Friday, December 31, 2010

The Rose I Didn't Want to Throw Away

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My 8 yr. old son stomped into the house and handed me a red rose cut from the neighbor's yard. As he handed it to me he said, "I love you, Mommy." After I thanked him, I promptly asked if he'd received permission to cut that rose! :) (And, yes, he did ~ whew.) Then as quickly as he barged through the door, he left to go back outside.

Of course getting a rose from a son would warm any mother's heart, but mine was extraordinarily warm.

You see, to me this wasn't just any rose. It was a symbol of what I call my son's "breakthrough" year. Sounds a bit cheesy, but it's true.

Oh, this child.

Where do I start? It is pretty difficult to sum up 8 years of life into one post. (My eyes are starting to tear up a little.) I guess one word to sum it up would be STRONG-WILLED, but I just don't think that gives a clear enough picture. Yes, very strong-willed but so much more than that.


As a toddler, this blue-eyed, strawberry-headed blessing would tell me flat out that he had ANGER in his little heart. Before our morning devotions he would tell me that he hated God. He refused to receive the love that his precious, older brother wished so much to bestow upon him. He didn't really want to have anything to do with Daddy, either. Being such a VERBAL, say-whatever-comes-to-mind type of kid, he could really be kinda mean sometimes.


As a parent, I was definitely confused, stressed, sad . . . and so on. In between his strong-willedness he was over-the-top cute, funny and loved to have his mama cuddles. I was completely in love with my "Only Sunshine" but was also completely worn out.


Thank goodness he was a very well behaved child everywhere else. It was at home where his fleshly heart would let loose. I kept thinking, "As soon as the terrible 2 (and 3s) stage is over everything will be just fine."

Three came. Then four. Five. Oh, this child! Six and seven were a struggle, too.


Mind you, the problem wasn't constant, out-of-control, willful disobedience. I didn't need Super Nanny to save the day. Being consistent and firm with discipline wasn't one of my weaknesses, but it was draining me.

When there weren't any "issues" to address, he was just an overall not very happy child. It was normal for every little thing to bother him or make him angry. And for some reason, I felt that he was more like this when he was around his brother, which was 99% of the time. It was like he was born hating being the second child. My heart would just ache when I'd see glimpses of joy and that bubbly little personality trying to break through, but the dark cloud would always return.

I knew in my heart that an intense spiritual battle was raging within my very young son. It was strange to know that. But I knew it was true. Satan was not going to win, I knew that, too (mostly), but I didn't know how long this particular battle was going to last. I was committed to fighting for my child and raising him up in the way he should go no matter how tough it got, no matter how exasperated I became.

It was hard. There were days when I was tempted to drive him to the school in our neighborhood and be done with it. He could be off at school while I peacefully home schooled my other 2. I would always feel God whispering very quietly that he was right where he needed to be~that the battle would be won right on the home front. Sending him away for a few hours wasn't going to solve his (our) problems.

Even when my son had learned that obedience in this family wasn't optional, I could tell mostly that his obedience was due to the fact that he didn't want to suffer consequences. He would obey on the outside, but it was super clear that on the inside defiance reigned. We had many talks about how I, as his mom, could only help change the outside, but never the inside. I could do my God-given part, but I couldn't change his heart and make it love. That was strictly between him and God.

This year, this blessed year, a change from deep within this child's heart began to unfold right before my very eyes. It was like watching a caterpillar morph into a butterfly in slow motion. The cloud was slowly disappearing revealing a soft, sweet spirit and a heart yearning to love. I witnessed true humility and repentance in my son. Truly a beautiful and longed-for gift!! He told me one night that life was so much better without anger in his heart. Praise God!

Our relationship is so much better and phrases such as "I'm sorry" and "Will you forgive me?" grace his speech.

God has taught me so much through this trial. So much about myself. About my own relationship to my Heavenly Father. My second born is a lot like me in personality, and my hubby would often tell me, "Now you know what it's like to be married to you!" Ah well, I guess I still have a lot to learn, too. :)


I love you and LIKE you my dear son. Looking forward to what the next year brings!!! I hope you don't mind me sharing. I hope our story can encourage others who may be going through the same thing. THANK YOU again, for my beautiful, red rose.

Tennessee Christmas 2010

Pin It Now! I know. It looks like Christmas morning. But it's not. My kids were so incredibly giddy December 23rd. They had to wait the entire day to be able to open Tennessee presents!



Daddy making them wait just a little longer . . .


Not a single Star Wars item this Christmas . . . Halo Mega Bloks are the new craze.

Barbie scooter for Miss Shiloh ~ she was so excited!!!!

Can we say SPOILED?! I am not complaining, though, cuz I got spoiled, too!! I got a super duper popcorn maker and some sweet cash.


Mullin conversing with TN family via web cam.


And drum roll please . . . Mark's wish came true~a Kindle. That would come in handy for homeschooling, but I don't think he's sharing.

Thank you TN family (Pa, Cece, Pawpaw, Grandma, Uncle B and Aunt Catie) for all the wonderful gifts!!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Something Old, Something New

Pin It Now! Isn't that some sort of tradition for weddings? And something blue is in there somewhere I think. I don't recall having anything old or blue for my own wedding. Definitely lots of new, though!!

And what does this have to do with cookies?

Something Old: Well, every December I get to pull out some very old and very cherished cookie cutters. Yep, those silver ones in the photo belonged to my grandma. She passed them on to my mom, and then my mom passed them on to me. There's an angel, Santa, tree, holly leaf, bell, star, reindeer, gingerbread man--I think that's all.

I also use my grandma's Prize Sugar Cookie recipe, and I wear an apron that my mom made (when she was just 14 or so) for my grandma.


Something New: It's been fun over the years adding new cookie cutters, too. Most, of course, are plastic.



My sweet girl helping mama cut out cookies. I guess someday, she'll be in her own kitchen using the passed down cookie cutters. It will be here before I know it.



These are definitely my favorite Christmas treats!!




Something Blue: I guess Mr. Snowman's scarf will have to do!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Merry Christmas!!!!

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Wishing everyone a blessed Christmas!!!

We are celebrating our 4th Christmas in the desert. It's been a wild, crazy time that's flown by so fast. Beaten and bruised by one storm after another, I think we can finally say--or should I say sing--We can see clearly now!! The rain is GONE!!!

Looking forward to our 2011 journey into uncharted territory. I am so thankful to my God for the trials he bestowed upon me and my family to prepare and strengthen our hearts for His will in our lives.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Three Trees

Pin It Now! I know, three trees sound like a little much . . . but our Memory Tree is just too full. Last year it reached its ornament limit.

I love our Memory Tree. It holds ornaments from old times and new, like the cute little mice ornament my mom gave to me when Mark and I first started dating, the country apples and red and green beads from my tree growing up in Tennessee, the crazy silver garland I let Mullin pick out when he was just a toddler, and my three kids' first Christmas ornaments.

This tree honors all of my kids' fetishes and phases: trains, Star Wars, sports, airplanes, Care Bears, Strawberry Shortcake, Tinkerbell, My Little Pony, Harry Potter, and so much more! Ahem, Starbucks and m&ms are very well represented as well. :)


Our beautiful, nostalgic Memory Tree in the process of being decked!

So, here stands our newest tree given to us by my dad. It's just the right size for the tiny corner at the top of our stairs. Doesn't quite have a personality yet . . . but it's getting there. Mostly we hung ornaments from packs my mom has given to us over the years, so it gives it somewhat of a theme-ish touch. Plus, Mark and I added some of our own ornaments that we thought fit ~ kinda classy, yet old-fashioned and homey, maybe? It still lacks a star, but I hope to find one before next year. Needs a few more thematic touches to be just right. I love trees!! Forget knick-knacks!


And of course the Theme Tree, otherwise known as the Main Tree, or my tree. :) Oh, how I love to gaze at it when it's dark and the kids are in bed. The beautiful, white lights all aglow, the shiny, glassy ornaments gleaming and twinkling, the symbolic nature of my color-scheme, the memories of decorating it for the very first time in our very first house while unknowingly pregnant for the first time, the ornaments that have been added over the years, and the matching presents under the tree . . . I love it all ~ even the charming touches my hubby brought to this tree! He picked out the star and the tree skirt. :)

So, to me three trees are the perfect number of trees! (I might change my mind when it's time to take them down.)

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Champions!

Pin It Now! After quite a LONG break from playing sports, my boys were able to play flag football for the first time this fall. Not ordinarily a sports-on-TV-watcher, I must say I loved watching my boys play football!! VERY exciting.

Both boys have shown such natural talent on the field and have quickly named this their favorite sport. I think I'm seeing more football in our future!

Lincoln's team won the entire tournament (for his age group) a couple of weekends ago. He was soooooo thrilled not only to win, but he made his very first touchdown that day. :) Usually, he is busy intercepting, but having a chance to score was a proud moment!





Congratulations Lincoln!!!

And Mullin, thank you for showing support and encouragement to your brother during your time of loss and defeat. Truly an unselfish act by putting your brother's interests above your own.

I am one proud Mama of both my amazing boys!!!!

Thursday, December 09, 2010

Is It Really Just a Southern Thang?

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Tea? Or more specifically ~ Sweet tea?

Southerners like to claim that it is, but I think my love of tea began as a child. And I am not from the South.

I remember my mom making sun-tea in my Arizona backyard. When we later moved to the South, we took our love of tea with us. Okay, so maybe the "sweet" part is a bit southern because I don't think my mom has ever drunk sweet tea.

Boy, I did, though. I think true southern sweet tea could be bottled and sold as syrup. Don't you think? Yep, you could just whip up some pancakes, smear 'em with butter, then just pour that syrupy sweet tea right over. Ugh, I cringe just thinking about that stuff. You would, too, if you'd ever had a "sweet-tea headache."

When I got married, I was adding an entire cup of white, refined sugar to a gallon of tea. And when it wasn't cloudy, rainy, or cold, you can bet that I was baking it in the sun!

As I started becoming pretty health conscious, I cut back to 1/2 a cup of sugar to a gallon of tea. (Oh, and I only drink decaf Luzianne.) My hubby wasn't too thrilled about that change being that he was a true southern boy. But, health overruled. :) Not to mention he could just add more if he wanted.

That last change lasted a good, long while, but I became unsatisfied with that, too. I wanted to somehow take even more white, refined sugar out of my diet, and I knew from where a bunch of it was coming ~ my tea. I love tea! I drink it daily! Mmmm, add a squirt of fresh lime and, oh, yum! So refreshing. :)

Anyway, I have tried sweetening with raw agave and it is good but expensive. Plus some health experts say the way agave is processed isn't really all that great. Raw honey is just too thick for cold tea, which is how I like it. Cold.

So, this post brings me to Stevia. I don't know why I have been afraid to try it. All natural is the claim. Comes from a leaf. Supposedly liquid form is less processed. Anyway, I gave it a try. Not bad. Different at first. It has only been a couple of weeks and I am completely used to it and have happily figured out the stevia to tea ratio: 4 droppersful (is that a word?) of stevia to one gallon of tea.

My tea has changed quite a bit over the years, but hopefully it will be for better health!

Photo credit

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Candy Countdown

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CANDY COUNTDOWNS work for us!


Well, this will be the first year to totally forgo the Christmas chain countdown. I have tried to keep it as a countdown, but ever since I introduced the Hershey Kiss Tree Countdown, the chain kinda lost some popularity.

So . . . this is the first year that all of my kids have their very own candy countdown. And to make it even more special, I let them be creative. (Meaning they didn't have to do a tree shape.)


Lincoln made a wreath, Shiloh (I helped) a tree, and Mullin an ornament. No, it isn't a cherry bomb!

To make a Candy Countdown you will need:

  • 24-25 pieces of wrapped candy--doesn't have to be Hershey Kisses. (I say 25 because in order to make a tree, you need 25.)
  • sturdy piece of construction paper--I used Creative Memories paper which feels more like card stock
  • glue--the white runny kind (not a glue stick)

What you will do:

  • arrange candy pieces into desired shape--Christmas trees are my favorite. :)
  • dab glue drop onto bottom of candy in wrapper and place back down on paper.
  • let dry completely
  • hang on fridge with magnets or hang on cork board etc.

**If you choose to create a Christmas tree, you will need 25 pieces and 8 rows of candy. First row, 1 piece, second row 2 pieces and so on, except for the last 2 rows. Last 2 rows are the base of the tree and only need 2 pieces each. (As shown in above picture. Also trees look really nice when the "star" is red, the tree part green and the base silver--but that is just my preference.)

So, obviously if you make a countdown with 25 pieces, you will have to start it on Nov. 30th instead of Dec. 1st. My kids don't seem to mind a bit!!

How do you countdown to Christmas?

***For more tips, visit We are THAT Family.

Agave Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce

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Wow, I can't believe I took a 2 week break from blogging! It was much needed, though. I find that I need breaks even from the things I love doing. I feel refreshed and am ready to post like crazy.

I will start off my return with a yummy and healthier version of homemade cranberry sauce.

I love cranberry season! Cranberries are so pretty and yummy. And to me, they aren't just for Thanksgiving. I like fixing whole cranberry sauce throughout December as well. This side dish compliments this porkloin recipe perfectly!!





Here's what you will need: 1 bag of fresh cranberries, 1 cup of organic raw Blue Agave, 1 cup of water, and 1 cinnamon stick.
Here's what you will do: Bring 1 cup water and 1 cup of Agave to a boil. Add cranberries and cinnamon stick and return to a boil. Reduce temperature to low and simmer for about 10 minutes. I like to stir occasionally, too. Pour into a nice bowl and cool until sauce reaches room temperature. Remove cinnamon stick. Store in fridge.


Mmmmm ~ my favorite way to eat cranberry sauce is warm!!!!

*You could aslo use raw honey instead of the Agave. I haven't tried this yet but plan to.

Linked to:

Tasty Tuesday

Tuesdays at the Table

Tempt my Tummy Tuesday

WFMW

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Batter in a Bag

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I saw this tip a few weeks ago, but I can't remember from where. So, thankyou whoever you are--you made my cupcake baking so much better and less messy!


For nice, neat cupcakes (no batter spillage on the muffin tin) spoon batter into a large ziploc bag, snip one of the edges off, and fill each space by sqeezing the bag gently.

Thanks to my sweet 5 yr. old daughter for snapping this photo. :)


I really liked this tip! For more great tips visit We are THAT Family!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Double Layer Pumpkin Pie

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This is the pie that my brother-in-law requested during his visit. I changed it a bit this time and used heavy whipping cream instead of Cool Whip. I have been substituting with this for every recipe that calls for Cool Whip. I must say whipped cream tastes FAR better and I feel better about the ingredient list!

Double Layer Pumpkin Pie

  • 1 6 oz. graham cracker crust
  • 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1 Tablespoon milk
  • 1 Tablespoon sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups thawed Cool Whip (or homemade whipped cream)
  • 1 cup cold milk
  • 2 small packages vanilla instant pudding
  • 1 16 oz. can pumpkin
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cloves
 
Beat cream cheese, 1 TBSP milk and sugar with wire whisk. Stir in 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip or home made whipped cream. Spread on crust. Beat remaining ingredients with wire whisk. (It will be very thick) Spread over cream cheese layer. I store mine in the fridge for a few hours before serving.


*Linked to

Tasty Tuesday
Tuesdays at the Table
Tempt my Tummy Tuesday
Try a New Recipe Tuesday
Works for me Wednesday

Sunday, November 14, 2010

This Time of Year

Pin It Now! This is the time of year that often leaves me feeling overwhelmed, giddy, stressed-to-the-max, thankful, HAPPY, depressed, and excited all in the same moment.

Can anyone relate?

I LOVE this time of year. And I dread this time of year.

I love Thanksgiving and pondering all the things for which I am thankful. I love the turkey, casseroles, and homemade cranberry sauce. I love family get-togethers.

And I really love Christmas! Decorating and reliving memories warms my heart. Baking makes my tummy smile, and Christmas music makes my ears smile! Candles, cinnamon, tinkling bells, pretty bows, sparkly ornaments . . . I love it all.

Sometimes I feel a bit guilty in the midst of the holiday season. The Christ child came to bring me peace, and I can become easily stressed by the little things.

I tend to stress over making sure everything is just right. I can get upset that we don't all have nice, new "Christmas-picture-worthy-clothes", or that we can't buy everyone really great Christmas gifts. The list goes on and on. I have been much better this year, though, and as soon as I felt that spirit of discontent trying to find room in my heart, I put up a fight. And I will continue to fight because the holiday season isn't about stuff!! It's about Jesus.

Father, may my home be a cheerful, peaceful place as we celebrate and remember your miraculous birth. May love and mercy lead, and help me not to stress over money, presents, decorations, treats, and so on. (All very wonderful, yet very worldly things.)

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Oreo Cookie Balls

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Years ago a sweet friend dropped these off at my front door. Ever since, I have made these yummy treats every December! They are really easy to make, too.
 
Oreo Cookie Balls
  • 1 package Oreos (must be the regular kind)
  • 8 oz. softened cream cheese
  • White chocolate candy coating
  • Chocolate jimmies to garnish
Finely crush Oreos. Mix crushed Oreos and cream cheese to form a thick dough. Roll into balls - about 1 in. in size. Set on waxed paper or a baking sheet. Melt white chocolate candy coating. Dunk each ball into coating covering entire ball. I use a fork for this step and let the excess white candy coating drip back into the bowl. Set back on waxed paper or baking sheet until dry. If you'd like, sprinkle on chocolate jimmies before the Oreo Cookie Balls dry.

*Linked to
Tasty Tuesday
Tempt my Tummy Tuesday
Tuesdays at the Table
Works for me Wednesday
Raising Homemakers
Try a New Recipe Tuesday

**Looking for great Christmas toys? Check this out!

Friday, November 05, 2010

Imagination Box Co. Country Cottage Review

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Looking for outstanding, award-winning toys your children will love and remember this Christmas? (Of course you are thinking, "Yes!") Then you've got to check out Imagination Box Company!

Imagination Box Co. makes creative toys that your children get to help "design." These paintable, quality cardboard toys allow your children to use their imaginations and to add their own unique, personal touches. Other special features include:
  • All non-toxic dyes and materials
  • Extreme durability--made with double-walled corrugated board
  • 100% recyclable
  • Toys are printed inside and out with original designs
  • Free set of washable watercolors included with every set
  • Easily accepts markers, crayons and stickers
  • MADE IN THE USA!!!!!!!!!!!

Russ and Kim Cash, owners and creators, sent my daughter and me this lovey Country Cottage to use and review.
My daughter was so excited to receive her cottage in the mail, and as you can see for yourself, the box in which it came was very nice and sturdy.
She couldn't wait to start coloring! The next day, we opened the box, unfolded the cottage and laid it out flat on our kitchen table. We decided to use markers on the smaller drawings and to save the painting part for last.


(A look at the inside)

It took us several days to finish her masterpiece. Her older brothers even asked if they could help, too. Mostly, though, my daughter and I colored, and what sweet mommy/daughter time we had!

(A look at the outside)

I enjoyed helping with the outside the most~the vines and flowers were so pretty. I thought Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs would walk right out the door at any moment!
After everything dried, I couldn't assemble the Cottage fast enough~my girl was ecstatic to finally be able to take it up to her room! After the easy assembly, I did add a touch of Scotch tape to the inside bottom of the "floor" just to make sure everything held together well.


As you can see, the cottage door opens . . .

and the roof can be taken off. She decided she wanted to use it as a doghouse for her puppy, Brownie. Since then her Barbies have even had a chance to visit. :)

Do I even need to mention again that I think this is a fabulous toy?! Imagination Box Co. truly does make toys children will remember! My daughter is already asking for the Castle Tower for Christmas! (She doesn't know it, but I will be ordering the Castle Tower and the extra sparkly Metallic Watercolors this week~shhhh, don't tell!)
Other affordable, paintable craft toys include:
These toys would make amazing, memorable Christmas gifts!! Be sure to take advantage of the 20% off deal going on right now through the end of November.*Thankyou, Kim, for the wonderful opportunity to review your Country Cottage!

**Linked to WFMW

Why Am I So Excited About THIS Pomegranate?

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It's mine.

From MY tree!!!!



Too bad there were only about 8 on my tree, but not bad considering we've only had it since last year. I LOVE to eat these delectable fruits, and they are SO expensive at the store! Just one more positive about living in the desert. (I have to convince myself sternly around this time of year!)

Thursday, November 04, 2010

What Do a Fairy and a Nerd Have in Common?

Pin It Now! They both have a blue-haired crazy kid for a brother!


My kids had to get a little creative with costumes since we weren't buying any this year. Mullin went as the nerd, obviously. Shiloh went as a fairy. Ballerina outfit was given to her and so were the fairy wings. And . . . poor Lincoln still hadn't come up with an idea that worked, and it was Saturday already.

While I was at Wal-Mart picking up a few items in between football games, I spotted those cans of hair dye for $2. I couldn't resist. So, he went as the crazy blue-haired guy. Kinda looks like a mad scientist. :)



Shiloh, the beautiful, pastel fairy. Oh how I love that she likes to pose for the camera!!!

Wednesday, November 03, 2010

Great Christmas/Worship Song!!!

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Wow, I can't believe it's already November!! Almost time to stream the Christmas tunes 24/7. :)

I love Christmas music~we have a ton. I bet you haven't heard this great new song, though. Check it out, then download!!!

From itunes

From Napster

**If you like the song, please take a moment to "like" on the facebook fan page.

New Christmas music works for me!!

Anyone already have their tree up?

Linked to Works for Me Wednesday

Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Harvest Apple Cider

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One of our favorite fall drinks:



Harvest Apple Cider

  • 8 whole cloves
  • 4 cups apple cider
  • 4 cups pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cinnamon stick (about 3 inches)
  • 1 individual tea bag
*Directions say to use a cheesecloth for the cloves, but I never have. Place ingredients in a crock pot, and cook on low for at least 2 hours or until desired temp. is reached. Can also be warmed on low over the stove. Discard tea bag and spices before serving.

I usually double the recipe and store leftover drink in the refrigerator. That way I have cider all week long! Just heat in microwave whenever you want. :)

This cider is so delicious!!!


Has anyone started listening to Christmas music yet? Here's a great, new Christmas song--check it out! http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wonderful-counselor-a-christmas/id401394274


**Linked to:
Tasty Tuesday
Tuesdays at the Table
Tempt my Tummy Tuesday

Friday, October 29, 2010

Life is Short

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Last weekend I attended an annual family reunion. I like going. I like seeing family who I don't typically see throughout the year.

During the chatter, catching up, and kids whizzing about, a few moments suddenly turned grave. Shock. Silence. Some tears. A life seemed to be hanging in the balance. My grandpa's life.

I was reminded of the fragility of life. It doesn't last forever. We only have so much time to make a difference, to be the best person we can be. Each day is a choice to live life to the fullest.

I am pondering that even my life is but a breath.

(My mom and grandpa)


My grandpa was taken to the hospital in an ambulance that day, but thankfully, he is home and doing much better. May his last years on earth be fruitful and may God be glorified.


I am encouraged to keep pressing on and raising up children for the Lord. To make a difference. To cherish every moment.

May my 3 little acorns grow up to be "Oaks of Righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor." (Isaiah 61:3) If this be the case, then my life will have been a life well spent.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Even She Can Push It

Pin It Now! Several months ago we had to purchase a new vacuum. I really didn't want to go with the cheap-vacuum-from-Wal-Mart-to-get-by this time around.

I was tired of vacuuming my entire downstairs with the hose! My other vacuum said it worked on tile--not so much. When I vacuumed my shaggy-type rug with it, no vacuum lines. (Was this thing really working?)

After a few days of research, my hubby and I decided to buy the Oreck XL Classic. I LOVE it!!!

Even she can push it. :)

I still help with cord holding while she vacuums her own room, but I was taking the picture. ;)



Other features I love:

  • It really is lightweight.
  • It works perfectly on tile--huge to me!!
  • I get vacuum lines where I thought vacuum lines weren't possible. (Even on my shaggy rug.)
  • Hose and attachments come seperately with a handheld vacuum--like this.

Oreck XL works for me and I am so glad my hubby spent the extra money on a GREAT vacuum!

*Linked to Works for me Wednesday

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Plants vs Zombies Party

Pin It Now! Finally, an X-box game for the entire family's enjoyment!! It is super fun and made for a great family game night. I even made junkfood and let the kids eat in the living room!


Orange Crush, popcorn, fall m&ms, and festive cookies. Served before bed. Yep. Gotta let go every once in a while. :)



Picking plants is so much fun. I even have a Zen garden now that Shiloh waters for me every morning. If only there were real flowers that sprouted silver and gold coins!



I think the zombies wore my sweet girl out~time for bed. What a fun time.

What are your favorite family games?

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