To My Sweet...

Carti Girl - Good Night

Macarti Rae your Eyes Shine Bright!

Twinkle Twinkle little Light.

Bless your Heart and Lay your Head.

Cuddle up, It's time for Bed.

Fold your Hands, Don't make a Peep.

May the Lord Bless and Keep.

Tomorrow is a Brand New Day,

My Precious little Carti Rae.

Close your Eyes, Don't make a Sound.

Dream a Dream that's Heaven Bound.

Little one I Love You So,

From your Curls Down to your Toe.

Good Night, Good Night my little one.

Tomorrow we'll have lots of Fun!

Always Always Forever More,

Carti Girl I shall Adore!

Love, Aunt Sam

Kitchen Tips and Tricks

From The F.U.N place:

Go check it out! Lots of fun tips and tricks!


Kitchen

For more effective dish washing, add a few tablespoons of vinegar along with the dish washing detergent when washing dishes. The vinegar cuts the grease and leaves dishes sparkling.

To clean up spills in your oven, sprinkle the spills immediately with salt. When the oven has cooled, brush away the burnt-on food with a damp sponge.

To disinfect smelly sponges, wash sponge thoroughly, then microwave it while it is wet, for a short period. When you see steam from the sponge, the bacteria in the sponge will be dead. Remove carefully, it will be hot! Wash the sponge thoroughly before use. **Make sure the sponge has no metal components!**

To remove hard-water and lime build-up in a teapot or kettle, pour in two cups of vinegar and bring to a boil. Let simmer for about 10 minutes, then rinse well.

To remove mineral deposits in a tea pot or burnt spots on a coffee pot, put some ice cubes, cut-up lemon, and salt with a tad water and swish around and let sit overnight.

To whiten an old stained sink , poor a half cup of salt in it and then scrub it with a lemon. Let it stand for a few minutes and rinse.

To remove skid marks on linoleum rub the spot with toothpaste before washing the floor.

To keep your plastic containers from getting stained from tomato based foods, rub the inside with vegetable oil before placing the food in the container.

Kitchen surfaces: Mix in spray bottle, 1 part ammonia to 3 parts water. Or try diluted bleach solution in a spray bottle. It will remove stains AND disinfect.

Removing kitchen and food odors: Soak pure vanilla on a cotton ball and place in a saucer. Put the saucer in the car or refrigerator to remove odors. Keep cotton ball out of reach of children as it contains some alcohol.

Odor producing mold and bacteria in garbage cans: sprinkle 1/2 cup Borax in the bottom of the garbage can.

Cleaning coffee maker: Pour straight vinegar into it as if you are making the coffee, no filter is need. Turn coffee maker on as if you were making a pot of coffee. Repeat this with a new batch of vinegar until it runs clear of calcium deposits.

My Saturday Night

I, tonight, am home alone... with Pauly, Daphnie and myself. I had a good day today - we had our monthly Blast from the Past play date and I am so glad we started doing that. Tonight, unlike last night, I hope is relaxing and quiet... Ben has a friend in from Portland, his best friend Raul and the boys are out on the town. I have Enchanted from Netflix and I'm not sure if I'll get to it. I've been working a lot on my her household blog. I also wanted to start making a weekly calender for us that would encompass cleaning, outings and regular scheduling items. We'll see how much I'll really get done as Saturday Night Live is on tonight and loves me some SNL plus my toes could use a pedi... oooh that sounds fab!

My toddler says "No!" to me!

So lately my little one has been picking up on that brutal word "NO!" Every time he says it the hair stands up on the back of my neck. This kid is active, smart and persistent. He is constantly getting up on the dining room chairs, into the stereo/dvd player and grabbing any electronic (remote, phone or plug-in) and of course what do I say... "Pauly, NO!" Where do you think he gets it lady? I take him away from the situation and he is right back in it 2 seconds later! Very busy little guy! Then again I'm back with, "I just told you NO-Pauly!". I"m sure he heard is at least 100 times a day from me. How can I expect him not to say it if I can't stop saying it.

So, I've been really trying to think about what I'm saying and try and be positive when I say it... For example if he is getting into something he shouldn't then I try and remember to say... "Let's play over here with these books." - or in some way leave out words like don't, no, not and so on. I think it is a good thing that he understands yes and no just for basic communicating skills and the realization of his separate little being but, I appreciate better manners other than just "NO!" all the time which is where it seems like we're headed soon. I know that he likes that he can actually say the word correctly for one thing - just like when he says "mama or dada" and for sure he likes the sense of power and making a decision for himself.

So instead I'm trying to teach Pauly to say "No, thank you" when he finds it necessary to disagree or decline. We'll keep working on this and I'm sure there will always be something we are working on until the day he is ready to go off to college. Hopefully he turns out right! ;0)

4th File 4th Picture

My friend Krista tagged me for this game. The way I understand it is your supposed to go to your picture file on your computer go to the 4th file within the files and then on the 4th file go to the 4th picture.

This is a picture that I took - I think Pauly was about 3 or 4 months old. He is so darn cute.

Martha Stewart Hostess Quiz

Are you a good hostess... Martha Stewart has a quiz you can take... click here. Have Fun!

Here is what mine said...

A 4 yr old's wisdom

I wanted to share with everyone something my brother-in-law Brian wrote up about his daughter Bailey (my niece) in his notes on facebook yesterday. I immediately had to ask if I could share with my blog readers.

I hope that it speaks to you the way it did me.

Once again I find myself late at night reminiscing and actually in this case recalling events from just days ago. Things are pretty busy around a ranch at calving time feed, check,tag,record,mend fence..... Well the other day we had to pull a baby in. It's mother rejected it. The only two around here, that was excited about this little event; was Bailey and Birch.(my four year old girl and my two year old boy.) Bailey could not wait to go out and help me feed little "Kobe" as we now call him. So I mixed up a bottle and headed out with her in tow. Her eyes were dancing as she checked him out her facial expressions were that of pure excitement and joy. She said things like he is "so cute" and "so perfect." She also asked about his mommy and I explained how his mommy didn't like him and that was just not good enough for her. But that little moment of confusion didn't detract from the rest of the time as she ran with Kobe and became good friends with him.As we made our way back from the barn across the barnyard. I was holding her little hand in mine and she was on cloud nine she was so full of energy. But very quite she suddenly stopped looked up at me and uttered words that stopped this heart hardened cowboy dead in his tracks and brought him to a slump on the ground in the barnyard. "Dad I love you and I don't want you to die" WOW! As i caught my breath and my composure; i found myself asking God for the words to explain this thing she had brought up. I could have just brushed it off or gave her a token proud cowboy response that "I wouldn't die." But i felt a moment like this deserved attention and a honest conversation. However the tears were running down my face and I could hardly breath. Me in my cowboy hat, boots, spurs, sitting in the barnyard a crying mess with a four year old girls words to blame and her ears waiting for a response.I told her daddy is going die someday honey but when i do I'm going to see Jesus and live with him. And someday you can come and live with us. This little girl looked at me smiled and said to me exactly what i and everyone needs to be reminded of. She said "Dad Jesus Loves us all of us." Ok by now I'm not in tears I'm an absolute wreck!! I've never cried so hard in my life as I set there and she ran to the yard to play on the swing God began to speak to me. Basically no theologian no preacher, religious organization, author, or professor. Could have spoke as profound truth as I had just been witness. If only we as adults could disentangle our minds from this worlds; theology, dogma, worries, political correctness, and just see God and trust him like a child does. If we could keep our doctrine so simplified in our minds that it is as simple as three words. And if we could be as joyful as a four year old little girl on a warm winters day with her daddy. My prayer is that all would come to know and trust that Jesus loves us.

By: Brian B.

Mark 10:15 Assuredly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.Romans5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Bring in the Crops!

Our message this last Sunday was about standing on the sidelines or getting in to play ball.

Are you going to plant the seed so that it can grow or are you going to just let the opportunity pass you by. I have a little bit of hard time with this at first but when the opportunity arises I am excited to tell a friend or acquaintance about Jesus. I wouldn't say I'm the best at it and the whole time I'm always searching for the right verses and thoughts and just praying that the Lord gives me the words to make it a easier to understand and not as intimidating as it can seem to an unbeliever.

I do have a friend who knows about Christ - but she just hasn't caught the message quite yet about what he has done for her and what he can continue to do in her life if she is to turn her life over to him completely. I do get frustrated a little as she is such a little light of her own and I know she would be such a great little light for Christ also! It isn't my timing and I've done my part with this so I will just sit back, continue to do what I have been and that is show her through my words and example and maybe someday she'll accept Christ as her Savior.

We are his and only we can choose to use our fruits from him for good or just sit on the sidelines.

My mom and dad raised us girls to always shine for Christ and always stand up for what we believe in. That is something I'm so thankful for. This is something I was confident in doing even when I was very young. My parents are great examples of this as my mom has just the right words and tone to remind you that HE is always there and how much he loves you and to rely on him. As my dad is a recognized messenger to everyone he is around and with him there is no hesitation when it comes to shareing the ultimate gift of Grace. He is really approachable and has a kind way of speaking.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ephesians 2:3-5

3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful naturea and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

HGTV: Dream Home

So... Just wanted to inform you all I may be moving to Sonoma, California soon! I know mom is like what? Sonomoa! Well... don't get upset too soon... I have been applying every day at HGTV.com for their 2009 Dream Home Giveaway and I intend to win! I'm telling you it is exactly my Dream House! Designed with elements in this house that I have only "dreamed" about! I've always wanted like the wrap around patio and a cozy colorful yet classy interior. A sunny nook, double oven (you know things I'm sure we all dream about) oooooh la la!

I've been warning Ben off and on to get ready to move and I'm not sure that he is quite there yet but I told him if I win this I'll move there with Pauly and you'll have to come visit win you can. Look at these pics of the Dream Home and tell me if you wouldn't make the same decision! Sonoma is wine country and Ben wants to be a cheese maker (well he did last week any way - he is just being silly) but really everyone knows wine and cheese are the best combination. See it is meant to be. Just so you know you are all invited to the House Warming Party! :)

Here are my favorite pics...

The HGTV Dream Home 2009

The Beautiful Blue Sun Room!

The Classy Formal Dining Room!

The Bold and Beautiful Kitchen (2 islands!)

The Breakfast Nook... "Crepes anyone?"

The TV Room! "I'm watching Grey's Anatomy, Ben!"

Yes ma... this is where you would stay...

The Perfect Guest Bedroom!

A room for my boy!

Can't you just imagine folding clothes in here.... ahhhhh!

The Utility Room!

And last but certainly not least... the Master Bedroom... See I told you it was Perfect!

HGTV Showdown: Battle of Design Stars

I don't know when this Showdown first aired but I caught this last night on HGTV (one of my most favorite channels) This competition was between designers Kim Myles (Myles of Style) and Matt Locke against Jennifer Bertrand and Todd Davis. Their mission was to makeover a room that was the room of two sisters. And their Mama and Daddy were picking the winner! This is the Raspberry Room designed by Jennifer and Todd. Todd designed the window treatment that... believe it or not... folded down into a little tent like get-away for their girls that they could sit in and play in. I just fell in love with this room. I love the magnetic paint on the walls with the flowers so they could put up magnetic letters, I adore the window/tent like treatment and just the over all design really tugged at my girlly decor heart strings.

and this was the winner... This room was designed by Kim and Matt. It has a little stage in the front with bright colors and great storage! There is storage under the stage (so smart huh!). They also put chalkboard paint on the wall and a huge roll of butcher paper that rolls down into that purple frame where they can paint/color away till their hearts desire! There were also adult chairs in there for mom and dad to watch the show!I just love this type of show. I get inspired by them and I just love the overall competition of it all! It would of been a really hard decision to make. (all pictures came from HGTV.com)

so thankful

yesterday i was going through some old posts and pictures remembering how last year this time i was trying to figure out a good formula for pauly. the headache of him having extreme eczema and being so tiny with so much discomfort. broke my heart! i am so thankful that is over - he is doing great! it is something i think about often and i'm so grateful for all of my support from my family. i posted a picture that was taken around the same time last year. see the difference!

i can cry if i want to!

boy! i just had a challenging day! you know the ones where satan is nipping at your heels! my husband was off work today. i was hoping we would be able to spend some time together today as saturday, he had to work. sunday, we spent the whole day with his family. so i guess i was just hoping he would go in to the office (as he had planned) just for a little while, hit the gym, and come home and play! nope... to boot, my kid wouldn't take a nap and that just won't do! i really need a break! he runs me ragged! getting up on this and into this and eating this. i was going nuts and i just needed my husband home since it was his "day off"! well no he spent time at the office and then to the gym then he thought - we would probably be napping so he went to visit some family. which honestly i love that he goes over and visits my family. he just likes them which is cool. right? but i was waiting for him and he honestly said he was just waiting for a phone call from me so he could come home and he mainly didn't want to interrupt napping! AAAAARRRRGGG! i was sad and mad when he got home - but as we always do... we figured out where there was a miscommunication break-down and things are all good! it didn't change that i was totally bummed and sad though. oh well... next time i know just to call and he'll come home to me when i need him. he just rocks like that!

Little Room that Could!

These are some pictures from my son's room. I had the help of my sisters, my mom, my mother-in-law and my hubby with his nursery. I had this room all planned out in my mind - I left for the weekend to visit my family and came home and my hubby had taken it on himself to paint - which was fabulous! BUT it wasn't the color I had dreamed about... Being my crazy pregnant emotional self... I just balled. But as every piece all came together - this room turned into a little bold colored sanctuary! and I love it so much!

I got a lot of my decor ideas from Land of Nod, Pottery Barn Kids, and Target. Every furniture item in the room was either bought on craigslist, given to me or I already had it. My mama did buy me new bedding which I believe came from Target (doesn't everyone love Target?) and I made the little banners that are hanging across the tops of the window treatments (boy... was that a chore at 7 months preggers :) I painted the four little colorful canvas blocks to match blocks on his quilt. I painted the little night stand a light celery green and the rocking chair... (which you can't really see) I painted bright white. It is such a bright inspirational space. I just loved hanging out in there even before our baby was born and now that he is 17 months old ( I KNOW I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!) there are many occasions that we all just go in there to play and hang out! Hope you are inspired by my favorite room in the our home (well... so far :)

10 Tips on Budget Friendly Meal Planning

Frugal is my middle name... well no... it's Jo! But honestly my husband works for a nonprofit and I'm a stay-at-home mom. We are tight in the money department! So, I'm going to share with you some of my frugal tips on meal planning. Hope they help!

1] Clip coupons! - A Monday ritual for me is running down to the nearest grocery store and grabbing a left-over Sunday paper. I sit at the kitchen table and clip every coupon I would ever consider using. Even if you know you have it in your cupboard still CLIP IT! - you just never know! Also when reading coupons make sure to pay close attention to the dates on the coupon and also what it says! Sometimes it is an awesome deal and sometimes it is not!

2] Check Your Cupboards - When I get ready to write up a menu, I take a good look of what is in my cupboards. I base my menu off of what I know I already have on hand. When it comes around to the next time you are supposed to go buy groceries you should have near to nothing in your cupboard/ refrigerator if you are doing it right. (With exception to the staples) You don't want to buy repeats on accident and you don't want to cut yourself short on the staples. That just leads to extra trips to the grocery store and we all know that just gets us over budget!

3] Write a Menu! When writing a menu... put the day, the meal, how much of each meat (2 cb [chicken breasts], .5 lb gb [ground beef] and so on) This will help with no over-buying or under-buying.

Example:

Monday, February 16: (Follow also your personal calendar so you won't plan a meal on the days you are eating out or going over to a friends house and so on.)

brkfst - Hot Cereal and Bananas 2bns

lch - Tuna Sandwiches, Chips, Apple Slices, and Carrot sticks 2cn,2apl,2crt

dnr - Roasted Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Peas and Applesauce 1whlchkn,3ptto,

This seems a little tedious but I'm telling you if you do this you will buy exactly what you need and you'll find your grocery bill go DOWN significantly. Also when writing your menu take advantage of left-overs and reusing for example the whole chicken carcass to make chicken stock for chicken soup, chicken potpie or the like. Take advantage of what is in your cupboard already and also remember to include in your meal planning - those coupons!

4] Make a list and check it twice! Write up grocery list based off of your menu - When writing up your grocery list take your menu (side-by-side) and go day by day. What exactly are you going to need for the meals in that day from the main food item to the cooking ingredients... everything for that day - making sure you are not listing things that you already have supplied in your cupboards.

5] Organize your Grocery List! To help with making your trip quick and successful - split up your grocery list into a strategic plan based on what areas you shop in and by what order you first walk to when you walk through the grocery store doors... example: Fruits and Veggies, Middle Aisles, Meat, Dairy, and Frozen (this helps with time when your shopping with kiddos)

6] Buy basic ingredients - rice, flour, noodles... This is sort of like you would be cooking from scratch - Don't be turned off by this - you'll see how your family will benefit from this if you try it. Don't buy prepackaged anything! No HamburgerHelper, no preseasoned rice or noodle boxes, no cookies in a tube, no cakes in a box, no fancy frozen meal in one sack type of deals! You'll find if you are making these dinners/desserts on your own... with raw, fresh and basic ingredients you will be able to make 3 meals for the price of one! It is #1 healthier and #2 it is WAY CHEAPER to cook with more basic ingredients!

7] Only take 2 trips to the grocery store! - We take two trips a month to the grocery store. One at the first of the month and one at the fifteenth (when we get paid :). This way you aren't tempted to buy anything more and if you don't have it - you can't make it... so this is why it is crucial you make yourself a good list!

8] Midnight Grocery Shopping! I have a grocery store here where I live that is open 24/7. So I'll work on my list during the day, my husband will get home from work and we'll do our normal evening routine of dinner, bathe the kid and get the kiddo to bed and then I'll go shopping and he stays at the house with the boy! This is not only gives me a little much needed mama time! But, I do SO good shopping when I don't have my little one screaming in my ear! Try it out! You'll fall in love at first trip!

9] Got to the cheaper market! I started to go to Winco way back when I realized how different my bills were. I mean by probably more than 1/3 of a difference! So you might feel creeped out by the ethnic diversity of that cheaper store. Grit your teeth and swallow your pride and GET OVER IT. God made them too and remember... Jesus loves the little children of the World!

10] Vow to NEVER again! Never again will you take a quick trip to the more expensive grocery store buying unwanted/unneeded items. Never again will you go to the grocery store without going through this process because it just ends up costing YOU TOO MUCH! Follow your Menu! You wrote it for a reason! Stick with it!

Happy Meal Planning!

Sista Sista!

I have been blessed with three of the most perfect sister-in-laws any wifey could ask for. There are 4 kids in my husband's family (3 girls and yes, he is the only boy) So under the circumstances things could be a lot worse! These girls welcomed me into their family with their arms wide open! There is Holly (the oldest), the sister in North Dakota; Kelly (#2), the sister in Homer, AK; and Kerry(#4), who lives in Wasila, AK. They all pretty much spent the majority of their kid life in Anchor Point, AK.

Just an example of how sweet they are... last year I got an unexpected gift in the mail from Kelly... she had knit me a scarf. It was such a delight to get something in the mail not only a gift but a reassurance that my s.i.l was thinking of little ole me! :) Also, if you remember back in my posts Kelly came to see us for about 2 weeks this past summer. Her and I had a lot in common that we hadn't discovered yet and there was many a night we stayed up to the wee hours of the morning... crying and laughing out on our front lawn.

My Holly girl is always surprising me with unexpected phone calls and her and her family came for a week during New Years. We went thrift shopping, played many a game and laughed and cried! Her and Ben are like soul siblings... they are super alike - so it is super fun to be around her because I notice so much more of how much they are the same. Plus she is like a big sister to me too. (which is something I don't really have since I'm the oldest in my family)

Kerry, has recently moved up to Alaska this past year (her dreams came true :) when she lived in Montana and I had just had Pauly - her and her boys came for a week or so and spent some time with us. Her and I also talk on the phone once and a while and I'm vowing to remember to do it more because she is such a cool gal!

I'm so blessed to have these ladies in my life. I can talk to them about anything from baby stuff, to husband problems (Oh yes! They are very helpful!), to homemaking. They rock! I hope you are as blessed as I to have that special Sis in your life. I have 5!

Go Fetch!

So... yesterday I was filling the dishwasher and I was getting everything from all the rooms rounded up to make sure everything is in the dishwasher that needs to be. I remembered Pauly had a bottle in his bed from the night and I held up a bottle I had in my hand and said "Pauly, go get you bottle (pointing at the one in my hand) it is on your bed... Hurry!" He stopped what he was doing and ran into his room and for the first time came back to me with what I asked him to go fetch! It was amazing! I screamed and hollered "You're such a big boy!" and the grin on his face showed me that he knew he had done good! So adorable.

and the winners are!

The winners for the Speedy Delivery hand-made gift send is.....

Mom

&

Krista

Happy Valentines Day!!!

Krista, send me your address to samimelton@yahoo.com!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Speedy Delivery

This is a really cool idea that my friend Shelby is doing on her blog! So this is how it works: The first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive a handmade gift from me. The catch is I can deliver it to you some time this year. My choice when it will be :) This way you know it will be coming but you just won't know when :) When and what it will be is my choice! WaaHoo I'm excited!

For those of you who know me Surprises are my favorite! I love them! So this will be a really cool way for you to get surprised some time this year and if you have a blog I ask that you pay it forward and put this on your blog and surprise someone else too! If you don't have a blog maybe pick 3 people in your sweet little mind and send them a surprise some time this year. Just post this on your blog then come back and leave a comment, only the first 3 comments receive the Speedy Delivery Surprise gift some time this year. Can't wait to see who it will be :)

Don't you feed your kid lady?

Yesterday I was working on my new blog... herhousehold.blogspot.com (it is definitely under construction so don't be surprised if I have to inform you I've changed it :) Anyway, my kid and my dog were found eating on a purple crayon... It was time for lunch and I had told Pauly I was going to be feeding him soon... but soon wasn't soon enough. Both of their little mouths were covered with purpley black waxy specks! It was time to eat!!! Right Now!!!

After naps Pauly and I took both my and Ben's wedding ring to Lee Read Jewelers for a Valentine Surprise Cleaning. Yes we're poor so my best idea for something sweet for us was a Wedding Ring cleaning :) Boy oh Boy don't they look beautiful too! But I'm getting ahead of myself, Pauly and I spent the 15 minutes waiting in their little kid area... where there is a toy box full of Legos, a television playing terrible cartoons I didn't even want Pauly to listen too and a chalkboard with yes you guessed it... 4 colorful pieces of chalk and yes you guessed again first thing he did when he got in there was put a big fat piece of chalk in his mouth and !!CRUNCH!! I was grossed out! I again scooped foreign pieces from my poor little starving dear's mouth and told him "NO!". Can you believe this kid?

C'est Si Bon!

Eartha Kitt is amazing in this history making performance C'est Si Bon. I am a huge fan of the movie Something's Gotta Give with Jack Nicholson and Dianne Keaton. This is where I started falling in love with French music. You can also find a large array of French love songs on French Kiss with Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline. I encourage to treat yourself to some French Tunes today!!

Rockin' Out Toddler Style!!

I admit I am the type to blare my stereo (well not as loud as I did before I had Pauly) loud and sing along while I'm driving in my car. It doesn't matter whether it is country - a little Taylor Swift and her new song Love Story or maybe it is little techno...Calabria by Enur featuring Natasja - I love it!

It just seems like I can relax and really rock out! Pauly has eventually picked up this singing and head bobbin' type of rockin' out scene from his mother (guilty) as last night we left the t.v. off after dinner and decided to just listen to music. As I was working on my valentines and Ben was surfing the net - I was fortunate enough to catch Pauly rockin' out to the music! It was so adorable the way he bobbed his head around as if he was keeping up with the beat and shaking his little booty back and forth. Oh my, it was adoreable! I just pictured him being that little kid playing drums like a complete maniac driving his mother crazy. I hope I can figure out soon how to put videos on my blog. This will for sure be one I share. :)

ABC Hymnals

A] A Might Fortress is Our God

B] Because He Lives

C] Count Your Blessings

D] Deep and Wide

E] Emmanuel

F] Fairest Lord Jesus

G] God Is So Good

H] Holy, Holy, Holy

I] In My Heart There Rings A Melody

J] Jesus Loves Me

K] Knowing You

L] Love Lifted Me

M] Majesty

N] Nothing But The Blood Of Jesus

O] O Come, All Ye Faithful

P] Power in the Blood

Blessed Q] Quietness

R] Rock Of Ages

S] Stand Up For Jesus

T] Trust and Obey

U] Undivided

V] Victory

W] Wonderful Words Of Life

Come, Thou Long - X] EXpected Jesus

Y] Yes Lord Yes

Z] AmaZing Grace

A lot of these songs are what we all grew up on and I heart them all! We switch back and forth at our church singing old and new - so that is perfect for us. I'm so thankful for my church and our family there. I adore singing these and it truly blesses my life.

Wednesdays with Heather and Phoebes!

Just about every Wednesday we spend the day with Heather Lewis and her little girl Phoebes. We either go to the Library to story time or we go to either her house or mine and spend the afternoon knitting, visiting and laughing to hysterics. I'm so thankful for her friendship. We have a lot of fun and our kiddos are big buds too! Below is a picture I took of little Phoebe a while back. She is such a little treasure and the pink is very appropriate for Valentine's Day coming up. Isn't she cute? Just look at those lips...

Hot Dog! Hot Dog! Hot Diggity Dog!

Yes... we are Mickey Mouse Club House watchers. Along with Handy Manny, Pooh and Friends, and Little Einsteins. Yesterday Pauly started singing the Hot Dog song and it tickled my heart pink. It was so funny the way he sang it in his own little way and bobbed his little body up and down to the Diggity Beat in his little heart. He sang it to his Auntie Jodi over the phone - I was so proud. I would have to say that Pooh and Friends is my favorite as far as morning cartoons but I have a new love for The Hot Dog song :) He is such a delight!

Twinkle... Twinkle...

My heart be still... when I see the twinkling of a twinkle light. I know I know they are just for Christmas. Whatever! I still have my Christmas lights up outside and a couple strings inside too. So what if it may be juvenile and a complete fashion faux pas in the decor sense... I DON'T CARE! I love them and they make me happy! I like it when my boy is in bed and it is just me and my hubby and we're watching our movie at night (as we usually do) and I turn all the lights off except for just them and out of the corner of my eye I can see their happy jubilee twinkling! I heart twinkle lights!

New Start

Even though Sundays are the first day of the week... I always feel like Mondays are. Sundays are for visiting with loved ones, getting recharged for the week and plain ole nappin'! But Mondays... Some Mondays I hate... But this is not one of those. This is a good Monday! I feel recharged and I have a plan! We are all feeling better here as we have finally recovered from our stomach flu and we're ready to go! Got to finish Valentines, set up a calender/weekly routine, make Pauly's Valentine's gift, do laundry and clean up random messes along the way. Happy Monday to you and you!

Perky!

Perk... Perk... Shwhish... Shwhish... Oh the sounds of a coffee maker in the morning. I love coffee as much as the next person. I usually only treat myself to it on Saturday and Sunday and even lately I've been going without as it is said it will cut your possibilities of fertility down. So yes I've been just going without. I decided this beautiful Monday morning I was NOT. I have lots and lots of work to do today and I know I will need every little bit of help I can get. Valentines to finish, laundry to do and messes to clean at a moments notice... (I have a one-year-old :) Happy Monday! I heart a little coffee with my milk and sugar kind of gal...

Some pics I've missed!!

This past weekend Ben got some of our pictures, movies and music off of our computer that is downstairs and is broken. So here are a few pictures I was delighted to see again after not seeing them in about 6 months... Enjoy!!!

Scratchy! Itchy!

Striving...

If you all haven't read this memory verse - Drop Everything and Do it! For us women it is a boost of confidence and a kick in the pants! I was just talking about this with my ma this morning. I have this verse wrote up and is on my fridge. When I'm puttin' around the house this catches my eye and I read it and it keeps me going. I'd love to have it framed up in my house somewhere. Also there is a really cool website just called Proverbs 31 Ministries. It has daily verses that you can get emailed to you daily for free, radio program, a store, and plus they are nonprofit!!! As they say, "We are real women offering real-life solutions to women who are striving to maintain life’s balance, in spite of today’s hectic pace and cultural pull away from godly principles. Wherever a woman may be on her spiritual journey, Proverbs 31 Ministries exists to be a trusted friend who takes her by the hand and walks by her side, leading her one step closer to the heart of God." I know this is something we could all use :) Go check it out! And the verse is below...

Proverbs 31: 10-31

10 A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband trusteth in her, And he shall have no lack of gain.
12 She doeth him good and not evil All the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool and flax, And worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant-ships; She bringeth her bread from afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, And giveth food to her household, And their task to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it; With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, And maketh strong her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable: Her lamp goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household; For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh for herself carpets of tapestry; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh linen garments and selleth them, And delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing; And she laugheth at the time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And the law of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, And eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up, and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praiseth her,'saying :
29 Many daughters have done worthily, But thou excellest them all.
30 Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain; But a woman that feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; And let her works praise her in the gates.

15 things...

This is a project that Casi read to me that she worked on yesterday when she was having a rough day... I thought it was very inspirational and I asked her if I could post it on my blog. Maybe it will remind you of a few things about why You are so fabulous!

15 Awesome Things about Me!!!

By: Casi Jean

1. I have an awesome God who loves me!
   
2. I have a Beautiful Daughter!
   
3. I have a lot of natural talent.
   
4. I can cook very well and I can think up a meal quick and with very little ingredients (my friends and family always ask me what they should make for dinner :)
   
5. I can rope and goat tie Really Well!
   
6. I have really nice hair, eye brows (now that I pluck ;), cheek bones, jaw line, lips, skin, and a really cute nose.
   
7. I have, what we like to call, Honor scars from my baby girl that I wouldn't trade for the world.
   
8. I have so many people who love me and want to see me grow and be blessed.
   
9. I have a great mind, heart and soul, I love freely, and give grace in places where I have been given it freely from Christ.
   
10. I forgive easily but may not trust that person for a long time or again in that situation.
    
11. I love everyone and think that anger and hate is a WASTE of time!
    
12. I also think frowns, scowls, and being negative is a WASTE of time!
    
13. I think you should wake up every morning thanking God that you did.
    
14. I think you should love with your whole heart and not hold back. (even if you get hurt)
    
15. I think life is too short to be scared and to precious to be careless. (have to have a balance)

The Lettered Cottage

You may have already visited this website that is listed in the... i heart these! on the right hand side of my blog. This website definitely defines my personal style when it comes to home design and decor. I love all things cottage. If you haven't visited this website do so by clicking here. The gal that manages this blog is very creative, insightful and talented. I hope you find as much joy out of her blog as I do.

Where have you been all my life?

This question has been going through my mind a lot lately. With going to Howe to hold my sweet baby sister's hand as she went through... as she calls it "the big "D" and don't mean Dallas" and also as I looking forward to what her life could have in store for her and sweet Carti girl. I know God has her in a special place in his master plan. I know this obstacle in her life is happening for a reason and what a testimony she has already discovered too. I'm so proud of her strides in this difficult time. She is so strong and beautiful. Fun and Inspirational. But still she feels empty...

She flat out tells me she doesn't want to be alone and that she wants that man that will be able to rope and come in from a hard days work and kneel down by their bed or the bed of their children and pray together. I want this for her too. I know there is a man out there that would want this beautiful Christian women but what I fear is that again it isn't the timing that we/she wants. I do look forward to that day where a gorgeous man sweeps my sister off of her feet and gives her every treasure under the moon, which is what she deserves (what her daughter deserves too) and tells her "Where have you been all my life?"... but for now Case you need to ask yourself that question - as we all do... Where have you been all my life? ... to ourselves.

Often my heart thinks to myself where is that girl... the girl that could ride for days and rope the snot out of a calf (for those of you who don't know - yes I rodeoed - Can you believe it?) or even where is that girl that could play basketball and volleyball. The girl who had self esteem seeping from every crevasse of her body. This questions also applies to Christ... Where have you been all my life... If you say this to the Lord you'll remember you have never been alone - and never will be. So all our lives he's been right there! Pretty Amazing! I've never been right there for anyone not even my son...

So Casi... you may be so thankful that I came and was with you during this hard time this weekend but honestly Thank You for helping me remember what we all need to remind ourselves... When we are feeling a little lost at heart and alone... Where have you been all my life? is the question and you'll find whatever you were ever looking for was right there the whole time.

Super Super Cold!!!

As I said on my last post from yesterday. I am in Howe. I have no idea how cold it is right now but I know it is below zero. SO COLD! I guess I don't remember it being this cold when I was growing up here! I do remember though coming in from riding horses all evening and my legs trying to thaw out and being really itchy from all hives. I don't really understand why they get itchy with hives with they get cold. It sucks though! I remember horse troughs being completely froze solid as well as just the hydrants being froze so we could water at all and we would have to carry water. What a nightmare! Animals freezing to death...

thinking of that I wonder how Dapher did last night in this weather... I bet if she had a tail it would be froze off! Poor girl... maybe tomorrow we'll bring her onto the front porch - I'm sure she would prefer that. She is probably fine warm in one of the dog houses or in the haystack out back. Well maybe it is a good thing it is so cold because the reason I'm down here has got me pretty HOT!

Tattle Tail

So... today I drove to Howe. I left around noon and had to do several errands before I finally left Boise. I got on the road around 12:30 and I was really close to Mountain Home when this little silver BMW convertible came ZOOOOMIN' past us! I caught that he was a 2c but didn't catch anything else. As I watch this little car get smaller and smaller so very very fast... I noticed that the car up ahead - that he was just about even with - put on her signal and moved into his lane as she was ready to pass a huge semi-truck. She must not of realized he was going like 100 mph... when suddenly it caught her eye that he was right on her tail and she jerked over to the right lane. She came very close to over correcting which would of sent us all into a huge life changing disaster. But thankfully... she didn't wreck and he kept on speeding on by the truck and soon he was out of sight.

Me being my law abiding safety obsessive self called 911 and reported his ass... I was so pissed off that he was disregarding all of our lives as if we mean nothing! Just so he could be cool in his speedy little sports car. I had to stop at Wal-mart so I'm not sure if they caught up to him but hopefully he didn't go on to kill change some one's life for the worst! What a jerk!

I love Jesus but...

The Ellen DeGeneres Show is something that I look forward to everyday! This is something I found on another blog and I thought what a great idea. I did see it when it aired and I'm telling you right now this old lady is a hot mess! But, it is a great laugh for the day - I laughed so hard I had tears streaming down my face... I mean HILARIOUS! So get ready... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83JDXXKzOXg

Not Mine...

This blog entry is to bring me some much needed peace with something that I get so worked up and stressed about - and that is timing. Timing is a hard thing! Probably one of the topics that brings me the most anxiety (if I let it). Timing is not up to us and we have no control over it. I like control (don't we all)! When we are anticipating something to happen - when we want it to happen - that "something" and the anxiety of it starts controlling our every thought and inevitably controlling our life. I was thinking... anxiety is most definitely a sin. It is literally sinning against God's timing and amazing planning. It is refusing to acknowledge his unfathomable and precious plan that always works out better than we can ever imagine.

So there are a few things on my mind right now that I am taking this motion to help me turn them over to God and in his timing those things will or may not happen. I just have to be patient and trusting in him and his plans for my life. Praying that his will be done and that he gives me the trust and patients to let his will be done. Hard to do!!!! but worth that moment when the plan will unfold before my eyes and I know it is most definitely better than I could have ever imaged and dreamed. It is his now.

Girls Day...

Yesterday I had a wonderful visit from the past! My friends from High School came over and their kids too! We had a wonderful time. Pauly had 3 extra kids around his age to play with and was just in heaven! It was so nice how us ladies could just start back up from where we left off 10+ years ago. I'm so blessed to have had them back in high school and to have them now is so precious. We had such a wonderful time laughing, visiting and watching our kids play that we decided to do it again next month. So once a month we will be getting together for lunch and a play date and change it between each other's homes. We all got reacquainted via face book - if you haven't looked into I encourage you to do so! It is a blast!

100 things I love!

Since Valentines is creeping up on us - I thought I bet I can come up with a fun list of 100 things I heart!... So here it is in no particular order... well sort of in order but not really...

1. Jesus
2. My husband - He is loving, hard working, and Hot!
3. My Son - you've seen him! He is precious!
4. My Whole Family
5. Dapher Doo (My dog she is a Cocker)
6. Friends (We are so blessed to have so many wonderful, close friends!)
7. Newborn Babies (human and animal :)
8. Memories from Childhood (especially the ones that involve my sisters)
9. Music (Christian, Country, Swing, Oldies, Hip Hop, Pop and Classical)
10. Going to church (we have an amazing church family)
11. Fashion, Design, and Creating
12. Sunsets
13. Watching Movies with my husband and eating popcorn
14. Popcorn w/ Carmel ( My husband makes it for me)
15. My husband's cooking!
16. Listening to my husband sing and play the guitar!
17. My mom/grandmas' cooking
18. My home church in Howe
19. Surprises!
20. Playing tricks on people
21. Sunsets
22. Rainy Days
23. Coffee
24. Flip Flops
25. Doing hair (especially little girls' hair! Always have!)
26. All the old letters, china hutch, and such I have from my Grandma Great
27. My house
28. Watching my boy sleep
29. Holding hands with my husband
30. Holding Pauly while he sleeps
31. Hugs and Kisses from my boy
32. Talking to my nieces and nephews on the phone
33. Chocolate
34. Staying in hotels (they have to have a pool!)
35. Smell of dirt and horse poop (BUT I hate to be dirty)
36. The idea of loving to be dirty and being a green- thumb gardener type
37. Memories of going trucking with both my dad, grandpa and uncle
38. Fall
39. Thanksgiving at Grandma Sally's
40. Christmas in Howe at Mom's and Grandma Pattie's house
41. Easter at Grandma Pattie's house
42. Ice Tea w/ Lemon
43. Venti Vanilla Chai Tea Latte
44. Les Schwab - THEY ROCK!
45. Target
46. Ross
47. Going through my Grandma Pattie's picture boxes
48. Cooking
49. Painting
50. Picnics
51. Taking Pauly to see his daddy at work
52. Going to the Library with Pauly, Phoebe and Heather!
53. My jeep!
54. Getting a letter/package in the mail
55. A room with good lighting, paint and decor (any page out of a Pottery Barn Magazine)
56. Pottery Barn
57. Land of Nod
58. Our laptop
59. The idea of having more children
60. Flowers - Hydrangeas!
61. Lilacs in the Spring
62. Allergy medicine
63. Red Wine (even though it breaks me out into hives)
64. Eating Lamb
65. Fresh cut grass
66. Smell/Eating of BBQ in the summertime
67. Traveling to go see family (especially with good music or Dr. Laura)
68. Dr. Laura
69. Disney Movies
70. Sex and the City
71. Craig's List
72. Arco Advertiser Online
73. Eating Breakfast out on a Saturday Morning with my boys
74. Thrift store shopping
75. Spending the day at Granny's
76. Playing Nertz with Granny
77. Listening to someone sing or play an instrument when they are really good (I get goosebumps)
78. Alone time in the morning before the little monster wakes up
79. The sound of the garbage truck taking our garbage away
80. The Cosby Show
81. Food Network
82. Getting in bed at night when the house is clean and your bed was made with new sheets!
83. Watching Basque Dancing!
84. Downtown Boise in the summertime
85. Shade of a tree on a hot day
86. My dishwasher!
87. My new oven!
88. Cruiser Bikes especially if they have a basket on them!
89. Bardenay
90. Having a cocktail with my husband on date night at The Basque Center
91. Earrings
92. Extreme Makeover - Home Edition
93. Handy Manny "Come on Tools!"
94. Coloring with my son
95. Candles
96. Canning
97. Homemaking
98. Folding clothes! I HATE putting them away though!
99. Bath and Body Works
100. Etsy!

Does wonders for the Soul...

Don't you have that certain song that your little heart just goes pitter-patter over as soon as it starts on the radio... You run over to the radio and turn it up... you close your eyes, smile and your hips begin to sway back and forth...

Well... I do happen to love the song on here Sway - which as we all know this song was first sang by the favorite, Dean Martin. On my play list it is sang by the one and only MICHAEL Buble. I capitalize MICHAEL because my mother keeps forgetting it is Michael and not Mark... She is so silly! (We had a few good laughs over that already)

Hope you enjoy the new music on my blog! I love it and it is compiled of some of my old and new favorites! My most favorite on this list is probably Held by Natalie Grant - it just gives me so much comfort knowing I'm always available to be held by my Lord, Savior and King of my life!

Falling...

Our friend Sean Jones turned me on to the website cutethingsfallingasleep.org I knew it would be something that could help us all right now with everything going on. The bear is my favorite! Enjoy!

The life of a son...

I've been struggling all night and most of yesterday after hearing about my friend Jenny (Reynolds) Angel. Jenny lost her oldest boy in a drowning accident this past weekend at Challis Hot Springs. My heart aches for her and her family. Jenny was recovering from a c-section as she had just given birth to their 4th child.

Thinking of the agony that she must be going through right now had me tossing and turning all night and up early. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family and I pray that she finds the right thing to cling to during this heartbreaking time.

I can't imagine having to endure this much emotional pain when trying to recover from having a baby. It, itself was a trying time for me. Being a mother makes me wonder - I know I would give my life for my son - with no hesitation. Would I give my life for some one's son? As Christ did for us? Or maybe turn it around - As God gave his son to save us from our sins... would you ever give yours? Not only just his son... but his only. I'm glad I didn't have to be the one to make that decision and I thank him for the life of his son daily.

May God comfort this family and may they know we all love them and are thinking of them in this mournful time.

Potato Masher

As a stay-at-home I find there are even the tiniest things that humor me. My boy loves mashed potatoes (as does any kid...well actually he started out not liking them... something with the texture - but now he likes them).

Anyway, yesterday was grocery day and as I walked past the kitchen utensils I decided - today is the day! Today is the day that I will finally buy a Potato Masher! I was so excited about it! I usually mash potatoes with my beaters or just a fork. This will make life so much easier :)

Isn't it amazing the little things that amuse us!

up all night with the brady bunch

Last night, Ben and I were on our way to bed and as we always do every night, we turned on the television to go to sleep. It is his habit - not mine, but I've learned to deal. Last night, I found the Brady Bunch was playing for like 3 hours straight on tvland. Plus it was Season 1 from way back in 1970 so they were all tiny little ones. Ben and I instantly got hooked and stayed up for at least 2 hours watching this addictive sitcom featuring that family that stole the hearts of all over 30 years ago. Something we couldn't believe was how, back then, kids were very respectful to their parents and their decision making.

One of the episodes we watched was the boys and the girls were both collecting trading stamps from the local grocery store - you know the trading stamps that you collect so many than you take them in and get a prize. Well, Alice (the housekeeper) had a huge stash that they were all fighting over and they had to split them up fairly - well a wet dog and stamps don't mix! So they ended up deciding they would just put all the stamps back together and have a contest. So the contest was between the boys verses the girls. Whoever won the contest won all the stamps and they got to go and buy what they wanted. I believe the girls wanted a sewing machine and the boys wanted a row boat. The contest was building a house with playing cards. So one by one the Brady's built this house of cards and each child had to steadily place a card to keep building the house of cards. I turned out that the dog snuck up behind one of the boys and pushed him into the stack of cards and it toppled over. The boys of course thought this was an accident and there should be a do over but the parents had said everything counts before the game ever started, so the girls won the stamps. Of course they didn't come home with a sewing machine they came home with a colored television that everyone could enjoy.

Now, I understand it is just television but compared to the way that kids/parents act today towards one another it was baffling. Ben and I know we are not going to be perfect parents but The Brady Bunch show sure opens your eyes to the way certain issues should be handled in the household. The parents showed tons of love and it reflected in the way the children reacted back to their parents. Watch an episode or two soon and enjoy! Next... I'll see if he'll watch 'The Little House on the Prarie' :D!

My husband cooks...jealous?

This Sunday morning I'm feeling a little puny so my husband is cooking us a little Biscuits and Gravy for brunch. We were watching Paula Deen this morning, when he got the idea. I of course, was all for it. Ben is an amazing cook! Without hesitation I would go as far as to say he is definitely the best "man cook" I know and he is, without a doubt, a better cook than me!

Recently he recreated a Tamale Pie - it was delectable. He also makes to-die-for Toffee. I mean to die for!

One of my most favorite things is when he puts together his famous Salsa. His Salsa is Pico de gallo with all the delicious ingredients of tomatoes, lime, cilantro, onion, and sometimes he puts in others like black beans, cabbage or corn.

Another thing he has completely mastered lately is Pizza. He cooked us Pizza on New Year's Day! I think he ended up cooking like 7 pizzas with all different toppings. He makes the crust perfectly thin and crispy. What can I say he is the bomb Pizza Guy!

He can also cook a mean Steak and well... honestly just about anything else you have in mind. I'm very thankful that he can contribute this way and is happy to do it. Plus he isn't afraid to clean up after himself a little. What can I say - I heart him!

Little Monster...

Pauly is now sleeping in his crib with front rails off. He goes to bed pretty good and stays in there... well...okay.

I think I finally got all the material bought and rounded up to get his quilt started. I'm super excited and hopefully I'll have that posted within the next couple weeks. We'll see...

Below is also a picture of Ben and Paul together on the day we took the front rails off of his bed. He is such a big boy! Next - the bottle has to GO!

oh the smell

i love the smell of...

1. My mom's house - it usually smells like something is in the oven, perfume, laundry softener and Scentsy candles all rolled into one. Delish!!!!!!!!
2. Grandma Pattie's House in the Morning - most importantly you'll smell coffee (that is just a given - it's Grandma Pattie's house for goodness sake!), her home just has a comfy, crispy, percale sheet kind of smell - the house just smells of history. Also in the mornings Grandma always has some kind of mouth-watering breakfast meat cooking; which adds to the savory smells! Her basement has a great whiff too!
3. Grandma Sally's House - I've told her this before and I'm not the only one that has picked up on this and it is very simple - Garlic, Georgio (Grandma's perfume), Listerine, Caress Soap... All of those combined is a smell that just makes my heart melt to think about it.
4. Aunt Lyn's perfume - I love my Aunt Lyn and a very fun memory for me is when I went to Howe Elementary School- I literally could remember knowing when Aunt Lyn was in the building. I just could smell her. I don't even know what perfume she wears and I don't think it is the same perfume now as it was then... the lady just smells good!
5. Aunt Louise's House on Laundry Day - my Aunt Louise uses something really abnormal in her laundry to keep her washing machine efficient and that is Pine Sol. So you know when you pull up outside a house and you can tell they are doing laundry because of steam coming out from the washer and dryer... Well, it smells like Pine Sol at Aunt Louise's house - and it is heavenly!
6. Granny's House - there is something about Ben's mother's house. I don't even know what it is actually! I just know that she is the type of gal that grows her own herbs and makes her own, well... EVERYTHING! So it must be the combination of just wholesome food, lotions, and fun!
7. Target - Everyone knows Target has it's own smell. It kind of smells like popcorn and fried food from the Food Court and new clothes. What could be better?
8. New Car! - Yum! Everyone likes that new car smell!
9. Glade Apple Cinnamon - It just smells good! Try it!
10. Victorian Christmas Yankee Candle - Smells like Christmas, Cinnamon, Cookies and just plain ole deliciousness!

Picture Catch Up!

I know I am a little late in posting these pics - but hey better late than never!

Our Christmas was awesome and you may have already heard details I included in my poem that I wrote on the entry on my blog dated: December 30, 2008 - Anyhow here are the pictures from Christmas '08. Enjoy!