Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Awesome Things Tuesday
Welcome to Awesome Things Tuesday!
Last weeks features are:
Your fabulous hosts are:
Last weeks features are:
1. Jessica's pick: Lego Activity table by My Creative Days
2. Victoria's pick: Thumbprint family tree by Day2day Super mom
3. Krystal's pick: DIY Burlap wood LOVE sign by Burlap and Bananas
4. Ashley's pick: Love sign by My Creative Days
5. Randi's pick: Colorful Reversible Necklaces by Jewelry Making Journal
Your fabulous hosts are:
Randi Sowders - Sowdering About in Seattle / Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter
Jessica Booth - Preserving Life's Moments / Pinterest
Ashley Emmett - My Craftily Ever After / Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter
Victoria Schilke - My Little Birds / Facebook / Pinterest
Jessica Booth - Preserving Life's Moments / Pinterest
Ashley Emmett - My Craftily Ever After / Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter
Victoria Schilke - My Little Birds / Facebook / Pinterest
If you were featured, feel free to grab the button and show it off!
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They need to be YOUR creations and projects.
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3. Please no giveaways, promotions, items for sale, roundups, or posts that do not belong to you.
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Monday, February 24, 2014
Menu Monday
It pretty much has been pouring down rain here for 3 days straight. Everything certainly is green. I'm a bit over the wet and making dinner. Unfortunately, I can't change either of those things.
So here we go again....
Monday -- Spaghetti
Tuesday -- leftovers
Wednesday -- Lemon Sauce over noddles (I'm riding the pantry of random food items purchased)
Thursday -- leftovers
Friday -- tacos
Saturday -- leftovers
Sunday -- Breakfast for Dinner
So here we go again....
Monday -- Spaghetti
Tuesday -- leftovers
Wednesday -- Lemon Sauce over noddles (I'm riding the pantry of random food items purchased)
Thursday -- leftovers
Friday -- tacos
Saturday -- leftovers
Sunday -- Breakfast for Dinner
Friday, February 21, 2014
39 Random Acts of Kindness
I have a friend that is turning 40 at the end of this year. We both share December birthdays. She thought it would be a great way to commemorate her last year in her 30's by completing 39 random acts of kindness (RAK's). She challenged her friends and family to join her on this task.
I, funny enough, had been eying a book called One Good Deed A Day. When Holly threw this idea out, I jumped on the opportunity.
Before I had started my RAK's project earlier this year, I receieved one myself from a driver in front of me in a Starbucks drive threw. They paid from my order. That had never happened to me before. I had a very overwhelming feeling of great fullness and guilt for receiving such a gift. I had to work through the guilt but did really enjoy the gesture.
Here are my RAK's up to this point. I'll update through out the year.
1. I sent a care package to a friends Husband who is deployed overseas. He is stuck out on a ship for months and months at a time. I can't even imagine how his family does it. I learned the box arrived mangled. Sad. I hope that the thought of us thinking about him and whatever did arrive intake uplifted him for a bit.
2. As I walked through a lobby on my way to a meeting in downtown Seattle. I saw a lady struggling to get her bags out the buildings multiple front doors. I grabbed the doors and held them open for her. She was greatly appreciative.
3-5. One day while driving I made sure to pay attention to being a polite driver. I let 3 cars into my lane of traffic on different occasions. I think the simple gesture of being a kind thoughtful driver is important. I'll never know if this effected the other drivers. You just never know, one of those drivers could have been having a terrible day and a kind simple gesture could mean the world to them.
6. I gave $10 to a girl in her late teens-early twenties, that was standing on a corner. She had freezing cold hands when she took the money. After seeing what I was handing her she said "Are you sure?". She appeared very embarrassed to be on the corner asking for money. I said yes I'm sure. She walked away. As the stoplight changed she nodded and thanked me again with her eyes. In my mind that $10 couldn't have been better spent. I have no idea what she'll use it for, but I felt her great fullness and true need coming from her.
7. I took a meal to a Mom that recently had a baby and her toddler broke his leg. She is in same Mom's group as me, but we hadn't ever met before. She was quite thankful that I would leave a meal since we had "never even met before".
8. I made a freezer meal for a family in the PM kindergarten class at Shane's elementary school (Shane is in the AM kindergarten class). The Mom in the family is fighting breast cancer and has had on-going chemo since school started this year. We never met the family before. Not having to think about one meal, though a brief break, I hope a much needed one.
9. I made a meal for a friend who just had twins. Those sweet little babies are #3 and #4 for her family. Her two older kiddos are around Shane and Adalyn's age. I can only imagine how crazy life is with twins plus having two older kiddos. We never received any meal when we had Shane. The couple that we got when we had Adalyn was a dream! Knowing that I didn't have to think about what to feed my family while trying caring for an infant was a much needed break!
10. While at a kid coffee shop. I went to the counter to get my drink and saw that the Mom who had ordered in front of me still had her drink waiting for her. I grabbed it and walked it over to her. She was surprised and appreciative. Her hands were full with two kiddos and attempting to have a meeting with someone.
Any one want to join me in my quest to complete 30 Random Acts of Kindness??
I, funny enough, had been eying a book called One Good Deed A Day. When Holly threw this idea out, I jumped on the opportunity.
Before I had started my RAK's project earlier this year, I receieved one myself from a driver in front of me in a Starbucks drive threw. They paid from my order. That had never happened to me before. I had a very overwhelming feeling of great fullness and guilt for receiving such a gift. I had to work through the guilt but did really enjoy the gesture.
Here are my RAK's up to this point. I'll update through out the year.
1. I sent a care package to a friends Husband who is deployed overseas. He is stuck out on a ship for months and months at a time. I can't even imagine how his family does it. I learned the box arrived mangled. Sad. I hope that the thought of us thinking about him and whatever did arrive intake uplifted him for a bit.
2. As I walked through a lobby on my way to a meeting in downtown Seattle. I saw a lady struggling to get her bags out the buildings multiple front doors. I grabbed the doors and held them open for her. She was greatly appreciative.
3-5. One day while driving I made sure to pay attention to being a polite driver. I let 3 cars into my lane of traffic on different occasions. I think the simple gesture of being a kind thoughtful driver is important. I'll never know if this effected the other drivers. You just never know, one of those drivers could have been having a terrible day and a kind simple gesture could mean the world to them.
6. I gave $10 to a girl in her late teens-early twenties, that was standing on a corner. She had freezing cold hands when she took the money. After seeing what I was handing her she said "Are you sure?". She appeared very embarrassed to be on the corner asking for money. I said yes I'm sure. She walked away. As the stoplight changed she nodded and thanked me again with her eyes. In my mind that $10 couldn't have been better spent. I have no idea what she'll use it for, but I felt her great fullness and true need coming from her.
7. I took a meal to a Mom that recently had a baby and her toddler broke his leg. She is in same Mom's group as me, but we hadn't ever met before. She was quite thankful that I would leave a meal since we had "never even met before".
8. I made a freezer meal for a family in the PM kindergarten class at Shane's elementary school (Shane is in the AM kindergarten class). The Mom in the family is fighting breast cancer and has had on-going chemo since school started this year. We never met the family before. Not having to think about one meal, though a brief break, I hope a much needed one.
9. I made a meal for a friend who just had twins. Those sweet little babies are #3 and #4 for her family. Her two older kiddos are around Shane and Adalyn's age. I can only imagine how crazy life is with twins plus having two older kiddos. We never received any meal when we had Shane. The couple that we got when we had Adalyn was a dream! Knowing that I didn't have to think about what to feed my family while trying caring for an infant was a much needed break!
10. While at a kid coffee shop. I went to the counter to get my drink and saw that the Mom who had ordered in front of me still had her drink waiting for her. I grabbed it and walked it over to her. She was surprised and appreciative. Her hands were full with two kiddos and attempting to have a meeting with someone.
Any one want to join me in my quest to complete 30 Random Acts of Kindness??
Thursday, February 20, 2014
30 Day Arm Challenge
In January I participated in a 30 Day Plank Challenge. I faltered a bit around week 3. I was having a hard time staying motivated on my own. I enlisted Kenny to take control of the time and keep me going. He did a great job and I got back on track. I wrapped up my last day by planking for 5 minutes. If I might say so myself, I was quite proud of! Kenny wrapped his month up with a 10 minute plank. Um, yah....10 minutes!
The plank group was enjoying the challenge mode, so we moved onto a 30 Day Arm Challenge.
Kenny and I are doing it together again this month. We are about half way through the challenge. I really dislike push ups. I was doing them "boy" style, but found I can do a better push up "girl" style and get further down and up in the position. I'm feeling the soreness through my arms quite a bit. I just love the rest days!!
Who wants to join us!?! Let me know and I'll get you added to our challenge group.
The plank group was enjoying the challenge mode, so we moved onto a 30 Day Arm Challenge.
Kenny and I are doing it together again this month. We are about half way through the challenge. I really dislike push ups. I was doing them "boy" style, but found I can do a better push up "girl" style and get further down and up in the position. I'm feeling the soreness through my arms quite a bit. I just love the rest days!!
Who wants to join us!?! Let me know and I'll get you added to our challenge group.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Awesome Things Tuesday
Welcome to Awesome Things Tuesday!
Last weeks features are:
1. Ashley's Pick - Our Nest sign by My Creative Days
2. Randi's Pick - Cupid's bow and Arrow craft by Delineate your Dwelling
3. Victoria's Pick - Valentine's Day card by The Cronin Connection
4. Jessica's Pick - Heart Soaps by Hoopa Palooza
5. Krystal's Pick - Heart Crayons by Play Discover Experiment
Your fabulous hosts are:
Last weeks features are:
2. Randi's Pick - Cupid's bow and Arrow craft by Delineate your Dwelling
3. Victoria's Pick - Valentine's Day card by The Cronin Connection
4. Jessica's Pick - Heart Soaps by Hoopa Palooza
5. Krystal's Pick - Heart Crayons by Play Discover Experiment
Randi Sowders - Sowdering About in Seattle / Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter
Jessica Booth - Preserving Life's Moments / Pinterest
Ashley Emmett - My Craftily Ever After / Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter
Victoria Schilke - My Little Birds / Facebook / Pinterest
Jessica Booth - Preserving Life's Moments / Pinterest
Ashley Emmett - My Craftily Ever After / Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter
Victoria Schilke - My Little Birds / Facebook / Pinterest
If you were featured, feel free to grab the button and show it off!
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They need to be YOUR creations and projects.
2. Link directly to your post and NOT to your main blog.
3. Please no giveaways, promotions, items for sale, roundups, or posts that do not belong to you.
4. Please make sure to click and check out the other projects linked up!
*By submitting your link you are authorizing me to post your projects and pictures as a feature and on various social media websites along with links to your post. I have the right to delete links that do not adhere to the rules.
Monday, February 17, 2014
Menu Monday
Monday -- Chicken Nuggets (found some new GF ones yesterday) and Tater Tots
Tuesday -- PF Chang's Mongolian Beef with rice and broccoli
We had this last week and it was FABULOUS! There was lots of extra sauce. I saved it for this week, making a really fast and easy meal.
Wednesday -- One Pot Rice and Beans
Thursday -- Taco Soup
I use a recipe similar to this one.
Friday -- leftovers
Saturday -- Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Sunday -- Pancakes
Tuesday -- PF Chang's Mongolian Beef with rice and broccoli
We had this last week and it was FABULOUS! There was lots of extra sauce. I saved it for this week, making a really fast and easy meal.
Wednesday -- One Pot Rice and Beans
Thursday -- Taco Soup
I use a recipe similar to this one.
Friday -- leftovers
Saturday -- Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Sunday -- Pancakes
Friday, February 14, 2014
Homemade Applesauce
Shane (in the car): Mommy, when are you going to make applesauce again?
Me: Hmm...I'm not really sure. Why? Did you want me to make some more?
Shane: Yes! It's so good. Warm. With cinnamon and so smooth. Just talking about it is making me hungry. I want some right now.
Me: Okay, well I'll work on making some soon.
Fast forward a week or so and I made the kid some applesauce and this is how I did it.
1. I cut the apples into quarters and cut the cores out. Leaving the peels on. I toss them into the crockpot for a couple hours. It really doesn't take very long to get them soft and mushy.
Ops...I forgot to take any pictures with the apples in the crockpot. This was after I had taken them all out, but use your imagination here. Quartered apples, with the peels on, all mushy.
A couple years ago I purchased this gadget. It is a bit of a monster, but I still love him and he makes things like applesauce super easy to make.
2. Stick the warm mushy apples into the big white funnel then turn the handle which moves it through the tunnel, where pure smashed apples come out the side and the icky peels and stuff comes out the end.
3. Add some cinnamon. Voila, homemade, no sugar added, applesauce.
Serve it up to an excitedly waiting.
We didn't make it through eating the whole bowl I made, so I froze a couple bags of it so I can use it in baking muffins.
Me: Hmm...I'm not really sure. Why? Did you want me to make some more?
Shane: Yes! It's so good. Warm. With cinnamon and so smooth. Just talking about it is making me hungry. I want some right now.
Me: Okay, well I'll work on making some soon.
Fast forward a week or so and I made the kid some applesauce and this is how I did it.
1. I cut the apples into quarters and cut the cores out. Leaving the peels on. I toss them into the crockpot for a couple hours. It really doesn't take very long to get them soft and mushy.
A couple years ago I purchased this gadget. It is a bit of a monster, but I still love him and he makes things like applesauce super easy to make.
2. Stick the warm mushy apples into the big white funnel then turn the handle which moves it through the tunnel, where pure smashed apples come out the side and the icky peels and stuff comes out the end.
3. Add some cinnamon. Voila, homemade, no sugar added, applesauce.
Serve it up to an excitedly waiting.
We didn't make it through eating the whole bowl I made, so I froze a couple bags of it so I can use it in baking muffins.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Crafting {Metal Stamping}
Years ago when Adalyn was just a little tiny baby, I tried out metal stamping at the monthly Craft Club I use to go to. This one was hosted by my friend Julie. I remember the night vividly, my Mom was with me and I was in a rush to get Adalyn home to bed. I made a necklace with the word balance on it. It turned out fine, but I wasn't in love with it. I wanted to love it.
Take 2 -- a friend of mine hosted a metal stamping craft event this past weekend. I jumped on the chance to get this craft another try. I am so so happy I did, because this time around I love love what I made.
Paige of Purely Paige Handmade came and showed us the ropes and gave us a few tips. Those couple little tips and her wonderful array of metal stamps did just the trick.
I completed this fabulous bookmark that says "only love today" on it. I hammered the edges with a round tip hammer to give it a distressed look and then sanded it with a very fine grained sandpaper to give it a wore look. Not often do I finish a craft project and walk away happy with the results. I'm picky with my craft projects. This one I walked away happier then happy with the end results.
I also made this fun book mark. My kids say the word "pause" all the time. While we are reading a book or if they are watching tv or even in the middle of playing someone will say "beep...pause" and run to the bathroom. When they return it goes "beep...unpause". Makes me chuckle every time. It just seems perfect to put the word "pause" on a bookmark.
I kept it super simple...just the way I like my crafts. Clean and simple. It makes me want to pick up a book and read just so I can use my "pause" bookmark.
Thanks, Paige, Randi and ECM friends for a fun night. I could have done with out the snow that I drove home in, but I made it home safely with great finished projects in hand.
Take 2 -- a friend of mine hosted a metal stamping craft event this past weekend. I jumped on the chance to get this craft another try. I am so so happy I did, because this time around I love love what I made.
Paige of Purely Paige Handmade came and showed us the ropes and gave us a few tips. Those couple little tips and her wonderful array of metal stamps did just the trick.
I completed this fabulous bookmark that says "only love today" on it. I hammered the edges with a round tip hammer to give it a distressed look and then sanded it with a very fine grained sandpaper to give it a wore look. Not often do I finish a craft project and walk away happy with the results. I'm picky with my craft projects. This one I walked away happier then happy with the end results.
I also made this fun book mark. My kids say the word "pause" all the time. While we are reading a book or if they are watching tv or even in the middle of playing someone will say "beep...pause" and run to the bathroom. When they return it goes "beep...unpause". Makes me chuckle every time. It just seems perfect to put the word "pause" on a bookmark.
I kept it super simple...just the way I like my crafts. Clean and simple. It makes me want to pick up a book and read just so I can use my "pause" bookmark.
Thanks, Paige, Randi and ECM friends for a fun night. I could have done with out the snow that I drove home in, but I made it home safely with great finished projects in hand.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Awesome Things Tuesday
Welcome to Awesome Things Tuesday!
Last weeks features are:
Your fabulous hosts are:
Last weeks features are:
1. Krystal's Pick - Printable Lip Balm Labels
2. Jessica's Pick - Valentine's Napkin Centerpiece
3. Ashley's Pick - Free Valentine Printables
4. Victoria's Pick - Road Rescue Side Table
5. Randi's Pick - Valentines Cards
Your fabulous hosts are:
Jessica Booth - Preserving Life's Moments / Pinterest
Ashley Emmett - My Craftily Ever After / Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter
Victoria Schilke - My Little Birds / Facebook / Pinterest
Victoria Schilke - My Little Birds / Facebook / Pinterest
If you were featured, feel free to grab the button and show it off!
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Please read and follow the rules before adding your link.
1. You may link up as many projects as you would like.
They need to be YOUR creations and projects.
2. Link directly to your post and NOT to your main blog.
3. Please no giveaways, promotions, items for sale, roundups, or posts that do not belong to you.
4. Please make sure to click and check out the other projects linked up!
*By submitting your link you are authorizing me to post your projects and pictures as a feature and on various social media websites along with links to your post. I have the right to delete links that do not adhere to the rules.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Menu Monday
Snow arrived yesterday. Assuming I can get/got to the store. This will be our menu for the week.
Monday -- Chili and Cornbread
Tuesday -- Baked White Cheddar Mac
Wednesday -- leftovers
Thursday -- Orange Glazed Salmon Salad
Friday -- Valentine's Day Dinner = PF Chang's Mongolian Beef
Saturday -- leftovers
Sunday -- Waffles and Fried Eggs
Monday -- Chili and Cornbread
Tuesday -- Baked White Cheddar Mac
Wednesday -- leftovers
Thursday -- Orange Glazed Salmon Salad
Friday -- Valentine's Day Dinner = PF Chang's Mongolian Beef
Saturday -- leftovers
Sunday -- Waffles and Fried Eggs
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Awesome Things Tuesday
Welcome to Awesome Things Tuesday!
Jessica Booth - Preserving Life's Moments / Pinterest
Ashley Emmett - My Craftily Ever After / Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter
Victoria Schilke - My Little Birds / Facebook / Pinterest
Victoria Schilke - My Little Birds / Facebook / Pinterest
Our features from last week are:
1. Jessica's Pick: Valentine's Day tree by Delineate your Dwelling
2. Ashley's Pick: Heart Earrings by Jewelry Making Journal
3. Randi's Pick: Valentine's Day Tags by Get Silvered
4. Victoria's Pick: Loaded Baked Nachos by The Everyday Mamma
5. Krystal's Pick: Valentine's Day Specimen Art by The Pin Junkie
When you link up or if you were featured this week make sure to grab a button.
2. Ashley's Pick: Heart Earrings by Jewelry Making Journal
3. Randi's Pick: Valentine's Day Tags by Get Silvered
4. Victoria's Pick: Loaded Baked Nachos by The Everyday Mamma
5. Krystal's Pick: Valentine's Day Specimen Art by The Pin Junkie
When you link up or if you were featured this week make sure to grab a button.