Family Not-So-Musical Chairs

Welcome back!  Wait, I mean, I'm back! :)


It has been a crazy couple of weeks here, and I have desperately missed my little chats with you every couple of days.  I will catch you up in what is going on in our little lives.

Last time I checked in, I was telling you that I was on my way to a second interview for my possible job.  Well, the possibility came through, and I am now gainfully employed! 


I am the new Office Manager for a Landscaping company.  I have worked 3 days this week (due to the 2 holidays, it was a short week).  It is wonderful.  I honestly couldn't imagine a better job for me at this point in my life.  The owners are super, the hours and pay are good, and my co-workers all understand my crazy sense of humor (and the value of sarcasm)!


With me going back to work, however, our family has had to play our own little version of musical chairs.  I am now out of the house from 8-5:30 each day, and The Hubs has taken over the role of Household Manager.  He is doing spectacularly.  I have come home each day to 2 kiddos that are still happy and healthy, clean laundry, house and even made beds. 


I miss my babies, and I even miss The Hubs.  I had gotten used to having him around for a while.  But I am loving my new job, and hope to settle into a routine pretty soon, so I can get back to visiting with you all.


Have a great day!


Ms. L


* If you're having a problem commenting there is a way to fix it. If you have the "keep me signed in" box for your personal email checked it will not allow you to comment. Simply uncheck the box and then you should be allowed to comment.

A Craft

If you've been reading this blog very often you'll already know that I am not very good at crafting.  Ms. L is the crafter amongst us.  Anyway, every once in awhile I psych myself up into thinking I might be able to do a craft.  Most of the time it turns out miserably and I think to myself, "why did I even try?  I knew this is the way it would turn out!"

Well, this time I actually did one that turned out right!! I'm excited!  And I took pictures every step of the way so you can see it too =).

Here's what I used... kind of, ignore the lace, because I was going to use it, but then decided not to.  Hey, I'm a woman therefore I have the right to change my mind as much as I want =).

I took the glass and cardboard out of the picture frame and threw them away.  Once that was done I painted it.

I then took strips of ribbon and stapled them to the back of the frame like so...

I then attached a pretty monogramed letter that Ms. L had made me before.

And this, my friends, is the finished product! TADA!!  I am going to use it to hang Sweet Pea's hair bows onto.

This is the first and possibly last craft I post all rolled into one.  Hope you enjoyed it! =)

Have a great day!

Ms. T

* If you're having a problem commenting there is a way to fix it. If you have the "keep me signed in" box for your personal email checked it will not allow you to comment. Simply uncheck the box and then you should be allowed to comment.

5 Question Friday!

Good Morning, Friends!  I hope you have a fantastic weekend =).  I think I might have a little surprise for you tomorrow.  I've been trying something crafty!  I know I nearly surprised myself with it too..... I'm still unsure which direction I'll be going with it, but I'm taking pictures every step of the way so you'll get to see how it goes and how it turns out!  Even if it's not great, which with my track record is entirely possible....

Onto the 5 question Friday fun!!

1. What's the oldest piece of clothing in your closet?

     I have a P.J. set that was my Grandmother's.  I gave it to her when I was 16 and she loved it.  When she passed away it reminded me of her so I took it.  Whenever I see it I smile and think of her.

2. How many random blog readers have you met?

     If this question is referring to random readers of my blog ummm... none.  Although, technically 99% of the readers here are my friends/ family and I've met all of them so I could say 99%.  It's all in how you look at it =). 

3. Do you let your kids stay up till midnight on New Years Eve? (Or, if you don't have kiddos yet, did you get to stay up until midnight as a child?)

     Nope, my kids would seriously melt down if they were up that late, considering they are 2 1/2 and 7 months old.  I used to stay up for New Years Eve before I had children.  However, now that I have kids that get up early I cannot stay up that late if I want to function properly the next day.

4. What are the gas prices where you live?

     To put it simply the gas prices here are RIDICULOUS!  Remember when we used to pay 1.50 or less for gas?  Or even more recently 2.00 or less for gas?  Yeah, those were decent prices.... Now, we're up to 3.30 a gallon.  Pretty soon I'm trading my car in for a horse.  Pretty sure it would be cheaper.  Plus, I wouldn't have to mow my lawn as much, because the horse would munch on the grass.... BONUS! =)

5. What is one resolution that you know you should do but are too afraid to try?

     I don't have any resolutions that I'm necessarily afraid to try.  However, I have many that I won't try, because I know I won't stick with them.  For instance: a diet, exercising every day, reading a book a month.  I could go on, but now I'm just depressing myself.  I do have a few I know I'll stick with though.  For instance: no smoking, no binge drinking, no drugs.  Oh yeah feeling better about myself now!! =)  (p.s. I already don't smoke, drink or do drugs, which makes it SUPER easy to quit them ;).


Hope you have a great day!


Ms. T

P.s. I can't figure out why some of this post is smaller and the rest of it isn't.... Oh well!  Sorry for the OCD people out there! =)


* If you're having a problem commenting there is a way to fix it. If you have the "keep me signed in" box for your personal email checked it will not allow you to comment. Simply uncheck the box and then you should be allowed to comment.

I'm Not Ready for a Parrot!

The last few days my little Firecracker has decided to start parroting back whatever he hears.  For instance: "oh rats!", "stink", and "you've got to be kidding me".  Which sounded more like: "you kivd me".  Honestly, they were kind of cute. 

No matter how cute I thought those little parroting episode were I know there are more to come.  And no matter how hard I try I won't be able to shield him forever.  Thankfully, he hasn't said anything too terrible.... YET! 

I have heard so many horror stories of children that say something horrible at just the wrong time.  And knowing my luck, and my life I will soon be adding my own embarrassing stories to that list.

Lord, help me!  You promise to still be my friends when my little Firecracker says something super embarrassing?  Oh good.  I'm glad you're not fair weather friends ;).

Hope you all have a great day!

Ms. T


* If you're having a problem commenting there is a way to fix it. If you have the "keep me signed in" box for your personal email checked it will not allow you to comment. Simply uncheck the box and then you should be allowed to comment.

Delish Pork Chops

Last night I made a new recipe and it was fantastic!  So I thought you'd want to know what it is.  Oven Fried Pork Chops.  They were so moist and delicious AND easy to make!  When do those things come together? 

Anyway, here's the recipe:

Ingredients:
4 pork chops
1 egg
2 tbsp butter
1 cup dry herb stuffing mix (I used seasoned bread crumbs and they turned out just fine)
2 tbsp milk
1/4 tsp black pepper
9x13 baking pan

Directions:
* Turn on the oven to 425 degrees
* Beat the egg and add milk and pepper to it.
* Melt butter in pan
* Dip the pork chops in the egg mixture
* Cover the pork chops in the stuffing (or bread crumbs)
* Place the pork chops in the pan
* Cook the pork chops for 10 minutes on one side then turn them over and cook for an additional 10 minutes. (My chops were slightly thicker so they took about 35 total minutes to cook rather than 20)

Enjoy the delicious-ness!!

Ms. T

P.s. this is the link that I got the recipe from  http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Oven-Fried-Pork-Chops/Detail.aspx

* If you're having a problem commenting there is a way to fix it. If you have the "keep me signed in" box for your personal email checked it will not allow you to comment. Simply uncheck the box and then you should be allowed to comment.

Prozac, My New Bestie

A little while ago I shared with you all that I am once again suffering from post partum depression and since then I have had quite the out pouring of love and support come my way.  Thank you all so much! 

I just wanted to update you all on how I'm doing.  My Doctor prescribed me Prozac (well, technically the generic version).  Prozac is my new best friend (sorry, Ms. L).  I just want to hug it and squeeze it and never let it go!  It has helped me climb out of the deep dark hole I was in.

I am still not the person I once was, but I'm also not the depressed person that I was for months.  I aspire to once again be the person that never worried about coyotes attacking myself or my children in the back yard (no joke a sign was posted near our neighborhood the other day warning that coyotes had been seen in the area), or snakes hiding in garbage cans to attack my loved ones.  (I know I'm weird).  The medicine is helping A LOT.  Thank you all for your prayers, love and support.

Ms. T

* If you're having a problem commenting there is a way to fix it. If you have the "keep me signed in" box for your personal email checked it will not allow you to comment. Simply uncheck the box and then you should be allowed to comment.

Our Birthday!!!

Today is a wonderful day.  A day that Ms. L and I count down to all year long.  Today is OUR BIRTHDAY!!  It pretty much should be a national holiday.  I honestly can't believe that Congress hasn't already declared it as one.  They've repeatedly ignored my request to make it one and taken out a restraining order told me to leave them alone.  I'm pretty sure this means they want to be my best friend.  And they want me to call them every 5 minutes.

Anyway, Ms. L and I would like to wish you all a Happy Our Birthday!! 

Hope your day is as great as ours are going to be =)!!

Ms. T and Ms. L

* If you're having a problem commenting there is a way to fix it. If you have the "keep me signed in" box for your personal email checked it will not allow you to comment. Simply uncheck the box and then you should be allowed to comment.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!  From our homes to yours.

Ms. L & Ms. T

* If you're having a problem commenting there is a way to fix it. If you have the "keep me signed in" box for your personal email checked it will not allow you to comment. Simply uncheck the box and then you should be allowed to comment.

CHRIST-mas

Good morning, my friends!  I hope things are going well for you this morning. 

I know this time of year it's really easy to get swept up into the hurry and flurry and the craziness of buying that last gift or the mountain of gifts that need to be wrapped still.  But I'd just like to encourage you all to take a deep breath and remember the reason we celebrate this season.  It's not to go into debt buying things for others, it's to celebrate the birth of our Saviour!

That first Christmas no one had gifts wrapped in shiny paper with beautiful bows.  The first and perfect gift was wrapped in grave clothes and laid down in a manger to sleep.  As a mom myself I can only imagine how hard it was to have that be your baby's first bed, but as a sinner, I'm so grateful that is how God chose to come into this world.  Such a humble setting proving that ANYONE can come to Jesus.

So, my friends I wish you all a Merry CHRISTmas.  I hope your day is wonderful, and remember, it will all get done =).  And if it doesn't who besides you will know? =)

Ms. T 

* If you're having a problem commenting there is a way to fix it. If you have the "keep me signed in" box for your personal email checked it will not allow you to comment. Simply uncheck the box and then you should be allowed to comment.

The Nerves Are Coming

Good morning, ya'll!

So, I have a job interview this morning.  It's a second interview, so for some reason that makes me more nervous than the first interview.  The first interview was pretty run of the mill, experience and background sort of stuff.  This interview is with my potential co-workers to see if they can work with me.  I have never been on a "see if they can work with you" interview before, so I have no idea what to expect.

Maybe there will be something exciting going on, like dragons.  Or zombies. 

So, say a prayer!

Ms. L


* If you're having a problem commenting there is a way to fix it. If you have the "keep me signed in" box for your personal email checked it will not allow you to comment. Simply uncheck the box and then you should be allowed to comment.

Whoops!!!

Have you ever thought you were going to be 10 minutes early somewhere and you wound up actually being 35 minutes late? That totally just happened to me tonight! 

We didn't realize that church was having Awana (a kid's program that both the Hubs and I work in) tonight (which starts at 6:30, and we usually get there about 6:15).  The Hubs and I thought last Wednesday night was the last night for Awana until after the first of the year. 

We walked in at 6:50 thinking we were 10 minutes early for church and realized we were actually 35 minutes late!  Wow, I felt like a putz.  Oh well....

Merry Christmas!

Ms. T
* If you're having a problem commenting there is a way to fix it. If you have the "keep me signed in" box for your personal email checked it will not allow you to comment. Simply uncheck the box and then you should be allowed to comment.

Sleeping Through the Night

I have not been sleeping lately, because in case you didn't know I have a 7 month old. =)  She used to sleep through the night and I was amazed that she did.  Then she got sick and the wonderful sleeping through the night stopped =(. 

So the last week was the worst, because Firecracker got sick too so between him being up and her being up Mamma hardly slept at all.  (I'm not complaining, just giving you a back drop).  Therefore, when I got to sleep ALL the way through the night last night you can imagine how refreshed I was when I woke up this morning! 

All that to say, dear sleep fairy, if you read this blog please come back again tonight and have my children sleep well.  If you do I'll buy you a pony.  Ok, so that last part probably isn't true, but I will be thankful again! =)

Merry Christmas!

Ms. T


* If you're having a problem commenting there is a way to fix it. If you have the "keep me signed in" box for your personal email checked it will not allow you to comment. Simply uncheck the box and then you should be allowed to comment.

Baby Dedication and a Nervous Wreck.

Yesterday morning at church was a red letter day for our household.  We had Sweet Pea's baby dedication.  It was great.  However, I felt like I was literally in the middle of a very predictable movie.

You see all of last week the Hubs was sick.  Saturday he was deathly ill and so it was decided he would go to the walk in clinic.  The clinic is only about a mile from our church so it shouldn't have been a big deal right?  Well, it opened at 10 and our church service started around 10:50 once again you'd think all would be fine although a bit tight.

I began getting nervous as our church service started and the Hubs had texted saying he'd seen the Doctor, but was still waiting on the prescriptions the doc had promised.  I really did feel like I was in the middle of a movie where you're not sure if the hero would make it.   My heart was pounding.  I really didn't like the idea of being on stage without the Hubs standing next to me. 

Thankfully, literally just moments before we, as a family, were supposed to be on stage in walked the Hubs.  Shew.  A wave of relief washed over me for sure. 

So Sweet Pea was dedicated and all was right with the world. =)

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!

Ms. T

* If you're having a problem commenting there is a way to fix it. If you have the "keep me signed in" box for your personal email checked it will not allow you to comment. Simply uncheck the box and then you should be allowed to comment.

Chaos, My Old Friend, Is That You?

Sorry I am so late on the Sunday post, ya'll.  But better late than never, right?

As you all know, our little blog is all about redefining what happiness is to fit into our chaotic world.  We have to look at things a little differently than we would have before to find the happy moments.  We have to laugh at moments that would normally make us cry.

Well, my little corner of the world has definitely been chaotic lately.  I have held back quite a bit, because I don't ever want to be a Debbie Downer, or a Negative Nellie.  (If your name is Debbie or Nellie, I am very sorry, but it is just automatically assumed that you are a negative person.  However, there is a Debbie that reads this blog that is quite the eternal optimist.  I don't believe however, that we have any Nellies.  Yet.  This is now an open casting call for blog readers named Nellie!)

Anyway, I was thinking this morning that I might not actually get to post today due to my circumstances, and it occurred to me that I haven't really been real with you lately.  If I am to redefine happiness in chaos, I guess I should acknowledge that I have a bit of chaos. 

The Hubs lost his job 4 weeks ago.  He was the sole income for our family.  We have had zero income for 4 weeks.  We filed for unemployment, and they just got with us this week to tell us that we should file with the state of GA instead of FL, and it would be better for us all around.  Well, that's great, but that means we have to start all over, and have 4 weeks of being unemployed without any unemployment benefits. 

Yesterday we moved in with The Hub's parents.  With only a part-time job (10 hours a week) right now, we had to let go of our apartment, and the bills that come along with such independence.  

Welcome to Chaos! 

Let me explain.  We didn't just move in with my in-laws, Babs and Papa.  We moved in with the whole family.  Just the 10 of us.  Babs, Papa, Greatma, Greatpa (both of whom are snow birds and will only be here until April), M (my Sister in law), and K (my niece), and my crazy family of 4.  We went from being a pretty laid back, relaxed, able-to-fit-in-a-booth-at-a-restaurant group, to laundry and shower schedules, to putting half our lives in storage, to cooking for 10 instead of barely cooking at all.  We went from no pets to 11 horses, 1 cow, 4 outside cats and a chihuahua.  We don't have cable, dish or any form of TV that isn't fuzzy.  Our internet usage is strictly limited to just a few moments a day. (My husband claimed that he needed to send an email, just so I could play my daily game of Bingo.  I know, lame! But here I am typing this instead.  What a good little hubby!)  The kids are sharing a room that is attached to the house's 2nd kitchen that the Greatparents use.

This, my friends, is chaos!

But there are some wonderful things about it.  My kids are spending time making great memories with family.  My bedroom has wonderful cathedral ceilings.  The house has 6 bedrooms, so we aren't falling all over each other.  We are only 4 minutes from The Boy's school.  The kids have 20 acres to run all over and play.  We have a pool although it's a bit chilly for that right now.  We are working together as a family unit, each helping the other in whatever ways we can.  We are saving money, although I don't know if it counts as saving money, when you aren't really making money to save, but you know what I mean.

Anyway, this is my little bit of crazy right now.  If I am late posting, or my posts seem rushed a bit, know that it is because the chaos has overtaken me for a few minutes, and I will return to normal as soon as possible.

I hope you had a Happy Sunday!

Ms. L

* If you're having a problem commenting there is a way to fix it. If you have the "keep me signed in" box for your personal email checked it will not allow you to comment. Simply uncheck the box and then you should be allowed to comment.

Adventures in Cookie Baking

In my family we have a tradition.  Every year at Christmas time we make my great grandmother's sugar cookies.  They are delicious, but the dough is very hard to stir up and it is very hard to work with afterwards.  Thus, the only making them once a year.

This year is the very first time I have attempted these by myself.  I never realized how very dependent I was on my Mamma's expertise when it came to these!  I had quite the time making them, but they (for the most part) turned out pretty well. 

Then I tried to make the icing.... which my Mamma doesn't have a recipe for, because her Mamma didn't have a recipe for it.  They just eyeball it and keep adding things til it turns out right..... Guess what I learned?  I learned that I NEED a recipe!  Try as I might that icing while edible ( I mean come on how inedible could it be when the ingredients include milk and like 4 tons of powdered sugar?  Well, at least that's how much I put in.... like I said I need a recipe)looks NOTHING like it should. 

Oh well, I have completed my obligation for making these bad boys for this year.  Here's hoping that next year I'll be less inadequate in the kitchen! 

Merry Christmas!

Ms. T

* If you're having a problem commenting there is a way to fix it. If you have the "keep me signed in" box for your personal email checked it will not allow you to comment. Simply uncheck the box and then you should be allowed to comment.

5 Question Friday

Is it finally Friday?  Yay!  I have not had a bad week just a really messed-up-schedule-week.  You see it started out with not going to church on Sunday, because no one in the house felt good.  Then the Hubs stayed home on Monday, because he still didn't feel good.  Therefore, it still wasn't Monday it was still Saturday (in my world).  Tuesday, the Hubs did go to work which really made it Monday.  Wednesday the Hubs had a relapse so he stayed home again. (back story- He usually works from home one day a week, typically Thursdays)  Which made it really Thursday.  Then he went to work yesterday which made it Friday right?  So today is really Saturday right? And to make matters worse the garbage man made a stop by my house today, which they always do on Saturdays..... Oh my little world is all topsy turvy!  Oh well, happy real world Friday!  


Now on to the 5 question Friday fun ;).   Once again thanks to Mama M. for letting us link up!

1. What's the best Christmas present you've ever received?

     

     The Hubs gave me a beautiful necklace that represented him, myself and the Firecracker (at the time our only child).  So I guess technically he needs to get another one since Sweet Pea is here now.  Hahaha! ;)

2. Worst/Funniest White Elephant gift ever received?

    

      A bottle of stinky perfume.  I ended up just throwing it out.

3. Is your Christmas tree plain and simple (white lights and matching ornaments) or is it wild and crazy (colored lights with lots of ornaments collected over the years)?

   

     I am what you would call OCD.  I NEED things to match.  I NEED order.  So I’ll just let you guess…. But I’ll give you a hint: it’s not wild and crazy =). 

    I do have 1 non matching ornament on the tree though.  Ms. L gave it to me a few years ago.  It’s a blue hippopotamus that is skiing.  It doesn’t match, but it’s part of an elaborate inside joke, so it must be part of the tree. =)

4. "How" do you iron your clothes? The old fashioned iron/ironing board way, the shower, back in the dryer, etc.

      Most of the time it’s a toss up between throwing them back in the dryer or spraying them with wrinkle releaser.  However, for the exceptionally stubborn wrinkles I do own an iron.  I do use it, but it doesn’t see the light of day but once every 6 or 7 months.

5. How much baking do you do for Christmas and what are your "must make" items? (I'm looking for recipes here, peeps...)

     I grew up as a Pastor’s kid.  So Christmas time was always exceptionally busy for us.  Plus our wonderful church family would usually shower us with delicious baked goods.  Therefore, we didn’t do a ton of baking, because we already had so much.

     Not baking a ton during the holidays has definitely carried over into my regular life.  However, there is one thing that must be made EVERY year otherwise it’s just sacrilegious.  That item would be my great grandmother’s sugar cookies.  They are so delicious and to me scream Christmas!  I will post the recipe sometime soon =).

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! 

Merry Christmas!

Ms. T

* If you're having a problem commenting there is a way to fix it. If you have the "keep me signed in" box for your personal email checked it will not allow you to comment. Simply uncheck the box and then you should be allowed to comment.

A Lesson in Broken Glass

Oh, my goodness!  The last few days have been insanely crazy.  There is no end in sight for a little while, so I am just having to embrace it and laugh my way through it.  Twice in the last 4 days we have had to clean up broken glass in my house.  We have lived here for almost 6 months, and the only other time we have had to clean up glass was when Ms. T tried to kill me. But twice in four days, we have heard the shattering sound that scares any momma.

On Sunday evening, we had The Hub's family over for dinner after church.  I had to help the Babs with a few things on the computer, and the children were playing in The Boy's room.  Unbeknownst to me, The Boy felt that his bedside lamp would be of better use on the floor rather than on the night stand.  Don't ask me why he did this.  I don't know any other reason besides that he is a boy.  He knows better than this. 

So, it was getting late, and the family had to leave.  As soon as they got in the truck to leave, I told the kids to start picking up toys, it was time to get ready for bed.  The very next sound I hear is a crash.  Like breaking glass.  Cue scary movie music here.

I immediately said, "Something broke. "  I then yelled, "Kids don't move!"  Doug and I raced to The Boy's room to see what the noise was.  It just happened to be the lamp.  You know, the one that used to sit by his bed.  With the CFL bulb in it.

Now, I don't know if you use CFL bulbs in your house.  We do.  They are more energy efficient, blah blah blah.  If you don't know what a CFL is, it's on of the swirly lookin' bulbs.  Well, in case you didn't know, they contain mercury.  Yeah, that's right.  Mercury.  You know, the one that causes mercury poisoning. 

Now would probably be the time that I should tell you the required steps to take to clean up a CFL break.  You can google it like I did.  Just know that it is rather extensive, and do NOT vacuum or sweep the area.  That will just spread the mercury around.    Instead of telling you all the steps that you have to take to ensure the health of your family, I am going to tell you the reason that the bulb got broken in the first place.

When I asked The Boy how the bulb got broken, he said, "I tried to turn off the lamp.  With my butt."

Um, excuse me.  You did what? 

That's right, ya'll.  My usually incredibly responsible and smart 7 year old decided that it would be funny to try to turn off the lamp with his butt, and sat on the bulb.  We are incredibly blessed that this story did not wind up in the ER.  He didn't have a scratch on him.  I was so baffled by trying to figure out what would make him want to do this that I didn't even know what to say. 

Tonight's glass episode was not nearly as exciting, but about just as fun to clean up.  The Little Miss had apparently put a bottle of nail polish (red with gold shimmer, just in case you were wondering) on the chest freezer.  Right next to the turkey I had just pulled out.  So when The Hubs went to move the turkey to the fridge to thaw, the pretty red nail polish bottle decided to take a dive to the floor.  Long story short, my house now reeks of nail polish remover.

May you have a glass free Thursday!

Ms. L


* If you're having a problem commenting there is a way to fix it. If you have the "keep me signed in" box for your personal email checked it will not allow you to comment. Simply uncheck the box and then you should be allowed to comment.

Modest is Hottest

I am a shameless people watcher.  I like to see what people are wearing, their hair styles, etc.  Well, we went to Disney World this last weekend.  It never ceases to amaze me what people choose to wear to a theme park.  I saw countless women there in heels!  (Not me, I'm a tennis shoe girl when it comes to theme parks!) Whatever, it's their choice just like it's my choice.  And for me comfort wins the day.

Another, "I can't believe" that I kept having while we were there was the girls that were half dressed.  I guess I've spent too much time secluded lately to realize that coming out without half of your outfit is the new trend.  I can tell you though, that's not a trend I'll be following!  I just wanted to sit those girls (and sadly there were many women there "dressed" that way too) down and lovingly tell them, "don't you understand that gets you all the WRONG kind of attention?  No one respects you when you're dressed like that."

It makes me sad to think they feel they need to dress this way.  And while I'm sure none of them that I crossed paths with read this blog, I'd like to say, "Ladies, you're beautiful and worth so much more than that!  Remember Modest is Hottest!"

I hope you all have a great day!

Ms. T


* If you're having a problem commenting there is a way to fix it. If you have the "keep me signed in" box for your personal email checked it will not allow you to comment. Simply uncheck the box and then you should be allowed to comment.

Try It Tuesday

Hey Ya'll!  It's Try It Tuesday!

I have to admit though, this Try It Tuesday is definitely a little late, and more an idea than an actual tutorial.  This is not a complete project, but more just a piece of one.  Maybe it will inspire you to create something on a budget, and that's what the point of Try It Tuesday is all about.

I have seen several pictures of canvas covered with scrapbook paper using Mod Podge to make them adhere to the canvas.  I have big plans to do this in the future, but today, I thought I would do a quick run through to see how well this worked.  (I am glad I did this, because I learned some things that I am now going to share with you!)

Mod Podge can be rather expensive, and you know that's not how I roll.  I like cheap!  So I found a home made version online.  This is what you will need:



Glue
Water
A container with a lid
That's it.

To make your home made Mod Podge, you will want to mix equal parts glue and water.  Put lid on and shake vigorously. 

Then you need to grab some scrapbook paper (I would use a thicker cardstock-like paper):





Just brush a thin-to-moderate layer of your Mod podge mixture onto your canvas, line up your paper and attach.

This is where I realized that I wanted to use a thicker paper.  The Mod Podge mixture will weaken the strength of your paper, and it will tear easily while smoothing out wrinkles.  I know this from experience.  Anyway, just smooth your paper out.  I chose to wrap my edges on the side, so I didn't have to take the time to cut the paper down.  You don't have to do that if you don't want though.

Here is one I did for the Little Miss' room.  She currently loves Tink, and this paper was on clearance!

Anyway, like I said, it is more of an idea than it is an actual project, but you get the picture.

In addition to that, it is going to be a crazy busy next week or two for my little family.  Please keep us in your prayers, and forgive if I don't have as much to say as usual. 

Have a Happy Tuesday!

Ms. L





* If you're having a problem commenting there is a way to fix it. If you have the "keep me signed in" box for your personal email checked it will not allow you to comment. Simply uncheck the box and then you should be allowed to comment.

Woman's Intuition

Women have that God given talent of just knowing (most of the time) what is best for them and their children.  Intuition is such a strong and wonderful thing.  However, lately mine has been working against me.

Once again, I am a victim of post partum depression.  This is an awful disease, and I thank God for knowledgeable Doctors and good friends that help me get treatment for it.  Knowing that I am fighting this invisible fiend helps me in many situations. 

This being said, I can't trust my intuition any more.  And it's a terrible feeling.  It's like finding out your best friend has been lying to you for months.  And that is exactly what my post partum tells me: LIES!
 
It tells me I can't let my kids sleep in their own rooms, because a fire might happen in the middle of the night and I won't be able to rescue them.  Or it tells me that if we leave the house today we'll be in an unspeakable car accident that will leave me without one or all of my family.  LIES!  All of them are lies! 

One day, I'll be able to trust my intuition again.  And I'll be thankful for it, but for now it has become my enemy.  An enemy I cannot escape.  An enemy that lives inside my head.  God is helping me through friends, family, Doctors and medication to overcome this enemy, but for now I must be wary and not believe the lies.

I'm sorry if this post depressed any of you.  I just have had this on my mind and needed to share.  I'll be back to my more light hearted self soon..... I hope! =)

Ms. T
* If you're having a problem commenting there is a way to fix it. If you have the "keep me signed in" box for your personal email checked it will not allow you to comment. Simply uncheck the box and then you should be allowed to comment.

The Unperfect Life

Happy Sunday Morning, Ya'll!

I love this quote.  I also love Annette Funicello.  If you have never seen Beach Blanket Bingo, you have missed out.  I used to watch it over and over when I was younger.

Anyway, it's so true.  Life really doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful. 

Our little family has been going through some rough waters here lately.  I will spare you the details, but just know that life has come at us with all guns blazing, and some of our plans have had to change.  At least temporarily. 

Even in light of all that is going on, life is still wonderful.  We may be broke, but we are still better off than most people in this world.  We may be stressed, but it has shown us how strong the glue is that holds us together. 

We had a wonderful day yesterday.  It started with our town's Christmas Parade.  The kids enjoyed getting lots of candy, and we enjoyed watching the kids' eyes light  up with all they were getting to see.  After that, we headed over to the Babs house.  The Hubs had a small welding project to do for his dad, so the kids, Babs and I hung out at the barn. 

The Boy mustered up enough courage to ride Neveros (one of Babs' many horses) bareback, and did really well.  He also conquered his fear of the horses biting him when he hand feeds them treats.  He would always drop the treat on the ground when they started to nibble, but yesterday, he actually let them eat out of his hand.  It does this mama's heart good to see my children grow and develop new skills.  Moving on from one phase of their lives to another.  I looked at The Boy yesterday, and didn't see just a 7 year old, I saw a young man who was learning to have respect for animals and his surroundings.   The 7 year old returned a few moments later when he found a pile of poop that he quickly discerned did not belong to the cow or the horses.  Obviously, we have had some deer visiting.

Last  night, we went over to see some dear friends of ours that we don't get to see often, and enjoyed several hours and some yummy food with them.  Their kids are growing up so fast, and I just couldn't stop staring at them. 

We also received a surprise gift during the day, that was completely unexpected.  It was such a blessing, and just reminded us that we have a God that loves us, and sometimes He uses other people to remind us just how much.

I hope today that you will see the wonderfulness of life, even though your circumstances may not be perfect, or even what you had planned for. 

Have a Wondeful Sunday!
Ms. L


* If you're having a problem commenting there is a way to fix it. If you have the "keep me signed in" box for your personal email checked it will not allow you to comment. Simply uncheck the box and then you should be allowed to comment.

5 Question Friday

I don’t have much to say this morning so on to the Friday fun!!!

Once again thanks to Mama M. for letting us link up!

1. What is your favorite Christmas cookie?

          In my family we have a recipe passed down from my Mama’s Grandma (my great grandmother) and those are my all time favorite Christmas cookies….. Oh my goodness, Best. Sugar. Cookies. EVER!

2. What's your favorite holiday movie & why?

        Elf.  It’s such a great movie!  I do love other Christmas movies, but this one takes the cake.

3. Is there a gift that you bought for your kids that you wish you hadn't after they opened it?

         Mega blocks.  Sure they’re fun, but there are also a zillion of them, and goodness gracious they get everywhere!  Oh well, Firecracker loves them =)

4. What is the messiest room in your house right at this moment?

         My living room.  Toys are all over the place, but it’s evidence of a sweet 2 year old so I’m ok with it.

5. What is the furthest you have driven for the holidays?

        11 hours (pregnant mind you so LOTS of potty breaks) not counting our stop time to see my Father In Law for Thanksgiving.  This is our usual tradition we see the Hubs family for Thanksgiving and we see my family at Christmas.

Have a great weekend!!!

Ms. T

 

1. What is your favorite Christmas cookie?

Well, as a lover of all thing's cookie, I have several.  I love the Iced Sugar Cookies at Our Daily Bread (an awesome deli/bakery in Fitzgerald, GA).  However, I don't think it would be Christmas if I didn't have some of my Great-grandmother's Fruitcake cookies.  Now, don't judge.  I don't like fruitcake, but these cookies are good.  They aren't really like fruitcake at all, so I don't know why they have that name, but they are super delish!

 

2. What's your favorite holiday movie & why?

I love the remake of Miracle on 34th street.  Ya know, the one done in the 90's.  Back then I thought for sure that I was in love with that guy from the TV show The Practice, and he just happened to be the male lead in that movie.  Other than that, I don't really have a favorite.  I like Christmas movies, but don't have one that I watch every year.  Except Rudolph.  The Clay-mation one.  We watch it year round.  This is not my choice.

 

3. Is there a gift that you bought for your kids that you wish you hadn't after they opened it?

Moon Sand.  It wasn't so much that I hated it.  But it is not mess free.  Not when your nanny brings a kid over for a play date, and said kid decides to throw the moon sand all over The Boy's room.  It was in everything.  Not completely the Moon Sand's fault, but we didn't buy anymore after that.

 

4. What is the messiest room in your house right at this moment?

Unfortunately, it is my bedroom.  It is always the last room in the house to get touched.  It is also where all the Christmas presents are hiding.   And where the laundry is chilling, trying to pretend that it isn't waiting to be done. 

5. What is the furthest you have driven for the holidays?
We have family in FL, GA, and AL, so our holiday trips are a big circle.  If you count driving time between the three families, it's probably about 10 hours or so.  They better be glad they are worth it! :)

Have a Merry Weekend!

Ms. L


* If you're having a problem commenting there is a way to fix it. If you have the "keep me signed in" box for your personal email checked it will not allow you to comment. Simply uncheck the box and then you should be allowed to comment.

Surprise, Surprise

I am not fond of surprises.  I never have been.  I am the type of person that likes to know exactly what's going on, and when, and where, and all the other little details that would drive me crazy if I didn't know them.  The hint of the unknown and unplanned threatens to ruin a good day.

Tuesday, however, was a day full of surprises that I actually enjoyed.  The day started off with my winning a $100 gift card to Victoria's Secret  on Facebook.  Ye-ah!  Check out their FB page each day at 9am for your chance to win a reward card!

After that, my next surprise was that The Hubs (normally not a good surpriser) arranged for my in-laws to watch the kids because it was our anniversary.  I had been running late on Tuesday morning due to my winning-ness (I bet that actually is a word.  Somewhere.), so I ended up taking my shower right before it was time to go pick up The Boy from school.  When I got out of the shower, the Little Miss was gone!  The Babs (my MIL) had picked her up and was on her way to go get The Boy from school. 

It was the best gift The Hubs could have given me.  We are completely broke right now, and the realistic me definitely trumps the romantic me, so I had said, "No presents".  Instead he gave me an afternoon with just him, which is such a rare occurrence.  What did we do you ask?  We wrapped the kid's Christmas gifts, and then headed out to spend my VS gift card, my $10 birthday gift card they sent me in the mail, and a $10 off a $10 purchase JC Penney coupon. 

Other great surprises of the day, we got 3 packages in the mail, and 2 unexpected checks - for a whopping total of 12.22!  Yeah!  I love getting unexpected money!  While at VS, the purchases we made with my two gift cards allowed us to get 3 FREE gifts!  Another Yeah!  Someone gave us a bunch of clothes, shoes, and toys for The Boy.  With the way he is growing, it was a huge blessing!

All in all it was just a bright spot in what has been a really stressful couple of weeks in our lives.  So, I was really thankful for a day of surprises!

May you have a day of good surprises today!  Happy Thursday!

Ms. L


* If you're having a problem commenting there is a way to fix it. If you have the "keep me signed in" box for your personal email checked it will not allow you to comment. Simply uncheck the box and then you should be allowed to comment.

Best Friends

Last night I took the Firecracker to McDonald's for a chance to play on the playground and their half price happy meal.  We don't do this very often which makes it special when we do.  It's always a toss up as to how many kids will be on the playground when we get there.  Sometimes there are way too many and other times there are none at all.  Both are sad.  Too many kids and Firecracker ends up sitting with me watching the other kids (most of them bigger and not paying enough attention to the little guys) play.  When there are no kids then Firecracker has to play by himself.  Not so much fun.

Anyway, last night there was one other little boy that looked to be about 4 or 5 on the playground.  The two boys took to eachother and started playing together immediately.  By the end of the night the older boy was calling Firecracker his "best friend".  It was so cute!   

This made me start thinking.  I wish as an adult I could make "best friends" that easily!  I have plenty of friends mind you, but the ease that little people make friends always amazes me.

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Ms. T

* If you're having a problem commenting there is a way to fix it. If you have the "keep me signed in" box for your personal email checked it will not allow you to comment. Simply uncheck the box and then you should be allowed to comment.

Birthday Boy

Today is a very special day.  Today is the day xx years ago my sweet, wonderful, kind, loving, PATIENT, caring Hubs came into this world! 

I love him so much I can't even express it to you.  The Hubs is a million times better than any prince charming I could have ever dreamed up.  He loves me for me, he loves our children and not only that he helps with them!  It is not unusual to find him feeding, diapering or bathing one of them. 

The Hubs is dreamy for sure!  I know you're all super jealous, but you're just gonna have to back off ladies, because he's taken ;).  He signed a 99 year lease on our wedding day and he's still got 95 years left. 

Honey, if you're reading this, I love you with my whole heart and I wish you the best Birthday ever.  I thank God everyday for making you mine. 

Love,
Ms. T

Ps.  To everyone else, happy my Hubs' birthday!

* If you're having a problem commenting there is a way to fix it. If you have the "keep me signed in" box for your personal email checked it will not allow you to comment. Simply uncheck the box and then you should be allowed to comment.

Weddings and Marriages

I love weddings.  They are a beautiful symbol of love that people pour much time, energy and money into to make them perfect.  It makes me happy when a friend announces they are getting married.  And while I love weddings in general, I particularly love it when a good friend gets married.  It fills my heart with so much joy that some one I love has found the one person they want to spend the rest of their life with! 

I got to go to/ be in a very good friend, M's, wedding over the Thanksgiving holiday.  I was so extremely happy for her!  I love her and I'm excited for her and her new Hubby to start their new life together.

Here's a picture of M and I at her bachelorette party (we went to see Breaking Dawn!  That's right, I'm a "Twitard" at heart ;)!  (Sorry, I don't have any actual pictures of the wedding.... it was a little hard considering I was in it ;).

 M on the left and Me on the right

That being said, Marriages are so much more important than a wedding.  Marriages, while most of the time, easy at first get comfortable and complacent most of the time without one or both partners realizing what is happening.  If you're not careful a good marriage can hit the slippery slope to becoming bad. 

I'm not saying that everyone has a bad marriage.  Just saying all our marriages both good and bad could use a little more cultivation. Take time today to do something special for that significant other of yours.  It'll make their heart melt.  Marriage takes hard work and dedication to make it the beautiful thing that it can be. 

Wishing you all a happy marriage today (unless you're not married.  In that case, I'm just wishing you a happy day ;).

Ms. T

* If you're having a problem commenting there is a way to fix it. If you have the "keep me signed in" box for your personal email checked it will not allow you to comment. Simply uncheck the box and then you should be allowed to comment.