I see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Yes, I actually see it. For the first time in two weeks, I woke up not feeling half dead. Now that's not to say that I'm all better, but at least I don't feel so crummy, I feel OK!!!
That's a start and I'll take that over not even wanting to get up out of bed.

I'm glad though because I have a busy day ahead of me.

I've had my coffee and some breakfast.....corn pops cereal. I had no idea I would really enjoy it. I'm not much of a cereal person, I can munch on it straight out of the box, but the minute the milk gets in there too, I am just like "Nuh uh, that's not for me". I think it's the whole mushy cereal thing, not interested.

It's only 9am and I've done 3 loads of laundry and one of dishes, not bad. You know what I miss though??? Hanging my clothes out to dry!!!
Back home in South Africa, we still do that, and let me tell you, there's nothing like the smell of freshly dried clothes, I don't know what it is, but it's heavenly :)
The day I buy my own house, I'm SO getting a clothes line!!!

This next week is going to be a bit hectic, we're getting things ready for Curt to leave, the kids are already clingy, they know what's coming. The departures are always hard, not matter for how long or short a time they're gone, but the homecomings are the best, there's nothing like seeing the joy and happiness in the kids eyes when they see daddy walk in the door. Truly beautiful moments!!!

Jasmine and Nicholas seem to have switched roles. Remember we were having problems with Jasmine acting out, and then suddenly, she's become the quiet and good one, while Nicholas has just become, a real boy I would say. The past two weeks he has slowly become more and more independent and set in his ways, it causes a lot of fights. He's newest favorite saying when being told not to do something??? "LEAVE ME ALONE" and he folds his arms and faces away from us. Little brat! LOL

Here in an hour or two I have to get groceries and then run a couple more errands before our pictures at 4pm. I'm not excited at all, I really really really dislike photos. The minute someone brings out a camera, I'm usually the one ducking or making a quick exit. I just don't like being photographed, I'm very critical of myself and eventually sit there looking over the picture and pointing out all my faults. Not a good thing!!!

Tomorrow we're spending the day at a Pumpkin Farm. The kids are thrilled beyond words, they just can't wait, and well, mommy and daddy are just as thrilled and eager to go. There's free hayrides and free entrance to their corn maze, and tons of pumpkins. You all know the paparazzi in me is screaming "let me at 'em", so I've already recharged the camera batteries and made sure I have extra. There's going to be lots of pictures to share.

Of course I can't just leave without getting some good pumpkins. They have all sizes, so I guess we'll get a few, though I'm really wanting some of their 20 lbs pumpkins which only cost $4. Not bad at all!!!

Well I have a grocery list to finish and some laundry to fold. I better get on out of here, my coffee cup needs refilling too. Have a wonderful day.




Right now I have the wonderful aroma of some Steak cooking in the crockpot. I had two big Round tip steaks that I needed to cook or they would go bad, so I popped them in the crockpot, added a can of French Onion Soup and a can of mushrooms and called it good. It smells wonderful. I will fix some mashed potatoes later or even some fries, some green beans and corn to go with and there ya have it :)

By the way, if you want to look at the recipes for last night's dinner, they are posted on the food blog.




Charlotte Gray - Movie

Set in Nazi–occupied France at the height of World War II, Charlotte Gray tells the compelling story of a young Scottish woman working with the French Resistance in the hope of rescuing her lover, a missing RAF pilot.

Based on the best–selling novel by Sebastian Faulks, the film stars Cate Blanchett, Billy Crudup, Michael Gambon and Rupert Penry-Jones. Charlotte Gray is directed by Gillian Armstrong and produced by Sarah Curtis and Douglas Rae.

Bertie and Elizabeth - Movie

In 1920, Elizabeth Bowes-Lytton accepted a dance from the Duke of York ("Bertie" to his royal friends). Soon, they fell in love, married and had children. But when Bertie's brother, Edward VIII, abdicated, Bertie improbably ascended to the throne of England -- something he never planned on doing -- as George VI. This is the story of the couple's life together as king and queen of England, ruling thoughtfully through eras of peace and world war.

Laundry
Shopping for Groceries
Library to return movies
Family Pictures

This cold is kicking my behind!!!

CodesAndLyrics.com

Good Morning everyone.....

Well come on in I have some hot coffee and some Crepes with Cream Cheese and Strawberries. I can't really taste them at all, but I'm sure you'll be able to enjoy them :)

I'm still sick, of course, I'm now at the Can't Smell-Can't Taste phase, the most frustrating for me, I might as well be eating cardboard for all the taste I'm getting out of food.

I did go to the doctor and it seems it's just a really bad cold with a bit of a sinus infection going on. The sinus has always been my problem, and when I get sick you couldn't fit a needle through my nose....at least that's what it feels like to me. Is there anything worse than not being able to breathe??? I didn't think so!!!

I told you yesterday that I picked up that comforter set and curtains for Jasmine's room. I got most of it up already and she loves it. I think her room looks so girly....the next step is getting rid of the bunk bed and buying two small beds. I had to wait for her to agree, but I think she's finally ready to get rid of the bunk beds.

Excuse Nicholas in the picture, any chance he gets to go in big sister's room, he does. He is constantly amazed at her toys and her girly stuff. He has a special affinity for Barbies, which started worrying my hubby until he found that Nicholas kept stashing them in his room, but all their clothes were gone....they were completely naked. LOL

So last night I decided to go ahead and make the meatballs that I had planned. I go and open the ground beef package and yet AGAIN, this horrible stench. What is going on???
Guess I'm making a nice call to the Base Commissary today, this is the third package of ground beef that this has happened to.
But, I made a quick Spaghetti Sauce using leftover chourico and some bacon. It was REALLY good.

By the time I had my bath and got into bed, I was pooped. Seriously, this thing of playing house and being an adult is really hard at times. I love being a mom and wife and taking care of the house, don't get me wrong, BUT when I'm sick I want MY mommy. I want to be tucked into bed and brought soup and tea, I want to lay there and not be bugged, not hear kids screaming at each other, not worry about whether I got that last load of laundry in the dryer, not worry about what my family is going to eat for dinner if I don't fix it.

It's the one thing about being military, that really upsets me. You don't have family nearby, I truly envy my brothers living close to home, when they need something there's always someone there to help, to watch their kids for them, or help them through a hard time. I don't have that, I've learnt to be independent and to take care of myself. I've gone through things that no one should have to go through, and I did it alone, no one there with a shoulder to cry on or to take over. You know I could be bitter, but I'm not, it's made me who I am today......BUT, I do sometimes wish I could just go lay down and not worry about anything!!!! *Sigh* I can dream can't I???

So anyway, this morning I wake up, my nose is all red from blowing it and I see THIS. WHAT THE HECK?!?!?!

Oh come ON, you have got to be kidding me. It's a huge cold sore, just in time for the family pictures on Saturday. I have to admit that God has a sense of humor, nothing like this to make me freak out. I started thinking of how I can cover it up, what I can use to make it just go away.

Then I realize that for some reason, when I have some important picture coming up, I get these. Two days before my wedding day, I got a cold sore, but this time it went from the corner of my mouth, and halfway up my face.

Yeah nothing like THAT to make me a beautiful bride LOL
I'm just handing this one over to God, and whatever happens happens.

I decided to take it easy today, these past few days have been tough for me, I'm moving at snails pace and still trying to do everyting. I hate asking for help, but I'm sorry, I think it's time I ask hubby and the kids to pitch in for today. I'm going to take some medicine and curl up on the couch with a book, maybe watch some tv. I'm leaving dinner up to them too, and since they've been talking about Burger King's Angus Mushroom Burgers (now I'm craving one), I guess that's what we're having :)

Thank you all for the well wishes, it means a lot to me. :)




Who knows...only time will tell :) Hubby and kids are in charge so it could be Burger King, Taco Bell, Popeye's Chicken, Pizza or a sandwich, maybe soup...I don't know.




Rachael Ray - *new* ABC 12pm

Jeff Probst. Also: recipes for chicken cutlets.

Ugly Betty - *new* ABC 7pm

Debut: Adaptation of a Colombian telenovela posits a bright but homely woman as a fish out of water at a glitzy fashion magazine. First up: Betty endures a series of humiliating tasks at the behest of her bed-hopping boss.

Grey's Anatomy - *new* ABC 8pm

As the interns campaign for Izzie's reinstatement, Cristina meets Burke's parents (Diahann Carroll, Richard Roundtree) under awkward circumstances. Meanwhile, Addison takes a break from her hospital duties.

ER - *new* NBC 9pm

As Abby and Luka cope with their newborn baby's life-and-death struggle, the couple is shocked to receive a surprise visitor: Abby's mother, Maggie (Sally Field). Meanwhile, Sam fears the prospect of criminal charges. John Stamos joins the cast.

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TODAY.....that's a first for me :)

SLOW COOKING THURSDAY!!!

With fall just around the corner and so many wonderful recipes being shared, constantly, amongst the blogging ladies....I thought that it would be neat to have a feature every thursday, just for crockpot recipes.

What do you think??? You have some great recipes to share, or perhaps you're looking for some delicious ones to give you a reason to pull out the ol' crockpot???

Well it's thursday ladies and you know what that means. Time to pull out those crockpots and put them to good use.

If you want to join in, just grab the banner and add your name to Mr Linky :)

Smoky-Flavored Barbecued Ribs

3 1/2 pounds pork loin back ribs
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons liquid smoke
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 medium onion, sliced
1/2 cup cola
1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce

Spray inside of 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.

Remove inner skin from ribs. Mix brown sugar, pepper, liquid smoke, garlic and salt; rub mixture into ribs. Cut ribs into about 4-inch pieces. Layer ribs and onion in slow cooker. Pour cola over ribs.

Cover and cook on low heat setting 8 to 9 hours or until ribs are tender. Remove ribs from cooker. Drain liquid from cooker and discard.

Pour barbecue sauce into shallow bowl. Dip ribs into sauce. Place ribs in cooker. Pour any remaining sauce over ribs. Cover and cook on low heat setting 1 hour.

I think someone mistakenly left

a knife in my throat. Or at least that's what it feels like.....something really sharp, slowly twisting .

Of all the symptoms that come with a cold, the sore throat for me is the one that I really can't handle.....maybe because it affects my eating, and you all know how much I love food LOL

We did manage to get some sleep last night, but when hubby works night shifts, Nic wants to sleep with me, and I don't mind, I actually welcome the company.
BUT....are you ready??? BUT, what I DON'T like is that when he is sick he tends to have some bed wetting issues.
So I'm all snuggly and sleepy and I turn over and feel something wet on my leg. I'm still pretty much asleep but this light goes off "UH OH!!", I quickly grab his leg and feel that he is wet, move my hand to his underwear and it's soaking. Dagnabit, it's 3am!!!

I had to drag myself around, in the dark, trying to be as quiet as a mouse so as not to wake Jasmine sleeping in her room.....wash him up, redress him with clean clothes, and then hunt down some new bed linens. All this at that horrible hour of the morning!!!
Oh the things moms have to do!!!

One thing I've noticed with myself, is that, when I'm sick I tend to go into overdrive, it's like when you're exhausted and can't keep your eyes open and then suddenly at 10pm you get that second wind, and you're ready to go another 12 hours. That's what I feel like....I feel miserable and mopy and then suddenly BAM!!! I'm up cleaning and reorganizing, yes I reorganize when I'm sick.

By the time hubby got up in the afternoon, he noticed the change LOL He just laughs and shakes his head, he always tells me "You nesting again?"....as if!!!

But I worked on the kitchen, trying to get some more fall decorations going etc, and then I realized I was out of bread. Now what does a woman do when that happens??? Go buy some bread you say??? Nah, I just bake my own...see how I get when I'm sick??? I'm in the kitchen at 1pm baking two loaves of bread. I got the recipe from Kelli over at "There's no place like home" and Oh BOY, did that bread turn out good.

Freshly baked and hot out of the oven, slathered with butter......is there anything better than that???
So if you want to try some, just go look here for the recipe, and while you're there, check out what Kelli is planning to do soon, it's going to be so much fun for them and I can't wait to see the pictures :)

I had a couple of errands to run this morning, so I decided to stop at the thrift store. I found some fall decorations and also a really cute bed set for Jasmine. It's all girly, pink and flowers and all that cute stuff, it had the comforter and sheets, dust ruffle, panels and valances, and all for just $10. How cool is that??? I've just got done washing them all again, and now I'm going to go fix her room, she's going to be thrilled :)

Unfortunately leaving the house only made me worse. I just can't win can I??? I feel awful right now, running a bit of a temperature, hopefully by dinner time I'll be a little better so I can fix dinner, if not, guess it's take out. You have no idea how I hate doing that, I feel horrible when I have to do that.

Thank you all for the well wishes, seems there's a lot of colds going around, almost everyone I talk to has their family sick with the flu. It's that whole change of season, and here especially we've had 30 degree mornings, and then 70 to 80 degrees afternoons, it's just crazy.

Well I better get going. Gotta see if hubby can pick Jasmine up, if not, guess I'll be heading out shortly. You ladies have a wonderful afternoon,

God Bless,



The plans for dinner were Meatballs and Spaghetti, some homemade garlic bread and a nice salad. The way I'm feeling right now, we might end up having Burger King....Arrrrgghhh!!!




Montel Williams - *new* ABC 3pm

Psychic Sylvia Browne

Jericho - *new* CBS 7pm

An ill wind blows into Jericho, carrying the threat of radioactive fallout in the rain. The citizens attempt to take cover in their basements and the town bomb shelter, but the shelter is woefully small and decrepit, so drastic measures are taken.

20/20 - *new* ABC 9pm

Barbara Walters interviews Terri Irwin, widow of "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin, at her home in Brisbane, Australia. Also interviewed: John Stainton, Irwin's business partner, who was with Irwin when he died, Sept. 4, 2006.

Commissary for Milk
Run Errands
Thrift Store

Lord Give me Strength....

See that picture on the left???? That's me this morning!!!

Nicholas is sick, really sick, and so we were up all night. I managed to fall asleep at 5am and then slept until 6:30am, I had to drag myself out of bed, it took everything out of me to get up and walk. After a quick jump in the shower, I came downstairs and started the coffee pot. It's FULL, full of that heavenly yummy shot of energy....I'm on my second cup already and it's hard staying awake.

Nicholas is laying on the couch, his favorite blankie clutched tightly in his hands. I keep hearing "I don't feel good mommy, my tummy hurts". He's already had some medicine for the fever, and his poor little voice is all croaky. It's going to be a LONG day!!!

I wrote another post below, while browsing through some of my favorite blogs, one of the ladies had talked about "what nourished her soul", so I decided to talk about what nourishes my soul and how the requisites for it have changed over the years. Would love to hear how things have changed for you all :)

I'm making this post a short one, I am tired, sick, cranky as all heck and I have a little one to take care of. Housework is waiting to be taken care of too, so I am going to get Nic back down for a nap and then get some things done around here.

I truly hope that you're all doing good and that this horrible season cold has not reached you. If it has, I'm sorry, I forgot to wipe down the monitor yesterday. You might want to give it a good wipe on your side too, these germs can be very sneaky.

God Bless,




The chicken we had yesterday was delicious, will post the recipe soon. As for today, I'm making Skillet Beef and Brocolli, and I'm also fixing a big ol' pot of chicken soup, nothing like a bowl of steaming soup to help us feel better :)




Rachael Ray - *New* The CW Noon (mountain time)

Dr. Phil McGraw prepares a one-pot meal.

House - *New* Fox 7pm (mountain time)

A 10-year-old autistic boy clutches his chest and screams in pain, but test after test proves negative. Meanwhile, House disrupts hospital routine because Cuddy won't replace the carpeting installed in his office following the shooting.

Law & Order - SVU - *New* NBC 9pm (mountain time)

The detectives investigate the disappearance of a 17-year-old girl (Betsy Hogg) with Turner's syndrome, a genetic disorder that contributed to her being teased and bullied by students at her prep school. Connie Nielsen begins a six-episode arc.

Ironing
Sweeping and Mopping
Vacuuming
Baking Bread, great recipe from Kelli over at "There Is No Place Like Home"

The things that nourish us....

For the past few weeks I've come to realize that the things that nourished my soul as a young child, have dramatically changed.

Things change, WE change as we grow. The things that we once loved and thought were all we needed to make us happy, are now the things that we don't even consider or remember at the end of the day.

I don't just mean food wise, although my taste has changed over the years, but I really mean everything around me, the way I am, the small things that make me extremely happy and overwhelming with joy.

Growing up, I remember that coming home from a day at school, I would find my greatgrandma in the kitchen, a snack waiting for us at the table. I would eat, go change out of my school uniform, and then indulge in some play time. Either playing cars, cowboys and robbers, hospital or just being silly with my brothers.

At the end of the day, I would lay in bed with the biggest smile on my face and thinking....this is wonderful, I feel completely happy. My soul had been nourished!!!

As I became a teenager, I would come home from school just long enough to drop off my stuff, and head back out with my friends. In search of that cute boy we had seen the day before, the local hang out, the night clubs where we dressed up pretending to be older than we really were. We wanted the attention and if a cute boy smiled at us, that was enough.

I would get home late at night on the weekends, lay in bed, and I could still hear the music pounding in my ears. Again, just like years before, I smiled, overwhelmed and nourished, just by those few things.

I truly believed that materialistic things are what nourished my soul.

And then I became a mother and everything started changing. I fought it at first, I wanted to hold on to every little piece of my past. My weight changed which in turn changed my clothes size, which in turn changed the way I saw myself.
For the longest time, I was just FAT...or so I believed, I cursed the food I put in my mouth, almost hating it for turning me into what I was.

There was no more "me time". It was all about the house, the kids and the husband, the budgets and trying to make it work. By the end of the day, I was tired, tired of running around, tired of being touched by the kids and just tired in general. I wanted to run home, back to my childhood, I wanted to say "I DON'T feel well", and have my stepmom come up and tuck me into bed, off to take care of dinner or another house chore. I wanted it all back, I certainly wasn't enjoying the responsibility. This thing of playing "grown up" was no fun at times.

But then as the time went by, I slowly started realizing that I'm a beautiful, intelligent woman.

My body changed but I have two beautiful children to show for it. I have responsibilities as a wife and mother, and that is good, in fact, that is wonderful :)

My tastes changed, foods I didn't enjoy before, are now some of my favorites. Movies I never would have dreamed of watching, I know loose myself in, and books I found boring, are now the most riveting and exciting I have ever come across.

My views changed, where once I believed that in order to have a really "amazing day", it had to be filled with some sort of expensive gift, elaborate glamorous party and tons of activities, I now realize that if I take all of that away from it, I'm left with what really matters. MY FAMILY!!!!

The day we had on saturday only helped to reiterate it all. We didn't spend money doing expensive things, we took a walk around the neighborhood, collecting leaves, we created art together and we laughed and laughed and enjoyed it all. Soaked in all the blessings and all the beauty of being a family. Now THAT is what I live for.

Nowadays, all it takes to nourish my soul is simple....after a great day in the company of my kids and husband, I pick up the Bible or another book, or watch a favorite show on the tv, and I smile, I smile just as fervently as I did when growing up, for my SOUL HAS BEEN NOURISHED!!!

Crafty Hands and Runny Noses!!!

The title of this post tells you exactly what you will find around my house, especially yesterday. Hubby came down with the cold and since he loves us all so much, he was very kind to pass it on, full force. Here I was thinking I was feeling better, but now I'm miserable again.....the kids are sick, hubby's sick, and mommy is "sicker". Can't really say I'm sick, I just never got better :)

But you know, I'm not one to let it get me down. While sitting on the couch yesterday, I decided to finally give that Purse a try. If you have an hour and want to make something really cute for your daughter or niece, or even a friend....this is the perfect project.
It's sooooo easy to make, the only thing that took the longest for me, was the blanket stitching around the edges....and why you may ask???
Because for some reason it took me 20 minutes just to remember how to do it LOL Very frustrating!!!

Here's the purse halfway done:

And here is the finished purse. Jasmine LOVES it. She got to pick the fabric and what sort of embelishment she wanted on the front. All that it needs now is a clasp, which I'm going to buy today and add.

It gave me ideas for some simple gifts I can make for my nieces in South Africa. I think these would make great christmas gifts, and they would be handmade by their aunt, so I'm sure they would love them :)
I'm also going to change the design a bit and make myself a cute cellphone holder.

But anyway moving on, so we have germs galore in this house, which means I'm going to be giving it a good clean top to bottom. Going to change the bed linens too and vacuum again and all that fun stuff. I'm just wanting this cold gone soon.

Last night I had meatloaf planned for dinner. I thawed out the meat and then went to get ready to cook, opened the package and was met by this overwhelming HORRIBLE stench. The meat was bad. I JUST bought it. How annoying is that???

So I had to make quick changes to the menu. I decided to make a quick pot of soup, can't go wrong with that, I fixed "Baked Potato Soup". It was SO good, just hubby alone had 3 full bowls. It doesn't make a lot though, so next time I'm going to double or triple the recipe.

You all know that I LOVE books, but I'm not much, or actually at ALL into online books. To me reading a book means picking it up, holding it in my hands and smelling the pages....I absolutely love the smell of books. But recently while browsing around on the internet, I found this site called "19th Century Girl's Series". It includes a list of plus some samples of the books. I've had a lot of fun going through them, and I can't wait to use it as a reference next time I go to the library.

Another great site I found is called "Classic Book Library" and it has a wonderful list of old Children's literature, books that we either grew up reading or remember hearing about. Go take a look, I'm sure you will be happy to see "Anne of Green Gables", "Black Beauty", Pollyanna" and "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm". Can't wait to share these with Jasmine :)

Here in an hour we're heading to Jasmine's school. This week she's the most important person in the class, the kids get to take some of their favorite things, pictures and they can also have a show and tell. Of course Jasmine was thrilled with the idea of taking the pugs to show her class mates.
So we're off with pugs in tow, just hope the girls behave. :)

I've got so much to do today and I'm just glad that my day is set out for me, if I didn't follow a schedule, I really don't know how how I would ever get through so much.

I usually post my recipes on my food blog, but since I'm in an Anne of Green Gables mood, I am leaving you with a recipe for some delicious tea.

Marilla Cuthbert's Ginger Tea

Altogether, Anne went to bed that night in a rather pessimistic mood. She slept poorly and was so pale and tragic at breakfast next morning that Marilla was alarmed and insisted on making her take a cup of scorching ginger tea. Anne sipped it patiently, although she could not imagine what good ginger tea would do. Had it been some magic brew, potent to confer age and experience, Anne would have swallowed a quart of it without flinching.
(Anne of Avonlea, Chapter 4)

Ingredients:

4 cups of water
1/2 cup of fresh ginger root
honey
lemon

Directions:

1) Peel the ginger root and slice it into thin slices.
2) Boil the water in a saucepan.
3) Add the ginger slices once the water is at a rolling boil
4) Cover the saucepan and reduce heat to a simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5) Strain the tea to remove the ginger slices.
6) Add honey and lemon to taste.

And that's it for me this morning, my coffee has gone cold, that's the sign that blogging time is over. I do promise to come back later and visit you all. Enjoy your day :)




For dinner I'm making Roast Chicken with Potatoes and Garlic. It's a portuguese recipe and I'll share it later, so if you're a garlic fan (which I am), be sure to go take a peek at the food blog this afternoon.

Get your own widget.

Ironing
Changing Bed Linens
Sweeping and Mopping
Jasmine's show and tell at school
Library

Come in from the cold......

It's chilly outside, and inside I have Hot fresh coffee, we're having "Maple Pecan", and I also have breakfast all ready. How about some bacon, eggs, sausages and some biscuits and gravy???

So come in and sit down, I have a lot of photos to share with you today, you might want to get ready for that. If you don't like looking through photos, you may want to skip this post altogether, but I'm hoping you'll change your mind and stay a bit :)

What a wonderful day we had yesterday!!!

You know as a parent it's much too easy to get so caught up in the daily grind, the schedules and errands, work, house, cooking and cleaning, responsibilities. It's easy to brush aside the importance of spending time with the kids all in the name of "BEING BUSY".

I've done it way too many times, I'm not ashamed to admit it. Then there's the times that I buy them a toy because I feel guilty, like THAT'S supposed to take the place of spending time with mommy. But you know, at least I realize what I'm doing and try really hard to change it.

So yesterday, even though I'm still sick, I told the kids it was their day. I honestly didn't think hubby would join in, he's got his shifts all switched around and is struggling to get some sleep. One day he has to be at work at 5am, then the next it's 3pm, and then the following it's 11:30pm. But anyway, I thought he would be sleeping and wouldn't be able to join us, but I was wrong, he wanted to come along, especially knowing that next week he will be heading out again.

We started the day with a trip to the library, always my favorite place to head to. I was able to snap some pics, is there anything more precious than kids and books together???
Now here is where the endless photos begin, so come on and sit at the kitchen table with me, we can eat while we look right???

Oh let me just say that on the way to the library, we had already been picking leaves for our LEAF COLLAGE. I was amazed at the beautiful leaves we had already found, I mean, not just shape wise, but color and size. Truly amazing!!!

We came back home to drop off all the books, and that is when hubby decided to join us in our quest for leaves. It turned not only into a search for the perfect leaf, but also a learning experience for all of us. Have you ever just gone outside near your house and around the area, and really looked at the flowers and nature around you???

The first thing we saw were some crabapples, which Jasmine actually mistook for cherries and was sooooo thrilled :)

What is beyond the fence that has the kids so enthralled??? Well the playground off course, they tried mighty hard to see if they could squeeze through that small hole in the fence. But their attention was only lost for a minute before they set off on their quest for leaves again.

I kept having to call Nicholas back, he was trying to sneak off to the park LOL
Gotta love those wagons though, just pop them in there, they love going for a ride, and we love being able to keep them with us at all times :)

Along the way we saw some really pretty desert flowers. Yes we live pretty much in a desert, and I had no idea that it could be so beautiful, if you just take the time and pay attention to what is around you.

It wasn't long before we came upon a beautiful butterfly.

And then our friend grasshopper, he actually stopped right at our feet and remained there while I snapped pictures. Look even Jasmine got to touch him, not a peep from Mr Grasshopper. The kids were beyong thrilled and we kept hearing "OH we love this day, this is the best day ever".

As our walk came to an end, the kids wanted to make a "wish". They LOVE these, so every chance they get they pick one. Wonder what they're wishing for???
No doubt more toys!!!

By the time we got home, everyone was tired and hungry, although extremely excited at the beautiful afternoon we had spent. So instead of grabbing some sandwiches, we went to the Food Court at the BX to have some lunch. Now that may not sound like a great deal to you guys, but we hardly ever go there to eat, if we get food we bring it home. It's just that with the two kids, it was painful trying to sit down, they wanted to run all over, fight with each other, scream and shout....you understand that young kids and sit down restaurants don't necessarily mix. LOL

When we returned home it was time for some art. I think we were all dying to get in there and make our leaf collages. The rules were = THERE'S NO RULES!!! Just use your imagination, so we set to work. Wow, did we have fun, we allowed ourselves to have fun, no holding back, there were leaves all over the table, glue and glue sticks sticking here and there, sticky hands and lots of laugh.
But here's the end result, everything ready for the frames, which I'll have to do later today.

Aren't those just adorable??? Look at all that color, it really brings out the best of Fall :)
I'll be sure to share the pictures once they're all up in frames and hanging on the wall.

So there you have it, I guess you could call it our day in pictures? It just served to remind me and hubby that we don't have to go far or spend loads of money, to enjoy having fun with the kids. All they want is some alone time with mommy and daddy, so next time you're out walking, stop and look at things around you, get down on the ground with the kids and explore together, it's SO much fun ;)

Anyway, yesterday I told you all that I would share my daily schedule, of course this is just a rough draft, if I have appointments or if something comes up, I just adjust it, but it's pretty much what my day consists of. As you can see it leaves me plenty of time for TV and crafts or reading etc. Hope it helps some of you get an idea to jump start your own schedules, and here's the thing, the kids LOVE knowing what's happening next, gives them structure too and stops the "I'm bored, so I'll pick a fight with my sibling" problem.

I used to think that if I want to watch a show on TV, then that's all I'm doing and have to leave everything around me for later. NO NO NO, I've now learnt that I can do SO much while watching my favorite show, during commercials I can pay bills, make a budget, draw up a menu, look through recipes, or I can fold clothes, iron and even read my favorite book.
This way I enjoy my show AND I don't neglect the household chores. Works for me :)

And then to finish off my day, last night after the kids were asleep, I was able to sit up and watch Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel and I also started Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it :)
Only got to sleep at around 1am, and then back up at 6am with Nicholas, but I don't mind....I wouldn't have had it any other way.

It's days like yesterday that remind me why I'm a mom, the rewards far outweigh the bad days, and even the bad days are not BAD per say, just a little chaotic at times. Then again, anything worth having is filled with hard work right???

I hope you enjoyed the pictures and the breakfast, nothing like good company first thing in the morning.

I have laundry to do and I also need to get things ready for my "Ultimate Meatloaf" dinner. I'm posting the recipe on my food blog, right after I'm done here :)

Have a beautiful sunday :)

Welcome Fall!!!

Oh how I've been eagerly anticipating your arrival. It feels great to actually say "It's Fall", knowing that I don't have to wait any longer, actually if I were to go by the weather alone, I would have thought we were welcoming winter :)

This year seems to have flown by at turbo rate. I feel as if just yesterday I was packing away the winter decorations and the christmas tree, and now here we are, the holidays just around the corner.

The music playing in the background is from Pride & Prejudice, and it's actually what I'm listening to at home. I have my hot cup of coffee "FogLifter", it's great and perfect for this morning. I don't have anything interesting to eat though, a piece of toast is all that sits on my computer desk.

Autumn

Charlotte L. Riser

When the trees their summer splendor
Change to raiment red and gold,
When the summer moon turns mellow,
And the nights are getting cold;
When the squirrels hide their acorns,
And the woodchucks disappear;
Then we know that it is autumn,
Loveliest season of the year.

Let me just say that it's cold here, no really, it's COLD here. I don't mean just chilly, I mean, blankets on the beds, heater on, wake up to ice on the windshields, 30 degrees cold.

I managed to get my fabrics organized yesterday, and now they patiently wait for my projects to begin, hopefully this afternoon. So this is the first thing I'm making, a purse for Jasmine. Shouldn't take me too long, and then I can move onto this project "Patchwork Notebook Cover". I've had my eye on that one for a long time, since I saw a similar one made by the talented Tania from "A Ervilha Cor de Rosa".

The kids and I are also going to be making a Leaf Collage. Later today we're going to take a walk and collect as many different color and shape leaves as we can, then we're bringing them home and with just a little glue and some blank paper we can create come really cute art, which I'm then going to use to decorate the wall going up the stairs. It's actually a really easy and inexpensive way to decorate.

I went to the dollar store and bought a bunch of plain inexpensive frames. Every season, I have the kids draw pictures and then use those to decorate. When the next season comes around, I just switch out the current art in the frames, for the new one :)
I love being able to display their art, it's inexpensive and personal, the kids feel like they're helping with the decorating AND they're happy because we're all spending time together. Come on now, look at all the PRO'S!!! :)

Keeping with the Autumn theme, I know that a lot of you out there, LOVE carving pumpkins, just like we do. I found a really neat Pumpkin Stencil Maker. You have to be a registered member, but it's free registration so no problem right???
Then go here, design the pumpkin you want, print it out and carve your masterpiece....oh and then take tons of pictures and pick the best one, go on over to Butterflies and Bullfrogs the week before Halloween, and enter her Blog-O-Lantern Contest :)

See I'm giving you a lot of neat ideas, aren't I???

I have so much to do today, and not enough hours in the day. A lot of you asked me how I managed to get so much done and still have time to read, craft or watch TV.
I was never this organized, actually I remember the first 2 years of marriage, I had time for NOTHING. Seemed that I would wake up in the morning, take care of Jasmine all day long, and then BAM!!! it's bedtime again.

Over the years, I've tried many schedules and routines, and I'm actually pretty happy with the one I have right now. Just try different things, experiment with some schedules and see which one works for you. You would be surprised to know that I get ALL the things done on my TO DO list AND I still have plenty of time to sit around and relax or work on my hobbies....there's actually been days that I'm sitting on the couch going "I'm bored, I have NOTHING do do". That's when you'll catch me blogging and taking my Blog Drives.

I'll show you all my schedule broken down into times and what I actually do, not today, I don't have time LOL But probably tomorrow I'll have it ready :)

Anyway, I better skidaddle on out of here....hope you're all enjoying the beautiful crisp Fall morning, and get on out there with the kids...let's see what kind of crafts you all come up with today :)

Happy Fall!!!

Sewing on the Brain.......

I sat down and looked through all my fabrics, the ones laying around the house, and I was surpised to find quite a collection.

That's when my brain goes into overload, tons of projects swimming around, what can I make??? Oh look at this one, it would be perfect for a little purse for Jasmine, or this one would be great for some placemats....and look at these scraps they would be perfect for a quilted notebook cover.

So now it's just a matter of getting organized and start sewing. I am going back to making handmade gifts for the holidays. I find they are that much more personal and at least for me, I love nothing more than receiving a gift that I KNOW the person put thought and effort into.

So that is one of my to do's today, at least get them all organized, makes me wish I had a Craft Room. Maybe one day when we buy our own house.

Seems that Curt is going TDY in two weeks. The kids are not happy about it because it's so close to Halloween, but you know it's just part of military life. If it's just the usual TDY's, he shouldn't be gone for more than two weeks, which means he'll be back in time, if not, we will make do, it won't be the first or the last time (I'm sure) that we will have to do without daddy being here.

So come right on in everyone, I wish I had coffee to offer you this morning, but instead I have some hot tea with some lemon and honey, soothes the throat and makes me better able to handle this cold.

This morning I had to run to the store with Nicholas in tow. I had forgotten that I was out of milk, something that I don't do. I'm usually on top of things like that, so I'm just going to blame this lapse on me feeling under the weather.

While I was there I figured I might as well get Gas....remember yesterday's post??? I DON'T like doing it!!!
It was 30 degrees, I'm not kidding you, it felt like the middle of winter....so I step out of the car go up to the machine and insert my bank card. It starts flashing "ONE MOMENT PLEASE"......after 2 or 3 minutes it says "PLEASE SEE CASHIER INSIDE".....DAGNABIT!!!! This is why I hate getting gas. So now I have to take Nicholas out of the car, he's crying that he's cold, my teeth are shattering and I realize that this is NOT going to help my cold at all.

I get inside and the lady says "I'm sorry, these machines are acting up lately, they won't accept anyone's cards". But that's no surprise to me. But anyway, the point of the story, and I DO have one, is that before 7am, I had already been out, froze to death, and managed to catch a little fever on the way. Thank God it's friday!!!

I have a house that is begging to be cleaned and more laundry to do. I want to get as much done as possible, so that I can relax on the couch in an hour, watching my new favorite show "Rachael Ray"...I just love that lady!!!

If you're looking for my "Friendship Friday" post, it's just below. You're more than welcome to join in and honor one of your friends :)

Have a safe and blessed Friday,




It's friday, so it means Pizza Night. The kids anticipate it all week, and only occasionally do I actually order pizza from somewhere else....we all prefer homemade. Tonight I'm making Hawaiian Pizza, which is pretty much just Ham and Pineapple. YUMMY!!!

Right now, I'm about to go fix some Burritos for Lunch. I have some Red Beans and Rice leftover from the other day, I have Tortillas and some shredded cheese, and that will be all it needs. They are soooo good. Fast and easy lunch :)




I'm sure you've all noticed my newest little gadget. I LOVE this thing. It shows you the shows I'm watching today, and if you click on the little video camera next to the title, you can actually watch a preview...HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!?!

Get your own widget.

Mopping Kitchen Floor
Cleaning Bathrooms
Laundry, Laundry and yet more Laundry
Organizing fabrics for projects
Fall Decorating

Friendship Friday!!!

Do you have a friend you would like to honor? Maybe they did something special for you, or were there through a rough period in your life. Maybe they helped you move or brought over chicken soup when you were sick, watched your kids for you?

Well here's your chance to honor them. Every Friday I'm going to honor one of my friends, either one that I've met through blogging, or my closest friends around me. If you want to join in, just grab the banner and add your name to Mr. Linky.

The friend I picked for today is actually my grandmother Odete, my dad's mom. We all know how special grandmother's are right??? And even more so, when they become your friends, your confidants and even your partners in crime.

Before I got married, my grandmother had already become one of my closest friends, we would sit every afternoon, have some tea and chat. We chatted about everything, about her life, her childhood.....she would tell me stories about how she met my grandfather, the places they went, funny stories about my dad and uncle and the rest of the family.

I would sit quietly, smiling or laughing at her words, and then I would share my stories, my first boyfriend, the current boy trouble I was having, high school drama, the way I looked, what I wanted to be etc.

It was a great time to bond.

I still remember vividly when I first met my husband online. My grandmother was the only one who knew and she pretty much went through the whole process with me. She even helped me pay for the ludicrous phone bills that I incurred talking to him. Remember I was in South Africa and he was here in the States. When you throw 4 hours plus of phone calls into the mix, you get a phone bill that is sure to send anyone running. :)

But she stuck by me, through the ups and downs, she was the one I went to and confided in when something was wrong, or when something was right.

My grandma, my wonderful wonderful friend.

So I wanted to honor her today, because she deserves it and because I miss her so much. Just like leaving Hayley and the rest of the family behind, leaving my Grandma was so hard. I miss our talks, our shared cups of tea, our laughs as we would sit watching "Days of Our Lives", just everything, and I can't wait to see her next year, put my arms around her and give her the biggest hug on earth.

I love you grandma!!!

What's going on in Blogland today?!?!?!?

I decided that today's post would be a bunch of things together....oh wait, isn't that what my posts are usually like anyway????

Oh forget it, nothing special then, just the usual blabbing coming from little ol' me.

I have noticed that a lot of my blogging friends pick a theme and stick with it, creating these great posts which make it easy to comment and reply to. Then you have me, I write like I talk in real life, and when I'm with friends, I have a lot to say, usually about a lot of things, not just one in particular. What can I say??? I'm multi-faceted!!!

There's a couple things going on in blogland today though, so I want to start by mentioning those.

If you love cooking and recipes, please check my post below for "Slow Cooking Thursday", there's so many great recipes being shared today, just take a minute to go see them, or share one of your favorites too, would love to have you play along :)

BTW our dinner last night was delicious....Crab Cakes served with a Tomato Rice. The kids loved it too and ate it all up with no complains and no "101 questions".

• What's this?
• Can I eat it?
• What is that red thing?
• Is this meat or fish?
• I can't eat brocolli it makes my stomach hurt!

It was great not having all those questions for once. I don't know, my kids have never been picky but I've noticed that as they get older, they really do start being fussy about food.


If you are a book lover like me, then I know that you must be surrounded by books everywhere, and those TBR piles are probably looking pretty overwhelming right now.
Well Katrina, over at Callapider Days is hosting a great "Fall into Reading" feature, starting today you list the books you want to read between September 23rd and December 21st. Go here if you want to read the lists being posted, including mine :)


Something else coming up the beginning of next month, on the 2nd of October actually, is another fun feature being hosted by "Overwhelmed with Joy", I'm sure you know her from the Five Ingredients Friday meme. Well this time she is asking us to share Holiday Recipes.....How neat is that????

You know me, just mention food, recipes, cookbooks or cooking, and I'm ALL there. Here's a peek at her fun header, so don't forget to play along :)

Yesterday I ran by the Airman's Attic to drop off a ton of clothes that don't fit anymore, most of them still new with the tags attached. I don't know, I just can't seem to keep up with the kids growing.

Anyway, I walked in and my eyes immediately went to a pile of fabric scraps, or that's what I thought, turned out that some were small pieces and others were 1 or 2 yards. LOVE IT!!!
I don't know what I'm going to make yet.

Jasmine has an Early Release Day, which means they get out earlier. Before I pick her up though, I still have to get gas in the car. Am I the only woman who likes driving but cringes at the thought of gasing up??? I don't know what it is, I just get so annoyed having to even think of going there, is it the prices (though I'm sure those make men and women cringe), the actual getting out of the car, the prospect that AGAIN the machine won't take accept my card and make me go inside....which means, dragging a 3 year old in and dodging the candy aisles???

All I know is that when I start getting low on gas, I start dropping hints to the hubby, in the hopes that he will kindly offer to go do it for me.

I also need to run to the bank and make a deposit. I think the rainy weather is making me lazy, maybe that's why I like Fall and Winter so much, I have an excuse not to go out LOL

Anyway, I better get going, there's things to do and people to see and all that fun stuff.




We're having Parmesan Chicken and Mashed Potatoes, with some green beans on the side. For dessert, the kids want Chocolate Mousse, hey it's fast and easy and good, so why not right?

Get your own widget.

Cleaning
Cooking
Starting my "Fall Into Reading" Book

SLOW COOKING THURSDAY!!!

With fall just around the corner and so many wonderful recipes being shared, constantly, amongst the blogging ladies....I thought that it would be neat to have a feature every thursday, just for crockpot recipes.

What do you think??? You have some great recipes to share, or perhaps you're looking for some delicious ones to give you a reason to pull out the ol' crockpot???

Well it's thursday ladies and you know what that means. Time to pull out those crockpots and put them to good use.

If you want to join in, just grab the banner and add your name to Mr Linky :)
I'm all ready to go, and I can't wait to see all the great recipes today, I even have a new folder for them.

SLOW COOKER ENCHILADAS

1 pound ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 can (16 ounces) pinto or kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded monterey jack cheese
6 flour tortillas (6 or 7 inches)

In a skillet, cook beef, onion and green pepper until beef is browned and vegetables are tender; drain.

Add the next eight ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

Combine cheeses. In a 5-qt. slow cooker, layer about 3/4 cup beef mixture, one tortilla and about 1/3 cup cheese. Repeat layers.

Cover and cook on low for 5-7 hours or until heated through.

Yield: 4 servings

Oh Blissful Rain......

There's something so calming and relaxing about waking up to the sound of rain. The pitter patter on the roof, the rain drops slowly rolling down the kitchen window and the lulling sound created by it. I could so easily slip back into bed for the rest of the day.

I'm a rain kind of girl woman, not necessarily BEING in the rain, but enjoying it from inside. Perhaps cuddled on the couch with hubby, or reading a book, or watching a wonderful movie.

It was a nice way to wake up, would have been better if it was the weekend and we didn't have to go outside, but you can't have your cake and eat it too, or that's what I've always heard. Me??? I always try to have my cake, there's no way around it LOL

We're slowly getting accustomed to this shift. At least we still have 3 more days of it, so I won't feel totally lost when he starts the new one next week.

Thank you all for the "get well" wishes, this cold is just not budging and it seems that every day there's a new symptom to add to the list. My sinus is having an end of year party, at least that's what it feels like, I can almost feel the "conga" in my nose. Strange!!!
My voice is still gone, actually it's slightly better, I can actually whisper, which is fine at home with the kids, but not when trying to talk on the phone. So, I do the next best thing, I don't answer it at all, guess I'll be calling everyone back next week.

So anyway, come on in, I have some Irish Cream Coffee ready and I also have some Pumpkin Pancakes. YUMMY!!!
When the weather starts changing, I start seeing pumpkins everywhere, I can't wait for pumpkin pie and soup and pumpkin carving. Which btw, reminds me, if you and the kids love carving pumpkins and want to have some fun this year, go on over to Bullfrogs & Butterflies, Theresa is going to be hosting a Blog-o-Lantern contest, how fun is that???

I'm already thinking up patterns and fun stuff. It's a big deal in this house. I still remember Halloween a couple years ago, actually I was pregnant with Nicholas.....we carved I think, like 10 pumpkins and had them all set up on the driveway leading up to the front door. Everyone stopped by to admire them. It was just great :)

Theresa had mentioned that she didn't have a graphic to go with the Blog-o-lantern contest, and you all know how much I love messing around with my graphics program, so I whipped this up real quick and sent it to her....what do you think??? Think she will like it???

Last night after the kids were asleep, I watched "Anne of Green Gables", all 3 hours of it. I can't believe that it's taken me these many years to finally watch the movie, and let me just say that I'm "Hooked", now I'm getting all the Anne of Green Gables movies to watch. See that's my kind of movie. I honestly believe that I should have been born in different years, the pull to those days is so strong at times, it just makes me wonder.

I love reminiscing about old times, childhood memories, places I lived, things we did. It makes me feel closer to my family. With the holidays arriving so fast, it's always a bittersweet time for me. I LOVE celebrating, but also being military, it means that there will be times when I'll be spending thanksgiving or christmas alone, it just goes with the territory, so when I DO have family nearby I like treasuring every minute and enjoying it to the fullest. Nothing like making a huge celebration even if it's just four people.

One of my most treasured memories growing up in Portugal, was definitely Christmas. We would walk across the street to the Tree Lot and just revel in the beautiful trees, the smell of pine and the anticipation of presents and good food in the air.

For the last few years, we've used an artificial christmas tree, quite honestly just because we figured it's cheaper, but every year I open that box, there's another twisted or bare branch and it really doesn't give that Christmas-y feeling to me.

So we've decided that from now on, it will be REAL Christmas trees, and the kids are thrilled, they can't wait for their first real tree.
I leave you with some images of Christmas in Portugal, it's just like I remember it :)

The beautiful lights in the city of Lisbon,

Now THIS is something I miss, the Bolo Rei, ask any portuguese person and they know exactly what I'm talking about. You can't have christmas without it, and usually inside there will be a "brinde", a small prize, whoever finds it, gets to buy the cake the next year. I remember being 7 and 8 years old and always looking for the prize, which used to be small little silver charms.

And now I really MUST leave you, though I wish I could stay all day, have coffee and talk about the holidays, the food and everything in between.

Enjoy your wednesday :)

Oh, BTW, seems that blogger has finally sorted out their Beta and non beta issues, so we can all post everywhere, YAY, now there's no more excuses from anyone for not posting. LOL





For dinner tonight, I am making Crab Cakes, some Tomato Rice and a Salad. I'll have the recipes up on my blog later.




Rachael Ray - *New* UPN 12pm (mountain time)

A visit to the "CSI: NY" set; a segment on school lunches. (TV show, Advice, Cooking, Talk)

Montel Williams - *New* ABC - 3pm (mountain time)

(TV show, Drama)

Kidnapped - *New* NBC- 9pm (mountain time)

Debut: The abduction of a teenage boy from a wealthy New York City family is chronicled in this serialized drama. First up: Businessman Conrad Cain (Timothy Hutton) hires an unconventional investigator (Jeremy Sisto) to find his missing son. (TV show, Drama, Pilot, Serial)

Taking Donations to the Airman's Attic
Running by the BX for some medicine
Working on my Cafepress Store
Updating food blog

Works for Me Wednesday!!!

It's time for another WFMW and this time I had no problem thinking up one. It's one I've been using for the past few weeks and really came across it in a sort of desperate way, trying to keep things easy and simple for me.

It has to do with Prayer and praying for others, especially our blogging friends.

When I started meeting all these wonderful people online, I wanted to pray for them, for whatever they were needing at that time, just for their well being in general, or for their specific requests. But, I was finding that I couldn't keep up, I would tell them that I would pray for them, but then go on to another blog or my home life and forget about it, or get to nighttime and struggle to remember who I was praying for that day and for what.

So I started keeping a piece of blank A4 paper, that I tape to the door of my computer armoire. Throughout the day, I jot down the names of anyone that needs a prayer said for them, that way at bed time, I take the paper down with me. No more forgetting who and what I was praying about. This is the one I started just this morning:

Another thing I do, is, when I come across a blog that is asking for a prayer in specific, I say the prayer right there and then, write their name on the paper and THEN I comment back. I have found that this way, I never forget to do it, and hey, this way I not only pray for them once but twice and what could be better than that huh??? Works for Me!!!!

If you want to join in, just go on over to Rocks in My Dryer and add your name to the list :)

*SIGH* new shifts bring new stresses

When hubby changes shifts, which usually happens every three months, it's stressful to say the least. This is the thing about being a family, what one does affects everyone else, and when he gets thrown into a night shift, we're all running around discombobulated for the first few days.

I'm feeling like the lady in the picture to the left. See that??? Just that I don't have the baby, so picture it without the bottle holding baby. The two kids on the bottom are exactly like Jasmine and Nicholas when they decide to provoke each other. Something that happens at LEAST once a day. Sibling rivalry at it's best!!!

So we're trying to get used to this shift. The worst part of it, is the fact that Jasmine only sees daddy on the weekends. She gets up for school and he's asleep, when she gets back home he's already gone for the day, and then he gets home around 11pm, she's been asleep for hours. It takes it's toll on her, she misses him, she's cranky, which in turn causes fights with her brother and spats between me and her.

Here in a day or two, we'll all start getting used to this and then he goes to mid shift (graveyard shift) next week. Constant change, that's the military way of life, but you know it's well worth it in the end :)

I'm still sick and woke up with no voice today. Frustrating for me, but the kids think it's wonderful, after all, they can do whatever they wish without the nagging voice of mommy in the background.

I've been trying to get all my laundry caught up, so far it's taken me THREE days. This is what happens when you don't do anything for a week. I started feeling sick last week and really didn't have the energy to do much, other than cook meals and take care of the kids, that's all I could really manage to do. The laundry suffered, my floors suffered, but at least everyone was fed and happy.

So I stayed up late last night, sorting the laundry, putting away mine and hubby's and today I have to do the kids. I still have all the bed linens to wash and a couple blankets, plus some ironing.

It's raining outside and only 50º, I truly feel as if Fall arrived days earlier, and I'm thrilled of course. So I'm sitting here sipping Hot Autumn Pumpkin Spice Tea. It's quite delicious and makes me crave pumpkin pie, which in turn makes me crave Thanksgiving. Here's the thing, it's always just the four of us, but we still make a HUGE meal, then we spend the rest of the day eating, laughing and talking, playing games and just having fun. I can't wait!!!!

Since I'm not feeling well, I decided to have tea instead of coffee, I put in some honey too, it soothes my throat and hopefully in a few hours I will have my voice back.

Of course to finish it off, I have some ginger cookies on the side. What can I say??? I'm an Autumn kinda gal!

One thing that I really miss about autumn and winter in Portugal, is the Castanhas "roasted chestnuts". Any street you walk down, you're certain to find someone roasting these and then serving them in newspaper funnels. Nothing like it, I tell you. Here's some pictures, they surely bring back wonderful memories for me :)

I was reading my "Day by Day" book this morning, and realized that I had somehow missed the entry for September 17Th I went back to read it and low and behold.....

"The tongue is a small thing but what enormous damage it can do..." James 3:5

It brought to mind Barb's post yesterday , and most importantly, my own issues with my unruly tongue. I've said many times on this blog, that I should buy mouth guards. It's not that I intentionally upset people or say the wrong thing....it's just that sometimes, due to life, or personal circumstances, stressed and worries or even my own inability to think before I speak, I've said things that I couldn't take back, but that in turn really upset someone.

"Unkind words are easily dropped, but we can never take them back again."

How true is that??? Over the years I've learnt to curb my tongue in a way, I think before I speak and I try really hard not to gossip. We all know that we're daily surrounded by it, so and so says this, and that one did that, it's all too easy to fall into the rhythm of it and not even realize that the words were speaking are hurtful and many times untrue. I've been guilty of this many times, but with the Lord's help, I've really taken a hold of my thoughts and tongue. It's not an easy job I tell you, and I'm nowhere near being free of it....but I just keep going and when I do mess up (often I might add), I realize that I'm Human...just like Barb said.

So I leave you this morning with a prayer for the day,

Might my words about another, be ones that are spoken in the spirit of Your loving kindness, Father.




Last night I made Chicken Tetrazzini, it was SO SO good, you really need to try it, so go check out the recipe on my food blog.

Right now I have the wonderful aroma of Mushroom-Beef Stew in my slow cooker. It will be served over hot noodles and for dessert I have Carrot Cake with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting. Both recipes will be up on the food blog this morning :)




Rachael Ray - *New* UPN 12pm (mountain time)

Oprah Winfrey (TV show, Advice, Cooking, Talk)

House - *New* NBC - 7pm (mountain time)

A noted 71-year-old cancer researcher (Joel Grey) collapses in his lab. The problem could be with his heart or his lungs; House and his staff don't know. But the researcher knows that he doesn't want them to find out. He just wants to die. (TV show, Drama)

Law and Order SVU - *New* NBC- 9pm (mountain time)

In the eighth-season opener, a young woman (Kristen Bush) refuses to cooperate during Benson's investigation of her brutal attack and rape, which seems to be connected to her involvement with a radical environmental group. Marcia Gay Harden. (TV show, Drama, Police, Spin-Off)

Laundry
Mopping kitchen floor
Updating Food Blog
Updating Book Blog
Knitting Scarf
Resting and hoping to get my voice back

TACKLE IT TUESDAY!!!

Join Us For Tackle It Tuesday

We’re making housework blog-able!

Each week on Tuesday, we are posting before and after pictures of a project or trouble area that we tackled this week.

The project can be little or big – whatever you want. Basically, Tackle It Tuesday is about giving ourselves incentive, deadlines and satisfaction in getting our household tasks done.

So a couple weeks ago or it's probably months I guess, Janice over at "5 Minutes for Mom", started this great feature on Tuesday's. We're supposed to tackle a project, big or small, take before and after pictures, and then share it with everyone.

The problem for me is that I tend to forget my camera while doing these projects....but I did remember it this week.

So what did I tackle this morning??? My Taste of Home Magazines!!!

I am a huge fan of TOH, so I have been collecting them for at least 6 years, most of them are put away and neatly organized, but for the past few months I've just been letting them sit all over the place.

I'm a bit of a neat freak when it comes to things like these, so I have to have them stacked by date or at least year, and by collections. Quick Cooking, Cookbook etc.
It took me only about 30 minutes, but I got them all in order and managed to fit them in the holder. Now when I want a recipe, I just scan through them and get out the one I need. TADA....definitely saves me time!!!

If you're playing along and tackling a project, just come and join us at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Fall Knitting!!!

Hey everyone, come on in and sit down, I have steaming hot coffee, freshly ground this morning, and I also have Krispi Kreme donuts. Ok if you're on a diet you might want to consider running for the hills, literally, I have a dozen donuts waiting for you all. Please someone eat them, because if you don't, I go into "Food Haze" and eat everything in sight.

It is F R E E Z I N G here today. This weekend our heater was turned on, can you believe that??? Not even October and we've had to turn on the heat and
bundle up good when going outside. It's only 33º right now....BRRRR!!!

As soon as the weather gets cooler, I bring out my knitting needles and go on the prowl for the perfect yarn to start making scarves etc. You know my greatgrandmother once asked me "why don't you try crochet?"....Ummm, I did, and I just can't get it right.

I'm a crafty person, I usually only need to try something once and then can go from there, but for some reason crochet doesn't agree with me. Oh I can make a huge long chain, just plain chain....but don't ask me to start making intricate designs, or even simple stitches (are they called that in crochet?), I give up.

So I started a scarf for Jasmine yesterday, isn't it amazing how fast knitting goes, within 5 minutes I had quite a bit done already. Can't wait to finish it, she wants me to add either tassles or pom poms, will see which one she wants once it's done....this child changes her mind a LOT.

Before I go on, let me just say that, if I have put on weight this weekend, I'm blaming it on Barb. Yes Barb and her Sloppy Joes. They were SOOOOOO good, I had three. Yeah you heard me, I said T H R E E!!! I did try to sneak in the last one later that night, but hubby beat me to it. Dagnabit!!!
Thank you Barb, I loved them and so did the family, they asked me to make them again soon. If you want to try this great recipe, go look here.

And while we're on the subject of food....go on over to Laura's blog and check out the Menu Plan Monday, there's a lot of great meals being served across the land. Yummy!!!
I am participating as usual, so go see my menus if you wish :)


You all know how much I love books, I am surrounded by them daily and always looking for the next read. I have been wanting to have a place to write down my reviews and thoughts, so it was only a matter of time before I jumped into another blog. Crazy, you say??? Maybe, but with all the books I read, I'm sure I'll have plenty of stuff to post about.
If you want to see it, go visit my Reading Nook, there's nothing there yet, but I'll have my first book posted later today.

I was also thinking that this would be perfect for Katrina's "Fall into Reading", which I'm going to join in, of course. Go on to over and read all about it.

It's taken me all morning to write this entry. It's been a slow day, it's cold and dreary, I'm still sick, Nicholas is walking around sniffling and sneezing and hubby is home.
I love my husband, don't get me wrong, but when he's home during the day it throws my schedule off. I honestly don't know what time it is, are we eating now or was I cleaning the house??? No No No, don't let Nicholas start a computer game, it's his nap time. See what I mean??? I'm all confused and stuff.....it will just take me today to get used to the next shift he's going to be working, I'm sure soon things will be fine.

I've got laundry to finish and I need to get my project ready for tomorrow's "Tackle it Tuesday". I actually remembered to grab the camera for the before pictures. I tend to forget and clean everything up and then sit there thinking "oh man, I should have taken pictures". I'm serious, since I've started blogging, everything is a topic for a post. No matter what's going on, I'm sure I can turn it into an entry on the blog.

So it's 11:30 am and that means I need to get lunch started for my little one. You know he's hilarious, he says the funniest things.
Yesterday I was scolding him for something (can't even remember what), and while I was doing it, he turned around, came up behind me and hit my behind then said "Toot, I turned you off you can't talk anymore". LOL What do you say to that huh?!?!?!?

Then while in the bathroom, he called me in there for help, this is what he said "MOMMMMMYYY, I need your help, I need Charmin Ultra" LOL HUH?!?!? How does he even know what brand of toilet paper we use???

But anyway, I better head on out. You all have a wonderful monday and I'll see you back here tomorrow morning, coffee in hand. Oh and I did wipe down the monitor again just in case I spread some cold germs to you. See I care! :)



For dinner I'm fixing Chicken Tetrazzini and a salad. Right now, I have a couple Grilled Cheese Sandwiches cooking, they smell divine :)



Rachael Ray - *New* UPN 12pm (mountain time)

Debut: The perky TV chef and cookbook author welcomes celebrity guests, prepares recipes and offers lifestyle tips in this weekday series. Diane Sawyer is the guest on the opener. (TV show, Advice, Cooking, Talk)

Wife Swap - *New* ABC - 7pm (mountain time)

In the third-season premiere, a former beauty queen who believes in keeping up appearances trades places with an easygoing wife who homeschools her kids and keeps a home cluttered with animals and junk-shop treasures.

Supernanny - *New* ABC - 9pm (mountain time)

Jo tries to instill discipline in a family with two unruly boys, ages 7 and 4, who give their mom fits at her preschool and have their stay-at-home dad hamstrung by their misbehavior.

Laundry
Mopping kitchen floor
Updating Food Blog
Updating Book Blog
Daily Devotionals

KNOW WHAT I'M CRAVING???

A "Galao", it's this very popular coffee served in Portugal. It's like half milk and half coffee in a tall glass, but it's just SOOO good.

I remember growing up in Portugal, every coffee house, restaurant, snack bar etc, serves coffee. I would have to say the most common request is the "Bica" an espresso. The second most common would be the "galao" and then for the kids there's the "garoto" which is more milk than coffee.

Nothing like walking into a "pastelaria" in the morning and ordering a galao and a pastel de nata. Those were my favorites :)

Yesterday was one of those days. The ones that make up for all the bad times you may have. As a mom, there's times that I feel like I'm loosing control, of the kids, of the house, of myself actually......I want to just run out the door and keep going!
The kids act out (how dare they act like kids? lol) and I walk around stressed, exhausted and really down.

We didn't get to make it to the grocery store, we went to the BX where we were met by Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Winnie the Pooh, Tiger and Roo. The kids were thrilled, well, Jasmine was thrilled, Nicholas was not impressed. He walked with his eyes closed so as not to see them LOL

We grabbed some lunch and then came home to eat while waiting for the library to open. After the library trip, which they actually behaved for, we came back home again, took a bubble bath, put on pj's then sat on the couch reading books, thrilling ME beyond words, my kids love books, is there anything better than that???

After the books they wanted to do some finger painting....yes, a bit backwards since they had just had a bath, but then again the whole day was backwards because we NEVER have baths in the middle of the day. But anyway, after their "works of art", we migrated to the bedroom, lay down and took a 2 hour nap. It's a *drumroll*, *hands up in the air*, *hallelujah* kind of thing, the last time I was able to take a nap was, well, I really can't remember, it's been years. LOL

I woke up before they did, and as I looked over and saw them snuggled up, peacefully sleeping, I thought "boy, if I could just have hubby here right now, I would freeze this moment in time". You ever have one of those moments you want to capture??? Those where you just know that you're in the right place and the right time, no where else you would rather be???
Life is good, it's full of ups and downs but it makes it exciting and worthwhile.

We're saving the grocery store trip for this morning, and for some reason, I'm not dreading it like I always do. I'm a true believer that negative thoughts bring negative situations.
I will admit that everytime I have to get groceries or make a run to a store, with kids in tow, I start panicking and tell myself "you know what's going to happen, the kids are going to act up, they're going to run away, they're going to make you scream like a psycho, you won't be able to get the groceries". Low and behold, I am usually the frazzled psycho mom running after the kids, trying to keep them in the cart, and walking out with only half of what she needed.

I'm picking a different approach today, I'm going to think positively, I'm going to imagine that they cooperate and that our trip will actually be pleasant. So now let's see how things go.

While out yesterday, I signed us up for some family photos. Every year there is a photography studio that comes to the base, they take really good pictures, the last time they were here, we didn't do a family portrait, just the kids. Look how adorable they turned out:

We're having Sepia Toned Family portraits done :) I just can't wait :)

BTW, yes this is a new template. What do you know? I woke up this morning to a "blue screen of death" and a messed up computer again. I think it's time for a new one soon, just wish they weren't so expensive. For now, I'm just going to have to stick it out with this one.

Arrrgh, I just took a sip of my coffee and it's cold. Nothing worse than a mouthful of cold yucky coffee. So, I am going to refill and then finish getting the kids ready to head out.

Father, we thank thee for the night,
And for the pleasant morning light.
For rest and food and loving care,
And all that makes the day so fair.
Help us to do the thing we should,
To be to others kind and good,
In all we do, in all we say,
To grow more loving every day.
Rebecca J. Weston

For dinner I'm making Barb's Sloppy Joes, go on over and get the recipe, they sound delicious :)




Anne of Green Gables
Felicity an American Girl
60 Minutes




Grocery shopping
Vacuuming and steam cleaning carpets
Mopping kitchen floor
Laundry

The Best Part of Waking up..........

is DEFINITELY coffee in my cup. So it's 7:16am and I've been up with Nicholas since 6:30am, I don't know maybe he doesn't realize it's the weekend???? Shouldn't we be in bed still, isn't this the day we get to sleep in???

My kids have always had their hours switched. When they were babies, they would sleep all day and then be wide eyed all night long....now they try to sleep in during the week and then wake up at the crack of dawn, or in this case, not even the dawn was up yet. *sigh*

It's just me and the kiddos today. Curt got weekend duty so he left for work at 6:30am and will be there all day. The kids and I will be getting groceries this morning and then making a run to the library later. Please wish me luck with the groceries, I get real antsy when I have to take them. LOL

It's been wonderful weather, it's cooler, there's been rain and you can smell Fall in the air. We're at 44º right now, I have to say though, it feels a little weird having to throw on coats already, I'm not used to doing that until Halloween night. Seriously, the summer will be great and then through Septemberit's still nice, then comes Trick or Treating. We step outside the door and it's raining, freezing cold and that's it......we are in the middle of winter somehow.
Guess it arrived a little earlier this year :)

I need to finish my menus for the next two weeks so that I can get my grocery list ready. I tried doing groceries every week, but that wasn't working, there was always something I forgot, and the endless trips back to the store only helped to blow the budget out of the water. Now I do them every two weeks, which is payday for us military people. Following the menus and sticking to the two week plan, has considerably lowered our budget. I'm still spending between $200-$250, pretty much the same for the past 5 years. Neat huh???

I've got tons to do today, couple errands to run and I want to get some more fall decorations around the house. The kids will be going to daddy's work for about an hour, they're beyond excited, they keep asking me if it's time to go already. I think it's a great way for them to see what daddy does, maybe get a little more feel for the hard work involved.

So I'm heading out, going to make a quick "Morning Drive" by your blogs. Before I leave though, I want to point you all in the direction of some neat things going on in blodgom world....even some new blogs I found on my drive the other day.

If nothing else today, you need to go on over to Bev at Blessed Beyond Measure. She has a wonderful post on prayer, named "By prayer and petition". It's just another wonderful idea by a wonderful lady.

A Place called Home, is a blog I found just the other day. Loved reading through all the posts that Susan had to share, and you should check out the pictures of her house too, she has tons of great ideas.

Chris from All that Blog got hurt while skating, ended up shattering her wrist. Go on over and give her some love :)

Kiddley!!! I don't know how I ever survived without this place. "Everyday ideas for you and your kids", it says. It's full of great things to do or make with your kids, we've enjoyed looking through them and plan on using a LOT of their ideas.

The Markmiller 5, love this blog. Unfortunately yesterday their house was broken into, go on over and read the post. Thank God, no one was hurt and not much was taken. It's still a shock though!!!

And last, if you haven't yet read the birth story, head on over to Susan Godfrey's blog. But remember to take some Kleenex she shares the story and pictures of her beautiful baby Gabriel. I couldn't get past the first photo without tears running down my face.

Reading that entry brought back a lot of emotions and memories for me. The circumstances aren't the same, I miscarried twice at an early stage of my pregnancy, but seeing that little boy just tore at my heart. I know my two angels are in heaven waiting for me, and I know that they are happily walking with the Lord, but it still breaks my heart to this day.

I don't think there's a worse thing in this life, than loosing a child, no matter how old or young they were. That bond that you create the minute you find out your pregnant, is unbroken. You learn to live with it, not get over it, I mean it's been 5 years for me, but I think about it every day, and when things like what happened to Susan come up, I am RIGHT there again. Funny how our mind works isn't it????

Something that happened so many years ago can quickly become something that is happening all over again.

So live for today, enjoy every minute you have with your kids, and praise the Lord for blessing you with healthy babies, it truly is a blessing and a miracle every timeone is born. :)

Have a wonderful Saturday God Bless,

Friendship Friday!!!

I've been wanting to do something on fridays. I know there's a lot of other features going around, but I don't really participate in them, other than the Five Ingredients Friday hosted by Overwhelmed with Joy.

I wanted to think of something that I could do every friday, a way to honor my friends, so I came up with "Friendship Friday".

Do you have a friend you would like to honor? Maybe they did something special for you, or were there through a rough period in your life. Maybe they helped you move or brought over chicken soup when you were sick, watched your kids for you?

Well here's your chance to honor them. Every friday I'm going to honor one of my friends, either one that I've met through blogging, or my closest friends around me.

If you want to join in, just grab the banner and add your name to Mr. Linky.

So today I'm honoring my best friend which also happens to be my sister in law, Hayley.

Hayley and I went to school together, we've been friends for 18 years, can you believe that??? I remember when my brother started dating her, I was SO thrilled because I thought she was the sweetest girl and would be perfect for him. Sort of like, the good girl with the bad boy scenario.

They've now been married 10 years and still going strong.

Hayley is the kind of person that everyone is drawn to. She's sweet, she's honest, she's understanding and she never judges. She doesn't have expectations or standards on what a friend should be or act like and she's always there.

She helped me through so many tough times in my life. We went through the usual girly things, first boyfriends, chick flicks, sleepovers, laughing, crying, trying to loose weight and just being silly, laughing about the craziest things.

When we get together, everyone knows that we're in our own little world, we will spend hours talking and crying. I still remember one of the funniest things that happened when Hayley was spending the weekend at my house. Go here if you want to read it :)

I can't imagine my life without her. When I left South Africa, it was heartbreaking leaving my family behind, but Hayley is one of the people I miss the most. There's days I'm having a really bad time, and I want so much to have her nearby, she always knows what to say.

So Hayley, sis, I love you more than words could ever say and the pain of missing you is unbearable. I want you to know that I treasure every single minute we spent together.....no don't start crying already.....I can't wait to see you next year, to give you a HUGE hug and kiss and to let you know just how much I love you. Thank you for everything, and for being, well, for being YOU.

If you are honoring one of your friends today and want to join in, just grab the banner and then add your name to the list. I would love to come visit you all and read about those important people in your lives. :)

SLOW COOKING THURSDAY!!!

With fall just around the corner and so many wonderful recipes being shared, constantly, amongst the blogging ladies....I thought that it would be neat to have a feature every thursday, just for crockpot recipes.

What do you think??? You have some great recipes to share, or perhaps you're looking for some delicious ones to give you a reason to pull out the ol' crockpot???

Well starting today, I'm going to post a Slow Cooker Recipe every thursday. If anyone wants to join in, just add your name to Mr. Linky :)

Chuck Wagon Chili Crockpot

2 pounds lean round beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chopped onions
2 cups beef broth
1 cup water
2 cups canned tomatoes, not drained
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne peppe
4 cups cooked pinto beans

Combine all ingredients except beans in your slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours. Add beans and cook an additional 1-2 hours.

Being a mom and sick is no fun.....

I should have just stayed home all day yesterday, but I had errands to run in the morning, so I braved the elements. Yeah, NOT a great idea!!!

For some reason the commissary and the Airman's Attic were freezing, I mean, really freezing. I was standing there with my teeth literally chattering, so by the time I drove home, I was feeling awful.

See the woman above??? That's how I look feel, minus the phone since you all know how I feel about that.

By the time I made it home, I just knew I was running a fever. 102 degrees, my body ached, my sinus was having a ball and I felt plain yucky. This is where hunky hero hubby comes in....he went to pick up Jasmine for me so I could stay home and rest. I forgive him all his imperfections LOL

It's amazing what an hour of rest does for the weary body, by dinner time my fever was down and I was feeling a little better. This morning, other than a sore throat, I'm actually doing good.

If you haven't noticed on my post just above, I've decided to start a new Thursday Feature. With Fall and Winter just around the corner, a lot of us bring out the slow cookers. I believe we can never have enough recipes right???
I hadn't even realized that Julie had posted about this very idea yesterday, so I guess great minds think alike LOL
I hope you will all join me!!!

I started a new book yesterday, it's called "Becoming a Woman of Spiritual Passion" by Donna Morley.

Overcoming challenges to Your Relationship with God.....boy do I need that.

Spiritual Passion is an appetite and a hunger for the things of God. It yearns to follow Him and live out His will. Far from apathy and coldness, it fosters a heart and life devoted to Christ, desirous to return His love. Such passion and zeal ought to flow from us not out of compulsion, but with warmth and sincerity.

It is a given that as we give ourselves to God and live for Him, we will be attacked. That's not even a shocker for me anymore, it's almost inevitable, but it's the way I react to it that means the most.

Here's an example: When I started this blog, I was at a crossroads in my life, I wanted to be closer to God but I didn't exactly know how. I would read all of your entries and think, "Wow she's so inspiring, why can't I know so much about the Lord and the Bible, I too want to be able to quote the right scripture at the right time". And then it began, I yearned to know Him, I devoured every Christian book I could find, I searched your blogs and read yours posts and began thirsting for the word.

Since then, the past 7 months have been wonderful. I've gotten so much closer to Him, I'm able to say, proudly I might add, that I'm again walking hand in hand with God, that He is with me every second of every day, and that my life is devoted to Him. But all this has also brough the enemy out in force. Lately it's been through slandering.

We've got to keep in mind that Satan is behind such conduct, and that we are in the midst of a spiritual battle. Satan only bothers those who are making an impact for God's kingdom and thus are working against his kingdom.

The author mentions how the enemy wounds us and then does everything he can to keep us down. He brings to our minds over and over, the horrible words spoken against us. It's SO true, I've found myself in a mind battle the past two days, trying to fight off those words, trying to forget what was said, leaving it in the Lord's hands.

I choose to believe what God says about me, not what the slander says. I can't have it both ways, it's so each to let your mind revisit those painful thoughts, the words replay over and over, almost making you insane trying to figure out "why, why would someone say that?".
It doesn't matter, really, I can't control what others say, what I CAN control is my thoughts and my actions, and I choose to not let it get to me, to turn myself to the Lord and away from the enemy.

S.L.E.E.P.

S tay in God's Word

L eave everything in His hands

E earnestly meditate upon Him

E mbrace His comfort, and

P ray

I don't know about you all, but I choose to S.L.E.E.P.

Needless to say, I think I'm going to LOVE this book, it's just what I needed right now. I'm walking with Christ but it's also oh so easy to let slip away.

The weather has definitely cooled down a lot. We're at 55 degrees, it's cloudy and windy outside and we have thunderstorms on the way. I'm not going to complain though, it feels like Fall.....I'm picturing big bowls of soup, hot tea, cuddling on the couch with a warm blanket and listening to the rain outside. Ahhhhhh it's wonderful!!!

I got some pics this morning, some of the kids and some of the weather. I just couldn't help getting some of the beautiful sun trying to peek through the clouds. Excuse my SICK face LOL



Not much else going on here, I got all my laundry done yesterday, believe it or not. I'm trying to take it easy today so that I can feel well enough tomorrow to go to Jasmine's school. They're having their annual School Barbecue where the parents get to go have lunch with the kids....she gets so excited about it.

Here in two weeks, she is going to have a show and tell, and she wants to take the two pugs....thank goodness hubby is going with, I don't think I could handle two dogs and a 3 year old. I WILL take the camera though so I can get some cute snapshots of the kids reactions.

And that is all my dear friends. It's time to get my day started, the quicker I get things done, the quicker I can sit down and relax a bit. I really hope you're all having a wonderful day, and here ya go, I'm sending you off with a cup of coffee and some cinnamon toast, is that ok???

God Bless,

Deep Dish Sausage Pizza, you know having kids and a hubby means that Pizza becomes one of those MUST HAVES, but I don't like frozen pizzas so I always make mine from scratch. This one is really good too.




General Hospital *New*
Til Death - NBC - *New*




Putting away laundry

AND IT'S FINALLY ARRIVED........

I've been feeling kinda crummy for the past few days, but I woke up this morning and what do you know???
I HAVE A COLD!!!

"Run for the hills", she's got a cold. *sigh*. Actually, I WANT to run away. Is there anything worse than a sick mommy???
And why does it seem that the minute I'm sick with something, anything, the kids really act out???

I would love to get ahold of the "Kid Memo", something that has bypassed all parents. Oh I'm sure it's chock full of interesting things like:

#1 When your parent has a headache, proceed to run around the house emitting high pitched shrieks.

#2 When it's dinner time, turn your nose up at the food while saying "I don't want it, it's yucky", it will make your mommy feel wonderful.

#3 When in a car while mommy or daddy or driving, fight with your sibling as much as possible, yell at each other, scream, throw a few slaps, anything goes.

Now I can't say for sure, but I'm betting that those are in there. My personal favorite is the one about the telephone. If you want your kids to just appear out of nowhere, pick up the phone and pretend to talk. It always works in my house!!!

We have some sort of cold front moving into the area, and there's actually supposed to be snow on the mountains..... The mountains that are not that far from here. I can tell it's going to be a cold cold winter.

I have my coffee pot full and ready for the day, I'm trying to stay awake. It's not that I went to bed late, but for some reason the past week has been exhausting. Oh I'm sure me coming down with this cold has had a lot to do with it, but nevertheless, it's frustrating to lay down, close your eyes, only to have the alarm ring 5 minutes later. That's what it feels like at least.

So I have hot coffee, lots of it, and some Chocolate Muffins warm out of the oven. Anyone want to come join me???
We'll just relax on the couch, coffee in hand, and chick flicks on the tv. My kind of day!!!

Last night my hubby and kids were being all cute, and I turned real quick and snapped a pic. It came out blurry, I know I know, you would think that by now I would be an expert at taking pics, but oh well........anyway, this is the pic and though it's blurry, I just LOVE it. Had to share, I'm sure the family wants to see.

So here in two weeks, Curt goes back to midshift. It's the horrible horrible shift that I really don't like. He goes in at night and gets home in the morning. The problem isn't the time he's at work, after all, we're sleeping. The thing is, he gets home and has to go to bed, so now becomes the struggle. How do you keep a 3 year old and two active pugs, quiet during the day????

My MIL started her chemotherapy on monday, she's doing good but feeling really tired and worn out. I know it's a normal symptom of the chemo. Thank you all for the prayers and thoughts, I really do appreciate it.

You know I've been blessed to have such a wonderful MIL. Before I got married I would hear the horror stories, seemed that everyone I talked to had a problem with theirs, I think it instilled a fear in me. LOL
But I'm lucky, she's such an amazing lady, so strong and so courageous, truly a blessing.

Oh before I forget, see my blogroll on the left there??? I read all of those blogs, every morning, regardless of whether you have a new post or not, I check in every day. Unfortunately though, there's still some of you that have your blogs set to not accept anonymous comments, which means.....*drum roll* I CAN'T COMENT!!!
It's really frustrating, I want so badly to say hi, or comment on your posts and blogger won't cooperate. Just remember that I'm reading even if you haven't heard from me in a while.

Well my head is pounding and I have to start a load of dishes, yes they came and fixed it so now it actually washes the dirty stuff off. I'm thrilled, I've been using up dishes just so I can wash them and see the results LOL

I got a couple of things to do around the house, and then I need to head to the commissary and the Airman's Attic. You all help yourselves to some coffee and a muffin, and go ahead and stay a while, I don't mind at all, just as long as you close the door on your way out.

BTW, you might want to wipe your monitors after reading this, I wouldn't want my cold to transmit over to anyone else.

Shrimp Jambalaya with Salad, homemade beer bread and Iced Tea.




General Hospital *New*
Montel Williams *New*




Laundry
WIC check at commissary
Airman's Attic
Mopping kitchen floor
Resting to get over cold

Works for Me Wednesday!!! September 12th

So many things work, actually as a mom I think we all become McGuyver at some point in time, coming up with a quick remedy for something, or one of those "AH HA, why didn't I think of that before".

Shannon at Rocks in my Dryer asks us every wednesday, to share the tips and tricks that have worked for us, things that make life easier in this crazy chaotic day to day.

I've shared a lot of my so called "Tips", but I have to say that I'm starting to run out of ideas, could I really not have that many more great things working for me???
I get all flustered and panicky trying to come up with something, I mean, I don't want to talk about stuff that everyone does.

So my tip today is about something I did and still do, to add a bit of color to a room, without spending any money.

All you need is some empty glass flower vases, some water, and some food coloring.

Just fill the vase with water and add a few drops of coloring, stir and VOILA. My kids love the different colors and I've had many people ask me where I got them, to which I reply "I got them in my kitchen". LOL

Works for me!!!!

If you want to play along, just head on over to Shannon's blog and join the rest of us sharing our tips today.

I'm having a fat day

You know the days where you wake up in the morning, go into the closet to find something to wear, and then suddenly all your pants don't fit????

"Someone's been in my closet", I'm sure while I was sleeping, some mean little elf came in and switched my clothes with some MUCH smaller sizes. That's the only explanation I can think of....either that, or I'm putting on weight.

Neither one of those explanations brings me any comfort, actually. So, I'm wearing a t-shirt and sweatpants today, I feel frumpy, and now I'm thinking, after my post yesterday, is this some lesson from God??? I was talking about the ladies dropping their kids off at school, wearing pj's and robes etc........and He knows that I don't even like wearing sweatpants in public. I'm too good for that! HA!!!!
Just kidding, no but really, I like looking nice, or trying to at least, and I've never been comfortable wearing baggy sweatpants outside.....guess I'm going to have to set those feelings aside today.

It's fine though, I'm having a blah day anyway, my stomach hurts and my voice is all croaky. Yep, bring on the Fall Cold, and since I love my family so much, I make it a point, year after year, to be the first one getting it. Aren't I just the nicest??? :)

BTW, a couple of you mentioned that you emailed me and I didn't reply, that means I didn't get it. I don't know what is going on with my email, when we switched to DSL a couple months ago, my email account started acting weird and lately with all these computer errors I'm getting, it's just even worse. SO, with that said, if you don't hear from me, it means I didn't get anything....sorry :(

But moving on, want to see the first signs of fall outside my front door??? I took these two pictures of the big tree we have outside, how beautiful is that?

I'm so eager for the cooler temperatures to arrive. It brings with it the anticipation of soups, bowls full of wonderful stew, homemade bread, pumpkin pie, etc etc. I'm going to stop right there because it's making me hungry just thinking about it.

In a few minutes I will have the guy from Housing Maintenance here to fix my dishwasher. It's at the point where I open it up and the dishes are dirty. The top spinning thingamabob keeps falling off, so the dishes on the top shelf don't get washed....and then the bottom tray where you load the stuff, is rusting, so now for the past week, everytime I pull out a dinner plate, it's not only dirty but it's also getting a very nice rusty ring around the edges. Just makes you want to eat off of it doesn't it??? BLEH!!!

Later today, I have to run to the BX too. Last week I thought (stop me next time I think please), "HEY, I need new silverware, I seem to have tons of mismatched ones".
So I run out and do what every smart woman does when looking for that special silverware set. I buy the cheapest I can find, because, well, because I'm cheap??? I don't know!!!! *bangs head on desk*
WHY????? WHY and WHAT possessed me to do that????

I come home all proud of myself and dying to get the new silverware out. I wash them and everything seems fine. When I try to offer a spoon to Jaz she says "I don't want it, it's dirty". HUH??? I just washed them....so I see this,

Do you see it??? You see the rust?? I just BOUGHT those. But I have to say, I learnt my lesson, no more buying cheap stuff just to save a buck, because in the end I'm going to spend more money trying to replace them. *sigh*

Well the maintenance guy is here, and I'm off. I'll leave you with my plans for today, nothing exciting at all though, sorry to shock you. LOL

Have a wonderful day ladies, God Bless,




Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes and Corn. Nothing for dessert, still have left over cake and chocolate mousse.




General Hospital *New*
House *New*
America's Most Haunted Town *Netflix DVD)



Laundry
Cleaning Carpets
Running to store
Returning library books

TACKLE IT TUESDAY!!! September 12th

Oh boy, what am I tackling today?!?!?!

My computer, I didn't get a chance to yesterday but it's driving me insane. You know how it is, you install this and then that and then a little bit of so and so, and before you know it you have errors coming out the wazoo.

One method I've used many times, consists of 5 steps.

1. Find your files

2. Organize your files

3. Backup your files

4. Delete what you don't need

5. Backup your files again, this way if you need to restore your computer, you will have everything neatly organized already.

So while this is not an exciting project to tackle, it's an important one especially since I've been getting the "blue screen of death" for the past few days.

What are YOU tackling today??? Go on over to 5 Minutes for Mom and add your name to the list if you want to play along.

I'm not judgemental....really....

I try hard not to judge others, because honestly, I wouldn't like being judged myself. I don't think it's our place to do that, am I right???

But sitting in my car this morning, waiting for the bell to ring so Jasmine could go in, we were both sitting there wondering why some women would allow themselves to be seen in public, a certain way.

I'm not conceited and I definitely don't think I'm pretty or sexy or anything, but I do like to make myself presentable, at least.

You know there's something wrong when a 7 year old turns her nose down at some things. Just in the 10 minutes we were there, we saw a lady wearing a robe, one with her hair sticking out in all directions while rubbing her eyes, one in pj's and slippers, one with a t-shirt and shorts SO short that Jasmine asked me why she was only wearing a shirt and underwear.

I don't know these ladies, and I'm sure they have excuses for the way they looked, but come on, shouldn't you get up a little earlier so that you can at LEAST brush your hair or throw on some sweatpants??? That's all I'm saying to that!!!

I'm not even going to point out that my template is YET again different. I got up this morning and low and behold, everything was gone....I don't know if it's my computer or the beta blogger or what it is, but I'm going to be working on my computer today and making sure everything is fixed, hopefully this is the last time you see a change, at least until Christmas.

Last night I sat up and watched 9/11, the documentary that was on CBS, and hence my post earlier this morning, honoring the firefighters.
It was the first time that I had gotten a look INSIDE the events, what it was like to be in tower 1, when the second one came tumbling down. What it was like to be standing there and then hearing the rumbling sound, looking up and seeing the second tower quickly falling to the ground, people running, screaming and then darkness, dust and quiet. THAT is what got to me the most, the deafening silence.

If you didn't get a chance to watch it last night, I suggest you do when you get a chance, it's just extraordinary and gives you an insight into the last moments for the victims of 9/11. I know I'll NEVER be the same since that day.

My MIL starts chemotherapy today, so if you get a chance just say a little prayer that she does well with it and most importantly that the chemotherapy is able to shrink down the cancer. I'm still feeling a calm about the whole situation, and I'm thankful to God that I am.

The peace of God . . . will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:7

You know that when we keep our minds on God, God will keep our mind's at peace. He's done that for me through this and through so many ups and downs.

I'm having a bit of a struggle in my marriage right now. The stubborness in me seems to peak when I have a disagreement with my husband, and instead of letting it go, I seem to want to yell and complain and whine about it all, even to the point of deliberately picking a fight with him just to get the LAST WORD.

This weekend was no different, we were at each other's throats, but by sunday morning, I woke up and before getting out of bed, I called out to God...asking Him to guide me through this day, to set mouth guards on my lips and to help me do and say what is right. Within a few minutes I started thinking about all the wonderful things my husband does for me and for us as a family, I thought about the times he takes the kids to the park, takes out the trash without me nagging, offers to help me clean the house and watches the kids every night for about an hour, so that I can take my shower, lay in bed and read or watch a little bit of TV.

THAT is who I married and THAT is what I need to concentrate on. We all have our bad days and the Lord knows I'm not perfect, by no means. I just need to remember to stay calm and choose my battles, some things are NOT worth fighting about.

Before I head out, I want to point you in the direction of my food blog, I've uploaded the recipe for my soup and I'm also participating in the Menu Plan Monday feature, hosted by Laura at "I'm an Organizing Junkie". Along with my menus for this week, you'll also find the recipe for tonight's dinner "Tortellini Alfredo". Enjoy :)

Hope you're all having a wonderful monday, God bless!!!



Tortellini Alfredo, Garlic Bread and a Salad. For dessert I'm making Chocolate Mousse.




General Hospital *New*
Montel Williams (9/11 - Five Years Later) *New*
Everybody Loves Raymond *Repeat*




Sweeping and Mopping
Cleaning House
Fixing Computer

Honoring the NYC Firefighters!!!

As I sat in bed last night, watching the 9/11 documentary, my heart broke yet again. It takes only the images of what happened that day, to take me right back to those moments, the fear, the confusion and the pain of watching this unfold on TV.

Through the documentary, I got to learn a lot about the NY Firefighters, their bravery and courage and the danger they all put themselves in on that fateful day. Ask any survivor who escaped down the staircases of the towers, and they will tell you how at that moment, while they fled, terrified for their lives, they were met with so many firefighters determined to climb those same stairs toward the burning inferno.

The loss of life was staggering, in all 343 firefighters were identified among the dead or reported missing.

Watching that documentary yesterday, I was in awe of these true heroes. A lump remained in my throat throughout the whole 2 hours, tears ran down my face as I listened to the firefighters talking amongst themselves about the horrors they witnessed at that moment.

They don't consider themselves to be heroes, but we all know that they are. Describing what it was like those first few hours after the towers collapsed, these firefighters gave their all. Some survived and so many more lost their lives doing what they loved, helping others. They didn't for one minute consider the possibility that they might not make it out alive, and when people rushed from the scene, they rushed towards it.

My heart goes out to all the families who lost a loved one on that day, and to the firefighters who worked tirelessly, my deepest gratitude.

WE WILL NEVER FORGET!!!

Come right on in everyone.......

I have some coffee and some German Chocolate Cake for you, I'm sure that will entice you to sit for a bit and visit. I hope!!! PLEASE, don't run away because the template has changed again....I'm having NO luck with my computer, I keep getting the blue screen of death, and when I finally fix the errors and get back into the computer, most of my stuff is not accessible. I was trying to change a color on the template I had yesterday and the computer crashed.....next thing I know, it's all gone AGAIN!!!

So here we are, another template, and I'm leaving this one as plain as it is, I've already backed it up on disk, so if it messes up again I can reinstall it and not have to worry about changing too much stuff. Welcome, to the PLAIN Diary of a SAHM, bet you never thought you would see the day huh??? LOL

It's a beautiful Sunday morning, clear skies and 63 degrees, it really does feel wonderful outside.

Well, last night we pulled out the telescopes and were able to get some good sightings of the moon and some of it's craters. My camera wasn't cooperating very well, I did get some shots but they're not that great. BUT, I figured you all would want to see it anyway, so here you go....

Even though the moon ones are a little blurry, you can see the craters and THAT is one of my favorite things to look at. Isn't it amazing??? I've always been interested in space, so to be able to see these marvels with my own eyes is incredible.

I was sitting at breakfast thinking about my favorite things to do, and one popped into my mind. It's camping, yes, a lot of people go camping during the summer, but unfortunately we didn't get to this year.

Back in South Africa we did a lot of it, maybe not a LOT, because my dad is the type that hates paper plates and cups, so it got a little annoying having to take REAL dishes and silverware for him...some camping THAT was LOL......but certainly a few times which became ingrained in my mind. When I think of being out in nature and roughing it out, I instantly go to the Kruger National Park.

I've mentioned it before and I think I shared some stories of our family trips to the Park, but for me one of my favorites was camping right next to the fence. You are literally separated from Lions and Elephants, by this metal fence. Nothing like hearing a roar, waking up and staring at big bright eyes across the fence. Scary yes, but thrilling nonetheless.

When you find yourself that close to nature, you can't help but thank God for the beauty he has bestowed upon us, it's just stunning, look at that sunset!
One thing that I enjoy doing with the kids, is going to the South African National Parks website and enjoying their live webcam, it's the closest to the animals we're going to get, so I'm sharing the link with you all, your kids might enjoy it too.

I don't have much planned for today, want to finish the laundry and put it away, make a quick run through the living room, my little tornadoes (Jazzy and Nic) have been hard at work. They make sure that whatever they do, is done to the best of their ability, now while that may be something I really want them to use in the real world, I'm not sure I want it to THAT extent.

Reminds me of one time that I asked Jasmine (who was 3 years old), what she was doing, and she innocently replied "I'm concentrating" and I asked "concentrating on what", to which she quickly replied "I'm concentrating on making a mess". WEll honey, I appreciate that LOL

So anyway, I'm going to clean up a little and then probably try to wrestle the TV away from the kids, I miss just lazying around on the weekends, being able to enjoy whatever comes on.

I leave you with a picture of Lola....she's just so adorable and we always catch her napping or relaxing, in the weirdest places. How about a soccer ball pillow that she dragged into the kitchen to lay by me while I fixed dinner???

I have an Onion and Potato soup in the works. It's a soup that I remember eating while growing up, my greatgrandmother would make it quite often, so would grandma and my stepmom too. Brings back wonderful memories. You can go check out my food blog later for the recipe, and in the meantime go see the one I posted for Pizza Loaf....Jasmine fixed dinner last night :)




The Path to 9/11 - 7pm (my time) on ABC
Flip this House - A&E
60 Minutes - CBS




Making Soup
Finishing Laundry
Reading

Stars, Planets and Moons!!!

I was thinking about all that I did this summer and all that didn't get done. I think the biggest one for me was using our telescopes. We're avid star gazers and each have our own telescopes and accessories etc. Something we LOVE and want to get more into, is Astrophotography. It's not an easy task, I mean I can grab my camera and just shoot a picture of the night sky, but chances are I won't see anything.

I've researched astrophotography sites, we've bought the different filters and the LPI camera, and last year we started snapping pictures. I would then load them on my computer and take them to Photoshop to clean them up, fix them etc. I don't alter any of the pictures, all I do is brighten them and remove noise etc, so that we see what the real effect. We got some really good ones, at least for amateur astrophotographers that we are. LOL

Here are my favorites:

The Night Sky, look at all those gorgeous colors.

Saturn, you can actually see half of it's rings, this is by far one of my favorites.

Jupiter surrounded by nebulae and beautiful stars


Another shot of Jupiter, showing 4 of it's moons


Here's one of the moon, still my favorite thing to photograph


And last but not least, the sun, you can even see a sun spot on the right

Knowing that soon it will be too cold to venture out with telescopes in tow, we've decided that today we're going to enjoy the sky and maybe grab some more neat photos. The kids are excited and so are we, it's a family event for us, believe me, even the little ones have their own telescopes. Obviously nothing expensive or major, but at least they don't fight over whose turn it is.

Within the next two weeks, we're also planning a weekend trip to the Bruneau Dunes. They have the cutest little cabins for real cheap, and they're situated just a walks away from the Observatory, which is open every friday and saturday night. There's a public program followed by observing through their HUGE 25" Telescope like THIS one. You have to climb stairs to get to top just to be able to view the sky through this enormous telescope, and the views??? Oh man, they're nothing short of stunning.

So anyway, that's what we'll be doing later today, so if we get good shots, I'll definitely be posting them in tomorrow's post.

I have laundry drying right now, and I have to get things ready for dinner too, I'm making a Pizza Loaf and I'll post the recipe later.

Have a wonderful Saturday everyone :)




Pizza Loaf and right now I have the wonderful aroma of German Chocolake Cake baking in the oven.


The Night Sky


Finishing Laundry
Baking a cake
Starting Dinner
Getting Telescopes ready for viewing

Change Again....

I woke up this morning, and my template was pretty much gone...I don't know what happened or if there was a glitch, but to make things worse, when I went to get my template code to reinstall it, my computer froze up and I got the "Blue Screen of Death".

Yeah, when it rains it pours. I had to make a whole new template.....I don't even know if I'm completely happy with this one, but it will work for now.

Just wanted to let you all know why it's different...I like redecorating but NOT forcibly and constantly. LOL

Hope this one is ok on all browsers.

Friday already????

I'm telling you, someone is messing with father time. I could have sworn it was just monday, then again it could be that I'm always running out of hours in the day.

I got up this morning and sat down to do my blog, well that didn't last long because the time it took me to think of what to type, the kids were up and I had to get them dressed and ready for school, you know, the usual morning routine thing.

I got back home just as my friend Veronica had hung up, trying to call me. Let me get something clear, I'm NOT a phone person. I'm the type who actually squeels in delight when I can't find a phone number. Now before you go say something mean, just know that it's not like that with everyone. Family and close friends are an entirely different story all together.

Anyway, I called Veronica back and we talked for 103 minutes, yes people, this phoneaphobic talked for 103 minutes without even realizing it. I love talking to Veronica, we are able to talk about anything and everything, I miss having her just across the street....now she's all the way in DC and I'm still in potato land....but hey, if anything it will get me more comfortable with phones LOL

Thank you all for the great comments about my struggles with Jasmine. I'm glad I'm not the only one going through it....it's just that at times you get that feeling of "boy I really must stink as a mother", like you're the only one in the universe struggling with certain things. As if!!!

Couple things going on in blogdom today. Heather, Veronica's friend and someone I had met a couple times, really sweet girl, had just moved to Alaska in July, turns out she started a blog too, so if you get a chance go on over to "My Little Kangaroonies" and say hi. While you're at it, go say hi to Veronica too, they just moved to DC from our base and it's been a big change for everyone.

Yesterday while blogging, well, while out on my blog drive, I came across a blog belonging to Susan Godfrey and her family. After spending one hour visiting, and wiping the tears from my eyes, I was shocked and in awe of the strength this lady has.

Susan is pregnant, and in June their baby was diagnosed with Potter's Syndrome, which means the baby is born with no kidneys and therefore only able to survive for a few hours after birth. They have decided to carry the baby to term.

There is a prayer chain being set up here, to pray for Susan and her family. If you have a moment, please say a prayer for them, you can read more about it at her blog.

I wish I had more time to sit and chat, but my dogs are going bananas. B A N A N A S!!!!
This is what happens when one of them is in Heat, the whole house is turned upside down, I'm not sure, but I'm still convinced that two female dogs should NOT be caught in compromising positions doing things that are not normal for TWO FEMALE DOGS. That's all I'm saying!!!

I have to tell you real quick that the day my MIL arrived, she was sitting on the couch, and the next thing I know I have two dogs trying to get it ON, right up against her. I think my heart stopped and I remember doing some sort of a matrix move, you know, the slow motion jump in the air towards the dogs, trying to intervene. It was very weird, but extremely funny now that I think about it LOL

Anyway, I have dogs up to no good, a son trying to build a fort in the living room and my dryer just beeped letting me know that NOW I HAVE TO PUT THE LAUNDRY AWAY.....great!!!

Hope you're all having a wonderful friday :)



We had Steak Lo Mein for dinner, it was pretty good, so go check out the recipe at the food blog if you wish :)
For tonight I'm making Arroz A Valenciana, it's a portuguese rice dish, with chicken, smoked sausage, peas etc. Very good, will post the recipe later.


Montel Williams
General Hospital
Sonhos Traidos (portuguese soap)
Nanny 911
Most Haunted


Ironing and putting away laundry - AGAIN
Vacuuming
Updating Food Blog

September 11......I Remember

I'm not American, most of you know that, but for those that don't....I was not born in this wonderful country, but the events of September 11, 2001, rocked me to the core.

I remember I had just finished eating breakfast. Jasmine was in the living room playing and hubby was asleep upstairs after working midshift.

I don't even know what was on the TV, but the next minute, there were Breaking News Reports and interrupted programs to bring us the news. I vividly remember Jasmine whining because her show was interrupted, and I was in the middle of telling her that it would be just a quick news cast and soon she would have the cartoons back, but something kept me glued to the TV.

The image of the first airplane crashing into the World Trade Center.

I sat in silence and in shock, not knowing what to make of it. Surely something must have happened, a mechanical problem, pilot error, but how??? There's no way he could have missed the tall towers.

Before I could digest everything, the second plane hit and the minute it did, I felt a gut wrenching pain, a lump in my throat and the tears started flowing. It hit me, something big is going on and it affects everyone, but being a military family I also knew what it meant for us.

Even though it's been years there are some moments that replay in my mind, as if in slow motion, a recording that become implated for life.

Those innocent people waving from the windows, looking for any sort of help they could get out of that inferno.

The shocking images of some jumping from the towers.

The towers collapsing, the screams the panic and then the dead silence....

I, much like Shannon, jumped up from the couch racing towards the TV, my arms stretched out as if by some invisible force I could hold the towers up.

I remember the anchors trying to gather information, trying to stay neutral, but some with tears in their eyes, voices cracking and in shock.

I remember feeling imense sadness for all the innocent lives lost, for the pain and grief their families would have to endure.

I remember feeling a tremendous anger at the people who did this, how could they be so vile, so horrible?

I remember our base became a tightly secured place, the base gates were closed, there were ID checks at every building and everywhere imaginable, there was added security, and our guys moved into overdrive. You could feel the tension in the air, the soldiers wanting to just get out there and do what they could, and an immense sense of pride for being able to contribute somehow to this beautiful country.

And finally I remember being extremely proud of my husband as he packed, put on his uniform and was shipped out to defend our country.

September 11.....We will NOT forget!!!

If you want to share your own memory of that day, go on over to Shannon's Blog and add your name to Mr. Linky.

I'm Struggling......

That's how I literally felt when my alarm went off. I don't get it, I could have sworn I had JUST laid down to sleep about five minutes before, how could it be 5:45 am???
But who am I to go against the alarm clock right?

I woke up with a killer headache, which I know is from stress. Things here at paradise have been, oh, not so paradiseish?!?!?
I had a little meltdown last night, I think the headaches I've been getting are stress related and all due to a certain young child named Jasmine.

I love her to death, but she is the most opinionated, gotta-be-my-way, strong-willed, drive my mother and father crazy, kind of child, I've EVER come across. I'm literally holding on to my sanity, I feel like I was placed smack dab in the middle of her teenage years, just that she's only 7 years old.....some cruel joke perhaps???
I don't think a day goes by where she isn't crying about something, whining or complaining about things not going her way, and then yelling at us because she has too much homework, like I'M the teacher. Fiery Red Head indeed!!!

So yes, I had myself a very good cry last night, which left me with not so pretty swollen eyes and a killer headache. If only I had it because of a wild night on the town!!!
But you know, I'll get through it, I have God holding my hand real tight today, guiding me and advising me on what to say. I even invested in some much needed mouth guards, lest I spout off something out of anger and frustration. I'm GOOD TO GO!!!

We're at 63 degrees this morning, and thunderstorms on the way. It feels great, the weather is cool outside, not muggy and oven hot. I'm really looking forward to the thunderstorms though, we need the rain.
But with that it also means, no more walking to and from school, something I really enjoy, and it helps me stay fit.

This kind of weather gets me in a baking mood, so I'm going to be fixing scones, it's been a long time since I've made them and I don't even have the recipe anymore, so I've been looking for them and came across one posted by Lady Laurie and then a couple more posted at one of my newest favorite blogs, Fish Creek House. Cyd runs a Bed and Breakfast, can we say I'm envious??? It's always been one of my dreams. But anyway, Cyd posts such wonderful photos on her blog AND delicious recipes. You really should go over and see.

I went to the thrift store yesterday, and I came home with a bunch of things. Nothing like finding good bargains. These are some of the items I picked up....

I got more stuff, just haven't had the time to get pictures, but isn't that great???

Anyway, it's time to get my housework under way. Here's what's happening on this side of the world:



Last night I made Mushroom Round Steak, it was really good....today I'm fixing Steak Lo Mein (recipe will be up shortly) and I even have fortune cookies for dessert. It's my first time fixing this recipe too, so wish me luck.
I'm also baking some scones to have this afternoon, along with some hot tea, will be the perfect after school snack :)


Nancy Grace
Americas Most Haunted Inns and America's Most Haunted Town
Frasier
Everybody Loves Raymond
Crocodile Hunter
Barefoot Contessa
Sandra's Semi-Homemade
Sonhos Traidos (portuguese soap)


Ironing and putting away laundry
Sweeping and Mopping kitchen and hallways
Changing bed linens
Baking Scones
Starting Jasmine's Knitted Scarf
Updating Food Blog

And there ya have it, that's my plans for today. I guess I should get started shouldn't I???
Just underneath this post, you'll find some Fall Ideas, a post I did for Momrn2 at My Quiet Corner....she's asking us for decorating ideas for fall, go on over and check out her blog.

I leave you with a tribute that I found for Steve Irwin. Be prepared though, it will bring tears to your eyes. No matter how anyone may feel about him, he will definitely be missed...my kids are still sad over his death.

FALL IDEAS!!!

Momrn2 at My Quiet Corner, is asking us all to give out Fall Ideas. Ways to decorate for the season without having to spend too much money. I'm all for that.

One thing I do is go to Walmart and look through the $1 a yard fabric, I can usually find seasonal fabrics which I use to make curtains, placemats, tablecloths or pillows to match the season we're in.

Another thing I do, is a great way to use up old cans. The kids love helping too, and they look adorable once they're finished. I use tons of cans a week, either for soups or sauces or whatever....instead of throwing them out, I wash them out really well....then I make Tin Can Twinkles.

I found this idea in a magazine many years ago, and though I didn't keep the whole magazine, I did keep the article, so I'm sharing it with you.

The only thing I don't do is paint the stars on, just another way to save money. I buy inexpensive black paint, but then I use the nails and hammer to make the shape of the stars, instead of using a stencil and pain like it suggests....but hey, you can do which ever way you want.

I also get candles with scents like Pumpkin, Gingerbread cookies, Apple Spice etc.

If you have any Fall Ideas to share, go on over to My Quiet Corner and add your name to Mr. Linky. I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with too.....great idea Momrn2 :)

Guilty as Charged!!!

The first post that I read this morning, was Barb's contribution over at "Faith Lifts". Barb is an amazing lady and she inspires me in so many ways, but one thing I've always looked up to, is her faith. It was surprising to me to read how her faith has been shaken the past week due to something her and her husband are dealing with.

It shouldn't have come as a shock, I'm guilty as charged of doing the same thing, and mind you, not just once, but time and time again.

I love the Lord and I'm pretty strong in my faith. I know He's there, I know where my blessings come from, but yet from time to time, when life is going great and everything seems to be running smoothly, I tend to overlook Him. I become complacent, I push Him aside with excuses of not having time, or being too busy. I forget to thank Him daily for the blessings in my life and ashamed as I am to admit, days will go by when I don't speak to Him.

Usually that's when He will decide to send me a wake up call. Something that will phase me, now mind you, it can't be something little, because I'm so caught up in my perfect little life, that I don't see it.

For me there have been a couple of times, and one would think that by now I would have learnt my lesson, but I'm only human and in His eyes, I'm only a child, I'm going to make mistakes over and over and act without thinking from time to time.

One of the biggest wake up calls for me, was about 2 years ago. Again, life was great, my husband had just sewn on his Staff Sergeant stripe, which meant almost $500 extra a month. We were happy, after the two miscarriages, I had just had Nicholas, he was 6 months old, we had extra money, we were all healthy and life was good.

That is until one morning. Hubby was working midshift, which was from 11pm to 7am. He would come home, go upstairs and kiss me goodmorning, before heading to bed himself. I was laying there and heard him come in, he walked up to bed, sat down and said "I almost died tonight". I jumped up and said "WHAT?!?!? What do you mean?".

Seems that one of the airman he was supervising that night, decided to mess around and fill some plastic bottles with liquid oxygen. A big NO NO!!! When my husband went to dispose of these bottles, one of them exploded in his hands. The impact was so big that it shook the hangar doors and the bottle was impaled on a tree a couple of feet away. But my husband walked away with not a single scratch, just deaf for a few days.

That wasn't the only thing, they had just gotten a new commander the day before, and he had expressed the need to "make an example" out of the next person that messed up. Because my husband was the supervisor when this happened, both he and the airman lost a stripe. The promotion that he had worked so hard on getting and studying for, was removed and so was the money.

I remember the day he went in to talk to his commander, to find out his punishment. I stayed home and prayed so hard, I literally begged God to please, please not let him loose his stripe, anything but that. The minute my husband walked through the door, I knew THAT was exactly what had happened.

I was angry, at him, at God and at everything. I felt betrayed, I remember thinking "Why??? would would you say you love me and then let something like this happen? Didn't I beg you hard enough, didn't you hear me pleading with you?".
The reality of what had just happened hit me like a bomb. We had the same bills, but less money every payday, the people my husband had been supervising were now HIS superiors and he was given 6 months to retest for his stripe and if he didn't make it, he was OUT. His whole career thrown out the window because of a stupid mistake someone else made under his watch.

Now became my fight, my fight for sanity and my fight to remain faithful to God. My hardest struggle??? Keeping my husband sane and from turning away from the Father. There were days that I cried myself to sleep, it was hard, it was the hardest time I've ever gone through. Our paychecks were around $400, and now I had to juggle, pay bills and buy groceries. If I paid the bills we wouldn't eat, and if we ate, the bills would suffer.

But in that minute that I found out about his punishment, it was a HUGE wake up call. I yelled and God was there, I complained and whined and God was there, I cried my eyes out and God was there. Then I felt ashamed and regretful for needing something so big to make me remember Him again. I got down on my knees and sat at His feet every night, I told Him how hard things were and how tired I was of trying to make ends meet.

It wasn't easy, it took 6 months of hardship, but one thing that never shook was my faith in Him....not after that first day.

I think I learnt my lesson, do I believe that I'll be complacent again in the future? Oh it's a sure bet.
Do I believe that He will have to use something big again? Probably, but I've grown so much closer to Him the past year that I doubt it will take something as big.

But for today, I'm thanking Him, for everything. For all the good and for all the bad, because if it wasn't for all the struggles I've been through, I wouldn't be the woman that I am today, I've seen the ugly side and I'm still seeing the wonderful and beautiful side of being with God, and I'm going to try my hardest to NEVER let anything come between us again.

Wordless Wednesday!!!

For more Wordless Wednesday, go on over to 5 Minutes for Mom.

Morning Everyone :)

It's been a crazy morning. I thought I had it all under control, I was on a schedule, the kids were getting up with plenty of time to get ready for school and we still made it there about 10 minutes before the bell rang.

What happened this morning??? I couldn't fall asleep last night, it was about 2 am when I finally drifted off to sleep, then the alarm started yelling at me at 5:45am.
I am exhausted, I pretty much dragged myself around, trying to get ready....the kids didn't want to get up either, which meant everyone was being slow, and by the time we walked out the door it was 8:10am.

The first bell rings at 8:20am so we got halfway and heard it ringing.

Me - Run, Run, Run, just take the backpack and go as fast as you can Jasmine.
Jasmine - I don't feel like it, I'm tired, I don't want to run and my backpack is too heavy.
Me - WHAT?!?!? Just go, you're going to be late, look the kids have gone in already....
Jasmine - I said, I'm not going to run, the tardy bell doesn't ring until 8:30am. (Gives me the look)
*Nicholas stops in the middle of the field and refuses to budge*
Nicholas - I'm not going anymore, I want to go back to your home and play my Dora game
Me - *Eye Twitching* Are you KIDDING me?!?!? What is wrong with you both this morning, you're not cooperating at all.
Jasmine - Oh we're just kids!!!!

And there you have it, truer words have never been spoken. WE'RE JUST KIDS!!!
See how wonderful my morning was??? But in the middle of all this chaos, I was stressed beyond belief, exhausted and out of patience, begging God to help me get through it, and then I look outside the window and see this:

Isn't that a beautiful sunrise??? The pictures don't do it justice because it was this bright red which turned the whole sky that beautiful pinkish color. It just reminds me that He is still there and that I'll make it through this day, albeit holding on tight to His hands.

With school now going into it's second week, things are finally starting to settle into the school year routine. It's always hectic the first few days, it's like re-learning how to ride a bike, you sort of forget about it, but once you get back on that bike, it all comes flooding back. Except for me, in the case of a real bike, for some reason the older I get the more scared I am of riding it. How sad is that??? Seriously, hubby asked me to get on my bike, I did and then peddled a few steps and then all of a sudden I had this image of me just plopping to the side. I literally starting yelling "oh no, oh no, how do I stop it without falling over?".

Let's just say, the look on hubby's face was priceless. LOL

So I'm spending the day doing laundry, I'm tackling it all, I would have used it as my "Tackle it Tuesday" post, but it wouldn't be fair, I've used it before. I really couldn't come up with another project, so I guess I'm not playing along this week. But by all means, go on over to Janice and Susan's "5 Minutes for Mom" and check out what others are tackling all over blogland.

BTW, I'm still not able to post in some of your blogs, Barb, Annie, Rena, Lady Laurie and a few others. Turns out that you have your blogs set to not accept anonymous comments, hence my poor fate....I can't post using my blogger account until Beta has sorted itself all out, and I can't post anonymously either, so I'm faced with a dilema....I read your blogs, and want to post a comment and can't, no way around it. So if I used to comment everyday on some blogs, and now I don't, it's not because I'm not reading it, it's because I'm prohibited from doing so, by the Beta Blogger Fairy.....nasty nasty fairy she is!!!

While I was over at 5 Minutes for Mom this morning, I saw a post that really excited me. Heather at My Midlife Moments has teamed up with Janice and Susan to create a new group blog called "Faith Lifts." This is a quote from Heather:

There are many great bible study themed blogs out there, and it is not our desire to replace or over shadow any of them- We firmly believe that Christ is working mightly in the blogging world, and is using all of us! Faith Lifts, however, does want to be a bit different than the rest. Every day we all face struggles, disapointment and hardships. We sometimes feel as if we are traveling this journey alone, but that is where we at Faith Lifts want to help. We want to share His love and grace with you on the days when you need it the most. We also want to be able to just sit back and giggle like old friends from time to time!

Now while I wish I could be a contributor, I just don't have the time for it with the little ones, but I'm definitely going to be visiting the blog every day. I think we could all use some Faith Lifting, we all have our struggles and Heather says it best "We sometimes feel as if we are traveling this journey alone". Boy have I felt that way, numerous times.

The topic being discussed this month is faith. Go on over and read Heather's entry, reflect on your own faith, where you're at in your life, what can you do to change it, and let the stories you read give you the courage you need to get through that hard time.
I know that for me, this couldn't have come at a better time. I've added the Button on my sidebar, there to the left, if you want to help spread the word, just go HERE, pick the button you want and proudly show it off on your blog.

Last night I tried a new recipe for Round Steak Stroganoff. It was DELICIOUS and one that hubby and the kids have asked me to make again soon. It's right up there with my Smothered Steak Recipe which was a huge hit at dinner. If you want to take a look remember to check my food blog "Full Bellies, Happy Kids".

I decided that from now on, I'll end all my posts the same way. I will tell you what's cooking at home, what I'm doing that day, what I'm watching or reading, projects etc.

I guess all in an attempt to make you see exactly what my days are like. This is the first time I'm doing it, that's why I'm babbling about it, but from now on it will just be a normal feature.


I have a chicken in the slow cooker, roasting and permeating the air with a wonderful aroma. I also have carrots and potatoes ready to add to it in a few hours. There's a yummy salad to go with it, and for dessert, Fresh Fruit Salad.


ABC - General Hospital
Fox Channel - House (New Season)
Discovery Channel - Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe


Laundry
Ironing
Sewing
Baking for Jasmine's Class tomorrow

TREASURE TUESDAY!!!

Oh how I love Tuesdays and being able to share my treasures with you. I never really thought about all the things I have that bring a special memory, until Faith started the "Treasure Tuesday" feature. I'm so glad she did though!!!

The treasure I have to share with you all today, is actually a book. Yes a lot of us love books and have tons of them and for the most part we consider them treasures, but this book helped me through a really tough time in my life.

It was June 2001 and I had just been told by the doctors that I was having a second miscarriage. I remember sitting there looking at the little screen, while the doctors pointed out that the sac was drooped on one side and that there was no viable pregnancy. I was 8 and a half weeks pregnant and it hit me like a bomb.

How could this happen??? Just two months before I had my first miscarriage, and now it was happening again. I had so many questions, and other than the doctors with their medical explanations, no one seemed to understand what I was going through.

After a week or two, I got a phone call from the doctor. They wanted me to come in for a D&C, I was terrified but I went and got it done. Another week or two and I got another call, the cells that were removed during the D&C were NOT from the baby, so it might be a tubal pregnancy. I was now told to go in for an ultrasound to try to find the baby, I remember trying to joke with the technician and asking him if I had an 8 week old baby just floating around in there, since they were having such a hard time finding it. Nothing....no baby!!! Next step, Methotraxate, a dose of chemotherapy.

After going through all the medical procedures, I felt numb and alone. This is where my treasure comes in.....I was sitting at the computer and clicked on something, not even sure anymore, and up came this book called I'll Hold you in Heaven. I read the book that first day I got it and pretty much kept it with me constantly. It was the ONE thing that got me through the really bad times and the questions which no one seemed to be able to answer.

It not only gave me the answers to some questions I had, but it followed it up with scriptures, which brought me so much comfort. To this day, when I have my bad days (because I still do from time to time), I look to this book to help me get through them...it's never failed me!!!

And there you have it, my treasure for this tuesday. Are you sharing one of your treasures too??? If so, then head on over to Faith at Faithful Mommy and play along by adding your name to the list.

Tagged Tagged Tagged.....

Barb at A New Chelsea Morning, tagged me for this questionnaire, she wants to know what products I use, and because she's such a sweet lady, I'm going to happily oblige. So here it goes, but hey don't start ducking away for fear of being tagged, yeah you in the back there, sit up.....LOL


1. If you make sweet tea, or your favorite style, do you use Luzianne, Lipton or something else?

I'm not a sweet tea drinker, sorry to admit, that's my hubby's department. That man guzzles down gallon after gallon of sweet tea. Since there is no Luzianne around our area, it's Lipton or Bust.


2. What brand of toilet paper do you buy and is it the larger rolls or regular?

Charmin Plus Giant Rolls, Aloe Vera or the Wildflowers. What can I say, I like the smell of the wildflowers toilet paper, you'll usually find me sniffing the empty paper roll. (Too much info? sorry lol)


3. Which brand of bath soap do you use? Body wash or bar?

For me, Suave Moisturizing Body wash with Moisture Beads, Lavender scent. For the hubby, Old Spice Bodywash.

4. What cereal do you buy for yourself?

I don't, I really don't eat cereal, but on the occasional craving, I grab Honey Nut Cheerios.

5. What brand of dishwasher detergent do you use? Liquid or tablets?

Whatever is on sale, and yet I'm still amazed at why I sometimes get water spots on my dishes LOL Seriously though, whatever is on sale, I can't bear to pay ludicrous amounts of money for dishwashing detergent.

6. What's your favorite fruit?

Strawberries, oh and kiwi, guess that makes it fruits, instead of just one.

7. Which brand of laundry detergent do you use?

Well I have two I like but usually it's Gain Touch of Softeness Cotton Fresh, and I use Simple Pleasures Softener AND the matching dryer sheets. Lavender and Vanilla scent....oh boy, it's yummy!!!

8. Do you like chocolate?

What kind of a question is that? I LOVE chocolate LOL

9. Are you right or left-handed?

I'm right, right???

10. Do you still write checks or use a debit card?

I use a debit card whenever possible, or actually cash which keeps me from overspending. I seldom write checks for anything anymore, unless it's a really tight payday, then I have to write a check two days before and pray and hope to God it doesn't go through until payday.

Ok now, I'm going to tag someone, I really wasn't but I saw some of you trying to flee the scene and ducking away, that just means you WANT to get tagged right?

Because I usually tag the same people, I'm going to shake things up a bit. So I tag Annie, Addie, (see a pattern? lol j/k) Michelle-Ozark Crafter, Cyd and Domestic Goddess. I'm setting the clock and you have 10 minutes, GO!!! Nah, I'm just kidding, take all the time in the world :)

Steve Irwin Killed by Stingray............

I'm shocked, I woke up this morning and had an email from my SIL with a link to the story. I thought it must be some sort of sick joke that goes around the internet.....but unfortunately it's true. I LOVED the Crocodile Hunter, and so did the kids, this is just such a sad thing. It was so much fun watching his show and listening to him talk, especially when he would say "Crikey", we thought it was the funniest thing.

Irwin was in the area to film pieces for a show called "Ocean's Deadliest" with Phillippe Cousteau, grandson of Jacques, Irwin's manager and friend John Stainton told CNN's "American Morning." But weather had prevented the crew from doing work for that program, said Stainton, so Irwin decided to do some softer features for a new children's TV show he was doing with his daughter, Bindi.

"He came over the top of a stingray that was buried in the sand, and the barb came up and hit him in the chest," said Stainton.

If you want to read the full story, just go here, and if you want to leave a tribute you can do so here. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Terri, his two children Bindi Sue 8, and Robert (Bob) 3 years old, and the rest of the family. Sad day indeed!!!!

This long weekend has thrown me off, I don't know whether I'm coming or going. To make things worse I overslept this morning, or rather I slept IN, woke up at 8:30 am. That's not good, considering tomorrow I have to be up at 5:45 am. Oh well, guess I'm heading to bed here soon LOL Just kidding, but seriously, I need to get to bed early tonight or I'll be crying tomorrow.

I have a full day of laundry ahead, I don't understand how this happens, I wash laundry more than once a week, but yet there's always a mountain waiting for me. Does it multiply in our sleep??? Are there other people in this house, that I'm not even aware of, dirtying clothes and throwing them in the hamper??? Or do some of my neighbors stop by to bring their laundry??? It's fascinating in a way, trying to figure out where this is all coming from!!!

I did get my purse and my wallet organized yesterday, I had no idea I was holding on to so many things. Stuff that doesn't even make any sense, but in my head, the printout of the bowling scores from last year might just come in handy if I were to run into some bowling personality. Pathetic!!!

The following step in the book was called "Enter at Own Risk", and it has to do with the front door and the entry way. I was so excited that I got my purse and wallet done, you know, you get that second wind and then run around cleaning everything you can, because who knows when you'll have that surge of energy again.....that I did that too. I cleaned and reorganized my entry hall, only thing I have to do today is give the porch area a sweep, and wash the door and get rid of those pesky spider webs laying around. I COULD leave them for halloween right???? Nah, I'm just being lazy...they're going!!!

I just finished uploading my Menu Plans for this week, and also posting the recipe for tonight's dinner, which is "Round Steak Stroganoff". If you're interested in seeing either of those, just pop on over to my food blog "Full Bellies, Happy Kids". I'm thrilled that so many of you are enjoying the recipes so much :)

Cooking is something I thoroughly enjoy, there's nothing like being in the kitchen, either making a dish that brings back childhood memories, or trying something new. It's a wonderful sense of accomplishment when you have a craving for a certain meal and know that you can make it yourself, not having to get in a car and travel to the restaurant or take out place to get it.

So before I leave, I want to ask you all a question.....I want to know what food or meal is certain to bring back wonderful childhood memories?

How old were you??? Was this a special holiday meal, or a sunday dinner??? Who prepared the meal, was it a grandmother or mom, or maybe even your father???

I'm just really curious as to what food takes us back in time. Feel free to play along and leave me a comment so I can go see it :)

For me I would have to say it was always Curry. Whenever there was a big family get together, my greatgrandmother would make a HUGE and I mean HUGE pot of Crab or Shrimp Curry, it was always followed by Portuguese Rice Pudding or Pasteis de Nata (Cream Tartlets). I remember these fondly, because there would be about 14 people sitting at the table, there was conversation, laughter and tons of good food.

'Til this day, when I eat either one of those dishes, I'm instantly transported back in time, I can hear the voices, smell the food and smile at the wonderful times we had.

If you want to play along, just add your name to Mr. Linky :)

QUEEN OF CLEAN AND A CUP OF TEA!!!

I went to the library yesterday, to return the movies that were due. Of course, going to the library means that I can't just walk out, I always have to look for just one more book, just two more movies, just one more magazine.....you know how it is, there's nothing like the anticipation of holding a new book in your hands, waiting eagerly to read that first word, that first page, going on that adventure.

So I did what any other person would do, I walked out with another 5 books. Yes, another five to add to the ten I got just last week. Ahhhhhhh, wonderful!!!

One of the books that caught my eyes, is called Queen of Clean Conquers Clutter, and it's by Linda Cobb, someone that I'm sure a lot of us ladies have seen or heard of, either on TV or by word of mouth. I brought the book home and I'm ready to Conquer my Clutter, throw out the junk, organize the rest and feel great for being so organized.

If I hadn't stumbled upon Laura's Blog "An Organizing Junkie", I don't think I would have given this book a second glance, but Laura is so inspiring and she always has the best organizational tips to give, I want to be like her.....there I said it, I want to be an Organizing Junkie too. I'm all ready, first thing on the agenda??? Tackling my Wallet!!!! I even bought a new one yesterday, this way I can feel like I'm starting new.

After my wallet, you ask??? My purse. This is why I think I can do it, because honestly, I opened up my wallet at the store this morning, and out jumped receipts from last year, pieces of paper with stuff scribbled on it and other weird things that I didn't even know were in there. Now unless I'm planning on never returning home, there is no need to carry all this trash around. So there, I'm starting as a Princess and on my way to becoming a , not THE Queen, that's Linda Cobbs job.

Just so you all know, I'm having some issues leaving comments on your blogs. Not all, but some, blogger is not allowing me to post at all, I'm either going to start commenting anonymously (I'll let you know it's me though), or I'll start emailing you. So please, don't be scared if an email pops up from me, rambling about something you said on your blog....hopefully blogger sorts itself out soon.

By the way, who are these children in my house, and what have they done with my kids?!?!? Over the past two days, I've watched these two supposed kids of mine, fight and whine, and then whine and fight some more. They fight over who watches tv, who plays on the computer, who loves each other more, who sits where at the table, who takes a bath first, and then just to top it all off, they whine about the other whining about something. No wonder my eye was twitching last night, just give me some crazy hair and a white coat and stand back for Crazy Mamma!!!

I ended up not going to the thrift store yesterday, only made it from Walmart to the Dollar Tree, before the kids were acting out and I just wanted to offer them to the first person that walked by. I made it out of there with 2 candles, some embroidery floss and my sanity hanging by a small very stretched thread. Well BLEH!!!

Know what I'm in the mood for??? A nice cup of tea, one thing I miss about living in Europe, is the usual afternoon Tea. You always have tea and a sandwich, or scones or cookies or something. I remember doing this with my greatgrandmother and grandma, it was time to sit at the kitchen table, share a hot cup of tea, and talk, about everything and anything. It was around that kitchen table that I learnt a LOT about being a wife, how to cook, how to be a good mom, housecleaning and laundry and everything in between. Boy do I miss those days!!!

But speaking of tea, I thought I would share this recipe with you all. It's for a Hot Spiced Tea, perfect for the upcoming Fall and Winter months :)

Hot Spiced Afternoon Tea

4 pints water
1/2 level tsp. whole cloves
1/2 a stick of cinnamon
1 oz. tea
4 oz. sugar
1/4 pint Orange Juice Or squash
Juice of 2 lemons
Cinnamon sticks to serve

Add the spices to the water and bring to the boil. Pour onto the tea and allow to brew for 5 minutes. Stir, strain onto the sugar and stir until dissolved. Add the fruit juices. To reheat before serving (if necessary) place over a low heat-do not simmer or boil. Serve with cinnamon sticks. Serves 12 people.

You won't mind if I step away from the computer, here in a minute, will you? I'm waiting for my water to boil so I can make my cup of tea, but I won't be gone for long. Actually, it's ready, I'll be right back...Oh here, go on over to this place while you wait, look at all the interesting household lists, I think that grocery list will come in handy. Go on, I'll be back in a jiffy.

Ok I'm back and this tea is really hitting the spot. Now since I said that I can't post comments on some blogs, I thought I would let you all know what they're talking about, I guess in a way I'll be posting my comment on here??? Think that works???

• First, Barb at A Chelsea Morning, is playing along with Dawn from Home Sweet Home, and they get to name their favorite movies, Barb likes chick flicks, which I just love, so go check out her list. Also don't forget to read her post for today called "Sunday Meanderings", love her Food for Thought which talks about being Thankful. Barb and her husband are having to deal with something tough right now, but she's still being thankful, what an amazing lady she is :)
• If you're on the look out for some wonderful new Fall purses or diaper bags, just run, I mean seriously RUN over to Carolina Rags.....or go check out her blog which I love reading, she's an amazing mom dealing with one of life's biggest curveballs.... Angie is SO creative and so talented and I'm just in love with her latest work....
• Mrs C. over at Riverbend Ramblings has such a great blog, I just love reading her every morning. I can relate to a lot of what she talks about. But I mostly encourage you to go over and read this post, what a great idea. Too often I tend to overlook my hubby and what a blessing he is in my life, this post just reminds us to pray for them too, they deserve it :)
• And finally, Lady Laurie at Rose Cottage...by the sea, is sharing a recipe for Scones. How perfect is that, I was just talking about tea time, so these will be great. Go on over and take a peek at the recipe, and while you're there, read through her other entries, she's a great lady ;)

Well that's it, I think I've babbled on long enough, I managed to finish off my tea while writing this post, that should give you an idea of how long I've sat here. I really do hope you all have a beautiful Labor Day Weekend. I'm off to post my recipe on my food blog and do some quick cleaning around this house. See ya tomorrow :)

ONLY ME!!!!!!!

So yesterday morning, I get ready and leave the house to head to the commissary for groceries. I walk outside, reach down to open the car door and see a leaf, a big green leaf on my door. I reach out and try to grab it, and it moves. Yes, it freaking moves!!!
I think I jumped 3 feet back and screamed my head off. I see this leaf (or what I think is a leaf), turn towards me and just stare. No, I'm not joking and I'm not high or drunk....I don't do drugs or drink at all LOL
I certainly haven't lost my mind either. What is the first thing that crosses my mind???

It wasn't, "run away", "call for help" or "get the heck outta there", it was "QUICK GO GRAB THE CAMERA SO YOU CAN BLOG ABOUT IT". How sad LOL But I did, I ran back inside to grab my camera and got a shot of it, wanna see it??? You ready??? Well meet my friend, and then I'll tell you the rest of the story.

Anyway, I got the picture and then drove to the commissary, and all the time I'm thinking that with the wind and the driving, this grasshopper would be long gone. WRONG!!!
I get to the store, totally forget about it, then go get my groceries. I come out and the lady that has my bags let's out this scream and says "WHAT IS THAT?!?!?"....wouldn't you believe it, the darn grasshopper went all the way to the store with me???

The lady tried to push it off the car, and it wouldn't budge, so I brought it back home with me. Only with me would I find a grasshopper that decided to live on my car. It IS beautiful though isn't it??? I'm so amazed at how much it resembles a leaf. Just reminds me of yet another beauty from God.

Here in about an hour, I'm heading back to Walmart to get some prepaid phones. Hubby and I don't use cellphones, the only reason we want one is just for emergencies, or in case I'm out and the school needs to get ahold of me. I just can't justify paying a monthly fee for something I'm not going to use, and quite frankly, I still don't see the reason for bells and whistles and cameras on phones. BUT, that's neither here nor there!!!

After walmart we're making a stop at the thrift store in town. Have I ever told you how much my hubby likes shopping??? I struck gold when I married this guy, he is as bad as I am. We could stay in the store for hours and then leave just because the kids are getting bored or tired or whatever. I can't wait to see what we find at the thrift store :)

Youknow, I didn't get to visit anyone yesterday, I was running around and by the time we got back home it was 7pm, then it was time for bath and bed for the kids. I laid down in bed and then realized that somehow, somewhere, during the day, I had pulled a muscle in my neck and back. I don't know what it is, but for years now, every few months, I'll be doing something normal, like mopping, or sweeping, cleaning, shopping etc...and suddenly pull a muscle, to the point where I am in such pain that I can't reach for anything, I can't turn my neck and I can't sit up in bed. Not exactly a wonderful thing when you have little kids, huh???

Well I better get going. I'm going to leave you with some food for thought. I was reading my "31 Days Toward Intimacy with God" book this morning, and the chapter was called "Listen...Listen to Me", it talks about how we can listen to God, and how we can start listening today.

I'm guilty of that, I usually talk about just me and what I'm feeling and what I want, I don't think I even give thought to God's desires and thoughts, what he wants for ME. I've really had to stop and think today about how I can change all that, and not make my prayers and my conversations with the Lord, just one sided. You all understand don't you??? We go into prayer with a list of things, an agenda of what we want to get out of it, and I admit that I rarely give him a chance to respond, I just assume that He wants what is best for me, and if I think it's a Rolls Royce, then for sure He has to be on the same page right??? WRONG!!!
I have to pay attention and give Him a chance to talk back, that's something I'm definitely going to start working on.


So I leave you with this:

Add a half hour to your time with the Lord today - and dedicate it to quieting your heart and listening for His voice. If the weather allows it, go for a walk and ask Him to walk with you and speak to you.

"Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your sould will delight in the richest of fares" Isaiah 55:2

PRAISE THE LORD INDEED!!!

Thank you all so very much, for the prayers towards my MIL and her cancer. She had her doctors appointment yesterday and then called us last night.

The cancer has NOT spread and is only in her breast. Thank the Lord!!!! And thank all of YOU, for I know how hard you all prayed too. This is just wonderful news and what we all wanted to hear.

On the 5th she goes in for her implant and then on the 11th she starts her chemotherapy treatment. I wanted to pass those news on to all of you, I feel that you've been going through it with me from the beginning.

I'm cold. Yes you heard me, COLD COLD COLD. It's only 45 degrees, and last night I had to turn off the AC and threw a blanket over my comforter, that's how nippy it was. I better enjoy my walks, I think their days are numbered.

You know I already knew that I had a great kid, but yesterday when I picked up Jasmine from school, she made me so proud again. See in their classroom they have this thing called a Treasure Chest. It has candy, toys etc inside. The teacher rewards them with golden tickets for certain things during the day, and then they use those to pick something out of the Treasure Chest.

Well the night before we had been to the Parent/Teacher Night. Mrs Doner had told the kids that if they could convince both their parents to come, that they would get two tickets to get two things from the Treasure Chest. Needless to say, there were a lot of parents there. LOL
I think only two kids and their parents didn't show up.

One of the kids sits right in front of Jasmine and is one of her friends. Yesterday when it was her turn to get her treasure, she asked him what he would like, and he said he really wanted one of those plastic snakes. So this is what my beautiful daughter did, she got a pixie stick for herself and then used her other ticket to get herfriend his snake. Isn't that just the sweetest thing???

You know I always worry, did I teach her right?
I can control what she does at home, but the minute she steps out the door, it's a WHOLE NEW ballgame. And then she does things like this, and it's not only yesterday, Jasmine has a full repertoire of doing little things like this, which to me and daddy are HUGE, and I'm sure to her friends they are too.
Just had to share that with you guys, I thought it was so sweet of her :)

Curt is off work today, so this morning he is watching Nicholas so that I can take Jasmine to school and then go to the commissary. Later this afternoon we have to make a trip to Walmart and some other errands to run.

What is it with kids and their growth??? Just answer me that, why can't a good pair of shoes last for at least a year, that's all I'm asking for, not much. All the shoes that they got not even 6 months ago, do NOT fit them. I repeat that, do NOT fit them. And let's not even mention the clothes. I have a problem with Jasmine. She is really thin and tall. I walk into a store and I find a pair of pants that I really like for her, we try them on and they fit one of two ways.

Either they are HUGE on the waist but fit fine everywhere else.....or they fit fine on the waist and then are too short. What's up with that?!?!?! So anyway, we are going clothes shopping this weekend. I'll take any excuse to go shopping.

I still have to get my grocery list finished this morning, but I did make the menus, and those will be up on my food blog later today.

It's nice having Curt home, he's going to take Jazzy to school so I don't have to rush to get them all ready, including Nicholas who is a slow poke. Everything in his world is done at turtle speed, seriously, we go on a walk and I get frustrated at him at times, he walks soooooo slow and then stops every minute. But in a way, I wish I could be like him, does that make sense?

Would be nice to have that sense of innocence, the ability to slow down and just worry about the here and now, take my time to really, really see things as they are, the birds in the sky, the trees and even that little bug crawling on the ground.
Things that I'm usually too busy to see.

You know what I think we ALL need from time to time???
To embrace the child in us, to see things through a child's eyes, let everything seem new and exciting, stop worrying about how we look and just worry about how much fun we can have. Kids don't care if they look silly while they're running around in a sprinkler, or trying to dance all discombobulated, they're just loving that minute of that day. What a beautiful thing!!!!

One day very soon, I'm going to do that, I'm going to throw all cares aside and just be silly with my kids. I'll have to wait until hubby leaves though, how embarassing!!! Just kidding, I don't care if he sees me being a goofball.....for one day, I'm going to enjoy every little thing and then maybe journal it, see how it differs from my everyday perspective. That should be fun.

But right now, I'm running out of time, I gotta get the kids up and Jasmine ready for school. Have a great friday ladies, I'll see ya later :)

BTW, look below for my Everyday Post, and check out my food blog later this morning, for my menus and my Five Ingredients Friday :)

EVERYDAY THINGS!!! September 1st

"...For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Philippians 4:11

"If you want any one thing too much it's likely to disappoint. The healthy way is to learn to like the everyday things, like soft beds and buttermilk..."-- Augustus McCrae-"Lonesome Dove"

This weekly feature is designed to encourage all of us to embrace contentment and to appreciate the everyday things which we often take for granted.

My everyday thing today, is my kitchen. You may think it's a little nutty to say that, but no, really, think about it. When it's summer and we need to cool down, it's in the kitchen that we gather for some ice cream, or a popsicle or a nice cold glass of iced tea.

It's in my kitchen that we gather when family comes to visit, to play games, to chat, to catch up on what is going on in our lives.

It's in my kitchen, that we sit down at dinner time and talk about our days.

It's in my kitchen that I prepare the meals for the family, that I make the toast for the one who is not feeling so well that day.

It's in my kitchen that I try out new recipes, clip coupons, help with homework, listen to one of my kids when they're sad or upset, greet my husband when he comes home from work.

It's ALL in my kitchen, and I take it for granted and forget about it every single day, and yet I can't go one hour without being in there doing something for me, for the family or even for a friend.

So I'm embracing and I'm being thankful just for that....for the kitchen.

If you want to play along, head on over to Everyday Mommy. I would love to see what you all are content with today :)