Just Keepin' It Real....

I was doing a little blog hopping this morning. Lately, the only blogs I keep up with are the ones on my sidebar. But, I saw some really cool things from some of the bloggers I already follow (I follow a lot of people).
One nice lady showed a ton of pictures of how she was"harvestizing" her home for under $12.
She had a lot of nice things and I liked it a lot.
When she offered one of her burlap bags for a giveaway- me, being a giveaway junkie- signed up- she just wanted to know how we planned on "harvestizing" our homes. I couldn't help it - I let her know what I planned on doing.

I told her, "This year I plan on putting up those colorform things that stick to the window, that are most often on the wrong side of the glass and people can't really see them from the outside. Then, we will watch them fall off the window because they are old and hey, because it is fall. Then I am considering just randomly putting holes in our walls to hang all the goodies the kids have ever made for autumn from school and church.
The piece de resistance?
I might take the broken screen out of our front door just for the holidays."

But then I thought, "How will I possibly embarrass my tween daughter without the broken screen?"
Oh, I suppose I'll think of something.
Seeing as the bus picks up the kids right in front of the house, I suppose I can wear something silly for all the world to see!! Or at least some of the kids her age on the bus!
Have you seen some of my pajamas?- I have some from high school still, but that is a whole different post.

After writing this comment on said lady's blog, I wrote lol- because how was she gonna know I was teasing her- even though I was truthful.

And then I thought, "maybe I will harvestize this year."
If I do, and I am not promising anything, cause you know how us procrastinators are, I will post pics.

In the mean time, if you want an extra entry for the giveaway that ends tomorrow- go here and tell me how you plan on harvestizing!

Wordless Wednesday

My son made this for me and told me the two yellow hearts are "our love". I wear it all the time!

Are we representing Him?

I heard an analogy today that I think will stay with me forever. The women in our church go to a women's convention. I have never been, but hear great things.

The speaker said, "Imagine your father is rich, he owns a lot of real estate and one especially big building."
You, being his daughter, goes to the building to visit him.

When you get out of your car, you yell at the valet, - You call him a loser, stupid and tell him he stinks at his job.
You are short with the door man and scream at your father's secretary. Everyone can't help but notice how mean you are.
These people have never met your father, the man who owns the building.

Your father is scheduled to come to the building today- what do you think the people think of your father when they haven't met him, but have met you - his Daughter?

We are all His daughters (and sons). When we meet those who have never met with the Lord- how do we act?

I always put on a happy face at church and try to be pleasant to everyone. But they have already met my Father- what about those who have not?
Am I being a witness to them?
Am I giving them a good feeling about meeting my Father or am I scaring them off with my bad attitude?


1 Peter 3:15 ESV
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

Just a thought and my prayer.

There is nothing better than...

Rotisserie Chicken from Sam's club!!!!
I haven't had it in ages and we got it the other night.
Delicious.
That is all I can say and one was big enough for all 6 of us.
At less than $5 a chicken - fast food never tasted so good.
I was thinking of linking this to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, but I wasn't sure if the dear ladies would appreciate a store bought chicken amongst their beautiful home cooked meals.
But I have to tell you, if you have a price club near you, get the chicken!

I can't believe we...

threw out our crib!
We got our crib over 11 years ago, from my aunt who got it from her brother-in-law and used it for my cousin.
So, for being about 25 years old or older and having been through 7 kids plus kids I have babysat for- it has been a wonderful crib and of course, very sentimental.
But, over the years it has deteriorated- possibly from 2 middle children who liked to climb over the side- just speculating.
Each of our children has been in it for 3 years, with the exception of our youngest, if you remember this story.
So, it has been sitting in my bedroom against the wall (yes, that is the picture of my room below- I thought about cleaning it for the picture- but I thought I would be honest with you guys) for the last couple of months and the husband said it was time to put it to the curb!

I argued for awhile and thought about sneaking it down to the basement (all I read on submission and I was going to lie- sad), but in the end- what am I going to do with a broken down crib?
I submitted, I was okay with it until we walked to the bus stop and my eldest said, "No, mom, don't throw out the crib". My heart broke, but I left it and when it was gone, I couldn't believe it.

Bye friend, who held my small little babies and kept them safe- thanks for your years of service.

At least I am another step closer to not being a hoarder.

Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Secret Saturday- Silly Putty is Never a good idea!!

So, darling daughter was bothering sweet son and sweet son decided to put silly putty in darling daughter's hair.
Apparently, darling daughter and sweet son didn't realize that mad mama didn't have the extra HOUR to take out said silly putty.

What did mad mama learn once and for all?

Silly putty is never a good idea!!!!!

Have a great weekend!

Joint Birthday Party - Done- Check!

My son and daughter have their birthday in the same month, so sometimes we do joint birthdays. We did it this year, but we had a joint friend party and then a joint grandparent party. This winded up to be a lot of work, but I think I have already forgotten how much and will probably make the same mistake again next year!

We did bottle cap necklaces and fireman hats for crafts. The kids enjoyed this a lot!

The kids played and went on the trampoline and in the small bounce house and of course,

had cupcakes! I can't believe I ever served cake to kids at parties! Cupcakes are so much

EASIER!!!

Happy Friday!

Wordless Wednesday- Sometimes a pig walks through your yard...

Moms in Touch International

So, today I went to the kids' school for my first Moms in Touch International meeting. Our mom's group talked about MITI awhile back, so I knew a little about it, but it was great to be a part of it today.
The idea is a specific prayer for one of your children and their school or homeschool. You only pray for one of your children each week. The prayer is based upon an attribute of the Lord. Ours was wisdom today and we used Ephesians 4:2 ("Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love") when praying specifically for our child.
MITI helps moms pray in an organized way cutting out extra talk making it easy to get right down to business.

The leader described how it works and talked about the importance of prayer and leaving things with the Lord and she had a pretty cool analogy.
She said when you go to the diner and you ask the waitress for a cheeseburger, you do not worry if she is going to bring you a cheeseburger, you know she will. Likewise, when we ask God for something, we should not worry and know that he will provide.

I am sure we can have more faith in God than in a waitress we have never met before, right?

MITI is a great tool and women have been using it for decades. They have groups for school, public and private, and homeschoolers.
Check them out here.

The Perfect Egg Sandwich and Getting Organized

The other day while we were all enjoying our breakfast, I turned and noticed our toddler was busy at work making his own egg sandwich. He didn't say anything or ask for help, he was just busy.

I turned in time to watch him at work.

I remember how much I did for my first- she probably would of looked at me and I would of jumped, anticipating that she wanted me to make her an egg sandwich.

Now my youngest figures everyone is busy, so he should just go ahead and make his own.

I love it!

Now I need to get the rest of the household (with the exception of the husband- he does enough at work) helping out more. This definitely requires a chart. And some teaching. Like the oldest learning how to iron her own school clothes, so I can stop jumping up to start the iron, taking out the iron board, to iron a pair of pants that wouldn't fit on one of my legs. But I digress...

I need to be organized.

After school, I dream of having healthy smoothies and a healthy snack ready for the exhausted kids (mine) who walk in the door, but it winds up being crazy and everyone grabs what they can.

I need to write a chart that says when you get home from school, wash your hands, take your lunch bag out of your backpack, put your backpack in the designated spot, put your shoes away, hang up coats and start your homework.

This seems easy enough, but I wind up telling each kid over and over to do so.

And meals- most of you would pass out if I told you my grocery bill- it is the island, so stuff is expensive and we do not have super walmart!

Plus the husband likes good meals, but there has to be a way to cut down and spend less.

Lists, my mom would say.

Lists.

That would probably require me being able to see my desk through the 2 foot pile that currently resides there to find pen and a paper.

Organization- I think I might break down and get organized.

I have too or else....

I will end up on that hoarders show wearing my stir-up pants!

There is still hope!

Gotta go- I think I see that pen and paper.

CSN giveaway!!!

The great people over at CSN have told me to go ahead and give away another $40 store credit to CSN and their over 200 stores!!!
So, while thinking about $40, I decided to come up with my favorite things from CSN for under $40!
They have everything from crock pots to console tables!

My top 4 under 40 are:

These beautiful Aerosoles in Dark Red Croco!

An Aviva outdoor kiddie ice rink.

A Price Pfister Chrome Bathroom Faucet. I really need one of these.

And a booster seat for a certain guy in my life that is ready to get out of his high-back booster!

To get your own goodies, enter to win the fabulous giveaway. Here's how:

Make sure you are a follower and tell me what you would buy from CSN. (mandatory)

Leave a comment on any other post and let me know. (2 entries)

Blog about it. (5 entries)

Leave a separate comment for each entry.

I will pick a winner on Friday, October 1, 2010 at 8pm EST by using random.org.

Can you believe I just said October? AAAHHHHH!

I am tired....

I am tired and I know this because...

-When my toddler came into my bed this morning and then left and then I saw a wet spot, I let myself believe it was from his sippy cup until I could get up the energy to change the sheets.

-Last week I ironed the kids clothes for school and this week, I found clothes that did not need to be ironed.

-I considered sending my child without lunch instead of making a can of tuna.

-I tried to convince the receptionist at my dentist office that I didn't need to come in for a new retainer and I could just wear the one that my son broke.

-I nearly cried when I went to go to the bathroom and realized one of those strings inside the bathrobe fell into the toliet. I had nothing to wear until my one pair of jeans that fit were done in the dryer.
Solution- I just cut the string.

-I nearly cried tears of joy when I found a clean pair of underwear for myself- you would think I would have more- they come in packages of 7!

-I have been smelling my laundry to see if I left it in the washer too long without drying it a lot lately.

-I broke down and bought white chocolate reese's peanut butter cups (my favorite) from Walmart to keep myself awake- oh, yeah and cause I love'em.

-And not to out anyone, but why do little boys pee everywhere but in the toliet?

-I do not want to brush out my hair anymore, so on a whim, I got over 8 inches cut off!

And then my toddler ran in my room and told me that his dog(toy of course) is feeling better, because he prayed for him and all I could think was these are the best days of my life!
I will cherish every moment.
"Children are a blessing from the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is His reward." Psalms 127:3

And just a side note- sorry about all the pee incidences in this post- I am usually a little more conservative - just had to share.

And once again, if you see me in the post office with no make-up, stir-up pants and an oversized winnie the pooh sweatshirt- get me help!
Sorry if you are wearing that outfit right now.

AWESOME GIVEAWAY STARTS TOMORROW!!!!

And the winner is...

#2-Melissa! Congratulations Melissa! I will send your email over to Scribbling Club.

And a special thanks to Scribbling Club for allowing the Chatty Mommy to do this giveaway!

low entries BACK TO SCHOOL {giveaway}

Hey......You.....Guys!
The awesome back to school giveaway ends tomorrow and has very low entries!
You have a very good chance to win the best personalized labels ever!
For you or the kiddos.
Click here now!
Have a great weekend!

9/11

Things I remember from 9/11 that remain fresh in my mind:
-I walked up to the convenience store with my only child at the time in a stroller in between the attacks.
Someone told me about the plane hitting the WTC. I walked fast, almost running home thinking something would fall on me from the sky, but somehow our tiny one bedroom apartment would keep me safe- Just imagine what people in war-torn countries go through.
-I was so happy to be able to be with my baby, but wanted my husband home so badly. I just felt like it must be end times. When he did come home, I cried and he laughed a little- in a nice way.
-A girlfriend that had always discussed church with me, but never committed to going, called me first wanted to know what I thought and started thinking she needed to get right with the Lord. So many seeds must of been planted that day.
-I read the story of Todd Beamer and was amazed of the bravery of both him in the plane and the courage of his wife to go on without him, having their 3rd child without him and feeling the need to share his life with everyone as a way to share the Lord as well.
-The countless stories I have read and continue to read about the bravery of people and the selfless acts they committed while trying to escape the WTC.
-A point in time when everyone liked George W. and were thankful to have a praying President.

I am going to think on these things today and find an age appropriate way to bring them up with my kids.
I am so thankful to live in this country.
And I am praying for those who have an extreme loss on their hearts today.

Overstock.Com and a COUPON

The good people over at overstock.com contacted me and asked me if my readers would be interested in a coupon code. All I could think was "Overstock.com- I forgot all about that website!!" Overstock has everything at great prices with a flat rate of $2.95 for shipping ANYTHING!
I went over to check out the site and look at all the cool things they have:

A wooden table and chairs set or a chaise.


I would love a king size mattress set or a new couch.


If you have ever seen the inside of my car, you know I need this hand vac for under $20 or maybe I would love a new diamond ring.


Or for the winter, these bear pawz and my dream -a laptop!


All those goodies and so much more! The people at overstock want to offer you 10% off.
The discount code is: 121728 , good for 10% off all Overstock.com products.

**All the ideas and opinions expressed are my own. No monetary compensation was received for doing this post, however, I was provided with a discount code.**

The Nana, 7 kids and a tent

A couple of weekends ago, my mom had a "cuz buzz". She took my 4 kids and 3 of their cousins (her nieces and nephew), ages 2 to 13 and slept in this tent for 2 nights on the side of her house!
They made crafts, played play-doh, made smores and had an awesome time!
In the mean time, I had some wonderful alone time with the husband.
The kids were thrilled and now I do not have to sleep in the backyard with them!!
Woo Hoo!
Thanks Mom!
It was one of those perfect end of summer things.
We are blessed.

Back To School Prayer

Dear Lord,
As I send my 3 children off to school today, please stay with them. Guide them through their day as they find out about their teachers, meet up with old friends and meet some new ones. Let the schedule of the day not be so overwhelming to them as we come off of one of our best summers ever.

My heart was heavy as they got onto the bus, but excited as well. I love them so and would gladly keep them home if I was called to do so.
The excitement in their faces made it impossible to cry. Thank you for their joy. I pray this year brings new and exciting things and that their relationships with you continue to grow.

Please keep them healthy this year and cover our household during the winter months when we are stuck inside whether at school or in our house.
Let their bus rides always be safe and if not, show me the need to drive them.
Make our time together full and productive, as it seems so much of the time is spent at school.

Let their friendships be edifying and keep them from things they do not need to hear at such young ages.
Help my son who is new to school adjust to the long school day. Help my beautiful middle daughter be able to get through her long school day with a happy heart. Help my pre-teen keep her heart for you and keep on the staright and narrow. And help my little guy who is at home with just his mom. Let me do the very best with him before he too is off on the bus.

Please help us as parents make the best decisions possible when it comes to their schooling and the outside world.

Help us to shelter them without having to crush their spirits.

Please just continue to be with us Lord and let this school year be used for your glory.
In your wonderful name,
Amen

CSN Review- A New Frying Pan

When I wrote this last post, someone (Theresa) suggested a stainless steel pan. When the great people over at CSN offered a review of one of their products, I knew I wanted to get a new frying pan!
After placing my order, I received a confirmation email letting me know it would take about a week to get.
Next, I received an email letting me know my item shipped.
And in the mail, I received this beautiful Kinetic Classicor 12 inch Stainless Steel Covered Chicken Fryer! CSN was great in getting it to me exactly when they said and the box was in great condition.

I love the shiny stainless steel! It is a beautiful sight to behold.

And boy, do we use this pan!
The first night, I made a huge mess of chicken cutlets- the 4 pound package for dinner, leaving us extra for wraps.

And don't forget a family favorite, BACON! In case, some of you forgot in the middle of our healthy eating movement- bacon is those crispy strips of pork that make every meal better.

And one of the best parts of the pan is the clean up- I never realized how quickly a stainless steel pan cleans up. And with our family, we use the pan almost everyday- it is nice that clean-up is a snap.

My purchase with CSN was flawless and I highly recommend ordering something from one of their over 200 stores!

**I received this pan from CSN for the purpose of review. I was not compensated in any way.**