ilovemy5kids

A hangover (so to speak)...a good kind!!!

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:03:00 +0000

Wow! What an inspiring day yesterday was for me! So, many visits and comments for the SITs' Day and it turns out one of the links messed up so it was just 1/2 the fun. Another one will be coming soon because of the mess-up! What a super blessing!

I have soooo many emails to return - I'm talking over 200. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart if you left a precious comment. You warmed my heart! (If you didn't leave an email or blog address- consider this your THANK YOU!)

I love to hear all the "Thankful" comments! There were so many encouraging words - I was brought to tears more than once.

Oh, I can't wait to share my new header! Another friendly blogger did it for me and it captures my heart!

One more thang...
If you serve or served our military - Happy Veteran's Day! (You are appreciated and prayed for by this household!)

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Oh Happy Day - IT's MY DAY!!!! MY SITs' DAY!!!! OH MY!!! OH MY!!! OH Happy DAY!

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:07:00 +0000

For my regular readers, this day is a treat! It is my SITs’ DAY!

For visitors – WELCOME to the blog of chaos – just like our house! Chaos in a good way – where there is love, laundry and Lego’s EVERYWHERE!

This is me - my name is:
Lana like BANANA.

(The paragraph below is about my blog…if you are in a hurry just keep scrolling down and find out what your objective is – yes, I have an objective for the comments.
Please do NOT write – Happy Sit’s Day!)
{If you write that – everyone will know that you have not read this post.}

At my refuge aka blog – I like to write about:

our crazy remodeling that we are doing to our house, including our kitchen re-do.
Easy Easy Easy Recipes (did I mention EASY?)
Ways to spend my money wisely (in fact I have 77 ways)
our home education adventure (with special rules and hints)
Family Trips (we are on a quest to visit The World’s Largest everything.)
Did I mention my sweet hubby loves to make things? He just finished this fort, this cat jungle gym, and even cornices for my living room. He’s all mine! :)
I also Twitter – it is pretty new to me – so I’m still in learning mode. Okay, I really don’t write about twitter – I just was passing on some information…
Mostly, I write because of and for my kids. Yep, I have 5 of them babies. (That is so funny because I really didn’t want any kids. Maybe that is not really funny – maybe it is just poetic justice. I’m truly thankful for God changing my heart and giving them to me. Yes – everyone of them is a gift and I’m so grateful that God has blessed my husband and me with them.

Okay, enough about me….

For those in a hurry STOP Here! This is the objective!

I want to know what you are thankful for, why and where you celebrate Thanksgiving!

My hubby’s family has the neatest tradition for Thanksgiving and since we are not going to be with them this year, I’d like to do it here.

About 2 weeks before Thanksgiving, Aunt Debbie sends out invitations for Thanksgiving day. It all starts with an early Turkey Bowl game (it is usually COLD and rainy) where men and women of all ages go and play “flag” football that usually turns into CONTACT sport. I think that Tylenol and Ibuprofen becomes a sweet friend during this time of agony. Then everyone goes home to clean up.

Around 2:00 or so, everyone comes back and meets in the tight-fitting but warm and cozy basement. Before ANYONE eats, everyone goes around the table and tells of something that they are thankful for. Usually many tissues are needed from birth announcements, to wedding plans, to simple love for a brother or sister. I love his family and this tradition – it truly reminds me of an Hallmark movie. (One year there were around 65 people who attended. That year there were 2 eating sessions.)

Something else I truly love, is that everyone is made to feel like family no matter if you blood related or not.

So, back to the objective.

Tell me something that you are truly thankful for and why. Then tell me something you do that makes this holiday special – if you don’t celebrate it - just tell me something you are thankful for!

That’s all folks!

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

BTW – Next week, I’ll be posting our Thanksgiving decor including the Thanksgiving Tree and ideas we have - to truly be thankful in all circumstances.

Just if you liked my blog:
My Follower Buttons are at then end of this page or you could subscribe to my blog by emails in the sidebar.
That would just bless my heart.

Come back and see us anytime –
this blog is open 24 hours.

Events that should have warned you – it is one of those days!

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:31:00 +0000

Yesterday was a day of days!

I woke up to “Honey, I let the dog out in the middle of the night and she is missing.”

Okay, let me give you this picture…I’m asleep, haven’t had my coffee yet, and I hop up quickly to go look for a stinky dog (who is NOT my best friend at the moment.) I run into the living room and find the front door wide open and all my kids are in the driveway (with their jammies still on.) I peek in the kitchen…the dog is asleep under the table.

My sweet hubby is yelling at the kids to come into the house, the reality hits me that I’m not wearing suitable clothes as I’m standing in the doorway, and the ~~stupid~~ dog is in the kitchen fast asleep.

The morning then goes into some metamorphism of normalcy until I send the kids outside in the backyard. Let me backtrack – just for a second… I wanted to catch the Dr. OZ show on the internet that talked about fleas and ticks – that is a whole other story for another year. He said to basically keep your yard pest free – you need to pick up the dog’s you-know-what every other day. Since my eldest loves that job (I’m so kidding) I send him out to do the dirty work. (There I’m back on track.)

The next thing I hear is “Mom!!!! I found a dead possum!” What, I still haven’t had my coffee yet! We live in the city!!! I gave up the animals when we moved here! I refuse to admit that the city has predators just like the country.

Luckily, my hubby is still home. He takes care of the predator. I want to go back to bed! But, Fridays are the days we do our home school at the library. So, I get dressed and made up so to speak.

I get all the kiddies into the suburban. The car won’t start. Really??? Really. I then tell my sweet prayer warriors to pray! They do. It starts.

We run a few errands before the library. I make it to the street where the library is and my car goes berserk. It loses all power so I can’t even turn on my hazard lights. I’m in the center lane, turning the key, to turn the engine, with no prevail.

I call 911. After 10 rings, they answer then hang up on me. I’m not kidding! They hung up! I call my hubby. He is on his way! Then he gets to the middle of the city and there is a funeral procession. I’m not kidding!

Then two precious Hispanic guys show up. I mention that they are Hispanic because I really think they are Angels who speak no English. I don’t care they understand a mother who is on her last leg – that is a UNIVERSAL language. They are too precious! They push my HUGE suburban to the nearest gas station. My son says “They must work out at Gold’s Gym because they are strong!” I love that there are still Good Samaritans.

Then at the gas station, I call another friend who has a mini-van who can carry some of my crew back to the house. Thank you sweet friends!!! My dead vehicle is towed home. Now, we are looking for a new “used” vehicle to fit 8 people as my car RIP. Hopefully, after the cash for clunkers deal – there are still “used” vehicles available.

These are the days – when you wake up and say “I really should have stayed in bed.”

However, I know that we are still blessed beyond measure and I’m really giving thanks in ALL things.

But….I really still should have stayed in bed.

Blessings to you! You are loved!!!

Wassail – My Grandma’s Recipe!

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:07:00 +0000

Talking to my Grandma sometimes makes me want to wet my pants. Our conversations go something like this…

Me: “Grandma, I’m calling for a recipe… I don’t have your Wassail recipe.”

Grandma: “Waffle???”

Me: “No, Wassail! Wassail!”

Grandma laughing: “I don’t make waffles.”

Me bent over from laughing back so hard and glad I have a strong bladder: “Grandma! Wassail! Wassail! Wasssssail!”

Grandma (not sure about her bladder at this point): “Oh, Wassail! I thought you said Waffles! Hold on – I’ll get it.”

I love my Grandma – she makes me laugh so hard plus her wassail is AWESOME! She has made it for me for many years.

This year I will try to make it in the crock pot! YUM!

Grandma’s Wassail

1/2 cup sugar
2 cups water
6 cinnamon sticks
7 whole cloves

Simmer the above ingredients for 15 minutes.

Then add:

1 cup orange juice
1 cup lemon juice
1 cup pineapple juice
4 cups apple juice
4 cups water

Simmer all DAY! Oh – it makes a LOT! YUMMY!

Blessings to you! You are loved!!!

It is snowing in my house….

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:07:00 +0000

Wait a minute…as my 3 year old says…that is not snow!

It is drywall dust! I DETEST construction! DETEST IT!!!

The next house we move in WILL be finished before we move in or my hubby and I will not be sleeping in the same room! Do you hear me MISTER??!!?? Well, maybe the same room but NOT the room being constructed - like right now!!!

I don’t like this white dust! I don’t like it on my clothes!
I don’t like it in my hair!
I don’t like it on my feet and in my shoes! I don’t like it in my closet.
I hate it on my toothbrush!
I don’t like it on my pillow!!! I don’t like it on my keyboard.
I don’t like it on my ceiling fan. I don’t like it on the toilet seat.
I don’t like it on my water glass. I don’t like it on my vacuum cleaner.
I don’t like it and I’m NOT going to do this again!!!

But, oh I do like my new walls. I do like that it is upgraded. I do like that this will feel like a new house. I do like that. So, maybe – well, just maybe, we will finish the playroom.
But, I don’t like the dust and I don’t have to!

Blessings to you!!!
You are loved!!! (Exception: if your name is DUST!)

30 Day Giving Challenge - Day 1

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:07:00 +0000

Today was our first day of the Giving Challenge. It was a treat.

My kids have been attending a local Home school Co-op so they decided to write thank you notes to their teachers. It is a lot easier said than done.

Our next feat was we made a thankful jar. We decided to write things we are thankful for. Each day, we will take out a paper and thank God for these things then make a paper chain out of them to put on our Thankful tree. (The tree is basically a bunch of long twigs stuffed into a pretty vase and adorned with fall leaves. We live in the Tropics so we have to make our own fall foliage.)

Due to my camera battery not being charged – I’ll have to take picts later. Until then you can take my word for it.

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

My sweet boy’s birthday….

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:07:00 +0000

Not many people truly make me laugh. This guy not only makes me laugh but feels my heart with so much joy!

I can’t believe he is turning 9 years old today. He is my Y2K baby. He is the guy who was a miracle and was born with blonde hair therefore our Blondie.

After such a miraculous birth – he is still such a blessing! (This pict was taken in a Life Flight helicopter.)

We call him our politician because he never meets a stranger. Honestly, it is a blessing to be his parent!

Happy Birthday – We love you!!!

An interesting challenge....

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:07:00 +0000

Kingdom First Mom is offering a 30 day giving challenge. In some way, we are to give something everyday for the next 30 days. It starts November 1, 2009!

I'm so excited! I'm actually starting on Monday, November 2, 2009 with my kids. This will be our first school giving project. This is going to be so much fun! What a delightful way to bless others and think of others more highly than ourselves.

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Questioning my chartreusse and fleur di lis...

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:50:00 +0000

The other night some friends and I went out for dinner. For some reason, we started talking about Fleur di Lis. I pronounce fleur di lis like fleur di lease and someone told me it was fleur di lee. What do you say? I looked it up and was still a little confused. So many dictionaries and not enough time in my world...

However, Mr. Language Man (who I found in a google search) explains it beautifully - basically I was correct - at least according to him. In French, it is pronounced Fleur di LEASE. If you speak French and disagree with this - I can't handle more errors right now - go tell Mr. Language Man.

Do you ever start questioning EVERYTHING, when you thought you knew something, I mean really knew something and then find out to be in err?

Now on to the subject: chartreuse.

As long as my hubby and I have been married - I have made fun of him not knowing his colors. (Already, are you thinking of a person with a haughty spirit will have a HUGE fall?) His usual statement is...who really knows and cares what is chartreuse?

I tell him - I think chartreuse is a DEEP Deep DEEP red. Apparently, thanks to my sweet mother in law and father in law - who showed me the error of my thinking, it is NOT!

Chartreuse is a fluorescent green color i.e. the new fire fighter trucks or the green go signs.

When and where did I ever come up with the thinking that chartreuse is red? I tend to blame my brother for things that I can't come up with an answer. (He lives 10 hours away and I love him to pieces therefore it is his fault.)

Who knows? Maybe my brother changed the crayons when I was growing up and put Chartreuse on my Violet Red color - yes, he would have done that, oh wait...I would have done that - not him.

So, if you have ever asked me for the chartreuse color and I handed you a deep red please forgive me. I'm sure this has happened many times in my life, I AM a home school mother.

One thing for sure, my children know what and how to pronounce fleur di lis and the color chartreuse - from now on.

Now don't you feel better about yourself?

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!!

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Easy Pancakes from scratch...

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:53:00 +0000

These pancakes have been in our family for years! When I got married I had no idea that they even made pancake mixes. (My mom always seemed to do everything from scratch.) I bought a pancake mix one time and it didn't taste good to me plus it was as much work as these.

We always double the recipe and you can easily freeze the pancakes for future meals.

1 1/4 cups flour
2 TBSP sugar
2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
1 egg
1 1/3 cups milk (for thicker pancakes use less)
3 TBSP vegetable oil

The recipe says:
Mix 1st 4 ingredients. In small bowl, beat egg slightly, stir in milk and oil. Add to flour mixture.

What Lana does:
(To tell you the truth - I just add it all in the kitchen-aid mixer and mix. I do NOT like cleaning unnecessary bowls.)

Make in hot skillet or hot griddle. Lots of bubbles that have popped mean that it is time to flip. ENJOY!!!

Yummy!!

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Feet hurt and we wonder why…plus a CHRISTMAS GIFT HINT!!!!

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:07:00 +0000

Lego’s are a part of our home whether our feet like it or not. Those suckers HURT in the middle of the night when we are walking in the dark to get a glass of water.

In fact, they will make you scream out in pain. I’m ready to call in the troops because of all our LEGOs. They seem to be EVERYWHERE!

Our house could be nicknamed “Lego land in the Suburbs”, we have TOO many! So what do my boys want for Christmas??? You guessed it – more LEGOs!

I’m just saying for the record….Boys – you will NOT be getting LEGO’s for Christmas this year, at least from this MOMMY.

Well, I might change my mind for a SPA-PEDICURE!
Can you see the HINT???!!!??

Just in case:
“THIS IS A HINT!!!! –
I WANT A SPA PEDICURE FOR CHRISTMAS!!!!”

Just saying…

Blessings to you!!! You are LOVED!!!

A sweet gift…Barney, Andy, Opie, and Aunt Bee.

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:41:00 +0000

A friend of mine owns a little bookstore in town. Every once in a while, she invites us over and we can have whatever we want, that she will not be able to sell.

Well, I found a jewel. She said it was not worth anything but I would have to differ in opinion.

From Fried Chicken to sweet Desserts – I’m loving this cookbook! This is probably one of my FAVE shows ever!

What a sweet find!

Thank you dear friend, S. for giving me such a blessing!

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

just some Sunday funnies...

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:44:00 +0000

As I'm writing this, we are watching "God's Team" - Dallas Cowboys on t.v. - they just scored yet another touchdown. I told my 3 year old boy, who we will call Lil' Boy Blue, that they are wearing pink (because of breast cancer awareness month) and they are "BOYS". (He basically believes that only blue is a boy color and pink is a girl color.) His John Deere Grandpa wore a pink button down shirt and Lil' Boy Blue told him to take it off. He ended up taking off his shirt because it had a stain on it but Lil' Boy Blue, felt like he had won the debate.

Oh, wow, they just made another touchdown. Again, I explain they are wearing pink and they are called a "Cow-BOY". No avail! He still will fight that boys wear blue and girls wear pink. He just said I had a boy shirt on. Oh, brother!

The other thing that has been going on in our home, is our precious kitty is growing up. Last night, she kept us up all night long with a loud crying. I made my hubby get up and check on her to make sure she was not tangled up in some cord. He just turned on a light and called Parker's name. She came right away.

He has a way with kids and animals - when I call a kid - they just seem to stare at me. Animals go in the opposite direction. Some would say it was defiance, I call it a gift. Come here Tiger! See, it has great advantages!

Anyway...Parker has kept up with this annoying squeal. She also has been jumping straight up and running crazy. It has been quite a show that has given us free entertainment.

I told my hubs "She must be in heat!"
My eldest son, replies "Ohhhh.."
I ask him, "Do you know what that means?"
He says matter of factly, "She's HOT! Duh!"
Nuff said.

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

7 Ways to Win the Wife of the Year Award...NOT!

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:45:00 +0000

Not saying that I have EVER done any of these...because I'm the "perfect" wife.
(HaHaHaHaHa! Yes, that was in the Witch's voice from The Wizard of Oz and not the nice witch either.)

Leave the toothpaste cap open and make sure the paste is in the bottom of the tube.
Wash red lingerie with all White T-Shirts and white socks.
Have bras drying on the antlers or door knobs in the Living Room when the "guys" come over.
NEVER tighten the lids on the mayo jar that is in the door of the fridge or any lids for that matter.
Spray "Beautiful" in the closet and momentarily forget that the closet is shared.
Mow the yard and make sure to run over every stump so the blades get bent.

Yes, this will definitely get you some bonus points! I'm just saying - this might earn you "some kind" of an award. Again, not that I have EVER done any of these! I love you hubby!!! So happy you forgive my imperfections!

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

A little Fall going on…

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:48:00 +0000

I started decorating for Fall in September. My fave season seems to go so fast.

Fall colors just seem to make me happy!

This was our last years Cross Pumpkin…shining the LIGHT.

This is also last year’s…of course the Fleur Di Lis Lantern.

This is our Fall Village!

In our area, we do not have the colorful classic Fall colors outside. However, we do have citrus trees that are about to turn ripe. Juicy oranges are on their way!

Happy Fall!

My Halloween Opinion, for what it is worth!

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!!

Go to Creations by Kara for more fall decor ideas!
This totally Works for Me!

Menu - Oct. 19 - 25th

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:41:00 +0000

Lately, my menu has been crazy - so last night I fixed it. When the menu is in place, my entire life runs more organized!

Monday - Chicken Tortilla Soup over chips

Tuesday - Baked Beef Stew

Wednesday - Turkey Cheeseburgers with homemade fries

Thursday - Friendship Casserole

Friday - Chicken Supreme

Saturday - Salmon patties with veggies

Sunday - Roast, Green Beans, and Mashed Taters

Here is another freebie: Apple Walnut Wonders - ooohhhhh, so delicious, cheap and EASY. Can be used for a snack, breakfast or just a sweet surprise for that someone special. YUM!

Let me know if you use any of these recipes and like them!

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Friendship Casserole

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:08:00 +0000

My kids don't like certain foods, like spaghetti. (Yes, I realize this is not the norm and I have failed in some kind of motherhood award.- I say that in total jest, well - kind of.)

I think this casserole can fake them out. We will see and I will let you know how it goes!

Friendship Casserole (Called this so you can give one to a friend.)

2 lbs of ground turkey
1 (48 oz) jar of Ragu
2 Tbsp sugar
1 (1lb) egg noodles
1/2 cup of butter
3/4 tsp onion salt
3/4 tsp garlic salt
1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
12 oz shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Brown meat, drain.
Add sauce and sugar to meat; simmer 20 minutes.
Cook noodles as directed; drain and toss with butter, salts and cheese.
Spray Pam on 2 9x13 pans.
In both pans, layer 1/2 sauce, noodles, rest of sauce; top with mozzarella cheese.
Cover with foil; bake 45 minutes.

Serves 16

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Chicken Supreme

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:07:00 +0000

This is a new recipe...sounds so good!

Chicken Supreme

6 Boneless Chicken Breasts
1 Package Amour dried beef
6 strips bacon
8 oz sour cream
1 (10 oz) cream of mushroom

1. Preheat oven to 25 degrees.
2. Wrap each chicken breast in slice of dried beef. Wrap bacon slice around beef. Secure with toothpick. Place in baking dish.
3. Mix sour cream and soup, pour over chicken.
4. Bake 3 hours covered.

Serves 6

I'm going to tweak this recipe to work in a crock-pot.

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

Apple Walnut Wonders (Re-post because it is so EASY and YUMMY plus apples are in season)

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 10:45:00 +0000

This is a re-post! I just love these and they are so EASY, I just had to let you know, especially since apples are so cheap during this season. If you have an apple tree - you are blessed and can make this in a cinch.

Whenever I do make this - I always get requests for the recipe.

I'm not sure where this recipe originated.

I've never followed a complete recipe, I always tweak it to fit what I have at the moment.

So, it is always a "new" recipe.

Apple Walnut Wonders

1/2 cup butter softened
3/4 cup sugar (less if desired)
1 egg
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp each baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon
1 med. tart apple, peeled and chopped
3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Mix butter and sugar. Add the egg. Combine flour, baking powder, soda, cinnamon, gradually add to creamed mixture, beating just until combined. Stir in apple and walnuts.

Pour into greased 8" square dish (I use a quiche round 9"dish.)

Bake 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes. Cool.

Very Pretty and really how easy is that?
16 servings

Variations:

I've used pear instead of apple and pecans instead of walnuts.

I also don't peel the apple.

I've used oatmeal instead of the flour.

I love trying new recipes.

I usually try them out on my MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers) group.

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

How funny!!! I was featured...

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:58:00 +0000

Want to hear something funny that happened?

Yesterday, I received an email from a friend who I haven't talked with in ages.
She said she recognized my kitchen because I had been featured over here and then came to my blog. How fun is that? I didn't even know I had been featured! Two blessings in one!

Isn't that funny how two people re-connect after years because of blogging?

Blessings to you today!!! You are loved!!!

Trinity River – Port of Liberty, Texas

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:01:00 +0000

There is something about Liberty, Texas that is always going to make me smile. It was our first home when we first got married.We had no money as we were just starting out to form our sweet family and we were HAPPY as two love birds should be! These oil wells were everywhere! They would remind me of the “old” days and I always wanted to take pictures of them. It reminded me of the movie with John Wayne, Hellfighters. I use to watch it with my Dad…I have no memory if this was actually a “family friendly” movie.
Liberty is also known for their river, The Trinity.
I have always wanted to take a boat ride down the entire river and never got a chance.
Do you know the entire time I lived there, I never knew about this place? I knew they had a port but who knew - it would be protected by this fierce thing? Honestly, he looked like he or she was ready to ATTACK! Ahh, the port…so peaceful and calm.
Thank you Liberty for letting us invade your port!

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

Caught red-handed – READING!!!

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:07:00 +0000

They had no clue the camera was upon them.

No words needed! This has been for Wordless Wednesday!

I'm showing my kitchen re-do over at the DIY Show Off Surprise Party today...if you are interested. Pretty neat party going on!

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

A sweet memory…

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:07:00 +0000

(If you came over from A soft place to land - please go HERE instead. There was a glitch. Sorry -about that!)

Last May, we traveled up to my hometown. Why we were there we got to visit with my Dad and Step-mom. This turned out to be the last time that we got to visit with her.

My Dad is in the fire department and has been since before I was born. Going on fire trucks when I was little was pretty normal. However, for my kids this was one of their first rides that they can remember.

My baby fell in love with firemen when we had a fire behind our home a few months ago. This just added fuel to the fire, so to speak.

This is the only picture I got of my step-mom on that trip and I think it was a good one of her.

She had already bought my little one a Christmas gift, a VERY loud interactive fire helmet. We had to hide it during the chaos at their house so my little one didn’t find it. He will be very surprised this Christmas when he opens it. What a special gift!

While we were visiting this time (for the funeral)…we got to go on a fire truck again and even got to sit in a life-flight helicopter. (It was a special event called National Night Out – where you can meet all your city officials.)

This is a picture of my Dad, my brothers, my sister in law, my nephews, and my crazy crew.

We basically took over city hall and the police station…

See what my future policeman (he is only in it for the dough-nuts) picked up… This was in the back of a real cop car…I made them use hand sanitizer afterwards.

After the cop experience, we headed to the courts. The judge is an old friend of the family so he welcomed my kids to come and sit up in his chair.

What an experience… Of course, he told them - back talking to their mother would result in jail-time! I love some judges!!! My daughter loved to tell her brothers about her shirt when she was up there – Girls Rule!
I guess this guy wants to fly helicopters in his free time (maybe it is the free ice-cream).
His passengers…

This time was a sad trip home unlike all our other ones. But, we still made some special memories. The Lord continues to be Faithful! He will Never leave nor forsake us…His Love is Everlasting!

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

Fleur-di-Lis Lantern

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 03:47:00 +0000

Just had to share our Fleur-di-Lis Lantern.

This was our last year's lantern. I did it like in 5 minutes before we went to all our neighbors for candy to use to decorate our Candy Christmas village. (Okay, we ate some of it but most of it went to the Candy Christmas Village.)

I poked holes in the top so lights would shine through. It was so simple to do especially since I had never done anything like this before. (My hubby forbids me to use sharp objects due to my many trips to the E.R. - I just used a little knife.)

Here is my Christian view on Halloween, in case you were wondering. It might not be what you expect then again maybe it is.

I LOVE anything with Fleur-di-lis!!!

Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

Book Review: Fast and Frugal Cookbook

loving5kids@yahoo.com (ilovemy5kids) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 02:07:00 +0000

fast and frugal cookbook
by Dawn Hall

ISBN: 1595552901

The name of the book caught this busy mom's eye. Cookbooks that say that they are for fast and busy people seem to be something that I just can't be without. It had recipes that were with 7 or less ingredients, the nutritional information, and easy instructions all in less than 30 minutes. Wouldn't that make any Mom just want to jump in and see if it was all that???

In life, sometimes the Internet can fulfill many things except being able to take it to places that computers aren't allowed. I love cookbooks! This cookbook has recipes that are simple and fun which is a rarity. I loved the helpful hints and the short ingredient lists.

The one thing the cookbook really lacked were lots of photos. For a visual person, this is a must - I need to look at my inspirations if I'm going to put forth the effort to cook a meal that I have never tried before or don't like the ingredients.

This would be a great gift for a wedding present for a new family that has rarely cooked. The detail instructions are just perfect to prepare the most delightful meal.

This is one book that I will keep that I have received through the Thomas Nelson's Book Review Program. I was not compensated in any way other than receiving a free book for review.

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