tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-317255212024-03-07T21:27:33.298-05:00Sweet Tea for Memindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810117112026836379noreply@blogger.comBlogger497125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31725521.post-72278462619023422142017-08-21T09:19:00.000-04:002017-08-21T09:19:08.758-04:00Something is Stirring <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FgAzLKXqcDk" width="560"></iframe><br />
<div class="kp-header" data-ved="0ahUKEwjn9OG8s-jVAhXEeSYKHdbuAxUQ3z4IJSgA">
<div class="kp-hc" style="display: inline-block; margin-bottom: 0px; padding-bottom: 12px; padding-top: 12px; position: relative; width: 632px;">
<div class="_tN _IWg _HWg mod" data-hveid="38" data-md="16" data-ved="0ahUKEwjn9OG8s-jVAhXEeSYKHdbuAxUQhygIJjAA" style="border-radius: 2px; clear: none; padding-top: 0px;">
<div class="_fdf _odf" style="margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 16px; padding-right: 16px; position: relative;">
<div aria-level="3" class="_Q1n" role="heading">
<div class="kno-ecr-pt kno-fb-ctx" data-ved="0ahUKEwjn9OG8s-jVAhXEeSYKHdbuAxUQ3B0IJygAMAA" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); display: inline; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 30px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: -3px; overflow: hidden; position: relative; transform-origin: left top 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div aria-level="3" class="_Q1n" role="heading">
<div class="kno-ecr-pt kno-fb-ctx" data-ved="0ahUKEwjn9OG8s-jVAhXEeSYKHdbuAxUQ3B0IJygAMAA" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); display: inline; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 30px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: -3px; overflow: hidden; position: relative; transform-origin: left top 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
Called Me Higher</div>
<div class="_gdf kno-fb-ctx" style="color: #777777; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; margin: 4px 0px; overflow: hidden;">
<span data-ved="0ahUKEwjn9OG8s-jVAhXEeSYKHdbuAxUQ2koIKCgBMAA"><a data-ved="0ahUKEwjn9OG8s-jVAhXEeSYKHdbuAxUQMQgpMAA" href="https://www.google.com/search?q=All+Sons+%26+Daughters&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAONgVuLSz9U3KClOL8zJAwA7jYNsDgAAAA&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjn9OG8s-jVAhXEeSYKHdbuAxUQMQgpMAA" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none;">All Sons & Daughters</a></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="_G1d _wle _xle" style="border-top: 1px solid rgb(235, 235, 235);">
<div class="_RBg">
<div class="_tN _Gtj _Wtj mod" data-md="113" style="border-radius: 2px; clear: none; padding-bottom: 16px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div class="_ARr" data-hveid="42" data-ved="0ahUKEwjn9OG8s-jVAhXEeSYKHdbuAxUQsEwIKigBMAE" style="padding-left: 16px; padding-right: 16px;">
<div class="_UZe kno-fb-ctx" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-top: 4px;">
<div style="line-height: 1.24; margin-bottom: 13px;">
I could just sit<br />
I could just sit and wait for all Your goodness<br />
Hope to feel Your presence<br />
And I could just stay<br />
I could just stay right where I am and hope to feel You<br />
Hope to feel something again</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.24; margin-bottom: 13px;">
And I could hold on<br />
I could hold on to who I am and never let You<br />
Change me from the inside<br />
And I could be safe, oh<br />
I could be safe here in Your arms and never leave home<br />
Never let these walls down</div>
<div style="line-height: 1.24; margin-bottom: 13px;">
But You have called me higher<br />
You have called me deeper<br />
And I'll go where You will lead me Lord<br />
You have called me higher<br />
You have called me deeper<br />
And I'll go where You lead me Lord<br />
Where You lead me<br />
Where You lead me Lord</div>
</div>
<div class="_UZe kno-fb-ctx" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-top: 4px;">
<div class="_Nvn" data-mh="-1" style="line-height: 1.24; margin-bottom: 13px;">
And I could hold on<br />
I could hold on to who I am and never let You<br />
Change me from the inside<br />
And I could be safe, oh<br />
I could be safe here in Your arms and never leave home<br />
Never let these walls down</div>
<div class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="112" data-mhc="1" style="line-height: 1.24; margin-bottom: 13px; max-height: 112px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
But You have called me higher<br />
You have called me deeper<br />
And I'll go where You will lead me Lord<br />
You have called me higher<br />
You have called me deeper<br />
And I'll go where You lead me Lord<br />
Where You lead me</div>
<div class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="32" data-mhc="1" style="line-height: 1.24; margin-bottom: 13px; max-height: 32px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
And I will be Yours, oh<br />
I will be Yours for all my life</div>
<div class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="32" data-mhc="1" style="line-height: 1.24; margin-bottom: 13px; max-height: 32px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
And I will be Yours, oh<br />
I will be Yours for all my life</div>
<div class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="48" data-mhc="1" style="line-height: 1.24; margin-bottom: 13px; max-height: 48px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
And I will be Yours, oh<br />
I will be Yours for all my life<br />
So let Your mercy</div>
<div class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="48" data-mhc="1" style="line-height: 1.24; margin-bottom: 13px; max-height: 48px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
Oh, and I will be Yours, Lord<br />
And I will be Yours for all my life<br />
So let Your mercy light the path before me</div>
<div class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="192" data-mhc="1" style="line-height: 1.24; margin-bottom: 13px; max-height: 192px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
'Cause You have called me higher<br />
You have called me deeper<br />
And I'll go where You will lead me Lord<br />
'Cause You have called me higher<br />
You have called me deeper<br />
And I'll go where You will lead me Lord<br />
Oh, 'cause You have called me higher<br />
You have called me deeper<br />
And I'll go where You will lead me Lord<br />
Oh, 'cause You have called me higher<br />
You have called me deeper<br />
And I'll go where You will lead me Lord, where You lead me</div>
<div class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="48" data-mhc="1" style="line-height: 1.24; margin-bottom: 0px; max-height: 48px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
Where You lead me Lord<br />
Where You lead me<br />
Where You lead me Lord</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="xpdxpnd kno-fb-ctx _Rtn _ECr" data-mh="58" data-mhc="1" data-ved="0ahUKEwjn9OG8s-jVAhXEeSYKHdbuAxUQycMBCCsoADAB" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-top: 16px; max-height: 58px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810117112026836379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31725521.post-10774760060210896152017-08-02T11:52:00.002-04:002017-08-02T11:52:50.179-04:00Have Blog. Will Rant. You know what annoys me...probably you do if you've read this blog at all...I'm pretty open...but anyway...<br />
<br />
People that can't do their jobs thus making my job take twice as much effort and time. I'm not calling out any supplier names but they know who they are! I shouldn't have to tell you which keys to type in your system to get our desired outcome. I shouldn't have to do that. I shouldn't have to suggest they contact Guest Services since we both know this is an easy thing if I can just get to the right person. I shouldn't have time to blog about the situation while I'm on hold. Are they just lazy or clueless? The jury is still out on that one.<br />
<br />
Ugh.<br />
<br />
Thanks for the vent opportunity bloggerland. I appreciate it...so does my husband as it spared him from hearing about it (again).mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810117112026836379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31725521.post-68404555108791986572017-07-31T18:10:00.002-04:002017-07-31T18:10:59.679-04:00Are We Being Punked?I'm honestly not sure if this is a real presidency or if we are all being punked. <br />
<br />
Scaramucci is out after a ridiculously crazy short total of 10 days on the job. Spicer is out and Preibus is out.<br />
<br />
Look. I haven't been keeping up with it much lately but if you have to get rid of someone 10 days in I really really REALLY have to wonder how you were able to give them the job with a straight face to begin with.<br />
<br />
As much as I would like to be able to say, "Not my circus. Not my monkeys" the truth is this IS our circus and our monkeys. <br />
<br />
And Hilary (is it y or ie, I can't even remember) has to look at herself every morning and think, "they'd rather have him?" Yep. Sadly. The choice was pretty much black jelly bean or white good and plenty. Either way we end up sick.mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810117112026836379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31725521.post-46828502486214676242017-07-28T23:50:00.003-04:002017-07-28T23:50:44.033-04:00How Badly Do I Suck?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6E9SOjqwfudp8NL1QooEivvzJcBN_z5lJq8fBDdAGI5TJljYEHPgY2v1ogTlAlmTcQLa44DmmxevEqBDJBINg_4OkSyHV6Z4Gw-RuC9jRwibcZXJQhp0xlSWoA7O8u2fT3pzMdg/s1600/grumpy-dwarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="429" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6E9SOjqwfudp8NL1QooEivvzJcBN_z5lJq8fBDdAGI5TJljYEHPgY2v1ogTlAlmTcQLa44DmmxevEqBDJBINg_4OkSyHV6Z4Gw-RuC9jRwibcZXJQhp0xlSWoA7O8u2fT3pzMdg/s320/grumpy-dwarf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So how badly do I suck? <br />
<br />
Apparently I suck "four years since a post" bad.<br />
<br />
I suck "now the video site doesn't work and I lost all those slide shows" bad.<br />
<br />
I suck "it's like the last 4 years never happened" bad. Except they did happen and I have the Facebook posts to prove it.<br />
<br />
What's done (or not done) is done so I just need to keep on pouring the tea (that I now drink UNsweet ironically) and get back to this blogging thing....tomorrow.mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810117112026836379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31725521.post-1004579714140671582013-06-22T19:21:00.002-04:002013-06-22T19:21:37.887-04:00Aaron's 14th Birthday<div>
<embed flashvars="&p=630457b7e29e22996bccbd&skin_id=701&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" height="382" name="FLVPlayer" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" quality="high" salign="LT" scale="noscale" src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=630457b7e29e22996bccbd" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="408" wmode="transparent"></embed><br />
<div style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12px/20px verdana, arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; text-align: center; width: 408px;">
<a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt5" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">www.onetruemedia.com</span></a></div>
</div>
mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810117112026836379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31725521.post-34985196792493798492013-05-30T23:02:00.001-04:002017-07-28T22:54:18.071-04:00Has Anybody Seen My Soul Sister?I read a great blog post tonight. It was a post that made me laugh out loud- for real. Memories from Carpool Mom came flooding back. I don't know Carpool Mom in real life but back in my blogging days I "read her" religiously. Her posts were like reading my own thoughts...especially when she talked about <a href="http://carpoolmom.blogspot.com/2006/06/its-raining-its-pouring.html">Pollyanna here</a> and when she read my mind about fixing dinner <a href="http://carpoolmom.blogspot.com/2007/07/now-serving-table-6.html">here</a>. Love her. She is my soul sister. <br />
<br />
Then, just like a bad Lifetime Movie, she disappeared. No more posts. She just vanished. Days, weeks, months went by. I left her a comment. No reply. I emailed. It bounced back. Now I know what you are thinking. Clearly she had me blocked. Clearly my soul sister comment crossed the line and she was probably tossing around phrases like "restraining order" and "psychiatric help" but I assure you that isn't the case. She linked me. She commented on my posts too. We had bonded through cyberspace. <br />
<br />
Even though Carpool Mom hasn't updated her blog in 5 (yes, five) years. I haven't lost hope. I won't give up the search. I keep checking. I keep expecting her to show up somewhere. But I admit I am getting a little desperate. Come back to me Carpool Mom. I miss your tales of Mayberry. <br />
<br />
I'm not above putting her picture on a milk carton. I just don't happen to have a picture of her. I don't even have her last name. I began enlisting help with the search. Tonight I emailed another stranger that also happened to comment on her posts. Now she very well may be throwing around those phrases of "restraining order" and "psychiatric help" because it is hard to ask a stranger if she knows the whereabouts of a mutual stranger without sounding slightly off balance. <br />
<br />
Now I wait. I wait for a reply from a stranger. Who am I kidding? I won't just wait. If you need me I'll be googling my soul sister...stalking Facebook...perhaps contacting the milk carton people. mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810117112026836379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31725521.post-32214799822985280262013-02-13T20:34:00.001-05:002017-07-28T22:53:27.948-04:0025 Questions Round TwoSo, I was looking up an old blog for a friend whose child swallowed a magnet. That took me back to 2006 to read how long it took for Andy to pass that penny. 9 days. Crazy the things you forget. Anyway, I found this 25 questions that I posted in 2006 and since I haven't blogged in close to forever, I thought this may be better than nothing. It looks like it was a new year thing or something. Whatever. Here goes 25 questions revisited in 2013!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.75px;">1. What did you do in 2012 that you'd never done before? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;">Had a complete and total career change- 100%</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. Did you make any new years resolutions?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">No. Just thought of 3 words I want to describe this next year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.75px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. Did anyone close to you give birth? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;">Not yet....any day now!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.75px;">4. Did anyone close to you die? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;">No, but someone close to someone close to me died. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.75px;">5. What countries did you visit?</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.75px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;">Every single one of them....in Epcot. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.75px;">6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012? </span><br /><span style="line-height: 19.75px;">I can't think of anything...there are goals for the year but nothing was lacking...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.75px;">8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? </span><br /><span style="line-height: 19.75px;">It's yet to come...but I'm working on it!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.75px;">9. What was your biggest failure?</span><br /><span style="line-height: 19.75px;">In 2012? Taking too long to get out of a bad situation.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.75px;">11. Whose behavior merited celebration?</span><br /><span style="line-height: 19.75px;">Hmm. I think mine did because I took a big leap this year.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.75px;">12. Whose behavior made you appalled and disgusted?</span><br /><span style="line-height: 19.75px;">I can think of a few....</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.75px;">13. What song will always remind you of 2012?</span><br /><span style="line-height: 19.75px;">Eye of the Tiger</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.75px;">14. What do you wish you'd done more of?</span><br /><span style="line-height: 19.75px;">Trusting my gut.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.75px;">15. What do you wish you'd done less of?</span><br /><span style="line-height: 19.75px;">Worrying.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.75px;">16. Did you fall in love in 2012?</span><br /><span style="line-height: 19.75px;">Just deeper in love with my husband and family. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.75px;">17. What was your favorite TV program? </span><br /><span style="line-height: 19.75px;">TV? I vaguely remember TV...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.75px;">18. What was the best book you read?</span><br /><span style="line-height: 19.75px;">Best/only...what's the difference? I liked George Bush's Book- <u>Decision Points </u>(or something like that)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.75px;">19. What one thing would have made your year measurably more satisfying? </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.75px;">same as 2006-spending more time in the Word</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.75px;">20. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?</span><br /><span style="line-height: 19.75px;">My new work clothes consist of yoga pants and t-shirts. Love it!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.75px;">21. What kept you sane? </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.75px;">my husband, my friends</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.75px;">22. Who did you miss?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;">Gosh. When you live 1000 miles from family, you will always miss family.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.75px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">24. Who was the best new person you met?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I reconnected with some friends from back in the day and even though they aren't "new" the relationships are new again and I'm so thankful for them!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.75px;">24. Tell us a valuable lesson you learned in 2012.</span><br /><span style="line-height: 19.75px;">Trust your gut! Follow it!!! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.75px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.75px;">25. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.</span><br /><span style="line-height: 19.75px;">Rising up back on my feet. Did my time, took my chances. Went the distance now I'm back on my feet. Just a man and his will to survive. So many times it happens too fast, you trade your passion for glory. Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past. You must fight just to keep them alive. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810117112026836379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31725521.post-58752518147093290052012-12-18T08:09:00.002-05:002012-12-18T08:14:05.551-05:00I Believe...This wasn't God's will. God didn't allow this tragedy for some greater good. God didn't "need" more angels. God doesn't harm His children to bring them closer to Him. God doesn't kill babies- ever. Satan comes to kill, steal, and destroy. God comes to give us LIFE. Abundant life. I believe God wept over this loss just like we are, more so because he created every one of these precious lives and He knew the plan He had for them, a plan for them prosper...a plan with hope and a future. <br />
<br />
God gave man the power of free will. God also knows there is evil in this world right now. He gave us instructions in His own prayer to ask for deliverance from evil. Yes, I believe in satanic evil. I believe we saw that power at work in Connecticut last week. Evil.<br />
<br />
So what do we do? How do we live in a world like this?<br />
<br />
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly trust in Jesus name. Christ alone; cornerstone. Weak made strong in the Savior's love. <b>Through the storm, He is Lord. Lord of all. When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace. In every high and stormy gale my anchor holds within the veil.</b> When He shall come with trumpet sound, oh, may I then in Him be found. Dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless stand before the throne.<br />
<br />
There will come a time...God's justice will be revealed. Everyone chooses their master. Jesus is my Lord. I belong to Him. Do you?<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0CgYgVB7MmU" width="560"></iframe>mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810117112026836379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31725521.post-55601222740637268122012-12-16T14:33:00.001-05:002012-12-16T14:33:12.129-05:00Waiting Here For You<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/J3OEGnH5x8g" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
I didn't realize that Christy Nockels (from my hometown of Claremore) sang this song until I looked it up to post here. There are so many thoughts running through my mind right now that have to do with theology and my belief system, even some about the politics of gun control. But today doesn't seem to be the day for that. Today is a day for continued prayers. Prayers for the families and community...and our nation. Today is a day for tears. Today is the day for living out songs like this one...mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810117112026836379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31725521.post-83313178233238875112012-09-03T18:46:00.001-04:002012-09-03T19:07:46.812-04:00Leftover Burlap Becomes Bulletin BoardThis little project was pretty exciting for me. I saved a wad of cash and got something even better than my original want. <br />
<br />
I saw a framed bulletin board at Hobby Lobby for $70 on Saturday. Now, I would never pay that but I was considering the $35 when it went 1/2 price. Ya'll know that you never pay full price at Hobby Lobby because everything goes 1/2 off sometime. Right? But because I am a little <strike>cheap</strike> frugal, I decided to wait on it. I'm so glad I did because as luck would have it, I came across a pinterest pin using burlap to make your own bulletin board. Ding! Ding! Ding! Lightbulb moment! There is this huge painting I stuck in the attic that would be the perfect frame. Always always always keep your old decorating stuff so you can "shop the house" and repurpose things later. Here is the picture in it's original form-<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDZmahfBfEcw6AWCoUWiqPW5nEeDmpHS90IKWJP5jS4SRlISe0IJU5GMqmuSqGR4HyagdwmXQTaA7A5YUbE70Nh19eaRiAHTV6VGmuP0Go3DiWxOpijApwHsh1fEe41Mo1CHySQ/s1600/abefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDZmahfBfEcw6AWCoUWiqPW5nEeDmpHS90IKWJP5jS4SRlISe0IJU5GMqmuSqGR4HyagdwmXQTaA7A5YUbE70Nh19eaRiAHTV6VGmuP0Go3DiWxOpijApwHsh1fEe41Mo1CHySQ/s320/abefore.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I pulled off the paper backing and popped out the print. This was a steal at $10 from Old Time Pottery a few years ago. It was a steal because the frame is heavy, sold wood, and it is huge. I never was crazy about the picture but it served a purpose for a time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I covered the back of the picture with cork from Lowes ($10) and trimmed the excess. Then I covered the cork with the leftover burlap. I wrapped it around and secured it every few inches with my arsenal of choice, the glue gun. If you don't get at least 3 first degree burns from your glue gun, you aren't really crafting. Tip: the cork is THIN. You may want to use the cork from an actual bulletin board that you tear a part. The price is about the same. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pop it back into the frame and then use a staple gun to secure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vq0rrYjAmy775I8rfn1xT2VKyYwRWfcvWDe-itYGyQhiel4CyEdzZfSp2fcZ7LnMSBU8hM-5e4B3uRLNk3cQwOGDkfmaw3Tp-NLAt771cYfaIqLm6iaO4c62V-OxkXyJGpXqsA/s1600/astaples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vq0rrYjAmy775I8rfn1xT2VKyYwRWfcvWDe-itYGyQhiel4CyEdzZfSp2fcZ7LnMSBU8hM-5e4B3uRLNk3cQwOGDkfmaw3Tp-NLAt771cYfaIqLm6iaO4c62V-OxkXyJGpXqsA/s320/astaples.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Then I found a hot guy with tools to change the hooks for me. The painting went horizontal but I needed the bulletin board to hang vertical. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYLw7nR7JAeToXITichd509F6PFJMMdFKYx6wVUPODjnNvWJVo_p6ODQi4MMnGd-30pQi9JChEcxVEUaKRU3KnLg_RXLqRDDfPpsxTrfqsMxARfCZAi1q9dGKLJTfuedPi6R5oA/s1600/achanging+hooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYLw7nR7JAeToXITichd509F6PFJMMdFKYx6wVUPODjnNvWJVo_p6ODQi4MMnGd-30pQi9JChEcxVEUaKRU3KnLg_RXLqRDDfPpsxTrfqsMxARfCZAi1q9dGKLJTfuedPi6R5oA/s320/achanging+hooks.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's really helpful if that same hot tool guy will hang the board for you. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZ1-WShqssQyCb0ov6WnSfL1C9o56IEnnFzUkDem1kLr8WzDiCCrRMSOH2qLYHCwuC57lrToa82rzTcDJtacjZHneCV2j-CGjL59ygO2qNty24feqOwN-icyjg__fFGTPL0Yqmg/s1600/ahanging+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZ1-WShqssQyCb0ov6WnSfL1C9o56IEnnFzUkDem1kLr8WzDiCCrRMSOH2qLYHCwuC57lrToa82rzTcDJtacjZHneCV2j-CGjL59ygO2qNty24feqOwN-icyjg__fFGTPL0Yqmg/s320/ahanging+up.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Done. The $70 bulletin board for $10 plus leftover frame and leftover burlap. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPn6yxpSN37zsD4Q_5w14BVsEd0pbZKgaEiIP40hAmFFqegxJHd-dNHr_w3ztgAb62KTUSAZaBseCedfavCLdWotEA44rh4OlWu-osbrLC62W7nJNWwNZNxiQEENktS4kt7fsbA/s1600/aafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPn6yxpSN37zsD4Q_5w14BVsEd0pbZKgaEiIP40hAmFFqegxJHd-dNHr_w3ztgAb62KTUSAZaBseCedfavCLdWotEA44rh4OlWu-osbrLC62W7nJNWwNZNxiQEENktS4kt7fsbA/s320/aafter.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Labor Day weekend is over so I'll be taking a craft break now...but then again...there are so many ideas on pineterst...I may have to sneak in one or two more in the next few days. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810117112026836379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31725521.post-72213864388086637832012-09-03T17:27:00.001-04:002012-09-03T17:31:10.991-04:00The Easiest Project EVER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNdk4lRiDaPuVa8QrWvZCDMyosVAVVEykxJ7iTK0YNi6tOayoEOLAXqggo_dpl05L9xNCi2ITfnUTZP6_LTHcsHg0dXh-PcjWVxUASDyxdDc9cT1bdGF2-gqPJ7LB0mcAVpxaiQ/s1600/easy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNdk4lRiDaPuVa8QrWvZCDMyosVAVVEykxJ7iTK0YNi6tOayoEOLAXqggo_dpl05L9xNCi2ITfnUTZP6_LTHcsHg0dXh-PcjWVxUASDyxdDc9cT1bdGF2-gqPJ7LB0mcAVpxaiQ/s320/easy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This is the easiest project you will ever do. In fact, here are the directions ON the project.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30BjIRkMzn62zCHAXGMV1KRBeh4V5KxM5w2w7PhVARsI2wLPrPXUdKmF-5RVOmKshyphenhyphengmnwoW1c43orSqcXs-T4UqU57-pUJO0dqAxD_byjTv1r8JceI64FUvvwVzhWHmNd6-WWg/s1600/message+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30BjIRkMzn62zCHAXGMV1KRBeh4V5KxM5w2w7PhVARsI2wLPrPXUdKmF-5RVOmKshyphenhyphengmnwoW1c43orSqcXs-T4UqU57-pUJO0dqAxD_byjTv1r8JceI64FUvvwVzhWHmNd6-WWg/s320/message+board.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used the leftover burlap that I had from the fall pennant garland but as I was thinking about this the options are endless. Find the perfect fabric from a napkin, placemat, hankie, tshirt, scarf, scrap material, pillow case, sheets, even some great scrapbooking paper. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can see these all over...big message boards like this one...little message boards attached to bulletin boards or on doors or bathroom sinks with a reminder list for the kids. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pair it with a set of the dry erase markers and give it as a teachers gift. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This project is literally so easy I felt dumb for not thinking of it myself!</div><br />
mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810117112026836379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31725521.post-25859310459674013402012-09-02T14:01:00.001-04:002012-09-02T14:24:11.038-04:00Loving the Look, Hating the Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYldWg_K4Hlkyx9Bu5oXt5I7DuaOCWVoF6bQgWLWMHKXRcAbZMdCU5E6CH0AS5VVbpcB416wxqmWXvDhNgzFzESdppia5_LvEdMREOyhxdii0Qwttlb7_za3fHQ7wAtCNb0h22w/s1600/with+lamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYldWg_K4Hlkyx9Bu5oXt5I7DuaOCWVoF6bQgWLWMHKXRcAbZMdCU5E6CH0AS5VVbpcB416wxqmWXvDhNgzFzESdppia5_LvEdMREOyhxdii0Qwttlb7_za3fHQ7wAtCNb0h22w/s320/with+lamp.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
This was our first attempt at the deco mesh decorating. We went with a garland for the mantel and I have to say I love it so much more in person than from these pictures. Why does the color never turn out right?<br />
Here are the steps.<br />
Step 1- Buy or make a work garland. I couldn't find one to buy at Hobby Lobby so I made one. I used wire twine and pipe cleaners. I tied the twine to the table and door across the room so make it pull tight. Attach the pipe cleaners by twisting them every about every 5 inches. It ends up looking something like this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphen7rUhIhOMGHNwVglosiA3VwZ7-I8xORGrPsjh9u1udbfLjn2_YCVwo-nMUG5mrOcGnh2U8c_pAFi-HFnCHZQuP3Wi-ZqlBrs-q5wzZUmqhyphenhyphenyd9P9VY5X8JfQj4anxyrSrjMDdA/s1600/work+garland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphen7rUhIhOMGHNwVglosiA3VwZ7-I8xORGrPsjh9u1udbfLjn2_YCVwo-nMUG5mrOcGnh2U8c_pAFi-HFnCHZQuP3Wi-ZqlBrs-q5wzZUmqhyphenhyphenyd9P9VY5X8JfQj4anxyrSrjMDdA/s320/work+garland.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step Two- Using the large roll of deco mesh, start at one end and attach it by twisting the pipe cleaner. Pull it down to the 2nd pipe cleaner to keep your poofs a consistent size. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTf23Urv5bk4ElFizqeqUQgMvgGz01bmhwy31H6plvNK9QDtWXeg1PEZ0EBYLdGh3ouadvgdtUNVnoX0C1GHTfDlRTBET77ewZSFY6dCmfIoyVYIIS2-3ctsHNlv9ogTwT4_WUSQ/s1600/how+to+poof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTf23Urv5bk4ElFizqeqUQgMvgGz01bmhwy31H6plvNK9QDtWXeg1PEZ0EBYLdGh3ouadvgdtUNVnoX0C1GHTfDlRTBET77ewZSFY6dCmfIoyVYIIS2-3ctsHNlv9ogTwT4_WUSQ/s320/how+to+poof.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Create the poof by attaching it at the first available pipe cleaner like this-</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJDtMdM3dEQVhVTHN49AZwKPPx1vpmnXdNgsTp3VTeBLHRliWw0zrI78fEokxmljZXdWg6snI8DfDBUSoJCvrCBPMwnzVpSGypotkCO42ySbQoESip8tlWA1OO1hgqkBX2YUGDA/s1600/poof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJDtMdM3dEQVhVTHN49AZwKPPx1vpmnXdNgsTp3VTeBLHRliWw0zrI78fEokxmljZXdWg6snI8DfDBUSoJCvrCBPMwnzVpSGypotkCO42ySbQoESip8tlWA1OO1hgqkBX2YUGDA/s320/poof.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step 3- Add various other ribbons in a zig zab pattern. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvOQCbj2KuAWpUvi_PKManNpS07PBXIIHzLASiOrScw7k_3CIdyJtrKJ9xaLJgWtCuCm_tywndhgWt1Oq2zxQD6It89mRT4Lk5eN30YZ4nbFdC5v5_ktRcc0FkGBHWiO063zk8g/s1600/2+ribbons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvOQCbj2KuAWpUvi_PKManNpS07PBXIIHzLASiOrScw7k_3CIdyJtrKJ9xaLJgWtCuCm_tywndhgWt1Oq2zxQD6It89mRT4Lk5eN30YZ4nbFdC5v5_ktRcc0FkGBHWiO063zk8g/s320/2+ribbons.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">We chose a red burlap, green damask print, and a plaid. However, after starting the plaid we decided we didn't like it. No big deal, just pull it back off. That's the great thing about working with this material...it is so easy to remove and start over until you have it like you want. </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMDH9QyYzUhJsy2GOAVHcZKEsPjL3QBBKTMpgF5e0YXToyfzqXf6YMu2-0_snkHFtfGFTE5PszOFw0oNz4hfRkmegVDu4W1S-5c57BLGCYNaiZhp6D1r5E4PvwTj1HmnG2ufl6Q/s1600/decided+against.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMDH9QyYzUhJsy2GOAVHcZKEsPjL3QBBKTMpgF5e0YXToyfzqXf6YMu2-0_snkHFtfGFTE5PszOFw0oNz4hfRkmegVDu4W1S-5c57BLGCYNaiZhp6D1r5E4PvwTj1HmnG2ufl6Q/s320/decided+against.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step 4- Add in picks of fall flowers, leaves, pumpkins, etc. etc. We bought them in a bunch and then just pulled them a part. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-7ilhCqToodFV4DZYi7gtHfHsb5tp1h2PueGrl181E2bLtzt6bSa4DXuGoTuMBBTq8egDEpeMFyiRMizlLGB9XuIm8M2GBPVVZFvWeqf1rPAXo3cD6GHNiTE1wmDGFvtHTOXlA/s1600/close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-7ilhCqToodFV4DZYi7gtHfHsb5tp1h2PueGrl181E2bLtzt6bSa4DXuGoTuMBBTq8egDEpeMFyiRMizlLGB9XuIm8M2GBPVVZFvWeqf1rPAXo3cD6GHNiTE1wmDGFvtHTOXlA/s320/close+up.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is that simple! Now, don't judge the top of the mantel yet...we are working on it...getting some ideas from pinterest to make it just right. Don't judge the colors either. I'm not sure if it is the phone or the lighting or what but if you've been here you know that wall is a deep "barn red" and that is what the burlap is too. I hate the way it looks pink here. Ya'll know me better than that, right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810117112026836379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31725521.post-29497167198909739292012-08-22T09:34:00.001-04:002012-08-22T09:34:00.180-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZRqAtugEk1JNXvDXgvwd3pr3SpGKoxV6njhSADZiiiVXkL8WU-bJiZVV0qHSRWf0Ymp3_-osmdOo4D1_MdBQo4SLUAIrv0QMb0jnRYew_GrYWvw5Wbt5w-_SuuLD9S1epB5sxg/s1600/IMAG1788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZRqAtugEk1JNXvDXgvwd3pr3SpGKoxV6njhSADZiiiVXkL8WU-bJiZVV0qHSRWf0Ymp3_-osmdOo4D1_MdBQo4SLUAIrv0QMb0jnRYew_GrYWvw5Wbt5w-_SuuLD9S1epB5sxg/s320/IMAG1788.jpg" width="192" /></a></div><br />
Here is another yummy summer recipe...although not near as healthy as the Green Smoothie! This one I found via pinterest courtesy of BlogChef.net. Here you go!<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ingredients:</strong><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />4 boneless skinless chicken breasts<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />1 cup BBQ sauce<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />8 slices bacon (cooked until crispy)<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />2 cups shredded Colby-jack cheese<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />½ cup green onions (sliced)<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />½ cup tomatoes (chopped)</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Cooking Instructions:</strong><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3915" height="160" src="http://blogchef.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/chicken_monterey_3.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); margin: 5px 8px 8px 5px; padding: 2px;" title="chicken_monterey_3" width="240" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3916" height="160" src="http://blogchef.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/chicken_monterey_4.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); margin: 5px 8px 8px 5px; padding: 2px;" title="chicken_monterey_4" width="240" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Step 1:</strong> Place bacon slices, 4 at a time into a cold frying pan. Heat to medium-low and cook bacon, turning once until it has reached a deep brown color (about 10-15 minutes), remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Step 2:</strong> Lightly grease the grates of an outdoor grill. Heat the grill to medium-high heat. Place chicken breasts onto the grill and cook while turning and brushing with the BBQ sauce frequently on each side for 10-15 minutes per side (depending on the thickness), or until fully cooked (the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees). During the last few minutes of cooking top each chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon and shredded Colby-jack cheese.<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Step 3:</strong> Remove from the grill and top with green onions and tomatoes.<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />(Makes 4 Servings)</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;">Be sure to check his site for TONS of other easy breezy favorites. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;"><br />
</div>mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810117112026836379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31725521.post-60872970583422475522012-08-21T13:30:00.000-04:002012-08-21T13:30:14.948-04:00The Green Smoothie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMm-TZAsCQzxk7UldBm-hxM2PivRV-3wGEo898HJvDkwzoqwUyi4CCLH-p2MDmLB9zk8pysUOiZ8YYGa5Eaq1An94zDa6I3AmNhC8dT1PR7pGkL3rZcNtBXWX0tk5puzmvnb9Pw/s1600/IMAG1794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMm-TZAsCQzxk7UldBm-hxM2PivRV-3wGEo898HJvDkwzoqwUyi4CCLH-p2MDmLB9zk8pysUOiZ8YYGa5Eaq1An94zDa6I3AmNhC8dT1PR7pGkL3rZcNtBXWX0tk5puzmvnb9Pw/s320/IMAG1794.jpg" width="192" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I've tried many new recipes this summer but the green smoothie is my favorite! Sometimes I drink it for breakfast, sometimes for a snack, and even sometimes for my lunch. It's super easy, super healthy, AND super yummy! There are many variations of the recipe and I have actually tried it several ways but here is the recipe for my favorite.<br />
<br />
<br />
Ingredients: one banana, frozen mixed fruit, 2 handfuls of organic baby spinach, water/ice<br />
This is the fruit I like (from Target)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcM7grplPSC3Z71AIhVcM9dGRcidUvP8WaBmMJk8z9Xx29OBTpj4RAx150D5RbK02LMXxXTy3LFSmPSjlk4NiY69sgJ9WaiZU3JC-H-jPiz8rIV99DlFww37OlkRzV7CkwPnOIXw/s1600/IMAG1791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcM7grplPSC3Z71AIhVcM9dGRcidUvP8WaBmMJk8z9Xx29OBTpj4RAx150D5RbK02LMXxXTy3LFSmPSjlk4NiY69sgJ9WaiZU3JC-H-jPiz8rIV99DlFww37OlkRzV7CkwPnOIXw/s320/IMAG1791.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>Directions:<br />
Dig out your blender and dust it off. Now I don't know if the order matters but I put the frozen fruit on the bottom...about 1/2 of the small bag for 2 servings. Then break up a banana and drop it in. Add 2 good handfuls of the spinach and about 1/2 cup of water and blend. If I just bought the frozen fruit, I will often add a handful of ice to make it colder. Blend. Blend. Blend some more. Sometimes you need to take a big spoon (I use the black Pampered Chef one--not wood!) and poke it all down a bit. Don't poke too far or you will get a helping of plastic in your smoothie. It's really that easy. It's really that good. I don't think the calories matter when they are all healthy calories like this but it is probably under 100 anyway. <br />
<br />
I've done it with peaches and strawberries...that is YUMMY too but using dark fruit makes it more brown than green. Basically that means that this-<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlmUsHqeWCvJIOK7J2dfkvRKcyk7rFtXe7DrAKMvAKxyGHQYtS5Az4kNw2A_hleF-aVnp0C1y5NlKnM-W1Z79-xhifjmTr0NUpIruj8Sc9g7BR6a2g9ZtzzPqMC19ba-UBYq6wg/s1600/smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlmUsHqeWCvJIOK7J2dfkvRKcyk7rFtXe7DrAKMvAKxyGHQYtS5Az4kNw2A_hleF-aVnp0C1y5NlKnM-W1Z79-xhifjmTr0NUpIruj8Sc9g7BR6a2g9ZtzzPqMC19ba-UBYq6wg/s320/smoothie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">turns into this-</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlWfnu-NunHzrieSgQDE7LKnFFPBroD_ZhqjrZ-Zi4SYIPBJj_CGQ4DDSYVXsUu8SWG0Vc7pOj6PcbeNuyLlduruFiVUdi1hzgQFUZffqvrlqW95TmCZh480mSL-NetSL292a8g/s1600/download+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlWfnu-NunHzrieSgQDE7LKnFFPBroD_ZhqjrZ-Zi4SYIPBJj_CGQ4DDSYVXsUu8SWG0Vc7pOj6PcbeNuyLlduruFiVUdi1hzgQFUZffqvrlqW95TmCZh480mSL-NetSL292a8g/s320/download+(1).jpg" width="192" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and just to prove that even your kids will like it....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtmRIkW-sJvF4wMAJI4I7IHmj_1Obd7TZ_zj4HY0nsmyhkO3UnSQHJr3ENrrxnkkV7V6h049kVGkZg3KZulYcoohjoKlUAfrCmuwkt1O7U8uj7irX_0okQ1qQzdH-opOddgfnGA/s1600/IMAG1793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtmRIkW-sJvF4wMAJI4I7IHmj_1Obd7TZ_zj4HY0nsmyhkO3UnSQHJr3ENrrxnkkV7V6h049kVGkZg3KZulYcoohjoKlUAfrCmuwkt1O7U8uj7irX_0okQ1qQzdH-opOddgfnGA/s320/IMAG1793.jpg" width="192" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810117112026836379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31725521.post-51512776910659321012012-08-11T21:18:00.000-04:002012-08-11T21:18:28.279-04:00Oh. My. Gosh.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGndt1sf9T752z1uI3lmLdVjRDjj7Wq2nUDq6ztx8oVLzMTA4aJg_WJByuVAGR_U7Iw0xPJ4mD19OC6HnUYH2mxQC9M-EIzQlFZnITUtVC9bskM-QW20XBte9Y20LTVRryruPp_A/s1600/ohmygosh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGndt1sf9T752z1uI3lmLdVjRDjj7Wq2nUDq6ztx8oVLzMTA4aJg_WJByuVAGR_U7Iw0xPJ4mD19OC6HnUYH2mxQC9M-EIzQlFZnITUtVC9bskM-QW20XBte9Y20LTVRryruPp_A/s320/ohmygosh.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
Is it too soon to say that fall is here? Maybe so...but we are watching Panther football, preparing for Weddington Warrior football (half time shows actually), and buying all the school supplies. The weather is even cooperating. It's decent outside right now...although I have to say I am hoping for HOT and SUNNY this week so we can get some more pool time in. Ya'll know I am a summer girl but I do admit I'm kinda looking forward to chili, blankets, and a school schedule. Oh. My. Gosh. It has happened. Somehow. Someway. I have gotten old.mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810117112026836379noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31725521.post-12389277249842221912012-08-10T14:05:00.000-04:002012-08-10T14:05:17.997-04:00The Challenge of Coupons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGv9CjGPEwCTKPEFcU4bsVMimko78IXE5Xm8SKh83HMHCr6ZQRVJGOMHXh4dS8CL3YjRPPD1iZ45CYIFK_-cBVhC2OhloAyduO99ucRa00imsdZBnmdU33KEYOdItD9Y8UNxDsQ/s1600/coupon41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGv9CjGPEwCTKPEFcU4bsVMimko78IXE5Xm8SKh83HMHCr6ZQRVJGOMHXh4dS8CL3YjRPPD1iZ45CYIFK_-cBVhC2OhloAyduO99ucRa00imsdZBnmdU33KEYOdItD9Y8UNxDsQ/s1600/coupon41.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Do you coupon? I did. Then I didn't. Now I do. Couponing can be a challenge if you really want to make a difference but if you put a little time in, the savings will be substantial. I don't do multiple stores anymore. I stick with Target, Harris Teeter, and go couponless at Aldi for other items. Here are a few hard fast rules for making the most of your grocery dollar.<br />
<br />
1- Stores often put items on sale to coordinate with a current coupon. I know it sounds too good to be true but it's the case. So while the 2 for $4 sale on Eggo Waffles at Harris Teeter is good. You would also want to pair that with the $1 off 2 coupon in last weeks paper. Since HT is doing super doubles this week that means you can get boxes of Eggo Waffles for $1 each. Always look for coupons to pair with ads.<br />
<br />
2- Buy when it is on sale, not when you need it. No I didn't need 10 cans of black beans this week but they are on sale for .50 so why not stock up now instead of paying .90 a can later? Same thing with meat- stock up on what is on sale and keep your freezer stocked.<br />
<br />
3- Use the internet for resources. There are many (many) sites out there that lay the whole thing out for you. Do a search and find a site that focuses on your store of choice. Let someone else put in the time while you also reap the benefits.<br />
<br />
4- Don't blow your savings with impulse buys! The grocery store people LOVE it when you do this. Don't overpay on one item when you are there to save on something else.<br />
<br />
5- Keep a list of your "goal prices." I have this saved in my phone. It helps me to know if a sale price is really a good deal or not. I just add to the list as I find a great deal. It's helpful if you list it as a price per ounce or per roll of toilet paper etc to make sure you compare apples to apples.<br />
<br />
Now, go clip some coupons!mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810117112026836379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31725521.post-72449903696961593932012-08-05T19:37:00.000-04:002012-08-05T19:37:29.600-04:00We Weren't Crazy20 years ago, I said yes to that first date. 17 years ago I said "I do." 6 years ago we moved halfway across the country. We were young, we were wild, we were restless. We were a lot of things, but we weren't crazy....<br />
<div><embed flashvars="&p=338f244a88a1716d0f5185&skin_id=701&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" height="382" name="FLVPlayer" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" quality="high" salign="LT" scale="noscale" src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=338f244a88a1716d0f5185" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="408" wmode="transparent"></embed></div><div style="font: 12px/13px verdana,arial,sans-serif; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; text-align: center; width: 408px;"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt5" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">www.onetruemedia.com</span></a></div>mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810117112026836379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31725521.post-48571583541241058892012-08-05T17:07:00.000-04:002012-08-05T17:07:43.525-04:00When Good Ideas Go Bad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IrrmjD00y_9eLtoK8xI1yi9uyRVMwZKsZje3z3BYTnXesSCmACL4XyYkNUx5lSXc6ztb2vdnF4KSjcwSiVgnV19AGdsmd30N4yURn_usXiY6uYiAS8cX9BrT5-zJMTMPPs8E6A/s1600/Coffee-ice-cubes-for-your-iced-coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IrrmjD00y_9eLtoK8xI1yi9uyRVMwZKsZje3z3BYTnXesSCmACL4XyYkNUx5lSXc6ztb2vdnF4KSjcwSiVgnV19AGdsmd30N4yURn_usXiY6uYiAS8cX9BrT5-zJMTMPPs8E6A/s320/Coffee-ice-cubes-for-your-iced-coffee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The idea:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Use leftover coffee to fill ice cube trays creating coffee cubes that won't water down the flavor of your iced coffee. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The ugly truth:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have a brown sticky mess in the freezer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The cubes required so much force to pop out of the tray that more than one went flying across the kitchen. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The takeaway:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Maybe the $1 trays from Target were the problem. While they were cute, the quality was questionable. Maybe I'll try one more time. Then again I really don't mind watered down iced coffee. </div>mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810117112026836379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31725521.post-90725835031103472292012-08-04T14:24:00.000-04:002012-08-04T14:24:14.578-04:00The Whole Chicken Thing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2E3ri1a02d04uon66QjMhZ0czdTvb0-8BvIEB4pt8PxWxIsD_qeXa2SoRbSEyG90EYYzyCNjFmil3XPC0F6vedBFBGSNnwWMzmfOq8uH4eIxQ3YKS4NdAjWzLJefRzKkqt2pkQ/s1600/stupid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2E3ri1a02d04uon66QjMhZ0czdTvb0-8BvIEB4pt8PxWxIsD_qeXa2SoRbSEyG90EYYzyCNjFmil3XPC0F6vedBFBGSNnwWMzmfOq8uH4eIxQ3YKS4NdAjWzLJefRzKkqt2pkQ/s1600/stupid.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm a bit more censored on Facebook than on my blog. Shocking I know. But this is totally my space to say whatever comes to mind and know nobody really reads it anyway. So. Here are the thoughts I won't put on Facebook...not today anyway. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*I don't care who marries who. Sorry Baptist friends. I really don't think that is worth fighting over. I do however care that people try to tell me where I should and shouldn't eat my chicken. I'll eat my chicken wherever I choose to do so. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*I think ALL business owners have a right to voice their opinions. Even if they aren't popular. If I feel strongly enough about them to boycott their establishment based on them, then I will but that is MY choice. Only mine. I'll be danged if any government or church is going to tell me I have to protest this or that based on this or that. In fact, if you tell me to protest it- you can bet I'll probably be there the next day just to show you how I feel about that. Take your marbles and go home now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*The above goes for both the left and the right wing. I have my own moral compass and it isn't swayed by party lines. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*How dare people who preach tolerance become so intolerant of differing opinions. That's ironic, don't you think?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*Now I think I'll go by Starbucks first and then Chic-fil-a. Wow. I'm such a rebel to both parties. Or maybe I just like good coffee with my rockin chicken?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810117112026836379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31725521.post-90421801694543016132012-07-21T22:33:00.000-04:002012-07-21T22:33:59.335-04:00Missing AirBear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrn6jFNQlc7kKAqesM9HKDjz-6DwitLbmV9p7p_ve6ph4Nxr6LD_lfNTSpY3mpm3iXfwjt554CzMDoeX7MPaFhNJqBOKdv0ftz6ntHmJV_RM_tGyMR0magnxVr0HfdkqVqtxyDw/s1600/washington+dc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrn6jFNQlc7kKAqesM9HKDjz-6DwitLbmV9p7p_ve6ph4Nxr6LD_lfNTSpY3mpm3iXfwjt554CzMDoeX7MPaFhNJqBOKdv0ftz6ntHmJV_RM_tGyMR0magnxVr0HfdkqVqtxyDw/s320/washington+dc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This is going to be a gushy post. If you don't like reading about how awesome other people's kids are then you might as well just X out here right now. Go on. <br />
<br />
For those of you that stayed, you must love my kids too. They are pretty great, aren't they? Well this gushing is about Aaron, also known as AirBear. He spent the night with a friend last night and then went with them to the lake today. Anyone that knows me understands how hard it was for me to let him go. I like to keep my chicks pretty close to the nest. Sleepovers are cool but the lake...that really pushed my comfort zone. Brad <strike>forced</strike> urged me to let him go and I do trust this family and knew they would be just as cautious as I am (if that is possible). <br />
<br />
It's been a long 27 hours. As I type this I'm waiting for him to walk in the door. Because he is such a good boy I think he'll even let me hug on him and ask a million questions and maybe even watch some TVLand with me as he drifts off to sleep. Aaron is one of the most considerate, compassionate, generous kids I have ever known. He is smart (like super- we have no idea where it came from- smart) and really funny too. He has the best sense of humor. I think back to when the kids really were babies and that was a good place but right now, even with Maci and Aaron being in these teen years, we are really enjoying hanging out with them. They have this maturity about them. They make us proud. It's not only an honor-- but a joy to be their mom.<br />
<br />
While I've been missing him today I have been listening to a little Scotty McCreery...yeah, he reminds me of my Aaron...and I can so see this story unfolding in a few years....<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bhukpGvkQ0M" width="420"></iframe>mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810117112026836379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31725521.post-39548644787087556172012-07-06T21:36:00.001-04:002012-07-06T21:36:16.127-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitfZNcfzgjRZxQhwLfby9H57xalb_45ftsrvZhwx8Qtdy-c_tlJuijWlRI0pi50bXNLnib2OKBsSbqdmItiMVgXQ7UcGoLrHoZTrqNWTtPYSC4xpFdlLKVpGm8COM0g5ffyakw2g/s1600/ss_top_retailers_aldi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitfZNcfzgjRZxQhwLfby9H57xalb_45ftsrvZhwx8Qtdy-c_tlJuijWlRI0pi50bXNLnib2OKBsSbqdmItiMVgXQ7UcGoLrHoZTrqNWTtPYSC4xpFdlLKVpGm8COM0g5ffyakw2g/s320/ss_top_retailers_aldi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
What a difference a week makes. Last week the big events included tide charts and sunscreen. This week they include $1 movies and the grand opening of Aldi. Oh well. For everything there is a season. That just means there will be more time for blogging- including an Aldi Tutorial for all you newbies. You know who you are. Don't be ashamed, it can be intimidating the first time but I'll walk you through it. Yay for lazy summer days.mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810117112026836379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31725521.post-29674563398018335202012-07-02T01:37:00.001-04:002012-07-06T22:13:00.469-04:00~Happy 15th Birthday Maci Joy~<div><embed flashvars="&p=347d9a5792a9f45b4c25f3&skin_id=701&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" height="382" name="FLVPlayer" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" quality="high" salign="LT" scale="noscale" src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=347d9a5792a9f45b4c25f3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="408" wmode="transparent"></embed><br />
<div style="font: 12px/13px verdana,arial,sans-serif; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; text-align: center; width: 408px;"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt5" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">www.onetruemedia.com</span></a></div></div>mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810117112026836379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31725521.post-26999842873226124872012-07-01T18:20:00.002-04:002012-07-01T18:20:50.655-04:00No More Family Fun?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NSP-mC5j9qsNNWOLjQqf561DV5dtfXk6_S6FswqOyu65gKft3MY0lu9FZKLUcOOpk4YtCmb-rDughH6oxh53MkNTnPBAMX2yTT9wyDjrsCuQX1Gg7XhwfktVCqWq7NeVkFeADg/s1600/familyfun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NSP-mC5j9qsNNWOLjQqf561DV5dtfXk6_S6FswqOyu65gKft3MY0lu9FZKLUcOOpk4YtCmb-rDughH6oxh53MkNTnPBAMX2yTT9wyDjrsCuQX1Gg7XhwfktVCqWq7NeVkFeADg/s1600/familyfun.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
We've been getting the Family Fun magazine in the mail as far back as I can remember. Admitedly they have been hitting the trash the last <strike>few</strike> several months, but I finally opened up the latest issue to see what fun ideas I could get for our family.<br />
<br />
I thumbed through the cutesy ideas for snacks, games, and craft projects when it finally hit me. We have outgrown the Family Fun magazine. Yeah. When did this happen? I'm not really sure but if I tried to decorate the kids PB&J to look like a watermelon they would totally make fun of me. Even Andy. Especially Andy.<br />
<br />
Humph. Well then. Ok. So. Now what? I need a new magazine. I need the "Fun Yet Cool Things to Do So Your Kids Won't Laugh at You" magazine. It's a little sad but it's also a lot of fun...and much less mess.mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810117112026836379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31725521.post-80100116707019601822012-06-22T17:50:00.002-04:002012-07-06T22:13:30.391-04:00Happy 13th Air Bear<div><embed flashvars="&p=630457b7e29e22996bccbd&skin_id=701&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" height="382" name="FLVPlayer" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" quality="high" salign="LT" scale="noscale" src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=630457b7e29e22996bccbd" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="408" wmode="transparent"></embed><br />
<div style="font: 12px/13px verdana,arial,sans-serif; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; text-align: center; width: 408px;"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt5" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">www.onetruemedia.com</span></a></div></div>mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810117112026836379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31725521.post-52183025607596978952012-06-22T13:04:00.001-04:002012-06-22T13:04:48.548-04:00Ah, It Feels Good to Be Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZtYDdUSbSc-ucDk6Fai5Q8lvuY9mr5WsmQMmyNWM2NbFWjuc7DmrGCuJ40IfbUJSgbjzkMQ5c6J9bB1w_lJ3C2VPoJ6zVJAIj31OAMxOuErWloxf1qF6IqcXCmlGaflllFZCLg/s1600/live+on+purpose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZtYDdUSbSc-ucDk6Fai5Q8lvuY9mr5WsmQMmyNWM2NbFWjuc7DmrGCuJ40IfbUJSgbjzkMQ5c6J9bB1w_lJ3C2VPoJ6zVJAIj31OAMxOuErWloxf1qF6IqcXCmlGaflllFZCLg/s320/live+on+purpose.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
<br />
Whew. Last year is a blur. I worked morning, noon, night, and midnight- all year. My family forgot who I was. They referred to me as that lady that works in her office. It wasn't pretty. So I made some tweaks, adjustments, all out overhauls to my work schedule and here I am. Back. Whew. It feels good to have some time for a life again.<br />
<br />
What has changed? Everything. I "retired" after 10 years of teaching Kindergarten to be a work at home / stay at home mom. I terminated my contract with a vacation booking company in lieu of getting plans together to work for myself. I stepped back to get the priorities back in order. I stepped out of the insanity to find some peace.<br />
<br />
I sleep a little now.<br />
<br />
My kids are learning who I am again. My husband says he had really missed my cooking. My dogs even feel a difference.<br />
<br />
Part of this priority arranging means getting this blog up and going again. I love it. I love having an outlet for my thoughts. I love sending words into cyberspace not knowing or even really caring if anyone else ever reads them. This blog is a selfish thing to a large extent but it is also a way to journal and create a niche for our family memories to hang out there indefinitely.<br />
<br />
So. If you used to read me, I'm back. For real this time. I'm not promising a post every day or anything but I am up for a little healthy blogging therapy.<br />
<br />
Good to see you again world.mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08810117112026836379noreply@blogger.com0