tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33288002128000962292024-03-05T05:11:36.875-06:001 + 2 = 3 Growing Our FamilyAmanda*http://www.blogger.com/profile/07695879698860028964noreply@blogger.comBlogger184125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328800212800096229.post-5088746119776212052012-08-06T16:39:00.000-05:002012-08-06T16:39:26.270-05:00First Day of School<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Today was Olivia's first day at school. Boy, it sure was hard on this momma. She's only going two days a week from 7:40 - 11:30, but it still broke my heart because I can't believe how big she's getting. When I took her to her classroom she said, "bye mom" ... then came the tears.. from me... not her. <em>(Yes I walked out so she wouldn't see me cry).</em> Since today was such a mile-stone I thought I would do a little interview with her this afternoon and here are her answers...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVozMwjSriXsayZksf5uk3qsc33wHgyAyIeBjat6wzkRsZAZGYzEk3806GghyphenhyphenK5apzZHpGidGrSXEmPxhyphenhyphenLUJ4_axFzuNH80ytDQSeU9ToJ3q8tbCced6aXwn1Ih9TYQS3XEUXgCFZoHKU/s1600/2012-08-06" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVozMwjSriXsayZksf5uk3qsc33wHgyAyIeBjat6wzkRsZAZGYzEk3806GghyphenhyphenK5apzZHpGidGrSXEmPxhyphenhyphenLUJ4_axFzuNH80ytDQSeU9ToJ3q8tbCced6aXwn1Ih9TYQS3XEUXgCFZoHKU/s400/2012-08-06" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">How old are you? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Two</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">What is your favorite color?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Green</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Who is your best friend?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Chloe</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">What is your favorite food?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Chicken Nuggets</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">What is your favorite snack?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Cookie</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">What is your favorite song?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Jingle Bells</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">What is your favorite animal?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Dora (our dog)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">What is your favorite show?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Olivia</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">What is your favorite book?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Beauty & The Best</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">What is your favorite thing to do outside?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Play in the water and play with rocks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">What did you do at school?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Play, play, play</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpOeQj7K3t5sdOi87DDleBCc9jdV2gse7TOhxUWdtsMJYm9bifSn7Wz0QBxlk6hNiXSoeY6Z-OxhTXZCsa47DDWEl6OlsXxhz1p-Uazeom2qOEFLbsvp3hTiyBLgu1uyk28cuC80lm2zs/s1600/2012-08-06" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpOeQj7K3t5sdOi87DDleBCc9jdV2gse7TOhxUWdtsMJYm9bifSn7Wz0QBxlk6hNiXSoeY6Z-OxhTXZCsa47DDWEl6OlsXxhz1p-Uazeom2qOEFLbsvp3hTiyBLgu1uyk28cuC80lm2zs/s400/2012-08-06" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I think she had a great first day at school. When I picked her up she told me that she played with toys and went to the gym. As soon as we got home she took a long nap. All in all it's been a great day. I still can't believe that she's officially "in school" but I'm loving this stage of life that she's in right now. It's just hard to believe that she's getting so big. God is so good.</span></div>
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</div>Amanda*http://www.blogger.com/profile/07695879698860028964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328800212800096229.post-17207701179457896312012-08-01T09:39:00.001-05:002012-08-01T09:39:09.024-05:00Pool Days<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's no secret that this summer has been HOT! We've spent most of our days inside playing and crafting. Some days early in the mornings and in the evenings will enjoy some outside time, but for the most part we've enjoyed the air conditioning. However, the past couple of days we've enjoyed some water time.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrxcXbN3acpQj_D7FdAGU4MygSuZVNsVm98OYl9zJDmpDBlCbyQg2lhxrcnR0HAk6hELKgLLpVhl-8ds_Q3Pn7u4n4vwPCjkCaQ6fDeAhlkzp7Vvzw4llca0sMHZLMBi66VUUdeiDKQov/s1600/2012-08-01" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrxcXbN3acpQj_D7FdAGU4MygSuZVNsVm98OYl9zJDmpDBlCbyQg2lhxrcnR0HAk6hELKgLLpVhl-8ds_Q3Pn7u4n4vwPCjkCaQ6fDeAhlkzp7Vvzw4llca0sMHZLMBi66VUUdeiDKQov/s400/2012-08-01" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The night before last we went to my parent's house for dinner and afterwards the kids played in the sprinkler and ate Popsicles. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIPt-5BYrhbvR8uqqDEwZCZ4VgAM4gAD0vBk7bnnP517TADnXQvnBZs0t4D_a1aOZYCoxbIDj9XR3Y3jlhnQXPhzq4RsaQgBy_88ol6DsEIWPOxiZ7EfUuT_hkLxHDDg3_BTsksgk_CDa/s1600/2012-08-01" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIPt-5BYrhbvR8uqqDEwZCZ4VgAM4gAD0vBk7bnnP517TADnXQvnBZs0t4D_a1aOZYCoxbIDj9XR3Y3jlhnQXPhzq4RsaQgBy_88ol6DsEIWPOxiZ7EfUuT_hkLxHDDg3_BTsksgk_CDa/s400/2012-08-01" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">They had a blast. Olivia loves water! She loves the bath, the sprinkler, the pool, it doesn't matter to her as long as it's water she loves it. She also loves Popsicles as you can see it all over her face. ha!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOxgfrleKYO8dbLtjJwPzDTdKWIxYOLTBbqVz63vo73F_qkUTZSp2aoWzOfnejswS7HB1yFxr3QeYA0ZuuFqPc0FqN9gh2U9BqnQhSufskv8b4cPiIiRQzI6MeIlm0vdqyZuB5VqwbAZK/s1600/2012-08-01" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOxgfrleKYO8dbLtjJwPzDTdKWIxYOLTBbqVz63vo73F_qkUTZSp2aoWzOfnejswS7HB1yFxr3QeYA0ZuuFqPc0FqN9gh2U9BqnQhSufskv8b4cPiIiRQzI6MeIlm0vdqyZuB5VqwbAZK/s400/2012-08-01" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Owen on the other hand takes after Ben... he's not really a water person. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gSz3Qd0E6OdhRm9iD0SmJcipPqJjtpVD1yv7cAHTrLZlJk336eByvdaBaNPLYp33CTwafZZWnbjzc5Lmg4yirx-ZGIlTb38PpemC7j1FMkeie9YaGdNlAlh5bTJOorHZ3OhB9EjZA4zV/s1600/2012-08-01" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gSz3Qd0E6OdhRm9iD0SmJcipPqJjtpVD1yv7cAHTrLZlJk336eByvdaBaNPLYp33CTwafZZWnbjzc5Lmg4yirx-ZGIlTb38PpemC7j1FMkeie9YaGdNlAlh5bTJOorHZ3OhB9EjZA4zV/s400/2012-08-01" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yesterday we enjoyed some pool time over at my cousin's house. To my surprise, Owen LOVED it! It's the the first time that I've really seen him enjoy being in the water. I was thrilled! They also loved playing with my little cousin Katie! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3I0_FQywzIEKeY5bNLhBDZ659gRwKIWy_j2SPAJTsnTAC7xCFdeauBu5mDOR0TLJeZU2JWp7d6QJGEJ3nDFcmixz8Gx4SJ-PXrKmoulqXjjq9-Ls8KIvo-5qbE6VYGWDlTxCxgYqPEXy/s1600/2012-08-01" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3I0_FQywzIEKeY5bNLhBDZ659gRwKIWy_j2SPAJTsnTAC7xCFdeauBu5mDOR0TLJeZU2JWp7d6QJGEJ3nDFcmixz8Gx4SJ-PXrKmoulqXjjq9-Ls8KIvo-5qbE6VYGWDlTxCxgYqPEXy/s400/2012-08-01" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">They had so much fun.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEWXI3KzbBewRl-xngpK1jkq0H2h1BbY4HIfcE8_X_j2dkHwg4UxJvOV6kLpFQeDTyzrtrdbOh8ljfea5oC9azPlPYXuKPdjxEq_7U64dY12MhvgZP36Zli5A0o2epCGop-6KtA1FPkMM/s1600/2012-08-01" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEWXI3KzbBewRl-xngpK1jkq0H2h1BbY4HIfcE8_X_j2dkHwg4UxJvOV6kLpFQeDTyzrtrdbOh8ljfea5oC9azPlPYXuKPdjxEq_7U64dY12MhvgZP36Zli5A0o2epCGop-6KtA1FPkMM/s400/2012-08-01" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I LOVE this picture of them. They are so close. I remember crying for days when we found out that we were pregnant with Owen because they would be so close in age and I knew that we would have two babies back to back, but now, I wouldn't have it any other way. I love that they are so close. They are best friends. It's so sweet. I pray that they always stay this way. They may fight, but I love the special bond that they have. It's so sweet. Ben and I are truly blessed to have these two. There's days that they drive me crazy, but then there's days like yesterday and last night when Olivia told me as I was getting out of the shower, "Wow Mommy, You're beautiful" that makes all the craziness worth it! </span></div>
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</div>Amanda*http://www.blogger.com/profile/07695879698860028964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328800212800096229.post-6283476852072909062012-07-26T10:05:00.000-05:002012-07-26T10:05:00.836-05:00Thrifty Thursday ~ My Canning Adventures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My new obsession... CANNING! I never thought that I would be a "canner", but I really do enjoy/love it! It's kind of like I get in my own little zone and just can away.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIMZPwfcuk2UAvqz5rtVSXrno20G-yafB_D6ZU9ZZeAqTz9fGbd-xxoMBwHoIBZYvy2eVMdPy3Zjn_vYS-ygKe6GygL4XgjY0BiyuOV2qWx6azCnfbUVu47FUezLg8u9jcn8PA5fhKm6R/s1600/2012-07-25" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIMZPwfcuk2UAvqz5rtVSXrno20G-yafB_D6ZU9ZZeAqTz9fGbd-xxoMBwHoIBZYvy2eVMdPy3Zjn_vYS-ygKe6GygL4XgjY0BiyuOV2qWx6azCnfbUVu47FUezLg8u9jcn8PA5fhKm6R/s1600/2012-07-25" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">These are a few things I've canned so far.. green beans or bean greens as Olivia calls them, peaches, plum jelly, sugar free peach preserves, salsa and tomatoes. I'm wanting to can some pickles, tomato juice and maybe some more jam/jelly.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FYjvEykElPwjFVyH4nGQOAlvK0H9Jm3zRE1nJLY6xgJZHy2ngBg0pyzOG0_5KvpbSgEM9d5khD2Qfi66vZOiof0qD8YSHxIjdjElFt3DkfMlVtfyIt5-RCFSwOzfBL4lqlJKX0884MJE/s1600/2012-07-25" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FYjvEykElPwjFVyH4nGQOAlvK0H9Jm3zRE1nJLY6xgJZHy2ngBg0pyzOG0_5KvpbSgEM9d5khD2Qfi66vZOiof0qD8YSHxIjdjElFt3DkfMlVtfyIt5-RCFSwOzfBL4lqlJKX0884MJE/s1600/2012-07-25" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have found great canning resources thru the web and one of my favorite sites has been <a href="http://www.pickyourown.org/">PickYourOwn.org</a> This site is stocked full of anything & everything canning. Definitely check it out if you are interested in canning. You won't be disappointed.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQiIPJhYcgRgnSMalMGKlQJQQx-z6zoFvxcPoqpD1FfLXH3EilU5-oQRIK-8GKXi87NZuCP7R6L2zVBXy5-lmPSzepa9rDWUpYBW53n9V3dfLt_Ek47wbvYun6-oD22O8D2q910r8QEMq/s1600/2012-07-25" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQiIPJhYcgRgnSMalMGKlQJQQx-z6zoFvxcPoqpD1FfLXH3EilU5-oQRIK-8GKXi87NZuCP7R6L2zVBXy5-lmPSzepa9rDWUpYBW53n9V3dfLt_Ek47wbvYun6-oD22O8D2q910r8QEMq/s1600/2012-07-25" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I will say canning sugar free items compared to sugar items is totally different. My dad and my Pap Paw are both diabetics and they both love peaches so I canned some sugar-free peach preserves for them. They didn't quite "jell" like my plum jelly did, but I think they turned out pretty good. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggs03e6Hz6ySJwaQMXmf5SjcTEjN-ysavfwE5y-o51cFYJZzzGRmMTAdWjLacnb84ktt3XzREh0cGv-b0soAcb0N1oMactJKoQcjRlLfmlDcx1zai_xD4a1ggycuQRANr011UjuUEDj_E5/s1600/2012-07-25" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggs03e6Hz6ySJwaQMXmf5SjcTEjN-ysavfwE5y-o51cFYJZzzGRmMTAdWjLacnb84ktt3XzREh0cGv-b0soAcb0N1oMactJKoQcjRlLfmlDcx1zai_xD4a1ggycuQRANr011UjuUEDj_E5/s1600/2012-07-25" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My plum jelly is one of my favorite things I've made so far. It has a great sweet/tart taste and it's perfect on some warm toast. All in all, my canning adventures so far have been great. This year since I've had to invest in my jars, lids, equipment, garden, etc. Canning has cost me money, but in years to come I will end up saving money and enjoy the "fruits of my labor." I have to say there's nothing more satisfying then knowing you grew something and canned it and ate it. No middle man, No Wal-Mart, just home grown good food. If you haven't tried canning, go ahead, give it a try. I promise you won't be disappointed and it's a lot easier than you may think.</span></div>Amanda*http://www.blogger.com/profile/07695879698860028964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328800212800096229.post-18545550930117927082012-07-26T09:55:00.000-05:002012-07-27T09:56:17.404-05:00Party Time<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yesterday we celebrated Ben's 31st birthday. He had to work the night before so most of the morning he slept. While he was sleeping Olivia & I made him some Blondie brownies. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_BWIpLQlKPZoGXKEVZb2lSWNONurOpaFVkp5Ol5c-dNAqdYjkwKgN7jGeSVNrrrnxFu-tjAw_QVMXXyJqkAXbgGJhcrSXRHGLMKDOzjvKhuqGpfOpDerhMnB4JBoOu7J4ExIlIEcsYkw/s640/blogger-image--2145685963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_BWIpLQlKPZoGXKEVZb2lSWNONurOpaFVkp5Ol5c-dNAqdYjkwKgN7jGeSVNrrrnxFu-tjAw_QVMXXyJqkAXbgGJhcrSXRHGLMKDOzjvKhuqGpfOpDerhMnB4JBoOu7J4ExIlIEcsYkw/s400/blogger-image--2145685963.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">They were delicious! Here's a pic of the finished product. (Olivia's pretty obsessed with making her "silly face") lol. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjE9p8cxbE0krsyUJqN4KRXq-olBQHAIo7o2YUYgTvDXk1GhR5DQr5JcypBbT2s77iBPTeUII-5mBUbajXB3wykFuRjEyyXpleh6t9oV8uoEbioEBbGEIqJWZ8vTRLJjPatWLL3F6PtBQ/s640/blogger-image--1745604406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjE9p8cxbE0krsyUJqN4KRXq-olBQHAIo7o2YUYgTvDXk1GhR5DQr5JcypBbT2s77iBPTeUII-5mBUbajXB3wykFuRjEyyXpleh6t9oV8uoEbioEBbGEIqJWZ8vTRLJjPatWLL3F6PtBQ/s400/blogger-image--1745604406.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After Ben woke up we had arranged a meeting with, how do I put this, a burial plot advisor. Yes, morbid I know especially on Ben's birthday, but it's something we had talked about for awhile. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After our appointment my parents called and wanted us to go to dinner for Ben's birthday. Olivia was ecstatic! All morning she kept saying we need to have "a party, party hats, presents & cake." </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She has a thing for birthdays. My mom must be right on target because she brought party hats & noisemakers (to Olive Garden). Lol! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uhiklt8fiZ8j8-db9BSUr69xSJRIMMolbwXtOKWR1XRVnV3RxEWUZuYJ82ja7bnyjewiKOdKjfKn-qc1L9f7XSnv4fMbGrVgyDuXgB1P09A5RTnIMd79s1Mbv3MDQFBJjCUoSNbeBxKS/s640/blogger-image--1181322136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uhiklt8fiZ8j8-db9BSUr69xSJRIMMolbwXtOKWR1XRVnV3RxEWUZuYJ82ja7bnyjewiKOdKjfKn-qc1L9f7XSnv4fMbGrVgyDuXgB1P09A5RTnIMd79s1Mbv3MDQFBJjCUoSNbeBxKS/s400/blogger-image--1181322136.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Olivia loved it! Our friends Austin & Allie joined us. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBScUC3z06tLyustBbq7FQQO-d5MriLpCIvG8ybd3nHIdo1DJr4_28MJDHT6iKfkcMrD4NwDPquDPVr4jYGfp_FhQP9UjCM7W-zSfSWCwS5XZHFlGnfrd7Pl4-pBekETC8C6f_IQy9R3_o/s640/blogger-image-1443321494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBScUC3z06tLyustBbq7FQQO-d5MriLpCIvG8ybd3nHIdo1DJr4_28MJDHT6iKfkcMrD4NwDPquDPVr4jYGfp_FhQP9UjCM7W-zSfSWCwS5XZHFlGnfrd7Pl4-pBekETC8C6f_IQy9R3_o/s400/blogger-image-1443321494.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We had a great time. It was fun having a low key family celebration. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After we went to eat we went up to the lake. The kids love it there. </span></div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWOC2T87khqN5lpVPOjebQPvlKz7ibxzoFk6m1yxeLzUJpACu6OXZydiU01vgIWCYMu_G_GeewFk_1_TUtfgD5LI3lSi2f9M4u4O3wxQDJOY18TiAXn95H0TiM_akzzrEDmccSZ6S5u5F/s400/blogger-image-1057352665.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Unfortunately they act like crazy people because they get off their schedules, miss naps and all. All in all we had a great time. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwskSR6f-0Cl4hseGVt5I3g5gCx_rduZU85UDePGdgSIEm_XV1HrBYyDtdOxj87cxg1KgYPq0mqmw-CRu8HE3XAUsk4lAoFvTkq7bzbWQ0aHOoR429eaVsEuAl7fObrR24FEyAeWFGobB/s640/blogger-image-109315755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwskSR6f-0Cl4hseGVt5I3g5gCx_rduZU85UDePGdgSIEm_XV1HrBYyDtdOxj87cxg1KgYPq0mqmw-CRu8HE3XAUsk4lAoFvTkq7bzbWQ0aHOoR429eaVsEuAl7fObrR24FEyAeWFGobB/s400/blogger-image-109315755.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm truly thankful for my little family!</span></div>Amanda*http://www.blogger.com/profile/07695879698860028964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328800212800096229.post-41867160945639961822012-07-25T09:52:00.001-05:002012-07-25T09:57:38.904-05:00Kids Say the Darndest Things<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Olivia has been talking, it seems like, since she was born. I know it hasn't been <em>that </em>long, but she's been talking full sentences pretty much since she was a year old. She says the funniest things and since I try to use this blog as my journal I thought I would write down some of the things she says... here it goes..</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIQQ8EH3E5VNMdBRd-F4L2FMoufG3SXmc09sd1bnv8jQalizOfvTKe0PJc0bfh7GLoC9gy6_tZ0dUwzG4Ave_IhcBZ87NVukGDSrclAeX681ZTL3DkxyUqinh8-nRSY6CbkgQ1RxP8_aS/s1600/2012-07-25" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIQQ8EH3E5VNMdBRd-F4L2FMoufG3SXmc09sd1bnv8jQalizOfvTKe0PJc0bfh7GLoC9gy6_tZ0dUwzG4Ave_IhcBZ87NVukGDSrclAeX681ZTL3DkxyUqinh8-nRSY6CbkgQ1RxP8_aS/s320/2012-07-25" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Today is Ben's birthday and the very first thing she said when she woke up was, "it's Daddy's birthday today" then she said (while counting her fingers), "we need cake, presents, party hats and balloons."</span></div>
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<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQZKUdZzEM_D500Hg1N-F9Zdc1CHXefrcqmDCLfbA7E4bvV5l97T8nWa_MkfC-SptKe3RUCH7x1Oqm0RyoFQtJAq7abBzpIslSiUzU6tiBsNZqdgAveFYHfKrpa5xJtIvXCudjkR9Ir2p/s1600/2012-07-25" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQZKUdZzEM_D500Hg1N-F9Zdc1CHXefrcqmDCLfbA7E4bvV5l97T8nWa_MkfC-SptKe3RUCH7x1Oqm0RyoFQtJAq7abBzpIslSiUzU6tiBsNZqdgAveFYHfKrpa5xJtIvXCudjkR9Ir2p/s1600/2012-07-25" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">"I love ________ so very much" The blank could be me, Ben, Owen, CoCo or Dora.</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Everyday she says, "I want to go to school, I'm going to go to school. I need a backpack, pencil, paper and I need to see my friends."</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">"Mommy, you're so sunny" (As to say Mommy, you're so funny. She can't pronounce her F's too good right now)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">"I want a Happy Meal. Chicken Nuggets, fries and a TOY."</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">"It's not Sair" (It's not fair). This drives me INSANE! She usually says it when she gets in trouble. I'm trying to break her from it but it's not working to well. Any ideas?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1isbohcOpKxE0Vv0WQaO_F1zqBoYpIVL464ZLOFSeMC67oOSxHZkXAi3jLjzwxXByjF8fmqRhhukx9rfRwpsoXCJ85aPoReSqNUHrKmlOvq-1L_ZRsQjY9eFhdLv6GZbtalV5LgnjMjRE/s1600/2012-07-25" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1isbohcOpKxE0Vv0WQaO_F1zqBoYpIVL464ZLOFSeMC67oOSxHZkXAi3jLjzwxXByjF8fmqRhhukx9rfRwpsoXCJ85aPoReSqNUHrKmlOvq-1L_ZRsQjY9eFhdLv6GZbtalV5LgnjMjRE/s1600/2012-07-25" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Every night we say our prayers and I'll usually pray first and say Now I lay me down to sleep... then she'll say who she wants to pray for and her list almost always includes, "Addi, baby Asher, Chloe" (her friends from church) and she'll always pray for Ben, Owen and me. It's the sweetest thing.</span></div>
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</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mm_TMaf4EybS8AYdm7IW_-VKCZ_3akDVUSaS0Py1XLGZd9EBjAHhUik0SJsG03JbR4R7RCBIkEuWEmwisYVAmwlFvZdSDYuBPQRS03nQJ9uCvWBz-CabZuasuTTAYuiJKUxPF8CTmNdi/s1600/2012-07-25" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mm_TMaf4EybS8AYdm7IW_-VKCZ_3akDVUSaS0Py1XLGZd9EBjAHhUik0SJsG03JbR4R7RCBIkEuWEmwisYVAmwlFvZdSDYuBPQRS03nQJ9uCvWBz-CabZuasuTTAYuiJKUxPF8CTmNdi/s1600/2012-07-25" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Owen has also started talking. Not in full sentences, but these are some of the words he says the most other than Momma and Dada. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqYIeOJd6MUwSCG3UvUKO0H8eqotrJA-fFjCxWT16E_2nmm12hp7orebrxaPJinQdb3Nx9g_22eBKtCFp8Ghs4yVke4XAHZwDwo1L7A3TVfYjIQJ04SqpHH_HCELTKwGDNsYN4mvZzz55/s1600/2012-07-25" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqYIeOJd6MUwSCG3UvUKO0H8eqotrJA-fFjCxWT16E_2nmm12hp7orebrxaPJinQdb3Nx9g_22eBKtCFp8Ghs4yVke4XAHZwDwo1L7A3TVfYjIQJ04SqpHH_HCELTKwGDNsYN4mvZzz55/s1600/2012-07-25" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">He says, "Papa (for Poppy, my dad), Papaw (Ben's dad), dog, Coco (our dog), Dora (our dog), chicken, Sissy, No, Yes, church, shoe, car, hi, bye, blankie, bath and the other day before we ate he said "God is great God is good Let us thank Him for our food, amen. It was the sweetest thing. Unlike Olivia whose voice is so deep and grown sounding Owen has this really sweet baby voice. He's pretty funny too. I think both of our kids will be entertainers. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cxL19A56p_E/UBAFMN8jUAI/AAAAAAAABhI/wlkOpjPwW3Q/s1600/2012-07-25" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cxL19A56p_E/UBAFMN8jUAI/AAAAAAAABhI/wlkOpjPwW3Q/s1600/2012-07-25" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Owen loves going around playing the guitar and singing and Olivia acts like she's playing the drums and sings. T</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">hey most definitely keep us on our toes, but we wouldn't have it any other way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Happy Wednesday!</span><em></em></div>Amanda*http://www.blogger.com/profile/07695879698860028964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328800212800096229.post-45152716756145544202012-07-23T15:03:00.000-05:002012-07-23T15:03:50.371-05:00God Supplies All Our Needs<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Back in April I wrote a post <a href="http://123growingourfamily.blogspot.com/2012/04/happenings-of-our-crazy-life.html">The Happenings of Our Crazy Life</a>, at that time Ben was still looking for a full-time job. Not too long after that (sorry I can't remember the exact date) Ben got hired on full-time at another local hospital making more money than he's ever made. No we aren't millionaires or anything like that, but it's amazing how God provides. He's working in a sleep lab and there are sometimes that patients call and cancel/reschedule their sleep studies. This just goes along with the job. Last week this happened and I knew from our budget that this month would already be a "tight" month. This happened on Tuesday. Ben received a phone call saying his patient had cancelled their sleep study. When your husband is your only source of income and that's 12 hours of pay gone, you start to worry. It's crazy how the devil just creeps in. Not 20 minutes after Ben received that call, his other job (the prn job) called and asked him if he wanted to come in that someone had called in sick so he could go in and make time and a half for 12 hours! AMAZING!! God is so good! You would think that I would learn not to worry and just leave it to God because He always provides, but being human I don't think I'll ever be able to truly stop worrying, but God is teaching me that if I just depend solely on Him He will provide my EVERY need according to His riches in Glory. I honestly can't tell you how many times things like that have happened these past few months. Ben has been in awe and so have I. God is God and always will be God. He knows our every need before we even ask. I used to think that I was the one in control and I tried to work more or do more and then we would have more, but God is slowly teaching me and Ben that it's not about us at all, but it's all about Him. If we just rely on Him HE will see us through. </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This was not even what I planned on blogging about today. I just thought I'd post some pictures of the kids and write about what we've been up to, but it seems God had another plan. If you don't know Him as your personal savior it's never too late to ask Him into your heart. Don't let another day pass without letting Him be in control of your life.</span></div>Amanda*http://www.blogger.com/profile/07695879698860028964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328800212800096229.post-31840855537340086892012-05-22T23:35:00.002-05:002012-05-22T23:35:47.935-05:00Mexican Chicken Casserole<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There's no question, I love Mexican food. I think I could rotate tacos, fajitas, pollo loco, this casserole and other recipes on our weekly menu and be as <a href="http://www.aetv.com/duck-dynasty/meet-family/phil-robertson/">Phil</a> says, "happy, happy, happy." However, I don't think my husband or kids would feel the same. The other day I posted our <a href="http://123growingourfamily.blogspot.com/2012/05/weekly-meal-plan-51412-52012.html">weekly meal plan</a> and said I would post this recipe, so here it is. This is one of my most favorite dishes. I love it because it's so quick and easy and so yummy.</span><br />
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Mexican Chicken Casserole</span></u></strong></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnTf3OsDWSchHrgr0gvB2SMvRKE_OnjP5pqu395bMa0hUo1IuGYxNaQpEkzsT-XfuyrKK-4a_BAgK5OPqA86kdO2g1abNJi9DshpKL2GJc3c8tYEK-NaxP-B_2WGBjU3mdXxkXgknHf-b/s1600/chicken-casserole-sl-1704091-x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnTf3OsDWSchHrgr0gvB2SMvRKE_OnjP5pqu395bMa0hUo1IuGYxNaQpEkzsT-XfuyrKK-4a_BAgK5OPqA86kdO2g1abNJi9DshpKL2GJc3c8tYEK-NaxP-B_2WGBjU3mdXxkXgknHf-b/s400/chicken-casserole-sl-1704091-x.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(Photo from: </span><a href="http://nummynumnum.wordpress.com/2011/02/16/mexican-chicken-casserole/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://nummynumnum.wordpress.com/2011/02/16/Mexican-chicken-casserole/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I forgot to take my own picture, but this is pretty accurate.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2 Cans Chicken or 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Flour Tortillas</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1 Can Rotel</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2 Cans Cream of Chicken Soup</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Shredded Cheese, Mexican Blend</span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Directions:</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2. Mix chicken, rotel and cream of chicken soup in a bowl.</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">3. Shred tortillas and line bottom of 9x13 baking dish</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">4. Spoon chicken mixture onto tortillas</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">5. Shred tortillas and top mixture</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">6. Sprinkle cheese on top of tortillas</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">7. Bake for 30 minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Enjoy!</span></div>Amanda*http://www.blogger.com/profile/07695879698860028964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328800212800096229.post-15336905566668046442012-05-14T15:49:00.002-05:002012-05-14T15:49:52.595-05:00Mother's Day Weekend<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Our weekend started off at the lake. We went up to my parent's trailer and the kids had a blast. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVIGN8eWTAzAsItTYu94A2POMZ3c2N6MwgtDLoF8jBpWaoJRM7wzVJ310kfqjpNk77FvvSdRFO6KAJFlOt4rMhXg5YW0GEAi0StuPex68mZCSy5a7aK_9CssI47lJBNrUZJKalNeS9ndJ/s1600/2012-05-14" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVIGN8eWTAzAsItTYu94A2POMZ3c2N6MwgtDLoF8jBpWaoJRM7wzVJ310kfqjpNk77FvvSdRFO6KAJFlOt4rMhXg5YW0GEAi0StuPex68mZCSy5a7aK_9CssI47lJBNrUZJKalNeS9ndJ/s400/2012-05-14" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Olivia's favorite thing to do is "dig" and "throw rocks in the water." They had a time let me tell you.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOKomTPo3xRs4q91q1SKBYNfFmYNivg-SBeuonMyK-qSPqghrKlUqqMwgHrIRAvMTcISlHq1x8Dd6ZJiwrxKDIcIGpuPmKj7zWEJPMjmXS-zFVxUANkgOdB5W_rFNW7ovLcQUKbfb44kW/s1600/2012-05-14" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOKomTPo3xRs4q91q1SKBYNfFmYNivg-SBeuonMyK-qSPqghrKlUqqMwgHrIRAvMTcISlHq1x8Dd6ZJiwrxKDIcIGpuPmKj7zWEJPMjmXS-zFVxUANkgOdB5W_rFNW7ovLcQUKbfb44kW/s400/2012-05-14" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I guess she got a little tired and needed a break. lol.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAO3jZ_DIWZr7cXEGJ1aKEps4E-eX_w1A4MY0PV5D886oHUuY8o3x5RwTfB5Xvcy76FULOR9FlD8HkiBDyOKSd1KC2uwpKB2AEeDc-AsHv-QoMuom6srfL_Pe7qtWtPR24XzRdVtkfz0jJ/s1600/2012-05-14" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAO3jZ_DIWZr7cXEGJ1aKEps4E-eX_w1A4MY0PV5D886oHUuY8o3x5RwTfB5Xvcy76FULOR9FlD8HkiBDyOKSd1KC2uwpKB2AEeDc-AsHv-QoMuom6srfL_Pe7qtWtPR24XzRdVtkfz0jJ/s400/2012-05-14" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(Sorry for the blurry picture)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Owen has a slight obsession with putting on my parent's reading glasses and wearing them. He's just so cute with them on though. And because she's such a ham....</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7MgwFy0_-x0/T7E8RVEMtmI/AAAAAAAABao/muFfbaiiCG4/s1600/2012-05-14" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7MgwFy0_-x0/T7E8RVEMtmI/AAAAAAAABao/muFfbaiiCG4/s400/2012-05-14" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Our lake trip was ended short because we had things to do around the house Saturday, so we came home Saturday morning. Saturday evening was the highlight of my Mother's Day weekend. Ben kept Owen and my mom, Olivia and I all went shopping. Olivia was a little trooper. I can't explain how much I enjoy spending time with my mom and my daughter. It's something that I'm forever grateful for. We had a big time. For some reason or another I didn't get a picture of all three of us, but here's Olivia while we were eating.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevLYCBPrYuCYY3RNFlMCoFnNBqF0a1NUJPBAXtZPR-dEo0rPVCHmdACZSFoOuMKD-ZNFJly-mWy6IoAyAJy14Az9hX17ELzfL8X6lgeU5HSTGA2cTuqJsJbfR1XjYLNmUZselG913g_xL/s1600/2012-05-14" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevLYCBPrYuCYY3RNFlMCoFnNBqF0a1NUJPBAXtZPR-dEo0rPVCHmdACZSFoOuMKD-ZNFJly-mWy6IoAyAJy14Az9hX17ELzfL8X6lgeU5HSTGA2cTuqJsJbfR1XjYLNmUZselG913g_xL/s400/2012-05-14" width="280" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She shopped until she dropped. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Then Sunday we went to church. I came home with a load of stuff. My mom had got a candle for me (from the kids) and then I got roses (from the kid's in children's church) and then I had made some homemade sugar scrub for all the mommas so I got that too. Ben gave me a card and the day off. ;) I did, however, make Potato Soup (his favorite), but other than that I got to enjoy a day of "coupon shopping" (as I like to call it) all by myself. To some I'm sure that sound awful, but I love it and I find it fun so I really enjoyed it. Then Sunday night we went over to my Grandparent's house and ate dinner with them. However, our time there was cut short because Owen developed a terrible rash on the outside of his diaper on his legs. He was screaming and in pain, so we came home and doctored him up. I guess that's what Mommas are for though, to be there and take care our their kids when they need us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">All in all I had a great Mother's Day weekend. I'm very blessed with my own two kids who call me mom, but then I'm blessed with an amazing woman who I call Mom. My mom truly is my best friend. She's cheers for me when I'm happy and she picks me up when I'm sad. She encompasses everything a Godly woman should. She's probably spent more time on her knees in prayer for me then I'll ever know, but I'm so grateful and so blessed with such an amazing Godly mother and also a great Godly Mother-in-Law. I love them both.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Happy Mother's Day!</span></div>Amanda*http://www.blogger.com/profile/07695879698860028964noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328800212800096229.post-50516042195132124712012-05-14T09:52:00.001-05:002012-05-14T09:52:45.941-05:00Weekly Meal Plan ~ 5/14/12 -- 5/20/12<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This week is all about keeping my groceries under budget and I did just that! I allot $75 per week for our groceries and this week I spent $63.27! This is for an entire week of groceries!! If you haven't started meal planning yet, give it a try. It's amazing how much money you will save. I used to spend anywhere from $100-150 a WEEK in groceries and now I've cut that by half! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Here is my meal plan for this week:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong>Monday:</strong> <a href="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2010/03/baked-ziti.html">Baked <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ziti</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">, Salad, Garlic Bread</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Tuesday:</strong> <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/quick-and-spicy-tomato-soup-recipe/index.html">Spicy Tomato Soup</a> & Grilled Cheese (Sometimes I add the beans and pasta in this soup and sometimes I don't. It's good either way)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Wednesday: </strong>Grilled Chicken, Baked Potato & Sauteed Squash & Zucchini from the garden</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Thursday: </strong>Mexican Chicken Casserole (I'll try to post this recipe later this week. So easy & so good)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Friday: </strong>Sloppy Joes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Saturday: </strong>Chow Mein (I'll also post this recipe later this week. It's also very easy & budget friendly)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Sunday: </strong>Roast, Pinto Beans & Cornbread (I cook my roast & my beans in my crock-pots. This is also a very easy meal to throw together. I love crock-pot meals on Sundays because I can put them on before church and come home to dinner).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I didn't post breakfast & lunch this week because we hardly ever follow "the plan." But here's what we rotate and eat: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Breakfast: Oatmeal & Toast, Pancakes, Biscuit & Gravy, Toast & Scrambled Egg, Bacon Biscuit, Muffins, Cinnamon Rolls & Fruit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Lunch: Mac & Cheese, Soup, Fish Sticks, Chicken Nuggets, Hot dogs, Left overs, PB&J.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Snacks: Fruit, Gold Fish, Smoothies, Cereal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Here's my grocery list:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Spaghetti Sauce, Chicken Breasts (I buy the bagged frozen chicken breasts at Wal-Mart, $6.98. Depending on how much chicken we eat during the week it will usually last for about a week and a half), Chuck Roast, Potatoes, Carrots, Hot dogs, Sweet potatoes, Manwich, Italian Sausage, Cheese, Garlic cloves, Bacon, Apple Juice, Milk 2% & Whole, Sour Cream, Sugar, Drinks (I have to have my caffeine especially in the mornings & this week I bought four 2 liters for $2.00 at Wal-greens using coupons), Orange Juice & Popcorn. Everything else such as the Garlic Bread, pasta, beans, etc. I already had on hand so I didn't have to buy those. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This week I shopped at Save A Lot, Wal-Mart & Walgreen's. I know everyone doesn't have time to go to all three places so this isn't the most practical idea, but when I go grocery shopping & as I call it "coupon shopping," I don't take the kids with me so it's kind of like my free time. I like to go and see how much stuff I can get for pennies on the dollar. lol. So even if you can't or won't go to three different stores, you can still save a ton of money just by planning out your meals. I hope you give it a try.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></div>Amanda*http://www.blogger.com/profile/07695879698860028964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328800212800096229.post-53424548527010733542012-05-10T16:43:00.000-05:002012-05-10T16:43:45.200-05:00Thirfty Thursday ~ Banana Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I usually post DIY products on Thursdays, but today is an exception. I'm still being thrifty, but I'm cooking instead of making up some concoction like <a href="http://123growingourfamily.blogspot.com/2012/04/no-boil-laundry-detergent.html">laundry detergent</a>. I had some bananas that were ripe and needed to be used or pitched. Since I didn't want to throw something away that I spent money on this recipe was born. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The Best Cupcake EVER... <strong>Banana Cupcakes </strong>... You will want to make these.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong>Ingredients:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2-3 Ripe Bananas, 1 cup All Purpose Flour, 1/8 tsp. Salt, 1/4 tsp. Baking Powder, 1/4 tsp. Baking Soda, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup Sugar, 1 Stick Softened Unsalted Butter, 1 tsp. Vanilla, 1/4 cup Sour Cream.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Directions:</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line 12 muffin tins with cupcake liners.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2. In a small bowl. Smash & Mix bananas. Set aside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2. Mix Flour, Salt, Baking Powder and Baking Soda together in a bowl and set aside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">3. Cream Butter and Sugar together. Add Sour cream and vanilla. Mix together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">4. Add in eggs. Mix together. Slowly add in dry ingredients. Mix.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">5. Add in Smashed Bananas. Mix together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">6. Pour batter into cupcakes liners and bake for 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Chocolate Buttercream Frosting</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Ingredients:</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">4 Tablespoons of Whipping Cream, 1 Stick softened Butter, 2 Cups powdered Sugar, 1/4 cup Cocoa Powder, 1 tsp. Vanilla.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1. In a bowl cream butter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2. Add powdered Sugar and Cocoa Powder, mix on low.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">3. When mixture is combined, add vanilla and whipping cream. Mix together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">If mixture is too thick add a little more whipping cream. If it's too thin add a little more powdered sugar until you get your desired consistency.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWfMoD5KQwFNRFb3CQ8FHyRdZtwDPCVD8ilqsfukhfrE_88F-RuWhOk0pff2RZkMSTz8fcyZoNM-1ALyCxk-TQr-0dWcmqXIotxewM8cx0_R1TiYnuQn54dI-e9U0znaE4dHo0wU5HbK7/s1600/2012-05-10" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWfMoD5KQwFNRFb3CQ8FHyRdZtwDPCVD8ilqsfukhfrE_88F-RuWhOk0pff2RZkMSTz8fcyZoNM-1ALyCxk-TQr-0dWcmqXIotxewM8cx0_R1TiYnuQn54dI-e9U0znaE4dHo0wU5HbK7/s400/2012-05-10" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here's the finished product with a couple bites taken out of it. ;-) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">They are so good. I honestly think it's the best cupcake I've ever made. They're very moist and the frosting with the banana is just delish! So, if you've got ripe bananas laying around you can make some really good cupcakes! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Enjoy!!</span> </div>Amanda*http://www.blogger.com/profile/07695879698860028964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328800212800096229.post-88901064708157723512012-05-08T19:34:00.000-05:002012-05-08T19:34:32.403-05:00Coupon Extravaganza!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I recently got back into couponing and I couldn’t be happier. I know I posted yesterday about my grocery budget only being $75.00 per week, but on top of that I also budget $20 a week for couponing. This covers my weekly papers ($4.00) and gives me money left over to purchase items that happen to go on sale. I used to have a pretty decent size stock-pile and now it's dwindled away, so this $20 (well $16 after paper costs) lets me stock my stock-pile. I also try to budget $10 a week for diapers. So with that being said, I went to CVS today and here’s the break-down.<br />Transaction 1. Two Packages of Huggies Little Mover Diapers ($10.00/pkg.), One package of Huggies 148 ct. wipes ($6.00/pkg.). I had $1.50 ECB (Extra Care Bucks) left over from a previous transaction and then I used a $2.00 off diaper coupon and a $1.00 off wipes coupon. The total for this transaction was $22.97. I received $10 in ECBs. <br />Transaction 2. Three Boxes of Cereal. Lucky Charms, Cinnamon Toast Crunch & Cookie Crisp and one roll of Bounty Paper Towels. The cereal was buy 3 boxes for $9.00 and receive $4.00 ECB. I used a $1.00/3 boxes of cereal and I used a $0.25/1 roll of paper towels. I paid with my $10 ECBs. My total OOP (out of pocket) was $0.58.<br />Transaction 3. Children’s Allegra $9.99. I used a $2.00 off coupon and I used my $4.00 ECBs from transaction two. My total OOP was $4.59 and I received $4.99 in ECBs.<br />Transaction 4. One gallon of milk ($2.99) and 5 cans of Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup (0.69/can). I used a $1.00/5 cans of soup and then I used my $4.99 in ECBs. My total OOP was $0.45.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSA7IPu-PhmWu9hRXZfar1FEYtZcHM_dMLfYoPHwRXGlfjf3LSCE2Pv0oYgq6vBGdkTD3GMim3w2o_-jIcmqF-8oOeAY48BPvn9u8EA4rERpW27oyVTpC1PTYRXB4pnCDAYXXs7Ih8kfpj/s1600/5.8.12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSA7IPu-PhmWu9hRXZfar1FEYtZcHM_dMLfYoPHwRXGlfjf3LSCE2Pv0oYgq6vBGdkTD3GMim3w2o_-jIcmqF-8oOeAY48BPvn9u8EA4rERpW27oyVTpC1PTYRXB4pnCDAYXXs7Ih8kfpj/s400/5.8.12.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(Here's a pic of everything I bought)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>My TOTAL OOP was: $28.59 for a total savings of $67.82! A 70% savings!!</strong></div>
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</div>Amanda*http://www.blogger.com/profile/07695879698860028964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328800212800096229.post-89628890662316330382012-05-07T15:54:00.000-05:002012-05-07T19:14:00.457-05:00Weekly Meal Plan ~ 5/7-5/13<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It's the start of another week and while I usually make my meal plans out from Saturday-Saturday this weekend we were way too busy, so my meal plan for this week is Monday thru Sunday. My goal is to only spend $75 a week to feed our little family of four- this includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. This is my first week to lower our budget to $75. Before I was trying to keep our grocery budget below $100 per week. I did pretty good considering it was my first week with our new budget. I spent $80.24. So I was a few dollars over budget, but all in all I'm pretty happy to keep our cost that low. Like I said it's for an <strong>entire week </strong>and it includes <strong>all </strong>of our meals. It even includes STEAK! :-) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Last week there was a couple of times we ended up eating over at my parents house, so the meals that I had planned last week I just moved over to this week. (I hope this makes sense).</span></div>
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Meal Plan ~ 5-7-12 -- 5/13/12:</span></u></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><em>Monday: </em>B: biscuit and gravy L: Grilled Cheese D: <a href="http://ahensnest.com/2011/08/cracker-barrel-grilled-chicken-tenderloin-recipe.html">Cracker Barrell Chicken Tenders</a>, Sauteed Veggies, Baked Potatoes & <a href="http://www.culinaryconcoctionsbypeabody.com/2006/10/01/life-can-be-cruel/">Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cake with Chocolate-Peanut Butter Ganache</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><em>Tuesday: </em>B: Cinnamon Rolls L: Chicken Nuggs (as Olivia calls them) D: Tacos with all the fixins'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><em>Wednesday: </em>B: Toast & Scrambled Egg L: Mac & Cheese D: Grilled Pork Chops, Grilled Cabbage & Crescent Rolls</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><em>Thursday: </em>B: Pancakes L: Ham Sandwich D: <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/orange-chicken-rice-bowl-111153.aspx">Orange Chicken Skillet</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><em>Friday: </em>B: Oatmeal L: Fish Sticks D: Spaghetti, Salad & Garlic Bread</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><em>Saturday: </em>B: Muffins L: Soup D: Steak Kabobs, Sauteed squash & Baked Potato</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><em>Sunday: </em>B: Eggo L: <a href="http://pearls-handcuffs-happyhour.blogspot.com/search/label/soups">Crock Pot Potato Soup</a> & <a href="http://www.kandktestkitchen.com/2011/06/strawberry-lemonade-bars.html">Strawberry Lemon Bars</a>D: Left overs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">For the kids snacks I rotate fruit, smoothies, yogurt, granola bars, cookies, crackers, cheerios. I don't know about you, but my kids are bottomless pits! I believe they could eat all day everyday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I've had a couple people ask me how to get started meal planning... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">First, there's no right or way to meal plan. Some just plan out dinner. Some only plan during the week and then leave the weekend open to eating out. You can do it however you want, but this is how I make out our meal plans.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Initially when I started meal planning I made out a list that includes our most favorite recipes. Then I went through my cookbooks and looked on Pinterest and other websites and wrote down several more recipes. You will want to have a decent list to start with that way your not eating the same thing every week. Now on Saturdays (usually), I get out my list and start making out my plan. Sometimes it comes easier than others. After I decide what we're going to eat for that coming week, I make out my grocery list. Afterwards I look through my pantry and mark out what I already have on hand. (This also helps keep our grocery budget down). Then I go grocery shopping. It takes some time and a little planning, but it's saved us a ton of money! It's not only saved us from eating out all the time which can get very expensive, but it's also kept me from buying random junk at the store. Like I said, I'm hoping to keep our grocery budget to $75 per week. I think that's pretty reasonable for feeding a family of four for only $300 per month.</span></div>Amanda*http://www.blogger.com/profile/07695879698860028964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328800212800096229.post-50734014797822145842012-05-07T13:05:00.000-05:002012-05-07T13:05:06.436-05:00BUSY!<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We have been busy little bees around here. This weekend is a complete blur to me. The past couple of weeks we've been gearing up for our church yard sale and Saturday was the big day. It went really well! We still have lots of stuff to sale, but we sold a ton of stuff too. Just from that alone, I'm exhausted!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4y6de8Rk9sP5FleMQUb_GxWaJVIxPxGbqe73_ilhDFZbzCbCndXURQaJpxRFyewf45N7vLvfUqvYbnPpZBKYubs9GDQVMT_nvLhk2A5OzaAgPSE2gZ1MOn10RFz-aVbg1jq0DAoN168d/s1600/2012-05-07" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4y6de8Rk9sP5FleMQUb_GxWaJVIxPxGbqe73_ilhDFZbzCbCndXURQaJpxRFyewf45N7vLvfUqvYbnPpZBKYubs9GDQVMT_nvLhk2A5OzaAgPSE2gZ1MOn10RFz-aVbg1jq0DAoN168d/s400/2012-05-07" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I think the kids are a little worn out from it too. lol! Owen has recently fell in love with Olivia's Olivia chair. He always wants to sit in it. I'm going to have to find him a Cars chair.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQywksX9pUTwKpQV4nZ9wbEazMBW_DdKSWT5JeGq0I6Ott-F1ZmEJCWG0oP0G8JmiqUmRWhQrSQz4_ov9dBwvdmUpF4T4VsyeiH1aTQn4zXxYMw7HUNDWKnTiPuHlt240eGkkdI1RiIJy/s1600/2012-05-07" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQywksX9pUTwKpQV4nZ9wbEazMBW_DdKSWT5JeGq0I6Ott-F1ZmEJCWG0oP0G8JmiqUmRWhQrSQz4_ov9dBwvdmUpF4T4VsyeiH1aTQn4zXxYMw7HUNDWKnTiPuHlt240eGkkdI1RiIJy/s400/2012-05-07" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Other than the yard sale, it was business as usual around here. Olivia running around keeping us entertained. :-) She's really getting a little personality. She's so much fun to be around. She's always making us laugh. This is her scary/silly face.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqt9qgLAstTGS-g6Bu6phZ5WBHKiVqIY-OOG5oRlMknx34-kK7nSF1UmLiY8ZOXrjNUhyphenhyphen9E5qd6Ai0qmJ0-JVov6__yRkcX1xgHARHFwp2fP4grNp8nLXYvKN_ue1LzDtaxE52xn6dCZK/s1600/2012-05-07" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqt9qgLAstTGS-g6Bu6phZ5WBHKiVqIY-OOG5oRlMknx34-kK7nSF1UmLiY8ZOXrjNUhyphenhyphen9E5qd6Ai0qmJ0-JVov6__yRkcX1xgHARHFwp2fP4grNp8nLXYvKN_ue1LzDtaxE52xn6dCZK/s400/2012-05-07" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Friday while we were running around getting stuff ready for the yard sale we had to make a trip to Burger King. I thought Owen looked adorable with his little crown on. They both liked playing in the play area. Olivia actually climbed up to the top which I couldn't believe.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFgIOvZgdFz17u0vMJhgSPueiW7AbKyKpdHz6j1h1pf9_yMRHiiZGgwkq-TLRChVxBFRv176cC5RVTx00YiAqKaAh_mp3GPBftBEomc3CZ9vwEEF9BHd36g1WDQvImmGq9w4iIacgucBx/s1600/2012-05-07" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFgIOvZgdFz17u0vMJhgSPueiW7AbKyKpdHz6j1h1pf9_yMRHiiZGgwkq-TLRChVxBFRv176cC5RVTx00YiAqKaAh_mp3GPBftBEomc3CZ9vwEEF9BHd36g1WDQvImmGq9w4iIacgucBx/s400/2012-05-07" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We had a fun, but busy weekend. We're looking forward to some rest and relaxation this week. I hope you had a great weekend too! </span></div>
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</div>Amanda*http://www.blogger.com/profile/07695879698860028964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328800212800096229.post-42789475282007704142012-05-03T09:00:00.000-05:002012-05-03T09:00:08.701-05:00Thirty Thursday ~ DIY Fabric Softener<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I found this DIY recipe <a href="http://thefrugalgirls.com/2010/10/homemade-fabric-softener.html">here</a></span>. <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It was a starting point for me, but I tweaked it a bit because it seemed to work a little better. You will first need: </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMX4kTQnkeke_2aTlvgFxm6fOggnjwYFSQUxmsezoTpn94zQM1dTW5pOwbd_URp0DfP9AgS_GP73YmO9kSnNLBvXeJW-9tGaDEmo2-aw901a-gWYHMqTdobZZqaPSf5t_Tpo5DWs6lieC/s1600/fabric4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMX4kTQnkeke_2aTlvgFxm6fOggnjwYFSQUxmsezoTpn94zQM1dTW5pOwbd_URp0DfP9AgS_GP73YmO9kSnNLBvXeJW-9tGaDEmo2-aw901a-gWYHMqTdobZZqaPSf5t_Tpo5DWs6lieC/s400/fabric4" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">6 Cups of Hot Water, 1&1/2 cups White Vinegar & 1 bottle Suave Conditioner (your favorite scent). I used Lavendar.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIyaFvAGBKMqEcIUhrb9qMjJtmGLSt1Z0qY5FHFk__ST6IW5KsSgz23SDGtfSgfW0QhogCjRKBSMar4naJ23o6iubIwWvC7S7Fwc_fXnYw4zLKNjiIA-2sJXO6iK6xum3bNaKpV4B3Y24e/s1600/fabric2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIyaFvAGBKMqEcIUhrb9qMjJtmGLSt1Z0qY5FHFk__ST6IW5KsSgz23SDGtfSgfW0QhogCjRKBSMar4naJ23o6iubIwWvC7S7Fwc_fXnYw4zLKNjiIA-2sJXO6iK6xum3bNaKpV4B3Y24e/s400/fabric2" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pour your hot water and bottle of conditioner into a small pot.</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Bring to a boil and stir until competely dissolved. On <a href="http://thefrugalgirls.com/2010/10/homemade-fabric-softener.html">The Frugal Girls</a> site they just mixed everything together until it dissolved, but I found that if you boil your water and conditioner together first it mixes better.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7W-GDdT6XXpQTDqvT_0prVjkNcUGvj8pVU4fkKxrL3wIVlSIVPZyG10NU2b95v2sbnl2O4vCpiC4MXQcwLt7qruu_HK0OZsIX5ZEU6ArL4kvS6RlB_TxG5zGWQmJPzjfuZZjeGOJd9a-t/s1600/fabric3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7W-GDdT6XXpQTDqvT_0prVjkNcUGvj8pVU4fkKxrL3wIVlSIVPZyG10NU2b95v2sbnl2O4vCpiC4MXQcwLt7qruu_HK0OZsIX5ZEU6ArL4kvS6RlB_TxG5zGWQmJPzjfuZZjeGOJd9a-t/s400/fabric3" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Stir in your vinegar. Mix well.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszEp5rRmjuNePPB3IZ0cHFvZd5w2L6rSmwsnriUk0PxaJ7ypMo4OhIACIK1RWvkelfz7q66VHdcbZpkNNoQU6W3cl_Z4nhQfbmoH9O0idx8TWmuQVSWrJrulwC_TOCA916AOM4gLriFl0/s1600/fabric" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszEp5rRmjuNePPB3IZ0cHFvZd5w2L6rSmwsnriUk0PxaJ7ypMo4OhIACIK1RWvkelfz7q66VHdcbZpkNNoQU6W3cl_Z4nhQfbmoH9O0idx8TWmuQVSWrJrulwC_TOCA916AOM4gLriFl0/s400/fabric" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pour into empty fabric softener bottle or milk jug or whatever you have on hand. Use 2 tablespoons per load during rinse cycle or pour into your downey ball and throw in the machine. I've been using this fabric softener for a few weeks now and I really like it. Plus it's so easy to make and so much cheaper then buying it in the store. I think the conditioner cost $0.98 and I had the vinegar and water on hand. So for an average price I'd say maybe $1.50-2.00!! You can't beat that for fabric softener. Let me know if you give it a try. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Happy Thursday!</span></div>Amanda*http://www.blogger.com/profile/07695879698860028964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328800212800096229.post-16535375761478052142012-05-02T13:06:00.000-05:002012-05-02T13:06:00.758-05:00Party Chicken<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's no secret that I'm <strong>addicted </strong>to Pinterest!! I LOVE IT!! At night when Ben and I are watching TV, I'm usually half watching and pinning things at the same time. Who said I can't multi-task? lol! One of my favorite things on Pinterest is all the recipes! I blogged about our meal planning <a href="http://123growingourfamily.blogspot.com/2012/04/weekly-meal-plan-430-56.html">here</a> and I said I would post the recipe to the "Party Chicken" so here it goes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Unfortunately the pin that I pinned (crazy verbiage) did not link me to the actual site (I hope that makes sense). So here's my version of Party Chicken:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Ingredients:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Chicken Breast, cut into tenders or pre-cut Chicken Tenders (not breaded)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Bacon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1 can Cream of Chicken</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1 cup Sour Cream</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Directions:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2. Wrap Chicken tenders with bacon. If the chicken tenders are small cut the bacon in half and wrap it around the chicken</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">3. Place bacon wrapped chicken in a 9x13 dish</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">4. Mix sour cream and cream of chicken in a bowl</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">5. Pour over chicken</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">6. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until chicken is done</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">7. Enjoy</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEgwnaDO9lhW2PJmlc8QqP6pVOSFkSDMLVmFEyNRZCjt5pdSkAyiXDDU8GeIyMvHkGDfiB8zEqK4kGCjmkHui1isoI2zaWNluyTGWqdpOjJxt-blJsPDcPXNlegLIcv59LcyI_4dB8by-/s1600/party+chicken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEgwnaDO9lhW2PJmlc8QqP6pVOSFkSDMLVmFEyNRZCjt5pdSkAyiXDDU8GeIyMvHkGDfiB8zEqK4kGCjmkHui1isoI2zaWNluyTGWqdpOjJxt-blJsPDcPXNlegLIcv59LcyI_4dB8by-/s1600/party+chicken.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(I forgot to take a picture of the chicken until I had almost ate it all, but here it is along with a biscuit and fried okra. Delish.)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The chicken is so good. It's tender and with the bacon... YUMMY!! It's probably one of my favorite meals that I've pinned. We will definitely be adding it to our favorite recipes and meal plan.</span></div>Amanda*http://www.blogger.com/profile/07695879698860028964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328800212800096229.post-55999792278184780542012-05-01T11:56:00.000-05:002012-05-01T11:56:57.684-05:00It's Potty Time!<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Potty training has officially started around our house and I couldn't be more excited. It may just be me, but do you have those times when you start to doubt yourself as a parent? When it came to potty training that's how I felt. As soon as Olivia turned two people were telling me, "it's time for her to start using the potty." So since these were seasoned parents that were telling me this, I tried to start getting Olivia to use the potty. It was AWFUL!!! She would scream and cry every time I set her on the potty. We bought all the fun potty chairs, the one that sings, the one that has the comfy seat, one that goes on the toilet. Everything that we tried she hated! Too stressed and ready to throw in the towel, I started reading online about how your not supposed to push your child. They will give you cues letting you know when their ready to go to the potty. So, it's been almost six months since Olivia turned two and just over the weekend she started showing interest in the potty!! YAY!!! Yesterday was her first day to pee in the potty. I was so excited! Someone posted on my Facebook page, "it's the small things." That's so true. Olivia peeing in the potty wasn't just that she was peeing in the potty, but to me, it confirmed that I'm not an ill fit parent and that with enough guidance and prayer, we'll get through this too. :) Obviously I don't have all the answers. I'm usually the one with all the questions, but here's what's worked for us so far.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BF0fs78oU4g/T6ANN72nYQI/AAAAAAAABUE/iYN4Ktm1Msk/s1600/potty1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BF0fs78oU4g/T6ANN72nYQI/AAAAAAAABUE/iYN4Ktm1Msk/s400/potty1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She loves her Dora potty seat. It goes on the regular toilet. I figured she'd rather use her singing potty chair, but nope, she likes this one the best.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HunqBk8BEok/T6ANWkDjMEI/AAAAAAAABUY/YJRH_MN791I/s1600/potty4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HunqBk8BEok/T6ANWkDjMEI/AAAAAAAABUY/YJRH_MN791I/s400/potty4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's all about the "praise" around here and this chart does just that. I found <a href="http://prudentbaby.com/2010/01/baby-kid/diy-potty-training-chart-2/">this potty chart idea</a> and made it my own. I love the free printables that they have, but I didn't have any foam board around the house, so I just pieced card stock paper together and went from there. I love the way it turned out and it's been a huge hit! I take Olivia to the potty every 15 minutes. (I'm hoping to add 5 minutes more a day or every two days so tomorrow it will be every 20 minutes. Yesterday it was every 10 minutes). When she "gives it a try" she gets to put a pair of panties on her chart. When she pees in the potty she gets to put a pair of panties on the chart and so on.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ikKmQtwtZxA/T6ANWmAisiI/AAAAAAAABUU/i3hDBMMAPXs/s1600/potty3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ikKmQtwtZxA/T6ANWmAisiI/AAAAAAAABUU/i3hDBMMAPXs/s400/potty3.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I also have a bag of goodies. (Mainly items for the dollar store). When she pees in the potty she gets to pick an item from the goodie bag. If she has an accident in her panties then she has to give me her item back and then when she pees in the potty again she gets her toy back and so on. So far this has worked great too. I don't plan on giving her "treats" forever, but probably for the first week she will get a prize. I'm so proud of her. :)</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cFTWpWqJWKQ/T6ANWklti-I/AAAAAAAABUI/_Oe39Z1tc_I/s1600/potty2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cFTWpWqJWKQ/T6ANWklti-I/AAAAAAAABUI/_Oe39Z1tc_I/s400/potty2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here's the end result. Pure bliss. She's been so proud of herself too. When she gets done she will jump up and down and clap and say, "I did it, I did it." It's so sweet! Life with toddlers is definitely about the small things. If you're in the midst of potty training and it's not working, take a break. Who cares what everyone says. That's what we did and now she's done it in her own time and she's so excited about it. If you've had luck with potty training what did you do that made potty training such a success? I'd love to hear about it.</span></div>Amanda*http://www.blogger.com/profile/07695879698860028964noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328800212800096229.post-40275733928526924712012-04-30T22:10:00.000-05:002012-04-30T22:10:09.648-05:00Weekly Meal Plan (4/30-5/6)<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We've been meal planning for awhile, but since I'm at home all the time now I've recently started planning for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner... every week. I love planning out our meals. It's great to have a home cooked meal every night and it's been great for our budget. (Dave Ramsey would be proud)! I'm going to try to start posting our weekly meal plans along with my grocery costs and recipes... let's hope I can stick to it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong><u>This week (April 30th - May 6th):</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Monday: Breakfast: Biscuit & Gravy, Lunch: ABCs, 123s, Dinner: BLTs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Tuesday: Breakfast: Eggo & Fruit, Lunch: Chicken nuggets & smoothies, Dinner: Party Chicken & Okra</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Wednesday: Breakfast: Banana Muffins, Lunch: Mac & Cheese & fruit, Dinner: <a href="http://formamas.blogspot.com/2011/08/pizza-casserole.html">Pizza Casserole</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Thursday: Breakfast: Toast & Scrambled Egg, Lunch: Ham & Cheese Sandwich, Dinner: Southwest Chicken Skillet</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Friday: Breakfast: Oatmeal & Toast, Lunch: Fish Sticks & Fruit, Dinner: Grilled Pork Chops & Grilled Cabbage</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Saturday: Breakfast: Pancakes & Fruit, Lunch: Church Yard Sale (having food there), Dinner: Chili Dogs, Ben's choice ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Sunday: Breakfast: <a href="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2011/02/overnight-french-toast-casserole.html">French Toast Casserole</a>, Lunch: <a href="http://forkinit.blogspot.com/2008/01/dinner-reality-check.html">Slow Cooker Chicken & Rice</a> (I use my slow cooker at least once a week, usually on Sundays), Dinner: Left-overs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">(I will try to post the recipe for the party chicken tomorrow. This will be our first time to have it, but it sounds amazing!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am getting back into my couponing kick, but this week I didn't use any coupons and I went to Save-A-Lot and spent $60.69. I've also been going to Save-A-Lot for awhile and while they don't carry everything that I like to use, they usually do have a really good selection of meats. I pretty much hate all things Wal-Mart, but those of you who also live in Mayberry it's really the only other place to shop. Thankfully I only had to go to Save-A-Lot this week. I've also started using <a href="http://www.freeprintablegrocerylist.com/preview/Master_Grocery_List">this grocery list.</a> I love it because it has absolutely everything on it. If you also meal plan, I'd love to hear what recipes you use or how you plan out all your meals. I've found a couple blogs of moms who meal plan by the month! Yes, you read that right, by the month! I don't think I could ever do that, but I definitely admire their efforts. If you don't meal plan, give it a try. We really love it. It's nice to know what we're eating and it's really nice to have a plan when you go to the grocery store instead of just buying random stuff. I hope this gives you a jumping off point. </span></div>Amanda*http://www.blogger.com/profile/07695879698860028964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328800212800096229.post-75739096226051415752012-04-19T10:39:00.000-05:002012-04-19T10:39:00.247-05:00No Boil Laundry Detergent<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So last week I did a post on DIY laundry detergent. Since then I've used my detergent, which I like, but I don't love. When you boil the soap and actually use your product, it's <em>really </em>thick. I usually have to add a little bit of extra water and then it pours out and it's clumpy... it gets my clothes clean, but it's just not my most favorite thing. So when I posted my recipe on Facebook I had a friend comment that she doesn't boil her soap, she just mixes up the ingredients and uses it as powder. I don't know why I didn't just think of that. lol. She also said she uses any kind of bar soap. As long as it doesn't say "Beauty Bar" on the label, you can use it. You want the label to read "Bar Soap." So today, here is my new and revised DIY Laundry Detergent and I'm in love with it!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUtSfFp_SmqaU_HJOmK59sPzJTLny_rjifslxvFhC1WI2TpX7zRDMCrymPZHxxDTkKMhFfTX1bq4rm2xSm7YaoWK3othNp1iB8wXJ2DDJCwwsdtpH_MhVmp6m8a_Q1r-b7yVZNUjBsMS7/s1600/characters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUtSfFp_SmqaU_HJOmK59sPzJTLny_rjifslxvFhC1WI2TpX7zRDMCrymPZHxxDTkKMhFfTX1bq4rm2xSm7YaoWK3othNp1iB8wXJ2DDJCwwsdtpH_MhVmp6m8a_Q1r-b7yVZNUjBsMS7/s400/characters.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As </span><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Pioneer Woman</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> would say, here's the cast of characters: Washing Soda, Borax and this time (instead of Fels-Naptha soap) I used Softsoap Honeysuckle and Orange bar soap. It smells soooo good.</span></div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8eucLMA9a7yAoj2bp6Elbe5-WgNiJ-9zPhV-INThyJJ1lYZGCXK1ojOw6B9KS9FftCexwG9u_P_u1fsBRK1OTey0QLhV3xANhbtJ12bqw90XJ3PkJm8Tkx_eIDTgBqMmPTo4GKoSw50w/s400/grated+soap2.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1. Grate your soap.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kSirKpq_tlZ94TzUOBRXnxymRfGKSm_3nhf-pNZ-Gp-0rBD1_66zyJ78BDZ3QK2lZ_c8vXIHcOrPXOcw-WQhbdiKw3-F088amE3Mlr1yVtXfSR3-6-KKmxF6QyEn4JybmthkOcj_DfoB/s1600/pouring.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kSirKpq_tlZ94TzUOBRXnxymRfGKSm_3nhf-pNZ-Gp-0rBD1_66zyJ78BDZ3QK2lZ_c8vXIHcOrPXOcw-WQhbdiKw3-F088amE3Mlr1yVtXfSR3-6-KKmxF6QyEn4JybmthkOcj_DfoB/s400/pouring.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2. Measure and pour 1 cup each of Borax and Washing Soda, add to your grated soap.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VqY7Iq7UlquBoXlXnqRccq7ulQXz69UgCY-rEG-tu11tpKZ9UcFQhIbfG0LunAbp5RktAEFkTzBW-ATZIMbBHJyyb33WmUhni_XMYjP0Cwsku4DQIpT54YGJ8Zn9AiwjIjpZnCFByEVY/s1600/mixed+soap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VqY7Iq7UlquBoXlXnqRccq7ulQXz69UgCY-rEG-tu11tpKZ9UcFQhIbfG0LunAbp5RktAEFkTzBW-ATZIMbBHJyyb33WmUhni_XMYjP0Cwsku4DQIpT54YGJ8Zn9AiwjIjpZnCFByEVY/s400/mixed+soap.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3. Mix together.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlbQH7CIFQp_UZpspodH8JxkiEolXCAeUru4J_n20R7MestsZA5BHm9EBJBSU2l-2dyrohEH-ry3n4p2IskM-e1CtSUB6QQxK72lLvqbQ4Rie-W8LsmHg6d_LKbpPBWcdWQmlZiCsQVcu/s1600/done.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlbQH7CIFQp_UZpspodH8JxkiEolXCAeUru4J_n20R7MestsZA5BHm9EBJBSU2l-2dyrohEH-ry3n4p2IskM-e1CtSUB6QQxK72lLvqbQ4Rie-W8LsmHg6d_LKbpPBWcdWQmlZiCsQVcu/s400/done.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4. Store in air tight container. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I've washed a few loads with my new detergent and I love it. I love the way it smells and I love that it's not all clumpy and gross and it only takes about ten minutes to make up. It's so easy. I hope you try it. </span></div>
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</div>Amanda*http://www.blogger.com/profile/07695879698860028964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328800212800096229.post-65222342562977702982012-04-17T11:09:00.006-05:002012-04-17T11:16:07.830-05:00Modern Day Farmers<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I guess we've officially went off the deep end... </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvkF3BEzLE_V2DF4K3ocxMsYcQQi8w0I6Q6Wm98H_Pr-Pz2F6i1IYaNTtwt88mMwTABWHkEu0kSa1K-91W5wOZtdEZgnJ0gKZgQN45eFYwuXIqHpmMcb_5ZvddyoLJZi6YVAf2XFjZCNT/s1600/chicks1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvkF3BEzLE_V2DF4K3ocxMsYcQQi8w0I6Q6Wm98H_Pr-Pz2F6i1IYaNTtwt88mMwTABWHkEu0kSa1K-91W5wOZtdEZgnJ0gKZgQN45eFYwuXIqHpmMcb_5ZvddyoLJZi6YVAf2XFjZCNT/s400/chicks1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">because we are now proud owners of ten baby chicks.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyvAI1QkFiiw_iRvS_P1abE2WtzNuzKOe67HrYCD5BrsTetoY7sOZqTFmBFbWrWEQ7tgKJOdLQPxEeCc8LIrtXQb121IMTnQCEDbPHqC9ibc-84nyAzUlXllGNtwX3DqXNl9PmDTvhd4q/s1600/chicks2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyvAI1QkFiiw_iRvS_P1abE2WtzNuzKOe67HrYCD5BrsTetoY7sOZqTFmBFbWrWEQ7tgKJOdLQPxEeCc8LIrtXQb121IMTnQCEDbPHqC9ibc-84nyAzUlXllGNtwX3DqXNl9PmDTvhd4q/s400/chicks2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">They are so stinking cute!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'm not sure how this whole chicken idea came about, but the other night we were talking about fresh eggs and then somehow we got the bright idea that we should get some chickens, so we did. I love our little chicks.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdxyULL-g1u4IxZSvDGmxrhSObLt_BLELdvoQb7gB06X4OwKxcB23KCbIt4BwnhGpEfWb1JfhB_4nGQQ4QDDIBfQwP0YIBNcqG-lgv0PRcMbO6hMZ1ZFnYBhmRjAtuprhCVT8G4OQt3zb/s1600/chicks5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdxyULL-g1u4IxZSvDGmxrhSObLt_BLELdvoQb7gB06X4OwKxcB23KCbIt4BwnhGpEfWb1JfhB_4nGQQ4QDDIBfQwP0YIBNcqG-lgv0PRcMbO6hMZ1ZFnYBhmRjAtuprhCVT8G4OQt3zb/s1600/chicks5.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWpDFE8aPiBGx5I0gc5nrHseJVY803QroEq6f7lcPhVqCguEWlSvvLluCw6LAPd7hLKw3caNNsN00cNA5MEcU0rhopDKyqoiv7Pyq0xS94qEFzaQQYlvU_q6Sopidoyt7c56RtACUQCl5/s1600/chicks3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWpDFE8aPiBGx5I0gc5nrHseJVY803QroEq6f7lcPhVqCguEWlSvvLluCw6LAPd7hLKw3caNNsN00cNA5MEcU0rhopDKyqoiv7Pyq0xS94qEFzaQQYlvU_q6Sopidoyt7c56RtACUQCl5/s1600/chicks3.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">These two seem to think they're pretty cute too. S</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">ince I'm now a stay at home mom, we've found little ways to save money and I'm not going to say that getting these chicks will save us a ton of money, they may actually cost us money, but I love being able to raise them and call them our own and teach the kids a little about "farming." </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcCWWqABmiX3yi0N9lOKqgvljMnMD08gUWioaD6jmkjuXproNwxZk5ouIajtDQ2cEsDCAhabL0mWMjnawRMeEkip_SPqyDAu-XZC1Ta_-Yy-Q16bPTki6DmennNk6nKVrFfixgJpnKz0S/s1600/chicks4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcCWWqABmiX3yi0N9lOKqgvljMnMD08gUWioaD6jmkjuXproNwxZk5ouIajtDQ2cEsDCAhabL0mWMjnawRMeEkip_SPqyDAu-XZC1Ta_-Yy-Q16bPTki6DmennNk6nKVrFfixgJpnKz0S/s400/chicks4.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And little Miss here who's usually scared of EVERYTHING thinks they're the greatest things ever! She loves her little chickens. She says, "Mommy you wanna go see my chickens?" It's so cute. So hopefully in a few months we'll start having some fresh eggs and enjoy the fruits of our labor. :-)</span></div>Amanda*http://www.blogger.com/profile/07695879698860028964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328800212800096229.post-14278039001362765692012-04-14T19:49:00.000-05:002012-04-14T19:49:00.043-05:00Parties and Play Dates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The past couple weekends have been busy for us. Last weekend we had Chloe's birthday party at YaYa's. She turned two. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lDTr7IC179zwXRNrp3FYx3cp59Cx6N6xnU4A_lE6pX4NzP2QvU8XhfTnd92bSJVaSMEzNOk3b3ZLJfIJ3LeCEkQhyzA0TH4nzJt8Ors_nuhUL4v1DhpEghmQfwFZXQrrW7rfX24cLsON/s1600/owen%2526olivia1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lDTr7IC179zwXRNrp3FYx3cp59Cx6N6xnU4A_lE6pX4NzP2QvU8XhfTnd92bSJVaSMEzNOk3b3ZLJfIJ3LeCEkQhyzA0TH4nzJt8Ors_nuhUL4v1DhpEghmQfwFZXQrrW7rfX24cLsON/s400/owen%2526olivia1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Owen and Olivia both LOVE YaYa's.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Today, we had Jack's birthday party. He also turned two. He had his party at Mike Miller Park and it was so nice! I had never been there, but we loved the park. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScB9QmdlrIFJI14LP2RDsMCxB7yElLQRlrTPdJFDodgrymdFJH5ytBMiBS0H82Lp5DgE68vj6reZBriPOpzupt2eW3e5v-gt21KGGhYSvhFQHCzuCT87PSKKAGceUPgaphoO8KpEKuMo1/s1600/olivia&jack.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScB9QmdlrIFJI14LP2RDsMCxB7yElLQRlrTPdJFDodgrymdFJH5ytBMiBS0H82Lp5DgE68vj6reZBriPOpzupt2eW3e5v-gt21KGGhYSvhFQHCzuCT87PSKKAGceUPgaphoO8KpEKuMo1/s400/olivia&jack.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here's Olivia and the birthday boy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtUrII2EUQ8MU0hEaRC0ouweqViMnrR8fR_Hwmy-1HlbWxAuWovem0CMuIpgJI59lm2lH4xTWJLcSTI8A8gOf7aJ7y6oYQAsgai1mnrD7s3TeHdkj6QFy_LoEIjm848e-i98Ba2MUA1mB/s1600/cupcakes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtUrII2EUQ8MU0hEaRC0ouweqViMnrR8fR_Hwmy-1HlbWxAuWovem0CMuIpgJI59lm2lH4xTWJLcSTI8A8gOf7aJ7y6oYQAsgai1mnrD7s3TeHdkj6QFy_LoEIjm848e-i98Ba2MUA1mB/s400/cupcakes.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">He had a Mickey Mouse themed party. These cupcakes were so cute!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3oS5U-fmE7cZJxfL9ciscCw4jYnUK27bKs6-htyZZdhY9cfUnnx9QS_AfeRYvUqptBak01BP9o9KaokhBj_laqDq6NjGmqyB-NSskB6qCKsAGk4MRlrkPmViWfyoUmPUBZhe7ns1gqTvi/s1600/mimi1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3oS5U-fmE7cZJxfL9ciscCw4jYnUK27bKs6-htyZZdhY9cfUnnx9QS_AfeRYvUqptBak01BP9o9KaokhBj_laqDq6NjGmqyB-NSskB6qCKsAGk4MRlrkPmViWfyoUmPUBZhe7ns1gqTvi/s400/mimi1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Since Ben had to work today, my mom came along with us. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4-GOyhueZ_tGH3AL-_lm5s0MdIyymgek8XTPadGPLfe5WQvkKphAHdS83Dhy8nJfI-pzRnAAfEn3uZG40TOgYzpvTOxETd9PMNolylOp0y7Bn5dXtiNmzaaZbdENGKx5cma_Cw9vfwbU/s1600/ducks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4-GOyhueZ_tGH3AL-_lm5s0MdIyymgek8XTPadGPLfe5WQvkKphAHdS83Dhy8nJfI-pzRnAAfEn3uZG40TOgYzpvTOxETd9PMNolylOp0y7Bn5dXtiNmzaaZbdENGKx5cma_Cw9vfwbU/s400/ducks.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Before we had cupcakes, we went down to the water and fed the ducks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Owen liked the ducks. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1E-Vxh0Z7gaTichGMuQ-DvCO3lW83zr78enWyPqo52lxy2mFMn5J7o1Bm2W_MdefiZRBPraQgHqK1o9Etlj5HQL-PQiLmeYUf-SDwWHkanM9LxQyLsXafQwUzSSXjQQeSZKWXCG7qdz-/s1600/olivia1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1E-Vxh0Z7gaTichGMuQ-DvCO3lW83zr78enWyPqo52lxy2mFMn5J7o1Bm2W_MdefiZRBPraQgHqK1o9Etlj5HQL-PQiLmeYUf-SDwWHkanM9LxQyLsXafQwUzSSXjQQeSZKWXCG7qdz-/s400/olivia1.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We also played a little bit.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJAbHDnEd0S6DZFsSj_io1p31DA50jQVDLYlfthITEH7F7w9JBgPEL5tT9e0RtsetcXJ7S3YIUozkf4DPOXX6t6bKwWPcxxqmuOqM7ue2uySSxXz5ImlSMqGSnYUNmy1gjRWLr0GAeIkQ/s1600/owen1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJAbHDnEd0S6DZFsSj_io1p31DA50jQVDLYlfthITEH7F7w9JBgPEL5tT9e0RtsetcXJ7S3YIUozkf4DPOXX6t6bKwWPcxxqmuOqM7ue2uySSxXz5ImlSMqGSnYUNmy1gjRWLr0GAeIkQ/s400/owen1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After we left the party, Corrie and Keeli came over for a play date. I told Olivia they were coming over and she said, "Oh boy! Yippee! I can't wait!!" lol! I don't know where she picks up this stuff.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I think Keeli and Owen were happy to see each other. :-) </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2E0POhfA7WLKEw9lCLZabZ-Amjr40aicLmH0w8rEhrLcgKdAw_Ro99KNN-crIAcWGAno7VxGe0KwGTrb7UlAWOP9BbqMINUNTkzCTP8C1LKZekeYaOUAZ7XGpngoahCdhRBfNWtcNrQo1/s1600/playdate1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2E0POhfA7WLKEw9lCLZabZ-Amjr40aicLmH0w8rEhrLcgKdAw_Ro99KNN-crIAcWGAno7VxGe0KwGTrb7UlAWOP9BbqMINUNTkzCTP8C1LKZekeYaOUAZ7XGpngoahCdhRBfNWtcNrQo1/s400/playdate1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">They're so cute with each other.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We've had a great day catching up and playing with all of our friends. I hope you're having a great weekend, we sure are! </span></div>
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<br /></div>Amanda*http://www.blogger.com/profile/07695879698860028964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328800212800096229.post-13506731001896842872012-04-13T17:45:00.000-05:002012-04-13T17:45:44.617-05:00Blessed<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I want to start off this post by saying how truly thankful I am that I serve such an AMAZING God!!! Ben works part time at the hospital. Well, he hasn't worked all week, so last night I told him, "I really wish you could work one day this week because then you would have a regular paycheck" (one I've already budgeted for). It wasn't five minutes after I said that, that he received a text message asking him if he wanted to work today!!! What Ben didn't know was that earlier I had prayed over our finances and told God that He knew what we needed and sure enough, HE SUPPLIED OUR NEEDS!!!! Like I said in my last post, God will supply ALL our needs according to His riches in Glory!!! I'm so thankful and so blessed!!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Nevertheless, I guess this all ties into my post because I wanted to post about our Easter.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4BjAAzn6EOxr7ODHEXfhhX16_93KJyU9o9H0g-4wJndlAwOIPXkJC-ZzNP5SeZ__boHci_28OoLX5YVzsso9hbkpz0Kgoa5JQOUO_kK_d4tGfXgj12CZdz9zJwdYIPvi1YmAkvQh-dPV/s1600/easter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4BjAAzn6EOxr7ODHEXfhhX16_93KJyU9o9H0g-4wJndlAwOIPXkJC-ZzNP5SeZ__boHci_28OoLX5YVzsso9hbkpz0Kgoa5JQOUO_kK_d4tGfXgj12CZdz9zJwdYIPvi1YmAkvQh-dPV/s400/easter.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We had such a great Easter. The kids had so much fun hunting eggs and I was so proud of my church kids for their performance at church. It was really a great day!! I enjoyed being able to spend Sunday celebrating the resurrection of my Savior, Jesus Christ!!! He's so awesome, I really can't say that enough. :) Since we were all decked out in our Easter duds we decided to take some family pics.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIeMo05q40E4Lklj13wbxKEgMEAY1mYRZmz253YOlZWWPHeodD73AMWPHTxC-Dfs_ql8mbN3ie0bNoskfad6NMioiIANukfI4n9wQmsKzbZB3WKHdlf9iZOFT6FCeT-xt-TGOqAS_CZ66/s1600/easter1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIeMo05q40E4Lklj13wbxKEgMEAY1mYRZmz253YOlZWWPHeodD73AMWPHTxC-Dfs_ql8mbN3ie0bNoskfad6NMioiIANukfI4n9wQmsKzbZB3WKHdlf9iZOFT6FCeT-xt-TGOqAS_CZ66/s400/easter1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here's all of us, well except for Owen, cheesing it up. lol! We were all saying, "CHEESE"!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoY7UyzqiZZcJEdmpDqES-W-dHqenEaqwyCir5FtHFXB2GD29qqacKRgrKrHYkZWSzK4DJvo74N9eSjN9hbbYiHXjGQt5XqnwwsHZ6flhK3WsxWKgnCTj_mYYDJmeo8t5PBXArl8InP2-E/s1600/Owen%2526Olivia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoY7UyzqiZZcJEdmpDqES-W-dHqenEaqwyCir5FtHFXB2GD29qqacKRgrKrHYkZWSzK4DJvo74N9eSjN9hbbYiHXjGQt5XqnwwsHZ6flhK3WsxWKgnCTj_mYYDJmeo8t5PBXArl8InP2-E/s400/Owen%2526Olivia.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here's little Miss and little Mister. One of my friends on Facebook commented and said, "look there's Ben and Amanda." lol! I think she's right, except their hair looks extremely red in this picture. It's actually strawberry blond.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After our morning service, we came back to church at 4:00 for our Easter egg hunt.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCcW-9nvJwlYeKlxylAQxIH56GmJPxanhcTKzOCKCGaqmPoLu7EqzB8ouPixAycFS0hl8Y7zZQGUrkpAtQpr3jOEDK0lkdt3B6sQSZfJGUyrGYri6eRpRHyPQX236XWEjmxGVftFpjP4f/s1600/egghunt3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCcW-9nvJwlYeKlxylAQxIH56GmJPxanhcTKzOCKCGaqmPoLu7EqzB8ouPixAycFS0hl8Y7zZQGUrkpAtQpr3jOEDK0lkdt3B6sQSZfJGUyrGYri6eRpRHyPQX236XWEjmxGVftFpjP4f/s400/egghunt3.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Little Miss loved hunting all the eggs. She actually did pretty good. She'd run and pick them up and put them in her basket and then she'd go off to the next one.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauG3HHkSyj84JRmusgU9zscz-gxaulFfEoEPqiSJkjZuW8EkLervksTmGI9Q9MBeu72GdN9_ffdjSjVtU7_fC7dpOH7f5-qc8aCqq4Mk00Z2CSMPESamYaCrX-N4OedG8ski6U2UW7hyphenhyphen0/s1600/egghunt1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauG3HHkSyj84JRmusgU9zscz-gxaulFfEoEPqiSJkjZuW8EkLervksTmGI9Q9MBeu72GdN9_ffdjSjVtU7_fC7dpOH7f5-qc8aCqq4Mk00Z2CSMPESamYaCrX-N4OedG8ski6U2UW7hyphenhyphen0/s400/egghunt1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Owen on the other hand, he didn't quite seem to get the concept. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFzBtpk0nu-CulMm_CB9hp37hVXIn_O4Z0w2binEtU0eOB6oPV7ZGqxmcxfahfe0mqklLuFjf08sU-jhyphenhyphen66EqKoGqMcs1E65hFsplVgR9Y5esbJjg2XyGQExDviB1iG27HKq7Iv2rMcMH/s1600/egghunt2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFzBtpk0nu-CulMm_CB9hp37hVXIn_O4Z0w2binEtU0eOB6oPV7ZGqxmcxfahfe0mqklLuFjf08sU-jhyphenhyphen66EqKoGqMcs1E65hFsplVgR9Y5esbJjg2XyGQExDviB1iG27HKq7Iv2rMcMH/s400/egghunt2.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">He just wanted to play in the grass. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I enjoyed all of our festivities at church, but most of all I enjoyed spending time with my family and celebrating the One who gave it all for me. I hope you had a wonderful Easter and remember that it's not about a Bunny or eggs or even Peeps, but we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus!</span></div>
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</div>Amanda*http://www.blogger.com/profile/07695879698860028964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328800212800096229.post-18937461852079759382012-04-12T07:03:00.000-05:002012-04-12T07:03:16.003-05:00Thrifty Thursday<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It seems like all the rage these days is how to save money. Most people I know have taken a look at their spending habits and are not happy so they're making changes and trying to be a little more "frugal or thrifty". In my opinion, no matter the wording it all means the same thing... being economical. With the downturn in the economy, for some it's been a necessity, for others it's just being wise. I'm hoping to incorporate my "wise, thrifty, frugal ideas/purchases" on my new series <strong>Thrifty Thursday. </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>This week I'm going to share a recipe for my DIY laundry detergent.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It's no secret that I'm addicted to Pinterest! I searched Pinterest high and low and came across several recipes for DIY laundry detergent. However, most recipes called for 5 gallon buckets and made up <em>HUGE </em>batches. Since it was my first time to make my own detergent I really didn't want all the hassle of dealing with so much detergent just in case I didn't like it. Then I happened to stumble across this blog <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2011/08/homemade-laundry-soap-revisited.html">One Good Thing by Jillee.</a> This lady is amazing.. like seriously, my new hero. She's a recovering alcoholic and has become a little Suzie Homemaker in the process... Check out her blog!! Seriously, you'll be wowed! Anyways, <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2011/08/homemade-laundry-soap-revisited.html">this</a> is where I found my recipe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Ingredients: Fel-Naptha Soap, Borax powder, Washing Soda and Water.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1. Grate your Soap</span></div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDvce0_Wlp8IM44hQDaQkJWldsVtuUUFeac27Wo2JEO-chtJAvFU1ye9KuZkBzQ9QCeEhVYHYHHLTfS2vyKEDYN8DQCgpzMALSBxP9-BJWwCYGbyO_hpoLTSzwuMgkenCFizy1gy_nj8C/s400/soap.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2. Add your grated soap to a stock pot</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPkspBlC9djmGoYgB7YI_JlFq6dkPgXTxCyHj-LnCbI6ByfkxIftqsNlfQFV4-AoQoj-6PYzC1eor-CphWFO_Px2gA360QOKEJ8iUt-u7enkndaJk7bH5pf8x4jRqL1qvBbI329jZT2VR/s1600/grated+soap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPkspBlC9djmGoYgB7YI_JlFq6dkPgXTxCyHj-LnCbI6ByfkxIftqsNlfQFV4-AoQoj-6PYzC1eor-CphWFO_Px2gA360QOKEJ8iUt-u7enkndaJk7bH5pf8x4jRqL1qvBbI329jZT2VR/s400/grated+soap.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3. Add 8 cups of hot water. Bring to a slow boil, stir until soap dissolves</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhYpMJDDXdTTq5rzXTcCm9kRT50GLZW34MCaMrHQVF0apg4I0CGEhd5GCyEzh-pzmEmqcqr_EfWNuyNV1-4a0H7Xg9ZBcY7FPrBwjrRE169OJQxMsHU6AKoLWvk6zxJC6nxlBMVSDryZu/s1600/boiling+soap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhYpMJDDXdTTq5rzXTcCm9kRT50GLZW34MCaMrHQVF0apg4I0CGEhd5GCyEzh-pzmEmqcqr_EfWNuyNV1-4a0H7Xg9ZBcY7FPrBwjrRE169OJQxMsHU6AKoLWvk6zxJC6nxlBMVSDryZu/s400/boiling+soap.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4. Add 1 cup <strong>each </strong>of Washing Soda and Borax</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaDlagB0EbnlRN40amgSePd3WBKUGIiCRtnI1uDFNlp9pCK1n5IhfaMH4NsSFk4tWw5QvTFyKcLFA0XdDgnGdXyLJaI6UJqp4Hx5mvu-7TzGMOzvHMOqPeoUpZpBuTnm_pk09eRf260p8/s1600/borax+and+wash+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaDlagB0EbnlRN40amgSePd3WBKUGIiCRtnI1uDFNlp9pCK1n5IhfaMH4NsSFk4tWw5QvTFyKcLFA0XdDgnGdXyLJaI6UJqp4Hx5mvu-7TzGMOzvHMOqPeoUpZpBuTnm_pk09eRf260p8/s400/borax+and+wash+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoPVVLu3R5UDN2WaP-YvkCEOO66OB3HJrvQfdsFXnVqtZXvWM6AWrpbDIksFOF9oSLwEmaurM8SdTVILxW73YHHGT8mdHRgapiaaf6TYX9NMYthZS89UhoqUdOpE1F1Vc1k2sjIo0dIh8/s1600/borax+and+wash.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoPVVLu3R5UDN2WaP-YvkCEOO66OB3HJrvQfdsFXnVqtZXvWM6AWrpbDIksFOF9oSLwEmaurM8SdTVILxW73YHHGT8mdHRgapiaaf6TYX9NMYthZS89UhoqUdOpE1F1Vc1k2sjIo0dIh8/s400/borax+and+wash.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">5. Bring to a boil again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">6. Remove from heat and divide evenly into two containers. I used two 1 gallon milk jugs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">7. Then add water just a few inches from the top of the jugs and your done. (I used my blender to pour the water into the jugs). It's easier to add the water out of a container instead of under the tap. (Less suds to deal with). </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The mixture will thicken... quite a bit, but don't be alarmed. Just take the end of a wooden spoon or whatever you have on hand and stir. You can also add a little extra water to the detergent when you use it to loosen it up a bit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Use 1/2 a cup per each load of laundry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Also when you use your new detergent, don't be alarmed if it's not sudsy. This detergent doesn't get very sudsy but t doesn't mean it's not working. Several bloggers have said that it's not the suds that get your clothes clean, so just a forewarning. :-)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It sounds like a daunting task, but believe me, it's so easy and simple and it saves you TONS of money. My total out of pocket expense for the borax powder, washing soda and soap was around $7.00! All of these supplies will make <strong>several gallons</strong> of detergent! The only item I will have to go back and buy is the Fel-Naptha soap and it's only around $1.20 per bar!! With Tide being around $10-15 per package, I'd much rather make my own and save that extra money!! Give it a try... I'm sure you'll love it!</span></div>Amanda*http://www.blogger.com/profile/07695879698860028964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328800212800096229.post-82922939597733949982012-04-11T12:40:00.000-05:002012-04-11T12:40:06.528-05:00The Happenings of Our Crazy Life<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">(Warning: Forver long post, but it gets pretty good). :-)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's been <strong>FOREVER</strong> since my last blog post. I promise I haven't gone AWOL...<strike> yet. </strike> The past few months seem like a blur. Our life went from semi-normal to off the deep end! It's taken me awhile to just find the time to sit down at my computer and even type this post. Let's start from the beginning...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Around February Ben started feeling sick. He wasn't sick like go to the doctor sick, but he just wasn't feeling good. He was tired and had a nagging cough that just wouldn't seem to go away. After about a month of that, he wasn't getting any better so he decided to go to the doctor. They put him on an antibiotic and gave him a steroid pack and off he went. Let me remind you, Ben is rarely ever sick. Even if he gets sick he's over it in like a day. (Yeah, he's one of <em>those</em> people, <strike>hate him</strike>). Well, he didn't get better. So off to the doctor he went again. This time they gave him an antibiotic shot and a steroid shot. Another few days passed and he still wasn't better. He went back to the doctor and they did lab work and a chest x-ray. All of his labs came back normal, but he was still sick... Actually he was getting worse, not better. So the doctor told him he had a couple choices, he could see a "pulmonologist, infectious disease or be admitted in the hospital." The doctor preferred that he be admitted, so that night he was directly admitted to our local hospital. While he was there he got to see our pulmonologist who happens to be one of Ben's friends. (We were happy about that... we love Dr.Bob). While he was in the hospital, they performed all kinds of tests. At one point they did a couple EKGs and pulled cardiac enzyme labs because his EKG was showing signs that he could of had a heart attack!!! Yeah, I was <strike>a little</strike> a lot freaked out. They put him on telemetry and monitored him throughout the night. He was very tachycardic, but he wasn't having any chest pain. Thankfully his cardiac labs came back OK. They did an echo on his heart to rule out pericarditis and other heart issues. Pericarditis could not be ruled out, but after rounds and rounds of i.v. antibiotics and normal labs, they sent him home. They think he had some kind of virus... maybe coxsacyvirus. Whatever that is. He's just now starting to feel like 100%... finally! After he was discharged from the hospital the doctor wrote him off work for another week. During that time he ended up losing his full-time job. It's a long story, but I think it's the best thing that could've happened. Ben wasn't going to slow down unless he was made to and him losing his job, made him slow down. I think that's the only reason why he's finally starting to feel better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So, since he's the main provider for our house, we kind of <strike>freaked </strike> panicked! But, you know, The LORD knows all and He has provided for us. Ben was able to pick up more hours at the hospital (yes he worked two jobs, one full time, one prn, as needed) he lost his full time job, but thankfully his prn job picked up. He's still on the full time job search. We're praying that a certain situation works out and he will get this one full time job that he wants. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">As if all of that wasn't crazy enough, Ben and I have been praying about my job situation. I've wanted to stay at home with the kids and he's wanted me to stay at home with them, but we've always thought that I needed to work. Well we've been going through Financial Peace University (Dave Ramsey) and living on a budget and I started selling Lia Sophia a few months ago and that's been going really well and I've had a couple other things to come up that offered us extra income, so a week ago today, I QUIT MY JOB!!!! It sounds absolutely insane, yes, I know! But, my <strong>GOD IS ABLE TO PROVIDE ALL MY NEEDS ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES IN GLORY</strong>!! It was a <strong>HUGE</strong> step in faith, but I'm so happy to be home with my kids. We've always been on a schedule, but it's just been so much better now that I've been home. I've been meal planning our dinners for awhile, but since I quit my job, I'm meal planning for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We're having so much fun. This was definitely the best decision Ben and I have ever made. We're incorporating bible time with the kids and I've been making my own household solutions. It's been WONDERFUL!!! I know there's going to be days where I want to pull my hair out, but I wouldn't trade being home with them for anything! I'm also hoping to blog more. I love my blog, but obviously I go through spells where I don't blog for months! I'm hoping that will change. So, if you've stayed with me this far, I'm hoping to share recipes, meal plans, cleaning solutions, my kiddos and other happenings of our household on here so I hope you stick around. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Thanks for all the prayers! We've felt them!! It means so much to have great friends who stick with you through thick and thin and hold you up in prayer!! We're forever grateful!!</span></div>
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<strong><strike></strike></strong></div>Amanda*http://www.blogger.com/profile/07695879698860028964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328800212800096229.post-28896737506524312732012-01-01T16:53:00.000-06:002012-01-01T17:14:35.551-06:00Hola! 2012<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Welcome 2012. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Obviously I've been on an unintentional blogging hiatus. We've been so busy gearing up for the holidays and enjoying the holidays that I haven't given much thought to blogging. We had an amazing Christmas! We got to enjoy some much needed family time and enjoyed some extended family time. My brother and sister-in-law and my nephew Declan came and spent a couple days at our house. We enjoyed spending some time at the house and cooking and baking and running around chasing three toddlers. It was lots of fun. I think the kids had a great time too! I guess my post today is just to showcase some of our pics from Christmas and the last month (lol!) but to also reflect back on 2011 and look forward to what's to come in 2012.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ti3gyDsw6VhyXnwNkxUgnJjwUwB4TI-44KZusoqwq6fukaosCXWQGj9kvHaq2DaEDv7WjEJqJsVLHYRvnqM7ENPd3O_JrIbwm7UXIWAp-ZYDVnhUhLDRjhVnQAZetqax2m4y4sIH7Lh2/s1600/2011+485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ti3gyDsw6VhyXnwNkxUgnJjwUwB4TI-44KZusoqwq6fukaosCXWQGj9kvHaq2DaEDv7WjEJqJsVLHYRvnqM7ENPd3O_JrIbwm7UXIWAp-ZYDVnhUhLDRjhVnQAZetqax2m4y4sIH7Lh2/s400/2011+485.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Twenty-eleven was a great, yet hard year for me & Ben. We welcomed another baby as 2010 came to an end and in 2011 we started a new year with <em>two</em> babies. Olivia was finally walking, but as I watched my toddler grow I was also engulfed with my newborn who kept me up most nights. Thankfully he's finally started to sleep through the night and and believe me it's pure bliss. Ben turned 30! (Yes, it was a big deal for him)! I turned 28! Olivia turned 2 and my baby turned ONE!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Throughout the year we've learned how to live out our new normal.... CRAZINESS! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-mcAjdSdeNIEKhKT2vQNxbIAFH-GQ9Qs7ODC9Kgk-_YMxDK6G445w1qjj1Yw5h28C-D5fdA1eA_BpE4sGndOxJ2fqM50OBPWe1hbpwYuD6c-07vx15cQvXAddIAeTFe9vArgxvBkAA4i/s1600/2011+445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-mcAjdSdeNIEKhKT2vQNxbIAFH-GQ9Qs7ODC9Kgk-_YMxDK6G445w1qjj1Yw5h28C-D5fdA1eA_BpE4sGndOxJ2fqM50OBPWe1hbpwYuD6c-07vx15cQvXAddIAeTFe9vArgxvBkAA4i/s400/2011+445.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">While we were used to eating out or ordering take out, we've learned that home cooked meals and nights in seem to take priority. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGrtMa_OIUS3dhz6Y6yqdyxRzsZ_knZGx_F9_mSdxLGqB5nEXB2ynlPwjKKnVRHcAvOWrh32AwwtFW9xS-EA2LtETPQl3Ki362FYCtHZ_-DyZpo18KFr-OK0r9pzKYs5Vk2TiP6k5vnpC/s1600/2011+416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGrtMa_OIUS3dhz6Y6yqdyxRzsZ_knZGx_F9_mSdxLGqB5nEXB2ynlPwjKKnVRHcAvOWrh32AwwtFW9xS-EA2LtETPQl3Ki362FYCtHZ_-DyZpo18KFr-OK0r9pzKYs5Vk2TiP6k5vnpC/s400/2011+416.JPG" width="293" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Now that we have two babies in diapers we've learned that cutting coupons can help cut our costs & it's become a necessity.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7FPlOawFsbk55OFtsVOWgbCSF3C3TuHRhioIifJie4QE2AGmJEk09COLJZYShz_vMTWf2fNfDwv4JCavpKAeDXF3SXr6dQOlGwlg7y4mi9l_H-Hf-D7_7QUUvbk5xy74-Q6ARrISX14v/s1600/2011+447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7FPlOawFsbk55OFtsVOWgbCSF3C3TuHRhioIifJie4QE2AGmJEk09COLJZYShz_vMTWf2fNfDwv4JCavpKAeDXF3SXr6dQOlGwlg7y4mi9l_H-Hf-D7_7QUUvbk5xy74-Q6ARrISX14v/s400/2011+447.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I've learned to relish in the moments when my babies want me to stop what I'm doing and sit and watch Dora, Olivia, The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (dvr'd) or The Fresh Beat Band because I have to remember, they're only little once. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXy9V40PdAvbuU5lpQAKtr9kx49bvEbXhf6AbkydqGb7Jypnc7tthnwmqlp_gFtBfwksvcrj0nnHU7BXOfcVZGNPYy_BNg3a8UUdf54jrrO1XR8C7botA6ctdLP-eTsvYnLzoBvF4Z4GJ6/s1600/2011+365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXy9V40PdAvbuU5lpQAKtr9kx49bvEbXhf6AbkydqGb7Jypnc7tthnwmqlp_gFtBfwksvcrj0nnHU7BXOfcVZGNPYy_BNg3a8UUdf54jrrO1XR8C7botA6ctdLP-eTsvYnLzoBvF4Z4GJ6/s400/2011+365.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I've learned that life isn't all about me but it's about my family and they take top priority. I've learned that going shopping is usually just a trip to Wal-Mart because most days I don't feel like dragging two toddlers around the mall. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEd9wsVUJ1rSd1lLJuhfBSs0leCoeVHt3My7sW4LEClldFApl1TPbZDHQGbr5MqnqlHcHh2tSvldonss106pazvuDSi1Gi1f-hQdRIDmu65LSNxS_2rcgN2PImqb2mTP_I6a-mb8Pxiv93/s1600/2011+437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEd9wsVUJ1rSd1lLJuhfBSs0leCoeVHt3My7sW4LEClldFApl1TPbZDHQGbr5MqnqlHcHh2tSvldonss106pazvuDSi1Gi1f-hQdRIDmu65LSNxS_2rcgN2PImqb2mTP_I6a-mb8Pxiv93/s400/2011+437.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I've learned the meaning of true friends because even though I don't see or talk to my friends as much as I'd like too, when I do see or talk to them we pick right up where we left off. (And to my friends, you have no idea how much that means to me). </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNePKZAkDKCxFNewjgEGRsIDo_jSFoD8otmWgehPaDrt1q_D0VRvD4QqwbITYsAaEDY-07DAww2smeVSrGnWUdzU9gimZcwTcovswPk3VEVz7a13yHP2J1cUZGkX4dYAviTmp4Ccbi4Lit/s1600/2011+483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNePKZAkDKCxFNewjgEGRsIDo_jSFoD8otmWgehPaDrt1q_D0VRvD4QqwbITYsAaEDY-07DAww2smeVSrGnWUdzU9gimZcwTcovswPk3VEVz7a13yHP2J1cUZGkX4dYAviTmp4Ccbi4Lit/s400/2011+483.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I've also learned that sometimes you just have to laugh because when you're with two toddlers and their screaming or acting crazy, it's better to laugh then to cry. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I've learned that date nights don't come around very often, so when they do even if it's just going to Majestic, to make the most of it. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNtAyOxZ8b7SnS0sEdZtkLHz0NinrNfxiV6pA6D_5DRb3Te395boalQFA7pOG-vcBHv_uV8tBcQAj9u1-1TANp-60e_dDgQ6VQnBHfD7EWT73sxtmbW72Pa9DyhNnH4N2gMvOCIoG0Axm/s1600/2011+462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNtAyOxZ8b7SnS0sEdZtkLHz0NinrNfxiV6pA6D_5DRb3Te395boalQFA7pOG-vcBHv_uV8tBcQAj9u1-1TANp-60e_dDgQ6VQnBHfD7EWT73sxtmbW72Pa9DyhNnH4N2gMvOCIoG0Axm/s400/2011+462.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I've learned to try to not sweat the small stuff because when I look back, it's <em>all</em> small stuff.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQQlgm6X5wkpBkyIFRxfYgrmD_I0iU60lsF2z5UKH437AXUCydp7b0R54qVPgSBf0iIj4XZA4_QpRndfciBiCk6yeBYib80lO7VsZ_iLZ1_YDwvITCRTcidPR3I6dLPK8LHpscAmirYHz/s1600/IMG_2593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQQlgm6X5wkpBkyIFRxfYgrmD_I0iU60lsF2z5UKH437AXUCydp7b0R54qVPgSBf0iIj4XZA4_QpRndfciBiCk6yeBYib80lO7VsZ_iLZ1_YDwvITCRTcidPR3I6dLPK8LHpscAmirYHz/s400/IMG_2593.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2011 was great. It was uncharted territory for our little family and I think we made the best of it, but to Twenty-Twelve, I say BRING IT!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: x-large;">HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Isaiah 43:18 "Forget former things, do not dwell on the past."</em></span></div>Amanda*http://www.blogger.com/profile/07695879698860028964noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3328800212800096229.post-35016251002718591392011-11-27T10:00:00.000-06:002011-11-27T10:42:13.057-06:00It's Beginning to Look A lot Like Christmas<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Now that Thanksgiving is over we are officially in full Christmas mode! I keep calling Ben, Clark (Christmas Vacation) because he spent all day yesterday working on decorating the outside of our house. I may be partial, but I think it looks really good. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Other than the outside here's a look at our trees. So far I have three up, but I'd love to put one in our bedroom too, so I guess we'll have to wait and see. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here's our "big" tree in the living room.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Owen's tree is all Santa's. It's pretty cute.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And sister's tree is all bling. :) I love her name in the tree. A nice find at TJ Maxx.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here's our stockings. I really want new stockings, but I'm thinking I'll wait until the after Christmas sale to get them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I've also put up my Christmas village and I'm loving my little entryway, although I'm wanting to find a cute tablecloth or something to cover the table. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I just love having all our decorations up. This is the first year in two years that I've really felt like going all out & decorating & I'm just loving it!!</span></div>Amanda*http://www.blogger.com/profile/07695879698860028964noreply@blogger.com0