Super Busy!

This has been a busy week/weekend! Blondie had a birthday party to go to in Gwinnett yesterday and I've been far too busy to take her so her Grandma took her to the party and then she spent the weekend there. I've been cleaning, cooking, packing, yardwork and everything else you can think of. Tomorrow is Bear's dedication. Then a cookout at our house. Then Wednesday we leave for our vacation at 4 am. So I've been washing all the clothes making sure everything is clean and ready. Wish us luck!

Ain't it Perty?

My sister in law, SJ, is a GENIUS at web design. Didn't she do a GREAT job? She's also been working with me on the review site - that should be up and running when I get back from the beach. Not sure how much time I'll have at the beach!

Anyways, if you are interested in a FABULOUS design for your blog, website, ebay auction, or logo designs, check out Sara's Pixel Studio. She does AMAZING work. Thanks again SJ!

I Love My Bread Machine!

Title of this blog post says it all. And it's true. My good and faithful bread machine never fails. This morning the kids and I put in the ingredients and the old bread machine worked it's magic - now my house smells like YUMMY fresh baked bread and I have a nice loaf just begging to be cut. Sigh... what did everyone do before bread machines?

Thought I would share my favorite bread machine recipe today. It's tried and true by me with all the kinks worked out. Turns out perfect every time!

Honey Oat Bread
1 cup milk
2 tbs butter
1/4 cup warm water
3 tbs honey
1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cup all purpose white flour
1/2 cup quick cook oats
2 tbs vegetable oil
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast

Dump everything in the bread machine, set it to light crust and start it up! Life couldn't be easier!

Today's events

Well, Blondie and I got haircuts today. I needed to meet with a friend before she went out of town so I had to run in town today. Blondie ended up asking the lady for just a trim. I got mine cut about to my shoulders and a few layers put in. Hubby LOVED it.

Got back home and cleaned up a bit. Trying to do some cleaning this week in preperation for Bear's party. Speaking of Bear - he's got a fever of 103! Keep him in your prayers. Given him tylenol and hope to take him to the dr in the morning.

First Summer Swim

It was so nice out that after when tended to the garden, I pulled the "pool" out for the kiddos. They had fun and I might have gotten a tan (or sunburn whatever you want to call it). Blondie and Bear had a blast. It was FREEZING and Blondie didn't seem to mind one bit. It took a bit to convince Bear that it was okay to play in the water. Goldie even got in on the fun! Tomorrow I've got to go to the local library and take the books back and then might take the kids to the playground. Anyone care to join?

Also - need hair advice! Blondie's hair is very thing and doesn't like to stay in a pony tail most of the time and she's got a lot of hair that isn't as long as the rest and it tends to "fly away" most of the time. She wants to keep her hair long though. Any ideas? Should we give her bangs? Cut it to her chin? Shoulders? Just trim? Blondie and I will be going for hair cuts on Thursday. Let's hear your ideas!

A Summery Sunday

Today is just gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. We had a great day at church - the message really spoke to my heart and was just what I needed to hear today.

After church we had lunch with my grandfather, mom, brother, sisternlaw, and nephew.

Next Sunday is Bear's dedication service. And after that, we've got friends and family coming over for a cookout.

Sorry I don't have anything more exciting to say. Lots to do to get ready this week for the trip, dedication party, and everything else.

Have a blessed day.

Grocery Store Woes

Anyone else crying in the grocery store lately? I sure am. I just went grocery shopping and literally cried. The prices on food is so ridiculous, it's amazing anyone is able to feed their family. Milk for nearly 5.00???? 1 dozen eggs for over $2????? And that's just if you get the cheap stuff. If you care about your family's health and TRY to buy healthy, fresh foods, organic meats, etc, you have to be loaded with money. I was so sad after I plunked down bill after bill on the counter to pay for 1 weeks worth of food. Our budget is going crazy lately trying to estimate how much we need for food and how much for gas. I won't even go there on the gas prices.

Yall, please pray your hardest that Hubby gets the promotion. I'm sure you've noticed our debt ticker is moving VERY slowly lately. You can thank gas and groceries for that. We definately aren't going to make our July goal. Well, I guess there is still hope - we haven't got our "economic stimilus" check yet.

Any tips for making ends meet in the grocery store? Leave me a comment!

The Turtle Applique Pattern :-)

Here it is! You may use it for your own personal use, not for items for sale. Copyrighted by Mommy Octopus/Pink Alligator. A big thanks to Lucinda of Tip Top Applesauce for testing and helping me with the pattern. Now here we go...

Turtle Appliqué

Shell:
Row 1 - With green yarn, ch 10. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across.
Ch 1, turn. (9 sc)
Row 2 - Sc dec first 2 sc together. Sc in each sc across to last 2 sts. Sc
dec last 2 sc together. Ch 1, turn. (7 sc)
Row 3 - Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn. (7 sc)
Row 4 - Sc dec first 2 sc together. Sc in each sc across to last 2 sts. Sc
dec last 2 sc together. (5 sc)
Row 5 - Sc in first sc. Hdc in next 3 sc. Sc in last sc. Ch 1. Do not
turn. (5 sc)

Now working in a round, sc evenly down left side of rows, in back of
starting chain, and up right side of rows, with 2 sc in each bottom corner.
On top of row 5, sc in first st, dc in next 3 st, sc in last st. Join to
first sc of round. Finish off. Side facing is right side.

Turtle Head:
With right side of shell facing and lime yarn, sl st into round even with
right side of row 1. Chain 4. Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 2 ch.
Join with sl st in same sp of row 1 as joining st. Finish off.

Turtle Tail:
With right side of shell facing and lime yarn, sl st into round even with
left side of row 1. Chain 4. Sc in 2nd ch from hook. Hdc in next ch. Dc in
next ch. Join to corner. Finish off.

Turtle Legs:
With right side of shell facing, attach lime yarn with sl st on the bottom
edge 1 st in from corner. Ch 1, sc in same st. Sl st in next st. Finish
off. Repeat for other leg, beginning 3 st in from other corner.

Spots: (make 3)
With hook one size smaller and lime yarn, ch 2. Work 6 sc in 2nd ch from
hook. Join in first sc. Finish off.

Finishing:
Weave in all ends. With black embroidery thread, embroider an eye on the
head. Sew or glue spots onto shell.

It's Done!

Well, I was on a roll, so figured I'd go ahead and make the flowers for Blondie and Kit's sets. Here are the pics! Blondie LOVED it!

And I took a few better pics of Piggie Hat, so here those are :-)

Crocheting Up A Storm!

I've been crocheting up a storm lately. Here are some of my latest creations!

I'm so darn proud of this little turtle. I'm usually not too great at making little crocheted appliques and couldn't find a pattern online that I liked so I gave it a whirl. It's M2M Gymbo's Tennis Match line by customer request. I love how it turned out. I will be writing the pattern out and will have it listed for free grabs on my blog. Watch for that sometime this weekend if all goes well!

Next we have a little pink piggie. Another one of the patterns that I tested. Blondie has already claimed it as hers, so no selling this one. May list it as a custom on ebay, not quite sure yet.

And lastly, I had Leann of Little Creek Boutique make Blondie and Kit matching citrus skirts. LOVE how they turned out. I crocheted Blondie and Kit matching tops. I need to finish their flower pins and then I'll show you both the girls in their matching sets. Doesn't Kit look darling?

Finally getting caught up on projects that I've been putting off for a while.

Reviews of the Week!

Here's some of my latest reviews!

LOVED this movie. I loved the first one as well, and the second didn't dissapoint me. But then again, who can resist Nicolas Cage?

Do you like clean clothes? This is our favorite laundry soap and there are many other uses for it as well. We LOVE how it makes our clothes feel and they smell soooo fresh!

On another note, my review site should be up and running soon! Email me if you are interested in a review!

Diaper Shower Ideas?

As most of you know, I'm blessed to be an Aunt to another sweet baby boy in August. I have decided to give my sister-in-law, SJ, a diaper shower! Now we both hate cheesy baby shower games, so let's hear ones that are cool and fun. We will be having guys and kids there as well. You can post a comment to this post or email me, whichever you prefer. Thanks!

Happy Weekend :-)

Had a pretty good weekend. On Saturday we went to a local customer appreciation day for a couple local businesses. We had a lot of fun. Blondie enjoyed getting free cotton candy. She ended up a very VERY sticky mess. Bad day to have her hair down for sure. A friend got a picture of it so hopefully I'll be able to show you all soon.

Just a few days over 2 weeks before we go to Emerald Isle for the wedding. We're trying to make sure we have everything in order.

Need to make a few extra bucks for our trip, so please take a look at my ETSY STORE and email me your order at MY EMAIL ADDRESS and take 30% off your order and free shipping!

Have a GREAT week!

Business of Being Born

Well, I saw "The Business of Being Born" Movie. All I can say is WOW. After watching it, I truely believe that Bear's birth was a "doctor-made emergency" rather than a true "baby in distress" emergency c-section. I have so many thoughts on that movie, but I'm still processing the information, so I'll have to share the rest of my thoughts on a later date. To say the least, I am HORRIFIED and SHOCKED about the practices in the past and present about birth. If you want to borrow the movie from me, let me know, I'll pass it around.

On another note, here's another shocker - in my local county, there were 64 pregnant children age 10 and up last year. Yes, you read that right. 10 and up. That got me thinking.... how old was the youngest girl to give birth. Ready for the answer? It was Lina Medina at age 5. If you don't believe that link, SNOPES even says it's true. Rather shocking, huh?

If you normally chat with me on yahoo IM or AIM, please note that both have given my computer viruses. Yahoo IM has been uninstalled for now, but I cannot get AIM to uninstall. It keeps popping up with AVG saying that there are trojans in the uninstall files and other issues. Soooo... not quite sure what I need to do there. Everytime I delete that trojan, another pops up. Probably explains the computer issues I've been having. Anyways, you can catch me by Email if you need to reach me.

Hug Your Police Officer!

It's National Police Week!

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a Presidential Proclamation that set aside May 15 as National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and the week of May 15 as National Police Week. In 2008, National Police Week will run from Sunday, May 11 through Saturday, May 17; however, events held in the Nation’s capital will run from May 13 through May 16.

Kids and I will be making some goodies to take to our local officers tomorrow and will be sending lots of goodies with hubby Friday since he will be off tomorrow.

Summer Plans!

With rising gas prices and rising food costs, it looks like our summer plans will be changing. Unfortunately, hubby announced yesterday that we will be unable to make our planned trip to NY this year. Gas is practically double what it was when we started planning the trip and we just don't think we'll have enough money saved up for gas and travel expenses by then. We're both dissapointed, but perhaps when we're a little better off financially, we can make the trip. We are still going to the wedding on Emerald Isle though. After we get back from that, Blondie will be going to horse camp.

We are also possibly moving back to Athens. It will depend on Hubby's annual raise and the corporal promotion. Last year his annual raise wasn't enough to cover the rising insurance costs, so we ended up losing money from his paycheck. And of course with gas prices we're thinking about something closer to his work. Hubby's also checking with other local sheriff and police departments. Some of the other ones are offering to pay a little more of medical or all of medical insurance. Even if they pay less, it works out to be more when you consider medical. So we've got to figure something out. Please be in prayer for us that we will make the right decision regarding this. We will be making a decison in July once we know if he gets the promotion and what the annual raise increase is.

In August.... believe it or not.... Blondie turns 5!!!! I was thinking about taking her and a couple friends to the Bistro at the American Girl store in Atlanta. HOWEVER - when I called, their birthday parties start at $450! And then the bistro is like $13.50 a person for lunch! Sooo... don't think that's going to happen now! Just for the 4 of us that would be expensive! So we'll probably end up at the local park, which will still be fun. Blondie's birthday is on a Saturday this year - perfect day for a party, right? WRONG! lol. Uncle Tater is working that day. My brother has never made it to one of Blondie's parties so this year I'm determined to plan it when Uncle Tater can attend. We also might have an extra guest this year if Baby Cousin shows up early.

Have a fantastic day!

Mother's Day Pics!

Hubby wanted to take a few Mother's Day pics of us so here they are!

I LOVED this pic of Paul!

And here's a new one of Ella Bella Cinderella lol. She's growing!

Happy Mother's Day (Early)

Not sure I'll get a chance to blog tomorrow so thought I'd do it now. Friday was EXTREMELY busy as the kids and I spent all day in Athens getting everything we needed. We were out of EVERYTHING. Toilet paper, cat food, dog food, puppy food, people food, diapers, etc. I was even out of shampoo and conditioner. But we made the best of what we had. So the kids and I had a TON of shopping to do yesterday. We went to probably 7 different stores. And you all know what it's like to get kids in and out at every single store! Blah! Anyways, it was an all day shopping trip. Today we took my mom out to lunch and met my sister in law there as well. Had a nice time. We went by a store and I showed hubby what I want for Mother's Day. I'll probably get it in a few months as we just don't have in it in the budget right now, which is fine as it will make a really nice summer vacation purse. I have always wanted a Vera Bradley purse. This one is my favorite. It's called the On the Go Tote in Raspberry Fizz. Isn't it cute?

Also Gymboree is having their big 30% off circle of friends sale right now and TONS of stuff really cheap on clearance. We stopped in for a second and I FOUND PAUL'S DEDICATION OUTFIT!!!! It's been really bugging me to try and find him something to wear to his dedication. Hubby and I agreed that this was absolutely perfect for him! I absolutely ADORE this line and drooled over it when it came out. I love browns/limes/aqua. Just adorable! We got all 3 of these pieces for $15 total! WAAAHOOO!! He's going to wear the white onesie and shorts for the dedication.

I do have to admit that I REALLY was hoping to find these pants but they were sold out in Paul's size.

Here's a link to the rest of that line. I think it has been my favorite boy line ever since last fall's Camp Scout line. I'm not as much of a "Gymbo Junkie" as I used to be, but I still love a good sale!

Happy Birthday Dad

Today my dad would have turned 57. It's still hard to believe he's been dead almost 12 years. Every year the kids and I typically make a strawberry pie for him on his birthday. This year I didn't have all of the ingredients so I invented a quick and easy strawberry cake recipe along with strawberry frosting! It turned out FANTASTIC!

Blondie was too cute in this pic not to share!

Haunted House?

Okay yall - I'm TOTALLY freaking out. The past few weeks weird things have been happening and we don't have any explaination. About a week ago, Hubby and I were in bed, about to fall asleep when the radio all of a sudden got really staticy - you know like when a cell phone is about to ring and it's next to a radio. Our cell phones were in the other room though. The only thing by the radio was the kids' thermometer. during the static, we heard the thermometer beep and turn itself on. Scared us both have to death. Sometimes I'll hear footsteps late at night and even the dog will turn, but no one is there!

Today was the kicker. I took advantage of the kids rest time to take a shower. Before I shower, I always make sure the doors are locked. After my shower, I came out in the living room and saw the dog pillow in the middle of the floor (it's usually by the front door). I thought that was odd and then I looked at the door - it was unlocked and cracked open! I ran to check on the kids - Blondie was sound asleep - I woke her up and asked if she had gone outside at all while I was showering- she said she hadn't. Bear was in his room talking. I open his door - he's talking to the cat. What's even more odd is that when I closed Bear's door for him to take a nap, I had brought the cat out with me. She's too fat to fit under the door!

I don't normally believe in haunted stuff or ghosts, but this is freaking me out. I told Hubby I want to move.

Our Budding Chef!

Well, Blondie announced today that she would like to be a chef. Not one to stifle her dreams, I told her that would be a great thing to be! I asked her what she planned on cooking and serving at her restaurant. Now, please remember these recipes are TOP SECRET and have NOT been tested thus far. Feel free to test them if you wish, but do not share the recipes! I wrote them down word for word so we wouldn't miss out!

Cracker Apple Pie
Put some carrots in a dish. Then some apples. Then more carrots. Then cinnamin crackers. Make sure you only use cinnamin crackers. Then more carrots. Put it in the oven for 1 minute.

Carrot Pie
Put chicken in a dish. Then some meat. Then soda powder. Then stir in the flour. After it cools down, put it in the oven.

Garlic Cheese
Put in Garlic. Then more Garlic. Then add pie. Then carrots. Put it in the oven for 1 minute and then for 20 minutes. Then put it in the freezer.

What a yummy restaurant Blondie will have! Look out Paula Dean - Here come's Blondie!

Prayers for Hubby!

Keep Hubby in your prayers :-) He's going to be studying hard this next month and a half so he can take the Corporal test. We're very excited about it and I know he can do it. The Corporal test will be June 25th I believe. This will include a pay raise and help him move on up the chain. Hopefully My Favorite Deputy will become My Favorite Corporal! :-)

I Love My Kids!

Kids are great aren't they? Always someone to give you a hug or act silly with. When you look horrible, they still come up and tell you that you're beautiful.

Blondie and Bear know that "Mommy Time" is when Mommy gets to work out with her exercise videos and that they best stay out of the way. I typically do my workouts in the morning while they eat their breakfast on the kiddie table in the living room so I can keep full watch over what they are up to. They know they aren't allowed to interupt me for any reason. This morning I needed to get a few things done before I exercised. I swear Blondie asked me at least 10 times when I was going to do my exersizing. She's definately holding me accountable. I try to do a 30-40 minute workout every morning so maybe I'll be in shape for the beach trip. It was really awesome that Blondie is keeping me in line so I don't give up. Also, periodically through the video Blondie and Bear cheer me on "Go Mommy! You're doing Great". Well, Bear's cheer is more like "EEEEEEE MAMA!"

Exercizing has put me in a great mood lately (along with this FABULOUS weather!). We typically spend most of the day outside tending to the garden, brushing the dogs, and just having a blast. If it get a little warmer, you might find me scrubbing out the kiddie pool!

Have a great day!

Berry Picking 2008

One of our favorite yearly adventures is Strawberry Picking at Washington Farms in Watkinsville. This year the berries were so ripe and juicy and just WONDERFUL! We went with a good friend of ours and her 2 kiddos. Hubby was using the camera most of the time so *yikes* you get to see me this time!

Blondie enjoying a berry

Bear enjoying a Berry

After picking berries, we always go over to their little playground for a bit. Here's Blondie and her 2 friends on the swing. I just loved this pic!

And of course, I got in on the fun as well. They have this awesome rope swing. Chris pushed me so high I could touch the branches on the tree! Kinda scary but fun!

I convinced my friend to swing as well.... only she didn't want to go up as high. I think she still had fun despite screaming the entire time! LOL!

June Beach Wedding

So my cousin is getting married June 7th on the beach in NC. I've got lots to figure out! First off is what the heck to wear! The dress is "Beachy Cashual" so I'm thinking tropical shirts/dresses and such. See any good deals on that stuff, let me know! Then of course we have to have something nice to wear to the rehearsal dinner. And then beach attire and casual wear for the rest of the trip. We'll be gone Thursday - Sunday.

Then gotta find someone to take care of the animals. I'm thinking of hiring Sis keep an eye on the cats and our garden and taking Ella and Goldie to someone else to watch.

We will be staying at my Aunt's house. I feel already like I'm forgetting something important though! lol.

Tell me.... what would you take to the beach? Any good sales I should know about? It will be a 7-8 hour drive, so wish us luck! haha!

Zoo Adventure

We took a trip to the ATL zoo again yesterday with Hubby's Sisters, D & L. We had a blast and it was GREAT to spend time with my sister-in-laws. Blondie and Bear were living it up as well! I took some neat pics of the animals, but I'll just share the pics with people in it :-)

Blondie, Bear, Aunt D and L, and Elephant Statue

Petting the animals

Aunt D the Panda

Blondie the Panda

Bear the Panda

Aunt L the Panda

The Famous Mei Lan Panda!

Blondie and Aunt L

Blondie, Bear, and Komodo Dragon

Aunt L, Blondie, Bear, and Komodo.

Blondie, Aunt L, and Komodo

Aunt D in the "Naked Mole Rat" playground

Playing in the Giant Bird's Nest

Aunt D on Panda

Hubby on Crane

Hubby and Bear on train

Blondie and Aunt D both on Pandas (don't worry, Blondie wasn't scared... she was half falling asleep! LONG day!

Okay - just kidding- had to share one animal pic. These are the newest residents of Zoo ATL - the Naked Mole Rats. They are soooo tiny - look like baby mice, but this is them full grown! Weird huh?