Menu Plan Monday, the most organized day of the week!

I can't believe tomorrow is May 1st. This year is just speeding along, but I think its because I feel like I am racing the clock here. I have so much to do, and so little time to do it in. And like I told my mom last night, I don't get a break until Oh, December 2008!!
At least I have my handy dandy (watching Blues Clues this morning...) Menu Plan to make sure there is some sanity in my week!
Here we go...

Monday: Corndog Muffins! (Thanks Carrie :) )
Tuesday: Pizza Pancakes these are SO popular at our house!
Wednesday: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup yep, here it is again!
Thursday: Crockpot Chicken Tacos stole this from someone on MPM and can't remember who now! But thanks for the idea.... sounds tasty!!
Friday : Sandwiches
Saturday: Saucy Crockpot Meatballs

So there you have it!! Now don't be surprised if at one point this all goes out the window and I eat nothing but pizza for days!!! I never know where my cravings will take me! Just kidding.....

Hey! This is my 100th post!!!

I know that the tradition is to write 100 things about ourselves for our 100th post. Now, I KNOW none of ya'll (thats my nod to the South, since I am from Oregon!) really want to read 100 things about me, so since I am feeling compelled by God to challenge myself to spend more time in HIS word and become what He called me to be again, I am going to try and list 100 Scriptures that have to do with LOVE. His love for us, and His call on our lives to LOVE one another!! Lets see how far I can get....
Starting with my favorite, that goes back, and how sad is this, to a song in Sunday school that I think originated from a Psalty (how many of you remember Psalty?) CASSETTE tape...
1. 1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us Love one another, for Love is of God, and anyone who Loves is born of God, and knows God.

2. 1 John 4:8
He who Loves not, knows not God, for God is LOVE.

3. John 3:16
For God so Loved the World, that He gave His Only Son, that whoever believed in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life!

4. Romans 13:10
Love does no wrong to ones neighbor, Therefore Love meets all the requirements and is the fullfilling of the law.

5. Hebrews 13:1
Let Love for your fellow believers be a fixed practice with you, never let it fail.

6. 1 Thessalonians 3:12
And may the Lord make you to increase and excel and overflow in Love for one another, and for ALL people, just as we do for you.

7. Matthew 5:44
But I tell you Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

8. Luke 6:32
If you merely Love those who Love you, what quality of credit and thanks is that to you? For even the very sinners Love those who Love them.

9. 1 Corinthians 16:14
Let everything you do be done in Love.

10. Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up contentions,but Love covers all trangressions.

11. 2 Thessalonians 3:5
May the Lord direct your hearts into the Love of God, and into the steadfastness and patience of Christ and in waiting for His return.

12. 1 John 4:11
Beloved, if God loved us so, we also ought to Love one another.

13. I Corinthians 13:1
If I speak in the tongues of Men and Angels, but have not Love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

14. 1 Corinthians 13:2
If I have the gift of prophesy, and can fathom all mysteries,and all knowledge, and have a faith that can move mountains, but have not Love, I am nothing.

15. 1 Corinthians 13:3
If I give all I possess to the poor, and my body to the flames, but have not Love, I am nothing.

16. 1 Corinthians 13:4
Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

17. 1 Corinthians 13:6
Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth.

18. 1 Corinthians 13:8
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues: they shall be stilled; where there is knowledge, it shall pass away.

19. 1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope, and Love. But the GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE.

20. John 13:34
A new Command I give you, Love one another. As I have Loved you, so you must love one another.

21. John 13:35
By this all men will know you are my disciples, if you Love one another.

22. Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly Love, honor one another above yourselves.

23. Romans 13:8
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to Love one another, for he who Loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law.

24. Galatians 5:13
You my brothers, were called to be free, but do not use your freedom to indulge your sinful nature; rather, serve one another in Love.

25. Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in Love.

26. Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward Love and good deeds.

27. 1 Peter 1:22
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth, so that you have sincere Love for your brothers, Love one another deeply, from the heart.

28. 1 Peter 3:8
Finally all of you, live in harmony with one another, be sympathetic, Love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

29. 1 Peter 5:14
Greet one another with a kiss of Love, Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

30. 1 John 3:11
This is the message you have heard from the beginning, we should Love one another.

31. 1 John 3:23
And this is His command: to believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and to Love one another, as he has commanded us.

32. 1 John 4:12
No one has ever seen God; but if we Love one another, God lives in us and His Love is made complete in us.

33. 2 John 1:5
And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have heard from the beginning. I ask that we love one another.

34. Exodus 34:6
And He passed in front of Moses, proclaiming,"The LORD, The LORD, the compassionate and gracious LORD, slow to anger, abounding in Love and faithfulness.

35. Leviticus 19:18
Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but Love your neighbor as yourself. I am THE LORD.

36. Deuteronomy 6:5
Love the Lord your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength.

37. Dueteronomy 30:16
For I command you to Love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws: then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

38. Joshua 23:11
So be very careful to Love the LORD your God.

39. 1 Chronicles 16:34
Give Thanks to the Lord for He is good, His Love endures forever.

40. Psalm 36:5
Your Love, Oh Lord, reaches to the Heavens, Your Faithfulness reaches to the sky.

41. Psalm 86:5
You are Forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in Love to all those who call to You!

42. Jeremiah 31:3
The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying:" I have Loved you with an Everlasting Love; I have drawn you with Loving kindness.

43. Matthew 10:37
Anyone who Loves his father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me; anyone who Loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

44. Matthew 22:39
And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.

45. Mark 12:33
To Love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, and with all your strength, and to Love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all your burnt offerings and sacrafices.

46. Luke 6:27
But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.

47. John 12:25
The man who Loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

48. John 14:15
If you Love me, you will obey what I command.

49. John 14:21
Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who Loves me. He who Loves me will be Loved by my Father,and I too will Love him and show myself to him.

50. John 15:19
If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

51. Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who Love Him, who have been called according to His Purpose.

52. Romans 8:35
Who shall seperate us from the Love of Christ? Shall trouble, or hardship or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger or sword.

53. Romans 8:39
neither height, or depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to seperate us from the Love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

54. 1 Corinthians 2:9
However, as it is written: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who Love Him.

55. 1 Corinthians 8:3
For the man who Loves God is known by God.

56. 2 Corinthians 5:14
For Christ's Love compels us, because we are convinced one died for all, and therefore all died.

57. Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ,and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who Loved me and gave himself for me.

58. Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the spirit is Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

59. Ephesians 3:17
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in Love

60. Ephesians 3:18
may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long, and high and deep is the Love of Christ

61. Ephesians 3:19
and to know this Love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

62. Ephesians 5:2
and live a life of Love, just as Christ Loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrafice to God.


63. Colossians 3:14
And over all these virtues put on Love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

64. 1 Thessalonians 5:8
But since we belong to the day, let us be self controlled, putting on faith and Love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

65. 1 Timothy 1:5
The goal of this command is Love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

66. 2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power of Love and of self discipline.

67. Philemon 1:7
Your Love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

68. 1 Peter 4:8
Above all, Love eachother deeply, because Love covers over a multitude of sin.

69. 1 John 2:5
But if anyone obeys His word, God's Love is truly made complete in him, this is how we know we are in Him.

70. 1 John 2:10
Whoever Loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.

71. 1 John 2:15
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Love of the Father is not in Him.

72. 1 John 3:10
This is how we know who the Children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not Love his brother.

73. 1 John 3:14
We know that we have passed from death to life, because we Love our brothers. Anyone who does not Love remains in death.

74. 1 John 3:16
This is how we know what Love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

75. 1 John 4:18
There is no fear in Love. But perfect Love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in Love.

76. 1 John 4:20
If anyone says "I Love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not Love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot Love God, whom he has not seen.

77. 1 John 4:21
and he has given us this command:" Whoever Loves God, must also Love his brother.

78. 1 John 5:2
This is how we know that we Love the children of God: by Loving God and carrying out His commands

79. 1 John 5:3
This is Love for God:to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome.

80. 2 John 1:6
And this is Love: that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that we walk in Love.

81. Jude 1:2
Mercy, peace and Love be yours in abundance.

82. Jude 1:21
Keep yourself in Gods Love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

83. Revelations 3:19
To those whom I Love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.

84. Ephesians 4:15
Instead, speaking the truth in Love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

85. Ephesians 4:16
from Him, the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament,grows and builds itself up in Love, as each part does its work.

86. 1 Peter 3:10
For, "Whoever would Love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech."

87. Daniel 9:4
I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: "O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant of Love with all who Love Him and obey His commands"

88. Lamentations 3:22
Because of the Lords Great Love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

89. Lamentations 3:32
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing Love.

90. Isaiah 54:10
Though the mountains be shaken, and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing Love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed." says the Lord who has compassion for you.

91. Isaiah 63:9
In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

92. Proverbs 16:6
Through Love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil.

93. Proverbs 17:9
He who covers over an offense promotes Love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

94. Proverbs 17:17
A friend Loves at all times, and a brother is born into adversity.

95. Proverbs 21:21
He who pursues righteousness and Love, finds life, prosperity and honor.

96. Proverbs 22:11
He who Loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.

97. Psalm 145:8
The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in Love.

98. Psalm 145:20
The Lord watches over all who Love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy.

99. Psalm 147:11
The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing Love.

100. Proverbs 3:12
because the Lord disciplines those He Loves, as a father the son he delights in.

There you have it! 100 verses about LOVE! And whats amazing, is that I had 697 verses that mentioned love in some context to choose from. I would say that Love is pretty important if it mentioned that many times, telling us to Love the Lord, and our neighbor, and our enemies as we love ourselves!!

Rich Christians?

When I get bored, and the kids are occupied, I like to see what books are out there, fiction or non-fiction that I might be interested in reading. I stumbled across this book about how it would seem, all wealthy Christians are the same, and the purpose of our salvation is to give everything, with the exception of the little we are to live on, to the poor. Now, I am not stating this as a "wealthy" Christian, I am not wealthy! I believe that our calling as Christians is to GLORIFY God in all that we do. We were created to bring him Glory. And to serve Him and others. I get a little irritated when I hear people talk about how the rich make them sick, living in their big houses and getting richer by the minute. I don't think it is a sin to have money. It all depends on WHAT you do with it. How can we judge an entire group of people we don't know personally? We don't know if they are giving to charities, funding committees, helping the poor! God gives us what we have, I certainly believe that God has called some Christians to be wealthy, because He trusts that they will use it for HIS glory!
My hubby and I want to get out of debt, have a successful business and accumulate a lot of wealth. Now before you all JUMP down my throat about that being unbiblical, let me tell you WHY. My desire for wealth has a purpose. I have charities I want to fund, and foundations to start. Those take money. We want to be able to start a church that is not dependant on its members to survive, but one that gives to members or anyone who needs help, and can send out missionaries to do HIS work.
YES, we want a big house with land, why? So our kids can bring their friends over, we have room for kids that need a sanctuary from abuse, so we can take in foster kids. And while the initial, HEY lets go over to their house because they have cool stuff might be what draws them in, what brings them back is because they feel safe and taken care of. I remember growing up, and having friends who had big houses, and we did not. And where did we all go, the big house. Because they had cool stuff. Now that person is one of my BEST FRIENDS ever, and her parents had money, and were some of the nicest most generous people I knew.
So is it a sin to be a WEALTHY CHRISTIAN? No, I don't think so. Should we give everything we have to the poor and unfortunate, to a point. What God calls us to give. Not to enable them to stay poor, but give to assist them to a point when they can take care of themselves. If you work hard in what God has called you to do, and you are obedient, and that financially is how He CHOOSES to to bless you, then that should be the end of it. And no, I am not saying that if you are a good and faithful christian then you will be wealthy beyond all wealth and drive a mercedes for every day of the week. Nope, thats not the case either. I believe the Scripture quote is "You shall know a Christian by his FRUIT", not his bank account!!!

Slow Cooker Thursday

I am pretty sure I got this from someone on MPM, but I can't remember who. We love it at our house so I thought I would share!

Saucy Slow Cooker Meatballs

1 pkg. (6 oz.) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix for Turkey
1-1/2 lb. lean ground beef
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup water
2 cups sliced mushrooms
2 medium green peppers, sliced (about 2 cups)
4 cups spaghetti sauce
1 pkg. (1 lb.) spaghetti
1/3 cup KRAFT 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese



COMBINE stuffing mix, meat, egg and water. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place in slow cooker; top with mushrooms, peppers and spaghetti sauce. Cover with lid.
COOK on LOW for 6 to 8 hours (or on for HIGH 3 to 4 hours).
COOK spaghetti as directed on package; drain. Serve meatballs with sauce over spaghetti. Sprinkle with cheese.

Chinese Freeze Tag!!

I have been tagged for the first time EVER (I am so EXCITED!!) by Sarah Grace to play this fun little game. The deal is I have to list 10 things about me that you may or may not know! And then I have to find 10 more people to tag... Hmmmm not sure who they will be yet, I will have to think on that one. But there are no tagbacks either!
Here we go!
1. I think I must be nesting right now, because I have this incredible urge to clean my house and BAKE like a crazy woman!
2. We know that unless we can't afford it, we are sending our kids to a private school, homeschool is last option for us, and God would have to tell me to send them to a public school
3. I own my own Event Planning Business, and Ezine and someday my hubby will work for me!
4. I can't stand pickles, they make me want to wipe my tongue
5. When I was first pregnant this time around, I ate vanilla ice cream with sweet chili flavored doritos crumbled up in it.
6. When I go swimming, I have to plug my nose with my fingers if I jump in or swim underwater
7. And even though I hate bugs and spiders, I don't mind swimming in a lake, whether I can see the bottom or not!
8. I can STILL do the splits!
9. I cannot stand needles and almost pass out everytime they draw my blood
10. If you give me a picture, I can draw it exactly without tracing it

That was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be, Thanks Sarah!! Now I have to think of 10 people to tag. Ok, so Stacy (Exceedingly Mundane), Laura (Organizing Junkie), Boomama, Carrie (My Lil Corner of The World), Annie (My life as Annie),Heather (Heathers Thoughts),CircusMom, Leni(Anything Worth Doing..)Rona(Rona's Berry Bits and Morin)and Sandra (Diary of a SAHM) So if you all decide to do this, come leave me a comment so I can come and read yours!!

Have fun!

No Reservations About This Site!

Being a Navy family, its a rarity for all our family to be in the same state for long. And when my husband goes out on deployment, I like to spend some time with our family, which requires me to travel quite a bit. Having been to many of the other websites out there claiming to have the best prices, but being disappointed every time, I decided to try one more time.
Then I found Hotel Reservations, thier claim being that they have great rates on Hotels, Motels, Resorts, and Vacation Rentals. And after taking a look around, I DEFINITELY found their claims to be true!
HotelReservations.com has been around for over 6 years now, assisting people traveling around the globe with finding affordable luxury. The website has everything you need in one place to make your trip exceptional. Whether you are looking for a one night stay in a gorgeous hotel, or trying to plan your entire vacation, this is a one stop website. Great deals on Flights and Cars can be found as well.
Once you open the site, navigation is simple. Click on the button that suits your needs. Inputting the information about your trip and the days you will be traveling, produces a lot of choices, the hardest part is figuring out where you want to stay! One of the best things about this site is that they have a lowest price guarantee. Should you happen to find another site within 24 hours, with a lower cost after placing your booking, they will either match the price or cancel your reservation without any cancellation fees. Thats how sure they are that they are indeed the lowest price you will find!
If you book between now and May 31st, for travel up to July 31st 2007, and you can be eligible for a rebate up to $100 for your hotel stay. Rebate depends on how many nights are booked.
I know that this website is one of my new favorites, check it out! What have you got to lose, more importantly, think about what you have to gain! I am all about saving money, but still feeling pampered in the meantime!




this post is paid by www.payperpost.com

Musings on BYU

In my random strolling through the blogosphere, I came across http://mlbmelissa.blogspot.com/ at Melissa's Musings. It was an interesting post concerning something that I had yet to hear about. The two graduations that BYU is holding so the more democratic of students do not have to be subjected to the guest speaker, Dick Cheney. I enjoyed the "musings" on the subject and after reading it, didn't feel like I needed to visit the link at the top of the post. Each point was clearly stated, and backed up with a concise and well thought out, well, thought!
In reading Melissa's post, I felt better informed on the subject, and did not feel like I was being persuaded to share her viewpoints. Now who doesn't like that? It is a sad thing that a students graduation is being marred by political views that have no place in that auditorium. Should there also be different schools and classes for students of each political group so they wouldn't have to listen to, say a Democratic Professor and the said student is a Republican? As Melissa so eloquently put it,"I think fellow students deserve the respect of having their graduation be about them and the celebration of their success without it being all about politics."

This post is being considered by payperpost!

In Which I am Semi Inspired....

Technorati Profile

Not really, I was inspired by Bigmama after reading her post about losing her maid to the resignation of her job. For which I applaud her! Not for losing her maid mind you, but for deciding to stay at home, which can be a tough decision.
Growing up, our house was kept immaculately clean. My mother was the epitomy of the domestic goddess, although I can assure you she would be rolling on the floor laughing if she knew I had just referred to her in those terms. Without fail, every Saturday, my mom would clean the house from top to bottom. And every Saturday, my sister and I were roped into participating in some way. Faithfully we would dust and clean the bathrooms, while cutting as many corners as possible in order to get out of there quickly! AND I HATED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!! We would invite our friends over, who would remove their shoes so as to not mar the white carpeting, and my mother would graciously apologize for the "mess".
I would love to say that as I got older, the importance of a spotless and orderly home, became just as apparent to me. Not the case. I clean, but only because it is neccesary. When I was younger, before I got married, I nannied for a couple of families in the Dallas area. Both of whom had maids or housekeepers, who not only cleaned up after the family, but cleaned up after me! Although, I should mention that one of them fell short of the cleaning lady code, I am sure. She was having domestic issues with her husband, who lived in Mexico. So she was on the phone. A LOT! She would forget to do things, and was ALWAYS eating the food in the fridge. She also cleaned for the couple across the street, and in a moment of breakdown, or absentmindedness, had folded the husbands boxers in with the towels in the linen closet. And forgot about it.
I got married, quit being a nanny, and we eventually had our own family. And let me tell you, I have NO IDEA how my mom kept our house so spotless, ALL THE STINKIN' TIME. I clean in spurts, I don't have a set day to do each task. Its pretty much every day, I follow my boys around, picking up while they then manage to leave a new trail behind me. I do dishes and laundry and sweep and mop. But for whatever reason, I can never seem to make much of a dent. And then the next day I start all over again!
I would LOVE to have a maid, even come just every two weeks. And I would appreciate her so much. My DH looks at me like I am insane, telling me, we don't need a maid. Yes, well lets see you take care of two boys, work in running a semi-new business, and keep our home immaculate. But, I will SOMEDAY have a housekeeper/cook named Helga who will love and take care of us as though we are her own! She will bake all kinds of goodies, and shoo the kids out of the kitchen while handing them a cookie. She and I will share a cup of coffee in the morning while we plan the menu for the week. And THEN and ONLY THEN will my house sparkle and shine and all of you out in bloggy land will bask in the glow of my CLEAN HOUSE!!! Of course, then I wake up and start the vacuum.... But, we should ALL have a goal!!

Monday! You Know What That Means...

I really struggled with a menu this week. We did pretty good up until Thursday last week when I kind of threw my plan out the window! So this week, I am planning easy stuff, stuff I won't have to fight with my oldest to get him to eat. I have been UBER stressed these last couple of weeks, so I need easy and simple. Here we go!

Sunday: Cheese Tortellini with Marinara with Sausage, Garlic Bread
Monday: Slow Cooker Tamale Casserole, didn't get to this last week
Tuesday: Breakfast for dinner, either pancakes or French Toast
Wednesday: Quesadilla Chicken for me and my youngest, Cheese for my oldest
Thursday: Spaghetti
Friday: Grilled Cheese and Tomato soup
Saturday: Pizza probably homemade

Be sure to stop by Laura's
for more great menu plans, I get lots of ideas there! I know you will too!!

Mamas don't let your babies grow up to be....

Hoochies! I was reminded yesterday as I was driving to Target, yes, for my bi-weekly visit, why we have no intentions of sending our children to public school. Now, I have been under the impression that the public schools were enforcing some type of dress code. Not the uniforms you find at private schools mind you, I wore my plaid skirt rolled up at the waist to make it cuter, thank you very much! But some guidelines on length of shorts, tank tops and all that jazz. Apparently not at the school in our neighborhood. Which is a little astonishing considering that we are surrounded by HUGE houses in a very nice neighborhood. The school bus had let the kids off and here comes exhibit A. A Jr high girl wearing shorts that stopped just short of her rear. I mean, these were SHORT. I thought, ok, maybe she changed before she came home. Well, unless all the girls get together and change before they come home, I highly doubt it. I saw girls in low cut jeans, LOW LOW cut tops, shirts so tight you could count their ribs. Skirts that stopped just short of being a headband. It was like the school bus stopped at a club on the way home! And people wonder why the schools in the United Stated don't do as well as the ones overseas. These poor guys are concentrating in class, just not on learning anything other than Hoochie #1's phone number! And I doubt there is a question about THAT in the standardized testing packet...

Slow Cooker Thursday

I have yet to try this recipe, but it sounds so good and the thought of being able to smell this yummy goodness as it cooks all day, makes me want to give it a try soon!
Lasagna With Chicken Sausage

Serves 8 Cook: 5 hr (low)

1 jar Marinara Sauce
1 pkg (12oz) fully cooked italian style chicken sausage links, diced
1 tub (32 oz) part-skim ricotta cheese
1 8 oz pkg shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4 c grated parmesan cheese
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp dried italian seasoning
1 box (8oz) no cook oven ready lasagna noodles

1. Mix Marinara, sausage, and 1/2c water in med. bowl. In another bowl mix 1 1/2 c mozzarella, ricotta, 1/2 c parmesan, garlic, and seasoning.

2. Spread one quarter of the sauce mixture over bottom of slow cooker,top with 1/3 of noodles breaking and overlapping as needed, spread with 1/3 of cheese mixture, covering noodles completely. Repeat sauce and noodle and cheese layers twice, then spread remaining sauce mixture on top.

3. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or until noodles are tender

4. Sprinkle with remaining Mozzarella and Parmesan, cover and let stand for 10 minutes to melt cheese.


Per Serving: 523 Calories 35 g proteins 38 g carb 27 g fat (ignore that one!!) (13g sat fat) 46% cal from fat 96 mg chol 1,411mg sod

Bored and Procrastinating

I have so many things to do today. I have work stuff to do, articles to work on for my EZine, TONS of phone calls to make, and a house to clean. And yet, here I sit. I did manage to get my interview questions written out for the Author I am interviewing for May. Thats a pretty big task done. But I have spent more time IM'ing and reading blogs than anything else. In fact I shouldn't even been writing on here! But then the thought of trying to make phone calls while my oldest whines in my ear about all types of random things, is less than appealing. I am also waiting for my DH to call when they reach port, and who knows when that might be! I hate to be in the middle of an important phone call and say, oh could you excuse me, my hubby is calling me!
By the way, I know an easy way to get telemarketers to HANG UP on YOU!!! Now I have a good reason for saying what I did, its the truth. When my cell rings, which is my business line btw, and it says Unavailable, I usually don't answer it. Its always turns out to be some company wanting me to advertise with them. And I get kind of irritate when the ones I have already declined, continue to call me back! But because I am waiting for hubby to call I answered it. The lady asked me for my husband, I answered, he is currently out of the country, can I take a message? And SHE HUNG UP ON ME!!! And has not called back since!
Pretty effective if you ask me! Now back to more procrastinating!!

Oh by the way, you should head on over to Boomama's Blog and make a donation for Heather and her family!

I would post the button here, but since Heather is the one who usually adds things when I don't know how, that would be why its not here!

And stay tuned for more information on what I am TRYING to plan for a fundraiser for her family. I have to say I am VERY disappointed with the lack of response I have gotten from the people I have contacted. I would think that giving to a fellow Christian would be on the top of the list for those who are MORE than able to help.
End rant.

My EZine...

So I have this EZine,the problem is I have no CLUE about the workings of websites and templates and links and all that techy stuff. No really, you can all stop laughing now! I am not responsible for the cuteness of my blog, Heather did it for me. My website for Posh, yeah, her counterpart Emily at Swank
did that one. So when I decided to have a EZine, my thoughts were that people would subscribe to it, and then be sent a link monthly to view it. MY THOUGHTS, and apparently my thoughts alone! Is that odd? Should I have just KNOWN there was a link for it floating around out there somewhere? I had no idea that the EZine was open for all to see.
So if you all would like to have a little peek at my brilliance, you can go to www.poshcelebrations.com/celebrate/
Then let me know what you think!! Enjoy!

Is it Monday Already??

I was all prepared yesterday to go to do my grocery shopping, except I needed a paper. Coupons, you know! So on our way to the grocery, and because my boys were suddenly STARVING, we pulled into Mickey D's for some chicken nuggets and a paper from the paper box. Which consequently, if I have the change, I prefer to get the paper from because buying it at the Grocery Store requires me to pay SALES TAX!!! Explain to me why I have to pay sales tax there, but not at the little box thing. Thats just silly. But, my little guy had fallen asleep, and my oldest decided he really REALLY needed the bathroom. And he asked, quite nicely, if we could JUST go home! I replied, YES!
And then of course I left the paper with the coupons in the car, and it was so very windy last night that the parking lot lights were out in our complex. So instead I sat at the computer and my hubby and I played email tag! Which was fun and a blessing I really needed. We can't IM, his ships computers don't do that. And as they are still not to their destination, he can't call me either. But we JUST SO HAPPENED (such a God thing) to be at the computer at the same time, he sent me an email, I answered him, and we went back and forth like that for about an hour.
So this morning, I can't find my grocery list I so painstakingly made yesterday with my menu on it for the week. But I think I have reconstructed it to the best of my remembering abilities! Here we go:

Monday: Pizza Pancakes this is carried over from last week, I felt like making Strawberry French Toast instead
Tuesday: Corndog Casserole (New Recipe I thought we might try)
Wednesday: Tortellini in Marinara sauce
Thursday: Crockpot Tamale Casserole (from here)
Friday: Our old standby Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup (I have discovered I really LOVE Cheddar Jack Cheezits crunched up in the soup, YUM!)
Saturday: We may eat out if I am up to it

I have plans to make Caramel Apple Bars this week for the boys, and hopefully get around to the cookie dough in my fridge. I will take the time to post the Oatmeal Bread from my mom later this week. Sorry it is taking so long....

God Our Father

I noticed the other day at lunch time, that my boys were singing something. My oldest I can usually understand, while my 2 yr old can be a little, well more difficult at times. And while my oldest was singing nicely over his meal, my 2 yr old was SCREAMING at his. And all I could make out was GOD! IS! IN! THE! BEDDING!!! Ok, um.... WHAT??? I finally figured out that my 3yr old had learned a little song for Grace at MOPS.
God our Father, God our Father,
Once again, Once again,
Thank you for our blessings,
Thank you for our blessings,
Amen, Amen
Now how cute is that? While we have taught our children to say grace at mealtimes, we have gone the improv route. Just like we do in our night time prayers. We have the boys thank God for family, let them add in their own personal messages, and then the usual keep us safe, and help us be good. I want them to be able to put together their own prayers. That while the rhymes and memorized ones can be nice, I want them to think, Oh hey I need to pray for such and such. Which they do.
So this morning at about 8:20am, I was awakened ONCE AGAIN, by my two yr old. Now lately, and I am not entire sure why, he has decided that he wants NO part of sleeping in his big boy bed. We still have the crib up in the other bedroom, for bad nights, and when he can't seem to stay in his own bed. And usually he does not like the thought of being in the crib. But two nights ago, my little guy was in tears, big giant tears rolling down his little cheeks and soaking the collar of his shirt.
"I don't WANT to sleep in my bed Mommy, No Thank you Mommy"
"Well, where are you going to sleep?"
"I wanna sleep in my CWIB, Mommy, No thank you for bed Mommy"
I finally got out of him, that he had had a bad dream and didn't want to be in that bed. So I gave in. I was tired, and I just wanted him to go to sleep.
So once again, last night, after prayers and stories, he asked to be transfered to the crib. I obliged him. He slept through the night, and woke me up with a ROUSING rendition of GOD! OUR! FATHER!! Loudly and several times through! I will admit, I had a big smile on my face.

OOH OOOH OOOH A Coach purse!!

Hey everyone, Haley at Love, Life, Family, and then some, is giving away a SUPER cute Coach purse!! But, DO NOT check it out, because I want it....
Just kidding....

Fundraiser or Benefit

In light of several things, one of which being Heathers most current update, and also the post over at Boomama's I have been inspired (and hopefully) led by God to contribute in my own way. As most of you know, I think... I own my own Event Planning business. God gave me this, and with the help of Heather, I got started. Heather gave me the shove I needed to get started, and for a short while, was my business partner. If I can use what God has blessed me with to help her family out, than thats what I aim to do.
I know Boomama is working on putting together a paypal fund for Heather. Which is AWESOME! GO BOOMAMA! My thoughts, that have been circulating in my brain since yesterday or so, are that I want to either organize and coordinate some sort of Benefit Function, and have all proceeds go to Heather and her family, or find a willing Christian Artist (I have already contacted Casting Crowns, and am waiting for a reply) to participate in a Benefit Concert. I am working on researching the hows and whats need to happen to make this a reality. So, if you know anyone, or anything about this sort of thing, leave me a comment with your email, or email me! I know everything has been moving so fast for Heather and Mark, but I would love to see this happen sometime this summer as I know they will need continued financial support from as many avenues as possible to ease the burden on their family.
Thanks in advance!

Slow Cooker Thursday First Time!

I thought I would join in Slow Cooker Thursday, I usually have at least one Crockpot meal a week, so it will be nice to get some new ideas and share some of mine!

Cream Cheese Crock Pot Chicken

7¼ hours 15 min prep
Change to: servings US Metric
4 boneless chicken breasts
1 package dried Italian salad dressing mix
1 can cream of chicken soup
8 ounces cream cheese, cut up in cubes
1 large onion, slivered
crushed garlic

Lay chicken in 4 quart or larger crockpot.
Sprinkle with Italian dressing mix.
Sprinkle onions on top.
Press fresh garlic on top of all.
Cook on low for 4-5 hours at med.
heat.
About 45 minutes before you're ready to eat, remove the chicken and set aside.
Add the cream cheese and soup to crockpot stirring occasionally until smooth.
While the cream cheese is melting, cut the chicken into bite sized pieces.
Once the cream cheese and soup are smooth, add cut up chicken back to the crockpot.

This was simple and REALLY good. Even my two yr old ate it and then asked for more! I put it over pasta, and served salad and garlic bread. YUM! OH and for more great recipes, head on over to Sandras at Diary of a SAHM!

TV Just Keeps Getting Better....

I tend to watch the Food Network in the afternoon. Watch is a relative term, since it is mostly background noise while I putter around the house. I figure it is safe for my boys, they are busy playing, but don't bug me about their shows because, hey, something is already on! Genius, I know!
I was answering some email, watching Racheal Ray, and playing with the boys, when I think one of the WORST commercials I have seen in a while came on.
It starts with this guy getting ready to leave his house/townhouse when he sees this VERY cute girl, who happens to be a plumber go into the building next door. Well of course, being a GUY, he races into his house to try and break something pipe related. You think, pretty funny, single guy, trying to get the hot girl to fix something so he can drool over her and perhaps awkwardly ask her out. He is in the bathroom, LITERALLY flushing everything he can reach down the toilet to clog it up. And then I saw a bra go down, and I started to wonder a little. And then when he is POURING dogfood down, his WIFE, thats right, I said wife, pops her head around the corner, with a look of "What on EARTH are you doing??" look on her face. Why, preparing to cheat on you my dear.... Obviously thats not what the punchline was, it was a commercial for Kohler, the brand that does bathroom fixtures, faucets, toilets, and tubs.
Hmmmmm, what is the world coming to? I know we all know the answer to that one, but I was just a little surprised to see it so blatant.

WFMW

I have two little guys, one of whom is still considered a toddler, my other a Pre-Schooler. And when they eat they make a mess! Especially my two year old. He enjoys his food immensely, sometimes even rubbing it all over his face and head. Maybe this is how he eats less calories?
We had bought probably about 6 months or so ago, two splat mats. These are big thick plastic mats with some character on them that you put under your mess making kids chair to save your flooring. We had a Dora one, and a Spongebob one. They did the job, but the cost us about $7 a piece. Which to me, is a lot for a piece of colored plastic. The ones we had, sorely needed to be replaced. They had stains on them, and had been shredded in places by our cat.
We couldn't "exactly" remember where we had picked them up last time, but thought it was Target. Which of course it wasn't, or they stopped carrying them. Anyway, the only thing they had was a box of disposable splat mats. Thin and I mean THIN plastic with Pooh Bear on them. There were six to a package. But we would probably have to spend about $5 every couple of weeks to replace them.
So instead, we decided to get one of Targets CUTE easter tableclothes! They are thick, they have flannel backing so they don't slip on my carpet. We cut it in half, and put one under each chair. The one we got is striped with blues and lavenders, so more spring than Eastery. And even better?!?! It only cost us $2.99!!!
What a DEAL, and it WORKS for me!

Prayer Changes Things

I had a hard time last night. Yesterday was my Dad's biopsy for the tumor in his thryoid. They did it without any local, and went in about 7 times. So he is very sore. They should know results on Friday. If everything is ok in that area, then Monday they are going to go into his leg, biopsy and remove, and then insert the steel rod.
Then I heard about Heather. And my heart broke all over again. They have discovered what looks to be a cancerous brain tumor. She goes in today to look over the scan and get a better explanation before she sees a neurologist on Thursday. Their family has been through so much already, and I know that God will not give them more than they can handle. But it still hurts to hear that someone whom I count as a dear friend, has to go through this.
So this morning, I hug my boys a little tighter (they are too young to really protest it yet!) and thank God for my life. It is such a fragile thing, and you don't really realize it until someone, or two someones in my case, are faced with their own mortality. I charge all of you to lift her up in your prayers. Pray hard for this family that has already endured a lifetime of pain. Cover them with Gods grace and mercy.

Someone Asked Me....

Someone asked me today if I had begun NESTING yet. And my dh has been insisting that I am. For those of you who have forgotten, nesting is that intense and uncontrollable desire to bake and make your home, well, more homey! I have been baking like crazy lately.
Yesterday I decided when I got up, that I needed to make Raspberry Scones for breakfast. So I did. And oddly enough I just so happened to have some Devonshire Cream laying around. Which on its own, is pretty bland. But when you put it with Strawberry Jam, its quite tasty. I even had an afternoon snack, or is it tea... with warmed scones, devonshire cream and strawberry jam. I felt very refined as I sat at my desk working on an article. And my also "refined" children clamored for bites of sophisticated scone. And by "refined" I mean "hooligan"! They are tired, and cranky after MOPS today. They miss their Daddy. But at least the bits of scone helped to calm them down a bit. Made the crashes and squeals seem more elegant, DONCHA KNOW!
I also made my moms Oatmeal Bread yesterday afternoon. Cuz I am a GOOD mom, who makes healthy things regularly for her children. Its actually pretty good, and the boys enjoyed it in their lunches today with a bit of butter on it.
I still have some cookies in the fridge I can bake up at the slightest whim. Which I may do this evening. Because as a WAHM, with 2 kids, another one on the way, a business and an EZine to manage, and a hubby deployed for six weeks, I have nothing better to do than make fresh tasty cookies for my loving family!
I have been cleaning and vacuuming like crazy, doing laundry and picking up after the boys. I am EXHAUSTED! But I can't seem to stop.
Oh, and with DH gone for a little while, I am the.... DUM DA DA DUM.... KILLER OF BUGS!! Because frankly, who else is going to do it? My youngest is worse than I am. And all bugs are one of two things to him. Either an Icky Pider or an ANTER. If it is tiny and even remotely looks like it might have legs, its an ANTER. He can be sitting on the potty, THINK he sees something move, and its "MOMMY its an ANTER, get the ANTER MOMMY!!!"
This morning, he was apparently being VICIOUSLY attacked by a Fruity Pebble. I was trying to get ready, and was not moving quickly enough to get the rogue, although bug-like piece of cereal that could at any moment, EAT my child. So I turn to see my 2 yr old, stab it with a tissue and VICTORIOUSLY catch it and throw it in the potty!
Oh, pieces of Fruity Pebbles BEWARE!! My little guy knows you are out there lurking with the other ANTERS, and HE WILL TRACK YOU DOWN!!!

MPM

Things will be simple this week as this is the first week of dh being out on his ship. And probably we will be eating a LOT of ham! But the boys like it so we can burn them out on it until next Easter! Oh, the Pizza Pancakes were a HUGE hit, and the Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken was so YUMMY! I never expect my 3yr old to eat anything new, he tasted it but that was enough for him, so I just put regular sauce on his noodles. But Dh loved it more than the Pizza Pancakes and my 2 yr old had seconds! It was easy to make and made great leftovers! Even tasty on tortellini which I picked up at Costco this past week!

Sunday: Hotdog Pillows (Semi-homemade w/Sandra Lee cookbook)
Monday: Grilled Cheese and Tomato soup
Tuesday: Ham and Cheese Omelets
Wednesday: Spaghetti
Thursday: Pizza pancakes
Friday: Ham, rice, salad for me peas and corn for the boys
Saturday: Sitter coming, so probably order a pizza

Not very exciting, and I am not going to try any new recipes this week I think. I have a lot going on, meeting with clients and Drs Appt. So we are taking it easy!

Happy Easter

We had our own little mini Easter Miracle this weekend. My hubby was supposed to leave on Friday for Scotland for 6 weeks with his ship. Which was why we had planned our Easter Celebrations for earlier in the week. I had bought the Honey Baked Ham on Monday. They sell a Mini one now, which is perfect for us! And Wednesday we had our Easter dinner, talked a little bit about the reason for Easter to our little ones, and gave them their Easter baskets. Thursday we went and had dinner with DH on his ship because he had watch, and then Friday we picked him up early for breakfast. He needed to be back on the ship by noon, so we had a little time to run errands and just spend it together as a family. It was a nice little treat and unexpected. After we dropped him off, the boys and I went home. A few hours later, hubby called and said I could come and pick him up, there had been a minor fire and they wouldn't be leaving that day! So we got to have him home one more night! And the boys got to go to an Easter Egg hunt after all! I am so thankful we got that little extra bit of unexpected time! What a blessing.
I think my 3 yr old is a little confused about Easter. I told him we were going to hunt Easter eggs, and he said, I love Easter Mommy, when can we go to Easter's house?
Today is Easter Sunday, and we have spent a quiet day at home. The boys have been playing while I have been getting some stuff done online. And LUCKY US!! There has been a Shirley Temple Marathon on all day long! I LOVED Shirley Temple when I was little. My boys have been enjoying it as well. My oldest (3 yr old) has been loving the songs and asked me if it was his little friend Ruth! Whom does look remarkably like Miss Shirley! I said, No, this was Shirley Temple, do you like her? And my sons quick reply was "Oh YES Mommy, I think I LOVE her!"

I guess I know what his type is for now, really cute, with curly hair...
Watch out ladies, here comes my little heartbreaker!!

Calling All....

I am getting ready to start on my next issue of Simply Celebrate, my EZine. This May's issue will focus on Business startup tips, articles, logistics and legalities of starting a business in the Event Industry. Ie. Wedding planners, photographers, caterers, cake designers, florists, etc. Success Stories, failures that turned into successes, if you have an idea for an article, please let me know!
I am also including a section on Tea Parties, etiquette, recipes, how to set a table, and fun ideas. If you have something to contribute to this section, please email me! Thanks all! I am excited to see what you all have to offer...

Personality

I was intrigued by Laura at I am organizing junkie, and her personality profiles! I think tests like these are a lot of fun. Is there a test for people who like to take tests?
Anyway I did the one that says what my personality is:

ESFP - "Entertainer". Radiates attractive warmth and optimism. Smooth, witty, charming, clever. Fun to be with. Very generous. 8.5% of the total population.

Free Jung Word Test (similar to Myers-Briggs)
personality tests by similarminds.com

And then I did the Career Inventory test:

Career Inventory Test Results Extroversion |||||||||||||||||||||||| 76% Emotional Stability |||||||||||||||||| 56% Orderliness ||||||||||||||| 46% Altruism |||||||||||||||||||||||| 76% Inquisitiveness |||||||||||| 40% You are an Entertainer, possible professions include - veterinarian, flight attendant, floral designer, real estate agent, child care provider, social worker, fundraiser, athletic coach, musician, secretary, receptionist, special events producer, teacher

Take Free Career Test
personality tests by similarminds.com

There are so many on there to do, I could literally sit here all day and do each one!

WFMW

I think this is the one for the car tips! So, I have already posted the tip about our restaurant coupon folder that we now keep in the car. Which has worked great for us. The last couple of times we knew we were going to grab lunch on the way somewhere, we have had a lot of good coupons to choose from!
Anyway, long road trips with little ones can be really hard. And while I think it is an option in our car now, (Dodge Durango) I don't think having the entertainment system (dvd player) was when we got ours a couple of years ago. I had thought about having it installed last year before I drove the boys to Texas to visit grandparents. But couldn't decide for the life of me whether to get the back of the headrest ones, one right in the middle hanging down, having two hanging down... you get the idea. I know Damon has thoughts on where to put them. Anyway, I then realized I already had a portable Entertainment System! My laptop. It plays DVD's and since our car has power outlets in various places, I can plug it in and I set it between the two front seats on the middle console! The boys can see everything perfectly, its loud enough for them to hear, and I can still listen to the radio or a CD should I choose.
I know that after we have the new baby in July (30th hopefully) that my oldest will get moved to the last row to make room for the baby. And at that point I may just have to get a system put in. But for now, it Works for ME!!!

MPM I am BACK!!

I am back on the Menu Planning bandwagon! I have my week planned out, with our Easter Dinner on Wednesday simply because DH leaves with his ship Friday for 6 weeks and will miss Easter. We have all kinds of good things to have this week, and I LOVE leftovers from holidays!

Monday: Pizza Pancakes
Tuesday: Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken with pasta, garlic bread, salad
Wednesday: Our Easter Dinner
Honey Baked Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Salad, Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, cherry cheesecake
Thursday: Take dinner to DH on his boat, he has watch :(
Friday:Leftovers from Wednesday
Saturday: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Sunday: Easy Chicken and Potato Crockpot

There you have it!

Oh, and for those of you keeping up with my Dads progress, please continue to keep he and my mom in your prayers. The scans from this last week showed another tumor in his Thyroid gland. They will biopsy this one first now. This was a big blow to my mom, and I know she really needs prayer for strength.
Thanks Everyone.