first prom picture

This made my daughters day just look at that smile.

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

On this wonderful day of prom we will all be celebrating whether it is sunny or not. Praying for the sun so that we can get great prom pictures

for more Then sings my soul visit the blog Signs, Miracles and Wonders here

Elemental Baby review

Elemental Baby

As my daughter gets ready to graduate as she constantly tells me in 10 days I begin to think back to when she was a baby. My little girl who was so sick when she was born is now a strong senior in high school who will soon graduate and move away to a college. How time flies. I have many memories through pictures, stories and memories to share about my little girl. You can keep such treasures for your little one as well. Elemental Baby allows you to keep these treasures in a hardbound book created just for your little girl or boy.

Babies change so fast and you can capture these thoughts, moments and first experiences in the wonderful Elemental Baby book. The Elemental Baby book is a keeper for sure and comes in so many great styles.

We received this wonderful little book for our little princess from Elemental Baby. The book begins with information about mom, dad and of course little princess. Travels through experiences that will come during the first 5 years of life. What a wonderful place to put all the wonderful memories.

Elemental Baby sells many styles of books including

• first year memory baby book
• early years memory baby book which is what we received
• Elemental Baby can custom make a baby book
• guest books

Don't worry the great memory books do not end as you move out of the baby stage. The Elemental Baby memory books continue through school years as well. Allowing you to continue to collect great memories to share later.

Pictures and memories to share are worth more than money and how great it is to keep all the great stories of your child's great childhood in a book so that those memories do not get lost. Elemental Baby allows that to happen so at a later time you can sit down and look back on how things have change.

Small Talk Six

6 things you always wondered about any of your teachers or professors when you were in school?

1. Had one teacher that fell on ice and never came back to school often wondered what happened to her since she was an older lady teacher


2. Had one teacher that left after getting into it with the school board and never came back since he was a young teacher wondered what happened to him and where he is now


3. Had a couple of teachers I believe were having an affair and we would sneak around to try to find things out about them we never did but they were both divorced within a years time and that just makes you wonder


4. Had a great student teacher who taught in the art department she was so cool and I did learn alot even though I hate art. Wonder where she ended up teaching at


5. Had a teacher that was quite vocal in his wild younger side I often wonder what he would of been like in his younger days (now a good friend of mine)


6. Had a P.E teacher very hard in nature often wondered if she was funny. As I got older I found out she was just a hard working teacher/farmer great friend of my grandparents.

Want to list the top 6 things you wondered about your teachers? Well go to the MomDot blog here

Halo SleepSack Review

Recently we had a young mom in our family to put her baby to sleep for a nap and to have it never to wake up again. SIDS is a terrible yet all to often real disease that affects so many different families. That is why I love the SleepSack created by Halo. The SleepSack is designed by a parent who lost their own child to SIDS and knows that feeling all to well. According to an online dictionary Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is a syndrome marked by the symptoms of sudden and unexplained death of an apparently healthy infant aged one month to one year. The term cot death is often used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, India, and New Zealand, and is termed crib death in the United States.

The SleepSack is reducing the deaths due to SIDS by replacing the loose blankets we use to keep our little ones warm with SleepSack which is a wearable blanket. The Halo SleepSack is recommended by both parents and pediatricians alike.

One of the earliest products you can get for your little one is the swaddle blanket. When our children were little I suffered with swaddling in the beginning but when my mother showed me how I used this technique quite often. The Halo SleepSack 2 in 1 swaddle makes swaddling your baby even easier. The warmth of swaddling allows your little one and helps to calm your little one and helps prevent the startle reflex. The Halo SleepSack ensures that the blankets will not come loose and increase the need for SIDS but keep your baby safely wrapped for a great nights sleep.

The Halo SleepSack wearable blanket allows your little one to stay warm without the need of extra blankets. Once again allowing your little one a great nights sleep with no worry for the parents. It's the wearable blanket that carries the "#1 Safe Sleep Product" gold seal from First Candle/SIDS Alliance. The great Halo SleepSack is even available in an organic style which makes it the best for all.

The last product that Halo has that I am wanting to show you is the wonderful SleepSack on the go. This is not only safer for the baby but great for the parents. No longer is there a need to use those large blankets that never stay wrapped around your little one. Now with the SleepSack on the go is great.

Locate a store near you by using the store location located on the Halo website or by hitting here or you can order off of the Halo website.

Saturday 9

1. Do you feel that you have “a score to settle” with anyone?

why settle scores if you wait all will work out the way it supposed to

2. Do you own anything that you think is unbreakable?

my son owns a golden rhino mini from Africa that may be the only thing

3. Tell us about a crazy thing you did in high school.

did so many it is not even funny high school was a great and crazy time for me

4. Name the one talent of yours that you think is the best.

ability to converse

5. Who wins American Idol? (if you don’t watch, tell us about a reality show that you do follow.)

biggest loser and hells kitchen I do catch American Idol at times but not constant watcher

6. What is your favorite movie in black & white?

can not think of any but liked Chaplin a lot

7. What is one thing advertised too much on TV?

food when I was in hospital and could not eat that was all you would see

8. What is your current favorite TV drama?

southland a new show but looks like it will be a goodie

9. What is your current favorite TV comedy?

not a big comedy watcher but would say the simpsons

want to list your top 9 answers? Head over here to see what others are saying

Fridays Fave 5

Friday's Fave Five allows us to tell the story of our lives emphasizing our favorite 5 things

1. Was given the go home ticket from the hospital how can you not love that?
2. I love the fact that I was the first person that my granddaughter blew a kiss to she is so sweet and all I can say is ha ha ha I was first take that papa
3. I love the fact that I feel better even though i have test and medicine to take I feel better
4. I love the fact that Prom is tomorrow and will be here and over soon
5. I love the fact that my children do not demand what we can not give and only ask for what they would like and that the word no easy and are often surprised when we say yes. I love my children and all I can say is that they are allot easier to please than I was at their age

want to list your favorite 5? Visit the blog Living to tell the story here

friday fill ins

1. The first rule of working in an office and getting along is like the golden rule treat others as you would like to be treated
2. have you ever seen lots of clams.
3. When I think of carnivals I think of my old hometown in the spring.
4. pansies my favorite spring flower.
5. Things on my desk include an empty glass that once held great iced tea.
6. rain makes me wanna sleep.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to cuddling with hubby, tomorrow my plans include garage sales and getting teens ready for prom and Sunday, I want to attend church as a family

to fill in your own answers or to see how others filled in the blanks go here

friday 5

1 On May First, 1738, King Kamehameha I was born. What are your impressions of Hawaii?

Love to visit one day I think it would be quite lovely

2 On May First, 1873, Dr. David Livingstone died. When did you last presume something erroneous about someone or something?

not sure what erroneous even means

3 On May First, 1876, Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro debuted. How do you feel about Disney’s animated classic Pinocchio?

I like it grew up with it and think it has a real moral

4 May First is Walpurgis Night in Sweden and other parts of northern Europe. When did you last sing in front of an audience?

when I was in choir in school many many years ago

5 Me First and the Gimme Gimmes are a punk rock cover band. What song’s cover version do you like better than its original version?

not sure just like to listen to music

to answer this weeks friday 5 or to see what others are saying visit here

Friday Fragments

I am writing what I did not have time to write in this weeks Friday fragments

Last weekend was not such a great one as by this time last week found my self in the hospital with no one really knowing what was wrong with me. This would not be found out until I was sent to another hospital and to see my own doctor on Sunday. It was not a fun stay as I was on only liquids for the entire time until Monday afternoon when I would go home

Once home I visited with my granddaughter who would have nothing to do with me while in the hospital. Not sure if it was the gown or what. She did throw me the first kiss she had ever thrown. Shortly after that she would throw my doctor who my daughter thinks is cute a kiss as well. I guess they agree on their taste of men LOL. She will be back this weekend can not wait.

I found out about Walmart visa and if you do not know about it I think it is a great thing to have. You can place money on your card and use it just like a visa without the fear of going over this is a great idea.

Well that is not all I have to share but enough for right now at least you know what has happened to me this week

to see what others have to say on Friday fragments visit the blog half past kissin' time here

grilling goodness

1. my ex is ........... who was my ex I have been married 22 years so my ex was probably a high school romance

2. I should learn to............. well after last week I will learn to cook healthier meals

3. I love..................... my husband and family because they take such great care for me

4. People would say that I am ................. when I hear people talk about me they say I am too sweet because I care about all I meet

5. I don't understand ................ exactly what happened to me or why I got sick enough to go to the hospital

6. When I wake up in the morning ....................... I start my morning routine of waking children up and cleaning

7. I lost .................. I have lost many wonderful things but lately I lost money in a bet I made on a baseball team when will I ever learn (LOL was .50 with my son)

8. Life is full of .............. many experiences some good, some bad, but all worthwhile

for more grilling goodness check out the blog here

focus friday

Focus from last week was lost when I had to spend time in the hospital. But I plan to regain focus this week and do these

• Prom day tommorow will be quite crazy
• Sunday will go to church and have a great family visit day
• Monday clean house as much as I can and doctors appointment in the morning
• Tuesday straighten clothes up as much as I can
• Wednesday we have a mission carnival at church this week
• Thursday plan to get in the yard and work

That is where my focus will be

what to see what others are focusing on visit the thrifty and chic mom blog here

Finer Things Friday

Amy over at finer things blog runs a great weekly meme that has us take a look at all the finer things in life. This week she talked about the finer things in life and after the stay in the hospital I just had I say yes I know how our loved ones are our part of the finer things in life. I had no idea what was wrong with me and I can tell you out of my children which ones would go to the hospital and visit mom and which ones would stay home and worry about mom. Some of them clam up and do not talk allot about what is going on and others need to talk.

This weekend will be a grand event that we have all waited for 2 of my children will attend prom. I believe prom is as special for the parents and those in the family as it is for these 2. We love to see them dressed up. This year our son will be taking a good christian girl and our daughter will not have a date but still lots of fun. We will go out on a double date ourselves so to speak that night as we will eat out with our daughter and son in law. We will all truly have lots of fun. The one thing that the ones staying home asked for was a pizza and soda and yes they will get that too. All should have a great night so that we can come together and have a great time

For more finer things that others are talking about or to add your own visit the blog The Finer Things In Life here

Aloha Friday

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

Here lately I have asked tons of questions concerning the prom and the excitement surrounding it. I have a different type of question today. I am needing to find great recipes for fiber and great tips on how to use it. So my question today is:

I want to know your favorite full of fiber food (recipes would be great if you have them or links)

want to ask a question of your own? Head over to An Island Life blog here

Oven fried chicken hearth healthy recipe

Oven fried Chicken

Good for heart and good for tummy too

Vegetable oil spray
4 cups wheat-flake or cornflake cereal, lightly crushed
1 medium garlic clove, crushed (optional)
1 teaspoon ground ginger, or to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
Pepper to taste
6 pieces skinless chicken with bone (about 2 1/4 pounds), all visible fat discarded
Vegetable oil spray, butter-flavored or original

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a baking sheet with vegetable oil spray.
In a pie pan or on a piece of aluminum foil, stir together the cereal and garlic.
In a small bowl, combine the ginger, paprika, salt if using, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasonings on both sides of each piece of chicken.
Roll the chicken in the cereal crumbs to coat. Lightly spray the chicken on all sides with vegetable oil spray and put on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown, tender and no longer pink in the center. (Timing will vary according to the thickness of the chicken pieces.)
Cook’s Tip on Skinning Poultry: You can dramatically reduce the amount of fat and cholesterol in poultry by throwing away the skin. Due to its slippery nature, however, poultry skin can be a challenge to remove. Hold the poultry piece on a flat surface (a plastic cutting board is recommended), grasp the skin with a double thickness of paper towels, and pull firmly. Discard the paper towels. Use a knife or kitchen scissors to trim any remaining visible fat.

for more simply delicious recipes visit the blog 3 sides of crazy here
also listed under make something monday on Go Graham Go and Jolly Mom
Check out more mouthwatering recipes at the blog From the Land of Monkeys and Princesses
I also listed this recipe with the other great recipes over at blissfully domestic
Tempting to your tummy as they are to mine recipes at the blog Blessed with Grace

Free card for your mom

Like many I speculate whether there is anything in the world that is free but at Hallmark you can actually send your mom a free card for mothers day. This is too cool and something you do not want to miss. Just use the code word CARD4MOM when for coupon code.

want more frugal tips or add your own head over to the blog Life as Mom here

Vintage Thingy Thursday

Today I found another vintage meme what a great meme this is as it celebrates all things vintage. I want to show off my coke cups of yesteryear. You can see my fiesta style coke mugs with the smaller coke glasses and the brown bottle of yester year it has a measurement on the side

to see more items from yesteryear head over to the blog Coloradolady blog here for show and tell friday you can visit over at the blog There is no place like home here

Fried Biscuts

This recipe comes from a Time Life cookbook from 1971

Fried Biscuits

1 c flour

2 teaspoons double acting baking powder

1/4 t salt

2 tablespoons butter, cut up

6 tablespoons milk

chicken fat, or vegetable oil

Mix first 3 and sift into bowl. Add butter bits and with your fingers, rub the flour and fat together until they resemble flakes of coarse meal. Pour in the milk and toss with fingers

Gather dough into ball and place on lightly floured surface. Roll the dough 1/4 inch thick Use biscuit cutter or rim of a glass to cut the dough into rounds. Collect the scraps in ball roll them out again and cut as many as you can

Melt lard or pour oil into a skillet to 1 inch depth Heat the fat til hot not smoking Fry biscuits for 5 minutes turn them with a slotted spatula til they are browned on both sides Drain on paper towel

Serve Served traditionally with Maryland fried chicken and masked with gravy

looking for more great old recipes? Check out Joy of desserts here

Thursday 13

since Megan one of the gals from Thursday 13 was married last week we know that love is in the air so I want to list 13 phrases of love

1. A face that only a mother could love
2. A love-hate relationship
3. All's fair in love and war
4. You only hurt the one you love
5. The course of true love never did run smooth
6. Puppy love
7. Make love not war
8. Love of money is the root of all evil
9. Love potion number nine
10. Love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage
11. It's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all
12. Birds do it, bees do it, even educated fleas do it
13. Absence makes the heart grow fonder

For more Thursday 13 list or to list your own visit here

Cleaning the spice cabinet

I found a great weekly project meme. Love these memes that will keep us going and on the ball. I love the great article I found on her notebook of things to do. It was on the spice cabinet and if you think you are a pack rat you should see my spice cabinet. I wish I could take a picture but there was not a great light source there and so the picture did not turn out well. Here is the link to the notebook page that I learned all about the shelf life of spices and for how long to keep it for http://smallnotebook.org/2009/03/23/the-spice-cabinet-cleanout/

This great resource told me that I had to many for too long however none were as old as the writer of the original the guidelines will help me and others i know to keep it all together.

Using the guideline on shelf life of spices:

season blends: 2 years

herbs: 1-3 years

ground spice: 2-3 years

whole spices: 3-4 years

extracts: 4 years

I pulled all out of my cabinet and placed all on the kitchen table. I then inspected all dates, and got rid of those that did not fit in with the guidelines. I kept several of the shakers though since these are useful for other uses. I then was ready to place them back into the cabinet. I decided I would separate the baking spices from the cooking spices. The boxes and tins from the shakers. This was done easily and looked great. I also created a wooden crate of spices used daily and placed in separate where it was easy to get to.

because i think it is frugal to use what you have and know when to use it I am listing this at tightwad teusday meme hosted by being frugal .net

I loved doing this project and if you want to complete one yourself check out the blog The Mother Load here and see what she has in her notebook as well as what others are doing.

This is also the first time that I am participating in the monthly organizing roundup on the blog I'm an Organized Junkie here

I have also added this post to the Homemaker Haven post as well. You can add a project of yours as well here

Find out what chore others have tackled and list your own at 5 minute for mom blog

for great kitchen tips check out Tammy's Recipes

looking for more great tips see what works for other or add your own at the blog We Are That Family

Thankful Thursday

This Thursday finds me thankful for many different things amongst them are:

• knowledge to know that when you are not at your fullest that he always is


• knowledge to know that he created me a place in life where I am loved with a husband that truly loves me


• the ability to count on others to come through when you are unable to


• for great friends both on different blogs as well as in real life


• the breeze that is coming through the window as I sit here typing this message


• the blessings that he provides to me through others as well as through the way he simply touches the nature outside


• for the sunny days as well as the rainy mornings for both are needed

want to see what others are thankful for? Check out the blog Women Taking A Stand blog here

I love the Jackie Heinsohn look

I want to share with you today an item that I recently found. I love the great items located at Jackie Heinsohn. They are super cute and host such a great personality of their own. Let me show you what I recently received.

What do you think about this lovely teddy bear purse? I love it. The picture does not do it justice. You can not see the intricate bead and button work done on this purse. It is so stylish that even a teenage girl would love to carry this great purse. It is not homemade but in my opinion the next best thing as all the tiny details help to carry off a great look making this a great purse. I have hidden this little purse away and will give it to my granddaughter for her first birthday. The great velvet and porzellan beads are creatively used to make the bears face come to life.

Let me show you a few other great items that are sold on the Jackie Heinsohn website. Just look at the great pair of earrings. So whimsical and stylish nearly Victorian looking. The great look of the turquoise hitting against the night blue crystals will help these bring out any great outfit. The earrings are both nickel and lead free.

Jackie Heinsohn even brings the bling for your pet with the great collar above your dog can look stylish as well. I have never seen a charm necklace for dogs but this collar helps bring that look off as well as showing off their great name.

Jackie Heinsohn does not forget about the littlest ones in the family either. The great apparel that is available on the Jackie Heinsohn site can flatter many members of the family. You will have to check them out for yourself.

Check out other great things that others love on the blog The Diaper Diaries here

Ozone Socks Giveaway

contest is over and winner has been selected

Big Feet, Little Feet, Old Feet, Baby Feet whatever feet Ozone has a sock to fit those feet. A short time back I reviewed on the great Ozone Sock Company and you can read that review here




Whether you like fancy socks like these:

or short free moving socks like these:

Ozone Socks are sure to have a great pair of socks that you are sure to love. Would you love to have a great pair of socks for yourself. Ozone Socks would love to give one of Annies Home readers a chance to win a great pair of Ozone Socks.

All you have to do is visit the Ozone Socks Website and tell me your favorite pair.

Extra Entries:

• follow my blog (2 entries)
• grab my button let me know where you put it (2 entries)
• subscribe to my blog (2 entries)
• follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (3 entries) link in comments
• blog about this giveaway (6 entries) link in comments
• Share this giveaway somewhere else let me know where (5 entries)

contest runs through May 15, 2009 Open to everyone Have fun and remember include your email and entries for each you do

Work on it wednesday

I am working on feeling better, getting ready for prom and getting the house straightened back out. The family tried to keep at all neat when I was out but then they just do not do it like me LOL that sounds allot like my mom (HA HA) We have all outfits ready to go and now have to wait for the big day of prom I will paste plenty of great pictures.

This was the first time that I participated in work on it Wednesday but believe that it will become a regular of mine. Here is your chance to get organized as well head over here to the blog Organize with Sandy and to see what others are doing as well

Wordfilled Wednesday

Christian Comments
Myspace Comments - Myspace Layouts - Host Images


This verse as I travel through the days of test to find out what is wrong with my stomach as well days of raising my children I will cary this verse

Do you want to share a great verse? Visit the blog the 160 Acre Woods here

Wordful Wednesday

The weather has been so great that my daughter and son in love have had their little one out at the park playing several times. Here are a few of the great pictures of them having fun.

Want to tell a story through your pictures? Visit the blog SevEn cLoWn CirCus here or a thousand word thursday here at Cheaper than Therapy blog

Works for me Wednesday hand sanitizer and giveaway

Contest Over winner selected

With all the scary news about the new flu syndrome whether the swine flu (or whatever the new name is) or the regular colds, viruses and allergies traveling along the world becomes full of germs. One way that our house tries to battle these germs is by frequently washing hands. There are those times though that you simply can not wash your hands at those times we use hand sanitizers. There is even a hand sanitizer out there for those new moms. Susan Brown's Baby products sells a great hand sanitizer for the little ones.

Susan Brown hand sanitizer is the perfect problem for moms to keep in their purse or diaper dog. This great hand sanitizer contains jojoba and vitamin E to allow you to keep your hands sanitized without drying them out. Susan Brown's Baby site that sells these great products has an ingredient page where you can look up exactly what is in every product. You can find that page here To find the great Susan Brown Products you can visit one of the great stores that sells them or order online. To find out if there is store near you visit here So whether you are looking for a product for you, your little one or for a great baby shower idea think Susan Brown's Baby products.

Win a great bottle of Susan Brown hand sanitizer for yourself. All you have to do is leave a comment saying you would love to try the great hand sanitizer.

Extra Entries:

• you can follow me, follow me on twitter, twitter about the giveaway or blog this giveaway (if you choose to do 1 or all of them please leave message in comment letting me know what you did for each extra entry)
• contest will end May 9, 2009

Homemade Hand Sanitizer Recipe (borrowed from Heart of my Home blog)

1 c. aloe vera gel

1 t. rubbing alcohol

2 t. glycerin

8 drops of tea tree oil or a favorite scent

I am putting mine in small squeeze bottles. I may try making a big batch and putting it in an old ketchup bottle so I always have some on hand.

Well that works for me what works for you? Want to find out what works for others? Visit here at We Are That Family blog

Outdoor Wednesday

I have not been able to take any walks or to get outside much since my stomach has acted up. I do want to share with you a few of my favorites that I took recently.

want to see some more beautiful pictures? Visit the blog A Southern Daydreamer here

Swanki Hats GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Swanki Hats GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!
Great looking hat giveaway follow link for your chance to win as well

Picnic Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Picnic Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!
This is a terrific giveaway please follow the link for your chance to win as well

Wordless Wednesday Enjoying the sunny weather

for more wordless Wednesday visit here at the blog 5 minutes for mom

LTD chix tee review and giveaway

Giveaway is now over

Are you a mom? Do you know a mom? Well of course we all do. LTD chix is celebrating the fact of being a mom. From the refereeing of children, to the cooking and cleaning a mom must wear many different hats. Why not wear a great LTD chix tee to share the expression of how much we actually love the job of being a mom even though there are days that we would rather be sitting in luxury

Do any of the LTD chix characters fit you? If you are a mom then I am sure that at least one of them do. I received the wonderful laundry shirt in blue and I gladly sport it many different places and share the thought with others how great being a mother is. After all the laundry I have to do being the mom of 6 children has been a chore but one that was done daily. I love to do work for my lovely children and because of LTD chix you can gladly sport that love on a great tee.

LTD chix tees are the creation of two great hard working professionals who turned in their day jobs to be full time moms. LTD is the abbreviation that was worked up by these moms to stand for Living The Dream. After all they always wanted to be perfect moms. The problem is they never gave a thought to all the work and struggles that would go into being a mom. When the dream was finally reached and they were moms they decided to use the love of being a mom to create great tees that would be great for all moms. Thus the birth of LTD chix, a t-shirt company that would allow all moms to show their pride.

BUY
Look for great stores as well as online stores that sell the LTD chix tees at this link here or you can order from the LTD chix online site. For a limited time til mothers day the great LTD chix tees are being shipped free.

Win: one of Annie's Home readers will win a laundry tee of their own. All you have to do is to head over to the LTD chix website and let me know what short sleeve laundry tee you would choose

Extra Entries:

• visit the LTD chix blog and leave a comment on one of the post and let me know which one (2 entries)
• follow my blog (2 entries)
• grab my button and let me know where you put it (2 entries)
• follow me on twitter and let me know your ID in comments (2 entries)
• twitter about the giveaway you can do this more than once (1 entry each time)
• drop an entrecard on me (1 entry)
• post this giveaway on your blog or other contest site and let me know the link (5 entries)

Contest ends May 10 Mother Day, Please be sure to leave comment for each entry. Email must be included in comment or on blog. Open to all and have fun Good Luck