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 soul 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 :)