Gratituesday

This week at our house will see allot of tears, smiles, happiness, laughter, thoughts of past moments we have shared as well as the future. It is graduation week and all though we have been through this before I do not believe that we ever get over the feelings of one road ending and another one beginning. I once was told that a mother who had never graduated took this event the hardest but one that had been here before would get used to the role and be able to move on quickly. At that moment when I heard that I thought not me. I was right and it is not the same and I do feel the same as a child I have raised heads into a new role of life. Thank God that no matter what we face we can face it with him.

I am thankful for all those who have helped me and my child get to this point of education to the graduation line. Thank God that those teachers, principals, friends and family saw us through the tough times as well as the good times. I saw we because that is how I feel. I am thankful that we are such a tight family that we hold onto each other and go through the phases together.

Here is a bible verse that I love and think sums up his plan for our children.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

I am thankful that my children have had the opportunity to follow our Lord. I know that they have personally learned to call upon his name if they are in need. I am so thankful that they realize when no one else is there to share with that he is always there. With all this in mind I begin to think back to when I would have a row full of young children who would sit quietly and patiently and listen. Oh they have grown to teens now and ready to move out of on their own but their love for family and our lord is still there. For that I am very thankful for the young men and women they have became

for more gratituesday visit the blog Heavenly Homemaker

Chocolate Cake with a twist

I created a super delicous cake for our youth group dinner Sunday. It was easy because it was based on a cake mix cake that we created first.

Chocolate cake (made from mix)
can of condensed sweetened milk
1 c coconut
coolwhip

After the cake has been baked and cool make holes in the cake sort of like poke holes and pour the milk over the cake. I know my family freaked out as well. But it works so just pour it all ove it and spread the milk out. I tried to coax down the holes. then spread the coconut over the top let this sit for about 1 hour and then ice. Keep in fridge til ready to eat. Was a hit both at home and church so enjoy

for more blissfully domestic hints, tips and recipes visit the blog I am Blissfully Domestic I also listed this recipe at the blog Blessed With Grace and at a new to me blog My chihuahua Bites

Talented Tuesday Graduation Gal

The talented individual this week is my daughter. How great this young lady is. I love her lots and her smile tells it all. This is graduation week for her. Twelve + years of schooling is under her belt. Good Going Sweetheart we love you.

For more talented tuesday head over to the blog Two of a Kind Working on a Full House

also listed on the blog SevEn cLoWn as a tribute to my daugther I love you

also listing at the blog SevEn cLown CirCus for Wordful Wednesday

Cooperstown Cookie Giveaway

Around my house there will be lots of chatter tonight as the two rival teams of our choosing comes into play tonight the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs will once again be facing off tonight in a showdown of sorts. It is so funny as my mother, my eldest daughters family, my youngest daughter and son cheer on the St. Louis Cardinals as my brothers family, my son, and several others cheer on the Chicago Cubs. Whether you are a baseball fan or not you are sure to love the manner in which national league baseball is shared in our family. With lots of cheers and jeers but also lots of fun and laughter the game will be played with one team coming out the winner and one the loser. But then there is always tomorrow when each team can play again for a chance at a different outcome.


I know a snack that is great each and every time you try it. Like our house it celebrates the great sport of baseball as well. Cooperstown cookie Company allow you to have just that lovely taste of sweetness while helping you celebrate your favorite baseball team. What else would you expect from the home of baseball? I have reviewed the great Cooperstown cookie company before and you can read this review by visiting here

Cooperstown Cookie Company want to give one of my readers the chance to win a gift tower of cookies of their own. Of course this gift tower of cookies will show your favorite team MLB team branding.

To win you must: go to the Cooperstown Cookie Company website and join the mailing list and let me know what team you would want on your cookie tin if you happened to be the lucky winner

You must do the above to earn any extra entries:

Extra Entries:

• Tell me another product on Cooperstown Cookie that you like (2 entries)


• follow my blog (3 entries)


• have a baseball story to share (3 entries)


• grab my button and place on your blog (3 entries)


• follow me on twitter (3 entries)


• subscribe through reader (3 entries)


• subscribe through email (5 entries)


• twitter about the giveaway (2 entries each time) leave link in comment


• blog about the giveaway (10 entries) leave link in comment

Have Fun!!!!!!! Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!! Remember email should be found or you will not be found to win the great prize. Open to U.S. and Canadian Residents. Contest will run from now through June 7, 2009. Remember each entry receives extra comment

Sjaaks Chocolates Review

Sjaaks Organic Chocolates

Many of us love that great taste of good tasting chocolate. Let me tell you of another great chocolate company that I have found. Sjaaks Chocolates create their chocolates the organic way. Let me share with you about how great the Sjaaks Chocolate company is. Sjaak's reminds me of the way things were done when I was a child. By attempting to reach the highest quality of gourmet organic chocolates while also remembering those doing the work, the world the work is being created, the individuals who will consume the product as well as the perfect ingredients that will be in the chocolate. The goal of Sjaak's Organic Chocolates is to build a socially responsible, profitable business that will carry on for generations to come. This to me means the old fashioned values are still in tact where a family has forged ahead creating a future in chocolates for their selves and a great tasting chocolate for all to share.

Sjaaks Organic Chocolates are a great source for delicacies that are created for those who do not choose to consume animal products. If you or your friends are always on the look out for delicious vegan products then Sjaaks Organic Chocolates would be for you. Sjaaks Organic Chocolates offer vegan products in the forms of chocolate bars, gift boxes and holiday treats and more.

With Summer Weddings approaching perhaps you are looking for just the perfect wedding favors. If that is the case then Sjaaks Organic Chocolates will prove successful for you as well.


Lets not forget dear old dad. Fathers day is fast approaching have you purchased dad that perfect gift? Fathers day is June 21st and dads love chocolate as well. So why not get dad some great chocolate that is great for him. Sjaaks has the perfect gift that you are looking for.

Buy: Sjaaks Organic Chocolates can be purchased from their website. At affordable prices for delicious healthy for you chocolate check out Sjaaks Organic Chocolates

Great Book Review and giveaway

Are you looking for a great tool that will allow your daughter to have the self esteem she needs to be successful? May I suggest a terrific book that may allow you to do just this? The great book Pinksta & The Polka Dotted Pinstriped Pants Wearing Princess is the book that I speak of. The author Sy Alexander has created a masterpiece which allows a young girls imagination to run wild allowing her to dream of the day that she to may be successful.

With my background in education I can tell you that this book would be great for young girls, students as well as homeschooling parents and teachers. How great it is to have such a great book that hosts such great lessons within its covers. The book is fun spirited but created to introduce many new vocabulary words as well as reading exercises.

Whether you purchase this great book for your daughter, granddaughter, niece or another young lady they are sure to be delighted. If you purchase this book to be part of your home school or classroom library then you are sure to be delighted. The concept of introducing a princess to the real world will allow your little one a glimpse into the world and allow her mind to wonder. Imagination is one of the best things to have and as a young child's mind imagines they can build skills that will come in use at a point in time of their own life.

Sy Alexander has wrote a book meant to empower young ladies. Sy has a young daughter of her own and imagines girls having a pink party and have fun as they read the book Wearing Pinksta & the Polka Dotted Pinstriped Pants Princess. Not only is the title a mouthful but very fun to say. Lots of giggle are sure to be heard as this wonderful book is shared.

Buy: you can purchase the book Pinksta & the Polka Dotted Pinstriped Pants Wearing Princess at the site Proud 2 Be Me Publishing where for a short time you will receive free body oil sample with the purchase of the book.

Win: I have been sent a few extra copies of the great book Pinksta & The Polka Dotted Pinstriped Pants Wearing Princess so (2) readers can win a copy of their own.

To win:

share a story of a young lady you know might love reading this and let me know what you like about the website where you can purchase the book

That's all you have to do to win a copy of this great book. So enter for a chance to win

Not Me Monday

Are you feeling ashamed for letting your child go to bed without brushing his teeth...again? Did you Twitter on your cell phone during a meeting without anyone knowing? Feel bad for screaming at the cat or eating Pop Tarts and coffee for breakfast? Are you embarrassed that you are far from perfect? We'll don't be. Not Me! Monday was born out of my desire to admit some of my imperfections and reveal a few moments I'd rather forget. You may find it therapeutic to join in and do the same thing! Not me monday is hosted by the blog My Charming Kids

This week has not been one full of emotions. I am not a mother who will be seeing her third child graduate from highschool. I am not a bit excited while being a little upset that she has reached another milestone. I am not a bit proud of her and I did not tell her that about a thousand times. This is not the child that we wondered about and missed nearly all of her 8th grad year because she was being a rebelious little girl. No I would have never of had those problems out of this sweet little girl.

I did not play hangman in sunday school this past year. I do not think that games such as these help first graders learn bible verses. I would not allow games that help learn bible verses be played where I am the teacher. No not me

I have not been busy on ebay looking for great buys for my granddaughter. I would not say that I also found a great pair of raggedy ann and andy dolls. No I did not bid on them as well. I did not find the paperdolls that reminded me of my childhood and contemplate on whether I wanted them or not. NO that would never be me.

I did not make a cake for youth dinner on Sunday and decide that I wanted to serve it for dessert as well on Saturday. No that would have never of been me. At that same service I was not a bit proud of my son who stood up for working with children classes on Wednesday night. I was also not the first one to stand up for working with the children classes. No that would have never have been me. After all I do not just love to work with young children teaching them about Jesus or love the fact that my son is following in my footsteps.

We are not a bit excited about the wednesday night carnival that will take place at church to celebrate the end of another great year. We are not going to bake cookies or work at the booths. After all we do not want to have as much fun as the children who will be attending.

If you want to read more Not me monday then head over to the blog my charming kids

three peas co giveaway

A while back I shared with you one of my favorite companies. The Three Peas Co. has a great variety of wonderful clothes that I adore. The pillowcase dresses are taking off with both my church nursery as well as the nursery at my daughters church. I think it is funny to see the wardrobe style in the nurseries change. Please read my original review here

The owner of the Three Peas Co. would love to offer one of Annie's Home readers a chance to win a $25 gift card towards the purchase of any product at the Three Peas Co.

Win: $25 gift card to use at the Three Peas Co.

To enter you must: visit the Three Peas Co. website and let me know if you were the winner what you would do with the $25 gift card

You must do the above to earn any extra entries!!!!!!!

Extra Entries:

• Tell me your favorite product on the Three Peas Co. website (2 entries)
• Tell me where you can buy a product from the Three Peas Co. (2 entries)
• Grab my button let me know where you place it (2 entries)
• subscribe through reader (2 entries)
• subscribe through email (4 entries)
• follow my blog (3 entries)
• follow me on twitter (3 entries) let me know your ID in comment
• blog about the giveaway (5 entries) leave link in comment
• twitter about the giveaway (2 entries) leave link in comment

Good Luck!!!!!!! Contest will start now and run through June 8, 2009. Remember each entry receives a comment and email should be where I can reach you otherwise you can not win. Sorry!!!!! Open to all.

Tuga Swim Wear Review and Giveaway

Want to protect your child from the sun? Want your child to look fashionable? Well then check out Tuga Sunwear. The fashionable style that Tuga Sunwear has creates an appeal that everyone will want to wear.

Many of us are either experiencing summer or summer is all ready here and we can tell it. While we feel like swimming, going to the beach, or spending wild days outside there is a fear that we must protect ourselves and our children from. The sun provides a gradient warmth to all those who are in it and it also supplies dangerous UV rays which can harm humans.

Because our children seem to have minds of their own no matter how we stress the dangers they will often avoid wearing sun protection clothing. Tuga Sunwear's sun protective clothing has been created to appeal to our children by offering a comfortable fit in high fashion stylish prints and colors. The kids think they are cool and enjoy wearing the sunwear while us parents can rest assured of the sun protection that they are receiving. Protecting our children from the sun by using Tuga Sunwear allows us to rest assured that we are avoiding serious skin damage.
We always hear about the high alert that humans should avoid the sun. My family has a background of farming and thus are in the sun more than many others. Skin Cancer has affected my family more than once. That is why I demand my children to take every precaution. Tuga Sunwear's UV protection helps me to make sure that I do the best for my little ones and myself.
Tuga remembers every member of the family from boys, girl,adults and either mans best friend our dog.
Tuga Swim Wear philosophy behind their product is to help the consumer protect their skin from the sun, without going to the extreme of wearing clothing that tries to cover inch of skin. Tuga does not want you to loose the style and fashion to have that sun protection that many other sun products do.

From the Tuga Sunwear Website:There is clear consensus in the medical community that skin cancer can be virtually 100% prevented by developing 5 sun safety habits early in life:
1. Use SPF 15+ sunscreen
2. Wear sun protection clothing
3. Protect the eyes with UV400 sunglasses
4. Cover the head ears neck and face with a sun protection hat
5. Reduce time spent in the sun from 10am to 4pm.

80 percent of sun that a person receives in a lifetime is often during the first 18 years of life. Tuga wants to help you care for those that often can not care for their selves. The children that feel the urge to play without worrying about serious problems like problems with the sun.

Buy:Tuga Sunwear not only sells the wonderful outfits but also hats, sunscreens, water shoes, and other accessories. Tuga Sunwear has offered my readers 20% off all products except for sale items by using the code SHOPANNIES.


Win: Tuga Sunwear would love to allow one of my readers the chance to own their own sun protection by winning a girl or boy outfit (shirt and shorts) in sizes 1-6yrs, or sm, m, l, xl

TO win you must; visit the Tuga Sunwear website and let me know what product you would choose if you were the lucky winner

the first thing must be done in order for any other entries to count:

extra entries:

• tell me another product you like on the Tuga website (3 entries)
• share this giveaway on another blog or forum let me know the link where you placed it (4 entries)
• follow this blog (3 entries)
• follow me on twitter (3 entries)
• twitter about the giveaway (2 entries each time you twitter)
• blog about the giveaway (7 entries)

Good Luck!!!!!! Contest will run from today through the June 8, 2009. Please leave comment for each entry and you must leave email on comment or have on blog or you can not win. Open to U.S. and Canada residents.

Happy Homemaker Monday May 18, 2009

On My Bedside Table:
a little bit of everything as I need to clean it off life has been so busy

On My T.V:
videos of my daughter who will graduate from high school this Saturday

On the Menu for tonight:
ribs for me and hubby, pizza rolls for kids

On my To Do list:
babysit this afternoon
clean house all of it deep
hair cut daughter tomorrow
shop for supplies graduation party
block party Wednesday
graduation weekend

New Recipe I tried last week:
crock pot meat loaf

In the Craft basket:
present for my daughter graduation

Looking forward to:
graduation weekend

Homemaking Tip for the week:
shop with both eyes open many great deals out there to be had

Favorite Blog post of the week:
mine great list reviews and giveaways on my blog here

Favorite Photo of last week:
many great ones out there have a good one leave me a link

Lessons learned past few days:
children grow up too fast no matter how hard you try to hold onto them

On my prayer list:
many sick friends at church
one of my little guys in first grade after having operation

Devotional
reading a chicken noodle book for moms

want to play along head over to the blog Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Gathering at the well

So here is your assignment: Write a fictitious Christmas newsletter to relatives without mentioning any outside activities or accomplishments. Write about the relationships in your family, the specialness of each person, the ways you are
all growing in Christ.

This year has been quite a wild one with the children growing quite rampant. I believe that as they grow either the values we tried to install in them or the services and bible studies they have been in have helped create them into God fearing and loving young adults. It is so fun to watch and as we look back it is as if the time has seemed to fly by.
We now have a granddaughter, 9 months old now. Seems like yesterday that she was born. What a time that was with all up in arms and upset. I know that we just wanted the best for my daughter and baby. We were afraid for all involved and in the end were justified.
Our grandaughters language has grown from babbles to full words. Oh lovely it is. Can remember when our oldest son at 7 years old could not talk all that well. The love for him and that he showed got him through life though. Now he is a junior and a football player. Came a long way from when they did not think he would learn to talk properly, let alone read or write. He is now an A student with pride.
Our second daughter to graduate highschool is growing in God as well. Oh her heart is so big. She is wanting to go to school to gain a social service degree where she can continue to help others. We have seen it all and I know with her experiences she will do well.
Our eldest son I worry some about but sure he will get his head on straight. As he continues onto a Christian based college my fears grow and lesson at the same time. It will be his first time living outside of the house but also he is going to a loving college where his love for God will hopefully be strengthened. How wonderful could life be?
Our youngest son some days his dad is ready to ship him off to the military. But I can see small changes in him they are signs that he is beginning to mature. After all he is the baby and he may need a bit more time to mature.
Our youngest daugther well we continue to worry about her. She has some learning skill problems but I think positive that she will continue to mature and get by. I love her so much that I am sure that others will as well.
Well to close this little note that turned long I will say talk more later
Angie

Yellow Monday

I am showing off my yellow feista wear coke mug

for more yellow monday visit here

blue monday

this is a graduation picture of my daughter with just a few of her friends at the baccalaureate.

listed at smiling sally under blue monday go there to see more hues of blue

also listing this at Monday's Muse because it is my point of inspiration for this week visit the blog Maternal Spark to see others or list your own

Feeling very special because of blog awards

I am feeling very special because I have been awarded several blog awards over the weekend.

First I was tagged by Janet from GAhome2mom for the meme 6 unimportant things that make me happy. Please play Janets blog a visit as I am sure you will love it. Janet has been a dear blog friend for quite a while

The way it works is easy, I mention the person who tagged me, list 6 unimportant things that make me happy, then tag 6 more lucky bloggers.

6 unimportant things that make me happy:

1. a good blood sugar in the morning


2. taking my dog for a walk in the early morning


3. a good cup of coffee


4. receiving great comments on my blog


5. winning a great contest many prizes go to my children/grandchildren


6. a soft rain on a tin roof

The bloggers I am taging for this are: (these are the blogs which seem to love doing memes as much as I do)

1. Thom @ Thom's Place 4 Well Whatever


2. Harriet @ I Am Harriet


3. Stacie @ Mommas Gone Over The Wall


4. Susanne @ Living to tell the story


5. Joanne @ Barely Domestic Mama


6. Pam @ Mom's Mutterings

Then I was awarded twice by two great blog friends Deb from Debshere and from the blog Always a Southern Girl. If you have never visited these blogs hop on it right away as they are both great places to visit.

Here are the rules for this terrific award!


1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.




2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

• leslie @ Leslie Loves Veggies
• Marie @ vintage postcards
• Suzanne @ Coloradolady
• Elizabeth @ Thoughts from an Evil Overlord
• Miri @ Milk and Honey Quilts
• Grammy @ The Empty Nester
• The Farm Lady @ Over Good Ground
• Donna @ Red Apple Junction
• Jam @ Just A Mom
• Bea @ Bea's Blabber
• cc @ lace n ribbon roses
• hoosier homemade
• who says 8 is enough
• Linda @ Seasons of Life
• Boo Bah's Little Sunshine

Please visit the blogs that I listed to see how nice they really are

A Giveaway On The Busy Mom Blog

Head on over to Busy Mom for the chance to win a 12-pack of customized Jones Soda for your next event or just for fun! Add your own photo and message to any flavor of your choice. Giveaway ends June 7th. Be sure to check out the other giveaways on the Busy Mom blog!

Sunday Stealing

1. What bill do you hate paying the most?

I hate to pay the storage bills because it is stuff that I could sell if I had a chance

2. Where was the last place you had a romantic dinner?

Ponderosa just me and my husband

3. How many colleges did you attend?

two a junior one and then a university

4. Why did you choose the shirt that you have on right now?

comfortable and in reach LOL

5. First thought when the alarm went off this morning?

Man it is morning time again

6. Last thought before going to sleep last night?

My stomach hurts I wish I felt better

7. What do you miss being a child?

having someone to take care of all of my needs and my dad

8. What errand/chore do you despise?

I hate to go grocery shopping

9. Have you found real love yet?

Sure have 22+ years ago

10. What do you get every time you go into Wal-Mart?

normally a soda for my hubby

11. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual?

nope been that for 22 years as well

12. What famous person would you like to have dinner with?

There are several of different means Elvis, Billy Graham to name just a few

13. Ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purpose?

well in training to put out a fire but that is about it

14. Somewhere in California you've never been and would like to go?

anywhere never been to California

15. At this point in your life would you rather start a new career or a new relationship?

new career of course one that I would love

16. Do you have a “go to” person?

Not so much anymore I did with my dad and grandma but they have went on to heaven, My Lord is always there so I share alot with him

17. Are you where you want to be in life?

pretty much I am proud of where I am but could use a bit more money but then who couldn't LOL

18. Over the years, what about you do you think has changed the most?

I have matured in my Christian life, discovered how to help others through experiences I have had

19. Looking back at high school were they the best years of your life?

No I do not think of I was a pregnant teenage girl who sort of did not spend alot of time involved at school. I think the best time of my life was the years where my kids were growing up

20. Are there times you still feel like a kid?

Sort of when my mother takes care of me

21. Where was the hang out spot when you were a teenager?

Duke's carwash

22. Who do you think impacted your life the most?

My father, my friends from church

23. Was there a teacher or authority figure that stood out for you?

had a few teachers that did that for me and one principle who was great to me

24. Do you tell stories that start with “when I was your age”?

yes now that my kids are older I share my memories with them

25. What is the scariest thing that has happened to you as an adult?

scariest thing I would say is when my children were sick

26. What advice would you give to someone about to get married?

talk it out never go to bed mad

27. What advice would you give someone starting their first job?

try your best

28. If you could go back and change one thing you did, what would it be?

going to school early than before I reach 30

29. If you could go back and change one thing someone else did, what would it be?

My dad and his eating habits as a diabetic

Please head over here to read others

Sunday Qoutes dedicated to graduation

The tassel's worth the hassle! ~Author Unknown

The fireworks begin today. Each diploma is a lighted match. Each one of you is a fuse. ~Edward Koch

Hitch your wagon to a star. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

The man who graduates today and stops learning tomorrow is uneducated the day after. ~Newton D. Baker

Since my daughter will be graduating from highschool I devoted these qoutes this week to her.

for more great qoutes or to add your own visit the blog A Daily Dose of Tony

also listed at the blog Candy Hearts and Paper Flowers

Easy Summer Salad Recipe

Easy Summer Salad

2 tomatoes diced

2 cucumbers chopped

1 onion, chopped

2 bell peppers , diced (may be colored if affordable)

italian salad dressing

Mix all vegies and pour italian dressing over all. Marinade in fridge overnight

I listed this recipe at 3 sides of crazy blog and at the blog Organizing with Sandy I have also listed this great recipe at the blog 11th Heaven Homemaking Heaven I also listed this at Jolly Mom for make something monday as well as Mouthwatering Monday at the blog Land of Monkey and Princesses listed at the blog Grocery Cart Challenge

Saturday 6

which room in your house needs the most attention right now?


It could all use a full going over

As a general rule which is usually the most spotless?

the bathroom

which single room of your house do you spend the most time in?

my bedroom, it is nearly the gathering next to the living room and kitchen

take the quiz what room of the house are you

I am the living room

what is the newest thing in the room that you answered in # 5?

It would be the new pictures on the wall

to play along head here

Small Talk 6

Small Talk Six is a meme located on MomDot.com where we are asked to speak to a subject using 6 pictures , 6 phrases, 6 paragraphs, or 6 videos etc....
This weeks subject is May I be Frank

1. It is best to live with your head lifted high doing the right thing rather than somberly looking down when you do something wrong

2. Opening your mouth without thinking about what you are going to say often leads to trouble

3. eating with your mouth gaping older is not only nasty but dis respectful

4. the manner in which you wear your clothes says allot about you when a stranger walks by

5. Speaking up and sharing with others is often the best way to solve a problem

6. Eating nutritiously will often help you stay healthy

Want to share 6 of your thoughts or read others? Visit the blog MomDot and share