - Coupon Sites That Really Save

Family Friday - Magic Window

Tips And Hints Tuesday: Significantly Cut your Energy Bill TODAY

Spiritual Sunday - Deep Breath

Psalm 121

Scrumptious Saturday - 10 ideas for Smoothies

Freebie Friday

Don't tell him I told you...

Money Monday - One Day Late

Spiritual Sunday - It's been a while

Thankful Thursday - Thankful for the Little Big Things :)

Mommy Monday

Random Blog

Spiritual Sunday

2 Corinthians 5:4-8 (New International Version)

2 Corinthians 5:4-8 (New Living Translation)

6 So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. 7 For we live by believing and not by seeing. 8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.

NEW RECIPE! Broccoli Chicken Muffins

Money Monday - Some freebies and savings

Wellness Wednesday

Tips and Hints Tuesday - Storing Towels, for Michele.

Money Monday - Coming Back Around...

Scrumptious Saturday - Light 'n Hearty Easy Chicken Pot Pie

Scrumptious Saturday - Chocolate Oat Squares

Family Friday

Not-So-Well Wednesday

Tips and Hints Tuesday - Making Your Own Bread with BAGEL RECIPE!

Money Monday - Refinancing, is it worth it?

Scrumptious Saturday - Best Candy Ever

Family Friday - Planning Conversation

Thankful Thursday - Wouldn't You Be?

Wellness Wednesday - An Expensive Way to Beat Winter Blues

Tips and Hints Tuesday - Storing Sheets

Spiritual Sunday - Feeling the whole world's against you?

If you feel like the whole world's against you, and you just can't do anything right, you're not alone! King David felt this way too, and he cried out to God who rescued him. That was so many years ago, thousands of years ago - and we can still call on the same God in the same way.

Psalm 3 (New Living Translation)

Psalm 3

A psalm of David, regarding the time David fled from his son Absalom.

Thankful Thursday - Still Reeling

Wellness Wednesday - Shut it off!

Tips And Hints Tuesday - The Witching Hour

Money Monday - Hodge Podge•Home Repair/Updates/Etc

Family Friday with a bit of Thankful Thursday added...

Wellness Wednesday - The Truth About Chicken

Wellness Wednesday - Be Nice To Yourself

Tips And Hints Tuesday - Hot Spots

Money Monday - FREE STUFF

Spiritual Sunday

Tips & Hints - Simple reminder to shorten after-dinner clean-up

Money Monday - Are you paying attention?

Spiritual Sunday - Wisdom Trumps Age

Scrumptious Saturday - Perfect Baked Fries

Family Friday - Lighten Up

Thankful Thursday

Money Money - Tax Time

Spiritual Sunday - Wisdom

Scrumptious Saturday - Back in the Saddle

Family Friday

Scrumptious Saturday - Low Fat Granola - Melissa's Way

Family Friday - Does Guilt Come with Parenting?

Thankful Thursday

Wellness Wednesday - Nesting

Tips and Hints Tuesday - Stop your cookies from burning

Money Monday - Cars

Thankful Thursday - AHHHH my sweet bed has found me.

Family Friday - Updates

Wellness Wednesday - Hitting home

Wellness Wednesday - Is this pregnancy over yet?

Scrumptious Saturday - Italian Herb Bread

Wellness Wednesday - A Day in the Hospital

Tips and Hints Tuesday - Just Do It!

Money Monday - When you get discouraged.

Spiritual Sunday - No Quitting!

Scrumptious Saturday

Family Friday - Stuff to do this Weekend.

Thankful Thursday

Wellness Wednesday - How about a little laugh?

Tips and Hints Tuesday - Racing mind keep you up at night?