Out of my rut

I am feeling so much better today. I have been feeling so icky, but I know it is due to the weather and eating bad. Today was much better!
We had a playdate today at our house. That was so nice! The time always flies by when you have friends to talk with. Jaden and Cassidy were excited to see the other kids. They were all so cute. I made fun of Jaden because he was in a house full of girls! He said he was going to marry all of us! ;) He is such a cutie! We had some great food and good conversation. I hope we can do it again soon. One of the girls, Adrienne, made me a cute pillow for Cassidy's room. I just love it. I even gave her my dining room placemats to monogram! She is so talented!
After everyone left, we just had some down time. I played around on the computer, cleaned the house up, and got this cute picture of Cassidy:
Wow, she just looks so much older here. She is growing so fast. I can't keep up with her!

I love the snow!

If finally snowed! And, not just a little snow! We got atleast 10 inches, if not more! I love it. Well, I love watching the kids love it! LOL

We are having such a nice day. Jeff put my new light up in the kitchen. It matches the one above our breakfast table. Afterward, he took the kids out with him while he shoveled. Seriously, there is almost too much to play in. Cassidy coudn't even walk. So, now the floors are all wet and Jaden is waiting to go to the big hill to sled. We had some warm potato soup and hot cocoa. I think Cassidy and I will enjoy some time at home. Cassidy is not quite ready for sledding yet.

Oh, yeah, Jeff got Jaden signed up for soccer yesterday. He will start again in March. I can't wait!

Blah January

I started this month off thinking I loved January. But, the longer it drags on, the more I can't stand it. I started the month off eating whatever I wanted and not exercising as much. Now, I am paying for that. I feel awful. So, I am hoping to get back to a normal diet again and exercising every day. So far, I have exercised the last 3 days. I am loving my Bob Harper yoga. I can feel a difference in my body each and every day. I am hoping to reach a new goal by my birthday. I hope to lose at least lose 8 pounds by April 3rd. That is a pound each week, which should be easy. (yeah right)

This weekend was nice. Jaden had a friend over on Saturday, and they had a blast. Sunday, Grandma and Papa came over for some dessert and visiting. That was nice. The kids were so happy to see them. We had planned on going to Terre Haute for some visiting on Tuesday, but the weather is not looking so good. It might have to wait.
I am getting tired of being stuck inside and have found myself spending more money than usual. I wish I could find some free activities. We might head over to the library again today. We have been watching a lot of movies during this cold weather. Our favorites right now are Narnia, Peter Pan, and Willy Wonka. Jaden also likes National Treasure. We watched Igor the other night. That is a very strange movie! It is worth watching just to see the oddity of it!
So, for this week we are hooked on:

organizing
library:

This Friday, we are having a playdate here for some other MOPS kids. That should be fun. Have a great week everyone, and I can't wait for February!

Monday: Chicken strip pitas, rice

Tuesday: Spaghetti and meatballs, spinach salad

Wednesday: homemade pizza, spinach salad

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: takeout sandwiches

Saturday: Church night, not sure

Sunday: Tacos, corn

It's me again

I haven't been blogging very much. The main reason for this is, I made a resolution to stay off of the computer during the day. It has been hard, but I have been getting a lot more done during the day. This does mean that I will be posting less, but I should have a lot more to post about with each post!

So, this week has been going well. We have been getting back to our school schedule. Jaden seems to be doing so well. He is reading so many words. I really can't believe it! He loves school time and asks everyday if it is time for school. I am so proud of him.

I have been busy getting the house organized. I will hopefully put some of those pictures up. I bought a bunch of photo boxes and just labeled them for ever day things. I put them over the washer and dryer. I also did this for the bathroom closet. We got some storage cubes from a friend (thank you Sarah!) and added some pink and green totes. It is in the playroom now. I added some labels and they look super cute! The kids started making some Valentine's crafts today. They decorated some mailboxes: We have been getting out of the house a lot. We found a new homeschool playgroup to be a part of. It is really close and they have open gym day every Friday. A church opens it's gym up just for us! It is a great outlet for the kids. They get to interact with other kids and let out all of their energy. We also found another library that we like that isn't too far away! I plan on going there a lot. The books are very easy to find and the kids love the play area. They even have a big tractor for the kids to play on.

Last Saturday, we tried our church's new Saturday service. We loved it. We had planned on going this past Saturday, but Jeff had to work. I can't wait for next Saturday. I especially enjoy the music. It is sung by John David Webster. Check out his music here. We enjoy going out to eat after church on Sundays. Saturday night is a little hard since we do not get out of there until after 7. So, I am hoping we can go out for dessert on Saturday nights. Last time, we went to Paradise bakery and got cookies (Jaden got a muffin.).

The real cookie monster:

I hope everyone is having a good week. Please, continue to pray for Harper, and her family. They are in major need of prayers.

Boot Camp

After watching the Biggest Loser last night, I decided I needed the new Biggest Loser workout dvd. I have Cardiomax and love it. But, I have grown bored with it and I hope this new one gets me motivated again! I also ordered the yoga one! I can't wait to get these!

Organization!

I have been reading several blogs about organizing. It has gotten me in the mood to get our house clean and organized. So, I have dedicated this week to cleaning and next week to organizing. I am hoping to spend a little money next week on some organization tools. Yesterday, I started in the kitchen. I cleaned the cabinets, floor, countertops, and the refrigerator. I must say, the refrigerator is one of my most dreaded jobs! But, it feels so good to have it done. I read this blog today about pantry organization. I have a small pantry, so it shouldn't be very hard to get it organized. Today, I cleaned the laundry room. This is a very small room and it is where we come in from the garage. This space is a challenge for me. We have yet to put cabinets in there, which makes it hard to hide any messes. I hope to throw out some stuff and keep it tidy in there. Maybe even put a small curtain in front of the washer and dryer. I would like to paint in there. We will see.

I started researching Disney World yesterday. We are going there in September! I can't wait. So, no major projects this year. We have to save money! These are some of the things I am looking forward to:

1. Disney Fairies

2. Watching Cassidy hug all of the characters

3. Peter Pan's flight

4. Mad Tea Party

5. the food (unfortunately)

6. Animal Kingdom

7. getting our ears!

Other than that, not much else going on. Jaden is reading very well! He is learning about the long vowel sounds now. It is starting to get more confusing for him. There are just too many "exceptions to the rule"!

He is also making sculptures out of his sandwiches! ;)

Cassidy has been busy playing dress up:
Have a great Tuesday everyone!

Menu Plan Monday

So, last week's menu got all messed up. I am hoping to stick with the menu this week!

Monday: Lasagna with spinach salad

Tuesday: Cheesy baked potatoes, salad

Wednesday: pizza

Thursday: Meatball subs

Friday: hamburger and cheese stuffed calzones

Saturday: Church night (not sure yet)

Sunday: meatloaf, long grain rice

Attention John Travolta, John McCain, Oprah, and others

This is weighing heavily on my heart today and I decided to share (at risk for negative comments and why I should feel otherwise!).

After reading about Jett Travolta's death, I have seen ONE of John Travolta's houses. We heard during the election about John McCain's "houses". Also, we all know about Oprah's multiple homes. I know that several people have million dollar homes in several locations. Did we forget about this:

Today, I pray that God softens the heart of those that can help. These people do not have One home, let alone 3 million dollar mansions around the world! We need to help them.

http://www.shelterforthehomeless.org/contribute.htm

I am a sucker for surveys!

2008 survey
I expect everyone who reads this and has a blog, to play along!;)
1. What did you do in 2008 that you had never done before?
Homeschooled!

2. Did you keep your new years resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Hmmm, I am sure that I wanted to lose weight and I made it to my goal in December! So, yes. I have a few for this year.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Not really close, but my aunt had a baby.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No!

5. What countries did you visit?
None!

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
More trust in Jesus.

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
December 4th I made it to my goal weight! December 28th, we moved into our new home!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Homeschooling!

9. What was your biggest failure?
I did not life journal like I wanted.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not much. I fell on Halloween and still have the bump on my knee!

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Hmm, that is a hard one. Probably our house! LOL:)

12. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Several

13. Where did most of your money go?
Most of our money goes towards our house.

14. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Our new house!

15. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Probably the O song by Rush of Fools or What life would be like by Big Daddy Weave

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
a) Happier... I think I am happier. I seem to get happier the closer I get to God.
b) Thinner.... I am definitely thinner, but would like to tone up more
c) Richer.... In God, I am rich without money!

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Read the Word

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Complaining

20. How did you spend Christmas?
With my family:)

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Still in love:)

23. What was your favorite TV program?
Biggest Loser

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Don't hate anyone

25. What was the best book you read?
I don't have much time to read

26. What did you want and get?
A house and a Cricut

28. What did you want and not get?
Oh several things, but that is not what matters

29. What was your favorite film this year?
We watched Narnia and Prince Caspian and loved them both!

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 30. We went to my mom and dad's.

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Hmm, not sure

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Getting better now that I have lost weight, but please do not pop in unexpected! You may find me in jammies all day! LOL

32. What kept you sane?
My faith

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
no one. I have learned to put that aside.

35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Prop. 8 and the election.

36. Who did you miss?
Everyone in Terre Haute

37. Who was the best new person you met?
all the MOPS ladies!

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
I learned many. ;)

Snow! **UPDATED with banner**

Well, at least a little bit of it! When Jaden was finished with school yesterday, I bundled the kids up and we headed outside! We had so much fun. The snow seemed a little dry, so it was hard to make a snowman. But, with Daddy's help, it worked!

Jaden couldn't stop eating the snow, of course!
Afterward, I made some ice cream with the snow. I just mixed some snow with whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla. Jaden loved it! Cassidy, not so much.
We were so cold after all of the fun, so Jeff made a fire in the fireplace. That seemed to warm things up a bit. We watched Horton Hears a Who while munching on some tortilla chips and popcorn. I even found time to make some cinnamon rolls. I have been making several things with yeast lately. (There was a sale at Kroger and I had some coupons!) So far, I have made focaccia bread, yeast donuts, and cinnamon rolls. Who knows what I will make next!

I found time to make another banner for our fireplace. After putting it up, I have decided that I might make two hearts on each side. It isn't as big as I would like.
Today, I hope to get more cleaning done and maybe some card making. I have been trying to get our office clean again. There was Christmas stuff everywhere! Have a great Thursday everyone! So, I added two more hearts and I like it much better now!

What a long break!

It seems like forever since we have had school. Christmas break seemed to last forever. I am excited to get back into a routine today!

We had a wonderful New Year's Eve. We spent it together, which there is no other way I would want to spend it. We decided to use my new fondue pot! How fun was that!!!!!!

Udance!

We started with fried meat and cheese. I could not get enough of the cheese. It was so good! Next, we had bread dipped in cheese. This was our least favorite. I will be looking for a new cheese fondue recipe! Cassidy didn't feel like eating, so she layed on the couch. We noticed shortly after that that she had a fever. It got up to 103! Ack! So, she was sick all night. Jeff even had to go out for medicine! We still stayed up, playing Udance! That is so fun! Jaden fell asleep before the ball dropped.

Oh yeah, the last fondue was chocolate with pound cake, brownies, and fruit. Wow, that was good! I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year! Happy 2009!
This weekend was nice. On Friday, I took the kids to Greenwood for some shopping! Jaden got his first "real" Bible! I am so excited. He has already had me read so much in it. He seems very interested. Cassidy got a cute Tinkerbell hat at the Disney Store. I think we spent about 3 hours at the mall there! Amazing! The kids love the candy store, the food court, and all the walking around. I am excited that they like it! We have spent the last week playing with new toys, watching Willy Wonka, and playing games! It has been fun!

Oh yeah, not the best picture of me!!!
Yesterday's teaching at church was wonderful! Jeff and I both liked it. It is definitely worth listening too! Please, take some time this week and listen, http://e91podcasting.org/ Have a great week everyone!

Monday: Hamburgers

Tuesday: Chicken Pitas

Wednesday: Spaghetti

Thursday: sandwiches

Friday: Pizza

Saturday: not sure, we are attending a new service at church that night.

Sunday: lasagna

Hmm.

I am thinking of posting this up everywhere in my house. Oh, and maybe in my car!


Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
—Hebrews 13:5