Footballs and Daisies

Refinished Dresser

2011-05-28T14:28:00.000-04:00

My 15.00 yard sale find.....

Then with some sanding and paint this is what it looks like now...

In Memory of Linda Austin

2011-02-24T12:54:00.000-05:00

This is one of those times in life where it is hard to say anything. I lost someone yesterday who was apart of my life for years, my best friend Stephanie's Mom. Its not hard to pay tribute to someone like her. She was kind to everyone and was so much fun to be around. There have been so many memories flood my mind this past 24 hours. Stephanie and I even talked about some of those memories last night laughing through the tears.
I spent so much time with her when I was in junior and senior high. I had so many fun times with her and her whole family. I loved how she always told it to you straight she would give you her opinion in a nice loving way. I loved how she would make popcorn on the stove and not out of a bag. I loved how she would scratch my back and fix my hair. I loved how she fixed her wonderful cornbread and friend apples. I loved how she loved her husband, children and grandchildren... I am so blessed that she was apart of my life and that will stay with me forever
Even though the past few years I didn't see her much I new she loved me and was there for me. I know her husband Mickey her kids Stephanie and her brother Steven will miss her like crazy, but know she is in a better place. I hold on to the fact that I will see her again. Ecc 3:1

Look what I got in the mail

2011-01-27T13:09:00.000-05:00

I won the free coffee Friday from Coffee Mate. I had all of this in a box that came last night. I was so excited, it was like Christmas. Now to plan a coffee party. :)

Homemade Granola

2011-01-27T13:04:00.000-05:00

I love granola! I have tried several recipes over the years. I found one in my family feasts for 75.00 a week cookbook. I changed a few things, but I wanted to share.
12 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 cups of goodies (Nuts, raisins, sunflower seeds coconut,dried fruit
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup honey
Preheat oven to 325. Grease 3 large baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl combine oats, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and any add ins. Mix well
Combine oil and honey in a 2 cup glass measuring cup. Microwave on High for 2 to 3 minutes until hot. Pour over dry ingredients.
Spread over baking sheets; bake until light to medium brown 15-20 minutes. Its best to bake each pan individually on the center rack of the oven.
Let the granola cool. It will break up somewhat as you transfer it to a storage container. Store in airtight container for up to 4 weeks.

Pizza Crust Recipe

2011-01-12T16:21:00.000-05:00

I had a request for the pizza crust recipe I make so I wanted to get it on here. I don't have pictures, but I will post them next time I make it.

1 cup warm water
1 Tablespoon yeast
1 Tablespoon sugar
Let these ingredients set for about 5 minutes until the yeast activates. Then add about 4 1/2 cups of flour. I add a cup at a time until I get a smooth consistancy. Let rise for about 10 minutes and flatten out onto a pizza pan or stone. Add your toppings and bake at 450 about 12 minutes or until brown.

M & M's

2011-01-12T16:17:00.000-05:00

Just wanted so share a tip with you. Do you have leftover christmas M & M's? If you do divide the colors into red and green and use one for Valentines day and the other for St. Patricks day. I bought this huge bag on clearance at Sam's Club for 4.50. Now I have plenty for decorating.

No Knead bread

2010-10-12T08:21:00.000-04:00

This is such a wonderful recipe that works everytime. I got it from the blog honey & jam . She has such wonderful recipes on her site. Be sure and check it out.

No Knead French Bread

From Artisian Bread in 5 Minutes a Day via The Ivory Hut

 3 cups of lukewarm water

 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast

 1 1/2 tablespoons coarse salt 

6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

 Grab a very large mixing bowl, or a large container that you can cover. In it, mix the water, yeast, and salt. You don’t have to heat up the water to a precise optimal temperature for the yeast. I’ve even used just regular tap water, and it’s worked well for me. Just let that sit together for a while (you don’t have to wait for the yeast to dissolve completely), then dump the flour all at once and stir with a wooden spoon. You don’t need to knead this, and you’re not looking to make it come together into a dough ball. You just want everything mixed well, with no streaks of flour left, and you’re done.
 Leave it in your container, covered (but not airtight, or it’ll pop), for a few hours. When it has risen and then deflated a bit, your dough is done. It’s ready to be used or stored in the refrigerator.

To bake the bread, just grab a chunk of dough, about the size of a grapefruit. Dust your hands with flour to help prevent sticking, and gently pull the sides of the dough toward the bottom, rotating the dough, until you get a roundish shape with a smooth surface. It should only take you about a minute or less to do this. The dough won’t be entirely in the bottom, where it may look bunched up, but don’t worry about it.

 Put it on a cutting board that’s been dusted with cornmeal to prevent sticking, and let it rest for at least 40 minutes. No need to cover it. If the dough has been refrigerated, it helps to let it rest a little more, until it’s no longer chilled.
 Twenty minutes before you are ready to bake, put a cast iron skillet (or a pizza stone) in the middle rack of your oven, and put a broiler pan (I used a cookie sheet) in the bottom rack. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. Dust some flour on the top of your loaf, and slash the top, about 1/4-inch deep.
After twenty minutes of preheating, it’s time to bake. (You can put the bread in after 20 minutes, even if your oven hasn’t reached 450 degrees yet.) Slide the loaf onto the baking stone, and then quickly pour 1 cup of hot tap water into the broiler pan. Then quickly shut the oven door to keep the steam inside.

 Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until you get a nice brown crust.

Apple Orchard

2010-10-07T17:31:00.000-04:00

Today I visited and Apple orchard with my sweet Carson and the entire kindergarten.

We had such a beautiful day to go, the weather was perfect.

All of the kiddos left with a pumpkin and a bag of apples. So now I get to make all kind of apple creations. There are apples cooking on my stove right now. YUM!

Pumpkin Board

2010-09-30T07:06:00.000-04:00

This was a very easy project All I did was pick paper that I liked and used modge podge to glue it on and then put a coat over the top. It is the same process I used here. http://footballsanddaisies.blogspot.com/2010/05/patriotic-board.html
To help with storage I put it on the back of the Patriotic board.

I feel like I still need something, but it is a work in progress.

Pumpkins

2010-09-29T14:03:00.000-04:00

I am not the best seamstress at all, but these pumpkins were so easy to make. Here are the directions.
1. Cut your fabric in whatever shape you want your pumpkin. Place right sides together.

2. Sew all the way around the outside, but leave an opening at the top to put your stem in.

3. Now feed the bottom through your opening at the top to get the fabric to the front side. Then add dried beans to the bottom so that it will stand up.

4. Use pillow stuffing and fill your pumpkin.
5. Make a stem by cutting fabric in a rectangle and sewing all but the bottom part. Flip the right side out by using scissors if you need to.

6. Then hold the stem in place at the top and tuck in the ends so it is smooth and then just sew across to secure it.

Then you have your finished product!

1st day of school

2010-08-27T09:17:00.000-04:00

Mommy with her babies!

Daddy and his babies!

Wednesday was a day filled with many emotions. Our baby was starting kindergarten! Where had the time gone. I had been at home with a child for over 10 years and now in a moment life was changing. Carson was thrilled to be going to school just like Savannah and Connor. Thank goodness my wonderful husband took the day off to spend with me or I think I would have been a huge puddle in the school parking lot.

We are all looking forward to this new stage of life we are starting.

Bruschetta

2010-07-19T18:36:00.000-04:00

What to do with all of the tomatoes? I love, love, love tomatoes. I had a friends say on facebook that she was making bruschetta which I love but have never made. She shared the recipe with me yesterday so we made this for dinner tonight. Let me just say it was fabulous!! My kids could not get enough of this. So I know now what I will be making a lot of now. I hope she doesn't care that I shared. Thanks Heather!

2-3 seeded & chopped tomatoes

3 TBSP chopped fresh basil

1 TBSP balsamic vinegar

2 TBSP olive oil

Finely chopped clove of garlic

Salt & pepper to taste

~Mix all of these ingredients and refrigerate for a few hours

~Slice a French baguette and butter slices (you could use a garlic spread instead of butter); broil until golden brown

~Top with the tomato mixture and sprinkle with fresh Parmesan (I like to stick it back under the broiler for another minute)

Couponing 101

2010-07-09T07:00:00.001-04:00

My coupon book

This is my second coupon book. A few weeks ago I must have left mine in a cart at a store, when I realized it was gone I started checking stores I go to and there was no sign of it. Somebody must have hit the jackpot because it was FULL of coupons! I keep trying to remind myself not to get mad about losing it, someone may have needed it more than me. A very sweet friend surprised me and made me a new one. She even decorated it for me with my family pictures. This time I put my business card at the top and taped it in so it is easier to see. I carry this book everywhere that I shop. You may know this but you can combine a store coupon with a manufactures coupon at most places. Take advantage of this. Go through your adds such as Walgreens on Sunday and see what coupons you can stack. This can really save lots!
I use a plain notebook and baseball card holders. I have each section divided into categories such as pantry, dairy, freezer, cereal, toiletries, cleaners,produce.

I put each coupon in one of the card slots so I can see each one of them. I think this makes it easier to see what I have coupons for when I am shopping.

I know you are thinking this is a lot of work. I promise you it is worth it for the money that you can save just by taking the time to sort your coupons.
Here are a few websites I use a lot to help me.
Hip2save.com
couponingtodisney.com
southernsavers.com
shesaved.com
Saveathomemommy.com
If you have any questions about any of this please let me know.

Waiting...

2010-07-08T07:00:00.001-04:00

I cannot wait to cut a tomato up from my garden. Hopefully not too much longer!

DC Trip

2010-07-07T07:00:00.001-04:00

Last week our family headed up to DC for a few days. My husband's brother and his family live near there so it was a time to visit family. We decided to go into downtown DC for a tour. We went on the DC Duck tour. This is an amphibious vehicle that tour you around all over DC then turns into a boat and you float down the Potomac River.

We were able to see all the sights in DC. With a total of 6 children this is the way to go. Our next visit we will go to a museum, but this was a good way to break them in to all there was to see.

Union Station

Capital

White House

Lincoln Memorial

Washington Monument

The yellow things in the boys mouths they called "quackers" These make duck sounds that will drive you up a wall but the kids loved them!

The kids had a wonderful time with their cousins!

Homemade Ice Cream

2010-07-06T10:54:00.000-04:00

4th of July would not be complete without homemade ice cream! Here is a wonderful recipe a friend shared with me.
2 cans evaporated milk
1 pint whipping cream
2 1/4 cups sugar
dash salt
3 tsp vanilla
4 eggs
Combine all ingredients and cook on medium heat on the stove. I cook it until it is warm about 10 minutes. Pour through a stainer into a large bowl to make sure there are no cooked eggs floating around in it. Refrigerate overnight.( If you want fruit in your ice cream add 1 cup of chopped fruit before putting in your ice cream freezer.) Add the mixture to your ice cream freezer and fill will whole milk about 1 inch from the top. (Usually there is a fill line in the freezer) Follow the manufactures directions for your freezer and then enjoy your homemade ice cream!

Howdy Wreath

2010-06-24T17:04:00.000-04:00

My week has been consumed this week with Vacation Bible School at our church. The theme this year was a western theme. This was one of the wreaths I made for decoration for the week. It was very simple to do. I had a grapevine wreath from the goodwill store. I tied strips of burlap and red material around the vines. Then I cut the letters HOWDY out with my cricut machine, put them on a scrap piece of wood and tied it on with twine. So simple and very cheap to make. I plan on using this on my door when VBS is over with.

Family Pictures

2010-06-20T06:00:00.001-04:00

I have to thank my friend Jessica for all of these wonderful pictures she took to our family. She is a fabulous with photography and I know she will go far! Here is her blog link. These are just a few of the pictures that she took for us.

What a week!

2010-06-19T18:58:00.000-04:00

Last week I was visiting family in NC. My sister needed help clearing brush ( which I was happy to do) A few days later Poison Ivy popped up on my leg and continued to spread to the other leg and no medicine was helping. Off to the Doctor I go steroid shot and cream. The next morning I get up itching all over my stomach and back and a blotchy rash all over so back to the Doctor I go. He is not sure what the rash is so sends me to the dermatologist. The PA at the office had to get the Doctor in and they think I have to many histamines in my body.( Apparently I am strange) So now I am on 3 antihistamines, which makes me sleepy, a spray, and prednisone (which will probably make me crazier). So there is my pity party for the weekend.
My family went to see Toy Story 3 today and I couldn't go because I would look like a freak scratching myself. They did say it was really good. I was able to watch a couple of movies here. I liked Valentines Day, it was a cute movie, but my husband would have hated it. So it was good I watched this movie alone.

Next I watched Julie and Julia, which I thought was fabulous!! I love to cook so I enjoyed that part of the movie. Also, as a blogger it is very inspiring if you haven't seen it you should rent it!

Trip

2010-06-13T12:49:00.001-04:00

I haven't posted in a couple of weeks because of a trip to visit family. Hopefully next week I will get my act together and start blogging again.

Pre school graduation

2010-05-29T09:18:00.000-04:00

That's my baby boy holding the flag at his preschool graduation. These years have gone by so fast. We have been so blessed to have him at a wonderful preschool where he has grown so much! Congratulations Carson!!

Patriotic Board

2010-05-28T08:20:00.001-04:00

I wanted something patriotic on my mantel. Yesterday I came up with this idea. All I did was bought a scrap board at Home Depot yesterday (I paid .51) Then I bought some scrapbook paper that I like. Then I cut the pieces in quarters. You can cut them any size you like.

Then I just laid them out on the board how I like them. Then started using Modge Podge to glue them down on the board.

Then after they are all glued on the board, cover the top with Modge Podge. Sometimes the paper wrinkles a little. I use my finger and smooth it out. Some of the wrinkles I leave because it gives it character. Then just let dry over night.
Here is my finished project.

Lost?!?!?!?!

2010-05-23T19:45:00.004-04:00

Does anyone else watch this show? When it first started I loved it, but over the years it has taken in toll on me. I am so "lost" and was going to stop watching it. I then realized I had to many hours of my life I had invested in it to quit. I am hoping tonight will answer many questions and I will feel at peace about the way it ends. (Go ahead and laugh). So if anyone calls my house from 9-11:30 I will not answer. I have had my caffeine fix so I am good to go. Enjoy the show.

I have to say I cried last night during this show. I wasn't thrilled with the way everything ended, but at least we have closure.

Blackberry and strawberry Cobbler

2010-05-22T11:43:00.000-04:00

I found this new recipe for Blackberry Cobbler. The problem was I only had 2 cups of blackberry's and it calls for 3 so I used a cup of strawberries. Here is the recipe hope you all enjoy it as much as my family. As you can tell my family got to it before I took the picture.

3 Cups of Blackberries or ( 2 cups blackberries 1 cup strawberries)
1 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. Cinnamon
3 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 cup cold water
1 Tbsp. butter
Biscuit Topping:
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 Tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup cold butter
1/2 cup 2% milk
Whipped topping or vanilla ice bream, optional

In a large saucepan, combine the blackberries, sugar and cinnamon. Cook and stir until mizture comes to a boil. Combine the cornstarch and water until smooth: stir into fruit mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Pour into greased 8 Inch square baking dish. Dot with butter.
For topping, in a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk just until moistened. Drop by tablespoons onto hot berry mixture.
Bake uncovered, at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until filling is bubbly and topping is golden brown. Serve warm with whipped topping or ice cream.

Blog

2010-05-20T13:46:00.000-04:00

So excited I have my burp cloths up on the Oopsey Daisy page today. Just click here to see. This is a great blog and she always post some really good ideas.

Wonderful Bread!

2010-05-19T14:01:00.002-04:00

No Knead French Bread
From Artisian Bread in 5 Minutes a Day via The Ivory Hut

3 cups of lukewarm water
1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 tablespoons coarse salt 
6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Grab a very large mixing bowl, or a large container that you can cover. In it, mix the water, yeast, and salt. You don’t have to heat up the water to a precise optimal temperature for the yeast. I’ve even used just regular tap water, and it’s worked well for me. Just let that sit together for a while (you don’t have to wait for the yeast to dissolve completely), then dump the flour all at once and stir with a wooden spoon. You don’t need to knead this, and you’re not looking to make it come together into a dough ball. You just want everything mixed well, with no streaks of flour left, and you’re done.

Leave it in your container, covered (but not airtight, or it’ll pop), for a few hours. When it has risen and then deflated a bit, your dough is done. It’s ready to be used or stored in the refrigerator.

To bake the bread, just grab a chunk of dough, about the size of a grapefruit. Dust your hands with flour to help prevent sticking, and gently pull the sides of the dough toward the bottom, rotating the dough, until you get a roundish shape with a smooth surface. It should only take you about a minute or less to do this. The dough won’t be entirely in the bottom, where it may look bunched up, but don’t worry about it.

Put it on a cutting board that’s been dusted with cornmeal to prevent sticking, and let it rest for at least 40 minutes. No need to cover it. If the dough has been refrigerated, it helps to let it rest a little more, until it’s no longer chilled.

Twenty minutes before you are ready to bake, put a cast iron skillet (or a pizza stone) in the middle rack of your oven, and put a broiler pan (I used a cookie sheet) in the bottom rack. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. Dust some flour on the top of your loaf, and slash the top, about 1/4-inch deep.

After twenty minutes of preheating, it’s time to bake. (You can put the bread in after 20 minutes, even if your oven hasn’t reached 450 degrees yet.) Slide the loaf onto the baking stone, and then quickly pour 1 cup of hot tap water into the broiler pan. Then quickly shut the oven door to keep the steam inside.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until you get a nice brown crust. Remove and let cool completely, if you can wait that long.

Barnes and Noble coupons

2010-05-18T13:18:00.002-04:00

Thru 5/24, Barnes and Noble is offering up this new coupon here valid for a FREE Frappuccino with the purchase of one!! There are also a few other coupons available here too, including 30% off various book coupons + more!

Cake pops

2010-05-14T19:48:00.000-04:00

I love the blog Bakerella. She has a wonderful recipes for cake pops. I have been wanting to try them for a while so today I broke down and made them. Now mine are very plain when looking at her things. I just used a strawberry cake mix and cream cheese frosting to make these. I am taking these to a baby shower so here's hoping they go over well.

Tile necklaces

2010-05-13T18:50:00.000-04:00

I have been behind on blogging this week. I have been playing around making necklaces. I love making jewelry. Here is what I have created this week.

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-08T20:45:00.000-04:00

Here is a picture of my Mom in Disney World with Mickey.

I wanted to take time on my blog and thank for being such a wonderful mother. I was blessed to have such a great mom who always has taken care of me. I know there were times in my life she probably wanted to choke me, but I am thankful she always believed in me and prayed for me. I truly have a Proverbs 31 Mother. I love you!

Mother's Day Presents

2010-05-08T09:11:00.001-04:00

I wanted to do something unique for Mother's day. I went to Target and bought 2 different pocketbooks. Then I made flowers for each one to make them original.
Here are the directions for the flowers.

I cut out 5 different sizes of flowers on material. I started at 5 1/2 inches and went down an inch for each one. I cut them out and stacked them largest to smallest. Then I sewed them all together and covered a button and attached it to them. I hot glued a pin on the back so they could attach to the fabric of the pocketbook. Here is the finished product.

Chocolate Chip Pound Cake

2010-05-06T15:30:00.000-04:00

1 Box yellow cake mix with pudding in the mix
1- 3.9 ounce box chocolate pudding mix
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup water
4 large eggs
8 ounces sour cream
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup sifted powdered sugar

Combine 1st 3 ingredients using wire whisk. Add oil and next three ingredients, beating until smooth. Stir in Chocolate chips. Pour batter into greased and floured bunt pan. Bake 350 for 1 hour. Cool cake 10 minutes and sprinkle with powered sugar.

This cake is so easy to make. It is one that I know will always turn out good!

Starbucks Frappuccino

2010-05-04T15:44:00.000-04:00

Between May 7 and May 16, enjoy a half-price Frappuccino^® blended beverage at participating Starbucks in the afternoon – 3 to 5 p.m., to be exact

Contest at pink studios

2010-05-03T19:33:00.000-04:00

For by blogging friends this sounds like a wonderful giveaway check her out here
I entered to win Carrie’s entire store at @pinkinkstudios.com valued at over $1,300! www.facebook.com/PinkInkStudios for further details!

Paper covered star

2010-05-03T13:38:00.000-04:00

This star was really and afterthought. I had made the family rules canvas that I had seen so much on lots of blogs.

I had a lot of paper left over so I decided to modge podge it on to a metal star I had.

All I did to this is cut the scrapbook paper into all shapes and sizes. Then I started to glue them with the modge podge all over the star. I then after I had it fixed the way I wanted I used the modge podge and spread it all over with a brush. Then just let dry.

Summer reading at Barnes and Noble

2010-05-03T12:55:00.000-04:00

*Click here to print off the Passport of Summer Reading.
*Read any 8 books this summer and record them in this Passport (Be sure to document the location you visit in each book).
*Bring your completed Passport to a Barnes & Noble store between May 25 and September 7, 2010.
*Choose your FREE reading adventure from the book list featured on the back of your Passport. Your name will be automatically entered in
the sweepstakes for a chance to win a complete set of signed The 39 Clues books.
*Please note that this offer has a limit of 1 free book per school-age child (Grades 1-6)

My contest win

2010-05-01T12:09:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to share my contest win from the The Tidy Nest. Ilisa has some great projects there, so go check her out. Thanks to her for my great pendant! I will be wearing it often.

Disney news

2010-04-28T16:05:00.000-04:00

I just found this news and I thought my Disney friends would like this.
Disney World will introduce a new restaurant in Beast’s Castle as part of the Fantasyland Expansion. The restaurant will be located in Beast’s Castle and will be called “Be Our Guest”. It will be a 552 seat quick service restaurant during lunch hours and a 552 seat elegant, full service restaurant for dinner. It will be interesting to see how they change it between the two.
(Thanks Chip & Co.!)

Summer reading

2010-04-26T13:55:00.002-04:00

I was reminded of this book today by one of my blogging friends, Denise. I read this book Redeeming Love about a year ago and I could not put it down. Francine Rivers is such a wonderful writer and the book is a fast read. Everyone needs to put this on their must read list for the summer. Let me know if there are any other books you would suggest for summer reading.
Here is a little about the book.
Can God’s Love Save Anyone?
California’s gold country, 1850. A time when men sold their souls for a bag of gold and women sold their bodies for a place to sleep. Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution as a child, she survives by keeping her hatred alive. And what she hates most are the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside. Then she meets Michael Hosea. A man who seeks his Father’s heart in everything, Michael Hosea obeys God’s call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel’s every bitter expectation until, despite her resistance her frozen heart begins to thaw. But with her unexpected softening come overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. And so Angel runs. Back to the darkness, away from her husband’s pursuing love, terrified of the truth she can no longer deny: Her final healing must come from the One who loves her even more than Michael Hosea does…the One who will never let her go. A life-changing story of God’s unconditional, redemptive, all-consuming love.

Pocetbook Fix up

2010-04-24T15:36:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite blogs The Pleated Poppy had a giveaway for this bag. Well, I didn't win so I thought I can do one for myself. I went to Target and bought the pocketbook, made ruffles and posies and here it is. It is not as pretty as the one at the pleated poppy, but for a first time I was very happy to have a one of a kind pocketbook.

Happy Birthday Connor!

2010-04-23T05:00:00.003-04:00

Today is my oldest son's 8th birthday. I am always so emotional on his birthday, because thinking back to the time before he was born was a roller coaster. When I was almost 32 weeks pregnant I was holding my oldest daughter who was 2 at the time. I started up the side steps of my house and somehow fell. I was trying to protect her and in the process I fell on my stomach. It was like it was happening in slow motion. Thank goodness my dear friend Lisa was in my driveway and heard me screaming. The contractions started coming so off to the hospital I went with Lisa and our 2 little ones in the back seat. Kevin met us at the door of the hospital and so began our journey. I was treated and released on medication to stop the contractions. A few days later I went to the Doctor for my check and the contractions were much stronger so I was sent straight to the hospital and I was admitted to try and stop labor. I don't think I have ever been so scared. I had monitors and tubes and the medicine they were giving me to stop labor was awful. I had no control of my body for days. I was in the hospital for a week and finally sent home on bed rest and medication that had to be taken every 4 hours even through the night. My mom was able to take a leave from work and come and stay to help out. They would not have let me come home if she could not have been here. Praise God I was able to hold off until almost 38 weeks. And to everybodys shock out popped a 8.3 ounce baby boy. I am so blessed that God kept him safe inside of me and that his timing was perfect. Connor is such a blessing to our family! Happy birthday!

Chocolate-Dipped Marshmallows

2010-04-21T18:45:00.000-04:00

These will be going to my son's class tomorrow for an early birthday treat.

1 (10 ounce) package large marshmallows
40 thin pretzel sticks
1 (16 0unce) package chocolate flavored candy coating, melted
Any topping you like

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Insert 1 pretzel stick into a flate side of each marshmallow.

Dip marshmallow into candy coating. Immediately roll in desired toppings. Place on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining pretzel sticks, marshmallows, and desired toppings. Let stand for 10 minutes or until chocolate is hardened.

I found this recipe in a Paula Deen magazine.

Kids...........

2010-04-20T18:35:00.000-04:00

I had to share what my youngest son did at bedtime last night. He pulled everything off the bed opened the drawer and jumped in it. SO cute I had to share.

Fruit Pizza Recipe

2010-04-20T12:55:00.000-04:00

1 pkg. slice and bake sugar cookies
1 (8oz) softened cream cheese
1 small container of cool whip
1 pint strawberries sliced
2 bananas sliced
1 can or fresh peaches
1 can pineapple chunks
3 kiwi sliced

Slice cookie dough and place in pizza pan. Flatten out to make the crust. Bake at 350 for about 10 minutes. Blend the cream cheese and cool whip together until smooth. Spread this mixture over cooled crust. Arrange fruit on the pizza any way you like. Then make the orange sauce.
Orange sauce:
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup water
Cook Until thick and pour over arranged fruit. Keep refridgerated.

Ruffled Storage Container

2010-04-18T15:06:00.002-04:00

Here is another baby gift idea. Really this could be used to "fru fru" any storage container. This is very easy to do.
1. Take a long strip of material twice as long as what you are ruffling. ( I actually sewed 2 pieces together to make it longer.)
2. Then sew a straight seam the length of your fabric.
3. Pull the thread a little at a time until you start getting ruffles.

4. After you get the ruffle fullness that you want use hot glue and glue it around the box of your choice. I used a small plastic bin.

Then just let dry and fill with what you would like. As you can tell this was going to a baby shower. I filled it with a blanket made from the same material and also lotions and soaps and cream (not pictured)

Strawberry Muffins

2010-04-14T16:13:00.000-04:00

Strawberry Muffins

2 Cups all-purpose flour

3 tsp. Baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

4 Tbs. sugar

1 egg beaten

1 Cup milk

3 Tbs. melted butter

1 cup chopped strawberries

Grease 12 medium or 6 large muffin cups. In a meium bowl sift the flour with the baking powder , salt and sugar. In a separate bowl beat the egg and add the milk and butter. Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and stir until just moistened. The batter should be lumpy. Then fold in the strawberries until blended.(After I put them in the muffin tin I sprinkled the top with raw sugar to make them crispy on top.) Bake in a 425 oven for 20 minutes or until a tooth-pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve the muffins hot.

Julia Sugarbaker

2010-04-12T19:09:00.000-04:00

I have always loved the show Designing Women. I think I have seen them all. I loved it because it was a true group of Southern Women who had a lot of class. Yesterday Dixie Carter from that show passed away at the age of 70. I have to share one of my favorite moments from that show here.
In this clip she gives the most classy tell off to someone and explains to them about the night the lights went out in Georgia. Hope you get a laugh out of it too.

Free Starbucks coffee

2010-04-12T13:02:00.000-04:00

Starbucks is going to save the planet on tax day! Join the movement. On April 15th, bring a reusable travel mug into your local Starbucks and get a free brewed coffee. Find more details here.
For the good of the planet, Starbucks is encouraging everyone to switch from paper cups to reusable travel mugs.
thanks southern savers

Easy Burp Cloths

2010-04-09T12:15:00.000-04:00

I have a baby shower tomorrow so I whipped these up today. Of course I forgot to take pictures while I was doing this. Here are the instructions. I bought a pack of cloth diapers. Then I picked the ribbon I wanted on them and pinned it into place. Then sewed it on using a zig zag seam. I cut the ends of the ribbon with pinking sheers and that was it. Three burp cloths fast and easy.

Easter 2010

2010-04-04T21:33:00.000-04:00

Here is a what our resurrection garden looked like this morning. The kids always love to see the tomb empty. We were talking about Jesus in the tomb last night at bedtime and my little Carson spoke up and said " the next day Jesus took off his wrapper and came out of the tomb". I love how 5 year olds say things.
I love this passage in John 19:28-30 After this Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished to fulfill scripture, said"I am thirsty." A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it to his mouth. Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, IT IS FINISHED! And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.
He suffered on that cross for my sins and for that I am so grateful. I hope everyone had a blessed Easter.

Gene Simmons Family Jewels

2010-04-01T16:36:00.000-04:00

This may seem like a strange post for some of you. I love the show Gene Simmons family jewels that comes on A & E. If you don't know he is a member of the band KISS. Its funny because growing up I wasn't allowed to listen to them. I just so happen to run across this show and it made me laugh so Kevin and I have been watching it ever since. A couple of weeks ago the Mom on the show, Shannon, found a lump on her breast which proceeded to show the process of going to the Doctor and having it checked and then a biopsy. The thing I liked about this is it showed you what to expect and the process you go through. Several years ago when Savannah and Connor were just little, I found a lump. I called the Doctor and they saw me that day. As the Doctor was checking the lump he said do you have a history of breast cancer? (Which I did, my grandmother had it in the 80's when it wasn't talked about, which she had a mastectomy and is a survivor) I remember feeling this knot in my throat and thinking OK this is not good and how could you ask we this while you are doing this exam. Within the week I was having a mammogram, ultrasound and a biopsy while I was there. All I could think was I have 2 small children and what will I do. God truly gave me the strength to get through that week waiting on results. Everything came back fine and it was benign. It made me so aware of the need for mammograms and early detection. Never be afraid of mammograms they are not bad at all and be aware of any changes in your body.
This episode will air again on April 12 @ 8:00pm on A & E. If you get a chance you should really watch this.

Another awesome giveaway!

2010-04-01T08:49:00.000-04:00

I love the blog Tip Junkie. Today they have many giveaways going on all day. Just go here to sign up for these. Happy Blogging

Great Blog and giveaway!

2010-03-31T12:57:00.000-04:00

I am a fan of this blog Honeyandjam. She has a great giveaway going on for a pie plate. While your there take some time to look around her blog. She has some wonderful recipes.

Easter Teacher Gifts

2010-03-30T14:28:00.000-04:00

This is a very easy gift for teachers. I found little tins in the dollar bin at Target and put foam in the bottom.

I put the sticks in the Oreo cookies and let them set for a few minutes. Then I started dipping them in the candy coating that I had melted. Be aware that I had several of the oreos break so try not to put too much coating on at a time. I laid them out on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper and added sprinkles. Then into the fridge they went for 10 minutes until they were set up. I put them in plastic bags and tied ribbon around them. Honestly, I made 4 of these in under an hour.

My Saturday afternoon................

2010-03-28T13:33:00.000-04:00

I admit we had a busy family day today. But this afternoon I sat down and started making hairbows. I am just trying to decide now if I am going to start selling these are not??? Any opinions???

Breakfast Banana's

2010-03-27T16:52:00.000-04:00

I really think this is one of my husband's favorite things. We had these when we were first married at a bed and breakfast. I asked for the recipe and to my surprise they gave it to me. We sometimes eat these for breakfast, but my husband's favorite is to having them for dessert with ice cream on top.

3/4 cup orange juice

1 tsp. vanilla

4 firm ripe bananas peeled

1/2 cup four

1/2 cup quick cooking oatmeal

1/2 tsp. Nutmeg

3/4 cup light brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

6 T butter, cut into pieces

Combine orange juice and vanilla:reserve.
Slice bananas lengthwise and place cut side up in a buttered baking dish( 9x13).
Combine four, oatmeal, brown sugar, nutmeg and salt
Add butter. Using a pastry blender or two knives, blend mixture until it resembles small peas.
Drizzle bananas with orange juice
Crumble mixture over fruit.

Bake for 15-20 minutes at 375. Serve warm

Spring wreath

2010-03-26T07:44:00.000-04:00

Remember the post about the wreath I made for Valentines day. Well, my talented friend Crystal just sent me of a spring one she made. She used the same directions just switched the color's up and hot glued flowers on it. Look how cute! Thanks for sharing this.

Papaw's 90th Birthday

2010-03-25T16:16:00.000-04:00

My Grandfather is one of the most Godly men I have ever met. Last week he celebrated his 90th birthday with family and friends. My Papaw has always been such a hard worker all of his life. He loves to garden and build anything with wood. Honestly I am so blessed to have so many pieces of furniture he has made in my house. I know that my papaw has always prayed for me and my family. I am blessed to have such a wonderful example in my life. These are things that I will always treasure. I wanted to share some pictures of the party. My moms cousin made all of the cakes. They each represent the things he loves in his life.

I was having a hard time making up my mind about center pieces so I just went to his shop and pulled out some things that remind me of him.

My sister and I with our Nanny and Papaw

Bloom

2010-03-24T19:21:00.000-04:00

This is a craft I really just threw together this afternoon. Thank goodness for my cricuit machine. I had a scrap 2x4 and I cut paper to fit it. Then I modge podged the paper on. Next I cut my letters out on my machine and modge podged them on.After it dried I tied a bow around it and it was finished.The bad thing is I just realized the letters in are aren't straight. Oh well I will have to fix it.

Making a Resurrection Garden

2010-03-22T14:18:00.000-04:00

Thanks to a friend of mine we do this every year with our children. I think it is a good reminder of why we celebrate Easter. Hope you enjoy doing this.
Materials: Potting tray or dish, potting soil, craft sticks or twigs, twine, purple ribbon, rocks or stones, Dixie cup, aluminum foil, artificial flowers.
Procedure:
1.Fill tray or dish with potting soil.
2.Arrange a hill of soil on one side of the tray.
3. Make a cross with craft sticks or twigs, fastening them together with twine. (You may also hot gue the sticks first.) Place cross on the top of the hill)
4. "plant" a garden section in the soil using artifical flowers.
5. Make a tomb out of the Dixie cup, covering it with aluminum foil. Place stones around the tomb.
6. Make a loop with the purple ribbon to represent Jesus.
Tell the Easter Story to your children as you show them the garden:
Thursday
Jesus took his friends to the garden. **Place purple ribbon "Jesus" in the garden to represent Him praying for your child.** Jesus prayed in the garden wanted me to know He loves me. Jesus loves me so much, he wants me to live with HIM someday. To live with HIM, all my badness must be taken away. There are no "good all the time" people. I am not "good all the time". In the garden Jesus thought about taking away all my badness so I could live with HIM someday.
Friday
Jesus was put on the cross to take punishment for all the wrong things anybody had ever done or would do. **Place purple ribbon "Jesus" on the cross.** Jesus took the punishment for all my badness on the cross. Then my badness would go away forever. Jesus knew this would happen when He came to earth. Jesus' friends were sad. They would not be sad for long. God had planned a wonderful surprise for them.
Saturday
After Jesus died, his body was put in a cave. A huge stone was rolled over the opening of the cave. Remember, God planned a wonderful surprise! **Place purple ribbon "Jesus" in the tomb and place a stone covering the opening.**
Sunday
**Ahead of time remove the purple ribbon "Jesus" and roll the stone away so that your child is suprised." Early Sunday morning there was an earthquake. An angel came from heaven and rolled the stone away. One of Jesus' friends came that morning. She saw the stone had been rolled away. An angel was there and said. "Jesus is not here; He is ALIVE!" That was God's wonderful suprise. God made Jesus alive again. Jesus' friends were not sad anymore. They told their friends the good news of the surprise. Jesus is not dead. HE IS ALIVE!

Starbucks free pastry 3/23

2010-03-22T12:33:00.000-04:00

Don't forget this tomorrow. Starbucks has this coupon for a free pastry. Sounds like a yummy treat to me

Flip flops

2010-03-16T16:43:00.000-04:00

This has to be the greatest idea ever. During the summer I love flip flops, I wear them every day. Check out this tutorial on how to make interchangable flip flops. I will be trying this very soon!!

New milk Contest

2010-03-16T09:17:00.000-04:00

Why milk has a new contest. You can click here to play daily.

Cheerleading Nationals

2010-03-08T14:17:00.000-05:00

Last week was so busy, I got behind on posting so I am going to do better this week. Thursday we were leaving for Nationals and of course I was packing up things to load the car. Of all days I pulled my cell phone cord out and hit myself in the eye. I new that I had an abrasion and called the eye Doctor I used to work for. Thank goodness I got right in, but the eye hurt all day and it did not make for fun traveling. We safely made it to Charlotte NC and met up with my parents at our hotel. Savannah was so excited she had a hard time sleeping which made for a long night. We started at 9:00 am on Friday and the competition went on through Saturday. The girls did great and won in their division. Here are a few pictures.....

My Saturday

2010-03-02T17:44:00.001-05:00

I had to share some pictures of my sweet Savannah. She was in a cheerleading competition this weekend. What is so exciting is they won first place and will be heading to nationals this weekend.

Sweet Tea 101

2010-02-25T17:37:00.001-05:00

I love sweet tea. If you are ever at my house I will have a gallon of it in my fridge. I thought I would tell you how I make my tea. First, I start with 3 family size tea bags and my small pot which I only use for tea. As you can tell I have tea stains in this pot because I use it so much.

Remove the tags from the tea bags and put them in the water. Over medium high heat bring them to a rapid boil.

Add 1 1/2 cups of sugar to a gallon pitcher. Pour the hot tea in with the sugar and stir. Add water to fill to near the top.

Then pour in a glass and enjoy. It is also better to store the tea in the fridge.

Walgreens Deal 2/25/10

2010-02-25T09:14:00.002-05:00

Today only at Walgreens you can get a free 8x10 photo. Just enter FREEPHOTO in the code box and you can get it today at your closet walgreens. I just ordered mine.

In Memory of Mrs. Matheny

2010-02-24T15:14:00.000-05:00

I have been behind on my blogging this week. It has been one of those weeks around here. I found out yesterday that a very dear woman in my life passed away suddenly. When you get that call it doesn't seem real and that it can't be happening. I was wanting here to be here for selfish reasons. Her life here on earth was spent serving the Lord. She taught the precepts bible study at my church. I learned so much setting under her teaching. I am truly blessed because I knew her. My prayer is that I will be that Godly woman that she was. So many of us have cried over this loss these last few days. If she knew we were crying she would be so upset. She lived for heaven and she is there praising the Lord.
Psalm 23

Easy flower hair clips

2010-02-20T20:23:00.002-05:00

These are so easy to make. My daughter is loving these. She is asking me to make them in multiple colors.

First I picked my material. Then I took a mason jar lid and traced it on the fabric.

You need about 6-8 circles depending on how full you want the flower. Cut the circles, fold the circles in half and then in half again.

Then begin to bunch the circles on at a time. They will begin to get full as you put more in.

Once you have as many as you like put a straight pin through to hold it while you sew it together. I used double thread and went all the way through all of the corners about 4 times when you are done knot your thread to hold.

When you are done hot glue the bottom to a clip or a hair clasp. Let dry and you are done. These are so fast and easy to do. Enjoy!

Shirt

2010-02-19T17:00:00.001-05:00

I had seen this shirt made here several months ago and I have been dying to try it. Finally, I was in target and they had some T-shirts on clearance for $2.24. My mom was with me and she got a shirt in her size and so did I. Then I bought the extra large shirt to use for the ruffles on the shirt.

I made a 2 1/2 inch heart, traced it on the XL shirt and cut them out 2 at time. I used about 12-14 heart per shirt. After I was finished with all of the cutting I started placing each heart one at a time. I hand stitched about 3 times to hold it secure. Then started placing them next to each other. The closer they are the fuller it will look.

I continued bunching them up and sewing until I got to the point on the neck that I thought looked good. I am very thrilled with the finished product.

Can you tell I was taking the picture? Next time you are out look for cheap shirts that you can fix up. I made 2 of these for $6.75.

My Baby

2010-02-19T12:04:00.000-05:00

I need a mom moment. I registered my baby boy Carson for kindergarten last week. I must say this has been eating away at me. I have been blessed to stay at home with my children, but now the baby is going to school. When I handed the registration forms to the school I felt a tug at my heart. To be honest when I walked out of the school office I wanted to cry. Many emotions were running through my body. We are blessed that our children go to such a wonderful school and I am so happy for him, I just need to work out my mommy issues.

Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Book Mark

2010-02-17T19:26:00.000-05:00

I saw these on Somewhat Simple blog.

They were so cute I had to try them. I just used material that I had and put interfacing on each side of the fabric.

I cut the edges with pinking sheers. Put them together and sew around. Place a ribbon in the top and sew it in. My first try was ok. Next time I will be more prepared. Hope you enjoy these.

What we had for dinner.....

2010-02-15T20:05:00.000-05:00

My dinner all started with this bread. Honestly, I am from the south and I was raised on biscuits. Biscuits are what I make, not yeast breads. I love yeast breads don't get me wrong, but I am just not good at them. But, I found this recipe here and it is so easy and wonderful. You really need to give it a try.

So I thought we need some good soup to go with this. In my $5.00 dinner mom recipe book there was one for Pasta e Fagioli Soup(I love this soup at Olive Garden). I changed this recipe up so I am going to give you my instructions.

3/4 pound ground beef

2 carrots, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

1/2 onion, chopped

1 can (15 ounce) diced tomatoes with juice

1 (6 ounce) tomato sauce

1 can red kidney beans drained

2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning

2 teaspoons garlic powder

salt and pepper to taste

1 cup elbow macaroni

In a skillet, brown the ground beef and drain the excess fat.

Add the cooked ground beef, chopped carrots, chopped celery, chopped onion,, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans and 2 cups of water to a large stock pot. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cook for about an hour on low heat. Add elbow macaroni and cook for about 30 minutes longer.

Hope you enjoy!

2010-02-14T20:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's day. I have been behind on blogging, mainly because of all of the snow. It can be really hard to be motivated with all of the snow on the ground. I wanted to share our family fondue we had for Valentine's.

This is my children's favorite drink. It is just equal parts ginger ale and grape juice. I just made it fancy for valentines.

My older 2 being silly.

As you can tell they ate a lot of chocolate.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Nanny Wrights sewing box

2010-02-09T15:50:00.000-05:00

Today I was going through some of my crafting things and there sat my great grandmothers sewing box. Its amazing to me everytime I open it. It was in storage until a couple of years ago and then my grandmother gave it to me. I have never been able to get rid of one thing in the box. I am sure some of the material and trim has dry rotted, but it is a reminder of my Nanny. She sewed so many quits and clothes for us growing up. In fact I found the last quilt she was working on before she died. One day I will finish it. I think this box is a way of holding on to all of the memories of my great grandmother. I learned a lot from her and I am blessed that I was able to have her in my life as an adult. She died before Kevin and I got married so she was never able to see my children. I know that there is a part of her in them and I am thankful.

My favorite Sugar Cookies

2010-02-07T15:37:00.000-05:00

I have to share this recipe with you. This is a recipe I got from mine and Kevin's first neighbors, Justine and Matt. They lived on the other end of the duplex apartment we lived in. We were both newly married couples so we would switch recipes. She shared it with me because her husband loved these and she thought I would enjoy them. I was so upset because I had lost my recipe I had for years. Thank goodness for facebook because we are friends and I just facebooked her and a few hours later I had it. I hope you all enjoy this as much as we do. Thanks Justine!

Preheat oven to 350

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups flour

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

3/4 tsp. salt

Mix dry ingredients together. Then mix the wet ingredients.

3/4 cup softened butter

1 1/2 cup sugar

2 tsp. vanilla

2 eggs

1/4 cup milk

After the wet ingredients are mixed gradually add the dry until mixed well. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

Roll out and begin cutting in whatever shape you like. We are doing football theme because of the superbowl. Place on pans and bake for 6-8 minutes. Do not let them get brown! Let cool and then decorate however you like.

Honey Oatmeal Bread

2010-02-07T11:17:00.000-05:00

This was a recipe that came with my kitchen aid mixer. I was really pleased with how it turned out.

1 1/2 cups water

1/2 cup honey

1/3 cup margarine or butter

5 1/2-6 1/2 cups all purpose wheat flour (or white)

1 cup quick cooking oats

2 teaspoons salt

2 packages active dry yeast

2 eggs

1 egg white

1 tablespoon water

oatmeal

Place water, honey, and margarine in small sauce pan. Heat over low heat until mixture is very warm.

Place 5 cups four, oats, salt and yeast in mixer bowl. Attach bowl and dough hook to mixer. Turn to speed 2 and mix about 15 seconds. Continuing on speed 2, gradually add warm mixture to four mixture and mix about 1 minute. Add eggs and mix about 1 minute longer.

Continuing on speed 2, add remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, and mix about 2 minutes, or until dough clings to hook and cleans sides of bowl. Knead on speed 2 about 2 minutes longer.

Place dough in greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover. let rise in warm place, free from draft, about 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk.

Punch down dough and divide in half. Shape each into a loaf. Place in greased 8 1/2 x4 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch baking pan. Cover. Let rise in a warm place, free from draft, about 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.

Beat egg white and water together with a fork. Brush tops of loaves with mixture. Sprinkle with oatmeal. Bake at 375 for 40 minutes. Remove from pans immediately and cool on wire racks.

Snowman

2010-02-06T11:04:00.003-05:00

I got the idea for this at The idea room . She tells how to make one. I had to change a few things , but I think it is still too cute.

Pillows

2010-02-05T14:37:00.000-05:00

I love this pillow. I made it for my daughters bed. I used the same technique as the Valentine wreath except with fabric and sewed them on.

Here it is upclose.

This was just a basic pillow and I sewed rick rack just to add some lime green color, which Savannah wanted.

Snow Again

2010-02-05T09:55:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of my backyard at 9:45 this morning. My children are out of school yet again and are eating me out of house and home already. To be honest I am looking foward to a board game and crafting day in my PJ's. Thanks goodness I went to Panera to get bagels and to JoAnn fabric to get my crafting supplies yesterday. Of course everyone else in this town was at the grocery store.

Sickness

2010-02-03T19:39:00.000-05:00

I have to say that during the winter months I live in fear of someone getting the stomach bug. It hit my family in NC last week and I felt so bad for them. It was at a time when my brother in law was on a mission trip. My sister had her 2 boys and my mom was helping them. They all got the stomach bug. Now after being in 5 days with snow it hits my family. My husband and son were so sick last night. My day today has been spent bleaching and washing. I know that God never gives us anything we can't handle. I have kept that in my mind all day. God is good and will see us through.

Salty and Sweet

2010-02-01T15:03:00.006-05:00

These are such a quick and easy snack. The kids love to make. All you do is unwrap Hershey kisses and place them on a pretzel. Put them in the microwave for about 1minute and 30 seconds. (this all depends on your microwave) then plave an M&M in the middle and let set until hard. You can change the color of the M & M's to fit the holiday season you are in. These are so quick and easy!

Snowfall

2010-01-30T16:19:00.000-05:00

Today has been a PJ day at our house. Connor wanted to go out and measure the snow. As you can see about 2 hours ago we had 11 inches and it is still snowing.

Candy Cane Valentines treats

2010-01-30T14:46:00.000-05:00

On this snowy day my daughter and I decided to make some valentines treats. I had seen these on this link. I bought little Candy Canes on clearance after christmas for .25.
1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Place parchment paper on a cookie sheet.

2. Unwrap the candy canes and place one the sheet in the shape of a heart.
3. Place in the oven for about 5 minutes until they get soft. Keep and eye on them because you don't want them to melt too much.

4. As soon as they come out take a lollipop stick and stick in bottom. Shape the candy around it.

5. Let cool. Then cover with the lollipop wraps and tie ribbon around them to have the finished look.

As you can tell we made a lot!

Pop Tarts

2010-01-29T19:07:00.002-05:00

It appears that Kelloggs is starting a new program with Pop Tarts. It says if you register you can get coupons and samples throughout the year. Go here to register.

My Mess

2010-01-28T17:16:00.000-05:00

I love to cook and bake. So during the holidays I am in the kitchen ALOT. As you can tell from my pantry things have just been shoved in everywhere. Finally, I could not take the mess anymore. I went to Bed bath and Beyond and bought organizers that rise up so I can see all of the canned goods. I also bought storage containers at Walmart and I label maker which I don't know why I have never bought. Some of the containers I had, but were not being used. I pulled everything out of the pantry and bam a few hours later it was clean!

So thrilled with all of my labels!

Look what I got in the mail....

2010-01-27T15:58:00.000-05:00

I was so thrilled when I got home today. Fed-X had put a package with all of this on my front porch. I remember a few weeks ago filling out a form online for a free sample, but I had no idea it would be all of this.

Valentine's Wreath

2010-01-25T15:15:00.000-05:00

I saw this wreath on this siteI loved it so much so I decieded to give it a try. I bought several pieces of felt and cut circle shapes. I don't know how may I cut. Then I wrapped my wreath in white ribbon that I had and hot glued it on. Then you take the circles and fold them in half and then in half again.

Take a straight pin and stick in the bottom of the felt at the point. Then stick it into the wreath. Be sure and push the pin all the way in. Fill them in close together because it looks fuller.

By the way, my 10 year old daughter helped me with this project and she had a lot of fun.

Fresh Roses Deal

2010-01-25T12:45:00.002-05:00

Currently, 1800Flowers.com is offering up an awesome deal! You can get 50 fresh Spray Roses for just $19.99 Shipped! …And remember that’s for 50 roses shipped! Deals like this don’t come along too often, so I would definitely jump on this one before they sell out!

Follow these direction:

Add these 50 Fresh Spray Rose blooms to your cart for $24.99

Start the checkout process and choose the date you want these shipped. You can choose quite a few dates in February to score FREE shipping!

On the final checkout page enter promotion code fb20–which will get you an additional 20% off!

Your final cost will be just $19.99 shipped for 50 Fresh Spray Roses!

thanks, hip2save.com

Basketball Boys

2010-01-23T17:02:00.000-05:00

I have to show off my 2 boys. They are crazy about basketball! My 7 year old I think was born with a basketball in his hand. They just love playing any kind of ball. I am so proud of them so as a proud mom there will be more pictures to come

Shutterfly Photo Cards

2010-01-22T18:29:00.000-05:00

Right now you can score 3 FREE custom photo cards from Shutterfly. Plus new members will also receive 50 FREE 4×6 prints upon registration!
These are super for Valentine’s Day, but also think thank you cards or birthday cards to keep on hand.
Here’s how to score your photo cards:
Login or register with Shutterfly.
Click on “My Shutterfly”.
Scroll down and click “Enter Special Code Offer”.
Enter code 3FREECARDS to score your credit!
Now create your 5×7 folded greeting cards and checkout. Shipping is only approximately $0.99 when you send all three cards to yourself!
Expires 2/2/10.
thanks, dealseekingmom

Snapfish photo notebook $1.49

2010-01-22T18:24:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to let you all know that the awesome Snapfish $10 credit for new members is available again! With the credit you can score a personalized photo notebook for just $1.49 (+ tax) shipped! Yes, ONLY $1.49! To start First, you’ll need to go through this link and register for a new account ( if you already have an account, think about registering your hubby or another family member–all you need to register is a new email address). Once registered through the link above, you’ll have earned a FREE $10 Snapfish credit!
Now you can start creating your own notebook/planner. Just click on the upper tab labeled “store” and then in the small search box on the upper left hand side type in “planner”. Finally click on the first option which should state “Snapfish:Notebooks”. Now just scroll down and choose what type of notebook you’d like to create! You’ll then be able to custom design your notebook with a photo, a personal note, and more! After you’ve finished, head to checkout! Please be aware that the $10 credit WILL NOT be applied until after you enter your credit card info! Your final cost should come to $1.49 (+ tax) shipped!
thanks, hip2save.com

2010-01-22T15:59:00.001-05:00

Sign up to get a ConAgra Foods Coupon Booklet with $17 in savings by mail courtesy of Walmart.com. Allow 6-8 weeks for your booklet to arrive.

Thanks, Coupon Geek!

Target deal

2010-01-22T14:58:00.001-05:00

Target had lots of clearance today. They had a lot of pocketbooks 75% off. I purchased 3 for less than 12.00. Also they had a lot of fragrance gift sets 75% so they equal out to 4.98. I posted a picture of mu new cute pocketbook because you can never have to many.

My family

2010-01-22T14:44:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to share a picture of my family. God has truly blessed me beyond measure. I am so thankful!

Mission trip

2010-01-21T16:28:00.000-05:00

My brother in law is leaving today for Panama with a team for a Mission trip in Chame, Panama. The team will be gone until January 30th I am asking that you pray for them as they travel.

Purpose: The first and foremost reason for going is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the Panamanian people. We will be working in a smaller village outside of Panama City called Chame. We will be making improvements to a local school and seminary, as well as, working with local children to teach English.

Love in any language

2010-01-20T07:53:00.000-05:00

I started the project with an 8x10 cavas. Several valentines pattern pieces of paper, acrylic craft paint(I used white you can use any color you like), foam brush and modge podge glue.

First, I painted the entire canvas. Then while it is drying I picked the Language of Love that I wanted to use. I typed them out on Word in different fonts.

The I cut them into stips. You can cut them anyway you like. As you can tell mine were not even. Then I put a coat of modge podge all over the dried canvas. then starting from the bottom I began to glue them a strip at a time. After they all were glued on to the canvas I put a coat of Modge Podge over the entire picture. There may be wrinkles from time to time, but to be honest I like it that way. I think the wrinkles make it look like fabric. This is an easy project. I first saw this project http://lindseycheney.blogspot.com/2009/09/family-rules-canvas.html. I made it and loved it so much I thought I would put a valentines spin on it. Hope you enjoy.

I love freebies

2010-01-19T13:58:00.001-05:00

I had to share a picture of all of the freebies I got in the mail today. There was a slimfast bar from Sam's club, a coupon for a FREE International Delight creamer, calender from Betty Crocker with some great looking recipes and a small cosmetic bad with flavored drink powder from glowelle. All of these products I applied for online at different sights. Had to share how much I love going to the mail box.

Time

2010-01-19T10:02:00.001-05:00

Over the past few weeks the Lord has convicted me about my time management. I think as a stay at home Mom I think to myself well I can get that done later and later it never happens. My job is to keep my household running to the best of my God given ability. My question to myself was "Was this what I was doing in my home." I felt like in all of these last 10 years of babies, toddlers, children I had lost control and I needed to regain control. My first step to get me motivated was my coupon book. I bought baseball card holders for my coupons, and divided them into categories so I could see everything. It was such a wonderful feeling to go into a store and see how much money I had saved. I think everyone should take the time to do this with their coupons. It doesn't take long and you will be surprised at how much easier things are. Now I am starting to work on how I buy food and my goal is to start meal planning. I bought this book The $5.00 Dinner Mom with my amazon order so I could get the free shipping. Last night I started reading her tips. One of her comments was "once I realized that it was my "job" to spend less of my husbands hard-earned money, it was less "trouble". That was like bells going off. I thought OK God you blessed me enough to be able to stay at home now how I am going to do this to the best of my ability. It was like everything was coming together and what a wonderful feeling this is. My goal is to try to be the Proverbs 31 women to the best of my ability. Hopefully, I will.

2010-01-18T13:30:00.000-05:00

I also have to share one of my favorite deal spots on the web. www.hip2save.com
She post deals all the time on her site. I check this website probably 20 times a day so I will not miss a bargain. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Footballs and Daisies

Refinished Dresser

In Memory of Linda Austin

Look what I got in the mail

Homemade Granola

Pizza Crust Recipe

M & M's

No Knead bread

Apple Orchard

Pumpkin Board

Pumpkins

1st day of school

Bruschetta

Couponing 101

Waiting...

DC Trip

Homemade Ice Cream

Howdy Wreath

Family Pictures

What a week!

Trip

Pre school graduation

Patriotic Board

Lost?!?!?!?!

Blackberry and strawberry Cobbler

Blog

Wonderful Bread!

Barnes and Noble coupons

Cake pops

Tile necklaces

Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's Day Presents

Chocolate Chip Pound Cake

Starbucks Frappuccino

Between May 7 and May 16, enjoy a half-price Frappuccino® blended beverage at participating Starbucks in the afternoon – 3 to 5 p.m., to be exact

Contest at pink studios

Paper covered star

Summer reading at Barnes and Noble

My contest win

Disney news

Summer reading

Pocetbook Fix up

Happy Birthday Connor!

Chocolate-Dipped Marshmallows

Kids...........

Fruit Pizza Recipe

Ruffled Storage Container

Strawberry Muffins

Julia Sugarbaker

Free Starbucks coffee

Easy Burp Cloths

Easter 2010

Gene Simmons Family Jewels

Another awesome giveaway!

Great Blog and giveaway!

Easter Teacher Gifts

My Saturday afternoon................

Breakfast Banana's

Spring wreath

Papaw's 90th Birthday

Bloom

Making a Resurrection Garden

Starbucks free pastry 3/23

Flip flops

New milk Contest

Cheerleading Nationals

My Saturday

Sweet Tea 101

Walgreens Deal 2/25/10

In Memory of Mrs. Matheny

Easy flower hair clips

Shirt

My Baby

Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Book Mark

What we had for dinner.....

Nanny Wrights sewing box

My favorite Sugar Cookies

Honey Oatmeal Bread

Snowman

Between May 7 and May 16, enjoy a half-price Frappuccino^® blended beverage at participating Starbucks in the afternoon – 3 to 5 p.m., to be exact