So, have you heard the good news yet? We're moving! We have found our "forever home" as one person called it, and I loved it, so I'm stealing it now (Thanks, Tina!) The last two times I moved, I didn't have to be out in one day, so this should be very interesting...
Packing is hard enough, but I am not used to packing up a house while having the day-to-day activities of 2 school-age children and a toddler. I am a stay-at-home mom, so packing up toys could prove difficult. Also, the day before our settlements (one settlement for selling, and one settlement for buying), the older kids still have school and homework, plus my daughter has play practice that night. I am quite interested to see how smooth this whole process goes. I know many people do it every day, but that is them, and I am me! :)
I've asked friends and family for packing tips. I've gotten everything from where to get good boxes, to suggestions of joining the military so someone else takes care of everything! LOL!! I am still trying to wrap my head around the fact that we have 7 weeks to pack up a house with a family of 5 in it. I've packed about 15 boxes so far, and it doesn't look like there is any change. I am hoping that we can do quite a bit this weekend, at least enough to make me think that this is actually able to be done.
I am trying to focus on the "one day at a time" way of thinking instead of the big picture, and I do pretty well during the day....until nighttime comes. At night, when I SHOULD be falling asleep, my mind wanders to how much actually has to be done in just 7 weeks! I know as the time ticks on, my mind will go to these stressful thoughts more and more, but I just need to keep reminding myself that God doesn't ever give us more than we can handle, and that includes this move.
The good part is that at the end of this, my family and I will have a wonderful home where we can relax. So, while the next 7 weeks may be stressful, and I may wonder at times why we got ourselves into this - the end result is SO worth it!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
"I Believe"
"I Believe"
By: Jane Daugherty
I believe in children's laughter, the sweet perfume of a newborn baby's skin and that every child is entitled to happiness, decent housing, health care, proper nutrition and good education.
I believe that our schools should be places of discovery and growth, not of danger, that teachers should be paid more than lawyers and that parenting should be a required course in every high school.
I believe that "quality time" is a phony notion that cannot substitute for substantial time spent with our children.
I believe that baseball and other children's games can be magical and should be wrestled from screaming, competitive coaches and returned to play.
I believe that childhood should be a time of sand castles and celebration and that the defense of innocence is as important as the defense of our borders.
And I believe that our most urgent mission should be putting the needs of our children first.
By: Jane Daugherty
I believe in children's laughter, the sweet perfume of a newborn baby's skin and that every child is entitled to happiness, decent housing, health care, proper nutrition and good education.
I believe that our schools should be places of discovery and growth, not of danger, that teachers should be paid more than lawyers and that parenting should be a required course in every high school.
I believe that "quality time" is a phony notion that cannot substitute for substantial time spent with our children.
I believe that baseball and other children's games can be magical and should be wrestled from screaming, competitive coaches and returned to play.
I believe that childhood should be a time of sand castles and celebration and that the defense of innocence is as important as the defense of our borders.
And I believe that our most urgent mission should be putting the needs of our children first.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Cheesy Volcano Meatball Sandwich
This is a great recipe I am going to try for the Super Bowl this Sunday. The Super Bowl, to me, is all about great food, great friends, and great food....oh, and I guess great football, too! This is food and fun all in one! It's a recipe the kids can help with, too! (They'll love pushing the cheese cubes into the meatballs!)
Ingredients:
1 lb. lean ground beef
6 Ritz crackers, finely crushed
1/4 C parmesan cheese
3/4 C spaghetti sauce, divided
12 cheddar cheese cubes
hot dog buns, split
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400*F. Mix meat, cracker crumbs, parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of the spaghetti sauce in a bowl. Shape into 12 meatballs, using about 2 Tbsp. meat mixture for each.
2. Place 2 inches apart in shallow baking pan sprayed with cooking spray. Press 1 cheese cube deeply into the center of each meatball.
3. Bake 14 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through. Meanwhile, microwave remaining 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce in microwaveable bowl on HIGH for 30 seconds.
4. Spoon sauce evenly onto hotdog buns. Fill each with 3 meatballs.
Makes 4 servings, 1 sandwich each.
Ingredients:
1 lb. lean ground beef
6 Ritz crackers, finely crushed
1/4 C parmesan cheese
3/4 C spaghetti sauce, divided
12 cheddar cheese cubes
hot dog buns, split
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400*F. Mix meat, cracker crumbs, parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of the spaghetti sauce in a bowl. Shape into 12 meatballs, using about 2 Tbsp. meat mixture for each.
2. Place 2 inches apart in shallow baking pan sprayed with cooking spray. Press 1 cheese cube deeply into the center of each meatball.
3. Bake 14 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through. Meanwhile, microwave remaining 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce in microwaveable bowl on HIGH for 30 seconds.
4. Spoon sauce evenly onto hotdog buns. Fill each with 3 meatballs.
Makes 4 servings, 1 sandwich each.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Examiner Article:
Use Flowers of Eden for Your Valentine Gifts
Flower's of Eden is a local floral shop in Douglassville, PA. The above link will take you to the article I wrote about them for Examiner.com.
Thank you!
Flower's of Eden is a local floral shop in Douglassville, PA. The above link will take you to the article I wrote about them for Examiner.com.
Thank you!
Humor for the Day - Pun Intended
Need a smile? Read these funny puns. You'll be smiling in no time.
1. A woman ran into a doctor's office, yelling, "Doctor, I'm shrinking!" The doctor replied, "Now calm down, you'll just have to be a little patient."
2. A thief broke into the police station and stole all the toilets and urinals, leaving no evidence behind. A spokesperson for the police offered this public statement, "We have nothing to go on."
3. There were three Indian squaws. One slept on deer skin, one slept on elk skin, and the third slept on hippopotomus skin. All three became pregnant. The first two each had a baby boy. The one who slept on the hippotomus skin had twin boys. This just goes to show that the squaw of hippopotomus is equal to the sons of the squaws of the other two hides.
4. A man entered a local pun contest. He entered ten different puns, in order to increase his chances in winning. Unfortunately, no pun in ten did.
5. Mahatma Ghandi, as you know, walked barefoot most of the time, which produced an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate very little, which made him frail, and with his odd diet, he suffered from bad breath. This made him...a super callused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis!
I hope those made you smile. :)
1. A woman ran into a doctor's office, yelling, "Doctor, I'm shrinking!" The doctor replied, "Now calm down, you'll just have to be a little patient."
2. A thief broke into the police station and stole all the toilets and urinals, leaving no evidence behind. A spokesperson for the police offered this public statement, "We have nothing to go on."
3. There were three Indian squaws. One slept on deer skin, one slept on elk skin, and the third slept on hippopotomus skin. All three became pregnant. The first two each had a baby boy. The one who slept on the hippotomus skin had twin boys. This just goes to show that the squaw of hippopotomus is equal to the sons of the squaws of the other two hides.
4. A man entered a local pun contest. He entered ten different puns, in order to increase his chances in winning. Unfortunately, no pun in ten did.
5. Mahatma Ghandi, as you know, walked barefoot most of the time, which produced an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate very little, which made him frail, and with his odd diet, he suffered from bad breath. This made him...a super callused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis!
I hope those made you smile. :)
Italian Broccoli & Pasta
Italian Broccoli and Pasta
Servings: 4
Cost per Serving: $0.88
Time: Preparation - 10 minutes, Cooking - 15 minutes
Ingredients:
2 C. fettucini noodles
3 Tbsp. chopped scallions
2 C. broccoli florets
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 can (14.5 oz.) stewed tomatoes
2 tsp. grated parmesan cheese
Directions:
1. Cook noodles according to package directions.
2. Spray a skillet with non-stick cooking spray and saute scallions and broccoli for 3 minutes over medium heat.
3. Add the thyme, oregano, pepper, and stewed tomatoes, and simmer until heated through.
4. Spoon vegetable mixture over noodles and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Serve.
Servings: 4
Cost per Serving: $0.88
Time: Preparation - 10 minutes, Cooking - 15 minutes
Ingredients:
2 C. fettucini noodles
3 Tbsp. chopped scallions
2 C. broccoli florets
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 can (14.5 oz.) stewed tomatoes
2 tsp. grated parmesan cheese
Directions:
1. Cook noodles according to package directions.
2. Spray a skillet with non-stick cooking spray and saute scallions and broccoli for 3 minutes over medium heat.
3. Add the thyme, oregano, pepper, and stewed tomatoes, and simmer until heated through.
4. Spoon vegetable mixture over noodles and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Serve.
Healthy Eating on a Budget
It is a common misconception that if you are on a budget, you can't eat as healthy. Sure, fresh fruits and vegetables can cost a lot, and there are rarely coupons for them, but there are ways to get around this, and still eat healthy.
1. Buy fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season. The prices will be cheaper this way, and if you are not going to use them immediately, you can always pick out a few that still need some time to ripen.
2. If you make stews and soups, you can use less meat, which can be pricey, and store-brand frozen vegetables work just great.
3. Buying in bulk is cheaper, so if you have the freezer space, this is the way to go. You can save time, too, by preparing the same meal in bulk - make one casserole for dinner this week, but double the recipe so you have 2 casseroles. Freeze one to use at a later time.
4. Learn what foods are less expensive all the time. Beans, potatoes, carrots, bananas, and apples are usually low in price year-round. Add in the produce that is in season right now, and you've got a healthy variety of lower cost foods.
5. Plan your meals for the week or for two weeks at a time. In doing this, not only will it make preparation easier for you because you will already know what you are having that day, but you can plan on using leftover chicken from one night's dinner to make chicken salad for the next day's lunch, or left over meatloaf can be crumbled over a salad to turn it into a taco salad.
6. Making things from scratch is almost always more cost efficient than buying it already made at the store. If you can, plan to cut up your own vegetables, make your own oatmeal, etc. Some meals take longer to make (like lasagna), but they are a whole lot cheaper making them yourself. This is a great one to make extra and freeze. Saves money and time.
This week I will be adding some low-cost recipes to my blog, so stay tuned. Have a wonderful day!
1. Buy fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season. The prices will be cheaper this way, and if you are not going to use them immediately, you can always pick out a few that still need some time to ripen.
2. If you make stews and soups, you can use less meat, which can be pricey, and store-brand frozen vegetables work just great.
3. Buying in bulk is cheaper, so if you have the freezer space, this is the way to go. You can save time, too, by preparing the same meal in bulk - make one casserole for dinner this week, but double the recipe so you have 2 casseroles. Freeze one to use at a later time.
4. Learn what foods are less expensive all the time. Beans, potatoes, carrots, bananas, and apples are usually low in price year-round. Add in the produce that is in season right now, and you've got a healthy variety of lower cost foods.
5. Plan your meals for the week or for two weeks at a time. In doing this, not only will it make preparation easier for you because you will already know what you are having that day, but you can plan on using leftover chicken from one night's dinner to make chicken salad for the next day's lunch, or left over meatloaf can be crumbled over a salad to turn it into a taco salad.
6. Making things from scratch is almost always more cost efficient than buying it already made at the store. If you can, plan to cut up your own vegetables, make your own oatmeal, etc. Some meals take longer to make (like lasagna), but they are a whole lot cheaper making them yourself. This is a great one to make extra and freeze. Saves money and time.
This week I will be adding some low-cost recipes to my blog, so stay tuned. Have a wonderful day!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
McDonald's Valentine's Coupon Books!
McDonald's Valentine's Coupon Books
These are a great Valentine for your kids to give away in class, especially since many schools have done away with allowing any kind of treats brought in to the class. I know my kids enjoy giving their classmates Valentine's, but they always like to choose the ones that have pixi-stix or starburst with card to give out to all their classmates. Usually I have to end up buying 2-3 boxes per classroom because there are 10-12 in a box, but 22-25 kids in the class. At $3/box with 2 kids, it gets pretty pricey - almost $15-20 for Valentine's!
Another great way to use these coupons, I would think, would be to use them as rewards - rewards for potty training, payment for doing chores, special treat for doing well on a test, etc. Of course, I, personally, see nothing wrong with using an "incentive" method. If you do not raise your child that way, then feel free to modify this to fit whatever method you choose.
These are a great Valentine for your kids to give away in class, especially since many schools have done away with allowing any kind of treats brought in to the class. I know my kids enjoy giving their classmates Valentine's, but they always like to choose the ones that have pixi-stix or starburst with card to give out to all their classmates. Usually I have to end up buying 2-3 boxes per classroom because there are 10-12 in a box, but 22-25 kids in the class. At $3/box with 2 kids, it gets pretty pricey - almost $15-20 for Valentine's!
These McDonald's coupons are cheap ($1/12), so now I'll only end up spending $4-5 total, my kids can still give out their Valentine's to their classmates, and their classmates can still get a treat. It may not be instant gratification, but they can get a treat (apple dippers, hamburger, ice cream cone, or apple juice) just by going to McDonald's. In my book, this is a win-win-win.
Another great way to use these coupons, I would think, would be to use them as rewards - rewards for potty training, payment for doing chores, special treat for doing well on a test, etc. Of course, I, personally, see nothing wrong with using an "incentive" method. If you do not raise your child that way, then feel free to modify this to fit whatever method you choose.
Headache Relief
Last week I had the worst headache of my life. I am not exaggerating. I would have rather been going through childbirth - and I've had 3 kids, so I know what it's like. The headache finally went away after about a day and a half. At least with childbirth, all the pain is worth it when you see that precious little baby in your arms. The headache, nothing, nada, zero. The happy ending was not having the headache anymore, which was good enough for me.
While I had the headache, some friends offered advice on how to get rid of it, plus I was searching the internet for help. These are the remedies I was told or found:
1. Rub your temples gently.
2. Massage/press the skin between your index finger and thumb.
3. Place a cool washcloth on your neck.
4. Place a cool washcloth on your forehead.
5. Go outside for fresh air.
6. Drink lots of water, in case you're dehydrated.
7. Massage your earlobes.
8. Rest in a dark room with no noise.
9. Eat almonds.
10. Cut a lime in half and rub it against your forehead.
I tried all the things on this list except the last two, only because I did not have any almonds or any limes, otherwise I would have tried them also. Honestly, I think my headache went away because of a combination of a few of these - massaging the area between my thumb and index finger, going outside into the cool air, drinking water, and placing a cool washcloth on my head/neck.
I am thankful my headache went away, thankful for my friends who offered suggestions on ways to clear up my headache, and thankful that my son didn't mind me not playing with him as much that day.
While I had the headache, some friends offered advice on how to get rid of it, plus I was searching the internet for help. These are the remedies I was told or found:
1. Rub your temples gently.
2. Massage/press the skin between your index finger and thumb.
3. Place a cool washcloth on your neck.
4. Place a cool washcloth on your forehead.
5. Go outside for fresh air.
6. Drink lots of water, in case you're dehydrated.
7. Massage your earlobes.
8. Rest in a dark room with no noise.
9. Eat almonds.
10. Cut a lime in half and rub it against your forehead.
I tried all the things on this list except the last two, only because I did not have any almonds or any limes, otherwise I would have tried them also. Honestly, I think my headache went away because of a combination of a few of these - massaging the area between my thumb and index finger, going outside into the cool air, drinking water, and placing a cool washcloth on my head/neck.
I am thankful my headache went away, thankful for my friends who offered suggestions on ways to clear up my headache, and thankful that my son didn't mind me not playing with him as much that day.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These are so good, they taste just like ones ordered in a restaurant. :)
Ingredients (serves 4-5):
6-8 russet potatoes (depending on size)
1 whole garlic bulb
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 C. sour cream
2 Tbsp. butter
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper
fresh chives
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375*. Peel potatoes and cut into even-size pieces. Place in a large pot of lightly salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until cooked through, about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, separate garlic cloves, but do not peel them. Place in a bowl, add olive oil adn toss to coat. Place on baking sheet and roast in oven until softened, about 10 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.
Drain potatoes and return to pot. Mash slightly. Add sour cream and butter. Quickly squeeze pulp from garlic cloves into pot. Add salt and black pepper.
Mash potatoes until combined and smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl. Cut chives into small pieces. Sprinkle over mashed potatoes in bowl. Serve.
(This recipe is taken from Great American Recipes.)
These are so good, they taste just like ones ordered in a restaurant. :)
Ingredients (serves 4-5):
6-8 russet potatoes (depending on size)
1 whole garlic bulb
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 C. sour cream
2 Tbsp. butter
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper
fresh chives
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375*. Peel potatoes and cut into even-size pieces. Place in a large pot of lightly salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until cooked through, about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, separate garlic cloves, but do not peel them. Place in a bowl, add olive oil adn toss to coat. Place on baking sheet and roast in oven until softened, about 10 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.
Drain potatoes and return to pot. Mash slightly. Add sour cream and butter. Quickly squeeze pulp from garlic cloves into pot. Add salt and black pepper.
Mash potatoes until combined and smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl. Cut chives into small pieces. Sprinkle over mashed potatoes in bowl. Serve.
(This recipe is taken from Great American Recipes.)
Cream Cheese - Strawberry Pie
So, Valentine's Day is coming up. Are you doing anything special? I've decided to make a special dessert for my family, and thought maybe someone else might be looking for a fairly easy and delicious recipe, too. So, here ya go...
Ingredients:
1 prebaked 9" pastry shell
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/2 Cup powdered sugar
1 box fresh strawberries
1/4 Cup water
2/3 Cup granulated sugar
4 tsp. cornstarch
Whipped cream
1. Use a store-bought pastry shell (easiest) or prepare and bake your own according to your own recipe. Cool.
2. Blend cream cheese and powdered sugar. Spread in bottom of pastry shell.
3. Rinse berries, hull and sort, reserving the largest and best berries. Crush enough remaining berries to make 1 cup.
4. In small saucepan, mix water, granulated sugar and cornstarch. Add crushed berries. Bring to a boil. Cook for 2 minutes or until thick and clear. Cool.
5. Press whole berries, tips up, into cream cheese. Spoon cooled strawberry mixture evenly over berries.
6. Chill for 3-4 hours.
7. When ready to serve, top pie with whipped cream.
Ingredients:
1 prebaked 9" pastry shell
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/2 Cup powdered sugar
1 box fresh strawberries
1/4 Cup water
2/3 Cup granulated sugar
4 tsp. cornstarch
Whipped cream
1. Use a store-bought pastry shell (easiest) or prepare and bake your own according to your own recipe. Cool.
2. Blend cream cheese and powdered sugar. Spread in bottom of pastry shell.
3. Rinse berries, hull and sort, reserving the largest and best berries. Crush enough remaining berries to make 1 cup.
4. In small saucepan, mix water, granulated sugar and cornstarch. Add crushed berries. Bring to a boil. Cook for 2 minutes or until thick and clear. Cool.
5. Press whole berries, tips up, into cream cheese. Spoon cooled strawberry mixture evenly over berries.
6. Chill for 3-4 hours.
7. When ready to serve, top pie with whipped cream.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Snow, Beautiful Snow
I am not a cold-weather kind of person. I'd much prefer a warm sunny day to a cold one, yet I loved this weekend's snow...shoveling the driveway, helping my kids in and out of their snow boots, building a snowman, watching my kids go sledding, watching my husband push the kids to get them to go fast while sledding...it all made for a fantastic weekend.
I think we all need a weekend like this once in awhile, where the running around halts, activities are cancelled, and we are all "stuck" hanging out together. Now, our family spends time together on a fairly regular basis. We have movie nights and game nights. We read together and take daytrips. But there are other times when I feel that even though we all live in the same house, we aren't ever together for more than a few minutes.
So, while I may complain about the cold weather and look forward to the sunshiny days of summer, I'm thankful for the do-nothing weekend we just had, and all the family-time that came with it.
"An aged Christian, with the snow of time upon his head, may remind us that those points of earth are whitest which are nearest to heaven." ~ Edwin Hubbel Chapin
I think we all need a weekend like this once in awhile, where the running around halts, activities are cancelled, and we are all "stuck" hanging out together. Now, our family spends time together on a fairly regular basis. We have movie nights and game nights. We read together and take daytrips. But there are other times when I feel that even though we all live in the same house, we aren't ever together for more than a few minutes.
So, while I may complain about the cold weather and look forward to the sunshiny days of summer, I'm thankful for the do-nothing weekend we just had, and all the family-time that came with it.
"An aged Christian, with the snow of time upon his head, may remind us that those points of earth are whitest which are nearest to heaven." ~ Edwin Hubbel Chapin
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Homemade Puffy Paint
I found the recipe for this online. It's cheap, easy to make, and B loved it!! To make it, you'll need an empty squeeze bottle (I used one from dishwashing liquid). Mix equal parts of salt and self-rising flour. Then add enough water to make the consistency of pancake batter. Try to mix enough to get out most of the lumps so they don't clog the top of the squeeze bottle. Then, let the creativity flow (no pun intended!).
I cut out hearts and snowflakes from construction paper and let B drip the pain on to the cut-outs. Older children could make designs with the paint on a card. My suggestion is to use paper a little thicker, like cardstock. The construction paper is a little thin to hold the weight of the paint.
The best part of this is that is drys SO quickly!! After your little artists are finished with their creations, pop the artwork in the microwave for 30 seconds. It puffs up when it "cooks" and comes out dry. Be careful though, as it is a little hot taking it out of the microwave, but it cools very quickly. B loved to feel the puffiness of his creation when it was all done.
I cut out hearts and snowflakes from construction paper and let B drip the pain on to the cut-outs. Older children could make designs with the paint on a card. My suggestion is to use paper a little thicker, like cardstock. The construction paper is a little thin to hold the weight of the paint.
The best part of this is that is drys SO quickly!! After your little artists are finished with their creations, pop the artwork in the microwave for 30 seconds. It puffs up when it "cooks" and comes out dry. Be careful though, as it is a little hot taking it out of the microwave, but it cools very quickly. B loved to feel the puffiness of his creation when it was all done.
The List Queen
I am The List Queen. That's a self-appointed title. I make lists for everything from the common, to the uncommon. Some of the lists I make are:
Grocery list - this is an ongoing, hardly ever empty, list that hangs on the refrigerator. My family knows that when they use the last of something, they are supposed to write it on this list. The key word is "supposed". We had an incident last week where someone forgot to write ketchup on the list. I thought we had one more bottle, so when I went to get it, I was surprised to find none. Well, if you know my husband and sons, you know that ketchup qualifies as it's own food group, so not having it was very unpleasant.
To-do list - I have to make myself a list each day if I really want to be productive. I love the sense of accomplishment I get from crossing off those items.Bathrooms, Dusting, Wash the Kitchen Floor...I just love seeing those things get crossed off! I also love to see how much I really can accomplish in a day, if I don't procrastinate.
Packing list - for vacations, I have lists of EVERYTHING we need to pack. The only stuff not included on the list is my husband's stuff. I list everything and pack everything for 4 people, and he is old enough to know what he needs. (However, things like bathing suit, flip-flops, sunglasses and cell phone charger I do tend to check to make sure he remembered.)
Food list - for holidays or get-togethers. On top of that, I learned a trick from my mom: write each item you're serving on a slip of paper and put it on/in the dish you will be using for it. It saves time when you're putting out the food, because you already know what is going on what platter. Plus, with a list and the platters already labeled, it's almost impossible to forget something you were planning on serving.
Book list - this is actually 2 separate lists. I have one list of the books I have read, so I don't duplicate when I go to the library. I also have a list of the books I want to read. Both lists stay in my purse, so I have them if I am at the library, run in to a bookstore, or whatever.
Things I want to do - I don't want to call it a "Bucket List" because, even though I know I will die someday, really don't think I need to focus on it. So, my list is just things I would like to do at some point in nmy life. I am continuously adding and updating this list. One thing on my list is to visit all 50 states, so I actually have a sub-list for that, so I can mark off the states I have visited.
I know there are other lists I have, too, but at the moment, I can't think of what they are. I really need a better way of keeping my lists in one spot though. I should probably get a notebook that is only used for my lists.
I love notebooks, too, but that is a post for another day. :)
Have a great day....I'm off to conquer my to-do list.
Grocery list - this is an ongoing, hardly ever empty, list that hangs on the refrigerator. My family knows that when they use the last of something, they are supposed to write it on this list. The key word is "supposed". We had an incident last week where someone forgot to write ketchup on the list. I thought we had one more bottle, so when I went to get it, I was surprised to find none. Well, if you know my husband and sons, you know that ketchup qualifies as it's own food group, so not having it was very unpleasant.
To-do list - I have to make myself a list each day if I really want to be productive. I love the sense of accomplishment I get from crossing off those items.
Packing list - for vacations, I have lists of EVERYTHING we need to pack. The only stuff not included on the list is my husband's stuff. I list everything and pack everything for 4 people, and he is old enough to know what he needs. (However, things like bathing suit, flip-flops, sunglasses and cell phone charger I do tend to check to make sure he remembered.)
Food list - for holidays or get-togethers. On top of that, I learned a trick from my mom: write each item you're serving on a slip of paper and put it on/in the dish you will be using for it. It saves time when you're putting out the food, because you already know what is going on what platter. Plus, with a list and the platters already labeled, it's almost impossible to forget something you were planning on serving.
Book list - this is actually 2 separate lists. I have one list of the books I have read, so I don't duplicate when I go to the library. I also have a list of the books I want to read. Both lists stay in my purse, so I have them if I am at the library, run in to a bookstore, or whatever.
Things I want to do - I don't want to call it a "Bucket List" because, even though I know I will die someday, really don't think I need to focus on it. So, my list is just things I would like to do at some point in nmy life. I am continuously adding and updating this list. One thing on my list is to visit all 50 states, so I actually have a sub-list for that, so I can mark off the states I have visited.
I know there are other lists I have, too, but at the moment, I can't think of what they are. I really need a better way of keeping my lists in one spot though. I should probably get a notebook that is only used for my lists.
I love notebooks, too, but that is a post for another day. :)
Have a great day....I'm off to conquer my to-do list.
Life Lessons
These are things I have learned, and TRY to remember...although remembering when I need to is not always easy. :) Some are quotes, some are just what I think are good things to remember. Have a great day!
1. God will never give you more than He knows you can handle.
2. You are stronger than you think.
3. Life isn't fair.
4. Never be too proud to ask for help.
5. Always give 100% in everything you do.
6. Be yourself!
7. Keep learning...about anything and everything.
8. Learn to look at the positive in every situation.
9. "I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so you can learn to let go. Things go wrong so you can appreciate them when they are right. You believe lies so you begin to trust no one but yourself. And sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together." ~ Marilyn Monroe
10. "Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
11. "For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone." ~ Audrey Hepburn
12. "Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world." ~ Albert Einstein
13. "Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. But, if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them." ~ Dalai Lama
14. "If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe ti, then I know I can achieve it." ~ Jesse Jackson
15. "When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile." ~ Author unknown
1. God will never give you more than He knows you can handle.
2. You are stronger than you think.
3. Life isn't fair.
4. Never be too proud to ask for help.
5. Always give 100% in everything you do.
6. Be yourself!
7. Keep learning...about anything and everything.
8. Learn to look at the positive in every situation.
9. "I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so you can learn to let go. Things go wrong so you can appreciate them when they are right. You believe lies so you begin to trust no one but yourself. And sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together." ~ Marilyn Monroe
10. "Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
11. "For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone." ~ Audrey Hepburn
12. "Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world." ~ Albert Einstein
13. "Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. But, if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them." ~ Dalai Lama
14. "If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe ti, then I know I can achieve it." ~ Jesse Jackson
15. "When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile." ~ Author unknown
Imagine...
Imagine
By: Michele Rosa
Imagine there's no cancer,
It's easy if you try,
No pain or suffering,
Or waiting just to die.
Imagine all the people,
Living worry free,
Without that ticking time bomb,
That no one else can see.
You may say I'm a dreamer,
But I'm not the only one,
That hopes the world will be cancer-free,
So we can live as one.
Please join me in fighting cancer. I am participating in the Pottstown, Pennsylvania Relay for Life for 2012. Please visit my website at www.jenschorr.weebly.com for how you can help me reach my goal of raising $300 for The Relay for Life. Thank you!
By: Michele Rosa
Imagine there's no cancer,
It's easy if you try,
No pain or suffering,
Or waiting just to die.
Imagine all the people,
Living worry free,
Without that ticking time bomb,
That no one else can see.
You may say I'm a dreamer,
But I'm not the only one,
That hopes the world will be cancer-free,
So we can live as one.
Please join me in fighting cancer. I am participating in the Pottstown, Pennsylvania Relay for Life for 2012. Please visit my website at www.jenschorr.weebly.com for how you can help me reach my goal of raising $300 for The Relay for Life. Thank you!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Circles, Circles Everywhere!
x
Who knew some colored circles cut from construction paper would be so much fun! My son, B, loved playing games with these circles today. We used them in a variety of ways, such as:
Hopping like a kangaroo from circle to circle, naming the colors as he went.
Playing "Mommy Says" (like "Simon Says") - Mommy says put the blue circle on your head, Mommy says put the orange circle on your knee, Mommy says jump on the black circle, Mommy says crawl over to the red circle, etc.
Stepping on each circle, and counting how many there were.
Handing him the circles, letting him name each one, and put them out around the room.
Collecting the circles, counting them as we picked them up.
There are so many fun things we can do with these circles, and it's an activity that cost practically nothing! It is so windy outside today, yet this activity got us moving - jumping, crawling, hopping, etc. It helped B to practice his counting and color recognition, but was fun, and he probaby didn't even recognize he was learning!
Have a great weekend!
"Make each day of the week like Friday, and your life will take on more enthusiasm." ~ Byron Pulsifer
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Cards for Local Nursing Home
My son, B, who is 2, loves to make crafts that involve gluing. The funniest part is that he hates to get messy! I have to keep a wet paper towel next to us every time we make a craft, because if he gets any glue, paint, marker, or whatever on his hands, we have to wipe it off immediately to avoid a meltdown. Even with the mess, he still loves, loves, loves craft time.
There are only so many places I can hang up this artwork in our house, so I was trying to think of a way that he could make these crafts, but we could give them away. I thought, why not bring some joy to others! So, today, we made cards that involved a lot of gluing and stickers, B's 2 favorite things. Inside the cards, I am going to write nice quotes like, "There are hundreds of languages in the world, but a smile speaks them all," and in the next few days we are going to take them to the local retirement home, in the hopes that they bring a smile to the faces of others.
Have a super day!
"The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up." ~ Mark Twain
There are only so many places I can hang up this artwork in our house, so I was trying to think of a way that he could make these crafts, but we could give them away. I thought, why not bring some joy to others! So, today, we made cards that involved a lot of gluing and stickers, B's 2 favorite things. Inside the cards, I am going to write nice quotes like, "There are hundreds of languages in the world, but a smile speaks them all," and in the next few days we are going to take them to the local retirement home, in the hopes that they bring a smile to the faces of others.
Have a super day!
"The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up." ~ Mark Twain
Monday, January 9, 2012
Things to Think About
These are all stories I stumbled upon today. They are all truly inspiring and/or thought-provoking, in my opinion. Most of them come from www.makesmethink.com.
"Today I asked my 6 year-old son what he wants to be when he grows up. He said, 'Mommy, all I want to be is happy.'"
"Today while I was driving my grandfather to his doctor's appointment, I complained about hitting 2 red lights in a row. My grandfather chuckled and said, 'You always complain about the red ones, but you never celebrate the green ones.'"
"Today I returned home from being stationed in Iraq for 9 months. While I was still in uniform, I went into the local ice cream parlor to get a milkshake. The girl behind the counter handed me my milkshake and said, 'It's on me.' 'Thanks, you didn't have to do that,' I replied. 'Neither did you,' she said.
"Today I was approached by a homeless man who asked if I had any change. I only had 2 dimes, but I gave them to him anyway. As I watched him walk away, he put the dimes in an expired parking meter of a strangers car."
"Today my sister told me of a student who was turning 8 years-old on Thursday. As I realized he was born on September 11, 2001, I said, "How horrible for his family." My sister explained that his grandfather works at the Pentagon and skipped work that day after learning his daughter was in labor."
"Today I asked my 6 year-old son what he wants to be when he grows up. He said, 'Mommy, all I want to be is happy.'"
"Today while I was driving my grandfather to his doctor's appointment, I complained about hitting 2 red lights in a row. My grandfather chuckled and said, 'You always complain about the red ones, but you never celebrate the green ones.'"
"Today I returned home from being stationed in Iraq for 9 months. While I was still in uniform, I went into the local ice cream parlor to get a milkshake. The girl behind the counter handed me my milkshake and said, 'It's on me.' 'Thanks, you didn't have to do that,' I replied. 'Neither did you,' she said.
"Today I was approached by a homeless man who asked if I had any change. I only had 2 dimes, but I gave them to him anyway. As I watched him walk away, he put the dimes in an expired parking meter of a strangers car."
"Today my sister told me of a student who was turning 8 years-old on Thursday. As I realized he was born on September 11, 2001, I said, "How horrible for his family." My sister explained that his grandfather works at the Pentagon and skipped work that day after learning his daughter was in labor."
My Love of Tear-Jerker Movies
Yes, when it comes to movies, I am a total girl. I do NOT like horror movies, and I'm not terribly fond of action movies, although I do watch them because I know my husband doesn't always want to watch sappy love stories, either, but he's a great sport and at least acts interested. I still have not figured out whether he truly likes some of them, or if he is THAT good of an actor. :) When given the choice, I will choose a sickening, make-you-cry, girly movie hands down. I love them! Some of them are uplifting with someone over-coming a great tragedy or handicap. Some of them are depressing, though, and yet, I still love them. Does that make me weird?
I decided to think about my all-time favorite tear-jerker movies, and explain why I love them so much. :)
1. The Notebook - Nicolas Sparks is one of my favorite authors, and this is one of his books, made into a movie. I love this movie for the full range of emotion I feel when I watch it. I feel sad for the main female character when it flashes back to her growing up. She falls in love, but the boy she falls in love with is not well-to-do as her family is, so her mother does not approve of him. I feel scared when the same lead female character develops alzheimer's when she is old. It's scary, because it's something that happens. I can not imagine not being able to recognize my husband and children, or for my husband not to recognize me. I can feel the true love felt by her husband as he reads her a story each day, hoping it will help her remember, for that story he reads, is the story of their love for each other. I can only hope that when my husband and I are old, we still feel that much love for each other.
2. Steel Magnolias - Julia Roberts is the main character who the storyline surrounds. She has diabetes, and her doctor has suggested that it is wise for her and her husband to have children, as her body may not be able to take it. They decide against taking the doctor's advice, and her mother, played by Sally Field, is not happy, to say the least. She does not understand why her daughter would not heed her doctor's warning, risking her own life. Her daughter's response make me cry every time. She says, "I would rather have 30 minutes of wonderful, than a lifetime of nothing special." Oh, gush, there go the waterworks. :)
3. Pay it Forward - Such a great storyline! A school student comes up with an idea of how to make the world a better place - by paying it forward. If one person goes out and does something nice for 3 other people, and those three people do something nice for 3 others, and so on, everyone will eventually be doing nice things for everyone else. However, when the boy who came up with this idea is killed at the end of the movie, I just lose it. How is that fair? Why does someone who is trying to make the world a better place for everyone, the one who loses his life? One of life's mysteries that I have trouble with, anyway.
4. Love Story - A boy and girl, Oliver and Jenny, fall in love in college, and after graduating decide to get married, against the wishes of Oliver's father. Because the get married anyway, Oliver's father cuts all ties with his son. The couple struggle for awhile, financially, as Oliver attends law school. When he graduates, he gets a job with a law firm in New York, and Oliver and Jenny decide to start a family. Unfortunately, they are unable to get pregnant, so they see a doctor. The doctor informs Oliver that his wife is very sick and will die. She has leukemia. Oliver decides not to tell Jenny because he just wants them to be able to live their lives like a normal couple would. Jenny ends up confronting her doctor and finds out she has cancer, and so she begins very expensive cancer treatment. Oliver can not pay for all the medical bills, and decides to ask his father for money, which his father assumes is because Oliver got some girl pregnant and wants to pay for an abortion. Oliver just lets his father believe that instead of telling his father what is really going on. Oliver and Jenny show such love for each other through the entire story. They are supportive of each other's hopes and dreams, and remain committed to each other through good and bad. Jenny passes away in her husband's arms in the hospital. The best line of the movie is yet to come though, as Oliver is leaving the hospital, he sees his father, who comes to apologize for the way he has treated his son. Oliver responds by saying, "Love means never having to say you're sorry." Then he walks away. I can not imagine how difficult it must have been for Oliver and Jenny, first to not have the support of a parent, and then to have to go through Jenny's illness, and then finally, Oliver losing his wife. Flood of tears.
5. My Girl - A movie about Vada, a 10-year old girl, who is obsessed with death because she lives with her father in a funeral parlor. She never met her mother because she died when Vada was born. Thomas J. is Vada's best friend. He is allergic to everything, and Vada is a hypochondriac. The movie line follows Vada's life one-summer, when she learns a little more about life, love, and comes to terms with death in a way she never expected, when her best friend, Thomas J., dies from bee-stings, which he was allergic to. At the funeral, it seems that Vada i sin disbelief because she is crying and asking where Thomas J.'s glasses are because he can't see without his glasses. A good coming-of-age movie, with a sad, coming to terms with death, plot...gets me every time.
What are some of your favorite tear-jerkers?
"Crying relieves pressure on a soul." ~ Toba Beta
I decided to think about my all-time favorite tear-jerker movies, and explain why I love them so much. :)
1. The Notebook - Nicolas Sparks is one of my favorite authors, and this is one of his books, made into a movie. I love this movie for the full range of emotion I feel when I watch it. I feel sad for the main female character when it flashes back to her growing up. She falls in love, but the boy she falls in love with is not well-to-do as her family is, so her mother does not approve of him. I feel scared when the same lead female character develops alzheimer's when she is old. It's scary, because it's something that happens. I can not imagine not being able to recognize my husband and children, or for my husband not to recognize me. I can feel the true love felt by her husband as he reads her a story each day, hoping it will help her remember, for that story he reads, is the story of their love for each other. I can only hope that when my husband and I are old, we still feel that much love for each other.
2. Steel Magnolias - Julia Roberts is the main character who the storyline surrounds. She has diabetes, and her doctor has suggested that it is wise for her and her husband to have children, as her body may not be able to take it. They decide against taking the doctor's advice, and her mother, played by Sally Field, is not happy, to say the least. She does not understand why her daughter would not heed her doctor's warning, risking her own life. Her daughter's response make me cry every time. She says, "I would rather have 30 minutes of wonderful, than a lifetime of nothing special." Oh, gush, there go the waterworks. :)
3. Pay it Forward - Such a great storyline! A school student comes up with an idea of how to make the world a better place - by paying it forward. If one person goes out and does something nice for 3 other people, and those three people do something nice for 3 others, and so on, everyone will eventually be doing nice things for everyone else. However, when the boy who came up with this idea is killed at the end of the movie, I just lose it. How is that fair? Why does someone who is trying to make the world a better place for everyone, the one who loses his life? One of life's mysteries that I have trouble with, anyway.
4. Love Story - A boy and girl, Oliver and Jenny, fall in love in college, and after graduating decide to get married, against the wishes of Oliver's father. Because the get married anyway, Oliver's father cuts all ties with his son. The couple struggle for awhile, financially, as Oliver attends law school. When he graduates, he gets a job with a law firm in New York, and Oliver and Jenny decide to start a family. Unfortunately, they are unable to get pregnant, so they see a doctor. The doctor informs Oliver that his wife is very sick and will die. She has leukemia. Oliver decides not to tell Jenny because he just wants them to be able to live their lives like a normal couple would. Jenny ends up confronting her doctor and finds out she has cancer, and so she begins very expensive cancer treatment. Oliver can not pay for all the medical bills, and decides to ask his father for money, which his father assumes is because Oliver got some girl pregnant and wants to pay for an abortion. Oliver just lets his father believe that instead of telling his father what is really going on. Oliver and Jenny show such love for each other through the entire story. They are supportive of each other's hopes and dreams, and remain committed to each other through good and bad. Jenny passes away in her husband's arms in the hospital. The best line of the movie is yet to come though, as Oliver is leaving the hospital, he sees his father, who comes to apologize for the way he has treated his son. Oliver responds by saying, "Love means never having to say you're sorry." Then he walks away. I can not imagine how difficult it must have been for Oliver and Jenny, first to not have the support of a parent, and then to have to go through Jenny's illness, and then finally, Oliver losing his wife. Flood of tears.
5. My Girl - A movie about Vada, a 10-year old girl, who is obsessed with death because she lives with her father in a funeral parlor. She never met her mother because she died when Vada was born. Thomas J. is Vada's best friend. He is allergic to everything, and Vada is a hypochondriac. The movie line follows Vada's life one-summer, when she learns a little more about life, love, and comes to terms with death in a way she never expected, when her best friend, Thomas J., dies from bee-stings, which he was allergic to. At the funeral, it seems that Vada i sin disbelief because she is crying and asking where Thomas J.'s glasses are because he can't see without his glasses. A good coming-of-age movie, with a sad, coming to terms with death, plot...gets me every time.
What are some of your favorite tear-jerkers?
"Crying relieves pressure on a soul." ~ Toba Beta
Friday, January 6, 2012
My ABC's of Being a Stay-at-Home Mom
My ABC's of Being a Stay-at-Home Mom
A - ability to see miracles every day
B - building forts with pillows and blankets
C - caring for someone else more than yourself
D - dancing to silly songs
E - eating green eggs on Dr. Seuss's birthday
F - finding toys in uncommon places like the trashcan or your shoes
G - going to the library for storytime
H - horsey rides in the living room
I - imagination is used every day
J - just being able to take a 5-minute shower is an accomplishment
K - kisses on scraped knees
L - laughter
M - making silly faces
N - nonsense words
O - observing every holiday with coloring pages, special desserts, and stories
P - picnics in the backyard
Q - quiet? what is that?
R - rainy days are great for staying in your pjs
S - swings and slides at the playground
T - taking a nap with your child
U - understanding "kid talk"
V - visiting friends and family
W - water fights on a hot day
X - eXtra hugs and kisses
Y - yummy snacks
Z - zoo trips
A - ability to see miracles every day
B - building forts with pillows and blankets
C - caring for someone else more than yourself
D - dancing to silly songs
E - eating green eggs on Dr. Seuss's birthday
F - finding toys in uncommon places like the trashcan or your shoes
G - going to the library for storytime
H - horsey rides in the living room
I - imagination is used every day
J - just being able to take a 5-minute shower is an accomplishment
K - kisses on scraped knees
L - laughter
M - making silly faces
N - nonsense words
O - observing every holiday with coloring pages, special desserts, and stories
P - picnics in the backyard
Q - quiet? what is that?
R - rainy days are great for staying in your pjs
S - swings and slides at the playground
T - taking a nap with your child
U - understanding "kid talk"
V - visiting friends and family
W - water fights on a hot day
X - eXtra hugs and kisses
Y - yummy snacks
Z - zoo trips
I Am Me
If you know me at all, you know the most important thing to me is my family. I have a wonderful husband and three equally wonderful children, and I try to do whatever I can to make life happy for all of us. I try my best to be a good wife and a good mother, and without trying to pat myself on the back, I do believe that I succeed at these two things most of the time.
There was an event during the course of the last week which made me think about whether my beliefs and intentions were sincere. I know I am not perfect, but in reflecting over what happened earlier this week, I do still believe that I was trying to protect my children from disappointment and resentment. In the course of doing so, I expressed my opinion with a certain subject. One person responded in such a harsh manner, that I felt the need to defend myself so others would not think less of me. Of course, I should have known that anyone who really knows me would already know what I am really like, and there was no real reason to defend myself at all.
In retrospect, I have learned that I need to try not to take to heart what one person says about me. I know who I am and what my intentions are, and I believe they were good. That is all that matters. I also found it interesting that my daily devotion yesterday was about how I need to stay in the presence of God by giving thanks to Him, being generous towards others, and learning to forgive, among other things. Wait a minute - learning to forgive? Oh no! Well, I know what I need to work on. I need to forgive this person for the ugly things they said about me and others I love. That is going to be a tough one. See, I told you I wasn't perfect! But I will do my best to try to be forgiving.
All in all, I believe I was able to stay true to myself. I was very happy with my ability to bite my tongue when what I really wanted to do was say unkind things in return to the person who was being not nice to me. I was reminded of how fortunate I am to have some good and caring friends. I am thankful for my parents and the good job they did in raising me, teaching me things not found in a book, like being kind, considerate, and respectful. When it comes to being a parent, I hope "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."
So, the next time something bad happens, I will be more inclined to look for what I can learn from the situation, and be thankful for the good things.
"Always forgive your enemies - nothing annoys them so much." ~ Oscar Wilde
There was an event during the course of the last week which made me think about whether my beliefs and intentions were sincere. I know I am not perfect, but in reflecting over what happened earlier this week, I do still believe that I was trying to protect my children from disappointment and resentment. In the course of doing so, I expressed my opinion with a certain subject. One person responded in such a harsh manner, that I felt the need to defend myself so others would not think less of me. Of course, I should have known that anyone who really knows me would already know what I am really like, and there was no real reason to defend myself at all.
In retrospect, I have learned that I need to try not to take to heart what one person says about me. I know who I am and what my intentions are, and I believe they were good. That is all that matters. I also found it interesting that my daily devotion yesterday was about how I need to stay in the presence of God by giving thanks to Him, being generous towards others, and learning to forgive, among other things. Wait a minute - learning to forgive? Oh no! Well, I know what I need to work on. I need to forgive this person for the ugly things they said about me and others I love. That is going to be a tough one. See, I told you I wasn't perfect! But I will do my best to try to be forgiving.
All in all, I believe I was able to stay true to myself. I was very happy with my ability to bite my tongue when what I really wanted to do was say unkind things in return to the person who was being not nice to me. I was reminded of how fortunate I am to have some good and caring friends. I am thankful for my parents and the good job they did in raising me, teaching me things not found in a book, like being kind, considerate, and respectful. When it comes to being a parent, I hope "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."
So, the next time something bad happens, I will be more inclined to look for what I can learn from the situation, and be thankful for the good things.
"Always forgive your enemies - nothing annoys them so much." ~ Oscar Wilde
Thursday, January 5, 2012
First Post!
Welcome to my new blog. Whether you're here because you know me, or because you just happened to come across it, I welcome you. I mainly started this blog as a way to keep all things I like in one place. I'd love to be able to come here anytime I need a pick-me-up, and read a past post to make myself smile, and I hope you find my blog to bring you happiness, too. Maybe after I get started, there will be some order to it, but for now, I just plan to type whatever seems to come to mind or whatever I happened to come across. So, again, welcome, and Happy New Year!
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." ~ Dr. Seuss
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." ~ Dr. Seuss
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