Our Halloween Alternative

We don't celebrate Halloween but usually enjoy taping (and eating some) candy to gospel tracts. My kids will race to the door anxious to give the trick-or-treater their candy and tract. This year my oldest, Beau, didn't really feel like doing that and so I had to think of an inexpensive alternative. This is what I came up with; I went out and purchased a cheap hot air popcorn maker and popcorn kernels (still can't get over that the whole bag was only $1.48). Then our church gave us a bag of apples and caramel. So we had a great time watching the popcorn shoot out and then of course eating it and we had the best time making and eating caramel apples. This year we ignored the door and had this wonderfully special time to ourselves.

The Birthday Party!!

Well I did tell you I would let you in on what we did for hubby's Birthday,so here it is...
First I do need to apologize I didn't take pictures due to the pure excitement of being away to celebrate.Hubby has a couple pics that I will need to download. So prepare your minds to travel with me on this small adventure.
1.)After a long and great drive we arrive at my parents house;A large beautiful white house with a wrap around porch, sitting in the middle of over 8 freshly cut acres.The air is crisp and dewy and the night is pulling at us to go to bed after a long drive. After my father gives us a mini tour of our castle abode for the weekend we descend upstairs for a wonderful nights rest.
2.)We awake to the smell of coffee brewing and bacon sizzeling ,yet there is still a question in our heads about waking up because the air is cool and we are nestled deep underneath a heated blanket and handmade quilt.
3.)The smells entice me and I head down stairs ,we feed our faces and prepare for a wonderful adventure my father laid out for us. It was great! We did too many things to mention all ,went to a garden and picked fresh fruits and tried many different and new ones.My daughter and I played on the playground that was placed right in the middle of the garden.After which we enjoyed slushys,a wagon ride and more...
4.) Only to arrive back at the house. I laid out all the presents on the table surrounding the homemade cake my father made. Lite the candles and hollered for hubby, who bounded down the stairs to see the sight.With tears building in his eyes, he blew out the candles. Here we all were to celebrate a day just for him. 
5.) After which we ate burritos munched on cake and opened presents.Every morning started the same with coffee and bacon. Every evening ended the same with dinner,family time and tired laughter.
6.)On our final night we were taken to the theater to watch two great films of course the man went in one and woman in another LOL (the only way to keep me sane.)We arrived at home and ate and played board games till we couldn't move. The last morning to wake up in our castle abode was with the smell of food.My parents had loaded our car with goodies to eat.We said our goodbyes and headed home.(which was a another adventure in itself.)
I hope with this description I brought a few of you guys with me.
Enjoy!

Gettin Busy!!

So After a couple months of working my tail off,I feel like I get a little break. I am very well rested without much on my plate today.I will not have to leave until early evening so I have all day to do whatever. I figured it was time to catch up on some reading. I try and make it a habit to read the bible before another book,but I really need to get deep.So as I peek at the books on my bookshelf One in particular kept catching my eye,"Waking the dead." I believe I began reading it once before but I am not sure so I'll start from the very beginning and read it like I just bought it. I believe GOD continued to lead me to that book so Off I will go book in left hand ,bible in right. I can't wait I will keep everyone updated on how the book is going. Also my Sis has listed several great books that I need to go out and grab so I will keep you updated on SCHI book list too!
Here's a nugget ,when all the things in your day are completed,there's always time for a great book.
Enjoy!

Bread on the Rise

This is my latest blessing. I was telling my friend how I'd like to get a Kitchen Aid mixer for when I make my homemade bread and she gave me hers. She said that it was just down in her basement collecting dust. God is amazing!!! Not only does He provide all my needs, He also gives me desires. I foresee LOTS of bread and muffins. YUMMY!!!

HAPPY B-DAY!!!

It's my Hubby's B-day!! I'm soooo excited partly because you all know that I have been working extra extra hard. Well I put a little bit away that   hubby knew nothing about ..SOOOO  As far as He know I have been using allll of my money for bills etc.. But I had the opportunity to buy him some really great gifts and also we get to go to my parents house and celebrate. He is excited to a certain extant but you know He's probably thinking it;s just a few days with my wifes parents how fun can that be.. (That was exaggerating.) But boy will he be surprised and my Dad (greatest chef in the world) has volunteered to make his cake YAY. I don't have to cook but I think I might still surprise him with his B-day pancakes in the morning. I am sooo excited and will take many pictures!!
Enjoy!

Cruisin to Lose!!

Ok well I noticed that as I do a lot,sometimes when I get a break ...I BREAK! I mean literally my days usually go at 100 miles a minute but when I do get time to relax I realllllllyy relax. Yep like all day than by the end of the day I feel like I haven't done anything. So hubby is always telling me I deserve my breaks but some of the pounds like to come back on when you relax too much(if you know what I mean.) So I am back to old me ,the one who used to say ,"You can sleep when you're dead.) That was  me until my other half allowed me to realize that I am allowed  a break once in awhile. For now whenever I want to go lay down watch t.v or something I ask myself well what can be done first? Usually I get so caught up in stuff I forget about the break entirely. Keeping me up and active all day.Which is how it should be.Sleep at night up in the day,before this I had forgotten sleeping is really for nights.lol So it's been going good and this weekend I will have plenty of time to relax!
Enjoy!

Did You Know??

SO for  a while now I have been having this echoey sound in my phone. Well I figured my phone was tapped but really didn't give it much thought you know(why would someone want to tap my phone and who would want to tap it.)  Never really thought much into it untillll.... One day someone HACKED into all of my online entities . Everything there is no way someone can hack into everything within the same week. So I began to think who did I make mad?Nobody Who would be able to guess my passwords? Nobody Have I been on the internet lately on sites I wasn't familiar? NO All these questions cruised through my head. Now I know that random people that have no personal relationships with you AT all can hack into your stuff ,but no random person would access all my stuff plus make a new email account in my name to try and hack more stuff. Thankfully the important stuff wasn't reached. So i did a little research to find out what I could do. Then I found out lthat someone who knows what they are doing online(I don't) Can hack into your computer or cellphone without even having to be there. OMG I didn't know that anyone could be listening in on my conversation if they were just that nosey to take the time to do it. SO I have been very careful with what I do and say Until I can get a new phone(it's hard because This phones not even a year old!)So I will I also cut any ties I had with people if I didn't trust them all the way. If I had even 1 doubt in my mind or thought that they could have done this I cut them out completely Hey I gotta watch out for the saftey of my family. Anyone that desperate to take all that time just to try and ruin someone elses life Is NOT stable. Anywho I don't want anyone to worry I got it under control ,but please take steps to protect yourself when dealing with the computer of phone.

GOD BLESS!

Pre Organizing!

I gotta get on it ..Not clean clean cleaning,But organizing! It's that time of year I feel like it just happened but I do notice slight differences {like last year I had like 8 trash bags full of junk and like 3 boxes full of giveaways}This year it looks like it may just be a couple boxes of giveaways. I've been real good this entire year with throwing out the unnecessary items. So it has been great ,even hubby mentioned something about a nice clean house everyday and He didn't know how I did it.I don't know how I did it either all it know is it got done. So It's not going to be that hard for me this time around to get rid of what we don't need and bless someone who may need it. I know one of the first things to go are my cute little cultural outfits Yep I will give those to someone who  needs them ,which is extremely hard for me(but I know if I write it down I will actually do it.)  Other than that Organize organize organize. That will be my middle name until it gets done. I wont be having any surprise visiters this year lol. Goodluck to you if you will be trying to acchomplish the same feat.
Enjoy!!

Gonna Be Missing My Baby!!

We're going out of town this weekend and next weekend.Both of our regular dog-sitters are out of commission.I will have have to board her(which she doesn't mind)but it's a little hard on the pockets (if you know what I mean.)Out of all of that my puppy will be away from home and so will I ..She already acts desperate for attention when I leave all day.Any ways she'll be ok I'm more worried about myself.LOL ..Now I'm off I get some time off at one of my jobs so I will nap ,then exercise and then work.When I do get home she will be on me like white on rice. Yep she's gonna get extra extra spoiled oh well I can't help it.I just continue to thank GOD for all the many blessings!!

Enjoy !

Home Management & Coupon Binder Updates

I REALLY have been working on my Home Management Binder, REALLY :-) Working on my HMB led me to "fix up" my Coupon Binder. I must say that I really, really, really LOVE my coupon binder! Well, my coupon binder looks great but my HMB is literally a huge pile that I'm waiting for to transform itself into the perfect HMB. I do however have a list of sections started, which are: Prayer List, Homeschool, Cleaning Schedule, Chore List, Homemade Personal and Cleaning Products and Holiday Preparation. Everything food related is in my Coupon Binder. My Coupon Binder is really neat, the cover is pictures of my family, the inside has a clear plastic sleeve that holds recipes I'll be using for the next two weeks (I grocery shop every two weeks) and my grocery list. Tape to the plastic sleeve is an envelope that I keep track of my receipts. We have a $400 monthly allowance for our family of five. Next I have pencil bag that holds a calculator, scissors, pens, highlighter, store discount cards and nutrition and price guides to some of my favorite restaurants. The sections for my Coupon Binder are: Price Lists and Menu, General Grocery (for manufacturer coupons that can be used anywhere), King Soopers, Vitamin Cottage and Whole Foods, Albertsons, Cleaning, Personal, Pets, Restaurants and Miscellaneous.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Now I told you guys my HMB was a work in progress, pray for me:-)

Too Busy, I FORGOT!!

I am running all over town getting ready for the holidays and all that good stuff. It seems like just yesterday that we(my sis and I ) started this blog. Well you have all seen us go through ups and downs ,good and bads and I dont think we have a better group of people to go through these things with. But Anywho I was racing around and had this   perfect thought to celebrate Annies (my puppy) birthday then celebrate My hubbys. The 2 are days are 7days apart I figured how perfect. So as I'm working my tush off going here and there whilst planning 2 trips one to NC and then to AL . I forgot...... Yep today 2 days later as I look my beautiful doggy in the face I realize I forgot her BIRTHDAY!! I felt soo bad ,I mean how do you make that up for a dog. I mean I even forgot her doggy cake (I cant go grab all the ingredients that fast) SO as I thought about it all I treated her to goldfish crackers and cheese balls. Not the healthiest choice but She looked at me with those cute little eyes and I gave in. SO yep I gotta go out and get  the right stuff and make that cake. You guys didn't see how adorable it was watching her whack the plate out from under the cake and chow down. It was great so I will definitely get on it. So I figured I'd share hopefully this will just help me to not forget the other bday coming up LOL. Well Thanx for listening to my story!
Enjoy!!

Here's My Testimony!

By Request:

I'm am always sharing my testimonies with the ones I love. When I was asked one day to share it with others,which I do not mind considering it wasn't me It was all GOD,(who is worthy of all praise.) So I am establishing my credit I know I'm digging into my personal life but I have to for you all to understand clearly. So my credit wasn't bad but it wasn't good either considering most of what I had I was still paying OR was hospital bills. So here I go to try to fix my credit, I remember once someone telling me to dispute all the negatives but I didn't know what to do with that. So I hopped on over to check my credit and all handy dandy right there was where I could dispute. So I had a field day I disputed what I could BUT (I prayed before I did.) Then left it alone I figured if nothing happened things would remain the same and if something happened it couldn't be any worse,So I had nothing to lose. Well life has been going very good aside from the fact that I'm working my bum off (literally.) Not necessarily a bad thing but the knowledge of knowing there was something in my life that needed to be fixed still weighed on me. Well I went to check the mail which I almost didn't because I thought "It's just going to be bills or advertisements" none of the 2 I wanted cluttering my home. I went anyways I checked the mail to find a big envelope from a place I've never been. I said,'Oh great this has got to be a big bill." I opened it up before I even arrived back home just in case I was so mad I wanted to toss it . When opened it was about my credit report and stating I had disputed something and these are the outcomes that I had to look forward to. I just knew that they were going to decide to investigate further or leave the debt the same ,so I placed it down. Well I'm noisy so I figured let me read the rest of this junk ,when I opened it back up there it was clear as day DELETED that means it was totally erased from my record. Oh I was so thrilled I thought that they were going to send me another envelope with the verdict but it was right there. SO one down a couple more to go,I will be praying a lot more until I get the verdict on the rest LOL. Not a needy prayer but a prayer of thanks. That was just 1 of my many testimonies I would love to here some of yours!!
Here's a good video with other peoples testimonies. Hallelujah!!


Easter Cardboard Testimonies from Nate Graham on Vimeo.

Why is it That....?

Why is it that ....It's easier to clean somebody else mess,but when it comes to yours HUM.
Why is it that.....It's easier to watch t.v than read a good book.
Why is it that.....You cook all the time but when it comes to a potluck ,you're nervous.
Why is it that..... For yourself you don't have the money but if someone else ask for help,there's no question
I had originally begin this post to finish with a list of Why is it that Questions but When stuff doesn't flow It could be something else needs to be said. Lets dwell on a couple of what is it questions for awhile (if you don't mind..) It's always been easy for me to go clean someone else  house but than my house looks astray. Could it be the generosity that is naturally found in women ,Think about it GOD had to make us giving creatures,(we often give our lives away for the people that we love.)It's often easy for me to sit down in front of the television,Knowing there isn't anything of interest on and that directly in the next room there's a great book to read. Could it be that the sound of the t.v reminds us of the noise we face day to day. Think about it You get married ,maybe buy a dog and havelittle mini you's ..It's not a quiet life.Maybe the sound of nothing reminds us that we have good noises in our lives.I always cook every day ,I find it interesting that when ever we have a pot luck(covered dish,bring something from home..whatever you may call it.) I get so nervous. I think will they like my food and I try to please everyone (Ann's a vegetarian,Bobs a meat eater and Hannah can't have cheese) You know the pleasing spirit. Well God had to have made us with such a pleasing spirit how else could we as women show such acts of servitude to our spouses.Lastly the reason why I started a new theme to the post and for this I will give you an example. You have $40 you go to buy some things needed for your home.You have gotten everything needed and find that you still have a little over $20 left When all of a sudden a beautiful blouse catches your eye only $8 it would be perfect and you have been needing a blouse you grab it off the rack.As you head up to the line your phone rings it's a (cousin,sister,friend acquaintance...)They need $20 you immediatly put the blouse back and meet with them to offer your gift of $20. It took me awhile to see that some of these things can be looked at as negative. Just look at the type of person God made you too be and it will all make sense. I never really sat down to investigate all of this until today. I have made sense to me. I  hope I have done some good for you!
GOD BLESS!

CAN I SAVE 8 MIN...?

Getting fit is in everyone agenda but rarely gets done. I have noticed by being around a lot of  people that many pack on the pounds in the winter. Kind of like a bear....You know they get bigger and then when summer arrives they try to shed it all last minute. I guess it could be all the holidays in the winter (food,food and more food)Or it could be the fact that you are covered up more in the winter I'm not sure.I did notice that even I bulk up a little bit during the winter. I mean who wants to exercise when those extra pounds can be covered with a nice sweater,plus I am NOT a cold weather person. So I guess there would be less activities Lets add that to our list of excuses. Any who.. I figured out you really have to find something that you don't mind doing . I can't tell you what it will be for you but I found my thing. An 8 min Tae Bo video.Now I can always say I have been adicted to taebo videos every since they first came out. So this is the one!! I mean even when I don't feel like exercising . Who in their right mind can say that they can't set aside 8 mins a day. You can't so when I'm tired or just came in from work or just plain ol' don't feel like exercising I pop in the videoand start working out by the time I realize I really don't want to do it the video is over with.Done I mean it's the best thing ever, It's like I get a workout without even thinking about it. So find your niche for the winter and STICK with it.You may be stronger than me and find a 20 min video or 30 min gym time is best. Or you may be a little busier and find that 2 min jumping jacks or 5 min cool down works better for you. Just keep in mind any exercise is better than none at all. SO fit IT in to stay FIT!
Enjoy!

OH DEER!

Well my puppy always acts out (up) when we have new neighbors moving in. I can just imagine what she would be thinking .....Roof ,who are these people..Roof, why are they so close to my house..Roof, what are they doing.. Roof  ,I must tell someone Roof roof roof roof roof.. Yep she would probably be thinking that. So anyways she was barking a little much but I left it alone knowing why. Last night however I couldn't take it anymore first she barked every time the new neighbors went out or came in.Than it doesn't help they have two small children who like to bark back at the dog (LOL.)but As I was sleeping she went nuts ,I woke up and checked the cars nothing there but she was persistent she barked and barked until hubby woke up.I stayed asleep I was done with it I decided to block her barking out of my mind.So barking blocked I was cozy,comfy and sleep...When I suddenly awoke to my husband standing at the window saying "OH MY ....WHAT IN THE WORLD IS THAT???" I was determined to stay asleep so I ignored him like I heard nothing BUT He was determined to wake me up. He began shouting ,"BABE WAKE UP, WAKE UP, IT"S A DEER!!"I was tired and not thinking straight the only thing in my mind was sleep ,I thought ,"I don't care about a deer,a deer He wants me to wake up for a DEER ,OMG NO thank you."Well conscience got the best of me I got up and I'm glad I did. There in the middle of the road was a gigantic deer ,that had possibly just gotten out of a fight do to the fact that 1 of his antlers stood up and 1 was dangling by His face.Beautiful this deer was,with strong build staring straight at my dog.Yep almost with a look like He was tormenting her on purpose.So there it was my Big pooch who compared to this deer looked like a chihuahua. Chasing her tail,barking wildly and a Deer who polited stood staring back ,so still that without a close look you would miss it. What was I to do I couldnt get mad at my puppy. Shoot I would have done the same thing if a deer was looking at me like that.Thats pretty much how my night went ,just thought I'd share.
Enjoy!

Let's Get Fit

Okay Ladies,

I found out about this awesome site and challenge through one of my favorite blogs, The Shred Sisters, and had to share. There's this challenge called , The Christmas Crunch Challenge, and it's some lovely Christian ladies getting in shape together. To find out the details and to get more info. just hop on over to their blog and let's get fit together :-)

Home management Binder How To

Home Management Binder In Progress

 I love the idea of a Home Management Binder and I've even had one in the past that received lots of use but as time has passed and needs have changed I find myself needing a new one. To me this project is a little more exciting than making my coupon binder, which I've finished, love and gets LOTS of use. I have some pretty neat ideas for my binder and would love it if any of you ladies use one if you'd please share it. It would be great to glean some more ideas from other Christian homemakers. I'm gonna get started on it this weekend and I'll post updates as I work through it.

Busy Bees!

Sis and I are living life on the fast lane oh yeah. She started before me and was sooo busy we hardly talked. Well with the holidays coming up and hubby's job acting funny,I opted for a day job. Yep so I am working in the day ,Occasionally on nights and every Saturday. Not to mention keeping up the house because I can not let my house go to shame.LOL So Sis and I take like 2 min breaks between our busy schedules to keep up with each other. Thankfully Sis (schI) Has been keeping you all up to date on the blog because I have been no help.. Oh yes Testimony so I had a lot of bad things happening in my life all of a sudden ,Yes like crashing and burning. Well I had a voice (take it as you wish) that told me to fast for 3 days. After fasting GOD blessed me with a closer relationship with HIM a closer relationship with my husband.A new car (so hubby and I don't have to hare anymore)A day job, I was able to bless my nephew by helping him with a fundraiser ...... I have many more but I felt obligated to share with you my testimonies. Fasting works One of my favorite books is FASTING by Jentezen Franklin

Lentil Burgers

This recipe is now one of my very favorites.  It's a healthier take on the regular beef patty, it's packed with nutrients and very easy and frugal

Yield	8-10 burgers
Time	1 hour
Tools	saucepan with lid wooden spoon small frying pan large bowl blender or food processor small bowl
Ingredients	1 c dry lentils, well rinsed 2½ c water ½ t salt 1 T olive oil ½ medium onion, diced 1 medium carrot, diced ½ t pepper 1 t soy sauce, optional ¾ c rolled oats, finely ground ¾ c bread crumbs
Directions	Place the lentils, water, and salt in saucepan, bring to a boil, lower heat, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes, until water is nearly gone and lentils are very soft, with splitting skins. Sauté the onion and carrot in oil until soft, about 5 minutes. Mix the lentils, onions, carrots, pepper, and optional soy sauce in the large bowl, then mix in the ground oats and bread crumbs. While still warm, form the lentil mixture into patties, which can now be frozen, refrigerated (for up to 5 days), or cooked immediately. Cooking (2 possibilities): In a frying pan, heat a bit of oil, place a burger on top, and fry until brown, 1-2 minutes. Repeat on other side and serve. In a 400º oven, bake the burgers on a greased baking sheet until light brown, about 15 minutes.