E-Mealz Is My Friend!

Last week I told y'all about my (GASP!) purchase of meal plans!  Well, since then, 3 friends have signed up and several more have mentioned that it might be an option for their family!  I am shocked that so many people have jumped on to this idea!  I really was very embarrassed to even SUGGEST me paying for a shopping list and menu plan, but we are heading into our second week with E-Mealz.  I said that I would tell y'all how I like it, so here is what I've learned.  

1.  Shopping and menu planning time has been cut into half

2.  They give you a menu/shopping list for every week, but we were able to use the list for two weeks, so you definitely have some leftovers.  Maybe not enough for the family to have a meal, but we made an enchilada recipe and we will be eating those until we are SICK of enchiladas!  HA!  I think we could eat 3 dinner meals and STILL have enough for Hubbie to take to some to lunch one day.  

3.  There are going to be some meals that don't sound "appetizing" but those are the nights that I substitute a pizza night or breakfast night!  

4.  Definitely helps with avoiding the "humdrum" feeling about dinners.  Having something different and new has been exciting and has definitely given us some new ideas!  Like Chinese food.... I never make it and even had to go buy soy sauce, but it was very inexpensive because of the sales at Publix and Hubbie is THRILLED!  

So far, I have enjoyed it!  The wonderful people have even given me 6 weeks of free service because I didn't have the opportunity to "refer" the 3 friends that have signed up.  I am tickled that I get to try this service even longer!!!  So, if you're interested, click on the link above.  They even give you a sample shopping list and menu so that you can see how it works (of course, it won't go with the sales that week).

Blast From The Past

All you 80's kids, do you want a blast from the past?!  Check out my review and giveaway over here.

A Quiet House

Today I am enjoying quiet and stillness.  Quiet and stillness deep in my soul.  Yesterday was an emotional day.  This whole week has been exhausting, but yesterday I finally gave way to my emotions and had a pity party.  Lots of things have gone wrong this week.  The week started off on the wrong foot.  Bubbie began puking early Sunday morning.  Once we finally had him well, Peanut got sick.  Then Hubbie got sick-sick-sickest he has ever been.  Of course, once I thought we were done with it all, Peanut got sick again and again.  And thats when I lost it.  I only survived this week by the grace of God and the power of prayer.  I know people were praying for me, because I just went into a mode that I wasn't familiar with.  I got things done.  I cleaned and scrubbed.  I didn't fuss.  I just did.  In situations like this, I usually am in survival mode, but this week, I went into "it could be worse mode, let's deal"......I am human though and so, eventually, by the time Peanut puked AGAIN, I just couldn't take it anymore.  I had thought we were well.... I am assuming, since he isn't actively sick, I just fed him something  like chocolate milk, chicken nuggets, fruit snacks, ketchup that he wanted and it didn't agree on his already sensitive tummy.  I called the doctor almost demanding that they tell me how to make my child well again.  They assured me that it was probably just enough of this horrible bug left in his tummy that once heavy foods settled on his tummy, it made him sick again.  I called Hubbie and fussed and cried and I think he must have sensed my frustration, because he said he was on his way home.

Once Hubbie got home, he went into "helpful Hubbie" mode and asked what I needed.  I didn't really need anything.  I just wanted all these sickies to go away.  Snot and coughing for 3 weeks (and we still have the coughs) and then puke for a week.  I have already gone through two cans of Lysol.  I am just so tired of sickies.

But while I was having my emotional breakdown yesterday, I continued to remind myself, that it could be worse.  My children could be so sick that I have no clue what is wrong.  My husband could be out of work.  I could have been sick this week WHILE the rest of the family was sick.  Any of us could have ended up in the hospital because of dehydration, etc.  I mean, the list could be a mile long of things that COULD BE, yet I am sitting there having a break down about a little "stomach bug"....  but a week of little to no sleep, cleaning and obsessing over puke and germs and the baby, etc, etc...just wore me out.

By bed time, I had a smile on my face again....  Hubbie brought me flowers.  The perkiest and best smelling flowers that are sitting beside my "nursing throne" and my mom called and offered encouragement and a dinner out with her.

Even if my kids puke again, it'll be ok.  I will survive.  The water bill is going to be sky high and the gas bill will be through the roof.  We'll get through this and have stories to tell of the Pukefest 2010 when most of us got sick, the toilets backed up and overflowed into the tubs and this Momma almost went crazy......

Ten on Tuesday

Its that time again folks!  Time for Ten on Tuesday!  Ready to occupy my mind with other things than laundry, handwashing and puke!  My household has been puking and other things since Sunday morning around 2am.  The babe and I are the only ones left and I'm praying that it stays that way!  Hubbie got sick last night right after dinner and he was definitely the worst.  Sick for hours.  I hate this for my little family....  I also hate being the last one to get everything!!!  Never know when its gonna hit!  I get the joy of witnesses the whole sickness and cleaning it up and then get to experience it myself!  Every single time!  Ugh!

Anyway, here are my answers for the week!  For more, check it out here.

1. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

That is SUPER easy for me!  I actually have two favorites- mint chocolate chip and Charlie Brown (from Pink Dipper)!  Both are AWESOME as a milk shake!  Mint chocolate chip is so yummy over a warm brownie!  I rarely ever eat Charlie Brown in its "ice cream" form.... only as a milk shake!

2. What is your earliest memory?

I had to really think on this one....  not really sure if this is my earliest, but in our house in Texas, I remember playing with my baby brother (almost 3 yrs younger).  I won't tell you how mean I actually was!!!  Not sure why but we always played between the couch and the china cabinet.  I have a lot of memories of us playing there... dressing the cat in play clothes... being silly....  Now that I'm thinking about those times, I wonder, where was  my oldest brother?  I guess he was in school.  Funny how I have few memories of my older brother until we moved to GA and we were home schooled.

3.  Earliest memory of a dessert?

I remember cupcakes at a birthday party in Texas... wonder how old I was turning?  Maybe 5?  The only thing I remember is the decorations on the cupcakes.

4. Do you have recurring dreams?

No, I don't think so.  When I was younger, if I started a dream and I had to get up before it was finished, I would try to remember the dream and finish it the next night.  Nowadays I just go to sleep!!!  Very rarely do I toss and turn!  

5. Have you ever dreamed about a dessert?

Uhhh...I don't think so....  Kinda funny question!  :o)

6. What is one thing (besides a cell phone or a computer) that you cannot go the entire day without?

I cannot go the entire day without using the potty and feeding the babe.

7. What is one dessert you could go your entire life without ever having again?  

Tiramisu  (YUCK!), pudding, anything cream-filled/custard-y, pound cakes , those yucky covered almonds you get at weddings (double YUCK!)....

8. If you could go on vacation tomorrow, where would you go?   (Assume someone else is footing the bill, but within reason....so "the moon" wouldn't work)

Hmmm.....Taking  into account that my children are little/nursing, not anywhere too far away or extravagant.... maybe the beach or the mountains for a week with the family.  Enjoying each others company and spending time outdoors.

9. If you could have any dessert tomorrow, what would you have (assume someone else is buying it for you.  Within reason though, no "gold" sprinkled ice cream cones!)? 

This is a hard one for me since I gave up sweets for Lent.  I guess one of the things above, mint chocolate chip ice cream with a brownie or a Charlie Brown milkshake.  Yum!

10.  What was your first impression of your significant other?

Oh boy!  HA!  This is a loaded question....  My first impression was that he was quiet and kind, but, of course, this was after a man had just thrown chicken salad at me!

11.  What was your first impression of dessert pizza?  

Mom made one when we were younger and it was yummy!!  I'm not a fan of the dessert pizza's at CiCi's and other pizza buffet restaurants, but hers was yummy!

Menu Plan Monday- Feb 21st thru Feb 28th, 2010

Friday- Warm Chicken Pasta, crescent rolls and apple slices

Saturday- Zoo trip (Fuddruckers)/ Family Over for pizza 

Sunday- French's Chicken w/ leftover sides(From last week)/ Hawaiian Bacon Pizza with parmesan potatoes

Monday- Leftovers

Tuesday- Beef Stir Fry, rice and crescent rolls

Wednesday- Swiss Chicken, green beans and rice

Thursday- Leftovers

Friday- Enchiladas and cantaloupe with chips, guacamole and salsa

Saturday- Leftovers/Meat Loaf, mashed potatoes and corn

Sunday Leftovers/ Creamy Chicken Pasta, veggie and garlic bread

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We are trying out something different with our menu and meal plan.  I will have to let you know how it works out.  We signed up with E-Mealz (which Dave Ramsey endorses).  Hubbie and I have heard the commercials for probably 2 years and every time we discuss it, I think, nah! waste of money!  Me and my snobbish ways scream- Why would I pay someone to make my meal plan!?!?  HA!  Well, I am eating my words this week!  Last week while listening to the Dave Ramsey show, I kept hearing the commercials and being an advertisers dream that I am, I went and looked at the website!  One of the advertisements that hooked me was that people were saving $400 a month on groceries!  I don't think I will save that much.  I may not save any.  Who knows?!  Now that I have signed up for it, I think its probably geared towards a family (couple, etc) that doesn't already menu plan and is kinda lost in that area- how to start, etc!  But, I paid $12.50 (use coupon code DAVE) for 3 months.  You pick one store (Publix, WalMart and Kroger were our local stores on the list) and it gives you a detailed grocery list (divided into sections of the store) and menu plan- per day- based on the sales of that week.  So far, it saved me a lot of time.  I looked through the grocery list and matched coupons that I had (using I Heart Publix!) and it probably cut my planning in half.  I had a lot of things that were on this week's shopping list, but I had run out of a few staples that we needed for lunches.  They estimated I would spend $75 and that it would last a week.  Of course staples and breakfast/lunch items are not included.  I spent $102 at the store(used coupons and saved $40) and hope to not go back to the store for two weeks.  I went ahead and spaced the meals out assuming that we will have leftovers.  Of course, I don't know if these meals will or not.  If each meal has leftovers, then I will be able to space this one week's menu/list for 2 weeks instead of a week and a few days.  Like I said, this is just a trial run.

Hubbie and I were excited about the different menu items.  I have definitely gotten bored about our menu over the last week and find myself searching the cabinets for some new inspiration, so if nothing else, we are trying out some new recipes and broadening our menu bank.

If you use E-Mealz, let me know how you like it and if you have saved any money especially if you already menu planned and budgetted.

We had an great weekend- a trip to the Zoo and lunch at Fuddruckers- yum!  The weather was gorgeous and it did us some good to get out!  My mother's parents came to town and it was so nice to see them and be able to spend some time with them!  They met Baby Bean for the first time!

For more menu planning ideas, visit here.

Lent Begins

Today is Ash Wednesday.  I have been contemplating on how to approach this topic in my blog and decided to begin with the definition of Ash Wednesday from Wikipedia.

This is what it says: For the Western Christian calendar, Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and occurs forty-six days (forty days not counting Sundays) before Easter.

Ash Wednesday gets its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of the faithful as a sign of repentance. The ashes used are gathered after the Palm Crosses from the previous year's Palm Sunday are burned. In the liturgical practice of some churches, the ashes are mixed with the Oil of the Catechumens^[1] (one of the sacred oils used to anoint those about to be baptized), though some churches use ordinary oil. This paste is used by the minister who presides at the service to make the sign of the cross, first upon his or her own forehead and then on those of congregants. The minister recites the words: "Remember (O man) that you are dust, and to dust you shall return", or "Repent, and believe the Gospel."

I did not grow up nor have we started to practice the Catholic faith, but I do think the Church has a lot of good aspects and Lent is one of those things that I have chosen to participate in.

While growing I had a few friends that were Catholic and I learned about Lent through the years.  I never fully understood it.  Then in high school a girlfriend and I decided to give up sweets for Lent.  It was very hard.  I seem to have remembered a different 40 days than my parents did because they said I was miserable to be with!!!  I didn't remember it being QUITE as bad as they say, but either way, it was NOT fun.  But I did stick with it and as a reward, on Easter Sunday, my bestest friend and I went to Applebees and had a Blondie.... man! that was AWESOME!  I remember the yummy dessert still to this day!

Over the last month I had been conflicted about whether to participate in Lent and what to give up.  I didn'tt really WANT to give up anything, but I felt compelled to do it.  The obvious choice were sweets, the computer, etc.  Since so much of my "job" revolves around the computer, that wouldn't work, so I tried to quiet the small voice that said "give up sweets"!  Once I told Hubbie aloud that I was thinking of giving up sweets, I couldn't go back.  I had already voiced it and I needed to follow through.  Over the last week or two, I have been preparing myself mentally for not being able to eat sweets and desserts.  I plan to take it a little further than some might.  I hope to not "cheat" on the weekends and go the full time between Ash Wednesday and Easter without any sweets.  I also hope to not limit it to just desserts, but also sugary foods such as pop tarts, granola bars, etc.

I received an email from Thomas Nelson publishing a day or two ago.  This is what was sent to me and sort of summed up what I had been thinking and how I wish to view this 40 days :

Stop. Take a deep breath. Reflect...it's Lent.


Since the earliest days of the church, Christians have prepared for Easter by observing Lent. Lent is much more than a time to give up unhealthy foods or bad habits; it's an opportunity to unplug from our regular patterns, look truthfully at ourselves, and approach God with repentance and gratitude.


This year, we invite you to take the time to deepen your understanding of God’s love by reflecting on Dr. Larry Crabb's new book, 66 Love Letters: A Conversation with God that Invites You into His Story.  

Thomas Nelson publishing is offering a daily email that will reflect upon the 40 days of Lent.  I signed up for this and hope to use this 40 days just as they have described- a time to reflect and draw closer to the Lord.  To get this daily email, go here.


I invite you to join me in giving up something that you love and becoming closer to God through prayer.  I always remember this as an explanation of how to practice Lent.  The time you spent doing whatever you gave up- spend in prayer.  I didn't typically spent oodles of time sitting around eating sweets, but I do think this will be a very difficult test of willpower!  I am use to eating whatever I want to it....  within reason of course.... so we will see if I can rely on God to take away the desires for sweets and to replace it with a desire for the Word of God.

Ten on Tuesday

I decided to participate in this week's Ten on Tuesday.  Check it out over here at Roots and Rings. 




1. If you could open any type of store/place of business (money is no obstacle) what would you open?
A Christian financial counseling center- not a "fake" place that doesn't care, but a place that will tell you the truth- in love- and stress the importance of learning from your mistakes instead of allowing others to pay for mistakes and teach how to budget.

2.  If all jobs paid equally, what occupation would you want?  Why?
I gotta steal this one, staying at home with my little men, because if I got paid in $$ for doing what I do now and it NOT be my husband's money, that would be AWESOME!!!

3. If you could be any animal, what would you pick?
Oh gosh!  I gotta tell you, I have NEVER thought about being an animal!  HA!  I have NO clue!  Hmmm... a monkey, I guess!  We eat sleep and breathe monkeys around our house so that was the first thing that popped into my head!!!

4. If you were offered one service free of charge, which would you choose? 
A MAID!!!  A MAID!!!  A MAID!!!  Gosh!  Thats SO easy!  I don't mind cooking or doing laundry, but those WITH cleaning, yes, a maid would be AWESOME!

5. What is one habit, no matter how hard you try, you just can't seem to break?
Biting my nails!!!  Its fine when they are strong and neat, but once one breaks or they are weak... I just have to bite them!!  Bad habit, I know!

6. What is one thing that no matter how many you own, you still love to buy all the time?
Shoes!  Of course!  I have even passed my shoe loving onto my children!  My sons can't just have one or two pairs of shoes!  HA!  They must have a pair for each occasion!!!  :o)

7. Out of all the game shows (past and present), which would you want to be a participant on and play?
The Price Is Right!!!  Duh!!!  That game is awesome!  I SOOOO know my prices!  I know I would win BIG!!!  ;o)

8. If you could play the lead role in any movie thats already been made, which movie would you pick?
Hmmm....that is tricky!  I'd have to say BBC Pride and Prejudice just because I LOVE that movie!!!

9. Name 5 things on your bucket list?
Before now I didn't have a bucket list....so....let me think.....Well, a big one for us is to be debt free.  Lord willing less than 11 mos to go.  Then after that we will save 20% for a downpayment on a house, so, buy a house would be up there.  I'd love to go to Europe eventually.  I'd love to go to Prince Edward Island, Canada.... Be as self sufficient as possible (livestock, garden, etc).  Not very exciting I guess, but those are a few things!

10. Which one of your birthdays was the best?   What did you do on that day?
Oh goodness!  I have NO clue!  I am having a hard time thinking back to childhood b-days!!  I do remember a birthday party in TX.  It was at McDonalds when they had the train caboose!  Does anyone remember that?  I got to play games and I remember my friends and brothers there.  Not sure how old I was...

Valentine's Day 2010

This year for Valentine's Day, Bubbie was very into the day and the fun and the meaning, so I decided to do something special for my little men!

Friday night I made red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese icing and sprinkles!  All of my men LOVED these!  I won't tell you which man ate the most!!!

I picked up a few $1 goodies at Target and then wrote out clues on hearts made out of scrapbook paper.  I put the clues and treats around the house so that when the boys woke up on Sunday they could have a scavenger hunt.

The boys enjoyed the treats and the scavenger hunt.  Then for breakfast I made heart shaped pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream.

On Sunday evening we took the boys to my parents and we went to dinner and to a book store to browse for a few minutes!  I, of course, forgot to take a picture of me and the Hubbie at dinner!  I even took my camera, but didn't even think about it!

We all enjoyed our day celebrating LOVE!  The sermon was really good and Hubbie and I both walked away with some new thoughts on marriage and LOVE!  It was a great day for all!

The Baby Is 5 Months TODAY!

Baby Bean has been with us for 5 months today!  It sure does seem like the third baby's life flies by.  We are definitely having fun with this one.

Over the last month he really has developed such a wonderful little personality.  He loves to laugh and smile.  Boy!  He is a flirt too!  He loves being the center of attention.  He is so much fun!

He has been a wiggle wart for about two months and its exhausting having a wiggly baby in your lap!  We have gotten out all the baby gear- saucer, jumper, gym, etc.  He spends a little bit of time, each day, in each.... but he loves to be held most of all.  He does not like the Bumbo.  When we tried it around Christmas, he didn't seem too interested in it.  In the last month, every time I've put him in it, he straightens his legs and arches his back.  I worry he's gonna flip over, so the Bumbo isn't a safe choice for right now.

Our baby is trying to sit up.  He began eating rice cereal once a day about 3 weeks ago.  He really does like it and I can definitely tell a difference already.  He can go a little longer between feedings, not eating quite as long and (shhhhh!!! sleeping better!)!

The biggest accomplishment for our family and for Baby Bean in the last month is that Baby is now in his own crib, in the baby room (shared by him and Peanut).  We had meant to move him into his room a LOT earlier. It wasn't a huge deal to me, because if he woke up in the middle of the night, depending on what time, etc. I would sometimes just bring him into bed with me. ( My life revolves around sleep these days!!! ) So, then we realized that the older boys were out of our room at around 6  weeks, we knew we needed to get this little guy out!  Then we let a friend  borrow our crib mattress.  The crib had become a dumping ground for clothes that Baby Bean had outgrown, so we let the friend borrow the mattress in hopes that it would spur me on to getting the bed cleared out.  Of course, then we got sick and blah! blah! blah!  At 4.5 months, he finally made it into his crib.  No issues, so far.  He has only woken Peanut up once.  Thankfully Peanut went right back to sleep once Hubbie put him back into bed.  I do have the monitor right beside my ear and since Baby has been sleeping through the night, I leaped out of bed at the first noise!  I can definitely tell a difference between no 2 child and no 3.  With no 2, I would wake up periodically through the night and make sure Peanut was breathing.... Poor no 3, I guess I can hear enough noise from Baby through the monitor so unless he is crying, I don't disturb!!!  HA!

Baby Bean can roll, back and forth like a pro and do an inch worm type thing across the play mat.  I never know how he moves and gets to where he gets too, but he is definitely itching to be a moving guy like his big brothers!  It won't be long!  He has great muscle control!

We love you little Baby Bean - my love bug!

Menu Plan Monday ~ February 15th thru 21st, 2010

Monday- Leftover pizza, salad

Tuesday- Birds Eye meal with corn bread

Wednesday- spaghetti, salad and bread

Thursday- Leftovers

Friday- Chicken strips/fries

saturday- grilled cheese and soup/ Breakfast (waffles and bacon)

sunday- soup and cornbread/ Homemade pizza

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Our week will be kinda slow and I'm looking forward to the change!  Hubbie and Bubbie are off work/school today.  MOPS was canceled for tomorrow due to childcare issues.  So just our usual Wednesday thru Friday activities!  I hope to get some organization done around the house and get outdoors!  

Have a wonderful week!  

For more meal planning ideas, visit here.  

Georgia Got Snow!

Georgia got our first snow storm in 8 years!  

Peanut woke up from nap to see "no" and he was so excited to get outside... until the snow fell on his neck!  Then all heck broke loose!!!  But thankfully he got back out into it several more times before it went away!

We had a great time playing, having snowball fights and making snow angels!  Hubbie and I felt like kids again!!!  We even took Baby Bean out to check the snow out!  

My favorite thing was how happy the snow made these little boys!  

The snow didn't last long.  It started around 3 on Friday afternoon and by noon on Saturday- most of our snow was gone!  While playing in the snow, I heard Bubbie say "I always wanted to have a snowball fight!" 

I am so thankful that we got some snow!  It was beautiful!  But I gotta say- everyone that lives in the North, y'all need an award for living with snow for longer than 24 hrs!  Oh goodness!!!  Its nice to be cooped up in the house for a little while, but I cannot imagine living and going about our business in the snow!!!  

I LOVE U!

Happy Valentines Day to my honey!  I love you!

Can you see the snow on us? More on that later!!

Baby Bean Eats...

We decided to give Baby Bean cereal last Saturday for the first time.  Rice cereal mixed with watered down apple juice. 

and he liked it....

A LOT!!!  

I wasn't in a big rush to feed him cereal/food, but I figured I'd give it a try since he was already 4 1/2 months.  My other boys detested cereal and it took a lot of work for them to eat it, so I really figured that I would give him a taste, he wouldn't like it and we'd hold off another month before trying it again!  Not Baby Bean!  He really does like it!  He eats it all up, so we've been giving it to him once a day... usually around our dinner time.

Next up for this little dude, avocados and bananas!  I think we'll wait another month before trying that though!  No rush!  

Ten on Tuesday

Well, its Tuesday folks and time for another Ten on Tuesday!  For more, check it out here at Roots and Rings!  






1. Sometimes I wish my life were more...

Calm and boring!

2. How do you cure hiccups? 

Ugh! Nothing works on me!  Sugar- mustard- holding your breath- being scared... it doesn't work!  I guess TIME!

3. What are your three favorite indulgences?

Candy! Candy! Candy!
Peppermint Mocha Frappucino
Coke with crushed ice

4. Where is the most exotic place you'd like to travel?  The most mundane?

Exotic place I'd like to travel is an all inclusive resort.  Something Hubbie and I plan to do for our 10 yr anniversary... doesn't have to be anywhere exotic... just all paid for- beaches, pools, no driving or exploring- just BEING!  Most mundane?  Don't really have somewhere mundane...  trips are pretty special for us since we don't travel much during the year.

5. Does having your time planned out stress or relax you?

Relaxes me.  I need planned time. I am an organizing gal!  I organizing EVERYTHING!  Ask my husband!!!  Although, with us welcoming our 3rd child, I definitely live more without schedules than I ever have!  I don't commit to almost anything!  I think that shocks people because its not typically me, but with three kids, you NEVER know whats gonna happen, so if I don't commit, its not cause I don't love you, I just don't wanna have to go back on my word!

6. What are your favorite fabrics to wear?  

Now-a-days, I don't care what I wear.  Baby Bean is almost 5 mos and I'm just now starting to fit well into my clothes.  Some shirts still don't fit comfortably, so anything that fits and looks good- I love.  Besides that though, I do love jersey!

7. Do you sleep through the night? 

HA! HA! HA!  Very funny!  Do you know how old my children are?!  Just kidding... if they sleep through the night, I do.  My older boys are good sleepers.  This last one is... but just depends on the day!  Sometimes he sleeps all night and sometimes he doesn't.  Lately he hasn't been napping a lot, so it just depends on the day!!!

8. When you were younger, what did you think you'd be doing at this age?  How close is that to what you are doing now? 

Well, I was different than most girls I grew up with, I never had much of a plan or goal for myself.  I'd wish and dream about opportunities and careers, but I just never went for it.  Not sure if it was from being scared or lack of motivation or what... just never loved something enough to put hard work and money behind it.  I did always want to be a wife and a mother, so I  got my dream job!

9. What has surprised you most about growing up?

HA! HA! HA!  That my parents were right!!!  Gosh golly!  I mean, I knew they were smart and wise, but I wish I could go back to 15 yrs old and not work and just be with friends and just live!  Man! I had it E-A-S-Y!!!  I had the best teenage years.  I had great friends.  I had fun.  I had no bills.  Ahhhh..... it was the LIFE!  Then I got so focused on my job and wanting to make money.  I wish I had slowed down and just savored being a kid.  

10. Are you good at keeping secrets?

Yes I am.  Although, all my good friends know that I tell Hubbie almost everything.  Things I don't tell him, I don't not tell him because I didn't want to... its just because I forgot or not a big deal.

Menu Plan Monday ~ February 8th- 14th, 2010

Monday- Baked Ziti  (new recipe for us- off the box of Muellers pasta), salad and bread

Tuesday- Leftovers

Wednesday- Freezer meal (Birds Eye meals B1G1 free @Publix with $1 off coupon) and bread

Thursday- Homemade Pizza

Friday- Chicken Quesadillas, chips and fixins (sour cream, salsa, guacamole)

Saturday- Homemade Waffles with fruit/Leftover pizza/ Leftover mexican from last week (in freezer)

Sunday- Special Valentine's Breakfast/Chicken Spaghetti, corn on the cob and bread/ Out


Last week I didn't follow our menu plan exactly.  There were a few nights that I switched the meals around, but no biggie!  We had a busy week last week plus a wonderfully lazy PJ day and survived it without any new sickies!  Thanking God for answering prayers for continued health.  I think we are all finally getting over the cold virus.

For more menu ideas, visit here.  Have a great week!  

This week is another week like last week- school, MOPS, BSF and normal daily activities.  Nothing too exciting.  I have been very busy here at the house.  Cleaning, "decluttering" and trying to get ready for yard sales and consignment sales.  I have been getting the boy's clothes organized so that I know what to purchase for upcoming seasons at the many consignment sales our town has next month.  I do this twice a year.  I have also gone through all the things that Baby Bean has outgrown and I have decided to get rid of/sell a lot of his stuff.  Most of it has lived through three newborns, so I found lots of stained items.  Even if we were to have another beautiful  baby boy, we couldn't use the majority of the things.  Just too nasty!  Also, since all of my boys have been born in fall/winter months, they haven't generally had anything fancy or nice to wear since its been cold.  I will hang on to one or two sentimental outfits, but the majority of it is sleepers and onesies!  Our house is overflowing with boys clothing. I keep it very organized in Ziploc storage bags, BUT after 6 yrs of clothing and hanging on to almost ALL of it, I am running out of easily accessible storage.  So, I have decided to de-clutter (ONCE AGAIN) and get rid of stuff!  If or when we do have another child, I will just replenish the newborn stash by shopping at yard sales and consignment stores and it will be according to that child's birth "season".  I am looking forward to having this part of our lives organized and under control!

Grinning and happy as can be in the new to us jogging stroller...

Giving me a flower- be still my heart....

My handsome Hubbie.... with his coffee....

So happy to be OUTSIDE!!!!

Since none of my posts look quite as good without a picture, I decided to add a few!  My 4 cuties at the park this weekend!  Be still my heart!  I am so blessed to be the only gal- sharing my life with 4 men!  I just love it!!!  

It was a little chilly this weekend, but it wasn't raining so we seized the opportunity and ran outdoors to walk by the river and play on the playground!  

A New Recipe...

If you are looking for a new way to cook chicken or something that your kids will more than likely gobble up, check out the new recipe that I posted over here!

Hearts and Valentines

On the way home from school one day this week, Bubbie and I began to talk about classmates that are sick.  This, somehow, began a discussion about our hearts.  I tried to use this moment to teach Bubbie about how the heart works and how wonderful God's creation is.  Bubbie wasn't having any of the "teachable" moment.  He had it ALL figured out.  This is how the conversation ended......

Finishing up my very wise, Mommy moment "Isn't that neat how its designed to help our body move?"

Deciding that he KNOWS it all, Bubbie replied "Oh no, Mommy.  Hearts aren't for that.  We have hearts to love.  That IS what Valentines is all about.  Loving!"

I decided to be kind, ignore his "ignorance" and play along "Oh really?  Well, who do you love?"  Hoping he'd say me, because I'm the awesomest Mommy in the W-O-R-L-D.

Again, Bubbie couldn't give his Mom ANY help " I love everyone I know!"  DUH! Mom!

So, yes, my Bubbie is definitely the lovable one and has never known a stranger.  And, yes, I realize know that I need to get my self confidence boost from anyone OTHER than my 5 year old.  

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Because I'm on a Valentines and Bubbie "roll", I will share another funny moment.  

At Target picking out Valentine's cards for Bubbie's classmates, he got very upset that I wasn't allowing him to buy multiple packs of cards.  I chose a package that had several Disney characters (Wall-E, Toy Story, etc) that I just KNEW he would love and appreciate... No such luck.  Bubbie wanted me to purchase a box of "girl" Valentines (princesses) since all the girls in his class do NOT like boy stuff....  

We tried to explain to him that you purchase and give out Valentines that YOU like.  Not the other way around.  He didn't get it.  Oh well.  While talking to a classmate's mom at MOPS on Tuesday, I found out that her son also wanted to get the girls "princess" valentines!  Glad my son isn't the ONLY one thinking about girl's needs!  

13 Days of Peace and Love

Lately around the blog-o-sphere, I've seen quite a few gals include honesty and being "real" in their yearly resolutions and goals.  Following along in that mindset, I thought I would clue my readers into why I brag about and truly love my husband.

I don't just BLOG/BRAG about my husband.  I truly do love this man.  He rocks my world (I just HAD to get him to smile!)  Unfortunately, he hasn't always been the love-of-my-life.  We've lived in some dark days and not many knew.  I did really well hiding it and I was ashamed that MAYBE all those who told me to not marry Hubbie, might be right.  Thankful, God had other plans.....

To read more, check out my entry into PAXbaby.com's 13 Days of Peace and Love over here.  

Dr Sears Tells It All.....

I got this in an email the other day and thought I would share it.  I signed up to get Dr Sears newsletters and they are always full of wonderful advice and tips.  

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When the Cold Bites This Winter, Bite Back

It’s the middle of winter and all across the country kids are coming down with the sniffles. How is it that some youngsters push right through the cold months without issue while others seem to get sick frequently? Learn how to keep your little ones’ immunity system in peak shape all winter long and beat those sick days. Dr. Bill recommends trying these simple suggestions: 

1. Tip #1 – Cut back on sugar. 8 tbsp. of sugar, the equivalent of about two cans of soda, can reduce the ability of white blood cells to kill germs. The immune-suppressing effect of sugar starts less than thirty minutes after ingestion and may last for hours. In contrast, the ingestion of complex carbohydrates, or starches, does not harm the immune system. Trade that sweet snack for a healthy multi-grain option…Popumz anyone?

2. Tip #2 – Take supplements. Echinacea and Vitamins C and D are well known immune system enhancers. Vitamin C tops the list of immune boosters, it’s good for young ones and it’s available naturally in many delicious fruits and vegetables. Omega-3’s are also a powerful immune booster and can be obtained naturally by eating fish or taking fish oil supplements.

3. Tip #3 – Make immune boosting smoothies. Smoothies are a smart way to strengthen your child’s immune system. Add fruits high in vitamin C (click here for a complete list of fruits high in Vitamin C), plain Greek-style yogurt, flaxseed meal, a multivitamin, 10 mg zinc, 100 mcg selenium and 400 IU of vitamin D.

Click here for more helpful ways to promote your children’s winter wellness naturally by feeding their immune systems, including Dr. Sears Immune Boosting Smoothie recipe.



My mother and I have decided that since my family ALWAYS gets awful colds in January, it must have SOMETHING to do with the horrible food and sugar that we eat during the Holidays!  I definitely need to watch our sugar intake more religiously!  

Ten on Tuesday

My sister in law(who just had her third baby!) has a best friend, Lindsey and I am so thankful that my dear, sweet sister has this friend nearby since my brother and his family are not close to family!


  Lindsey has a blog(is pregnant with their 3rd!) and one day while I was "blog stalking", I saw that she had started to do this Ten on Tuesday put on by Roots and Rings.  I thought it was kinda fun, so I decided to try it out today!  

1. What is your favorite travel destination spot?  
Our favorite spot to go is kinda tied- Hilton Head Island, SC and Hendersonville, NC.  We have had the best family vacations at these two spots.  We have always stayed somewhere different, but if you're looking for a relaxing and low key vacation spot, these are it!  We try and go at least once a year as a family to both places!  If you've never been to either, both are very family friendly.  Not a lot of touristy-cheapy places.  One is in the mountains and beautiful and the other in on the beach and so quiet and clean!

2. Cats vs. Dogs?
Growing up, I've had both- cats and dogs.  I love both.  I am not a fan of BIG dogs that jump up on me.  Mostly because I'm short.  When we first got married, Hubbie and I had a kitten.  He was so cute, but he was B-A-D.  He jumped up on our counter tops and ate our steak one afternoon that had been thawing.  Ever since then, Hubbie has said NO CATS!  I would get either or both.  Right now we have neither.

3.  Do you believe in fate?
Well, fate? No, I don't guess so...  I do believe in God working things out.. according to His plan.

4.  Do you believe in karma?
HA!  No, not really.  I only laugh because I use to watch that show with Earl(can't think of the name!) and all he ever talked about was karma, like karma was a person!  One of my co-workers and I got such a kick out of that show!  The rest of the co-workers did NOT understand our humor!

5.  Everyone has a unique laugh, do you like yours?

No, not really....  The only laugh I like is the one where I can barely laugh, because its so hilarious!!!  My chuckle is annoying!

6. Is love all you really need?

The Beatles were wrong... you need so much more than love!  

7. What is your whole take on the 2012 scare?

HA! What scare?!!!

8.  If you won a million dollars and had to give it away, who would you give it to?  (Family and friends not included?)

Gosh!  A million dollars is a lot of money!  I would probably divide it up and give it to several organizations.  One big one that we are currently giving our tithe checks to, is building a water well.  Also, things like Golden Harvest Food Bank, Compassion Int'l and Focus on the Family.  I would probably, also, pay for a lot of friends that are having a hard time financially, to go through FPU.  

9. Do you believe in God/religion/the power of prayer?  

Anyone that knows me, knows that I do believe in the power of prayer!  I cannot tell you how many times God has shown Himself after prayer.  The removal of the brain tumor in my grandmother, after tons and TONS of prayer.  Our cruise that we were given last year after lots of prayer.  And I could go on and on.... God does exist.  God does answer prayer.  Now, religion is another blog post all together.....  

10. What New Years Resolution do you make but never keep? 

Not sure I have ever  made some that I have never kept....  maybe weight loss, but usually the years I've made that a top priority, I've gotten pregnant!  ;o)  

Wanna play along, head over here to join in the fun!  

Suave Wash Them Grow Review and Sweepstakes

I don't know about your kids, but mine LOVE body wash and special bath soaps!  Mostly because of the "character" or animal on the front!  They couldn't care less about the smell or if it cleans them or not!  Because of that, when I saw the opportunity to participate in the Suave Kids Wash Them Grow program, I jumped at the chance......

To read more, go to my review blog, here!  

Menu Plan Monday ~ February 1st thru February 7th 2010

Monday Nite- Bertolli Frozen Meal Bag (Buy 1, Get 1 Free at Publix a few wks ago, plus $2 off coupon)with bread

Tuesday Nite- Leftover Chili with cornbread

Wednesday Nite-Tyson entree(Buy 1, Get 1 Free at Publix last week, plus $1 off coupon) & veggies/bread

Thursday Nite- Chicken Spaghetti and salad/bread

Friday Nite- Leftovers

Saturday Lunch- Homemade pizza

Saturday Nite- Mexican 

Sunday Lunch- Leftover Mexican

Sunday Nite- Hamburger Steak and veggies/bread

Breakfast- cereal, toaster strudels
Lunch- Soup, sandwiches, quesadillas and frozen pizza
Baking- Maybe some cookies.....

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What a week last week was!  We all felt awful.  The baby, Hubbie and I are still suffering, but the older boys are doing good, so I am not allowed to moan and feel bad any longer!  Hubbie had something to do every night last week, so with me feeling so crummy, it was a long and tiring week.  Thankfully Nana and Pops rescued us on Saturday night with a date night!  The older boys spent the night and went to church with them on Sunday.  Hubbie and I, and Baby Bean, had a wonderful time- eating meals quietly, talking about goals and the future and I was even able to sleep a good, uninterrupted 8 hrs on Saturday night!  What a treat, because I haven't slept well in about 3 weeks!  

We have a busy week ahead- as long as all family members stay healthy and well- school and activities.  I am looking forward to Thursday- PJ Day.


For more meal planning ideas, visit here.