Saturday, December 31, 2011

Zes Word Zaterdag (Six Word Saturday)



For one last time (this year) I am linking up with Cate over at Showmyface.com for 6WS.  Want to link up too?  Describe what is going on in your life in 6 words. 

It could be anything and you can post a picture with it and explanation if you like.  It is up to you.  And then link up and visit the other blogs. 





Here is my 6 words for today:

Goede dag!  Spreekt u Engels? (I know it only looks like 5 words but really it is 6 when translated).

Do you know what language it is?

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Did you guess?

Dutch!

Translation:  Good day, do you speak English?

Now you might be wondering why I am speaking Dutch?  Or not?  I am going to tell you anyways. 

I bought my ticket for my trip to Africa yesterday and on my way home I have a two day layover in Amsterdam so I figured I should probably brush up on some Dutch.  I downloaded an audio guide of common words and phrases in Dutch to listen to and hopefully absorb a little over the next two months before my trip.

I should probably learn a little bit of አማርኛ? amarəñña for when I am in Ethiopia.  Ahmeric is the main language there but luckily we will have a translator with us at all times while there.

What is going on in your life this last Saturday of 2011?

Any big plans for today/tonight?

Hope everyone has a blessed and SAFE New Year!  And remember if you are going to DRINK, DON'T DRIVE.  Take a cab or have a designated driver.

See you next year!



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Friday, December 30, 2011

One Word: Gratitude!


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This is MY WORD for 2012.  It was a toss up between this and tenacious but when I ran across this little plaque I knew the word for me was GRATITUDE.

Definition of GRATITUDE

: the state of being grateful : thankfulness


Thank you Fi, Louise and the founder of this cool idea, Abbey of the Arts.

I will have GRATITUDE for anything and everything that I have and what *presents* itself to me in the course of this next year no matter how trivial I may think it is, at the time. There are definete times this past year where I have had pity parties and forget how grateful I should be for everything and everyone in my life.  Forgetful of how much gratitude I should have for being happy, healthy and ALIVE! 

 With this word it made me think about a poem I ran across awhile back and saved for a rainy day.  The rainy day has come because this poem really fits my Word:  GRATITUDE.

Count Your Blessings

I’ve never made a fortune,
and it’s probably too late now.
But I don’t worry about that much,
I’m happy anyhow.

And as I go along life’s way,
I’m reaping better than I sowed.
I’m drinking from my saucer,
‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

Haven’t got a lot of riches,
and sometimes the going’s tough.
But I’ve got loving ones all around me,
and that makes me rich enough.
I thank God for his blessings,
and the mercies He’s bestowed.
I’m drinking from my saucer,
‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

I remember times when things went wrong,
My faith wore somewhat thin.
But all at once the dark clouds broke,
and the sun peeped through again.
So Lord, help me not to gripe,
about the tough rows I have hoed.
I’m drinking from my saucer,
‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

If God gives me strength and courage,
When the way grows steep and rough.
I’ll not ask for other blessings,
I’m already blessed enough.
And may I never be too busy,
to help others bear their loads.
Then I’ll keep drinking from my saucer,
‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

When I think of how many people
in this world have it worse than I do.
I realize just how blessed most of us really are.

Author Unknown


What is  your WORD for 2012?


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Thursday, December 29, 2011

Hungry? Win a $10 Subway Gift Card!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Gift Card Weekend. All opinions are 100% mine.

Gilbert the Gift Card Machine is giving away more than 100  $10 Subway Gift Cards for Facebook fans from December 23rd-December 31; working up to the ultimate gift card weekend.  The Gift Card Weekend is January 6-8th, 2012. 

 

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Train Up A Child



Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

I have always loved this bible verse and when you keep it always in the back of your mind it can work wonders with raising your children.

It is a simple concept.  Children do and say what they see.

If your home is fraught with anger, your child learns anger.

If your home is full of love and compassion, your child learns love and compassion.

If you love the LORD and live by the word, your child will learn to love the LORD, too.

My three children that are still at home, LOVE the LORD.  I see it daily. 

Although, Kaylyn is still a bit young, she loves going to nursery school at church each Sunday morning and paling around with her friends.  She is so sweet with the younger children in her class. I can't wait until she moves up to the next class this next fall where they start learning bible versus.

Hayden who is 4 just shines when he is at church group and preschool which is church based.  He comes home all the time singing a new song, reciting a new verse, telling me how "He died on the cross for our sins."  And he has so many questions some at times that I feel unqualified to answer, if I am to be honest.

Tyler, our 13 year old, who is at a very impressionable age, has become very compassionate these days.  He is really starting to grasp that not everyone is as blessed as we are.  And that we should be thankful for what we *have* not just in material possessions but spiritually, health, happiness, freedom.  I could go on.  This was clearly apparent on Christmas day night when we were driving home and saw an older homeless gentleman pushing a cart full of cans up the side of the road.  My heart broke.   We turned around and Tyler got out of the car and gave the man $10.00 of his own money.  The man gave him a huge smile and a thank you.  We wished him a Merry Christmas and we continued on our way.  We talked about this all the way home. 

Although, I know he has learned part of being compassionate to others from us, his family, I also know that it takes a *village* to raise up a child and right now part of that *village* is our church youth group.  He has become very involved in our church's youth group and has made many life long friends.  He loves going on their activities week after week.  The youth program we have at our church is PHENOMENAL with some great leaders and fun activities that keep the kids involved.  I know keeping him involved with the church is very important at his age.  Our youth leaders always come up with fun and exciting events to keep them coming back.  And I figure whatever keeps them coming in the door.  They learn life long lessons from the worship that our youth leaders teach them albeit it might not be evident today or tomorrow, but one day it will be crystal clear.  I am certain of that because of my own experiences growing up. 

You see, I have not always known the LORD.  I have been a Christian all my life and baptised when I was middle school age when I was part of a great youth group in Arizona. But again, I have not always KNOWN the LORD nor walked with the LORD. It has only been about the last 15 years or so that I have *learned* what it means to walk with the LORD and have given myself to him.  I know had I not been immersed in the youth group at that impressionable age of 10-13, things could have and most likely would have turned out different for me given the circumstances of my upbringing.  Don't get me wrong, it could have been a lot worse but there are many things I "learned" from my "training" and therefore have had to essentially break the cycle as I have become an adult for both myself and for and with my children.

So, when you think your children are just not getting it. When you repeat yourself a million and one times with no response. When you are seething mad about something that went awfully array.  They get it.  No doubt about it.  It may not seem like it at the time but they do.

Watch them.

Watch their actions.

Watch their interactions.

It might surprise you.

(or not)


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Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Spitting Fire



Seriously...spitting fire.

I must first start at the beginning and work up to why I am spitting fire right now (or a little while ago...I have calmed down at this point).

Our garbage disposal decided to go kaput this past Thursday right before the Christmas weekend.  And because it was a holiday and so much going on we put off fixing it for a few days.  It is still not fixed today.  Luckily we have a mother in law quarters type home so we actually have two kitchens.  With that being said it wasn't an immediate need to fix since we have another set of sinks although no dishwasher.  Therefore we have been hand washing dishes in the interim and using the other kitchen for the most part.

Tonight while I was cooking dinner, I decided to take a few pictures of the dinner I was cooking so I could post it at a later time.  Left the camera on the counter, not in plain site, but not up high, on the counter behind the sugar container. 

Went around the corner into the other kitchen to put some dishes in the sink and grab a wet wash cloth to wipe down counters and table.  Literally in there for maybe a min or so and noticed that Hayden was no where near me.  Walked back into the other kitchen and he was holding the camera.  Went to get it away from him and noticed that it was dripping with gravy.  Gravy that was in the crock pot from our dinner last night that I hadn't dumped out and cleaned  yet.  Not even sure why or how it got in the crock pot since the lid had been on it when I was in there previously.  But never the less, somehow it made its way into the crock pot. 

CAMERA.COMPLETELY.RUINED.

You might remember this was our NEW camera that we bought as our Christmas present.  We have had the camera less than a month. 

I am, or was, spitting fire.  I know it can be replaced but so frustrating.  I am sure I spit out a few choice words which I am none to proud of but I am sure you can understand.  This is two cameras now that have been ruined courtesy of Hayden. 

I love my son. I love my son. I love my son.  (I really do but man.....to the moon!)   He is 4 so he is old enough to know and understand what he did but I know as the adult I should have put it up which I usually do just not this time. 

Your kids ever do anything that is so maddening?


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Monday, December 26, 2011

Menu Plan Monday



Phew.....We made it.  I hope you all made it through Christmas.  It was touch and go there for awhile.  But we are on the downhill now.  One more holiday...New Years here we come.

Went grocery shopping this morning since yesterday was Christmas and here is what we are eating this week.  And as always I am linking up with I'm An Organizing Junkie because I *heart* this linky.





Sunday--Untraditional Christmas Dinner

Lasagna & Spaghetti
Caesar Salad
French Bread

Dessert-Ice Cream, Cookies, Brownies

Monday

Slow Cooked Pork
Carrots
Baked Potatoe

Tuesday

Taco Skillet
Spanish Rice

Wednesday

Cheesy Penne Pasta With Sausage & Green Peppers
Green Salad

Thursday

Cheddar Broccoli Frittata
Yogurt

Friday

Goulash
Corn

Saturday

Date Night

What is everyone else making?

Have an *awesome* week!

Saturday, December 24, 2011

From Our Home To Yours....



Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!



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Hope you all have a wonderful day shared with lots of love and laughter!

~The Bailey Family

Lose Weight Slim-Fast 3-2-1 Plan

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Slim-Fast. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

 

For someone who has struggled a bit with my weight since the birth of my last two children I am always on the lookout for a weight loss program that I can fit in with my chaotic life.

I need something that isn't going to make me add up the points of everything I put in my mouth.  And with my crazy schedule I can't go in every week for weigh in nor do I  want to spend a small fortune on *special* food.

I know losing weight and keeping it off is not easy so I need all the help I can get.  That is why this year I am going to try out the *new* Slim-Fast 3-2-1 weight loss plan.  They have brand new flavors in a convenient bottle that you can throw into your lunch bag or gym bag and go.  I am excited to try the Chocolate Royale and Strawberries N Cream shake.  Mmm.

 

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The Slim-Fast shakes are part of the overall program where you eat 3 small snacks throughout the day (fruit & veggies are perfect) or the Slim-Fast 100 calorie snack bars plus 2 Slim Fast shakes and 1 balanced meal (500 calories).  The shakes are rich and creamy satisfying your hunger for up to 4 hours.  And the 100 calorie snacks offer just the right amount of goodness to curb your sweet tooth in between meals.  There are several flavors to chose from: Chocolate Mint, Peanut Butter Crunch and Double Dutch Chocolate to name a few.

 

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TheSlim-Fast 3-2-1 shakes are available in the pharmacy section of most major retailers (Kroger's, Safeway, Wal-mart) or you can buy them online at Amazon.com or the Slim-Fast Facebook page.

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Six Word Saturday








Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!


I hope you all enjoy the holiday with your loved ones.  


 



Want to join the 6WS phenomenon?  Describe something in your life at the moment in 6 words and then link up with Cate at Showmyface.com

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Confessions Of A Non-Superwoman #14



It has been a looooong couple weeks and quite honestly I have more *confessions* than I know what to do with right now but I will start with these....

Confessions:  The Christmas Edition


  1.  I am still not done with my Christmas shopping.  And it is 3 days away.  I KNOW.  Come Saturday night you will probably find me in line at      7-11 buying calendars and smelly roses.
  2. Of the presents that I do have, none are wrapped. They are still in bags at the top of closets or in the trunks of cars.
  3. Our poor Christmas tree...it is so so sad looking.  It barely looks decorated.  All of the ornaments are 3ft off the bottom so little hands and paws don't take the ormaments off.
  4. I haven't even put my tree skirt under the tree yet.  I guess it doesn't matter anyways (see #1 & #2)
  5. I totally failed in the baking department this year.  Not a single cookie was baked in our kitchen for Christmas.  I know we have a few more days but don't think it is going to happen. (See #1 & # 2)
What are some of your Christmas confessions?  Misery loves company, remember.


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Wednesday, December 21, 2011

12 in 2012


I was inspired by a friend of mine in Australia to make a goal list for the upcoming year.  I decided to keep it short and sweet so that it didn't create more chaos or overwhelm me anymore than I already am (without setting goals in stone err type). 

Since you all know that "I'm Not Superwoman" I figured I would concentrate on 12 things, that is essentially one goal a month.  And if I accomplish two or three in one month even better.

These are in no particular order and some are not necessarily life altering (although one is) but rather simple goals that I want to accomplish this upcoming year.


1. Lose 30 or more pounds and keep it off
2. Hike Mt St Helens
3. Travel to Africa on a humanitarian trip (will be accomplished in Feb 2012)
4. Stop drinking soda (starting this Jan 1!)
5. Go horseback riding
6. Take a wine tasting tour with my husband
7. Read to my small children at least 20-30 mins EVERYDAY
8. Finish my scuba diving certification
9. Read my bible EVERYDAY
10. Have a garage sale
11. Take a photography class at the college
12. Be content





Do you have any goals for 2012 you want to share?

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

What I'm Lovin'



I had the chance to go to a Pampered Chef party this past weekend.  I hadn't been to one of these in several years and forgot how fun they are!

I always *love* the cooking demos that they incorporate with the parties using all their neat little gadgets.  I bought a few cool kitchen items.




I already had a can strainer but one of the tabs on the side broke off so it was time to replace it.

Sugar Free Jell-o Snack Cups

Always a great treat for the littles, sugar free and only 10 calories to boot so momma can have one of these and not feel guilty.


Raspberry & Orange Sugar free Gelatin Snacks

My new Conair Curling Iron Combo Pack.


My old faithful curling iron died last week.  Funniest thing, I went to church and had to straighten my hair with just product and the hair dryer.  Surprisingly, I received several compliments.  Not sure how I feel about that.  Does my hair not look good very good when I curl it?  Hmm, something to consider.  My hair however does need a cut.  Tried to schedule that in this past weekend but no luck.

And last but definetly not least.  Wi Fi!  We finally got our router set up for wi fi in our house.  Several weeks later but hey, it is working now and that is all that matters.  Now we are truly wired.  We can use the lap top throughout the house, the kindle, the ipod, the iPhone..... 

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What did we do before technology?

What are you lovin' this week?

Monday, December 19, 2011

LG DoublePlay *The* Multitasking Device

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of LG DoublePlay™ for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

The LG DoublePlay™ the *king* (or queen) of multitasking devices.

 

A little different in style but is still all good. 

 

Have you seen this quirky little device?  It has the main touch screen and then a Qwerty keyboard with a another touch screen in the middle for more short cuts to your favorite places. Now you can go between tasks simultaneously.  A social media junkies dream.  You can text and check email at the same time or text and surf the web or check email and surf the web.  The possibilities are endless.

 

So now instead of sending 1000 texts a month just imagine how many more you will be able to send. I honestly think this will be the upgrade to the phone we bought our 13 year old because man can that kid text and surf.  If he is not texting his many friends, he is updating his Facebook or watching youtube videos. 

 

Maybe with being able to do more at once he will be on his phone less?  Or maybe not? 

 

The device also comes with a 5m camera so you can easily upload your favorite pictures to Facebook, email or text.  And it weighs less than a pound so can easily fit into your pocket.

 

The LG DoublePlay™exclusively with T-Mobile.  The ultimate social media device.

 

How many hours do you spend on Social Networks?

How many texts do you send a month?

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Scale Disclaimer

Something to consider as 2011 ends and the New Year begins.  Many of us, including me, will most likely make some type of New Years resolution to lose weight.  When you get on that scale remember the following:


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And remember, if at first you don't succeed try and try again.  (I know a bit cliche).  Tomorrow is a new day.


Menu Plan Monday

I am a bit later than usual so sue me.  LOL.  It was a very hectic weekend to say the least and I am just going grocery shopping this afternoon.  Here is what I have in store for our dinners this week.


Menu Plan Monday ~ Dec 19/11 Christmas Edition!


Sunday

Church Christmas Celebration Potluck

Monday

String Cheese Pasta (sneaking some zucchini in this)
Caesar Salad

Tuesday

Sweet n Sour Chicken Stirfry
White Rice

Wednesday

Bacon & Hashbrown Casserole
Green Beans

Thursday

Beef Stroganoff
Corn
Applesauce

Friday

Onion Pork Roast
Mashed Potatoes

Saturday--Christmas Eve!

Chicken Parmesan
Steamed Vegetables

I am linking up with I'm An Organizing Junkie.  Make sure you visit the others for more meal inspirations.

Hope you have a GREAT week!

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Christmas Caroling

Last Sunday our church had the opportunity to visit one of the local retirement centers and sing Christmas carols to the residents.  Before we went all the kids made Christmas cards to pass out to the residents.



Daddy & Kaylyn coloring cards

There was a really funny moment that seemed to break the ice in between songs when one of the smaller kids noticed an old man with a frown on his face.  He says, "I hope this song cheers him up!"  We all had a laugh.  Unfortunately, I am not sure the man heard or understood what he was referring to.  I think he may have had Alzheimer's.  Such a terrible disease.





They *love* the babies.




I am glad we were able to bring a little bit of Christmas cheer to others. 


Picture perfect

Ohh almost forgot, they had a Tator Family!  I had to take a picture of this!


Isn't that funny!


Six Word Saturday

OMG, only 9 days until Christmas!



(I know I cheated a little)

But seriously, where did the time go?  I have barely started Christmas shopping and it's already here! 

Guess you know what I will be doing most of this weekend in between everything else that the holiday season has thrown at us.

Not to be a bah humbug, but I will be glad when things slow down a bit and we can return to our regularly scheduled chaos.

How about you? Are you done shopping? Wrapping? Baking?

Want to join the 6WS club?  Describe what is going on in your life in 6 words and then link up with Cate at Showmyface.com

Have a wonderful Saturday!


Thursday, December 15, 2011

Straight No Chaser

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What were you thinking?

Have you heard of this group? Straight No Chaser.  



They are an all male A Cappella group from Indiana. The group formed several years ago when many of them were students at Indiana University. They have two full Christmas CDs out and they ROCK the Christmas songs. My favorite is the 12 Days of Christmas.


You MUST check them out! Let me know what you think!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

My Arsenal

Are you ready?

This is a biggie.

I have been grocery shopping and coupon cutting for eons!  And as we have moved rapidly into the holiday season, I have been cutting our budgets a little bit here, a little bit there in order to give more and save more for this little trip to Africa that I am planning on going on in February.  With that being said, I have a new tool of the trade so to speak.

You are never going to guess what it is in a million years!
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A handy dandy CALCULATOR.  Of course mine is not as pretty as these are.  I have a plain ol' black one. 

Something so simple and obvious yet for whatever reason I have never really shopped with a calculator.  Funny, huh?  I am so conscious about our grocery budget but not enough obviously because I found the last couple trips when I have actually used my handy dandy calculator I have spent about 25% less on groceries YET still got everything we needed.  Too many impulse buys apparently.

So now I have my coupon organizer, my scissors (for those last min coupons from the grocery inserts I sometimes pick up while at the store), my grocery list itemized by aisle (makes it much quicker), my calculator and maybe a mocha in hand.  I am armed and dangerous!

Now of course, it takes a little bit longer for my grocery trip and I would not recommend using a calculator with kids in tow.  Tried that and didn't work to well.  What I would really like is a bar code scanner of some sort to be able to scan the items as I am putting them in the basket. 

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Does the iPhone have an app for that?  I know they have one that you can take a picture of an items bar code and it will compare prices of the item but nothing I can find like this.  Anyone?  Anyone?  Maybe I should create an app for that.  Wait I don't even have an iPhone (yet).  I am getting a hand me down from my daughter this week.  She just bought the 4s so I get the 4.  Oh well, beggars can't be choosers right and it is better than what I have now so I am not complaining.

Anywho....back to the point of this post. 

Do you use a calculator when shopping?  What else is in your money saving arsenal?

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Sprint 3-Day Sale 12/12-12/14 Hurry!

This post brought to you by Sprint. All opinions are 100% mine.


Need a new phone for yourself?  Need an easy Christmas present to put in a stocking or under the tree?

With Sprint's 3-day sale from 12/12/2011 through 12/14/2011 you can get a *killer* deal on Android powered devices. 

But you better hurry up before you get left out in the cold!

Right now, there are great deals on the Android™ powered EVO 4G devices but only for a limited time and online only.  Both the HTC EVO 4G and HTC EVO Shift 4G are rated 4.5 out of 5 stars from satisfied customers.

 The HTC EVO 4G has a 4.6 screen letting you surf the web easily.  And you can use this device as your own personal entertainment center when you are on the go because it comes with a radio/MP3 player and personal portable tv.

The HTC EVO Shift has a bright 3.6 touchscreen and MP3 player.  Plus is it loaded with Kindle reader.

They both have cameras and can fit in the palm of your hand; weighing less than a pound.  The HTC EVO is touch screen while the Shift has a pull out Qwerty keyboard.  They both are bluetooth capable and come Wi Fi ready.

Plus you get free activation and free shipping.

How's that for an extra Christmas bonus?

Consider your shopping done with a few quick clicks of your mouse!

You're welcome!

Merry Christmas!
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Cooking With Mom


If there is one thing that this kiddo loves to do, it is cooking with mom. 

I can hardly keep him away from the kitchen when I cook dinner at night.  He pulls his chair up to the stove or counter, grabs the spoon or spatula and off he goes.  He loves to mix and stir whatever we are making.  He has also mastered cracking eggs without getting the shells in the mix.  Pretty darn good for a 4 year old! 

Here he helped bake a cake for Grandma D a few weeks ago for her birthday.  He was also proud of the Turkey Enchiladas we made for her dinner (although I am certain that he would have been fine with just eating the cake).  And of course you will notice that he HAD to do a taste test on the cake batter.





















The "BEST" part of baking or cooking.






Happy Birthday Grandma D!  He helped blow out the candle.


Grandma D and the two littles.


Turkey Enchiladas.  Yum!


The final product.






 
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