Debby's Daze!

Now what?.....

2012-01-09T06:41:00.000-08:00

Kevin and I made it through the retirement ceremony/celebration/hoopla.....now what? I feel relief that it's over, but kinda sad.

On to the next project!!

Congratulations and Thank you, Kevin!

2012-01-04T11:13:00.000-08:00

Saturday is a big day around here. Kevin is retiring from the military after 20 years of service! I'm beyond proud of him, excited for him, and nervous for the ceremony....all at the same time! What a roller coaster of feelings!

New Beginnings (and Spilt Coffee!)

2012-01-03T06:16:00.000-08:00

The first day of daycare for 2012, the first day of school for 2012. So, how did I start my day? By spilling an entire cup of coffee (my beloved coffee) all over my desk, which had a stack of bills, a contract, and misc paperwork....ALL covered in coffee!! ARGHHhhhhhh...... It's got to get better through the day, right!?

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T09:30:00.000-08:00

Christmas Cookie Party!

2011-12-30T12:26:00.000-08:00

Well this was a wonderful idea! We had a cookie party at daycare this year instead of exchanging presents!!! We nibbled on cookies throughout the day, made ice cream cone Christmas trees, and finally divided up the leftovers to send home. A SMASHING HIT!

Private Selections from Dillons

2011-11-23T04:40:00.000-08:00

High end taste, and affordable price.......GREAT combination!

Kroger's The Truly Awesome™ Homestyle Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-11-14T14:39:00.001-08:00

Made w/ wholesome ingredients Krogers The Truly Awesome Chocolate Chip Cookies taste just like homemade!

HaPpY BiRtHdAy!

2010-12-01T11:27:00.000-08:00

For my one and only, true love, soul mate, best friend, my everything.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

My Favorite Holiday

2010-11-23T06:48:00.000-08:00

~Food and Family, can it get any better? Happy Thanksgiving my friends!~

Our Fur (and feather) Babies, Part 2

2010-11-10T08:40:00.000-08:00

Our Fur (and feather) Babies

2010-11-10T08:38:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin Patch: Part Two

2010-11-02T06:43:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Patch and Party

2010-11-02T06:39:00.000-07:00

Are YOU Ready???

2010-11-01T13:47:00.000-07:00

Christmas Countdowns at WiddlyTinks.com

Welcome, Fall, Welcome........

2010-09-24T11:47:00.000-07:00

Some snapshots of the beauty of Kansas in the Autumn.......
And Autumn is ALWAYS welcome after the long, hot Kansas summers!

Baby Carrots.......

2010-09-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

I've got 40, YES....40 packages of these in my freezer!!! Thank goodness fall and winter are right around the corner, I can put them in stew. Well, glazed carrots sound yummy too!

We have a food distribution truck that comes through town once a month, for one hour, and passes out food! This program is NOT income based, so anyone can go pick up free food!!! It really helps me out with the daycare and all.

The food is donated from various retailers, wholesale warehouses, etc..... The food is about to the expiration date, but still fully usable.

THANK YOU Harevesters! (and the local volunteers that hand it out)!

~Happy Labor Day~

2010-09-06T10:39:00.000-07:00

Joanna Lund Cookbooks

2010-08-11T08:19:00.001-07:00

I have many books by Joanna Lund. When "googling" her today, I discovered she had passed away back in 2006. I felt sad. I have felt as if I had known her.

In her cookbooks she always has little snippets of her family life, and if Cliff, her "truck-driving husband", had liked a particular recipe.

I loyally use all her books. They are everyday recipes, with everyday ingredients. I highly suggest you give her recipes a try! Great recipes, and great for diabetics!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JoAnna_Lund

A New Week

2010-08-09T05:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday. This will be another scorcher of a week. Outside chores and play in the mornings, indoor activities in the afternoon for sure!!! With temperatures at 99*-105*, and the heat index at 115*, there is no other choice!

When it's hot......

2010-08-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

IT'S HOT!!!
And the only thing to do is.......

Kansas Summer Colors

2010-07-28T13:41:00.001-07:00

All of these lovely sights are in my back yard. How lucky am I?

Sum-sum-summertime!

2010-07-16T12:02:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday, Cain Ryan

2010-07-12T09:02:00.001-07:00

Cain Ryan Knutson, 5:30AM 7/9/2010 6# 6oz. 19 3/4 inches

Cain had to be placed in the NICU for up to a week, he had amniotic fluid in his lungs.
Mom, Dad, and brother and sister are staying at the Ronald McDonald house.

www.rmhctopeka.org

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-04T08:16:00.000-07:00

Enjoy your freedoms, thank a military person, and
be grateful to our veterans!

Have a Safe Weekend!

2010-07-02T13:01:00.000-07:00

Art work courtesy of the daycare kids......The Lil' Vikings!

They did a great job on this group project. "Stars and Stripes"

Happy 4th of July!

Super Crafty Swap!

2010-06-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

WOW!!! Look at all the crafty goodies my swap partner, Jodi from www.caffeinatedyarn.blogspot.com sent me! I truly LOVE LOVE LOVE it all! The tea cup and saucer set are my all time favorite pattern from Pfaltzgraff.....how did you ever know that, Jodi?

This swap was one of the most fun swaps e~v~e~r!

Summer Fun at the Splash Park

2010-06-20T18:23:00.001-07:00

What goes better with summer, than......WATER!!!

It looks like someone is worn out! Alli on the toy and Grandpa on the bench!

Summer Fun Swap

2010-06-14T07:25:00.000-07:00

Look what the mailman brought me this morning! A fun package of goodies from my Swap partner, Ruth, from Kenilworth New Jersy! I can't wait to put all the goodies to use.

After gardening with the gloves, I'll relax in my new flip-flops while eating my candy and reading my new book. After that I'll go inside and clean the garden harvest with my new towel! The sign, well, that's hanging above the sign-in desk in my daycare!

Thanks Ruth!! I really do love all of it!

To my Mom...

2010-06-11T05:47:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mommy!

To my Dad........

2010-06-01T06:20:00.001-07:00

Memorial Day

2010-05-31T11:18:00.001-07:00

Thank you to all military personnel .....Especially to my loving, and dear husband, and my caring father. THANK YOU!

Peonies

2010-05-23T11:12:00.000-07:00

These are our lovely, beautiful, bountiful peonies! We own a property with a row of about 25 pink peony bushes. These pictures do no justice for the truly magnificent sight (and smell) of these May beauties!

Rainy Weather....

2010-05-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

Does make for some lush greenery, and beautifully colored flowers. I refuse to complain about the rain, because I KNOW in a month or two it will be hot and dry.....and then I'd complain about that!

Happy Mothers Day

2010-05-09T14:41:00.001-07:00

A Springy Friday

2010-04-23T12:35:00.000-07:00

Mama goat Belle, with her two month old twins, Merlin and Molly.

The first Clematis flower.

Granddaughter, Alli enjoying the first of MANY popsicles.

Grandson, Devin...doing what boys do best....playing in the sand and dirt!

Candles, Soap, and Lotion Bars

2010-04-21T14:18:00.000-07:00

I have had quite the productive day! Making up some new soap, candles, and lotion bars in a yummy springtime scent.....Fruit Slices.

I really need to label the lotion bars before someone mistakes them for something yummy to eat!! Don't they look just like a lemon tart?

OK, so my soap isn't the prettiest, but it is the most wonderful soap we've used......we swear by it now, and have had great comments from friends.

GOOD Morning!

2010-04-20T08:10:00.000-07:00

A sunrise from my backyard this morning....beautiful!

Banana Bread in the Bread Machine

2010-04-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

I have to give credit where credit is due...THANKS Pamm!

http://leftoversonpurpose.blogspot.com

Spring Time at Home

2010-04-19T07:07:00.000-07:00

Some of the beautiful blooms from outside.

I had to bring a few branches in to place in the kitchen window.
The purple is from a Red bud tree, the white is from a crab apple tree (which later in the summer will be used to make crab apple jelly), and the red blooms....well I'm not sure what they are, but the have huge thorns!

This is my first attempt at candle making. It turned out very well, I will definitely be making my own candles from now on. The only thing I will do differently is to use soy and beeswax, instead of the petroleum based paraffin!

Easter at My House

2010-04-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

The kids having fun (with supervision, of course) decorating desert! I did this instead of coloring eggs this year. I'm not sure if the kids missed the eggs or not, but I think this is about the first year that I've NOT done Easter eggs......it somehow didn't feel quite right.

Below is a picture of granddaughter, Alli, giving her Easter dress a trial run.....you can tell it's a trial run by her lack of hairstyle! She's still a sweetheart without her hair "did", though.

Getting Ready for Easter

2010-03-26T06:12:00.000-07:00

The little baby bunnies and ducklings are getting ready for springtime and Easter in their beautiful village.

This is the Easter Egg Garden that the daycare children planted!

The First Day of Spring?

2010-03-20T06:28:00.000-07:00

This is the spring I woke up to! If spring has sprung, it sprang right on past Kansas!

A Wonderful Surprise!

2010-02-23T18:43:00.000-08:00

I have recieved my first blog award today from Sue at Living the Good Life http://jsmwebber.blogspot.com

The rules for accepting this award:

1.Thank the person that gave you the award

2.Pass this award on to 15 bloggers you've recently discovered
and whom you think are fantastic!

3.Contact the Bloggers you pick to let them know they've won

4.State 7 Things about yourself!"

1. THANK YOU Sue!!

2. Pending

3. Pending

4. 1) I'm perpetually happy

2) My husband is my best friend

3) I love to thrift shop

4) Cooking is my absolute fav thing to do

5) I worry WAY TOO MUCH

6) I have discovered the joy of reading

7) Being frugal makes me have a sense of fulfillment

The New Grand"kids"

2010-02-22T07:09:00.000-08:00

Born February 21, 2010 6PM

Parents: Zippy and Baby Belle

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T13:58:00.000-08:00

infarrantly creative: Game Board Storage Art

2010-01-26T17:41:00.000-08:00

This is such an ingenious idea!!! Don't you LOVE IT?!?!

infarrantly creative: Game Board Storage Art

Loving my Goats!

2010-01-26T05:31:00.001-08:00

This isn't one of our goats, but it is so darn cute!!

Organic Foods, or Genetically Modified Foods?

2010-01-21T10:59:00.000-08:00

Earthbound Farm eNews: Supreme Court Accepts Its First GM Crop Case

Tasty Kitchen, The Pioneer Woman

2010-01-21T06:29:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share one of my favorite cooking blogs.

Who doesn't love "The Pioneer Woman"?
I won't take offense that Ree has publicly claimed the name Pioneer Woman.....

but Kevin has called me that for years! Do you think that means Ree and I are long lost sisters?!

About Tasty Kitchen – Tasty Kitchen

Grandma's Little Cook

2010-01-15T12:37:00.000-08:00

"The Old Pantry"

It stood next to the kitchen door,
Only a door between;
It held many goodies
About which children dream:

Sweet jellies, red and purple,
(Wild strawberry and grape);
Fresh pies and home made cookies
And tasty chocolate cake.

It stood next to the kitchen,
With just a door between,
The old pantry at Grandma's
Where goodies reigned supreme."

Faith vs. Fear

2010-01-15T12:22:00.000-08:00

Therefore I tell you , do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, your body more important than clothes?

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or stow away in barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Matthew 6:25-27

Productive Day in the Kitchen

2010-01-09T08:13:00.000-08:00

Some yummy cinammon chip muffins....for me!

And banana pudding for Kevin!

AND finally some suet cakes for the birds!

Dreams vs. Reality

2010-01-07T11:12:00.000-08:00

This may be what I dreaming of, sitting in mt cozy rocker with my cup a coffee.....

BUT........

Here's the reality outside my window!!!

Snowy Friends

2010-01-07T08:13:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to keep my little feathered friends fed with seed, suet cakes, and leftover fruit from our meals. I'm sure with the weather out there, they are appreciating my efforts!

Snow Much Fun!!!

2010-01-06T06:41:00.000-08:00

All the grandkids playing on the "snow-topped" mountain by Grandma and Grandpa's front door! Hey at least could stand just inside the door to watch them!! Oh what FUN!

The Weather Outside is Frightful....

2010-01-06T06:27:00.001-08:00

(this is a beautiful picture of the untouched snow at the end of our house)

.....But the fire is so delightful! In the daycare today, we are having pajama day...YEA!!!!! We are all in our PJ's, reading books, snuggled on piles of blankets and pillows.

The weather is supposed to turn wicked later in the day. We still have drifts of snow waist deep from the last several snows, with a predicted 4-6 inches more due to come in this afternoon. If that weren't bad enough, the wind will be howling and wind chill temps 30-40* BELOW zero! BRrrrr...........

My plan of attack for the next few days, hunker down, snuggle up and stay inside!

Cold Start to the New Year!

2010-01-01T06:46:00.001-08:00

Well, the new year promises fresh new beginnings....and cold temps!!! This morning I got up to a bone chilling 2* F. The weekend won't be much warmer. It'll be a good few days to peruse my mountain of seed catalogs that have arrived.

This Says it All!

2009-12-28T04:39:00.000-08:00

After Christmas Shopping! Here I Come!

2009-12-27T05:07:00.000-08:00

With any luck I will get out of the driveway and head to town to catch some great sales!

After being snowed in for three, or is it four, days my daughter and I are ready to go!!!!

Kevin has agreed to drive us in, Kacy nor I really want to test the car's capability in this mess.

Once in town, I hope to find some presents to set aside for next Christmas, and some "winter" decor items to put up in the house now. It looks so bare naked when you take the Christmas stuff down, especially the tree, don't you think?!

Wish us luck! I don't feel like birthing Kacy's baby in the car. (she's due on Valentine's Day, but at her doctors appointment last week, little Christopher is already in the birth canal)

Christmas Blizzard 2009

2009-12-26T09:33:00.000-08:00

Lizzy Lane Farms

2009-12-23T19:02:00.000-08:00

http://www.lizzylanefarm.blogspot.com/

I my goodness!! I just recieved my order of soaps and bar lotion from Karen and Lizzy Lane Farms. I have one word...... YUM! The smell is so wonderful, the feel is silky but not oily and her customer service is outstanding! I simply cannot wait to take a bath and use the Christmas soap. Here's how she describes it (and it is a very accurate descritption indeed!): "A deep rich, earthy pine scent topped with anise seed, lemon grass, rose hips, chamomile and a dash of glitter. A pretty white and berry swirl soap."

I recommend you go over to Karen's and look around!! Have fun!

Vintage Shiny Brite Christmas Ornaments

2009-12-23T11:14:00.000-08:00

American Chronicle Vintage Shiny Brite Christmas Ornaments

These ornaments were my brother's and I favorite ornaments!!! We used to "talk" into the ones with the indentions saying "calling Dick Tracy, calling Dick Tracy"! That doesn't age me does it!?

The box pictured above is just like the one Mom STILL has...I really wanna get my hands on them!!! The link I have listed is a great little history on the ornaments. Ahhhh, the good ol', slower days of youth.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The Great Clean-up!

2009-12-20T13:19:00.000-08:00

The baking is all fine and dandy, but inevitably you have to clean up the mess! ARGHHHhhhhh......
It's all worth it though when we deliver the goodies to all our neighbors. I'll post of the finished trays when they are ready for delivary.

Holiday Baking Part Two

2009-12-20T12:35:00.000-08:00

Cranberry Lemon Cookies

Gingerbread Boys

Homemade English Muffins

Chocolate and Strawberry dipped Ritz crackers.....MMMmmmm....

Through a Child's Eyes

2009-12-18T12:49:00.000-08:00

The simple, whimsical images that a child invisions as Christmas!

These are some of the projects the daycare children and I have made together.

I must admit, Christmas through a child's eyes is what it's all about!

Our Christmas Tree

2009-12-17T07:22:00.000-08:00

As with most family Christmas trees, each ornament on our tree has a special meaning behind it. The star that beacons down from the top of our tree was a gift from Kevin's Grandma Nutter. It will top our tree each year, Grandma Nutter looks down upon us all with a smile on her sweet face.

Holiday Baking: Part One

2009-12-15T12:46:00.000-08:00

Bacon and Eggs:

Lay two pretzel sticks side by side

top with a dollop of melted white almond bark

finish off with one yellow M-n-M

Candy Cane Hearts:

Lay two candy canes side by side to form a heart

fill the heart with melted almond bark.

To add the sprinkles, do that before adding the bark....oh, also, do this on waxed paper to make removal easy peasy!

Snow Day = Snow Ice Cream!

2009-12-15T12:39:00.000-08:00

5AM The snow is drifted 2 feet up the front door!

A Picturesque view of the old barn next door.

Little chef Alli helping make the snow ice cream..MMmmm....

The leftover snow ice cream on the back deck, nice and cold, waiting for Alli's Momma to come home from work.

Snow Ice Cream Recipe:

Big bowl of CLEAN snow

a dash of vanilla

sugar to taste

Add milk to stir it all up.

This recipe is a make it as you go type of thing....you can do it!!!

The memories are just as yummy as the ice cream.

"My" Library

2009-12-12T16:17:00.001-08:00

http://www.tscpl.org/

Isn't she beautiful?! I have to travel 35 miles to visit her, and I like to go twice a month.

Books, DVD's, CD's, magazines, themed childrens book bags.....oh my gosh, so much to do!!

There is also a "Booktique" at the library where they sell used books, and boy oh boy you can get some deals in there!! Most books are only a dollar or two, and magazines are only a quarter a piece!

The Millenium Cafe is very good. I love to have coffee there with my BFF!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

2009-12-08T07:33:00.000-08:00

With the big winter storm barreling across the nation, our home is no exception!

Looking through the front door the happy gingerbread family doesn't seem to mind the declining weather conditions! And inside the house is where we will stay today, toasty and dry!

Holiday Spirit

2009-12-02T05:36:00.000-08:00

The best of all gifts around the Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~~Burton Hillis

Happy Birthday, Sgt. Nutter

2009-12-01T07:49:00.000-08:00

I love you Kevin!!!

How Lovely!

2009-11-30T11:57:00.000-08:00

Whooooooo, wouldn't like a chance to win these awesome items?

http://gardenmama.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Good luck!

Thankful

2009-11-26T17:29:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

My family has so much to be thankful for this year! My daughter and her unborn baby were near death a month ago, and now are doing very well! She developed bacterial pnuemonia from undiagnosed H1N1. Both lungs were filled with the disease, she was on 100% oxygen and placed in a medically induced coma from 5 days. She was placed on a ventilator and fed through her nose. During this ordeal the baby remained strong.

She released from the hospital on day #8, through nothing less than a miracle!

So, yes, I am VERY THANKFUL to have my daughter with me this Thanksgiving.

Christmas Swap at Down-to-Earth Forums

2009-11-18T06:41:00.000-08:00

I am participating in a Christmas ornament swap over at http://downtoearthforums.com/ and this is the ornament I recieved from my friend Lisa. Lisa lives in Australia and is obviously very crafty and creative. Just look at this lovely beaded mod angel!! Won't she look pretty on my Christmas tree?

THANKS again, Lisa!

My Veteran

2009-11-12T05:48:00.000-08:00

My husband on Veteran's Day, surrounded by some of the grandkids and daycare children.

Fat Quarter Give-Away!

2009-10-23T06:36:00.000-07:00

From a friends blog (iluvcraftingandcooking), I ran across this giveaway of fat quarters. The material is very pretty. Please, check out the blog below and read about the giveaway at

http://pumpkinpatchprimitivequiltshoppe.blogspot.com/

9/11/2009

2009-09-11T05:36:00.000-07:00

“Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last ...phone calls, the funerals of the children. “ - President George W. Bush, November 11, 2001

Thomas Nelson: Book Review Bloggers

2009-09-09T14:50:00.000-07:00

Join Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers today! Any blogger can receive FREE copies of select Thomas Nelson products. In exchange, you must agree to read the book and post a 200-word review (guidelines) on your blog and on any retail website.

Become a Book Review Blogger, I did today!! I am waiting on my first book "Obstacles Welcome".

Autumn Movement

2009-08-31T05:46:00.000-07:00

Autumn Movement
Carl Sandburg (1918)

I cried over beautiful things knowing no beautiful thing lasts.The field of cornflower yellow is a scarf at the neck of the copper sunburned woman, the mother of the year, the taker of seeds.The northwest wind comes and the yellow is torn full of holes, new beautiful things come in the first spit of snow on the northwest wind, and the old things go, not one lasts.

Happy Birthday to Brenda....

2009-07-28T06:08:00.000-07:00

...over at one of my very favorite blogs, "Coffee, Tea, Books, and Me"

This is for you Brenda!!

Now, go check out the cakes on this site:

http://www.coolest-birthday-cakes.com/tea-cake-recipe.html

A Day Late and A Dollar Short

2009-07-06T07:06:00.000-07:00

Hot and Happy Summer

2009-06-29T05:35:00.001-07:00

It's been nearly a month since I've blogged! I feel like I've missed out on a lot.

Kevin is now home from two loooong months in Mississippi. I flew down twice to see him and visit the ocean....remember, I'm a "land-lubber" from Kansas so to see a REAL beach is exciting!

On the second trip down to Biloxi, I flew one way and drove the 17 hours home with Kevin. I was as happy as he was to bring him home. I now feel like my life will get back to normal.

Walking on the beach on day, I saw this and it reminded us how much fun our grandbabies would have playing in the water and sand.

These are some shrimping boats. This scene seems so picturesque to me.

Surprise Rhubarb

2009-06-01T05:46:00.001-07:00

YUM!! Soon you will become Rhubarb Strawberry Jam!

Here's the recipe I'll use:

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Rhubarb-Strawberry-Jam/Detail.aspx

Lookin' good.

OK, so look past the weeks.....RHUBARB!! I never knew I even had rhubarb, My husband usually mows/trims this part of the yard. Had I not neglected this section of mowing, I would have never known we had rhubarb!

Looks like one good thing has come out of my husbands two month absence. (However, I think I would prefer him to be home, even over the rhubarb discovery!

Recipe from allrecipes.com

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

To Kevin, my Dad, and everyone else we tend to take for granted. A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life wrote a blank check Made payable to 'The United States of America ' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in This country who no longer understand it.'

Biloxi Gulf Coast

2009-05-25T09:50:00.000-07:00

I have been in Biloxi MS the past five days visiting my husband.....he's on military orders until the end of June. I will post more story and photos in a day or two when I get home.....it will definitely be bittersweet going home.

Thrifty Thursday..OK, it's Only Monday

2009-05-18T11:58:00.000-07:00

OK, I know it's not Thursday...believe my I KNOW!! If it were, I'd be in Biloxi Mississippi with my Husband!

I found this set of five Melmac plates for .50 cents at my local thrift store.

They looked so springy, I needed to get them!

I have no idea what I'll do with them, but hey...only .50 cents!

Garden Residents

2009-05-16T14:51:00.000-07:00

Baltimore Oriole

Yellow Finch
Ruby Throated Hummingbird

Robin

Purple Finch

Blue Green Hummingbird

Here are a few of my fine feathered friends that frequent the clothes line and garden. Enjoy their colorful, natural beauty!

Garden 2009, Early in the Season

2009-05-13T05:55:00.000-07:00

My granddaughter, Alli, and I made this sidewalk to enter the garden and surround our raised bed.

The old garden door.....where does it go?

Mr. Snail!!! How did you get in the strawberry patch?!

Monday's Daybook

2009-05-13T05:26:00.000-07:00

For Today...

Outside my window... warm and very windy.
I am thinking... I need to snap out of it.
I am thankful for...the love of my husband.
From the kitchen... kid friendly meals
I am wearing... pink (yes, pink!) pants and a cute scrub top.
I am reading... Family Fun magazine.
I am hoping... for a safe flight to MS next week.

I am creating... a beautiful, whimsical garden.
I am hearing....kids playing and nature sounds CD..
One of my favorite things...joy!

A picture thought:
This will make you smile: Natural Beauty

These are at my front door, to welcome everyone to our home!

2009-05-10T04:58:00.000-07:00

To my Mom, Mother-in-law, and all the Mom's I know.....

do something just for YOU today!!

We deserve it.

20 of My Favorite Things

2009-05-07T18:09:00.000-07:00

20 Of My Favorite Things

1. Color-green

2. Dessert-homemade pudding

3. Smell-lemongrass

4. Flower-hyacinth

5. Animal-cat

6. Month-October

7. Beverage-coffee, hot or iced

8. Pair of shoes-currently...barefoot!

9. Snack-currently...popcorn

10. Song-currently...sounds of Nature

11. Book-currently...Fairy Senses

12. Fruit-apple

13. Hairstyle-my granddaughters golden curls

14. Piece of clothing-currently...capris and retro print top

15. Store to clothes shop-Woman Within (catalog)

16. Season-Autumn

17. Hobby-crafting

18. Thing to collect-Pyrex

19. Movie-OK, don't laugh at me, "Bring it On"

20. Restaurant-Panara Bread (hands down)

Join the fun at:

http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/2009/05/my-20-favoritesjoin-me.html

crafty goodness

2009-05-07T11:35:00.000-07:00

I have a new friend over at http://handmadecraftygoodness.blogspot.com/

She is having a giveaway, and one lucky person will recieve a customized BlockHead!

How cute are these? Make sure to look further into her blog.....it's full of whimsy!

Make sure to check my blog often.....soon I will be having a giveaway, stay tuned!

Mother's Day Card

2009-05-06T05:18:00.001-07:00

This is the lovely Mother's Day card I have made for a friend, for a Mother's Day card exchange. I was able to use bits and pieces of paper and ribbon to come up with this idea. I just purchased a new notepad of velium sayings for $1.96 and used one of those for the "title".

I'm sure she will enjoy recieving this along with the heartfelt sentiments inside.

I really miss my "good" camera....the pics from the camera I'm currently using just don't compare. My "good" camera is traveling with Kevin (DH) for two months.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-05-04T07:27:00.001-07:00

I do my menu planning a little different, I focus on lunch for the daycare kids! With that in mind here is my weekly menu for May 4-May 8:

Monday: Chicken and broccoli casserole over rice, peaches, milk

Tuesday: hotdogs, corn, bananas, buns, milk

Wednesday: Salsbury steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, mix fruit, milk

Thursday: Chicken nuggets, french fries, baked beans, oranges, milk

Friday: homemade pizza w/ham and pineapple, milkshakes, fruit

Monday's Daybook

2009-05-04T04:04:00.000-07:00

For Today...

Outside my window... Sun is just rising, the birds are singing. I love to hear the birds, it's my favorite music

I am thankful for... my job and wonderful daycare children

From the kitchen... baking for the daycare week ahead, dinners will be very simple since I am only cooking for myself for two months.

I am wearing...white capris, and a blue flowered, tie in the back scrub top....my daycare uniform!

I am reading... The summer Book by Susan Branch

I am hoping... to weed the garden and finish planting

I am creating... A cute little cupcake reversable apron

I am praying... for Kevin to stay safe while we are apart

Around the house... more organization, that's a never ending process

One of my favorite things... the coffee pot ready for me to start in the morning

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you:A view from my backyard.

2009-05-02T16:14:00.001-07:00

Happy May Day!!!

2009-05-01T05:55:00.000-07:00

Do you remember making May baskets out of construction paper, filling them with freshly picked flowers (whatever was blooming at the time, even dandelions), and hanging them on your neighbors front door? Those were the days, weren't they? Such an innocent time, I long for those less stressful days.

I have been working hard to relax, hmmm, isn't that a conundrum? In this day and age, life is too fast, hectic, and may I say, chaotic? Technology doesn't always bring happiness. Simplicity is now what I strive for in my life. Do you feel the same way?

Do children today even know what a May pole is? This is so lovely!

Thrifty Thursday

2009-04-30T04:48:00.000-07:00

I haven't had a chance lately to thrift shop or garage sale... *sniff sniff*. This Saturday, weather permitting, I plan to hit some garage sales AND thrift shops.....I'm just itchin' to find some treasures!

In lieu of that, I've been internet treasure hunting. I love to look around on etsy.com, but this week I found a great little three piece outfit on EBay! I is just perfect for me...my love of capris, coffee and style!!! I plan on wearing this on my flight to Mississippi in May! Only $20....I think it is WELL worth it.

2009-04-29T05:43:00.000-07:00

Here's a little formula can altered with some retro scrapbook paper and trim. I use this at the parent sign in/sign out station for the daycare. I just LOVE this paper!