Helper and Hints ~Part 6~

These helpers or hints have helped me tremendously. I just love cute little sayings that help me remember English, Spelling and Arithmetic rules.

Part 1 of Helper and Hints
Part 2 of Helper and Hints
Part 3 of Helper and Hints
Part 4 of Helper and Hints
Part 5 of Helper and Hints

1. Cincinnati is a word
   Hard to spell but easy heard.
   It need not cause you irritation,
   Just drop the ON from CIN CIN NATION.
2. Massachusetts is tricky," the teacher confesses,
   "Just remember to spell it with two tees and four s."
3. Let's put an end to all this confusion.
   We can't tell the difference between Tuscan and Tucson.
   The best way to end typographical stress
   Is to remember to put the C before S.
4. ANTI­DIS­ESTABLISH­MENT­ARIAN­ISM is really not the longest word, do you know what is?
5. To know the difference between b and d, make a bed using b and d.  b-d.
6. HOMES on a Great Lake:
   H-Huron, O-Ontario, M-Michigan, E-Erie, S-Superior (I had forgotten this one but Mom2fur had given that suggestion to us.)  I love it!
7. Learning the 10 commandments:

Milestone…

 

I love when a milestone is reached in our home! 

I told our little guy to put up his toys (he is two and not always a “listening” kind of guy) but he did it!  Not just a little – he picked up every one of his cars and even put the box back on the shelf! 

Can I hear all the angels rejoicing in Heaven? 
(Okay, maybe not but I’m rejoicing like one!) 

Just a side note:  He is now playing with only cars, trains, and Legos, which makes him officially out of the “baby stage.”    He will always be our “baby.”

Next step potty training…

Who’s on first? The Big One!

My hubby and I were in desperate need of towels for our bathroom. I wanted “spa” towels. You know the ones, that can wrap around you and your honey plus they are so plush you can use them for a blanket. Yes, I fell in love with the towels that cost $50 a piece. (Uh.. hum. I had to clear my throat just to type that.) There is no way, that we were going to pay that…but at Tuesday Mornings they had some marked down to $6.00. (Still kind of high…) We actually were just going to get 4 towels because it is just for us but all they had were white, so there goes the justification. However, neither one of us want white towels so we put them back.

Anyway, I had received a $10.00 Kohl’s coupon in the mail. I love freebies so we headed for Kohl's. My friend, J. and I were talking on the phone and this is like our conversation….hilarious

“What’cha doing?”
”I’m shopping for towels, what do you suggest?”
”I get the Big One.”
”I know that is what we want to. How big?”
” The Big One.”
”I know like 30” x 54”, that seems big.”
”No the Big One from Kohl’s.”
” J. – I’m at Kohl’s and these are big.” (Duh?)
“Lana – they are called “The Big One".”
“ Oh, you mean the brand, the Big One.”

Anyway, we actually just watched this on YouTube the other day…how funny!!! I feel like my conversations go like this with my children pretty much every day.



I did buy towels and they were big but not the Big One. Mine were on clearance for $3.19 a piece and just as nice as the $50. spa towels. I love them!!!

Helper and Hints ~Part 5~

These helpers or hints have helped me tremendously. I just love cute little sayings that help me remember English, Spelling and Arithmetic rules.

Part 1 of Helper and Hints
Part 2 of Helper and Hints
Part 3 of Helper and Hints
Part 4 of Helper and Hints

1. The 11 Times Trick - We know the trick when multiplying by ten - add 0 to the end of the number, but 11’s are simple as well when multiplying by double digits.
   Take the original number and imagine a space between the two digits (in this example we will use 52:
   5_2
   Now add the two numbers together and put them in the middle:
   5_(5+2)_2
   That is it - you have the answer: 572.
   If the numbers in the middle add up to a 2 digit number, just insert the second number and add 1 to the first:
   9_(9+9)_9
   (9+1)_8_9
   10_8_9
   1089 - It works every time.
2. To get the first eight digits of pi, count the number of letters in each word of this phrase:
   May(3) I(1) have(4) a(1) large(5) container(9) of(2) coffee (6)?
3. Divide a number by 3? Just add up all the digits until you have a single number. If THAT number is divisible by three, so is the original number. (I.e. 4545 . If you add 4+5+4+5 you get 18. Then add 1+8, which equals 9. Nine is divisible by three, so you know that 4545 is too.)
4. Order of taxonomy in biology:
   Kids Prefer Cheese Over Fried Green Spinach (Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species)
5. Red sky at night, sailor’s delight; (meaning pretty day)
   Red sky at morn, sailor’s be warned. (meaning storms)
6. MISSISSIPPI – M,i, crooked letter, crooked letter, i, crooked letter, crooked letter, i, hump back, hump back, i.
7. A song to learn the order of the presidents of the United States of America.
   
   
   
   
   To see more helpful hints, go to Works for me Wednesdays. ©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Losers, as an encouragement….

Tonight, we went to the Town Hall for Hope by Dave Ramsey. It was at 6000 churches nationwide.

The church we were at, had a few problems broadcasting but we got the gist of the program. There is HOPE! Hopefully, they will have it online soon, so you can watch if you missed it.

One of the 3 things, you went away with, is that you shouldn’t hang out with losers. I elbowed my honey and said it looks like I should go home alone, jokingly! (That is a total joke!!! I love my hubby more than creamy milk chocolate and spa-pedicures!!!!) It was a sweet reminder of our sweet friends. There is not a loser among them. God has sent us devoted precious people in to our lives to encourage and edify us.

In fact, when I got home and started to check my email, I was just floored at all the people who I stay in contact with.

I was reminded of a time, when I was in Venezuela. We were coming over a mountain and the bus driver stopped the bus so we could see this little city.

One of the doctors we were with, said the city reminded him of when Jesus said: Matthew 23:37 (New International Version)
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.

My heart was filled with compassion tonight. I feel so grateful that the Hen (Jesus) has put me under His wing. Under Him, we can’t lose. He has won the fight! I know Ramsey was talking about hanging out with people without a vision or people who talk negatively without energy but I came away with so much more.

Everyone I run into lately, has put something special into my life, like a golden nugget. Whether, they are a Christian, non-Christian, Atheist, cashier, fireman, or even a dog walker, I see that they have potential. Maybe that is not the right word. It is something more. They have a soul. A soul worth dying for. Some days I just love people. (Yeah, I am being truthful, some days, I would rather be in a cabin on top of a mountain, away from EVERYONE.) But, as much as I love people, I am at awe, what Jesus did for you and me!

I know that there are people who read my blog, that I will never meet. I know that there are people who read my blog, that have their doctorates, their diplomas, their careers, and who could much more elegantly write better than I ever could, however if you have all that and still don’t call Jesus Lord than you are missing the one thing is truly needed in your life.

I’m not an evangelist. I’m a mom who loves Jesus and wants what is best for her hubby and children. I don’t want you to read my blog and leave without knowing you are loved more than anything by Someone who gave everything! You have a purpose! Be encouraged today! You are loved!

Faith, Hope and Lullabies

I love music. I can't remember lyrics to songs to save my life, unlike my hubby who can hear a song (any song) and know all the words. With all that said, I love to hear calm, peaceful and Worship music! It is so uplifting and relaxing unlike the chaos I find myself in daily!

When the Bargain Shopper Lady, had this CD posted, I got excited. I love it! Please go and look at the music, it is actually lullabies (which I think were initially created for the moms' sanity).

Go here to listen and order!


©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Glass, tea and exploding ravioli lasagna…

Sunday after church, I asked my blue eye boy to make some tea.  (We love our sweet TEA.)   He put the tea pot on the stove top.  He turned on my electric stove not really paying attention to which burner it was on.  The leftover ravioli lasagna was on the burner, next to the tea, in my glass lasagna dish. 

The kids were actually sitting at the table eating pizza when I heard a glass explosion.  I just happened to be in the next room.  It turns out he turned on the burner under the lasagna instead of the teapot. 

Again, we are so thankful that the kids were at the table.  I have never seen glass go everywhere like this.  If anyone of them had been at the sink or even by the refrigerator, they would have had glass sprayed on them and most likely been seriously hurt.

My girls actually had a friend over and she told her mom what had happened later.  We talked about it again today.  Who knew a Pyrex glass would shatter and explode across the room?  It was truly a mess!  I’m so thankful that the Lord was protecting us from the exploding lasagna.  (My boys even went further with their prayer,  they were thankful they did not have to eat it anymore because they don’t like ravioli lasagna.)

911…What’s your emergency?

Saturday, started off well a pretty “boring” day.  My hubby let me sleep in.  My kids slept late, as well.  We had planned on nothing and that is really what we did.  (We did work on curricula – something I dread, more than childbirth.)

So, after a great supper, ravioli lasagna, we decided to go on a bike ride and work off some calories.  Our family truly looks like a parade when all of us hit the streets.

After taking on our neighborhood streets we were back in our driveway, when we noticed the black smoke coming from our neighbors house.  This was more than barbeque smoke.  It was black putrid smoke, like a field of tires on fire.

My hubby, who still had my two year old on his bike told me to get the other kids inside, he was going to their front, to make sure no one was inside and for me to call 911.  I grabbed our house phone, told the kids to start a movie, and called 911.

“911…What’s your emergency?”  “My neighbors house is on fire.”  “What is the location?”  “I am not sure because they live behind us and their street is different.”  (Note to self:  pay attention to the streets behind you.) “ What is your address?”  I tell them mine.  In five minutes, fire trucks pull up to the front of my house.  I run up to them – wondering what is happening to my hubby in the back of my mind.  I tell them “not my house” but my back neighbor’s house.  Now policeman are surrounding my house.  Luckily, my kids are inside watching a movie.  Then my phone starts ringing.  All the neighbors start calling to check on our house.  (They probably think, 5 kids, it was bound to happen sooner or later.)

Now, the fire truck is in our alley. Now my kids start to pay attention and want to come outside.  “No, stay inside!”  The smoke is beginning to get thick and it is dark outside.  All the neighbors have now come to our front yard.

My hubby has yet to show up.  Smoke is now in our house, the wind has shifted and our garage is filled with smoke.  A police officer comes back in our yard.  I ask him, have you seen a man with a child on the back of his bike?  He replies, no.  I ask him, do have a suggestion on how to get the smoke out of our house.  He replies, after the fire, open the house and put fans everywhere.  “Thanks.”   He was gone.  I go to the front, where the neighbors have gathered.  There is my hubby and baby.  I was so glad to see them.  They had to go the back way to get back to our house because the streets were closed off.  I grab my baby and take him inside.

The neighbors wanted to see the action.  So, they went to our back yard.  It was a sight to see.  All these grown ups in our new kid’s fort, watching a fire.  I go and get some bottled water for everyone.  As I pass them out, my hubby overheard this conversation.  “No thanks for the water, I have a beer.”  One of our neighbors, says to her, “The house is on fire, not a barbeque.”  We love our neighbors, they have become like distant relatives, that we only see when disaster strikes.  (Note to self:  we have got to have a community bbq soon!)

Luckily, no one was home in the fire.  They did have their dogs.  One of them did not make it.  The firefighters did an exceptional job.  There were probably 4 fire trucks and tons of firemen.  At one time, the firemen came out of the house and just fell over in the grass.  It made me so sad yet thankful.  They were willing to risk their life to go into an unknown place to save others.  My dad is a volunteer firefighter, and I grew up going to fires and to firehouses but this was my first “grown-up” fire.  I have a new appreciation of what our firefighters go through. 

I spoke to the owner of the house later.  It turns out that her husband had died this past August.  (Note to self:  We never truly know, what might be going on around us.)  He turns out, used to work on jets and a lot of jet material was still in the home.  (Thus, the black smoke.)  How easy it could have exploded?  Again, my thanks and gratitude for the firefighters who risked their lives.

I am so thankful!

Photography Class…

Last Friday, I was able to take a Photography class.  I loved it!I took this sunset last night.  Isn’t the sky just gorgeous?

The teacher, taught us so much!  I was very privileged to be able to hear her speak.  (Thank you hubby, for taking off a half day to stay with the kids.)  Her work has been in National Geographic Books and even at the Smithsonian Institute.  

I can’t even begin to tell you how much I learned.  I would love to be able to just sit in her presence and learn.  Isn’t it neat how much we glean from a Master at just sitting at their feet?  (That is a blog topic, for another day.)

One of the many tidbits, I learned, I thought I would share with you:
Digital cameras are like vacuums.  When you change the lens, battery, or photo card turn it off, before you open the camera.  If you don’t dust is sucked up into the camera.  Dust is an enemy to cameras!

I pray you have a blessed day!

Helpers and Hints with the 3 R's + more~Part 4~

These helpers or hints have helped me tremendously. I just love cute little sayings that help me remember English, Spelling and Arithmetic rules. I will have at least 7 parts and 7 hints each time. ( 7 happens to be my favorite number. I also have 77 ways to save or spend less. There are also 7 people in our family. I could go on and on with the number 7. )

Part 1 Helper and Hints
Part 2 Helper and Hints
Part 3 Helper and Hints

1. When multiplying 9’s; write 9 to 0 in the ones column and 0 through 9 in the 10’s column.
   This gives you the nines tables.
   0x9= 0
   1x9= 9
   2x9= 18
   3x9= 27
   4x9= 36
   5x9= 45
   6x9= 54
   7x9= 63
   8x9= 72
   9x9= 81
   10x9=90
2. How many feet are in a mile? 5 tomatoes
   ( 5 )five ( 2 )to ( 8 )mat (0)oes
3. To remember where the states, California, Oregon and Washington are, it spells COW.
4. Treble Line in reading music: Notes EGBDF
   Every Good Boy Does Fine. (Treble is people)
5. Treble Space in reading music: FACE (Treble is people)
6. Bass line in reading music: GBDFA
   Great Big Dogs Fight Animals (Bass is animals)
7. Bass Space in reading music:
   All Cows Eat Grass (Bass is animals)
   

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Helpers and Hints with the 3 R's + more ~Part 3~

These helpers or hints have helped me tremendously. I just love cute little sayings that help me remember English, Spelling and Arithmetic rules. I will have at least 7 parts and 7 hints each time. ( 7 happens to be my favorite number. I also have 77 ways to save or spend less. There are also 7 people in our family. I could go on and on with the number 7. )

Part 1 of Helper and Hints
Part 2 of Helper and Hints

1. You can see A RAT in the word, separate.
2. Dessert is twice as good as the desert.
3. Arithmetic is easy to remember to spell:
   A Rat In The Hat May Eat The Ice Cream.
4. The colors in the rainbow; ROY G. BIV.
   red
   orange
   yellow
   green
   blue
   indigo
   violet
5. The Principal always wants to be your PAL not your ple.
6. We are weird. (This is an exception to the i before e rule.)
7. X at the beginning of a word usually makes the Z sound except in words like X-ray. (i.e. Xylophone and Xanthisma)

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Helpers and Hints with the 3 R's + more ~ Part 2 ~

To see part one, go to Helpers and Hints with the 3 R's + more ~Part 1~

These helpers or hints have helped me tremendously. I just love cute little sayings that help me remember English, Spelling and Arithmetic rules. Please feel free to respond if you have others {PLEASE RESPOND, I need extra helpers}. I will have at least 7 parts and 7 hints each time. ( 7 happens to be my favorite number. I also have 77 ways to save or spend less. There are also 7 people in our family. I could go on and on with the number 7. )

1. The order of the planets.
   My = Mercury
   Very = Venus
   Educated = Earth
   Mother = Mars
   Just = Jupiter
   Showed = Saturn
   Us = Uranus
   Nine = Neptune
   Planets = Pluto
   (This is what I learned in school, now that Pluto is officially not a planet, I don’t have a new one.)
2. When trying to remember the compass, always remember that it spells WE across. (West to East)
3. He pat my liver, is good to remember that HEPAT is the Latin for liver.
4. When dividing fractions don’t ask why but flip the last one and multiply.
5. 4 quarts = 1 gallon like 4 quarters = $1.00
6. Order of Division
   Driving = Divide
   My = Multiply
   Super = Subtract
   Cool = Compare
   Buggy = Bring Down
7. < & > Less than and greater than
   > always eats the bigger number because he is hungrier.
   < always points the little number.
   (i.e. 3 < 7)

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Homeschool Hints for Teachers Part 1

I always could use extra help in homeschooling. Most of the time, I feel like I am re-learning everything. I teach three different grade levels and it has been a while, since I have been in those grades. So, I am putting to practice, do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.

These hints have helped me tremendously. I just love cute little sayings that help me remember English, Spelling and Arithmetic rules.

I will have at least 7 parts and 7 hints each time. ( 7 happens to be my favorite number. I also have 77 ways to save or spend less. There are also 7 people in our family. I could go on and on with the number 7. )

1. K comes before i and e;
   C comes before the other three: a, o, u.
   (i.e. cone, kite, cute and keep)
2. I before e except after c, or it when it sounds like a as in neighbor or weigh. (i.e. mice, dice, thrice)
3. When you hear a k sound at then end of a word and the vowel is short, write ck. (i.e. rack, tack, Mack)
   If the vowel is long, write k and a silent e. (i.e. lake, rake, take)
4. L, f, and s often walk together at the end of a short-vowel word. (i.e. cuff, cross, bell)
5. When e, o, or y is the only vowel at the end of the word, it usually says its long sound. (i.e. be, by, so)
6. When there are two vowels in a word, the first vowel says its longs sound and the second vowel is silent.
7. I found this poem in our local paper yesterday, it is so helpful. It says it came from the Instructor magazine in 1958.
   
   A noun is a name word, like GIRL, STREET, SWING,
   A noun names a person, place or a thing.
   
   A pronoun is used in place of a noun,
   I, YOU, WE, and THEY are some to write down.
   
   An adjective tells what kind or how many,
   And goes with a noun like “ONE, LITTLE penny”
   
   A verb shows action or a state of being,
   COME, GO, and PLAY; ARE, WAS, and FEELING.
   
   An adverb is used to modify a verb,
   or perhaps an adjective or another adverb.
   
   It answers the questions of when, where, and how,
   Or to what extent as in the words RIGHT NOW.
   
   A conjunction links words, phrases and clauses,
   "He walks forward a step, AND then he pauses.”
   
   A preposition is another on the list,
   It always has an object as “There’s a watch ON your wrist.”
   
   An interjection is the last one for now,
   It expresses strong feeling as HELP, OUCH and WOW!
   
   So now let’s remember the eight parts of speech,
   And with the help of this verse the definition of each.

Do you know any more hints?  Be sure to leave a comment!

Those were pretty simple and fun.

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Cake Mix Cookies…

Can you say easy as 1-2-3? I love these kind of recipes, I mean truly love!!! My hubby actually makes these because of the simplicity and oh my, they are wonderful!

We got the recipe from a friend at church, Mrs. Cindy! Thanks for sharing!

Cake Mix Cookies from ilovemy5kids

1 cake mix (we like to use yellow cake mix)
1/4 cup of oil ( we use canola)
2 eggs

Yep! That is it!

Mix together – the batter will be thick. I use my old faithful kitchen-aid and it is strong, so I don’t notice. Roll them in little balls and put them on a cookie sheet or stone.

Bake until barely done about 7 minutes at 350 degrees. Let stand for another minute or two or they will fall apart.

Yummy, tastes just like the cake mix dough!

Blessings to you!!!  You are loved!!!

To see more of my easy recipes, go to my Easy Recipe File.

Thanks for visiting, come back very soon!

Linked to:
go to Life as Mom.
Tasty Tuesday 
Blessed With Grace
Tuesday at the Table
Its a Blog Party 
Just A Girl 
Kelly's Korner 

We will win this...

My family has been fighting an illness for three weeks now. Off and on with the temps. Off and on with the vomiting. Off and on with the grouchiness (the grouchy part is just Mommy.)

I thought today, would be the day of complete healing. But, what do I awake and hear? "Mommy, my tummy hurts." Ugh!!! "Just lay in Mommy's bed and take a little nap." He takes a little nap and hears the kids playing in the other room.

He goes into the playroom. Plays a little. All is fine, until he walks in to the living room. "Mommy, I sick...." and you really don't want to hear what happens next. I yell for the plastic sack. We now have a pretty good system when vomiting starts. Everyone has a station. One gets a wet washrag, one gets a plastic sack, one gets a towel, and one calls Daddy.

Joys of being a mom. Joys of being the dad. Joys of parenthood. Wouldn't trade it for anything!

By the way, my kids like this song...

I think I'm going to throw up,

I think I'm going to throw up,

I think I'm going to throw up,

my hands and praise the Lord.

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

I feel like dancing…my fiesta time.

When all five children are in their respected rooms “resting” – I could break out in dance and sometimes do.

The older ones are required to stay in their rooms and either read or play quietly (if they get loud, they have to clean their room or take a nap themselves).  They younger ones usually take a nap.  This is Mommy’s sane hour.  I love it!  I either take a siesta, watch Magnum P.I., read or cruise the net.  Sometimes, I water my garden or do laundry.  I probably should be exercising but I am enjoying my time, nevertheless.

It is a privilege to be able to stay at home and teach these guys.  I want them to remember their mommy as energetic and full of life.  If I don’t have this time, I feel run down and my brain does not compute. 

So, I am off for my siesta, after my own little fiesta!

My playlist...

I removing my playlist from my entry page, due to it starts when it wants to, not how I set it. It is so temperamental, just like some children or some adults that I know. You are never tempermental, just like me, right? (Okay, my hubby is laughing hard at this one.)

This way, if you come to my blog, just to hear my music, you can go directly to this page and play it! (Okay, Mom?)

Queenie-Poo…

It is no secret that my husband spoils me.  I don’t mean a little spoiled either.  Truly spoils me, rotten!  Sometimes I am so spoiled I stink!  (Not physically, because I’m always covered up by a “Beautiful” fragrance or Bath and Body Works floral collection.)

The first thing every morning he does, is brings me coffee in bed.  We are talking every morning.  The last thing he does at night is brings me water to my bed just in case I get thirsty at night.  He calls me during the day, to check on me and just to tell me he loves me.  He sometimes makes a weekly menu and will do the grocery shopping with all 5 children.  He does all the finances (he loves that!).  He truly spoils me.

He calls me “classy” and I love that!  So, one day I asked him, do you like when I wear sweats and old t-shirts?  Thinking he would say, that I could wear anything, his answer baffled my mind.  He told me, he likes when I take care of myself.  Wow!  Shocker!  A man likes when a lady, looks nice and dolled up.

Let me begin by saying, my man is not the type that would ever hurt my feelings.  In fact, he would go to the extreme to never hurt them.  He never talks bad about me in any way to anyone.  He is truly a man of character and one of love.  But, if you ask a question, truly expect a honest answer.

So, do I dress up everyday?  Not hardly!  I do however try to look my best when I am with him for long periods of time.  He is my life partner and I do care, what he likes and dislikes.  Does he ever complain of what I am wearing?  NO!  He would never! 

Now, I use it as a tool to go clothes shopping!  (I will use any old excuse to go shopping.)

Proverbs 31:11 (New Living Translation)

¹¹ Her husband can trust her,
      and she will greatly enrich his life.

I pray that this will encourage you to bless your hubby today!  I also wanted to tell my hubby that I love him with all my heart and half my gizzard.

Easter 2009

My hubby and I had different favorite traditions growing up.  Mine was to go buy a new dress, new shoes, and maybe a pretty bonnet. His was that they colored eggs.  So, now we do both with our children.  My boys don’t get a bonnet but they do get something new.   This year it was just haircuts, so far.

This year because of illness, we couldn’t go to church.  So, we will dress up next Sunday, hopefully, in our new attire.   Cascarones are hollow chicken eggs filled with confetti.   They are used during Easter and thrown or broken over someone’s head, exploding the confetti everywhere.   We love it!  This year after we hunted eggs  - the fights  playtime began. My father-in-law really knows how to throw an egg.  My lip is still healing.  It was so much fun!  (On his behalf, he was just aiming for my head, in total fun.) 

This tradition is still new to us, but it is so much fun and totally messy.  We do it outdoors only! We were not even merciful to Grammy and Deetah. 

Grammy and Deetah have to leave tomorrow.  We have had a wonderful week with them visiting.  What a blessing they are!

We hope you had a blessed Easter!

He is Risen!

"Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is no longer here, He has risen!"




©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Building a ……

My hubby took off this past week and his parents came down to visit.  During their time off, my father-in-law and hubby have been building a project in our back yard. 

This “project” has had all sorts of names i.e. fort, playhouse, swing set, and burn pile.  Okay, I made up the name burn pile, before it was put up because all of this wood has been sitting in my yard since December.  I can’t wait to start planting plants to make my yard so beautiful that Southern Living would want to come and take pictures for a magazine article.  (I don’t know how this will happen, I seem to kill plants.)

The project is not completely done but I just wanted to post some pictures.  He still has to secure the swings, put up the rock wall, clean and stain it.  The “girls” are going to help decorate it.  (Most of all was accomplished with used wood that was given to us as a gift .)

My father in law has worked hard building this contraption.  My husband says that picture should say “King of the fort” but I’m thinking “loco in la cabeza” (crazy in the head) if you could see the whole picture.  He is high up!

This is just one of their helpers, who needs a haircut.

Hopefully, I’ll post more pictures very soon!!!

Where’s my elbow?

My 2 year old has provided us with a lot of entertainment lately.  We were sitting at the kitchen table the other night and I noticed his elbow was scraped up.  I asked him, “What happened to your elbow?”  His response, in his usual 2 year sweet crackly voice, was “What’s my elbow?”  I said, “On your arm.”  He then turns his arm every way except the way to see an elbow.  We finally give up trying to show him what an elbow is because we are laughing so hard. Last night, we were watching the movie, Marley and me.  (I thought it was going to be very family friendly.  It probably was for the normal family, just not ours.)  It was the part of the movie where the dog was getting fixed and they mention the part of the male area that rhymes with malls.  Our eldest (10 years old) asks what is that?  I mentioned to my husband, I think it is time to have “the talk” with our son.  He replies, “My son doesn’t even know where his elbow is.”  OIY!

We did tell our eldest what malls were and he was thoroughly disgusted.  I guess we did our job!  We have a long way to go though to fully disgust him, if you know what I mean.  I’ll probably send him to his John Deere Grandma’s for that discussion.   

Apple Dumplings

I got to tell you these are worth the trouble! I needed a fast sweet for a meeting the other day. So, I browsed the blogs. I’m so glad that I found this recipe. Although, it is anything but healthy. (The apples might contribute to some nutrition. HA!)

The recipe is a winner and will go down in my faves…

2 granny smith apples or other firm apples
2 tubes refrigerator crescent rolls
1 cup butter (Don't cheat here...real, is more Godly!)
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 can of Mountain Dew - really!  (Some people use juice.  Be adventurous use Mountain Dew!)
cinnamon

Peel, core and slice each apple into 8 slices.

Unroll crescent rolls. 

Roll an apple slice in each crescent roll and place in a buttered 8x13 inch pan. 

I melt the butter and sugar in microwave then I barely stir.  Texture should represent sand on the beach at low tide.  Or high tide.  Not really sure about that.  Grainy.

Add vanilla; barely stir. 

Pour butter mixture over your apple covered crescents. 

Pour mountain dew on top and all around. 
Sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes.

Take a moment and inhale.  That alone is highly caloric.  


This is adapted from Heritage Schoolhouse and she got it from Pioneer Woman. 

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Ever feel like this?

The other day this ground dove was on my roof.  I love seeing birds, they are very interesting creatures. 

As long as the bird was on the roof, the bird seemed safe.  You see, down by the bird bath was a stray cat.  The cat was hiding under my lantana, ready to pounce on it’s next victim.  (He already had breakfast and left the evidence by the bird bath bath that morning.) 

This ground dove seemed not to notice the cat.  In fact, he just seemed content to sing on the roof like he was just praising the Lord, unaware of the dangers around him.

It reminds me of the scripture:

Psalm 23:4-6

Even though I walk
       through the valley of the shadow of death,
       I will fear no evil,
       for you are with me;
       your rod and your staff,
       they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
       in the presence of my enemies.
       You anoint my head with oil;
       my cup overflows.

⁶ Surely goodness and love will follow me
       all the days of my life,
       and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
       forever.

As Christians, it is easy to focus on the cat (i.e. finances, taxes, housework, disobedient children or even weight) and not on the Lord.  I encourage you just to be in His presence and truly worship Him.  He will comfort and encourage you like no one else can!

Guess who???

A long time ago, before there were bills was a fairytale life.  There was always someone to wash the clothes, someone to make breakfast, lunch, and dinner.   There was someone to wipe away all the tears from a fall and someone to cheer when something said right.  There were even special times just to rest and take a nap.  Those were the days, of childhood.  I am thankful for my childhood.  I am thankful for my parents, both of them.  I am truly grateful for those naps and how I long for them now.

This was a picture of  my dad and me on my first airplane ride.  How times have changed!  I now get the privilege of being the parent.  What a wonderful gift!  I am so thankful!

FREE: Town Hall for HOPE

www.townhallforhope.com




©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

the mockingbird…

I took this picture of this mockingbird, who was on our rooftop the other day. It is our state bird. (I’m not sure why.) They are mean birds and even attack dogs, I have seen them do it. They are pretty in their own sort of way.

One flew into our patio door the other day and knocked himself out. My hubby left him there for a while. He finally was going to dispose of it and got a trash bag. He opened the door and the bird jumped up and flew away. I wonder if he saw himself in the reflection and tried to attack himself. My husband was delighted he did not have to dispose of the bird.

Every time I see a bird, I am reminded of this scripture:

Luke 12:24
Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!

Know you are loved by the God of wonders beyond our galaxy, who is rich in mercy and abounding in love.

77 ways to save $$$ or at least spend less…

Blessings to you!!!  You are loved!!!

My hubby and I spoke on finances at our local MOPs’ group. (Mothers of Preschoolers)



He is a wiz on setting up finances i.e. budgets, creating a plan and other nerdy stuff. I’m the one who likes to spend but with thrift in mind.
We work well together, most of the time (don't ask about putting Christmas lights on the tree).
I decided to come up with 77 ways to save or at least spend less.
Most of these ideas, came from years of browsing the net or just word of mouth.

77 ways - WOW! Why 77?
Well, 7 is my fave number.
God used this number over and over in scripture, 7 days of creation, 7 days in a week, and so on...so then 77 ways to $pend $$$ was perfect, so to speak.

This is in no particular order. Neither I nor this site are responsible for others changing their policy, price changing or other’s site’s content.

1. Use cash not credit. (It actually hurts physically to spend cash.) Not to mention you won't be spending finance charges, late charges, and other fees.
2. Coupon but beware; it can be time consuming. Food manufacturer coupons are hard to use in our area because we are limited on one particular store, which doesn't double, triple, or stack coupons.
   However, some other stores do stack, i.e. Walgreen’s, CVS, and Target and sometimes even Kmart.
   (Basically, that means when a product is on sale, you can use a manufacturer coupon and store coupon together.)
   Check with your own store to see their policy.
   This sometimes is not worth the trouble for the time issue. My time means a lot and I don't like spending all day sorting coupons.
   However, when I see a really good deal i.e. diapers, I'm there!
   
3. If you do coupon - there are gobs of coupon sites. They will do the work for you. They will tell you when the best time to use each coupon and at what store. Google it! I got 124,000,000 sites. Also, I have some of my fave sites linked in my side bar.
   
4. Price shop when buying in bulk. Buying in bulk does not necessarily mean you are saving money. Check it out!
   
5. Look for your product online. http://www.pricepinx.com/ They will actually tell you when a price drops.
   
6. A lot of stores now price match or offer a 10% back if you find a price lower than what is offered, even within 30 days of purchasing. Sears, Lowes, Home Depot, to name a few.
   
7. Don’t gamble - put your money in a jar. It usually earns the same interest. (0%)
   
8. Don’t give into whining from your kids or hubby at the check-out line. We don’t give allowances just because they are our kids. We give commissions. Each child has 5 chores that they are responsible for each day. We keep an easy to read chart on the refrigerator so they can mark off each chore. At the end of the week, Daddy pays them for each job that they did. Does it work? The kids now have more money than Mommy does.
   
9. Make your own coffee and other fast food items. Make going to Star-bucks or McDonald’s a luxury.
   A white chocolate mocha grande costs $4.28.
   If I bought just one a week, that comes to $222.56 a year.
   One cheeseburger happy meal is $2.98.
   For one kid, once a week the total is $154.96, a year.
   For two kids, once a week, the total is $309.92, a year.
   For five kids, once a week, the total is $774.80, a year. Ouch!!!
   
10. Make a budget for gifts and stick to it! I like to make it a game. I shop sales all year round and make it $5.00 a gift or less. (I do spend more on my hubby and my own children.) This is secret so don’t tell my friends or family. Besides, spending more time searching for the gift actually makes it more thoughtful.
    Target has HUGE clearances all year long. I have found many items $20.00 marked down to $3.00 or so. Even a $5.00 gift card to McD’s is thoughtful.
    
11. Shop http://www.etsy.com/ - homemade gifts. Bargain here!
    
12. Create a gift closet or a gift box. Keep a list in your purse who you need to buy for and what you have bought. It sure makes December so much less stressful.
    
13. Prepare a weekly menu. This has been the biggest saver for us. www.orgjunkie.com has a blog party every Monday for ideas.
    
14. If you like to eat out and want to save the cash check out http://www.topsecretrecipes.com/ or www.copycat.com.
    
15. Start planning your Black Friday sales in August/September. It pays to be prepared. Check out this link Bargain Shopper Lady.
    
16. WAIT WAIT WAIT for at least 24 hours on huge purchases I.e. furniture…
    
17. Take a person with you who is budget conscience when shopping.
    
18. Use group discounts. Just invite my family when you go to the zoo, aquarium, or even a semi-pro basketball game to get a large group discount.
    
19. Lay off the gas when driving. Tickets are expensive!
    
20. Keep your car in tune. Find someone who is a professional but doesn’t charge like a shop. Book time is a killer!
    
21. Buy used if possible and if it is worth it. My time is very valuable - it’s sometimes worth it to buy brand new.
    
22. Ask for the discount! If it has a grease stain on it - you have to spend time to get it out. (Target is good about this especially on home goods.)
    
23. When on vacation visit the Convention and visitor bureau or Chamber of Commerce. They have a lot of coupons there!
    
24. September is the month at a lot of vacation places go ½ off. It’s the month after summer (busy season) and before fall (busy season). Cruises from Sandals resorts sometimes go ½ off because of hurricane season - so make sure you get the traveler’s insurance.
    
25. Drink water instead of cola when you go out eat. (We’ve developed a soft drink day - Sunday’s only.)
    
26. Coupon codes for free shipping - just Google it!
    
27. Don’t stop at the grocery store just to buy bread. Use crackers or tortillas instead. These bi-weekly stops are expensive and a time waster.
    
28. 2 words - Spray Paint! Cheaper than buying new!
    
29. Sonic has a happy hour 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. ½ off all drinks including slushes.
    
30. When you fly - sometimes it is cheaper to drive a little to a neighboring airport than to the larger airport. (Cincinnati is usually more expensive than Dayton, Ohio which is 1 hour and 30 minutes away. The same is usually true for Houston Hobby and Houston Intercontinental.)
    
31. Go meatless a couple of nights a week. An old Southern fave, beans and cornbread. Yum! Yum!
    
32. Combine breakfast and lunch on the weekends ~ BRUNCH!
    
33. New cars depreciate 70 percent in the 1st 4 years on average. Look at www.autotrader.com.
    
34. Leasing a car is usually not worth the money!!! $300. A month = no car at the end. Just add up the figure and weigh it against a reliable used car. It is worth saving the money and buying used.
    
35. Shop auto insurance among other insurance policies every six months to a year.
    
36. Texas is deregulated - shop electricity rates! This saved us a bundle! Check your state.
    
37. Take advantage of kids eat free nights or Family nights. Luby’s, Carino’s, IHOP, and Denney’s.
    
38. Get on a ZERO based Budget! www.daveramsey.com
    
39. Make sure your home insulated well. Investing a little saves a lot!
    
40. Replace A/C filters timely - makes the air conditioner run less.
    
41. Clean A/C coils at least once a year, again it makes it run less!
    
42. Vacuum refrigerator coils once a year.
    
43. Get on a birthday rewards list. www.freebirthdaytreats.com Signs you up for free meals!
    
44. Toys-R-Us has a neat birthday program. Geoffrey always calls my kids on their birthday and sings them a song. Plus, they get a birthday card and coupon.
    
45. Burger King, Sonic, and Whataburger also have kid’s birthday clubs.
    
46. Vocalpoint is a neat site that you give your opinion and they send great coupons and free products.
    
47. If you do sign up for offers online, it is wise to open a separate email account or at least a disposable account. Many places like to send spam and this is just a way to avoid it in your personal email.
    
48. Stamps are $.42 plus the envelope - this could save a lot in a year’s time if you use Billpay or pay bills online.
    
49. This may be over the top but make your own laundry detergent. I've been doing this for a year and it has saved me tons!
    
50. This may be way over the top but make your own hand soap.
    
51. Make your own curtains or mistreatments. Nester has so many simple decorating ideas on here! I love making my home a refuge and pretty, she gives the info on how to do it!
    
52. Make sure you have enough house insurance. Home values increase and sometimes we forget about the insurance. (Happened to my parent’s rent house that burned down.)
    
53. Sometimes multi-lining insurance is cheaper and sometimes not.
    
54. Get your credit report! You can get a free one from each of the 3 BIG ones! Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
    
55. Go to www.myrateplan.com, it helps you compare cell phones and rates.
    
56. Look for bundle packages. (Ask for a deal - if I buy 2 will you give me ½ off?)
    
57. Save that $1000. for that emergency fund. Then you will have money when the car needs that part that only exists when your car breaks down.
    
58. If you never fly, why do you have that frequent flier card that you are paying high interest on?
    
59. In some instances generics are wonderful, i.e. medicines. My pharmacy also delivers to my door for free! I don't have to stand in line with other sick people.
    
60. Money saving mom has 100 ways to save $100.
    
61. Check out www.bankrate.com, it looks for financing and checks bank rates.
    
62. Go to www.gazelle.com, it buys old gadgets (cells, ipods, etc…).
    
63. Patience - the sales will come! Those who wait will get a deal!
    
64. Educate yourself - read a how-to book. We have learned how to tile, grout, roof, and much more just by asking tons of questions.
    
65. Don’t be overwhelmed with money. It’s only paper. People are going to live forever - one way or another. Teach your children that they are more important than paper. However, also teach them to save, to spend and to give!
    
66. Use coffee filters for snack time instead of paper plates.
    
67. Use www.dillyeo.com. They have a deal a day for great gift ideas.
    
68. Use your ceiling fans. They produce wind that blows on you to make you feel cooler so you don’t have to turn down the a/c.
    
69. Get plant clippings from friends. You could do your whole yard from clippings. Contact a Master Gardener - they usually always share.
    
70. Buy smaller plants and wait for them to grow instead of mature ones.
    
71. Check out http://slickdeals.net/. Major sales!
    
72. Check out http://www.dealcatcher.com/. More major sales and deals!
    
73. Check out http://www.gottadeal.com/. Even more major sales and deals!
    
74. Michaels has an unbelievable selection of cards and stationary usually marked down to $.50. They also have an entire room of close-outs.
    
75. Hobby Lobby sends out a coupon every week.
    
76. Save your receipts from Target - if the product goes a lower price then they will give you your money back. Other stores do this as well. Just gotta ask!
    
77. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38
    
    
    
    
    If you have more, please let me know. I'm always looking for a great deal! Blessings!
    This totally works for me!

I know I have posted this before on Works for Me, but there are so many great ideas, I just couldn't help myself to post it again! Especially for the frugal edition!