Outside My Kitchen Window

Thirsty?

2012-01-24T11:59:00.001-05:00

Want some water?

Water. So simple, yet so beneficial. When you don't drink enough water you get dehydrated and that leads to less energy (we could all use more energy, right?). A large part of our bodies are made up of water and because of that we need to replenish.

Here are some other bits of information I have learned about water:

* Water is required for digestion & absorption of food

* Water in the bloodstream carries nutrients and oxygen to cells

* Water helps to improve exhaustion, headaches, asthma, hypertension...

* Water flushes toxins out of vital organs

Now I'm a pretty descent water drinker, but I'm also a pretty descent Coca-Cola drinker and one should significantly outweigh the other.

So, I will continue to grab my sunflower cup (isn't she pretty?), fill her up and drink away.

Side Note: I got 4 our of 5 things done on my Top Five list (this post was the fifth item).

Top Five

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

I am sharing with you a little copying that I have decided to do starting today. I was recently reading Mel's blog and came across a post where she refers to her friend Erin's Top Six. I was immediately intrigued.

Since I am working on taking baby steps (hi Rach!) regarding purging and getting myself together, I thought this would be a great way to break down the master To Do list that we all burden ourselves with daily. It does not take long to sit down with your planner (or notebook, sheet of paper, napkin, smartphone...) and make out a list of a few things to get accomplished each day.

So tonight I sat down with my planner and came up with a Top Five (I need to start simple and 5 just seemed more doable than 6...not sure why). The pic is a little fuzzy, but you get the gist. I would like to do this each evening to prepare for the next day.

Baby Steps :)

Expectations & Grace

2012-01-18T14:07:00.000-05:00

Expectations...we all have them. We expect certain things of ourselves, of others & of situations.

At times expectations can be set too high. This is something I have been known to do with my children and it is an area that I need to purge. This is not to say that I should not have expectations of my children, but that the expectations should be fitting for them. I tend to see what other kids are doing and think my children should be doing the same. Or my expectations have more to do with what is convenient for me rather than what is beneficial for them.

I am praying about what expectations are beneficial to them and giving them grace at times when expectations are not met.

I am listening more and having more discussions with them. They need to feel that my love is unconditional and not based on whether or not they meet a goal I set for them.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9a

Why Purge?

2012-01-15T23:18:00.001-05:00

As my ponder and pray about my 2012 Word I realize that it needs to go beyond just one post...it needs to be totally incorporated into my entire life. I think before I would pick a word, post about it & then...**crickets**

First, I need to get to the reason for needing to PURGE. I need to PURGE in order to be closer to HIM..to be able to listen to His guidance without distraction...to discern what He has in store for me, not what I think He has in store for me.

I need to PURGE so that I can absorb His Word (like the verses above)...His character.

I need to PURGE so that my foundation is in HIM...not in things, or people, or blogs, or food, or what others are doing...it needs to be in HIM.

There are areas that I know right now need to be PURGED and I am sure more will be revealed to me as I continue to pray about it and follow His lead. My hope is to share my journey here...my journey to strengthen my relationship with Christ, simplify my home, focus more on my husband/children, reduce distractions, serve others...PURGE.

2012 Word

2012-01-09T15:30:00.000-05:00

This is my fourth year of participating in picking a word to represent my year...a theme, if you will (click to see year one, two & three). I will be transparent to say that the past three years have been a flop. I honestly didn't even remember that last year's word was Embrace.

I realize that I need a fresh start...to start from square one. So, this is the word that I picked to represent what is needed to be done this year:

PURGE

* To free from impurities; purify
* To remove by or as if by cleansing
* To rid of sin or guilt

Just like this tree...I am going to let go of some things. I am going to PURGE things in order to allow me to utilize my past words...to MOVE to get things done...to FOCUS on things that need my attention...to EMBRACE all of the blessings that God has given me.

My goal is to PURGE piles...bad habits...so-called friendships...clutter...blogs (I cleaned out some of the blogs I follow...this was hard)...negative thinking...etc.

As I PURGE, my goal is to REFILL with His Word...His Direction...His JOY!

Regrouping

2012-01-03T15:32:00.003-05:00

I am daydreaming about this place (as it snows outside my window with temps in the teens!) and about the upcoming year. I will be back soon to share my word for this year (I have done that here, here & here), some goals and anything else that comes to mind.

First I must regroup, fill in my planner for 2012, put my tree away, and clear out old toys to make room for new toys (exactly why I said here that I need to do this before Christmas).

See you shortly!

Note to Self...

2011-12-29T19:05:00.000-05:00

Each year after Christmas is all over I think to myself all of the things I want to do differently or things I want to add to our festivities. But that is the problem...I just think to myself and I do not write it down. What happens then is that I forget these things & end up being frustrated with myself.

But that changes today because I am here to write a note to myself so that these thoughts are documented.

Dear Kelli:

* Start shopping early...like September early. The key however, is to make sure you put all of these early gifts in ONE spot so that you don't lose them before Christmas (remember the MP3 player?). This way you will not be running all over town trying to pick up gifts in the weeks leading up to Christmas...you'll be able to relax a little and enjoy WHY we are celebrating.

* And while you are out there shopping early, make sure to pick up a few extra gifts for that person you may have forgotten or that neighbor that needs an additional pick me up...like some gift cards, or candles, or books.

* And while we are on the subject of early...make sure to start your Christmas cards early. Because you waited until the last minute you were crammed and you had to limited the number that you sent out this year. If you start early you will be able to pace yourself and do small steps at a time...cut the base one day, cut the accents another day, etc. In the end you will be much happier.

* Remember to celebrate Him more during this time. Read Scripture surrounding His conception and birth. Take time to make sure that you still remember the verses from Luke 2.

* Make cookies with your children. So what if it makes the kitchen dirty or if they don't turn out perfectly...it will be something that you will always remember...it will be something that THEY will always remember. Remember how you loved making cookies with your mom when you were younger and how you still enjoy it even now...that's how they will feel too.

* Go through and donate your kids' old toys before Christmas so that you have room for the new toys...you do not have enough space to double the inventory.

* Go to the little kiosk in the mall to get the kids an ornament with his/her name on it.

* If you host Christmas Eve again do not wait until after your family leaves to wrap gifts. If you do, you will have cleaning up AND wrapping to do and will be up very, very late. Remember that Mommy and Rondell did not let you get away with not wrapping this year.

* Buy more eggs...and paper towels...and spices...because you do not want to have to send Rondell out again on Christmas because you are short on eggs (and out of paper towels). Luckily Mommy had pepper for your "pepper emergency" this year but you should make sure you are stocked on these things just in case. In other words...plan your meals down to the last ingredient...even pepper.

* Take a picture of the tree before the gifts are opened. You always forget this. See, if you had wrapped the gifts beforehand then you would have had more opportunities to get this shot...just sayin'.

* Make more treats like these and these. It was so much fun to bag up those hug treats and give them to co-workers and neighbors. The jars were SO easy to make and also a big hit...the only change would be to maybe use smaller cards as tags or print off Mel's instructions to add as labels.

* Lastly, make a better effort to do some fun activities leading up to Christmas...get hot chocolate, go see the lights at the zoo, make a gingerbread house, etc. As much as you love tradition remember that you are now developing traditions for your family to cherish.

Christmas 2011 Recap

2011-12-27T07:43:00.001-05:00

Hi Friends! Happy Week-After-Christmas :) Have you recovered from all of your events? We are still in recovery mode in our house, but I'm sure it will all get taken care of by New Years (well, at least that's the plan)

We had a good Christmas weekend. This year I hosted Christmas Eve with my family. When my great-grandmother was alive we would always go to her house Christmas Eve and celebrate. We have tried to carry on the tradition and this year it was my turn.

Here is my mom and her siblings (minus one)...Uncle James, Aunt Tammy & Aunt Roni

My cousin Shanette (on the right) and her niece Nikea. Shanette has hosted the last few years, but recently had a baby & was not up for hosting (I'm sure we can all relate to that!).

Here are Shanette's husband Tim, my mom, & my cousin James (Shanette's brother). Tim LOVES my mom's deviled eggs so she made some just for him and then gave him an OSU deviled egg carrier.

We had lots of yummy food, including the wonderful ham sandwiches on Hawaiian rolls (I have mentioned these a time or two on the blog). I actually got this idea from Shanette when she had them at her house last year...so tasty.

It was such a nice gathering and I can't wait to do it again next year!

The next morning we all slept until 8:00!!!! We actually had to wake up Caleb. I guess that's what happens when you stay up super late the night before.

One of the first gifts handed out was from Jamison to my mom. She had written a report about her & why she loves her. I'm sorry I do not have a picture of the report because it is so beautiful...well written, with a picture that Jamison drew of my mom, & it was laminated by her teacher.

While this picture is blurry it actually really does represent what my kids looked like all day...moving around from gift to gift at lightening speed.

My mom gave Rondell a hilarious shirt:

After gifts my mom made our traditional Christmas breakfast...french toast, eggs, bacon & fried potatoes.

Check out the new skillet that my mom gave me!

French toast is just not complete for me unless it is topped with Karo syrup...just like my great-grandmother always had.

A precious moment...Rondell teaching Jamison chess. She wanted a chess set for Christmas so that she could learn how to play.

I was supposed to make dinner on Christmas, but we ended up just snacking all day on leftovers from Christmas Eve. I also munched on these...pistachios...with no shells! Thanks mom :)

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that you were all able to savor your families :)

2011-12-25T07:45:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

Love,

Rondell, Kelli, Jamison & Caleb

And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:10-11

miscellany monday

2011-12-19T07:00:00.001-05:00

Good morning Friends & Happy Christmas Week!!! I'm stopping by with a few randoms:

1. This is what my table looked like the entire weekend...I was a card making machine. I was SO behind in my card making this year that I had to take almost the entire weekend to get them all done. It almost crossed my mind not to make any, but I just love making them so much that it is worth all of the "work."

I am going to have to remember this scene so that I do not wait this late ever again :)

2. Speaking of cards...I am in love with this one that I came up with. I used a sketch for the idea and I'm so happy with the way it turned out. I love all of the layers and I was excited to get to use my markers to make a two-tone sentiment.

3. A new addition. I have wanted a clock for one of the walls in our entry for a long time and I now finally have one. Rondell actually picked it up while he was out shopping. It fits so well in the space & now when we are in the living/dining area we can tell the time (there is no other clock...not even on the cable box).

This is a great start in an attempt to decorate our naked walls :)

4. I would say that two certain little someones are absolutely ready for Christmas. This year Caleb is really into Christmas and getting ready for all of the gifts. Rondell was out over the weekend getting a few more things for our munchkins. We were grateful that Toys R Us was open until 1:00 am this weekend because we almost forgot about a sale that was going on for one of the items that Jamison has on her list...we remembered at 10:30 Saturday night!

Linking up with the beautiful Carissa :)

My Jamison - The Soloist

2011-12-15T09:18:00.000-05:00

The Simple Woman's Daybook - Tuesday, December 13, 2011

2011-12-13T09:49:00.000-05:00

1. Outside my window...sunny, blue skies & COLD. Cold or no cold, I will take the sun any day :)

This is not a picture of this morning, but the sky looked exactly the same...gorgeous.

I am thinking...about my day and the little things that I want to accomplish.

I am thankful...for friends who can relate to me. Sometimes it's a good feeling to know that I'm not the only one who (fill in the blank).

In the kitchen...Yesterday I was off and made dinner for last night and tonight...taco bake & cabbage/noodles/kielbasa.

I am wearing...earrings. I don't wear them often enough...I have gotten so many compliments :)

I am creating...my Christmas cards. I don't think I have ever been this behind...it's going to be a crazy few nights.

I am going...to Jamison's choir performance tomorrow night, where...wait for it...she has a SOLO!!

I am wondering...what to make for our Christmas Eve gathering...appetizers or a full meal?

I am reading...the book of Hebrews. We recently covered this book in BSF but over the break (BSF takes off for Christmas) I want to read it again...there is so much to ponder within those 13 chapters.

I am hoping...to have my entire house deep cleaned before Christmas (I don't know how realistic this is).

I am looking forward to...Christmas morning.

Around the house...disorder...I don't like disorder.

One of my favorite things...my BSF discussion group.

A few plans for the rest of the week...watch the new NCIS with my mom, attend a cookie party tomorrow (we're making those jars where you add the ingredients of the cookies), make my Christmas cards & catch up on shows that Rondell & I have on our DVR.

If you want to share your day go here.

Ten on Ten - December 2011

2011-12-10T21:41:00.000-05:00

Yeah...another opportunity to participate in Ten on Ten is here!! Hope you enjoy a little peek into my day :)

Waking up to frosted grass and peeking out to the reminder that I need to trim my hostas.

Getting hydrated for my Christmas shopping whirlwind with my mom.

Our last stop on our shopping adventure.

The kids getting into the Christmas spirit as we head out.

A visit to Whole Foods to see a couple of reindeer.

Lunch time (thanks Gramma Lee)

Nap time! I may or may not have taken a little snooze too ;)

Time to turn on the Christmas tree.

Trying to decide which soap to put out...Caleb picked the Gingerbread soap.

Movie Time!!!

Showing Some {Friday Favorite} Blog Love

2011-12-09T07:45:00.000-05:00

Hi Friends & Happy Friiiiiday :)

How is December treating you so far? Are you counting down till Christmas...are you racing around checking off your gift list...are you doing Advent activities?

There are some blogs out there that really get me into the mood of this Wonderful Season and I thought I would share a few of those favorites with you:

~ One of my favorite things to do this time of year is to make my Christmas cards. I love looking around to come up with a design and I even enjoy staying up late to get them done {one of these years I'll have them done way ahead of time!}. There are a few blogs that I enjoy reading as I begin my card-making process...

1. Erin's card-making post. Erin does a great job at explaining her process when she makes her Christmas cards. I love the layouts that she uses and I refer back to this post often when I am thinking about what kind of card I want to design. She even posted a cute idea of what to do with the cards each year...here.

2. Rach. She was my inspiration last year to do multiple designs. I love her style and just love her to pieces overall. I peeked at her stamping blog today and love the cards that she recently made.

3. Heidi. Like Rach, Heidi is another go-to gal for card designs. I love her simple, cutesy style. Right now on her stamping blog she is sharing different gift ideas and I have loved each one so far.

~ Another favorite thing to do during this time of year is make cookies. Recently Mel @ The Larson Lingo hosted a cookie exchange party on her blog...how fun is that? Now I have a few recipes to try...not just for the Christmas season but all year long.

~ A series that I have been been really enjoying this week is one that Nancy @ The Goat and the Kid is hosting...Christmas Is _______. Christmas is first about the birth of our Savior, but it also incorporates so much more and this series highlights all of those things. Today you too can join in on the fun :)

~ I have recently found a fun new blog to read...the tichenor family. The blogger Meredith has been doing such a great job at documenting the fun things she is doing with her boys during this Christmas Season. I have gotten a few ideas that I might do next year...like opening and reading a Christmas book each day.

~ One post that gives me the warm and fuzzies is this post from Darby @ Fly Through Our Window. The first time I saw those videos I was amazed at how well her girls memorized Scripture. Last year it inspired Jamison and I to do the same...you can see our video here.

~ Lastly, {and this is not related to Christmas blogging} I am SO excited to be able to participate in ten on ten tomorrow! If you enjoy taking pictures I highly recommend this to you.

Sing Off - Caleb Style

2011-12-07T07:33:00.001-05:00

Over the weekend Caleb had his Christmas performance at his daycare. He had been practicing the songs all over the house for weeks so we were really interested to see how he would do up on stage. For the most part he did a great job and I was impressed at how well he knew each song. Here are some pictures from the day (please excuse the not-so-good pictures):

Classic Caleb face...getting ready to get his sing on :)

The performance included a ton of hands motions and Caleb had each one memorized.

Look at those hands go!

For most of the performance he was all smiles...but for 2 or 3 songs he was like this:

We have no idea why...he just wouldn't sing. Afterwards he said he was tired and that's why he didn't sing. I guess being a star is hard work!

miscellany monday

2011-12-05T14:19:00.001-05:00

Happy Monday Friends! How was your weekend? I have a couple of random things to share with you today.

1. Big Guy. I don't know if you know this or not, but I am married to a tall man. Rondell is 6'5"! When I first met him one of my reactions was "wow, he's tall!" I love that he's easy to find in a crowd :) I have gotten used to his height over the years, but there are times when I am reminded that he is tall.

One thing that has us tickled lately is a little girl who attends the same daycare as Caleb. Whenever Rondell walks in she says "Big Guy!"

I finally got to see her this weekend at Caleb's Christmas performance and heard her say "Big Guy..it's Big Guy!" with such excitement. It was adorable :)

My "Big Guy"

2a. Cookies...cookies!

Yesterday I went to my friend Lyndsey's 5th Annual Cookie Exchange. I forgot my camera (again), but you can go here to see where I posted about the 2nd year & the picture above is from the 3rd year (I made snickerdoodles that year). This year she and her mom asked me to sell a few cards and I was happy to do just that.

2b. My cookies. I try to make a different cookie each year & this year I made a lemon cookie. You can find the recipe here. I saw it first on Paige's blog a few months ago and knew right away that I wanted to make them because I love lemon. I did not ice them though...but they were still good. Here they are in all their glory:

2c. The greatest discovery EVER! So, see what my cookies are sitting on...that, my friends, is parchment paper. This recipe called for using parchment paper, which I have never used before. It is now my new best friend and I do not know where is has been all my life. The cookies came off so easily and I didn't have to wash pans between each batch. I.am.in.love :)

3. I think that's all I've got! Join in on the fun over at Carissa's blog.

Friday {Thanksgiving} Favorites

2011-12-02T08:53:00.000-05:00

Hi Friends :) Do you know that this is my 900th post...crazy! For my Friday Favorites I thought I would take the time to be thankful for our relaxing Thanksgiving (and a few other things in between).

~ I am thankful that I was able to provide a meal for our family. This year we decided to keep Thanksgiving low-key, stay home and have our meal here. It was a very relaxing day...with yummy food :)

~ I am thankful for Kroger...for providing our delicious turkey. Anytime I have a large meal with a turkey, for as long as it is offered, I will get my turkey here and let them do all of the work.

~ I am thankful for my laptop. When I cook or clean the kitchen I like to watch shows or listen to music. So, I can watch this:

{Yes, I was catching up on Y&R}

...while I am doing this:

~ I am thankful for my new cooking utensils from Pampered Chef...they are bamboo. I learned that wooden spoons keep a lot of bacteria but bamboo spoons do not. Or as Rondell says 'I got scared into buying them.' Maybe I did, but so far I love them.

~ I am thankful for Mrs. Keys (my good friend Melanie's mom) for sharing her dressing recipe with me. And while I may or may not have added a little too much sage this year, it is by far my favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner. If you want the recipe you can go here.

~ I am thankful that Rondell was brave enough to light our fireplace before dinner. See, we have lived in this house for over fire years and we have never lit the fireplace...gasp. I just knew there would be something living in there, but all was OK. Isn't it pretty?

~ I am thankful that the one "craft" that I ended up putting together was a big hit. I love the everyone got involved. It was a coloring sheet that I found online (thanks Erin) and there was a space on the side to write the things for which we are thankful.

{Wanna know something about that handsome guy in the picture above...he got a new job!! Talk about thankful :)}

~ I am thankful that we were able to slow down and enjoy one another's company (minus Caleb, who decided to spend Thanksgiving with his grandparents...but how wonderful that he has grandparents who love on him in that way...though he was truly missed).

~ I am thankful for Jamison's love for writing. She is constantly writing a story or a news report. Here she is presenting her "I am thankful" presentation:

{Sorry for the blur}

~ I am thankful that the one new recipe that I tried was a hit:

I followed a recipe from Cooks.com (which I can't seem to find now).

I boiled my yams and then peeled and sliced them, placed them in a 9x13 dish and sprinkled them with cinnamon, nutmeg and some pumpkin pie spice.

I made a simple syrup (I like saying that) using 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of light brown sugar, and about 1/3 cup of water. I brought it to a boil and stirred until the sugar was dissolved.

I poured the syrup over the yams & then added butter to the top.

I baked them @ 350 for about 30 minutes...basically until they start bubbling around the side.

YUM!

Share your Favorites...come on, it's fun :)

I'll Be Back Soon...

2011-11-29T10:04:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends. Can I just say that I miss you all?!?! I have made the commitment to be back to regularly scheduled blogging starting on Friday...with Friday Favorites.

I'm not sure why, but it has been a struggle lately about where to take this lovely blog of mine. If you have any thoughts about what you like seeing over at my place let me know...what are your favorite posts/topics?

I hope you all had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving and I will see you on Friday (with pictures I might add).

And just in case you're missing me too much:

I Just Wanted to Share...

2011-11-22T10:49:00.000-05:00

My name is Kelli and I am not a big fan of hymns...gasp! I'm not sure why, but for some reason they bore me. Are you still there? Are we still friends?

There are times, however, when a hymn captures me. That happened last night at BSF. We sing a hymn before the lecture (see BSF's four-fold approach here) and last night's hymn was Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. The chorus really struck me:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

In our lesson we covered Hebrews 3 & 4 which talks about fixing our eyes on Jesus and entering into God's rest. I love how this hymns tells us what will happen once we 'look FULL in His wonderful face'...do you see it? The things of earth will grow strangely dim!!! That means stress/anxiety/worry, things that we make a higher priority than Him, financial issues, etc all pale in the light of His glory and grace.

I think that's awesome news!!!

Perhaps I need to listen to hymns more often :)

miscellany monday

2011-11-21T07:20:00.000-05:00

1. I love the Christmas Season...like could listen to Christmas music all year long kind of love. I just love the warmth and the family togetherness that the season brings. It, of course, is so much more than that, but that's a post for another day. I do try and save our festivities until after Thanksgiving, but the other night we decided to pull out How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Jamison has the book so she decided to read along.

2. So...who's into Twilight? I saw Breaking Dawn Part I on Saturday and it was really good. I tried to finish the book before seeing the movie, but I was not successful. Luckily this was only Part I so I am not too far behind. Did you see it?

3. This is totally random...why is it that I can only use McDonald's ketchup when I eat McDonald's fries?

4. I talked last week about the things I need to do for Thanksgiving. I got a few things done over the weekend, like cleaning out the fridge, making the detailed shopping list & organizing my containers. Tomorrow I'll go over my list and revise it...I love a good list you know :)

5. My brother Evan was in town for a party and yesterday he stopped by to see us. My kids love him and he loves them just the same. He also got to meet a few of my friends and I am always impressed by how personable he is. I just love this guy :)

Stop by Carissa's and share your random!

Thanksgiving Thoughts :)

2011-11-17T11:31:00.000-05:00

Well Friends, Thanksgiving is one week from today...where does the time go? Are you hosting? I am, but that sounds fancier than it really is. I am hosting me, Rondell, the kids & my mom. This year I wanted to stay low-key and make a meal at home. I can't wait to work on the preparations this week (I'm not quite as prepared as it shows here, but my "event" is much smaller)...which leads me to a few thoughts as I get things ready:

~ One of the things I will be working on this week is a deep cleaning of the house. Come Thanksgiving Eve & Day all I want to worry about is final food preparations and spending quality time with my family.

In the next week my plan is to make my home spotless...mostly in the kitchen & my dining area (and yes, I have started working on cleaning my craft space). I plan to clean out the fridge really good and also make sure my containers are all organized...because we'll need that in order to put food away after our dinner. I also need to check my spices. I think I buy sage each year and sometimes I end up with more than enough cans...so I'll be sure to check that out this year before I head to the store.

~ I told you how I started my list for Thanksgiving in my new planner...this includes a grocery list. I've been trying to buy things here and there as I've seen them on sale. In my mind I go through each part of the meal (for both breakfast and dinner because we're also having a yummy breakfast) and while I'm cleaning the kitchen I can look for the items that I already have...like sage :).

Oh, and I'm cheating and ordering my turkey from my local grocery store. I have done this before and it is SO worth it...the meat is tender and I don't have to fuss with the preparation that goes along with baking a turkey. It's a win/win for everyone!

~ I thought it would be fun to have cute table decorations too...especially for the kids. I have tagged this post by Just a Girl and hope to put together a cute table setting.

~ To keep the kids busy while I'm cooking I have been looking for some fun crafts for them to do. Two years ago we make these thankful turkeys:

We will probably do this again and I'm in search of a few more. I was thinking of having them make their own placemats.

~ The last thing I was thinking about is showing others my appreciation. I was driving by the crossing guard who works for Jamison's school this morning...she was all bundled up making sure a child got across the street safely. My thought is to take her hot chocolate next week. I also want to take cookies to my neighbor for staying with Jamison while she's at the bus stop each morning.

So...those are my thoughts...things I'm writing out. You know I love a good plan :)

miscellany monday

2011-11-14T07:10:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends & Happy Monday!

1. Did you all have a good weekend? I did, but forgot my camera for each event...sigh. Jamison ice skated for the first time this weekend at a birthday party. Initially she was scared and actually got off the ice and took off the skates. But minutes later she decided she was going to try again...I was SO proud of her. She made it all the way around the rink (holding on for dear life) and she was really excited. She was an inspiration to me to get back out there and try...even if it's hard.

2. Are any of you Blogger bloggers using the new interface? I have tried to use it a few times and can't quite figure it out. I usually read blogs from my dashboard and for some reason I can't seem to figure out how to scroll down to see all of the blogs that I follow like I can on the current dashboard. If you have any tips feel free to pass them along.

3. I love a full moon...it is so captivating. I was able to capture last week's full moon with my camera.

4. This is on my Christmas list this year...I have always wanted it and can't believe I do not have it.

5. Look what I got to play with over the weekend:

My new Erin Condren planner arrived last week and I could not be happier. I was actually able to get it for only $20 because Plum District was having a special where you bought a $50 voucher for only $25...and because it was my first purchase I got an additional $5 off...SCORE!

I got a chance to transfer a lot of my plans from the old planner into the new planner. I was in my happy place.

I like the new tabs so far (even though I have heard that they are not as sturdy as people would like).

I also like this new feature of a notes page at the beginning of each month. I have started planning my Thanksgiving dinner on November's page.

This back page is something that I'm really excited about. The one thing missing for me from this planner was an extended calendar view...and now it's included!

Well I am off to work on my To Do list :)

Join sweet Carissa & tell us your randoms.

35 Things :)

2011-11-09T11:16:00.001-05:00

Well Friends it is over...my birthday is officially over. I had a wonderful day & received a ton of love. I thought I'd list 35 things (since I'm 35 now) that made my birthday great, in no particular order. And I apologize ahead of time for zero pictures ;)

1. Coming into work and seeing my desk completely decorated with a banner, streamers and balloons.

2. The kids singing Happy Birthday to me.

3. Wearing my favorite color.

4. Texts that I received wishing me a Happy Birthday...even the one that came in at 5am.

5. Emails from dear friends.

6. Birthday voicemails complete with the Happy Birthday song.

7. My grandfather remembering my birthday and calling me to sing.

8. Reading a tweet from my brother saying that I am the best :)

9. Eating pizza twice.

10. Having my boss sit and eat lunch with us because it was my birthday.

11. Pizza from my favorite pizza place for dinner (and having leftovers for lunch today!).

12. The sweet sign that my kids and their friends made for me.

13. My friend Tasha taking a picture of the kids with the sign and framing it for me (I'll have to share that with you).

14. Gifts on my desk from co-workers.

15. Getting to talk to one of my oldest and dearest friends on my way to work.

16. Getting to talk to a friend who is like a sister to me on my way home from work.

17. Renee and Toshianna signing to me first thing in the morning.

18. A sweet e-card from my Daddy.

19. Exercising my right to vote (and not having to wait in line).

20. Making videos on my phone of the kids signing to me so that I could play them throughout the day.

21. All of the sweet Facebook messages.

22. The sweet and thoughtful card from my mom, complete with a gift card to the Cheesecake Factory.

23. The yummy cherry crisp pie that my mom brought for dessert...YUM!

24. The CD by one of my favorite artists that my honey gave to me.

25. A sweet little note from Jamison's teacher wishing me a Happy Birthday.

26. All of the Happy Birthdays from co-workers (since my desk was decorated everyone who walked by knew it was my birthday).

27. All of the hugs I received.

28. Not having to do any dishes :)

29. Watching a good episode of NCIS (sometimes I do love a good cliff hanger).

30. Rondell not having to work at Best Buy.

31. My friend Lyndsey's gift to me...a hanger for my keys that hooks onto my purse so that I don't lose my keys (I'll have to share that too).

32. Abbie's world-famous chocolate chip cookies.

33. The gorgeous weather...it was 70 degrees with beautiful blue skies.

34. The smile on my face...all.day.long.

35. God blessing me with another year and allowing me to be surrounded my wonderful people.

miscellany monday

2011-11-07T05:22:00.014-05:00

Happy Monday Friends...how was your weekend? Did you remember to fall back or did you get to your destinations early?

I am here on another Monday with a little of this & a little of that.

1. So, you know how I have been in a bit of a rut? Well last week I was praying for guidance on what I needed to do to get out of this and God continued to bring me to various Scripture about habits...like 1 John 3, which deals with the hard Truths about how I need to conduct myself. The "theme" of habits has also been popping up in my devotional, Jesus Calling.

I have to rethink habits like always reading blogs before reading His Word, ordering out in a pinch instead of getting creative in the kitchen, taking naps instead of being productive (sometimes I nap just out of habit, not that I am even that tired). So, I'm going to continue to pray about this issue and hopefully get back to my old self :)

2. This weekend I cracked into my card making stash and it rekindled the romance :) I hope to be able to pull out these containers so more this week. I so enjoy sitting down and creating something special for someone.

3. Speaking of cards...soon my table will look like this:

Oh yeah...it is time for Christmas card making. My new stamp just came in and I would like to get started this weekend. I am still debating about whether or not to do multiple styles or stick with just one

4. Happy birthday to me...a little early. This is my birthday week (it's tomorrow...and don't worry, you still have time to send me a card or a gift...wink, wink). My mom ordered me a pair of tennis shoes and they arrived last week. I love a new pair of tennis shoes...some people are boot people, some like heels, but I am a sneaker kind of girl :)

Come on and join us...here :)

Halloween 2011

2011-11-02T19:33:00.000-04:00

We had a really great Halloween weekend...packed with a party, friends & candy :)

My friends Amber & Lyndsey throw a Halloween party for our kids each year. The kids come in costume, eat some goodies & play a few games. It is always a fun time and my kids look forward to it every year.

My cute ladybug...with all her sass.

Lyndsey's mom had each kid stand and tell about his or her costume and do a little trick while the other kids paid close attention.

I made Rice Krispie Treats with candy corn...I heard about it here. I also made Mummy Dogs...seen here (I actually used the crescent rounds which roll out into strips...perfect!).

Amber & her oldest son made a punch and put dry ice around for a spooky theme.

Group shot (minus a few). Can't wait to do it again next year :)

On Halloween my mom, my friend Marja & her daughter came over. My mom and I always sit and pass out candy and Rondell takes the kids. It was pretty cold this year so they only stayed out for about an hour.

This was our attempt to make our house a little spooky...some web and a ghost. The ghost was voice activated and would make a "scary" sound and move along the line when activated. Since my mom & I sit and chat we laugh a lot and every time she laughed it would turn on the ghost...lol.

The Trick or Treaters ready to beg for candy.

Rondell and Marja both dressed up this year. I think Marja wants to be an extra in one of the Twilight movies :)

Me & my old man...he is older than me you know?!

These two crack me up...they are so good together (except for the moment they decided to "break up"...it didn't last long).

Hope you all had a wonderful Halloween...now bring on Thanksgiving :)

Keepin' It Real :)

2011-10-25T09:38:00.000-04:00

Yesterday my friend Rachael and I were emailing about all the things that need to be done. I told her how sometimes I get too wrapped up in other blogs...feeling like everyone has it all together but me. However, I know deep down that's not true...and it's OK.

So, in case you think I have it all together let me keep it really for just a second...with unedited pictures and I did not even take (thanks Ron for taking these shots for me):

Yeah um, this is my craft area...it's overflowing and no ~~fun~~ work is getting done.

My table that I swear I just cleaned off the other day. Jamison stepped on Caleb's pumpkin bucket and broke it :(

Fall/Halloween decorations still sitting by the front door that I need to finish putting up.

More Fall stuff...

Now I must go and get some of these things done so I can be pretty for you again :)

miscellany (fall) monday

2011-10-24T08:01:00.046-04:00

Well Friends it's Monday and October is just moving right along. Here are just a few things going on in our neck of the woods.

1. Help in the yard (yeah, I am SO creative with my titles). Rondell has been taking on the major task of cleaning up the leaves in our yard. Yesterday Caleb decided to help dad out and I am sure Rondell had no problem accepting the assistance. I think Caleb enjoyed it too (check back with me when he's 15):

2. The Year of the 5. 15 days from now I turn 35. My grandmother always talked about how all of her grandchildren are 5 years apart. And if it was what my cousin and I call "The Year of the 5" she would be extra excited. So, this is one of those years and it makes me think of & miss my Granita and makes me grateful to her...that she cherished something so simple about her grandchildren. And we absolutely cherish her.

3. Welcome :) Rondell makes fun of me because a lot of my Fall decor says "Welcome."

He may or may not be onto something :)

Write random...link here.

Football Friday Night Favorites

2011-10-21T06:55:00.000-04:00

Hello Friends & Happy Friday. I am here to share some of my favorites...things that I am truly thankful for.

**The pics are from a trip we took to a Friday Night High School football game...me, my friend Marja, and my 3 favorite little people.

I love the smell of Fall candles...I got two new scents from Yankee Candle, Pumpkin Buttercream & Maple Pancakes. YUM! I will burn them tonight

Looking forward to Fall traditions...like the Halloween party that my friends Amber and Lyndsey organize every year

Having time to relax and watch DVR'd shows with Rondell (anybody watching Revenge?)

Finally getting on the Modern Family bandwagon...Rondell and I laughed SO hard

Making plans to head down to our favorite Farm Store this weekend

Generous people...like my friend Amy. Stop over to her blog to see the amazing project that she's supporting. I will be supporting this too :)

Reading books aloud with my kids...we don't do this often enough

Reading silently with Jamison for 20 minutes...I am reading Breaking Dawn before the movie is released

Chatting with other moms during Jamison's Girl Scouts meeting

Chatting with my mom on Tuesdays

Finding new, inexpensive tennis shoes for Jamison

Getting ingredients together to make sticky buns tomorrow morning for breakfast

Positive school reports for both kids

The amazing grace that my children show ME :)

Ibuprofen because this cold has been a rough one

The weekend...oh how I love weekends

Join here:

Can I Just Tell You...

2011-10-20T08:03:00.014-04:00

~ I have not put out one Fall decoration

~ I have not yet burned my Fall candles

~ Going to the store early, early in the morning is really nice...no lines makes the trip so much smoother

~ I am grateful for my planner with all of the conferences and Fall parties that we have coming up...gotta write all of that stuff down or I will forget

~ My birthday is just 19 days away...on Election Day (November 8)...have I told you how much I love my birthday?

~ I have already given my mother my wish list

~ I am getting ready to start making my Christmas cards...yup, already (want me to make you some???)

~ I have been battling a cold for an entire week...I am finally feeling a little better

~ Tomorrow is Friday and I am THRILLED :)

Anything you wanna tell me?

Friday {Fall} Favorites

2011-10-14T09:22:00.029-04:00

Today I am Daydreaming about my Fall Favorites. My friend Janna recently listed her 25 favorite things about Fall (and included some gorgeous pictures) and that gave me the idea to list some of my favorites :)

The stunning colors

Crisp air

Open windows to let in the crisp air

The smell of fire places/pits

Apple picking with my family

~~Making~~ Eating apple crisp

My birthday :)

Savoring the last few weeks of grilling

Blue skies

Sweatpants and long-sleeve T-shirts

Driving to our favorite Farmer's Market on a Sunday afternoon

Warm potato soup

Apple cider from our favorite Farmer's Market

Preparing Halloween costumes and parties

Hay rides

Snuggling under a blanket while watching football

Snacking on yummy appetizers while watching football

Fall TV

What are your favorites?

What a Difference Two Years Makes :)

2011-10-13T08:28:00.000-04:00

Freeman's Farm Outing 2009

Freeman's Farm Outing 2011

**I will note that I must not have gotten more creative with Jamison's hair during that time as she is sporting the same do :)

Crocktober - Pulled Pork

2011-10-12T08:09:00.002-04:00

I am linking up today with Mel from The Larson Lingo for her Crocktober party. Creative title right?!? This is a repost, but it is my go to crock pot recipe that is enjoy my (almost) all of the family.

Pulled Pork
This is a super easy pulled pork recipe for the crock pot.

All I need is my crock pot, a pork roast (about 3 lbs), brown sugar, cider vinegar, ketchup and a BBQ pulled pork Slow Cooker packet from McCormick.

Just add all of the ingredients, mix it around and turn on the crock pot. I did season the meat too and poke holes so that the flavor would really get into the meat.
Ta da! After it's all done cooking, just shred the meat. Now, I will say that this time I waited until is was cool to shred the meat (OK, it was because I was napping) and I wouldn't recommend that. It was harder to shred, so I would say shred while the meat is still warm.

We just added it to buns and had some fries and that was dinner!

**Added: I also make this with homemade mac & cheese or a loaded baked potato salad.

Join in on the fun here!

10 on 10 - 10/10/11

2011-10-10T21:28:00.000-04:00

I am beyond excited to be able to participate in another 10 on 10 :) I have the day off for Columbus Day. This is the third time I have been able to do it and each time has been a lot of fun (see here and here).

Watching TV with Caleb (I may or may not have drifted off a time or two). He is at home today with me because he does not have school on Mondays (Jamison does have school today).

Gotta clean out the tub before giving Caleb a bath. I took Erin's advice too and cleaned the rest of the bathroom while he was in the tub...genius!

Taking a look outside to see all that needs to be raked...sigh.

Entering Mel's giveaway towards my 2012 Life Planner...you all know how I love my planner.

Having some Honey Baked Ham on Hawaiian rolls for lunch with my mom (and now there's some leftover for lunch tomorrow!).

Caleb helping Gramma Lee wash her car.

Finishing up my last BSF questions.

Welcoming home my favorite little girl...with apples for a snack :)

Admiring my new Stampin Up! goodies. Isn't this the cutest bag. My stamp club hostess gives one to each member to carry her stamping supplies...notice the cute K.

Frying chicken for the first time. I used PW's recipe and it actually turned out pretty well.

Cheering on my god-daughter Jewel at her volleyball game. We do not see her nearly as much as we should.

So that's my day...hope you enjoyed.

Absorbing

2011-10-05T10:09:00.000-04:00

Captured from my front porch

I know I have been quiet lately. Honestly, I am just a little overwhelmed at the moment. Nothing at all serious...just trying to get into a groove. See, I am routine oriented...it just is who I am. I like order, I like to know what is coming next, I thrive on organization. Well right now my world feels out of order...laundry, school papers, the kids' rooms, the To Do list...

I am reminded today that God's mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). With Him I will get out of this funk & we will get a handle on this disorder.

There are a few things in blogland that have helped too with getting my groove back:

This post/series by Tidy Mom: Countdown to Clean

Jen always has a good organization tip on her blog...IHeart Organizing

Reading this post by my blog friend Amy...another reminder of how we are renewed daily.

So, that is what's up with me...what's up with you?

My Princess Turns 8 :)

2011-09-29T08:05:00.000-04:00

To my:

Princess

Sleepy Girl

Giggle bunny

Little dancer

Big sister helper

Little Chef

Sunshine

Sweet-spirited angel

Artist

Budding author

Amazing reader

Snuggler

Social butterfly

Sweets loving

Shoe loving

Creative

First born

Jamison...

Oh how I have enjoyed this journey from here:

to here:

I am honored to be your mother and am grateful that God blessed me with you 8 years ago today.

Happy birthday Princess :)

Laundry According to My Children

2011-09-28T09:16:00.000-04:00

...wow they look so little in this picture (taken last Fall)

Jamison (she & Caleb are both taking a pair of socks and putting them in a dirty clothes pile): Look Mommy, we are planting seeds.

Me: Really?

Jamison: Yes, we plant the seeds and then out grows clean clothes.

Oh, if it was only that simple right :)

Fall Favorite

2011-09-27T10:05:00.000-04:00

It think that I have finally made it official...Fall is my favorite season. Yes, I love the free schedule of Summer (and going to the pool), but there is nothing like the comfort that Fall brings. There are a few things that I enjoy doing during Fall...one of them is apple picking.

We have been apple picking for a few years now and always go to the same place...Lynd's. Lynd's is a little pricey, but it is close to where my mom lives and it has become familiar...and those who know me know I love familiar :)

Here are some (unedited) pictures from our day:

We always go when it is time to pick Jonathan apples because they make such good apple crisp (my fav...recipe found here)

Who do you think is the most excited?

This year we got a 20 lb bag...looks like a lot of crisp in our future :)

My favorite apple, and Lynd's most popular, is the Honey Crisp. It is usually very crowded on the days to pick these apples so I just usually buy a 1/2 peck when we pick the Jonathon apples.

This year Mommy and Caleb munched on yummy kettle corn...it was still warm.

The next Fall outing will be to go & grab a few of these guys :)

What do you love about Fall?

miscellany monday - it's about time :)

2011-09-19T11:33:00.000-04:00

Join here

1. Long time no chat. It has been quiet on the blog lately and even my blog reading has been reduced. A lot of it is because I am struggling just a bit...struggling with discontent, disorganization, envy, disconnect, etc. My mind feels all over the place so I just haven't had that much interesting to say. I also haven't taken any pictures & what's a blog post with no pictures :) I read somewhere (on a blog) that it is not good blog etiquette to explain why you are not blogging...let's just hope she's not reading ;)

I am working on focusing Up because I know that God's intention is not for me to remain in this season, but to learn from it. So, I am around...just a little quiet, but only for a short time.

**I do have some other randoms...

2. Nacho cheese. One of the pleasures I get out of going to the movies is having nachos. For some reason I can never find the same nacho cheese that they serve in the theaters and it drives me a little crazy. For example, I rented Something Borrowed over the weekend and I would have loved to have been able to have nachos while watching the movie. But no...the cheese in the stores just isn't the same. One day I will find the movie nacho cheese...one day.

3. Speaking of movies...I am officially addicted to Redbox. For $1 I can rent a new release. I am able to reserve movies online AND they send me free coupons every once in a while. It's a win-win. Do you Redbox?

4. Sick babies. I have realized that I worry a ton when my kids are sick. This weekend Caleb was sick with a cold/allergies (I can never tell the difference) and he started wheezing. It makes me just want to grab him and hold him until he feels better. It makes me want to have him sleep with me so that I know that he's breathing OK.

They will always be my babies :)

miscellany monday...

2011-09-12T10:43:00.000-04:00

Here we are again...another Monday. Ready to take some time to be random :)

1. Favorite Show. Who all has been watching the Friends marathon on Nick @ Nite? I have been able to catch a few episodes and it reminded me why I love that show so much...because of the laughs that it gives me. Last night's episode was the episode where everyone finds out about Chandler & Monica. I laughed so hard I thought I would wake the kids up at one point.

We all could use a good laugh right?

2. Prep time. You know how I have been talking about getting our new routine together? Well I have decided that Saturday is going to be my prep day. This is the day that I would like to have all of the laundry done for the week, clothes planned for the week, meals planned, prep any food that needs to be ready for the week, etc. I have found that when I wait to do these things on Sunday that I am frazzled and I don't get to fully unwind before Monday hits.

Do you prep?

3. BSF! The new year of BSF starts tonight. This year we will be studying the book of Acts as well as many of the letters written by Paul. If you have been around this blog a while you know that I adore BSF and I can't believe that this will be my 5th year. It is a wonderful tool to keep me in God's Word and understand Scripture.

Find your nearest BSF here.

4. Check it out. Did you see my Ten on Ten on Saturday? Check it out here.

5. Enlightening conversation. Yesterday while I was covering in the church office I had an enlightening conversation with another church member. He teaches a few classes at our church and it was interesting to hear about how he is helping to lead people through the grief process (and not just loss of a loved one, but also loss of a job or an ability for example).

He also shared something with me that left an impression. He talked about how the first two miracles recorded in the Book of John were changing water into wine and the feeding of the 5K. These are the two elements for communion..wine and bread. Coincidence...I think not. I love how God's Word comes together :)

Write random...join in here.

September Ten on Ten...9-10-11 :)

2011-09-10T22:25:00.000-04:00

I am very excited to be able to participate in Ten on Ten this month. Welcome to my Saturday:

9ish...a low-key breakfast. One child likes milk and one child likes dry cereal. Don't worry...I did not cry over the spilled milk :)

10ish...time to get the kids cleaned up, dressed and ready for the day (& me too!)

11ish...ready to head out on our errands. I have always wanted to take a picture like this. It did not turn out quite as I thought it would...too bright outside my window and there is a strange glare in my rearview mirror.

12ish...stopping at the Verizon store because my phone is not charging properly. A new one will be shipped to me next week.

1ish...I treated the kids to Wendy's for lunch. For some reason I find it adorable that Jamison now orders a cheeseburger instead of chicken nuggets.

2ish...time to take a quick snooze. We are couch nappers :)

3ish...I awake from my slumber to this man coming home. He had to work at OSU to get ready for the new quarter.

4ish...this little lady and I had a date to watch a praise dance performance.

5ish/6ish...watching my co-worker Tracee (she's on the left) praise God through dance. It was a really good program with dancers of all ages.

7ish...second to last duty of the day (I also had some laundry waiting for me to fold) before I relax for the day.

Till next time Friends :)

{Friday Favorites}

2011-09-09T10:29:00.000-04:00

It is clear that I am s.l.o.w.l.y. adjusting to this new routine. I am behind in a lot of different areas, including blogging, catching up on emails AND my walking.

But, I can't focus on being behind...I just need to look ahead, to things for which I am grateful...

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

Lamentation 3:22-23

~ I am grateful for this verse

~ Belly laughs while talking to my friend Kristina

~ Watching the Friends marathon on Nick @ Nite...love that show

~ Counting down to the new Fall TV season...I miss my shows

~ PTA meetings (this is my year to start being more involved)

~ Fall soap scents from Bath & Body Works (they have a scent called Pumpkin Caramel Latte that is just yummy)

~ I am excited to be able to participate in the 10 on 10 link party tomorrow since the 10th falls on a Saturday this month

~ Cool temps

~ Opening the windows in my house

~ Chipotle for lunch

~ Making plans to go to the big High School football game tonight

~ Seeing all of the people falling in love with the Erin Condren planner (I will be ordering mine for 2012 soon - in zen gems)

~ Looking forward to another productive, yet relaxing weekend

Happy Friday Friends :)

miscellany monday...or is it Tuesday?

2011-09-06T07:12:00.054-04:00

** For some reason blogger is not allowing me to add the html for this link.. Join lowercase letters here.

1. Weekend blogging. I don't usually blog on the weekends so when there's a Monday holiday I usually extend that...hence the day late post.

2. Good eatin'. On Saturday my mom came over and made some delicious food. First, she made a pork tenderloin. Here it is marinating...

Then she made something called Texas Caviar...oh.my. This stuff is DElicious...something yummy to snack on during the day (or late at night if you are that kind of snacker). And can I tell you that this bowl takes me back because my mom has had it forever.

Here is the recipe (Mommy also added garlic and next time we will include cilantro)...you should absolutely try it:

3. My new BFFs. See this guy...

He and his wife are my new BFFs. I work with his wife Anetia and I was talking to her one day about our siding that was blown off in a storm. She offered to come over and help us...how nice is that? She and her husband, Tony, came over yesterday and put up the pieces that were blown off and replaced some of the pieces that were torn.
The generosity of people warms my heart and I will be forever grateful for these two people.

4. Grace. Grace is what I am working to give more of to these two...

They need grace from me, they thrive on grace from me. I tend to let life and stress and worries get in the way too often and then I end up snapping or being too distracted to give them the grace they need. I need to be purposeful to sit, look them in the eye and listen to what they have to say and respond to their requests. Dishes can wait, laundry can wait, worrying needs to stop in order to show them love, be silly with them, take time for the them. I need to give them Grace as He gives me Grace.

Grace :)

{Friday Favorites}

2011-09-02T08:45:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday Friends! Here we are in September with the joy of Fall being not to far away...anyone else excited? For me, this is the time for a fresh start...the start of a new routine, the start of school, the beginning of a new BSF study & airing out the house that has been closed up all summer :)

This week was kind of crazy with trying to figure out our new routine, meetings at school, and an ice cream social last night. My messy kitchen is proof of the madness (because I do not like a messy kitchen, so if it is messy it's because things are wild!).

There are quite a few sparkly (hi Rach) moments that I would like to share with you:

First day of school smiles :)

Morning routines going smoothly

Lunches packed and clothes laid out the night before

My Jamison who was such an encouragement to Caleb on his first day of pre-school

Rondell supporting me as I cried the Oprah ugly cry the night before Caleb's first day of preschool

New shoes

New bookbags

Meeting new friends

Playing I Spy while Jamison and I wait for the bus to arrive

Being able to change my schedule so that I can stay home until Jamison's bus arrives

Making chocolate chip cookies for the kids (and Rondell)

Rondell's excitement to be able to lick the spoon

My chocolate chip cookie helper

The Classic Caleb faces (shown above!)

Having cookies ready so the kids can have a treat after school

Making two card sales from my etsy shop (thanks Viv and Lyn)

A co-worker asking me to make her a card to give to her husband for their 25th anniversary

Rondell teaching Caleb skills about grilling

Participating in the fun 10 Day You Challenge

What are some of your sparklies?

10 Day You Challenge - Day Ten :)

2011-09-01T09:18:00.000-04:00

To see the other days of this challenge go here.

DAY 10 - 1 PICTURE (of ME!)

Here I am in all my glory :)

I hope you have enjoyed reading this challenge as much as I have enjoyed putting it together. I would like to thank Stephanie again for bringing this fun challenge to my attention.

10 Day You Challenge - Day Nine :)

2011-08-31T20:51:00.000-04:00

Day Nine - 2 Songs (**Since I was not able to post yesterday you get two days for the price of one!)

**I have to note that this has been the hardest day because while I love music a lot I don't necessarily have songs that truly stand out...well at least not two that I can narrow down. But I was able to pick two songs that I thought I'd share with you that are special to me.

1. You, by Monifah...ever heard of it? It's a song that came out while I was in college. It makes me think of the time when I first began to think Rondell was something special. We would sit in his dorm room and listen to the single and now every time I hear it I think back to those days of new love.

2. How He Loves Us, by David Crowder Band. When I feel the need to draw close to God (usually because I'm letting life get in the way) I can go to this song and be reminded. Oh, how He LOVES us. Brings me to tears each time. It is a great reminder of who He is and how He love ME.

10 Day You Challenge - Day Eight :)

2011-08-31T11:55:00.000-04:00

For Days 1-7 go here :)

Day 8 - Three Films

1. You've Got Mail. I adore, ADORE this movie. There is just something about it that makes me all giddy inside. I have mentioned before that I saw it twice in the theater (Rondell joined me both times) and I have it on DVD. It makes me want to grab a Starbucks latte and read a book each and every time I watch.

2. The Color Purple. Talk about an inspiring movie. I love the strength and determination of Whoopi's character...Miss Celie. I love the music in this movie and the bond between the sisters is just priceless. I can watch it over and over!

3. Love Jones. I enjoy this movie for many reasons...it is set in my second favorite city (Chicago), it is romantic, Maxwell's music (one of my favorite singers) is featured in the movie, I have loved Nia Long since she was Cat on Guiding Light, etc. Each time I watch this movie I root for Nina & Darius to be together.

10 Day You Challenge - Day Seven :)

2011-08-29T17:20:00.000-04:00

Day 7 - 4 Books!

1. The Bible. It is God-breathed, it is inerrant, it is my life instruction manual.

2. Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala. It is truly an eye-opening book about the power of the Holy Spirit.

3. Where the Sidewalk Ends...classic. This just takes me back to elementary school and how kids would fight over who would check it out of the library. This is a book I need to buy for Jamison (and Caleb).

4. The Help. This is my current favorite read. I enjoyed this book immensely, definitely a page turner. The movie was good as well, but nothing compares to the details of a book and how you can picture the setting for yourself.

10 Day You Challenge - Day Six :)

2011-08-28T18:39:00.000-04:00

Day 6 - 5 Foods

1. Pizza. This is hands down my favorite food. My favorites are Tommy's (a local place in Columbus), Giordano's, & Iacono's (another local place). I do eat franchise pizza, but I prefer the smaller, local spots.

YUM!

2. Apple Crisp. I'm not a big cake person, I prefer pies & crisps...with apple crisp being my favorite. It is almost that time of year to go and pick apples (we already have a day scheduled in September) and I'm sure there will be lots of apple crisp in our future. We have found that Jonathan work best for apple crisp. If you want the recipe I posted it here.

3. Steak on the grill. I love firing up the grill and putting a nicely seasoned steak on there to grill...well I love when Rondell does this ;) A good grilled steak goes so well with a baked potato and salad. Oh my!

4. Appetizers. Often we will have appetizers for dinner or if I am entertaining I like to have appetizers instead of a full meal, like for a football game. I love buffalo chicken dip, taquitos, chicken club wrap, taco dip, etc.

5. Mexican...pretty much all Mexican. Well, maybe what I like is more Tex Mex actually, but I love it. One of my favorite restaurants is Abuelo's and man do I miss Chi-Chi's Mexican Fried Ice Cream. I have been on a quest to find a great chicken enchilada recipe, but I haven't found one that tastes as good as the restaurants...one day.

10 Day You Challenge - Day Five :)

2011-08-27T20:05:00.000-04:00

Day 5 - 6 Places

1. DESTIN!!!!!!!

If you have been around here for a while it will come as no surprise that this is on my list. The picture posted above is from when we went in 2010. It was the trip that made us truly fall in love with Destin.

This place is just perfect for our family. The beaches are absolutely beautiful...the sand is clean, the water is a gorgeous blue and they are not over crowded. We love the condo where we stay because it is so quiet, the pool area is never crowded, and it's in a convenient location to a lot of the sights that we like to see (and the Outlet Mall!)

Our time in Destin is our time to connect as a family, not have to hit snooze on an alarm because no alarms are set, swim until we are too tired to swim anymore, eat fabulous food, and just relax.

We are kind of sad as it looks like we may not be able to go next year...sniff. But that just means that we will have to really live it up in 2013!

2. There's no place like Home :)

While I enjoy getting out to do things, I also love being at home. It is comfortable for me... familiar.

3. Chicago...my kind of town

Chicago is one of my favorite places to visit. One of my favorite movies, Love Jones, is set in Chicago. There is so much to do, yummy food, and one of my dearest friends lives there. I don't get to visit as often as I would like, but I cherish the time that I have been able to visit.

One of my favorite sights there is Buckingham Fountain...there's just something about it. I love when it's all lit up at night...beautiful. And of course when I'm there I must have my favorite pizza...Giordano's.

4. California

Here's another place that I have visited a few times but have not been in a while. I enjoyed my time in Los Angeles and the one time I visited San Diego I fell in love (Sea World San Diego is a place I must visit again).

I have family in LA and would really like to get Rondell and the kids out there to see the West Coast.

5. Arizona, Colorado, & New Mexico

These are three states are are high on my list to visit. One dream is to rent an RV and travel west for a few weeks. The other dream is for Rondell and I to take a trip to Arizona for a nice kid-free getaway (I may have to start planning this).

6. The Pool.

I love to go to the pool whether it is alone or with my kids. I adore the refreshing feeling of swimming and then sitting in the sun to dry off. I love sitting by the pool reading a book with my feet dangling in the water.

Now if I just had the funds to put on in my backyard...one day :)

**In addition to linking to Stephanie, I am also linking to my blog buddy Becca's party:

R We There Yet Mom?'s Friday Daydreamin

10 Day You Challenge - Day Four :)

2011-08-26T11:30:00.000-04:00

Day One - 10 Secrets

Day Two - 9 Loves

Day Three - 8 Fears

7 Wants

** In no particular order...

1. I would love to have a pantry, first floor laundry, & a craft room in my house (new furniture would be nice too).

2. I would like to improve my card making skills (which btw...check me out here. I'm guest posting over at *Random Thoughts of a SUPERMOM*)

3. I want my husband and I to love each other more and more each day and grow old together.

4. I want my children to be filled with God's love, joy & put their best into whatever it is they want to do in life. I want them to grow up knowing that their mom loves them to the moon and back & that we always remain close.

5. I want to be thin and healthy.

6. I want to talk to my grandmother one more time...man I miss her.

7. I want to grow closer to God each day. I desire to be in His Word daily (still working on this) and remember The Gospel in every aspect of my life. I want to live out His Word.

10 Day You Challenge - Day Three :)

2011-08-25T12:45:00.000-04:00

Day Three is here and once again I'm joining Stephanie in this Challenge. **Read Day One and Day Two here and here.

8 Fears

1. God...this is my only justified fear. We are instructed to fear Him...it is an example of our faith in Him.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 (ESV)

...but I do have others:

2. Stomach Flu...seriously, I shut down. It's called emetophobia.

3. I fear that some major destruction will happen to my house.

4. I am terrified of bees...I run as fast as I can when I see one.

5. I fear that I will mess up with raising my children. I fear that I won't give them enough grace or support or exposure to various things.

6. I am scared to fly...even though I do it because I like to go places.

7. I am scared to fry chicken...sad, but true. One day I'm going to conquer this and make PW's recipe.

8. I am scared that I am going to fall down my basement stairs. It happened once...it was awful. Now when I have to go down there I hold onto the banister really tight.

Wow, I think I need to listen to some happy music after this post.

10 Day You Challenge - Day Two :)

2011-08-24T13:30:00.002-04:00

I am back for Day Two of this fun challenge. If you want to see yesterday's challenge go here. Today:

9 Loves

1. Absolutely #1 is My God, my faith, my Bible. The Word of God is my foundation...His Grace, His Love, The Gospel.

2. My family - I love these 3 people to pieces...they complete me. And of course too, my parents, siblings, & close family members.

3. Friends...I link to my friends label to share my wonderful friends. I adore my blog friends as well who have become more than just people who comment on my blog...truly.

4. Blogging. It is truly something I love to do...write blogs, read blogs. I am so happy to have found such a wonderful outlet.

5. Destin. It is my happy place.

6. Sunflowers...they are such a happy flower. My goal is to plant some on the side of my house next year.

7. My planner...I would be lost without it. And I love this specific planner...the Life Planner. It's so colorful, has tons of space to write, & is personal to me. Everything goes in here!

And...if you go to the link home you could have a chance to win $ towards one of your very own (unless my name is picked...wink, wink)

8. Stamping. This is a hobby I never thought I would love as much as I do, but I am hooked. It is so soothing to sit and make a card for someone. I enjoy swapping techniques with other stampers. Stamping definitely makes me smile :)

9. Pizza/Coca Cola...they go hand in hand. I adore them both :) Wanna be my friend, bring me a piece of pizza & a can of Coca Cola.

**Join in on the fun here**

10 Day You Challenge - Day One :)

2011-08-23T21:38:00.000-04:00

Recently I started following a blog named How Sweet it is! Stephanie has the cutest little girl and makes some pretty neat blog headers.

Today she posted about a little challenge and it looked interesting so I thought I would give it a try. She found it on another blog, who found it from another blog...you know how that goes. Not really sure where it originated.

So, for the next 10 days you get to learn more about me than you ever thought you would. Aren't you excited?

Ten Secrets...

**Now I'm guessing this is not about deep dark secrets (not that I even have any of those), but things that I may not normally share.

1. I really want to be a stay-at-home mom. I have such a desire to do so much more as a homemaker and there just isn't a whole lot of time. I also really would like to be more involved with my kids' schooling and I would love to be able to drop them off at school and pick them up.

2. I HAVE to sleep with a fan. No, you don't understand...I HAVE to. When I travel, I take a fan. When I went into the hospital unexpectedly to have Caleb, I requested a fan for my room. If Rondell turns it off while I'm sleeping I wake up immediately. It's a sickness.

3. I'm not trendy...I do not like to shop for clothes, I'm not into the latest styles, I have one pair of tennis shoes and one pair of casual shoes, etc. It is just not my thing. When I find a shirt that I like I usually buy a few in a few different colors. Give me The Container Store over Nordstrom anyday!

4. I get intimidated by new things. It is probably the reason I haven't put a full effort into sewing or why it took me so long to set up my etsy shop (which is here finally...shameless plug). I don't know what it is, but I just freeze. I am working on being more brave.

5. My favorite color has not always been yellow. It used to be green until after college...gasp, I know.

6. I watch Y&R daily...I love it. It is my guilty pleasure.

7. I do not eat or drink after my kids...I just can't. I am always thinking that they may be sick and then I will get it (especially my feared stomach flu) so I just don't do it. If they want something to drink/eat that I have I will just give it to them and get myself something else or get them their own drink/food.

8. I did not know how big Ohio State football was until I started going there...no clue. Now I know (and knowing is 1/2 the battle...Go Joe!)

9. I sucked the two middle fingers on my left hand until I was in 5th grade...oh yes I did. My parents tried everything too. I even had braces that had spikes on them so they would poke my fingers, but that didn't stop me and I have the callus to prove it.

10. We still have tube TVs...shocking, I know. One day we'll take the plunge into the world of flat screens. And yes, Rondell does work at Best Buy part-time and is tortured constantly.

**Tomorrow is 9 Loves!

Join in on the fun :)

miscellany monday

2011-08-22T09:26:00.001-04:00

1. Jamison's Big Week. This week is a big week for this little girl...3rd GRADE! I can't believe she is already in 3rd grade...and turning 8 next month.

I usually make her a bookbag tag (you can see them here and here), but I have not made one for this year yet. I have some work to do this week to get it done...using my new-to-me laminator (given to me by a co-worker). The pictures in this post are from her back-to-school photo shoot...she was really into it this year (though I could not figure out how NOT to white out the scene behind her).

2. To Move or Not To Move...that was the question. This year when we received Jamison's class list we realized that she is in the same class with the meanest girl in school. Not to be negative about someone else's child, but we have had bad experiences with this girl. She and Jamison were in the same class in 1st grade and she would constantly pick on Jamison. She is the "I won't be your friend unless...", "Ew, your hair is ugly", "I want that from your lunch" type. Last year I would hear story after story about the things this girl would do and say to other kids.

I thought for a moment about calling the school to have Jamison removed from the class. After prayer and discussion we decided not to put in a request to have her moved, but we will express our concerns about this girl's interaction with my Jamison to her teacher. This may be good for Jamison...to allow her to grow more confident in who she is in Christ, to learn how to handle conflict when it arises, & maybe even be an example to this girl.

We will be praying!

**This picture is super blurry, but I love how it captures her laughter (she was laughing at her Daddy!)

3. He Is All Around Us! Sermons...there are some that give a good message, there are some that give good information, but don't really move you to the core, and then there are some that just shake your world upside down. Yesterday God inspired a message through our pastor that was extremely moving.

The message was on prayer and how it is a purchased privilege. Jesus paid the ultimate price so that the veil could be torn for us to have total, intimate access to God...to draw near to Him.

The message also included how in Scripture the things we should do is surrounded by what He has already done. For example:

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God (see..all that He has already done), let us draw near (what we are supposed to do) with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water (He did that by being the Ultimate Sacrifice). Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV) (words in red are mine).

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another (for us): just as I have loved you (what He's already done), you also are to love one another (again, for us to follow His example). John 13:34 (ESV) (words in red are mine).

It is not about us...it is about Him.

{Friday Favorites}

2011-08-19T08:43:00.000-04:00

Another week gone by...still trying to shake this down spirit. I am
s l o w l y coming out of it as I turn my focus to God and how Good He Is! I need to be purposeful to see all of the little and Big things that He's doing in my life and in the lives of others. Take the time to stop and smell the ~~roses~~ sunflowers, if you will.

I adore Rachel for hosting this link up...it is a blessing each week. So...

Remember this guy:

You know the one with ~~three~~ four fantasy leagues. This guy took me to see The Help on Monday (and bought me nachos).

I adore that he actually liked the movie

This made me think back to the time when he went with me to the movies, TWICE, to see You've Got Mail

Taking a spontaneous trip to the pool with my kids on Saturday

Checking off the final pool on our pool hop list

Less humid temps so that we can spend more time outside

Chatting with new neighbors

My walks are getting easier...might be time to increase the distance

The meal plan really coming together this week

MY SHOP IS OPEN! {You can go here to check it out...and I will be adding more this weekend. Oh and if anyone can tell me how to add a widget of my shop onto my blog I would ever so thankful}

Thankful to my hubby who encouraged me & helped me proof my pages...and even posted about my shop on Facebook :)

All of you friends who have been so supportive of my little shop

Finding a Stamp Club to join...I am excited to get back to stamping with other stampers

Plans to organize my stamping area...you know how I love organizing

My camera...I am really getting to hang of it (like being able to take these flower pictures while I was on my date with Rondell earlier this month)

Wordless Wednesday - A Sneak Peak @ My Shop

2011-08-17T07:44:00.000-04:00

miscellany monday

2011-08-15T08:04:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday Friends! We have a crazy week ahead of us as we prepare for the new school year. We have been school supply shopping and we are soaking up the last few days of summer.

Here are a few random things going on in my world:

1. See this guy:

I may have to refer back to this post to remember what he looks like because he informed me that he has joined three fantasy football leagues...THREE! Now, don't get me wrong...I love football. However, fantasy leagues mean time checking stats, changing rosters, and trying to keep up with all of the games. x3 I'll miss you Rondell :)

2. Peaches from a Peach! I am SO excited because my friend Jodie brought me two jars of canned peaches. I absolutely love peaches, peach pie, peach crisp, peach cobbler, peach bread...get the picture? I was not able to attempt canning them this year and she was sweet enough to share her supply with me.

Aren't they beautiful?

3. Nothing As Good As the Original. My name is Kelli and I love Kraft Cheese and Macaroni. Apparently I'm particular about my Kraft because recently Rondell bought a few different kinds...three cheese...grilled cheese flavor. BLAH! He has since gone back to the store to exchange them for The Original...nothing like it :)

4. The Big Reveal! This week I am doing something I am terrified to do...opening my etsy store. I planning on adding a few cards initially and then adding as time goes on. I know there will be some trial and error during this process. I pray that I can be organized. If any of you have any tips I would love to hear them.

I will post the link as soon as I have everything up and ready to go.

sweet friday favorites

2011-08-12T09:14:00.000-04:00

So thankful right now to compile this list. For some odd reason I have been rather down the last few days..almost sad. I can't quite put my finger on the reason. It is nice to stop, be still and appreciate all of God's goodness...that should make me smile :)

Hugs

My 3 favorite people joining me last night on my walk

Temperatures at 75-85 degrees

Being able to open my windows to let in fresh air due to above-mentioned temps

Isaiah, Chapters 40-41...I have decided that I need to read these daily

Blue skies

Jared Wilson's Gospel Wakefulness Conference I attended last weekend...you can read his blog here

Chocolate Chip cookies (I'm making some this weekend)

Swimming...we would like to squeeze this in one more time before summer is over

A boss who understands that my August is a little crazy and allows my time off

Lunch plans that finally come together after months of planning

The Help coming to theaters...I can't wait to see it

Sitting quietly, making cards for my etsy store...the official Grand Opening will be next week

Wordless Wednesday - I Absolutely ADORE This Girl

2011-08-10T06:19:00.001-04:00

miscellany monday...err, Tuesday

2011-08-09T08:34:00.000-04:00

Whew...a week of VBS and then a weekend of company wore me out! I am a little late with my miscellany monday, but better late than never.

1. THE Ohio State Fair. Well, fair time has come and gone. This year was fun, but really, really hot. Usually we go in, we eat, we leave, but this year we planned for a little exploration. We did not get as far as we would have liked because of the heat, but it was still a good time.

My cousin came back this year (without her BFF, sniff) and this time she brought her husband:

They are so cute...almost as cute as their ham of a daughter:

Amber has been coming to visit every summer for the last eight years (you can see here and here where we have gone to the fair before). It is a tradition I hope will continue for years to come :)

2. Sweet Friends. This year we also got to take a special friend to the fair with us...my friend Marja's daughter Mila. We adore this little girl and she fits right in when she is with us.

This is a sweet picture of Mila and Jamison at the fair. The true bond however is between Mila and Caleb...they are so cute together & play well together. While at the fair I took a picture of them holding hands on my phone (and as soon as I figure out how to post it I will!).

3. Date Night. Our church is not close to our house, so while the kids were at VBS last week Rondell & I took advantage and went on a date one of those nights.

Rondell really wanted frozen custard so we went here:

I must agree that it was a good choice!

4. You know you have been married a long time when...

Your husband lets you take tons of pictures of him so you can play around with your camera...look at his patience:

AND you can eat things like this and not be embarrassed:

Happy Tuesday :)

Friday Favorites - End of Summer Fun!

2011-08-05T10:20:00.000-04:00

Ahhhhh, it is FRIDAY! We have had a long week of Vacation Bible School with a little baseball on the side. The chores are lacking and we are a little tired, but now it is time for the weekend :)

It is also time to reflect on all of the things I am grateful for as we close out this summer season. Here is what I am loving:

Temperatures being slightly cooler

Being able to enjoy a baseball game on a beautiful summer evening

Seeing my friend Lyndsey at the game

Sharing nachos with Jamison at said baseball game

Jamison memorizing her VBS verses quickly (I think I need to take tips from her)

Kind people who help comfort my Caleb as he cries when I drop him off at VBS

The laugh I had at Caleb as he cried because it was time to leave VBS...that Caleb

Hanging out for dinner at Taco Bell with my mom while the kids were at VBS...just like old times (**growing up there was no Taco Bell near our house and my mom and I would drive 20 minutes for TB and eat there)

Loving the fact that Caleb's first trip to the dentist went smoothly

A report of no cavities for both kids

Dinner plans tonight with my friend Kim

Plans to get together with friends I have not seen in a while next week

Making pool plans...gotta splash around one last time

Excitement about my cousin coming to visit this weekend

Planning out our annual trip to the State Fair

The fact that we only have to pay $2 to get in because it is Printer's Day (and Rondell works for Printing Services at OSU)

Cheese on a Stick

Flip flops and painted toes

Skirts...I adore skirts in the summer

How much this girl loves her Daddy :)

Caleb going with me on my evening walk

Pushing myself to take my evening walk (it has been tough...prayers are welcome)

A fan and a big glass of ice water after my evening walk

Reminiscing about our trip to Destin...here

School supply sales

Checking off the school supply list

Setting up meet-the-teacher appointments (I love meeting the teachers)

The fact that Caleb will have the same preschool teacher as Jamison...familiarity is nice

Taking more pictures so that I am able to capture special moments and share them with you :) The pictures above are from the Clippers baseball game we attended

Best Vacation EVER!

2011-08-05T08:33:00.000-04:00

I am joining in with my friend Becca (best blogging friend EVER, wink) to dream about vacation. I have no problems dreaming about vacation...it is a treasured time.

This picture reminds me of my favorite vacation spot...Destin, Florida. We have gone there for several years now and we absolutely love it. It gives us time to relax as a family, enjoy the sunshine & eat yummy food.

Looking at Jamison playing is such a joy because I know that she is enjoying herself to the fullest...AND who could resist this view of the water.

Till next time Destin :)

IKEA or Bust!

2011-08-04T06:47:00.001-04:00

My trip to IKEA over the weekend was a ton of fun. There were six of us altogether (we missed you Katie!), so I feel like it was a good turn out. I didn't end up getting a group picture like I would have wanted to, so you will have to picture me with some of my friends.

This place is amazing. If you have not been and you have one within driving distance you must go. This was technically my second visit to IKEA...my first being when I was a sophomore in college and went to visit my family in CA. But, that did not prepare me for this trip...it was truly overwhelming...a good overwhelming, but overwhelming nonetheless.

Just look:

We stayed together at some points and went our separate ways at some points. There was so much to look at and so many great deals. I did not end up buying a ton of items like I thought I would because I spent a lot of time just taking it all in :)

Here's a glimpse at my goodies:

I ended up with some cups for the kids, a travel bad for Ron, a microwave plate cover (you know, so the food does not splatter), some food containers, and...

I was excited to see these beauties. I have seen them all over blog land and they were top on my list.

Don't you think they fit right in at my house? I will use one for a plant for my kitchen, but I am not sure what I will do with the other two yet.

I also got this cutie...just cuz:

Lastly, I picked up these cute jars (for only $1.99 for all 4!). Now I have a cute place to put the accessories for my cards. I will eventually find a home for them on my craft shelf (which I really need to clean up).

Overall the trip was great...good times with friends, cheap household goods and a cinnamon roll for $1 :)

And there are already talks of returning...

Wordless Wednesday - Big Sister Help

2011-08-03T05:36:00.001-04:00

miscellany monday

2011-08-01T08:46:00.000-04:00

1. And the countdown begins...to school. I am amazed that it is already August 1. I just pulled up the school supply list and it is time to get down to business. While I love the routine that school brings I am not looking forward to waking the kids up for school daily.

2. Reading schedule. One thing that I slacked off on this year is reading through the Bible. This week I picked the schedule back up to get back into reading (I still read my Bible, I just slacked off on reading through it). Right now I am doubling up the days so that I can catch up to the schedule soon. In the picture below you can see how far behind I have gotten:

3. To tweet or not to tweet? I have been asking myself this question for a while and decided to try out Twitter. It takes me a while to adjust to new things so I am still trying to figure it all out...like what the # sign means. Viv told me to get tweetdeck, so I will have to check that out. Do any of you tweet, twit...you know what I mean?

4. Road trip! My big IKEA road trip with a few of my girlfriends was this past Saturday. Can I just tell you that this store is overwhelming...but so good. I'll post more about the entire trip and all of my goodies this week.

Last Friday of July Favorites

2011-07-29T06:12:00.000-04:00

I'm here to share a few favorites...taking the time to appreciate the little things:

Making August plans

Those plans including a little road trip as a family...just the four of us

Preparing for a trip to IKEA with some of my favorite girlfriends

Making my wish list for IKEA...oh the possibilities :)

The little things that spruce up my home

Suncatchers

Plans to make our first trip to see the Columbus Clippers

Friends who send you tickets to said baseball game because she remembered that you have been wanting to go

Stadium hot dogs and nachos...oh so bad, but oh so good :)

Watching my kids tackle the heat in order to soak up the last few weeks of summer

Playdates with school friends

Hearing the story about how Caleb asked Jamison's school friend to be his girlfriend

Jamison still being excited about school work

Jamison challenging the answers in the book...stating that "nothing" IS a compound word (she is right BTW and I am prepared to send an email regarding this challenge)

Motivating friends

Motivation that is trickling into various parts of my life and I am loving every minute

Music

Remembering that Rondell has headphones and that my phone plays Pandora

Putting those two things together so that I am able to listen to music on my evening walks

A big cup of ice water after my walk

Putting words into action :)

It Is Done!

2011-07-27T21:16:00.000-04:00

And I am absolutely thrilled with the new header. I cannot thank Lyndsey enough for taking the beautiful window and sunflower pictures. She really captured what I love about my window. I also have to thank Sarah for such a wonderful tutorial.

Make new header for blog...CHECK!

Wordless Wednesday - Coming Soon To A Header Near You!

2011-07-27T07:43:00.002-04:00

Everyone Needs a Motivating Friend

2011-07-26T09:30:00.002-04:00

This is my Lyndsey. Do you have those friends who know you well and know when to give you a swift kick in the butt and who read your blog posts, like this one, and push you to put your words into action...that is Lyndsey. I love her!

Yesterday she came over to take pictures for my header. She got some amazing shots and I cannot wait to get them and create the new header. She is an amazing photographer...she has such an eye for it and the determination to learn to photograph well.

She also helped me figure out how to take pictures of my cards so that I can get my etsy shop up and running (you know, the one I have been talking about forever, but still have not done!).

Typically, I take shots of my cards on my dining table because that is where I make them. Lyndsey showed me that if I take pictures of them in the kitchen that I would have better lighting...and she is so right. She also explained that since my table has an orange/brown tone that those colors would reflect onto my shots...ohhhhh. Look at what she showed me:

I love the way it turned out and now that she has shown me I will be able to take some great shots for my shop!

I also have to add that I got the idea of putting a piece of card stock behind the card from Heidi.

miscellany monday

2011-07-25T08:09:00.000-04:00

1. Goodbye July. Hello Friends and Happy Monday. This is the last week of July and I am blown away by that fact. July is our loose schedule month, so this is the last week of late nights and less routine. Even thought July has the loose schedule, we have a few things planned for August...VBS, a trip to Indianapolis, more trips to the pool, & an outing to a baseball game.

We need to soak it all up know because before we know it we'll be doing this:

Jamison last year on her first day of school

2. A pool here, a pool there. One thing we will continue before summer is over is our pool hop. We did not get a pool pass this year so we have been visiting few different pools this summer. We went to a pool at a local fitness center, a brand new pool in a nearby suburb, and to a friend's pool at her apartment complex. I have one more pool in mind for us to visit and I can't wait...the kids' area of the pool has a little playground.

3. "What's your sitch?" This is something my friend Katie always says when she is curious about someone's situation. I wanted to say this yesterday while we were waiting at a rest stop to meet my dad and Renee (the kids went to Cleveland and we meet half way to pick them up).

We saw a group of people who looked like they were switching cars, one lady in the car across from us was crying and saying "oh my God" (I was really tempted to check on her), one car was packed full of people and we wondered how they could be comfortable, & on and on. Sometimes it is just fun to people watch.

4. Just a taste...of God's Goodness:

Nothing Like A Good Proverbs Revelation!

2011-07-21T11:40:00.000-04:00

Psalm 51:12 (ESV)

The other day I was reading Amy's blog and she posted this verse:

Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life; but he who rejects reproof leads others astray...Proverbs 10:17 (ESV)

This blew me away...it was just what I needed to read at that moment (God is good like that!). See, I have been having a lot of talks with myself and God lately. Through this verse He pointed out something very real to me...I am not taking action on the guidance He is giving me.

I am a planner, but lately I haven't had much follow-through after the planning. I make lists, I pray, I discuss with Ron/friends, etc...and then nothing. Not all of the time, but most of the time and it is about time it stopped.

God has given me clear instruction on changes that I need to make...like NOW. For some reason I get comfortable and to be honest, I am just not listening.

So this verse was a wake-up call...I do not want to be led astray or away from God. I want to be living with Him and absorbing all of the good He has planned out for me. See, He's the ultimate planner, but He has AMAZING follow-through. In order to receive the fullness of Him I need to be obedient, disciplined and put my words into action...to live out God's best for me. How can I give Him glory if I am not living out His plan?

So...last night I saw down and finally redesigned my blog. I know this is not very deep or really life changing, but it is something I have been talking about for a long time and I was tired of just talking about it. I pulled up this post on Sarah's blog and got to work (it helps that my kids are out of town!). I pulled up my Picasa and clicked back and forth between Picasa and Sarah's post until I was done with the header. This will change soon because my friend Lyndsey is going to take some pictures for me to add to my header, but I'm SO happy with the one I created.

Then I did the one thing I was terrified to do...I removed my blog design (thanks Joanna!). I decided I wanted just a white background to make my pictures pop. Now I can choose the extra large feature for posting pictures without it going off the page. I also increased the size of the picture of Rondell & the kids (though on my work computer Jamison is cut off a little...hmmm).

I would still like to come up with cute sidebar headers and I plan (uh oh, there's that word again) to do that this weekend.

Just this little thing has given me so much motivation. I am tired to being blah and just going with the flow...it is time to change. It is time to work with the Ultimate Planner.

Testing Picture Sizing

2011-07-20T21:51:00.003-04:00

...and I am in love!

Be back tomorrow with a full post :)

miscellany monday

2011-07-18T08:53:00.000-04:00

1. So...I had a bunch of pictures that I was going to take yesterday & share with you. When I got to my destination I realized that my memory card was still in my laptop. Note: Check for memory card before leaving the house. Sigh.

2. Yesterday was National Ice Cream Day...did you get your ice cream? Rondell, the kids & I went to one of our favorite ice cream places and enjoyed a scoop for $1.41 (which is a pretty good deal for this place). I got cookies & cream, Caleb got chocolate, Jamison got vanilla with butterscotch & Rondell got two scoops of black cherry...yum! Caleb enjoyed his ice cream so much that he wore it all over...we had to strip him down just to put him in the car :)

3. Where is July going? This summer seems to be flying by and I am amazed. Before I know it I'll be sending my big kid off to 3rd grade and my baby off to pre-school (sniff). Until then we plan on having more fun days...going to the pool, spray park, library, etc. We're also gearing up for our trip to the Indianapolis Zoo!

4. I could use a good exfoliator...any suggestions?

*** Just thought since I couldn't share the pictures I wanted to take I'd share a few of my favs!

Happy Monday :)

Wordless Wednesday - Tender Moments

2011-07-13T07:23:00.000-04:00

Friday Favorites

2011-07-08T07:29:00.000-04:00

While this has been a tremendously hard week for me I have witnessed God's Goodness in the process:

Praying friends...friends who do not know me IRL. I have total faith that they are at the Throne lifting up Sabrina and her family

Sweet encouraging words from those same friends...they have truly meant a lot to me

Seeing my church truly come together as a family

My Pastor's humble attitude...he introduced himself to my friend as "Kelli's friend from church."

Watching my children

Being OK with Caleb preferring to play his DS rather than watch the parade...he's so content

Spontaneous trips to the movies (even though I saw a terrible movie...Bad Teacher, not so good)

Cinnabon after the movie...I can only get them like twice a year because they are so bad...yet so good.

Three's Company (it's right up there with The Golden Girls for me)

Staying up after my bedtime to watch Three's Company

Being able to see fireworks from our front porch AND hear the booms

Making plans to do the same thing next year, but with snacks

My friend Lyndsey's photography...this girl has a great eye

Hearing Lyndsey's excitement as she called me to tell me that a shot she took was featured in a local magazine...I'm so excited for her

She took this shot of Jamison at the parade on Monday...I love it.

Having my favorite vacation spot featured in Rachel's post today...I adore Destin

A Heavy Heart

2011-07-06T13:56:00.000-04:00

Friendship is a major thing to me...major. So when one of my friends is suffering it makes my heart heavy. I explained to you briefly on Monday that I have a friend who recently lost her husband...suddenly. Words cannot explain the grief that we all are feeling, even with the knowledge that he's dancing with Jesus...grief is still a process.

I called on a few blog friends to pray for my dear friend. Sweet Becky took the time in the middle of her packing to pray for my friend and today she has a lovely post filled with God's Word and expresses feelings that my heart cannot process just yet.

Please read her post here.

Becky...I can't thank you enough. From the bottom of my heart you are a blessing.

We Want to Know Wednesday

2011-07-06T09:27:00.000-04:00

I could use a distraction today...so, I thought I'd answer a few random questions for WWTK. Ready?

1. Name 5 of your favorite new blogs that you're readings. August Fields, Cookie Mondays, Paper in Bloom, I Create, & ReMarkable Home are a few of my newer reads. Go right now and check them out...oh wait, after you finish my post, of course.

2. When you were a young child or teenager, did you have an idea of how many children you wanted and what their names would be? Did you follow through on your ideas? I always thought I'd have 3 because my Granita would always say "you have to have 2 to fight and 1 to tell." I did not follow through because I only had two, but that is plenty for me...I only have two hands :)

3. What is the silliest thing you fight with someone about? It could be your spouse, sibling, parents, co-worker, etc. I'm pretty sure Rondell and I would fall into this category. Yesterday's argument (if you can really call it that) was over who is responsible for vacuuming...I say it's Ron, he says he didn't know that was his job. Silly.

4. What is your favorite scent that others my not find very nice? Ex. gasoline, sweat from your sweetie, etc. I'd have to say pumpkin candles mainly because I burn them all year long and I know people think of that as a Fall scent.

5. What are your thoughts on plastic surgery? (Have you had it? Want it? Regrets?) My thoughts...do what you like, but just make sure you pick a doctor who can make you look as natural as possible. Me personally, I have no desire.

Need some distraction...join in on the fun.

miscellany monday (night)...sometimes

2011-07-04T21:43:00.002-04:00

1. Sometimes...it's OK to have a theme to your weekly dinner menu. This week's theme...meatballs.

I made these little meatball sandwiches that I had at a recent Pampered chef party:

Italian Meatball Mini Burgers

1/2 small green bell pepper
1/2 small red onion
8 oz (250 g) bulk hot Italian sausage
1/3 cup plain dry bread crumbs
2 tbsp water
1 pkg (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls with no seams
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves (I didn't use any)
1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Finely chop bell pepper and onion. Combine bell pepper, onion, sausage, bread crumbs and water and mix well.

2. Place dough onto Cutting Board (do not unroll). Using a sawing motion, slice dough into 24 disks (I didn't quite get 24). Arrange disks on baking sheet & sprinkle evenly with 2/3 cup of the cheese. Place one level scoop of the sausage mixture onto half of the disks; flatten slightly with back of scoop. Bake 15-18 minutes or until buns are golden brown and centers of meatballs are no longer pink.
3. Remove baking sheet from oven & immediately sprinkle meatballs with remaining cheese; top with bun tops. Serve with sauce.

*********************

The other meatball recipe came from here. My blog friend Amy has quite a few yummy recipes.

Here's how it looked after adding the meatballs on top of the spaghetti.

I also topped it with cheese because we are a cheese family and sometimes it's OK to add some extra cheese :)

2. Sometimes...you just need to look out the window. We had plans to go to the pool during this holiday weekend, but it ended up raining Saturday (the day they...the weather people...said it was not going to rain). We then decided on today since the report called for no rain, but definite chance on Sunday. Well guess what...no rain on Sunday and we woke up to rain this morning. Sigh.

This weekend we will make no plans...instead we will just look out the window and determine if it's a pool day or not. Because sometimes it's OK to be your own meteorologist.

3. Sometimes...it's good to have tradition. For the past three years we have gotten together with my friends Lyndsey and Amber to watch one of our local parades. You can see past years here and here. It's fun to get the kids together and hang out as a family.

This year I remembered to get to Old Navy on time to get the kids matching shirts...because sometimes it's OK to add to traditions.

4. Sometimes...you just need to pick up the phone instead of emailing/FBing. A tragic event happened within our church family over the weekend...a woman, a friend lost her husband (he had a brain aneurysm while on a mission trip to Costa Rica).

When I received word I immediately emailed my friend's best friend...then I prayed. God laid on my heart to pick up the phone and call...to be more personal. Because of that phone call I was able to meet an immediate need of my friend Sabrina, something I would not have been able to do over email.

Tonight I will be meeting up with a few other sisters in Christ to welcome Sabrina home (she flew down there after getting word about her husband). Because sometimes it's OK to be face to face with those you love instead of behind a computer.

UPDATED: I did not end up seeing Sabrina. The team's flight was delayed until 2:30 am and she also said that it would have been too overwhelming to have us all there. Please keep her in your prayers.

Friday Favorites to Welcome July

2011-07-01T08:31:00.001-04:00

Hello July! I can't believe that you're already here, but I welcome and embrace you. As I say goodbye to June and hello to July it makes me think of a few favorites.

Blue skies

I love seeing all of the "plane marks" in the sky.

Evenings where I can sit and enjoy the blue skies because I'm not rushing to prep the kids for the next day

Very relaxed bedtime schedule for July (I go back to being more strict in August)

The kids taking advantage of the very relaxed schedule and playing their DS games side by side on the couch

Yellow Daylillies

Making garden plans with my mom

The gratefulness that I feel about having my mom help me with my yard...I'd be lost without her

Making plans with my mom to take the kids to a brand new pool this weekend

Having those plans include making little sandwiches with Honey Baked Ham

Taking the kids to the playground and watching them burn off energy

Finding a wonderful new playground thanks to my friend Lyndsey

Talking to my friend Katie yesterday after not talking to her for two weeks (she had a great time in Italy!)

Flip flops

Making bookmarks with Jamison (I'll show them to you next week)

Planning fun outings for the month of July...and sharing them with you :)

Picture of the Week

2011-06-29T06:51:00.001-04:00

There's a theme for this picture...traveling.

This is my friend Katie's son and the shirt he had on a few weeks ago. I didn't use any special settings for this but I did ask him to stand in front of me for a bit while I took a few shots to get it just right (I kept losing the Y in the fold of the shirt). Her son was such a trooper.

I used Picasa to allow the colors to stand out a bit more and to brighten it up a little.

Katie and her hubby Josh just went on a two-week vacation to Italy. I can't wait to hear all about it and see her pictures. Her son will be traveling to India on his first mission trip in November.

This is their year for traveling!

Where do you want to travel?

This Week - In List Form

2011-06-28T11:08:00.002-04:00

This week...

* I want to try some new cards layouts and put some cards together (and if you want to order some just email me). I ordered some more card stock and it should be here this week and then I can dive into some fun stamping.

* My lovely friend Lyndsey is going to help me take pictures of my cards so that I can get my etsy shop up and running. I need to come up with some fun descriptions for the cards that will be catchy enough for people to want to buy them.

* I'm going to make two new recipes... Stromboli (inspired by my Kate) and mini meatball sandwiches. Click on "Kate" to see her recipe and I'll be sure to share the meatball recipe with you later.

* I'd like to organize my crafting bookshelf...it's a little out of control. Ooh, I think this means I may need to add a trip to The Container Store to my plans.

* I'd like to take the kids to our local waterpark.

* I plan on taking pictures of my new cup to show you...I really love it. It keeps my water cold for a good amount of time and the sunflower is fun to look at during the day :)

* I'd like to take Jamison to see Judy Moody...she loves those books.

What are you plans?