It's A Mom Thing!

GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!!

2011-09-22T22:00:00.000-07:00

Wow, I am SO sorry I have not posted the winners for the Twooth Timer or Soar with Reading giveaway's! Things have been so hectic with school starting and I can't express my apologies enough!

The winner of the Twooth Timer:
Anonymous said...

i follow its a mom thing on twitter (lizlovesvan)

The winner of the Soar With Reading giveaway:
KELLY HOWARD!!!

I am a follower! My granddaughter would do so well with this!

Congratulations to the winners!
I will get the information to the giveaway sponsors and get the prizes to the winners! If I don't hear from the winners in 48 hours, I will pick a new winner!

So much going on!!!

2011-09-11T19:29:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

I know, it's been quite a while since my last post and I apologize!!!

I'm not sure where this blog is headed right this minute, I just know I've got a LOT of ideas floating around in my head right now. I'm trying desperately to find some sort of time management schedule that includes making time for this here blog. It's proven difficult being a wife, mother and student...add on trying to be a blogger AND vlogger and it's a lot to handle! I have to take care of my priorities and the things that start to lack are the latter of the list.

I'd love to continue posting here. I want to do reviews/giveaways, recipes, crafts, etc. for all of you because it's always been a way of motivation for myself. I love sharing what I learn, with all of my readers! I have a lot of ideas it's just finding time to get it all done that is the problem.

I often times ponder on how these other mom's get so much done when it comes to maintaining a blog and a youtube channel. Sometimes they even have more than just 1 of each and I don't understand how they manage it all! It's like, I want to get dressed up the days that I don't have school and am caught up on a lot of my chores, and do videos and/or product reviews for this blog and my Youtube channel but it's been really hard to get that motivation. I hate feeling in a slump and I'm ready to crawl out of this darn hole! After all, blogging and vlogging is what has helped me figure out what I like doing!

With all of this said, please just bare with me as you all have done so already! I thank each and every one of you for all of your support!

Back at it! FREEZER COOKING!

2011-08-25T18:52:00.000-07:00

Now that it's school time again, and I, myself, happen to be going back too - I find myself actually wanting and feeling motivated enough to do some freezer cooking.  I wasn't so big on it over the summer but I'm ready to get back at it!  I found a few recipes and wanted to link them up here:

Chicken Spaghetti 

Crockpot Lemon Chicken & Potatoes

Freezer Meals on the cheap!

Banana Nut Muffins

Stuffed Shells

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Muffins

LOTS of great freezer meal ideas!  (It's a longer post but has great recipe's!)

Click on the links above to get the recipes, I'll be sure to let you know when I make the items listed!

Fruit Pizza Recipe!

2011-08-24T06:44:00.000-07:00

I found the recipe for the pizza crust/dough over at Chef in Training!  It was SO good too!  

I've also added the video tutorial I made up for this recipe, check it out at the bottom of the page :-)

This was SO good!  You've got to try it yourself to believe it! 

Fruit Pizza Dough:

1/2 cup butter softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp cream of tarter
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

Bake at 350 degrees for about 8-10 minutes or until golden brown on top (mine was in about 12-15 minutes)

Mixing the dough!

Putting dough in the baking dish

I just love pictures of freshly cut fruit! Weird? Who cares! LOL

All done and ready to be ate!

Cream Cheese Fruit Dip/Spread:

1 (8oz) block of cream cheese 
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients together!

Welcome Wednesday

2011-08-23T20:27:00.000-07:00

I'm participating in the Welcome Wednesday blog hop over at, Take It From Me!  

Why don't you come join us?!

Please check out the current giveaway's going on here on It's A Mom Thing (Look over at the top right hand column!)

Project Time = Necklaces! (VIDEO)

2011-08-23T20:21:00.000-07:00

GIVEAWAY EXTENDED!

2011-08-23T17:49:00.000-07:00

Well, the 18th (yesterday) was suppose to be the last day to enter for the JetBlue Soar with Reading giveaway.  There were NO entries so I am extended the giveaway for another TWO weeks!  That means the giveaway will now end on....September 1st @ 11:59PM EST

To enter, please go HERE!

Wild Weekend Hop

2011-08-19T21:32:00.001-07:00

This is my first time participating in the Wild Weekend Hop over at About A Mom!

Come join us by clicking the button above:-)

SKOY Giveaway WINNER!

2011-08-18T21:49:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe I've been so far behind!  I'm JUST now getting to posting a winner from the SKOY Cloth giveaway and the winner, after using random.org, is.....

Leigh!
Here is the winning comment:
I follow IAMT on twitter!: July 15, 2011 9:49 AM; I have contacted the winner and will wait 48 hours before choosing another winner - if I have not yet heard back. Don't forget to go enter the Soar with Reading giveaway which I have extended to September 1st!

Twooth Timer REVIEW/GIVEAWAY!

2011-08-18T21:35:00.000-07:00

We received a Twooth Timer in the mail recently. And man do I love it! My kids do too, which is the big plus. I have a hard time getting both of my kids to brush their teeth like they're suppose to, but with the Twooth Timer, it get's their attention and they actually WANT to brush their teeth! 

Opening our Twooth Timer!

Putting the Twooth Timer to the test!

You can visit The Twooth Timer Company's website and find their other great products as well as free downloadable dental activity and coloring pages!  These could be great for at home, school or even dentist offices.

Twooth Timers are available at Creative Kidstuff in St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN & West Des Moines, IA http://www.creativekidstuff.com/ 

You can buy your own Twooth Timer for $10.99 HERE, or enter to win one below!

Leave a comment for EACH method of entry!

Mandatory Entry:

You must be a follower via Google Friend Connect (found on right hand side of blog).

Extra Entries:

-'Like' It's A Mom Thing on Facebook

-Follow It's A Mom Thing on Twitter

-'Like' The Twooth Timer Company on Facebook

-Follow The Twooth Timer Company on Twitter

Blog about this giveaway and get 2 addiontal entries (make sure to leave TWO separate comments if you do this & include a link to the post)

Please remember to leave your email address with each comment, or make sure your profile has it there!

This giveaway will end on September 8th at 11:59PM EST. Open to US residents only. Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be contacted by email. Winner must respond to email within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected.

(I was not paid for this post. I was sent the Twooth Timer to review. The Twooth Timer Company is sponsoring this review AND giveaway, so a big thank you goes to them! All opinions are my own.)

Feeling run down?

2011-08-17T20:14:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling run down the past couple of weeks.  [Notice the lack of posts?]  It's a mixture of things coming all at once: my son starting Kindergarten and myself going back to school.  Pile on all the stresses of maintaining a household while being a mother and still keeping the romance going on with the husband!  

I came across a bible verse this evening and had to come blog about it!  

1 Peter 5:8 Keep awake! Watch!  Your enemy the devil is walking around like a growling lion.  He is looking for someone to catch. 

This rang so true to my ears because the enemy is surely trying to work his way into my life.  And I'm not having that!   I've been trying to organize/clean as much as I can this past week and it's time to put myself back on a schedule.  I've had such high hopes for my life, family, future, and blog and if I fall into a long slump it prevents me from getting what I want!  Really, I believe in myself and know I can achieve whatever it is I want if I put my heart and soul into something.  I need to re-prioritize the things in my life that are important to me!  Now y'all know I'll be back here to post about all that jazz ;o)  

This bible verse just reminds me to keep alert and be 10 steps ahead of the enemy - if not farther.

Recipes to Try

2011-08-15T11:52:00.000-07:00

Here is another short list of some recipes I'd like to try!  

Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Crockpot BBQ Chicken

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Click a recipe above to go to the sources!

A few things...

2011-08-12T20:43:00.000-07:00

My mind has been on overdrive, especially when it comes to this blog!  I have so much hope for this little blog, but when I'm not posting...that hope isn't there now is it?!  I've had a few life challenges that needed to be taken care of, including my son going to Kindergarten and me going back to college, all in the next week and a half!  It's going to be crazy, but I'm so excited!  

I have a few things off the top of my head that I want to post about.  I also, still have a couple reviews/giveaway's to post, as well as a blogging event to talk about (which is going on in a month)!

I've been busy with my sewing machine recently so I'll be sure to post about what I've been up to :-)

I've also been busy with getting creative when it comes to organizing around my house!  Yeppie!  

I think the best thing is just, me going back to school. I feel more ready about it then ever and can't wait to see what God has in store for me and my family's future.

I'm Baaaack!!! Picture Overload!

2011-08-08T19:35:00.000-07:00

Wow! I can't believe I've been gone for this long! I'm sorry for abandoning all of my readers, but never fear....I'm back!

I've had time to think about a lot recently and that's part of the reason for the extended 'vacation'. I realized I was putting a lot of time into the social media aspect of my life and it needed to stop.

We had a great time visiting family in SC/NC! We actually didn't end up going to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Camp-Resort, instead we just camped out at my memaw's house, in a tent! It was really nice! I've missed my family so much, as it's been a year since I last saw them and I'm actually leaving again this Friday to head to GA to visit my mom (my grandma who adopted me). We didn't get a chance to stop by and see her so Eliza and I are going to be making a 7.5 hour road trip Friday-Sunday. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers! It's something I've got to do.

Anyways, here are a few pictures from our trip, I'll try to just pick a few good one's! We went to Pearson Falls and Tweetsie Railroad. Both of which my Memaw took us all to when we were my kid's age! It was a lot of fun showing my kid's somewhere I use to visit...somewhere new!

The night we got there, Eliza was loving on her cousin Brayden!

Memaw, Landon (& his brownie), Eliza

Yep, it's safe to say that the love of horses run thick in my blood ;-)

My little brother, Landon and Eliza

Noah, me, Memaw, Paul, Landon & Eliza

Me and my littlest sister Gabriella!

My aunt Amber and I remembered when we use to sit on these very horses!

In front of Tweetsie's famous steam engine!

Amber & Clarence!

I love this picture! Watching the steam engine take off!

My little brother Noah and I! Gosh I've missed seeing him grow up so much!

JetBlue Summer Reading Kit GIVEAWAY!

2011-07-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

UPDATE!!!! I HAVE EXTENDED THIS GIVEAWAY! IT WILL NOW END SEPTEMBER 01 SO GET YOUR ENTRIES IN NOW!

Recently, I was sent a package from JetBlue.

JetBlue launced a reading program, "Soar with Reading", just last month. They have partnered with PBS Kids in hopes of getting kids involved in reading everywhere they go!

We will be taking our in flight reading kit along with us this weekend, when we take a 8 hour trip to visit family up north.

I enjoyed reading books when I was a child and so, I love when I read books to my children. My son is learning how to read now and it definitely puts a smile on this momma's face :-) Anything that promotes reading in children is a fantastic idea! So many kids are not read to, but yet when they hear a story read to them their eyes and ears open up to a whole new world...what kid wouldn't like that?!

The campaign includes:

*At the center of the program is the newly launched SoarwithReading.com, where parents can download a free reading activity kit, create a summer reading list and log their children’s reading minutes, among other activities

*For every reader who registers on SoarwithReading.com, JetBlue will make a book donation to a child through First Book (a nonprofit organization that provides new books to children in need), up to 10,000 books.

*This summer, Jet Blue is also sending crewmembers out to volunteer at kid-friendly events at local libraries all across the country. These global guides will read books to children, share stories about their job and their exciting travel adventures.

*Child passengers will also receive activity kits on JetBlue flights as well!

This campaign will also help support local libraries. Families can vote for their favorite library over at SoarwithReading.com , in the Soar with Reading Sweepstakes. The winning library will receive $10,000 worth of children books, courtesy of Jet Blue and Random House Children's Books. You could have a chance to win a trip to Atlantis if you enter the winning library ;-)

The wonderful people behind this campaign have graciously offered one of my readers a chance to win their very own JetBlue in-flight reading kit! Included is a JetBlue backpack, book, music CD & fun activity pamphlet!

Leave a comment for EACH method of entry!

Mandatory Entry:

You must be a follower via Google Friend Connect (found on right hand side of blog).

Extra Entries:

-'Like' It's A Mom Thing on Facebook

-Follow It's A Mom Thing on Twitter

-'Like' Soar with Reading on Facebook

-Follow Soar with Reading on Twitter

Blog about this giveaway and get 2 addiontal entries (make sure to leave TWO separate comments if you do this & include a link to the post)

Please remember to leave your email address with each comment, or make sure your profile has it there!

This giveaway will end September 01 at 11:59PM. Open to US residents only. Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be contacted by email. Winner must respond to email within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected.

Easy Cherry Limeade

2011-07-25T21:14:00.000-07:00

My first time trying Cherry Limeade and it was pretty darn good!

You will just need 7up, Rose's Grenadene Syrup (cherry) & a lime!

Mix 2 tablespoons of the cherry syrup with about 8 ounces of 7up. Add a lime for taste.

(Thank you Pouty Pink Princess for this great recipe!)

Camping Vacation!

2011-07-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

We're hoping to leave out this week for a week long camping/family vacation! Headed to the Foothills of South Carolina to visit my side of the family, as well as spending a night or 2 at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Camp-Resort! I'm pretty excited!

I'm real happy I came across the camp ground as every review I've read on this particular one has been great! Very family friendly :-)

Posts will be on hold until I get back, but don't worry...I have lots of fun and exciting things to share with you all, including FOUR reviews & giveaway's. Plus, my very first blogging event!

Paint Sample Notepads

2011-07-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I haven't posted this tutorial yet!

But, better late than never, right?! So, here it is.

Paint Sample Notepad's

You will need:

Paint samples (I got mine at Walmart by the painting supplies)

White printer paper

Stapler

First I folded the bottom of the paint sample cards.

Then I folded the top of the cards.

I measured how I should cut my paper and then cut it. I put 10 pieces of paper in each notepad.

Finally, I stapled the bottom of the sample card and....finished!

So easy! I also included a homemade crayon in the party favor bags!

'Octopus' Dinner

2011-07-19T08:58:00.000-07:00

Here's a really cute & creative way to get picky eaters to eat dinner!

'Octopus' Hot Dog Dinner!!

All you need to do is take some hot dogs, slice them a little more than half way, turn them and slice again.

Then, you'll place them in a pot of boiling water for about 5 minutes (you'll notice that they will start to curl)

Serve with mac n' cheese and dinner is ready!!

Both of my kids ate their dinner up...which always puts a smile on my face since lately all I've been hearing is "Eww, I don't like/want this!"

(Thank you Women Living Well!)

Media & Our Marriage

2011-07-17T20:42:00.000-07:00

Media and Our Marriage is this weeks topic at Women Living Well and the Media Monday's series.

My husband isn't that big on technology, me on the other hand...well, I'm totally into it! Now, I'm not one who wants my entire family to have their noses into iPod's or video games (we do still enjoy the great outdoors). We aren't a video game family, at all! And I like that.

I waited patiently before getting my new smartphone just a couple weeks ago (I had a Blackberry Pearl when they first came out, I was also working on my own to be able to afford it, then I quit and became a SAHM, lessening our income; therefore downgrading). My husband got a new Android phone for me and it helps not being in front of the computer and being able to just check my emails & Facebook throughout the day without running to the computer.

My husband is always telling me how I should go back to school for something to do with computers. Well, now that I'm more into that kind of stuff, he complains about it all! LOL Don't get me wrong, I can see why. Because some times I do get media/technology overload and am focused on it way too much. I want so badly to pick up my Youtube videos - it was like my own 'mini show' - and I want to get my blogging onto the next level (conferences, etc.). I know I can do it without so much technology but then again, I still do need the computers, cameras and programs to be able to do it. There goes that "I need" mentality for ya! I've even decided to go back to school for Mass Communications. My dream is to become a motivational speaker for suicide prevention awareness (I'm an attempted suicide survivor and I've been praying about this for a while now, and it's something I feel I'm ready to go forth with). Technology has just made it so much easier for people across the nation to communicate, but it's also made it easier for people to use their words harshly; by hiding behind computers and saying hurtful things.

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." Proverbs 18:21

This week I'm going to be trying to incorporate my kitchen timer into our daily lives. When it's time to do a quick 10 minute clean up, I'll set the timer. When it's time to get dinner started, I'll set the timer. And when I'm ready to sit down on the computer, I'll set the timer.

Oven Baked Fries!

2011-07-16T19:27:00.000-07:00

This was my first time making homemade fries in the oven! And man were they g.o.o.d!

I got the recipe over at Women Living Well, where Courtney found the recipe in The Duggars: Twenty and Counting book!

All you need to do is, cut up a couple potatoes (I used red potatoes).

Drizzle some olive oil over the top.

Add some seasoning, salt & pepper.

Place in oven at 450 degrees for 20 minutes or until soft.

Yum!!!

Skoy Cloth Review/Giveaway

2011-07-15T09:02:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was sent some SKOY cloths.

If you don't know what SKOY cloths are, well, you're about to find out!

Basically, a SKOY cloth is a reuseable 'papertowel'. This is a great green alternative to your everyday -every 2 hour - paper towel.

A SKOY cloth is a ..

100% biodegradable

Absorbent

Re-usable

European-made

Clean

and Fun…

Multi-use cloth

SKOY cloths can be used in your kitchen or even your bathroom! They even come in a variety of colors.

Before you use your SKOY cloth you need to get it nice and wet.

Then make sure to squeeze out as much excess water as possible. The SKOY cloth is also dishwasher and washer and dryer safe! Another great thing is that when you wet your SKOY cloth and place it in the microwave (CAUTION: it will be very hot!) for 1 -2 minutes it will help kill a lot of the germs collected while cleaning. You can read here, more about how to use & clean your SKOY cloth.

My favorite part about the SKOY cloth is the 'green' factor. I hate using so many paper towels & each SKOY cloth saves 15 rolls of paper towels! It even lasts for quite some time. AND, it's biodegradable, as well as compostable!

SKOY cloths are $6.99 for a 4 pack + $1.94 shipping. You can order them on Amazon.com or here.

How would you like to try out your very own SKOY cloths? Well, the makers of SKOY cloths have sent me ONE extra pack of SKOY cloths to giveaway to one of my lucky readers! Here's how you can enter to win:

Leave a comment for EACH method of entry!

Mandatory Entry:

You must be a follower via Google Friend Connect (GFC) of It's A Mom Thing (found on right hand side bar)

Optional Entries:

-'Like' It's A Mom Thing on Facebook

-Follow It's A Mom Thing on Twitter

-'Like' SKOY on Facebook *You can leave a comment saying It's A Mom Thing sent you

-Follow SKOY on Twitter

Blog about this giveaway using the link for this post - 2 entries (make sure to leave a link to your post in 2 separate comments)

Please remember to leave your email address with each comment, or make sure your profile has it there!

This giveaway will end July 28th, 2011. Open to US residents only. Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be contacted by email. Winner must respond to email within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected.

Teacher Appreciation Gift

2011-07-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

"We Need S'More Teachers Like You"

I know I'm a little late posting this but I figured I should go ahead and post it before I forget! I just took these pictures off my camera (not the SIM card, so I had to pull out the ole camera cord ;-).

I found this idea (and PDF file) over at Domesticated Lady so go head over there and print out your cute card!

You only need some cello bags, I found mine at Joann's and am unsure of the size - I'm sorry! You'll also need some graham crackers, marshmallows & mini Hershey's bars.

Put 2 graham crackers, 1 Hershey's bar and 1 marshmallow in each bag. Then, just staple your card on top! It's that easy!

WINNER - Cows Can't Jump

2011-07-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who entered the, "Cows Can't Jump" children book giveaway!

The winner is:

LeighSabey said...

I like you on FB!

July 10, 2011 9:10 PM

Look forward to more giveaway's on the way!

Media Monday

2011-07-10T19:15:00.000-07:00

It's the first week for Media Monday over at Women Living Well.

This week is, Media & Our Walk with God

The media has definitely taken away my time from our Lord. Courtney explained it well when she said she couldn't wait to see what was going on, on the computer while she was sleeping, and that makes it difficult to share her time with Him in the mornings. That pretty much sums up my feelings in the morning. The first thing I do when I wake up is....turn on the computer. Really, I get out of bed, come into the living room and click the button. When school is in session I will turn the computer on and won't get on until after I take my son to school, but it's always one of the first things I do.

I want to change that 'schedule' and hope to do so during this series. It's funny how God knows exactly which ways to talk to us when we need to hear. I've actually been reading a book by Kathy Ireland - which I will be writing a review on when I'm finished - and she mentions how God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth because we need to be listening twice as much as talking. It's so true. I don't feel I'm giving God and my family my 2 ears to listen. My time is spent involved in the media way too much and I'm so ready to change that.

Something that has been on my chest lately is, I'm wanting MORE. When I say more I'm talking about, a laptop. I feel like, if I have a laptop I'd be able to do more and go places and still be 'connected'. Isn't that sad? With a desktop I'm sitting here at the desk whenever I'm checking Facebook, Youtube, my emails, and browsing blog land. But with a laptop, I could go outside with the kids or sit on the sofa with my husband and still get some blogging and other business done (product reviews, etcs).

I like that with a laptop I can close the screen and it be an 'out of site - out of mind' type of thing. Having the desktop in the living room is hard, and I'm the one who wanted it here because I felt I could still do work and I could be right here while the kids play. Well, now I want to put it back in our bedroom and keep it off until we need it for something.

I don't like that my head is getting wrapped around all of the high techy things, I don't want my kids to be that way. I am very thankful that my kids would much rather play with toys, play games, or even play outside the majority of the time; and not care about video or computer games.

One more thing about my time and my time with God is, I'd like to get into a better sleeping routine. I'm up late (12-1AM) and I'm usually browsing the web doing so. I want to use my time more efficently and get the sleep I need. And be able to devote either a morning or evening session to nose dive into His word. I want to read more books, I read to my children every night and I'd like to pick up reading for myself again. Like I use to as a child.

How does or how has technology and the media effected you? Have you had to make changes in how much time you spend devoted to the media?

Recipes to Try!

2011-07-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

Here's a few links with some recipes that I'm looking to try out in the next couple of weeks!

Sweet Potato Casserole

Crockpot Hashbrown Casserole

Vegetable Beef Soup

King Ranch Chicken

Family Outting

2011-07-06T19:33:00.000-07:00

We went for a family outting Sunday to Seaworld, Orlando!

We went a while back and did a quick tour of some of the sea life but this time we took advantage of a couple of the shows. The kids had a great time, and of course, us adults did too :-)

This time we decided to leave later in the evening (we got there around 6) so we could experience some of the fireworks Seaworld has to offer during the Summer months. It was nice but....one thing we cannot seem to figure out, is how to take the right way home! LOL Every time we go to Seaworld or Aquatica, somehow we end up not getting home without taking a wrong turn somewhere! Even with a GPS it took us the way we did not want to go and we probably drove an hour out of our way...which I'm sure a lot of it had to do with it being 12 AM.

I love this face! LOL Both of them :-)

These are such amazing animals!!

Media Monday's

2011-07-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

I'm going to try and keep up with Courtney over at Women Living Well, and her series Media Monday's!

It will begin next Monday and last 8 weeks.

This should be good for me because I'm wanting to get more into the media but I know it's affects on being 'addicting' and causing problems in relationships, etc.

We have a computer and we have TV's right now. We even own a GPS. We own a couple of electronic games, but we are no where up to par on a lot of the current media, high techy items.

I do get my head too wrapped up into the media and technology and the things we don't have, and that scares me and heck, it may even be why God hasn't yet allowed anything like this in our household!

I'm excited to see what others have to say about the media. Something I haven't mentioned to anyone is, I'm hoping (and praying hard) that I will be able to get into school this August for Mass Communications, so this series should really be good for me before entering this area of study! I love social media but I know it can get to be a bit much for myself and my family. I will tell you all now, my family is NOT a very high tech family! And I'm not complaining, I love that my kids would rather be outside than be watching TV or playing video games! I think they are a 'rare breed' these days and it kind of makes me smile a little bit :-)

Crispy Chicken

2011-07-04T20:55:00.000-07:00

Crisp & Creamy Baked Chicken

(I'm sorry for the lack of pictures, I forgot to take more!)

You will need:

4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts

1/2 a pouch of Shake N Bake Extra Crispy Seasoned Coating Mix

2 cups instant white rice, uncooked

2/3 cup condensed cream of celery soup

1/4 cup milk

1 cup shredded three cheese

Coat chicken with coating mix as directed on packaging. Place in a 9x13in baking dish.

Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until chicken is done. Cook rice in the mean time.

Mix soup and milk until well blended & pour over chicken. Top with cheese. Bake another 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve with rice.

This was a really good - and quick - dinner idea!

(Thank you Kraft Foods for this great recipe!)

Cow's Can't Jump Review/Giveaway!

2011-06-29T15:27:00.000-07:00

We were recently sent Cows Can't Jump by Dave Reisman.

Cows Can't Jump comes in 2 versions, board book and paperback.

You can even preview some sample pages of the book HERE.

Upon arrival, Landon was excited to sit down and start reading! He loves to read to his sister and this is a great book for beginner readers; as there aren't many words on each page, making it less confusing!

I've actually overheard Landon the past few days reciting certain phrases from Cows Can't Jump so I know he's taking something from it!

The pictures in the book are also great! I love the simplicity of this book as it fits both of my children and their ages, 5 and 2.

"Vibrantly illustrated, Cows Can't Jump will help young readers learn diverse and dynamic words, while absorbing a subtle yet powerful message that builds self-esteem and teaches respect and humility."

You can buy your very own Cows Can't Jump here at Jumping Cow Press (Paperback $7.99 or Boardbook $11.99) or from, Amazon.com and Barnes & Nobles.

One lucky reader will have a chance to win their own paperback copy of Cows Can't Jump right here on It's A Mom Thing!

Here's how to enter:

Mandatory Entry: Follow It's A Mom Thing by Google Friend Connect (on right hand side of blog) and leave a comment.

Optional Entries: Leave a separate comment for each method of entry.

1) 'Like' Cows Can't Jump on Facebook
2) 'Follow' Cows Can't Jump on Twitter
3) Like It's A Mom Thing on Facebook

Blog about this giveaway using the link for this post - 2 entries (make sure to leave a link to your post in 2 separate comments)

Please remember to leave your email address with each comment, or make sure your profile has it there!

This giveaway will end July 13th, 2011. Open to US residents only. Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be contacted by email. Winner must respond to email within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected.

Thank you to Jumping Cow Press for sponsoring this review/giveaway here on It's A Mom Thing!

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole!

2011-06-27T21:52:00.000-07:00

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

You will need:

2 cups cooked rice

3 cups cooked chicken pieces

6 slices swiss cheese

10 slices ham, cut up

2 cans cream of chicken

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup sour cream

10 saltine crackers

1/2 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp garlic salt

1/2 tsp parsley

First you will spray the bottom of a 9x13in baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Then spread your cooked rice on bottom, followed by cooked chicken. You will then layer your slices of swiss cheese on chicken and cut up ham on top of cheese.

Mix together the 2 cans of soup, milk & sour cream.

Spread mixture on top of ham. Crush crackers up and mix in the rest of the dry ingredients. Sprinkle on top of soup mixture.

Bake in oven at 350 for 30 minutes.

ENJOY! :-)

Follow Me Tuesday Chickadee!

2011-06-27T21:39:00.000-07:00

It's Tuesday again, which means....Follow Me Tuesday, Chickadee!

I will be posting a couple giveaway's this week so please be sure to check back for your chance to enter :-)

I like to post reviews/giveaway's, as well as parenting talk, recipes & crafts!

Say Hi Sunday! Blog Hop

2011-06-26T19:20:00.000-07:00

It's that time again! Time for Say Hi Sunday Blog Hop!

Inspiring Women

2011-06-25T13:55:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share a few women who I have recently been inspired by.

Kathy Ireland
Candace Cameron Bure
Oprah Winfrey - as if you didn't think I'd include the ole 'O'!
Ellen Degeneres

Then there are a few 'Mom Bloggers' who I'm inspired by

Amy Bellgardt (founder of Mom Spark & Mom Spark Media)
Laura (Founder of TipJunkie)
* I'm sure there are a few others but I can't think of them all right now!

So what do these inspiring women have to do with me and my life? Entrepreneurship!

(insert *sighs* of unreasoning here...haha)

en·tre·pre·neur/ˌäntrəprəˈno͝or/Noun
1. A person who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on financial risk to do so.
2. A promoter in the entertainment industry.

The more I read on these women, and women of the like, I can't help but to think that it's something I'm reaching for. Sure I blog, I'm up to 170 followers which I'm excited about! And blogging isn't just sitting in front of the computer like some think. I actually email companies and ask them if they would like to send me a product to review on my blog. I've actually gotten quite a few things in return by doing this. I'm not sure what that would fall under but I'm assuming something along the lines of 'marketing & public relations' both of which are important in business. Therefore, I like the idea of entrepreneurship and business. It's like people try and tell you, you should do this or you should do that with your life. Or, you're not doing anything with your life...when, what do they really know about you and your life? When you tell someone what you want in life and what career path you want to take - they look at you with some dumbfounded look as if you won't make it. Really, I'd like to think people would be more open-minded because I'm not the first person to look at this word and think "Hey, that's something I'm interested in" - isn't it obvious that the people I've listed are also in business for themselves? I'm sure they all had people telling them they aren't going to make it, and who knows, maybe I really won't make it far but I think I've done pretty good thus far; as all my life experiences up to this point, are experiences I'm sure could help others who have been in my shoes before. Not to mention, I'm all about learning and surrounding myself with people. Which leads me into...

motivational speaking!

Another word most people around me would look at and think "Yea right, you, motivational speaking? Doubt it!" I've got to find a way to get into this! The pastor at our church said I needed to get more involved, which IS the truth and I want to, so I can start by sharing my story with others in a small group and possibly leading to a bigger group. I know my story thus far can change lives and I know this because my story deals with an everyday occurance - depression/suicide. I truly believe more so now than ever, that it's up to YOU on how you live your life. Not the other guys - even though at times, the words spoken to a person can break them down which I've found this true through my own experiences...words can make you feel worthless no matter who says them.

I've forgotten Who we are living for and it's time to take a step back and reprioritize my life. I'm ready to do something for myself, but also for our Father and for the family that He has given me. I'd really like to take 'It's A Mom Thing' to the next level of blogging - not sure just yet what that next level is, but I'm thinking offering advertising/sponsoring soon. I will probably try to get more followers before doing so however, but it's definitely something I'd like to look into. I'd love to make it to a blogging conference, and am praying hard about the next Bloggy Bootcamp coming to Atlanta. My mom lives in a surrounding city so I would stay the night with her instead of getting a hotel room, I'd like to anyways :-)

Do any of the bloggers have any tips as to how to 'stretch' your blog and go to the next level?

Petcakes Giveaway WINNER!

2011-06-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the winner of the Petcakes giveaway!

mikoto127 said...

I think Blueberry Buddy is the cutest ♥
June 8, 2011 10:36 AM

Thank you to everyone who entered and look forward to a couple more giveaways on the way :-)

Also, the past 2 days I've been having problems with Blogger and leaving comments on some of my recent commenter's blogs! I'm sorry about that!

Toddler Talk Thursday

2011-06-22T21:10:00.000-07:00

This is my first time participating in Toddler Talk Thursday over at The Life of a Sippy Cup Mom!

This week's topic is, Vacationing with a toddler!

Our first time vacationing with a toddler was when my son was around 1 1/2 years old. It was a 9 hour trip from FL to SC to visit my family back home. He did quite well!

This last time we went back home we had both of our kids, at the time 11 months and 4 years old, we split this trip up into 2 days because I was following my Memaw. Our 11 month old wasn't very happy about traveling but our 4 year old has always been pretty good about it. I've learned a few things since then, that I will be sure to include our next trip this year.

I saw a while back - somewhere in blogging land - a neat idea of having a 'travel fun kit'. Basically, I keep a container filled with little activities/books that the kids can play with while riding in the car. Some of the things I include are, those Crayola Wonder Color (I think that's the name) books that the markers only color on the special paper, small hand held games, small puzzles that can be put together on a lap board, etc. We recently upgraded our vehicle and got a mini van that came equipped with a DVD player - thank God for that right?! I really think that will be coming in handy this years trip ;-) I'd also like to say that bringing along a pillow and blanket from home would be ideal. Both of our kids have their own blankets and 'special' pillow that will come along on long road trips. It helps make them more comfortable about being away from home!

Another important thing, every time we stop to eat, we make sure to stop somewhere we can go in and eat so we can all stretch our legs. I'd also recommend stopping at rest areas to stretch little legs!

Since this is my first time participating I'm not sure if this topic has been covered but, I'd like to see more ideas of fun activities to do with toddlers over the Summer. One thing we've been doing, story time at our local Library!

$15 Walmart Gift Card WINNER!

2011-06-22T11:09:00.000-07:00

The winner for the $15 Walmart Gift Card is....

Michelle!

Anonymous said...

Michelle from At Home With Michelle- http://homewithmichelle.blogspot.com/

I like Cascade on facebook:)

Thank you to everyone who entered and please stay tuned, I have a couple more giveaway's to post this week!

Glass Block Jello

2011-06-22T10:57:00.000-07:00

Glass Block Jello!

4 3-oz. packages Jello (coordinating colors)

2 packets unflavored gelatin

1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk

First, you'll bring 5 cups water to a boil. Combine 1 cup boiling water with 1 package of Jello, stirring until dissolved. Place the dissolved Jello in one of the prepared containers (spray containers down with non-stick cooking spray before pouring in Jello mixture). Do this with the remaining packages of Jello. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

When Jello has set, bring another 1 1/2 cup water to a boil. While water is heating, sprinkle 2 packets of unflavored gelatin over 1/2 cup of cold water. Allow to stand for approximately 4 minutes. When water is boiling, pour 1 1/2 cups boiling water over the dissolved gelatin and stir to combine. Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix well. Allow to come to room temperature.

Spray a 9 X 13" pan with non-stick cooking spray. Carefully cut the colored Jello into cubes and gently toss to combine in the pan.

Pour the cooled milk mixture over the colored Jello and rearrange some of the colored Jello, if necessary.

Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill overnight. Cut into squares or various shapes using cookie cutters!

Landon & Eliza's Birthday Party!

2011-06-20T20:29:00.000-07:00

I'm finally getting around to posting pictures from Landon & Eliza's birthday party last Saturday! We've all been getting over a pretty nasty cold (which reared it's ugly head at us the day of the party), which should explain the lack of posts all week! I don't remember ever having an upper respiratory infection and I do believe that's what got me...yep, I believe I'll call myself Doctor Mom ;-) Just kidding!

The banner I made from this tutorial!

The party table set up! Sorry no close ups, but I had clear cups filled with M&M's, Skittles & Sour Patch Kids as well as pretzel rods (not believing I didn't get any pictures of them!)

Just a few tissue pom-poms I made for decorations!

Gift table!

Yummy fruit! Love fruit!

Glass Block Jello! (Recipe to come :-)

Birthday Girl & Birthday Boy opening gifts! Landon wasn't feeling good by this point :-/ Poor little guy!

Rainbow Cake! So pretty! (Recipe to come :-)

Landon and his very first school teacher, Ms. Jenny! We were so thankful she was able to make it :-)

The Birthday Boy and myself :-) Sadly, no pictures of the Birthday Girl and myself :-(

Say Hi Sunday - BLOG HOP!

2011-06-18T21:04:00.000-07:00

This is my first time participating in the blog hop!

Firefox on my computer has a virus so I'm using Internet Explorer, something I'm not use to at all so if any of my posts have misspelled words or look funny, that may be why! (Or it's lack of sleep.... =)

Thank you for stopping by, and why you're here, don't forget to check out my current giveaway's located to the right!

Remember to Enter!

2011-06-12T18:11:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to check out the current giveaway's I have going on right now!

You can always keep up with the giveaway's by looking to the right hand side where it has listed

Current Giveaway's!

Currently there is:

$15 Walmart Gift Card

PetCakes

I'm also linking this post up to Relax & Surf Sunday! 

Library Storytime!

2011-06-09T06:07:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take a minute and talk about the local library. I've known for quite a while now that our local libraries have story time/toddler time. I haven't been going like a lot of moms I know around here; until now that is. This was Eliza and I's third time going and it's been nice!

I've not been going out much and well, have been depressed about not doing anything! But, I've come to realize that sitting around isn't going to get me anywhere and it sure isn't going to help the matter any.

Story time is a great way to get out of the house and do something with the kids. Although, Landon is in school when I take Eliza, and that does get to me a little. But, I did sign him up for the reading program the library puts on during the summer. He loves to read, as does Eliza! I will post next week about a great way to earn FREE books too!

We're lucky enough to have 2 very local libraries and as we've only been doing the Wednesday morning story time, I'm thinking about starting to go to the Thursday one at the other library too. I really don't go out much so story time just seems to be a good way of getting out and interacting for the both of us, Eliza and I.

How many of you have attended your local library's story time/toddler time? Is it something you enjoy too or would think about doing?

Tuna Cakes - Tasty Tuesday's

2011-06-08T10:07:00.000-07:00

I was needing some new recipes to try out at home. I've been getting bored with the same ole same ole. So, I went on a search and found something very new to our household! TUNA CAKES!

You will need:

2 cans light tuna, drained, flaked in bowl

1 pkg stuffing for chicken

1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese

3/4 cup water

1 carrot, shredded

1/3 cup mayonnaise

2 tbsp sweet relish (OPTIONAL - we don't like it so we had none)

Mix all of your ingredients together. Then refrigerate for 10 minutes.

Spray some cooking spray in a pan on medium heat. Using an ice cream scoop, make your tuna cakes!

Press down on top of tuna cakes, to flatten.

Cook approximately 6 minutes, or until golden brown on both sides.

These were surprisingly good! Definitely will be having this again, and what a great way to 'hide' those vegetables!

(I found this recipe at Kraft Food and Family!)

Petcakes Review/Giveaway!

2011-06-07T20:48:00.000-07:00

We were recently sent Series 2 PetCakes, from Well Made Toys, to review. These cute little guys come with a 'frosting' hat wrapped in a fabric cupcake wrapper. Each PetCake comes out of their wrapper making for a neat little surprise!!

Upon arrival, Eliza inspected the PetCakes to see what they were all about. The Series 2 PetCakes include, Honey Cakes the bear, Bamboo Berry the panda, Roco Coco the raccoon, & Nutty Nicky the squirrel.

PetCakes make great birthday, Christmas & and any other holiday gifts! They could even be incentives for good grades or good behavior.

My daughter was excited to see the small 'pets' hidden inside of the cupcake wrappers! There is also a set of Series 1 PetCakes, 4 cute puppies.

Each PetCake retails for $14.99 and can be bought in the PetCakes online store or Toys R Us.

*Now one lucky reader will have a chance to win one (1) of their very own PetCake!*  

Mandatory Entry:

Follow It's A Mom Thing by Google Friend Connect (on right hand side of blog) and leave a comment.

Optional Entries: Leave a separate comment for each method of entry.

1) Go to the PetCakes website and leave a comment telling me which Petcake you'd like most.
2) Like PetCakes on Facebook. (You can let them know It's A Mom Thing sent you if you'd like :-)

3) Like It's A Mom Thing on Facebook

Blog about this giveaway using this link - 2 entries (make sure to leave a link to your post in 2 separate comments)

Please remember to leave your email address with each comment, or make sure your profile has it there!

This giveaway will end June 22nd, 2011. The prize cannot be sent to a P.O. box and is open to US residents only. Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be contacted by email. Winner must respond to email within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected.

Well Made Toys provided me with the PetCakes to review and are sponsoring this giveaway! They will also be handling the shipping of the prize. Thank you to Well Made Toys for providing this package for review and giveaway prize!

Felt Birthday Banner (Reusable!)

2011-06-07T13:41:00.000-07:00

Go Here to see the Birthday Shirt tutorial!

Here is the tutorial for the reusable Felt Birthday Banner I made for the kids' birthday party!

You just need a sewing machine, some extra wide binding and felt - colored to match your party theme!

First, you need to cut quite a few felt triangles.

Then, decide on a color arrangement you like.

Stack the triangles arranged with how they will be sewn to the binding.

This is how you want to sew them, one right after the other.

Here it is nicely folded to be able to put away for a later use!

Organizing Made Fun - Binder Updo!

2011-06-06T18:16:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be doing a 'Binder Series' over the next couple of weeks. I've been seeing a lot of bloggers who have binders for, well....just about everything! I currently have, I believe, 4 binders I know of and will be showing you during this series! First, I thought I'd show my drab-to-fab Household Binder!

It was a boring white - all of my binders are actually! They are also all 1 1/2 inch binders. I'll do a before and after post of each one (not that it needs a before since they all look like this one beforehand).

I took all the scrapbooking supplies I thought I needed. (See that little caddy? I'll be doing an extra post on what I keep in those caddies - I have a couple and I love seeing other crafty people's crafty things!)

Here's 2 of my other binder's, which I'll talk about later! Oh the anticipation! And you see the new, bright and cheery Household Binder?!

There's the front of it, too! I know those are Easter/Spring time stickers, but they seemed bright and colorful, something I need more of in my life! They are also the only thing I had at the time I wanted to use for this, everyday binder!

Relax & Surf Sunday

2011-06-04T20:27:00.000-07:00

I'll be playing it low today, Sunday.  We've got a birthday party to go to at 10:30 and after that I'm sure it will be a day in the sun for us!  I've got a lot of stuff to get done this week for my son & daughter's birthday party this coming Saturday.  I think I'll be making a trip to Joann's or Michael's to look for a circle paper punch.  Be sure to come on back because I'll have a couple more tutorials for the birthday bash celebration, as well as more recipes!  Not to mention, 2 more giveaway's to announce :-)  

Thanks for stopping by!  

Cascade Complete Review/Giveaway!

2011-06-03T07:30:00.000-07:00

I recently had the chance to try out Cascade Complete All-in-1 Action Pacs.

After receiving the package, I got busy baking up some Blueberry Cobbler (here's the post with the recipe :-). Mind you, this was my first time baking and even eating blueberry cobbler!!

The cobbler was in the baking dish for a little over 24 hours. And let me tell you, it wasn't a pretty white dish, at that time, anymore!

After we ate up the cobbler, it was time to put the Cascade Complete All-in-1 Action Pacs to use.

The Cascade Complete All-in-1 Action Pacs break down, dissolve and rinse away tough food particles, leaving your hands free/clean and your dishes sparkling!

I will definitely be purchasing these in the future. They worked great and didn't leave any tiny specks of food, which sometimes happens when using a dishwasher.

So are you ready to take your own 24 hour challenge?

Well, I have a $15 Walmart gift card to giveaway to one lucky reader! Maybe you will go out and get yourself some Cascade Complete All-in-1 Action Pacs and a nice baking dish?

Here's how to win:
(Please leave an email address so I can contact the winner :-)

Mandatory Entry: Leave ONE comment stating what you would bake in order to do the 24 hour challenge.
Extra Entries: Leave ONE comment for each method of entry:

1) Follow It's A Mom Thing via Google Friend Connect
2) 'Like' It's A Mom Thing on Facebook
3) 'Like' Cascade on Facebook
4) Blog about this giveaway (2 EXTRA Entries, leave ONE comment each)

Giveaway will end June 20th at 9:00 am EST

**P&G provided me with the Cascade Complete All-in-1 ActionPac Kit, 6 trial packs (I will be making a separate post for these), information, and the $15 Walmart gift card to giveaway through MyBlogSpark. Big thanks to them!**

Blueberry Picking!

2011-06-01T07:16:00.000-07:00

We went blueberry picking this Memorial Day weekend. The kids and I went strawberry picking a couple of months ago (we've been blackberry picking too but I didn't get any pictures) and decided we'd head out for a quick family trip. My husband's brother-in-law and his daughter came along too.

Yes, we put those berries to good use :-) I made some Blueberry Cobbler & Sour Cream Blueberry Muffins! Yum!

Pre-Kindergarten Grad Picture :-)

2011-05-31T18:22:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share my son's Pre-K graduation photo! I love him SO SO SO much and thank God every day for such a good boy!

Blueberry Cobbler

2011-05-31T09:40:00.000-07:00

This was my first time making Blueberry Cobbler. It was really good, next time I'm going to double the topping, after all....the outer layer of most things taste best...doesn't it? Frosting on a cake, chocolate off the peanut butter cup, etc.

You will need:

Filling-

1 pint fresh blueberries

1 can blueberry pie filling

Crusty topping -

1 stick butter

2/3 cup all purpose flour

2/3 cup sugar

2 packets instant oatmeal

1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

Mix blueberries & pie filling in bottom of baking dish

Melt butter, add all dry ingredients to butter and stir with fork until mixed. It should be crumby.

'Sprinkle' (I spread mine) crust over filling.

Bake in oven at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. Filling should be bubbly and topping brownish.

Pre-K Graduation

2011-05-27T07:57:00.000-07:00

You all aren't going to believe this, well...because I couldn't believe it!

My camera decided to die on me as soon as the graduation ceremony started! Thankfully, my mother in law got video of our boy walking across stage to get his 'diploma'. I managed to get video using my FLIP camera but don't have Windows 7 which is needed to make the video playback. One day I'll get it uploaded and y'all can see it ;-)

Anyways, these were the only 3 pictures I got worth viewing. The top 2 are of us dropping 'Brother Bear' off with his class to prepare for graduation and the bottom is pretty self explanatory!

Reading Award Ceremony

2011-05-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

I'm a proud momma I'll tell you what. Even though Landon is only in Pre-K, his school involves the VPK and Pre-K students in a reading program during the school year. The goal was for him to read at least 25 books by a given date and we did just that! What was great was it really helped us to stay involved in having a bedtime routine, which includes reading a night time story :-)

Here's just a couple pictures of my boy getting his award! How exciting!

I didn't get a good picture of him and the school librarian :-(

Landon and 2 school friends!

Birthday Shirt Tutorial/Reveal

2011-05-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

Here it is, the birthday shirt 'tutorial' and big reveal!

You will need:

A solid color T-shirt

Heat N' Bond (I used Sewable - the purple colored package)

2 coordinating fabrics

Templates (make sure to include the number in which your child will be turning! I also chose a fish because my son likes fish/ocean themed stuff)

*I also included a couple pieces of felt to be used later.

First you will cut out your fabric and Heat N' Bond. Following the instructions on the package of the Heat N' Bond, you will lay out your design then iron on pieces to shirt - per directions.

Then sew. I actually machine stitched the fish and used embroidery thread and needle for the number 5. I did the same for the air bubbles.

Here it is completed, stitched and all. I will be sure to get a picture of the birthday boy wearing it :-)

Happy 5th Birthday My Son

2011-05-24T09:59:00.001-07:00

Today my son turns 5.

I have been truly blessed, with such a loving, caring and handsome young man.

I love you bud, to the moon and back! :-)

Birthday Series!

2011-05-23T20:54:00.001-07:00

I so should have had this posted yesterday - Monday! But here it is, the introductory post to the birthday series I'll be sharing with you all.

My son turns 5 Tuesday the 24th and I've been in party planning mode for quite sometime. Only now am I getting around to letting my creative juices flow. Oh, and need I mention my daughter will be 2 July 1st so I've got a busy next few months ahead of me when you include Summer festivities and sports, all besides the point here.

The party will be a rainbow themed party as I am going to be having a party for both kids (cheaper and just plain easier for ME! the party hostess)! I know as they get older they will have their own parties, but for the past 2 years they get combined parties. We do a small celebration at home on the actual BIRTHday's though.

I will be posting a few tutorials and just birthday related posts over the next couple of weeks so stay tuned :-)

New Recipe Links

2011-05-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

Here are a few recipes I'm wanting to try out in the next couple of weeks!

Cheeseburger Ring @ Jam Hands

Easy Crock Pot Tacos @ Pressed Down, Shaken Together

Chicken Parmesan @ Homemaking Pilgrim

After School Activities!

2011-05-19T06:17:00.000-07:00

I love doing activities with the kids. Here's an easy craft you can do with your toddler/preschooler! (Did I mention how I like to use the word activity just because I love hearing my son say the word activity! He will say "I want to do an activity and it melts my heart!" Cheesy right?!)

I'm sure you could tell by looking but, Eliza's is on the left & Landon's on the right :-)

All I did was cut out small yellow circles - to be used as the 'focal' point of the flower. Then the kids used paint to create the flower! You can also use crayons or markers, whatever you'd like!

Easter Weekend!

2011-05-18T08:38:00.000-07:00

I must have forgotten about this post! I've been in a funk over the last couple of weeks and am finally getting back on track! Thank God for that :-)

Here are some pictures from our Easter weekend. We didn't do much, just took the kids to the local egg hunt (I didn't get pictures of Landon because he was in a different age group and went with my husband, while Eliza went with me....and the camera!). It was Eliza's first year to actually 'hunt' eggs and she was so much fun to watch!

Here's Landon with his best friend from school :-)

Only pictures we got with the Easter bunny this year. Notice Landon's eggs? Um yea, there was a mess! LOL

The kids' Easter baskets!

Waking up to Easter baskets :-)

Good Morning Girls - Summer Session

2011-05-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be participating in the Good Morning Girls Summer session! I participated in the Winter session and now I'm ready to go ahead and jump right into this session. This go-round, we are going to be reading A Missionary of Motherhood, by Sally Clarkson. I'm ready to get started because Lord knows I've been needing something like this for awhile! I NEED help with some of the parenting departments and I know He lead me to this group.

Our new ride!

2011-05-13T12:57:00.000-07:00

There it is! Our new (to us) family go getter!

We were NOT expecting to get a new vehicle this soon, more like....August-September.

But, my mother in law found it for us and we just couldn't pass up a good deal.

I'm hopeful this will last us a good while.

It's real nice too, on the inside AND outside.

An '05 Chrysler Town & Country Touring. Leather interior. With DVD player!

The kids love it, so that makes me like it even more!

I'm excited to start planning our first road trip in it.

I better get to couponing more frequently and stockpiling!

Are any of my readers part of the 'mini van' bandwagon? I'm pretty pumped to be a part of it!

Peeps S'mores!

2011-05-10T10:41:00.000-07:00

These are SOOOOO good! I may have to stock up on some Peeps while they're on clearance now!

Thank you Mommy Crafts A Lot for the great video & blog post!

Need:

1/3 brown sugar

Teaspoon vanilla

Peeps

Graham Crackers (1 package)

1 stick butter, melted

1 1/4 c. M&M's (I used less than a cup and it was still really good!)

Mix all dry ingredients.

Add melted butter & vanilla. Form crust on bottom of pan (just use back of spoon to flatten out)

Add Peep's on top of crust.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes! YUM!

*These were SO good I had to go out and buy some more Peep's before they aren't in the stores until next year! *

New blogging schedule!

2011-05-08T21:05:00.000-07:00

That's right! If you look to the right, you'll see I've added a blogging schedule! I've also added a link up parties category. I did this in hopes of keeping MYSELF better organized. I love blogging and I notice I have peak times and down times. I'm sure, as does everyone else. Hopefully, this schedule will help me decide on what to write about.

So, this weekend! I want to start off by saying, I hope all you momma's had a great Mother's Day! I know I did. I spent it with the 2 people who made Mother's Day possible for me :-)

Saturday, the 4 of us went to a local lakefront beach. It was really nice! The best thing about it was, there weren't a lot of people there and it was perfect weather, and just a perfect day! I'm sure we'll be keeping that place on our list of places to go that are close by.

Sunday, we went to church and then went to my in-laws house to swim and cook out. It was a pretty relaxing day. I don't know if I could have asked for a better mother in law. She does everything she can to help us out when need be. I thank God for putting my husband's family into my life. For if He hadn't, I wouldn't be as close as I am to Him, as I am today.

Swimming

2011-05-04T09:08:00.000-07:00

Since we've been having some pretty awesome weather, we've been hanging out in the pool a lot lately!

My in laws built their home last year and had a screened in pool put in. They recently had solar panels put on so the water would be warm year round! Let me tell you, definitely worth the investment as it pays for itself!

Landon learned how to swim at the VERY END of Summer last year, so this year he needed a little refreshing. It didn't take long before he was swimming like a fish again :-) He's getting so big! So is Eliza! She isn't swimming on her own, but she's learned how to 'swim' using her flotation bathing suit thing. Won't be long for her to be swimming without any help!

I'm linking up to Alicia's Homemaking Try New Adventures Thursday! (She's got some exciting news to share, so let's keep her in our prayers/thoughts :-)

Giving Back

2011-04-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

Giving back.

It's something I want to do more of. After every natural disaster, or any type of disaster, I always feel the desire from deep inside of me coming to a head.

I've always been a people person. I love people and I love trying to help people. My problem always seems to be, where do I begin?

I think I get too caught up in the whole, thinking I need to start an entire organization on my own, when really that's not what I need to be thinking of right now! It always starts out small, giving that is.

Since the tornadoes that struck on Wednesday & Thursday, I have been praying every day for guidance from God. Our Pastor had spoke about our desires of our hearts and how God puts them there for a reason. I know those goosegumps I get every time I think about getting out and physically helping (and even now as typing I'm getting them!) aren't just because. I just know they are from Him telling me this IS my hearts desire.

I always feel like I should have someone I know personally, to be by my side in an attempt to start something that could possibly help and/or change lives. But really, it's God who is ALWAYS right there with me. If I continue to give up on my desires and only talk of a 'start' something that could help others, I won't ever reach those desires.

I guess the main reason of this post is not only to ask for everyone's prayers for those affected by the devastating tornadoes; but also to get it out there about how - if you really desire something, you may have to step outside of your personal space and comfort zone to achieve those desires.

I will be back to post on this subject within the next few days.

Wordless Wednesday 4/27

2011-04-26T20:27:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday 4/27/2011

Linking up with: The Florida Hogans, Angelica's Awesome Adventures & The Life of Rylie...& Bryce too!

Resurrection Rolls

2011-04-25T09:41:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned how much of a slump I've been in recently? It's getting old I'll tell you and I am praying I can get back on my feet.

Speaking of getting on my feet, how was your Easter? There was a great service at our church yesterday! I've realized that I've grown a lot with the Lord but I still have so much more growing to do. Just from what my relationship WAS with Him, when I was younger, and what it IS like now just makes me smile!

In order to incorporate more of the real reason behind Easter, Resurrection Sunday, I decided to make those Resurrection Rolls I posted about last week. Here's what we did:

Marshmallows, melted butter, crescent rolls, cinnamon & sugar mixture

The marshmallows represent Jesus' body.

Dipping Jesus' body into the oils (melted butter)

After rolling His body in the spices (cinnamon & sugar mixture), wrap the linens (crescent roll) around it.

Place on baking sheet and put in tomb (oven) for '3 days' - pretend here!

When you take them out of the oven, you will see that the marshmallow has melted out = He has Risen!

While looking at the last picture, I think of what my pastor said yesterday.

John 20:7 ..and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths

but rolled up in a separate place.

Like Jesus was finished! His job was done! He died for us and our sins!

Organizing Hair Making Accessories!

2011-04-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I decided I needed to go through my hair bow making accessory bins. I separated the ribbon into 2 boxes and then the 3rd bigger bin I used to put all the miscellaneous items. Like, bows that need to be finished, glue gun & sticks, dowels, etc.

I put the fabric flowers in one Ziploc bag. And made separate one's for rolled fabric roses, hair clippies, and ribbon bows. They are all things I need to do something with (IE finish)

Here's just a picture of the bows and everything else inside the bin. I'm really happy with how it turned out! I sure hope now I will be more willing to get up and actually get to making more bows!

Easter Activities For Preschoolers!

2011-04-18T09:21:00.001-07:00

I'm putting a couple of things here on this post, that I'd like to do with the kids this week for Easter!  I'm really excited to start teaching Landon more about the reasoning behind Easter (Jesus' Resurrection), as he is old enough to start learning!  

Resurrection Rolls

Vinyl Easter Egg Placemat's

I will post some other things throughout the week. Things that I have laying around that is! Oh, and don't forget to click on the titles above the photos as it links to the blogs tutorial!

It's been a while!

2011-04-13T18:13:00.000-07:00

I've been taking a mental break from blogging recently, but I'm about ready to get back in the ~~driver~~ blogger seat!

I've been meditating on this verse this week:

Psalms 34:4 "I sought the Lord & He heard me & delivered me from all my fears"

My grandmother, whom along with my pop-pop, adopted and raised me since I was a baby. Well, she ended up in the hospital on Sunday with a bleeding ulcer, but of course before anyone knows anything words get jumbled and I feared the worse! I have, not being financially able to visit my family (including her), heavily weighing on my mind. Our vehicle is really not reliable enough to make the 8 hour trip and we just don't have the extra money needed for gas and travel expenses.

I know all of those 'fears' will be taken from my mind when I ask the Lord. It's hard to not think of my family and being with them, so I try and keep my mind preoccupied. And that's what brings me to my recent organizing kick! I'm sure next week will have plenty of posts to keep everyone pleased! Thank you for sticking with me :-)

No Bake Peanut Butter Balls

2011-04-05T19:50:00.000-07:00

*I found this recipe here: la Jolla mom

No Bake Peanut Butter Balls:

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tbsp milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cups oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
1/2 cup granola cereal 
1/2 cups chocolate or peanut butter chips (optional)

Combine sugar, peanut butter, milk and vanilla.  Add granola, oats & chocolate chips.  Stir until completely mixed.

Finally, roll into 1" - 2" balls. Enjoy!

St. Patty's Jell-O Pot-O-Gold

2011-03-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

St. Patrick's Day was a couple weeks ago and I'm just now getting around to posting this! It would be a fun treat for anytime though :-)

You will need:

1 box of Oreo Cookies 'N Creme pudding
green (in this case) food coloring
'gold' chocolate coins
clear cups
cold milk

Place the gold coins in the bottom of each cup.

Mix your pudding & milk according to directions on box.

Pour pudding into cups; over gold coins.

Top with whipping cream & Oreo cookie.

Enjoy :-)

Nutella Party!!!

2011-03-27T20:32:00.000-07:00

It came and went.  

The Nutella Party that is!  

Thanks to MommyParties & Mom Select for giving me the opportunity to help spread the word of this great product......nutella!!

No one had ever had this before, only heard of it from friends and family.  So, it was a great treat for my family.

If you would like more information regarding Nutella, please visit their website HERE!

Here were a couple decorations, I'm going to try and get a tutorial up for you all - thinking about using them as decorations for the kids birthday party!

Spare Change Incentives

2011-03-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

My son has been saving change left and right! His maw maw got him a special piggy bank that counts the money as you put it in. Well, last year we started a tradition for putting all of our spare change into use for something as an incentive for saving money!

We use it to help get season passes to the amusement parks/zoos in our area! Since we are right outside of Orlando, FL, we are able to go to the theme parks often. Last year was our first year doing it on our own, getting tickets, etc. We went to Busch Gardens and it was a lot of fun!

This year we upgraded to annual passes (which includes parking & 10% off food & merchandise) and have decided to go to 2 different parks, Sea World AND Aquatica! Landon l.o.v.e.s. water & being outdoors IN it!

Here are a couple of pictures to start the year off :-)

Do you and your family do anything special with your spare change? Do you have anything planned for the Summer?

Sorry about that!

2011-03-25T19:39:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posting recently! I've got stuff ready for y'all, we've just been busy with this past week being Spring Break and all.

This weekend I'm going to be spending time organizing and getting things ready for the week.  I'm beginning to think Summer is going to be hectic around here!  

I'm starting to feel like I don't know which direction I want to go in life.  I've been feeling like I want to go and get a job outside of the home, but I sure do enjoy being able to stay at home.  I keep praying for our lawn & tree business to pick up some more this year.  I just really believe if I had a job, it would lessen the stress in the household.  But, then again it may also bring stress to other areas that may not have had any before (as in household chores, etc.)  

I don't know! I hate getting mixed feelings/emotions like this. I never expected to be where I'm at in life, financially. Praying for a better outlook on some areas and that I can just enjoy what I have in the N O W!

CSN Giveaway WINNER!

2011-03-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody! I'm sorry for the late posting! My husband and I went on a 'spur of the moment' 3 day weekend honeymoon. A little bit belated, but well worth it! :-)

Anyways, the winner of the CSN $25 Gift Code is.....

ASHLEY!!!!

Thank you to everyone who entered! Please stay tuned as I will have more reviews and giveaway soon!

(Winner was chosen by Random.org!)

Desires of Your Heart

2011-03-22T18:24:00.000-07:00

Our Pastor gave us 7 questions to think about (and go over with our children). The series we've been in, has been so very helpful, as well as eye opening. I've been battling this personal war for some time now and I'm sick of it! I want to do more than what I'm doing. I feel like the Lord has given me talents that I can use to not only help my family, but help the community & still do it in His name.

I love to sew, and I've had different 'ideas' of selling stuff and I've actually sold a few things but nothing continuously. Well, I'm ready to step up a notch (or 2!) and get to work! Since the start of the series I've been praying to understand the Word and help me win this battle. I need to remember to not fall into the flesh of wanting so much, so I'm praying on that. I can see so many more posts branching off of this one!

I will post the 7 questions later this week - I know, aren't I bad? Making you wait! I just want you to all think about what the desire of your heart is? What makes you feel good?

I have so many desires but one has really popped out at me. And I feel like the talent of sewing could be used to answer those desires. It takes work and constituency and that's what I've failed to do in the past. I'm ready to stop being like that. I need to live for today, DO what I need to do to grasp those desires. For we don't know what tomorrow holds.

Belated Honeymoon!

2011-03-22T09:58:00.000-07:00

That's right! My husband and I finally got to have a honeymoon! It was 3 days and just grand! We had a great time!

We literally n.e.v.e.r. go out anywhere together without the kids (which, don't get me wrong, we LOVE being around the kids, but having alone time really can help you regain a healthy relationship and clear mind/thoughts!).

Actually, I met with a babysitter - the kids and I - at the park a couple weeks ago. Thinking we may have her watch the kids at least once or twice a month while the husband and I have a night out for dinner or something.

Back to the honeymoon! We went to St. Augustine, only a 2.5 hour drive but we had not been there before. I had actually gone for a field trip in grade school but it had been quite some time (about 15 years ago). Got a nice room and went site seeing and just enjoying each others company!

I'm so thankful, grateful & blessed that God has helped us stay together. We've had many ups and downs; I'm so thankful neither of us gave up. I sure love my husband :-)

Forgotten?

2011-03-16T20:55:00.000-07:00

Eliza and I recently went for a drive to the cemetery where Monnie, my husband's grandmother, was buried a short time ago. I just felt the want to go. I lived with her for 6 years and watched her slowly go down hill. She really was the only one I talked to, besides my own grandmother, the difference is...I saw Monnie everyday for 6 years and only talked to my grandparents on the phone and visited every so often. My pop - pop was cremated and is in Augusta, GA, where my grandmother currently lives. Monnie really was like my grandmother and taught me SO much! Especially, my love of cooking :-)

We took flowers that she had planted, and placed them on the headstone. The roses have been really pretty since the warmer weather is finally getting here!

While we were there I decided to walk around a little bit and to the far corner this is what I saw:

They were all by themselves under a shade tree. It really made/makes me wonder if they had any family, they must not have had much. This plaques say "Curiosity of ....(name of cemetery)"

I probably need not mention this, but it actually is kind of scary out there all by yourself. There was NOBODY there but us, but it was a beautiful day!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-15T20:27:00.000-07:00

He's done it.

Learned how to ride his 4 wheeler,

all on his own :-)

Let the worrying begin! (Oh wait, that never stopped! LOL)

Crockpot Chicken

2011-03-15T19:31:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to find more recipes to use with my crock pot.  Here's a pretty quick and easy recipe I found whilst cruising the web ;o)

You will need:

4- 6 chicken breasts

4 potatoes, diced

1/2 bag baby carrots

1 can each - Cream of chicken & Cream of Mushroom

One packet of Onion Soup

Place ALL ingredients into crock pot, stir, set on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-8 hours.

Mmmmm Yumm-o

Do any of you have any crock pot recipes to share? If so, please leave a post to your blog (if you have one) or post recipe in comments below!

Progresso Soup Winner!

2011-03-15T07:01:00.000-07:00

The winner of the Progresso Soup Package is......

MANDA!!

(The winner was chosen through Random.org)

Thank you to everyone that entered! I have 1 more giveaway you can enter, it ends Thursday so hurry and enter!

CSN $25 Gift Certificate!

Family Craft Night :-)

2011-03-14T10:10:00.000-07:00

Remember last week's Wordless Wednesday?  Well.... 

This was our first ever Family Craft Night!  

Since we recently painted our living room walls, I knew we needed some art work to hang on them. This is what we ended up doing:

Patiently waiting....

Brother Bear's turn :o)

So fun!

B's turn now :o)

The finished product!

Now in it's spot!

It didn't turn out exactly how I was thinking it would, but it looks good to me!!!

What I'll be doing today:

2011-03-13T11:15:00.000-07:00

Enjoying this beautiful day!

Outdoors.

With my family :-)

House Decorating

2011-03-13T07:58:00.000-07:00

This post is going to be about decorating and our house. We've come a LONG ways since my husband's grandmother moved out, giving us this house. I know I should count my blessing more for what God has given me.

Well, we finally got around to putting up our 'wood panel wall' - which I do have to say, I really like it! We still plan on putting a glaze coat over it or something of the sort. We also still need to do the trim, but I can hang stuff on the walls for now...YAY!

So, we don't have money to where we can afford a lot of nice things, that TV was given to us, along with the TV stand. But we like it, plus it looks SO much better than what it did! I only wish I had another before picture to show.

Oh, I have big plans for decorating, I just don't know where to start. I am hoping for new carpet SOON, we can probably get them cleaned but I'm sure it will show the stains again in no time.

I'm loving the built in bookshelves back there. There's only 2, but I like them! As you can see, I'm in need of figuring out what to do as far as window treatments go and I really need a new layout with the furniture. The TV has to stay where it's at, so does the heater (in the first picture on the left). I'm not sure what we'll do with the computer - back in the far right corner there - but if I get my laptop I'll move that desktop out of the living room and then it will make more room for seating and what not!

It's a small and awkward space to work with, I'm thinking about making some window valances. What do y'all think?

( I failed to mention just how embarrassed I was posting this. My home is NO WHERE near the nice homes plastered in the blogging world! I only hope I can use their skills in decorating, to make my house a 'home' :-)

Nutella Party!

2011-03-10T08:52:00.000-08:00

What came in the mail today?

Oh.....Ah.....nutella!

The excitement, I can hardly contain myself :-)

Wow! Look at all the goodies!

Now, the wait begins...for a nutella Breakfast Bar Party!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-08T20:06:00.000-08:00

A family craft night :-)  

Will post about this night later this week!

GIVEAWAY REMINDERS!

2011-03-08T06:35:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder about the TWO giveaway's going on now here on It's A Mom Thing!

Progresso Soup Package - (includes 2 coupons for FREE Progresso soup, soup can rack,

bowl, spoon, & spoon rest) - ENDS 3/14

CSN Stores $25 gift code - ENDS 3/17