Sushi Friends…

Recently, like last week, we went to a sushi bar with a few of our friends.  This was the first time that we have actually been to an exclusive sushi bar for sushi only.

We had a great time!  Here is my sweet hubby drinking his Dr. Pepper (a Texas learned trait.)  I had the Beethoven sushi, it was wonderful.  I wish I had got a picture of it because it was beautiful.  I also did pretty well with my chopsticks  considering I have always used cheater chopsticks.  The server laughed when I asked for them.  The lady who brought them, realized we only had adults in the room, turned around and went looking for a child.    I am so thankful for our good friends that God has sent to us.  Proverbs 27:17 (New King James Version)
As iron sharpens iron,
      So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

Easter Tree

This was our Easter Tree last year! My father-in-law cut some branches off of one of our dead evergreens and I put it in the vase. It reminds me of the Charlie Brown Christmas tree. Most of the eggs were hand painted. My family loves it!

The scripture comes to mind:
2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Easter is all about being new in HIM! I want this Easter to be especially special.

Those crazy fines make my dishes clean.

I love to read! My children love to read!

With reading, comes consequences. When I get engrossed in a book, laundry falls by the wayside, dishes stay in the dishwasher, blogs don't get blogged, and the kids get pizza for supper. (Hey, this is not an everyday occurrence - so as my hubby would say, take a chill pill if you think I'm lagging in that area.)

However, the biggest consequence of the love of reading - library fines. As of right now, my fine is more than my BLOW money. That means I have to refrain myself from going there. I know what a pilot feels like when he is grounded from flying. He feels trapped, hurt, tied to a tree with no water.

You see, the library is our friend. We walk in and it is like the beginning of an episode of Cheers. The librarians shout "Norm!", well - in their quiet voices and they use my family name. My kids dash for the children's computers and I'm able to have a sweet break.

I love our library. And, I'm now not allowed to check out anything - until that stupid fine is paid. Yes, it was my fault. I checked out those videos and books and I am the one who made them late. Yes, I have done it before. Yes, I will probably do it again. In my own special way, I see it as donating new books.

Until then - I will have to wash dishes, do laundry and make supper. Man, it is hard being without the library!


©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Overwhelmed???

Lately, it seems everyone I run into, has been so busy, they are having a hard time seeing which way is up. (Myself included.)

With just the normal tasks, being a mom, being the picker-upper of toys, the bathroom cleaner, the dishwasher, the loader of the washing machine, the un-loader of the dryer, the hanger upper of the clothes, being a sweet wifey-poo, being the meal planner, being the educator to 3 of the 5 children, being the entertainment for the 2 preschoolers while the 3 other children are doing school, being a "good" daughter, being a "good" friend, being a "good" sister, trying to budget, trying to coupon clip, trying to bring laughter into the home, trying to pray, trying to read the Word, trying to eat balanced meals, letting the dog out, trying to grow tomatoes, pulling the weeds, trying to bird watch, trying to wash the hair at least every other day, trying to stay on a strict beauty ritual, trying to lose weight, not being to fit into clothes that were bought last week, trying to get a hair cut, cutting 60 fingernails, cutting 60 toe nails, trying to go shoe shopping, and just going to sleep at a reasonable hour, it is hard to do this all with a smile.

But, I refuse to give up! I'm up for the challenge! I will fight the good fight! I will do this with this scripture in mind:

Psalm 46:10

Be still and know I am God!

2 Timothy 4:6-8 (New International Version)
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Picante Omelet Pie

Are you looking for a super easy breakfast or even a quick dinner?
This is it! Yummy and Easy! I'm not sure where this came from, I have been making it for years.

1/2 cup picante sauce or any mild to medium salsa (My family likes salsa verde)
1 cup shredded Mont. Jack cheese (If I don't have this, I double the Cheddar)
1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
6 eggs
1 cup sour cream (We use light.)

Pour the picante sauce into a lightly greased 10" pie plate or quiche dish.
Sprinkle with cheeses, set aside.
In a blender, process eggs and sour cream until smooth.
Pour over cheeses.
Bake at 375 degrees F. for 20-25 minutes or until knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
Let stand 5 minutes before cutting.
Garnish with tomato and cilantro if desired.

6 servings

Serve with fruit and you have yourself a quick delicious meal!

For more easy recipes (because that is all I do), go here.

Go to Works for Me for more great ideas!


©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

You would never know...unless I told you.

Okay, when I was in high school, I did a few things totally out of character. One of those things, I thought had finally caught up to me, when my son brought me the mail the other day.

This is what I found...

No, not the dog! The Horse Vet magazine! Apparently the dog, likes horses and sleeping on my baby's pillow. OIY!

You see - I use to be a horse judge. Yes, I really did! I even won a belt buckle. (I won't mention, I had no knowledge of horses, what-so-ever! Well, I did know how to clean stalls. Thanks Mom!) My sister, who probably even studied, lost a chance to go to district and win a buckle because one of the Judges lost her card. Yet, my team won - even with me! I can't say, I liked it. I gave the buckle to my brother. And, I thought that was it to my career as a horse judge.


But, apparently once your a horse judge even YEARS after, they will find you!

Moral of the story:
Be careful what you do, it might come back to haunt you and don't leave the baby's pillow on the floor!


©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Park Purple Party...

My Princess' 7th Birthday party was at our park last Friday. We actually didn't decide to have the party until that Wednesday night. Usually, we prepare way in advance for this kind of thing, but time got away from us because we have been so busy working on the house.

We had to come up with a theme and buy decorations in a hurry.
So, we decided on a Purple Flower Party at the Park.

I actually made Strawberry cupcakes with real strawberries on top. Easy and Pretty! Notice the flowers on the table, those were the party favors.
For the boys, we gave a bouquet of dum dums, that her brother actually made for her party.

The wind was blowing like crazy so the sparklers wouldn't light, it was so funny!


The other princess loved the cupcakes as well.
We also served fajitas, rice, beans, chips and queso since the party was late evening.


Little Man loved the playground and wasn't about to share his cupcake.

I think Princess really enjoyed herself. She is such a blessing and worth everything to us! She is growing up to be a real lady in the Lord. We love you!

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

A HUGE party...

5 minutes for mom, is having a huge blogging party! Please go here and see!

If you came from the party, then WELCOME!!!!
This blog is about my journey with our family of seven. We are re-making our home into the 21st century (it was made in the 70's). We are showing our progress along with our adventures of homeschooling and just growing up (the kids, too). We hope you come back time and time again! Join us by the Follower button, the readers or just come back daily! We hope to bring you some encouragement!

May the Lord truly bless you today!

There are so many cool prizes to be won at this year’s Ultimate Blog Party,
but my top three picks would be:

• 89 - $100 gift card to HomeGoods
• 88 –$40 gift certificate to Carrabba's Grill
• 68 – $30 gift certificate to Christian Book Distributors

My next choices if those were picked would be:

2,5,17,and 19.

If I could pick from the USC list:
(Not sure if I can.)

I'd pick the 21, 58 (I LUV damask), and 40.

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Thomas the train coupons...

Pick up a free Thomas & Friends wooden train from Toys “R” Us with a printed coupon! Thank you imommies.

It is one per guest...so we got 7 of them. How fun for a future "train" birthday party!

They are also giving away free Little People DVD, which we also received. Yeah!


©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Just a FYI : Cincinnati Chili

Have you ever heard of Cincinnati Chili? I first heard about it about 11 years ago. Being a Texan girl, I like Texas Chili, so why would I try something so different? Well, my hubby is from that area, so I had to try it. The first time I met his parents, they took me to a "Chili parlor".

My first experience was not the best. It was juicy and not meaty like Texas Chili, not to mention over spaghetti or a small hot dog (I don't like hot dogs.). It took me years, to develop a taste for it. But, now I love it, as well as my kids. My brother-in-law who is from Romania, said something to the effect, "what is this stuff, it's the worst I've ever had", the first time he tried it. Now, he loves it too.

Some say, you can taste cinnamon or chocolate in it. I've never tasted that but I am not a chili aficionado. It originated from Greece. I guess you could call it Greek Chili but probably no one would understand or acknowledge that they know what you are talking about, especially if they are from Cincinnati. Some people are pretty territorial about certain names.

When we were at my hubby's parent's home in the fall, we stopped at a Krogers and bought a year's worth of the little blue packets so I could make some when I got home. We make it every other week. I have tried other packets but the blue ones are my favorite. Something, else interesting is you don't brown the meat before you mix the mix. It is all together and simmers for an hour. I LOVE EASY recipes.

There are certain ways to order chili - kind of like Starbucks.

You have the options of:
1 way - which is just a bowl of chili
2 way - spaghetti topped with chili only
3 way - spaghetti, chili and cheese (never melted)
4 way - spaghetti, chili, cheese, and either red beans or white chopped onions
5 way - spaghetti, chili, cheese, red beans and white chopped onions

Now, you Texans are probably thinking, "spaghetti with chili, I don't think so"....but don't knock it until you try it, at least twice. If you ever get the chance, just give it a try and let me know how you like it.

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Princess' 7th Birthday

Today is my Princess' Birthday!

She is so precious to us. Each one of my children have certain qualities that stand out. Hers is her sense of humor and sense of organizing and designing. They are traits that are desperately needed in our home.

She also takes being a big sister very seriously. Her younger sister adores her and her brothers miss picking on her when she is gone. If there is a practical joke going on, she is going to be in on it. That brings much humor to our home.

This birthday, like every birthday, she is asking for a cat.
Man, I wish it were a monkey instead. I'm just not keen on the feline sort.
So, we will say, "Hmmm....is there ANYTHING else you want? A car, a boat,...please, not a cat!?! (She actually did ask for me to spray paint her dresser...did I mention, I love her interior decorating skills.) She's definitely a keeper!

Happy Birthday Princess!
We love you!



©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Cabinets Refinished without sandpaper

I have shown this kitchen re-do before. So, many people are having a hard time financially I thought it would be worth to show it again. If you have seen it - "go on with your bad self", as my three year old would say. If you haven't, it is a cheap easy project to upgrade your cocina.

My inspiration:  Kitchen Redone Cheap but Beautiful

First of all, I can't believe I'm showing you our kitchen. But, it is an easy project if you would like a re-do that is inexpensive. I have more time than money so it works for me!



This was my inspiration! A friend did this to her kitchen and she is the one who gave me the instructions. Thank you J.!

My precious Crafty Sister-n-law!

This is one, of many, of my precious sister-in-laws. (She might hurt me if she finds out that she is on here. So, nobody tell!) She is the one who gave me the "idea" for my kitchen.

Here are the before pictures!

Kitchen who needed a maid

Apparently, the "before" pictures were taken on a day that the maid had off. I honestly can say that my kitchen hardly ever looks this bad. This is just for effects. ;)

Kitchen - sterile without the clean factor

Don't mind the bleach on the floor. Notice the white cabinets, white walls, white sink, white everything!!! Yuck, unless you are into that! We happened to have gotten rid of the white floors before we took the picture.

Are you ready?

Drum roll please!?!

Ta DA!!!!

Kitchen Cabinets Refinished without Sandpaper

Can you see the reformation? I still have a little touch ups to do i.e. getting a hood vent, double oven, and new stove top. (But, that takes $$$ and this was a inexpensive fix.)

Kitchen Cabinets without costing a lot of money

ANYONE can do this!!! We put the kids to bed and did this in one night.
(It was a late night, however.) But, totally worth every minute!

Okay really, I could have removed the dishes and hung up curtains but this is a "real" picture. Sorry, for the tiredness.  (Is that even a word?)

Want to know what we did? So easy!!!
We didn't have enough money for new cabinets or really did not want to darken the cabinets too much, so this was a perfect solution.

You will need:

• liquid sand paper (found at Hardware Store)
• Minwax® Gel Stain (Walnut Color) I do wish we had gone a shade lighter.
• Mineral Spirits

Instructions:

1. Apply the liquid sand paper with rags. This makes me the paint sticky.
   We did NOT use sandpaper! We wanted it to stay white underneath.
2. Apply the stain to the cabinets with foam brushes.
   You have to play around here to make it look the way you want.
3. Use mineral spirits to remove anything you don't want or to touch-up. We used a LOT of old T-shirts here. The idea is to get the gel into the crevices for effect.

Enjoy your new cabinets!
Be sure to tell me if you have done this...I like seeing different results.

My new back-splash!

Oh, we did tile the back splash, finding the tile half off at Lowes. Isn't it pretty plus sooo neutral? We also put in a new sink and new hardware. The paint color is Fragrant Cloves (B24-6) from Lowes. It reminds me of University of Texas, orange. Even though we are Aggie fans - I still love it! It goes perfect with my cobalt blue.

Hope you enjoyed your tour of my kitchen today! I'm so embarrassed and must go find where the kids hid the maid.
Click on the link, Decor Gone Easy and other projects, to see some of our other works.

Works for me has some awesome links this week.

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

A few of my fave books...no particular order.

I LOVE to read! Mostly, I like historical fiction, mysteries, and even encyclopedias. I just love it! I couldn't have enough books. I want my children to love reading more than they love candy. (Which I have succeeded with my firstborn.)

I don't really care for non-fiction other than the Bible because quite frankly, I get tired of other people's opinions especially if they wrote a documentary on how to flush a toilet or any psychology books (which in my sentiments, are the same). I'm not that bored, thank you very much!

Reading historical fiction gives me insight to a place that I might never have been before. It gives me a chance to eavesdrop on people that will never know that I've entered the room. How many times, I've wanted to be a fly on the wall in the room and couldn't be. This way, it is legal and even welcomed.

These are just a few of my faves...

1. Lowlands of Scotland Series by Liz Curtis Higgs
   (This is probably my most fave reads of all time.) I liked it so much - I called the author and had a sweet chat with her. It was written with a Scottish undertone so it makes you feel like you are reading in another language.




2. With an Everlasting love by Kay Arthur
   This is a really fast read. Guys even like this one.

   

3. Stephen Biesty's Incredible Body by Richard Platt
   This book explains and shows how the body works in major detail. My kids love it and even took it to our eye doctor to show her. Very fascinating!!!
   

   

   I'll share more of my favorite reads, at a later date.
   
   ©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday - to 2 very OLD people!!! (hehehe)

Today is two very special people's birthdays...

Today is John Deere Paw Paw's (my step-dad) Birthday! Yes, this is what we call him because he happens to have owned a John Deere Tractor. He likes to take my kiddos hunting, fishing, four-wheeling and will dance like a ballerina for our entertainment. He is a very special man and has taught us many trades, including how to play a mean 42 domino game. He also taught me how to ride a horse, drive a stick shift, and tape and float Sheetrock.

And, today is also my Grandma's Birthday! She is so special to my kids and me. She would let them make mud pies in her kitchen if they had the desire.
Ohhh, she definitely spoils them and me! She just went on vacation with us this past fall and was such a sport. (I honestly don't know, how we would have done so much without her.) You can't stop this 81 year old. (She is proud of her age and can run circles around me.) My nickname for her growing up, was "my soft, wrinkly, OLD, sweet Grandma".

Happy Birthday you two! You are loved very much!!!
Wish we were there to spend it with you!
and kids
©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com