They sang it loud they sang it proud

This is a group of our youth that performed recently at our church. They truly are talented. I enoy watching them as they grow

find more wordless wednesday

5 minutes for mom

5 Vines Monkeys blog is having a giveaway

Want to really make a difference in someone's life? Angie at 5 Vinez Monkeys is hosting a giveaway on her blog, courtesy of MyBlogSpark and Win One Give One, and is giving one of her readers 2 boxes of Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks and a $25 donation to One Laptop Per Child on their behalf. Winning is great, but giving is what really makes a difference. Show your support for this fantastic program by entering to win. Stop by before 11:59pm ET on March 10th to get all the details and enter

Hoover Wind Tunnel T Series giveaway

I could use a new vacuum for sure. With six kids and a husband let alone the dog and cat I have plenty to clean. I would love to win the Hoover Wind Tunnel giveaway on the Rave And Review blog. This contest ends March 22, 2010 if you want to enter as well.

Create your own snowflakes

With all the snow that we have had lately I thought it would be cool to make a few to hang up inside. I have made snow flakes since I was a little girl but for those of you who have not here is a quick tutorial for you to follow. (I found the tutorial here)

Every snowflake is different so have fun switching it up a bit.

for other great ideas to do visit Mom Tried It and the Tried and Tell meme

Halo SleepSack Review and Giveaway

Halo SleepSack has been reviewed by my blog several time s in the past you can look for these reviews here and here I am so happy to tell you about a new product that has been added to the Halo SleepSack line. It is called an early walker and is made for the little ones like my princess who miss their feet when they are covered up. The Early Walker wearable blanket allows your little one to go through their nightime comfort and routine wihout fear of them kicking off their blankts. The openings for their feet provide mobility and comfort for the wee one without fear of them getting cold at night. My little Princess slept many nights safe and sound in the Halo SleepSack and now thanks to the Early Walker wearable blanket I can rest assured at night that she will sleep safe and secure.



If you want this same security you can purchase the Early Walker wearable blanket directly off their website at https://www.halosleep.com

Win: one lucky Annies Home reader will win an Early Walker wearable blanket for theirselves.

To enter: visit the Halo Sleep Sack website and let me know something that I did not share with you in this post.

Extra Entries:

• follow my blog
• follow me on twitter
• follow Halo SleepSack on twitter
• follow Halo SleepSack on facebook
• tweet about the giveaway (1 entry per tweet) leave link in comment
• blog about the giveaway (5 entry) leave link in comment
• comment on any post on my blog

Giveaway starts now and runs through March 8, 2010 Good Luck Email must be in comment or on blog.

Hang On Princess

This picture was taken last year . I think Princess looks great in it so funny so little yet trying her best to hold on.

Ruby Red Tuesday: man on buckboard

THis is an old fashioned buckboard I loved that it was red and the driver was in a red jacket as well

PixyWorld review

I have to share with you an adorable line of clothes that I found for my princess. Pixyworld is very whimsical in style, playful in nature and simply beautiful in appearance. The outfit that we received to review for Pixyworld has beautiful pastel colors, embroidered fairies, elves, butterflies and mushrooms.

How much cuter can you get when the adorability of every side you look has been thought of to share just a bit more of cuteness. From the patches and rickrack on the jeans to the swing style of the cute dress the adorability seems to shine off of this PixyWorld outfit.

PixyWOrld clothing is available in sizes 12 to 18 months up to 6x to 7 sizes. PixyWorld likes to say they offer pretty clothes for real girls. To me this statement is so true my girls liked to look good while riding their bikes, playing ball and just being a girl. Jonathon and Melody Wilson are the couple behind the cute and stylish PixyWorld clothing line. They have had a bit of experience at offering cute products for sale. Before selling under the PixyWorld they sold clothing under the custom boutique clothing for toddler girls, under the name "Peas Inc." This experience offered them an insight into the world of customers where they learned what colors, themes, etc... customers were interested in. One main thing that they shared with their customers was that they are parents to toddlers as well. They realized that all parents want clothing that both looks good and is easy to take care of.

You can buy your own child the sweet look of PixyWorld directly off their website located at
http://www.pixyworld.net

How Long Will Meat Stay Good in Kitchen

Have you ever seen a great meat sale but did not know how you would use the meat before it went bad? Freeze it and here is a great freezer chart to let you know how long the meat will stay good.

Bacon or sausage: one to two months
Ham, hot dogs or cold cuts: two to three months
Raw roasts, steaks or chops: four to twelve months
Raw ground meatmeatmeat: three to four months
Cooked meatmeatmeat: two to three months
Raw, whole poultry: one to two months
Raw poultry parts: nine months
Cooked poultry: four months
Raw, wild game: eight to twelve months

The View : Tuesday Feb. 23

The view got "Snook"ied today. Have you been able to catch the show Jersey Shore? Well to me it is a bit too much to handle. Very controversy and something that I am not sure that I would want my teens to watch the show Jersey Shore has lifted itself to stardom. What do you think about the show? I would love to know your feelings as well.

tomorrows show Nadya the mother of the octuplets will visit the women as well as Daniele Steel

“I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for ABC Daytime and will receive a tote bag or other The View branded items to facilitate my review.”

Origany reviewed

I love to see Princess dressed up cute as a button. I love it even more when the clothes she wears are organically made. Origany creates stylish clothes for little ones and best of all yes they are organically made. Just look at the name it seems to spell out organics allowing all to know that they are good for the child, parent, and whole earth. Origany prides itself on the fact that their clothing line and accessories are made from organic cotton and other eco-friendly materials. Origany has sweetly termed the clothing line "Clothing Made Organic by Nature"

Today's generation is always looking for a way to go green. One way that is easy and looks great is through their children's clothing. The designs, colors, and super soft feel of the clothes all come through in the great Origany collection. Origany baby clothes (0 to 24 months) are soft because of the fact they are made with 100% certified organic cotton. The look is perfect for play and look sophisticated enough for dress up. Origany Toddler clothing collection (2 to 4T) are made from certified organic cotton or baby alpaca combined with organic cotton. Both collections are made with dyes that are safe for the earth and the child.

we received the above outfit and believe me it is adorable. Soft to feel and looks so super cute. My son came home and took a look at it and said wow that is super cute and so sophisticated. Princess will look great in it. Those words coming out of a teenage boys mouth says allot about the style the clothing has.

Buy: you can order the sassy Origany clothing line directly from the Origany website to find more locations in stores and online check here

Canned Foods perfect for quick and nutritious meals

Watch the Field to Table Video






Canned Food Alliance

If you are a busy mom like me and many others then you are probably trying to find shortcuts in your day. Preparing meals is a great way to find shortcuts and thanks to the Field to Table video Canned Food Alliance these shortcuts can be more nutritious as well. The video will show you how the canned food is prepared and why it is nutritious for you and your family as well as offer a great recipe to prepare for your family. Taking just a few minutes to watch the short video will allow you knowledge on using can foods to prepare meals for your family.

One of our favorite meals that uses canned foods is Taco Soup. A quick way to create a family meal that both pleases the teens and is nutritious.

Taco Soup

1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey)
1 onion, chopped
1 pkg taco seasonings
1 pkg dry Ranch seasonings
2 large cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can Rotel tomatoes, undrained
1 can black beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can whole kernel corn

Brown meat and onion. Drain. Add seasonings. Drain beans and corn. Add to meat along with tomatoes. Simmer until well blended and hot. Eat and enjoy.
Add a bit of grated cheese or sour cream and this simple soup is perfect for cold nights.


Thanks to TwitterMoms who brought this topic to my attention. If you want to read more great post on this topic head over here

Polish Sausage and Kraut Casserole

Polish Sausage and Kraut Casserole

large can of kraut
polish sausage





spread can of kraut out in casserole dish and layer sausages on top. Cover with foil and bake for 2 to 3 hours at 350 degrees. Uncover and let sit a few minutes.





great served with mashed potatos or fried taters.





head here to get more $5 meal ideas

Happy Birthday George Washington Recipe and Craft idea

Crockpot Cherry Pie

•1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
•2/3 cup brown sugar
•1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
•1/2 cup flour
•1 teaspoon vanilla
•1/3 cup butter, softened

Lightly butter a 3 1/2-quart slow cooker/Crock Pot. Place cherry pie filling in the slow cooker/Crock Pot. Combine dry ingredients with vanilla and mix well; cut in butter with a pastry cutter or fork. Sprinkle crumbs over the cherry pie filling. Cook for 5 hours on low.

you can make cherry tree using your child's thumb prints and tiny finger prints.

I heart faces theme for this week is hands on.

hands on the cup This is the lil diva who turned 2 with her hands on the cup taking a big gulp

Precious

what a sweet moment from princess and her daddy

go see more great photos of blue here

We are Proud of you

This is a picture of a very special girl to us. She is the daughter of our preacher and his wife. I watched this young lady grow through her teen years and was very suprised when she followed in her fathers steps and entered the air force. Congratulations to you and we are very proud of you. (by the way so happy her mother wore a yellow jacket so that I could use this pictur for this mem)

Happy Home Maker Monday February 22 2010

The weather in my neck of the woods:

the weekend was wonderful but today a bit cooler and rainy

One of my simple pleasures:

cheese and ritz crackers make for a wonderful snack.

On my bedside table:

everything it looks like weekend was wild started Thursday and went from there

On my T.V.:

Good Morning America

On the menut tonight:

spaghetti supper tonight

On my To Do List:

hubby to doctor, laundry, straighten house, hopefully talk to princess, take life as it comes

New Recipe I Tried Last Week:

ravioli lasagna

In the Craft Basket:

many different items are happening all sorrounded around Easter that will be here soon

Looking Forward to:

Easter

Homemaking tip for this week:

heat dinner rolls in microwave

Favorite Blog Post this week it is other

slow cooker pork chops

Lesson Learned This Week:

hard lesson learned that I can not always fix all for my kids nor should I

On my Prayer list:

family and friends

Special verse This week:

John 3:16 shared to me by one of my sunday students

Eden Home review and giveaway

Eden Home is a company striving to protect the Earth in all they do. Life is precious and thus should be treated like so. Eden Home shares this belief and is taking steps towards that goal. One way is by using organic cotton. Organic cotton is good for the earth, good for the air and good for all of us. Eden Home wants to help you use more organic products by offering organic and natural yet stylish products for your home, bath, bed and baby. Eden Home offers customers healthy choices ranging from organic clothes for baby to natural bath towels, from organic cookware to all natural shampoos.

Eden Home wants to offer luxury and beauty as well as natural and organic products. Products can be both because Eden Home products are produced naturally as well. Eden Home was created by two moms who wanted products that were classy, stylish, luxurious in feel and delightful to smell or caress. Eden Home carries products that are appealing to busy moms who want to make the best choices for their family including organics but do not want to sacrifice comforts or looks.

When I was introduced to Eden Home products and asked to review I thought wow. I love organic products and I love my family so nothing could be better. I was asked to review an item from the children's clothing site and I chose the Kiwi Industries Organic Hat - Pom Pom Hat The colors were perfect for my princess and with the cold winter outside I knew she needed something to keep her head warm. With these two factors in mind along with the ear aches that she has experienced I thought the cute hat was the perfect item.

The Kiwi Industries' hat is from the sweater collection and combines organic cotton yarns. The old fashioned look of the hat is intentional and brings back memories of days gone by.

What does Eden Home have that would be perfect for your family? You can purchase any of the great items off their website located here

Win: Eden Home wants to give a $35 gift certificate to one of Annie's Home readers. To enter this giveaway head over to the Eden Home website and let me know what item interest the most.

Extra Entries:

• follow my blog
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Email must be in comment or you can not win. Giveaway ends March 13, 2010.

30 point pamper points

I think you all may have one of these from earlier but in case you did not get it here it is again:
•GTGPLAY2USA2010
•GTGTEAMUSA2010

thanks Bargain Briana

Casting Crowns Praise You in the Storm

Love this song and just know that he is always there as life throws us curve balls, tosses us around and simply challenges us I know where my help comes from and I will praise him in the storm.

Its Official I am a The View ambassador

Its hard to believe it but I am a brand ambassador for The View. YEAH!!! I love the ladies on the view. I have seen them change with the only 2 that have been there since the beginning is Barbara and Joy. When I first started watching the view I worked day shift as a nurse and I did not get to watch it as often as I liked. I did catch it whenever I could. Since that time I gained the chance to stay at home and The View has changed greatly as well. Still the same spirited sort of ladies able to share their views openly. I love to agree, shed tears, shout at and simply hear what the ladies have to share.

Thanks to the wonderful group MomCentral I have been given the chance to be a brand ambassador of The View. I feel lucky to be able to share the ongoings of the show The View. Each week I will share with you what is going on with the view as well as you all know my thoughts and opinions.

Sneak Peak!!!!! On Monday’s show, Senator Evan Bayth of Indiana will talk exclusively to the hosts of “The View” in his first and only network television appearance since announcing he won’t run for re-election in 2010. This will happen Live Monday, February 22 on ABC

I am not sure if you all have heard the story behind the Senators resignation so it would be a great idea to tune into see how the conversation goes. As far as I am concerned I know I will be listening as this senator who is a democrat shares his reasoning behind his resigning.


I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for ABC Daytime and will receive a tote bag or other The View branded items to facilitate my review

Saturday 9: Don't Stand So Close To Me

1. Who would you like not to stand so close to you?

well no names here but strong BO, gassy people you get the hint...

2. Which of the following aspects of your life would you think rates the highest: mind, body or spirit?

spirit is the highest for me those with ambition will find a way

3. What is your favorite movie line?

we love Bubba in Forest Gump and his line of shrimp products LOL


4. What is your favorite movie title?

not big movie title fan love movies but not titles

5. What is something that has happened to you that you would consider a miracle?

I gave birth to my children,

6. What do you try to stay away from?

illness, poison ivy

7. What is it too late for?

valentines day but not love

8. Give someone credit for something and name it if you can.

I give my daughte credit for raising a lovely little girl

9. Would you rather be famous now & forgotten after you die or forgotten now & famous after you die, forever? And why?

well forgotten now and remembered after I die

Dominos Pizza Giveaway

Anyone up for a bt of pizza? Dominos is one of our favorites in this area. The blog Melinda Joy is hosting a giveaway for $20 gift card. If you want to enter this great giveaway head over there before March 20, 2010.

Friday Fill ins

1. Johnny Weir _____________.
2. _________ 2010 Olympics.
3. And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud __________.
4. _____________ if you get an urge.
5. Having sweet dreams ______________.
6. What does it take ________.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _____, tomorrow my plans include _____ and Sunday, I want to _____

1. who is he
2. I am loving the
3. and the silence was deep
4. push
5. makes life sweeter
6. to have a great day
7. tonight = peace
tomorrow = sleeping in
sunday = nieces birthday party

play along here

St Patricks Day Hand Print Shamrock

St Patricks Day hand Print Shamrock


Pencil
Scissors
Glue
Light and dark green contstruction paper
Light blue construction paper

Have child place hand, palm side down, on the dark green construction paper and trace for a hand pattern. Repeat two more times to make three hand patterns. Have child cut out the hand prints. Cut out the patterns after printing them out by clicking here. Using the light green shamrock leaf pattern, trace and cut out three leaves on light green paper. Trace the stem pattern on dark green construction paper, cut out. Glue them stem, then the three clover leaves, then the hand prints onto the blue construction paper. (See picture) Have child write his or her name at the top or on the back

craft located on the family corner website

Aloha Friday: Springtime

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.

I am so ready for spring I can not wait for spring and the beautiful flowers that go along with spring. My favorite flowers are the crocus.

Aloha Friday Question:

What is your favorite spring time flower

Friday Frustration

At this time today I am a bit frustrated with the way things are happening with my daughter. She has a husband that does not treat her well, but yet she returns over and over. I am scared for her and frustrated that I do not know what to do. I worry what will happen to her. Please pray.

Fridays Fave 5

1. My nieces Birthday is this Sunday. I can not believe that she is 2 years old. Happy Birthday to you little one
2. My brother who is 14 years younger than me has demonstrated through love and compassion this week that he comes through in hard times
3. My kids are extremly happy about their grade cards this semester they are doing great I am very proud of them
4. the weather today looks much nicer of course the weather man is calling for harder weather so we will have to wait to see what happens
5. I am having a great visit with my lil princess. Pray for us though as her mommy is having a rough going right now

Those are my top 5 what are yours? Share yours here

The HollyWood Company Sweetheart Purse Giveaway

Every good lady must have a purse that can keep up with her. If that purse can be as sassy as she is then even better. The Hot in HollyWood Company has the stylish looking bags that women want. The styles are inspired by the stars of today. The Hot in HollyWood products feature the latest in fashion conscious designs and glamorous accessories. The best thing is the lovely look of Hot in HollyWood Company will not break the bank. The Hot in HollyWood Company has offered me the chance to host a giveaway for this lovely sweetheart purse.

The lovely satchel profile of the sweetheart purse is created of man made leather like material I love the beautiful floral appliques on front. The rolled self covered straps are not to big to handle but big enough to support weight of purse. The purse contains a flat bottom and zippered open as well as 2 patch pockets and a slit. This cute bag will be perfect for any season and retails for $99.90.

To enter this great giveaway: visit the Hot in HollyWood website and let me know another item you would be interested in

Extra Entries:

• follow my blog
• follow me on twitter
• tweet about the giveaway (1 entry per tweet) link in comment
• blog about the giveaway (5 entries) link in comment
• leave comment on any post on my blog let me know which one

Giveaway starts now and will run through March 20, 2010. Good Luck Email must be in comment or on blog

I did not recieve product or money for hosting this giveaway.

Amy Peters Studio review

I love jewelry always have and always will. I can remember getting in my mothers jewelry box at different times in my life. As a little girl I was only allowed to look and dream about wearing such wonderful jewelry one day. As a teenage girl I was allowed to wear this treasured jewelry but only upon asking and returning the items I borrowed. Today I look at my mothers jewelry and remember how great she looked in it, how great I felt wearing it and how much my daughters love jewelry as well.

Amy Peters Studio is where you can find some beautiful jewelry as well. The inspirational jewelry you will find at Amy Peters Studio will take your breath away and bring back warmth and lovely memories in your life. Amy Peters the designer of this wonderful jewelry I speak of started out at a young age to create lovely jewelry. In an after school program at age 8 Amy began to make jewelry this early introduction into jewelry maker created a spark inside of Amy that would lead her down a long line of jewelry making. In college Amy worked in a bead shop knotting pearls. Earning a BA in metal arts and jewelry design in college Amy went to work and treated her jewelry making as a hobby rather than a career. Through the various jobs that Amy would work she would gain wisdom and experience. Today Amy works with her beloved craft of jewelry making creating inspirational jewelry. She strives to make her jewelry affordable and accessible to everyone.

I find myself in a cross in life between mother, daughter, grandma, and self. My children have primarily grown I know that many of you have heard me speak of my children going to college, having children and moving on. This leaves me as their mother both proud and a bit lonely. When I was looking through the wonderful jewelry available at Amy Peters Studio I found this wonderful ID bracelet. It just IDs exactly where in life I find myself.

The bracelet states:From An Acorn Grows A Strong and Mighty Oak my children are growing and as I watch them go from that tiny little baby that I held in my arms to the positions in life that they strive for I believe the inscription means so much in life for me. What will you find that fits you or someone you know at the Amy Peters Studio? Bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces are among the jewelry types that are available.

If you are looking for a great pick me up for yourself or for a gift for someone you love Please head over to the Amy Peters Studio Website and see for yourself the beautiful jewelry that is available.

Thursday Thunks

1. Why are computer mouses called mouses?

no idea maybe because of the tail they have

2. If a guy has no money and he goes into a bar does he get kicked out?

not if he is good looking, popular and womans man he will do just fine

3. Why does Taryn hate rat terrier puppies?

no idea who taryn is

4. Why do polar bears not moo?

because cows dont growl

5. Why do people let doves fly at their weddings?

signs of peace or they want to poo poo on all those that have pood on them before

6. Why are no two snowflakes alike?

because they were made by GOd

7. Why do people want things that don't work? (ads in newspapers - like junk batteries wanted)

one mans junk is another mans treasure

8. Why do we have to wear shoes at school?

trying to fill the shoes of those who have been there before

9. Why do people wear socks with sandals?

feet are cold but they love sandals

10. Why do we always want bear hugs?

who says we do

11. Why do dogs lick people's toes? And why do they like to lick lotion?

have no idea dont have a dog that does this

12. Why do people get this little thing pierced - as she points to the little thing on her ear.

hopefully shes pointing at the carlige of the ear and that is who knows why

13. Why do dogs like to eat out of litterboxes?

they like to eat their enemys poo that way there will be nothing left behind when the enemy is finally gone

14. Have you ever eaten a sandwhich that had really weird things in it?

nope dont think I want to either

15. Why isn't snow purple?

good question would be much prettier

16. When the earth was made why was the sky made blue?

well the same reason that God put in the sky I dont know what God was thinking that day he just did it

17. Why do cats like laser lights?

do they maybe because it is a wierd light that moves alot

18. When someone invented Santa Clause, why did they make him fat?

he couldnt be jolly with round belly that shook if he was skinny

19. What do you think Santa does when he's not making toys?

planning on what to make

20. Why is it that suddenly I don't care anymore?

me either to tell you the truth these questions have taken it out of me

21. Why are the healthiest things for you most expensive

the rich have always had the best and the poor find a better means which in later time the rich will find out that all they do is not as good for them as they think and the poor will then find what they did becomes the most expensive on the market.

play here

Ravioli Lasagna

Cooking Thursday hosted weekly by the Diary of a Stay At Home Mom blog

Ravioli Lasagna

1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 jar (26 ounces) low-sodium pasta sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 small zucchini (3/4 pound total), trimmed and cut into half moons
2 cups mushrooms, trimmed and quartered (from 10-ounce package)
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 package (12 ounces) fully cooked turkey meatballs, quartered
2 packages (9 ounces each) light four- cheese ravioli (such as Buitoni)
1 bag ( 8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella


Heat oven to 375 F. In bowl, stir salt, pepper and sauce. Coat a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Ladle 1/2 cup sauce over bottom. In a large nonstick sauté pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add zucchini, mushrooms and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring, 5 minutes. Scatter a third of the meatball pieces over sauce on bottom of pan. Top with one package ravioli, 1 cup vegetable mixture, 1 cup of the cheese and second third of the meatball pieces. Top with remaining ravioli, vegetables, meatballs, sauce and cheese. Cover with foil.

4. Bake at 375 F for 30 minutes. Uncover dish and bake 10 more minutes or until cheese is melted and lightly browned



I found this recipe on parents recipes

Brothers and Friends

This is a picture of my husbands brothers family. These two brothers are not only brothers but best of friends They fid their selves discussing deep issues as friends and helping each other out like brothers should. I am so happy that he has such a loving wife and children as they are a bonus in this family I belong to.