Random Act of Kindness

 

If you know me at all, you know procrastination is my badge, even if I do try very hard not to be like that.  My fellow blogger Marci from Life With Joys challenged us to a September Kindness Challenge to buy an unsuspecting stranger a cup of coffee in the month of September.  On September 30th at 3:00pm, I decided to buy my unsuspecting coworker a box of popcorn :)  We like to walk to the student Union for an afternoon snack a few days a week.  Today I paid first and told the clerk I was going to pay for her's as well.  My coworker of course said if she knew I was paying, she would have upgraded to something more expensive than popcorn......gotta love your friends :)

 

 



An IG Fashion Challenge

Do you ever have trouble deciding what to wear or just feel like you are in a noncreative rut?  If you follow me on Pintrest, you already know that my girls and I like fashion.  Well most of us.  One of us, I am not mentioning who.... hasn't joined on the bandwagon yet. or at least we feel she hasn't. She always looks cute, but could care less about "trying" to look cute.  It works for her though.   Lucy REALLY likes to put an outfit together, only I sometimes wonder if she takes the "mixing patterns and/or mixing colors" theory a little...ummm....off the mark :)  When you are 8 and under and super adorable, it works too. 

So in order to spice things up, I found this on the following awesome blog....

 

   Fashion Instagram Challenge on Modern Modesty  

 

 

 

I am going to do this in the month of October, maybe with my four daughters.  I probably won't do all of them , but it will make choosing outfits for the day more creative.....  Join in if you would like, even if you do not have an instagram.  I am planning to post some of the pictures on here as well :)  Use the hashtag #modmodfallchallenge on your IG posts.

 

We all can benefit from stepping out of our fashion boxes or just stepping up our game a little.  Although appearance is not everything, when we feel good, we are happier and even more productive.  Never forget to nurture and grow your inner person first and formost.  God knows our heart and takes joy in our inner beauty. 



Friday Favorites

 

 

Time to link up with Andrea for Friday Favorites of the week.

 I don't feel like I was home at all this week, I cooked supper once so far this week.  Doug and I have been eating well, the poor girls have had cereal, ramen, soup, etc.  Tonight they will probably insist.  I am thinking Chili.....

 

 

The Man and I had a date night to Farm and Fleet, and then to Panera.  #marriedalongtime

 

 

This picture doesn't do it justice but the sun was just gorgeous through the clouds the other night.

 

Bella wearing a hand made scarf....#catladyproblems #daughterswhostilldressthepets

 

My beautiful niece graduated from design school.  She is in heels. I am short but not THAT short compared to her :)

 

Does the skyline of Chicago ever get old?  Not to me.

 

My Madison and dear friend Donna.  Two very special loves of my life :)

 

These two are more than cousins, they share a bond that is just too special for words.

 

 

I am  a blessed woman with the family and friends I have.   God has filled my cup to overflowing :)

 



Post #200.....

 

 

Well when I did post #100 I decided to write about what I had learned about from the Blogging World.   I have decided to do that again this time, so here goes...

 

 

1.  Downy Unstopables...seriously I wish I had joined this parade a long time ago.  They are amazing and make the clothes smell soooo good.  I intend to try the other scents as well.  I usually don't add any fragrance to things because of my allergies, but this product has not seemed to bother them so far. 

 

 

 

2.  Whoa Wait Walmart blog.  I am a huge Walmart fan anyway and often know about the items they post before I see it here, but I also have made some good purchases that I love after seeing their posts or IG photos.  These are my new booties that I actually had bought before they showed up on IG or the blog.  Maybe they need a third contributor...lol.

Their picture, not mine.

 

 

  

3.  New recipes and link ups for recipes...seriously these are the best.  I have tried so many new tasty casseroles and plan to expand on my soup making this fall and winter.  They have been posting many yummy sausage soup recipes, but poor Lucy would have a fit.  Who besides this kid hates sausage?  Weird.

 

 

 

4.  This foot creme..... enough said.  My feet have needed this for the cracked heals and dry skin for several years...Hallelujah Bells!  I bought mine from Amazon.  It is also for hands as well and is recommended for those cracked dry hands of winter.   I may need to buy a vat of it. 

 

 

 

5.  I have added many new apps to my phone based on the opinions of other bloggers. Apps that have made being a working wife and mother so much easier.  My IPhone really is my personal assistant. But after having my broken phone fiasco a couple of weeks ago.  I have learned what information needs to be written down else where.  I had grown to rely on it's convenience a little more than I should have.  Lesson learned.  My paper calendar is getting way more love these days :)

 

 

Thank you to those of you who read my blog from time to time.  I am enjoying  the experience of blogging and learn so much from others. 

Here is to the next 100 posts :)
 

 

 

via Pintrest

 

 

 

 

 



Do You Love the Ordinary Parts of Your Day??

 

Yes, Yes, Yes I do.

 

I have a morning routine and an evening routine and without them I would go crazy..... 

 

First thing in the morning, I feed the cats.  If I didn't do this first, the puppy would go nuts.  She makes sure this happens first.  Wierd but true.  Then I feed both dogs, make a cup of coffee, and sit down to check emails and read my devotions.  I usually check out instagram, blog lovin, and facebook on my phone as well.  Then the morning "get ready for work" routine begins.

 

 

Then I go to work.....

Lunch time is usually spent running errands.  I LOVE to run errands (except for the grocery store)  I like to puruse Walm, CVS, etc.  I really like when I have to stop by the library!!  And sometimes lunch is lunch with a friend (those are my favorite).

  

 

When I get home, the cats meet me at the van, usually because it is time to eat again.  I feed them, and then start figuring out what to feed the family (ok, sometimes I just make the family feed themselves, I don't have preschoolers anymore). 

 

Then usually the evening craziness prevails and calms down around 8pm or even later during the school year. We usually watch Bold and the Beautiful as a family (sad but true) and some other television shows.  I like to read in the evening before bed.  I really strive to be in bed by 9:30 or 10:00 because if not I can not function the next day. 

 

 

All to start over again in the morning!!

 

 

I love spending time with my husband and kids, snuggling with the pets, and vegging. The hustle and bustle of life would be overwhelming without those ordinary routines that bring peace and calm to our home. 

I thank the Lord for those moments. 

Ordinary usually means drama free.  I like drama free.  And even if there is drama, it is expected drama and I can deal with that. 

So yes, I do love the ordinary parts of my day.  Do you?

Fall Goal List

 

Of course I will set myself up with another goal list.....because I like to see what I don't do after 4 months of thinking about it :)

 

1.  Finish all of our Christmas Shopping by November 30th.  I used to live by this rule and enjoyed the Holiday Season a lot more.

 

2. Have Christmas Cards ready to order by November 15th.

 

3.  Make a new pumpkin recipe.

 

4.  Have Doug go with us to the Pumpkin Patch this year.  It has been a few years since he has been able to go, and he LOVES the pumpkin ice cream and the bakery.  In his defense, he is a farmer.  Fall does not usually leave time for frivolous activities like pumpkin patches.  We will visit the bakery for him if he doesn't get to go....love our Farmer :)

 

5.  Make Lucy a scarf and ear muffs before Oct 15th.  Finish up Madison's scarf and ear muffs as well.

 

All of these goals are attainable.  The only ones to really question are 1&4.  Hoping to up my percent this season :)

 

 

 

This is a fall flannel board activity I made to go with the book Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf  by Lois Ehlert

 

Also notice my healthy snack of carrots and ranch dressing in the corner....instead of a Snickers....progress :)

 



Friday Favorites

 

 

Today is another linkup with Andrea from Momfessionals for my Friday Favorites....be warned, there are a lot this week. Then make sure to check out her's and the other's who are linking in :)

 

 

Getting to make "crafty" things but calling it work.  I wanted cute apples for my counting activity with this book, so I used scrapbook paper instead of construction.  They are darn adorable if I do say so myself :)

 

 

Playing around with my Beautiful Mess App.  The background is a photo of scrapbook paper.

 

School open house.  Lucy with her new teacher.

 

Celebrating this lovely lady's Birthday!!

 

My niece is one of my most favorite people...EVER!

 

Pumpkin Patches....we haven't been yet but the view from the road made me anxious to plan a trip soon.

 

Getting a new book in the mail.....So far so good.  I can't wait to dive into it deeper (with a cup of joe of course).

 

A text from my High School Freshman....proud momma moment :)

 

One of my outfits this week. 

 

 

Happy Friday Everyone.  I have a busy weekend planned with Friends, Family, and a lot of God woven in.  

 

God Bless!!

Update on Summer Goals......

So what plans do I have for the summer??

1. Learn to slow down and relax more. This will require telling Doug that he can not book something for every Saturday and Sunday from sunup to sundown. That man knows how to fill a social calendar I tell ya :)

 

I felt like I had an "adequate" amount of downtime....but due to the weather, not enough "sunshine" time.

 

2. Get around to making those ten scarves (I have plans for them that I will share later).

 

Did not happen....again....my goal is now to make one.  Just one I say......

3. Doug is getting a smoker (ya know like a grill) , so I intend to keep him busy with some new recipes.

 

That man impresses me more each day.  The bacon weaved and wrapped pork roast has been my favorite so far.

4. Get my feet in tip top condition so I can get a tattoo (well maybe....)

 

I don't think my feet are looking too bad.  But no tattoo as of yet.

5. Get to the pool at least 5 times with my kids. This will depend on #1 being met.

 

Nope.  I went one time all summer.  That is absolutely unheard of for this gal. 

 

2/5 for the goal list.  A 40%.  That is failing.  An F. 

 

Do I even bother with a Fall Goal List?

 

Good thing I didn't put "save the world from itself" on the list...

Friday Favorites

Today I am linking up with Andrea at Momfessionals to bring you my Friday Favorites.

It is time again for my favorite fall snack... Honey Roasted Peanuts mixed with Candy Corn.  You will probably find a baggie of this yummy mix in my purse from now until Thanksgiving, or an empty baggie with the crumbs.....I can't resist :)

This was supper on Tuesday.  I love me some grilled cheese with ketchup.  I rarely use ketchup except for McDonalds fries and grilled cheese.  Yummo!

Snap chats (or chat snap if you are Lucy) from my girls.  I missed these when my phone was broken.

My office building has a cafe in it.  This was my Caramel Latte (and free from filling out a survey).  What a great way to greet the day :)

Hope your Friday and rest of the weekend is amazing.  I have big plans with my sisters in Christ this weekend.... God Bless!



Buffalo Cheese Dip

 

Today I am linking up with Kelly's Korner to share our favorite tailgate food.  We don't do too much tailgating but this is one of our favorite "watching some sport on tv"  or just a great fall/winter afternoon snack.  My entire family loves it...even my eight year old. 

 

Buffalo Cheese Dip

 

 

 

The Ingredients are:

 

A can of chunk chicken breast

Hooter's Hot Sauce

Whipped Cream Cheese

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

 

Tostitos or Ritz Crackers for dipping

 

As you can see, I buy the store brand of everything except for the Hooters Hot Sauce and Tostitos.  I have tried others but these are my favorite.

 

 

First spread the cream cheese on the bottom of a pie plate. Next, drain the canned chicken and mix with 1/2 a container of hot sauce (if you use the whole jar of hot sauce, your mouth will be on fire!). Layer the chicken/hot sauce over the cream cheese. Top with as much Mozzarella cheese as you desire. Then you just pop it into a 350 degree oven for about 25 minutes or until brown and bubbly.

 



 

Enjoy with some Tostitos or Ritz!!

Sharing Some Scripture

 

Sometimes a verse comes out of no where and hits you right between the eyes.

 

I have felt for a while that God has been asking me to analyze my use of  social media.  Mostly Facebook.  Why am I so intrigued by it?  I do care about people and their lives.  I like sharing parts of my life with other's as well.  However, how much time should I give to this?  With my phone being broken, I am only checking Facebook a couple times during the day and only for messages and notifications.  It has become another source for me to contact people and for them to contact me.  I am committing to continue on with this for the next few weeks to deprogram myself a little.  And to rest.....  I am wanting to blog some more and I LOVE LOVE LOVE instagram because I enjoy sharing my pictures and seeing other's pictures.  The verse that confirmed my need to do this is.....

 

 

1 Thessalonians 4:10 & 11 ~ and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you ; so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. 

 

 

Anything can become a addiction or a stumbling block for us.  I feel God is showing me that this is an area that needs to be prayed about and adjusted. Obedience is not easy but the fruits we receive when we listen and obey are limitless. 

 



Friday Friday...

via Pintrest

This is how I am going to feel this evening. I have been tired and grouchy for two days.  My iphone is malfunctioning and I am completely out of sorts.  I wanted to add some pictures on the blog this weekend, but that is a no go since they are currently unaccessable on my phone......ugghhh. 

 

 

It is sad how technology dependent I have become in such a short period of time.  I am going to use this time to try and disconnect my mind a little from the cyber world.  A coworker heard me say I was using a trac phone and it was like a What, Whaa????  Yeah, that is how bad it has gotten for me.I am having to TALK on the phone rather than text.....oh my word.  I am NOT  a phone talker, I am a phone TYPER!!!

 

My morning routine is thrown off because I like to scroll through some social media, weather check, read emails.  Do you know what happens when I throw off the morning routine?  Yeah, check out the above.....tired and grouchy I say. 

 

Anyway, that is what is going on around here.  I am praying for a short turn around in the phone repair.  I can do this....yes, I can!!   Correct?

What I learned in August

 

 

I'm back..... this past month has been it's own kind of crazy.  Finishing up summer and getting back into school, the new school year at work, and normal daily life have all  been a little exhausting. 

 

The things this past month have taught me are:

 

I do not appreciate a "cooler" summer.  I like a nice hot summer. This one felt more like a continuation of Spring for me.  It is only September 2nd and my tan has faded....bummer. 

 

I  have enjoyed our new kittens and when they all went missing, I was as sad as our girls were.  Two have returned and we are hoping the other three have found a loving home wherever they are.

 

School supply shopping is one of my favorite things to do.  I love pencils, pens, crayons, notebooks, etc.

 

I don't like paying the bill when it is time to register my children again for school.  Wow! Public School is not cheap.

 

I am really poor at self control.  I am back to drinking Coca Cola like it's my job, but it really is one my favorite things in life.  Simple things.

 

I have amazing kids and their hearts for others and for God inspire me to be the best I can be.

 

School spirit for my alma maters is important to me and I am so thankful to be tied closely to both still today. High School and College.

 

I LOVE High School Football games and now that the first game (and victory) of the season is in the books, I am craving something pumpkin flavored because in my mind, Fall has officially been ushered in......