Prayer Request

My niece, Kelly (the one on the right), is going in for surgery tomorrow morning around 10:30. Please pray that all will go well, that the surgery will be effective and that she will recover quickly.

Free Children's Audiobooks

Audible Kids is offering free children's audiobook downloads. Scroll down and click on "Free Downloads for Chidren's Literacy" in the lower left-hand corner of the website. There are 9 books available including Rapunzel (Brothers Grimm), The Emperor's New Clothes (Hans Christian Anderson), Rikki-Tikki-Tavi (Rudyard Kipling) and Rip Van Winkle (Washington Irving). You will need to create a free account in order to download the free audiobooks, but you are not asked for your credit card number or mailing address.

I just downloaded several of these and look forward to listening to them with the kids while we crochet or work a puzzle.

Thanks to Freebies 4 Mom for this great tip!

Easy, Recycled Sewing Ideas

The last couple of days, I've run across some cute ideas for recycling items of clothing to make into tote bags. I love tote bags, and couldn't resist the thought of making one (or both) of these.

The first tote bag idea comes from Jo-Ann's website and is made from a t-shirt (new or used). Personally, if you're going to go buy a t-shirt, I would just buy a tank top, so you don't have to fool with the cutting and sewing of the sleeves and neckline. Read the Customer Reviews to get more suggestions and ideas for this project. This project would be very simple for kids to do, and they would love the finished product, I'm sure.

Jo-Ann's website has a large collection of projects. I love looking through the craft projects for kids. My only suggestion is that you read the customer reviews before you purchase all the materials for a certain project. I have noticed on a few projects that customers have complained about the instructions being vague or not complete, so just check it out completely before you get started.

The second tote bag project comes from Instructables.com and is so adorable! The creator of this bag says that she got a skirt from someone that did not fit her, but she fell in love with the floral embroidery detail at the bottom of the skirt. She decided that instead of getting rid of it, she could turn it into a tote bag.

I've got a bunch of skirts that are too big for me, now that I've lost so much weight, so I'm going to have to go digging through my closet for some skirts to turn into tote bags. =) I imagine this could also be a great project for young girls. When they outgrow a favorite skirt (or other do-able outfit), they could just sew it up into a cute little handbag or tote.

Coupons and Other Deals of Note

Here's a printable coupon for 50% off at Michaels.

Smithsonian Magazine is offering (for this Saturday, the 27th) free admission to hundreds of participating museums. Click here to get your admission card.

Check out the deal you can get through Shutterfly right now! 50 free prints and free shipping! Read about it on Money Saving Mom's site.

Here's a Johnson's Buddies coupon. My kids love the bar soap! You can also try this link. I have trouble printing with Firefox, so I'll have to try it in Internet Explorer later.

Here's a coupon for $1.00 off of any Windex product.

Here's a $5 off $20 Walgreens coupon that is good Friday and Saturday only (26th and 27th).

The Tooth Fairy must have been busy last night...

Before we went to my parents' house this past weekend, Larissa showed us that she had a loose tooth. It wasn't about to fall out, so I figured it could just wait until we got back home to pull out and put in the Tooth Fairy pillow. Well, she could not leave it alone, and by Sunday evening, it was sticking straight out only hanging by a thread. We teased her that Papa (my dad) was going to have to get the pliers after it. That's how he used to pull some of our teeth when we were kids. Larissa didn't care though--she has a high tolerance for pain and has not cried once during a tooth-pulling session. When she showed Papa her tooth, he said, "Aw, we don't need the pliers." He reached in and pulled her tooth out without any trouble. He did it so quickly and effortlessly that I actually had to ask him if he got it. =) Larissa was thrilled! Here she is with Papa...


We decided that we didn't want to do the whole Tooth Fairy thing until we got back home, so we told Larissa that the Tooth Fairy wouldn't come to Granny and Papa's house and that we'd have to wait until we got home. =) She was fine with that--I think she was just glad to get that tooth out of her mouth.

We got home Monday evening and honestly forgot about the tooth. I spotted it just after I had put the girls to bed last night, so I took it in their room and gave Larissa her Tooth Fairy pillow to put in bed with her.

This morning when I came into the kitchen, Alyx looked at me wide-eyed and said, "Did you hear the news?" I had no clue what she was talking about. She proceeded to inform me that the Tooth Fairy did not come last night and that Larissa still had her tooth.

Oops! I wondered if that would ever happen. We've been so good about remembering in the past. I guess we were just extra tired last night and forgot to go back in there after they went to sleep.

They were all venturing guesses as to why the Tooth Fairy had not come. Alyx thought that maybe since it had rained during the night, she didn't want to get all wet. They also thought that maybe the Tooth Fairy had too many kids to go to last night and just wasn't able to make it to us. I said that maybe it was because we did it at the last minute and it was so late.

She better not forget tonight! I don't know what I'll say to them. =)

Here she is sticking her tongue through her two empty spaces.

The BEST Spaghetti Sauce You'll Ever Taste!!!

I can't take a lot of credit for this recipe, since Jason's mom gave it to us. She had never tried it, though, so we were essentially the "guinea pigs." =) We pretty much followed the recipe, only deviating a couple of times. There are some herbs used in this recipe (parsley, oregano and basil) that we did not put in individually. We had a mixture of herbs called ***"Herbs of Italy" that we used in the place of the total amount of herbs in the recipe. The recipe calls for a total of 5 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. of the herbs, so we just put in 6 Tbsp. of the "Herbs of Italy." We also added 1/4 tsp. - 1/2 tsp. of red pepper flakes. We like the extra kick, but this is certainly optional.

This recipe will make enough sauce to cover 2 lbs. of spaghetti. We add a couple of pounds of our homemade sausage to the sauce as well. Yummy!!!

Ingredients:
6 medium onions, finely chopped
8 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 c. olive oil
4 cans (1 lb. each) tomatoes
4 cans (15 oz. each) tomato sauce
2 tbsp. agave nectar
1 1/2 to 2 tbsp. salt
3 tbsp. parsley flakes (or ***"Herbs of Italy")
1 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. oregano (or ***"Herbs of Italy")
1 tbsp. plus 1 tsp basil (or ***"Herbs of Italy")
1/4 tsp. to 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)

In a large pot, cook onion and garlic in oil until tender. Stir in remaining ingredients and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Unless you are feeding a big crew of people or you want to have leftovers for 2 weeks, you will want to (after it is made) divide it in half and only serve one half of the sauce over 1 pound of pasta. You can freeze the other half for another time. I don't generally add the meat to the sauce until I'm ready to have this as a meal. In other words, I don't freeze the meat with the sauce, but I'm sure you could if you wanted to.

Once you've added the meat to your sauce, go ahead and combine it with the cooked pasta, and don't forget to saute some mushrooms in a little bit of olive oil to put on top of your plate of spaghetti. Enjoy!

The Homeless: Meeting their Physical Needs is not Enough

There are mixed emotions that well up inside of me when I see a homeless person begging on the side of the street. Usually, my first reaction is sadness and compassion for that person, and I inwardly begin kicking myself for ever having complained about some petty problem or inconvenience in my life. After all, compared to them, I live like a queen! There are times, however, when I see the same person "working" the same corner almost every day that I get annoyed and wonder why they don't just put that same effort into getting a job that would possibly earn them more money and definitely earn them more self-respect.

The bottom line, though, is that they have a soul just like me that needs the Lord, and if I'm not willing to share that with them, then how can I complain about their lack of will-power? The Lord can change people and give them a reason for living.

"The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and he hath set the world upon them." I Samuel 2:7-8

Whenever possible, we have determined to help those people. Since I don't know what they would buy, I refuse to give them money or even store gift cards, but I see no problem with giving them food along with a "plan of salvation" tract.

"If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth. Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto. For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land." Deuteronomy 15:7-8, 10-11

The other day, when we were leaving town to go to my parents' house, we had the truck loaded up with all of our stuff (including some groceries), but we needed to swing by a store on our way to pick up a couple of things. As we approached our turn into the store parking area, we saw a homeless person standing in the median with his sign. Because of traffic and the fact that we were turning, I wasn't able to get something together quickly enough, so I just prayed as we turned that if the Lord would work it out for him to still be there and for the traffic to be clear (since it was a busy road) when we left the store, then we would share something with him. While Jason ran into the store for me, the girls and I set to work getting together what we needed. The only food I had available to eat right at that moment was bananas. I had packed a lot of ingredients to make things, but they weren't prepared yet, so I figured, if he was really hungry, he would enjoy a banana. =)

The Lord did work everything out! When we pulled up to the red light to turn onto the main road, the traffic just seemed to clear, and we were able to go across 3 or 4 lanes of traffic to get to the median, hand the guy his banana and a tract and go back across those 3 or 4 lanes to get into the turn lane for the entrance ramp to the interstate without any vehicles getting in our way! That was indeed a miracle, especially since it was a busy part of Tampa.

The girls giggled when we handed the man the banana and tract. I guess they thought it was funny to see him waving the banana at us and shouting as we drove away, "Thank you, and God bless you!" They may think it to be strange right now, but I hope that as they grow, they will adopt the attitude of love and compassion for those souls just like Jesus had when he was on earth.

"And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things." Mark 6:34

Samples and other good deals

I haven't been keeping up with posting about deals, coupons and such recently. I'm going to try harder...honest. =) Here's a quick list of some favorites I've seen going around. Enjoy!

Sears is having an online sale on women's clothing. More than 10 t-shirts are less than $2 and almost 200 items are less than $5.

I love tote bags!!! If someone is going to give me one just for signing up for an email newsletter, I'll take it! Nature's Bounty is giving away a tote bag and $1 off coupon for doing just that.

Yogi Tea is offering their tea samples again. I got this sample earlier this year and really enjoyed it. The Mexican Sweet Chili is really good...it has a little kick to it. You ought to try it!

We buy a 5 lb. package of Perdue boneless chicken breasts at Wal-mart that costs about $15 (that's $3/lb.). Publix has that same chicken on sale this week for $2.49/lb.

Wal-Mart always has the best samples. Check out their current list. Make sure you look at the "More Samples" list on the right-hand side of the page. Also, the Gain "sample" is just a scent card, so unless you want that, don't request that sample.

It's that time again

These 4-day weekends are coming faster than I would have expected them to. Mind you, I am not complaining, and even though we haven't been able to take very many "Getaway Trips," we are still enjoying them. This weekend, we have decided to go back up to my parents' house. I know, I know...we were just up there, but before this last trip, it had been a while since we had been up there. Plus, this last trip was not very relaxing, since Mom and I were busy helping the girls with the sewing project and Jason was commuting to work each day. This time we would like a more "vacation-style" trip. You know...sitting around playing games with the family, working crossword puzzles, eating =), etc...

So, that's our plans. What's yours? I hope you all have a great weekend, and we'll see you when we get back.

My husband never ceases to amaze me...

I'm not a "flowers and candy" kind of girl, but would gladly accept them if given to me. We don't needlessly shower each other with expensive gifts and treats--even on birthdays and other holidays. We acknowledge milestone events with a little more celebration, like our 10-year anniversary and our 30th birthdays (I know, I know, we don't possibly look like we're in our 30s, do we? =) We don't feel like it, anyway.).

To us, we feel like you should celebrate and honor each other all year round. I much prefer that to just getting a dozen roses and a box of candy on Valentine's Day every year. That kind of gift takes very little thought or sacrifice. It's the everyday attentiveness to one another's needs (without even having to ask) that takes thought, love, time and sacrifice. That kind of gift shows you really care.

Monday morning as I ambled down the stairs in my usual half-awake fashion, my eyes popped open when the distinct smell of cleaner filled my nose. When I came into the kitchen, it was sparkling! Jason had white-gloved the stove-top, counters and sink and had swept the floor. Wow! I was thrilled! This morning when I came down, I found him in the living room folding a basket (or two) of laundry! He's wonderful!

There is no greener pasture in my perspective. Jason is the absolute best husband for me. It can never be said too often, and I'm sure I don't say it often enough. Thank you, honey, for giving me such great gifts all the time. I don't deserve you, but I do love and appreciate you! =)

The Girls' Special Project

Before I started this school year, I decided that I wanted to incorporate a HomeEc-type course for the girls. They already love to help out with cooking, and Alyx and Larissa have already started crocheting. My idea was to start teaching them some quilting and other basic patternless sewing projects. After thinking it through, I decided to also use my mom to teach the kids how to sew using patterns. I could do it, but Mom is so much better than I am and it gives me an "excuse" to make a trip up there for a week at a time every now and then. =)

Before we started school, Alyx had made the comment that she needed an apron to wear while she was cooking, so I decided to make that the first project. She was thrilled at the idea, and Mom was very excited to be able to teach them. As I said in the post about our Labor Day holiday, I took A LOT of pictures, so please forgive me for the abundance of photos. =) (In case you don't already know this, you can click on any picture to get a larger view, if you so desire.)

Mom gave each of the girls some special notebooks to take notes in during "class time."

She explained all the details of how to get the pattern, choose the fabric, get the notions, choose the size, decide how much fabric you need, etc...

After all the measurements were taken, Mom brought out the fabric choices. She had planned to make the aprons reversible, so she had bought 3 sets of coordinating prints. The girls are usually pretty good about sharing and doing things fairly, so we decided to let them choose their favorites. If there was a duplicate "favorite," then we would have to draw names or something, but they chose them without any trouble. I was so glad! =)

Mom pulled out the directions and pattern pieces and explained it all to the girls.

They each got to take a turn at cutting out the pattern pieces. And yes, Larissa concentrates so much better if she sticks out her tongue. =)

Before going any further, Mom sat the girls down and reviewed with them so that they could take notes in their notebooks.

They each took turns ironing pattern pieces.

Alyx ironed her fabric.

They all enjoyed using Granny's cool rotary cutter! =)

Alyx was so excited, she could not contain herself. She kept jumping up and down and giggling with delight. She would say, "Oh, I can't wait to see it done!" and "Thank you, Granny for teaching me!" She's so sweet! =)

Time to sew...Mom begins by showing Alyx how to thread the machine.

Mom used a scrap piece of fabric to let them practice sewing. Alyx thought it was a lot of fun. =)

Alyx started by sewing the first pocket.

She clipped the excess fabric outside of the stitches...

Pressed it...

And Voila! Her first pocket was complete!

Here she's sewing the pockets to one side of the apron and then shows the completed side.

She pins on the pockets for the other side....

Trims the excess fabric after having sewn it all together...

Turns it right side out...

And is all done!

Thank you, Granny!

Alyx immediately put her apron to work in the kitchen. She's putting some olive oil on some buns to be toasted under the broiler, measuring raisins, oats and walnuts for some oatmeal raisin cookies and has the cookie scoop ready to form the cookies. =)

Larissa was next. She ironed her fabric...

Loved cutting with the rotary cutter.... (and was quite the wild woman with that tool. Granny had to try to keep her under control.) =)

And was just as excited as Alyx was.

She had a chance to practice as well.

She began with her first pocket.

She learned to backstitch.

Here she was clipping the excess fabric and turning the pocket right side out. She is left-handed, but refuses to cut with her left hand. She's an interesting little girl. =) Note the tongue again aiding in her concentration.

She worked on sewing one of the straps.

Here she was showing the pockets she had pinned on.

She sewed on some pockets.

She put it all together to sew up.

It's all done!

Thank you, Granny!

Sydney was so patient to wait for her sisters to finish. Here she is ironing some of her fabric.

Here she was helping Granny with some measurements for a pattern piece.

She wasn't quite strong enough to cut by herself, so Granny helped out. She loved seeing that it actually cut the fabric, though.

Time to sew! Isn't she cute? =)

She got to practice, too, and she really enjoyed operating the presser foot lever.

She was the only one of the three that couldn't reach the pedal on the ground, so we had to set it on top of a dictionary. The pedal kept slipping off, so we had to wrap a towel around it to keep it steady. =)

Here she is working on her first pocket and trimming the excess fabric.

She helped sew on the pockets to one side.

Here she is sewing it all together. She really enjoyed pulling out the pins as they neared the presser foot. =)

All done!

Thank you, Granny!

Mom said that they did a fantastic job, and she's looking forward to teaching them another project. =) All I have to say is, I fear for the day that they each turn 16, because they have lead feet! They all had a "need for speed." =) No, really, they did very good after they got the hang of how much pressure to apply to the pedal and got more comfortable with the machine. I'm very proud of them! =)