Meet Me On Monday

OK, so I ran into this awesome idea & had to jump in. Read what Java over at Never Growing Old has to say about her awesome idea on how to get to know each other...

"Blogging is a funny thing...we tell our most intimate thoughts for all to read and yet most of the time I find myself sitting and wondering, "who is this person!?" I know them...but yet I don't know them! I want to know who the person is behind all those words so I thought of a great way for all of us to "meet" each other! Every Sunday Never Growing Old will post five get to know you questions that you can copy and paste into your own Monday post and we can all learn a little more about each and every one of us!!"

So here are this weeks questions!

1. What do you put on your hot dog?
MMmmmm....a Chicago Style Vienna Beef Dragged through the Garden....Heaven.

Seriously the only proper way to eat a dog. A steamed, NOT BOILED dog must be topped in this order...

1. Yellow Mustard
2. Bright "Neon" Green Relish
3. Fresh Chopped Onions
4. Two Tomato Wedges
5. A Pickle Spear or Slice
6. Two Sport Peppers
7. A Dash of Celery Salt
   

No ketchup please....
OK, now I'm hungry!!!

2. Do you play Sudoku?
No. Honestly, I never was able to understand the game. I know...your probably laughing hysterically right now. I mean come on, I've seen the "Sudoku for Kids" in the checkout & felt there must be some key ingredients missing from my noggin. There's even a Sudoku Toilet Paper Roll!

You'd think if it's easy enough to clean the derriere I could manage to figure it out...butt...I JUST DON'T GET IT.

3. What is your favorite vegetable?
Hmmm...this is kinda hard cuz I really like my veggies. I guess I'll hafta cheat & go with two veggies...Bob & Larry

These guys are just awesome & my kids love 'em. They are the most well known faces of VeggieTales I guess there the Spokesveggies LOL!
VeggieTales is a great cartoon that teaches kids Godly morals with fun innovative (how could you not be innovative when using nothing but vegetables for characters?)stories from the Bible.

4. Do you color your hair?
Seriously??? Uh...yea. I have this strange feeling I'm getting old & my hair appears to agree.

5. What is your favorite brand of clothing?
Well now, time to get all personal huh??
OK...OK. My favorite brand is not well known, ya know cuz it's soooooo snazzy. It's called
"whatever isn't stained, torn, dirty, fits & is somewhat presentable"
Sounds good doesn't it??
You can pick it up in your local closet......

The Blessed Supermom

Entrepreneurial (thank God for spell check) Meeting

Last night I attended my first entrepreneurial meeting.
Basically, it's a think tank party, or maybe you could call it a brainstorming shin dig...it was amazing!!
I had the honor of sitting in a room full of fantastic women & sharing my goals, dreams, & aspirations with them. Then they put their heads together & began giving me wonderful ideas to see my dreams to fruition.
I hafta say I feel so blessed because God put these desires in my heart but I felt so small & incapable. Now, let me say I don't think little of myself, it's just that when the LORD puts a God sized dream on your heart...well it can be intimidating. And without giving you all the nook & cranny details, my dreams are....BIG.

After last nights meeting I feel my dreams are no longer just dreams...they're possibilities! They are attainable & within my reach, I'm encouraged & for the first time I know I'm capable.
Ya know that old saying "where there's a will, there's a way"
Well, I'd like to change that...
"when it's God's will, there's always a way"

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philipians 4:13


The Blessed Supermom

Baked Yummy Goodness & Some Fruit Too

Soooo, you'd think after the baking frenzy during Christmas I wouldn't want to go near a kitchen again right?
Well, I have this problem...see, I like food waaaayyyyy too much =)
Oh! And my wee ones too, they bring a smile to my face when we cook together.
I love to be in the kitchen with my littles to try out new & fun recipes. I hafta admit, initially allowing the little people to help made me feel somewhat insane.
It always started out ever so sweet...we all had our aprons on & big ole smiles but eventually I'd get a little more than batty because flour was being spilled & they were determined to taste everything with a raw egg in it! ACH!! By the end of our time together I was ready to run out the door, climb up a tree & start barking!!!
But, I've gotten better over the years, trust me this is no small miracle. I've actually come to a point where I can laugh at the mess & ENJOY my daughters.

I have learned to be prepared for the best & expect the worst. That may sound negative, but really it's not. See, in the past I was putting too much pressure on myself, and the kiddos, to have this "perfect" experience. I had visions of Ma...ya know?
Little House on The Prairie.
Here I'd be smiling as my wonderful little girls made bread that didn't fall, they got along wonderfully of course, then ran off to milk the cow & churn some butter.
OK...OK maybe there wasn't a cow....but there was butter! At least there will be tomorrow...really, don't ask.
Anyway, to get a little serious here, I'm grateful that God adjusted my perspective. He showed me that what was important was not whether everything was "just so"
What mattered was my children's hearts. Yes, in something as simple as baking in the kitchen with Mommy, I was given the blessed opportunity to minister to my babies.
As we work together we are loving one another, the girls are learning to be kind & gentle with one anothers hearts, & to have a spirit of peace & patience.
Sound familiar? These are a few of the Fruits of The Spirit.
And what better place to learn them then in the home, at Mama's side.
Learning by the example I give when the bowl of flour is tipped & I laugh with true joy and even show some self control instead of all that tree barking.

I'm a wee bit embarrassed about that...


The Blessed Supermom

Wordless Wednesday....

hmmmm......

True Treasures Review

Hi!
I'm so excited to tell you all about this most awesome gift I received! But first let me give you a lil back story. A few months back I started following Mrs. Lorrie Flem on Facebook, she is an awesome SUPERMOM. She has a wonderful publication by the name of Eternal Encouragement
(formerly TEACH magazine)
I'm always so encouraged by her updates & posts.
So when Lorrie asked if their were any bloggers out there that would consider reviewing materials I jumped at the chance. I can not tell you how ecstatic I was when I was approved to be one of The Gabby Moms !!
I anxiously awaited the mailman looking for my first project. Naturally, it came in God's perfect timing, just after Christmas.
When I was nice & burnt out =)
Here I sat on my sofa opening up a package addressed to me & it didn't even cross my mind that it was from Mrs. Flem. Imagine my joy when I looked upon this beautiful book wrapped in a sweet little bow.

I felt like a child opening up that oh so special present Christmas morn. And let me tell you this book has been a wonderful gift!!
Where do I begin?? There is just so much packed into these 104 pages. There are 6 chapters full of wisdom from Godly Women Such as...
Shelley Noonan
Marilyn Boyer
Nancy Nolan
And of course Lorrie too!
Topics include everything from strengthening your marriage to parenting to successful homeschooling. I really loved the regal theme of this book, following the title True Treasures, the chapters titles are as follows

Chapter 1~Jewels That Make the Heart Sparkle
Chapter 2~Marriages of Solid Gold
Chapter 3~Parenting Pearls:Practical & Priceless
Chapter 4~Homemaking That Dazzles Like Diamonds
Chapter 5~ Homeschooling Nuggets of Wisdom
Chapter 6~Godly Living That Glitters

As I read these articles I felt...well, like a princess!! Being handed all these precious jewels, I am a Daughter of The King right?? =)
This book has been a wonderful blessing & an amazing encouragement. I have gotten so many practical ideas on homemaking & just being a good mama. I'm certain I will pour over this book time & time again in the years to come.
I highly recommend stopping over at http://www.homemakingwithteach.com/
& picking up your own copy of True Treasures. The regular price is $19.99, but if you order before May 31st 2011 you can get $4.00 off by entering the code GabbyMom at checkout. (Only 1 use per customer and per order.)
And while your there be sure to check out all the absolutely wonderful resources offered.

In closing, this book has brought me to tears as I've felt convicted by the Holy Spirit. It has reminded me of God's continual provision & strength. And most importantly it has reminded of the high calling & blessing it is to be called "Mommy"

The Blessed Supermom~


“I received this product for honest review from TEACH Magazine as a part of The Gabby Moms blogging program. All opinions expressed are solely my own.”

Homemade Healthy Poptarts

I just told The Hubby I'd make some snacks...I got online because I wanted to make up some granola & can't find my recipe =(
However, I did find this recipe for Homemade Pop-Tarts & they look sooooo yummy..

And the awesome bonus is that they are healthy! I think me & the kiddos are gonna try this one soon =)

Real Housewives of.....

New Jersey, Orange County, New York, Atlanta....
Apparently, this is where the REAL HOUSEWIVES live...
Have you seen them? They are tall, thin, & beautiful with 28 inch waists & hair down to there. They are of concern to me.
Why?
Well, I finally decided to watch an episode because I've been wondering what's all the hype? Being a "housewife" myself (I prefer SUPERMOM) I wanted to see what BRAVO's impression of this type of woman is.
We all already know what ABC thinks...big fat UGH...
Well, unfortunately...it's not much better, in fact I think it may be worse.
Because these aren't actresses, these are real women & although I'm not saying these women are bad I do think it's a poor representation of a SAHM.
First of all, from what I saw there are a lot of Nanny's. Now, let me make a point of saying if you use a nanny or are a nanny yourself I have nothing against you. That being said, most women I know don't have one so that in & of itself isn't so "REAL"
The other thing of serious concern to me was the language.
WOW!!! Seriously????
Call it what you want~freedom of speech, in your face entertainment, independent, bold. But come on, when did ladies stop acting like ladies & become foul mouthed, suggestive, offensive truckers??
I know that I am far from the dainty lady sitting in my heals & wearing a string of pearls, minding all my P's & Q's but I am most certain if there's a camera rolling I'm not gonna be saying anywhere near the stuff I heard Sunday night.
Then there was the arguing, backbiting & downright snarling.

Half these women don't appear to like one another. They are continually running around & gossiping about their "friends" & many feelings are hurt. Unfortunately when feelings are hurt there are no apologies & hugs instead they are vicious & appear that they will tear each other apart.
You would think after arguments & name calling the "friendships" would cease, however, they all end up at a spa or party hashing it out with more name calling & they even come close to throwing fists!!
This apparently, is how they make up!
Now, what I found most noticeable was the appearance of these "housewives"
I have nothing wrong with being good looking, I'm really not so bad myself =)
But I just don't feel this is all too realistic. The women I watched had legs miles long, perfectly manicured fingers, & make up on as soon as they rolled outta bed!

I am most concerned about this last detail because our my little girls gonna think this is what "Real Housewives" look like??
Are they gonna beat themselves up to fit an almost unattainable mold??
NO!!
Because my daughters aren't being exposed to this program but what about all the little girls & young teens who are??
What will they think when reality hits & they are wallowing in piles of laundry as the baby fusses & the toilet overflows?

Just a few hours prior to watching this most interesting show I watched the goodness of God in the real housewives I'm blessed to have in my life...
We had a great time sipping coffee, munching on donuts, & just laughing!!
I am quite certain only one of my Supermama friends had on make up although I can truly say Jo really rocks those glasses of hers & Mrs. Toni was workin' the "do" in my opinion =)
I myself am not too sure my socks matched & my other girlfriend was quite proud to show off her sweater that read "Because I'm The Boss, That's Why"

Now, these women...they are REAL HOUSEWIVES....
They are clothed in humility & beauty. They aren't ashamed to wear the grace of God & show Christ to children who are testing them. They are encourager's to their men & create safe havens for them to come home to.
These are beautiful women.
They are THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF GODLY HOMES.

Cinnamon Buns!!

OK, I've made Cinnamon Buns before & they were good...at least I thought they were good. Until I tasted these.

There are no words to describe the wonderful goodness that happens when you bite into this sugary delight.
Honestly, if God made Cinnamon Buns this would be it. I think it's quite possible angels are singing about how good these are. OK, don't get all ruffled...I know they don't sing about Cinnamon Buns....but really these are sooooooo good.
Be forewarned, they are quite sweet & I couldn't personally handle more than one.
Another warning, you're husband will adore you & may very well call up his mother & brag. Lastly, your kids will likely bounce haphazardly off the walls for several hours. That being said....make these rolls!!!! They are stupid good* & even better the next day!!

*Stupid Good~Food that tastes so good you can't help but act stupid because your brain has ceased to function due to the sheer joy of the delectable goodie your eating

Dancing w/ Daddy

*make sure to scroll down to the bottom of the page & pause the music on my pop out player before starting*

I love this video. I simply adore the way My Sweet Little Girl is looking up at her father. Just before this was recorded my Bear got all dressed up & smiled at her Papa asking if he would please dance with her. He was in the middle of a project & told her he couldn't dance right now. I looked on as her face fell & her shoulders drooped as she walked away. I'll admit, I was disappointed, I wanted very much to get involved & well...shake him. But, I need to say that I didn't give my husband credit.

He was very aware of his little girl & her need for him...

He stopped what he was doing & unknown to her he went & dressed up in his dress clothes & even threw on a jacket. He then came into the room & asked her to dance =)
You can see in the video how filled with love she is for her Daddy.
She's continually smiling & doesn't even care when her crown falls off. She carelessly throws it to the side enjoying the dance with her father more. The dance ends with the sweetest hug as he tells her he loves her.
I'm so in love with my husband right now. It takes an awesome father to step up & be a man of character & an example of love for his daughter. She will hold other men to the standard that he sets for her.
He is giving her the attention she needs as a little girl & he is actively capturing her heart.
He is a good man, a great dad, & a wonderful husband.
My girls & I are blessed to have him as our own...

New Years 2011...she made it!!!

Well, The Bear finally made it!!
She was soooo excited to ring in 2011 with Daddy & Mommy. It was so adorable, she's made it to midnight once before, when she was 2, but apparently that doesn't count because she can't remember. Every year since then she has fallen asleep, I really thought she was going to pass out with her sister around 11pm. Monkey was unconscious on the sofa & absolutely nothing was waking her. Eventually Bear was on the floor wrapped up in her blankie telling me how tired she was. I was so exhausted (as usual) & privately hoped she would fall asleep so I could go to bed. I offered the idea to her of taking a "nap"
I know, I know...bad mama...we all know it was a plot to get her to sleep so I could climb into bed.
But she was determined...& before we knew it 2011 was moments away!
As we began counting down I thought she was gonna burst!! She started doing her "signature squeal"
Now, lemme just tell you a little about that. I have never ever ever heard a child screech as this child can, the Hubby says she's calling down the eagles!!

Now, somehow through all that screeching The Monkey was still sleeping. So being the good mama I am I woke her up. She was then somewhat ticked at me & only wanted Daddy...

Then the dancing began, yea...you read that right...DANCING. Bear just couldn't contain herself & The Hubby is a big kid at heart so they proceeded to have a wiggling jiggling free for all. The Hubby was even caught on tape but I have no doubt that if I post the video I may not live to see tomorrow. So I'll just share some pics of the dynamic duo...

Honestly, as you can see by all the pics, The Bear wasn't slowing down...she was so happy & felt like such a big girl for being up so late. The Hubby & I let her go wild a lil bit longer before bedtime.

But alas, all good things must come to an end & it was time for my little girl to calm down & get some rest. The Monkey cuddled up with Mommy & was falling asleep in my arms in no time flat. Bear was still pretty excited but was willing to slow down a bit.

Over all, ringing in the New Year was a lot of fun & I'm already looking forward to the kiddos excitement in 2012!! Who knows, maybe next time The Monkey will make it & we'll have a serious party!!

Hotbox

I love my Monkey, she's my little stinker =)

She completely amazes me by the off the wall funny comments she says & silly faces she makes. She almost always has us doubled over in laughter. God has most definitely given her an "interesting" personality.
She's kinda tough too. I always call Bear my "gentle flower"
Now, she can be rough at times but over all she's more the tea & crumpets type girl.
Monkey on the other hand would take the crumpets & dip them (& her fingers) in ketchup while spilling the tea everywhere!!
But she can drop all that silliness & that big ole tough act & be my "hotbox"
See, before the Wee Munchkin was born, Monkey would climb into bed every afternoon with me & cuddle up. She was always so toasty warm & I would call her my hotbox.
I was so exhausted with the pregnancy & she liked taking her naps with me =)
But after the Munchkin came there wasn't a lot of time for that anymore *sigh*
But every now & then she comes up with a sweet little smile & says "I'm your hotbox"
Those words let me know she needs some cuddle time with Mommy, & I'm so happy to oblige.
We carve time out of the day to get under the blankets & cuddle, however we don't sleep anymore, last time we snuck OREO's in bed with us & enjoyed them oh so much!!
The Hubby wasn't all too happy about the crumbs tho, I'll hafta to a better job with the clean up next time =)

Freebie!!!

Hey!! All my cookin' Supermama's!!
Over at Money Saving Mom (BTW, awesome supermom) I found a link for a free...yes FREE download of a Betty Crocker Cookbook.
I just snagged it, check it out~it has some really yummy lookin' recipes.