the Weed Family

I made it to the 100th day of school!

2012-01-25T21:29:00.000-06:00

I figured since I had made it this far, the class and I needed to celebrate!

Here are a few of the things we did for Our 100th Day Celebration.

I gave each child a $100 (before you panic or think I am rich, checkout the picture below) and asked what they were going to do with it. I thought some of the answers were quite humorous. An activity like this reminds me of how they have no clue about the value of $100. Many of them thought they could buy a car with it. My child wrote this.....

If I had a $100, I would home (I am pretty sure she left out buy).

We counted out 10 snacks from 10 different stations so we would end up with 100 snacks to eat for snack time.

We read the book 100th Day Worries. It is about a little girl who worries about what 100 items she should bring for the 100th day of school.

I sent home a bag the night before and told the class to fill it with 100 items.

The next day, they were to give clues about what item was in their bag.

Ella's clues:

1. It is rectangle......no correct guesses.

2. It is red.......no correct guesses.

3. You use it to ride a ride at the fair or fall festival........everyone guessed it!

I allowed them to share so she gave everyone a ticket.

Next, we decorated my aid with 100 happy face stickers.

We also made a necklace with 100 fruit loops, made a picture using the number 100,

and made 100 second cookies.

Check back later on how we made these. The were unique and yummy!

Does anyone have the number for Proactiv?

2012-01-19T19:15:00.000-06:00

Laney came in the other morning and said, "MOM! Look what just popped up!!!!!!"

She then proceeded to tell me.......I need Proactiv!

Ever wonder what your husband would do if he didn't have responsibilities?

2012-01-09T18:00:00.001-06:00

Mine would have his own action show!

The title of the show would be......

"The Weed is Everywhere!"

New Years Eve

2012-01-08T13:00:00.000-06:00

For New Years, we went to SC to my sister in laws house. We spent the night shooting fireworks and sitting by the fire.

Oh and we watched Auburn play their best game all year!

Calloway Gardens

2012-01-07T13:00:00.001-06:00

The day after Christmas we went to see the lights at Calloway Gardens. It was a lot fun but VERY COLD!

While we waited for the trolley, we stayed warm inside looking at all the holiday stuff.

Time to board the trolley.

Wooooooow.........Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh...........Ahhhhhhhhhhh!

They told us they start in September putting up all the lights. I can believe it. It was beautiful!

Its never too soon to think about Christmas this year!

2012-01-06T18:00:00.000-06:00

Back in October I saw this idea and knew I wanted to do it for my parents from the grandkids for Christmas. I wanted to tell you about it sooner put that would have spoiled the surprise.

The kids call my dad POP. I placed the kids to spell it out and took a picture.

I did the same for NANA!

I did not realize how hard it would be to find a nice 4 picture frame. I had to get 4 individual ones instead. Now if your kids call the grandparents grandmother or grandpapa, it may be a little harder to pull this off. You could always take the kids and spell out dad for their father on Father's Day or do one for yourself!

I have always said I was the more supportive one!

2012-01-05T13:00:00.005-06:00

Christmas in Montgomery

2012-01-04T21:38:00.000-06:00

After church, we headed to my parents for Christmas. We ate a wonderful early supper, opened presents and enjoyed each others company.

Ashton was our Santa this year.

My sister coupons so it was toothpaste and Dawn dish soap for everyone! You may be wondering why Laney and Ella are so excited over Dawn?!?! I keep saying we need a Harris Teeter........there's had money attached to it!

My mom made Laney some pillows for her bed.

I think this Christmas was all about the glitter. Dad got all the kids a box of chocolates which was wrapped in a bow decorated with glitter. By the time we were finished with presents, there was not anyone who was not shining with glitz.

Mom got some new bling bling from her hubby.

Dad.....well he finally got his new ride!

We could not wait to go for a ride.

Or maybe not!

The night would not be complete without games and a severe competition of Just Dance 3. My sister was a little thrown off because she did not have all day to practice. Practice......no practice...... I still kicked booty!

We had a great Christmas Day and a fun-filled week ahead!

Christmas morning

2012-01-03T21:33:00.000-06:00

Although Christmas was on a Sunday and we had to leave right after church to Montgomery, it did not seem rushed like I was expecting. We woke up (Actually, we had to wake the kids up this year????), got ready for church and opened presents. We had a wonderful morning!

The girls big gift was a trampoline and Griffin's was a weight bench. My big gift was a........

Just a few more shots and it was time to leave for a glorious day of worship!

Christmas 2011

2012-01-02T22:17:00.000-06:00

We have finally returned from our Christmas around the world. Okay....so maybe not around the world....more like a 3 state tour. I have lots to post so I will break it up for the ADD out there.

First stop......home.

Due to Christmas being on a Sunday this year, we decided to open up our gifts from each other on Christmas Eve. We were leaving right after church the next day to go to Montgomery.

We started with a nontraditional Christmas Eve supper fixed by Griffin.

He fixed quail that was hunted, killed and cooked by him. Along with it we had.....broccoli salad, corn casserole and bread.

Griffin made it special by setting the table too!

Notice Ella's face??? She just found out we were eating bird!

After supper, we took a few shots in front of the tree before opening our gifts to each other.

Present time!!!

Even Chewy had a few gifts under the tree!

The girls each picked out a Lalaloopsy toy they wanted. They did not think they were going to get it. Everytime we went to the store, they were out. Little did they know.... I had it the whole time.

Can you tell they were excited?

I got some exercising gear( which would go with my gift the next day) and Carmel got some USC gear and a Kindle.

Daddy got the whole family a new game to play!

After gifts, we ate a yummy cake pop while sipping on hot chocolate.

Next, came the night rituals.....reading The Night Before Christmas, setting out cookies for Santa and sprinkling reindeer mix outside.

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve!

Can't wait to share with you our Christmas Day!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T08:00:00.001-06:00

I love neighbors!

2011-12-24T12:23:00.000-06:00

Everywhere we have lived, we have been blessed with such wonderful neighbors. We still keep in touch with many of them.

I have not been able to do much baking this year due to work, basketball, traveling and company. No problem when you have neighbors!

I am sure you can guess what we gave everyone. I have been working on it for 6 months.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

I found these cute bottles at Hobby Lobby.

I hope you enjoy your neighbors as much as we do!

Cookie Swap

2011-12-23T18:06:00.000-06:00

I had my annual Christmas Cookie Swap here last week. I was WOWED by the turnout! I think I decided I need to knockout a wall before next year. We had a fun filled night with lots of fellowship, food, games and none the less..........cookies!

We even had some sitting in the chairs.

This year I made Peanut Butter Bars.

They were quick, easy and yummy!

Need an idea for a game at your next Christmas party??

2011-12-22T22:15:00.000-06:00

Try this.........

Yep......you read right.......Reindeer Poop!

To make this game, you will need to get several different candy bars. Cut them up into small pieces and place them on a plate. Sprinkle powder sugar over the candy just enough to lightly cover it.

Number each candy and have your guest write their answer on a piece of paper.

Here are the ones I did....

Can't figure them out? Need a closer look?

What??? Still don't know???? Let's try something a little easier!

Multiple Choice

Twix Snickers 100 Grand

Hersheys Skittles Crunch

Twix M&Ms Kit Kat

Mars Mounds Reeces

3 Musketeers Heath Almond Joy

Clark Oh Henry Bar Butterfinger

So how did you do?

If you chose the last answer for all of them, you were correct.

If you did not get any right, then I suggest you go out and buy every candy bar. I want you to study them! Inspect, smell and taste each one. Get to know your candy. You never know this game could be at the next party you go to.

Polar Express Pajama Day

2011-12-21T22:56:00.000-06:00

As I have mentioned before, I am head of the Theme Day committee at work. I decided for the month of December to make it a Polar Express Pajama Day. We wore our pajamas, watched the movie Polar Express on the big screen and had a hot chocolate buffet.

The Pajamas

I think we should declare everyday pajama day!

The Polar Express Movie

You can't board the Polar Express train without your ticket!

Hot Chocolate Buffet

The options on the buffet were.....

hot chocolate

candy canes

chocolate chips

marshmallows

Not pictured was whipped topping and sprinkles.

All of those together make a yummy cup of hot cocoa!

The kids loved having options and choosing their own!

It was such a fun day!

God loves a cheerful giver!

2011-12-20T22:38:00.000-06:00

I want my children to learn that giving is better than receiving. We are blessed because we have each other, a roof over our head, food to eat, our health and most importantly a God that is in control. We hear a lot during this time of the year of what I want or what I have to have. My kids are quick to grab that Toys R Us catalog from the mailbox and circle practically everything in it. My youngest even circled items she already has. When I told her she already had one just like it, she said, "This one has flowers on it!". All the more reason why I should show her how she is blessed.

Our church makes bears for the children at a local hospital. I asked if we could make some and deliver them. We made it a class project with our buddies and finished over 30 bears.

Ella is working with her buddy to stuff the bears.

Don't ask me why she has that confusing look on her face.

After the bears were finished, we planned a day to deliver them.

Here are both classes with the finished bears.

Last year, we were not able to hand deliver them.

I was so excited this year when the nurses allowed us to deliver to 4 children.

We grabbed a quick picture in front of the Christmas tree on our way out.

After the hospital, we grabbed a quick bite at Stevi B's before heading off to Toys R Us.

Nothing like a plate of bacon bits with a side of pizza!

Our trip to Toys R Us was not an ordinary one. We were bringing toys we had collected at school for Toys for Tots.

We did take the kids through Toys R Us just to look. We are not that cruel!

We had a great day of giving cheerfully!

Maybe the next time Ella grabs the Toys R Us catalog, she will think twice about circling everything.

Christmas Craft Ideas

2011-12-19T23:06:00.000-06:00

I know it is the week before Christmas but I thought I would share some crafts we have been working on.

Tissue Ornament

Take a glass ball ornament and place torn tissue paper over it. Using a paint brush, brush StarchFlo over the tissue paper. This acts as a glue. Once it dries, add a ribbon to the top.

Popsicle Ornament

Hot glue popsicle sticks in the shape of a star. Spread glue on each one and sprinkle with glitter.

Rudolph Clip

Take a close pin and color or paint brown. Add a pom-pom for the nose and googly eyes. Hot glue to another close pin and add a magnet on the back. You can use this as an ornament or as a clip on the frig to hold the kids crafts.

Snowman Ornament

This is made by using your child's hand print.

You could do one of your whole family by painting one finger from each member. I am planning to do this while at my parents.

Santa Claus

This is made by placing white tights over a stretched wire hanger. Twist a rubber band around the tights to hold them in place. Add red construction paper for the hat, googly eyes and cotton balls for the beard. You can hang this from a light or on a door.

Painted Wreath

Cut out the middle of a paper plate. Paint the plate green. Once it dries, add berries (thumbprint) using red paint and add a bow.

Wrapped Peppermint

Paint part of a paper plate red. Once it dries, cover it with saran wrap and tie both ends with ribbon.

Rudolph Shirt

Paint a brown triangle and add your child's hand print to the top corners of the triangle. Paint a red nose and eyes.

Edible Christmas tree

Take a sugar cone and cover it with green icing. Use sprinkles to decorate. Simple and fun!

Rudolph Snack

Cut a piece of bread in the shape of a triangle. Spread peanut butter. Add a M&M for the nose, raisins for the eyes and pretzel sticks for the antlers.

Hopefully, I have given you some ideas of crafts that can be done with your kids.......in your spare time, of course!

Traditions

2011-12-12T21:00:00.001-06:00

There are several traditions we have around the holidays. I posted about our trees yesterday.

I crank up the Christmas music and the decorating marathon begins! I am glad I have girls that want to help with the decorating and boys that will tote the heavy stuff as I command.

Another tradition is our count down to Santa.

The kids place a cotton ball over that days number and pulls out one paper. Each paper has a special treat written on it.

Here are just a few of the treats.

Please excuse the misspelled word. When you hand write something there is no spell check. If you do not see a misspelled word then we are all good!

Thanks to my mom and dad, we added a new tradition this year.

Elf on the Shelf

If you are not familiar with it, it is about an elf who reports to Santa each night about the behavior of the children in your family. Each morning, he is in a new spot and the children try to find him. You sit down the first night and read the book.

At the end of the story, you have to give your elf a name. After thinking long and hard, the kids came up with.........

Harley

Looks like someone had to take the backseat!

Harley has been found in several places so far.

In the Christmas tree

Playing PS3

Taking a peak.

Taking a ride with the laundry.

Digging into the cookie jar.

Not going for several days.

Hopefully, we will not catch him here again!

The kids have loved having Harley this year!

Introducing our trees

2011-12-11T22:17:00.000-06:00

The main tree located in the living room.

This is the tree that holds all of our memorable ornaments.

Front and center is my favorite ornament.

In our kitchen is a small tree that holds kitchen type ornaments.

Each child has a tree in his/her own room. Each year they get a new ornament to add. My decision for the new ornament is based on the year. What did they like? What new sport did they play? Any milestones......like turning 16? Sometimes they may receive more than 1 depending on the above questions. Each child has a journal where I document the new ornaments. Once they move out or get married.....I pray that does not come to quickly, I will give them the journal and ornaments.

Okay, back to the trees in their rooms. First up.......Ella.

She has a small pink and purple tree. I forgot to mention that as they get older they upgrade to bigger trees. Ella is the youngest so she does not have as many ornaments as the others yet. She is quickly catching up though!

Her new ornament this year was this.

I used to think she was going to be my tomboyish sports player. This year it was all about the girly things. She has told me on several occasions, "Mom, I do not like green or blue....they are for boys!" She even (gasp) was a cheerleader and was good at it (gasp again) (nothing like her mama????). I am still on the lookout for a cheerleader ornament.

Next up, Laney's tree.......

It is a tall white tree with a zebra bow on top. We are in the process of changing her room into a Paris with zebra print theme. She received 2 ornaments this year. One was an Eiffel Tower....

and the other which I did not get a picture of is a bag with Let's go shopping on it. She has been my sidekick shopper this year. I could not get out the door on Saturday mornings without her running to the car asking if she could go.

Lastly..........Griffin's tree.

Well.........he is not into it this year like in years past. It took me a week and a half just to get him to put the tree up! I added the bow to the top.......pass by his room the next day........ bow is thrown on his desk. Having a bow at the top does not mean you are any less masculine. Right???

I forgot to take a picture of his ornament. It was a football. I am also looking for a car since he turned 16 this year.

I added a new tree this year in our entryway.

Since the tree in our living room holds the special ornaments, I wanted to do a pretty tree. I love trees that have the bead branches ( I am not sure what they are called) sticking out. I took a close up so you could see what I am talking about.

Well.....that is all for the Weed trees. Hope you enjoyed the tour!

Tomorrow, I will talk about our traditions.

Our Thanksgiving

2011-12-01T22:39:00.000-06:00

We went to South Carolina for Thanksgiving. As usual we had a wonderful spread on the table and great company I might add.

After spending a few days in SC we headed to North Georgia for the annual Parker Reunion. I did not get very many pictures this year because I was enjoying the conversations too much!

K-5th Fun Night

2011-11-30T21:03:00.000-06:00

Something that has started at our church just recently is K-5th fun night. We do it once a month on a Friday night. It allows the kids in Kindergarten through 5th grade to spend an evening together. The adults take a turn watching the children while the others plan a date night or probably for this month a shopping trip!

We had fun night for the month of November. You can catch a glimpse of what goes on at these shindigs.

Eating pizza

I made 2 desserts. One was regular rice krispies and the other was peanut butter rice krispies.

They could choose to watch movies. Yes...that is my hubby up in the front watching Tangled!

Many of us played games like PayDay....one of my favorites. We used to play this game at my grandmothers house when I was younger. Now I like to play more mature games like...........

Horton Hears a Who

The kids had a blast!

I love the fact that they enjoy spending time with friends from church.

If you can't get a picture...create one!

2011-11-26T10:00:00.000-06:00

Doesn't it look just like him?

This is why women control the camera!

2011-11-25T10:00:00.001-06:00

Not a single picture of my kids!

PreThanskgiving ideas

2011-11-23T10:00:00.004-06:00

I know most of you are probably thinking about Thanksgiving dinner right about now. I thought I would share a few of the things we did in my class to help prepare for Thanksgiving.

We discussed Pilgrims, Indians and Thanksgiving. We read several books and talked about how the Indians used the resources around them.

We used blackberries to paint our headbands.

We made homemade butter for our Thanksgiving Feast.

This is so easy to make. Take a baby food jar, pour in heavy whipping cream and add a pinch of salt. Just shake the jar until it firms up and you have creamy butter.

We played a little game while shaking our jars. The class danced to music but when it stopped they had to rest.

For the adults, this is a great arm workout!

We made a few Thanksgiving keepsakes.

Turkey place card made with finger prints.

Turkey place mat made with hand prints. The place mat says:

This isn't just a turkey

as anyone can see.

This a very special turkey

was made by hand by me!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We made a thankful tree.

Each child received a leaf and wrote what he/she was thankful for.

During the 2 week study, we made clothing for a Pilgrim and Indian. Each child chose what he/she wanted to be at the Thanksgiving feast. My child decided on a Pilgrim.

Our feast was wonderful!

I am so thankful I am able to teach my child this year.

I have so many blessings in my life. I would count them one by one but this would be an extra long post!

I pray that you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow!

Calling in for backup

2011-11-22T09:29:00.000-06:00

I have been crazy busy here( hence the reason for not posting lately). With work, basketball starting(Did I mention I was coaching middle and high school this year?) and church activities, I have not had much free time especially since my hubby was gone for 3 weeks. I think he has a radar that goes off letting him know the busiest weeks. Last week I had early duty, nacho duty, kitchen duty, 2 games and 1 practice, Thanksgiving feast, Monday night for the Master at church, taught Wed night and to top it off mother nature visited.

He was smart this time. He called in for backup.........my mom. It was so nice coming home and not having to worry about.... "What's for supper?" It was cooked and ready. I wonder if my dad would let me hire her during the week.

Luckily, we were able to find time to take her for a special treat.

Thank you mom for coming to help!

You want to come next week????

I can think of something to tell dad!

Character Day at school

2011-11-10T21:24:00.000-06:00

This year I am head of the Theme Days Committee. We plan a dress up day once a month. If you know me at all, then you know I can't just plan something little. For October, the committee and I planned a Character Day. We decided to make it a little more interesting and challenging. The kids and teachers had to dress up as a character from a book. We asked that there be no scary, fighting, comic characters. WOW! The confusion that caused. For some of them it was very difficult just to pick out a book and throw a few articles of clothing together. Where is the creativity or imagination?

We did however have a few that wowed me! Like Moses or the Gingerbread Boy. Here is what we chose.

Laney was the cupcake from the book If You Give a Cat a Cupcake.

I made her a cupcake headband with sprinkles and a cherry on top.

Ella was a ladybug from the book Ladybug Girl.

I made her a red tutu skirt and an antennae headpiece.

I dressed up as little red riding hood from the book Little Red Riding Hood. This version was a little different than the others. Red Riding Hood rides a bicycle. She is on her way to deliver muffins to her grandmother who lives on a farm and rides a tractor. I will not give you the end of the story but I will tell you the wolf is pleased with the outcome.

I wore my red jacket, rode my bicycle and carried a basket of grandma's muffins.

Blueberry Wheat Muffins

I rode my bicycle to each classroom, read the book and passed out the muffins for the class to enjoy.

Later that afternoon, we had a character parade. The whole school was invited to show off their book and costume.

We had a fun and exciting day!

Tomorrow, we will dress up in red, white and blue for Veteran's Day. We have army trucks coming to visit.

Trunk or Treat

2011-11-01T21:00:00.001-05:00

Our church had its annual trunk or treat last Sat. Since Griffin is too old to dress up, I put him in charge of decorating the trunk this year.

Carmel thought this said stay duty. What do you think it says?

The bigger ghost you see in the picture flies from the front to the back of the car.

I thought he did a great job!

Just a few pictures from our fun night!

Someone had a great time!

The dreaded C word

2011-10-31T12:00:00.001-05:00

Costumes!

I put a little more thought into the costumes this year......actually I thought of it a couple of days after Halloween last year. I went to Walmart and they had costumes 75% off. I grabbed a few, threw them into a rubbermaid and put them up into the attic. A week before the trunk or treat, I pulled down the container and BAM costumes were done! Man....I should do this every year!

Presenting.........Dorothy and the cupcake!

One of Laney's friends went with us. She dressed up as a baker.

You better watch your back cupcake.......someone has a sweet tooth!

Now if I could just get the hubs or the 2 cool 2 wear a costume but still want candy boy to dress up, my saving would be worth it! I don't know why they don't want to wear the clown, chick magnet or the whoopie cushion I got for them.

I guess we will find out in a few days what they will be for next year!

The thigh bones connected to the knee bone.

2011-10-30T21:37:00.001-05:00

I would sing the rest but I have not had Anatomy in forever! Besides..... if I kept going, I may attach the knee bone to the shoulder bone. Instead, I have a fun recipe for edible bones.

Take a pretzel rod and break it in half. On either end, poke a big marshmallow.

Next, dip them in melted white chocolate and let dry.

You could also use stick pretzels and mini marshmallows to make these.

These were some tasty bones!

By the way, I need to give credit to my hubby for dipping each bone in the white chocolate. Didn't he do a great job!

Field Trip to The Rock Ranch

2011-10-25T23:14:00.000-05:00

In The Rock, Georgia Chickfila owns a place called The Rock Ranch. If you are ever in that area or close to it, I highly recommend going. We went for the pilgrim days.

We were able to revisit the past and learn a little about the Indians, Pilgrims, Abraham Lincoln, etc.

They have several different types of animals you can visit and feed.

The last time we went they were in the process of building a Tiny Town. I was so glad to have the opportunity to revisit and actually see this child size town.

It would be every child's dream to have a tiny town in his/her own back yard. Shoot! It would be my dream to have one of these in my own back yard.........and I don't mean for my kids! I was thoroughly impressed with it. The detail that went into making each building was incredible! Everything you could imagine seeing in a town was added.

They had a jail.

And look who I found locked up!

They had an ice cream shop.

A dress shop

A church.

Lets hope she spends most of her time here rather than jail!

There was a boarding house, theater, bank, fire house, train station, daycare, and school.

After I finally dragged the kids out of Tiny Town, we went to the underground slide and the big pillow.

There are many activities that are only open on the weekend.

Who knows.... maybe we can find the time to go back!

My baby is losing it

2011-10-19T21:00:00.002-05:00

One tooth at a time.

Yes, I did finally realize I was taking pictures of my child in only panties and made her put on a shirt.

Ella had been telling me all week that her tooth hurt and it was coming out. I figured it was just her imagination until this past Sunday. She came running into my bedroom with her tooth halfway hanging out. Now....before I continue with the lost a tooth story, let me just explain how I am not the tooth pulling parent. I do not like to inflict pain on my children......Carmel loves it! He would have used a wrench if he could! He was not home at the time. I explained to her how we needed to wait for daddy. He would be upset if he did not have the opportunity to pull the first one. She agreed with me and waited until after church.

One tug and it was out!

See the smile on Carmel's face? I told you he loves giving pain.

Fair Evangelism!

2011-10-18T21:28:00.000-05:00

Each year our church has a booth at the fair. The congregation is asked to give a few hours of their time to help. Carmel is usually the one to sign up but this year the whole family went. Most of the time you have people that walk right by or look the other way to avoid a conversation. Sometimes you get a smile. Occasionally, someone may stop to talk.

Our job is to plant the seed. Not only should we secure our place in heaven but try to bring as many people as we can with us. Sometimes that is not as easy as it sounds. If one conversation could eventually....down the road lead to that person being saved, then it was a success.

At the booth, there are plenty of pamphlets and 2 computers for bible knowledge. One computer is set up with questions for the adults and the other is for children. Our children were drawn very quickly to the computers.

I have to admit.......the kids and I did not stay the full 3 hours at the booth. I did mention the booth was at the fair.....right? It is hard to sit indoors when you know right outside are the rides, games, ELEPHANT EARS( Yes, this is my weakness at the fair. It is what I will not leave the fair without!) This particular night it drizzled the whole time. We only walked around( until we found the ELEPHANT EARS..... of course!) this year. My girls(I say only girls because Griffin went with his class later in the week) did not ride a single ride this year. Want to know why? Well here is a math problem for you. What does.....

rides put up in a day + rain = ???

A very nervous mother!

We had every intention of going back another day to let them ride a few but then life happened.

Oh well!

Emily McCannon and The Smokin Hot Band!

2011-10-15T21:00:00.001-05:00

When I was thinking about having Griffin a surprise party for his birthday, I knew this band would be the # 1 choice for entertainment. Nothing else would happen until I had them booked! Lucky for me the singer is family so they were able to squeeze me in.

They were definitely the highlight of the party!

The hoedown was a blast!

Thank you to everyone who came to help us celebrate Griffin's 16 birthday!

A special thank you to all the ones who helped make this party a hit!

I still can't believe I have a 16 year old. It seems like just yesterday I was holding a little handsome baby boy!

Come and get it!

2011-10-14T21:00:00.001-05:00

For the party, I decided on hot dogs. Why this? Well, when you can get them for 25 to 50 cents a pack, it really helps to keep the costs down. Especially, when you are trying to feed 100+ people. Plus, it fit really well with the theme. We also had chili, baked beans with sausage, potato salad and chips.

My dad was in charge of the hot dogs. Why use an ordinary grill when you can whip up something like this.

Cooking them this way was torture for a particular male in our family.

Don't feel too bad for him! I think he was treated to a few that made there way to the ground.

Instead of having a traditional cake for dessert, we decided to stick to the theme. We decided to serve a few of Griffin's favorite cakes but do it cupcake style. We chose red velvet with cream cheese frosting topped with pecans, yellow cake with caramel frosting topped with a caramel and yellow cake with chocolate frosting topped with a candy corn. If you didn't know already, we love Cupcake Wars around here. We could not just set these delicious cupcakes on a platter. OH NO! We had to come up with a display for our grand finale!

We had so much fun putting this together! Just so you know, we were able to get them all on the table in time.

I have saved the best for last!

Tuck in that cowboy shirt and slip into those cowgirl boots. Make sure your saddle is tight because you will want to come along for the next ride to entertainment!

Yeehaw Everybody!

2011-10-13T21:00:00.002-05:00

I was talking to my mom on the phone discussing the details of Griffin's Surprise 16th Birthday Party. She asks, " Have you thought of a theme?" Now I am a big theme girl when it comes to parties. Usually, I have a theme before I have anything else in mind. When I grow up(hehe), my dream(in my perfect little world) would be to be a party planner! For this particular party that was not the case. I guess since it was going to be out of town, I wasn't quite sure what I could pull off. I was thinking more along the lines of throwing things together, hoping it falls into place and he is surprised. My mom is like me( or should I say it is the other way around!). She was not going to let this party go without a theme. She suggested the "Country Theme". I giggled and told her to have fun with it. I knew I would be lucky just pulling off the guest list, arrangements, food and entertainment!

Boy did she do a good job!

She had hats, bandanas, hay bails and even a place for a photo opportunity.

A few of Griffin's friends from Pratville.

We even arranged for Carmel to bring a couple of Griffin's friends from home to the party.

Finally, I was able to grab our family to get a picture!

Can you tell who the cowgirl is in our family?

Or should I say the "Most Wanted" girl in the South?

Next up.......see what grub this cowgirl and all the other guest chowed down on.

Surprise!

2011-10-12T21:20:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday, we had a Surprise 16th Birthday Party for Griffin. I have been planning this event since the summer. There will no longer be any looking over my shoulder every second he is home, locking myself in the bathroom to have a conversation on the phone or having every excuse ready to fit any possible question that may arise.

I was so worried he would find out. I had a surprise party for my 16th birthday. I found out about it before the event because I overheard my mom and my best friend talking on the phone. I really hoped that would not happen for Griffin. There were times I could have slipped up like......

*when he wanted to play in his football game but I insisted we were going out of town. My answer: the whole family was visiting due to it being a holiday.

* He wanted to plan something big with friends from Ga( $$$$$$). My solution: I had a party for Ella to make it impossible for him to do anything that weekend.

* He saw me give mom and dad 250 hot dogs in a cooler. My response: They are having something at their house and needed hot dogs. Since I got the hot dogs for only 50 cents, I told them to use them.

All the preplanning was worth it when the day finally came!

We had it at my parent house and it was the perfect place! He has several friends and plenty of family either in Al or near there.

He spent the night with his cousin the night before so we could spend all day Saturday getting ready for it. All of the guest arrived 30 minutes prior to Griffin arriving. Everyone, except a few of us, hid around back. As he drove up, I saw him smiling and thought...... he knows. He gets out of the car and goes for the trunk to get his stuff out. What???? He was clueless! Picture this.....I am standing with my camera, Carmel has the video camera and my mom has her camera all pointing right at him. He still doesn't think anything. It wasn't until we made him go around the corner that he realized there was a party for him! I later asked, "You didn't think anything when I was taking pictures of you as you drove up?" His response, "No, you are always taking pictures!"

Check back over the next few days as I share the details of the boot stomping good time we had!

Our field trip to Noah's Ark

2011-10-07T21:00:00.000-05:00

Our first field trip for the year was to Noah's Ark. As we were walking up, the first thing I spotted was this 3 month old tiger. He was so much fun.....to watch.....from a distance!

This particular day was a special day for the Wounded Warriors. We were asked to help welcome them to Noah's Ark.

After we told the soldiers Thank You for their service, we went to check out the animals.

It was such a beautiful day! It was the perfect first field trip!

What is better than a hot breakfast?

2011-10-06T21:00:00.001-05:00

A free hot breakfast!

Check your local Chickfila. Ours is giving away a free breakfast item every Tuesday for the month of October. One per person. Our family had breakfast this past Tuesday for $0.

For the Macon/ Warner Robins area:

Oct 4 - Chicken, cheese and egg on a toasted multigrain bagel

Oct 11 - Yogurt parfait with granola

Oct 18 - Spicy chicken biscuit

Oct 25 - Oatmeal

This is a great motivator for getting out of bed on Tuesday!

AU vs USC game

2011-10-05T21:00:00.001-05:00

This past Saturday was the big game for us here in this house. Auburn Tigers vs South Carolina Gamecocks. This post will not be about the outcome of the game( I try to avoid conflict) but the fun we all had before the game.

The game this year was held in South Carolina. My hubby, son and I , my parents, my 2 sisters and their families all decided to get tickets and go to the game.

A group shot before heading to the game. My other sister met us there. As you can see 2 people are out numbered in the top picture.

But in the picture below I am out numbered.

To me the best part of the football game is not the actual game itself, it is the hours prior to the game........ tailgating!

Just a friendly game of family football.

A few moments before it was time to put the game face on.

Homemade pancake syrup

2011-10-04T21:11:00.000-05:00

I made pancakes the other night and realized we didn't have any syrup. I have been wanting to try making my own but most recipes called for maple extract. You know how hard it is to find real maple extract! I have only 1 more place to look here and then I give up. I decided to tweak the recipe a bit and just use a touch more vanilla (since I have plenty of that!) in place of the maple extract. It turned out great! I little runnier than regular syrup but it still tasted good.

Pancake Syrup

1 1/2 c brown sugar

3/4 c water

1 T butter

dash salt

1/2 ts vanilla extract

Mix sugar, water, butter and salt in a saucepan. Heat until boiling, remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

After 6 long months........

2011-09-29T19:12:00.000-05:00

they are finally ready!

All 11 1/2 liters of vanilla extract!

I had 1 bottle that was ready last month. I have been able to try it in several baked goods. Let me just tell you homemade is the way to go!!! I can tell a huge difference in taste by simple using homemade vanilla extract. It is so much better than the store bought version. I could almost drink it straight.......just kidding!

Are you curious as to how good it is? Stop by for a visit and I will bake you something.

Griffin is 16 sniff sniff!

2011-09-28T16:47:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday Griffin turned the sweet 16. Are you allowed to say sweet if it is a boy who turned 16?

After church, he picked Outback for his birthday lunch( Yes, he has expensive taste........girls....any takers?). I overheard him telling his grandmother his favorite place to eat is Zaxbys but he did not want to go there for his birthday( No of course not, we would only be out $25 there! Hehe!). He ordered what he wanted( I thought there for a minute he was ordering for the whole table.).

At the end of lunch, it was time for the Outback performance of Happy Birthday to you! Griffin would have rather skipped the song and dove into the free dessert( Finally something for free!). He should know you can't get your free dessert without having the whole restaurant staring at you.

Just like any other 16 year old, what do they think will be waiting for them around the corner?

None other than a car!

Yes, we broke down(even after the expensive lunch and bought him a car).

Isn't it a beauty!

A mini version of what he would love but can't have unless...

he fills this up........Griffin's car fund. If you would like to contribute send $ to:

Griffin's Dreamworld

$$$$ Easy Street

Hatethehardway, CA $$$$$

Later that night, there was a devo at church for the youth. We brought a cake

and everyone sang Happy Birthday again!

Seriously, I can't believe my first born is 16. 23 hours of hard labor but it was so worth it once he entered the world. He is a handsome, good, helpful, fantastic, sweet son. I am so thankful that God chose me to be his mother.

I love you Griffin!

No pool..........pool party!

2011-09-27T21:18:00.000-05:00

For Ella's 6th birthday party, we planned a flip floppin pool party( I know I am having a hard time letting go of summer).

The invitations

The night before the party( fantastic timing), I got a phone call to let me know that the pool we rented was closed. I really needed to cool off in that water because I was hot!!! How can we have a pool party with no pool? Knowing it was too late to move the party I improvised. We had a flip floppin wet party instead. I basically ran into Walmart grabbed wet things before heading to Griffin's game.

When everyone arrived, I had to explain( as all the children came in their bathing suits prepared for a pool party) there was no swimming. Picture this..... a lovely, sparkling, nice pool, temperatures outside are in the mid 80's and sweaty kids are told they can't get in the pool.

Don't they look confused??????

After getting over the initial shock, we began the fun wet activities.

Water Bottle Freeze Tag

Sprinkler Run

Water Balloon Fight

Along with the look but don't touch pool was a clubhouse. I was able to decorate in the flip flop theme.

A few weeks back I picked up this plain white cover up from Target. It was perfect for the party once I added the flip flops and monogrammed name.

I knew I should have taken a picture before she started playing. I promise the dark stains were not on there when I made it.

As a side item for lunch, I couldn't help but try out this idea.

flip flop fruit

For dessert, what would be more appropriate than a flip flop cake.

I had planned as an extra activity for the kids to make flip flop cookies but getting wet sounded better.

The girls had fun making them at home.

We finished up with presents and a pinata.

Despite the last minute changes and mom being stressed( I was looking forward to a relaxing by the pool kind of a party!), it turned out to be a great party!

As long as the birthday girl and all her guest have a good time..........mom is happy!

My order finally came in!

2011-09-26T17:47:00.000-05:00

25 lbs of 100% whole wheat

50 lbs of rolled oats

100 lbs of hard white wheat

Hopefully, I am stocked up for a while!

How Ella celebrated her birthday!

2011-09-24T01:25:00.000-05:00

We had parent/teacher conferences today at school so it was a half day.

She brought cupcakes to share with the class.

Her daddy came to eat lunch with her and spend the rest of the afternoon with her.

For her birthday supper she had a hamburger at Griffin's game.

When asked, "Did you have a good birthday?"

She said, "Yes, I had so many people call me today!"

Speaking of calling, check back tomorrow to find out about a very special phone call she received!

Happy Birthday Ella!

Another homemade success

2011-09-19T20:00:00.001-05:00

Homemade Poptarts!

I have been wanting to make these http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/homemade-healthy-poptarts for a while now. Nothing like expiring yogurt to finally get you to try them. These were easy to make and very yummy!

We used our homemade strawberry freezer jam for the filling. We made a few plain and a few with a glaze.

Even Griffin who complains about eating whole wheat enjoyed these.

Can you tell in the next picture which ones Laney made?

If you can't.........they are the poptarts that look like they have been murdered.

N is for nest

2011-09-18T12:42:00.000-05:00

The other day for our cooking day we made edible nest.

They are made just like rice krispy treats except we used chow mien noodles instead of the cereal. Form them into the shape of a nest and place jelly beans in the center to represent eggs.

An easy and yet cute treat for the letter N.

Community Helper Day

2011-09-13T22:26:00.000-05:00

I volunteered to be head coordinator for the theme days at our school. Since we have been talking about community helpers in my class, I decided our first theme day would be Community Helper Day. I invited local helpers from our community to visit our school.

We had a local fire department bring their truck and talk to us about fire safety.

See that huge match. That would have been nice to have when I needed to light ALL those candles on my husband's birthday cake!

We had a local postal worker bring her mail truck.

She showed us the back of the truck and told us it would not be empty much longer!

We had a nurse visit and tell us about the spreading of germs. She did an experiment with the kids. They put their hands in flour and sat down at the table. Lets just say the table was no longer brown but white.

Makes me want to go home and take a shower!

We had a local policeman bring the D.A.R.E car. He let the class sit in the car, listen to the sirens and he passed out t-shirts, pencils and coloring books. He also brought a special guest McGruff the crime fighting dog. Surprisingly, I only had I child afraid of McGruff!

The children were allowed to dress up as a community helper. Both of my girls chose to be a teacher. They picked out what they thought a teacher would wear and carry. Laney quickly said she needed a teacher bag to hold her clipboard and phone. Ella on the other hand filled her teacher bag with toys. If only I could carry around toys instead of lesson plans and papers.

Thank you to all the community helpers out there. You are appreciated!

Why 5 year olds are not allowed to wear makeup in public.

2011-09-12T22:18:00.000-05:00

Enough said!

Touchdown Griffin!

2011-09-07T21:27:00.000-05:00

This is Griffin's second year to play football. At the private school we attend, there are only 3 boys who play so we partner with another school. It is amazing how in 1 year a non-aggressive boy can change into a take charge young man. He has shown huge improvement over last year. Last Friday during the game, he had many first times.

* First time to catch a pass.

* First time to run the ball 52 yards.

* First time to score a TOUCHDOWN!

The only thing I missed was taking pictures of it. I was screaming/cheering too much to think of grabbing my camera.

Even though these pictures are not of the touchdown, they still show my boy( I mean young man) strutting his stuff.

Way to go Griffin! We are so proud of you and all you accomplishments!

Let's do it again this Friday!

Birthday Tea Party!

2011-09-05T21:03:00.000-05:00

I guess I can just designate August and September as THE BIRTHDAY MONTHS. We have had 1 or 2 birthday parties every weekend so far. Two of my own children have birthdays this month. One who will be turning 16 I might add. I am not even going think about that right now..........the nerves....the tears.....the worrying. All those crazy drivers on the road with my baby!

Back to the birthday parties! We attended a cute cute cute tea party last weekend for the daughter of close friends. The mother did an amazing job on the party!

When we first arrived, the girls were able to to go to The Birthday Boutique and put on the necessary tea party accessories.

How do you know when you have a girl who has her mother's feet?

I have to tell you every time she fell......... it was ladylike!

After the girls were accessorized, each one was introduced and entered through a special walkway.

TIME FOR TEA!

Each girl had a special place to sit along with her doll.

Notice the real China.......so cute and very brave!

The girls were able to choose from a variety of tea party food including a chocolate fountain.

The birthday girl's cake was a tea pot.

See the boy in the black suit?

He was such a handsome waiter. He pushed a cart around the tables serving tea to all the girls.

My girls had a fabulous time!

Cupcake Wars 9 year old style!

2011-09-01T21:45:00.000-05:00

We have been very busy having some party fun! A couple of weeks ago Laney and Ella were invited to their first Cupcake Wars birthday party. We love that show! If you have never seen it, it comes on Food Network. Four cupcake bakers battle it out for $10,000 and for their cupcakes to be featured at a special event. We love watching the type of cupcakes each baker presents and guessing who will win. So when we received the invitation for this birthday party, I don't know who was more thrilled....the girls or me! I was asked ahead of time to be one of the judges.

Each girl was given an apron.

Then before the baking began we got a quick photo of all the competitors.

They we split into teams of four.

This was Laney's team.

After the teams grouped together, they had to discuss their strategy. They had three different rounds.

Round 1: Taste

Round 2: Presentation

Round 3: The Kaylee cupcake

Let the baking begin..........

They chose ingredients from the table.....

and began creating!

While waiting on the cupcakes to bake, check out what I caught the jr. group doing.

I don't remember seeing that on the show!

After each round, they had to present their cupcake to the judges.

This was my plate before..............

and this was my plate after the tasting challenge. As you can see that is way to much sweet for me to eat in one sitting. Overall my favorite was the chocolate cupcake coated with a chocolate sauce topped with butter cream frosting. I was highly impressed with the jr group.

For the third round, each girl had to decorate a cupcake around Kaylee the birthday girl.

Laney made hers blue(Kaylee's favorite color).

Ella's on the other hand.......... almost didn't make it to judging time!

A few of the other highlights from the party..............THE SWEETS GALORE!

She had a table filled with.....

cupcakes!

cupcake cookies!

A cupcake cake!

This was such a fun party....... but I would not want to be part of the after party clean up crew! All I saw when I left was frosting, frosting, sprinkles, frosting, sprinkles, sprinkles..............

Check back later for another adorable party we attended!

I is for igloo

2011-08-22T22:00:00.000-05:00

For the letter I, we made igloos. I thought they turned out so cute.

To make these you need 1/2 an apple, peanut butter and marshmallows.

Ella demonstrates how the peanut butter acts as a glue for the marshmallows.

Finished product.....a cute little edible igloo!

First Day of School!

2011-08-17T21:12:00.000-05:00

We have been in school now for almost 2 weeks but I am just now getting around to posting the first day.

Since I am teaching, it takes me about that long to get settled. Daddy did all of the first day activities including the picture taking. So here goes.......

I had to be there early to finish setting up 1st day activities. Daddy left with the kids the same time I did but arrived a lot later. Once they showed up in my room I realized why. They had stopped for a special breakfast. They were sweet enough to bring me some but this lady does not have time to eat on the first day of school. I am back on the school diet.......not a whole lot of time to eat. Excercise?? No problem!! I walk the halls a least 50 times a day!

All of us on our first day at school.

Laney in front of her classroom.

She is my social butterfly so she was eager for school to start.......mainly for the friends.

Griffin was too cool to have his picture taken or walked to class.

Now I cannot brag enough on Ella's teacher this year. She is going to love her! I have already decided we are going to go big on the teacher gifts this year. I am thinking spa, gift cards, vacations, etc. Something nice for every holiday and in between. Here is a picture of her with her teacher on the first day of school.

I am looking forward to teaching and watching her interact with the other children this year.

My husband loves me......and our children!

2011-08-16T21:10:00.000-05:00

Look what my hubby got me...........

a Nutrimill wheat grinder.

He even remembered the kids!

A hand grinder for if we ever loose power or a child needs to be disciplined!

Now if my wheat would just arrive, I could fire this baby up!

Unwanted mail

2011-08-12T19:31:00.002-05:00

Do you get as much junk mail as we do?

I love to recycle items......any items. Here is a tip for reusing junk mail.

The next time you think about throwing away that credit card offer, magazine renewal,etc.....don't. Open it up and pull out this.......

The reply envelope.

I save these for my class at school and my own children to put their play letters in. It makes them feel so grown. They quit using my much needed envelopes and I save money!

If one of their letters happens to make it into the mailbox,well........ I guess that company will be getting junk mail for a change!

It's that time of year again

2011-08-11T19:30:00.000-05:00

No not Christmas!

Although Christmas break is sounding really good right now!

School has started so in order to prepare, I had a few baking days.I decided this year to do it by meals.....breakfast, lunch and dinner. First up was........breakfast.

Since muffins are so easy to make, freeze and reheat, I started with that. I made...

Banana Bread Muffins

Next came the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

The next 2 types of muffins are news ones. I thought I would try these out since I have bags and bags of frozen fruit from the spring and summer. I will include recipes because I thought both were delicious!

Blueberry Streusel Muffins

Recipe

2 cp flour( I used whole white wheat)

1 1/2 ts baking powder

1/2 ts salt

1/2 c unsalted butter, soft

1 c sugar

2 eggs

2ts vanilla extract

1/2 milk

2c fresh frozen blueberries

In a small bowl mix baking powder, flour and salt. In a larger bowl beat butter and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla and milk. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix. Add blueberries and put in muffin tins.

For streusel mix 1/2 c sugar, 1/3 flour, 1/4 butter, soft and 1 1/2 ts cinnamon. Put on top of muffin.

Bake 350 for 20 minutes

Blueberry/Strawberry Muffins with Streusel

Recipe

2 c whole white wheat flour

2/3 c sugar

2 ts baking powder

1/2 ts baking soda

1/2 ts salt

1/4 ts cinnamon

2 eggs

1 stick unsalted butter, melt

1 c buttermilk

1 T grated lemon zest

3/4 c blueberries

3/4 c strawberries

In a bowl whisk all the dry ingredients. In a large bowl beat eggs with butter. Add buttermilk, lemon and whisk. Add dry to wet and stir. Fold in fruit and scoop into a muffin pan. Bake 400 for 20 minutes.

Besides muffins, I also made some homemade baking mix for sausage balls.

Sausage and Cheese Biscuits

For the last 2 breakfast items I like to mix, roll or cut and freeze in ziploc bags. All I have to do is take as many as I need and bake.

Hopefully, we can make it last for the rest of August.

Just in case you want to make this in the morning

2011-08-05T21:00:00.000-05:00

Crepe recipe

4 eggs

1 c flour

1/2 c milk

1/2 c water

1/2 ts salt

2 T sugar

2 T melted butter

Measure first 7 ingredients in a blender. Blend for 30 sec and scrape sides. Blend for 15 more sec. Cover and let sit for 1 hour.

French vanilla filling

While batter is sitting mix 3 1/2 oz french vanilla pudding mix with 1 c cold milk. When thick blend with cream cheese. Place in the fridge until ready to serve.

Heat a pan and lightly grease. Pour 1/4 c batter in pan. Tilt to spread the batter. Once you spot bubbles loosen the edges with a spatula and flip over. It cooks quickly.

Putting together

Take a crepe and spread a spoonful of the creme cheese mixture on it. Roll it up and add whatever you would like. I added a drizzle of chocolate syrup, sliced strawberries, cool whip, and a dust of powder sugar.

There are many different variations of crepes. Another good combination was Nutella with bananas, caramel, cool whip and a dust of powder sugar.

Paris Spa Sleepover

2011-08-02T23:01:00.000-05:00

For Laney's 9th birthday, she decided to keep it small this year so she could redecorate her room( a Paris themed room). She had a party with family a few weeks ago. This past Friday she had a few of her friends over for a Paris Spa Sleepover.

Bonjour!

The evening started with welcoming the girls to Paris. After we welcomed them all, they were led into the kitchen to prepare their own dish for the evening.

Homemade personal pan pizza topped with pepperoni, bacon, olives and cheese.

While they waited for them to cook, they sat at a lovely table with a window view. They were able to enjoy a few exquisite appetizers like sliced baguette with garlic and herb cheese and grapes. The beverage of choice was a pink lemonade with 2 cherries and a frozen lemon slice.

For dessert.......mini chocolate cake topped with pink buttercream frosting sprinkled with edible pearls.

Madam Laney had a special dessert all her own.

After their fine dining experience, Madam Laney received many ravishing Paris gifts( These will fit very nicely in her new room).

Next the girls already dressed in their robes were invited into the main room for a spa treatment. Each girl was able to choose from a variety of polish colors along with lotion, the spa essentials, exfoliating salts and diamond body stickers.

The girls sprinkled the salts in their tub while the warm water was poured. They were encouraged to lay back and enjoy as they listened to soft music playing.

After a good soaking, it was time for the polishing to begin.

Later that evening the girls had one last planned activity. They had the chance to be like Claude Monet and paint their vision on a wrapped canvas.

The next morning the girls woke up to smell of crepes. They had a choice of a crepe filled with a French vanilla cream cheese filling, topped with strawberries and a layer of whipped topping finished off with a drizzle of chocolate.

The other choice was a crepe filled with Nutella, topped with bananas and a dollop of whipped topping finished with a drizzle of caramel.

These were so yummy! Check back later for the recipe!

The girls had a fabulous time! All Laney could say was

Merci, Merci, Merci

Daddy Daughter Date

2011-07-31T23:07:00.000-05:00

Not only should you date your husband but your daughter should as well.

Ella went on a date with her daddy this past Friday night and ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! Ella chose the place to eat( McDonald's of course) and daddy chose the movie( The Smurfs). It was opening night so they had a red carpet, someone dressed as a smurf and lots of other goodies. Afterwards, the went to get ice cream.

This little girl is still talking about and thanking her daddy for taking her out.

She even got to pick out what she wanted to wear.

Every daughter should feel special and know they are loved by their daddy!

Laney can't wait for her night!

Coupon class and coffee party combined

2011-07-30T22:00:00.001-05:00

So I had my first coupon class this past Sunday. I thought it went great! The only problem I had was not allowing enough time for all the information.

The topics we covered were the basics:

1. Why use coupons?
2. How to read a coupon?
I had a friend tell me her husband said, "How to read a coupon REALLY? You don't already know how to do that?" She found out during the class that there is a lot more to it.
3. Where do you get coupons?
4. How to organize your coupons.

The next topic is the one we did not get to. I may just have to offer a second class just for this one.

5. Know the store's coupon policy!!!!!!

I have to give a shot out to my wonderful photographer for that day!

Remember all of the inserts I got from the recycling center? I was able to share them with all of my pupils.

I am a member of the Brew Crew for Coffee-mate. I was selected to host a coffee party. I figured what would be better than coffee to keep my pupils awake and focused. They sent me 4 coupons for free Coffee-mate creamer, a scoop, samples of creamer, cups and napkins.

Here are the creamers I chose to serve.

Creme Brulee was definitely a favorite!

I gave away the bag along with a few other items. A friend of mine that I met through homeschooling received the bag.

I have been approached by 3 more people to teach a coupon class.

Stowe Family Reunion 2011

2011-07-29T22:00:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday, we had the annual Stowe reunion. We meet at my grandmother's church and spend a few hours eating, catching up, playing a game or two and........

taking pictures!

Rebecca won a game and got a dish full of candy.

For some reason Carmel is not as thrilled as Todd about taking a picture with my dad. Watch out Carmel! I think Todd is trying to take your place as favorite son in law.

My sister kept all three of my children the week prior so we could celebrate our anniversary(Thanks Bec and Todd).

It was nice to have the time with my husband but it felt great to have all my family together again!

Laney's family party

2011-07-28T22:00:00.000-05:00

Laney turned 9 a week and a half ago. Instead of having a huge birthday party this year, she wants to redo her room. I will be sad to see her old room go. She has had it since she was born. My mom made a majority of the bedding and curtains and I did a lot of the decorating. I have loved that room! As sad as I am, I must hold back my emotions and realize that my daughter is growing up. Soooo she has decided on a Paris themed room......no not Paris Hilton!

Here are pictures from her family birthday party.

Instead of a cake she chose Oreo cupcakes

in the shape of a 9.

We had a great fun and relaxing birthday!

Johnny G's

2011-07-27T22:00:00.001-05:00

My niece Emma stayed with us while her parents took a quiet vacation together. She is your typical fun loving, cute, energetic, active 2 year old. Did I mention active? While I had her, I tried to think of places all the girls would enjoy( Just so you know we did not get rid of Griffin. He has spent a majority of the summer at my other sister's house keeping my nephew.). I knew we had to take a trip to Johnny G's.

Remember earlier when I mentioned my niece was active, this is for those of you who may be visual learners like me.

Are you ready? Here goes.....

She rode on the cars...

slid down into the balls.....

rode on the dragon ride.......

rode on the train.....

went back to the cars, stood up in the car while it was up in the air, gave her aunt a huge scare.....

back to the balls.......

ran around through the tunnels......

back to the balls where she was trapped and reaching for Laney's help.....

Whew! finally made it out of the balls without Laney's help........

in and jump and out of the blowups......

ride in the token cars.....

race back to the dragon.....

up and down the soft play where she scared her aunt again by losing her balance and doing flips coming down.

Finally..... 5 hours later, I was exhausted and she was tired.

Or so I thought........she woke up as soon as we pulled into the driveway.

Are you kidding me?

Blueberry picking

2011-07-26T22:00:00.001-05:00

A friend told me about a park that has several blueberry bushes. It is open to the public to come pick them for free. I am all about getting some free fruit.

So while my sister was visiting, I thought it would be a good time to get some free hard labor for those free blueberries.

We were able to pick about 3 bags full before the kiddos gave up

or should I say when this little girl had eaten all she could handle.

I am planning to go back and pick more this week. I can't wait to try several of the blueberry recipes I have found.

Center For Puppetry Arts in Atlanta

2011-07-25T22:00:00.003-05:00

During the school year, I took my class to the Puppetry Arts. I guess since I brought them there, the Arts sent me 4 free passes to visit again. When my sister said she was coming for a visit, I knew it would be a great time to go.

We saw Cinderella Della Circus. It was based on the story Cinderella just told a little differently. I took 1 picture of the girls in the theater before I was quickly told NO PICTURES!

After the puppet show, we headed upstairs for the puppet workshop. We made an elephant string puppet. Well.....some of us worked......

while someone wanted to dump everything out.

After we finished making and decorating our puppets, it was time for the show.

Now when you are left in a room unsupervised and you see a huge kings head, it is very hard not to pick it up.

This king looks a lot like her daddy

or maybe its her mother.

After leaving the Arts, we headed over to The Varsity for lunch.

Someone enjoyed her food!

We had a fun filled day!

Look who we saw at Books A Million.

2011-07-25T22:00:00.001-05:00

WAR EAGLE!