AdventING Away!

I just simply LOVE this Advent Calendar and all the memories it is creating for our family! My son has caught on so quickly! The very first thing he does in the morning is check the Advent Calendar. He counts to whatever day we are on, pulls the box out and takes it to daddy to read what we are doing to celebrate this season for that day! So far it has been a blast to reference everything back to Jesus. Who made the snow flake(of course that is after I have explained to a Texas boy what a snow flake is)? Showing him how a candy cane is not just candy but has The Messiah all over it. Reading about Jesus as a baby and seeing the awe of expression on a 4 yr old is pure JOY. Just JOY! I LOVE this time of year. Don't you? Here are a few pictures from our ADVENTING!

Here is a close up. Each box has a piece of paper it telling us what we will be doing.

Candy cane project & story about Jesus!

some of us were challenged in the snowflake making department. Can you guess which ones belong to my son, my husband and me? 

ADVENT Calendar

I am soooooo excited about this month of December. This year I actually made a beautiful box with decorated paper, cute buttons and numbers or a.k.a. Advent Calendar for my family. I am sorry that I don't have a picture of it. I will soon. Our goal is to celebrate! Every morning we open the box that corresponds with the day and read what is on the paper. We will celebrate Jesus, family, friends and community. For the next 25 days that is what we will be doing. Some activities are very simple and others require a little more work. The goal is to do something different. Today was simple. Our son hung the star on our Christmas Tree. What I love about starting out with the star is talking about Jesus. It was a bright star that led the wise men to Jesus. It is such a great beginning to a wonderful month that is all about our Savior!

What will you be doing to celebrate the Savior with your family?

Excuse the pictures. It was early in the morning when we did this but at least it is authentic! Plus we were still in our p.j.'s. You know it is these pictures that end up being my favorite. Simply because of what it represents!

Thanksgiving, Gratitude and Giving

It is still Thanksgiving month right? Yeah, I thought so. I We have been busy this month. Well, actually the past couple of months. Traveling, volunteering, schooling, doctor's appointments, young families gathering and somewhere in there working! Breathe. It has been full of making memories or as my family calls it "makin' a memory." I think that is what I LOVE about November. In Texas it brings cold weather. No really cold weather below 60! YEE HAW! November offers so much of giving and gratitude. My son knows Christmas is coming but he is also aware that before new toys are to enter our home, old ones must go. We take the time in November to do this. Yes, he does it with me. We go through each section of his toys deciding which ones are worthy to enter the big brown box a.k.a the moving box. I was shocked when my son said "my trains can go in there." Really? Hummm, let me make sure he understands that THIS box is being donated to another child in need and not going in storage for a later play date. Sure enough he knew exactly what he was doing! I asked him why his favorite toys.

"Mom, didn't you say that this box will go to another little boy?"
"Yes, son I did."
"Mom, what if that little boy has never played with trains then he would never know the JOY that I have known. Plus, these are really cool trains."

tears, tears tears.....sniff sniff

I love the honesty and pure love that flows from a child. They get it. They get it more than we do. I am grateful he was(and is) so willing to give his best so that another can be blessed. Makes me reflect back to the Old Testament of when sacrifices were offered at the altar. You were to bring your best before the Lord. It was a time to focus on what HE has done for you. To worship. To honor. To THANK Him. In these precious moments with my child I do believe he is worshipping the Lord in a very tangible way that he knows how. I know in that moment the Lord was pleased and so was his momma ;0).

Today, GOD still calls for our best. For us to be living sacrifices for HIM. To ask HIM what do you want me to do today Lord? Where do you want my feet to go? What do you want my tongue to say? How do you what my hands to serve? What should my eyes see and my ears hear? So, Lord today is yours so have thine own way.


Romans 12:1 Brothers and sisters, God has shown you his mercy. So I am asking you to offer up your bodies to him while you are still alive. Your bodies are a holy sacrifice that is pleasing to God. When you offer your bodies to God, you are worshiping him.


I am so grateful for a son who in that moment had a heart of gratitude that led him to offer his best because he was so thankful for all his blessings. I hope your Thanksgiving was FULL of many wonderful memories.

Red, White & Blue!

Yay! WE VOTED! This has so far become a tradition for me and my son. We dress up in all American colors, wear comfortable shoes and go vote! After all he was born during an election year. I want my son to understand how important it is to vote, why we vote and how to pick a candidate. Yes, he is only 4. It is a building block process. One block on top another after time can create something beautiful, knowledge! So the journey has begun. Excuse the bad pictures below. I did not take them and the sun was bright. 

The sun in our eyes! 

Then at school they got to vote for popsicles or ice cream. They talked about how they are to keep it to themselves as to how they voted and it is serious. Yes, they are only 4 but this is one way to relate. I love it! Whichever goodie whens today they get the prize on Thursday. Pretty neat. 

Pre-K

I am a little bit behind in my posts but that is okay! That is LIFE! We did have our last first day of Pre-k in September. He really loves seeing his friends, participating in music, art, science and of course P.E.! Tuesday and Thursday he goes to Pre-K. Monday and Wednesday he has school here at the house. Two Wednesdays out of the month is science lab. It is so much fun! Here are some pics from September!

So beautiful! 

Two thumbs up! 

Spider man back pack! 

Him and his teacher Ms. Jenny.

Warning All Pencils in School

It’s not fair,

It’s not fair, ALL PENCILS BEWARE!

Pencil sharpeners Are in there, 

Biting teeth Beyond compare, 

Teachers sticking Us in hair,

 Erasers hiding Everywhere, 

Kids who do not Really care, 

Lots of work And tests to bear!

It’s not fair,

It’s not fair, ALL PENCILS BEWARE!

I am SO in LOVE

with this little boy! My heart just sinks when I see him smile at me like this. Does your heart melt when you see your precious kids? I know they can drive us absolutely insane! Make us want to pull our hair out wondering what the next plan of action will be. Even amidst the hard stuff you know you're smiling on the inside.

 Someday my boy will be gone from our nest so it is in these moments when I can look at a picture and remember that special day. A picture really can capture a moment! This one did for me.

Hope you are having a great week capturing your favorite moments!

For Mom's of Girls

I don't have a girl but I can imagine what it must be like ;0). I also live through my best friend who has a beautiful little girl that will be starting Kindergarten this year. *getting the tissue* That is very hard for me to believe when I remember praying over her to enter this world and praying over her sweet momma's first year of motherhood.  

Well, I follow a blog and today it is about mommas and daughters. So go on grab your tissue box, pull up a comfy chair and click on the link below. 


Dear 22 Yr. Old Me 

A What in a Box?

Okay, I must be very behind with the latest information. Has anyone heard of this new phenomenon about crafts-in-a-box being delivered to your door? If you have, why have you not shared?!!! So, I did a search and found many companies doing this craft-in-a-box idea. You can find one for you and the kids to do or one just for you. It is everything you need in one box to create, explore, discover and enrich. When I mean everything, I mean even down to the glue stick needed to use for the craft. Genesis!

Here they are for kids:

Cubby (Uk)

ToucanBox (UK)

Gickey

BabbaBox by Babbaco

Kiwi Crate

Crafts In A Box

LolliBox

For you:

WhimseyBox

ForTheMakers



So, have you tried one? If you have, please share! I am curious. 

Awe......

Well, we knew it was coming but we thought we had more time. This past Tuesday evening our washing machine and dryer decided to quit! We knew it was trouble when we saw rust and water leak from the washing machine. Then in the middle of a spin cycle we saw steam. Yeah, not good! Then the dryer decided not to dry even on the highest temp with the maximum time. Do the machines talk to each other or something? Seriously? Both at the same time. Nothing throws your day off then having one major appliance die on you then add 2! Eeeeekkkkkkk! Hubs and I quickly did the "now, what were we going to buy to replace them?" We thought we had 6 more months to finalize our decision. Oh well! Hubby ventured out to a few appliance stores to see if the washers and dryers we had on our short list measured up. We are so grateful that all the stores were having a sale! We narrowed it down to the top 2 and made out decision. So many dollars later we were committed and had a delivery date, Thursday! That is what I was doing most of my day, yesterday. Clearing out the laundry room, cleaning it, organizing it and making it beautiful.

warning: excuse the bad pics my camera and back up camera are on the fritz. ugh..;0(



From: eeeewwwww 

Very unorganized! I don't know why but this is the one place I allow some messiness. 

To:  awe........

Do you like the pretty containers? Me too!~ 

You thought I was a front load kinda of girl? You were wrong! 

She even sings to me when she is done! Beautiful music! 

Totally Pinterest! Shoe bag that hangs over the door used for cleaning products and such! 

When the delivery guys came they said "excellent purchase!" I admit it made me feel good. When the supervisor explained why it was a great purchase that just made me smile bigger. He told me of a few brands that he is always having to pick back up from the homes. They have a running bet between them as to how long it will be before they are back picking up the appliances to return to the store.  I know that sounds bad. Just goes to show you the people that delivery do know. The supervisor has been working for the company for over 10 years.  So if you have any questions about brand whether if it is front load or top load ask me! I am not an expert by any means. I(we) researched. I(we) asked friends, looked at consumer reports, read reviews and other sources to make the decision.

Now, laundry will be somewhat of pleasure. I admit not my favorite chore but the new look makes me want to get it done! Is that crazy that a few cute boxes & new machines appeal to my homemaker side? Am I the only one that gets excited about such stuff?

Whew

It has been a whirlwind around here. I have been traveling for the past 2 1/2 weeks. I had the privilege of teaching sign language at Art Camp where I use to attend church in Houston. I really enjoyed the week with my group. Each one was so talented and gave their best! Plus my son got to attend as a camper. He now sings "Oh Happy Day" and quotes his memory verse through out the day. Little man and I got to go to lunch every day with friends. It was fun to catch up!

Aren't they sweet? The little boy off to the side he cracked me up all week. He did not want his picture taken!

I love these boys! They stole my heart!

After Art Camp was finished I headed back to Austin to get ready for another trip. Hubby and I have been planning to attend the Texas Home School Coalition South West Conference since March. I unpacked our bags from Art Camp, did laundry and re-packed our bags by Wednesday to head out on a Thursday. Our intention was to stay at the Water Way Marriott but it was full by the time we had registered in March for the conference. We stayed at Spring Hill Suites by Marriott just 3.1 miles up the road. It was so nice. The room was perfect for the three of us and they had a hot full buffet style breakfast every morning. Yum! I meant to take a picture of the hotel but it was a busy 4 days! 

While we  attended the conference little man was able to go to the kids event. They divide the kids up into teams and we were Team 27. He did group activities, bible lessons, art and other activities throughout the day. We did meet up at lunch time with little man. It was easier to bring our lunch then go out and come back. We got see some familiar faces from our church. That was fun seeing our friends! Mostly, hubby and I are so glad we went to the conference. It is so much more than schooling your kids at home. You really get to see the big picture at the conference. If you are thinking or wondering about homeschooling then I want to encourage you to attend next year's event. Here is a link to THSC http://www.thsc.org/HomeTHSC.aspx?Id=HOME. 

One of the main speakers had mentioned this year's conference was overwhelmed by so many newbies or people of interest than from past conferences. They had over 5,000 people registered for the conference come Friday morning. Now that is 5,000 of all types of home schoolers across the board. Newbies, oldies, middle of the road, end of the road and retired! Trust me, just in my fellowship circle that I attended one afternoon 3/4 of us were what they call newbies or people just wanting to know more about the home school lifestyle. So grateful for so many newbies! 

I do want to point out one thing I that really stood out to me at the conference. I never heard, not even once anyone demoralizing families who do choose another route to educate their children. I also never heard anyone say "you must home school for it is thy way!" Never heard it from families who were in the audience or the speakers or the exhibitors. There was never a class or topic about "families against public education or private." There was an all around great respect for everyone across the board. That alone shows respect. I appreciate that the overall attitude or tone was respect. Let's face it, even in the home school world there are over 50 different ways you could educate. Classical, Universal, Unit Curriculum, Online and many other options. It is which way will be right for you(the teacher) and the family. It was very encouraging to be surrounded by people you really don't know but who are believers and want to do what God has led them to do for their family. 

I hope you and your family have had a great couple of weeks. 

Little man's group for the conference

He really did have fun regardless of his expression in this photo

What kid doesn't want to ride up & down the escalator?

For Once

Just once I would like someone, anyone to post on their blog a REAL menu plan. What do I mean? I want a menu full of fruits, vegetables, meats, minimum to zero carbs and possibly gluten free! Is that too much to ask? You see I LOVE it when people say, "yep, I menu planned and fed my family for a whole month for $400." Really? Then I LOOK at the menu to find it is full of white pasta, canned goods and other unhealthy items. I always want to challenge them with questions such as; does your family drink milk? Do they eat cheese? Those 2 items alone can throw anyone's budget out the door. I KNOW I am asking a lot. You see hubby has a wheat allergy so gluten free is a must. Then you throw in my problems. Well, you can see how hard it is for me to menu plan under $400 or even close to it. I don't buy gluten free products like the pastas and the breads. Too expensive. Plus, hubby has given up most carbs anyhow so that puts a damper on menu planning on the cheap even the healthy way! So, anyone know of a blogger that could come close to my requirements? I need YOUR help!!!!! Any ideas????

7-up Cake

Any excuse to use my KitchenAid is a good start to any day. I love making this cake! It is easy and perfect with almost any meal. I typically make it for ladies events, potluck and for a family with a new baby. I LOVE taking meals to people. There is something so rewarding in knowing that what you created will nourish someone else's body and maybe soul ;0). Also it is a great cake for freezing. In this recipe I greased the pan with Crisco so I had to pay special homage to Ms. Minny in the movie The Help. I love the part in the movie when she explains how to use Crisco and what for to Ms. Celia.

7-UP POUND CAKE
3 sticks of butter (margarine will not do)
3 cups sugar
5 eggs
3 cups flour
2 teaspoons lemon extract
3/4 cup 7-Up


Cream butter and sugar for 20 minutes. 

Add the eggs, one at a time. 

Gradually add the flour slowly one scoop at a time. 

Should start to have a thick creamy consistency. 

Then add lemon extract. I FOLD in the 7-up otherwise adding it to the KicthenAid can cause a mess ;0). 

Should be creamy. 

Grease your pan with Crisco. 

I like to dust my pan with flour. My bundt pan is intricate with details so it requires some extra help. This way the cake with easily come out of the pan. 

I smooth the batter in  the bundt pan with a spatula so it will be even all around. 
Bake for 75 minutes(depending on oven) at 325 degrees. Cool for 20 minutes or more. 

Ta-da!!! Finished product! 

Versatile Blogger Award errrr..something like that

 

Well, one of my fellow blog friends nominated me for Versatile Blogger Award. I feel very honored by her that she would pick me as one of the blogs to participate. I enjoy reading Mrs. Robbins blog and all the happenings in her big family. To me it is big since we only have one. She is honest, sincere and always standing in her children's corner supporting them. If you have a chance go read her blog. I think you will be encouraged by the journey she has travelled and continues to tread upon.



Okay, I am supposed to give 7 random facts about me. Do you hear the laughter coming through this screen to you? No? Well, it is loud on my side. I don't know if I have 7 but I will try. Here goes nothing.

Fuzzy socks- I collect them!  I am that girl at Target whenever a Holiday or seasons changes because I know they will have a wall f fuzzy socks just for me! Okay, maybe not a wall more like a rack. I do have one rule about buying a new pair. I must get rid of the old pair before buying a new set. This is not hard to do since I wear them all year round and they get worn. 

Children-LOVE them! Not just mine but yours! I was always that friend babysitting or taking an extra pair of little hands in my home. Sometimes I believe I am more comfortable with kiddos than adults. I do believe my job in Heaven will be with children or rocking babies and my mom will be right beside me.

Organization-Oh to be but not. I love organized people. I am organized in some areas of my life but others not so much. I long for my home to be that place where everything is filed, put away, all items to have a place in my house, everyone can find anything in less than 5 minutes and maybe have a few of those oh so cute colored containers. Someday......

Scrap booking-LOVE it but no time.  Once upon a time in a land far far away lived a girl who loved to scrapbook her memories. If I were in a story I think that is how my chapter would start for this subject matter. Sadly, it has taken a back burner due to other priorities. It is okay for now but I will get my groove back into memory making! I love it for so many reasons. I get to be creative, tell a story and see memories stored on beautiful paper in books. It just takes time that I cannot give to it right now. Soon very soon.

Women Revealed-strong passion of mine! It is a ministry for women to release their burdens. It is beyond anything I have ever done or been a part of. I have participated in Level 1 & 2(WOW). My place in this passion for now is to continue to staff and grow in my walk with the Lord. Click here to learn more.

Boxing-"momma gonna knock you out!" This has been an addiction(good one) of mine for a couple of months now. If you have ever boxed you know what I mean! It energizes me, thrills me and challenges me! I thank my bf for getting me hooked! ;0)

Old stuff-turning to new. I love to take an old piece of furniture and make it new again or repurpose it. This is not hard to do since I only have to walk a few feet in my own home to find a piece that meets that criteria. hahaha! There is a lot of Biblical parallels for me in that. Jesus can take anything and transform it into beauty!  It brings a smile to my face to know that HE was a carpenter. Pretty neat.

Now, I am supposed to nominate blogs I read. These are just a few of the ones I read. I love to them for different reasons. Honesty, inspiration, true to themselves and they make me laugh! Here they are....

ErinLo

Who's At the Helm

We are THAT Family

Are We There Yet? 

The TD Family 

The Bean and a bit

DeCarlo News

Ambience inspired interiors 

Judd Stuff

Supermommy or not! 

Young House Love

Confessions of a Homeschooler 

For those of you nominated, here are the rules:

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you.

2. Include a link to their site.

3. Include the award image in your post. 

4. Give 7 random facts about yourself.

5. Nominate 15 other bloggers for the award.

6. When nominating include a link to their site.

7. Let the bloggers know they have been nominated. 

now go...;0)

ThredUp & Mamapedia

Do you ever get tired of the "what to do with my children's old clothes" routine? Yes, I give them away, donate or trade them in at a local second hand shop. Sometimes, those options are less than stellar when you are in a time crunch. Lately people that I have passed clothes to don't need them and the second hand shops have been loaded down with mommies running in trying to get extra cash. I am not a fan of crowds or things that will suck more time out of me than give me what I really need! I could consider a garage sale but why do I feel the need to up my dosage on headache medicine when I hear those words? Well, I believe I have found a better way! At least for me!

ThredUp is the perfect idea for those in a time crunch and yet want to benefit from cleaning out old stuff and gain a little extra. Here is their concept.

1. You pay 4.95 for a big bag to stuff those clothes in to come to your door(you will get this deposit
    back when you return the bag)
2. Stuff the bag & send it back
3. Earn cash for every item that they can resell online

They have a "curious what you would get paid for" button. You can enter in brand name, clothing type and size to gain a little insight on what your child's clothes are worth.

OR SHOP....Yes, very brilliant idea! Simply brilliant. No crowds, save on fuel, save on clothes and maybe earn a little back. WIN WIN! (are you kicking yourself like me for not thinking of it sooner?)

Go here for rules, restrictions and all that applies

BUT WAIT! You can try ThredUp online for a discount! I believe it is to buy clothes but you can read the rules and restrictions on their site. 

I have a deal for you! Now, I know you are familiar with Groupon, Living Social, Rue La La and other such wonderful discounted sites. Do you know about Mamapedia? You probably do ;0(. I am always late in the game. I have subscribe to their deals for over 2 years now. I am very selective on what I do "buy" in to. This weeks deal has ThredUp in the line up. If you have not subscribe to Mamapedia then consider putting my name down as a referral. I would  appreciate it!

I will give you an update once I complete my ThredUp bag! Happy shopping and cleaning out!

Gidddy & UnGlued

Do you ever get excited about a new book from one of your favorite authors? I do too! When Proverbs 31 Ministry asked many of Lysa TerKeurst fans to participate in a conference call with her about the book UnGlued, I jumped right in! Now, in my very active imaginative mind I pretended it was her, her staff, a few(10 or less) of her best fans and me. I know not true but I still felt special. For some of you it would be the opportunity to meet Beth Moore. This morning her fans and I got to listen to Lysa talk about her new book for 10-15 minutes. It was awesome! I am so excited! August 7 is the release date. The best part I got to ask a couple of questions to her assistant! WOOHOO!!!!!!! Yep, I am all giddy. Oh, there was a woman named Kristin from Africa on the phone asking a question. Pretty neat how the Lord & technology can bring all of us sisters together from all over the world for something so special. 


To sum it up her book Made to Crave is about what you put in your mouth and UnGlued is about what comes out of it! Ouch! 


here is a video clip about her new book, UnGlued...

Mr. Independent!

Happy 4th of July! We had such a wonderful time in the Round Rock Brushy Creek bike parade! It was after that, that the challenges of a 4 yr old under extreme situations had us scratching our heads. He did fine, no really he did! You know that point in the outing where they go from "angels" to "that is not my child"? Yep, we got some looks! Ugh, so embarrassing but we stuck to our guns and left the fun! It is part of life so why not share it. No one likes to read a blog where the children appear perfect or even close. Look at the picture below and maybe you can tell by his facial expression the kind of behavior he  exhibited.  However, all the other activities before that were a blast. Lil man rode his decorated bike in the parade, played with puppies, rode a train, played in a bubble pit, was sprayed by the fire department's water hose and rode a merry go round. All in 2 1/2 hours! I hope you are enjoying your freedom today!  

Mr. Sweaty, hot and hungry! not a good combo

Getting in line for the parade!

All together! 

Even the puppies were festive. 

And we're off! 

Beautiful day full of beautiful people! 

Yay! we finished!