Sacrificial thrifty find

I haven't had much time to finish all the many DIY projects that I have lining the halls, nor spray paint the abundance of "finds" that I have captured at the local thrift store.
That is why I was so thrilled to come across these ornate handcrafted ornaments this week at Good Will.
Lots of love and time went into crafting these .

Not only are they perfect for my "fancy" tree at Christmas, but they are going to be an ornamental eye candy for a few other holidays I can think of - the white makes them very versatile for Easter as well.
( I am off to find a few small, glass hearts to add to the decor in this bowl. won't they look festive?)
Christmas decor is an additional 75% off at Good Will these days, so I got them for a steal...literally.

Anyhow, I wanted to guesstimate just how much time it might take to make one as a gift, and figure out just how they were made.
Foam balls, thousands of beads/pearls, stick pins...if you're wondering.
These would be perfect crafts for my daughters to do for Valentine's Day, while intertwining red, white and pink beads for the festive event.
The bottom line...this is a wonderfully frugal craft where much time and detail makes these an heirloom craft, IMHO.
(I am just sick right now because the picture of my three favorite ones just got deleted, and I already removed them from my camera card....ugh.)
They were intricate with very unique beads.
There were ten ornaments in all....I still can't believe someone got rid of them. They are so much prettier IRL (or in the other pic I just deleted. :)

I also found these treats...I figured if I wasn't supposed to eat them every day, at least I could look at them, light them and enjoy these cute $.50 candles. :)

I am almost ready to get my Bulk Baking posts up (they're up now)....I have been storming it up in the kitchen, and I know you are going to want to join me for a few great recipes.

Terrible Teens...I beg to differ

A new home school mom asked at a conference this week "How does it work when you nurse a baby, have a toddler running around and attempt to teach?"
The question, by default, was directed at me, and I really didn't want to put on a "happy face" and answer. It has been a long, frustrating week for this mom, but I responded honestly...with a long term vision of motherhood.
Join me in remembering that challenging, but treasured, calling of mothering with my first post about my teen age boy and a Ped-egg.
If nothing else...I need the reminder this week!

One of the things that I passionately try to address when I speak to womens' groups are the labels we hypothetically predetermine..."the terrible two's" (especially at Mops) , or "just wait till they're teenagers", etc. I do not believe that has to be the case, but yes, I'll save that for a different post.

This post is for me.

A reminder of my calling.

A whisper from my Heavenly Father in regards to the legacy He has called me to leave. This is to remind me of the goodness of a relationship with your teen when a mommy's heart is fully engaged in reaching his.

Don't get me wrong, teen years are tough emotionally, and I am only a few years into it. I mess up...royally... and am often asking forgiveness from those very blessings whom I desire to mentor. Yet these years are so precious. It's a small window in which we can watch as the Lord bring boys into manhood. I want to be there - front and center - enjoying every minute of it. It is racing by, and I want to capture those "manhood" moments. That's what this post is about. It was a mommy moment when the Lord reached out during a season of drought, and assured me...he is mine!

It started with some musing from "the mom" about the gross nature of dried and crack heels. Yep, you got it... ugly feet, and sheer vanity. I am not really a pedicure kind of gal (clarification...wasn't), but necessity was rearing it's ugly head when even my 5 year old daughter realized the drastic measures that needed to take place if mommy was going to continue in her usual flip flop foot fashion.
Yesterday morning, my oldest son and I were alone in the family room and he called me over to my comfy chair.
"Mom, let me try out this Ped-egg on you," he said. (For those of you wondering...this pedicure tool won out on our local news "deal or dud segment.")

I must tell you, I was a little taken back and wondered what his primary motives were. I mean, come on, this is a gross task and he just told me being a pedicurist would be a disgusting job. I do believe he said, "Can you imagine all the nasty feet that people have?"
And now he was searching out those feet...namely mine?

My "terrible teen" went on to spend not five minutes, not ten, but over 30 minutes meticulously
getting every bit of dry skin off my ugly feet. Then he took lotion, and massaged those feet, and made sure that they were smooth and beautiful.
And in those moments, I saw Jesus...
through my son.
We shared life those 30 minutes. We talked about Jesus washing the disciples feet and I couldn't help pointing out how this act of service reaches down to the core of who someone is. That's why Jesus choose it. It's embarrassing, and yet as my eldest took care of "my man feet" lol... he ministered to me in a way, a simple way, that makes an impact for life. He won't know what an impact it had. He has no understanding of the way that Jesus whispered through him. Only I could see, through tearful eyes, a boy share a moment of manhood with his momma.

Linked at: Three boys, crazy life.

McDonald's shares frugal delights

Even though I shared my 14 year old Burger of a Lifetime post with you, I also stated that I was back to my old sinful ways.

Somehow, teen boys who devour 4 double cheeseburgers at one sitting without thinking something is terribly wrong with that accomplishment, has changed my perspective. (Hint, guys...does the word gluttony mean anything to you...?) Honestly, the dollar menu can be my best friend - perspective, I tell you.

So in honor of all things frugal, have you heard the news posted multiple places on the web?

Yes, I am off to make sure that every McDonald's within a 30 mile radius is offering these delights, and if not...I will be talking to the manager, ever so sweetly that is. :) I will be buying up MANY coupon booklets...won't you join me?

Here's the scoop:

Many McDonald's around the country now have Valentine's coupon booklets available. Priced at $1 at most locations, each coupon booklet contains 12 coupons for free items:

3 free hamburgers
3 free small cones
3 free apple dippers or small fry
3 free apple juice or milk jug

These are redeemable at any participating McDonald's from February 14 to May 15, 2009. Please note that they are redeemable only by children ages 12 and under with a limit of one coupon per customer per visit.

* And just so you know I am above board, I will be using these for my little ones, AND those teen boys...after I ask if it's OK. They always say "yes". They're nice like that. :)
*************************************************
Another heads up from Money Saving Mom:

Tomorrow (Wednesday, January 28, 2009) Panera Bread stores across the nation are offering free coffee all day long and free samples of their new breakfast items.

You may want to give a quick call before you drive out of your way to make sure that your local store is participating.

Krispy Kreme for pennies - How could you?

Scouring the grocery store for frugal finds is one of my passions...no...hobbies...umm,
necessities - yes, necessities.

Readers of my blog will know that one of my number one tips in shopping is Be Observant!
I always check to see what items are marked down at the bakery.
Day old deals are delightful, if you ask me.

So when we (yes, all the kids were with me) rounded the bakery aisle corner at 8:30pm, and a buggy filled with these deliciously adorned orange stickered boxes screamed....
SPECIAL
(why... yes, I am, thank you...God made me special),
my teen boys grabbed every last little box.
They were giddy...beyond thrilled at the moment that their mother was such a frugal hacker.
Let's do the math.....
12 donuts per box X 4 boxes = a whole lot more donuts than I need.
BUT PICK ME UP OFF THE FLOOR -
for $1.99 per dozen, I'm there!

Forget needing that Hot and Now sign to be on...stick these mouth melting marvels in the microwave for 10 seconds, and they are Hot and Now in your very own home for 1/5 of the original price.

So one might wonder how I am working out at the gym 4 times a week and not losing any weight?
This may have a little bit to do with it....
those babies went fast.

This was all that was left by the next morning...sick, I know!

Now I just keep one here...memorialized...
to remind me of what will be once again...but not now...NOT NOW!
(Walk away from the picture, Jen...walk away..no - not to the kitchen!)

Frugal tip: When I first found this deal back at Thanksgiving, I thought it was just a hit or miss kind of thing at our newly opened store.
The next time I went back, I specifically asked when they marked down their donuts.
I needed to make the most of these deals..for the kids...it's all about the kids.

Every night at 7:30 pm, the bakery department marks down the left overs from that day.
My down fall came when hubby found out that little fact...he was bringing them home daily. I have since put a ca bash on that treat!
I implement that same frugal tip with the meat/dairy department...I will share about those steals soon.

So go talk to your baker and eat a Krispy Kreme - think of me. :)

A Sunday Moment

The heavens declare the glories of God, the sky proclaims the works of His hands.
Ps. 19:1

(When my hubby captured this shot from our front yard, I was so amazed by His majesty and miracle of creation.)

McDonald's...free coffee for everyone! :)

This is for all of you who have been so very sad when I post great deals to places that you don't have.

Well, forget my 12 year old hamburger and thank McDonald's for giving all the early risers in the bunch free coffee ALL MONTH LONG!!

Get a Free Medium premium roast coffee or vanilla, hazelnut or regular iced coffee between 5-9 am all month in February. Valid only at participating locations. Only one item per person per visit. Offer good February 1 - 28.

P.S. I am sitting in the hotel room at Blissdom '09. It's 12:30 am and I'm looking at 8 other bloggers, 8 laptops, multiple cameras, and you all....this is just too funny!

Go enjoy some coffee ON ME!

Raising an Intentional Family

Part of my role in being an intentional family is sharing my passion with others.
Sometimes that line is blurred when I sit back and think, "with a week like I have had, how in the world can I share anything with anyone?"
And then I remember, it's not about me....it's all about Him, and the work that He continues to reveal amidst the good, bad and ugly of my balanced (or unbalanced life).

I would appreciate your prayers, and honestly, any comments/questions you have in regards to "Building a Vision for Intentionality with your Family."
My theme is on How to Leave a Lasting Legacy,
focusing on creative ways to build that into one's family tapestry.
Since I speak on this often, I am always looking for personal stories, or fresh ideas to share.

This speaking engagement in a bit more focused, since my audience will be all Children Ministry Pastors and/or Professional Preschool Directors.
It's their state wide convention, so I guess I will take my "bedlam" hat off and actually pretend that I know what I am talking about.
They don't need to know I play a dumb blond on my blog. :)

Looking forward to doing a follow up here...someday. :)
If you are looking for some once a month tradition ideas, and activities, check out my website for our annual sale on Lessons for Little Ones, and Live, Laugh, Love Club packets.
Until Jan. 31 are they 50% off, and this happens only once a year.
They are such a fabulous jumping off point for building strong family ties.
We all have the best of intentions, but these help you make the intentions reality.
Why save all your special family moments for Christmas?
Start incorporating them year round...it's so worth it!

Creative Meal Planning - part two

Eating is a reality.

How one goes about accomplishing this is their choice.
Now, I am not just talking about shoving one's face full of peanut M&M's - unfortunately, that is one of my realities, I mean actual nourishment for our bodies.

When I was single, I lived on Peanut Butter Captain Crunch - seriously, I did (but did you know that it's fat free?) :)
Now, as a mom of many, I have the health of my children on my conscience.
It's pressure, I know!
What I teach them about eating habits, and healthy living choices will stay with them...for years.

Sometimes, it seems overwhelming.
But, it's really just about....that dread "P" word....yes, having a plan, and a tiny bit of food knowledge.
So, if the reality is that we have to feed them, and it can't just be daily Mac and Cheese,
then why not make it memorable?

(New to my blog? Read Creative Meal Planning I -
intro to Kitchen Sister's Club post first.)

Am I the only one who gets caught in the 5pm - what's for dinner rut?
When I don't have a plan, I resort to the same old 3-4 meals, yes, over and over again, and the sad thing is that I TEACH meal planning classes.
That's why I'm always looking for new inspiration and accountability.
Meal swapping offers both of those.
It's a great way to try new recipes, eat healthier, fellowship, and save money at the same time.
I always go home encouraged in my role as Keeper of the Home.
I love to learn from other ladies, and hopefully, they are encouraged by me as well.

(in case you missed the first post :)
As I think back on all the Kitchen Sister Clubs/meal swaps that I have done over the years, I am getting re-energized with my prioritizes in this area.
I'm reminding myself....
It's always a blast, once we're together.
It allows me to connect with friends, and it's a blessing to have real, home made food ready at a moment's notice.

Setting a goal to do make this happen once a month dramatically improves the
quality of my life...or should I say...my family dinner hour's life.
So, if you're a friend in real life, just let me know you want to do one, and I'll get it on the calendar. :)

There are three different ways that I have done my Kitchen Sisters' Club.

1. Make all the meals at home and drop them off at friends' home.
They, in turn, do the same thing for you.
Example: I make 4 lasagnas, salad, and bread, and deliver them to 3 neighbors.
Then the next week, they do the same for me.
(We already know from my previous posts that cooking a main dish in bulk takes the same amount of time, so always multiply your recipes - always.) This option only works well if you're in close proximity to each other, so I don't do this anymore.
I know of ladies who have done this for years with the same 4 friends - now that is a blessing.

2. Host a meal making party in your home where everyone brings the ingredients for their main dish.
I typically did this with 8 ladies.
Each friend was "assigned" one main dish (her preference). She would bring all the ingredients for that entree, and we would them assemble the meal together in my kitchen.
Through much trial and error, I eventually set down some basic ground rules such as everyone has to provide 2 lbs of meat per meal, 8x10 pan etc.
For those with smaller families, they just divided the meal in half.
Lots of fun, and lots of laughter is always had by all.
Down side....my kitchen is a complete wreck when it's done.

3. Host in home/church - one person organizes, sets the menu, and buys the ingredients.
This requires more work from one person, but there is the option of taking turns in organizing it every month.
I incorporated this choice into my Homemade Gourmet business by using my Meals in Minute mixes, so it was easy for me to set up.
I had "stations" with instructions for each meal. I provided all the ingredients (except for 2 of the meals...ladies brought their choice of raw chicken or beef in ziplock bags). The guests then covered the costs of the ingredients.

If starting a Kitchen Sisters Club peeks your interest, and you have questions, I would be more than willing to do a follow up post. Just let me know in the comments.

Just think, next month you could have a freezer full of new meals.
It's as easy as picking a date, and asking 3-4 other friends to join you.
What do you have to lose?
Nothing...trust me...it's a good thing.
Now send those friends to my blog, and tell them...
"Read this...we're doing it."

(edited to add...I have had the most productive snow day baking bulk batches of goodies for the freezer. It's so stuffed, I have things in the ice maker... more to come)

Calgon take me away!

I have always wondered about the moms who have time to take a luxurious Calgon bath.
I want it, I crave it,
but truly, it doesn't need to be Calgon....a huge vat of this chocolate would be just fine.
I don't care about the calories, the repercussions, or the people that wonder if I have lost my mind, but in lieu of it being Monday...take me AWAY!!
In the background, I have a middle schooler screaming, "No" and moaning at the top of his lungs. It sounds like he is dying, and my only thought it that he is being tortured by an elder brother.

Yep, it's been confirmed...he is now screaming for me, "Mom, I am being tortured!"

I am now handling this in the most mature, God fearing, character building way I know how....matching him tone for tone, not getting off my bootie like I know I should, but instead yelling from the computer, "Knock it off - now."

Alas, such an amazing home school mom I am.
Mother of the Year, I do think I have been crowned,
and just think....it's only Monday!

Don't you just love real time when I can type a post in five minutes to share bedlam with my friends. Yep, I was supposed to finish my creative meal planning post...well, tomorrow.

(And if my sweet hubby reads this anytime soon, don't worry...I'm dealing with it - can't wait for you to get home...hee hee xoxo)

A Sunday Moment

When a family begins home schooling, the state requires you to register a "name" for your school.
Twelve years ago, we chose "Crown of Life Academy" based on our family's life verse and the circumstances that were so prevalent at the time.
We desire that this truth be ingrained in our children's hearts and minds, so there is never any doubt of His sovereignty.

James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has prepared to those who love him.

What a blessing to know that He has it all under control. I can take myself off that "throne" now because He has it covered. :)

Pondering from a woman who truly knows what perseverance means....
"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved. "

-Helen Keller

Seriously, do I have to?

I interrupt this meal planning post to tell you I can barely lift my arms to type because I have been exposed to this kind of torture for two weeks now. I am seriously trying to figure out how blogging with my new lifestyle change can mesh.

As I alluded to in an earlier post, differences are being made in this household.
One of the main changes in my life?
Becoming a complete gym rat again.
In most areas, I need to take baby steps in order to form a new habit, but with this....I have gone head first with no return.
The crazy reason?
Have you ever tried to take baby steps with exercise?
It just doesn't work for me. I have tried it...for five years. I thought Taebo was going to my new best friend, but I turned on him also.
I MUST. HAVE. ACCOUNTABILITY!
And that accountability is coming in the form of my sis in love - at 6 am in the morning.
The Lord has been nudging me, for a long time, to rise earlier.
I REALLY struggle with this area.
I love my late night hours, all by myself...LOVE. THEM, but it's not the best for my family.
So I am compromising by leaving for aerobics at 5:30 am on Wed and Friday mornings, and then alternating evening classes the other two days.
This was one of those evenings, and it ended with another recruited detaining looking at me during class and mouthing, "I hate you." (She did it love, of course, but still...)

A recap of our first 6am day - invigorating.
We felt great, had the best home school day ever and we confirmed that this would revolutionize our lives.
Our 1 pm phone call went something like this, "Don't you just feel amazing? I feel like I've had a pot of coffee...."
So we did it again - the next day.
The class was step aerobics, and I literally laughed til I cried because it was SOOOO comical. We looked like complete idiots, and were probably annoying to all the serious ladies trying to exercise. They really do need to loosen up and we're just the ones to do it.

The teacher took compassion on us after class and assured us that every one else in the class were hard core exercisers and had been coming for five years.
Our 1 pm conversation that afternoon went something like this, "Well, I sure don't think you're as perky today, are you? What....your hubby sent you back to bed? You were pale....yep, I went back to bed too. I am sick as a dog....can't walk up the stairs, can you?"
But that was last week, and now, I don't feel like I am going to vomit anymore, but I did an hour and a half boot camp class tonight.....yes, it's really called BOOT CAMP!

Now, don't worry. I am not deserting my one true love.

Remember, it's all about balance, and health... not complete insanity.

I want to eat french fries, chocolate and salad. I cook fairly healthy, so that I can indulge a bit.
But I indulged too much last year, and I gained nearly 15 pounds. Now, for those 5 people that I know IRL life, they're probably rolling their eyes at me.
Yes, because I am a bit taller - 5'8", I can gain, AND lose, without it being extremely noticeable. But it is in my clothes.

Most people don't know that I was huge competitive athlete/swimmer up until my 20's. When I made the choice to focus on the arts, instead of athletics, I gained weight....alot of it! I was 30-40 pounds heavier than I am now. I know what it's like to struggle with weight, and I don't want to go back.
I am hitting a milestone bday in 6 weeks, and everyone keeps warning me that it's so hard to lose weight after that magic year.
I want to be healthy, not skinny. I feel fine about my weight now, but I want to be able to do an aerobics class without my heart exploding, much less needing to go back to bed.
I want to assure that I stay a "young mom," and have the energy to keep up with the busy lifestyle that comes with five blessings.
For me, it's about health. But, if fitting back into my skinny jeans are one of the side benefits, I'll take it.
And no, you will never ever catch me showing my belly - even if my abs ever look like that. I had to post them because they look just like my skinny jeans (minus the $160 price tag. :)
that hopefully I will be sporting soon...if I can ever get out of bed again. Right now, I just need to concentrating on getting up the stairs...
I think I can, I think I can...
It's 11:15, and I have to leave at 5:30am

Creative Meal Planning

Does the phrase 'meal planning' drive shivers down your spine?
Do you have the best of intentions to save money by eating at home, but never follow through?

I recommit to doing a better job of this myself, and since this is such a huge part of my life,
I want to share some creative ways that you can plan ahead, save money and eat healthier without it feeling like work.
Sound impossible?
Let's just give it a try!
For those of you newer to my blog, and/or meal planning, I have several previous posts on this topic.
A great place to start would be with this post below.
It incorporates some basic suggestions for meal planning, and helps think outside the "cooking box."
C.O.S.T cooking: Cook once, serve twice

Now on to some creative cooking alternatives.

Imagine yourself back in the early 1900's.
You're rocking on the covered porch, busying your hands with a beautiful quilt patch, while catching up with all your neighborhood girlfriends. :)
I always longed to be in the days of the Quilting Bee where friends came together regularly to share community.
You shared life. You had a purpose. You had fun. ....you got it done!

Introducing the Kitchen Sisters' Club
On and off for the last ten years, I have organized evening gatherings where friends come together to make meals.
Who doesn't want to be part of a cool club...so we named it.

Yes, I know, I've been told many times that I should have been the one to start the "Let's Dish/Super Supper" type of places...it's kind of a bummer.

Over the year, I have done our get together multiple ways, with many different ladies, and groups ranging from 6-20, but it's always such a great time together.

In the next post, I'll share in detail how you can organize a night like this with your girlfriends.
Does the idea of having a ladies night out, sharing some appetizers and going home with 4-8 meals to stick in your freezer sound like a dream come true?
Well, start thinking of some friends to invite and do it together.
Yes, the organizer does get the brunt of the work to begin with, but it's so worth it.

(edited to add: I love how you are sharing your experiences. Please comment if you've done something similar and I will compile the ideas in the next post..yipee).

Typically, it's just the ladies, but some of the kiddos came along to help.
Remember, start them cooking early - it makes all the difference. :)

I don't know about you, but I HATE mixing meatloaf, so what better task for the girls than to GO FOR IT!
They loved it, and mixed up 5 lbs of Italian Mozzarella Meatloaf for me.

Since I did this cooking jubilee at church, with a large freezer at our disposal, I had the girlies do the meatballs first. We froze the meatballs on the baking sheet and then transferred them to a zip lock bag right before we left.

I gave a choice of 7-8 main dishes, with most of the ladies leaving with 6 meals ready for their freezer.
We had Italian Mozzarella Meatloaf, Asian Pork Tenderloin, Mexican Lasagna, Chicken Pot Pie, Lemon Margarita Chicken, Grandmother's Sunday Roast, and Enchilada Chicken.
It's such a blessing to come home and have these waiting for you after a crazy day.

OUR EVENING OUT TAKES!

Cooking in bulk, makes me hungry!
Crazy, I know...only when I'm really, really tired...and I was. :)

"If I have to make one more meat ball...."

Yes, it's obviously been a long day, and Jen looks whooped!

Waiting for the women to finish cooking...isn't that their job? HA!

Come back next time...from a kitchen near you....the "How To's" of the Kitchen Sister Club or whatever in the world you want to call it.

I just found the blog Passionate Homemaking..check here for great freezer tips.

The Baby Steps of Organization

As you twirl around blog land this week, a myriad of ladies are introducing us
to their resolutions and goals.
Our family will be carving out time this week to reflect on 2008, and looking ahead to the intentional steps we need to take in 2009.
Steps that allow us to make a difference in the lives of those around us.

In order for that to happen, it starts with my hubby and me.
And, you all, I have some major remodeling that needs to take place.
No, not the house kind of remodel (well, that too), but the heart kind.
I spent the last two months doggy paddling this stream of life, in hopes that I wouldn't go under.
And since I was a competitive swimmer for 14 years....that is NOT a good thing, and it sure wasn't the lazy river I had hoped it to be..

I need to share all that I am learning, but I want to start off with one of my basics.
Reclaiming my organizational life!
Every blog is talking about getting rid of the clutter for the New Year, but for some of us, that is going to take longer than others.
Ladies, it's all about BABY STEPS!

We're in this for the LONG HAUL,
and one week of an extreme home makeover isn't going to cut it.
I need to realign my priorities in this area,
and we can do it together.
15 minutes of every day consistency will change our organizational life.
Sometimes when the house gets overwhelming, it's impossible to find a starting point.
I love the Flylady's idea of beginning with Shining the Kitchen Sink.

Commit to having a shining, empty kitchen sink each and every evening.
It sounds so basic and elementary, but the contagious atmosphere that permeates my morning when I wake up to this is ...sheer joy!
I am not just talking about an empty sink. I mean a shining sink.
Come on...let's do it.....right now!
1. Empty the sink
2. Fill it with hot water and bleach it
3. Soak it, Rinse it
4. Scrub it...hard - every little corner and rim with Comet or some cleaner.
5. Then, get the Windex out and shine away.
Lookie here...you can even see my reflection! Yipee!
Then dry it out. Seriously, it makes the difference.
Now, if you're really Type A, you can even polish it, but I will never be Type A, so I stopped, and was so happy.
If your sink already looks this way every day, then just pick one other area in your kitchen with which you will commit. The junk draw or counter? Your island?
Don't laugh at us if you're blessed with the gift of "everything has its place."
We want to learn from you.

Remember, it's just baby steps for you non-organized friends of mine.

And of course, there has to be some bedlam in this beauty of mine.

I want you to note the blue rubber band.
It's a continuous reminder to to savor the little things,
and know that the days may be long, but the years are short!

You see, that rubber band was situated one early, cold morning, like this.

And when I had not even partaken of my coffee yet, it did THIS!!
All over me!

Yes, my boys got me good.
The first time I laughed and acknowledged the humor.
The second time, I got ticked. I was not in a good mood to begin with.
And after wards I had to apologize.
Because this mom wants to be remembered for living LIFE to its fullest, and not letting the little things get me down.
(Hello - Jen, it was just water, for goodness sake.)
But...I don't think they'll be doing that again anytime soon. :) hee hee

So go shine the sink right now, my friends, and share with me your baby step for the day.
I will be updating mine as I go.

(And yes, I have already started getting up earlier, exercising...ha - serious comedy routine, and have taken 6 bags of clothes to Goodwill).

Edited: Find more cleaning ideas at Biblical Womanhood
I'm linking to this here 3 weeks later, and I have fallen off the wagon on the shiny sink. Still trying to have it emptied every night and wiped down...sure does make a difference.

May I never make church "work"

Hanging on my fridge is the following quote, given to me by our former worship pastor (our church is in the 16th month of a music pastor search process.)

"The greatest impediment to your spiritual intimacy is your giftedness. Because you are gifted, you are going to be able to make life work within the church without ever knowing God well."

As I use this post to archive and compile old worship packages, I want this to be a constant reminder that I am nothing without Him.
May I NEVER stand before a congregation giving a spoken word, leading through music or even holding a child in the nursery by just making church "work." If I begin to lean in that direction, may my hypocrisy ring so thoroughly through every fiber in my being that I can't continue on, and that I am literally brought to my knees.

Each of us have been given unique gifts to reach others. Gifts that He uses (through us) to be a blessing, whether that be to your family, neighbors or maybe even a friend you've never met in blog land.
May you never doubt the impact you can have on the lives of those around you.
So, how are you using your gift this week?


0104 - Worship from WAV Technologies on Vimeo.



Christmas Eve 2008 from WAV Technologies on Vimeo.


1116 Worship from WAV Technologies on Vimeo.

"Are they all yours?" cabinet redo

This is my sis-in-laws cabinet.
My brother and sis that have ten children...all their own, and all within 14 years.
Yes, it's true- don't you love it?
Below is something that needed help.
Oh yes it did, and we were there to rescue it.
Do to the late time, and the fact that my chandelier is vibrating above me from some unknown source I believe they refer to as children, I invite you to read the whole post in its entirety. The original post includes all the pictures, how we redid this so simply that even children can do it (and they did), and the answer to the most common of questions -
"Do they know what causes it?"

OH MY ....isn't it gorgeous....
and it was so easy! Any single one of you could do this to your old hutch/cabinet with a few hours of time.

The full effect is fabulous. They have a really wonderful cottagey feel in their home. It's SO cozy, and the walls are a soft green...which isn't evident here.
I love when something so simple makes such a dramatic difference in a home!

Thanks so much for viewing my mini presentation...for the full length feature, click here.
Scroll near the bottom of the page for how we did the cabinet.
This post was done in my first month of blogging...I had so much to share, and did it in WAY too many words. I had yet to realize that bloggers break up topics into multiple posts...hee hee
I'm still working on that!