miscellany monday

 1.  A Week Late...and probably a few dollars short.  See, I don't like basketball...mainly the NBA.  I never watch it (although I will watch the slam dunk contest during the all-star game) and I rarely follow what is going on with the players.  Well yesterday Rondell was watching a game and I was sitting next to him.  I noticed that a player was now playing for a different team and I commented about it.  Rondell looked at me, patted my leg and told me I was so behind.  So I'm thinking that maybe this happened last year or something.  Nope...last week...I was a week late, but I guess in the basketball world that's a lot.

2.  The Cosby Show...classic show.  I love Bill Cosby and his show is one of my favorites.  This weekend Rondell and Jamison watched it most of Saturday evening.  They laughed and laughed and it was great to watch them enjoying something together.  Last night we ended up going through Netflix to show Jamison the classic anniversary episode where the entire family performed for the grandparents as well as the very first episode.  I think she's hooked just like we all were on Thursday nights in the 80's.

3.  Chef Boy RD...that's my new cook.  I think I've figured it out...I don't like to cook that much (I don't dislike it, I just don't ooh and aahh about doing it).  I love new recipes and good food, but I don't have that strong desire to be in the kitchen.  I have discovered lately that Rondell DOES and this might just be the solution for my menu slump.  He made chili the other night and it was SO much better than the chili I make.  So, I think that's it...Rondell will be the cook (are you reading this Ron?).

4.  Memory verse...verse 5 (but really verse 3 for me).  For the last 4 weeks I have been meditating on and memorizing Isaiah 40:28-29:

Have you not known?  Have you not heard.  The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.  He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.

Love it!

My next memory verses are from Lamentations 3:22-23:

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  

Thanking God on Friday!

** I am thankful that Caleb had a good 4-year check up.  We've been concerned about his super picky eating, but the doctor said that it's not affecting his growth (he's 80% for weight and 95% for height).  His pediatrician suggested giving Caleb a multi-vitamin and to continue to offer him more food.  

** I am thankful for dinner with friends.  The ladies from my Small Group having been getting together for dinner lately and it has been such a wonderful time (remember the sushi incident?).  We laugh, we bond, and we eat...it has become a refreshing new tradition.

** I am thankful for my husband...Chef Boy RD.  My man enjoys cooking and last night he made some really good chili...perfect for a cold and snowy day like today.  The other night he made banana pudding (again) for my above mentioned dinner with friends.

** I am thankful it's FRIDAY!  I have an Open House planned for tomorrow and I can't wait.  It will be nice just to get together with people and do something that I love...stamping.  I wish you all could come :)

Wordless Wednesday - Bring on Spring (& Destin)

miscellany monday, er Tuesday...

 1.  Where does the time go...it's already Tuesday and I missed posting yesterday.  All weekend I thought about my post for mm but never got around to putting it together.  Sunday Rondell and I were able to spend the entire day together because the kids were with is mom/stepdad until yesterday.  We made lunch (I even made my own taco seasoning) and caught up on our shows...we are SO behind on shows right now.  It was nice to be able to hang out with my favorite guy.

2.  Snow, snow go away...and it would be OK if you didn't come back.  Yesterday started off as a rainy day and ended with ice and snow.  I should be used to this since I've lived in Ohio all of my life but every year about this time I get overly anxious for Spring.  The weather was so nice last week and it was so nice to get outside and enjoy some fresh air, but now we're back to big coats and being trapped inside.  Come on Spring!

3.  Late night TV...I've realized something about myself.  I have to find a show to turn on before I go to bed.  The strange thing about that is that I know I'm not going to watch it because I'm going to sleep so why does it matter what's on the TV.  But still, every night I look for something on the TV guide to "watch" before going to sleep.

4.  Pushing through...Lately I've had a hard time going to BSF on Monday nights.  I have missed a couple of nights in the past few weeks and that's not like me.  Maybe it's because of the cold weather or just being tired at the end of Monday.  Last night was just as hard, but I got encouragement from my Jamison to go.  She told me that it's important for me to go and learn more about God.  Truth spoken from the sweetest source.  Once I was there, at BSF, it was wonderful...discussing His Word and bonding with other women.  I thank God for using Jamison to motivate me to push through :)

Thanking God on Friday!

**  I am thankful for this beautiful weather.  We had temps in the 60's yesterday and it was so nice to get outside.  The kids and I went to get the car washed!  I know that it'll cool back down, but at least it's not the cold, cold temps we've had more recently.

**  I am thankful for my aunt who bought me a new Pandora charm.  It was completely unexpected and I was so touched.  It's another glass charm that's yellow with orange polka dots...gotta love yellow and polka dots.

 

**  I am thankful for breathing treatments.  Even if Caleb gets a slight cold his cough get so tight and the breathing treatments really help with that (and thanks Amber for the medicine information!).

**  I am thankful for tutorials and test blogs.  I'm been playing around with trying to redo my blog and there are some great tutorials out there, like this one.  I also have a test blog to practice on so that the mistakes that I make happen there instead of on the real blog.  And my wonderful photographer friend Lyndsey is going to help me with pictures for my header!    

OK...So Maybe You CAN Handle the Truth!

Yesterday I posted a meme where I was suppose to give 5 truths and 1 lie.  A few of you guessed correctly...here are the answers:

 

 1.  I once swam with a dolphin.

True!  You can read all about it here on my post about our first trip to Destin.  One of the best days ever!

2.  I've been engaged twice.

True.  Rondell and I got engaged initially and then I broke it off.  We weren't really apart much during that time but it gave us time to really think about our relationship and if we really wanted to make that big commitment.  Well, we did and he proposed again (you can read about that here) and the rest, as they say, is history.

3.  I have only been outside of the continental United States once when I went to Canada.

True.  I'm just not much of a traveler.  There are places that I want to go in the US (like Arizona, CO, and back to California!), but I honestly have no desire to travel to Europe or South America.  I think a little of that comes from the fear of flying.  I will fly, but it still scares me a little.  For now I'll just live vicariously (I love that word!) through my friends Katie and Kristina.

4.  I love to shop and could spend hours and hours going through sale racks.

False, false, false...all lies!  Shopping for clothes is one of the last things I'd like to be doing on a Saturday.  Usually if I find a shirt I like I buy it in a few colors.  Ooh, maybe one of you can call "What Not to Wear" and I can get a whole new wardrobe and try and have a better appreciation for shopping.  Until then....no thanks!

5.  When I was in the 8th grade my teacher allowed me to skip an entire year of math and enrolled me into Algebra.

 True.  During my 7th grade year I would beg the pre-algebra teacher to join his class.  So when I got into his class in the 8th grade he saw that I was more advanced and he arranged for me to be enrolled in Algebra.  This is not to say that I'm a math genius...because I'm not but it does come a little easier for me.  I just wish I could explain it better to Jamison while helping her with her homework.

6.  I have emetophobia.

True.  So sad, but so true that I actually do have this phobia.  I'm currently reading all about phobias, including this one, so that I can conquer this horrible feeling.  

You Want The Truth...You Can't Handle The Truth!

I love that movie!!!  My good friend Viv tagged me in a meme.  It's been so long since I've done one of these but I love them.  I'm supposed to tell 5 truths about myself and 1 lie.  Here we go...

1.  I once swam with a dolphin.

2.  I've been engaged twice.

3.  I have only been outside of the continental United States once when I went to Canada.

4.  I love to shop and could spend hours and hours going through sale racks.

5.  When I was in the 8th grade my teacher allowed me to skip an entire year of math and enrolled me into Algebra.

6.  I have emetophobia.

So, what do you think?

I'm supposed to tag 5 others...

Rach

JennyKate

Kate

Genn

Angie

Recipe Binder Challenge!

Toni has another challenge that is just what I need...making a recipe binder.  Just like how I had been wanting to create a Home Management Binder (here) for a long time, I've wanted to create a recipe binder as well.  I have recipes all over the place...printed sheet from the web, recipes that people have written down for me, various recipes cards and it's time to put them all in one place.  A while ago I made a binder for all of my Kraft Food recipes and I love it (you can see it here).

So, I need to come up with my catagories.  I'm thinking of:

Appetizers (because I love my appetizers)

Breakfast

Bread

Sides

Pasta

Soup 

Crock Pot

Mexican

Pizza

Cakes

 Cookies

Pies

I'm also going to have to come up with a cute cover...maybe make a picture collage of different recipes that I've made.

I'll be working on this all week and will probably post about it on Saturday (ooh, another weekend post...I'm living on the edge!). 

miscellany monday

1. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!  See the beautiful sunflowers that my Mommy gave me:

I put them in a vase that she bought for me a number of years ago.  My mom is so thoughtful when it comes to gifts for me and she seems to know what I like before I even know like it.  Like how she bought me sun catchers...who knew?  Now I love them (I'll have to show them to you one day).  ** Not sure what was going on with my camera that it wouldn't take a good shot.

2.  Writing Skills...I've decided that I wish I had beautiful writing skills.  I read some blogs and their posts just flow and are so meaningful.  I don't think I'm a terrible writer, but I do wish my writing was more elegant.

3.  Oxymoron...is it just me or is the term "rush hour traffic" an oxymoron?  I mean you really can't be in a rush if there's traffic can you?  Yet, each day there is that one person who feels the need to cut in and out of traffic to get further than everyone else...only to really end up no further than everyone else.

4.  To Nap or Not to Nap...that is the question.  Rondell and I are trying to decide whether or not to cut Caleb's nap.  In some ways he could still use a nap, but when he does he's usually up a lot later than we would like.  But if he doesn't take a nap then he's turns into a terror right around 5:00.  Decisions, decisions...

5.  Memory Verse...I've decided to continue to memorize Isaiah 40:28-29 (I posted about it here)...there's more I need to grasp from it.

Thanking God on Friday!

** I am thankful for a verse that I saw over on Kelly's blog:

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  Lamentations 3:22-23

I love this because it gives a fresh start...new every morning.  It's a reminder of how He loves me...unconditionally.  How amazing is that!  I've been struggling because lately I have not been giving Him my best...my best time, my best attention, my best praise.  I'm still reading through the Bible (trying to do it in a year) and while I read daily I'm not giving it my all...Him my all.  This verse is comforting to help me remember that He doesn't stop loving me because I casually read my reading for that day.  It doesn't give me the excuse to casually read everyday, but it frees me from the guilt if for some reason I do.  His love never ceases!

** I am thankful for this morning's sunrise.  It was absolutely beautiful and such a peaceful way to drive into work.  I'm also very thankful that the temps are going to be a bit higher this weekend (40's!)...I might even crack a window.

** I am thankful that my husband is on board for Big Clean Saturday.  This will be happening at our house tomorrow where everything will be cleaned...bathrooms, vacuuming, dusting (yuk!), everything finding a home, etc.  He even went to Target and stocked up on various cleaning supplies.

** I am thankful for Jamison's teacher.  She is such an encouragement to both us as parents and Jamison as her student.  I met with her yesterday for parent/teacher conferences and she just spoke very highly of Jamison and gave me some great tips on how to help Jamison with her math homework.  She even told me that she has chosen Jamison as a role model for a program that they are having at her school.  Basically, Jamison will model behavior for other girls in her grade who are having some conflicts.

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly...of Sushi

Last night I had dinner with 3 good friends and one new friend (hi JJ).  We went to our friend Angela's to part get together and part celebrate our friend Tonya's birthday.  Angela (who is a great cook) decided to make sushi and a few other items.  Now I tried sushi years ago and don't remember the experience going well, but Tonya told me to step out of my box (and I've been reading a lot on Lissa's blog about taking risks) that I decided to try it.  Well, you can probably tell by the title how it turned out for me :)

 The Good:  Getting together with these ladies...Angela, JJ, Katie & Tonya.

 More Good:  Doesn't it look nice?  Angela had great presentation.

 The Bad:  Tonya was a bad mama and just gobbled it up!  Yummy, yummy in her tummy.

 More Bad:  Do you see the fear in my eyes as I'm about to try it?

 The Ugly:  My face, after tasting it.  At least now I can say I tried it...for the last time.

And just so I can think happy food thoughts...Rondell made THE best banana pudding the other night.  He used Paula Deen's recipe (here) and it turned out amazing :)

 

 More Good!

Wordless Wednesday - Ready For Spring!

Another Organizing Series...Really Kelli?

Yes...they are all over the place and I'm enjoying each minute.  I've mentioned this challenge before when Bonnie talked about organizing your mind (go here to see that post).  I've talked about organizing for forever (yes, for forever) and it's time to put this game in action.  I'm tired of just talking about it, the clutter, the "where did we put that paper", etc so I'm jumping on board to series that are for an organized lifestyle and this is one that is doing just that.

This week's challenge is organizing your schedule!  This has really gotten me thinking about our routine and how we need to tweak it.  We are routine people and right now what we're doing is not working for us well.  There are a few things that I have that will help organize our schedule.

My Planner

 This planner really does have it all for me.  I can put in my daily and weekly To Do lists and I'm going to use one of the Notes pages for my Master To Do list...a list of all of the big and small projects that need to be done around here.  I love that there's room on each day to put details that are needed to complete each task.

Worksheets

 This sheet from my Home Management Binder will be helpful for school days...do I need to pack a lunch, is the library book in the bookbag, etc.  This will help me prepare for each morning.

 This sheet will help with our meal planning and make grocery shopping more productive.  Rondell and I need to figure out a good time for him to go to the store (he does the shopping) so we know when to plan our meals.  

 I'm really excited to have a cleaning schedule so that we can stay on top of day-to-day tasks.  I used to find myself being overwhelmed on the weekends and this schedule will reduce that a lot.  We will still do more on the weekends just because it's harder to do major things in the evening, but it won't be as much.

Talking

I think the big thing for us will be communication and knowing what days work best and which ones don't.  For example...I go to BSF & Jamison has Girl Scouts on Mondays, so that's not a day to deep clean the kitchen.

I am really enthused to get off to a great start this time and can't wait for the day when we are organized around here!

miscellany monday

1.  Football, food & commercials...did you watch?  I half watched because I wasn't super enthused about either team.  We did have some yummy food (just me and Ron...no parties)...pulled pork, homemade mac & cheese (I think some of my best yet) and meatballs.  One of my favorites parts about the Super Bowl is the commercials...I guess I love stupid humor.

2.  Weekend posting...I rarely do it.  I try and take a break from blogging on the weekends and soak up time with my family.  I do get in time every once in a while, during nap or if Rondell has to work late on a Saturday night.  This weekend I put up a major post..my Home Management Binder.  You have to check it out (here).  You know how there are just some posts that you're really excited about...this is one of mine.  AND I really think the binder will be a lot of help to keep us organized.  I'm on a mission :)

3.  Cookie Champs...I think.  I have not officially heard but I think that Jamison sold the most cookies in her troop.  We went to a bowling event yesterday with her troop and a few moms mentioned it, that she was probably the top seller.  I'm so excited for her (and really nervous about how to deliver all of those cookies!).  She sold 423!

4.  My Favorite Day...it's just one week away!  I love, love Valentine's Day.  Jamison and I have started making the Valentine's for her classmates and Girl Scouts.  I have started on a little something for my friend Lyndsey too...I hope she likes it.  Next week I'll show you the little things that I'm making...including the coolest bookmarks.

5.  Feedback...just curious.  What are your thoughts on a second grader being grounded because of a report card.  Not Jamison, one of her classmates.  For some reason it struck me as odd, but maybe it's normal.  Thoughts?

Finally...My Home Management Binder!!!!

It's done...and I can't be more excited.  This is a project that I've wanted to do for a long time so when Toni said that this was the first weekly challenge I was determined to get it done.  She did a great post on how to prepare and I used it as a guide.  There are some sections that I didn't include...

Calendar...we already keep our family calendar that I created on the fridge (as seen here) because I think it's easier for my family to see it there.

To Do...I live by my planner and any To Do list goes there.

School...since we have the school bin (seen here) I didn't include this section in my binder.

  So...come with me as I walk you through my binder: 

Raise your hand if you're surprised that it's yellow :)  I took a sheet of my SU Designer Series Paper and cut it to size to fit the cover.  I then typed out the title in a cute font and framed it with a piece of Daffodil Delight card stock.  I used sheet protectors throughout the binders to keep the sheets fresh.

 

I even used some DSP for the spine of the binder.

 My Sections 

Family Information

 Currently I have an information sheet that has our phone contact information, medical information, Jamison's school contact information (including her teacher), and emergency contacts.  This will be helpful when Aunt Roni is at our house or if we have a sitter here watching the kids...the contact information if all right there.

 This page is mainly for when Aunt Roni comes over during the week.  I created this sheet so that she has any information that she needs to know since she gets Jamison ready in the morning and then cares for Caleb all day...if Jamison is packing or buying, what "special" Jamison has that day, any medication that she may need to give each child and I will add what kind of snack to give Jamison after school.

Meal Planning

This section is quite not complete yet...I still need to create a sheet for weekly meal planning, but other than that it's done.

I created a master grocery list so that I won't have to write out the basics that we regularly buy each time Rondell goes to the store.  I split it up into sections and included an "Other" section for special items that I need to create meals.

I added a folder to hold menus from carryout restaurants that we frequent.  Now when my Dad comes to visit he'll be able to quickly find the menu for City BBQ :)

I also have a folder for coupons to various restaurants and pizza places.

Cleaning

I created a master cleaning schedule that includes weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual cleaning tasks.  I used this site for help with the monthly, quarterly, and annual items.  This sheet may change over time, but for now it is a schedule that will work for our family's lifestyle.

Finances

Right now this section is empty because Rondell and I need to sit down and come up with a serious financial plan.  I have plans to include our budget, a plan to pay down our debt, and I may include a contact sheet for our accounts (tip from Toni!).

Contacts

Here's my contacts section.  I still have to type up the sheets, but I will include family, friends, Girl Scout friends, etc on separate sheets.  This way when I need to send out a card or give someone a call all the information will be in one place.

 

I added a sheet protector for business cards of companies that we've used or need to use.

 

 To File

I put two pocket folders behind this tab for things that I need to file either in our finance bin or something for my Stampin Up! stuff.

 

Vacation Folder

Lastly, I added a folder for all vacation information about our upcoming trip to Destin.  This way I can file things here and then just grab the folder when it's time to go.  So far I have all of our condo information here and I will add my Destin checklist, hotel information (we stop in Tennessee on the way down), restaurant information, & directions.  This folder still needs a label.

That's it...it's done (pretty much)!!!!  I can already tell how helpful this will be to have in the house.  

Thanks for the challenge Toni!

Thanking God on Friday!

 ** I am thankful for Isaiah 40.  I mentioned this earlier this week when I shared my memory verse for the next two weeks (here).  Overall, this entire chapter is full of encouragement...not from "man", but from GOD.  I'm trying to really wrapped my mind around all of that.  It's one thing when your husband/best friend say "it's going to be OK"...it's another when God is directly telling you that He has control...that He will give you what you need.  Seriously, read it.

** I am thankful to have had a night out with this man:

We had such a great time on our night out on the town.  We talked, we laughed, we snuggled, & just all-around enjoyed being together.  We must do dates like this more often (are you reading Ron...)

** I am thankful for my MIL who came over to watch our kids so that we could have our date.  It was very comforting to know that the babies were snuggled in their beds while we were gone.  Thanks Maw Maw!

** I am thankful for the wonderful performance that this man put on:

It was such a wonderful concert.  I think because it was in a smaller venue, a jazz club, it was much more personal and intimate.  Eric (yes, we are on a first name basis) really interacted with the crowd and you could just tell that he was enjoying what he was doing.  He even did some New Edition moves...I loved it!

Look...we even got to actually meet him...and he told me he liked my hair!  This was definitely a highlight

Wordless Wednesday - Nothing Like A Clean Kitchen, Dinner In The Oven & A Sweet Candle Burning!

2011 Siesta Scripture Memory Team: Verse 3

...well Verse 2 for me (I was a week late to the party).  Here's my verse from the last two weeks (that I'm typing from memory...smile):

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me will a willing spirit.  Psalm 51:12 (ESV)

Here's my verse for the next two weeks:

 Have you not known?  Have you not heard?  The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.  He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.  Isaiah 40:28-29 (ESV)

I find so much relief when I read these words.  God is not stressed or worried...He's constant.  He will give me the power and strength.  What a blessing.