giveaway: vitamins

It has been a long winter here with colds, flu etc.... But now a giveaway comes along that offers vitamins from Northwest natural products calles lil critters and the blog holding the give away is Momma Findings.

giveaway: cookbook

My love of cookbooks must come from my mom. She had shelves full of cookbooks and now I do to. I also have a very picky eater in the family who will not eat alot of meat and another who can not eat alot of meat. Now a giveaway from dk Mommy Spot is holding a giveaway for a meatless cookbook so go there for a chance to win.

giveaway: swaddle blanket

I will always remember when my mother taught me how to swaddle my baby. I had never been around a newborn until my first child was born and I would just throw the blanket around the baby and noticed how the bursery would swaddle or wrap my baby up. Well my mother taught me how to swaddle my little one. Now The Soothie Ranch is having a giveaway for a Solona Baby Wear Swaddle blanket so go over and enter if you need one or know someone who does.

giveaway Zoobie

Have you ever seen a zoobie? Zoobies are really cool, they are a combo of blanke, pillow and stuffed animal. Right now you can enter a giveaway for a zoobie at I never grew up.

giveaway Zoobie

giveaway Zoobie

give aways: shoes

Shoes, Shoes, shoes marvelous shoes dont you love them? I do and I know we need them so why not win them? See Kai Run Shoes are great for kids and have many styles available and right now Latte In the Morning is giving a pair of them away to one very lucky person. Would you like to win a pair of shoes for the little one in your life then head over and check them out.

giveaway onesie or tee

Barely Domestic is holding a giveaway for either a onesie or a tee from Trendy Tadpole. These are super cute and adorable go check them out.

Giveaways for everyone

Reminds me of grandma let me tell you these are terrific and Frugal Mom of 2 girls are giving one lucky reader a quilted table runner of their own.
Frugal Mom of 2 girls is also holding a giveaway for an Izzy B design elmo tee or dress as well as a real cut fabric happy birthday banner. I love these.

giveaway: chuck the yuck

My daughter was very sick when she was younger and so we spent alot of time reading. Whenever I heard about teh chuck and yuck books I loved them. Because when you are not feeling good you definatly could use a good read. Go Graham Go is giving 5 lucky readers a set of books. Great hope I win.

give away crayola glow station

Remember the good old days of coloring and now they have even cooler products. I loved my box of crayons and if mom and dad could afford the big box man was I in heaven. Go Grahams go is giving away a real cool set that will encourage your childs imagination while creating the crayola glow station. Cool

giveaway for kids eeze cold med s basket

Has the flu hit your house? It has mine and all but my dh have been sick. I am hoping that he does not get. Momma Finding is having a giveaway of kidseeze meds that can help you feel better if you get sick.

giveaway: Smart E Bear, Sprout Shell and water for mom

Momma findings is holding a giveaway for a Smart E Bear. In my generation they had the teddy ruxfin and the cabbage patch doll. This generation it may well be the Smart E Bear so go over to Momma findings and get your chance to win one. One thing that you may need for your infant is a sprout shell and Momma Findings is having a giveaway for one of those as well. Dont forget mom because Momma Findings is giving a good drink of balance away as well

I won

I have won a set of 3 pair of socks for my grandbaby from a blog that I absolutely love. Great recipes, great information and great giveaway the 3 kids and us blog is worth going to if you are traveling around the blogosphere

Bath time

One of my granddaughters favorite times is bath time. Her momma gives her 2 a day in warm weather and 1 a day when cold but she loves bath time. What could make her bath time better? Well what about minky washes soft washcloths? Well that could work really easily and now A little bliss is having a give away where No Whining Pleez is giving a lucky reader of A little bliss reader a chance to win 2 minky washes.

give away: organic candy

I truely want to try this organic candy to see exactly what it taste like it looks great and sounds great but taste will do it Want to try it enter the giveaway at three different directions

giveaway: loop to loop belt

Do you hate it when you see the boxers of boys hanging out of their jeans? I know I tell the boys that live in this house that will not be tolerated and so they wear a belt if needed or keep their jeans up. What if you son does not like to wear belts? What if it is the buckle that bugs them? You do what the mom who invented loop to loop belt did you invent your child a belt. Now what do you do if you want one of those belts? well you can either buy on eor enter the giveaway over at The Pink Chandelier.

pacifier or not

Does your child take a pacifier or not? I had 6 babies and some took them and some did not. My granddaughter takes a pacifier and has favorite ones too. Feisty Frugal and fabulous is having a giveaway for a 3 pack set of pacifiers. I just thought these would also make a great baby shower gift. So whether you need one or you know someone who does go sign up.

Feisty, Frugal and Fabulous is also holding a giveaway for treeart collectible card. You have to see these pictures.

5 Minutes for Mom blogged a story about a little boy who has serious health problems.



Parker’s list of medical challenges seems endless, as do his list of medical bills. (His parents have insurance, but that only covers some of the costs.)
And again Parker is in the hospital.
So often we read about children like Parker and think we wish we could help. But this time we can help in a simple way.
We’ve created a games page where the advertising revenue earned while the games are being played will go to Parker. It’s not much… but every penny counts, right?
If you can post this button on your blog and spread the word, we can all show Parker some love.

few new recipes to help make a happy home

Making a happy home involved making a menu, shopping, and straightning the pantry and the freezer to put up the groceries. This involved buying 2 weeks worth of groceries and spicing up the family meal plan.


I needed to spice the meals in my home up a bit. Meal time is always great here but sometimes we get in ruts and need to spice it up so here is what I found

Truckstop Biscut and Gravy
2 can fridge biscuts
lb hamburger
1/2 t pepper
1/2 t garlic
5 c milk
1/2 c flour
2 cream cheese

Bake biscuts Brown meat add spices Mix milk and flour Shake Pour milk into skillet Add cheese Cook Stir often til thickened and cheese melts Spoon over biscuts

All American Cheeseburgers
lb hamburger brown drain
3 T catsup
2 t mustard
2 c velvetta
10 buns

Place hamburger in crockpot add next 2 Mix Top with cubed cheese Cover Cook Low 4 hours Mix Spoon on buns


Food always helps to make happy family and home. I am also looking for any great recipes to try. My family seems to enjoy new recipes.

to find more ideas on making a happy home you can visit As for me and my house
more homemaker monday tips can be found at 11th Heaven's Homemaker Haven
Talk about teusday tips can be found at the lazy organizer so go there to check out more tips on how to be more organized
Tempt my tummy Tuesdays at BlessedwithGrace has lots of great recipes and ideas
Kitchen Tip Tuesday at Tammys Recipes is a great place to visit for more ideas
Make something Monday at Go Graham Go

busy day

My creativity came from what I love to do it came from taking care of my family and their need of eating.Today was one of my busiest days. I had to quickly create a menu 3 days prior to the regular day of shopping because we are expecting bad weather this week and I wanted to get the shopping done. So I created a 2 week shopping plan went shopping cleaned my freezer out that had not been cleaned out before christmas because of cookie dough that ds sold and has now been delivered. So we rearranged that I wish I had a camera to show pics. This was my day then straigtned my daughters room So today was a busy day.

Monday Menu

I love to plan menus and look for new and a bit different recipes but today I found myself unprepared with no menu, no shopping list and no real plan as to what I was going to do. i quickly checked the shoppers and found the sales, built from there and some old recipes I was wanting to make and a couple I wanted to try. Here is what I came up with:

Monday
B sausage and eggs
L lunchmeat
S ham and bean supper will also fixed grilled ham slices, cornbread and m & m cookies

Tuesday
B eggs and toast
L lunchmeat
S chicken sandwich, potatoes and no bake cookies

Wednsday
B sausage sandwich
L lunchmeat
S hotdog chips jello

Thursday
B eggs
L soup
S easy lasagna, garlic toast, salad, twinkies

Friday
B sausage sandwich
L soup
S eat out family night

Saturday
B truck stop biscut and gravy
L chicken patties
S cheddar sausage bites, potatos, hostess

Sunday
B church
L pepperoni bites
S chicken pot pie, salad, cake with icing

monday musings

In the depths of winter I finally learned there was in me an invincible summer.
by Albert Camus

I love winter but the coldness often bites like a fierce dog. I feel warm and keep active when I think about the upcoming spring and summer

For other monday musings you can visit Candy Hearts and Paper Flowers

giveaway: tutu

I love the tutus that are out there for little girls and Frugal mommy of 2 girls is having a giveaway for Hannas Tutus

giveaway: little miss match socks

Yes i know I hate matching socks oh man I put it off forever. i mated socks for over and hour for the whole family today and now have gigantic basket of socks. But now I also found a place to win some free socks from little miss match at The Not So Blog.

giveasway $40 cert to Good for kids, glomate,

I love all the stuff they have out right now for the children in our lives. I also love anyone who is willing to help me get money for the little ones in my life. Now I can have both Mudpies and Mary Janes is holding a giveaway where one of thier readers will win a $40 gift certificate to Good for Kids for the winner to choice. I love it and so will you and another giveaway they are holding that you will love is for the glomate night light this thing is too precious,

giveaway great skin products and a tutu for the little one

With winter here dry skin is something that I deal with daily. My skin seems to love lotion and soaks it up constantly. I love it. Now there is a giveaway for Good for you Girls natural skin products going on over at Catch the Drift. Want something for the little one in your life as well? Well what about a custom made tutu from Tiaras Boutique? THese are so cute you have to sign up to win one for the little one you love

giveaway: scentsy plugin

I love great smells but sometimes that is not always in the air that is why I love scentsy Now you can win a scentsy plug in from Catch the Drift all you have to do is go to the blog and enter the giveaway.

giveaway peachblock jewlry

Etsy peachblock jewlry is being held as a giveaway at glitterful felt stories. So go there to enter for your chance to win one of these great prizes:


chocolate vanilla ice cream scoop hair pin
choco-dipped strawberry waffle hair pin
child-sized rainbow bracelet
candy apple necklace
pink and red cake ring
chocolate vanilla ice cream scoop ring
fruitsy heart charm necklace
strawberry cupcake cellphone charm
pair of chocolate hair clips

giveaway: Asha handbag

Did you eat a great meal today? What about eating at all? Well many people did not get that same chance to eat. Asha is trying to help those in the world who can not feed themselves. Seeryus is having a giveaway for a handbag from Asha that will support services like feeding the worlds poor Check it out.

giveaway: babyspareware

Do you have a little one who makes lots of messes? If so this giveaway at My Organized chaos is for you. It is for a spare set of clothes that can be kept anywhere you need them

giveaways: wooden pendant and shoo shoos

Wether you are looking for shoes for the little one or a pretty for your self you can look no further than Thrifty & Chic Moms for a giveaway for either.

give away: crock pot elume

I love to cook for my family and anything that I can find that makes that job easier but just as good is a friend of mine. 5 minutes for mom is having a giveaway for a crock pot e lume and man does it look good. Head over there to sign up for your chance to win.

giveaway: warm biscut music makers

Think of warm biscuts you think of something good to eat with gravy on the side. However this is not that type of item. These are for children to creatively make music and Frugal Mommy of 2 girls is giving you a chance to win through a giveaway.

giveaway: Tiny Bigs

So you want to know what tiny bigs are? Well let me tell you tiny bigs is another genius of an idea created by a mom out of necessity. Feisty, frugal and fabulous describes tiny bigs this way "TinyBigs! TinyBigs are a clasp and magnet combo that together keep your child's pants held up AND make a super cute accessory while doing so. " Want a chance to win it for yourself? Head over to Feisty, Frugal and Fabulous enter the giveaway for chance to win.

give away: sho shos and sei ka run shoes

Little baby toes are so cute I love them. Now you can win a pair of sho shos (those darling little shoes for little toes) and see ka run shoes at a giveaway from life in a house of blue.

giveaway slanket

I want one of these so bad. i believe that i take the trait of covering up while on the couch from my mother. I know that this slanket would make my day to be able to stay covered while moving around. Want one of your own? Two of a kind working on a full house is giving one away to a lucky reader

give away: earrings

I have a daughter who loves earrings and for one of her christmas presents I gave her a pair of silver earrings. She loved them and now I have a chance to win a pair of twisted silver earrings in a giveaway that An Island Review is holding.

give away earrings and oh my greeting cards

Valentines day is right around the corner and either of the two giveaways from Summertime and a glass of lemonade would be great. Both earrings from midnight blue and a great greeting card from oh my greeting card are being held as giveaways at Sumertime and a glass of Lemonade

giveaway: lemonjead hair accesories

My girls have always love to dress up with hair aids but now we have a little granddaughter as well I cant wait til she is old enough for this tradition. Now we have the chance to win some free from Lemonhead through a giveaway hosted by feisty, frugal and Fabulous.

Thrify and Chic Moms has started a weekly post titled Focus Friday and challenged each of us to make a focus list of sorts
THis week I need to
1. finish up the last 2 week meal plan for January
2. finish plans on my mothers birthday party plans for January 24
3. make a birthday list for 2009
4. start a gift list since I have been buying gifts but not for sure what all I have

I need a group like focus Friday to focus on what I need to do. You can see more list of what folks are focusing on at thrifty and chic moms

giveaway cute ruffle socks and Safe Sippy

Dont you love little girl socks with the ruffles? The safe sippy is a great way to safely give your lil one a drink. Well now you can win a pair of ruffle socks or a sippy cup by entering the giveaways over at The Funky monkey.

giveaway cute ruffle socks

giveaway: shoes for the little ones

Does your little one get into trouble when you are get busy? Would you like to know where in the house they are all at all times? You need to check out squeaky feet shoes because as the child walks these shoes squeak. To cool and cooler yet you can sign up at Life In A House of Blue for a chance to win a pair.

giveaway organically hatched product

everyone loves a good massage and great bath time and with organically hatched you can find just what you are looking for. Want to try a product for free? check out the giveaway at my organized chaos.

giveaway a soldiers flowers

A soldiers flowers company belongs to women whose husbands are in the military. But boy was I suprised with what I found. It may just be that little lady in my life but I loved these. I could just see what I could buy or better yet win for my granddaughter. My Organized Chaos is holding a giveaway for gift certificate to win your choice.

giveaway baby bib

My granddaughter can often be seen sporting a bib of many sorts. I believe her mother told me she had several different varities so why not wear one every day. I found a bib that she may not have but may really like over at dabib and I can win in in a give away from two of a kind working on a full house and you can to so go over and enter.

laundry time

002
Originally uploaded by shopannies

For more wordless wednsday pictures go to Felicias over at

Go Graham Go

For more thousand word thursday pictures go to cheaper than therapy

Give away: little blessing book

Does your young one ask questions about God or Jesus that you need to think about yourself? There is a book series published by Tyndale Kids called the little blessing books which allows you to read with or to your young child and allow them to find many answers about the bible that children may have. You can recieve a book from the little blessing books series by entering the giveaway at Go Graham Go

giveaway safety tats

I would love to share with you a giveaway that I fould over at 1stopmom giveaways. These are safety tats I recently won a set of my own from Go Graham Go and these will go to my granddaughter. I have signed up over at 1stopmom for the safety tats for my sister in laws young family with 3 under the age of 5 she needs all the help she can get.

give away: new moon girl sub

Did you have an older sister? Did you share alot of information or get helpful tips from her? Well I had a younger and a older sister but with the difference in years we really did not get along all that well and thus did not talk. I used friends which was not always all that great and sometimes helped but sometimes got me in trouble. The New Moon Girl Magazine is a magazine for girls that gives great helpful tips YOu can win a subscription to this magazine by entereing the giveaway over at 3 kids and us.

giveaway: mia belle baby

If you are looking for some real cute items for the little one in your life then mia belle baby is the place to go. If you are looking for a way to get a nice gift from mia belle baby then you need to go on over to Mom Buzz and enter the give away they are holding. Thats right Mom Buzz is holding a give away for a lovely bunny and pacifir set give away.

give away $25 tick a too gift cert

I love the items that tick a too have to offer. I found a way to win some items and boy do I want to the give away over at the soothie ranch will let me do just that

give away: baby boomba

I love the items that baby boomba have and all natural is the red of yesterday. If you want a chance to win an item from baby boomba head over to the giveaway at the soothie ranch and enter.

give away; baby bath aides

Hey do you hate being dripping wet when you get your little one out of the tub? Well I will tell ya I did. Now they have a bath cape that can save your clothes from being soaken wet. You can win this bath cape over at The soothie ranch if you just go and sign up for the give away.

House renovations for 2009

This year we have decided to fix up the old homestead rather. It needs to be updated because my children have grown and are no longer little

Oldest daughter room
armoire that I found will need to be refurnished
paint
curtians

Sons room
curtians
floor and wall needs fixed because of bathtub leak (shares wall with bathroom)
closet needs cleaned out
several cabinets will be taken out and replaced with needed items

Sons room
paint

Kitchen
paint
shelves put up (bought but need hanged)
desk for my area (have in storage)
curtians

Bathroom
tub shower replaced
new floor
new shelves

Girls upstair room
paint

Living room
paint
curtians

We need to get this done so we can get ready for summer goods Will let you know as we progress Glad I am blogging it it will keep us honest

Claiming the word faith for 2009

My word for 2009 would probably be faith. Faith is one thing that I have when it comes to matters but often faith is one thing that I need more of. In 2008 we had many outcomes where if it were not for faith then we would not of made it out as well as we did. During 2008 we watched my daughter go through a challenging pregnancy, my granddaughter go through an illness which was there then miracously disappeared, watched my husband as he said goodby to his mother (who at times often felt like she was my mother), watched as our business which seemed so great was taken away from us when we could not afford the hike in rent. But faith carried us through all of these things and I know that faith will carry me through all that we face in 2009. Faith to me is the belief in the love of God who allthough allows us to face struggles carries us in his hand and will never let go of us. That is why faith is my word for 2009.

Looking for a word that fits you you may just find it over at the Tip Junkie.

give away: pop a tot

Do you know what a pop a tot is? Have you ever heard the expression pop a squat? If so you know it means to findd a place to sit down. Well that is what this new baby item it is it is a place for the baby to sit down and play. It also has a place for their snack and drink just like dad does when he sits to watch sports or tv in his favorite chair. Now you can win one over at Two of a Kind working on a full house. Yes thats right go here for the give away.

give away: jewlry pendant

Have you seen the new necklace pendants that can hold a picuture of the one you love? Neither had I til I visited Two of a kind, working on a full house which is offering a giveaway for the pendant from A passion for pendants. So go here and check out the giveaway or here and check out the pendants

monday menu

We have taken the new years to decide to eat healthier and cut back on indulging however we will still have a family night on Friday

Monday
cereal and fruit
sandwiches
our new casserole (recipe is on the blog), salad, and leftover desserts (been alot of baking over past days)

Tuesday:
scrambled eggs
leftover casserole
Saturday night steak, green beans, dumpcake

Wednesday:
boiled eggs
leftovers or lunchmeat sandwich
hotdog, chips, brownies (this is for those who practice or other wise are busy and do not make supper at church)

Thursday:
bagels, cream cheese
lunch meat sandwich
pizza meatloaf, salad, leftover dessert

Friday:
granola
leftovers or sandwich
family night out pizza hut

Saturday:
granola
this will depend on who is at home
easy lasagna, garlic toast, leftover dessert

Sunday
breakfast at church
pepperoni bites
ham, vegetable, cookies

Saturday Steak (not sure where I got this)
3 lb hamburger
1 c water
1 c saltine crackers
seasoning
mushroom soup

mix all press on cookie sheet Chill Cut in squares roll in flour Fry Place in 9x13 Pour soup over all Bake 350 degrees til meat is done

the simple womans daybook

FOR TODAY January 5 2009
Outside my window...I can see blackness as the day has gone quickly but I have did many things and I am so up for life
I am thinking...About how many calories I have taken in today as I am trying to controll my sugar I am also thinking about filling my menu board for the last 2 weeks of January
I am thankful for... My family they are all so great I love each and every one of them. I also am thankful that we have a roof over our heads, food in our bellies and house to call home
From the kitchen... created a sort of new casserole and you can find the recipe on my blog
I am wearing... gray sweat pants, my hoodie with the orange turtle, slippers, and my favorite warm socks
I am creating... will create snowmen for the window tommorow
I am going... to be busy tommorow just doing natural things after the holidays
I am reading... a devotional by joyce myers
I am hoping... that we do not get the freezing rain
I am hearing... tv as me and hubby are watching together in the bedroom
Around the house... snowmen have been put up and the christmas is down
One of my favorite things... my raggedy ann and andy doll collection
A few plans for the rest of the week: will do some baking as planned by the menu as well as get the activities ready for kids to begin again

Maternal spark at Monday's Muse offers the following qoute and a question;
‘Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. That’s because they were able to connect experiences they’ve had and synthesize new things. And the reason they were able to do that was that they’ve had more experiences than other people.’
— Steve Jobs

The question does creativity have anything to do with experience
I have to disagree and say yes I believe full heartly that experience has alot to do with creativity. Yes we are born with it in some wasy we are all born with what I would call natural talents. Perhaps you are an artist or can play music without being taught however does experience not make the creative juices flow more.
If one travels or lives through a struggle are they not inspired to do something perhaps more creative than they had ever done before? It is my opinion that yes creativity has alot to do with experience that one goes through in life.

give away: diaper case giveaway

I love items that makes something simple look more than simple and to me that is what hiccup does. You can win an item from Hiccup over at two of a kind working on a full house blogs giveaway. Thats right go sign up for the giveaway over at two of kind working on a full houseblog.

new casserole for supper

At our house we have all decided to cut back and eat healthy. Now having 6 teens that is a bit hard to do for them to go without all the things they are used to. Tonight I created a new casserole that was healthy for them but was a bit of what they loved. I made my healthy frito pie

1 lb hamburger (on sale this week 1.45)
1/2 onion, chopped (.17)
shredded cheese (1.50)
2 can tomato sauce (.50)
1 can chilli (.79)
1 can chilli beans (.59)

Browned first 2 Mixed last 3 and seasoning placed in casserole. Placed a thin layer cornchips in a 9x13 pan and layered the mix of veggies and meat over chips. I then placed cheese over that and topped with crushed chips. Now it may not seem healthy to you but in the past would have probably about 3 cans of chilli and 2 bags of chips with about 3 lbs hamburger. To make this and them be like it and not complain really made me feel good

For more make something monday check out Go Grahams Go and Jolly Mom
For more Tottally Talented Teusday head over to Two of a kind working on a full house
for more $5 meals head over to $5 dinners
recipes also available over at thrifty and chick mom

give away: Jewlry

I love jewlry and now have the chance to win a give away at My Organized Chaos offering Lisa Leonard Designs $50 gift certificate. Check it out enter and see if you can win.

Give away: coupons

Man do I love to save money today I saved by recieving a free bottle of shampoo by having both a manufacturer and a store coupon and yes it was one of my daughter favorite kinds. Want to save money? THe giveaway over at Mom Saves Money would help get you started they are giving away $160 in coupons. Definatly could save with this.

give away : homemade baby linens

Oh you should see such wonderful creations and you can over at Grandma's Baby Boutique Want to win some for your little one you can do that to at Summertime and a glass of lemonade

giveaway beatiful wooden bowl

The crafts that you can find on the internet always amaze me and here is one such. It is a wooden bowl that would look great anywhere. You can now win it in a giveaway at Summertime and a glass of Lemonade (love the name).

Giveaway: wall talk

Have you seen the words written on the wall? No i do not mean like in the bible but painted on the wall. One company that does this is wall talk and one place you can get it is in a giveaway from feisty, frugal and fabulous.

giveaway: shoo shoos

Another giveaway for baby shoes oh you need to keep those baby toes warm in the winter time. And one great way to get shoes would be to win a giveaway. Well over at Fiesy Frugal and Fabulous you have just that chance to win shoes from a great company called shoo shoos. GO to the give away at Fiesty Frugal and Fabulous and check them out.

give away: baby bling

Peanut Butter and Pickles is giving away some baby bling sponsored by baby steals. If you are a parent, grandparent or even someone who needs a gift for a baby or child you should check out baby steals to see how great of a deal you can get. So go to Peanut Butter and Pickles to sign up and see if you can win a great prize.

give away littlest pet shop

Have you seen these little guys? They are so super cute. I know several little girls and boys that collect them. We were just talking the other night about the giga pet and how everyone had them well in this area the littlest pet shop would be the in toy of sorts. The great thing is you can win in in the giveaway that An Island Review is having.

Not me Monday

This is my first time writing a not me monday post but I thought it sounded like so much fun that here goes. You can read more over at My Charming Kids.

This past week has not been so much fun playing games and taking it easy with the bunch of teens that I call my childrn. I did not play cranium like 4 times this past week and I did not loose each time that I played. I did not try to draw a monkey blindfolded and it did not end up looking more like a starfish.

Today is not the first day back at school. I am not startled by how quiet this house is today. NO not me. I would not miss my children and cant wait till they get back home.

Hubby and I did not take the challenge to loose weight and have healthier lives. It is not me who is a diabetic and had been ignoring meds and diets so much that sugar was in the 400s. I am not happy that now back on meds and diets that it has reached the 100 mark again. I am not happy that it looks like the food budget may be cut back if we continue to have a spirit of cutting back and loosing weight and this has not affected my children having them take more interest in exactly what they are eating.

I was not happy to have nice warm weather over the break. No not me it was not me who did not have to wear a jacket or enjoy taking walks. No it is not me that wishes that those temps would come back.

Oh and it is not me that has been keeping cookie dough that her athlete son sold to make funds for the team in my freezer. No it is not me that was so happy that her son sold 20+ boxes of cookie dough. It is not me that 7 more of those boxes of dough are out of my freezer and headed to school teahers today.

IF you want to read more not me Mondays head over to My Charming kids

giveaway: nice water bottles

Do you desire your own water bottle? One that says just by looking at it that it is yours? Well I do with 6 kids and now a grandchild let alone nieces and nephews I never get anything that is mine but if I win this waterbottle from earthlust that feisty, frugal and fabulous is giving away it will be all mine.

New Years Party with giveaways

Did you have a newyears party? Well over at The mom Buzz a new year pary of giveaways is going on you need to check this out. It is so cool and they have great giveaways. Both Mom Buzz and Busy Mom are cosponsoring this event. Sponsors include Mia Belle Baby which has super cute stuff for your little one, Jack and Lilly which have beatiful and cute shoes for the little one in your life, and photo greetings which create greeting cards from pictures of your choice.

giveaway: vaseline

I can remember my mother suffering from dry skin and was so happy that I did not have it. But time catches up and now I too have dry skin. Winter weather does not help any and applying lotion is the only relief most times. Now you can and I can win a giveaway for vaseline lotion Yeah just check it out at A Daycare Life.

give away blog design

Do you want to design your blog but dont know how? well there is a give away that will fix your problem check this out at For the Love of Baby.

think thin thursdays

I believe that this may work in great since both mine and my husbands resolution for our health is to loose weight. I will look forward to belonging to a group who wish to do this as well. Thanks to The not so blog spot for creating this group. IF this is what you wish to do as well head over and sign up.

give away: baby shoes

Those tiny toes will be covered in this cold weather if you visit Cool Baby Kid and enter their contest for shooshoos. Many different styles are available and cute.

give away: books for children

Do you love to read? Do you want your child to love reading as much as you do or more than you do? If so then you need to make sure that they have an opportunity to read books they are interested in (but acceptable) and one way to get more books for your children is through a give away being held over at sassyfrazz for candlewick press books.

my first verse to memorize

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NLT)Philippians 4:6-7

This is my verse that I will study and memorize by the 15th of the month. Over at the LPM BLOG there are several of us ladies getting together to memorize bible verses and while there reading comments found this one that called out to me.

give away groovy girls

Although I always thought I was a groovy girl you should see these dolls called groovy girls. Not only can you see them but you can win them at fiesty, frugal and fabulas so go check them out.

Bring In NEw Year Giveaway

WOW!!!!!!!!!! The give aways that are going on now. YOu need to check out the Bring in the New Year Giveaway over at the Two of a kind blog. It is really cool so please check it out.

give away: workbook

Do you have a little one or a child that struggles to learn here is the perfect chance to win a workbook for them. The Once upon a Qpon is holding a give away for this workbook check it out.

Give Away Event

I know that many of you check my blog for contest so wanted to tell you about the large giveaway event over at My Organized Chaos. It will be cool so check it out and see what you can win. I know I am going to have fun by entereing and seeing what cool prizes she has.

give away: shoes

This give away reminds me of tiny toes. If you had a baby did you count the fingers and toes as one of your first reactions? If so you are a bit like me. Right after the doctor said they were breathing and all looked well I was counting toes and fingers. These cute shoes would sure decorate those little toes and look great on my granddaughter as well. I believe I will be posting pictures of her again real soon. If you want a chance to win head over to My Organized Chaos and enter the give away.

gratituesday reflection on 2008

Looking back on 2008 I would like to list the great things that happened and thank God for carrying us through the times when it wasnt that great. I became a grandmother in September but also lost our business in October. I saw my son play football and love it going to the playoffs but also saw them loose and the seniors to look defeated. I believe that for every valley God will provide a mountian and it is for this reason that I dream of 2009 where God will carry us through the goods and the bads and be there when we are full of joy or feel lonely. It is 2009 where things will come to an end where my daughter will graduate highschool, my son will graduate from jr college and move on to university, where my middle son will play his last year of highschool sports and where new begginings will happen as well such as my nephew begins kindergarten, my daughter will find herself going back to school or work, where my middle daughter will begin college and where my grandbaby will turn a year old. Thank God that no matter where or what we do he will be there for us all.

give away: software of family tree

Have you ever thought about a great way to share your family information with your future generations? Will they remember grandmas and grandpas and what their first and last names were? What about those that have passed on allready? You can win some cool software that will make a document of your family tree at Grammy Janets Place. Go check it out

give away : beautiful earrings

The Blessing Abound Blog is giving away a pair of earrings to 3 lucky readers I want to win this one for my daughters Birthday in February but since theres a chance for 3 lucky readers to win go sign up and see how lucky you are.

give away : great bag

Blessings abound sure do put on great give aways and this one is for a great bag from Bumble Bags. Bumble Bags make great bags for parents of babies. The diaperbags of today look so different from those of yesterday. My daughter would love this bag if we happened to win.

give away: eco friendly gift bags

Have you ever thought about all that wrapping paper that gets trashed at christmas time? WOuld you like to make the earth greener by doing away with all that needless mess? If so make your way over to The Write Girl Blog and enter the give away to win some.

monday menu plan

This week we have been playing clean out fridge, cabinets in order to make meals and make room for first of year cooking. I am learning lots of new tips from the blogs I visit.

Wednsday will be buffet of sorts
cocktail wieners
cocktail meatballs
moz sticks
peppermint bark
cookie tray
rice bark treats
crackers with cheese
soda pop (treat since we only have on birthdays and holidays)

Thursday New Years Day
ham
ham and beans
potatoes
cornbread
slaw
desserts not sure what yet

Friday
ham and eggs (make use of leftover ham)
ham sandwiches
ham scallop potato casserole

Saturday
snowy trail mix
leftovers if any (you know me I will find some)
chilli cheese casserole and cornbread

Sunday
pizza rolls
shepherds pie, salad and brownies

Then we get to start all over again. We are on diets here and trying to loose weight me for diabetic and health reasons, my husband because of heart/ weight problems. YOu know were once fit young and now if you look at us you could not see that we need to get back to that.

winter giveaway

A Pondering Heart will be having a give away for several days that you are going to have to check out. It looks like lots of fun and if you go to the blog here you can see the list of items. Come on enter a giveaway have a chance to win.

The blog Speaking from the Heart has started a new meme. One that I believe I will love. This is what she wrote about the new meme that she is starting up

Over Thanksgiving and Christmas, I have heard so many wonderful
stories about my ancestors. There were also stories about my childhood, which I
totally had forgotten. I have made a mental note of each story and have every
intentions of documenting it. In order to help me in this area, I have decided
to blog a weekly story about my ancestors,and about my childhood. I want to have
these stories written down, before my memory escapes from me, and to leave a
legacy for my children and for future generations.

I wanted to share with you about my Grandmothers christmas tree. This tree was always special to me. You see my grandmother lived in the country and would go out and cut down her own christmas tree. Because she did it herself this tree was always a bit small. It stood about 3 feet tall at the most and boy did she decorate it with lights and ornaments. After my grandfathers death things changed and these little trees changed into an artificial tree that was still quite cute and neat but not the same. My grandmother seemed to change little things in her life never making a broad change but ones that always fit together somehow. I loved her because she was so frugal but never let on. My parents have often said that I am alot like her and I consider that a compliment knowing what type of lady she was. I loved her and I am sure you will being hearing lots more about her.

give away: skip hop

Have you ever visited the skip hop website. If so you would see that they have lots of great items. Please check out their site if you have not and Design Baby is giving away hare brush and comb set to a lucky reader so go see if you can win.

give away: 6th grade workbook

Do you have a 6th grader or need a workbook for them to do? THis is a great book being given away over at Once upon a qpon

give away: tantastic tangrams

Once upon a Qpon is offering a give away for tantastic tangrams. These things are so cool and if you homeschool you can surely use this book so go check it out.

give away: candles

Do you love candles? I know my girls do. One of the first things that my daughter was made aware of when she married her husband is the safety of candles. YOu see she married a fireman. But if you love candles as much as my girls do then you can win a candle from scent sations mia bella candles made by kelly wissinik by signing up for the give away at momstart

Give Away: tasty granola

Some say that we should try to eat healthy in the new year. If you are going to try here is a give away for you. It is for a tasty granola treat from bear naked and it is being given away at frugal mom of 2 girls.

I knew there was something in that stuff

For years I worked at a nursing home and would use peppermints to stop early morning stomache aches, head aches, and pop up colds. Now they have found that there is something in peppermint that helps to make you feel better and stay healthier check it out here.