TomaterSauce

Stinkin' Liars!

2012-02-10T10:25:00.000-08:00

I was looking through the photos on the hubster's phone the other day. Seriously I about died looking at some of the cutie pie photos of my babies. But then I came to one and I about died for other reasons. Last Mother's Day ( I was 5months pregnant) we went to go feed the ducks. Hub-a-licious took a photo of me and the boys. OH.MY.GOODNESS I was HUGE! AND I WAS ONLY 5 MONTHS PREGNANT!!! WHAT THE HECK! Then I realized something...they lied to me. Everyone who said how great I looked LIED! And well as for me...I must have had temporary blindness because I actually believed them. Well let's fast forward to now. I'm at peace with it (HA!) and it's only because I have lost 52 POUNDS since then. I still have 45 to go but it's okay because I'm getting there. 2 Final things. I think I would rather people just not say anything then tell me how great I really don't look. Those people know who they are and well...I just hope you repented ;)

Does a Body Good!

2012-02-09T17:23:00.000-08:00

Apparently these are delish!

Wednesday Randoms

2012-01-02T12:02:00.001-08:00

Well the "funk" is making its rounds. Payton woke up all rosey cheeked, glossy eyed, and sounds freakishly similar to a toad. I truly hope it ends with him.

I later caught him and his brother out on the deck, in the snow, with just SOCKS ON THEIR FEET! They acted like nothing was wrong with that. The looks on their face priceless. As if I was totally lame for making them come in. GEEZ!

I have a major MAJOR fear problem. I'm reading this. So far I feel like she is describing me. Who knew? I thought I was the only one that suffered from the "What ifs???".

I really wanted to start this year off on a good foot. I needed to do better with keeping up with my daily devotional time. I received this book last year from a sweet friend and maybe used it twice. These past 4 days I have gotten sooo much from my time with the Lord! I'm excited. If your looking for a devotional get this one!

Nate just couldn't handle all of the excitement. I love LOVE how this boy sleeps with his arms up. This photo is way dark but I was not about to open the curtains and wake this little dumplin' up!

"Throw ya hands up, put 'em in the air. Rock it with me like you just don't care." Every time I see this, I think of those lyrics. I just looked up the rest of the song...OY VEY! Are you kidding me? I was never much into gangsta' rap.

One final thing. Seriously. Who designs the "hair" for these things. I have never seen a camel with a mullet.

Reminds me of some A.C. Slater......

Look-alikes

2012-01-02T11:38:00.000-08:00

the resemblance is uncanny...

Mmm Mmm Good

2012-01-02T06:32:00.000-08:00

'It is a happy talent to know how to play.' -Ralph Waldo Emerson

2 facts. I absolutely love playing with my boys. I really hate playing with action figures. Oh boy am I horrible at playing "star wars"! I have no idea what their names are, who's good who's bad, who comes from where and all that junk. I try believe me I do but they just look at me like I'm clueless. My acting skills are not the slightest bit convincing...at all. I was never meant to be a bad guy. I don't have it in me.

Most of the time I usually have to suggest what we should play. AKA craft time. For Christmas my Mom bought the boys a few games which is great. I can do games! Real games not video games. Video games...not my thing either. Once they went multi-dimensional and move in more than one direction I was out.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this super cute word building game. The packaging alone is adorable! There are not too many pieces so the game goes fairly quick. This is a great alternative for little guys who probably would lose interest FAST in a real Scrabble game.

*Plese excuse the bottom word. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do when your down to a couple of letters!

While looking up Cambell's Soup I found this. So cute!

Captain Underpants

2011-12-22T13:39:00.001-08:00

Nothing like a super silly book to bring brothers together...

Dash

2011-12-20T19:27:00.000-08:00

About a month ago our dog Copper ran away. The boys were absolutely devastated, they loved him to pieces. He was a hound dog named after the sweet Copper from The Fox and The Hound. We called everywhere, searched for days, even posted reward fliers. NOTHING. We thought for sure we would hear something within a few days! As the mom a lot of the responsibilities of a pet fell on me. There were times when I wanted to just give him away! But would you know I was the first one in tears when we realized he was gone.

To make things a little easier for the boys we decided to bring a new dog home for Christmas. His name is Dash, short for Dasher. He has been such a good dog. I feel so blessed. Having a new born and a new dog?! CRAZY! But so far so good!

....we really do hope our Copper still comes home.

Frothy the Snowman

2011-12-17T08:41:00.000-08:00

May your Saturday be filled with Christmas Cheer.

A whole lotta cuteness

2011-12-14T10:23:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought adding a 8 lb 5 oz baby boy would change so much. Life since my baby love has been born has been absolutely blissful but a whole lotta' crazy! We are finally settling into a routine (thank the good Lord above)! One thing is for sure, sleepless nights are sure worth it when you get to look at this sweet face

Quake of 2011 - "When my world is shaking, heaven stands..."

2011-08-24T06:22:00.000-07:00

Never in my life have I felt more small and out of control than I did yesterday. I get so preoccupied in the routine of life which just makes my world just seems so small. Feeling that front porch shake beneath my feet, hearing the earth (and my house) groan was surreal. It was a reminder of just how small I am and how big God is.

On another note, I also realized I did not know the proper safety procedures for an earthquake! Tornado - check, Hurricane - check, Fire - check, Earthquake - ??? (yikes!)

Just tip me over and roll me to the juicing room!

2011-08-13T17:09:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile! I am just about a full 33weeks and good grief do I feel stuffed to the brim with baby! To put how I feel in visual form...well...here ya go.

Baby Love

2011-02-17T07:31:00.000-08:00

So easy, I love it!

2011-01-04T16:35:00.000-08:00

Here's an easy tutorial to make your own yarn wreath!

"Jesus don't bite his nails"

2011-01-04T05:36:00.000-08:00

I read that on facebook. It was like my very own modern day burning bush.

Fear often takes up residence in my mind and his buddy anxiety seems to settle quite nicely in my chest. They are the worst kind of neighbors. Loud and rowdy, you know the ones. They keep you up late at night and disturb you during the day. Once you think you have a moment of peace, they turn up the music and pound on your spirit.

Fear for me is like a huge freight train just about to descend a steep mountain. It slowly creeps up that climb and then BAM it's racing in what feels to be out of control. Heart pumping speed. All that weight and pressure pushing it faster and faster. You would almost think it impossible to stop. Then it comes out of no where, unexpected, the plateau.

A simple sentence. A picture of strength. Balm for my spirit. "Jesus don't bite his nails". No, it is not greatly profound. But to me it paints a picture of strength. It erases that of what appears to be out of control and replaces it with an image of my Saviours strong, nail scared hands reaching to me.

"Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from Him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved." Psalm 62: 1-2

My little Pay Pie

2010-12-03T18:01:00.000-08:00

That's my Payton. He's wearing a clip on tie. He's classy like that. Seriously. I asked him one day if he wanted to watch a movie. He agreed. I asked him which one, he replied, "I don't know just pick something classy."

See that button down shirt he's wearing? He calls those his work shirts. Daddy wears button down shirts to work. He's pretty fond of him.

What you don't see is the Union Soldiers hat is wearing along with that rugged bandanna around his neck. Cute as a button.

That pen in his pocket? He got that from church. It's his very own pen. That's a big deal to a 5yr old. I think it makes him feel big. ;)

And well how can you miss that big bottle of hand gel in his pocket. Mid-photo he was packing his Transformers backpack in hopes of going camping in our backyard tonight. Payton had his momma on his mind. He knew he could talk me into anything as long as the hand gel was coming along too.

Sweet boy, if it wasn't 35degrees outside...we would definitely be pitching a tent right now.

Matters of the heart

2010-12-03T04:44:00.000-08:00

So I planned on writing up a post about my nook and how I always hated e readers until I had one. Yada Yada Yada. That was until I read Meg's post this morning. And well it just seemed so unimportant.
Every morning after I send Todd off to work I run upstairs coffee in hand to catch up on the latest bloggy news. For the most part the glimpses captured are homes neat, tidy, and decorated to the nines. That is not my house. I'm a stay at home, homeschool mom and I can't keep up. There are days I want to cry. Then there are days I've had enough. I just want to throw everything on the floor in black trash bags and put them at the curb. Right now as I'm sitting here typing there are 3floors in need of straightening and 4bathrooms that need a good scrubbing. If I turn my head to left, which I'm avoiding, there is a massive overfilled basket of dirty clothes I need to take to the basement. Our dinning room looks like the colored paper factory exploded. Dinner dishes are still in the sink. We couldn't afford the dishwasher that loaded itself. Don't judge! Everything will sit (except the dirty dishes, that would just be gross) until school is finished. It trumps the list. So don't you dare go ringing my doorbell before 2pm! ;)
Amid a lengthy list of struggles and hang ups blog world feeds the lie that I'm never good enough. My house will never look like a Pottery Barn ad and will never pass the white glove test. I am not a brilliant photographer with the latest and greatest camera. This is okay, I have to remind myself that everyday. I've always cared what people thought of me, craving acceptance. Whether it was in school, church, even blog world.
I read 1 Samuel 16:7 this week. It says, "But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
So you know what? It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter if I don't have a perfect house, an old southern charmer we overhauled. It doesn't matter that I don't have Country Living knocking on my door to do a photo shoot. It doesn't matter that I don't have any original craft ideas. It doesn't matter that I only have 13followers on my blog. God does not care about these things. He cares that I give Him my all. That I do what I can do with a joyful, thankful heart. That I be the wife, the help meet He has called me to be. He has graciously blessed me with 2boys. He cares that I raise them with tender love, showing them the way to Christ. He wants me to spend my time wisely, working towards the eternal things. Reaching out to the poor, the widows, the orphans, the hurting and the sick. Those are the things that matter the most, things of the heart.
Don't get me wrong. The Lord has blessed me with a wonderful home and many wonderful things. He wants to enjoy them and be a good steward. But I cannot make them my god, my world.

Bake It Pretty

2010-12-01T04:21:00.000-08:00

With Christmas quickly approaching I've got baking on my mind. One of my very favorite online shops is Bake It Pretty. I ADORE this site, everything you could need or want to make your baking, well... PRETTY!

Here's a few things on my list ;)

I definitely need more of these!

And some of these!

Don't forget these!

Edible Star Glitter! A must!

Self Portraits

2010-11-30T15:28:00.000-08:00

"A great photograph is a full expression of what one feels about what is being photographed in the deepest sense, and is, thereby, a true expression of what one feels about life in its entirety." ~Ansel Adams

Chasing Rabbits

2010-11-29T08:07:00.000-08:00

28yrs I have yet to try one, until today! I butchered the sucker.

I should have Googled before hand. Life without Google?? Can you remember it? It's just one of those things that just seems to have been there forever.

Encyclopedias baby! That is what we did before Google! The good old days. No need for worry of carpal tunnel, paper cuts were the real threat! Boy, I felt like we really arrived the day our set was delivered! What? A report on Rockets? No problem, I've got encyclopedias. Research report on our President at the time, Ronald Reagan, easy peasy let me just pull out my "R" Encyclopedia. Oh big, bulky Britannica you make me feel so out of date.

Do people still buy encyclopedias?

I had a good laugh the other night with my mom. We joked about how we thought we were really keeping up with times when our family took the big leap to purchasing a WORD PROCESSOR! HA!

And for the creme de la creme. You new you were super cool if you had a beeper. I love how parents felt more secure sending their kids out into the world armed with one of these. Sure you can beep me, but you're going to have to wait till I find a phone to call ya back!

143 that's all I got to say 143.

Back to the Pomegranate. I found this clip where Martha shows an easy way to "beat the pomegranate". Her words not mine ;)

Old School Fisher-Price meets Christmas!

2010-11-28T16:10:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I grabbed my old fisher-price toys from parent's storage. And I am soo glad I did. The boys played with it for days but then I saw this! You see I have this pesky cabinet top that was not cooperating with any of my Christmas decorations, so I borrowed Serena's idea. :)

Skinny Jeans...

2010-11-21T17:03:00.000-08:00

By the title betcha' thought you were going to see a photo of me donning a sweet pair of skinny jeans...well it ain't so. You're looking in the wrong closet. Long skinny legs was just never in the cards. They have been skinny at times, but never long. I've partially come to terms with this.

Three guesses who won't be "ruling the denim scene" this year. Cracks me up. It's like middle school all over again.

As one who has always loved fashion AND staying in it. It's hard not to beat myself up. Why have I not lost my "baby weight" 5 yrs later?? Why did I just eat those darn Hershey Kisses?? It's easy to stay content where I'm at. My husband thinks I'm hot. My opinion differs, but hey I'll take it!

I don't want to be content. I don't want to be a size 14 or a size 4. I just want to be healthy. So it's time! Time to be healthy. Time to think of others besides myself. It's not about me losing 40 pounds to fit in those lovely skinny jeans (total bonus). It's about being the healthiest me for my loves.

I'm always amazed how snippets of doubt creep in, failures return to the forefront. In the words of a man with some experience, "Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." Thanks Thomas Edison I think I will try just one more time.

*photo mytruefit.com via google images :)

Like Riding a Bicycle

2010-11-19T10:32:00.000-08:00

Do you think blogging is like riding a bicycle? It's been forever, but you just got to get back on and start peddling. I miss it.

*photo thedailygreen.com via google images :)

Easter Blessings

2010-04-04T08:22:00.001-07:00

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

(google images)

Happy Unbirthday to You!

2010-01-08T17:29:00.001-08:00

Is today your birthday? Well if not here's a cupcake for you! Today we celebrated our unbirthdays.

A very merry unbirthday
To me?
To you
A very merry unbirthday
For me?
For you

Now blow the candle out, my dear
And make your wish come true
A very merry unbirthday to you!

So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye...

2009-12-31T16:15:00.000-08:00

2009, it's been fun!

I found this sweet Irish blessing and thought it was so appropriate when looking forward to the new year. I hope your 2010 is filled with lots of love, laughter, and blessings.

May you always have work for your hands to do.
May your pockets hold always a coin or two.
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane.
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
~Irish Blessing

*picture from Country Living Magazine

Snowed In!

2009-12-19T13:16:00.000-08:00

WHAM! We have been hit! Right now we are at 24inches and counting. My boys, for the 15min they were out, gave up on trying to walk through the snow. It is just way too deep for their little legs.

So in honor of the Blizzard of 2009 I raise my mug of hot chocolate...heres to the snow, Global Warming, a warm house filled with lots of love and chicken soup. Salute!

*photo countryliving.com

Who said you have to use wrapping paper??

2009-12-15T12:28:00.000-08:00

Who wants to spend money on wrapping paper? Wouldn't you like to save that 6bucks and buy yourself a Venti Skinny Eggnog Latte to sooth your shopping woes?? Here's a few ideas I came across. Some which are very cool, but unfortunately I don't have a team of 100+ to jump at my every command. So Martha's Rice Paper Dipping might have to wait till next year(although I probably won't do it then either).

*photo from MarthaStewart.com

Do you have any old and unwanted maps laying around?? Slap a pretty ribbon on that baby and Viola'...

*photo from Vocalpoint.com

But if you truly want to aggravate your loved ones do as my husband once did for me. Wrap your gift first in newspaper and then proceed to wrap it completely with a whole roll of painters tape. It was a dead giveaway...I got a canning pot.
I searched and searched through our photos hoping we had a picture of it (it was a few yrs ago) but no luck. So you'll just have to take my word for it :)

Textophobia??? Nah just indecisive.

2009-12-15T06:41:00.000-08:00

Among many things I am a collector of fabric. From linens, to burlaps, oh can't forget denim, love them polka dots, florals, cutesy, you get where this is going. This is not a bad thing but there's one problem. I hate using the fabric. Are you confused yet? Oh sure if I have a project in mind when purchasing fabrics then I'm totally okay with cutting it up. But if I purchased it on attraction alone, I get cold feet when contemplating the commitment. What if I change my mind mid snip?? What if I really don't want another apron? What if these curtains look tacky?? Here's the latest addition to the indecisive pile...

*Textophobia is the persistent, abnormal, and unwarranted fear of certain fabrics.

The Best Sugar Cookie Recipe Ever!

2009-12-14T04:21:00.000-08:00

I love a good sugar cookie, and well personally I don't like buying store bought cookie dough. Now don't you get mad Pillsbury. Your sugar cookie dough is fabulous but I like doing things the old fashion way. From scratch.

Believe it or not I had a really hard time finding "the perfect recipe". Some turned too hard, and some ended up more like a biscuit (in size and texture! YUCK). But last year was the year! I happened to stumble upon it here.

Ortner's Cut Out Cookie
1cup Butter
1cup Sugar
1tsp vanilla
1egg
2.5cups flour

Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla. Beat in egg. Add flour and slowly mix. Chill for 2hrs and roll thin. Bake at 350degrees for 8min.

1. I never chill it. I'm spontaneous. And in my house it is completely unacceptable to have to wait 2+hours for a cookie. I just use lots of flour when rolling and cutting so it will not stick.
2. Use your judgment for baking time. My oven is wacky.
3. Decorate how you see fit. You could ice but we always use sprinkles.

Almost There...

2009-12-07T10:12:00.000-08:00

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful."
- Norman Vincent Peale

The tree has been cut..

The Popcorn has been strung...

Garlands have been hung...

We're almost there...

I hope you are enjoying this season as much as my family is.

Thank you God

2009-11-23T07:29:00.000-08:00

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Thank you God - Author Unknown

Thank you God, for all I have to do today.
Thanks God, for this sink of dirty dishes,
It shows we have plenty to eat.

Thanks God, for this pile of dirty, stinky, laundry,
It shows we have plenty of clothes to wear.

Thanks God, for those unmade beds in there,
They were warm and so comfortable last night
And I know there are many who have no beds.

Thank God, for this bathroom complete with all the
Spattered mirror, soggy grimy towels and dirty commode,
They are so convenient.

Thanks God, for this finger-smudged refrigerator
That needs defrosting,
It is full of cold drinks and enough leftovers
For two or three meals.

Thanks God, for this oven
That absolutely must cleaned today,
It has baked so many things over the years.

The whole family is grateful for that grass that needs mowing,
The lawn that will need raking, we all enjoy the yard.

Thanks God, even for that slamming screen door,
My kids are healthy and able to run and play.

Lord the presence of all these chores awaiting me
Says you have richly blessed my family.
I shall do them all cheerfully
And I shall do them gratefully.

*photo Country Living Magazine

The Thankful Tree

2009-11-18T07:16:00.000-08:00

A thankful heart. This is what I want for my children. I want them to know how truly blessed they are. So I came up with this little easy project to help aid in this. As for the supplies I actually had most on hand so it only cost a few dollars to make. I painted the pot with chalkboard paint (I'm addicted to that stuff!). The sticks came from a tree in our yard. I filled the pot with floral foam to keep them stable. So like I said pretty easy. I placed some tags and a pen in the little bowl so we can write what we're thankful for and hang it on our tree. The picture doesn't really do it justice but I actually think I might leave it out for awhile. After all we should be thankful always, not just around Thanksgiving!

Count Your Blessings - written by Johnson Oatman Jr.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

My New Obsession..

2009-11-10T07:12:00.001-08:00

(photo - Country Living)

My latest thing has been Jadeite. Oh I love my pieces so much I want to give them a hug! Do you ever feel that way about something? I mostly keep them in the kitchen but I recently painted our bedroom Jadeite green, so I have a few scattered around.

Happy Birthday!

2009-11-10T05:37:00.000-08:00

Today the USMC celebrates its' 234th birthday. I am so proud to have a husband that not only served his country but served in this amazing branch of the United States Military. God bless America and God bless the USMC!

The safest place in Korea was right behind a platoon of Marines. Lord, how they could fight!
MGen. Frank E. Lowe, USA; Korea, 26 January 1952

I have just returned from visiting the Marines at the front, and there is not a finer fighting organization in the world!
General of the Armies Douglas MacArthur; Korea, 21 September 1950

The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!
Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the United States, 1945

Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem.
Ronald Reagan, President of the United States; 1985

Lost in the Sauce...

2009-11-05T12:19:00.000-08:00

Be back soon :)

What's your Type?

2009-09-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

Okay so I just started reading this book. This guy researched blood types and what you should and shouldn't eat for your type. It is incredible how many items I eat (things that are healthy) that I should not be eating! Basically for my blood type I should be a vegetarian, YIKES! It's not the veg in vegetarian that scares me, it's learning to cook in a whole new way using things like tofu that gets me. But it would drastically lower the risk to many cancers. I'm going to try it, SLOWLY removing things and replacing with things he suggests I should be eating instead. We'll see how it goes. Thank God he says it's good for me to drink coffee!

My Kind of Sunday

2009-09-13T13:28:00.000-07:00

Pushing everything that should get done to another day to enjoy a little...

Cloud Watching

Football Playing

Bug Catching

Hope you enjoy your Sunday as much as we did :)

Let Pumpkin Season Begin...

2009-09-10T13:43:00.000-07:00

My sweet baby brother, who really isn't a baby anymore, constantly begs me for my pumpkin chocolate chip bread. Since it's unofficial pumpkin season, first day of fall is September 22nd, I can now fix that boy some bread. He's away at college now so Mr. Postman will be delivering his, but we'll be enjoying ours tonight :)

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

3cups sugar
1cup oil
4 eggs
1 (16oz) can pumpkin
3.5cups flour
2tsp baking soda
2tsp cinnamon
2tsp salt
2/3cup water
chocolate chips

Mix sugar, oil, eggs. and pumpkin. Add flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon alternately with water. Mix well. Add chocolate chips, I usually use 1/2 a bag but it's up to you. Pour into greased 8x4in loaf pans. Bake at 350degrees for 1 hour. It should yield 3loaves.

My One Room Schoolhouse

2009-09-04T12:11:00.000-07:00

School is just around the corner for us and I have been working hard on getting us all ready for our first official year of homeschool. It's really odd. Never in a million yrs. did I think I would homeschool my children but the Lord has laid it upon our hearts and we must be obedient to His call. I have prayed since before my guys were born that they would be strong men of God, and come to know and follow Him at a young age. As a Christian parent I play an extremely important role in this. There's a saying "God helps them that helps themselves". Laying a Godly foundation in their education is vital. Now I'm not knocking those that send their children to public schools, I know God can protect and shelter those little minds and hearts from unbiblical teachings. But God has blessed us with the resources and most of all has kept me in the home so it's a no-brainer. Homeschool it is.

Thank you Lord for giving us all that we need. May this school year bring you glory and that we would all be drawn closer to you!

Here's a glimpse into our little classroom.

Here's their cute little desks.

This easil was actually mine as a little girl. It has just sat so I'm so excited that if finally has a purpose again.

...a room full of rockin' chairs

2009-09-03T16:24:00.000-07:00

Here's a little something you probably didn't know about me. I have a secret crush on southern phrases. These aren't just any phrases they are timely, witty and they really get the point across in such a cute way. I have to admit, I'm a bit jealous. Oh how I wish I could just naturally add them to my conversations. But sadly I only know one by heart..."as nervous as a long tail cat in a room full of rocking chairs". I guess watching Fox and the Hound II over and over and over again has paid off. Thanks Cole and Payton.

Here are a few of my favorites:

My cow died last night so I don't need your bull...

If brains were leather, he wouldn’t have enough to saddle a junebug.

The engine’s runnin’ but nobody’s driving.

He’s busier than a one-legged man at a butt kickin contest!

Well that just dills my pickle!

Creating a Monster.

2009-08-12T10:27:00.000-07:00

"Give me just one generation of youth, and I'll transform the whole world."
— Vladimir Ilyich Lenin

This is such a powerful and very truthful quote. I watched a clip today of The Octomom admitting that she regrets her decision to have so many children thus ruining her life. Every news stand has either photos of Jon Gosselin and his new pick of the week or Jon and Kate pointing fingers. Just like young stars of the past I believe children of reality television will face a whole new set of problems. These children will have documented memories of their families falling apart or in those 8 babies case a mom stating she regrets her decision to bring them into this word. I can't even imagine the effect that will have on these lives. I can tell you one thing only by the grace of God will these children overcome the choices their parents have made.

I'm reminded of the story of the Isrealites found in Deuteromoy Chapter 1. In verse 21 it says "Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged." But instead they rebelled and did their own thing. Then we read further down in verse 35 "Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers." These people then wondered for 40years before they entered the promise land. This chapter sets an example for us, showing what happens when we do not strive for holiness. It will effect generations. What blessings are we missing because of our rebellion?

To be perfectly honest I'm scared for my children, grandchildren, and so on. I see things today which are deamed acceptable for children and I'm dumbfounded. Like take "KidsBop" for instance. If you haven't seen the commercials you're not missing anything. This company takes popular hits by the likes of Brittney Spears, Rhianna, etc. and has children sing these songs. Promoting inappropriate lyrics among our children. I don't know about you but I do not want my 5 year old singing about "fine ladies" and "break-ups". As a generation and I mean my generation, the one which is now raising our future, needs to get our heads out the sand. When correcting our children we often remind them that when they do bad things bad things happen (our consequence) but when they do good things good things happen. I'm fearful that we will see more bad than good in future generations.

Please do not assume that I am judging in any way I am only sharing my feelings and observations. I too am not perfect and make parenting mistakes often, too often. But thank God I am promised new mercies each day.

"It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22-23

To Can or Not to Can...

2009-08-11T05:17:00.000-07:00

Canning. It really is a wonderful thing. My inner farmgirl (cause we all know that "farmgirl" is a condition of the heart) dreams of the day when I will have a massive garden and spend summer days filling my pantry till my little heart is content.

You probably would never know it now but I grew up a city girl. We didn't do much canning in the suburbs of Long Island, okay we didn't do any canning at all. But a lot has changed over these last 10 yrs in the south. Last year was my first attempt at canning. My mother in law brought me a huge box of Tomatoes, Granger County Tomatoes. This county is known for their maters, the best in Eastern TN. Remaining true to my roots I decided the first thing I would can would be Marinara Sauce. With little help from my Mother in Law I fumbled through my first go at it.

Let me back up here. Before I even started canning I researched oh boy did I research. I know you true blue southern girls out there are probably lettin' out a big ol' "OH LAWD". But I really didn't know what the heck I was doing. I felt pretty confident but there was one thing that freaked me out. HEADSPACE. I mean geeze don't tell someone who is OCD if you don't leave enough headspace bacteria can form. Maybe I shoud have titled this post OCD instead.

So back to canning. Last week my kitchen was flooded with 3 pecks of peaches. So I plugged away. Excuse me while I clean the peach butter out of my ears. I had so much peach butter I had to brake out the jars again. It went great. I was thrilled. That was until I took a picture to show you. That does not look like a 1/4inch headspace to me! Please Lord don't let bacteria grow in my peach butter.

Thank God for Good Friends

2009-08-07T06:05:00.001-07:00

I had great plans for Thursday night. I was going to put the boys to bed on time and we were going to watch this. Then Todd went and messed up a good thing. He was weed eating at about 8:30 last night and a rock flew up and shattered (basically destroyed) the sliding glass doors. We've been wanting to replace the sliding doors with french doors for awhile but this wasn't the way we were thinking. So it was off to Lowe's to get a new door.
We found everything we needed and made it out of there just before closing. Well once outside with door literally in hand we found out it was not going to fit in our truck bed thanks to the camper shell. The store was closed and we forgot our cell phones. So I left Todd in the parking lot holding this 60"x 80" door and went home to get our phone. We're talking 11pm now people. He called some good friends and THANK GOD FOR THEM! Would you believe 4 PEOPLE showed up at Lowe's 11:30pm on a work night. 3 of the 4 were able to stay and help install the door. The job was completed at 12:45pm. Seriously I can't be more thankful for them because it was either that or Todd was going to have to "borrow" a Lowe's cart and push it home. LOL

Templates!

2009-08-04T12:50:00.000-07:00

I love Martha Stewart. There I said it. No really, I've always loved the idea of home-making. I remember back in my early Middle School days I would stay home sick from school and watch her on TV. I was probably the only kid in 7th grade who read her Biography. I've always had a desire to create "home" and she had and still has great ideas/tips. Recently I went on her site and found these amazing templates and labels you can download and print off. Thanks Martha!

Weekend Finds

2009-08-03T03:53:00.000-07:00

How cute are these? I am such a coffee junkie so I was thrilled when I found these. First off I don't know about you but I love these monogramed mugs, but they have been out of "C" forever! I found these at Homegoods (that place is dangerous). So now my freshly ground coffee grinds have a pretty home and my coffee tastes even better this morning in my "C" mug. Not too bad for a total of $7.

Okay, first off please don't judge me when if comes to the paint color in this room it was formally the playroom. When we officially decided to homeschool I wanted to make a classroom vs. teaching at the dinning room table. I know there are some who are against that, saying the whole point of homeschool is to get away from "formal teaching" but I knew this would be best for us. My boys are soooo active and I am going to need a place where there are no distractions and everything is school focused. Our church had a school back in the day so I inquired about getting desks for the boys from there. Thank the Lord they gave me 2 precious little desks for FREE. I do plan on redoing them though, they're in need of alittle TLC. I also needed a desk to where I can just spread my lesson stuff out on, so we went antiquing. I found this sweet little piano table. It is a flat surface and then just like opening a piano it has a great writing/storage space inside. The shop keeper said it's from the 1800's but I always take them very lightly. When my antiquing day's began I was told by the shop owner that I was buying a pretty little enamelware bowl to put fruit in but I was later informed by my husband it was a pee pot. My pee pot now holds flowers on the deck. Yeah so back to what I was saying, I'm not really too sure how old it is.

Come back for a visit and I'll show you how it looks all painted and decorated. Hope your Monday is filled with sweet blessings!

Cherries

2009-07-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

I have never been one for "fake cherries" (that's what I call the ones that come on your ice cream, I know they have an official name but oh well). In fact the thought of eating one makes me want to gag. Now I know that probably sounds a little dramatic but again, oh well I'm just tellin' it like it is. A few months ago I thought I would give the "real deal" a try. I mean heck they're only $5.99 a pound (and there's at least 3 pounds pre-packaged for you, how sweet of those grocers).
Well let me tell you I have found a new love and that new love is cherries. I don't know about you but I love looking up veggies and fruits to find out what's so healthy about 'em. So here it goes...

A growing body of science reveals tart cherries, enjoyed as either dried, frozen cherries or cherry juice, have among the highest levels of disease-fighting antioxidants, when compared to other fruits. They also contain other important nutrients such as beta carotene (19 times more than blueberries or strawberries) vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, fiber and folate.

Emerging evidence links cherries to many important health benefits – from helping to ease the pain of arthritis and gout, to reducing risk factors for heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. Cherries also contain melatonin, which has been found to help regulate the body’s natural sleep patterns, aid with jet lag, prevent memory loss and delay the aging process.

A recent study from the University of Michigan reveals new evidence linking cherries to heart health benefits. The study found that a cherry-enriched diet lowered total weight, body fat (especially the important “belly” fat), inflammation and cholesterol-all risk factors associated with heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, being overweight or obese, in particular when the weight is concentrated in the middle, is a major risk factor for heart disease. As nearly two out of three Americans are overweight, emerging studies like this are important in examining the role diet may play in disease management and prevention.

Wow, maybe it is worth spending $18 on a bag of cherries :)

Too Cute for Words

2009-07-18T20:47:00.001-07:00

Hummel Hummel

2009-07-17T06:13:00.000-07:00

Not too far from my old home on Long Island was a local Bakery, Hummel Hummel. We grew up on their famous pizza crumb. 16 inches round of thin cake covered in crumbs! Well it's been 10years since we left good ol'e NY so I had to find a replacement recipe. I found this one on Monica's blog. I love that I can make it at home and I love it even more that my boys request it.

New York Crumb Cake

Preheat oven 325degrees
1.5 cups flour
.5cup sugar
2.5t. baking powder
1 egg
.5cup milk
2T. oil
2t. vanilla
Mix wet & dry ingredients and pour in greased 9x13 baking dish.

2.5cups flour
1.5t. cinnamon
1cup brown sugar
2sticks marg.
mix and crumble on top of cake mixture

Bake in a 325degree oven for 20-30min.
Let cool then dust with powdered sugar.

Saturday Mornings

2009-07-11T07:35:00.001-07:00

Every house where love abides
And friendship is a guest,
Is surely home, and home, sweet home
For there the heart can rest.
-Henry Van Dyke

From This to That

2009-07-08T10:08:00.000-07:00

On a whim (less than a yr ago) my hubby and I decided to paint our living room/dinning room orange. I really liked it at first, it was fall time so it gave us a very cozy atmosphere. I'm sure you've seen it in the background of some of my older photos.

Yeah, see there it is. You really couldn't miss it. In fact when we would have visitors and the curtains were back they could see it from the road. WHAT WAS I THINKING! We decided it was time for a change, a more mellow change.

Thank the Lord for painting pros! He came to save us from "orange gone wrong".

Needless to say I love our new color. We went with Valspar's Earthy Cane. White accents with splashes of color here and there. Now when entering the room I no longer let out a long distugusted "Uggghhh" but a happy "Ahhhhh".

Book Review

2009-07-07T20:42:00.000-07:00

Katie at Harrington House recently mentioned this book in one of her posts. I'm a sucker for good reads so anything someone recommends I'll probably read it. Let me just tell ya what a wonderful read this book was. It is an absolute faith builder, and whew, I have really been needin' some faith building. It is chock full of beautiful scriptures and stories that really hit home. Numerous times while reading I felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit in areas of my life that have been slackin'. I'm usually not one to read a book more than once, but this one found a permanent spot on my night stand.

Simply Cute

2009-07-07T09:20:00.001-07:00

I just love my sweet little Longaberger Flower Pot Basket! So cute and the possibilities are endless. Today it's a holders for some garden flowers, maybe I'll use it as a dip container next time we have a party (it has a plastic liner that is food safe).

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2009-07-03T14:07:00.000-07:00

"My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him."
Lamentations 3:20-25 KJV

This is one of my very favorite verses in the Bible. What an encouragement to me that my Heavenly Father, who created the universe, has compassion for me and you! Every morning is a fresh start with NEW MERCIES. Great is His faithfulness. As a young mother, this verse is so helpful by reminding me that we might have had a bad day yesterday but today is a new day.

A Busy Week...

2009-07-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

The last week of June and the first week of July is always a very busy time for us. A birthday, an anniversary, and a national holiday all wrapped in one busy week.

Thoughts...

2009-06-12T04:34:00.000-07:00

Thinking back on my childhood I have an abundance of happy memories. I grew up in a wonderful home with godly parents. But this morning I was thinking about Mrs. Kirk. Your probably wondering who in the world Mrs. Kirk is. Well they lived right across the street from us in the charming blue cape cod built by none other than Mr. Kirk himself.
They were the sweetest elderly couple.He dressed as Santa every year and visited all the neighbourhood children Christmas Eve night and she always welcomed me in whenever my Mom was not able to get me off the school bus. Let me just say her home was the picture of what comfort meant to me then and now. It was so cozy and warm. The smell of dinner simmering on the stove greeted you upon entering and of course there was always a plate of cookies and a glass of milk waiting for me at the kitchen table. My visits were never long but they have stuck with me and I desire to create those same comforts for my own family.

The Lord brought something to my mind. These visits with Mrs. Kirk were few and sporadic but look how they stuck with me and I would even say influenced me. No matter how briefly we are exposed to something it takes part (small or large) in shaping who we become and strive to be. Whether good or bad. If you are a parent like me, the Lord has entrusted us with a great responsibility. Guarding our children and choosing what will influence them. Of course some things are out of our control and that's when we trust that the Lord is protecting and sheltering our child. For the things that are in our control; cartoons/television, friends (even their friends' parents), education (christian vs. secular), these all influence their growing minds. What we sow in their little hearts and minds today is what will be reaped in the future.

"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bounifully whall reap also bountifully." II Corinthians 9:6 KJV

*photo provided by Google Images

Giveaway

2009-05-05T13:24:00.001-07:00

.The Lettered Cottage is having a great give a way. A beautiful burlap runner. You can check out more of Grace's beautiful items at her Esty Shop. I hope I win ;)

Monster Trucks

2009-03-25T08:51:00.000-07:00

A few Saturdays ago we took the boys to "Monster Jam". It was pretty good but oh my was it loud. We had ear plugs and honestly it was not good enough. At one point the thought crossed my mind..."has anyone ever died from sound?". I know that probably sounds silly, but I literally felt the sound vibrations throughout my whole body!

For the Love of Baskets!

2009-03-22T08:08:00.000-07:00

I'm really excited to announce that I've started my own business! I'm now an Independent Home Consultant for Longaberger. All their products are beautifully hand crafted and made in the United States! I don't know about you but I would rather buy something made here at home then send my precious dollars to another county. Check out my website www.longaberger.com/christycox. If you would like to be put on my mailing list to receive info on Longaberger's amazing sales send me a comment.

Sunday Blessings to You!

Thursday at our house

2009-03-12T15:09:00.000-07:00

Our cookie jar was completely empty today (this fact horrifies my children). So we made the easiest recipe I know of for Chocolate Chip Cookies.

They probably won't last long!

My next Task was to clean out this teeny tiny drawer that had so much junk in it I was to embarrassed to take a before picture. I never knew you could fit so much in something so small. Because of it's size, I wasn't really sure what to use it for. The Farm Chicks inspired me so I decided to store all my sprinkles, pastry tips, and food coloring containers.

A big highlight in my day was receiving my
Farm Chicks Cookbook/Craft Book.
Inside it I found this sweet little fix to my utensil storage issue. Just a plain old jar with cloth attached on the inside. They suggested oil cloth but I didn't have any in my fabric stash so I just used what I had. It worked great but I did have to tack it with my glue gun.

Aerial

2009-03-12T15:06:00.000-07:00

That's the truth!

Give Away

2009-03-02T10:45:00.000-08:00

The Farm Chicks are hosting a great give away! Check it out :)

Hibernation

2009-03-02T10:26:00.001-08:00

"No winter lasts forever; no spring skips it turn." - Hal Borland

What a winter. We have seriously been in hibernation mode here at our house. We are desperately longing for those warm spring days! But that does not mean we haven't been enjoying those snow showers. When my sweet boys awaken to see snow kissed ground they declare with much jumping and shouting "It's Christmas, It's Christmas!"

What are the chances...a random snowflake practically ruins such a sweet photo.

God Bless America

2008-11-05T07:53:00.000-08:00

Well I have to admit that today I am extremely broken-hearted that John McCain was not elected President of the United States. Like all Americans, especially those with children worry about National Security. Will Obama keep us safe? Who knows especially since he will most likely cut the budget for our military. He supports abortion, how many innocent babies will be murdered in the next four years? There are numerous issues and thoughts swirling around in my head today. But I do have to say with great thanks I serve a God bigger than all these issues. I serve a God that is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I serve a God that no matter who was elected President He is ultimately in control. All men are flawed (even John McCain) but the One True God is flawless and that is something to rejoice about. So yes even though I am not out in the streets rejoicing over my party's victory, I am rejoicing because I have been saved by the blood of Jesus our only TRUE REDEEMER. In my opinion that is worth far more than anything this world can offer.

November 4, 2008

2008-11-04T07:28:00.000-08:00

We Voted...did you??

Pumpkinville 2008

2008-10-30T11:47:00.000-07:00

Today the boys and I decided to head out to the nearby animal park. To our surprise they transformed their park into Pumpkinville 2008! There were tons of slides, moon bounces, and other fall themed activities. With paid admission we each received an apple from the orchard, hot apple cider, and we were able to pick a pumpkin from their patch. Not bad for $24!

Payton Driving the sPoOoKy BuS!

This was a real turtle shell. Cole got a big kick out of it.

Of course we had to pet every animal.

I don't know what was crazier, the height of this slide or the trek up the huge hill to get to it! The photos don't do it any justice.

Happy Fall Ya'll

2008-10-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy week or so at our house so I haven't really had the chance to post much. Last weekend was Aunt Ruthie's big Fall Party. Unfortunately we were so busy keeping track of our little ones we didn't get a many pictures as we would have liked.

We also decided to attempt making Carmel apples with the boys this year. I was pleasantly surprised what a great job they did. They really had a great time.

A little bit of this, A little bit of that

2008-10-10T08:27:00.000-07:00

What a week! Poor Todd has been sick for most of it and bless his heart has gone to work almost everyday. We really haven't been up to much this week. Which actually has been good. I've been able to get a lot done. I finally organized my craft cabinet! (Mom I know you're proud!)

I've also been working on a sewing project that I'm really proud of. I bought this really great book, Sew Pretty Homestyle. I decided to make a purse and let me tell you it was so much fun! I've sewn curtains before and hated every minute of it. I figured out why...too much fabric to work with. Small projects are definitely my thing. I'll share the pictures but be kind :) it's my first purse.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend filled with fun and blessings from above!

Country Fair

2008-10-04T19:38:00.000-07:00

Today we went to a local country fair and what a great day we had! The boys loved every minute of it. Here are just a few pictures from our day...

Muffins and a Little Bit of Fussin'

2008-10-01T10:00:00.001-07:00

In our attempts to save money I decided to bake muffins this morning. I thought they would be perfect for Todd's breakfast instead of having to buy breakfast at work. I found this awesome recipe in one of my very favorite Gooseberry Patch Cookbooks.

The boys were doing a great job helping until they were bored with the activity. Payton declared that he was "going to get ready for school". So while I finished up in the kitchen I heard some fussing by the front door...

Bless his heart! He was so upset because his baby (aerial) was too heavy for him to carry. I just had to take a picture...no one would have believed what he did to that poor dog.

Christmas Ornament Swap

2008-09-30T05:16:00.000-07:00

Handmade Parade is hosting a handmade ornament swap. How fun! You have till Oct. 4th to sign up.

Nose Woes

2008-09-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

You may be asking yourself what does this all mean. Well long story short...I was getting dressed this morning when Cole walked into my bedroom and quickly walked back out. I then asked him if everything was okay. He turned around with the look of extreme panic on his face. He proceeded to tell me that he moved his bed away from the wall and found a bean from the game Don't Spill the Beans (I don't know how it got separated from the others...in the game box high on the shelf). For some reason he could not think of why he placed the bean up his nose. Well at this point we both had the look of extreme panic on our faces. First we tried blowing his nose..didn't work. I then decided to call the doctor. They didn't see the urgency in the situation and offered a 2 o'clock appointment...it was 10 am. I could not just sit around and wait knowing there is a bean up my child's nose. Okay so this is when creative parenting comes into play. I was struck with this bright idea...suck it out with the vacuum. I'm sure you are thinking I'm absolutely crazy but don't worry I tried it out on myself first. I placed the hose 2 inches away (a safe distance) from his nose and thanks to the wonderful power of a shop vac it flew out of his nose straight down the hose never to be seen again.

Sunday Blessings...

2008-09-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

Sunday is a very important day for our family. It is a day to worship the Lord, spend time together, and of course football...

Go REDSKINS!!!!

Hope your Sunday is filled with peace and rest