Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo

This is a great and inspiring story about four year old Colton and what he experiences during his appendectomy surgery. His family finds out in their daily conversations that he had visited heaven during his surgery. He gives details about Jesus, God, the Holy spirit and loved ones who passed away.

I read this book in about 3 days it is such a easy to follow and great read. You will not be able to wait for what Colton says next about his visit to heaven and how it teaches the community and his family even more about faith, hope and love. This is a spiritual uplifting book and will build your faith in how great God, Jesus and The Holy spirit is and how they work together for the good of all. Colton was near deaths door and came back to tell about how wonderful Heaven is and how real it is.

Inspiring Friday: December 30, 2011

"Faith is not about everything turning out OK; Faith is about being OK no matter how things turn out." – Unknown

"We are the Bibles the world is reading; We are the creeds the world is needing; We are the sermons the world is heeding." – Billy Graham

"If life be short [which it is], then moderate your worldly cares and projects; do not cumber yourselves with too much provision for a short voyage." – Thomas Manton

"During my 87 years, I have witnessed a whole succession of technological revolutions. But none of them has done away with the need for character in the individual or the ability to think." – Bernard Baruch, financier

"I would rather live my life as if there is a God, and die to find out there isn't, rather than to live my life as if there isn't, and die to find out there is." – Unknown

Here is another one of a kind item from Goodwill. In fact it has a one of a kind tag that says blue planet creations handmade by Merry. At $1.99 it was hard to resist a purse that would be hard to find anywhere else. How I Love owls and Goodwill.

Is it a mail holder or napkin holder

I went to Goodwill today on a mission. I am looking for my autumn palette of colors to wear since they are the colors that look the best on me. I mostly had these colors, but decided to really be ruthless and go through my closet again. Most of what I have now is my color palette. Skirts and pants can be any colors that will match my tops that I have on hand. I do have some black cardigans and a blazer but I do use them along with a color from my autumn spectrum. I found the Color me Beautiful book at a thrift store that shows all the colors that look best on me. I also wanted to find something to display and keep my earrings together instead of throwing them in a old wipes container like I had been doing which took too long to dig through and as a mother of four time is very precious :)
I went on the hunt for something with holes in it, but not necessarily an earring holder. I found something perfect at the As Is side ( this is the discounted side that I shop the most for clothes, where can you beat .69 cent kids cloths and $1.29 adults?) I found what I think is an office mail holder or maybe a industrial looking napkin holder. It was .59 cents and it works like a charm :) I Love it. I can use the front and back and the middle for bracelets. I love shopping at Goodwill.

Happy 6th Birthday Brookie

We made it through all the kids b-days this year :) Brooklyn turned 6 yesterday (December 27th, 2011)I think she had a great day and received many nice gifts. I loved when she opened something and said, " Just what I always wanted" she loved everything.

Merry Christmas

I am so excited it is the eve upon my/our savior, Jesus Christ's birth. If you have not seen The Nativity Story movie, it is a great adaptation of the time leading up to Christ's birth and a bit after. We watch it every year and look forward to it. I am always trying to come up with ways to put Jesus at the center of Christmas where he belongs and not get caught up in the meaninglessness and consumerism that it can be turned into. Our kids will open gifts before we go to Christmas service but we will let them know how the wise men brought Jesus gifts and how Jesus gave the best gift of all. This year we are staying home and having a Christmas dinner and I am going to read about Christ's birth and we may even watch The Nativity Story again :)

Luke 2:9-12
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. (10) And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. (11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (12) And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:13-14
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, (14) “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Isaiah 9:6-7
(6) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (7) Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

Praise to God that Jesus is alive today just waiting for us to open our hearts to him. What a wonderful blessing God has given us in his son. May everyone have a safe and Merry Christmas and while you are spending time with your loved ones, make sure you reflect on the reason for the season.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whomever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life"

Inspiring Friday: December 23 2011

"Along the pathway of the stars we toil toward the moon and Mars ... have we lost our mind in leaving Bethlehem behind?" – Johnston G. Patrick

"Man is a creature who buys football tickets three months in advance, but waits until Christmas Eve to do his Christmas shopping." – sermons.com

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord'" (Luke 2:8-11).

Frosted Sugar Cookies

Get out your sprinkles and all your measuring cups, spoons, mixing bowls and most important your kids to help you make and decorate some sugar cookies. This is a fun and frugal activity to do with your kids. My kids were so excited to help, we had a lot of fun and made a wonderful memory. If you want to use cookie cutters bring them out and a rolling pin :)

I found the cookie recipe from allrecipes.com and it was submitted by Stephanie

Ingredients:
2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda and baking powder. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets. (we used a rolling pin and cookie cutters for ours)
3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let stand on cookie sheet 2 minutes before removing to cool on wire rack.

I found the vanilla frosting recipe on Cooks.com
Ingredients:
3 Cups powdered sugar
1/2 Cup butter, softened
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
about 2 tablespoons milk

Mix powdered sugar and butter. Stir in vanilla and milk. Beat until smooth and of spreading consistency. This will frost a 13x9 inch cake or fills and frosts two 8 or 9 inch cake layers or frosts 24 cupcakes. (or in my case a batch of sugar cookies)

We had fun making these cookies and though some where misshapen and not perfect they tasted delicious and looked festive.

My oldest turned 11

Not to be cliche, but it just seems like yesterday I went into labor and my first born was born on a snowy day on December 16, 2000. Yes, you read that right my oldest (whom first made me a mom) turned 11 on Friday. Here is my boy making a silly face after blowing out his candles.

Inspiring Friday: December 16, 2011

"When filled with holy truth, the mind rests." – C. H. Spurgeon

"The attitude you have as a parent is what your kids will learn from more than what you tell them. They don't remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are." – Jim Henson, Creator of The Muppets

"Self-discipline is the ability to make yourself do what you should do when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not." – Elbert Hubbard

"We first make our habits, and then our habits make us." – John Dryden

God's word for December 12, 2011

Why are children viewed as a burden instead of a blessing? Why do other people care about how many children someone else has? Why does it bother them that they choose to have kids instead of riches and other such endeavors? Why do they think they can determine when someone should get fixed or be done because they don't need anymore? I notice these days it is viewed as selfish to live your life for God and what he may want for you life, but acceptable to live your life for yourself and all the worldly things you want, if that makes any sense LOL. There are many reasons why this occurs, that I don't want to get into here. I must remind myself that God's word never changes on the subject. His word remains and holds true. I do believe children are a blessing from him and should be treated as such. Let me remember this and thank him for my children everyday and appreciate the type of love and joy they bring to my life that has not been able to be matched by any other on earth. Although, my husband does come pretty close but that is a whole other subject :)

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
(Psalms 127:3-5 ESV)

And when Esau lifted up his eyes and saw the women and children, he said, “Who are these with you?” Jacob said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.”
(Genesis 33:5 ESV)

But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, “‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’?”
(Matthew 21:15-16 ESV)

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.
(Matthew 18:10 ESV)

"I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world." Jeremiah 1:5

God has a plan for each of us, that is what his word said and that has not changed, Amen :)

Buckeyes

This is a recipe from allrecipes.com submitted by Tammy Winters
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups peanut butter 1 cup buttersoftened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 cups confectioners' sugar ( I only had 4 cups on hand seem to work just as well)
4 cups semisweet chocolate chips ( I was about 1/4 cup short)

Directions:
1.In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, butter, vanilla and sugar. Roll into 1 inch balls and place on a waxed lined cookie sheet.
2. Press a toothpick into the top of each ball (I used one toothpick to put the ball into the melted chocolate) and chill in the freezer until firm, about 30 minutes.
3. Melt chocolate chips in double boiler or in a bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir frequently until smooth. (I melted in a pan on medium heat and stirred frequently until melted)
4. Dip frozen peanut butter balls in chocolate holding onto the toothpick. Leave a small portion of peanut butter showing at the top to make them like Buckeyes. Put back on cookie sheet and refrigerate until serving.

I found this to be a tedious endeavor, but I figure the next time I can have my kids help more with the chocolate since I will know what to expect the second time around. They were however, very delicious so worth the time it took to dip them in chocolate.

Inspiring Friday: December 9, 2011

"Evil grows when goodness doesn't stand." – Glen Beck

"We cannot do everything at once, but we can do something at once." – Calvin Coolidge

"It's not what you do once in awhile; it's what you do day in and day out that makes the difference." – Jenny Craig

Inspiring Friday: December 2, 2011

"You have set yourself a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere." – Helen Adams Keller

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." – Christian martyr, James Elliot

"The most important thing in any relationship is not what you get but what you give.... In any case, the giving of love is an education in itself." – Eleanor Roosevelt

"Character is the ability to carry out a good resolution long after the excitement of the moment has passed." – Cavett Robert

"Some of the best tasting and nutrient filled fruits are rather small. We don't need to do something big. We just need to do something that bears fruit." – Ray Lammie

God's word for November 30, 2011

Do you ever think a person should have a sign that says "Does not play well with others?" I may be this person at times. My oldest son has a classmate at school that was once a friend and now seems to be his enemy. I have not been able to fully understand how this happened, but I do tell him to pray for his friend or ex friend now. I see some hurt and pain in this child. It reminds me to apply it to adults as well. When I get upset with someone even someone that is not my enemy I need to pray for them first thing. This helps heal my hurt as well. I have done this and it may take awhile but God is good and it helps tremendously, so that I can be the loving and forgiving person God has called me to be. After all, this is my temporary home and instead of worrying about treasures on earth I want to store them in heaven :) I have a very important job to do on earth while I am here. I pledge to never give up doing good even in a world that has gone bad.

"Love your enemies! Do good to them! Lend to them! And don't be concerned that they might not repay. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to the unthankful and to those who are wicked! You must be compassionate, just as the Father is compassionate."

Luke 6:35-36 NLT

Logan turns 1

My baby turned 1 on November 26, 2011. It is hard to believe that a year ago he came into this world and how much he has grown since that day. I enjoy watching his personality shine and his abilities flourish. He had a very Happy Birthday. We love him so much and thank God for him.

Inspiring Friday: November 25, 2011

"You mend your automobile on the spot when something breaks. Don't let your life be going on with something crippled in it." – John Wanamaker

"Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value." – Albert Einstein

"Unbelief puts our circumstance between us and God, but faith puts God between us and our circumstances." – F.B. Meyer

"Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of God no matter what the conflict." – Unknown

God's word for November 24, 2011

Matthew 25:34-40

New International Version (NIV)

³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

This is a great scripture that is perfect for not only today but everyday. I love God's word it gives hope, builds faith and instructs one how to live a fruitful and intentional life. Happy Thanksgiving to all and watch for signs and people whom may just be the Lord in disguise or someone that Jesus wants you to help to show his love. God is good all the time.

I am Thankful For.............................................................

I am thankful for so many things and even in these hard times I strive to say Thanks to my Lord and thanks to all the people I encounter whom have given me a service and those I have never met but are serving (for instance all those in the military). Some days can look pretty bad or something can go wrong, but I must remember that God is still God and in control. Everything I have is because of him and I am here today because of him. He has met my families needs and continues to do so. He has shown me he cares for us. Thank you Lord for all you do in my life. I will fully rely on you. Thank you for your blessings and love. I not only want to remember you on this Thanksgiving holiday but everyday that I have breath.

I am grateful for:

Jesus, my savior
My husband
My children
Military
Food
House
Vehicles
Bills being paid
All right Everything and everyone in my life :)

I just want to take the time to tell God how much he means to me and give thanks for my life. I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs is an great tool that empowers the reader to understand the male and female role in marriage and how to improve communication, team work and the marriage overall. Women desire Love and men desire Respect. When a woman is being loved she will give respect and when a man is receiving respect he responds with love. When these needs are not being met the Crazy Cycle occurs but some steps can be made to prevent it and replace it with the Energizing Cycle. God made us this way to give men and women a deeper and understanding marital relationship. Ephesians 5:33 "However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." This book gives insight to what makes us different and why God made us this way for a greater purpose in our marriage.

I found this book easy to understand and apply. It has a section for just the husband to read and one for the wife so that they can study it together and apply the principles that will work for each one. This book related to the struggles and triumphs of married couples with many examples and even some about the author and his wife. I enjoyed gaining insight on how to have a great marriage in Christ. I realized why my husband and I may react negatively to each other and how to prevent such occurrences from happening often. I highly recommend this book to other married couples :) I have a greater understanding not only of my husband but of myself as well.

Inspiring Friday: November 18, 2011

"You can't shake hands with a clenched fist." – Indira Gandhi

"A great flame follows a little spark." – Dante Alighieri

"We don't love others when we find them beautiful, we find others beautiful when we love them." – Josei Toda

"Great love and great achievements involve great risks." – Tenzin Gyatso

Brotherly Love

I just love this picture :) All my kids love their baby brother. This was taken on November 14, 2011.

Inspiring Friday for November 11, 2011

"Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them. You will find that they haven't half the strength you think they have." – Norman Vincent Peale

"Only those who knock deserve to find an open door." – Unknown

"Don't blame others for your failure to be fully accountable for your own life. If others are to blame then you have given them control." – Bob Perks

"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all." – Dale Carnegie

God's word for November 9, 2011

I read from Proverbs today, which I love and want to share a few scriptures:

"To learn you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction." Proverbs 11: 12

"It is possible to give freely and become more wealthy, but those who are stingy will lose everything." Proverbs 11: 24

"Trust in your money and down you go! But the godly flourish like leaves in spring" Proverbs: 11:28

"If you refuse to discipline your children, it proves you don't love them; if you love your children, you will be prompt to discipline them." Proverbs 11: 24

I loved all I read in Proverbs today, but I wanted to share a few that help encourage me and give me some discernment. Everything I read did just that but these are a few that really stood out to me:)

Trick or Treat Night: October 31, 2011

The top one is my Nolan as Darth Vader, getting ready to walk door to door :) Then My oldest Kellan whom just got out of prison, JK :). My husband and baby Logan as a turtle. My one and only beautiful girl as Dorothy. On the bottom are all my kids together along with Kellan's best bud. We had a nice walk which was good since we brought home a boat load of candy :) A pretty fun night with my family.

Trick or Treat class parties: October 31, 2011

Brooklyn is at her class party.
My oldest Kellan with our baby Logan at his class party.

Quotes for November 4, 2011

"People who consider themselves victims of their circumstances will always remain victims unless they develop a greater vision for their lives." – Stedman Graham

"Never, for the sake of peace and quiet, deny your own experience or convictions." – Dag Hammarskjold

"Begin to free yourself at once by doing all that is possible with the means you have, and as you proceed in this spirit the way will open for you to do more." – Robert Collier

"Learning is not attained by chance; it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence." – Abigail Adams, First Lady

Headband

I made this headband for my daughter pictured above. I am wearing it for a closer look :)

what you need:

A wide plastic headband: $1 (I bought at a IGA for a dollar but you could also check your local Dollar store)
A pair of Girl's ripped tights: I already had a pair on hand that my daughter had ripped at school.
A button
Glue Gun with glue stick


What to Do:

I cut the tights in strips across the leg parts (this pair was striped so it did make it easier to cut straight) making them look like circle hair bands

Wrap the circle bands around the headband until it is filled up except the very bottom

Use the last few to tie toward the top for a bow look

I added a button in the middle of the bow with a glue gun

The results a cute headband that only cost me $1

October 28, 2011

Since we are getting close to the Holidays and Thanksgiving in particular, I find these scriptures to be an appropriate fit.

Psalm 136:1-4
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles.
His faithful love endures forever.

Thank you Lord for this day, thank you for my family and the many blessings you have given me. I am eternally grateful.

Quotes for October 28, 2011

"What a child doesn't receive he can seldom later give." – P.D. James

"If everything in our youth were easy, with no challenges, we would not be prepared to face the grand challenge of life as an adult." – Ray Lammie

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." – Thomas A. Edison

A day at the Park

Nothing like a day at the park on a beautiful fall day! We had a great time and didn't spend a dime :) This is how we spent our Saturday: October 22, 2011

My second youngest son turned 4 on October 15.This picture is with his older brother and sister. He had a great day.

Lucky By Alice Sebold

From the author that wrote The Lovely Bones comes a memoir of a time in the author Alice's Life. A time where everything changed and nothing would ever be the same but Alice came out stronger and had the brave heart to fight. As a college student in Syracuse, Alice was raped in a park by her campus. She describes the trials, tribulations and some of the triumphs that came out of her rape and aftermath.

This is a great book and lets you understand how a person is effected by a crime as brutal as rape. It goes into enough detail for the reader to understand the impact but not so much that it turns the reader away from the content. Alice displays courage and lets the reader know that there is life after rape, a different life but a life worth the fight.

Banana Bread

This recipe is from Allrecipes.com

2 Cups all-purpose flour ( I used Whole Wheat)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 eggs beaten

2 1/3 cups mashed overripe bananas

I added crushed Walnuts

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9 by 5 loaf pan.

2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.

3. Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out into a wire rack.

Room By Emma Donoghue

Room is Jack's world. A world that he was born into and now remains in as he turns five. It is his mother's nightmare yet to him it is his home and comfort. Read Jack's point of view as he interacts with his mom, Old Nick, and everything else he encounters in his world. This has a unique perspective and almost has you wondering throughout the book what would Jack do? This book starts out a little slow but ends up putting you right into Jack's world of adventure and heroism.

Once I got into this book I couldn't put it down. I just wanted to know what Jack would do next and how he would react to his "world". I would highly recommend this book to anyone for an entertaining, whimsical and fast read. Pick up Room by Emma Donoghue and you will be delighted.

Camping 2011

Sorry for my absence from posting. We were camping this past weekend and I took a break from technology except my camera of course. My husband took this one. We had a pretty nice weekend and the kids had fun before they start school.

Lemonade

I got this from The Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn:

Lemonade:
1/2 cup Lemon Juice
1/2 cup sugar
1 quart water

Homemade liquid laundry detergent

1 quart water (boiling) 2 cups Bar soap (grated) 2 cups borax 2 cups washing soda 2 more gallons water You will need about a 2.5 gallon container of some sort.

• Add finely grated bar soap to the boiling water ( 1 quart) and stir until soap is melted. You can keep on low heat until soap is melted.


• Pour the soap water into a large, clean pail and add the borax and washing soda. Stir well until all is dissolved.


• Add 2 gallons of water, stir until well mixed.


• Cover the pail and use 1/4 cup for each load of laundry. Stir each time you use it (will gel)

This recipe came from TipNut.com. I used this on my baby's cloth diapers. They smelled fresh and looked clean. I used Kirk's Castile bar soap in mine.

Eggplant and mushroom Linguine

1 eggplant
mushrooms
1/2 onion
Jar of favorite spaghetti sauce
mozzarella cheese
oregano
Parmesan
linguine noodles

peel eggplant and dice
sprinkle with salt and rinse in colander
cut mushroom and onion

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
cook eggplant, onion and mushroom in oil add some oregano and other desired spices
boil noodles according to directions
Put cooked linguine, eggplant, onion and mushroom in a baking dish
Add spaghetti sauce and mix ingredients together
Top with Mozzarella and Parmesan
Bake for about 20 minutes to melt cheese and warm dish

Cloth diapering

I have found another way to save money and it only took me four kids to try it. I actually thought about doing it with my third child but my husband was not on board at the time and I went back to work which would have made it more of a challenge. A friend told me a bit more about it so I was prepared. Since I am home right now I thought "Why not try it". I was getting tired of shelling out money for disposables. So, I have converted to Cloth and I am loving every minute of it.

I started out buying some pre-owned pocket diapers from E-bay to test the waters. They are Fuzzi Bunz brands. I got 6 with inserts for about $27.99. I ordered three more pocket diapers, one being a another Fuzzi Bunz (two of which were from ebay but a China factory), and some covers for Pre-folds. I got a gift card to use a Babies R Us. I bought some G Diapers but knew I would use reusable inserts instead of flush able. I also picked up some pins. I wasn't sure about pre-folds at the time. I picked some up on a whim on one of my trips to meijer.

I decided to get some cloth wipes from ebay as well. Click Here to learn about making wipe solution. I joined a cloth diapering group on Facebook and learned that due to little space a hanging pail liner would be great to store my dirty diapers in. A wonderful green Fuzzi Bunz (with a zipper on the bottom) liner now hangs in one of my bathrooms which is also my laundry room. Great resources on cloth diapering are on the web. I found a site that shows you how to make your own spray for cloth wipes. Click Here for more information on cloth diapering.

It cost me about $150 dollars to start out. I know this will save me money in the end. The one thing that I will have to be careful of is that they are so many cute prints and diapers out there that it can get expensive. Some mom's sell some of their stash on Facebook so they can buy others. Trading is available as well. I have found the cloth diapering group on Facebook very helpful. It may not be necessary to use a detergent that is made specifically for cloth diapers but a gentle detergent may be required if your baby has sensitive skin (which most do). I purchased a travel wet bag to go in my diaper bag so I can try to use them everywhere we go. There are many moms out there that make some adorable hand made diapers. I just had to buy one of those as well LOL

Other things that may come in handy is a sprayer that hooks to your toilet to help you spray off dirty diapers. I don't have one yet but that may be my next purchase. I find that I like Pocket diapers the best and Fuzzi Bunz are my favorite. Click Here to learn more about them. This has been a pretty good experience and I plan on continuing to use them until Logan is potty trained.


Reasons why I love Cloth Diapering:

1. Better for Baby
2. Saves money in the long run
3. Better for the environment
4. Fun to try different diapers
5. Great designs and colors

Lingo

Pre-folds - Old school diapers Covers- Plastic covers with Velcro or without to use over Pre-folds All in Ones (AIO)-These types of diapers don't require covers or inserts One Size- This adjusts to fit any size baby on up to pre potty trained Pocket- Diapers with a pocket to put in inserts Wet bag- lined bag to keep wet diapers or clothes in. Hanging Wet Bag/pail- Is bigger than a wet bag. About the size of a pail liner but hangs up. Pail liner- Washable Liner to go in a diaper pail.


Logan in his polka Dot China Pocket :)

Half way there Baby

My baby just hit 6 months, here is a recent picture of him. The top picture is when he was 2 days old. He is such a wonderful addition to our family. We all love him so much. He smiles all the time.

Summer Bucket List 2011

This is a fun idea. Make a summer bucket list for your family to do for the summer. Click Here for a Summer Bucket list party for more ideas.

Here is our list:

1. Go on a picnic
2. Have a Water balloon fight
3. Go on bike ride
4. Go to movie Theatre
5. Vacation Bible School
6. Summer Library Program
7. Visit Impression 5 museum
8. Play Basketball
9. Blow bubbles
10. Sidewalk chalk art
9. Read, Read, Read
10. Go swimming with Grandma
11. Yard sales
12. Make a craft with recyclables
13. Go Camping
14. Toddler Time
15. Make new friends :)
16. Play dates
17. Wash outside of cars
18. Go to a Beach
19. Jump rope
20. Random Acts of Kindness
21. Nature Walk
22. Play Catch
23. Go to at least one Mops summer outing
24. Have a summer party
25. Explore the Ledges
26. Fly a Kite
27. Do a craft from Family Fun Magazine
28. Play in Kiddie pool
29. Play in Sprinkler
30. Make a obstacle course
31. Visit Local Zoo

Yummy and easy Guacomole Dip

1 ripened Avocado ( I set mine on the counter until it feels soft)

A bit of Lemon juice for flavor and to keep it from browning

Mix desired amount of your favorite salsa

Peel Avocado and mash up

Add in lemon juice and salsa

Viola! a fast, easy and nutritious dip, just add some chips.

My 30th b-day

I had a pretty good b-day. I hung out with my 4 kids and hubby, cooked on the grill (of course my husband did this LOL). We had a delicious ice cream cake and enjoyed the day. It was a beautiful day and it wasn't too bad turning 30. I got some birthday money from my hubby. I shopped for myself today and picked up a very comfortable and cute suit that was 40% off at Peebles. He insisted I buy something for myself and so I did :) I have it pictured above. I can retire my maternity suit and wear this when I take my kids swimming.

Homemade Mac and Cheese

This is from Cooks.com

1lb elbow macaroni
1 can evaporated milk
1 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup butter
1lb. assorted cheese (sharp, cheddar, Velveeta, Parmesan)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bring Medium sized pan of water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni. Cook macaroni until done. Meanwhile, cut up cheese into thin slices or small cubes. Drain water and pour macaroni into a casserole dish.

Add butter, salt, pepper, milk and cheese. Stir together.

Bake for about 20- 30 minutes. Stir occasionally. If it gets dry you may need to add a little milk.

Turning 30

In less than one month I will be turning the big 30 (May 12). In honor of turning 30 I am thinking of one of my favorite movies 13 going on 30. It depicts 30 as flirty an fun:) A thirteen year old whom can't wait to be thirty. In fact she wishes to be thirty and her wish seems to come true. She has a successful job and famous, good looking boyfriend. She later realizes that there were great things around her as a thirteen year old that she was overlooking.

Although I have not accomplished all of my dreams, I figure I have a pretty good life. I have a husband whom loves me and four great kids. I enjoy posting and writing on my blog. But, most importantly I always have a heavenly father to talk to about anything. I also can thank him for the many blessings he has given me. I look forward to turning over a new leaf and entering a new chapter in my life. I am excited about what God may have in store for me and enjoying the great people in my life today. Cheers to turning 30 and did I forget to mention that my husband is turning 30 this Thursday :) Happy 30th to him as well.

Power of Prayer

This is my youngest baby Logan. He will be 4 months at the end of this month. I thought it looked like he was praying and it reminded me of one of the most important things I can do before I do anything else. Whenever I am troubled I can pray. If I am worried about something or someone I can pray. If I don't like the things I see going on in the world I can pray. Praying is versatile and can be done anywhere. As a mother it is very important that I pray for my children and pray that I continue to become the mother God planned me to be and pray for my husband.


"Seek The Lord and while He may be found, call upon Him while he is near" (Isaiah 55:6)

"And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and [really] believing, you will receive" Matthew 21: 22


"Don't worry about anything: instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done"Phillipians 4:6

Cheesy Rice and Chicken Casserole

2 chicken breasts
minute rice
1 can chicken broth
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can of mushrooms
1 onion
shredded cheese

preheat oven to 350 degrees

Cut up chicken and brown in a skillet pan
Chop and Saute onions
make rice
Mix rice with chicken
pour in chicken broth
add mushrooms and onions
add in can of mushroom soup
Stir all ingredients together
put cheese on top and mix some in if desired

bake in oven for 30 minutes

My very own recipe turned out delicious.

Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup milk
• 2 apples - peeled, cored and chopped
• 
  
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup butter, cubed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease six muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.
2. Stir together 1 1/2 cup flour, 3/4 cup sugar, salt, baking powder and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Mix in oil, egg and milk. Fold in apples. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling to the top of the cup.
3. In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, butter and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Mix together with fork and sprinkle over unbaked muffins.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.

I got this recipe from Allrecipes.com Click Here to view the direct page. They are a little crisp, because I put them in for 5 minutes over what it said. Usually that is what I have to do for recipes in my oven. Next time I will make them at 20-25 minutes instead of 30 minutes. They still tasted delicious though.

Penne Pasta Bake

This is one of our favorites.

Ingrediants:

1 box of Penne Pasta

1 Jar of Spaghettie Sauce

1 roll of Turkey Sausage

1-2 cups shredded cheese

various spices such as Oregano, Cilantro, Garlic, Pepper ect

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Cook pasta according to box directions

Cook Turkey Sasuage

Mix sauce, pasta and sausage in a baking dish

add in spices and cheese

Bake for 15-25 minutes to heat and melt cheese

This is a recipe by me :)