Michigan, butt out

Have you seen where Lisa Snyder, a woman in Michigan, was helping her neighbors out by watching their kids an hour before they had to get on the bus...for free...and is being faced with fines and up to 90 days in jail because of it? The state of Michigan says she is running an "unlicensed daycare" out of her home because she is helping her friends. I say...shouldn't we have the right to help our friends/be helped without the state's involvement?? What do you think??

Click here for full article about Michigan mom.

Thanks McDonalds!

It's been one of those days! I don't want to even think about how much of my morning was spent on my lovely computer. No, we aren't going to talk about that. We're not discussing Facebook, BlogFrog, twitter, blogger, my cell phone...nothing like that. I shared lunch with my hubby and father-in-law and then had several errands to run. Somehow dinner didn't get cooked--again not talking my really (un)productive morning. Now, we're supposed to be at the kid's Open House in less than one hour. Tonight McDonalds has $1.99 Happy Meals and (is it okay to admit this??) I'm so thankful because I don't have to cook! Oh well...dinner of champions...here we come!!

Gratitude Attitude

I was just reading Theta Mom's post Life is Beautiful, and I'm realizing I need an "attitude adjustment" in a big way!! One of the comments left to her discussed her "gratitude attitude" and I thought how descriptive that is.

I've shared before how hubby and I sold our house, moved away, moved back home, spent all our money, and went into debt...did I ever mention that this was right after a bankruptcy?? Sometimes I still feel humiliated that we ever had to go down that road and it was finalized two years ago, this December. In August we had our 13 year anniversary and I can honestly say that we are NOT where I thought we'd be now. We got married at ages 20 and 21 and I think we both had unrealistic expectations--like we could go out and do whatever we wanted and somehow become financially independent and wind up with the most phenomenal relationship ever.

What I often forget is that I have so much to be thankful for! I've never gone hungry, I've always had a roof over my head, I have a good man with two fabulous kids, I have a good job...and my list goes on. The other night I left a post saying that I want my Joy to learn how to dance in the rain. I need to be a good example to her and teach her how to do exactly that!

I've often heard "Let go and let God" which at times seems really hard to do and seems like such a cliche. I came across this article from Work Ministry and thought this was really incredible and unfortunately, easily forgotten or put aside.

Let Go: Let God Fill Your Need
By Mary Kupferle
If you are anxious, tense, or concerned about anything in your life, dear friend, begin now to relax, let go and let God fill your need.

No matter what seems to be missing from your life-be it a much loved person, a special place, an activity of great value or a feeling of well-being – release and let go, knowing that God is right now filling your need.
Take a deep breath. Release it slowly, telling yourself quietly: I let go, I let God fill my need.

Accept the reality that God’s wisdom is ever present and available, ready to fill you with new understanding, light and life. Let God fill every void, every emptiness that seems to separate you from the desires of your heart. Let go! Let God fill your need.

God’s light and substance and divine activity will come forth and move in and through you as you let go. God’s creative process is awaiting your acceptance of its productive, healing action. Let your thoughts be lifted up. Let the presence of God dissolve your fears and doubts and fill every gap of unbelief. Let go and let God within you do the work.

Begin now to relax from the strain and effort of questioning, planning and reasoning.Take a few moments throughout the day to calm your thinking and place all your attention upon the words: I let go: I let God fill my need.

Immediately, benefits will be felt and become visible and tangible, inside and out. You will feel renewed strength and faith and courage. Because more of God’s presence has become active within you, your prayers will be more effective and your understanding of the presence of God within you will be clearer. As you continue to release dependence upon human forces or personal strength, you will find that God’s love takes care of what you cannot accomplish. As you let go, God will freely and abundantly fill every need.

God always provides knowledge, guidance, understanding, faith, healing, support or whatever else is needed in your life. Whatever your life experience appears to be, you have, at this moment, an opportunity to let go personal striving and let God move in you and through you to fill every need.

During the most critical point in the life of Jesus, when the minds and hearts of His disciples seemed totally depleted of courage and faith, each need was filled. As the disciples beheld the amazing example of Jesus’s quiet surrender to the Father, they learned of the miracle working power of letting go and letting God fill their needs. Their eyes and minds and hearts were opened anew to the message of abundant life, eternal life and love for all humanity.

God’s love and goodness will always fill every need in your circumstances, every hunger of your heart, every longing of your soul for peace and assurance, every good desire for the expression of eternal life and well-being.

Even though it may seem during the challenges of life that you are separated from that which has been your greatest avenue of comfort, security or supply, remember: God always fills your need. No matter how great the gulf seems between you and the solution to your deepest desire, you can trust God. Tell yourself again and again: I let go. God will fill my need.

God never leaves a void. He will never desert you or forsake you, His own creation. God’s presence of love and wisdom is ever nurturing your soul in its gradual unfoldment of spiritual potential. God’s power is ever at work within every circumstance. As you let go and trust God, everything is transformed- yes, everything- into a blessing. God continuously makes dark places light, rough places smooth, crooked places straight and empty places full. Full of His loving kindness and abundance of joy.

Let go. Let God fill your need. Let the creative process of God begin now to fill every point in your life that needs the touch of His great love and healing power. God is ready to do what you cannot do by yourself.

Have a blessed day!

Monday Recipe: Creamy Chicken Cheese Puffs

(click on image for printer friendly recipe)

Creamy Chicken Cheese Puffs

1 cup shredded cheddar
1 can cream of chicken
1 cup milk
2 cups chopped chicken
1 can crescent rolls

Mix milk, soup, 1/4 cup cheese. Heat until cheese melted. Mix remainder of cheese and chicken into mixture. Unroll crescent rolls and separate triangles. Put one scoop of chicken mix on each triangle and roll closed. Bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees. You can heat the remainder of the soup mix mixture and pour on top when serving...but much messier that way and not so kid friendly!

Found Mr. Linky over at Living Smart Girl and thought since I like to post recipes pretty much every Monday, this might be kinda fun!!

One Lovely Blog Award

Wow! Just received my second award and I'm appreciative to all that read my daily ramblings! Thanks to Tanya at The Grab Bag and Nikki from The Chocolate Mousse for this wonderful award!

The rules of the "One Lovely Blog Award" are: Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

My picks are...

1. Liss with Frills in the Hills


2. Brittany from Four Little Men and Girly Twins


3. Chantelle from Fat Mum Slim


4. Molly from I'm a Sleeper Baker


5. Amy from Where a Woman Shaker Her Tablecloth


6. Mrs. P from A Study in Contradictions


7. Angie from Bring the Rain


8. Kristen from Bringing Up Benjamin


9. Giraffe Girl with Giraffe Necking


10. Iva from Iva Messy
11. Anne at Mommy Has to Work
12. Rebecca and Maggie with Homemade Mamas
13. MckMama at My Charming Kids
14. Zelna with Pancakes and Lemon Cream
15. Audrey at The Happy Her Trails

Imagination Time

If you could travel anywhere in time...past, present or future...where would it be and why?

Weekend getaway

Hubby and I are taking off for the weekend while my in-laws watch the kids. Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

The 9-minute Snooze...

I'm supposed to clock in at work by 6:25am...after I pushed my snooze button for the third time this morning, I reluctantly and sluggishly drug (lol, or is it dragged) myself out of bed. After a quick jump in the shower, a partial hair drying and putting my PJ's (scrubs) on I rushed out the door so I could speed and pray not to get a ticket.

As I was speeding, err, driving I couldn't help but ask myself--for the second day in a row--why do I use the blasted Snooze button?? Better yet, I've been known to set my alarm 30 minutes earlier than I actually get up just so I could push that little silver button. A couple of weeks ago, as I reached out to push is for the 6th time, I opened one eye to see the red glow of 6:10am; obviously, I was late. I've also had to change my alarm to the really annoying BEEP BEEP because I have this thing about incorporating the music into my dreams.

I've actually contemplated putting it across the room on the dresser but I'm afraid that I'd just get out of bed, turn it off, and climb right back in. My mother is one of those women that has some sort of internal alarm clock that goes off at about 6am every single day. I think she can accomplish more in the first two hours of her day then I accomplish in an entire day. At times I will think to myself "I wish I were a morning person..." while daydreaming about all the things I could get done. Then I realize that I'd probably no longer be a night owl and that thought is inconceivable.

So, I lay it all out...I'm a snoozing addict. Are you a night owl or are you, I can't imagine, a morning person? Anyone else have a relationship with the snooze button they can't seem to break??

Where did she go?

Earlier this evening the whole family went on a walk. Fall is here...we all had to go get our jackets on before we left the house and surprisingly, no one was wearing flip flops. I was watching my six year old daughter hop, skip and jump her way down the sidewalk...for a few moments I was utterly captivated by her complete innocence. Happiness radiated from her and it struck me that for now she is free of all the "stuff" that bogs the rest of us down. At that moment, she was consumed by the joy of being outside and the pleasure of having her mommy, daddy and bubby all together. The sound of her laughter touched my heart.

After our walk and after dinner I started feeling a bit reminiscent and started looking through old photos. This little dark eyed, curly headed girl is me. I imagine I was around two years old when this picture was taken but there is no way of knowing for sure. I look at this photo and I realize that at one time I had that complete innocence of a child as well--I was utterly happy and content.

It hit me. My Joy is going to go through the trials of life. She will get beat up and beat down at times, but hopefully, will come out fighting. But for now...for now...she's my little girl. I still get to protect, nourish, guide, discipline, and teach her to become a strong woman. A woman that will learn to dance in the rain and make lemonade when life gives her lemons.

Monday Recipe-Lasanga Pie

My mom used to make this when I was a kid and I loved it! If you happen to have leftovers, this is much better reheated in the oven instead of the microwave. Wish I had a picture of how pretty this when it comes out of the oven!!

Lasagna Pie

1 can Pillsbury croissant

1/2 lb hamburger
1/2 lb sausage
1/2 c chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon oregano
sale & pepper to taste
1T parsley
1 can tomato paste (6oz)

1 cup cottage cheese
1/4 cup parmesan
1 egg

Mix first set of ingredients in one bowl. Mix cheese and egg mixture in second bowl. Roll out croissant and "pinch and spread" until large enough for 9-in pie pan--be sure that you have enough excess that you will be able to fold up and close the pie. Place in pie pan (this will be your crust). Begin layering meat mixture, cheese mixture, meat mixture, etc. You now have the option for some sort of cheese on top if desired. Then bring excess dough over to cover pie. Bake at 375 degrees until croissant is a golden brown.

(As always, you can click on "lasagna pie" link for printer friendly recipe)

H1N1 Flu Vaccine

From what I understand, many companies are requiring the H1N1 flu vaccine as well as the seasonal flu shot, or risk possible termination. What is everyone's thoughts about that?

Beyond Belief

I'm waaaay dating myself here, but I always loved Petra. I have downloaded several of Petra's songs to my ipod and last night when I was driving, my almost nine year old son was sitting in the back singing this song. Thought it might bring some memories back! I just HAD to use the original video so we could all check out the great 1990 hair on these talented guys!!

Old Friends

I'm going out with an old friend today for lunch and I'm really looking forward to it. I love old friends...they're like a pair of comfortable old shoes (lol, is that a good analogy?). When you get with them you have that feeling of knowing how right it is. You know that this person knows all your secrets and she still wants to spend time with you.

I recently spent an evening with a girlfriend of mine from high school, that now lives in California, and it was just wonderful. So strange...hadn't seen her for almost ten years, but once we were together it was like we had never been apart. We were giggling and swapping stories. We reminisced about old times and also had the joy of sharing new stories about our little ones. Leaving was hard because there's a very good chance that although we visit on Facebook and ever so often pick up the phone, it may be another ten years before I see her again.

But truly, aren't good friends precious??

The Delta Smelt

U.S. District Court Judge Oliver Wanger ruled that an endangered species of minnows, the Delta Smelt, be saved in California and has shut down water deliveries for six months (from December until June) from the northern to the southern two-thirds of the state. Apparently, the smelt are getting caught in the water pumps that deliver the water. The state of CA has been in drought and water supplies are low as it it, but if these pumps are stopped, then they won't be able to move water to 25 million Californians and 3 million acres of farmland.

San Joaquin Valley West Side will be hit hard and many farms that supply fruits and vegetables to the entire U.S. will not have the crops to do so. I imagine that we'll have to import items that ordinarily we could grow here in the states thus they'll be more expensive. Unemployment will be on the rise in Southern CA and many residents of this area already live below poverty level.

Some say that the Delta Smelt does not really benefit mankind. What are your thoughts about Judge Wanger's ruling??

Why couldn't I sleep?

I got to bed last night about midnight and for some reason I had one of those nights...the first time I looked at the clock it was 1:30...then 2:30...then 4:00...then 5:15. My alarm clock finally went off at about 5:30 and believe it or not, I laid there and pushed the snooze button for the next 15 minutes. Now I get to go work a 12-hour shift. Sounds life fun, huh?

Don't know why I had problems sleeping. I was teasing my hubby right before I fell asleep...do you think it could be looking at my handsome hubby with his c-pap on gave me nightmares?? Not that I would dare let him go with out it! Most nights, I do get to sleep now! :)

Happy Wednesday!

Kids eat free!

I have a list that hangs on my bulletin board of all the restaurants in town (or close by) that have free or cheaper kid's meals different nights of the week. For example, we love The Pasta House and you might see us there on Sunday for lunch because you get a free kid's meal with every adult purchase. McDonald's (yes, we eat there sometimes too) has $1.99 kid's meals on Tuesday evenings...we ate there after soccer practice this past spring. FrugalLivingTV has an article of all the big chains and some small, that offer great deals like these around the country. Follow the "deals" link and you might have an excuse to go out for dinner tonight!!

Thanks to Tara

As many have probably noticed my blog got a little fancier and looks a lot better. Tara with Blog Makeovers by Tara worked on it for me and she did a beautiful job. She was wonderful to work with and was so patient and kind to this clueless, html naive, newbie. From what I could find she was also very reasonable compared to many on price. So, a special thank you to Tara for all of her help and I recommend her to anyone.

"Eat Now, Pay Later"

Yesterday I was driving home from eating with the hubby (why does that have to be such a great pastime??) and I saw a billboard that said "Smoke Now, Pay Later". For some reason it hit me...that's what I do...I don't smoke, but I do eat what I want and I don't pay any attention to the calories, fat, cholesterol, etc. So, I thought "Eat Now, Pay Later". Working in the ICU, I see so many people that are in their early 60s with chronic health conditions, many of them due to the life choices they have made. I always think to myself "Big red flag, Ronnie, this is going to be you...".

This morning I went over to my in-law's house and checked my blood glucose before eating anything and my result was 136. For those of you that don't know, that's called hyperglycemia. I really should call my doctor and keep monitoring my blood glucose every morning to see if it's become a chronic condition or if I'm just having intermittent highs. Either way...BAD...I don't want to be a diabetic. Unfortunately, my father and all of my grandparents were diabetics, thus I'm predisposed as it is. When you add an extra 50 pounds to the mix...you have a 33-year old woman that's pre-diabetic.

At the age of 28 I developed hypertension. My cholesterol has been high since I was about 20 years old. After my second baby, when is seems like my body "broke", my triglycerides were 850 (normal is 150 or less). When you group all of these problems together you have Metabolic Syndrome and it's estimated that one out of six people have this.

"If you've just been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, you might be anxious. But think of it as a wake-up call. It's time to get serious about improving your health. Making simple changes to your habits now can prevent serious illness in the future." This statement is from the WebMD site, and I'm thinking about how accurate it is. By adding frequent exercise and a healthy diet, I could lose weight. Weight loss would very likely lower my cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, blood pressure, and I would probably wind up feeling better all the way around. That being the case, why haven't I done it? Why don't I do it??

So, I'm challenging myself to get well! Anyone else interested?

Monday Recipe: Old Settlers Baked Beans

I tried to find a good picture to go along with this recipe...but I do believe they taste a ton better than they look! I wish I could capture the wonderful aroma and share it with everyone instead!

Old Settlers Baked Beans
(click on above link for printer friendly recipe)

3/4 cup Brown Sugar
1/4 cup Ketchup
2 T Mustard
2 T Molasses
3/4 cup White Sugar
1/4 cup BBQ Sauce (any kind)
1/2 tsp Chili Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
1 can Kidney Beans (15 oz)
1 can Butter Beans (15 oz)
1 can Pork & Beans (15 oz)
1 lb Ground Chuck
1/2 lb Chopped Bacon or Sausage
1 Chopped Onion

Cook ground chuck, bacon or sausage and onion until done. Drain and set aside.

Mix all other ingredients in large bowl. DO NOT drain beans. Add meat and bake at 350 degrees for one hour or in a crock-pot for six hours

The ABC's of Me

The ABC's of Me
so here goes!

A- Age: 33 . . . but I like to say I'm still at 29:)
B- Bed size: queen- used to have a king...miss it!
C- Chore you hate: putting laundry away. I fold...you put it away

D- Dad's name: Ron
E- Essential start of your day: My thyroid medicine...first thing
F- Favorite color: red

G- Gold or Silver: Gold
H- Height: 5' 4"
I- Instruments you play: Piano, and french horn (although it's been awhile)
J- Job title: Mom and part time RN
K- Kids: 2
L- Living arrangements: 3 BR house with hubby and 2 kids

M- Mom's name: Carroll
N- Nicknames: Ron-Ron (when I was a kid) or now just Ron

O- Overnight stay in a hospital other than your birth: gallbladder and breast reduction

P- Pet Peeve: when someone doesn't rinse their dish out after eating
Q- Quote from a movie: "You had me had hello." "You complete me."

R- Right or left handed: right
S- Siblings: 3 sisters
T- Time you wake up: as late as possible

U- Underwear: comfortable

V- Vegetable you dislike: asparagus & brussel sprouts
W- What you like to drink: Dr. Pepper...although I'm stopping...and I miss it!
X-rays you've had: knees, sinuses, chest
Y- Yummy food you make: chicken enchiladas (gonna post this one soon)
Z- Zoo favorites: monkeys

Thanks, Alpine Klein Bunch, One day at a Time, for a fun idea!

I would love to get to know everyone better. Copy, paste & send a link!

Imagination time...

What if...you won $1,000,000 today, non-taxed...what would you do with it? Where would you go?

Save... it's necessary

Last night I decided I needed to move a few things around on my site. I moved this, moved that...then I looked at my scroll box (which I did all by myself) and thought "It's too big...I think I'll resize it". This was the critical moment when I should have copied and saved what was already there. I started changing a few numbers and then WHAM! I messed up on the "too big" scroll box and it became the "unfixable" scroll box. I've been sitting here for over three hours trying to figure out what sites I used to help me make one the last time (which was a breeze then) and I've wound up with the image in the scroll box. Now it's 3am and I'm going a bit cross-eyed and feeling a bit grumpy!

Bottom line here: Don't EVER, EVER, EVER start messing with html codes on something before copying the codes and saving them!

Allow me to introduce myself...again

I just started "But Such is Life" at the beginning of August. At that time, I chose to keep my name anonymous and took on an alias of sorts, Elizabeth Melton. Over the past several weeks I've met so many neat people and have really enjoyed getting to visit with other bloggers. My name is really Ronnie and I really do live in the Midwest, United States. So from now on, when you see Ronnie signed at the end of a post....it's also Elizabeth.

Hamburger Helper

I know it would be much more impressive if I pretended to be some sort of homemaking goddess...but I'm not. Hamburger Helper is not a staple in our diet but there are those times when I don't have the time or energy for anything else.

That being the case, I must admit that I've cooked multiple (probably way too many) different Hamburger Helper meals. Here's our favorites!

1. Double Cheeseburger Macaroni
2. Potatoes Stroganoff
3. Lasagna

Also, here's a bunch of printable COUPONS, including some for Hamburger Helper.

7 Little Bargain Shopping Tips That Will Save You Major Money Fashion: glamour.com

7 Little Bargain Shopping Tips That Will Save You Major Money Fashion: glamour.com

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Just call me Slug

Do you ever have one of those days where it's all you can do to get out of bed?? For some reason all my extremities feel like they've been loaded down with cement bricks and it takes energy to even lift them. It's partly my fault. I was on Facebook last night until almost 2am. I worked 12-hour shifts the last two days and I'm tired.

So, I called hubby and asked him if he'd bring lunch home over his lunch hour. He said that he can take a long lunch hour today and he doesn't want fast food. And why would he?? McDonald's, Burger King, Sonic, KFC, Long John Silver, Arbys, Taco Bell...they don't sound good either...and I'm a Taco Bell junkie. My internal debate began...I could stay home and take a nap, which would quickly be followed by picking up the kids from school. Next question to self...would I feel better or worse after that nap? The house wouldn't be any cleaner, the laundry can't do itself, and my dad (who is in from W. Virginia) is coming over tonight.

Common sense wins. I'm headed to the shower...lunch here I come. Why can't I want a BIG salad without dressing??

September 11th

I don't think any of us will ever forget what we were doing on 9/11, the day America stood still...the day that almost 3000 people (over 2700 of them were Americans) were killed by terrorism on our own soil. I was talking on the phone with my dad that morning, and Jared was upstairs taking a nap, only a month away from his first birthday.

I remember watching the TV for hours, stunned when rescue efforts didn't turn up hardly anyone. I remember the anger that I and the rest of my country felt about these attacks. I remember the courage of so many who helped others, both during the attacks and after. I remember a nation that came together in a way that can make all Americans proud. September 11th should be a special memorial day of some sort and we never will forget. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends who lost loved ones during that very sad time.

What do 1913, 1937, and 1965 all have in common??

There has been much discussion today regarding President Obama's address to congress Wednesday night. Much of this has focused on Rep. Joe Wilson, of South Carolina, who actually yelled "You lie!" during the president's speech. As most know, President Obama was discussing illegal aliens and whether they would receive health insurance through the proposed health reform. As usual, most Republicans argue that they indeed would be covered, while most Democrats state that they wouldn't.

What I know, is that this is just a small tip of the iceberg. Believe it or not, I have sat down and read parts of the Health Care Bill and it doesn't take long to feel like you're going cross-eyed. Seems to me like the "Secretary" has an awful lot of flexibility with things when he/she deems something is necessary. This reform creates bigger government and reaches the government's ever so long tentacles further into American's lives.

The Income Tax was started in 1913 under Woodrow Wilson. Social Security was signed into law by FDR in January 1937. Medicare and Medicaid made their debut in July 1965 during Lyndon B. Johnson's administration. What do each of these have in common? These three Presidents were all Democrats and there was a Democratic majority in the House and Senate that made sure all of these programs went through. Social Security is almost bankrupt. Medicare is almost bankrupt. Medicaid is almost bankrupt. Income taxes don't seem to be getting any lower and China just about owns the U.S. Those that endorse Health Reform state that we need it because of these facts...I say, What makes them think they're going to do any better this time around??

Food for thought: If it took 18 months of debate for the Medicare Bill to go through in 1965 and the Obamas took at least six months to pick out their dog, then why, oh why, does this have to be done yesterday??

Ellen on Idol

I'm a big fan of American Idol and watch it religously throughout the season. Today Fox announced that Ellen Degeneres will be the new judge replacing Paula Abdul. Now, I have to honest, there were times when Paula about drove me crazy. The words she used (and I'm pretty sure, made up) at times just amazed me and it was always interesting to see what she was going to wear. But...she had been a success in her music and dance/choreographer career.

Ellen Degeneres is hilarious! I can't help but wonder what kind of rapport we'll see between her and Simon Cowell. After watching Ellen dance on her morning show, I can almost guarantee that we will NOT be seeing her teaching the Idol hopefuls any moves! This should be interesting...I'm looking forward to Season 9 of American Idol!

Post School Address

Well, the big controversial speech is over and I'll say it...it was a good motivational speech for our children.

I promise I'm not some whack job conspiracy theorist, but I still wholeheartedly believe that if conservatives wouldn't have criticized things the way they did, we would have heard a much different speech today.

But...we didn't, and I'm thankful for it.

TP

TP. Yes, I'm talking about toilet paper. I just bought a 12 pack of Charmin Ultra Strong (1 roll=4 regular rolls) and I paid over $14 after tax. Just ranting, but think about it for a sec...what we do with it and where it goes...that's just ridiculous. Unfortunately, I just can't swtich to cheap one-ply TP. That would just be wrong!!

Where to put the papers I can't throw away...

I've been really frustrated lately trying to figure out where to put everything. With both kids in school this year, there's double the paperwork. We're always scurrying around trying to find their reading logs or looking for the menu to see if they want to eat school lunch. So...this is what I came up with. I decided to get a really large peg board where I could hang all the papers.

I didn't want to hang the plain brown board up so I tried to think of what I could do to make it more decorative. My kitchen is done in roosters so I decided to stay with that theme. I found this nice red fabric with roosters all over it--I liked it because it wasn't "too much".

I used some spray adhesive on the board and then covered it with the material. My poor butter knife got to push the excess fabric under the edges. I'm happy with the results (except for the adhesive stuck on my fingers) and now we should all know where all those papers are that we can't usually find. Or better yet, there is a place for all those papers that we don't know what else to do with!

S-L-O-W

As you well know my little Joy started kindergarten a couple of weeks ago and this getting up every morning is kicking her hiney! She is soooo darn slow!! It's all I can do to get her out of bed. Then she has to get dressed, eat breakfast, brush her teeth, and every morning, somehow, we barely pull into the parking lot on time.

Of course, I'm acting like this is a new thing. Since she was tiny she always finished last...in eating and getting ready for anything. So now we are always telling her to eat faster (kinda seems messed up considering the digestive problems and obesity we have in our country). Not to mention the fact that mommy gets very crabby after telling her to "Hurry up!" over and over and over...

I'm thinking I'm probably not the only mommy with this problem in the mornings. Anyone else have pokey little man or little lady?? Any suggestions?

Homemade Taco Seasoning & Homemade Taco Sauce

One of the meals that we really enjoy in our house is Taco Salad. After browning my hamburger I always add a can of drained pinto or kidney beans (is that weird?). One of my girlfriends has recently turned me onto homemade seasoning vs. packaged. I made this the last time we had Taco Salad and it was pretty good.

Homemade Taco Seasoning

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp paprika

3/4 tsp salt

3/4 tsp minced onion

1/2-1 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1/4 garlic powder

1/4 tsp sugar

1/8 tsp pepper

My mom always used Nacho Doritos for the chips in the salad and it is sooo yummy that way! Of course, all the regular toppings like tomatoes, olives, cheese, sour cream, and red onion (another weird thing my family does) are also added. Mom also had the ultimate best Taco Salad Sauce of all times and I'm gonna share it today!

Taco Salad Sauce

1/2 cup ketchup

1/4 cup vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup oil

Mix vigorously (I usually use a shaker mixer). Be sure to chill and enjoy!

Sounds really simple but it truly is fabulous! Be sure to just pour a little on the top because it's easy to overdo.

Free Dyson Vacuum

Tammi, with My Organized Chaos, is hosting a giveaway for a FREE Dyson DC24! It's like the vacuum of all vacuums...contest closes on Sept. 10th so act fast! She does a super review so check it out!

Hope everyone has a fabulous Labor Day! Be safe!

The diet

I'm having slight embarrassment as I write this post...my diet...isn't working. Apparently, I'm not desperate enough...I don't want it enough...I'm not committed enough! Here's the part where I point out that it's not the diet that doesn't work, it's the me part that didn't work.

So, I'll focus on the positive part of this really short little journey. I haven't had a carbonated beverage (yummy Dr. Pepper) at all since last Monday. That's six days people! That's quite an accomplishment.

Not sure what I'm going to do...I'll keep it all posted, I'm sure. Kinda thinking that just eating alot more fresh fruits and veggies would be a HUGE step. I'm going to try really hard to get at least 100oz of water a day. And that poor ignored ellyptical just might get some use.

Thanks for the support and encouraging words!

Loyalty Award

Thanks, Momma Such, from Raising My 4 Sons for this award...it's my very first! I really do enjoy reading about your little men. You've been a great help to me since I started this and I really appreciate your support!

President Obama's School Address

I have thought long and hard about what/how to write about this issue. The words following are not meant to be offensive and I welcome any polite comments, whether they be positive or negative.

There is a lot of debate going on about President Obama’s school address coming up on Tuesday, September 8, 2009. Many are saying that this speech is some sort of “indoctrination” or “propaganda” to our children/youth and it is very socialistic. I personally find it very interesting that the President/White House has drastically changed the questions for the children and the instructions for the teachers. Initially, the PreK-6 children were to write letters to themselves talking about how they can help the president. Now it’s being suggested that they write letters to themselves about how they can achieve their short-term and long-term education goals. It’s also been said that the older kids will be encouraged to read Obama’s books and to use quotes out of them.

I have to examine what I see as the character of my President. His childhood mentor was Frank Marshall Davis, a KNOWN communist and member of the Communist Party USA (CPUSA). Obama writes about him in his own book, Dreams from my Father. He writes about "a poet named Frank," who visited them in Hawaii, read poetry, and was full of "hard-earned knowledge" and advice. Obama says that he had "some modest notoriety once," was "a contemporary of Richard Wright and Langston Hughes during his years in Chicago..."

I also can’t forget his relationship with William Ayers, a co-founder and member of the terrorist Weather Underground organization which conducted a campaign of bombing public buildings during the 1960s and 1970s that included the Pentagon, US Capital Building and the NYC Police Headquarters. There is actual documentation that Obama and Ayers worked together in Chicago and William Ayers names Barack Obama and his family as "neighbors and family friends" in the new edition of his memoirs, Fugitive Days: Memoirs of an Anti-War-Activist.

I have to also take into account all 37 of President Obama’s “Czars” or special advisors which, by the way, are appointed by the President and do not require any type of confirmation by Congress. Van Jones (Green Jobs Czar) was an active member of Weather Underground. There’s recently been a lot of controversy about him in the media. John Holdren (Science Czar) supports forced abortions, mass sterilization, and a "Planetary Regime" with the power of life and death over American citizens. Ezekial Emanuel (Health Policy Czar) says we have too much health care. Cass Sunstein (Regulatory Czar) believes that animals should have the right to sue. In his 2002 book, Republic.com, he discussed the drawbacks of limitless choices on the Internet that allow people to seek out only like-minded people and opinions that merely fortify their own views; he talked about the idea of the government requiring sites to link to opposing views. And seriously…these people are his “advisors”. Research them…look them up…it’s all there!

Tom Daschle withdrew his cabinet nomination amidst tax scandal. Now, he is basically Obama’s “unofficial” Health Care Czar (actually held by Nancy-Ann DeParle). Daschle’s book, Critical: What we can do about the health care crisis, points us right towards socialized medicine. Crazy thing is…his whole idea was built into the “stimulus” bill that was passed back in February. My point here is…Obama gets what he wants…one way or another.

I’m not saying that President Obama is the next Hitler, however, I recently researched Hitler extensively and there were striking similarities. Education played a very important part in Nazi Germany in trying to cultivate a loyal following for Hitler and the Nazis. The Nazis were aware that education would create loyal Nazis by the time they reached adulthood. The Hitler Youth had been created for post-school activities and schools were to play a critical part in developing a loyal following for Hitler - indoctrination and the use of propaganda were to be a common practice in Nazi schools and the education system. And that…makes me shudder! (please follow above link for reference)

I’m just really thankful that the school superintendent for my town decided not to have Obama’s address televised into every classroom unless it has some relevance in a government/political science class. I will also mention that these same schools did watch Obama’s inauguration back in January…and I was okay with that.

Down 2.2 pounds

Btw...I still wasn't perfection on this new diet. Actually...I cheated big time...a cupcake and a burrito enchilada style. But what the heck--another 2.2 pounds gone. I'm still wondering if it will bite me in the butt tomorrow. I guess we'll see later...

My baby is 6

We decided to go all out this year and have Joy's part somewhere that I didn't have to be responsible for! It was fabulous... All we had to do is show up! Cupcakes, pizza, drinks, plates, napkins, and clean up were all part of the wonderful deal! There were several different inflatables for the kids to play on and they really had sooo much fun! Honestly, I had a good time on them as well. Because we decided to have her party on a week night there was no one else there and that made it ever better!

Joy sitting at her throne opening her presents...

Mommy, Joy & Daddy



Bubby had a blast as well!

Last week hubby and I were asking Joy what she wanted for her birthday. We had already purchased the bike and had it out in a closet in the garage. (The kids never go out there...or so I thought) So, when we asked her if she wanted a bike she replied "No, I already have one of those--it's out in the closet in the garage." Instead she wanted an animal like Jared's. More on the gerbil later.

These three little angels are in the same class...also the reason Joy got moved the first day of school.

This is my advice...if at all possble, have the party somewhere else...I think it's worth a million bucks!!

Generic Wellbutrin

MSN health recently published an article discussing Budeprion XL (generic Wellbutrin) and the possible problems/side effects of it and multiple other generic drugs. I found a lot of the information to be very disturbing and some of the symptoms to be eerily similar for my husband and myself, who have both been on Budeprion. Bad Bargain: The Dangers of Generic Drugs is a must read in my opinion because so many of us do use the generic drugs because they're cheaper and many insurance companies mandate it. My doctor at one time prescribed Glucophage for me for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and I was unable to take it due to the severe GI problems that it caused me. When I notified my physician, she stated that she wanted me off the generic Metformin and wanted me to take the name brand Glucophage. Kinda make you scratch your head and go, "Hmmmmm...".

3.4 pounds

Down 3.4 pounds this morning. Unfortunately, the headache I woke up with, along with the upset stomach, about did me in. Now I'm up and going...what to eat for lunch? Pizza, baked potato, Subway...no, we won't go there. More to come later!

Joy's 6th birthday party is tonight. Looking forward to posting some great pictures. She is soo excited!

Dang! I did good all day long. And then it happened...my hubby grilled chicken and it tasted so good. So I went over my calorie limits in chicken...not ice cream, chocolate or some yummy desserts...but chicken! I don't want to be a weak person, I want to show myself that I have the abiltiy, the willpower, to do this. Right now I'm fixated on orea blizzards. Tomorrow is a new day and with it, hopefully, a new attitude.

Me...In a bathing suit...on the web

This, ladies and gentlemen, is a really unflattering picture of me in a bathing suit posted for the whole world to see! Unfortunately, the beautiful ocean and white sand aren't too visible... Why do I post this?? Well, tomorrow I start a serious diet. Tuesday, September 2, 2009, hubby and I are starting the hCG diet developed by Dr. ATW Simeons. There is a link provided and you're welcome to research more about it. So, I post this for accountability. I post this because I'm thinking there is no way I'm going to let myself fail after posting a picture of myself in a bathing suit!! I post this because I don't like weighing what I did when I delivered my second baby SIX years ago!! There are restrictions on what can be eaten and I plan to post frequently (hopefully daily) about my results. I've been telling my hubby that "I"m going to be hot" and after watching my brother-in-law drop about 40 pounds in five weeks there's no way that I can't do this too! Be prepared, tomorrow all dairy, grains, and sugars will be cut from my diet and I'm guaranteeing you that I'm going to be a very crabby girl!