Creative 2x Mom

Bookmarks for January 2012

2012-01-27T03:03:00.000-08:00

*Bookmarks is an online book club hosted at Creative2xmom. Here we discuss the books we've read in the past month as well as the suggested reading. Our suggested reading for January is When God's Story becomes Your Story by Max Lucado.

These are the books I read this month:

Love Lifted Me by Sara Evans and Rachel Hauck--I read this one to review for Booksneeze. You can find my review here.

Attachment Focused Parenting by Daniel A Hughes--Although recommended in our foster care classes, I felt this book would also be a great resource for my relationship with my 6 year old birth child. Attachment Focused Parenting highlights a type of communication and parenting that is very contrary to my own style. I found myself challenged and ruffled throughout most of the book, but came away with some great tools to try. As my son is getting older, our relationship is being challenged by many outside forces and this book gave me some ideas for opening communication. The greatest gift I got from this book is remembering to be curious about my children. Rather than communication always being directive, more and more dialogue needs to look like questioning in an effort to help my kids understand their own motives for behavior and mommy's motives for direction.

God's Story, Your Story by Max Lucado--This book was our "suggested reading" for January and luckily I was able to get the Kindle version of this one for free on Amazon awhile back. The chapter titles of this book really got me:

When God's Story becomes Yours...

Ordinary Matters
You know Satan's next move
You find your true home
You hear a voice you can trust
You won't be forsaken
Your final chapter becomes a preface
Power moves in
The right doors open
All things work for good
God will come for you
You will finally graduate

Written in classic Lucado style, this book was a powerful but easy read told through stories. I read through it relatively quickly, but could easily chew on each chapter again. About 2/3 of the way through the book, Lucado hit me with this thought:

"Learn to wait, to be silent, to listen for his voice. Cherish stillness; sensitize yourself to his touch... You don't need to hurry or scurry. The Spirit-led life does not panic; it trusts."

So true in today's society. How comfortable are we with silence and waiting?

So what are your bookmarks this month?

Tell us in the comments about the books you're chewing on. Or link up a review from your own blog. Let's share the books we're finding, good and bad. And give us your thoughts if you've had a chance to read Lucado's When God's Story becomes Your Story.

And come back Friday Feb 24rd as we discuss Made to Crave by Lysa Turkerst and others that you're reading.

Meal Planning 101: Matching it up with the Calendar

2012-01-25T21:14:00.000-08:00

So you've seen why meal planning is important and you've come up with your themes and meal options, now what? Why not throw the plans into a rotation and run with it? You can absolutely do that. And there are many times in our lives where I do exactly that. But before you throw a plan into the week, it's important to look at your weekly schedule and see what's coming your way.

Matching it up with the Calendar

We all have routines in our week. In our house, everything seems to fall on Mondays: two gymnastics classes, volunteering at the school, Discipleship Group. Mondays have to work like a well-oiled machine or Mama falls into a panic.

But beyond our weekly routines, there are also the occasional gliches. Soccer practice in the fall, a friend that needs help moving, a special date night. That's why it's important to look at your weekly schedule before setting that meal plan into motion.

Take this week for example at our house. Monday is my crazy day so it's always a quick and easy meal night. Tuesdays and Thursdays are crockpot night as I'm coming home from the gym, but this week I have a girls night out. So I know I have to plan ahead for Daddy to make the meal on Thursday. We're going to a friend's house on Friday so I'm planning extra special sides and dessert for that night, rather than our traditional pizza night. And the rest of the week looks similarly out of place.

Matching your meal plan with your calendar further prevents those nights of drive-thru on the way to an evening activity. Don't drive yourself crazy with a new recipe on the same night you're leaving the kids with a sitter to catch a movie with your husband. You'll just find yourself frustrated with time constraints. Make your plan work for you and your life, even if it means switching things up a bit now and then.

How are you making meal planning work into your life?

Chocolate Mud Pie

2012-01-25T12:53:00.000-08:00

My kids have this fun cookbook from Disney. It's filled with breakfast, lunch, and dinner ideas, even desserts. It's one that's really fun for Mama 'cause I love having the kids in the kitchen with me and they love picking out their own recipes. So every once in awhile, we'll pull it out and put something on our meal plan. A couple of weeks ago, we tried this Chocolate Mud Pie. Delicious! Not only was it fun for the kids to see how it transformed in the oven, but it would also make a fun treat for your sweetie on Valentine's Day. Hope you like it!

Chocolate Mud Pie

(*From the Disney Magic Kitchen Cookbook)

1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1/4 c. granulated sugar

1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp baking powder

1/8 tsp salt (I omitted)

1/4 c. fat-free milk

1 Tbsp oil

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/4 c chopped walnuts (I omitted)

3 Tbsp packed brown sugar

2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

2/3 c. warm water

Fresh berries and ice cream on the side

1. Turn the oven on 350 degrees. Spray 9x13 pie plate with cooking spray.

2. Stir together flour, granulated sugar, 1 Tbsp cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk, oil, vanilla, and walnuts (if desired).

3. Pour into prepared pie plate. It won't look like much. In fact, you'll wonder why you're following this crazy recipe, but you'll keep going anyways.

4. Mix together brown sugar and 2 Tbsp cocoa powder. Add 2/3 c. warm water. Pour over batter already in pie plate.

5. Bake for 20 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Serve warm with berries and/or ice cream.

This was good for the four of us, but if you have older children, would serve 3 max. It doesn't look like much when you put it in the pie plate, but the magic is that it expands to fill the plate nicely.

Who can go wrong with chocolate for Valentine's Day? Hope you enjoy!

In This Family, We: Our Family

2012-01-23T23:01:00.000-08:00

I was praying recently about the values we pass on to our children. Every day, our children watch us, study us, waiting to see how the world works. We are their role models for life. As families, we create our own unit, ... community, ... culture. That's not to say that we shouldn't be in the greater community of the church, but take a look at the language you family uses. Are there certain phrases or words that are unique to your family unit? What about traditions? How does your family interact with the greater world? What types of values are you directly, or indirectly, teaching inside the four walls of your home?

Think about how it was when you were first married or even back as far as dating your future spouse. I suspect there were phrases, ways of relating, characteristics that required some explanation on both sides. The way you were raised was probably not exactly the way your partner was raised. So when you did something that seemed perfectly normal to you, your spouse may have found it hurtful or offensive. As you began to communicate and understand each other, habits changed and you created your own family culture. A culture that continues to evolve and be passed down to your own children.

As a stay at home mom, I know I have a huge impact on my kids and how they see the world. So much of what I say and do is being absorbed into small heads and small hearts. That's why it's important that I weigh my words against what I truly believe. And that's why teaching values is as much about my own heart as it is about theirs.

Over the next year, I'll be embarking upon a journey of discovery into how we identify and teach these values to our children. I'll share with you the values the Lord has laid on my heart and how we're implementing them in our own home. I'm also excited to see what you have to say about how values work out in your family. I have a few ideas already laid out, but I'm continuing to pray that the Lord will shape our family values as He shapes yours as well.

What are some of the unique characteristics of your family?

Monday Muddle

2012-01-22T21:42:00.000-08:00

Hey guys,
How was your weekend? Did yours pass as quickly as mine? Did you catch that Niners game? Heartbreaking! (bunny trail)

Anyways... Our week last week was just crazy. Besides working full time, my husband attended a three day conference in town, had a two day area meeting for the church, and several meetings on Sunday. Just crazy. So now it's Sunday night, grocery shopping is down, and school lunches are packed, and this Mama is not looking forward to rolling into another week already. Wow!

The kids and I did have fun. We took a trip to the library on Saturday and we always come home with a pile of books. My first grader is devouring books. He picked up several and has already read a couple to me. It makes my heart proud to see him enjoy reading so much.

Other than that, our weekend feels like it was such a blur. I'm reading a review book that's really good, but I've been up far past my bedtime for the past several nights. I can't wait to share this one with you, but believe me, you won't be able to put it down. Well, now that I'm rambling, I know it's time to finish this one off.

Here's our menu for the week:

Monday--Shrimp Stirfry, brown rice
Tuesday--Blackbean soup
Wednesday--Spinach Calazone
Thursday--Taco soup
Friday--at a friend's
Saturday--Lighter Lasagna Soup
Sunday--Homemade Pizza

Extras:
King Cake
Berry Pies

Projects I'm working on this week:
Finish review book
Finish chore cards
Scrap 4th of July photos
v-day fun!

What does your week look like?

Lee's To Do List

2012-01-22T01:17:00.000-08:00

Caramel Banana Hazelnut Pie

Tiny Fairy Doll

Homemade Moby Wrap

Ice Candle Holders

Weight Watchers Shrimp with Zucchini and Tomatoes

Meal Planning 101: Make a Weekly Plan

2012-01-19T21:00:00.000-08:00

Well, now that we've seen the benefits of meal planning, it's time to get come up with a plan. A plan? Easy right? Write down a few meals for the week and take it too the store. And next week, do the same. And the same the week after that. But then we get sick of planning and coming up with new ideas. And we fall into old habits. What if there was a tool to make meal planning easier?

Theme Nights:

We have theme nights in our house. One night for each theme based on our own personal schedule. Monday nights are vegetarian. Tuesday and Thursday nights are crockpot meals or quick and easy. Fridays we have pizza. Planning theme nights makes it easier to focus your meals and still keep variety in your kitchen. Some ideas include:

Meatless meals
Crockpot dishes
Italian dinners
Mexican meals
Pizza night
Grill out
Casseroles
Soups and sandwiches
Classic Sunday dinner

The theme nights makes it easy to plan from week to week and your grocery list will look similar each time. Because I know we have pizza every week, I can stock up on pizza sauce when it's on sale. Tortillas are another idea I look for... great for tacos, enchiladas, and casseroles.

To keep some variety in our meals, I sat down with my husband and we brainstormed 4-5 meals that fit each category. After 10 years of marriage, we have tried a lot of recipes. Some have been really good. I keep that list in mind when I plan my theme nights each week. It takes the guess work out of plugging in meals. And I can be sure to add some of my kids' favorites as well.

Another thing you could do would be to create 4 or 5 sample menus and rotate them throughout the month. This really makes meal planning easy. Pull out a menu on Sunday night and you're all set for the week. These are just a few of the tools I use to make my meal planning simpler.

What other creative ideas have you used in meal planning?

*Linked to these Parties

The Morning Chaos

2012-01-19T02:09:00.000-08:00

It's a typical breakfast scene. Kids are up, baby's babbling from the bedroom, and Mama's wondering why morning comes so quickly. She was so careful to prep the house the night before. Sandwiches made. Backpacks and school clothes laid out. Diaper bag packed. She is even getting up earlier these days. Certainly she's sleep walking for the first 30 minutes on her feet, but she's out of bed nonetheless. And yet the same scene unfolds.

Two little ones on the couch, wondering how they'll survive the months between Christmas break and Summer break. Fuzzy jammies, favorite blankies, and lazy gazes. Mama walks by on her way to the kitchen, kissing sleepy heads and praying for a peaceful breakfast. Knowing there's less than a 5% chance of that happening. But still praying.

Mama calls from the kitchen. Cereal or oatmeal? Requests for pancakes, waffles, even Christmas candy float from the couch to the kitchen. No, cereal or oatmeal? Moans and groans, whines and pouting, and Mama's glad she's in the kitchen to miss the eye roll. And again she wonders why she gave up coffee. Or if it's too early to take up drinking.

Sleepy heads turn into rowdy siblings and they finally come to the table. Cereal for one, oatmeal for the other. They can never seem to agree. "Don't look at me," says the one. "Stop singing the ABC's," says the other. "He's looking at me." "She's singing." And so it begins.

Mama, finally dressed, gets the baby a bottle and they sit on the couch to watch the scene unfold. In no time at all, rice krispies cover the floor and oatmeal covered bowls are soaking in the sink. Two littles scramble into school clothes while Mama burps the baby. Jammies fly through the air, little toes push into socks and fingers fumble with laces. Mama makes her way through one... two... three sets of teeth to be brushed. Hair ribbons wrapped into hair, backpacks lined up, and lunches packed. A sigh of relief as they just might make it to school on time.

Keys found; crisis averted. Two siblings scramble into the van as it warms up and Mama straps in the baby. She wonders how they've made it this far. Oh, wait. One forgot a jacket and the other is running back to the house for library books. Finally they're on their way. Mama pulls the house door behind her, closing her eyes to the peanut butter and jelly on the counter, the cereal to be swept, and the dishes to be done. Another morning of pudgy arms embracing her neck. Another morning of praying they get out the door on time. Another morning of chaos.

*Linked to Writer's Workshop and these Parties.

On Bedtime Reading

2012-01-18T20:52:00.000-08:00

One of the sweetest parts of our day is reading before bed. We started our bedtime reading routine when my oldest son was about 15 months old. I was weaning him from the bedtime nursing, but still wanted to cuddle on the couch. So we started reading together every night.

In seasons of our lives, our bedtime reading has looked different. Some nights we read in their rooms or on Mommy's bed. Currently we have small group on Monday nights and the kids get to bed late so reading is limited to our bible.

But for the most part, we gather on the couch almost every night. After the jammies have been located and teeth have been brushed, the kids grab blankets to snuggle and we read together. The kids each pick out a book, plus we read a story in our children's bible. This is also the time of day we read a chapter in our current read aloud.

Through the years we read the entire Little House on the Prairie series, children's versions of Heidi, Pollyanna, and Moby Dick, and some of Boxcar children. Our bedtime reading and coming together after a long day are some of my own sweetest memories with my children.

How do you close a day with your kids?

Strawberry Shortcake Party

2012-01-16T21:16:00.000-08:00

My sweet little Lydia turned 4 years old just before Christmas.

And what birthday is complete without a party?

Since she is my sweetie pie,

we decided to have a Strawberry Shortcake party this year.

What's sweeter than Strawberry Shortcake?

Girlie, pink, and sweet...

This party was a berry ton of fun!

Decorations and Table:

I laid everything out the night before so I wouldn't forget anything.

We used a lot of the tableware we already had in creative ways.

My mom had this vintage Strawberry Shortcake tray at her house

and I found the fruit tray at the local dollar store.

Plus the stripped bowl was an easy addition

with the fun colors.

I'd seen a similar centerpiece and decided to use what I had.

I found a tall vase in the cabinet

and filled it with red paper shreds from the dollar store.

Then I printed clipart from the internet,

matted it,

and adhered the kebab skewers.

My mom made the banner from her cricut,

and the green curling ribbon was perfect!

Plus a friend found this poster at a local thrift store.

We added paper lanterns, balloons, and streamers from the dollar store,

and we had the perfect party atmosphere.

Goodie Bags:

Checking that dollar store again,

I found frisbees, bracelets, hair ties, and strawberry lip gloss.

Plus, I made the girls flower hair clips from a Jo-ann's remnant.

Packaged in a plain red paper bag and tied up in green ribbon,

they were so berry sweet.

Games:

First for a game of pin the jewel in Strawberry's crown.

Hilarious!

With 3 and 4 year olds,

you never know what you're going to get.

After that we played pass the strawberry.

We took the pockets off an old pair of jeans

and made bean bags.

They were so cute.

Pretty funny watching these little ones

get the hang of it all.

Plus I borrowed Strawberry Jams music

from the library.

The music was fun

and was berry perfect with the party.

Finally we ended the games with a strawberry pinata.

We made a homemade one with an extra party balloon

and homemade paper mache.

Plus the red duct tape was awesome for making a handle.

This was my son's favorite.

He had been taking a back seat to the girls most of the day,

but they needed him to break the pinata.

He got to be the berry hero after all.

Food:

Our party happened to fall around lunch time

so I had a pot of soup simmering while we played.

We added a spinach berry salad

as well as the following:

Peanut butter and strawberry jelly sandwiches

Strawberry fruit dip

Strawberry and raspberry jello cups

and Strawberry wafer cookies

Cake:

Grandma always does our cakes

and she had this pan from when I was younger.

So berry cute!

Presents:

We've started our new tradition of asking guests

to bring non-perishable items for the homeless shelter.

But of course there are still presents from

Mommy and Daddy

and grandparents.

This year I scored a Strawberry Shortcake remote control car

from the local kids' thrift store.

Berry fun!

So there you have it...

a Berry fun...

Berry cute...

Berry sweet

Strawberry Shortcake party!

*A few sites for additional ideas:

Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Party

Strawberry Shortcake Party Pics

Hannah's 5th Birthday/ Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Party

Strawberry Shortcake Themed Parties

Strawberry Shortcake Party

Monday Muddle

2012-01-15T20:52:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

How was your weekend? Did you do anything fun? Or did you just relax at home and enjoy the family?

I say it every week. Where does the time go? The boys were out of our house on Friday night so Lydia and I had our movie night with a super girlie Strawberry Shortcake movie. It was fun to just be at home with her. When she gets a chance, there's some really interesting insight that comes out of that little girl.

Saturday was spent doing household chores. Truth be known, I'm not sure where that day went. My hubby and I worked around the house and the kids played well together. Lydia and I did a little baking. We found a fantastic recipe for homemade chocolate cupcakes that I want to share with you soon. They would make the perfect dessert for Valentine's Day.

I'm reminded every week as I write this post how important it is to live every moment. The days feel long around here with three little ones. I often feel as though there's not enough of me to go around. But at the end of every week, I look back and wonder why I didn't capture every moment. Why did I spend time on the internet on Saturday morning instead of with my kids? Why did I worry about that phone call that could have been made during nap time? Where in the day did I spend time with my husband?

It's a continual balancing act and one that I'm fighting to advance in. I know we'll never be perfect this side of heaven, but I'm committed to striving forward. My kids are growing too quickly and time seems to slip between my fingers. MUST LIVE AS THOUGH MY MOMENTS MATTER.

Whoa, who know all that was going on in my brain? Swirling thoughts for a Monday morning. Anyways... here's our menu for the week:

Monday--White Turkey Chili
Tuesday--Korean Beef Soft Tacos
Wednesday--Potato Soup
Thursday--Pea Soup and bread
Friday--Pizza Night
Saturday--Hamburgers, ???, and salad
Sunday--Aztec Turkey

Projects I'm working on this week:
Finish God's Story, Your Story
Chore cards
Christmas card book
Family Rules Canvas
Finish hanging photos
Plan Great-Grandma's birthday
Clean off dresser tops

What are you doing this week?

Lee's To Do List

2012-01-15T02:02:00.000-08:00

Cute, Crafty Valentine Decor

Valentine's Day Party Kit-Freebie

Animal Ear Headbands

Weight Watchers Cheesecake

Strawberry Golden Oreo Cupcakes

Meal Planning 101: Why Meal Plan?

2012-01-12T21:21:00.000-08:00

As the new year unfolds and so many of us struggle with wanting to improve, wanting to be better, one of the biggest goals is being coming more organized. And for many people, that includes meal planning. We throw the idea around in our heads: "I'm going to meal plan this year." Sounds good, doesn't it? Should be easy right? But why are we planning? These are just a few of the benefits of meal planning:

*Meal planning means eating out less. By being prepared, you won't be so tempted to order out for pizza. And when you do order out, it will be more by choice than by desperation.

*Meal planning means eating healthier. No matter where you're at in your nutritional journey, home cooked meals are generally healthier than anything you'll find in a restaurant.

*Meal planning means financial savings. By planning your meals, you're less likely to spend the extra money on last minute trips to the store. Last minute trips that will often include unnecessary impulse buys.

*Meal planning means avoiding the stress of the 4 pm question: "What's for dinner, Mom?" Having a plan takes more time upfront, but eliviates the stress when you and your family is hungry.

*Meal planning means a better balanced diet. Planning allows you to see the bigger picture before the onset of the week and see where you need to fill in more fruits and vegetables, a variety of entrees, and healthier desserts.

*Meal planning means being able to let your kids get involved. As your kids see you planning every week, including them by asking if there's a favorite meal they would enjoy. Hospitality begins with our own families.

*Meal planning means having the freedom to work around busy days. For example, I take an aerobics class at the local YMCA from 4-5 pm. Disaster for going home and wondering what I'm making for dinner. Having a plan means I can throw items in the crockpot and actually enjoy the activities I'm at.

All this means less stress on your time, finances, and emotions. Meal planning proves to be well worth your time.

Are you ready to get started?

*Linked to Weekend Bloggy Reading

While You're Waiting: Learn to Love

2012-01-11T20:54:00.000-08:00

(Image Credit: Jomphong)

*Recently I was thinking about all I would want my daughters to know before they get married. Instead of wishing the days away until they walk down the aisle, how would I encourage them to live? Living in the joy of who God created. The practicalities and the dreaming. What would I want to encourage... While they're waiting? These are some of those thoughts.

I didn't always wait so patiently. I've never been a patient person and to compound matters, I'm the most Type A person you'll ever meet. I had a time line, a plan, a clearly laid out path for my life. It included knowing my husband through grade school and high school, going to college together, and marrying young. And in the waiting, patience was not my strong suit.

One of the ways the Lord worked in my impatience was drawing me closer to Him. My days were free from the responsibilities that would come later. Looking back, I was given time to just be, just be with Him. My time was open: prayers with roommates in the morning, a moment to praise between classes, late night bible studies. And although I didn't value it enough, I look back now and see how that time set the tone for my learning to love, to fall in love with the Creator.

To this day, when the mornings are hectic and someone needs their shoes tied, I can go back in my mind. Back to the scriptures that are hidden in my heart. Back to the silent prayers for peace. Back to the arms of my Father that are well known. It's this foundation of faith from which my husband and I can grow together and challenge each other. It's this foundation of faith from which I can draw when I'm with my kids. And although I'll never stop learning, the things I learned in my single years are invaluable and remind me how to love. And how I am loved.

When the world seems upside down and I'm struggling to keep my head above water, I remember the times I was alone with the Lord. And I can know that He is the most steady and faithful person in my life. Just as He was when I first learned to fall in love with Him. When I took the time to open my heart and embrace truth, I knew His love.

While You're Waiting, learn to love the Lord. Spend time in His presence. Lean into His unfailing love for you. Learn to rely on Him. Seek to embrace the intimacy that you can only know with the Father.

How will you learn to love in your time of waiting?

*Linked to Weekend Bloggy Reading

Minnie Mouse Candied Apples

2012-01-11T14:37:00.000-08:00

*These Minnie Mouse Candied Apples were originally posted as a guest post last Jan. But I wanted to share them with you here. I hope you like them.

Remember this fun Minnie Mouse party I planned for Lydia's Third Birthday? We had so much fun playing off the Disney theme and along with that, I made these Minnie Mouse Candied Apples for the guests. They took a little trial and error, but they were so worth the effort.

Here's what you'll need:

Apples (I used large ones and did one per family)

Popsicle sticks

Caramels

Milk Chocolate

White Chocolate (use the dots from a craft store for special effect)

Red Sprinkles

Marshmallows
Other materials:Cookie Sheet

Wax paper

Bowl for melting chocolate

Boiling water

Cut bamboo skewers

1. Insert popsicle stick into top of apple and dip into a pot of boiling water for 20-30 seconds. This will help remove anything on the outside of the apple and allow the carmel to stick better. Dry apple.

2. Cut bamboo skewers into 1/3. Insert one end in each marshmallow. You will need two marshmallows for each apple.

3. Melt carmel in microwavable bowl. Dip apples and then quickly adhere marshmallow "ears" before carmel hardens. You can adhere them without the skewers, but I found that mine kept sliding and needed extra help. Place apples on wax paper and allow to harden.

4. Melt milk chocolate in a microwavable bowl. Check and stir every 30 seconds until smooth. Dip apples, making sure to cover the ears. Place back on wax paper and allow to harden again.

5. Melt white chocolate in a microwavable bowl. Dip bottom half of apple, creating a "skirt." Place several unmelted dots to create a polka dot effect before adding red sprinkles. I didn't add the polka dots to mine, but thought they would be really cute. Just don't forget to add the red sprinkles before the chocolate hardens. Place apples back on wax paper and harden again.

And there you have it, a super cute, very delicious treat for your party guests. I love how they turned out and then packaged them in red cellophane baggies to send home. A treat for the whole family and no tracking down those little party favors?

What fun treats do you make for parties?

*Linked to Weekend Bloggy Reading

12 DIY Projects for 2012

2012-01-09T21:15:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in my 2012 Goals, I'm challenging myself to complete 12 DIY projects in 2012. For the most part, these are new skills and products for the kitchen and homemaking. A few are just for fun as well. I tried to narrow my list to items that would go back to again and again, but I'm also super excited about finally putting some lighting together for the back patio.

As always, I'm sure I'll have plenty of projects to keep my busy throughout the year, but these are just a few that I'm specifically committing to. So after much debate, here's my final list:

January--Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

February--Homemade Kitchen Hand Scrub

March--Homemade Wheat Thins

April--Homemade Sourdough

May--Homemade Yogurt

June--Patio Lighting

July--Key Lime Ice Cream

August--Homemade Bug Spray

September--Homemade Vick's Vapor Rub

October--Homemade Vanilla

November--Homemade lotion

December--Peppermint Ice Cream

Each month I plan to post the successes (and flops) of this experiment. Wish me luck!

Do you have any DIY projects planned for this year?

*Linked to Weekend Bloggy Reading

Monday Muddle

2012-01-08T20:12:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,
How was your weekend? 2012 is here already and we're even into the second week. Crazy!

Our weekend was busy and rough. Seems my kids are ending the end of their Christmas break and we're all running a little low on patience. Despite keeping consistent bed times and meal times, everyone seems a little wore out and ready to get back into the routine of school. Today's the last day of break and I'd like to do something fun with them, so I've got my thinking cap on. Any bright ideas?

We finally took down our Christmas tree this weekend. Am I the only one who's sad to see it go? It always feels so final. Having to wait another year for Christmas to come around. My rule in the past has been to wait until after Thanksgiving to decorate, but I found stuff that I didn't even have time to decorate with this year. Next year, I might have to break my own rule and start early. The outside lights are still up, but that's ok with me. I personally wouldn't mind using them all year. They're just cheery. What would you think of the crazy lady down the street who still turns on the Christmas lights in July?

Kids go back to school on Tuesday. Little Man needs to get his pictures taken this weekend, and MOPS is Thursday morning. Plus I'm looking for a birthday present for my niece. Any ideas for a one year old? The routine will be nice, but it seems like routine is always busy. I'm beginning to believe that a balance, simple life is a myth.

Well, I'm off and running, chasing three littles. What does your week look like?

Our Menu this week:

Dinners:
Monday: Taco Soup
Tuesday: Chicken Noodle Soup
Wednesday: Fancy Grilled Cheese and salad
Thursday: Korean Beef Soft Tacos
Friday: Homemade Pizza
Saturday: Tomato Soup
Sunday: Black Bean Soup

Extras:
Nutella cupcakes
Chewy Granola bars

Projects I'm working on this week:
Family values canvas
Scrapbooking July and Aug photos
Valentine art/snack idea
Family mail boxes for V-day notes

Lee's To Do List

2012-01-08T14:37:00.000-08:00

Homemade Apple Cider

Rose Petal Tutu Tutorial

Retro Red Cushion Cover

Rocco's 3 g of Fat Blue Cheese Dressing

Handkerchief Scarf

Bookmarks for 2012

2012-01-05T23:22:00.000-08:00

Bookmarks is a new feature at Creative2xmom. It's an online book club dedicated to sharing good reads and fantastic finds. Posts can include thoughts on the assigned reading or any other book you've been reading throughout the month. Discussion, however, must include a real book. Come on, we can do it. Turn off the computer and crack open a book.

So let's get to reading. Find a good book to discuss and come back here on the last Friday of the month. You can link up a post discussing your book or leave your thoughts in a comment. Check out the other blogs participating and ask good questions. Who knows? You might find a fantastic new book.

I came up with 12 books from my 2012 Book Log that look safe to recommend. I tried to include a variety to catch everyone's different tastes, but like I said, feel free to vear from the recommended reading. Just make sure you're reading a real book.

Here's the recommended reading for 2012:

January--God's Story, Your Story by Max Lucado

February--Made to Crave by Lysa Turkerst

March--Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp

April--Kisses for Katie by Katie Davis

May--Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas

June--The Table Experience by Devi Titus

July--Crazy Love by Francis Chan

August--Handmade Home by Amanda Blake Soule

September--The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman

October--Reluctant Entertainer by Sandy Coughlin

November--Raising Motivated Kids by Cheri Fuller

December--Don't Make Me Come Up There by Kristen Welch

If you're interested, I'd love to have you join us! Can't wait to hear your thoughts.

*Linked to Weekend Bloggy Reading and these Parties

Making 2012 the Best Year Yet

2012-01-04T21:15:00.000-08:00

1. Frown less, Smile more!

2. Work with a joyful attitude.

3. Ignore the laundry (at least for the day) and play Monopoly instead.

4. Ask the Lord for his dreams for your life.

5. Ask him to remind you of those dreams daily.

6. Look for the good in people.

7. Physically embrace those you love.

8. Give yourself the freedom to mourn when you need to mourn.

9. And laugh out loud every chance you get.

10. Live with your eyes open, your ears listening, and your heart forgiving.

*Linked to Weekend Bloggy Reading and these Parties

Love Lifted Me {Review}

2012-01-03T14:26:00.000-08:00

The latest in the Songbird series by Sara Evans and Rachel Hauck, Love Lifted Me continues the tale of Max and Jade Benson, attorney escaping his drug addiction and the wife who stands beside him. As Max returns from rehab where he's found his strength in Christ, he finds that he no longer fits in the high profile law career that he's known for so long. A high school football coaching job appears and the family decides to make the move. But not before a mysterious stranger confronts Jade with news that could rip her son away from her.

Authors Evans and Hauck weave a story based on trust, faith, and honesty that eventually save a marriage, a career, and a community. Max and Jade speak openly and freely about their relationship with Christ and how it's what keeps them together and eventually heals their marriage. The only thing that bothered me about the book were the intimate romance details. Although the feelings described are natural in any marriage (and not too graphic), they seemed out of place, as if they were included to reach a broader audience. The themes of faith and God's sovereignty were strong enough to carry this book without the typical romance novel elements.

Written as part of a series, Love Lifted Me is easily read on it's own. This is Texas high school football meets southern hospitality at it's finest. The beginning was slow, but once it got going, I couldn't put it down.

*Disclaimer: I received this book as a part of Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program. I was not required to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.

2012 Goals

2012-01-02T20:25:00.000-08:00

As the year turns, many of us are thinking about New Year's Resolutions. Lose a little weight, renew old friendships, find a better paying job. But I challenge you. Let's turn those resolutions into goals and actually make some real changes in our lives. Instead of being overwhelmed by resolutions, let's set goals that we can tangibly work toward.

Today we're linking up our 2012 Goals! In what areas of our lives do we want to make real change? How can we begin making those changes today? Review the guidelines for setting goals from last week and ask yourself where you want to grow this year? Is it in your marriage? In your relationships with others? In the area of health?

Write a post highlighting the changes you want to make this year. Be as concrete as you can. Then come back here and link up so others can see what you're working toward. Every first Thursday of the month, we'll have another link up to let others know how we're doing. This way we can keep our goals in front of us and grow more in 2012!

These are my goals for 2012:

Personal:
*Keep a consistent devotional time, memorizing verses through my discipleship group.

*Memorize 12 verses with the kids.

*Read 24 books.

*Tackle 12 DIY projects.

My Marriage:
*Plan a bi-weekly time of being together.

*Read 2-3 books together.

*Plan a yearly getaway.

My Kids:
*Plan a once a month date with each of the kids.

*Homeschool/supplement preschool for Lydia and 1st/2nd grade for Noah.

*Read through the Magic Treehouse series with them.

*Go on a field trip once a month.

Health and Wellness:
*Convert 4-5 items on our grocery list to organic, as budget allows.

*Develop a gym routine of 4-5 days a week.

*Eat more seafood.

*Learn to make an incredible loaf of sourdough.

Writing:
*Plan posts one month in advance and write posts one week in advance.

*Spend 2 hrs a week writing on something other than the blog.

*Budget my blogging time more appropriately. Do less work when the kids are around.

So what will you work toward in 2012?

*Linked to Weekend Bloggy Reading and these Parties

Monday Muddle

2012-01-02T14:39:00.000-08:00

Well, Happy New Year, Everyone!

I hope everyone had a safe and happy New Year. Did you have a fun weekend?

We spent the weekend in Sacramento visiting family for the holiday. Kids everywhere, but I have to laugh that the majority were mine. I made it till midnight, but just barely. There was tons of great food as every New Year's celebration should have. And I need to start hitting hard on the weight loss again. To date, I'm 8 pounds down which isn't half bad putting the holidays into the equation.

We received a foster baby just a few days before Christmas. He's such a cutie at 3 months old and we're having a lot of fun getting to know his personality. Very excited for this chapter of our journey. For legal reasons I can't post pictures, but take my word for it. He is adorable.

So things have definitely changed in our house over the past couple of weeks. New baby. Visiting family. And still another week of Christmas vacation for the kids. We've got some fun things planned for the next couple of days and I'm excited to spend it with my littles.

What else is going on?

Here's our menu for the week:

Breakfasts:
Pancakes
Orange Smoothies and toast
Oatmeal and bananas

Lunches:
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
Green salads
Carrot sticks, string cheese, and apples

Dinners:
Monday: Potato Bar
Tuesday: Taco salad
Wednesday: Aztec Chicken
Thursday: White Turkey Chili
Friday: Pizza night
Saturday: Parm Encrusted Tilapia
Sunday: tortellini Soup

Projects I'm working on this week:
Spending lots of time with the kids
Kid's craft projects
Chore cards

Don't forget the 2012 Goals link up coming up tomorrow.

I love setting goals in Jauary and can't wait to see what you come up with as well.

New Year 2012

2012-01-01T08:53:00.000-08:00

(Image Credit)

Hope you're all enjoying a wonderful New Year!

Play it again, Mama: Age Appropriate Chore Lists

2011-12-29T20:52:00.000-08:00

Savoring the Training Period

Lydia peeling cucumbers for Mama

As my kids get older, I find that life gets a little less crazy and a little more chaotic.

What does that mean?

Well, there is less diaper changes, but still loads of laundry. No more nursings, but a lot more dishes. Bigger blocks of entertaining themselves, but bigger messes when they're done.

And while I choose to be a homemaker, I don't believe that God has called me to be a maid, a cook, and a chaueffer. Although there are days where I feel like it. My kids are part of this family and as such, we share the workload. I would be doing my kids a disservice if I didn't train them to pick up after themselves.

Notice I used the work "train." I think some parents get discouraged when a chore isn't completed to their standard. They give up and take the work back on their own shoulders. However, we are meant to "train" our kids. We can't expect them to do the job perfect the first time or even the fifth time. And we certainly can't expect them to do it without guidance. Rather, we are there to help them learn the skills they will carry with them into adulthood.

As all kids and families are different, these lists are meant to be a guideline. I've written them up as much for me as for you. I need this reminder as well that my kids are "in training." Remember that it's not an exhaustive list. Feel free to adjust, add, and subtract as you learn what fits your family. And know that at first introduction, chores will not be well received. But in the end, the delegation of jobs will benefit everyone in the family.

A few things to keep in mind as you embark on this journey:

*Be encouraging. Encouragement will go farther than condemnation.

*Include your kids in what you're already doing.

*Remember to work alongside your kids in the training period.

*Don't give up! Parenthood is a marathon, not a sprint.

1-2 years

Handing mommy items to put away, put in dishwasher, etc.

Pick up toys with assistance

Learn to say "please", "thank you", "excuse me"

Help pick up room (toys, make bed, pick up dirty clothes)

Wipe off furniture

Help clean up their messes (spilled milk, etc)

Throw away diapers, etc.

2-3 years

Take laundry to hamper, help sort laundry

Take dishes to sink after meals

Wipe down table and chairs

Help putting away laundry

Bring stuff in from the car

Weeding and helping in the yard with guidance

3-5 years

Learn to make bed

Get own drinks

Learn to dust

Learn to vaccum

Learn to set table

Water plants

Mate socks and put away laundry

Help with meals

Feed pets

Get the mail

Put away silverware (knives and sharp objects excepted)

Sweeping with a small broom

Wiping down sink area

6-8 years

Loading and unloading dishwasher

More extensive sweeping

Learning to fold laundry

Make bed

Help younger siblings with tasks

Responsible for readying backpacks, library bags, etc. before leaving

Handwashing dishes

Wiping down toilet area

Take out the trash

Wash the car with assistance

Learning to do laundry with supervision

Continue helping with meal prep

Learning initiative

9 years and up

Take care of room on own

Progress to yard work unsupervised

Take initiative on one meal a week

Tackle more difficult cleaning projects

Contribute to family conversations and decisions

Take on small jobs in and out of the home

Additional Resources:

I love this idea for older children. Titled "You Work Hard for your Misbehavior," this mom mixes consequences with grace.

Play it again, Mama: Savoring your Marriage

2011-12-28T20:39:00.000-08:00

I love my husband. This past summer we celebrated our 10th anniversary and I'm continually amazed by how quickly the time has flown. And how much patience he's shown in that time. My prayer truly is that I would love him as much as he loves me and find new ways to Savor our marriage every day. That's why we took the 52 First Dates challenge last year.

In the spirit of Savoring Your Marriage, here's a few simple ideas you can do today:

*Pray for your husband. The Lord can help him in ways you never could.

(I'm hoping to put together a post on this in the future).

*Call him in the middle of the day just because.

*Leave him a note in the car to find on the way to work.

*Greet him with a kiss when he comes home.

*Hold hands.

*Dress for him. Even if that just means throwing on some jeans instead of those baggy sweatpants.

*Prioritize your time with him. Don't leave him with the scraps at the end of the day.

*Be a good listener.

*Praise him in public.

*Think of him when planning your schedule, menus, etc.

*Appreciate and verbally thank him for all he does for your family.

*Be his biggest cheerleader. Even when you don't agree, cheer on his dreams.

How are you Savoring Your Marriage today?

Book List 2011

2011-12-28T14:37:00.000-08:00

2011 has been a great year of reading. I was delighted to read a variety of books I normally wouldn't have picked up. And even more delighted to discover there are some fantastic authors out there. In case you're wondering what I've been reading, here are the books I finished off in 2011.

Book List 2011

Christian Living:
~~One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp~~
~~So Long, Insecurity by Beth Moore~~
~~Sacred Influence by Gary Thomas~~ (see review here)

Parenting:
~~Bringing up Boys by Dobson~~
~~Bringing up Girls by Dobson~~
Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp
~~Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson~~ (see book club here)

Homemaking and Nutrition:
~~Fit Kids by Eileen Behan~~
~~In Defense of Food by Michael Poland~~
~~Practical Homemaking by Pat Ennis~~ (see book club here)

Additional books read:
~~Dear John by Nicholas Sparks~~
~~America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right On The Money~~
~~Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman~~
~~Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas~~ (see review here)
~~Love Wins by Rob Bell~~
~~The Naked Mom by Brooke Burke~~
~~Large Family Logistics by Kim Brennamen~~ (see review here)
~~Adopt without Debt by Julie Gumm~~ (see review here)
~~The Cause within You by Matthew Barnett~~
~~It Ain't All About the Cookin' by Paula Deen~~
~~Love You More by Jennifer Grant~~ (see review here)
~~Transforming Discipleship~~
~~Praying for your Future Husband by Tricia Goyer and Robin Jones Gunn (~~see review here)
~~Scent of Water by Naomi Zacharias~~ (see review here)
~~Stained Glass Hearts by Patsy Clairmont~~ (see review here)
~~The Harvest of Grace by Cindy Woodsmall~~ (see review here)
~~The Christmas Note by Donna VanLiere~~ (see review here)
~~When Heaven Invades Earth by Bill Johnson~~
~~The Mission Minded Child by Ann Dunnagan~~
~~The Mission Minded Family by Ann Dunnagan~~
~~Dreaming God's Dreams by Bill Johnson~~
~~Love and War by John and Stasi Eldredge~~

Makin' Goals 2012

2011-12-27T21:11:00.000-08:00

For the past three years, we've posted our goals for the new year. Sometimes silly, sometimes serious. It's that whole "New Year, New You" attitude. Cheesy, I know. But I love it! Notice I said goals, not resolutions. Resolutions are temporary. Easily forgotten. Once broken, they're abandoned. Goals are different. Goals are long term. They require vision. And once we fail, so what? We pick up and try again tomorrow.

So this year, let's do something different. We're making goals. Life changing, broken into steps, try again tomorrow goals. And we can do it... together! The first week of January, we're going to post our goals and work through them in 2012. Come back Jan 3rd to post your goals and blog hop with us. Then return each month as we post our progress. Let's work toward a "New Year, New You" in 2012.

So put your thinking caps on and come back here on Jan 3rd to link up with us. Here's the details:

Carnival Information

If you would like to be involved, post your 2011 Goals on your blog, including a link back to my blog and a link to the Carnival post. Focus should be on how you plan to improve you nutritional intake in the next year.

Please feel free to spread the word about the carnival.

Tips for Making Goals
1. Make your goals achievable. Start with something small that you can change this month, then another for next month. Don't write down goals that are so daunting you don't even attempt them.

2. Make goals that you are willing to commit to. If you have no interest in sprouting seeds, leave that for another time. This is not the time to make goals simply to impress other bloggers.

3. Develop a loose timeline for achieving some or all of your goals. Do you want to achieve one a month or just incorporate all within the first 6 months?

4. Share these goals with others. Here's where the accountability of blogging comes in. You're sharing with all of us the changes that you are purposing to make in your life. Additionally share with someone in your real life. Ask them to keep you accountable as well.

5. Understand that these goals are a work in progress. Habits are not changed overnight. These goals are meant to be working goals, working toward a better you in 2011.

You ready to get started???

Play it again, Mama: Birthday Balloon Wreath

2011-12-26T21:40:00.000-08:00

What a fun festive addition to any birthday!

After all, what says Birthday more than Balloons?

A Birthday Balloon Wreath!

A few months ago, I saw this one and knew I had to make one.

But could I make it more frugal?

Here's what you'll need:

72 count bag of balloons (maybe more to fill in the sides)

Wreath from (from Dollar Tree no less)

Birthday Ribbon (another Dollar Tree find)

Glue gun

Fold the balloon in half top to bottom.

Then quarter the balloon to a point.

Hot glue the tip and layer balloons around the wreath.

Layer about 3 across,

tucking and gluing as you go.

Tie a bow from your ribbon.

Wrap the ribbon loosely around the wreath

and attach the bow!

I love how colorful it is.

And what a great way to celebrate the birthday person!

Just a little something extra to make the day special!

How do you make birthdays fun?

Play it again, Mama: Tomato Soup Bar

2011-12-25T23:29:00.000-08:00

Fall has become my favorite time of year. Not only are the leaves changing, but the weather is perfect for afternoon walks and outdoor fires. There's something sweetly nostalgic about this time of year where the world slows down, families gather over popcorn and puzzles, and the earth prepares to rest.

With the blustery weather, our meals change too. Back in August, I was trying to prepare an exhaustive list of my family's favorite meals. My husband and I put our heads together, but no matter how hard we tried, our thoughts kept turning to warm soups and stews. And this is one of our favorite's: Pioneer Woman's Sherried Tomato Soup. It's quick, rich, and a thousand times better than Campbell's. Think you don't like Tomato Soup? Think again! You'll love it!

Jalapeno peppers (I'm dying to try this one)

feta

sour cream

fresh basil

croutons

crunchy onions

avocado

roasted garlic

popcorn

toasted biscotti

I hope you'll enjoy this quick, fun dinner as much as we do. Happy Soup Season!

*Linked to Weekend Bloggy Reading

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T02:30:00.000-08:00

May the Lord remind you how to love as He loved!

And may you love those you find yourselves surrounded by today!

Next week's posts will include some of my personal favorites from years past.

I combed through the archives to bring you a variety of great finds.

I'll be back to regular posting in early Jan.

I have all sorts of new topics planned for us including:

*Letters to our daughters: preparation for life

*Building family values into our every day lives

*Hospitality in the Home ideas

*Menu planning and what if your plan fails

*Dreaming with God

*Book Club link-ups

*And a phenomenal book to read together!

Have safe travels and enjoy your holidays!

How are you celebrating Christmas?

Happy 4th Birthday, Lydia!

2011-12-21T21:27:00.001-08:00

To my Baby Girl on her 4th Birthday!

My dear Lydia,

From the moment you came into my life,

My days have been fuller,

Brighter,

Pinker,

And more joyful!

Your tender personality

has brought soft words and loving kisses

into our home.

I am forever grateful

for the gift you are to our family.

I love you!

My 2012 Reading List

2011-12-20T22:55:00.000-08:00

This year has been an amazing journey of remembering how much I love to read. All good writers are wide read. But for a time I forgot that. This year I refocused on how much I love to read and it's been so refreshing. To take my eyes of my blogroll for awhile and actually read a book with pages to turn... AMAZING!

As the year turns, I hope to do some reading with you, my readers. I love the interaction we get when we read together so I'm excited to pull out some of these books and do a few book clubs this year. And I'm also hoping to inspire you as well. Inspire you to read, inspire you to think, inspire you to grow.

This is what my book list looks like for 2012:

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp--I read this one last year, but it's so rich. Definitely worth a re-read.

Made to Crave by Lysa Turkerst--With the weight loss journey I'm on, I'm excited to see her take.

Kisses for Katie by Katie Davis--I don't know much about this one, but the reviews have been incredible. I can't imagine so devoting my life to these children. Anxious to read this one.

Crazy Love by Frances Chan--Again, don't know much about this one, but it's been recommended several times. So I'm excited to pick it up.

God's Story, Your Story by Max Lucado--This one has been in my Kindle for awhile. Seems to fit along well with the idea of Stewarding Our Stories.

Attachment Focused Parenting--Comes highly recommended for adoptive parents. Very different philosophy from how we raised our birth child so we'll see.

The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman--I see more and more every day how different my children are. Hoping this one will put my in the right perspective for more effectively communicating love to my children.

Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas--Loved how Sacred Marriage challenged my perspective and looking forward to the same from this book.

Reluctant Entertainer by Sandy Coughlin--Sandy's blog is exceptional and I'm excited to read her book. Challenging the way we look at hospitality and friendship.

Every Body Matters by Gary Thomas--I have this one set to review at the beginning of the year. Again, it fits into where the Lord has me in taking better care of myself and excited to learn more about his philosophy of taking care of spirit AND body.

Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp--I read this about two years ago and it absolutely reshaped the way I look at parenting. I'm excited to read it again for fresh insight.

And I know there will be more to come! I already have one author committed to offering some books for an online book club. Are there any on this list we'd like to read together?

Love and War {Review}

2011-12-19T21:52:00.000-08:00

Although Jon and Staci Eldredge are both well-known authors in the Christian community, I must admit that I had yet to read any of their work. So I went into this book a little blind. But I certainly wasn't disappointed.

Writing as a team, the couple explores the topic of marriage as it relates not only to our relationship with our spouse, but also our relationship with God. The Eldredges explore how our earthly marriages correlate to our marriage with Christ. They are able to paint the picture of how God is using marriage to reveal himself to a lost world. Our marriages are fighting in a world that is designed to tear us apart. Our expectations and preconceptions, from a very young age, are so lopsided that we're missing the design for marriage that God intended. However, He loves to us as imperfect people to reveal his plan of salvation. And our marriages are a part of that.

The authors are right upfront about the war our marriages are fighting. The enemy is not our spouse. The enemy is Satan as he seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. He'd like nothing better than to see us fail and he uses every tactic at his disposal. There are many moments in this book where I found myself saying, "Yes, we had that argument last week" or "Uh huh, that's exactly what bugs me at the end of the day." But the authors always bring us back to a united front with practical insight into every day struggles.

I was delighted with this book. Refreshing, easy to read, and highly relatable, the Love and War is a book that I will recommend again and again.

*Disclaimer: I was provided with a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books. All opinions expressed are mine.

GIVE a Bracelet this Season and Feed a Child

2011-12-18T22:18:00.001-08:00

What if you could give a gift this season that would impact TWO lives? What if you could wrap a present that would GIVE to a loved one AND to a child in need? What if for the cost of one gift, you could also feed a child for one full week?

GIVE Jewelry is providing you, ...all of us..., with that opportunity.

Give Jewelry is a sustainable movement to provide food for children in orphanages throughout Indonesia. The vision is simple: every bracelet purchased directly benefits kids in need. So no matter what type of bracelet you choose: friendship bracelets, charm bracelet, leather bracelet, beaded bracelet, cuff bracelets or any of our other bracelets, you’re really choosing to make a difference.

Friendship Bracelets, charm bracelet, leather bracelet, beaded bracelets, cuff bracelets and more… With every bracelet you purchase, Give Jewelry provides one week of nutritious food (that's 21 meals!) for a child in need.

Join the movement:

Subscribe to the Give Jewelry blog: www.thegiveteam.com

“Like” Give Jewelry on Facebook: www.facebook.com/givejewelry

Follow Give Jewelry on Twitter: www.twitter.com/GiveJewelryTeam

Subscribe to Give Jewelry YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/givejewelry

Post about Give Jewelry on YOUR blog, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube: www.give-jewelry.com

Also:
When you make a purchase from Give Jewelry to set in motion the “1 Bracelet-1 Child-1 Week of Food,” write “Robin" in the comment box to receive a free Survivor Purple Cancer Awareness Bracelet or Pink Breast Cancer Awareness bracelet in the comment box upon checkout. This is being provided for you as a special gift for making a difference.

So as you're doing your last minute shopping this week, or in the weeks to come, think about how you want to spend your money. Do you want to spend it in the mall on that last minute sweater? Or do you want to spend it making the difference in the life of a child?

Remember 1 Bracelet-1 Child- 1 Week of Food. You too can make a difference!

Monday Muddle

2011-12-18T21:27:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,
How was your week? Can you believe it's the last week till Christmas? I'm in shock. And a little bit busy!

Last week found us traveling again for another funeral. The later part of this year has been rough for our family. So we are greatly looking forward to the hope of Christmas. Kids stayed with Grandma while my husband and I went to his grandpa's funeral. It's been such a blessing to have grandparents who love our kids. And for us to reflect on the legacy of our own grandparents. The trip was quick, but it gave us a chance to reunite with distant family and refocus our priorities and relationships.

This past Saturday we also threw a 4th birthday party for our daughter. Her birthday is the 21st so every year we throw a party the weekend before Christmas. It was a blast seeing her play with her friends from the YMCA and school. I love how her personality is coming out and seeing how she interacts. Our little house was full of pink and laughter. I promise to share more soon.

The rest of our weekend was filled with church, another party, a meeting, and lots of family in our house. Our house may be small, but we're always happy to have it filled with family and friends. So now it's Sunday night and I'm busy in my kitchen (often the place I'm the happiest). Shortbread cookies and carmel corn are on the to-do list. Changes are on the horizon as my twitter followers know. So I'm filling my house with the warm smell of the holidays.

Our menu for the week:
Monday--potluck at small group-- taking potatoes and a green salad
Tuesday--pea soup and bread
Wednesday--(Lydia's birthday request) hamburgers, tater tots, salad
Thursday--taco salad
Friday--homemade pizza
Saturday--???
Sunday--Christmas dinner

Projects I'm working on this week:
Finish shopping and wrapping
Baking for Grandma
Shortbread cookies
Moose Munch
Peanut butter cookies

Posts coming up this week:
A couple of reviews
2012 reading list
Lydia's birthday post
An opportunity to GIVE this season
Christ-centered dialogue
and more!

How was your weekend?

Soft Molasses Cookies

2011-12-15T17:42:00.000-08:00

Join me as I'm guest blogging over at Pocket Full of Pink today. I'm sharing my Grandma's Soft Molasses Cookies that we make every year at Christmas. You don't want to miss this one. So come on over and say hi!

Hospitality in the Home: Warm Beverages

2011-12-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

As the holidays approach and our busy-ness kicks up a notch, opportunities for hospitality abound. Whether it's a ladies tea, family visiting for the weekend, or just a group of carolers stopping by, our days are filled with moments meant to be shared. And what better way to extend hospitality than with a warm beverage.

I keep a special spot over my oven stocked with herbal teas, hot chocolate, spiced ciders, and flavored coffees. You could also add mulling spices, juice boxes, sparkling ciders, flavored waters, and more. Stock your tupperware canisters or keep a rubbermaid box for the occasion. Finish it off with some hot and cold cups, a marker for names, and some candy canes for the mochas. Perfect for blessing those unexpected guests.

How do you prepare for unexpected holiday guests?

Monday Muddle

2011-12-12T13:36:00.000-08:00

Wow! This Monday is a muddle for sure. Birthday party coming up this weekend, the last minute crunch for Christmas, and the usually parenting adventures of a Mama. As if our past four months haven't been crazy enough, my husband's grandpa passed away yesterday morning as well. It was quite a blow as we were planning a New Year's trip to see him. To say that the second half of this year has been hard would be an understatement. I've been telling everyone that it's hard not for us to just wish 2011 away.

So in the midst of everything, this has been a crazy Monday. My husband left last night to be with family and I'll go down later. The kids and I had a rare treat of In-n-Out burgers last night, then gathered around to do some science. Both my kids love experiments so we filled our evening with bases and acids, and chemical reactions. It was fun!

Well, this is what our menu looks like this week:
Monday--Tomato soup, grilled cheese
Tuesday--Spaghetti and green salad
Wednesday--Tacos
Thursday--Potato soup
Friday--Homemade pizza
Saturday--Out for Lydia's birthday dinner
Sunday--Staff meeting, birthday party, going crazy!

Projects I'm working on this week:
Finishing pinata
Finishing hair bows
Finish planning birthday party

Posts coming up this week:
Ready hospitality idea
Writer's Workshop
A yummy recipe
Christmas at our house
and more!

Lee's To Do List

2011-12-11T02:06:00.000-08:00

Mothering isn't for Quitters

Quick Change Corsage

Pumpkin Recipes

Nursing Cover Tutorial

Minnie Mouse Christmas Ornament

Flower Hair Clips

2011-12-08T21:44:00.000-08:00

*Originally posted Oct 2010

A few months ago while I was searching the internet, I came across these Fabric Flowers @ Sew Mama Sew. I was blown away by how simple and yet stunning they really were. I mean, really? Who came up with this idea? They are amazing!

Needless to say, I loved them and bookmarked them immediately. I knew I wanted to make some for my daughter. But I kept putting it off and putting it off. I don't sew much and with all the other hobbies I have, I just don't have time to learn. I thought they looked really pretty, but since I don't sew, I was afraid they would be a bigger job than I could handle.

Boy was I wrong.

If you can thread a needle and sew a basic stitch they are so doable. I took me about a hour to put together four of them. And really the majority of the time was spent figuring out the first one.

I found the trick to be that when you're folding and adding the extra stitches on the back, make your stitches bigger. If they are too bunched in the center, you won't get any dimension. Make the line longer and the stitches a bit wider. Perfect.

I added a basic clip to the back of each with hot glue and instant hair clips for a little girl. These came out very boutique-y. Put together two or three sets of these and you have the perfect gift for a niece or friend. You could even add a trio to a larger clip.

I love them and am already thinking about who else I can make them for. I only spent $3 on material and have a TON left over (I bought 1/4 yard each instead of 1/8 yard each). The clips come in a package of about 20 and can be bought with a 40% off coupon at your local craft store. Frugal and elegant,... now that's my kind of gift.

What are you crafting up this week?

We have Winners!

2011-12-08T12:33:00.000-08:00

Finally drawing winners for the Mixed Bag Designs Giveaway! And our winners are:

#1--Piper (I need your email; contact me)

#12--Headmistress, zookeeper

#18--Rachel

Hey girls, I'm sending you an email right now.

Thanks to everyone who entered for making this giveaway a huge success!

Clutter Busting Christmas Presents

2011-12-07T20:30:00.000-08:00

It's unbelievable that Christmas is only 17 days away. For some of you, you may be feeling like "Big deal. Seventeen days is an eternity." For me, however, I know that 17 days is going to pass like the blink of an eye. December always finds us so busy; I have a hard time keeping it all straight. And presents? I've hardly had time to think about that. So while a friend and I were brainstorming usefully gifts, I thought I'd share me list with you in case you're in the same spot.

Looking at our list this year, I really wanted to purchase gifts that would be useful and not just add to the consumer pile. I still like blessing our family and friends at Christmas, but rather than buying another CD, I like to search out those items that they'll really use. Hope you find this list helpful!

In the kitchen:
*Glass dishes--I love cooking with glass. And with high quality items available, you won't be throwing these out like some of the cheaper items on the market. These can be personalized as well if your recpient is big on entertaining.

*Pastry blender--Just a small thing, but this on packs a huge punch. If you're buying for a baker, they won't underestimate the value of this gift.

*Garlic press--One of my favorite tools in the kitchen. Pampered Chef sells a great one, but you can find them other places as well. Great for cutting down time and money.

*Local roasted coffee and honey--Support your local businesses by purchasing a local roast coffee. Then stop by the farmer's market for some raw honey. Giving two ways by supporting your local farmer's.

*Homemade vanilla--An inexpensive and easy item, the quality of homemade vanilla is unbelievable. What a great addition to any kitchen!

Going green:

*Microfiber clothes and homeade cleaner--I found a package of these clothes at a local discount outlet and love them. They don't leave streaks on my windows and can be laundered for use again and again. Please with homemade cleaner, you can control the substances that come into your home. Be sure to include the recipe for a refill.

*Homemade laundry soap and reusable dryer sheets--We love our homemade laundry soap. My favorite feature is that it's fragrance free. Being inexpensive doesn't hurt either. Pair it with some homemade dryer balls and you've got a great eco-friendly gift.

*Reusable Lunch baggies--I'm dying to make some of these. What a great gift for a niece or nephew, or stocking stuffer for just about anyone.

*Recipe a month club--Plan 12 meals to deliver to the recipient, one a month for an entire year. Now that's a labor of love.

For the gym rat:
*Homemade Yoga Mat Bag--I want one of these. Next year, I'm making one!

For the book lover:
*Books on CD--My kids love listening to books on CD in the car. And Mama loves it too. It makes those long trips to Grandma's so much easier.

*Chapter books for older kids--I don't consider books to be clutter so as my children grow I'm excited to add chapter books to our collection.

*An e-book for the Kindle or Nook--Inexpensive and definitely a clutter buster, there's such a variety of e-books available. Purchase a gift certificate and allow the recipent to choose their own.

For kids:
*Homemade Playdough--There are so many recipes out there. Start with a basic and a pumpkin pie recipe, and go from there.

*Family memberships to a local zoo, museum, theater, etc.

What are you shopping for this Christmas?

Christmas Memories

2011-12-06T21:19:00.000-08:00

Christmas is a time of remembering for me. It's a time of waking up. It's a time of centering. And it's a time of returning to what's important. So who would guess that my favorite ornaments are those that remind me of family?

When I was growing up, my grandma loved creating. Now you know where I get it from. She came from the generation where life inspired creativity. Didn't have what you needed? Didn't have the money to buy new? Figure it out! So she's always been a creative lady.

One year she decided to start painting Christmas ornaments for all us grandkids. Some years the girls got one style and the boys another. Some years, we all got the same time. They were mostly ceramic ornaments, but since creativity abounded with my grandma, you never knew what you were going to get. Each year these ornament were a special gift that communicated time and presence from one special grandma to her grandchildren. These are just a few of my favorites:

Mama and Baby Unicorn

Sweet Girl Praying

Santa Mouse Snoozing in a Music Note

These are some of my most prized possessions and each year is a remembrance of my grandma. It's a small token of her love that keeps on giving.

*Linked to Writer's Workshop

Creative Holiday Treats

2011-12-05T21:07:00.000-08:00

The web is full of fun Christmas ideas this time of year. Here are just a few of my favorites:

Strawberry Christmas Tree Brownie Bites

Candy Cane Jo Jo Truffles

Christmas Mice Cookies

Candy Cane Marshmallows

Peppermint Bon Bon Cookies

Monday Muddle

2011-12-05T08:08:00.000-08:00

Wow! Where did the weekend go? I feel like the days are flying by and I don't even have enough time to grab ahold and hang on. This past week, my kids finished up their fall semester gymnastic and did a performance. Could I really pass up a chance to show how cute they are?

Lydia, in particular, has really come a long ways this year. She was in a much older class and held her own. And got a little braver as well.

This past Saturday, we went home for a memorial service for my uncle. It was very private with just family, but very much so needed. We had a family picnic at his place, with the kids running around and the rest of us enjoying each other's company. Before we were done, we scattered my cousin and uncle's ashes and the kids let balloons go with messages for both of them. It was sweet.

So while we mourn, life marches on. Christmas is fast approaching and we have a birthday party to plan as well. I'm twisting my brain in knots trying to keep it all straight. Lydia and I started her pinata today. Messy work, but hilarious with a three year old. Excuse me... almost four year old. Before I sign off for now, here's a few things you should know:

The Mixed Bag Designs Giveaway ends today. Hurry to get your entry in!

Our Menu this Week:

Breakfasts:
Yogurt and fruit
Oatmeal
Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins
Gingerbread Waffles

Lunches:
Peanut butter and jelly sammies
Green salads
Leftovers
String cheese, fruit, carrots

Dinners:
Monday: Baked Potato Bar
Tuesday: Beans and cornbread
Wednesday: Tortellini and salad
Thursday: Tomato Soup and grilled cheese
Friday: Parm Fish, cabbage salad, and broccoli
Saturday: Pizza and salad
Sunday: Pasta e Fagoili for lunch, Pumpkin Pie cake for dinner potluck

Extras:
Molasses cookies
Dipped pretzels

Projects I'm working on this week:
Parenting prayer cards
Finishing 6 hair bow sets
Strawberry Pinata

What's going on in your world?

Lee's To Do List

2011-12-04T01:37:00.000-08:00

First Sunday of the Month: It's Party Time!

Hope you find something here that inspires you!

Rapunzel's Golden Hair Birthday Party

50's Sock Hop Birthday

Nature Themed Little Birdie Party

Pirate Party

Anniversary Garden Party

Snow Candle {Tutorial}

2011-12-01T23:02:00.001-08:00

Who doesn't love to walk into a home with candles burning? Scented or not, a burning candle just signifies warmth and hospitality. They're calming and homey. And these snow candles are also very cute. Better yet, inexpensive.

Materials:
A glass container (canning jar, vase, large candle holder)
Epsom salt
Twine
Small jingle bells
Votive candle
Hot glue gun

Apply a little hot glue to the rim of your container and start wrapping your twine. I like the beginning of my twine to be in the back in case I don't get it lined up correctly. Add a little hot glue ever so far to keep the twine in place. You can thread or glue your bells. I had a terrible time threading mine so I just added a few dots of glue and tucked them in. Fill your jar to your desired level with epsom salt. I think I have a little too much in mine, but I would just advise to keep your candle lower than the twine. Nestle your votive candle into the salt and you're done. Cute, inexpensive candle for the holidays. Enjoy!

Week of Giveaways!

2011-12-01T13:23:00.001-08:00

First, don't forget to check out the giveaway we have going on here from Mixed Bag Designs. You could win a $75 certificate towards anything in the shop. Great for Christmas presents!

Also there are several chances to win $100, $200, even $300 certificates from Vision Forum. These have several Christian Books I'd like to read. For more details, check out:

Generation Cedar

Raising Olives

Life in a Shoe

Smockity Frocks

The Modest Mom

A Wise Woman

(In)courage is also giving away a beautiful hurricane nativity.

And Parenting.com is giving away a Leap Pad!

Good luck!

Another Member of the Family

2011-12-01T11:13:00.000-08:00

There's another member of the family you might not have met yet. She's a cuddler, cries for attention, needs to be fed, sleeps most of the day, and is up most of the night. No, we didn't have another baby. Well, in some ways, I suppose she is our baby.

This is Annie. She's been a part of the family since 2002 and isn't afraid to let the kids know she was here before them. She's also Mama's baby.

About a year after we got married, my husband caved and agreed to let me get a kitten. We had a family in our church giving away little ones so we decided to take one. When we got there, there was only two left. I immediately fell in love with this beautiful tabby we later named Danny. But my husband's heart broke when he realized we'd be leaving one behind all by herself. He picked up this skranny little swirl of color. She was pitifully ugly with that big orange splotch on her head. And he asked how I could possibly leave her by herself.

Needless to say, we went for one and came home with two.

It was fun raising Annie and Danny together. They were always running around the house playing together. And at night, we'd find them curled up together, one big blob of color, not sure where one ended and the other began. After we had Noah, they became inseparable. It was almost as if it was them against the infant invader. And spoiled they were. Danny slept on my pillow while Annie curled up near my husband's feet.

We lost Danny not long after Lydia was born. And Annie quickly attached herself to me. She learned right away that nursing time meant I'd be sitting still and have a free hand to pet her. As the kids have gotten older, we've seen her mellow out a lot. Even to the point of occasionally playing dress-up with Lydia. The picture above was taken the day Lydia decided she needed to throw Annie a birthday party.

Although she's loosened up a lot with the kids, she's still my baby. When my husband's working needs, she comes in the bedroom and snuggles down under the covers. Always content to just be close by. Sassy, sweet, and loving, she's wormed her way into our hearts and embedded herself in our lives. And we love her!

*Linked to Writer's Workshop and these Parties.

Christmas Gift Link Up

2011-11-30T20:52:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! Are all you crafters busy for the holiday season? Wouldn't it be fun if we could link up a bunch of our gift ideas and share with each other? Last year, I hosted a 12 Weeks of Christmas link up, but with everything that's been going on lately, the time just got away from me. So I'm looking forward to seeing what YOU are working on.

So here's your chance.

Let's Start Partying!

Link up a handmade idea for a Christmas gift, decoration or recipe.

Link back to this post as well so we can share more ideas.

Please Link Up! I'm so excited to share with you!

Shutterfly Review

2011-11-29T09:03:00.000-08:00

Remember the Shutterfly promotion I posted about last month? Well, I just wanted to share with you all my Christmas cards. They just arrived in the mail yesterday and I love them. The photos came out so clear and the paper quality is incredible. What do you think?

Family Collage Christmas Card

Heartfelt: Christmas photo cards and holiday cards at Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

How are your Christmas preparations coming?

2011 Advent Calendar

2011-11-28T21:25:00.000-08:00

For the past several years, I've planned out an advent calendar for the month of December. Not your typical Advent Calendar filled with toys and candies, but an experience filled calendar with loving other people and trying new things. Things the kids always want to do, but I push off. So everyone day from December 1st through the 25th, we plan something fun to do with the kids. Needless to say, this has become one of my favorite traditions. Here's what have planned this year:

Dec 1st--Find a new Christmas puzzle to put together
Dec 2nd--Family Movie Night: Santa Claus is Comin to Town
Dec 3rd--Celebrating a family member
Dec 4th--Breakfast for dinner and invite babies/dollies to dinner
Dec 5th--Visit the retirement home
Dec 6th--Read the Christmas story and set up the nativity set
Dec 7th--Make cookies
Dec 8th--Visit a bookstore and purchase a new Christmas book to read
Dec 9th--Family Movie Night: White Christmas
Dec 10th--Drive area and see Christmas lights
Dec 11th--Carol neighbors and deliver cookies
Dec 12th--Let your light shine; how do we do this?
Dec 13th--Read books in front of the Christmas tree
Dec 14th--Make Christmas cards for teachers, SS teachers, gym teacher
Dec 15th--Print and color Christmas pictures
Dec 16th--Family Movie Night: Rudolph
Dec 17th--Lydia's birthday party; out to dinner
Dec 18th--Deliver a thoughtful gift to elderly neighbor
Dec 19th--Pray for the persecuted church
Dec 20th--Star gazing in the backyard
Dec 21st--Lydia's Birthday; her choice
Dec 22nd--Reading the Christmas story
Dec 23rd--Write letters to family members in way of gifts from kids
Dec 24th--Make a birthday card for Jesus
Dec 25th--Monkey Bread Breakfast

What traditions do you like to carry over during the holiday season?

**Linked to these Parties.

A Mixed Bag Giveaway!

2011-11-28T16:32:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of Mixed Bag Designs?

If you haven't, you are missing out on one INCREDIBLE COMPANY.

These bags are partially made from recycled plastic and very heavy duty. Able to hold up to 50 pounds, they are reusable, recyclable, and beautiful.

And Mixed Bag Designs doesn't just stop at bags. They also sell travel totes, iPhone covers, iPad covers, insulated totes, cosmetic bags, lunch bags, art portfolios, and more!

Recently I was given a chance to do a review on this great company.

Among the products I reviewed where:

The Black Swirl Lunch Bag

Black Damask Cosmetic Bags

Damask Weekender Zip Tote

I have to say my favorite feature of the Weekender Tote is the zipper. This bag is heavy duty, carries the perfect amount for the weekend or the gym, and has a super durable zipper. Plus, it's just lots of fun.

The lunch bag was insulated and easily cleanable. And the cosmetic bags were perfect for the essentials.

Mixed Bags has a variety of prints Besides the damask, you can choose from:

This cute Pink Daisy Lunch Tote

A fun Camo Lunch Sack

Or a Classic Leopard Garment Bag

So what about you?

Would you like to win?

Mixed Bag Designs is giving about THREE $75 certificates to anything in their store.

Curious how to win?

Mandatory Entry:

*Check out Mixed Bag Designs and leave a comment with your favorite print.

and

*Follow Creative2xmom

Additional Entries:

*Follow Mixed Bag Designs on Facebook

*Follow Creative2xmom on Facebook

*Follow Creative2xmom on Twitter

Leave me a separate comment for each!

Comments will close 12 am PST on Dec 5th.

Winner will be announced Dec 6th.

Good luck to all the entrants!

*Disclaimer: I received these items for free from Mixed Bag Designs for my honest review. All opinions are mine.

**Linked to these Parties.

Monday Muddle

2011-11-28T02:57:00.000-08:00

Hey guys,

How was your weekend? How was Thanksgiving? Did you list all the things you have to be thankful for? Isn't it amazing once you start making a list? It truly is overwhelming how blessed we are.

This photo was taken a few weeks ago when I cooked a turkey at home. It just cracked both my husband and myself that she wanted the whole turkey leg. Didn't do too bad either. We postponed Thanksgiving at our house this week. My husband had to work both the night before and of Thanksgiving. So we waited one more day and went down to my sister-in-law's on Friday. Wow! There was a lot of food.We took our famous Pumpkin Pie Cake and I was secretly hoping no one would like it. I just wanted to bring home leftovers. But no such luck.

The kids ran around with their aunts and uncles and the dogs for two days while my husband and I enjoyed a chance to sit down for longer than two seconds. Back home for Sunday since my husband was preaching and yesterday seemed to fly by. After nap, the kids and the hubby put up Christmas lights out front. I stayed safely inside.

Our week is starting out with a bang of getting back into routine. School's back in and I actually really miss having the kids at home. Gymnastics and dance recitals this afternoon. Small group tonight. And birthday and Christmas planning the rest of the week. December is promising to be full.

What about you? How was your week? Any snow where you are?

Here's our Menu this week:
Breakfasts:
Oatmeal and fruit
Cereal
Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal

Lunches:
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
Green salads
Leftovers
String cheese, fruit, carrots, homemade hummus

Dinners:
Monday: Split pea soup, rolls
Tuesday: Korean Beef Soft Tacos
Wednesday: Potato soup, salad
Thursday: Chili and cornbread
Friday-Saturday: home for memorial service
Sunday: Leftovers

Projects I'm working on this week:
Scrapbooking beach pictures
Plan 2-3 games
Start pinata
Print coloring books, necklace pictures, hats,
Work on prayer books
Work on chore cards
Make 6 sets of hair bows

Posts coming up this week:
Holiday decor and tutorial
Writer's Workshop
Easy Advent Calendar Idea

A Great Giveaway!

and a...

Homemade Christmas Gift Link Up!

Join us Thursday, Dec 1st for a link up featuring your best homemade Christmas gift posts!

Lee's To Do List

2011-11-27T01:11:00.000-08:00

Apple Pie Cake

A Little Tree Blankie

Floating Ornaments

Southwest Quinoa Black Bean Salad

Project 52: First Words Game

The Thanksgiving Chair

2011-11-23T20:47:00.000-08:00

Round-Up of Thanksgiving Recipes

2011-11-22T11:12:00.000-08:00

Beauty and Bedlam is sharing how she makes her mashed potatoes ahead in the crockpot.

Keeper of the Home shares her ideas for Gluten Free Holiday Entertaining.

Make and Takes shares her best ideas for making mashed potatoes. Lots of good tips here.

Living Locurto has 7 Turkey Treats for Thanksgiving.

And don't forget to check out these Creative2xmom favorites:

Easy Holiday Appetizers
Thanksgiving Blog Hop 2010
Turkey Pesto Sliders
Creative Leftover Turkey Ideas

After the turkey's consumed...

2011-11-21T20:51:00.000-08:00

Ok, quick trivia question: What takes 6 hours to prepare and 30 minutes to consume? Oh, yeah, and it makes you want to "Gobble, Gobble" when you're done?

Need a hint?

If you guessed Thanksgiving dinner, then you're right. We spend all day in the kitchen lovingly preparing a feast for our family and friends, only to have it consumed in minutes. So how do we spend the rest of our evening celebrating? In a turkey coma on the couch? Here are some ways to spend quality time after the Thanksgiving meal.

1. Grab your sister-in-law and clean up the kitchen, giving the cooks a break.

2. Hold the baby so the new mom can enjoy some adult conversation.

3. Take the kids for a walk around the neighborhood.

4. Play a game of Rummy. Or whatever card game your family enjoys.

5. Savor the girl talk at the dinner table. When else can you send the kids outside and catch up?

6. Take out that game of Monopoly. Here's your chance to finish in one sitting.

7. Check out the football game. Even if you're not a regular watcher, spend time cheering on the team with your husband.

8. Create a Thankful Chain with family.

9. Savor your dessert.

10. Have a face to face conversation. Turn off Facebook, Twitter, and text and have a real conversation with the people you're thankful for.

How will you be celebrating Thanksgiving?

Monday Muddle

2011-11-21T16:21:00.000-08:00

Lydia and Daddy taking a nap!

Hey guys,
Sorry this is late. I've been having so much fun with my kids today, time just got away from me. How was your weekend?

We had a fun-filled, quick, high and low weekend that took us all over town. We just finished reading a child's version of Pollyanna so our family movie night on Friday night was Disney's Pollyanna. I love going back to all those old Disney movies and watching them with my kids. And surprisingly my boy gets into them just as much as my girl. Throw in some popcorn and you've got the perfect end to a busy week.

I hit the gym hard on Saturday morning. I've been trying to start my New Year's resolution early. My workouts are going great, but with the return of comfort food, the nutrition portion is definitely lacking. We generally eat pretty healthy, but I just love food. Anyone have ideas for self-control in the food department?

Lydia attending a Tangled party on Saturday at her best friend's house and the rest of the weekend was filled with church, staff meeting, cleaning, cooking, and all the usual parenting. It's amazing to me that we're already rolling into another week. But a fun week. I love having the kids at home so I've tried to plan some fun stuff for them as well. Some new recipes to make together, a few crafts, and lots of food.

What do you have planned this week?

Here's our menu this week:

Breakfasts:
Pumpkin Crunch Muffins
French Toast Waffles
Pumpkin Pancakes
Cereal and fruit
Oatmeal and bananas
Smoothies

Lunches:
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sammies
Tomato Soup
Quesadillas
Beans and Cornbread
Green Salads
Fruit, Veggies, and String Cheese

Dinners:
Monday: Sloppy Joe's
Tuesday: Tacos
Wednesday: Hamburgers
Thursday: (postponing Thanksgiving) Fried Rice, Potstickers
Friday: (Our Thanksgiving) taking: Pumpkin Pie Cake, Hominey Casserole, Cranberry Applesauce, Rolls
Saturday: at my Sister In Law's
Sunday: Pasta E Fagoili

Extras:
Molasses cookies
Soft Pumpkin cookies
Garlic Hummus
Chocolate Chip cookie Dough Fudge

Projects I'm working on this week:
Finish Thank You cards
Read 1 book
Paint Christmas ornaments
Scrap 4th of July photos

Posts coming up this week:

BET YOU CAN'T WAIT TO SEE!

SURPRISE!

Lee's To Do List

2011-11-20T07:50:00.000-08:00

Homemade Bread Recipe Round-Up

A Steaming Cup of Cake

Reusable Snack Bag

Tile Transfer Art

Crockpot Pear Sauce

Homemade Baby Body Wash

An INFP Goes to Church

Great Deals and Giveaways

2011-11-19T09:27:00.000-08:00

There's some great deals and giveaways going on right now. Check them out quick!

*Life in a Shoe is giving away a gift certificate to New Creation Apparel. They have some beautiful skirts I'd love to purchase. Which is your favorite?

*Today is the last day to save an extra 20% at Vision Forum. Just inter the code ALLEXTRA20 at checkout and receive $5 flat shipping as well.

*Beauty and Bedlam is giving away a $100 gift certificate to Dayspring. They have some great items on sale and clearance. Check it out!

Gratitude Printable and Banner

2011-11-17T22:46:00.000-08:00

Just found this Gratitude Printable and Banner,

and had to share.

Enjoy!

Chore Training

2011-11-17T21:05:00.000-08:00

At the age of 6 and nearly 4, my children are growing fast. And it just recently became apparently to me that they're capable of much more than I give them credit for. It's funny how I hear stories of things they're doing at school or other people's houses and realize that they could be doing the same things at home. But from day to day, they're just my babies.

But when you're just getting started, how do you get from babies to helpers? We can't just hand them the broom and hope for the best. We'll just be frustrating ourselves and setting our children up for failure. So how do we get started?

We have a pattern in ministry that applies the same in our house: I do, you watch; I do, you help; You do, I help; You do, I watch. Let's break it down.

*I do, you watch-- When my kids are first introduced to a new chore, I don't expect them to have any clue what I'm asking of them. And they don't. You'd be amazed at some of the questions they ask if given the chance. They have no idea where to start. So I'll take them aside and we'll go through it, step by step, sometimes half-step by half-step.

*I do, you help-- The next step is to go through the chore again with my child, having them help me where they can. This brings up more questions. Sometimes I remember details I had forgotten before and it's a new training again.

*You do, I help-- Then I'll ask the kids to complete a chore and I'll stay alongside them in case they need any help. Sometimes they need a little reminder of where the spray is kept or how much food to give the cat. And I'm close by helping to make sure they're learning.

*You do, I watch-- Finally, the kids take charge of their own chores. Oh, I'm still close by to answer questions, but this time, I might be in the kitchen getting supper ready or helping a younger kid make their bed. This is the step where they really take ownership of the chore.

A few things to keep in mind as you embark on this journey:
*Be encouraging. Encouragement will go a long way in seeing the end result.
*Remember to work alongside your kids in the training period.
*Kid work won't produce adult results. Understand that your children are still children and it won't look like you did the job. But that's ok. Keep at it, be encouraging, and one day you will have worked yourself out of a job.
*Inspect what you expect. After your child has completed a chore, make sure you check the results. It is kid work, but it shouldn't be half-done.

What about you? How are you implementing chores in your home?

Seven Wonders of My World

2011-11-17T11:11:00.000-08:00

The Seven Wonders of My World:

A Ukrainian Sunset

The Joy of Mud

A Little Orphan's Smile

The Catacombs

St. Stephans Dom

Sawyer's Glacier

Our Sacramento Youth Group

And the bonus eighth:

My kids, of course!

*Linked to Writer's Workshop

Tomato Soup Bar

2011-11-14T20:44:00.000-08:00

Last fall while my husband was working nights, the kids and I started a new tradition for Tomato Soup night. We made a Tomato Soup Bar. What's that? You start by whipping up a batch of your favorite tomato soup. And then you serve with it a full array of tasty toppings. Pictured here, we have cheddar cheese and crispy goldfish crackers. Some other favorites have included fresh Parmesan, soda crackers, and scallions. Other ideas would be:

Jalapeno peppers (I'm dying to try this one)
feta
sour cream
fresh basil
croutons
crunchy onions
avocado
roasted garlic
popcorn
toasted biscotti

I hope you'll enjoy this quick, fun dinner as much as we do. Happy Soup Season!

*Linked to Weekend Bloggy Reading

Monday Muddle

2011-11-14T14:34:00.000-08:00

Hi guys,
How was your weekend? Where you able to rest and relax? Or did you find yourself getting lots of projects done?

My two little ones had a three day weekend since Friday was Veteran's Day so it feels like our weekend started forever ago. We spent Friday running around and doing the stuff the kids always want to do: putting together puzzles, reading books, and going to the local museum. They've been asking to go there for awhile so it was fun for us all to check out the exhibits together.

I spent part of the weekend cleaning out the deep freeze so Friday night was cooked a big turkey dinner. I love how yummy the whole house smells when there's a turkey in the oven. And I especially love all the meat we get off afterwards for enchiladas, soups, and casseroles. Definitely one of my biggest money savers on meat.

The rest of the weekend was typical family stuff. We tried to get a family picture on Sunday after church, but with two little kids, I'm sure you can guess how that went. Every shot great, except of a tongue sticking out here or a set of closed eyes there. This is my favorite:

What do you think? Stick with it or try again?

We have a little friend staying with us for a few days so I'm getting a taste of being Mama to Three. We'll see how it goes. :-) Off and running for now. Gymnastics and Discipleship Group tonight so have tons to do. How was your weekend?

Our Menu this week:
Breakfasts:
Pumpkin Crunch Muffins
Oatmeal and fruit
Granola
Smoothies and toast
Baked Oatmeal

Lunches:
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sammies
Cinnamon Apple Wraps
Turkey Quesadillas
Leftovers
Green salads
Veggies, fruit, and dips

Dinners:
Monday: Turkey and Rice soup
Tuesday: Tortellini and green salad
Wednesday: Taco salad
Thursday: Grilled cheese sammies, tomato soup
Friday: homemade pizza
Saturday: Shepard's pie
Sunday: meeting, kids at sitter's

Projects I'm working on this week:
Scrap 4 pages
Read one book
Finish canning apples
2 backdrops for party games
Make Thank You cards with Noah

Living Close To God When You're Not Good At It {Review}

2011-11-14T14:33:00.000-08:00

Living Close To God When You're Not Good At It follows the journey author Gene Edwards took in searching the face of God. A young Edwards rose quickly to fame as a well-known author and pastor, only to turn around one day and realize he didn't know God himself. It was in this moment that he knew he had to pursue a personal relationship with the Creator or risk loosing his passion for the kingdom. But where to begin?

Edwards begins to seek out God beyond the basics of Bible reading and prayer, and desires to move his search into the moment by moment of his life. Although he values reading and prayer, he makes mention several times that it just wasn't enough. It left him dry and restless. There had to be more for a common man.

While the book does go on to offer several practical tips in searching out God, I found it be very repetitive. Edwards mentions repeatedly what a common man he is, almost as if the convince the reader of the practically of his methods. He also notes repeatedly that the information he sought out before was written by people who were more spiritual than him and that he's writing this book for the spiritually inept. But the sad truth is that he gets so caught up in sweeping statements that he lost this reader.

Certainly there were nuggets of truth in this book. Suggestions that offered some redeeming take away. However, the book as a whole was full of generalizations and repetition. I quickly lost interest. Sorry, Edwards. You're going to have to go back to the drafts on this one.

*Disclaimer: I was provided with a free copy of this book for review. All opinions are mine.

Lee's To Do List

2011-11-13T07:26:00.000-08:00

I'm getting ready to change the "Resources I'm Currently Lovin'" section on the home page. But there's some great resources here so I want to bookmark them for you so you don't miss out. Enjoy!

Booster Seat Cushion Tutorial

Peanut Butter + Chocolate = Love

Spinach Artichoke Hummus

Velcro Catch Game

Washer Necklace

Thanksgiving Decor Round-Up

2011-11-08T20:48:00.000-08:00

Subway Art Printables

Thanksgiving Table

Creamy Pumpkin Centerpiece

Inexpensive Candle Holders

Basket Lanterns

Chalkboard Placemats

Get Your Pie On Printable

Monday Muddle

2011-11-07T16:10:00.000-08:00

Hey guys,

How was your weekend? I feel like I've been so disconnected this week. Took a week off to rest my brain from 31 Days of Savoring and feel lost in getting back into routine. Our weekend was just a lot of catching up on household chores: getting the roses ready for the winter, canning apples, car maintenance, etc. Nothing super exciting. And just resting with the family.

As some of you know, my uncle went into the hospital about a month ago after suffering a stroke. He ended up in the hospital where we live. During the time he was there, we had my mom and grandma staying with us. For one month, it was constant movement in our house. Not only were we keeping up with the day to day responsibilities of parenting, but also opening our home to any and all family who needed a place to eat, do laundry, or just rest. Just a day after I decided to put down the blog for a week, we learned that our time with Larry was to be extremely limited. Surrounded by love and 20 family members, we sadly said good-bye to my uncle last Thursday. Needless to say the past week has been nothing but a blur.

Although I dearly miss writing and interacting with you all, our lives just aren't the same right now. My plan is return to writing this week, however, it will certainly be at an abbreviated schedule. I pray that you understand where we're at in our journey.

Our Menu This Week:
Breakfasts:
Pumpkin Crunch Muffins
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
Oatmeal and fruit
Cereal and fruit

Lunches:
Peanut butter and jelly sammies
String cheese, fruit, sugar snap peas
Green salads with salmon

Dinners:
Monday: Venison stroganoff and salad
Tuesday: Korean beef soft tacos
Wednesday: Spinach Calazone
Thursday:
Friday: Turkey, mashed potatoes, salad
Saturday: White Turkey Chili
Sunday: Homemade Pizza

Extras:
Soft Pumpkin cookies

Projects I'm working on this week:
Strawberry Shortcake invitations
Strawberry Shortcake favors
Cut and label photos
Scrap 4 pages

Lee's To Do List

2011-11-06T09:59:00.000-08:00

It's the First Sunday of the month and I can't wait to share some great party ideas with you! Hope you enjoy!

Winter Wonderland Bridal Shower

Kids' Candy Coated Christmas Party

DIY Christmas Party Invitations

Circus Clown 1st Birthday Party

Army Birthday Party

Pumpkin Pie Scones

31 Days of Savoring: Monday Muddle

2011-10-31T14:57:00.000-07:00

HI!

How was everyone's weekend? I can't believe how quickly October flew by. We just got out pumpkins carved a few days ago and I've been running around today laying out costumes. Thanksgiving will be here before we know it.

Our weekend was fun. The local library hosted a "Day of Literacy" with several agencies in town. The kids got to play games and make crafts all centered around literacy and their favorite characters. Plus we got to come home with books. I love it. A local gym sponsored the "Book Walk." When the music stopped, an activity (sit-ups, push-ups, squats, etc) was pulled from the hat. Everyone did that activity and if your child was on the circle, they got to pick out a new book. My kids are all about new books so this was a highlight for them as well.

Yesterday was my birthday. So we went out to dinner with my mom and grandma and picked up a Marie Callendar's pie. Double Cream Blueberry... Yummy! It's pie month at Marie Callendar's (ends tonight) and it was almost too hard to choose. We might have to go back after Trick or Treating tonight.

October was full of it's own ups and downs. Had I known where this month would take me, I wouldn't have taken on the 31 Days challenge. My uncle ended up in the hospital on the 5th and hasn't come out yet. We've been hosting my mom and grandma while they've been taking care of him. And our house has seen a huge influx of kids as we've been blessed to help several families in our community. All in all, I'm a little tired. But with everything's that's happened (and this challenge), I've been forced, and blessed, to SAVOR the days.

Our menu this week:

Breakfasts:

Yogurt and fruit

Granola and milk

Pumpkin Bread

Apple Crepes

Lunches:

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Green Salads

Leftovers

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Dinners:

Monday: Pizza and salad

Tuesday: Potato bar and salad

Wednesday: Chicken noodle soup and homemade bread

Thursday: Potluck: Feta dip, baguette, and pumpkin bread

Friday: Turkey, mashed potatoes, salad

Saturday: Spinach Calazone

Sunday: Leftovers

Projects I'm working on this week:

Scrap 4 pages

Pumpkin cookie dough

Clean out deep freeze

Finish 1 book

Post coming up this week:

Please forgive me if I don't post every day this week.

This Writer's Brain needs a break.

I do a have a few things planned, but you'll just have to wait and see what they are.

What are you working on this week?

31 Days of Savoring

2011-10-31T09:42:00.001-07:00

Sorry guys!

Yesterday was my birthday so I spent the day SAVORING!

Hope you had a great weekend!

Winner, Winner!

2011-10-28T21:31:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who entered the Shutterfly Photo Card giveaway! I ran the numbers through Random.org and drew three winners!

Congratulations to ...

#1-Sarann
#3--Amber
#8--Leah Wall

I'll be sending emails to the winners soon.

And Congratulations again!

31 Days of Savoring: Fall Recipes Link-Up

2011-10-28T21:28:00.000-07:00

If you haven't noticed lately, I've been a huge baking mood. This month has been filled with pumpkin, pumpkin, pumpkin. And it just occured to me the other day that this is apple season as well. And I bet I'm not the only one who's been baking. I'm sure you all have plenty of yummy recipes to share as well. So today, we're linking up our yummiest fall treats. From breakfast to savory stews to desserts, let's share all those seasonal flavors we've beens savoring in our kitchen. Here's a few favorites from the Creative2xmom kitchen:

Pumpkin Pancakes

Pumpkin Scones

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies

Pumpkin Spice Lattes

"Healthified" Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Pie Bites

Pumpkin Oatmeal Chip Cookies

Apple Butter

Cranberry Applesauce

Homemade Applesauce

Now it's your turn. I'm so excited to see what you're cooking up this fall. I love exchanging recipes and what better time than the fall. So let's get swapping.

Post your favorite fall recipes and leave a link back to Creative2xmom. I'll be checking in throughout the week so see what we can share. Happy Fall!

*Linked to Weekend Bloggy Reading

31 Days of Savoring: Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

2011-10-28T20:04:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like a warm meal on these crisp fall mornings. In the rush to get to school, I've never been one for cold cereal. Boring, boring! I want pancakes and waffles, oatmeal and granola, or better yet, a homemade donut. Something that tastes of a warm kitchen and autumn flavor. So when I came across this Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal recipe, I quickly bookmarked it and promised to try it soon. With a couple of changes and omissions, we ended up with an easy breakfast.

Now I know what you're thinking... "Oatmeal? Really?" But this oatmeal is wonderful. It's hearty and warm. And tastes like Thanksgiving desert! Best of all, we all gobbled it up!

Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

(adapted from Good Life Eats)

1 1/2 c. oatmeal

2 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar

1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/2 tsp vanilla

2 Tbsp butter, softened

3/4 c. pureed pumpkin

3/4 c. milk

Topping:

1/4 c. almonds, chopped

2 Tbsp butter, softened

1 Tbsp brown sugar

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and spray 9" x 13" pan with nonstick spray.

Combine oatmeal, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside. Combine vanilla, butter, pumpkin, and milk. Slowly add dry mixture until combined. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake for 10 minutes. Meanwhile combine topping ingredients. After 10 min, pull oatmeal from oven and add topping. Return to oven and continue to bake for an additional 7 minutes. Allow to cool for several minutes. Serve with a splash of milk... or a nice big dollop of whipped cream!

*Linked to Weekend Bloggy Reading

31 Days of Savoring: Jumping in the Leaves

2011-10-26T20:43:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't remember jumping in the leaves as a kids? Begging your parents to rake up a huge pile and running full speed, tossing colors into the air. The wind rushing by you and the carefree joy of childhood.

So in my quest to Be a Yes Mom, I wandered out into the backyard yesterday and started casually raking the leaves. Not many, but a nice pile. The kids were playing in the yard and jumping on the trampoline. Until I asked, "Anyone want to jump in the leaves?" You should have seen their faces. This is what happened next:

So whatever is on your To-Do List today, how can you make memories with your children?

Embrace the season.

Go Jump In The Leaves!

31 Days of Savoring: Your Marriage

2011-10-25T21:42:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of Savoring Your Marriage, here's a few simple ideas you can do today:

*Pray for your husband. The Lord can help him in ways you never could.

(I'm hoping to put together a post on this in the future).

*Call him in the middle of the day just because.

*Leave him a note in the car to find on the way to work.

*Greet him with a kiss when he comes home.

*Hold hands.

*Dress for him. Even if that just means throwing on some jeans instead of those baggy sweatpants.

*Prioritize your time with him. Don't leave him with the scraps at the end of the day.

*Be a good listener.

*Praise him in public.

*Think of him when planning your schedule, menus, etc.

*Appreciate and verbally thank him for all he does for your family.

*Be his biggest cheerleader. Even when you don't agree, cheer on his dreams.

How are you Savoring Your Marriage today?

*Linked to Weekend Bloggy Reading

The Christmas Note {Review}

2011-10-25T12:16:00.001-07:00

Gretchen lives with the pain only a military wife can understand to. Raising two children, looking for a new job, and relocating, she finds herself in the loneliest place she's ever known. But when a mysterious stranger knocks on her door with a heartbreaking message for Melissa, her neighbor, she finds embarks on an unexpected journey of friendship.

Melissa, the stand-offish neighbor, carries her own painful past. When Gretchen delivers the bad news, Melissa is determined to not let it rock the life she's struggling through. If only that pesky neighbor would leave her alone.

Eventually Gretchen and Melissa find a friend in each other and a community of support to see them through the twists and turns of the upcoming months. VanLiere takes her readers on a path of seeing joy as a choice, life as an adventure, and a God who's big enough to hold us even when we don't know it. What would seem to be coincidence enfolds into God's loving embrace for both of these women.

Donna VanLiere thoughtfully draws out her character's emotions and motives, making their full and relatable. The plot has moments of predictability, and moments of stunning revelation. If you're looking for a quick read for the holiday season, you've found it!

*Disclaimer: BookSneeze provided this book free of charge for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

31 Days of Savoring: Time with our Kids

2011-10-24T21:16:00.000-07:00

In today's fast paced society, we can never take enough time to savor our relationships. And as parents, we know this to be even more true with our children. We're warned over and over again that the years pass quickly. But with dishes to be done, homework to be checked, and rules to be enforced, the savoring sometimes gets pushed to the side. So let's take today to savor time with our kids. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

*Reading--Our family loves reading. Between Barnes and Noble, book sales, and our weekly trips to the library, there's no telling how many books have come in and out of this house. Our family place to read is on our couch, right in the heart of our home. Reading opens doors of conversation. It's a time to be still and open our hearts. Besides library books, we're often in the middle of a classic chapter book and reading the Bible as well. It's a rich time of learning and meditating on God's word.

*Art Projects--Coloring, markers, stamps, paint... my kids love it all. But what's even more important to them is having Mommy or Daddy sit down and enjoy with them. My kids' eyes light up when I make creative Play-doh creature with them. Or when Daddy gets into the finger paints. Art is soothing and opens up many doors of conversation. And through some crayons and glitter, we begin to discover how our kids see the world.

*Baking--Kids love being in the kitchen. Let's be honest: don't we all? There's something about the kitchen that invites conversation. It's a place of warm, comfort, good memories, and great food. And with kids... big messes. Measuring, reading a recipe, sharing this moment are all elements that collide while being in the kitchen together.

*Working together--I often receive resistance when I tell my kids that we're going to do a household project together. However, it doesn't take long before they're right in there, laughing even, as we work together. Working outside in the yard has been especially fruitful in building special memories together. Weeding, planting, pruning, and yard work have all been opportunities to learn and grow together.

*Board games--We love board games as a family. There are few things better than playing a few rounds of Candyland or fighting it out for the highest score in Yhatzee. Board games build on strategy, math skills, and being both a gracious winner and loser. It's also a great way to bond as a family, especially through the ups and downs of games like Monopoly.

*Focusing on their interests--This is something I'm not so great at. Sitting down to do Legos is hard when in the back of my mind, I'm picturing the laundry to be folded. But focusing on my child's interest builds in their worth. Mommy's priorities may be different than theirs, but there is value in play. How often have I expressed to my children that their interests have value as well?

How will you take time to Savor being with your kids today?

*Linked to Weekend Bloggy Reading

31 Days of Savoring: Monday Muddle

2011-10-24T13:12:00.001-07:00

It's Monday! And from where I sit, the weekend went by much too fast. I'm still wrapping my mind around all that we did this weekend and fighting off a head cold. Friday night we had two of the kids' friends over. I had to work at a school fundraiser, so my husband was home with them earlier in the evening. Then when I got back, we made popcorn and had family movie night. The two older boys slept in the living room, staying up late and telling secrets. It always amazes me who they can easily outlast my husband and I.

We headed out to the pumpkin patch on Saturday with my mom and grandma. Bounce house, face painting, petting zoo, and treats where on order. My kids are so funny. They were dying to get into the petting zoo, but once we got there, they froze. I mean, walked through the gate and literally didn't move. Hilarious! We had to coax them to even go near a sleeping pig. After that we picked up a pumpkin to make pie (since we already have 4 carving pumpkins) and had some In 'N' Out.

Noah attended a birthday party and sleep over that night. I couldn't relax the whole time he was gone. Although we completely trust the family he was with, I kept thinking about what could go wrong and hoping I wouldn't get a call in the middle of the night to come pick him up. Isn't that just hope a mother's mind works? Always need a break, but when you get one, you can't stop worrying about your kids.

Anyways... here's our menu for the week:

Dinners:

Monday: Crockpot Stroganoff

Tuesday: DATE NIGHT!

Wednesday: Veggie Sammies

Thursday: Tacos

Friday: Pasta e Fagoili

Saturday: ???

Sunday: Dinner out!

Projects I'm working on this week:

Canning apples

Finishing June photos

Pumpkin cookie dough for the freezer

Posts coming up this week:

Savoring time with the kids

Savoring your marriage

Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

and more...

Also this week... a LINK-UP!

Come back Saturday to link up your favorite fall recipe! What do you SAVOR this time of year???

31 Days of Savoring

2011-10-23T04:26:00.000-07:00

Toddler Bag Handle

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Free Cloth Diaper Sewing Patterns

Tiramisu Cupcakes

Q&A for Mission-Minded Families: Motherhood

31 Days of Savoring: Pumpkin Scones

2011-10-21T23:24:00.000-07:00

Savoring Pumpkin Scones

I love this fall season for baking. It's like the whole world breathes a sigh of relief after a hot sweltering summer. The crockpot starts up again and stews are brewing. And pumpkin... all the world is orange and bright. The warm smell of vanilla and cinnamon fills my house. In the spirit of fall, we tried these pumpkin scones this week. Too moist to be scones... too dense to be muffins... I'm not sure what to call them. But yummy... absolutely!

Pumpkin Scones

1 1/2 Tbsp butter
3/4 c sugar
1 egg
1 c. pumpkin puree
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 c. flour
non-stick spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugar.

Add egg, pumpkin, vanilla, and spice.

Add flour and mix.

Spray muffin tin and add batter.

Bake for 18-20 minutes and serve warm with honey butter.

*Linked to Weekend Bloggy Reading and these Parties.
Oh, and make sure you've baked an extra batch for everyone else. :-)

I Love You, Head to Toe {Review}

2011-10-21T15:53:00.000-07:00

Since I found Dayspring earlier this year, I've been delighted with their products. Personal and God focused, this company is built on products that I have loved and enjoyed again and again. So when I had the opportunity to review their recordable storybooks, I quickly jumped at the chance.

I Love You, Head to Toe is a touching story of how deeply we love. With bright, vivid pictures and rhyming verse, this book is perfect for the child in your life all the way from birth on up. The recording mechanism was easy to use. Just a few minutes and I had the message recorded. Plus the feedback was clear, my biggest worry in receiving this book.

Just in time for the holidays, I Love You, Head to Toe would make a perfect gift. From a grandparent far away... from an auntie wishing to visit... from a daddy who has to work nights... reading a book can bring you together, even when you're not together.

Check out these other titles from Dayspring as well: God's Christmas Promise, All Day Long with Jesus, and Bedtime Prayers and Promise.

31 Days of Savoring: Love from Far Away

2011-10-20T22:03:00.000-07:00

In this season of savoring before the holidays, I wanted to share with you one tool that has made life simpler. Shutterfly, known for their great prints and photo books, also offers a wide range of Christmas cards. I've used their service for the past two years and have received beautiful cards to send to family and friends. The photos came out very clear and the paper quality was phemominal. With all the choices out there, Shutterfly really stands alone. I can honestly say I have been "over the top" happy with thus product.

These are just a few of the styles I'm looking at for this year:

With over 900 styles to choose from, I'm having a hard time narrowing it down. I just love sending pictures to family far away and Christmas cards are a special way to share the love. Shutterfly also has a wide variety of greeting cards, photo greeting cards, and photo books for Christmas gifts or year round.

Too busy to send Christmas cards? Why not send them at New Years? Or share the love at Valentine's day? There are so many reasons to send Love from Far Away.

And guess what? I'm giving away sets of 25 Christmas cards to THREE lucky winners! Yes, THREE OF YOU will get to send Christmas cards this year for FREE! Wanna know how to win?

All you have to do is go over to Shutterfly's Christmas card selection and tell me what style you'd love to send out this year. It's that simple!

Want additional entries?
*Follow Creative2xmom through Google Friends
*Follow Creative2xmom on Facebook
*Tweet, blog or share this post on facebook and leave me the link (may do each one time)

Leave me a separate comment for each form of entry. Entries will close next Thurs at midnight (10/27) and I'll announce the winner next Friday (10/28).

And good luck to everyone who enters!

*“Do you blog? Want a chance at 25 free cards this holiday season? Register here: http://goo.gl/DDw7Q”
**Disclaimer: Shutterfly is supplying me with free holiday cards for writing this post. All opinions are mine.
*Linked to Weekend Bloggy Reading and these Parties.