Short Today

Thank you to those of you who prayed for the court case. It was dismissed sadly because of a death in the police force.

Now I ask for your prayers for baby JJ. Yesterday he had a severe allergic reaction and almost had to have an epi shot. SCARY! There will be some tests that need to be run and a whole series of stuff from here on out to do. Thank you.

I am also curious if the choking episode I mentioned a while back might have had something to do with food allergies now instead of just regular old choking.

Let's Promote Each Other

I am about to put a link here, not in order to just promote my blog, but because the poster has a good point...

There are a lot of blogs out there. Some good, some bad, and then the great ones (by parents ... Moms like you and me and some of the dads too).

Unfortunately, the good and the bad ones tend to get more ... publicity. While the great ones that edify one another aren't even recognized (sadly, sometimes not even by each other). But I do think we need to be a bit more proactive in getting our message out there. There might be a mom who needs to hear what you have to say, but can't find your blog because it is ranked so low in the blogsphere.

But there are some steps you can follow to promote your blog and other blogs you read and appreciate. I encourage you to make time during this week to visit and do the things she suggests.

Let's Promote Each Other!

I also want to take this time to remind you to COMMENT ON THOSE BLOGS! I know I m VERY guilty of this. I slap all my fav blogs in my RSS Reader, then skim through quickly (trying to keep up on over 200 blogs *YIKES!*). In fact, I have been a "lurker" for the blog I just linked to! LOL!!

But just like you appreciate comments, so do the writers of the blogs you visit everyday. I know what it is like to be a busy mom. But we really do need to edify each other. And commenting on a blog is one way to do that. :) Just one blog a day! :) Pick one and comment! :) LOL!! And don't forget if you see the FAV AT TECHNORATI site button (mine is on the lower left hand bar) TO FAV THOSE BLOGS YOU LIKE! It helps them get more coverage! And it will be promoting those GREAT blogs by moms like you!!! :)

Of course, I will have to wait until next week to do all this. My first court appearance is today. Your prayers are greatly appreciated. I am really hoping she will drop the case. I need to have discernment about what to share (and what to save for court on Friday should it get that far). So prayer for discernment for me, for the city attorney to feel convicted and see the truth, and if it is God's will for the case to be dismissed. That way, should it go to court, I will know that God has some purpose for it (maybe to stop speed traps altogether). Thank you again for your prayers.

Not Really Posting This Week ... In Need of Prayer Please

In April, I received a speeding ticket which I know to be wrong. I have been gathering information and proof and this week is my week in court. Please pray for peace (I am so nervous and upset about all this that I cannot sleep). Even with pictures of PROOF of my innocence, the city attorney is going by what the cop says he did - which I know he did not. There are three other ladies who also got tickets willing to testify that the cop did not do what he says he did. Please pray that the truth will be known by ALL involved in this case (the judge, the jury, the city attorney). Please pray that the ticket (the first one I have gotten in over 10 years) is dismissed. And please pray that I will be able to speak truth and coherently. I get so nervous sometimes.

ETA: I just wanted to add that I truly do believe that cop, while really good people, are not infallible. They are human and can make mistakes or be mistaken, just like any of us can.

You Know You Are A Homeschool Mom When...

Your seven year old finds a slug and asks if salt kills it =, and when you say yes she asks to pour salt on the slug and you say yes, get out your camera, take pictures (none of which came out) and then have the child draw and write a notebook page about it. :D

The Fabric Is....

Some of you have asked what fabric I chose from the contest I won.

I chose Scattered Flowers by Robert Kaufman to make a skirt for myself from (number 51 on my 100 Things in 1001 Days). I did purchase an extra yard of the fabric so that I would have two yards (as most skirt patterns online say 2 yards). I still am unsure of what skirt pattern I want to follow. Any suggestions??

I also need to make a pretty matching blouse to go with it. I am thinking a white blouse that is short sleeved and does not need to be tucked in. ANY IDEAS? I am VERY new to sewing (especially sewing clothes) and would really like to find something pretty. Even if you don't read my blog regularly and just got here searching for sewing, PLEASE MAKE A SUGGESTION! :) I have an idea of what I want, but no idea where to find a pattern for it (and too novice to make my own pattern). THANKS!!

Remember When?

Do you remember when every thing in life brought your joy and happiness? A loved one smiled at you and you were on cloud nine. Someone clapped at something you did and you smiled so big you couldn't see because your eyes squinted shut (that is how my baby JJ smiles).

Whatever happened to those days where it was so easy to find joy? Does it wane with the added responsibility of daily life? And only appear in bursts here and there?

I am so thankful for my children. They help me to find a lot more joy in life that I would ever have without them.

Right now baby JJ is chewing on a dropper and it is making that squeaky sound. A few squeaks and he looks up at me with that smile from ear to ear that makes his eye squint closed and I just laugh out loud!

I pick him up and put him on my lap, where he proceeds to give my arm raspberries intermitted with that smile again.

Yesterday I was kissing Daddy and MM (4 yr) comes up and smiles a big smile and hugs both Daddy and me and then asks if we are married. :)

When AA was a little one (about 3yr) I was on a step stool trying to get something. However, the view was blocked from where she was sitting. "Momma, are you high?" I giggle. "Momma are you on something?" Bursts of laughter erupt from both my husband and me.

And Disneyland (with a 2yr 3yr and 5yr) would just not have been as much fun or magical just me and my beloved.

Today I cam across an ebay auction that you have prolly read by now (if you haven't, stop and go read it right now. It is too funny.). And of course, after reading the auction, I had to visit her blog. Which is where I found this wonderful video that does show just how full of joy we can be at such a young age.



Unfortunately, my baby JJ is such a boy and so reserved in his laughter. He hardly ever laughs, but those smiles so big his eyes squint shut abound!

And I do have to add a word here about my beloved. I also find joy in him and with him. He is my best friend and life is so much more joy filled WITH him as a part of my life. I am so thankful to God to be blessed with him as my friend, my husband. I don't want anyone out there to think that I find more joy in my children than in my husband. :) I am so thankful to be able to find just as much joy in BOTH!

Just reminding you to find joy in your kids, in your beloved, and to find joy IN LIFE! As Pollyanna said "There are over 800 glad texts" and if the Lord took the time 800 times to tell us to be glad, then we should, shouldn't we. :D

Free Post It Sight Words

http://mmm.apfco.com/w1266/index.cfm

I ordered mine earlier today

Shse Does Not Let Her Lamp Go Out At Night

After going through Proverbs 31 for my 101 Things in 1001 Days, I have really been thinking about not letting my lamp go out at night.

I realize that there are several times that by the end of the day, I am so wiped out that I not only look forward to my beloved putting the kids down, but I leave dishes left undone and food still on the stove (which means a waste of food). I usually end the night by going up stairs, wiped out and then crash in bed. But I don't fall asleep, I keep thinking about all the things I want or need to do.

And then, when the kids wake up in the middle of the night needing me, I am really wiped out and sometimes have to force myself out of bed, secretly hoping they would just fall back asleep.

What is sad is those times are precious. I have had some of the best one on one conversations with my girls when they wake up needing me. And even baby JJ. He is such a cuddler. When he wakes up, and I go in to get him, he hugs me so tightly.

Heaps of guilt for wishing they would go back to sleep so I can sleep come over me. It just shows my selfishness and I hate it. It is amazing how often God uses my children to convict me of the sin in my life. And how often He uses my children to show me an amazing facet of God's character and love.

Maybe that is why some mothers really don't enjoy their children. They don't enjoy the conviction that comes along with children. We tend to see our TRUE selves with our children. Either in our behavior with them or in the CHILD'S behavior. We wonder where they learned something, but most of the times, if we are honest with ourselves, they learned it from us.

I am very thankful that I am open to God's conviction in my life. If I were not, I might not find the joy in my children that God wants a mother to have in her children. Children ARE a blessing. Now if only I can remember that at 2AM when I am half asleep instead of after I drag myself out of bed and spend time with them.

Or better yet, live in such a way that my lamp does not go out at night. I know that part of it is also my health habits. I am not eating right nor am I sleeping well. I know that those physical factors affect my character - in other words they allow my character flaws to show through. ;)

Anyways, thanks for hearing me ramble today. I just need to talk this through.

Tuesday's Link Up

OK, so how to make your own custom-fitted body dress form!

HT: To my new sister in Christ, Tracy from Unless The Lord

And from Sew Mama Sew:
Fav Sewing Tutorials Part 1
Fav Sewing Tutorials Part 2
Fav Sewing Tutorials Part 3

And you just HAVE to check out this cutie patootie doll! I want one in my stocking too please! LOL!!! She has a GREAT tutorial. And check out that hair!! I LOVE IT!! Too TOO CUTE!

I WON I WON I WON!!!

Ok, so I really am the girl who never wins anything (except the heart of my wonderful husband!). But I just won a free yard of fabric from Sew Mama Sew!! They have a give a way every Friday so be sure to enter!!! :)

Now a yard might not seem like a big thing, but wait until you see the fabrics I get to choose from!!! Any suggestions? Let me know what YOUR favorite is!!!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU SEW MAMA SEW!!

I think I am going to use the fabric to make myself a beautiful skirt! (Number 51 on my 101 Things in 1001 days)

101 in 1001 - Master List

There is this thing going around on the internet. I first saw this at Love To Crochet And Knit and thought WHAT A GREAT IDEA! I love to make lists. But I am not always good at completing them. SO, what better way to complete those things I have been wanting to do then to post it publicly on the blog for accountability?!?! :D

The Mission: Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria: Tasks must be specific (no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days? Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as new year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities. Need help figuring out your ending date?

The Reward: Personal satisfaction of a job well done...and lots of things accomplished you really needed or wanted to do!

START DATE: Monday, August 20, 2007
FINISHED DATE: Monday, May 17, 2010

I decided to follow Proverbs 31 in my example. PLEASE understand that I know that I have taken some liberty in defining what Proverbs 31 means to me PERSONALLY.

Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.
(Developing VIRTUOUS CHARACTER)

1. Complete The Narrow Way (from Pearables) with the children.
2. Memorize Philippians 4:8 and hang a copy in the kitchen and in the TV room.

The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.
(Reverencing my beloved, being friends with him, and being his helpmeet.)

3. At least once a month find something that I can do that would help beloved without him having to ask first.
4. At least once a week ask beloved if there is anything I can do to help him, and then do it.
5. Ask hubby what is something he has always wanted to do, then make plans to do it (or something similar).
6. Tell my husband "I love you" at least once a day for 365 days! :)
7. Massage beloved once a month for the year.
8. Trash the dress.

She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands.
(WILLINGLY works with hands)

9. Make at least one craft project from 3 crafts books I have never opened but have had for quite a while.
10. Make a crochet rag rug.
11. Make own soap.
12. Make a plan to finish quilt I want to make (neutral tone one). Find out what fabric I have left to buy, buy it and cut all fabric. If possible, make the quilt.
13. Make a quilt thing for the wall (where I can piece together the quilt on the wall before piecing it together on the machine).

She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants.
(Healthy Living, Cooking and Baking)

14. Go to the Farmer's Market every Thursday or Saturday - once a week - for the rest of the season and do most of my shopping there.
15. Try one new recipe/dish a month.
16. Try one new dessert recipe a month.
17. Make a plan for Thanksgiving Dinner.
18. Make a baking plan for Christmas goodies.
19. Make own salsa.
20. Can own salsa.
21. Make own marinera sauce.
22. Make one month of meals for freezer.
23. Go to bed early enough to get up in the morning (at least by 10).
24. Even if I do not feel like it, get up and out of bed in the morning (by 7AM).
25. Make at least 5 meals from scratch a week.

She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.
(Finances)

26. Create a budget.
27. Max out both mine and beloved's ROTH IRA for the year, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
28. Create a savings plan to save for laptop AND vacation (trash dress) for 2008.
29. One week out of the month, eat from the pantry/freezer.
30. Once a month every season try living on bare necessities.

She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms.
(Exercise)

31. Exercise at least 3 times a week.
32. Lift weights to strengthen arms at least 3 times a week.

She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night. (all of my things here are really not measurable, but goals to attain)

33. When shopping at garage sales and thrift stores, don't just buy it because it is cute or a great bargain. Make sure it is a good quality. After each purchase, come on here and share.
34. When buying materials to make items for store, make sure they are high quality.
35. When buying materials to make items for family, make sure they are high quality.
36. Make sure that I am not too tired that I am able to be there for my family at night. (A big part of this is eating healthier and going to bed and rising on time.)

She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle.

37. Learn how to mend clothes and make alterations and then do it on at least one item.
38. Make 3 outfits for JJ.
39. Make 3 outfits for MM.
40. Make 3 outfits for EE.
41. Make 3 outfits for AA.
42. Make apron for self.
43. Learn to embroidery from MeeMaw.
44. Make at least one set of embroidered tea towels (after learning from MeeMaw).
45. Make 5 fabric shopping bags.

She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.

46. Work in a soup kitchen.
47. Find out who elderly are in church and visit them at least once every other month.
48. Christmas shoeboxes!

She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet.

49. Make 3 winter outfits.
50. Go through children's clothes and get rid of cheaply made clothes and replace with high quality, sturdy clothes (this includes ones I make myself).

She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

51. Make self at least one outfit.
52. Go through clothes and get rid of ones that do not look good on me (get beloved's opinion on this).

Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.

53. When beloved has to work late, keep his meal warm for him.
54. When beloved has to work late or on weekend, encourage him - watch my actions to make sure I do not make him feel guilty.
55. Encourage Brian in his male friendships/fellowship at least once a month.
56. Pray for Brian to be recognized in work.

She makes linen garments and sells them,

57. Pick one type of clothing to make and make 5 and put in Etsy store.

And supplies sashes for the merchants.
(Hospitality)

58. Invite the pastor and his family to dinner at our house. (YIKES! This scares me more than you know!)
59. Invite the family across the street to dinner at our house.
60. Host a crafty gathering at our house.
61. Host a cookie swap at our house.
62. When a missionary comes to visit the church or a guest speaker comes, invite them to our house for a meal and a place to sleep (if they don't already have one).
63. Invite neighborhood over once a month for a potluck.
64. Write a letter to Grandparents once a month and include at least one picture.
65. Bring baked goods to each family in the neighborhood.
66. Plan a caroling party for the neighborhood.

Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come.
(Living life so that on my death bed, I will be rejoicing in my children and have no regrets in life - either by my actions/speech or by what I have done/not done)

67. Become more rooted in God's word by reading the Bible every day (even if it is just one verse).
68. At least once a month, write out an application of God's word for my life and live it for that month.
69. Get rid of items in the house that do not glorify God.
70. Every time I say a swear word (it is not too often, but the fact I do it at all still bothers me) I put $5 from my allowance into a box.
71. Go to garden of flowers and take pics of the kids.
72. Go to castle with kids.
73. Visit one new place in CO never been before.
74. Go camping.

She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.

75. Once a month, remind the children to help me with talking to them in a kind voice (no yelling).

She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.

76. Make a plan for a food garden (greenhouse?).
77. Make a plan for a flower garden.
78. Create a plan for homeschooling.
79. Make schedule and post it for everyone to see and FOLLOW.
80. Create a chore chart for everyone (including self) and implement it.
81. Buy new windows (Before Oct 2007)
82. Make curtains for girls room.
83. Make curtains for boys room.
84. Paint at least one room in the house.
85. Mop floor on hands and knees just once.
86. Create a line to hang dry clothes outside.
87. Do Shabbat for one month.

Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: (DO things worthy of their praise - whether I get it or not. Leave a legacy.)

88. Every month, let the children pick something fun they want to do and then do it.
89. Take time to draw/paint every weekend.
90. Plan an activity from our activity books - once a month.
91. Read Parenting of Champions.
92. Read What The Bible Says About Child Training.
93. Finish scrapping 2007 vacation photos.
94. Put all pictures in picture books (at bare minimum, organize by date to put in book at a later time).
95. NGI for AA - brush.
96. NGI for beloved - guitar.

Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. (Personal Walk with the Lord.)

97. Read at least two books on becoming a more godly woman.
98. Learn a new hymn every month.
99. Read Proverbs a day corresponding with the day of the month for a full year.
100. Memorize one new verse a month.
101. Write down a prayer journal to keep track of answers to prayer.

(Note: NGI is something personal that you will find out about in God's time. :D )

What most people are doing, is as they complete their list, they add a link to the post about it. And they cross out the original item. What a GREAT idea! I now have 101 things to blog about in the next 1001 days! LOL!!! :D

Dinner (day 5 and 6)

Sorry I did not post about dinner yesterday, I figured I had enough posts yesterday! LOL!!

SO yesterday:
Breakfast - granola
lunch - leftovers
dinner - pancakes. I know this one sounds silly, but my daughter desperately wanted to make pancakes, and a good Momma does not pass up the opportunity to teach her daughter to make pancakes. I must say she did a WONDERFUL job!!!

Today:
Breakfast was left over pancakes. :)
Lunch was a hodge podge of stuff. We grabbed bags of dried fruit and nuts and chips and guacamole and dates. LOL! We were heading out and would be out most of the day. The girls LOVED having the hodge podge of foods, and got more than enough to eat.
Dinner - frozen corn dogs and those cans of baked beans we have so much of! LOL!!!

Saturday Sweethearts: Making your anniversary memorable

Calling All Friends, Families and Celebrities
by Michael Webb
Making your anniversary memorable

On May 27th, Athena and I celebrated our seventh yearly wedding anniversary. I wanted to make it even more special than our average yearly extravaganza so I came up with an idea to make it very memorable. I wanted to have friends, families and celebrities to send greetings to Athena to congratulate her on this special occasion.

First, about one month before our anniversary, I went on the Internet and found several sites where celebrity mailing addresses were listed. I wrote down about 25 celebrities around the world that Athena has admired for things they had accomplished or talents they have. I didn't write to anyone simply because they were good-looking or famous. I did my best to hunt down a few more addresses of notables that I knew Athena was particularly fond of. I wrote each person a short letter explaining what I was doing.

Along with the letter I included a card and envelope that was pre-addressed and stamped so all they would have to do is to write a short note, sign it, seal it and post it. About two weeks before our anniversary, the card from Woody Allen came. In proper fashion, Martha Stewart's came just a few days before our anniversary. The day of our anniversary came greetings from Brooke Shields, Andre Aggasi and Harry Connick Jr. Within the next few weeks came cards from Bill Cosby, Robin Williams, Emma Thompson and the cast of Friends.

The second tier of this plan had to do with friends and family who have e-mail. I sent messages to about 40 people who have e-mail and asked them to send a message to my wife at her office. The day of our anniversary (she had to work, unfortunately), she was flooded with dozens of messages over the computer. The reason I didn't ask our friends to send a card is that it would have been expensive for me to send out an additional 40 and it would have been slightly rude to ask for them to go out and buy a card for us.

Michael Webb is the founder of www.TheRomantic.com and the best-selling author of "The Romantic's Guide" and 7 other Books.

-=-=-
My notes: While your list of celebrities may be quite different than listed above, you can write to famous evangelicals (like Billy Graham) or even your husband's favorite authors (or bloggers!).

-----
Remember, THESE ARE IDEAS FOR YOU (not your husband). YOU are to romance your husband! I was inspired to do these Saturday Sweethearts based on a book called Romancing Your Husband by Debra White Smith. PLEASE get a hold of this book and read it. It is a really good book and will really change your life. :)

Save Money on Your Grocery Bill - Is Organic More Expensive Than Conventional?

(This post was originally written two weeks ago, but I was so late in getting the pictures done, that it isn't being posted until now. But that works out PERFECT as this week I am working on finances!)

Farmer’s Markets are a GREAT place to get organic produce at a GREAT price! Here is a tip:

Ask them if they have any seconds. IF they don’t know what seconds are, let them know those are the fruits and veggies that have a soft spot, or didn’t grow quite right (like they are a bit flat on one side because they were not turned while growing), etc. They usually only have these BRIGHT and early FIRST THING because they go fast. The organic peach lady was here and I looked at the price list:
$5 for small bag
$9 large bag
$30 Box of 1sts peaches

I got a huge box of organic peaches from Palaside the other day, seconds (those are the peaches that are not pretty. They usually have a soft spot, bruise or hole in them), for just $16!!! Organic peaches from Palaside go here for about $1 each. (Palaside CO has the BEST peaches, you really can taste the difference.) I got over $35 worth of peaches for $16!

Don't be afraid to ask other sellers or buyers there questions. The way I first learned about seconds was by overhearing the lady in front of me ask for a box. They were not advertised. So I asked about them.So I bought a box of seconds and came home. They are actually in really good shape! Yes, they are not pretty (some of them did not grow right). But hey! Cut them up, and freeze them for smoothies or peach pie (where all people care about is taste and not looks and it is all cut up anyway) and WOW! Did I get a deal or WHAT! Just cut out those black spots and the rest of the peach is good and yours! :) My daughters LOVED the one with the "belly button." :D

Also, even the conventional farmers at the market will usually use LESS pesticide than supermarket growers. Be sure to ask.

Check around for farmer’s markets. They are closer to you than you think! I have been going to one that is about 3 miles from us, but I recently found out there is another one at the local high school! Just as close, yet BIGGER. :) The one near us is listed on the web, but the high school one is not listed on the web anywhere that I could find. I actually found out about it from a friend. So ask around. Even goto a farmer’s market that might be a bit of a drive and ask people there. EVERYONE there is SO FRIENDLY! Even the shoppers! :) Who I am sure will be MORE than happy to share where there might be a farmer’s market closer to you. Even the farmers support each other. So ask a farmer if they know of any markets closer to where you live.

And for those of you who THINK organic is more expensive, that is not always the case. While Whole Foods Organic lettuce cost about $2 a head, and convention lettuce at the local supermarket cost $1.25, the local green grocer head of lettuce cost 89 cents and the lettuce from the pesticide free farmer at the farmer’s market cost me 15 cents!!! :D WOOHOO!!!

Not to mention week before last at the farmer's market, they had a HUGE crop, so they were basically GIVING the food away. Pesticide free food. Box for $10! I had my two fabric grocery bags that I could set right inside the box. Then I filled up the bags. 7 ears of corn were $1. I got about 20 ears. Cantaloupes were 3 for $5. I got 6. Not sure what the price on anything else was because after finding out the price for those two things, I decided to get the box! LOL!! I got LOTS and LOTS of potatoes, some heads of lettuce. Some squash and zucchini. I figure I got over $40 (their prices not store prices, store prices would have easily been about $65) worth of food for $10!

And just so you know, yes, we used it all up. Some of it was frozen for later use. And sometimes we just had ears of corn for lunch! LOL! But the kids LOVED it (and it was healthier than some lunches out there). :)

Working Willingly With My Hands

YEAH! It is amazing how much the trashing my dress has really changed my life!

Ever since I starting thinking about idle hands I have been motivated to FINALLY do things I have been wanting to for a while. :)

The other day, I finished my first project. I HAD NO PATTERN! (You have no idea how excited I am!) I saw something I liked, and set out to imitate it. Now, of course, I had to settle. I was really wanting this to be longer to fold in half, but I did not realize to factor in the pocket in my measurements. NO PROBLEM! I just happily settle for one side instead of two! :)

I also did hearts along the top (although they are upside down, something I need to correct in the next version). Beloved pointed out that the hearts compete with the pattern in the fabric, so I will prolly leave those out next time.

I have NEVER done ANYTHING like this before! I am way excited!! And it turned out so cute!!! Now I have my own organization for my crochet hooks! YIPPEE!!! (And as you know, when you are a Momma of a little one, they are just as excited about your projects as you are! LOL! Baby JJ's hands were anxious to get a hold of my new project! LOL!)

Dinner Tonight (day 4)

I must admit that it saddens me how much money I have just wasted on groceries every month when I had more than enough here to feed my family. The week is not half over and I am realizing just how much EXCESS I have. Who needs 7 cans of baked beans (that are only used with hot dogs or hamburgers)?? And why do I have SOOOO many cans of chopped tomatoes?

I usually spend about $100 a week on groceries for my family. And I thought that was pretty good. Buying organic and for a family of 6. After all, I was told by someone close they spend over $700 a month just for the two of them (although they do have company over frequently). And while it is not the $40 a month some families do, I had always thought that unattainable with the type of eating we do. After all, we do not eat beef, and we eat very little to no meat (chicken, fish, etc.) so I cannot buy the cheap meat to feed my family.

But four days into eating only what we have and not buying anything, I have decided that I want to do this at least once a month. One week out of every month. Just think of the money I would save. I would save at least $100 a month!! You see, when I go grocery shopping, I don't JUST buy groceries. I usually end up buying a little bit of this or that, or the ice cream on sale or .. well you get the idea.

So today we ate oatmeal for breakfast (and if you are wondering, yes, my children are getting tired of oatmeal, but they are not complaining). :D Praise God for that. :D
Lunch was homemade granola (a hidden way to use MORE oats LOL! without the children thinking it was oatmeal) with yogurt.
Dinner was tacos (it is not unusual for us to have Mexican three-four times a week). I browned more onions and peppers. Then I had some fake meat crumbles and threw those in with corn. I found a bag of taco seasoning that I threw in. Served on taco shells with lettuce. The kids also had a salad. It was really good. :)

Another Blog Not To Miss (Especially THIS Post)

I am in LOVE with another blog! LOL!!! There are SO MANY good ones out there.

She has GREAT posts (especially her Frugal Friday ideas), but I must admit this one REALLY caught my eye. (Shereen, you will LOVE this!)

It is called the Furoshiki, and it is the easiest thing to make and use. It folds up so small into your purse (or you can even MAKE it into a purse!) and can be used to carry your groceries home. Or whatever you buy from the store home. :) Check it out!!!



HT: redbudslane

Day Three

Day Three of making do with what I have. I have not had to buy any food yet! :)

One of the GREAT things about noodles is that you go go to any country with their flavor! You can use spaghetti or the small little spirals..ANYTHING. :D

Add some veggies and tomato sauce for Italian.
Add artichoke hearts, kalamata olives and some dressing for Greek.
Add some soy sauce and ginger and veggies for Chinese. (Sprinkle with sesame seeds for extra flair.)
Add some black beans, corn, tomatoes, onions and chili powder for Mexican.

Tonight, we had Chinese. I used long spaghetti noodles. I made a sauce with ginger, garlic, soy sauce and a few other seasonings. I also added some canned baby corn and canned shitake mushrooms. It was really good!

For breakfast we had oatmeal.
For lunch, my girls remember coupons we had for FREE kids meal at a local fast food joint. AND we got FREE ice cream (those servings of ice cream were HUGE!).

For The Photographer In All Of Us

Most of us, by now, have succumbed to the digital camera and done away with our film cameras. And with even the digital point and shoot camera (like mine is) you can still create the most amazing pictures by using the manual settings (something you really could NOT do with the film point and shoot).

I don't know what person DOESN'T like to take GOOD pictures. Well, now you can! Tips and tricks and inexpensive ways to create the tools you need to take shots like the pros. :)

The Digital Photography School blog is one in my RSS feed reader I read daily. It has some GREAT stuff!

And just so all my Etsy friends out there don't miss this one, How To Make An Inexpensive Light Tent! This an help you get better shots without paying boocoo bucks for the "real" thing. :)

Save Your Heart

This song is just too precious. Written by a six year old for his future wife, this song is so heartfelt that this momma will be having marriage proposals for her son! :)

HT: Rebecca From Renaissance.

Tonight's Dinner (day two, using what I have)

Here is a tip that has saved me some money. Sometimes you need corn chip crumbs for casseroles, but why waste the nice big corn chips? Instead, save all the crumbs from each of your bags in a baggie in the freezer. Then when you need them, pull out the bag and use them! YEAH!

So tonight's dinner (continuing with the Mexican theme) is a variation of my mom's recipe for Taco Casserole. You already have the filling from last night. Add a few crumbs of corn chips and a can of tomato paste. Stir. Pour more corn chip crumbs on top until covered. Take your leftover shredded cheese from last night and cover chips. This is TOO YUMMO! Bake until cheese melts and is ooey gooey good! :)

Serve with refried beans (left over from last night) and salsa! Add some greens on the side for a salad and BAM you got dinner.

Breakfast was oatmeal. And lunch, at my children's request, was popcorn! LOL!!! Sometimes you just gotta have a fun meal with your kids.

Grand Canyon

I love the Grand Canyon. It is one of the most beautiful of God's creations. And recently, we went and took the kids with us. We did tent camping and went from rim to rim (North to South).

One of my favorite memories was of sharing the sun setting over the canyon with my girls. Beloved and AA were out together on the other side of the dip, down on the trail a bit. And I had gone off in search of a different perspective. He was surrounded by people (and the canyon). We were surrounded only by the majestic beauty of the sun setting over the canyon (and the giggles of my girls having a great time).

One of the tips for great vacation shots (this month's guild membership at Digital Scrapbook Artisan Guild has a FREE mini-class all about vacation photos) is to go off the beaten path where no one is to get a great shot. And as you can see, I got some GREAT shots. NONE of the photos are retouched! WOOHOO!! I had finally gotten up the courage to play with the manual settings on my point and shoot (thanks to my beloved for the encouragement!).

And before you ask, YES, I was TERRIFIED of the kids falling into the canyon! LOL!! I cannot tell you how many times I yelled at them "GET AWAY FROM THE EDGE!" LOL! Even though they were SO FAR away from it, it was still too close for Momma's comfort. :D

I am sorry for the watermark on the layout. Unfortunately, because of some dishonest people out there claiming layouts/photos as their own, this is becomming more and more necessary to prevent piracy. You should be able to click to enlarge to read better. This is a two page layout.

I hope to FINALLY complete a vacation album. I have not completed one since 2001! LOL!!

Scrapbooking Doily

GREAT idea for using paper for scrapbooking (especially if you are digital like me)-
Scrapbooking Doily

This is from a newly discovered (to me) blog called My Heart Is Always Home. Check it out. You will enjoy it too!

Working on Finances

SO this week of my plan I decided to work on finances.

Last week, working on health, I lost 7 lbs and dropped 2 inches off my waist! I do not expect those results to be typical, as when you first start eating healthier, you usually do lose a large amount of weight fast. But progress is progress is progress! YEAH!

So for this week on finances, the plan is not to spend any money. No money on gas (I might have the pleasure of taking a friend to the airport, but would not need to fill up on gas). How to do this?

Firstly, STAY HOME! :) Every time I go out, I seem to buy something. Usually because I am going out to garage sales or thrift stores. I am addicted to thrifting. I so enjoying paying a small amount of money on something. Even if that something is something I don't need. And no going to garage sales! LOL! If I have done well without it for this long, I can do well without it for even longer. :)

Secondly, use what I have. Each meal will be made with stuff I have filling my fridge, freezer and pantry. My posts this week will most likely happen in the evening so I can share what meal we had. :)

Tonight's meal consisted of a bag of frozen chopped onion and peppers, and a bag of frozen veggies (broccoli, carrots, zucchini, squash), some frozen corn, a can of black beans and Mexican Seasoning. I LOVE to cook in cast iron. Whenever I make my Mexican meals, I always squeeze a little lime juice on top to make it sizzle and give it a bit of a kick. The girls LOVE it. I bring the pot to the table and put on a hot plate. We have our taco shells and toppings (shredded lettuce, salsa, cheese, etc.)ready to go and have a taco bar at the table! It is GREAT! We did not have taco shells, so we just used up our corn chips! We made a taco dip instead of tacos. :) It was yummy and fun.

Lunch was frozen waffles with syrup and breakfast was cereal. Snacks were the fresh fruit we always have in a basket on the table.

I also need to be more creative about using what I already have. Sometimes I think I really NEED something, when really it is more of a want. If I look closely at all that God has blessed me with, I am usually able to find a way to use what I already have to get what I really want. :)

11 Years

Here is a layout I made. I thought it fit well since my beloved makes me feel like a kid again! :) But he wanted something a little more romantic, so I will work on another one, romantic, just for him. :) I LOVE MY MAN!!! :D

If you click on it you can read what I have learned. :)

I have to say a HUGE thank you to Mikkel from Created On A Cloud not only for her freebie alpha, but for creating a number ONE for me to be able to do the title of 11 Years! :)

Saturday Sweethearts: Dinner Out

So, for our 11 year anniversary, my husband went all out. You have to understand that he really wanted to do something special for our ten year anniversary, but because of finances and a move, were were unable to. So he made up for it this year. :)

First, a stop off at the jewelers. The engagement part of my wedding set (I have a wedding band and engagement ring) had thinned so much that I worried about it falling off. The jeweler had said it had about 6 months before it thinned so much it would break. I did not know that gold could thin, but with daily wear, it can and does. So I had taken it off and put it in my jewelery box to avoid losing it forever. It was too expensive to fix.

Well, my husband had snuck it out and to the jeweler and it just so happened to be ready on our anniversary! :) It was so romantic!!

Then off to dinner. We went to The Melting Pot. Because we had reservations, they put us in a small room that was "closed off" by a curtain (to give us a little more privacy). While it was VERY romantic, when we left, we did see a lot of families with children as young as 4 and groups (not just couples).

Now, while finances may be tight and you cannot afford dinner out, at a place like this you can come just for the dessert and have it be just as romantic! Remember that you are not doing this every day. :) But maybe, for your next special occasion, you look into splurging a little bit. Maybe you save the extra money from the coupons you clipped. Or maybe you were really good with finances and did not spend as much as allocated in all your categories.

And, if nothing else, have dinner out ... IN! Check out the thrift stores for a fondue pot and do a fondue dinner at home! I think 1 in 3 couples receive a fondue pot when they get married. Most of them prolly never use it! LOL! So if nothing else, maybe you can borrow a friends! LOL!! Light some candles, cut some flowers from the garden, and have a romantic dinner! :)

Friday's Fun: Name The Book

Sorry for not posting the Bible study the other day. I lost it on my computer. :( I guess that is just an incentive for others to do their own Bible study. :) I just used an online Bible search. I did two searches. One for the word "idle" and one for the word "work hand". What I like about the search engine I listed here is that it finds all the verses that have the word in them. So when I search for hand, it also finds hands. I when I search for work, it also finds works, worked, worketh, etc.

So onto the games!

Select a number of incidents in the Bible (no more than one from any book). Mention the incident and see if they can recall the book in which the incident happened. This might also be fun with books other than the Bible (you know us homeschooling moms LOL!). You can have characters (Anne spelled with an e) or incidents (a little girl is taken away from her grandfather) or (a fair Hero fakes death to win back love) and try to figure out what books they are from.

First one to guess the samples above correctly will win a prize! :)

Active Hands

"She...willingly works with her hands."
Provers 31:13

This whole trash your dress has really gotten me thinking about why I am so out of shape. Yes my body has changed a lot since the pregnancies and birth, HOWEVER I have seen women whose bodies have changed and yet through diet and exercise got it back to even better than before! THERE IS HOPE! :) (Oh Rebecca - LOL! - if there is hope for me there is hope for you!) :)

I remember watching a 20/20 special sometime back. It was done on a doctor who was studying if it really was metabolism that kept us skinny. What he found was that metabolism didn't matter. (Shock you? I know it did me!). What mattered was the amount of activity a person had a day. Those who were skinnier had 2 hours MORE of activity a day than those overweight.

The doctor had changed his office after this so that he walks SLOWLY on a treadmill throughout the day. It is his computer "desk." And everyone who works for him has the same kind of set up. He even insisted that his interview be done while he was on his office treadmill. And you could see him doing computer work while walking, his secretary answering the phone and writing while walking. It really was amazing.

And while yes, a Momma is a very busy Momma, I had to ask myself how much ACTIVITY I was getting. I mean, after all, I was asking my daughters to run upstairs and grab me diapers instead of getting them myself. And while cooking, I was asking the girls to get objects out of the pantry for me. And I do spend a lot of time on the computer with research (and reading blogs, which can't I call that research too?! :D ) I read a lot, but that is always sitting.

So I started thinking about what the Bible has to say about idle hands or working hands. Maybe my idleness ...ok, not maybe. My idleness WAS a huge contributing factor in me being and STAYING overweight. I will post my short Bible study on this tomorrow.

SO what are something things I can do with my hands?

I have FINALLY gotten off my duff and made each of the girls pillowcase dresses/nightgowns! I have collected SEVERAL vintage pillowcases that I plan to make into dresses for family as well as possibly sell in the craft fairs around town. I really want to sew more. My husband has decided (and I agree with him) that the clothes out there are just too hoochie mamma for our girls to wear. And while we have been buying clothes that are bigger sizes, they just don't fit them right. I have a link on this here.

I can clean. And I don't mean just the decluttering that I have been doing lately where I basically shove everything in a drawer so it is out of sight or in a box to sell. But actual cleaning. Vacuuming more often (I really should be for the health of the carpet as well as the health of my family). Dusting (living in CO where you don't have an air conditioner, your windows are open 5 months out of the year, that let's in a LOT of dust!). And just beautifying my home in general.

Gardening. I have been wanting to do this for a while, and just as we had gotten our garden started at our old house, we had to move. My husband is wanting to build me a green house. And I really want to re-landscape the front yard for a flowering garden that I can cut flowers to bring in to beautify the home. I found a WONDERFUL short read on Growing A Cutting Garden from Elizabeth's Flowers and a few other things (Rebecca and Nancy, you will LOVE this blog!)

Cook and bake. I need to do more of this from scratch. I was reading a blog (please forgive me for not remembering who you are) about how where she lives there is NOTHING premade. So everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) is made from scratch. All her seasoning mixes, her tortillas, her bread, etc. I think it would be wonderful to have the girls help bake cookies and take them the the shut in's around town (or even in our neighborhood).

I can reach out to those in need. I think my girls are old enough now to start working with organizations that help the poor (or those in a children's hospital, or nursing home). There are also the older generation in our neighborhood that we can go and clean their house, or bring them meals. We can also make meals for new mothers (even if it is 17th child, she's still a "new mom").

I can crochet and do other handiwork. While it is true that it is not as active as running, I am still using my mind and hands in a creative way. And if nothing else, it will keep me from being lazy and keep my mind sharper. I have noticed that those who continue to DO with their hands tend to not have Alzheimer's. But that is a whole different subject. :)

Why I Shop At Hobby Lobby and NOT Joann's

I love Hobby Lobby. And I used to love Joann's. But a recent experience there showed me just why I will do all my future craft shopping at Hobby Lobby. I do not understand, especially in the age of technology where a dissatisfied customer can cost a company a lot of money by sharing their bad experience don't all have the customer is always right attitude. If nothing else, they should treat the customer KINDLY and with respect.

Here is a copy of a letter I recently sent to Joann's:

I went shopping yesterday at the location in city on street. I was in need of some pink number 10 crochet thread. When I went to the store, you did not have what I was looking for. However, I noticed around the corner that your DMC floss and DMC Perle were on sale. I decided to settle and get something else instead to see if it would work. So I looked to see if there were any exclusions to the sale. There were none. So I grabbed 5 DMC perle and 3 DMC floss. When I got up to the counter to pay, the DMC was wringing up higher than I expected. I was told that was because the variegated floss was not included in the sale. I tried to explain that it said DMC FLOSS was on sale and it did not say there were any exclusions. So while someone was looking into that, the DMC Perle was wrung up. Neither the regular NOR the variegated were wringing up at $1. I again mentioned that there were no exclusions on the sign. So they called the man from the back who I guess was in charge of that area.

While I was waiting in line, about 15 people got in line behind me (this took quite a while).

I was appalled at how I was treated. Most of the time, stores have "the customer is always right" policy. And whenever I am mistaken, the employer GENTLY explains, even SHOWS me what was being talked about. Then they apologize that I was mistaken, and everyone leaves happy. Well this man was so rude to me. When I tried to explain that I had looked on the sign and did not see any exclusions, he said the sign was only right there in front of the DMC floss and not the variegated. If I were to go by only where the sign is, I would have only been able to chose from a small handful of colors. He rudely told me that the sign says "as advertised" and that if I would have looked in the flyer (I am sorry but since moving I have not been on your mailing list and had actually came in to sign up) that I would see it plainly.

I had four kids with me, and a Hobby Lobby just one light away (and actually CLOSER to me than the Joann's) so I didn't buy any floss and left the store one VERY dissatisfied customer.

Hobby Lobby not only has better prices for the same quality, but they have better customer service. Whenever they put up sale signs, they say what it excludes so there is NO misunderstanding. And for those times where I picked up something that was not on sale, thinking it was, they explained NICELY that it did not include what I was wanting to purchase. And if there was a misunderstanding and they were not sure if it was on sale or not, I get it for the sale price. "The customer is always right" rings true with Hobby Lobby and they will be getting all my Joann's business from now on. Not only did Hobby Lobby have what I want, I did not have to settle for something I did not want (like I would have purchasing the DMC floss from Joann's), but I saved a LOT of money because the size ten crochet thread (with 40%off coupon) only cost me just over $1.

Q&A On My Pillowcase Dresses

Q&A on my pillowcase dresses

Rebecca, I am so glad you liked them!! I too like MM's the best. Can you believe there was such a cute pillowcase with that trim already on it? As soon as I saw it I remember thinking "that would make the CUTEST pillowcase dress!" And it did!

As far as what I meant by big when talking about the sleeves on her dress, I meant I did not like how wide it was. It comes so far over her shoulder. Yes, I could trim and re-hem. But she likes it and THAT is what counts, right? I even had enough fabric left over to make a matching purse! But forgot to have her wear it in the pictures. It was an easy purse. A small sqaure. But she loves it! Sad thing is, once I made the dress, I realized I had the matching sheet and another pillowcase just like it that I had bought weeks afterwards! LOL! At least I still have the one pillowcase to go with the sheet! LOL!!!

Although I will admit I LOVE the lace idea!

Where do I find pillowcases? I have not really found any at garage sales, although I am ALWAYS on the lookout. Most garage sales have SETS not just cases. There is a Salvation Army here that ALWAYS has pillowcases and has the most vintage type ones. Goodwill's here are not very good for pillowcases (although they are great for sheets, I actually plan on using some sheets to make dresses next). And estate sales (actual someone has died sales, not someone wants to get rid of all their stuff sales and is calling it an estate sale - just a pet peeve of mine) will sometimes have pillowcases (although most of the time, you will see it all in a set). You might try asking grandma's from church for pillowcases! LOL!! A GREAT way to fellowship with the elderly AND get some great vintage pillowcases. :)

As for the arrows and text, well Rebecca, that is Adobe Photoshop - a graphic editing program. Being a homeschool mom, I was able to get a discount. There are other graphic editing software out there that might be less expensive. HOWEVER, since I used to paper scrapbook, and it was getting expensive (with paying for prints and stickers and papers and etc. etc.), we figured that it would be cheaper in the long run (even with printing out my layouts) to do digital scrapbooking and bought the software. And we were right. It has saved me so much money on scrapping, and TIME too! and, well... I could go on and on about all the benefits of digital scrapbooking! :D

I was also asked if the pillowcases were too narrow for the girls. The long first one did seem a bit narrow. The second one for AA (number 4 in the post) was a little shorter (but still about mid calf). None of them complained about it being too narrow or constricting. AA did comment as she tried to RUN in it, that it was difficult to run in. I explained that it was made that way to keep her from running in the house (which we are not allowed to do) and to keep her modest. She accepted that explanation. When I asked her in the morning how she was able to sleep, she said very comfortably. YEAH!

Blog Giveaway Contest!

Head over to Biblical Womanhood for a chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate to Vision Forum. BUT WAIT! That's not all! It gets even better! You can also win stuff from Crystal's store! Wondering what to get me for Christmas? LOL!! Check out her store. She is even having sale right now.

More Than You Ever Wanted To Know About Pillowcase Dresses

I have been collecting pillowcases ever since I heard about pillowcase dresses. I finally got the inspiration to MAKE them!! :) My girls were SO EXCITED to have something made by Mommy. It really was so cute to see how excited they were.

First Attempt: AA 7yr Rebecca's Pillow Case Dress tutorial King Sized Pillowcase

This tutorial really was pretty easy to follow. BIG mistakes here I made (and it is because I am so new to sewing I did not know any better). After cutting off the top of the case for the "sleeves", I folded over both together and made that the hem rather than folding each INSIDE the cut off pillow case top so that it would hide the ribbon and prevent scratching (which this ribbon hem does). The "sleeves" are also WAY shorter than she needs. I sewed them to the bottom and top of the casing, but next time will only sew to the top of the casing.




Second: MM 4yr Rebecca's Pillow Case Dress tutorial Queen Sized Pillowcase

As you can tell I really liked this pattern. I took things I learned from the first one and applied it to the second. The open edge of this pillowcase already had the darling ribbon and lace. Since I would not be able to match this for the sleeves, I decided to make my own "ribbon" for the sleeves. I cut off the 1 1/2 inched from the top of the pillowcase for the sleeves. Then I cut off another four inches (giving me an open band). I cut that in half and opened to give me one long strip. I have a foot for my sewing machine, that turns the edge of the fabric under making a nice finished edge. I did this on the outer edge of the ribbon. Then I sewed the basting stitch along the other edge to pull to gather them up a little bit. I also folded the open part of the cut top of the pillowcase INWARDS so that I could fit the made fabric ribbon INSIDE the sleeve to hide it as well as prevent it from itching my daughter. I also only sewed the sleeves to the TOP of the casing (instead of top and bottom). This is my FAVORITE of the dresses so far.

Third: EE 5yr Pillow Case Dress. Standard I believe.

I LOVED the ties on this! VERY cute! But I am not a good enough sewer to understand all the directions on the tutorial as written. Especially the whole arm hole thing. I KNOW those are not done correctly. And this came out WAY shorter than I had really wanted for her.I will prolly give this to my niece who is about to turn two. :) BUT I will try to do the ribbon ties again. It just turned out WAY TOO CUTE!!!





Fourth: AA 7yr Rebecca's Pillow Case Dress tutorial King Sized Pillowcase

Because the ribbon on the sleeves were really itching her (that is why she looks that way in the second picture), I decided to turn the other dress into a pillowcase skirt, and begin again.

I loved the matching fabric sleeves from the second attempt, but felt they were too big (as in wide over her shoulder, they are about four inches wide, and as you can see in this dress, there are about 2 - 2 1/2 inches, a much nicer width). So I did that again, only smaller this time. And I really wanted it to have move ruffle, so I made a longer strip so I would be able to have more ruffles on the sleeve. Everything else is basically the same as the second. I absolutely LOVE Rebecca's tutorial and HIGHLY recommend it (and highly recommend she do more tutorials! LOL!! and more pictures for those who are illiterate like me). :)

SO for this one: (clicking on the picture MAY make it bigger)

Cut off the top of the pillowcase 1 1/2 inches for the 1 inch sleeve per Rebecca's Instructions. Cut two three inch strips, cut off the pillowcase hem on the one side and open the strips. These will be your two strips of ruffles (one strip for each sleeve). Take your 1 1/2 inch strip and cut in half NOW (as opposed to after sewing on the ribbon).

Sew ruffles and attach to sleeve pieces. Easiest way I found to do this:
sew basting along one side of three inch strip. Sew rolled hem along opposite side. Pull basting to make ruffles. Keep pulling to make strip fit into the sleeve part. After you have pulled enough to make fit, sewing the edges into a rolled hem will help keep you from ruffling more than you need to. :) Carefully open the small strip for the sleeve and fit the ruffles in, closing up the sleeve and pinning as you go. Then sew (the basting part of the ruffles will be INSIDE the strip of sleeve). THOSE ARE MY FIRST EVER!!! I am so proud of myself! So I will post another pic of the sleeves just because YEAH! They came out correct! :)

Things I learned:
It is easier to work with the pillowcase turned INSIDE OUT! That allows you to iron it better because you do not have the bulk of the seam in the way. It just gives it a little bit more professional look (although all of mine totally look handmade because I am so bad at this! LOL!!).

If you have an older child (like my 7yr), those sleeves really do come out tiny. You can see how far up this dress is on her. What I **MIGHT** do next time is cut off the hem from the top of the pillowcase, then cut TWO 1 1/2 inch strips for the sleeves and measure how long I want those to be, then cut those to length (leaving room for hem) and then go from there.


Q&A on the dresses

We've Only Just Begun

SO today begins my just under a year long journey to trash the dress!

This week I am going to try not to drink water until noon. I read somewhere that that is a good thing to do - it allows your body to fast longer (as that is why breakfast is called breakfast, you are breaking your evening fast). I am not sure if I will do this past the week, but this week, that is the plan.

This month I am doing a green smoothie cleanse. I have a group for Christian women wanting to learn more about raw foods. And a lot of us have decided that we are tired of the unhealthiness!

In the files section, there is information about the green smoothies and the benefits of it. It is written by the author of Greens For Life, Victoria Boutenko. She and her family are 100% raw foods. After being on raw foods and experiencing WONDERFUL results (her son's diabetes was cured, more energy, etc.) they started slowing down in their results. They knew it was not raw foods, so she began digging.

What she found was that because they were doing so much juicing, they were missing out on the fiber (as well as who knows what nutrients found therein). She also realized that while she was eating salads, she was putting so much FAT on them (avocado, nuts, oils, etc.) that she was getting more fat than greens. Enter her research and the green smoothie.

After instituting the green smoothie, her family once again starting seeing the results that they had originally when they FIRST started the raw foods diet. They did a study where regular people (even people who ate meat) went on a 30 day green smoothie challenge (I am calling the one at HealthSeekersForum a cleanse because in the past people complained about it being called a challenge and was therefore to difficult to complete) and experienced WONDERFUL results health wise. A lot of them lost their cravings for sweets (OH how I need that one! I remember that happening last time I did the cleanse). Most of them lost weight.

So those will be my main focus for this week in the plan to trash my dress. I plan on taking at least once aspect from each part of the plan and adding it a week. By the end of the month, I should be working on at least one thing in each area!! :) Next week I will start to work on finances. EEK!

I do have measurements so I can track how my body changes through this. And I am taking before, during and after pictures. I will try to post those soon.

Fun Links

Even though I am STILL in BLISS from my anniversary date last night, no Saturday Sweethearts today (but look for details to come about that awesome date).

So tonight, r today, :) some fun links!!!

Check out this great resource I just learned about. Burda Style. It has free sewing patterns as well as a wonderful tutorial section.

HT: Sarah's Daughtesr

Another FUN FUN FUN for those of you who like vintage (like me). Ladies in Red. Redwork brings up memories of days gone by and the Grandma in love I got when I married my beloved. She has made all of her grandchildren AND great-grandchildren a hand embroidered quilt. Ladies in Red has some CUTE designs!

HT: Homespun Blog

I also LOVE prepared mixes - the ones that are homemade that is! I recently found a coveted copy of Make A Mix Cookery at a garage sale! And it is MINE now! LOL!! I want the others in the series too. All of them on my wishlist at Paperback Swap! But until then, there are some great recipes listed atOld Fashioned Homemaking.

A GREAT way to send Thank You's (for birthday or Christmas)! I am not sure if I have shared about The Homespun Heart before, but I highly encourage you to pop over and visit. I especially LOVE her Mitford Moments. And right now she is having a Sister's Shoebox Swap! This will be my first swap and I am SO EXCITED! I have always wanted to do one, but never really found out about them in time.

CUTE CUTE CUTE Crocheted Mary Jane Slippers.

HT: Waiting For Him

I Am My Beloved's

"I am my beloved's..." - Song of Solomon

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY SWEETHEART!
11 years ago I said I do,
and I always will.

We are like peanut butter and jelly!
You are sweet and I am
STUCK ON YOU!!!

Motivation To....

The great thing about trashing my wedding dress is that I have a LOT of motivation to get off my franny and start doing the things I have always wanted/needed to do.

OK, so let's make a plan. Of course I can add to the plan and will follow along in the blog with the benefits and such.

LOSE WEIGHT
-drink more water
-as my brother in law Jeff says "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels." - he is an inspiration for me to lose weight
-eat more raw foods (at least 85%)
-no late eating (try not to eat after 6:30)

GET INTO SHAPE
-use T-Tapp
-walk more (having a new dog is a GREAT reason to walk more!)
-take SuperMom Vitamins

SAVE MONEY
-Declutter more (garage sale, ebay, craigs list stuff we no longer want/need)
-Stay away from garage sales, flea markets, Goodwill unless I have a need, and then only go in for that need
-All cash and ONLY cash - no cash, no buying!
-Put more money into ROTH's and change bank to one with higher interest rate for savings

PLAN RENEWAL (tears just filled my eyes)
-where and when
-who to invite
-what kind of renewal

PLAN TRASHING THE DRESS
-ride on rides - can I do that in the dress or not for safety reasons?
-will it just have to be a beach trashing?