Our Little Wildflowers

14 Day Smoothie Challenge

2012-02-07T14:35:00.000-08:00

It is said you need to chew your liquids and juice your solids. All leafy greens have cell walls composed mainly of cellulose, which is very difficult for our bodies to break down in order to access the dense nutrients that the greens supply. So basically greens go in the body one way and exit the other with much of the nutrients still intact.

When greens are juiced or blended, the machine do most of the "chewing" beforehand. You benefit more by blending the veggies than by eating them.

Smoothies are not juice! Smoothies are complete foods with fiber still intact.

After reading time and time again how tasty green smoothies are, I decided to try one. I was shocked, I couldn't even taste the spinach! It is amazing that something so delicious is also a powerhouse of nutrients. I have been wanting to do a smoothie detox for a, but I have been to chicken. I am terrified I will not stick to it and fail. At the same time I realize if I don't do it at all then I fail without question.

I am going to start with a fourteen day challenge and possibly keep going if it is working for me. I hope by posting here I will feel somewhat accountable to keep up with it better. Wish me luck!

Family Time

2011-10-14T17:58:00.000-07:00

Our family seems to be in a season in life where we remain in perpetual motion. Although the weekends are no exception, I look forward to having everyone together, and our activities are more family centric, rather than everyone moving in separate directions.
Victoria and Madilyn went to stay the night with their Grandpa and Grandma Di's, and Rodney was fast asleep by the time I finished all my errands this evening. So, I picked up a Redbox movie for Chandler and I.
Tomorrow we are getting out our fall decorations and cleaning up the outside of the house. I also have a lot of catching up to do on the inside cleaning (especially in the laundry room). Chandler has a soccer game in the afternoon. I really hope to have all our work done tomorrow, so Sunday we can go to Mass, Faith Formation, then spend the rest of the day relaxing, well, at least for a few hours before Victoria has to go to youth.
Victoria finished up her first season of tennis and I am so glad she really enjoyed playing. Homeschooling is going okay, it's such a huge adjustment and I am constantly worried that I am not doing a good enough job. Also, with this being our first year I am finding that a lot of material I purchased it not quite what I expected. We normally spend about 3 to 4 hours Mon, Tues, Wed, and Fri doing class work, then Thursday we spend all day at the church for Mass, activities and playtime with other Catholic homeschoolers (Maddie and I both look really forward to Thursdays).
I am off to enjoy the movie with my son. Have a great weekend!

Halloween and it's Christian (not pagan, roots).....

2011-10-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

We've all heard it: "Halloween is a pagan rite dating back to the Celtic harvest festival of Samhain , (or some other variation of this holiday's supposedly pagan roots,) but that is absolutely NOT the truth! Halloween, the name itself coming from the old English words, "Hallow" (meaning consecrated to God [or Saint]), and "Even" (meaning evening) is the vigil before All Saints Day (it's properly spelled Hallowe'en (for "Halloweven") and it's TOTALLY Catholic!

It is true that ancient Celts celebrated a harvest festival called Samhain on November 1st, (not the night before), and it is true that early Catholics often "baptized" local festivals to give new converts reasons to still celebrate but now for a Christian purpose, but that's NOT what happened with Halloween.

The earliest church tried to celebrate every martyr with a special solemnity on the anniversary of their martyrdom but, as that list began to grow (especially during the Diocletian persecution), they realized they needed a special day set aside to venerate ALL of these holy people, known and unknown.

Around the year 400, this day was set as the Sunday after Pentecost (obviously having nothing to do with harvest time) and it remained there until hundreds of years later when Pope Gregory III (731-741) consecrated a chapel in the Basilica of St. Peter to all the saints and thus, moved All Saints Day to November 1st (because we already had a big day for the apostles on May 1st so the saints on May 13 was a bit close). Pope Gregory IV (827-844) extended the celebration to the Universal Church by making it a Holy Day of Obligation (currently abrogated [meaning temporarily waived] in the United States).

So, where do we get all the traditions? Well, it seems it was the "melting pot" of America that created most of them. First, in 998, St. Odilo set aside November 2nd to honor all souls and it's believed that among Irish Catholic peasants there was some fear that since we had a day to honor the souls in heaven and one for those in purgatory, maybe the souls in hell would make trouble, so they began a strange custom of banging pots on All Hallow's Even to assure the damned they weren't forgotten either.

Also, it was common for poor people to go door to door on Hallowmas (All Saints Day) and beg for food in exchange for their prayers for your dead family and friends during Masses on All Souls Day (the next day).

Then, in 14th and 15th century France, bubonic plague gave many people reason to be very concerned with the afterlife. Artists worked hard to remind people of their mortality and often painted scenes where the devil led long chains of people, including church leaders, kings, peasants and lepers, into the tomb and sometimes these scenes were presented live on All Souls Day with people dressing up in the garb of various levels of society and acting out their part.

Finally, England had a "penal period" from the 1500-1700s, where being Catholic was severely punished and offering Mass was a capital offense that cost many priests their life. During this time, a Catholic resister named Guy Fawkes, participated in a plot to blow up parliament and kill the Protestant King James I, in hopes of freeing Catholics from government burdens. On November 5, 1605, he was discovered, tortured and later hanged but the day the plot was foiled became a celebration in all of England (still is).

Puritans couldn't resist another chance to harass the Faithful, so bands of Guy Fawkes Day revelers would put on masks and visit local Catholics in the dead of night demanding beer and cakes for their celebration of the now dead Catholic (as opposed to the asking done on Hallowmas—this was not a nice knock) . This practice gave birth to the term, "Trick or Treat" (though I suspect it was menacingly said in reverse). Note: Some countries have twisted this and require that the beggar provide the trick (some riddle or magic trick or something) in order to earn the treat…neat idea!

It was in America that all of these customs morphed together to become what we now call "Halloween". The English's November 5th, celebration of Guy Fawkes day with its demands for treats, the French masquerade and obsession with death, the Irish pot banging and worrying about the damned in hell (and probably some harvest customs of making candle lights but now using pumpkins instead of the original turnip lights [as the Irish were not long from their superstitious and pagan roots).

The dark side crept into the day starting with the greeting card industry in the late 1800's when some ill-informed folklorist added witches and black cats (because it was believed that witches could "shape-shift" into cats) and other dark symbols. Of course the evil side has just continued to grow but the original intention of this vigil is to HONOR the saints! Let us reclaim our vigil!!

This year I encourage you to have a REAL Halloween (saint) party and require saint costumes (or at least block evil costumes). Let's bring this day back to Jesus and those who have served Him well. Be creative with your games, such as bobbing for apples being called the "Martyrs dunk" (as it was common to use water torture to make people confess to anything—even being Catholic!), be sure to make the children tell you something about a saint to earn each candy they get, etc.

Let's try to find a balance between the modern fun parts of Halloween—the merrymaking and candy, and even some ghoulishness (there's some seriously repulsive stuff in the Saint's truth!) , and the real Catholic reasons for this day. When she was younger, my girl used to go "Trick or Treating" but IN her saint costumes. Over several years, she took Saints Francis of Assisi, Mother Cabrini and Mother Seton door to door right next to the evil costumes of other children. That's what we are called to be, the person carrying the Light in the middle of a dark world (I was very blessed as she *wanted* to wear them, your children may not be so inclined but you could ask them!).

Use this day as a reason to tell the truth about the Saints—really dig into your saint books and find ways to make those saints into games. I use baseball hats that I've attached strips of clear plastic above the bill so I can slip in little laminated cards with a saint's name. Each child gets up and asks, "Who am I?" and the other children give clues to that saint until the child correctly guesses which saint is on their hat.

I find that using the first person really helps the children "connect" with that saint and retain the knowledge longer. We start with, "In what century did I live?", then "Where was I born?", then friends (many saints have saint friends), and finally the things that will give it away like, "What am I famous for?", or other facts about the individual saint's life. Points (gold plastic coins) are given based on how quickly the child figures out which saint they are.

If you want to entertain older children, search the internet for pictures of incorrupt saints – they are amazing and terribly ghoulish at the same time. If you dispense candy to the neighbor children, attach a note to it that says, "Jesus is the light of the word…do not be afraid!", or some other Christian message that declares Halloween is a day to honor those that honored Him.

There is a worldwide movement to bring this day back to its REAL roots. Check out this website for inspiration: www. NightofLight.org and let's be the first to bring the movement to America!

*source-unknown parish bulletin article)

Put Your Pin's to Work

2011-10-05T20:39:00.000-07:00

For all of you who "Pin" you know how addicting it can be. I am also assuming, that like me, you spend a lot more more time pinning than using what you've learned. Starting this week I have decided to do a Pinterest Challenge. For the next year I will use one of my Pins each week. If you are not familiar with Pinterest people use it to gain ideas on decorating, crafting, recipes, books to read and much more. Every week I will post my results here. Wish me luck!

Maddie's New Glasses

2011-10-05T09:51:00.001-07:00

Hmmm...

2011-09-30T10:42:00.000-07:00

Blogger has a new layout for blogs. On one hand I think it's really neat, bascially you can see all my past posts on one page, but on the other hand I think it's takes away from it's indiviuality. I am going to leave up the new format for awhile and see what I think. I may change it back later.

We have had some ups and down in September. Our van finally died last month and we have spent the past month trying to get a new one. We managed to get one from a questionable car lot and it ended up giving us more trouble than it was worth. Since we had 30 days to return it, we went ahead and cut our losses....*lesson learned*. The only problem is that left us with out a car. I know in some areas living without a vehicle is doable, this is not one of those areas. It was very hard for a couple of weeks. We didn't have the money for a car, and didn't really have any way to get it. We had to rely on our wonderful friends for rides every where. I started a Novena to St Jude. I prayed that he would help us come up with the money, and a vehicle that would be worth what we were paying. With God's blessing St Jude came through for us. The power of prayer is beyond amazing.

Maddie and I are about to start our second month of homeschooling. It is going alright. I feel very overwhelmed at times and wonder if this was the right decision. Academically she seems to be doing well, although, she does push me a lot and she tries to do as little as she can get away with.

This seems to be a busy season in our lives. We are overloaded with activities right now. The kids are in lots of sports and clubs, plus, I am taking several classes at the church. I am glad the kids are really involved but, I will be happy when things slow down. Then again, with the holidays coming up, I am not sure when that will happen.

Maddie's 10th birthday and Our alter for Our Lady of Sorrows

2011-09-25T20:21:00.000-07:00

Our Lady of Sorrows Sept 15

Maddie and I found this craft at Cahtolic Icing and made a little altar to honor Our Lady of Sorrows

Best Chocolate Cake Ever!!!!

May all you wishes come true

Happy Birthday to my sweet, wonderful, loving, kind, beautiful, young, lady I hope your next ten years are full of everything your dream them to be.

I'm a mama!!!

2011-08-05T10:47:00.000-07:00

About a month ago we began our journey when we sent off for our caterpillars. They arrived in a container with enough food in the bottom to get them through the caterpillar stage. For about a week they hung out in their container making webs, getting fat. Notice in the photo one is hanging upside down. This is what they do right before they form their chrysalis.

See all the brown in the bottom? That's what they eat.

Very quickly, while we were out one afternoon they all formed their chrysalids! The next stage seems to take an eternity. I think it only lasted ten days, but we were impatient! Every once in awhile I worried they were dead and would poke them. When they are bothered they shake back in forth to scare off predators (and to ease my fear that they have died during metamorphosis.)

Yesterday evening we came home and a beautiful butterfly was sitting beside his now empty cocoon. Then last night while we slept the other three made their entrance into the world. I hated we missed them coming out.

I have cropped this photo due to the nasty amount of blood we now have on our net. It looks like we slaughtered a small rodent inside their home.

She is my first baby. You can tell they still aren't good using their wings. They will start flapping them violently and end up flipped over on their back. I have really enjoyed this project. I am dreading releasing them in a few days, but I know they will be ready to "spread their wings and fly" *sniff*.

Curriculum ordered? check!!

2011-07-20T17:48:00.000-07:00

After weeks of spending about three hours a day researching curriculum I have finally got everything ordered. Luckily I have come across some awesome sites with free worksheets and lesson plans. I found a really neat online site SkedTrack, it is a lesson planner/record keeper. You can also print out reports cards, and generate transcripts. Best of all it's free!! Here is a run down of resources we will be using this year:

Science-Behold and See 3 from Catholic Heritage Curricula

Math- MCP Mathematics

Handwriting/Copy Work- Worksheet Works is a free site to generate works in print or cursive. I am generating various Catholic prayers for Maddie to copy in print, then, later in the year I will switch it to cursive.

Spelling/Dictation- Spelling Wisdom

Grammar-Grammer-land, I will also be pulling worksheet off various websites.

Reading- We will be pulling from Ambleside online and Open Court Reading.

Geography/map skills- pulling from my Tanglewood Planner.

Social Studies- History through the Ages

Art-Ambleside online We will also do monthly classes at the Art museum.

Music-Ambleside online

Computer- K5 Computer Lab

PE-We don't really have a set lesson plan yet. I am waiting to see what our Homeschool Group does. I know we are doing Swim and Gym at the YMCA.

Health- Pulling from our Tanglewood Lesson planner.

Religion- Ordinary People Extraordinary Lives, for learning about saints and their feast days. Catholic Tradition, to help with the liturgical year and the St Joseph Baltimore Catechism.

Foreign Language- Prima Latina, Ecclesiastical Latin.

Nature Study/Walk- Charlotte Mason recommends going on a nature walk everyday and keeping a journal. I have printed journal pages from Nature Rocks.

Vocabulary- We will pull words from the classical novel we are reading each week for our vocabulary words. If I feel this isn't working, I am going to order Wordly Wise.

Since this is my first year I have back up material ready in case something isn't working out. I would rather be over prepared than under prepared.

We our now an official school!

2011-07-17T13:14:00.000-07:00

We submitted the paperwork for our school this week and received conformation that we are now legally allowed to operate. We named the school Saint Thomas Aquinas Academy. St Thomas Aquinas is the patron saint of education. As far as curriculum, I am going mainly with the Charlotte Mason method. Charlotte Mason believed students should learn from "living" books not from text books that offer nothing but dry facts. To give you an idea of Miss Mason's teaching method, I took the paragraph below from Ambleside Online, Ambleside is a site that offers free curriculum using the Charlotte Mason Method.

Based on Miss Mason's writings, a CM education would include:

1.Narration, which consists of the child telling back a story.This takes the place
of composition in the early years.

2. Copywork, or the transcribing of a
well-written piece of literature as handwriting practice.

3. Nature
study with an emphasis on close, focused observation of creation as a means to
knowledge of God.

4. Outdoor life is necessary to teach nature
first-hand, which means plenty of time spent out of doors each day in all
weather and in different environments for students of all ages. "School" for
children younger than six consisted almost entirely of time spent outdoors.

5. Habit training as a discipline of the child's will and behavior.
Children are trained to develop the will, which is manifested in a strong
resolve to act in a right manner.

6. Living Books rather than textbooks
to convey ideas. Living books, whether fiction or non-fiction, are more than
just interesting books that make a topic come alive. A true Living Book has the
best material, from the best minds, or at least the real story from someone who
was there or has a real interest in their subject. There is a high standard in
literary excellence and, while she advocated the use of many books, quality is
to be preferred over quantity.

7. First-hand exposure to great and noble
ideas through books in each school subject, rather than rote memorization of dry
facts. Besides books, children are exposed to great minds through art, music and
poetry, which was read to the child daily.

8. Memorization was used, not
to assimilate facts, but as a means to have material to meditate on, so her
students memorized scripture and poetry.

9. History is taught with
primary sources and well-written history books.

10. Literature is taught along with history. For example, if one is studying the Civil War, one would at the same time read works of American literature written at that time.

11. Once children are able to read fluently, they read the lessons
themselves, except for books that need editing like Plutarch's Lives.

12. Reading instruction was primarily based on sight vocabulary, but did
include use and teaching of phonics. Even beginning readers, she thought, one
ought to have something interesting to read, like nursery rhymes, rather than
dull first readers, so she taught the sight words necessary to allow them to
read real books.

13. Schooling is teacher-directed, not child-led,
though the child can pursue any number of personal interests during their free
time (and her students had all afternoon free).

14. Short lessons with
an emphasis on excellent execution and focused attention and variation in the
day's scheduled activities so as not to over-stress the brain on one task.

15. In the teaching of mathematics, the ability to reason is emphasized
over "working sums", so emphasis is placed on story problems and working with
numbers that are within the child's comprehension, therefore, a
manipulative-based instruction is desirable.

16. CM encouraged
proficiency in at least one other language, specifically French, as well as
study in Latin.

17. Charlotte Mason set aside time each day for some
form of physical fitness routine which included daily walks and a "drill" which
included stretching, breathing exercises, calisthenics, dancing, singing, and
games.

18. The knowledge of God, as found in the Bible, is the primary
knowledge and the most important.

I have spend the last week ordering materials and setting up our classroom area. Our school is going to coincide with the Charter School calendar. I know it will be easier if Maddie and Chandler have the same days off. Our first day of school is August 15th, only four weeks to go!

2011-07-08T12:19:00.001-07:00

-1-

I went to the doctor yesterday about the foot pain that I have been experiencing for a few months now. She discovered that I have Plantar Fasciitis and a heel spur in my left foot. The good news is while it has caused me a great deal of pain, it's very treatable with the right exercises and orthopedic inserts.

-2-

These days I spend way to much time day dreaming on Pinterest. For those who aren't familiar with Pinterest here is a blurb from their website.

Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes. Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests

-3-

Someone has dropped yet another kitten off at our house. We don't have the room or means to take care of the several that have already shown up at our door. This poor baby is barely old enough to be away from it's mother. If anyone wants a kitten or cat *please* contact me!!

-4-

I picked up some really pretty yarn today. This weekend I am going to attempt to teach myself to crochet.

-5-

The kids went to a really neat sports camp at a local church this past week. We love taking full advantage of all the free programs offered for kids during the summer. Tomorrow we are taking the kids bowling for free. :)

-6-

I am so, so thankful for my best friend. I feel like she is the only person that truly gets me. Don't get me wrong, my husband is amazingly, wonderful, and I am thankful that he loves me and tolerates all my quirks and awkwardness. But, whenever I am in despair and feel like "it's me against the world", I know I can talk to her and afterwards I feel like it's *us* against the world.

-7-

At night Maddie can't sleep in a completely silent room so we play books on CD to help her fall asleep. Today I picked up Bridge to Terabithia on CD at the library. When I was a child, it was my all time favorite book. I hope the kids enjoy it as much as I did.

I hope everyone has a blessed weekend.

The Practice of Humility

2011-07-06T19:13:00.000-07:00

When I read the topic of this weeks Walk with him Wednesday, The Litany of Humility immediately came to my mind. I am not a humble person, in fact of all the deadly sins, pride is pretty high up on my list of struggles. I am always wanting validation. I want my accomplishments to be acknowledged. Nothing upsets me more than when I clean the house spotless and my husband walks through the door and doesn't say a word about it. Here, I have worked my tail off all day to make the home pleasing for him and he can't even acknowledge it!? Now of course, I can't tell you the last time he walked through the door and I immediately let him know how great he was for laboring so hard all day in the hot sun to provide for our family (thoughtfulness is also not an area of strength for me) but I don't ever think about that, I am just looking for my recognition.
To be humble should not be such a task. It's not like Jesus is asking us to part the sea or walk on water. He is asking very simple things, simple things that for some reason can seem impossible to live by. When I pray The Litany of Humility I sometimes have to pause and add the words "lord please help me to truly mean what I am saying" So much of the prayer I can't even bring my self to truly want. It tastes like vinegar coming out of my mouth. Hopefully one day I can say this prayer with ease and truly feel and mean every word of it. Then, hopefully, I will not have the urge to have everyone tell me how wonderful I am for being so humble :). When the litany of humility is prayed in a private setting by two or more people, the lines given in italics below are the responses to a leader. I always say it by myself.

The Litany of Humility

O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, Jesus. (repeat after each line)
From the desire of being loved,
From the desire of being extolled,
From the desire of being honored,
From the desire of being praised,
From the desire of being preferred to others,
From the desire of being consulted,
From the desire of being approved,
From the fear of being humiliated,
From the fear of being despised,
From the fear of suffering rebukes,
From the fear of being calumniated,
From the fear of being forgotten,
From the fear of being ridiculed,
From the fear of being wronged,
From the fear of being suspected,
That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. (repeat after each line)
That others may be esteemed more than I ,
That, in the opinion of the world,
others may increase and I may decrease,
That others may be chosen and I set aside,
That others may be praised and I unnoticed,
That others may be preferred to me in everything,
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should,
Amen

2011-07-04T22:25:00.000-07:00

FOR TODAY
Outside my window..It's dark, I barely see the silhouettes off the tree branches.

I am thinking...I should really go to bed if I want to have a productive day tomorrow..err..technically later today.

I am thankful...For the long weekend with my family.

From the learning rooms...We are learning about germination.

In the kitchen...We have two yummy cakes on the counter.

I am wearing...demin capri's and a blue and white striped shirt (soon-pajamas)

I am creating...a functional schooling area.

I am going...to bed very soon!

I am wondering...why I stay up so late knowing how early I need to be up.

I am reading...Alfie Kohn- The Homework Myth

I am hoping...I get my to do list done this week

I am looking forward to...my car getting fixed Thursday

I am hearing...my cat breathing from my lap.

Around the house...I am getting lots of organizing done, I need to work on my pantry tomorrow.

I am pondering these words....But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. Galatians 6:4

One of my favorite things...having the best neighbors anyone could ask for.

A few plans for the rest of the week: The usual swimming, library, bowling, etc. Thursday we have our friends annual corn roast to attend to celebrate his birthday.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...I make this cake every 4th of July.....

Come to the light.......

2011-07-04T21:38:00.000-07:00

The kids planted bean seeds a few days ago and they have started sprouting

We noticed that they were growing toward the light of the heat lamp they set below. We decided to turn the plant around and see how long it took the plant to change directions and position itself back toward the light.

Here it is before we turned it.

Right after we turned it

After about twenty-five minutes

After one hour it had completely turned back toward the lamp

Here is what we learned about why this process happens:

Phototropism
The movement of plants towards light begins at germination. This is a survival mechanism called phototropism. By orienting their leaves and stems towards light plants ensure that they will receive the maximum energy possible for photosynthesis. Phototropism is a complex hormonal and chemical response to light that is still not fully understood by scientists.
Read more: Why Do Plants Bend Towards Light? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5459208_do-plants-bend-towards-light.html#ixzz1RCjPGDnj

To Market, to Market.....

2011-07-02T08:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had a bad day and was reduced to tears (nothing horrible, just me being selfish, and impatient). So this morning I headed to the farmers market to cheer myself up. I didn't get there early enough to grab some corn which I really wanted but I did come across some great finds.

My goodies- A batch of blueberries so I can make my annual American flag cake for the 4th, local honey, strawberry preserves, apple & spice butter, and some sweet bread as a treat for the kids.

For breakfast I toasted some bread, added a little bit of the apple butter and cinnamon and it was heaven!! Also, I wanted to add I tried several different salsa sample while I was there and they were scrumptious. The lady who makes them has a blog and you can find her theartfulomnivore ~ Blessings Christina

Spend a day with us....

2011-06-28T19:04:00.000-07:00

This summer has started off full speed. This year I am babysitting between 3 and 6 kids a day (on top of my three) for a total of ten spirited little ones!! Here are a few ways I keep them busy:

Swimming is always a splash.

Plus it give me some time to catch up on reading *smiles*

Taking the kids for a walk around town helps get out some energy and you never know what you will find while walking through town

My row of ducklings

And here comes the caboose

Activities at the library are a huge hit!!

Each week for the summer reading program our library has wonderful events planned, This week's theme is...

Trekking Across Europe

Chandler after finishing his crafts.

Joseph and Lucas made their own London Bridge

My Gang

I hope everyone is enjoy their summer too! Blessings!!

Ch-ch-ch-ch changes

2011-06-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

As David Bowie would say it, are on the way. The first big change is ((((((drum-roll))))))......
I am pulling Maddie out of the Charter School and homeschooling her. This is very,very bitter-sweet. I adore the Charter school. I thank God everyday for giving us the opportunity to put our children in this school and keep them out of public school. Watching Victoria I have seen the power of peer influence, and pressure and it's scary!! I am sure you are wondering about Chandler. Right now Chandler doesn't seem to care what others think of him. He is not one to follow the crowd. In the future if I feel he is starting to succumb to peer pressure, I will pull him out to. So, for now, he is happy and I am happy, cautiously happy.

The next big change I am a bit hesitant to put out here. I haven't discussed it with my close family and friends yet and I know this will be a joyous surprise for some, but, Rodney and I have discussed it in great length for a couple years now. We both agree that he should under go a vasectomy reversal!!! Now, we can't really afford it as of yet but we have found a doctor that will do it for low cost. We are saving money, money to get us the rest of the way there.

When he got the vasectomy we were young, stressed, and sleep deprived. We had three children under five and, Rodney had just deployed for a year. I knew I couldn't use the pill since it is an abortifacient, and NFP didn't seem doable with us only seeing each other sporadically. I ask God to please forgive me, then sent my husband off to end our chances of ever having another child. I have never been happy with this. The more I learned about why we should be open to children they worse I felt. I have confessed my sin, but feel we should go further. Please pray for me and my family on this journey I feel we are in for a long and rocky ride with this one.
In God's love~Christina

Share a feel-good photo with someone you know.....

2011-04-11T05:21:00.000-07:00

I participate in daily challenges at Me You Health today's challenge is to share a feel good photo. So here is mine

This was May 24th 2000, the day my Chandler was born.

2011-01-28T10:56:00.000-08:00

~1~

Our cat, Peanut Butter was shot a couple days ago. I was pretty upset about it, but I think he is going to be okay.

~2~

This weekend is Scout Sunday at church. We are looking forward to introducing the boys and everything we have accomplished to the church.

~3~

Rodney seems to be healing finally. We still haven't gotten all the results back from the doctor, but hopefully we will find out more soon.

~4~

I am slowly starting on my spring cleaning. It is a bit overwhelming how much needs to be done. I am trying to break it down into small jobs so I don't feel so intimidated by it all.

~5~

I have lost fifteen lbs so far! It is a small accomplishment with all that I have to lose, but, "a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step".

~6~

Victoria has joined Key Club. It is a club that encourages volunteerism in the community. I know this will be good for her.

~7~

Rodney has a new job. He is working for my father now. He is making more money with less hours. We are hoping now that we will not have to sell our home (please pray for us)!!

Victoria going to her first dance (Wordless Wednesday)

2011-01-26T03:52:00.000-08:00

Be My Valentine Marriage Challenge (week 2)

2011-01-26T03:21:00.000-08:00

Week 2 January 26th - This week we will be a little more creative with our praise. I will give you many ideas of fun things you can do to praise your husband such as surprising him with a love message on the mirror, a message packed in his lunch, using sidewalk chalk to write on the driveway, write a poem, making a toast to him at dinner with friends etc. Get creative with your selflessness!

I started out this morning making sure I was up before him so I could make him breakfast. I also wrote out a card and stuck it in his lunch box. The card just let him know how much I love and appreciate him. Not being a naturally thoughtful person, I am really digging this challenge. It reminds me to do these simple tasks that can really mean so much to the man I love. I can't wait to read all the ideas other ladies have came up with on Courtney's link up.

2011-01-23T14:07:00.000-08:00

"Week 1 Look for ways to praise your husband verbally. Praise him in front of the kids, friends, family, co-workers, on Facebook, tweet it - get praise out anyway you can! Try to mention something noteworthy he has done - in his role as provider, father, husband, lover, or friend. If the thought of trying to come up with one terrifies you, then pray right now that God will give you new eyes to see your husband as God does. Then open your mouth and say something kind and uplifting to your husband today and tomorrow and the next day until Valentine's Day arrives"

I love Courtney's blog Women Living Well. She inspires me to be the wife I know I should be. This is one of many useful challenges she does to help us all become better wives. I am starting in a little late, but, better late than never.

When we were first married, I would write him letters, leave him notes, call him out of the blue, just letting him know how much I loved and appreciated him. It seems after the kids were born my focus shifted. A lot of times I look at him as a partner parent and not as a man with wants and needs.

He often goes above and beyond to make me happy, he is very thoughtful. All he wants in return is acknowledged. This week I am going to concentrate on making sure I praise him for everything he does for us. I am going to take time to look for little things he does, things I may normally not notice and make sure I thank him.

7 quick takes friday

2011-01-21T08:39:00.000-08:00

~1~

I really want to start blogging more, as a stay at home mom I find it very cathartic to be able to write. It is hard for me because, I am not a natural writer. I often have trouble conveying my thoughts and feelings. Also, I am grammatically challenged, which is something I really want to improve. I have decided I am going to blog and anyone reading will just have to forgive my mistakes and errors. Hopefully over time this will improve.

~2~

This month has been so eventful I have so much I need to catch up on. I am bad at multi-tasking. When I have more than one thing going on in my life. I have to choose one to focus on and everything else gets put on the back burner. We recently had a major health scare with Rodney and that's all I could focus on. Everything else this month that needed my attention has fell to the way side. Here it is, nearing the end of January and I am scrambling to get everything done that was needed this month.

~3~

I am determined to work on my health this year. For a few years now, I have put my health aside and focused on just my family (again this falls back to me having a hard time multi-tasking). I have put on a significant amount of weight and have picked up really bad sleep and coping habits. I am literally to tired to continue this way so I am going to work on taking better care of me.

~4~

This weekend we have a camp-in with Maddie's American Heritage Girls group. American Heritage Girls has been such a blessing. Maddie has really enjoyed all the new friends she has made. She is also learning wonderful life skills that I may not have been able to teach her on her own. Right now they are working on sewing. Though, my goal is to learn how myself, I have yet to do it. Hey, maybe Maddie will be able to teach me. :)

~5~

I hate I will not be attending the March for life Monday in Washington DC, but if anyone else wants info on it, go here .

~6~

A great book that I recommend to all mothers is Holiness for Housewives and Other Working Mothers. It was funny at didn't care for it at first and in fact wasn't going to continue reading it. Before I could return it to the library my dog decided to use it as a chew toy. She only chewed off the corners of the pages, but it was damaged enough that I had to pay for it. I figured since I had to pay for it I would go ahead and read it. I loved it! It really made me look at being a stay at home mother in a new light.

~7~

Rodney has a job opportunity coming open in April. If he could get this job, we would be making almost the same amount he was making in recruiting. Not to mention this is back with the military so he could still get his full retirement. Please, please pray that if it is God's will he gets this job.

Everyone have a safe and wonderful weekend!

My hobby

2010-09-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

I love finding deals, and nothing beats free. I spend a few hours a week searching the web and applying for freebies. Each week I get roughly between $10-30 (or more) worth of free stuff. Some the favorite things I have received are: four tickets to Disney on Ice, $20 in free groceries, and a really cool label package (valued at $40) from Label Daddy.
Just this week I received:

A free 12 months subscription to Woman's Day magazine
A Bounce dryer bar
A year subscription to Nanny Net (valued at $40), an online filtering service
A personal organizer from Busy Body Book (valued at $17.95)
Biore face wash

Sometimes I get more, sometimes less. But it is always so exciting to see your mailbox filled to the brim with packages. Here are a few links to some of my favorite sites:

Coupon Pro
Money Saving Mom
Southern Savers

Menu for the week of Aug 30th-Sept 5th

2010-08-29T12:51:00.000-07:00

Monday-Oven Fried Pork Chops, Roasted Red Potatoes, and Buttery Green Beans

Tuesday-Loaded Potato Soap, Homemade Sweet Bread

Wednesday- Slow Cooker Vegetable Lasagna, Salad

Thursday-Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy, Homemade Thyme Biscuits, Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes

Friday- French Onion Burgers, Fried Potatoes

Saturday- Spicy Red Beans and Rice

Sunday-Roast Beef, Carrots, Red Potatoes, Buttery Green Beans

Back to school....

2010-08-29T09:09:00.000-07:00

School started back a few weeks ago and we are finally getting back into the swing of a busy school schedule. Victoria started high school this year (I am still shocked that my "baby" is a freshman). Her workload is pretty heavy this semester with Advanced Algebra, Honors Earth Science, Computer Applications, and Health Term Relations. She is wanting to be an Anesthesiologist.

Chandler is in Fourth grade this year and loves his new teachers. He has already had several quizzes and aced them all. Science is his favorite class.

We decided it was best to hold Maddie back in the Second grade. Maddie had a rough year last year and it showed through her grades. She is complaining that the work right now is to easy, but I think it will become more challenging for her as the year progresses. Unlike Chandler and Victoria she isn't as thrilled to be back in school. Maddie doesn't like change and going to school with all new classmates isn't easy for her. Luckily her birthday is coming up soon and I am planning on inviting all of her new classmates to her party. I am hoping once she becomes familiar with everyone she will enjoy school more. She is doing very well so far with her homework and grades. She got a one-hundred on her first spelling test on Friday!

With the kids out of the house during the day I am working on getting everything reorganized. During the summer we are always out and about and housework is the last thing on my mind. I try to volunteer at the school at least two days a week so I can stay close to the kids. They are comforted knowing mom is there and I always bring them a special treat when I eat lunch with them.

Here are a few photos from their first day back to school.

In need of a new vacuum.

2010-08-24T07:29:00.000-07:00

Our vacuum is on it's last wheel. It wasn't that great to start with and it has went down hill fast. Vacuums are expensive so I would love to win a free one. Right now over at Love or Hate Debate they are giving away an Oreck. The winner will be announced on Aug 26th. So to enter head on over to Love or Hate Debate. Good Luck!

2010-08-13T03:57:00.000-07:00

--1--

I am so proud of Victoria we went and picked up her high school schedule and she is in all honors classes. She starts high school on Aug 23rd.

--2--

Rodney started his new job on Monday. He thinks he is going to enjoy it. The pay is lower than when he was recruiting, but, the stress will be lower and that matters more for us.

--3--

Chandler and Maddie start school on Monday! Chandler will be in the fourth grade and Maddie will be repeating the second grade. We went to open house on Tuesday and I really like both their teachers.

--4--

I stumbled across a blog I am really enjoying, Raising Homemakers. It is very inspiring!

--5--

I turned 32 on Tuesday. A dear friend of mine took my family out to eat for my birthday. We hardly ever get to go out so this was a real treat for us!

--6--

My mother is taking me out tonight. We are going to watch Eat, Pray, Love. I hope the movie is at least half as good as the book was.

--7--

I'm so happy the weather for next week is ever so slightly cooler than it has been. Our electric bills has been outrageous this summer!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-11T06:43:00.000-07:00

2010-06-08T06:52:00.000-07:00

This week is going to be a busy, busy week. We have lot's going on, except today....today we are going to enjoy family time at a local theme park called Carowinds. Tomorrow Lessa is moving out, so we have been busy trying to get her things separated from our things. It is amazing how much stuff has been accumulated over these last few months. Our storage is jam-packed with boxes. I am excited about getting our space back. So

Wednesday-I plan on helping my friend finish her packing a hopefully have the majority of her things gone tomorrow.
Thursday-I need to go through my hall closet and start getting anything left behind and find it a new storage spot....perhaps under the house.
Friday- Sat I really want to spent getting our house turned back into a home.

Here's to a crazy busy week!!

Random Pics from our trip to WV

2010-05-29T21:05:00.001-07:00

No more pencils, no more books.....

2010-05-29T11:13:00.000-07:00

no more teacher's dirty looks!!
Friday officially started summer vacation for the kids and they are thrilled. Now comes the challenge of keeping them busy and out from in front of the TV! Thnkfully this weekend is already filled up. Today Chandler and Maddie have a birthday party to attend, we have opened "our pool" and tomorrow it should be ready and usable so I figure it will be a nice day to spend by the pool. Monday we are going to fight the crowds AT Carowinds *yikes*. I am hoping between Carowinds season passes, 4-H summer camps, and the library within walking distance we won't be bored to much.

Top ten........

2010-05-19T16:04:00.000-07:00

Top ten things that have happened since I last updated:

10. We have added the addition of a puppy named Zoey, she is 12 weeks old, and a ferret, Max, to the family.

9. We are trying to simplify our lives. We got rid of a car payment and cable.

8.Rodney is no longer recruiting. He is taking a break until he figures out what he wants to do.
7. I am now a Pampered Chef consultant.

6.Victoria made all honors classes for next year.

5.We were able to take a trip to WV to visit relatives which was nice. Some I have not seen in over 9 years.

4. My friend Lessa and her daughter are staying with us until she can find a home in the area.

3. Maddie and Chandler were in the talent show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tI3OLXgZv0

2. I am working on decluttering, we had a large yard sale last week and I think I am going to have another one soon.

1. This by far is the number one thing to happen.....Rodney was baptized, and the kids received first communion.

Peek-a-boo.....

2009-12-09T12:33:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I have blogged but believe me, if you knew how crazy the last four months have been you would understand. The kids are back, full swing involved with their activities. Monday is Boy Scouts, Tuesday is Leaders club and Girl Scouts, Wednesday is tutoring for Maddie and evening Mass, Thursday the kids have, so Friday is my only break which is usually spent with a house full of kids spending the night here. Victoria just celebrated her 14 birthday on Dec 7th. It's surreal that I have a teenage daughter. I remember very clearly being 14 years old, which makes it all the more scary! We have been having a great time celebrating Advent and preparing for Christmas. Here is a great site for Advent Karen Edmisten's No Panic" series for Advent.
We have been implementing most of these activities into our daily lives. This weekend we are doing an indoor camp-in with the Boy Scouts and then going on a three mile hike Sat. morning. I am kinda worried to see how truly out of shape I am. I hope someone is bringing an oxygen tank.

Bitter Sweet.......

2009-08-21T10:07:00.000-07:00

I went in yesterday to review Maddie's IQ test. Her IQ is normal (SWEET)! But, that doesn't give me any answers to why she has a hard time learning (BITTER). So I guess we wait some more (the story of my life right now).

Update on Maddie

2009-07-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

As my friends and family already know, we have been trying to get some answers as to why Maddie struggles so much in school. Unfortunately we hit another dead end. We took Maddie to her Pediatrician who suggested that we take her to a Psychologist. Today we took her to the Psychologist who now suggested that I go back to the school and demand testing. So basically, I have spent two months running in circles and wasting a lot of money just to be referred off. I contacted Maddie's principal moments ago and she is going to check into having her tested. I really want her to be able to have a fresh start for 2nd grade. I am praying we can get her tested before school starts. Hopefully I will have a positive update.

Also, speaking of "schools", Victoria is going back to the Charter School next year. Pulling her out and putting her in public school went awful. Public school is definitely not for us. Victoria was sad to hear she was leaving her new school, but she understood why and is okay with the situation.
Here's hoping for a better school year next year!

2009-07-14T12:27:00.000-07:00

Well last week wasn't anywhere near as productive as I had hoped. But, if I first you don't succeed......

This is just a quick list of things I would like to accomplish, I will update as needed:

clean up laundry room
finish pantry
make appt. for Jeep
clean out refrigerator
update blog at least twice this week
Pick up B-day gift
reconfigure budget

2009-07-07T10:36:00.000-07:00

I need to start making myself more accountable for what needs to get done for the week and I am hoping if I put it out here I will feel more pressured to actually get it done. I will add more as needed.

Tuesday:

~~two loads of laundry~~
~~pick up cat food~~
pick up rubbing alcohol
~~sweep and mop kitchen~~
~~prayers~~
~~Start cleaning pantry~~

Wednesday:

one load of laundry
work on pantry
~~prayers~~

Thursday:

finish pantry (It is *really* unorganized)
Library
~~prayers~~
~~Corn Roast~~
one load of laundry

Friday:

one load of laundry
~~prayers~~
dust

Saturday:

one load of laundry
prayers
family day

Sunday :

~~Church~~

Monday:

Bedroom
Bathroom
~~prayers~~
~~one load of laundry~~

FOR TODAY (July 5th 2009)...

2009-07-05T10:37:00.000-07:00

Outside my window...is an overcast, drizzly day, I am so happy it held off yesterday.

I am thinking... about my plans for the upcoming week, I like to try to keep the children busy during the summer

I am thankful for...all my blessings, God is truly good
From the kitchen...a cluttered mess is waiting on me. I was so busy cooking yesterday I didn't stop to straighten up behind myself

I am wearing...my Pj's still...it is a lazy day for me

I am reading...Conversion Diary. A wonderful blog my dear friend turned me onto. It is a blog of a woman who was once an Atheist and now a devout Catholic.

I am hoping...my family is able to stop by and see us tomorrow before they head home to PA.

I am hearing...infomercials. Someone left the TV on.

Around the house...is pretty quiet Rodney took Maddie fishing and Victoria is at the lake

One of my favorite things...slow summer months.

A few plans for the rest of the week: I am still working on it, but I know we are going to the Science Center on Tuesday.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Maddie at South Park waiting to watch the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

check out-http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

A closet cabinet meeting????

2009-07-03T21:17:00.000-07:00

VBS Blast Off.....

2009-07-02T19:38:00.000-07:00

The kids went to the end of VBS blast off tonight and had a wonderful time. The church really went all out in putting this on with tons of inflatables, a petting zoo, a bucking bull, and more. We spent most of the time at the petting zoo. While they were there they made balloon animals, got their face painted, and more. Maddie painted her's like a beautiful lady bug........

CAN YOU SPOT THE Lady Bug???...

We had a visitor tonight.......

2009-06-30T20:42:00.000-07:00

I was walking out to my car a few minutes ago and startled a raccoon who wondered up to munch on our cat's food. Peanut Butter (the cat) is not one to share so he ran him off. Luckily I was able to get some really great shots before he left......

Summertime!!

2009-06-30T07:52:00.000-07:00

The kids are out of school now and we are enjoying lazy summer days. We have spent more time in the pool than we have the house!

What a week!

2009-04-24T19:09:00.001-07:00

Between Soccer, Boy Scouts, Softball, and Gymnastics I have not had a lot of free time to blog. So I am playing catch up now.
We had a scare at the beginning of the week when I got a phone call late at night from my sister-in-law. She started the sentence with "don't freak out" (translation- without a doubt, you are about to freak out). There was an accident while my father was cleaning his gun and he shot himself in the thigh! He was very lucky it went straight through (they didn't have to go in and remove the bullet), also it didn't hit anything but muscle. They patched him up in the ER and sent him home the same night. He is doing great with it, he even returned to work the next day...he was to stubborn to miss.

We went to the zoo with friends. Victoria had went with my father to WV to visit family and Rodney had to work, so, it was just Maddie, Chandler, and I. Besides the fact that Maddie got a blister and I had to carry her half way through we had a great time. Of course I am going to post tons of photos for you :).

Victoria made the A/B honor roll. She is so smart. :)

Maddie has been struggling at school for quite some time not, we had her tested for learning disabilities through her school and they didn't find anything, so, Monday she has an appt with her doctor to have her tested privately. Keep her in your prayers.

Poor Chandler had to carry my backpack since I had to carry Maddie. It wouldn't be so bad, but the book bag is a girls bag.

Chandler is such a big helper, he followed my friend's daughter Elise around the whole time maker sure she didn't get hurt.

Easter Weekend........

2009-04-15T06:13:00.000-07:00

We had a busy, busy Easter weekend. Friday started with my nephews birthday at Chuck E Cheese. Saturday, Victoria and Chandler were at a sleep over and we took that opportunity to take Maddie out for the day. It's so hard with three kids to give them the one on one time they deserve. We took her to the see the Easter bunny and then shopping at the mall. Of course Saturday night was filled with cooking and preparing for Easter. Easter, after church my family came over to enjoy dinner with us, and then we had an Easter egg hunt. I had gone to Target and bought a kit that had over 45 candy filled eggs with it. After about twenty minutes of looking we finally started giving the kids hints of where the eggs could be. Maddie was excited to find the golden egg especially since my dad had slipped five bucks into it. Sunday was a day were I felt extremely blessed to be surrounded by lots of family who I love so deeply.. I also felt sad that I couldn't share my joy with the family and friends who were far away. Please know that I was missing you on Sunday and that you were in my thoughts.

I was up until three in the morning making basket and hiding eggs in the yard!!

A few photo's of my children and my wonderful nieces and nephew, are they so cute!

I make a new Easter cake every year. This one is a coconut key lime cake.

I have more uploaded photos on my flickr account.

Coloring Easter Eggs.......

2009-04-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

Here are the rest of the photos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/karnesfamily/?saved=1

Spring Break.....

2009-04-11T20:51:00.000-07:00

Thursday was the last day of school before spring break. The school put on a "Fun Day" which I went and volunteered at. There were five inflatable bouncers, a snow cone machine, a DJ, and more.

They had a blast on this inflatable

Smile Maddie

Chandler's teacher's

Maddie and her best friend Rachel

Chandler at the bottom

Maddie coming down

Leaving comments.....

2009-04-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

A friend made me aware of the fact that she couldn't leave a comment without an account. I went on this morning and changed the settings so anyone could leave a comment if they wanted. Sorry bout that.

Chandler is a daddy...of 13!!!

2009-04-07T06:24:00.000-07:00

Chandler's class has been incubating quail eggs for a couple of weeks now and last Thursday they hatched!!! When he got in the car he exclaimed "I'm a Daddy"!!! It was really neat to watch their progress. After the Easter holiday we are going to take a field trip out to his teachers farm and release them. Here is the link from his class website of the progression of these cute quails....
http://lincolncharter.teamcfa.org/teachers/helen_rutledge/gallery/quail_egg_progress

April Fools....

2009-04-06T19:28:00.001-07:00

For April Fools I made the kids "grilled cheese sandwiches" The kids were pleasantly surprised. :)

INGREDIENTS:
Pound cake (we used Entenmann's brand)
1 cup buttercream or white frosting (canned is just fine)
Yellow and red food coloring

Cut the pound cake into bread-like slices and toast them in a toaster oven just until they turn golden brown. Once they've cooled for a few minutes, stack two slices for each sandwich and cut the stack in half diagonally (slicing the sandwich before you fill it makes for fewer crumbs).

Now tint the frosting by stirring in a few drops of yellow and red food coloring (more yellow than red) to get a shade of orange that resembles American cheese.

Carefully spread frosting between the slices of each half sandwich. If you mound the frosting on one slice, then top it with the other and gently press down, the frosting will ooze out a bit and look all the more like melted cheese. Makes one sandwich.

Quick trip......

2009-04-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

My niece Mackenzie whom I had never met (and she is now 13) was going to be at my sister-in-laws house so we decided to take a quick trip to Charleston. We had a really great time. Victoria and Mackenzie were like peas in a pod, you would have thought they were attached at the hip. We are hoping to make it back down this coming weekend and spend Easter with them. Here are a couple of pictures from this last trip......

To see the entire album from this trip go here.....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/karnesfamily/3419394589/

Technical difficulties....

2009-04-01T17:33:00.000-07:00

My PC bit the dust. A dear friend who works on computers is repairing it for me. I have a ton of updating to do, so I hope to have it back by Friday!

Last minute trip.....

2009-03-29T06:46:00.000-07:00

We decided to take the weekend off and drive down to Charleston. Have a great weekend!!

Tonight's Dinner....

2009-03-26T18:54:00.000-07:00

I decided to try a new recipe for dinner today. So, I made Skillet Lasagna. It was really great though I did have to tweak it a little from the original recipe. Also, it took way more than twenty minutes to cook the noodles. The kids all loved it!!

Skillet Lasagna
Use a 12-inch nonstick skillet with a tight filling lid.

-1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
-Water
-1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, minced
-Salt
-3 garlic cloves, minced
-1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
-1 pound ground beef or turkey. (I used a package of sliced mushrooms for a veggie version)
-10 curly-edged lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch lengths
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
-Pepper
-1 cup mozzarella
-1 cup ricotta cheese
-3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

1. Pour tomatoes with their juices into a 1-quart measuring cup. Add water until mixture measures 1 quart.

2. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook until onion (and mushrooms if using) begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add ground meat and cook, breaking apart meat, until no longer pink, about 4 minutes.

3. Scatter pasta over meat but do not stir. Pour diced tomatoes with juices and tomato sauce over pasta. Cover and bring to simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender, about 20 minutes.

4. Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle on mozzarella. Dot with heaping tablespoons of ricotta, cover and let stand off heat for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with basil and remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Serve Enjoy!

First day of school......

2009-03-24T16:34:00.000-07:00

Today was Victoria's first day of public school. She was extremely nervous this morning (and so was I). I want to go eat lunch with her to see how her day was going, but according to her that is no longer "cool", so I had to wait until she got home to talk about her day. I was excited to here she had a wonderful first day. She said everyone is super friendly and she has already made a few really good friends. It helped that she had a familiar face to start the day. Her cousin Nick who she is very close to, has almost the same schedule as she does. Next week I am going to set up a conference with her new teachers just to check in and she how she is adjusting.

Victoria and I before school

Victoria and Tiger

On the way to school

Outside the building

Soccer time!

2009-03-22T09:36:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was Chandler and Maddie's first soccer game. It was a really chilly morning. In fact, Maddie played the majority of the game wearing her jacket. Maddie's team played first and won. Chandler's team was up next and played hard but lost. It's cute watching them play at this age. They aren't really sure of how to get control of the ball or what to do with it when they finally do. At one point Chandler was running circles around two players on the other team and making strange noises. Later I ask him what he was doing, He told me he was trying to distract them...lol!

Middle school girls are so brutal......

2009-03-21T18:55:00.000-07:00

I have decided to pull Victoria from the Charter School. Don't get me wrong, over all, I *love* the school and am leaving Chandler and Maddie in it. The problem is the 7th grade has roughly only six girls in it. All the girls hang out in one big group and have decided to turn on Victoria. It started last year and things seemed to get better. But then, this year they seem to have taken an ugly turn. These girls are harassing her via the internet and the phone. I even had to tell one of the girls not to call my house again if she couldn't be more respectful to my daughter. What makes me so angry is these are not girls she doesn't get along with in general. These are her best friends. These are girls who spend the summer at my house and went on trips with us. These girls are the ones Victoria has counted on to get her through tough times. So Rodney and I, with a sad heart, are dis enrolling her from the Charter school and putting her in public school. She is very happy with this decision and I hope it works out for the best, but I am worried for her. It's hard to be the new kid and it's even harder when you are going to be dealing with critical teenage girls. Keep her in your prayers on Monday. Thanks.....

Quote of the day!!

2009-03-19T17:50:00.000-07:00

So the kids got their school picture proofs back yesterday. Victoria was looking through them and decided she thought Chandler's was the best. She said his eye's matched the flowers in the background well. Once we got home Chandler ask me if he could see his proof, so I showed them to him. He looked at it for a second and said, "I wish I wouldn't have smiled". I got upset and thought maybe he was self-conscience about his over bite or something. So, I was worried and ask him, "Why buddy, what's wrong"?? So he very matter of fact answered me with "I just don't want to be *this* good looking!!!!!...LOL Gotta love his modesty.

Here comes the sun........

2009-03-18T19:09:00.000-07:00

It has been so nice the last few days. It's exciting to see the first signs of spring. The kids have been excited to get to wear shorts to school! Victoria is growing like a weed so it's time to buy her some new school shorts. Here are a few pictures I got today while the kids were outside playing. Victoria was at dance so I didn't get any of her :(.

In this photo the dog Maddie is holding she bought with the money her Nino gave her for Christmas, she takes the dog *everywhere*. Chandler used his money to buy the "Ben 10" watch he is wearing. Thanks Nino!!!

Merry "Christmas"....

2009-03-18T16:19:00.000-07:00

My in-laws came down this past weekend and we had a wonderful visit. Because they live so far away and we don't get to see them over the holidays, we just had Christmas with them this past weekend. The kids were so excited to find out they got a Wii for Christmas! I was equally excited to find out I got a Wii Fit (I have a great Mother-in-Law). We played on it all weekend (literally). My Sister-in-Law Bella came up on Saturday to join the fun. Maddie hasn't stopped talking about her since she left. Maddie loves her Aunt Bella.

Victoria, and Maddie with their Yah-Yah

Chandler having a blast on the Wii.

Rodney and his Sis

Yah-Yah helping Maddie bake cookies

We had a great time that went by way to quickly.

Welcome.....

2009-03-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new blog. I decided to start from scratch, instead of picking back up on my old blog. I want to make this one more personal, for my family and friends to keep up with. My old blog is still there and can be found at:
http://byebabybunting-ck.blogspot.com/ . I plan to update my blog at least once a week so stop back in often.