No, I am not abandoning my blog. Sorry it has been so long. Here are 13 things I have been meaning to tell you but just haven't had the chance.
1. I started doing Weight Watchers 2 1/2 weeks ago. Well.....I started counting points like 4 days but by lunch I was so off track. So, I skipped the second meeting (it is with some ladies from church). This week's was cancelled. I think I have gained a pound or two. How embarassing.
2. Work it still great but challenging. Yes, I have already found kids I want to bring home with me. It makes me want to cry....although I haven't cried yet.
3. Today is my Birthday. Sherry remembered this year. LOL. I reminded her everyday.
4. We went to West Virginia last weekend.
5. Yes, I met Martha...for like an hour. Not long enough but she seems really sweet.
6. Elise got shocked on the electric fence when she bent over to pick up her apple core that she dropped when she trying to feed it to the donkey. Now that is a sentence I'd bet you won't hear again!
7. We are still in the pink house for now. The man still wants us to move. He called and asked if he would be able to move in this weekend. She says we can still stay. It is still a mess and we are looking for a new place. Something is bound to come up for us.
8. I got my business cards today. These are the fouth cards I have had: Safe Landing Outreach Coordinator, Discovery Toys consultant, Allstate Insurance Sales person and now Delilah Miller, case manager.
9. I have wearing fake nails. They aren't long and mom my didn't even know they were fake. I just wanted my nails to look nicer. I did them myself.
10. I sold a sling but I haven't sewn it yet.
11. Jake is still looking for a job. The unemployment people made him go to this class thingy at the Job Center. He decided he liked that place and applied to work there. That would be really cool....we'd have the same clients.
12. The kids stayed in West Virginia but are coming home today.
13. My Mm and Aunt Debbie are visiting. Jake even shampooed the carpet for them. Isn't he sweet?
That is it for today.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Make It From Scratch....The Carnival
I have been a Make It From Scratch fan since the beginning. Yet, this is my first time hosting! How exciting.
For those of you that don't know what this is all about - I will explain. Make It From Scratch (MIFS) is a weekly "carnival" where bloggers can submit posts where they talk about something they have made from scratch. Stephanie is the "founder" and maintains the carnival at Stop the Ride. Props to her - after doing this one week I've gotta say it takes some energy on her part.
Make sure you take the time to leave a comment when you stop by and visit the entries....Comments are important - they make bloggers feel good!
Let's Start with FOOD.....This week (as with most weeks) there are some delish and different food choices. Don't waste your money on cook books or fancy food magazines when you can get it for free here!
Valereee over at Cincinnati Locavore shares a trip to Linwood Sausage Company to learn about Artisan Sausage Making.
Robbyn from The Back Forty tried a Moroccan recipe: Lemon & Green Olive Chicken. The pictures are great.
Erica at The Sojourner (BTW....she is next week's hostess) thought of her Grandma while she made Stuffed Grape Leaves.
Baked Potato Soup was a big hit over at One Krusty Mama. Joanna says her kids LOVED it.
Do you remember when Stephanie stretched a chicken? Well, at Funny About Money they stretched a pork roast. Check out Cheap Eats. Six Meals in One.
Speaking of cheap....Money Blue Books made Healthy & Frugal Boca Burgers.
Mama Bear from I've Got Space to Fill made Pasta with Sweet Tomato Sauce & Baked Ricotta. YUM-O.
Hannah at The Purloined Letter, submitted Dandy Lions, a post about dandelions and what she did with them. How cool?
InnStyle Montana wrote a lovely post called Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda. She talks about women feeling guilty (don't we all!? What is up with that?), gives some advice and then tops it off with a recipe for Multigrain Chocolate Chip Cookies (sounds too healthy to feel guilty over right?).
Now for those of you with kids....we have some kid specific MIFS entries!
How To Me tells us how to put on a "Princess/Royal" Picnic Party. What little prince or princess wouldn't love that?
Alex from Home Life Weekly has the Perfect Play Dough Recipe....you can even eat this one!
The Frugal Mama, Lisa has an Economical First Aid idea with home made ice packs!
Hobbies, hobbies, hobbies....
Stephanie is gardening up a storm (we visited this weekend so I was lucky enough to see first hand). I don't have gardening space but I really want to try her potato growing system. This week she talks about Planting Potatoes in Tires - Round Two! Hint - use your potatoes for that soup One Krusty Mama made!
Melanie from Bean Sprouts made a Recycled Clock. It is very cool and looks so easy!
Linda at Mes Crazy Experiences knitted an Amigurumi Carotte. I have to admit I had no idea what the heck that was - so I did a little research. Amigurumi are Japanese creatures knitted from wool. They are very Japanese - my friend Amanda will adore them.
And last but not least.....Brian wants to help us Become a Genius Website Designer. Hopefully I can learn something from him. I've been wanting to give my blog a face lift for a while.
Well, that is it! Have fun making IT from scratch this week and see you next Tuesday over at The Sojourner, where Erica will be hosting the MIFS Carnival!!!
For those of you that don't know what this is all about - I will explain. Make It From Scratch (MIFS) is a weekly "carnival" where bloggers can submit posts where they talk about something they have made from scratch. Stephanie is the "founder" and maintains the carnival at Stop the Ride. Props to her - after doing this one week I've gotta say it takes some energy on her part.
Make sure you take the time to leave a comment when you stop by and visit the entries....Comments are important - they make bloggers feel good!
Let's Start with FOOD.....This week (as with most weeks) there are some delish and different food choices. Don't waste your money on cook books or fancy food magazines when you can get it for free here!
Valereee over at Cincinnati Locavore shares a trip to Linwood Sausage Company to learn about Artisan Sausage Making.
Robbyn from The Back Forty tried a Moroccan recipe: Lemon & Green Olive Chicken. The pictures are great.
Erica at The Sojourner (BTW....she is next week's hostess) thought of her Grandma while she made Stuffed Grape Leaves.
Baked Potato Soup was a big hit over at One Krusty Mama. Joanna says her kids LOVED it.
Do you remember when Stephanie stretched a chicken? Well, at Funny About Money they stretched a pork roast. Check out Cheap Eats. Six Meals in One.
Speaking of cheap....Money Blue Books made Healthy & Frugal Boca Burgers.
Mama Bear from I've Got Space to Fill made Pasta with Sweet Tomato Sauce & Baked Ricotta. YUM-O.
Hannah at The Purloined Letter, submitted Dandy Lions, a post about dandelions and what she did with them. How cool?
InnStyle Montana wrote a lovely post called Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda. She talks about women feeling guilty (don't we all!? What is up with that?), gives some advice and then tops it off with a recipe for Multigrain Chocolate Chip Cookies (sounds too healthy to feel guilty over right?).
Now for those of you with kids....we have some kid specific MIFS entries!
How To Me tells us how to put on a "Princess/Royal" Picnic Party. What little prince or princess wouldn't love that?
Alex from Home Life Weekly has the Perfect Play Dough Recipe....you can even eat this one!
The Frugal Mama, Lisa has an Economical First Aid idea with home made ice packs!
Hobbies, hobbies, hobbies....
Stephanie is gardening up a storm (we visited this weekend so I was lucky enough to see first hand). I don't have gardening space but I really want to try her potato growing system. This week she talks about Planting Potatoes in Tires - Round Two! Hint - use your potatoes for that soup One Krusty Mama made!
Melanie from Bean Sprouts made a Recycled Clock. It is very cool and looks so easy!
Linda at Mes Crazy Experiences knitted an Amigurumi Carotte. I have to admit I had no idea what the heck that was - so I did a little research. Amigurumi are Japanese creatures knitted from wool. They are very Japanese - my friend Amanda will adore them.
And last but not least.....Brian wants to help us Become a Genius Website Designer. Hopefully I can learn something from him. I've been wanting to give my blog a face lift for a while.
Well, that is it! Have fun making IT from scratch this week and see you next Tuesday over at The Sojourner, where Erica will be hosting the MIFS Carnival!!!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Mom Prom 2008...a new tradition.
A couple of weeks ago my friend, Liz, left a myspace message for me asking if I was going to go to the Mom Prom. I had heard something about it before and thought about going but that was about it. So, when she reminded me I thought, I should take Jude. So I ran out and got the tickets - which were very reasonable at $15 total. I got a little info paper when I paid for the tickets but I didn't really pay that much attention to it. I knew it said "tie suggested" but you know how I am with "suggestions" - I figured I'd find something Jude could wear, even if it wasn't a tie. Well, Saturday came around and Liz calls to tell me she found a suit for her son. YIKES - a suit....I ran out and bought a shirt and tie for Jude. Then she calls later and asks if I thought about flowers..... FLOWERS, I start to think this thing is more trouble than it is worth. She said it was okay because she would call her florist and have them make Jude little flower to wear. Wasn't that nice. When they got to our house she had a flower for me too...Thanks Liz, that was so sweet.
Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I told Jude we were going to Mom Prom and that he was going to get to wear a tie. He said, "what!? I don't want to wear a tie." I told him it was going to be fun. He said, "Is there going to be food there?" Such a little man, isn't he?
When it came time for Prom we walked (it was only a half a block a way), as we approached the building, I saw many little boys (4-13ish) all dressed up - it was enough to melt your heart. So, so sweet. Inside they gave each Mom a carnation and all the little boys got a "treat bag" with an eye patch and some other stuff. The theme for the night was "pirates"- every boys dream. We sat down and colored - then the dancing started. We were dancing fools. We did the locomotion, the chicken dance, the hokey pokey, the macerania, the electric slide, the twist, YMCA, cotton eyed joe, etc..... It was so fun. At one point Jude looked up at me and said, "mommy this night is crazy!". They also played "I'm Bringing Sexy Back", which I thought was hysterical. We ate pizza and laughed. I really think it was the sweetest thing ever. Jude is going to Mom Prom until he is 20. I am seriously so glad I went. It was one of those memories I will tuck away and pull out when I want to fondly remember my precious little boy. He is growing up so fast. The last song they played was "Wind Beneath My Wings" (of course) - oh to see all those Mommies holding their little boys with smiles on their faces and tears welling up in their eyes......so beautiful. Here are the pics and a couple videos.
Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I told Jude we were going to Mom Prom and that he was going to get to wear a tie. He said, "what!? I don't want to wear a tie." I told him it was going to be fun. He said, "Is there going to be food there?" Such a little man, isn't he?
When it came time for Prom we walked (it was only a half a block a way), as we approached the building, I saw many little boys (4-13ish) all dressed up - it was enough to melt your heart. So, so sweet. Inside they gave each Mom a carnation and all the little boys got a "treat bag" with an eye patch and some other stuff. The theme for the night was "pirates"- every boys dream. We sat down and colored - then the dancing started. We were dancing fools. We did the locomotion, the chicken dance, the hokey pokey, the macerania, the electric slide, the twist, YMCA, cotton eyed joe, etc..... It was so fun. At one point Jude looked up at me and said, "mommy this night is crazy!". They also played "I'm Bringing Sexy Back", which I thought was hysterical. We ate pizza and laughed. I really think it was the sweetest thing ever. Jude is going to Mom Prom until he is 20. I am seriously so glad I went. It was one of those memories I will tuck away and pull out when I want to fondly remember my precious little boy. He is growing up so fast. The last song they played was "Wind Beneath My Wings" (of course) - oh to see all those Mommies holding their little boys with smiles on their faces and tears welling up in their eyes......so beautiful. Here are the pics and a couple videos.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Friday Fill-In....#3
1. The cookies had an extra secret ingredient; it was cream cheese!
2. I can see into the office next to me through my window. (If I stand on a chair I can see through their office and out their window to get a glimpse of a junk pile behind the apartments next to us.)
3. Right now, I need to go visit a client.
4. Home is where I went Thursday night; it was great to not go ANYWHERE.
5. Why does truth hurt so much?
6. All I can think of is the pinched nerve I have in my neck.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going on a date with my hubby, tomorrow my plans include going to a Mom Prom with Jude and Sunday, I want to....who knows that is two days away - nothing I plan that far in advance actually happens!
More Fill-ins....
2. I can see into the office next to me through my window. (If I stand on a chair I can see through their office and out their window to get a glimpse of a junk pile behind the apartments next to us.)
3. Right now, I need to go visit a client.
4. Home is where I went Thursday night; it was great to not go ANYWHERE.
5. Why does truth hurt so much?
6. All I can think of is the pinched nerve I have in my neck.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going on a date with my hubby, tomorrow my plans include going to a Mom Prom with Jude and Sunday, I want to....who knows that is two days away - nothing I plan that far in advance actually happens!
More Fill-ins....
Something for FREE....
Hey, head over to Amanda's and see her contest. I love free stuff.
AMANDA'S CONTEST
If you leave a comment you get to be entered. Also if you have a blog you should give her some link love....she is new to this blogging thing. LOL.
AMANDA'S CONTEST
If you leave a comment you get to be entered. Also if you have a blog you should give her some link love....she is new to this blogging thing. LOL.
Thursday 13...(on Friday) How to be a "professional" Do-Gooder".
Yes, I do realize it is Friday but I wanted to do this yesterday but never got around to it. So, here I go.
Earlier this week a coworker was talking to a landlord of a client. The landlord said something about "Professional Renters". Meaning a renter that works the system. Now I call him the "Professional" Landlord. I guess that makes me a "Professional" Do-Gooder. I like that. Today I am going to give you 13 things you can do to be a Do-Gooder.
1. Smile, Say Hello and Tell people to have a good day. Just being friendly to strangers in general can be BIG.
2. Get to know your neighborhood "bum". Most towns have them. Chances are the person has a heart wrenching story and sadly enough, a mental illness. Maybe buy him/her a cup of coffee or a bag of chips. I know who our town person is...I don't know if he is homeless - that isn't really a good conversation starter but I know his name and I do know he has a mental illness. He has talked to me several times at Goodwill and yesterday at Circle K.
3. Donate food. This is probably the easiest thing you can do. Most grocery stores all over the United States have a food collection barrel somewhere near the entrance or exit of the store. I know very few people who can't afford to buy at least a can of corn and toss it in. If you shop with coupons you probably can get something for free. Check out CouponMom.com for details. The woman who runs it started a "Cut out Hunger" campaign. How cool is that? I heard this guy Rob Bell say "don't pray for the hungry if you have food in your pantry" (or something like that). It is true.
4. Give your free CVS stuff to an agency that helps people.
5. Help a working family. I'd almost bet you know a working family that is in need of something. Because of our "middle class" values (pull yourself up by your bootstraps and don't ask for help) many people don't ask for help when they really need it. Don't wait until they ask. Maybe give them a gift card, babysit for free, pay a utility bill anonymously....
6. Suspend all JUDGMENT. This is probably the most important and the most difficult. Remember, we aren't supposed to judge others. Do you think in the Bible, Jesus asked the blind beggar for an ID and to fill out a bunch of papers before helped him? Do you think he asked him if he ate out for dinner the night before or if he had cable? Did he ask him if he had any bad habits? When we do those things we are being judgmental. We aren't supposed to judge. I know it is a hard one but think about it.
7. Pick up trash when you see it on the ground.
8. Be vigilant. Watch what is going on around you. I just watched this special on TV - I think it was 20/20. They set up scenarios and record how people react. They put this kid on a sidewalk and he was crying and asking for help. HUNDREDS of people walked right by him and didn't even look his way. Some did look and kept walking. Pay attention people.
9. And that leads to this one...Don't be afraid to help. Now, don't put yourself in danger but you can take a minute of time to help a crying kid for heavens sake.
10. Give compliments. Lots & lots of compliments. I have been working on this for a while. I know this one girl and she is always saying the nicest things to people. She always told me how pretty I looked while I was pregnant and always complimenting something. It is so nice and always makes me feel good when she says such nice things.
11. Write a letter, send a card, leave a voicemail and let someone know you are thinking about them.
12. Think outside the box. Check out the web. There are tons of web sites with many ideas of how to help others. Get inspired that will definitely get the ball rolling.
13. Practice Random Acts of Kindness. You guys have heard about these things. Pay for car behind you in the McDonalds line or turnpike....there are so many ways to be kind.
Well, that is my list. Keep telling me what you think about my last post. Next week I am really going to respond.
Earlier this week a coworker was talking to a landlord of a client. The landlord said something about "Professional Renters". Meaning a renter that works the system. Now I call him the "Professional" Landlord. I guess that makes me a "Professional" Do-Gooder. I like that. Today I am going to give you 13 things you can do to be a Do-Gooder.
1. Smile, Say Hello and Tell people to have a good day. Just being friendly to strangers in general can be BIG.
2. Get to know your neighborhood "bum". Most towns have them. Chances are the person has a heart wrenching story and sadly enough, a mental illness. Maybe buy him/her a cup of coffee or a bag of chips. I know who our town person is...I don't know if he is homeless - that isn't really a good conversation starter but I know his name and I do know he has a mental illness. He has talked to me several times at Goodwill and yesterday at Circle K.
3. Donate food. This is probably the easiest thing you can do. Most grocery stores all over the United States have a food collection barrel somewhere near the entrance or exit of the store. I know very few people who can't afford to buy at least a can of corn and toss it in. If you shop with coupons you probably can get something for free. Check out CouponMom.com for details. The woman who runs it started a "Cut out Hunger" campaign. How cool is that? I heard this guy Rob Bell say "don't pray for the hungry if you have food in your pantry" (or something like that). It is true.
4. Give your free CVS stuff to an agency that helps people.
5. Help a working family. I'd almost bet you know a working family that is in need of something. Because of our "middle class" values (pull yourself up by your bootstraps and don't ask for help) many people don't ask for help when they really need it. Don't wait until they ask. Maybe give them a gift card, babysit for free, pay a utility bill anonymously....
6. Suspend all JUDGMENT. This is probably the most important and the most difficult. Remember, we aren't supposed to judge others. Do you think in the Bible, Jesus asked the blind beggar for an ID and to fill out a bunch of papers before helped him? Do you think he asked him if he ate out for dinner the night before or if he had cable? Did he ask him if he had any bad habits? When we do those things we are being judgmental. We aren't supposed to judge. I know it is a hard one but think about it.
7. Pick up trash when you see it on the ground.
8. Be vigilant. Watch what is going on around you. I just watched this special on TV - I think it was 20/20. They set up scenarios and record how people react. They put this kid on a sidewalk and he was crying and asking for help. HUNDREDS of people walked right by him and didn't even look his way. Some did look and kept walking. Pay attention people.
9. And that leads to this one...Don't be afraid to help. Now, don't put yourself in danger but you can take a minute of time to help a crying kid for heavens sake.
10. Give compliments. Lots & lots of compliments. I have been working on this for a while. I know this one girl and she is always saying the nicest things to people. She always told me how pretty I looked while I was pregnant and always complimenting something. It is so nice and always makes me feel good when she says such nice things.
11. Write a letter, send a card, leave a voicemail and let someone know you are thinking about them.
12. Think outside the box. Check out the web. There are tons of web sites with many ideas of how to help others. Get inspired that will definitely get the ball rolling.
13. Practice Random Acts of Kindness. You guys have heard about these things. Pay for car behind you in the McDonalds line or turnpike....there are so many ways to be kind.
Well, that is my list. Keep telling me what you think about my last post. Next week I am really going to respond.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
My Eyes are WIDE OPEN.....
I would like to say for the record - I have been very naive about "the system" and people living in poverty. The last two weeks have been huge eye openers for me. I don't even know where to begin..... I think I am going to do a Monday "thing" and tell people little ways they can help the indigent (lacking food, clothing, and other necessities of life because of poverty; needy; poor; impoverished- from dictionary.reference.com). To be honest the first few houses I went into I just thought...OMG. Now, I just can't believe how sad it is. So sad. Really most of us don't know people who live in poverty. It isn't even just about money.
So, I would like everyone to think about your own attitudes about helping the poor. I want you to be honest. Don't hold back. I've noticed when I right about goofy stuff people comment but when it comes to serious stuff no one wants to say anything. Don't be shy.......
So, I would like everyone to think about your own attitudes about helping the poor. I want you to be honest. Don't hold back. I've noticed when I right about goofy stuff people comment but when it comes to serious stuff no one wants to say anything. Don't be shy.......
I've Been Told.....
That I am ruining lives by not blogging.
You guys should know, I always have a "transition" period when something in my life changes (jobs, the weather, having a baby....). I'll get back on track soon. Don't fret.
In the mean time you could check out Amanda's new blog.....Someday I will add her link to my side bar, along with Martha's link.
You guys should know, I always have a "transition" period when something in my life changes (jobs, the weather, having a baby....). I'll get back on track soon. Don't fret.
In the mean time you could check out Amanda's new blog.....Someday I will add her link to my side bar, along with Martha's link.
Friday, May 02, 2008
Friday Fill In #2
I like these because they are quick and easy.
1. Two of my favorite ingredients in a drink are lime or caramel (not together)!
2. My husband often amazes me.
3. You can keep doing that forever, the dog is not coming to live at our house.
4. Take 1 cup vanilla yogurt, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/2 cup whipped topping & 1/8 tsp. cinnamon, mix it all together and voila! You have THE BEST fruit dip!.
5. If I had a yard with a garden, I would love to grow all my own organic veggies & herbs and lots of pretty flowers.
6. Bathing is best au naturel.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to staying home, tomorrow my plans include going to some garage sales and Sunday, I want to go to Cleveland!
Have a good weekend!
More of These....
1. Two of my favorite ingredients in a drink are lime or caramel (not together)!
2. My husband often amazes me.
3. You can keep doing that forever, the dog is not coming to live at our house.
4. Take 1 cup vanilla yogurt, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/2 cup whipped topping & 1/8 tsp. cinnamon, mix it all together and voila! You have THE BEST fruit dip!.
5. If I had a yard with a garden, I would love to grow all my own organic veggies & herbs and lots of pretty flowers.
6. Bathing is best au naturel.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to staying home, tomorrow my plans include going to some garage sales and Sunday, I want to go to Cleveland!
Have a good weekend!
More of These....
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