subscribe email twitter facebook pinterest

How to Handle Little People: A Non Tutorial (This is me and maybe, that’s why I cried when I read it)

The Unofficial Events at Blissdom (are you going? let me know in the comments!)
Free Rice-a fun trivia game-every answer you get right, puts free rice in a bowl for Haitians (this is free and fun!)
It was Like Coming Home- a brilliant (and hilarious) hair care post by the one and only, BooMama.

Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

And Now, I’d Like You to Meet: My New Home Office

Our house is definitely not big, but it’s right for us. We use every spare inch of it, except for one room: our formal dining room. We just aren’t formal kind of people, but even rarely used, it holds an old table and thrift store chairs. And dust.
I’ve been itching for a home office for months. We can’t justify moving and I simply don’t want the expense or headache of one.
[I couldn't find a lot of inspiration for such a transformation. I googled and asked friend's opinions, I made my hubby move furniture in and out and was actually unsure of this idea.]
But I finally got up the courage! So. I talked my hubby into letting me change our formal dining room into a home office. (He was very agreeable, he just didn’t think it would look that great).
Before:

(Yes, that’s the table that got hung in the doorway at midnight. It was hilarious, but only to me. My hubby did not laugh one bit).
After:

This is now the busiest room in the house! My hubby included (yes, he loves it!)
What I did:
I kept the paint, curtains, rug the same and two of my dining room chairs. I just didn’t want to spend more money than needed. I also kept my dining room hutch.
Nearly everything else came from Ikea! You can really stretch a dollar in that store. We bought the gorgeous chair, shelves, desk (which is really a $69 dining room table!), and storage boxes. I got the desk lamp and skirt around the desk (which is actually one curtain panel I cut and velcro’d) at Target.
This room inspires me.
Who knows, I might even write a book in it!
Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

He Said/She Said (3): Confessions

Thank you so much for the love and support you offered on last week’s post to my husband and I. Your reception of our hard-to-tell-story was beautiful. Sometimes doing the right thing is hard, but you helped us handle it with grace.
Please understand, this is our story and we aren’t making assumptions about your marriage or your spouse or proclaiming that every marriage has or will face something like this. We are simply telling it to help others. Maybe even you.
She Said:
I will never forget the night my husband confessed his sin to me. We were on our way home from Disney World of all places. We had just spent a magical week on our first real vacation after nearly 11 years of marriage. I was still on a Disney high as we drove our van deep into the night, our two children asleep in the back.
Up until this point in our lives, we’d had a really great marriage. We’d been out of full time ministry for two years and were finally getting back on our feet. For the first time, we had a 401k, we owned a nice home (the one we still live in) and my husband had a promising new sales career. Everything seemed perfect.
So, in the dark, as my hubby and I talked, our conversation began to take an uncomfortable turn. And then he just said it: “I have a sin problem. I’m addicted to lust and pornography.”
My world stopped. I knew from that moment, I would never be the same again.
I’m not going to candy-coat this: I freaked out.
I was so disturbed and disgusted that while we sped down the freeway, I climbed into the backseat to separate myself from him for awhile. I wept, held onto my babies and wondered if this is what if felt like for your marriage to breakup.
I asked a lot of questions. I hated all the answers. I couldn’t understand, couldn’t wrap my head around this different person, my mind screamed. “Who are you?” This was before counseling, before I gobbled up every book I could find on the subject. This is the night I lost some of my innocence.
But even on this first night, as I cried bitter tears, I couldn’t stop loving this broken man. My broken, hurting man. I didn’t understand this new ugly place. I didn’t know how we were going to make it, but I knew that I wanted to help him find freedom.
(And he found freedom like he’s never tasted, and we both found intimacy on a level we didn’t know existed….)
Next week, we will talk about some warning signs and then practical tools that would help fight this battle.
But before that, I just wanted to share some reassurances that helped me during this time (from For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn)
Reassurance #1: His temptation is often not primarily sexual (physical, yes, but not always sexual).
Reassurance #2: Every man is different (some can experience an involuntary sexual image and dismiss it without being tempted, while another can see the same image and struggle deeply).
Reassurance #3: It’s not because of you (this was the main point hammered over and over to me by the counselor…”your hubby had this problem before he even met you.”
Reassurance #4: This doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you (it was hard for me to understand how he could love me and still struggle with lusting after others…but this was a struggle with sin and even though it affected our relationship, these were separate in his heart).

Next week, I’ll share how you can help your hubby….

Before you watch my hubby’s testimony, please know that it is long (14 min), but very powerful. If you know or think your husband struggles in this area, I think it would be excellent for him to watch.

He Said:

Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

WFMW: My Only Beauty Tip


Please mark your calendars for the March 3 & 10 temporary move of WFMW. While I’m in Kenya with the Compassion Bloggers, Shannon of Rocks in My Dryer will be welcoming you all back to her place as she hosts WFMW for two weeks! There will NOT be a special theme for March 3, link any tip you’d like!


I’m not an authority on beauty or fashion. I shop at Target for both.
(I still use Covergirl makeup and Seabreeze cleanser) See? I told you.
But I did recently discover something that has taken my 25 minute morning routine down to 19 1/2 minutes.
I used to blow dry my naturally wavy hair dry and then hot iron the soup out of it. I knew all that heat wasn’t great for my hair, but I was trying to achieve a certain look.
The gal who cuts my hair, styled it the other day and didn’t use the hot iron. Instead, she used one of these:
It probably has a name, but I like to call it THE FATTEST, ROUNDEST HAIR BRUSH KNOWN TO MANKIND.
Now, I blow dry with this big daddy (use brush to roll hair out straight while drying) and skip the hot iron step entirely!

My hair is a bit puffier than it used to be. But y’all: I’m saving 6 minutes and my hair follicles!
Don’t forget, the THEMED Works for Me Wednesday planned for next week, Feb. 3: share a blogging tip! (this is a suggestion, you’re always free to link up any tips)
Thank you for joining me for WFMW! {You can read the guidelines here.}

Have a Works-For-Me Wednesday tip you’d like to share? I’d love for you to join us! Please note that the links will close on Thursday, in order to keep away the spammers!

Was your link deleted? Click here.

Powered by MckLinky

  1. Mom Tried It (Classmate Valentines)
  2. It Feels Like Chaos (exercise help)
  3. LifeasMOM – freezer alarm will save your bacon
  4. Nikki (Happy Lunchtimes)
  5. Raising Olives – Keeping Kids rooms tidy
  6. HoosierHomemade{ Healthy Breakfast}
  7. A Greener Kitchen and SAVE $$
  8. Phoebe @ Getting Freedom (Boredom Busters)
  9. Heavenly Homemakers (Reading with the kids!)
  10. Kirsty@Momedy : How to be great
  11. Smockity Frocks – Laptop Case DIY
  12. Hannah @ Mulberry Spot (ordering seeds)
  13. Kristi_runwatch (labeling sippy cups)

  14. Marsha@Taste & See (seed starters)
  15. Laura @ Frugal Follies (Selling Books Online)
  16. How To Be A Balanced Mother (Kat)
  17. Barb @ The Forever Neighbor (homeschool room)
  18. This Side of Eternity (FREE Home Management Helps)
  19. Kids making BRKFST (Amy @ MomsToolbox)
  20. Lynns Kit Adv (easy choc pie)
  21. Life At The Circus (Preparing for Stomach Bug)
  22. The Happy Housewife – Birthday Box
  23. Raising Arrows {Morning Sickness & My To – Do List}
  24. Frugal Girls! {$ave BIG on Laundry with this tip!}
  25. Amys Finer Things (cooking dried beans)
  26. Erin @ Closing Time (kids activity)
  27. Kayren {binding homeschool books}
  28. Amanda @TrentTribe (Lil girls Dish Towel Dress)
  29. ElizabethG (Saving Water)
  30. The Diaper Diaries (getting your newborn to sleep)
  31. Another cooking for 2 tip – wannabe baker blog
  32. Moms In Need of Mercy (Excel @ Home Management)
  33. Julie From Inmates (sticker maker)
  34. Jo@Mylestones (build snow tunnels)
  35. Whats Cooking (Immersion Blender)
  36. live once juicy (cultivating skills)
  37. Jeni @ Peace & Carrots (Quick Chocolate Fix!)
  38. Getting Caught Up on Email 4 the Easily Distracted
  39. Kat @ New England Saving : Sew Reusable Snack Bags!
  40. HS Classroom (Teaching Music in Homeschool)
  41. So Wonderful So Marvelous – SPAGHETTI SQUASH!
  42. Gift box home decor @ Keeping It Simple
  43. Clips bracelets and headbands
  44. Tales of a Horvath Housewife (canned fruit)
  45. Traveling thru Nordic decor Blogs [AlchemyJunk]
  46. Gretchen@Second Blooming : The Cleaning Plan
  47. Crazy Adventures in Parenting (Baby Helps Too)
  48. mombrud (Chez Bruderer)
  49. Sturgmom In General (Dealing with Life)
  50. Tin Headboard [AlchemyJunk]
  51. Christine (How to cut your online time in half)
  52. Sandra @ A Lot of Savings (Decadent Coffee @ Home)
  53. Organize & Decorate Everything (draft stopper)
  54. LESLIE (my favorite parenting book!)
  55. so much shouting / laughter : homemade chicken stock
  56. My Kitchen Staples – How I Keep My Family Healthy
  57. Avivah @ Oceans of Joy (vitamin C for healing)
  58. Organize your kitchen leftovers
  59. GROCERY CART CHALLENGE (3 giveaways!)
  60. The Eclectic Dabbler – Simple Way to Clean Microwave
  61. All purpose scrubber
  62. Jami@An Oregon Cottage (using real foods in recipe)
  63. Kitchen Stewardship (OAMC no packaged foods!)
  64. theNanaBlogs (Ten Things Nanas Blog About)
  65. Kingdom First Mom – FREE Anti – virus Protection
  66. Our Nifty Notebook (Paint Dabbers)
  67. Keep drawers from falling out@Fearfully&Wonderfu; ll
  68. Treasia@Stepp Into My World / Stain Your Fireplace
  69. Make Your Own Hand Lettered Sign @Twice Remembered
  70. Getting out of a Funk@Fearfully&WonderfullyMade;
  71. The MAMA BIRD (How to get FREE BRAND NEW BOOKS!)
  72. Adventure Mom Janna – How Can I Protect My Child?
  73. The Saved Quarter (Eating out on a budget)
  74. Newlyweds (Hissy Fits)
  75. Best place online to buy books – new and used
  76. Crunchy Greenery (remember your grocery bags)
  77. Aint She Crazy – Getting the Kids to Sit Quietly
  78. Grocery Shopping Tips
  79. Finesse Your Nest – Easy DIY Wall Decor
  80. Melissa – Military Family (homeschool bookshelf)
  81. Odd Mom (Picking Your Fish)
  82. Alison @ Hospitality Haven – iChat & Skype
  83. Gorgeous Cherry Blossom Garlands from Tablecloths
  84. Alea@Premeditate dLeftovers (DebbieMeyer Green Bags)
  85. Sweetest Stenciled Dresser @ IconInspired
  86. Earnest Parenting : Peach Pie Filling
  87. MomsFrugal (easy veggie dip kiddies love)
  88. too blessed 2 stress – craft solutions
  89. Gracious Homestead – Homemade Taco Seasoning
  90. The “Se7en +1″ Brilliant Bag Bonanza …
  91. Handy Dandy Little Gadget at This is My Life
  92. Little Lizard King – Boutique Burp Cloths DIY
  93. Monica@DailyDwel ling (mexican chicken)
  94. Maris Little Corner (online banking)
  95. Tara @ Feels Like Home (hiding the toys)
  96. Our monthly Meal Plan {Stephanie Lynn}
  97. Tracey @ Girls to Grow (Child Sleep Issues)
  98. From The Trenches Of Motherhood – Tea Towel Rescue
  99. TeriLynne @ PleasingtoYou {kids bday gifts – easy!}
  100. A Busy Mom of Two (eating regular food on a diet)
  101. Steph @ My Country Haven (Stain Treatment)
  102. Fairion – Best Travel Toy
  103. Julie Bagamary (Handmade Valentines)
  104. et="_blank"> Organizing Receipts
  105. Chrissy @ Traveling Light {Workouts}
  106. Gretchen @ EOL – Menu Planning Part II
  107. TidyMom {Chocolate Valentine Cookies}
  108. Adding morning workouts @ Diapers & Hair Dye
  109. Homemade Laundry Soap {Jolanthe}
  110. Trash to Treasure for Home Decor
  111. Kathleen (How to get in trouble with the TSA)
  112. Moneywise Moms (Keeping Receipts)
  113. The Meanest Momma (Grandmas Autumn Soup)
  114. Liz – 1 step easy curls!
  115. Brotherly Love through Bribery
  116. Toddlers Toy From Recyclables
  117. Houstonmom (freezing beans can size portions)
  118. Learning the Frugal Life~Using the Sun for Heat
  119. Kristen (chocolate cheerios GIVEAWAY)
  120. Cupcake Mommie (Washing Dishes)
  121. Martianne (literal work – jobs for moms)
  122. Tips to Save $MONEY$ on Satellite Radio!
  123. Impress Your Kids {keeping kids attention}
  124. How to take the skin off your chicken!
  125. Prepare your child for their flu jab injection
  126. Such The Spot (lunch wrap recipe)
  127. KLee – organizing the sewing corner
  128. pennypinchinmomm a (master grocery lists)
  129. Alicia – cleaning out the spice cabinet
  130. Sandra – cleaning out the freezer
  131. Jenny @ The Zepf Life (Sewing Machine)
  132. Kristi – Being intentional in 2010!
  133. Erin (Just Ask)
  134. Graham Crakas – Quick Kitchen Makeover
  135. Thrift Shoppin for Vintage Books
  136. Alan @ makeadiff21 (Kitchen Love)
  137. Jessica @ Reflections (Free Music Movies & TV)
  138. Under $10
  139. The Gaines Gang {Get Your SHINE On!}
  140. Melissa @ Frugal Creativity (Password Organizer)
  141. Katie @ Clean and Classic (Pants on the Ground!)
  142. Simplified Home School Record Keeping
  143. Childrens toothbrush hanger
  144. Mama Birds Potty Training
  1. Why I love you {{TUTORIAL}}@HowD oesSHe
  2. THE COTTAGE HOME : Easiest Ribbon Organization EVER
  3. Songberries / Perfect Rice
  4. Adorkable : : : Sleep Socks
  5. 30 Family Dinner Questions @HowDoesShe
  6. TexasBangerters – Water bottles that dont Sweat!
  7. Bread : The staff of Life
  8. THE COTTAGE HOME : Mason Jar Craft Storage TUTORIAL
  9. In – box…kind of {{Tutorial}}@HowDoesShe
  10. PapuaGirl – How to host a murder mystery dinner
  11. Homemade Baby Wipes (Catherine B)
  12. Tuning Out (Unintended Housewife)
  13. Alison @ Under / Oak tree (mini veggie trays)
  14. Green Baby Green Mama (10 ways make clothes last)
  15. DIY Kitchen Make – Over
  16. Family stamping food (Old Enough for CHORES?)
  17. Elena@MyDomestic Church – The FIRM ult. compendium
  18. Noisy Toys (DailyLackey)
  19. Buffie @ Never Quite Perfect (Vitamin Alarm)
  20. Redemption Unlimited (Shoes Off at the Door)
  21. Duklings at Camian Academy (Specific To Do Lists)
  22. Desk of a Princess (Cheap & Easy Throw Pillows)
  23. Tilt Top Table Makeover
  24. HANDS FREE BABY ( &TODDLER;) CARRIER!
  25. Angie Pangies – Thickening Soup & a FREE COOKBOOK
  26. How To Make An Easy Magnetic Frame for Granparents
  27. Kaye (Our Son Used THIS to Learn to Read!)
  28. Divide a Room without building a wall
  29. Homemade toilet bowl cleaner (Household Mgmt 101)
  30. TIPS & Ideas for a BLUE Tablescape @MooreMinutes
  31. Removing tomato stains (Stain Removal 101)
  32. Jenny 867 – 5309 (Railroad Chai)
  33. Kalleen – Valentines decorations
  34. Credenza REDO by Snowman Hill
  35. Look past UGLY at the Goodwill! 100th post! (Dee)
  36. Homemade dishwasher detergent @ Quarry Orchard
  37. Kate @ modernalternativemama (cloth around house)
  38. Johnlyn (The Teenage Eating Plan)
  39. Homemade laundry soap & cleaners @ Quarry Orchard
  40. Being Thankful @ Wild and Crazy Sheep
  41. Internet Research (Melissa @Cellulite Investigatn)
  42. M&M; Bribery {Tara @ The Five of Us}
  43. Cooking Up A Family – Why EECH works for us!
  44. Valentine’s Week @ Remodelaholic
  45. Build a Table Style Bathroom Vanity
  46. Muses of Megret (Making handwriting more FUN!)
  47. Missy@Simply Red – Candy Bling (valentine necklace)
  48. JAN (SNACKS)
  49. Saving and Giving (Birthday on a Budget : The Food)
  50. Strawberry or Cherry Cheese Bread @ somewhatsimple
  51. Lost Socks Board @ somewhatsimple
  52. Nieces / nephews Birthdays (Eden)
  53. Superchikk (Temporal Thermometer)
  54. 5 Easy Steps to a Nourishing Diet
  55. Cheap natural cooking spray substitute (Mama Says)
  56. Nichole (getting up on time)
  57. flexible dreams (lego creations)
  58. Southern Fried Gal (Birthday Party Tips)
  59. The Prudent Homemaker ~ Chicken Flavored Rice
  60. Getting Ahead – tips to save for Christmas
  61. Rebecca at Turned Loose (meringue on pie!)
  62. Lots of Pics! Aprons and Bread @ 4 Sweet Sisters
  63. The Prudent Homemaker ~ EDIBLE LANDSCAPING
  64. 10 things from Jamie@All My Loose Ends
  65. Sarah @ Short Stop (CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP Recipe)
  66. Conscious Shopper (DIY projects for cloth bags)
  67. Good for you – Chicken Chili Blanco
  68. 2 sides 2 Schwartz (no more mealtime struggles!)
  69. Moms Sharpening Moms (Discipline)
  70. Shelley @ MAHM (reviewing resolutions and goals)
  71. Simplified Saving (Plan for Christmas NOW)
  72. Heather – Sermon Notebooks
  73. Craft Night!
  74. ABC : Reading at Lunch
  75. Pantry Challenge Biggest Loser
  76. Feeding Four – Save $ While Doing Laundry
  77. Very Quick Salsa Tip!
  78. Rachel @ T&E; : Digital Bedtime
  79. Need a quick dessert? Quick Mama Fix!
  80. Bitterroot Mama (Clog Prevention)
  81. Staci @ teaching money to kids (swords of sharing)
  82. Simply Practical (making baby food)
  83. Mother Hen (Weight Loss)
  84. Lifestyle Logic – school crate
  85. Cindy @ She Sparkles (Kids Tea Time!)
  86. Jelli (Spotted Vitamins)
  87. Grateful for Grace (my fave kitchen tool / tip)
  88. Young Wifes Tale (Cleaning your keyboard)
  89. Spend A Little And Save A Lot (Cookbooks on Loan)
  90. Just Another Mom of 2 : DIFOP & Teaching my son
  91. SweetJeanette Valentines potpourri heart sachet
  92. Elaine H – Carafes
  93. EnviroBecca : science experiment for kids
  94. Mommy Bee – - baby cradle cap solution
  95. Mary Jo (HAVA Sling Review & coupon code)
  96. Powdered Donut Birthday Tower!
  97. Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolates (Vitamins)
  98. mistie – INTRODUCING Ellie
  99. annies home – natural remedy unclog drains
  100. Mamas Laundry Talk (Storing Kids Pajamas Neatly)
  101. Grandmother Wren
  102. Simply Sweet Home (Broccoli Rice Soup)
  103. Simply Sweet Home (hot chocolate gift sets)
  104. Sonshine (carrots as sweetener)
  105. Aiming4Simple (Bathroom Cleaning for Busy Moms)
  106. Blue Ridge Baby – crib sheets
  107. My Frugal Lifestyle {Homemade Window Cleaner}
  108. PeacefulHome (toddler training tip)
  109. Happy Girl Print – Outs
  110. A Slob Comes Clean (Easy Way to Clean Play – doh Toy
  111. Amy@ Tiny Blessings (simple cheap purse organizer)
  112. Jenny @ The Zepf Life (Paid off van)
  113. I love fresh bread!
  114. 400 Things : Repeating Menu
  115. Favorite Kitchen Tools
  116. Abbi @ Proverbs 31 Living (life and eternity)
  117. Quick to the table dinner
  118. Creative2xmom (fantastic lemon bars)
  119. Smart Money Mom : Buyers Remorse or Stay the Course
  120. SAVINGTHOSEPENNI ES (beginne
    r coupon tips)
  121. Boise Bargain Shoppers (Meal Planning)
  122. My Heart My Home (Frugal Egg Spinach Casserole)
  123. Penny Raine ~ teamwork
  124. bedroom re – do from the little green bean
  125. everydaymom – a month of meals
  126. Bathroom Towels
  127. Garibay Soup {A Life Tip}
  128. Shana @ Prelude to Home More is Worse!!
  129. quick and easy solution for cooking a healthy meal
  130. Everything Moms : how to store sheets
  131. How to Resize Images for Free Online
  132. Gloriana (Lunchbox Love)
  133. Seven more uses for the empty spice jars
  134. Mandy @ Pennies and Blessings
  135. Printable Decluttering Tool (The Red Chair Blog)
  136. InMyOwnStyle : Paint and Create a Signature Table
  137. InMyOwnStyle : Paint and Create a Signature Table
  138. Tasty Eggs… (ilovemy5kids)
  139. Sandra@SCM New! Amour Valentine Banner
  140. Laundry folding tip!
  141. My special floor wax (More Than Alphabet Soup)
  142. Girls Nursery
  143. Lisa @ Sweet Sweet Reality (My Favorite Tips)
  144. A Call to Higher Places – Reminder of my ways


Get your free Mcklinky here…


Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

{Madison Rose Vintage} Giveaway

*Updated with Winner* Congrats to Nesting in Pleasant View!

I love vintage things! If the paint is peeling or it has a musty smell, it appeals to me. Once my Mom said, “When y’all have a bit more money, do you think you’ll buy new stuff?”

Nope.
I’m so happy to introduce y’all to a great Etsy store: Madison Rose Vintage!
This store is right up my vintage alley. Here are some of my favorite pieces:
Vintage Red Child's Chair
Jar Full of Wooden Spools of Thread
Pink Metal Corner Shelf
The sweet owner and one of my readers, is offering a $50 gift certificate to a lucky reader today! Please leave a comment with one of your favorites from her store.
She is also offering a 20% discount! Just add the code WEARETHATFAMILY in the Etsy convo box.
This giveaway ends on Thursday.
Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

Print This When Cabin Fever Hits

Winner of last week’s $50 Visa card: Renee Holley (reader, no blog); Please email me to claim.
I loved your winter weather ideas last week! Thanks so much for all the fantastic comments with ideas!
I thought it would be helpful to compile them in one place, you know, so you can print them out and WALL PAPER YOUR CABIN FEVER WALLS with them. Because THAT would certainly pass some time.
Indoor Ideas:
  • Make a “ball pit” with blown up balloons
  • Set up a pop-up tent
  • Make playdough
  • Have a picnic in the living room
  • Make a Banana Boat
  • Play “mailbox” write/deliver letters to each other
  • Make paper snowflakes (out of large coffee filters)
  • Movies/popcorn
  • Dress up in costumes for a “concert”
  • Games like Monopoly
  • Large puzzles
  • Giant cardboard boxes for imaginative play
  • Tea party
  • Read silently or out loud
  • Crochet (or learn to)
  • Play “school” with a chalkboard
  • Have Nerf war
  • Use all the Legos to build a city
  • Make Colored Squares (out of food-colored icing/graham crackers). Play food dominoes.
  • Roast marshmallows over the fireplace of kitchen stove
  • Have a “summer day!” Turn up the heat, wear shorts, flip flops and pretend it’s not cold outside!
  • Bring snow inside in large container for little hands to play with in the bathtub.
  • Crafts-from recycled projects like egg cartons, lids, tubes, etc
  • Make card houses from decks of playing cards or Book houses from assorted books
  • Make cut-out sugar cookies
  • Create an indoor obstacle course (jump from cushion to cushion, crab walk down hallways)
  • Shaving cream painting in the bathtub (paint the sides of the tub)
  • Make terrariums from recycled jars (small figures, rocks, etc)
  • Start seeds inside for a Spring garden
  • Indoor games-like Hide ‘n Seek, Charades and Sardines
  • Make a family newspaper-kids turn reporters for the latest “scoop.” Fill it with artwork, etc.
  • Let toddler play in the sink (it’s only water and easy to clean up)
  • Play with cars and make a wrapping paper tube tunnel for them to drive thru
  • Music and a dance party (Hokey Pokey, Chicken Dance)
  • Snowball fight with large cotton balls
  • Create pencil cups from recycled Campbell soup cans
  • Bubbles baths
  • Pajama day with lots of blankets, pillows
  • Finger paint with pudding on paper
  • Sock war (like a snowball fight, only with socks)
  • Snow Angels with packing peanuts!
Outside
  • Ski, sled (on storage box lids), build snowmen
  • Time relays without coats
  • Snow ball fight
  • Make snow angels
  • Have a winter picnic with hot chocolate, warm soup, rolls, etc
  • Visit the library
  • Go roller skating
This post is sponsored by Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup who wants you to know that 32 feet of fresh egg noodles go into every can. For lots of fresh ideas about how to keep your kids entertained and the chance to win $500, check out Wintery Weather Fun at DivineCaroline.

Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

Community Question/Discussion #3

Question: Do you ask your child more than once to do something?

Join in the conversation here.
Thoughts are based on the book Have a New Kid by Friday by Dr. Leman.
Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

Well. That’s Not Fun At All

[no laughing, chuckling or smiling allowed while reading this post.]

Do you know what’s not fun?

Mattress shopping.
It ranks right there between shopping for a car transmission and someone to take out your gallbladder.
You know what else isn’t fun?
Going to your in-law’s farm (7 hours away) for three days and returning exhausted, only to discover your cat was locked in your daughter’s room while you were gone.
THREE DAYS, y’all.
Not fun—-
  • daughter’s bed (used as a litter box)
  • a dehydrated, half-starved cat.
  • shopping for a mattress (but it’s cheaper than carpet)

(um, found out why Sam’s has good deals on mattresses…
because you are the delivery service)
Alrighty then, I think I’m done now.
[please note: the kitty was harmed in the making of this post, but appears to be all better now]
Are you smiling?


Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

Dan-Compassion employee who was rescued from the earthquake after being trapped for 65 hours-SO touching!

The sweetest ruffle shirt ever- If I could sew, I’d be making one of these for myself. In every color.
Send Haiti Health Kits- make a difference by sending basic supplies {great family project}
(just fixed the above link)

Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

On My Camera

Yesterday, I realized I hadn’t taken any pictures in days (unusual for me). I hadn’t downloaded my camera either. I laughed at the random goodness that awaited me and thought I’d share it with you.
Because sometimes random is enough:

And this is what my dining room table looked like before my hubby and I got it STUCK in the doorway at 12:30 in the A.M. this past weekend, while trying to convert my unused formal dining room into a home office.
I took a picture, so I could sell it. Price $100 Sale $50 (scratch/dent clearance).

I’ll share pictures of my new home office project soon. (you know, as soon as I take them and let them sit on my camera for a week).

What’s on your camera, right now?


Signup for my newsletter!

Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

Creating a Family Mission Statement

Our family sat down after dinner the other night with paper and pen.
I read this wonderful article on creating a family mission statement and knew it was something we should do!
Why write a mission statement for your family? Because it asks the question….why are we doing this? Let’s face it, we have busy lives, pressed with pressure to fill every hour of every day.
With a family mission statement, it helps us remember that everything we do should have a purpose.
We started by brainstorming some goals we’d like to accomplish as a family. We talked about diverting our normal vacation money towards a goal of going on a family mission trip and making a point to have fun on a regular basis. (My kids threw the word adoption in there, too, and we suggested they pray for their Mommy and Daddy).
Goals are different than a mission statement. Goals are things you want to accomplish/do. Mission statements are they whys behind what you do.
In this article, How to Write a Family Mission Statement, there are practical ideas and examples with this formula–

To…. (Do something)

In such a way that….. (Quality of action)

So that…. (We gain these results or benefits)

Here’s what we came up with:

To make a difference in the world, a single light, shining brightly in such a way that we keep Jesus our focus, listen closely to His voice & enjoy life. So that we can say at the end of the day, we’ve touched others & thrived.”

I printed the words out and gathered some scrapbook paper and a frame I never used on an older project:


I glued the words to the paper and framed it:

Just having those words down on paper makes me feel we’re on the right track!
Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

He Said/She Said (2): Lust and Your Marriage

Well. Brace yourself, because we’re not holding back today. [Please be conscious of children in the room when you read this post/listen to my husband's vlog].
As most of you know, I shared that Forgiveness is a Part of My Story over at (in)Courage a few weeks ago. I was blown away by the mass volume of private emails and public comments from women that day and steadily since. Women sharing similar circumstances, asking for prayer, believing for a miracle, reaching out for help.
My hubby and I prayed about it; He Said/She Said was born. (post #1, in case you missed it).
She Said:
I grew up naively and married naively. I was a virgin (or SUPER-virgin, as we now jokingly say) and I wouldn’t change that in any way. I pray my children can offer their future spouses the same gift one day.
I didn’t know much about lust. I remember my Dad carefully guarding and protecting my sister and I from boys. He would always say “I know how boys think.” I knew what he was referring too, but I thought it was just some boys. I didn’t know that all boys struggled with lust.
I certainly didn’t know that men (98% of them according to studies of Christian and non), including the one I’d marry, battled the same enemy.
It was years into our marriage, before I made this discovery. I’d always heard men are “visual.” I knew provocatively dressed women enticed men. But that is just scratching the surface of a man’s world.
In my hubby’s video below, he shares when he was first exposed to an image of a nude woman and how that began a battle he wouldn’t have the tools to win until just four years ago. He was just a boy, weaponless, struggling with an omnipresent opponent.
I want to share with you what I’ve learned about men and lust. My education came from my own experience and from a book that I cannot recommend highly enough. I discovered it in the throes of my crumbling marriage. It was a lifesaver:For Women Only: What You Need to Know about the Inner Lives of Men by Shaunti Feldhahn, opened my eyes to my husband’s mind, his battlefield.
[The rest of this post will contain information directly from this book]
In the chapter, Keeper of the Visual Rolodex, Shaunti explains (after years of research and interviewing 1,000 Christian men) even happily married men struggle with being pulled toward live and recollected images of other women. Ninety-eight percent of the men responded that when an attractive woman enters the room, they can’t NOT want to look. (She goes on to explain that they have a choice right here. Remember, it’s not a sin to be tempted or when involuntary images pop into the mind. But if we devour that image, fantasize, so on and so on, then that’s giving into the temptation).
What “Men are Visual Means”: 1. An “eye magnet” or woman who is dressed to show off her beautiful body is extremely hard to avoid and even when he forces himself not to look, he is acutely aware of her presence. 2. Even when an eye magnet isn’t present, men have a “mental Rolodex” of stored images that can intrude into his thoughts without warning. (These can be snapshots of women they’ve seen before or sensual images from movies (bad), magazines (bad), even of you, his wife (good).
This was a lot for me to take in the first time I read it. Since then, I’ve discussed it with my hubby and he’s confirmed it. Our world is a dangerous minefield for our husbands.
Next week, I’ll share some more on this subject (I’ll offer some reassurances and things we can do to help them in the battle), meanwhile, please pray for your mate. His battle is real. The enemy is fierce. Stumbling blocks pepper his path. Pray he will be strong. Pray for him to resist temptation. Pray God will use you to minister to your spouse.
He Said:

Is any of this information new to you? Have you talked to your husband about it? Perhaps, the table is turned and as a woman, you struggle with lust. If you’re a visual person, this might not be news to you (25% of women are “visual”).
Or you may be in the percentage of men/women who aren’t affected by these issues.
Either way, we are praying for you and your marriage.
Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

DIFOP Update

The fleece blankets for Hospice are starting to roll in.

Please email me for the P.O. Box to send your completed projects to: kristenwrites@yahoo.com
The deadline (for me to RECEIVE) the blankets is January 31st!!

Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

WFMW: Lego Necklace

Please mark your calendars for the March 3 & 10 temporary move of WFMW. While I’m in Kenya with the Compassion Bloggers, Shannon of Rocks in My Dryer will be welcoming you all back to her place as she hosts WFMW for two weeks!
We’ll call it a HomeComing (without a corsage).
Now. The matter at hand: a fun project I want to share with you…for you to share with others!
On a whim, I made a Lego necklace for my son. It’s been such a hit everywhere he wears it:
If you have a Lego fan in the family or have a friend who adores the tiny building blocks, you might want to consider this very easy project:
1. Choose a colored square Lego brick and purchase ball chain and a package of Pendant Bails from any craft store (you’ll also need some strong adhesive glue):
2. Glue the pendant to the back of the Lego:
3. Let the glue dry for at least an hour:
4. Thread the chain through the pendant bail:

5. Totally cute (and I’m not just talking about the necklace):
And that, my friends, works for me!
Thank you for joining me for WFMW! {You can read the guidelines here.}

Have a Works-For-Me Wednesday tip you’d like to share? I’d love for you to join us! Please note that the links will close on Thursday, in order to keep away the spammers!

Was your link deleted? Click here.

Powered by MckLinky

  1. Mom Tried It (Mixed Up Mittens)
  2. <
    li style="padding-right:2px;"> Kirsty@Momedy – No Nasty Chemicals – GIVEAWAY!!

  3. Smockity Frocks~What Im Wearing to Blissdom
  4. Amy @ Finer Things (Dont Sit on Your Swag)
  5. Julie From Inmates (Yummy Dessert)
  6. Many Little Blessings (Being Real with Readers)
  7. Vitafamiliae – Keeping Up With Kid Cups
  8. Beating Shyness (Amy @ MomsTravelTales)
  9. This Side of Eternity (What to do with Freebies!)
  10. Easy way to Prevent Knee – Holes in Jeans and Pants!
  11. Real Life : Shrimp Gumbo
  12. The Happy Housewife ~ Finding Local Deals
  13. My Blessed Life (Organization Station)
  14. The Diaper Diaries (Cleaning System)
  15. HS Classroom (Homeschooling Through High School)
  16. Bake at 350 {Royal Icing 102…or 201…}
  17. Getting Freedom (Blissdom Wear)
  18. Show your face in the blog comments (beauty / bedlam
  19. Shoes on the Right Feet (Amy @ MomsToolbox)
  20. Allyson : Having a bad day?
  21. TidyMom {recipe binder}
  22. Heavenly Homemakers (Chocolate…or Vanilla?!)
  23. Hannah @ Mulberry Spot (homemade slime)
  24. ElizabethG (Harmonious Green Practices)
  25. FishMama – tricks for handwashing
  26. So Wonderful So Marvelous Re – usable Coffee Filters
  27. Good (& Cheap) Eats – homemade corn tortillas
  28. Raising Arrows {Shelf & Basket Laundry System}
  29. Buttons To Butterflies Pillow
  30. Lynns Kit Adv (kitchen essentials)
  31. Our Nifty Notebook (Homeschooling Phonics)
  32. the BLAH BLAH BLAHger (the perfect hardboiled egg)
  33. Conquer Your Clippings! (Struggling to be Stylish)
  34. Wannabe Baker – personal pasta sauce
  35. Inspiring Ideas (Glossy Scripture Ribbon Bookmark)
  36. Idle hands (Miller Mix
  37. Amy Loves It! (Teaching Your Child to Read)
  38. Cooking Up A Family – motivation to clean
  39. Jinxy Knows Best (Fight Sweets Cravings)
  40. Microwave Krispies Treats
  41. Tanya (Easy Amazon links in blogger)
  42. Crazy Adventures in Parenting
  43. The Saved Quarter (The BEST Chicken Stock)
  44. Tales of a Horvath Housewife (instant potatoes)
  45. Sandra @ A Lot of Savings (FUN Bath Soap for Kids)
  46. Alicia (Making Time for Mommy) – Prayer works for me
  47. Finally Homesch
    ooling (Spelling With Salt)
  48. How To Update A Cheap Bookcase Fast! Remodelaholic
  49. Marsha@Taste & See (simple facial care)
  50. Diann @ The Thrifty Groove – Organizing Table Linens
  51. SortaCrunchy – stop collections harassment
  52. Recycled Homeschool Math Manipulatives Organizer
  53. Kayren (Coupon Organization)
  54. Whats Cooking (over – ripe citrus)
  55. Creative2xmom (Weight Loss Tips)
  56. Aint She Crazy : Painting on a Shoestring
  57. Making Goals during a DINNER DATE and white decor!
  58. Amber@ClassicHou sewife (Food Diary / Eating Healthy)
  59. Judi@FrugalFroli c : Yeast packets equal Frugal FOUL
  60. Citra – Solv for Crafts & Cleaning! Giveaway!
  61. Alea @ Premeditated leftovers (.99 cent workout)
  62. Household6Diva (Cookie dog loves Turtles)
  63. Barb @ The Forever Neighbor
  64. FREE New Testament Audio Bible download
  65. A Day in the Life of Us : Practice what you preach
  66. Christi (Customized Chore Charts)
  67. Se7en Thoughts About Babies and Sleep…
  68. AdventureMom Janna – Releasing our children to God
  69. EnviroBecca : NO CELL PHONE!
  70. Leslie (finding free moving boxes to save money)
  71. Cute Little Apron
  72. All The Best Valentine Decor Ideas
  73. e – Mom @ Chrysalis (Top 100 Books for Kids)
  74. Jeni @ Peace & Carrots (Indoor SandBox)
  75. CROCHETED flower bunting : super cute for spring!
  76. Simply Sweet Home (chocolate chip cookies)
  77. Moms Sharpening Moms (Toolbox)
  78. Childrens weightlifting! weights of paper mache
  79. Baby Toddler & Preschooler Sensory Play Ideas
  80. Rachel @ T&E; : Taming Toy Clutter
  81. Easy picture hanger
  82. How to keep track of all those library books.
  83. Monica@DailyDwel ling (Blissdom wear)
  84. What do you do with old neckties?
  85. Saving and Giving (You Dont Have to Do It All)
  86. Maris Little Corner (Paying bills)
  87. Little Lizard King – Office Reveal Before & After
  88. Loving the life God gave me
  89. Making Shutterfly Photo Books – win a free one!
  90. Tracey @ Girls to Grow (Children Saving Money)
  91. A Busy Mom of Two (tracking food for weight loss)
  92. Laura @ Frugal Follies (Raspberry Applesauce)
  93. Simple lunches out.
  94. Tara @ Feels Like Home (stir fry w / basmati rice)
  95. The Gaines Gang {L.O.V.E.L.Y}
  96. Rocking Chair Makeover
  97. Adorable childrens tie @ Keeping It Simple
  98. Fancy Frugalista! (Make Friends with the Cobbler)
  99. Non – Anonymous Blogging – Melissa @CelluliteInvstgtn
  100. Command Adhesive Hooks Work for Me!
  101. Kathleen – - How do you do it all?
  102. ITWPF {Grocery Planner}
  103. Daily Dish – Magazine Holders
  104. B @ FrymanFour 3 tips
  105. Baileys Leaf (Help! My kid is getting picked on.)
  106. Mandi @ Its come to this (healthy fries)
  107. HoosierHomemade{ Winter Decorating}
  108. Tracking Success at Diapers And Hair Dye
  109. Angie – Earn Rewards By Searching Web & Tweeting
  110. KLee – evaluating resolutions
  111. Alicia – reading more books!
  112. Saving money on organics
  113. Sandra – one word resolution : self – control
  114. pennypinchinmomm a (homestead binder)
  115. Kitchen Stewardship (green alternative cleaners)
  116. Annie Kate (IMAX films on DVD)
  117. Couponomic Stimulus Package – Cleaning up
  118. Ginny @ makediff21 (Sock – Loss Prevention)
  119. All this for under $10
  120. Mamas Laundry Talk (Layering Crib Sheets)
  121. Contracting Contractions
  122. Houstonmom (pantry crockpot turkey taco soup)
  123. Muses of Megret (Chocolate Biscotti)
  124. Poop / Vomit / Rug (Harvest of Pearls)
  125. NeverBored (trying new recipes)
  126. Titus 2 Homemaker (help with goals / resolutions)
  127. Parenting Miracles (Two Things – Good to Go)
  128. Newlyweds (Redneck)
  129. Sonshine (homeschooling preschool years)
  130. Jodi @ one blessed mama (toy organization)
  131. Mamahall (MOPS)
  132. HSHearts&Minds; (Earrings for the Un – Pierced)
  133. TeriLynne @ Pleasing to You {My Friendship Creed}
  134. Johnlyn (Simple Homemaking Help)
  135. Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama (Soap Nuts!)
  136. Lori – Paperbackswap
  1. Little Sofa Makeover!
  2. Jenny @ The Zepf Life (Homemade Purses)
  3. ="http://www.theshoeboxdaily.com/2010/01/fly-much" target="">Fly Much? (The Shoe Box Daily)
  4. Sonja@ Granola Girl At Heart – Morning Routine
  5. Making Getting Ready a Little Easier
  6. Felt Valentine Fortune Cookies with coupons @ ss
  7. My Country Cupboard : Laundry Detergent
  8. Green Baby Green Mama (easy turkey chili)
  9. Bay @Queen Mother Blog (a little encouragement)
  10. CLOSET CRAFT ROOM Creative Storage / Work Surface
  11. Elena@MyDomestic Church – jazzercise w my daughter
  12. Spend A Little And Save A Lot (Know Your Pantry)
  13. Adventures in Mommydom (online idea organization)
  14. Brandi (Cut the Cheese Please!)
  15. Kathie @ Ramblings from my Kitchen Table
  16. Homemade wood floor cleaner (Household Mgmt 101)
  17. How to remove grass stains (Stain Removal 101)
  18. Health Home and Happiness (Silly Salt Grinder)
  19. Junkblossoms Distressed nightlight
  20. Mod podge SHOES
  21. {Weekly Organization Chart} Leslie @ Our Soft Spot
  22. ~Kristie (Brown Sugar Body Scrub)
  23. BeyondJustMom (tips 4 connecting w / $200 giveaway)
  24. Grandmother Wren – flatbread
  25. Mum In Bloom (Chocolate Cinnamon Scones)
  26. Mary Jo @ Covenant Homemaking
  27. Grateful for Grace (day planner & organization tip
  28. Bathroom Makeover Reveal by Snowman Hill
  29. Favorite money savers with coupons iPhone
  30. Moms In Need of Mercy (Tips for Feeding Toddlers)
  31. Superchikk (Easy Hand Washing for Little Ones)
  32. Kristen – The Best Tips
  33. Complete Master Bedroom Remodel @ Remodelaholic
  34. Nichole (kids who wont eat fruits or veggies)
  35. Musings of a Modern Day Mom (Coupon Binder)
  36. A Maui Blog (Blog anywhere thru wireless 4G tech)
  37. Kirstin : Great Family Game : Settlers of Catan
  38. Lisa@Blessedwith Grace (shipping made easy)
  39. Christy @ Embellished Bayou (DIY Drying Rack)
  40. Felt Valentines Topiary (Boatwright Family)
  41. Live Once Juicy (giving up dieting)
  42. A Cheap Pillow Makeover For A Less Shabby Look!
  43. Simply Practical (Recipe Collection)
  44. Julia @ Roots of Simplicity (Hand Shaped Bouquet)
  45. Kaye (This Product Really Gets Out Stains!)
  46. Butter or Margarine for Health?
  47. Remove food smells from hands while cooking.
  48. Jenny @ Just Jennifer
  49. everydayMOM (spelling for right – brained learners)
  50. Condo Blues (Craft Storage)
  51. works for me
  52. Easy Kitchen Recycling Bins @ DIY Newlyweds
  53. Start Dreaming (Home Intercom System)
  54. Danise Delights (Refresh)
  55. Norma Lee Good – Master Bath – Paint works for me!
  56. Kid friendly feeding – For the Love of Naps
  57. Magnetic Chore Chart @ Shabby 2 Sweet
  58. mistie – NEW BABY
  59. Redemption Unlimited (Restorative Afternoon Tea!)
  60. Kid of the Day
  61. My Favorite Things @ HowDoesShe.com
  62. HowDoesShe (toddler boy room decor)
  63. HowDoesShe (Shower Love Notes)
  64. Homework in the morning! (Moms Magic)
  65. HowDoesShe (Kids Valentines Card)
  66. A Mommys Blessings (Freezer meal plan after baby)
  67. Shortcut Scrapbooking / Journaling
  68. CAUTION : Graphic Hair Care disaster!
  69. Jamie (Suddenly Stay @ Home) – Energy UP!
  70. annies home – kitchen tip cleaning baked on grease
  71. Jessica @ This Blessed Life (Frugal Workout Tips)
  72. Jana (Sharpie markers)
  73. Readily A Parent (Hidden Veg Chicken Nuggets)
  74. Cindy @ Country Living Mom (clipboard for papers)
  75. Natalie @ TAOPN Blog (Check Your Junk Mail)
  76. Good Enough is Enough for Us! – - Becoming Briggs
  77. LaVonne (Cheap Entertainment / Exercise)
  78. Lis @ Small Change Adds Up
  79. PeacefulHome (child training tip)
  80. Kristi_runwatch (raising disciples of Christ)
  81. Crystal & Co. – Choosing Joy
  82. Mela Kamin – Making Crepes
  83. (Donnas Dayz) Multi tasking kitchen tool
  84. Beth @adjunctmom Makes Hot Chocolate
  85. Amber : From Plaid Skort to Trendy Bag
  86. Gretchen @ EOL (Slow Cooker Freezer Meal Kit)
  87. Tristan – 10 Unit Studies for $20 – WannaBe series
  88. Mission : Organization (prescription organization)
  89. My Heart My Home (My Grocery Shopping List)
  90. SWAP SAVERS (Save Money in the New Year)
  91. Rachel (Homemade Granola)
  92. Burlap on the Door @ Fun to Craft
  93. Pattern : False Pants Pocket @ The Train To Crazy
  94. 2 Sides 2 Schwartz (less sugar in sugary cereal)
  95. Organize & Decorate (Purging the Kids Rooms)
  96. Jill@findfaithfu l / KDG Roundup Redshirt Year
  97. Smart Money Mom – Storage Savings
  98. Germ fighting using colors (ilovemy5kids)
  99. The Duklings at Camian Academy (Daily Lists)
  100. Organizing Kids Bedrooms (Homemakers Cottage)
  101. RaisingOaksofRig hteousness (Chore Charts that work)
  102. Kara (helping kids scared of the dark and giveaway)
  103. Easy Yummy Healthy New Casserole I came up with!
  104. DIY Laundry System for Small Spaces
  105. Save Money : Freeze Those Veggies
  106. easy dulce de leche & recipes to use it!
  107. Bottle Wrap for Bubble Bath Bottles
  108. Tara@JustDevineS tyle – Valentine Gift Easy & Cheap
  109. Banner for Valentines Day!
  110. Tara@JustDevineS tyle – Fast Easy Scarf
  111. Brookies (aka Breakfast Cookies)
  112. A Slob Comes Clean (De – Grossifying Potty Training)
  113. Fly Lady
  114. Detergent for less than 6 cents a load!
  115. Thrifty Valentine decor @ The Little Green Bean li>
  116. Erin (1 Item In / 1 Item Out)
  117. FRESH POPPY DESIGN sweet winter hats
  118. Living Room Tour@Fearfully&Wonde; rfullyMade
  119. Buffie @ Never Quite Perfect (Playdough Night)
  120. Too Busy To Clean : Help a preggo out!
  121. Because I Must….Prayer
  122. Holli Hot Sauce!
  123. Mountaineer Country – Cutting Cable
  124. Conscious Shopper (Save time in the kitchen)
  125. Jennifer @ Adventures in McQuill – land (Grad Libs)
  126. GroovieMom – Cleaning up after sick kids
  127. Earnest Parenting – Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
  128. Heather – 5 love languages of teens
  129. taming the spit up beast @ blue ridge baby
  130. The story of my glass canisters
  131. Sanity and Teaching Reading
  132. Paula@Organizing Tips (Get Ready for Tax Season)
  133. Destination Seaborn~Aspire to Inspire
  134. Tara@JustDevineS tyle – Printable V – Day Card Holders
  135. Smart Shopping : How to get a deal & look chic SMLL
  136. Potty Training!


Get your free Mcklinky here…
Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

Winter Weather Fun {Giveaway}

My part of Texas isn’t exactly known for SEVERE WINTER WEATHER.
But somebody should tell that to my toes because they are so cold! We recently spent 4 days in a row below freezing last week and that’s some kind of record around here.
And before you make fun of my not-so-cold-weather *cough-yes, I’m talking to Northerners here* it’s scientifically proven (maybe) that since Texas bodies are acclimatised to warmer weather, when it gets colder here, we feel it just like when it gets (very) cold up north. So there. But don’t quote me on that because I sorta made it up.
But let’s just say it was too cold to play outside, so we did some fun indoor stuff, like BUILD A GIANT FORT WITH BUNGEE CORDS. Because that’s how my hubby learned it in Fort Building School.
This was a serious structure that encompassed our entire stairwell.

And all the spare sheets/blankets in the house:
Why, yes, THAT WOULD BE ROPE & BUNGEE (we don’t mess around):
This was the biggest and most sturdy fort ever constructed in my home. (I’m so proud). We left it up for days. My kids read books by themselves and to their little sister, ate lunch, played spy games and SLEPT in this home-0f-sheets.
It definitely helped pass the hours of not being able to play outside!
I’m participating in Campbell’s 32 Days of Winter Weather Fun and they are offering a $50 Visa gift card to a random commenter who share their fun ideas for those cold winter days.
Your comment is your entry and this giveaway will end next Tuesday when I announce the winner and share some of your great Winter Weather Fun ideas!

This post is sponsored by Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup who wants you to know that 32 feet of fresh egg noodles go into every can. For lots of fresh ideas about how to keep your kids entertained and the chance to win $500, check out Wintery Weather Fun at DivineCaroline.


Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

Steady Mom {Book Giveaway}

Updated with winners: Thanks for entering! Here are the two random winners: Care-in and Miki! Congratulations!

One of the most fabulous parts of blogging is meeting other moms. Moms that rock (yes, Moms like you).

I met Steady Mom (Jamie Martin) via Works For Me Wednesday.
Her new book, Steady Days is a journey toward intentional professional motherhood. It includes practical ideas, inspiration, schedules, worksheets and more!
“You already have the skills you need to be an incredible mother. Empower yourself by reading Steady Days and implementing the ideas to benefit those important little people who call you mom,” Jamie Martin.
Simply put, this book is a handbook for mothers.
And hello, if your kids are like mine (I’m currently scrubbing marker off my toddler’s door) than a manual sounds SPLENDID.
It’s an easy read that helps moms develop an organized parenting plan.
If you’d like to win a copy (I’m giving away TWO), please leave a comment.

Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

Her Name is Grace Because He is Amazing

This is the day I met my third child for the first time. I held her one week later, attempted to nurse her two weeks after that.
After God did a miracle in my marriage, I started dreaming of having another baby. A third child. We were already blessed with a girl and boy and thought we were done.
But then, we fell in love again. And it just seemed right that a baby come from our new union. . .
To continue reading, please visit (in)Courage

Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

Community Question/Discussion #2

Has your child ever been disrespectful to you?

That’s the big topic at my Blog Frog forum today.
{Come learn the tools that will make them stop in their tracks, leave their jaw hanging open and give you back the power you need to parent efficiently.}
Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

Buy a Valentine’s T-Shirt (adorable) and an orphan gets a new pair of shoes! This is what my hubby and I are giving each other this year for that sweet day! 100% of the money goes towards orphans!
Look how cute:

Photo bracelet-Oh my! I love this!

Writer’s Anonymous- amazing story of a big blogger…with a lot of doubts (let’s pray for her too!)
Craft Hope-you can send new hygiene items and donations to Haiti.


Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

Hi. My Name is Kristen & I Have No Idea What I’m Doing

So. I’m sensing a theme for 2010 in my life. It starts with un and ends with comfortable.

The first half, of the first month of the year, has me sweating.
Because there are 350+ days left and I think God likes me perspiring.
I’m not complaining. Actually, the opposite. I’m delighted to participate on a panel at the Blissdom Blogging Conference in a few weeks. {It’s the Get Published panel. I’m the Before}.
And I was invited to speak at the Christian Blogging Conference, Relevant, in Hershey, PA, in October. Is it hot in here?
Oh, and I’M GOING TO AFRICA!!! -the real Africa that’s a different continent from my family (and I’m more than a little afraid/excited/nervous/thrilled).
As if all that wasn’t enough, the other night we sat down to create a Family Mission Statement (post coming soon). We were brainstorming family goals and my 10 year old said OUT OF THE BLUE, “Mom, can you add adoption to that list and put ten lines under it?”
Before I could even comprehend her statement, my son, “Yeah, Mom. We’ve been talking about it and we want to adopt a kid. I’ll share my room.”
Me: ::::::::::::::::DEAD SILENCE::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I just wanted y’all to know that I have no idea what I’m doing.
And I’m okay with that.

Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

Win 3 Months of Advertising for $1


For a $1 raffle ticket, you have a chance to win a THREE MONTH advertising package (includes a 125×125 ad) on
We are THAT family.
Value $180
(open to all business’, personal blogs, family-friendly only)

Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

Please Stop What You’re Doing & Do Something

I believe everyone, can do something. Great or small, your sacrifice will make a difference.

  • You can give $10 to Compassion’s Disaster Relief Fund (added to your next phone bill) by texting “disaster” to 90999
  • Make a donation to Compassion’s Disaster Relief Fund here
Help Haiti Donate To Compassion International Banner
Compassion sponsors and donors serve more than 65,000 children in Haiti. At least a third of them live in the areas that were hardest hit.

I am asking you to please send a generous gift today to help precious children and their families, and to encourage others to give to Compassion International through your blog, Facebook and Myspace pages, Twitter account and e-mail. Please utilize every on-line tool you have access to. The people of Haiti desperately need our help and hope.

Compassion International is working rapidly to assess the situation and determine the full extent of damage:
• Sadly, we anticipate there will be many deaths.
• We anticipate thousands of children and families will have lost everything.
• We anticipate many of our church-based child development centers will have been destroyed.

You can provide immediate relief today.
• $35 helps provide a relief pack filled with enough food and water to sustain a family for one week.
• $70 gift helps care for their needs for two weeks.
• $105 helps provide relief packs filled with enough food and water to sustain two families for two weeks.
• $210 gift helps care for two families’ needs.
• $525 helps provide relief packs filled with enough food and water to sustain 10 families for two weeks.
• $1,050 gift helps care for 10 families’ needs.
• $1,500 helps rebuild a home.
• $2,100 helps supply 20 families with the basics for three weeks.
Due to the high number of responses it may take longer than normal to process your transaction.

Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

He Said/She Said #1

I’m so happy to introduce you to our first He Said/She Said post!

Three times a month, my hubby and I will tackle tough issues and perspectives…me from a woman’s point of view and my hubby from a man’s.

We’re going to go easy today and just introduce each other. [Next week, we're starting a multi-part series on Lust and Your Marriage]

You guys already know me pretty well, but I thought the best way to tell you about my hubby was for you to read the letter he gave me for my special box on our fifteenth anniversary a couple of weeks ago:

Dear Kristen,

2 young adults

1 college

1 plan – HIS plan

6 months from first date to wedding day

2000 dollars to our name

17 jobs – bank teller/teacher, youth/children’s pastor, sandwich deliverer, nutrisystem, ABQ youth/children’s pastor, church janitor, aventis, youth pastor, tutor, lawn mower, pds flunkie, forest, pds editor, blogger

7 houses – athens, benton, albuquerque, rio rancho, sunrise, sterling ridge, where we live today

9 cars - toyota, isuzu, mazda, villager, rabbit, chevy truck, saturn, volkswagon, pontiac

11 pets – navy, bear, bailey, snoopy, katie, zorro, zoee, alice, marshmallow, ike, sasha

1 adoption attempted

1 child we prayed for

1 child we needed

1 child lost

1 child we wanted

1 family complete

5 kidney stones

10 nieces and nephews

3 trips to national fine arts

4 dinner theaters

6 games of broomball

50,000 rehearsals, lock-ins, plays, prayer meetings, youth rallies, camps, puppet skits

750000 miles logged

2 pastors and 1 jerk

3 million decisions

1000 fights

1000 make ups

10000 kisses

6 trips to Disney

700 garage sales

200 antique stores

30 school programs

1000 car lines

1 horrible confession

1 act of forgiveness

1 cross for my sins

1 wife to woo again

1 broken man

1 marriage transformed by HIM

10,000 prayers

66 books of the bible

19 children’s birthdays

20 + trips to the emergency room

1 iweb program that spawned 1 blogger blog

1500 wake ups in the middle of the night

14 lost teeth

218 sick days

10 million blissful memories

50 hours of video tape

8039 photos snapped

9 visits from santa

1 commitment

1 incredible woman that i fall in love with everyday, over and over. 1 girl to laugh with, to love, to hold to share. 1 God that binds us together and keeps us focused when our vision blurs. 1 amazing life relationship that many yearn to experience. 15 years past.
an class=”Apple-style-span” style=”color:#000066;”>God willing many years to seize and live to the fullest.

I love you,

Your husband.

_________________________________
Amazing, huh? I can still taste the tears I shed from this letter.
You guys are in for a treat! He vlogged his:

Oh, yeah, but I cut him off a little because he started to tell you how I wake him up when I can’t sleep–
Tell us something about your spouse that inspires you in the comments!
Stay tuned for next week: He Said/She Said: Lust and Your Marriage
Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

WFMW- Avoid Toddler Tantrums (w/an iPhone)

Recently, I made a discovery that truly works for me: iPhone apps for Toddlers (by a smart company called Tantrum Apps, obviously a parent is the CEO).

Normally, I wouldn’t dare hand my 3 year old my iPhone. She isn’t always careful and let’s face it, she might try to slather it with peanut butter and flush it down the commode.
But sometimes life presents situations (um, everyday) where you have to wait with a toddler-doctor’s visits, restaurants, soccer games, grocery stores-and maybe you’ve recognized that these little blessings aren’t always patient. I’ve found in these special monitored circumstances, that the iPhone is ideal.
WARNING: I strongly suggest a rubber case for when it’s dropped.
Here are a couple of my favorites (that are free to download):
  • Toddler Teasers- This one is very educational and I was shocked at how much my little girl knew! It’s highly interactive and praises your child with right answers. My favorite so far.
  • Hatch-This was strictly designed for distraction and it works. The child taps the egg until it hatches open to reveal a small animal. The animal changes with each hatched egg.
  • I Hear Ewe-A really cute game that is basically animal/sound recognition. Cute!

Toddler apps work for me! (Oh, and by the way, I’M GOING TO AFRICA!)

Thank you for joining me for WFMW! {You can read the guidelines here.}

Have a Works-For-Me Wednesday tip you’d like to share? I’d love for you to join us! Please note that the links will close on Thursday, in order to keep away the spammers!

Was your link deleted? Click here.

Powered by MckLinky

  1. Smockity Frocks – Homemade Lotion Bars
  2. HoosierHomemade (Power of 3)
  3. Amy @ Finer Things (SHHHH)
  4. Indoor igloo (Mom Tried It)
  5. Cover Up Those Ugly Legs
  6. Weird Unsocialized HSers (Charger Drawer Labels)
  7. Muses of Megret (Easy Homemade Bread!)
  8. Getting Freedom (kitchen Oil Spritzer)
  9. Julie From Inmates (Meal Planning)
  10. Lynns Kitchen Adventures (Mexican Rice)
  11. Kristi_runwatch (ministry to the least of these)
  12. DelightingInHisR ichness – Dishwashr clean / dirty sign
  13. Hand Me Down Furniture Rehab
  14. Kris @ Eclipsed (Healthy Snacking)
  15. COZY TEXTURES of winter @ MooreMinutes
  16. Monica@DailyDwel ling (business cards)
  17. Kingdom First Mom – DIY Birthday Banner!
  18. Family DIY from the heart (Balancing BEauty / Bedlam
  19. HighImpactMom (Recycled Crayons)
  20. Real Life : Planning for a Blog Conference : BLISSDOM
  21. Recover a Lamp Shade
  22. Make Adorable Bookmarks from Christmas Cards!!
  23. Heavenly Homemaker – Healthy Five Ingredient Recipe
  24. Review books for FREE on your blog!
  25. The Frugal Girls! {2 – ingredient Fluff Berry Cake!}
  26. Bake at 350 {cookie decorating f.a.q.s}
  27. Can you make money Blogging??
  28. Peppermint Pleasures and Baby Blue Snowflakes
  29. ElizabethG (Some Thoughts on Recycling)
  30. This Side of Eternity (Coupons & $150 Giveaway)
  31. The Diaper Diaries (Teaching Manners)
  32. Penny Raine ~ love~
  33. Kayren (uses for your PASTRY CUTTER)
  34. Amanda @ TrentTribe (Thinking about Valentines)
  35. Raising Arrows [Keeping Track of Library Books]
  36. Moms in Need of Mercy (Feeding Kids& Picky Eaters)
  37. Prudent & Practical {Bagel Dip!}
  38. The Saved Quarter (10% Rule for saving)
  39. A Simple Walk (squishing toilet paper)
  40. Marsha@Taste and See (homemade healing lip balm)
  41. {So Wonderful So Marvelous} Supporting Conan
  42. Going to a CVS MinuteClinic
  43. Life in The Fishbowl
  44. NerdFamily Things : Cheap organizing tool!
  45. NerdFamily Food : Coconut Pecan Cookies
  46. MAMA BIRD (Tabletop Map for Teaching Geography!)
  47. The Junk Mail Folder – - Amy @ MomsToolbox
  48. Get TALLER baseboards CHEAP!! @ Remodelaholic
  49. FishMama (Tips for Pancake Supper Success)
  50. Lining a pan with foil – Wannabe Baker
  51. The Elixir of Life (Giveaway!)
  52. Christmas Trees are the New Teddy Bears
  53. Dont give up on your resolutions
  54. mombrud (decorating the Jan. blues away)
  55. Organizing your Shopping List
  56. Indulgences made affordable – daily deals on fun!!
  57. Making Projects from Only Craft Supplies On Hand
  58. HS Classroom (Have Older Kids Teach Younger Kids)
  59. YOU work for me! (Youll Crack Your Head Open)
  60. GROCERY CART CHALLENGE (bedwetting clean up)
  61. Sandra @ A Lot of Savings ( Favorite drink : TEA)
  62. Decorate for Winter
  63. Se7ens Ultimate Tie – Dye Event…
  64. MomsFrugal (safety on stairs!)
  65. Rache @ Trial&Error; : Keeping toys under control
  66. Creative2xmom (Frugal Family Night)
  67. Stretch Mark Mama (10 Ways to Reuse Cereal Boxes)
  68. Make A Cute Alphabet Game For Kids Using Beans!
  69. Sunnymama (shaving cream)
  70. Susan@Sinner Saved – effective cold remedy
  71. Amazing Valentines ideas
  72. Stop n Smell the Chocolates (Slow Cooker Recipes)
  73. Finesse Your Nest – Jute Balls
  74. Kim @justbeingamum (Nuts are Great!)
  75. Get Your Kids To Eat Vegetables – MAGIC recipe
  76. Saving and Giving (Money – Saving Tax Tip)
  77. TeriLynne @ Pleasing to You {Prayer Rocks}
  78. Maris Little Corner (spam in your comments)
  79. Little Lizard King – Hair Bow Tutorial
  80. Girls in White Dresses / Vicarious Winter Vacations
  81. Annie Kate (The Great Backyard Bird Count)
  82. Painting Pink Pajamas (Freezing Breakfast)
  83. Money Saving Kitchen Tool (Unintended Housewife)
  84. Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect (prepare for Blissdom)
  85. Tracey @ Girls to Grow (Simple Gifts)
  86. bright and blithe {simple toddler doll house}
  87. Bath Time@so much to say so little time
  88. Mamas Laundry Talk (Folding Childrens Undies)
  89. Hallee the Homemaker – Friends Help Blessings
  90. Tara @ Feels Like Home (weight loss!)
  91. Trixie @ FarmHomeLife ($ Interview with In – laws)
  92. The Gaines Gang{Distress Hem 101}
  93. Easy to Make Valentine Wreath
  94. NeverBored (lunch box idea)
  95. Read alouds are Contagious @OurBusyHomeschool
  96. Songberries / Cupboard Storage
  97. Mod podge mirror
  98. Gina @ Moneywise Moms (Birthday Li
    st)
  99. Keeping Bed Linen Fresh
  100. Homemade Cleaning Wipes @ The Ice House
  101. On One Income : Hanging up Clothes
  102. Lisa @ Sweet Sweet Reality – My Favorite Tips
  103. Pinecone Flower Wreath (The Boatwright Family)
  104. Graham Crakas – Quick craft clutter control
  105. Heather @ JustDoingMyBest (PeanutButter Playdough)
  106. Why to Sprout Your Grains Nuts and Seeds
  107. Mother Hen (Cookie Perfection)
  108. Alaina (A reward chart that works!!)
  109. Baileys Leaf (A Childs Thank You Notes)
  110. Ginny @ makeadiff21 (Who Goes First)
  111. Melissa @ Frugal Creativity (humidifier cleaning)
  112. To Love Honor and Vacuum : Weaning off TV
  113. Jeni @ Peace & Carrots (Warm the Bed!)
  114. Redemption Unlimited (Cleaning a coffee pot)
  115. Jodi aka One Blessed Mama (Women Blessing Women)
  116. From The Trenches of Motherhood
  117. Simply Sweet Home (shepherds pie)
  1. olive jars turned twine jars @ Quarry Orchard
  2. Jenny @ The Zepf Life (The Mom Binder)
  3. Jinxy Knows Best (Easy Yummy HEALTHY Dessert)
  4. Learning Tools (by 3xmommy)
  5. Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama (Mama Cloth)
  6. Little Changes to a healthier family
  7. Kim (Breakfast burritos in Bulk)
  8. Indiana Shannon (displaying Christmas cards)
  9. Stephanie@TeamBa betz (Are you listening?)
  10. Cara (Easy Homemade Beef Sausage)
  11. Feeding Four – Saving on your electric bill
  12. Natural Family Crafts (Forcing Bulbs)
  13. Vintage Ornament Display
  14. Superchikk (No More Static)
  15. The Duklings (Mr. Clean Magic Eraser)
  16. 5 Organizing Books in 5 Minutes (Red Chair Blog)
  17. Newlyweds (Gingerbread Demolition)
  18. pennypinchinmomm a (dream BIG!)
  19. ~Kristie (Speedy Soft Butter)
  20. Mary Jo @ Covenant Homemaking
  21. Veggie (movie reviews)
  22. Frugally Blonde (Easy and Frugal Sack Lunches)
  23. Johnlyn (Emergency Food!!!)
  24. In Everything (getting out of defrosting chicken)
  25. Kitchen Stewardship (get littles to eat PLAIN YOG)
  26. Green Baby Green Mama (meal planning #2)
  27. How to clean upholstery (@ Stain Removal 101)
  28. Tips for making grocery shopping list (HM 101)
  29. Ashley – Dry Skin Weapons
  30. Kaye (Honoring Our Fallen)
  31. Grocery shopping time saver!WWFM – Sue Heimer
  32. Adventures in Mommydom (beating debt)
  33. Gracious Homestead (Freezing Milk)
  34. Update your drinking glasses super easy!
  35. Missy@SimplyRed – Baked Potato Pizza
  36. Treasia@Stepp Into My World – Ms. Gorgeous Lamp
  37. Raise Them Up (Easy / Practical Winter Party Craft!)
  38. live once juicy
  39. Grateful for Grace (table manners help)
  40. FRESH POPPY DESIGN a bright happy baptism quilt!!
  41. Condo Blues – Keeping House Warm
  42. Liz – EASY & YUMMY Crock Pot Meal!
  43. Baby Boys Room@Fearfully&Wonder; fully Made
  44. The Prudent Homemaker (Potato Donuts)
  45. Slangman Kids
  46. Becca@Our Crazy Boys – Green guacamole (not brown!)
  47. Decrease disposables easy peasy
  48. staci @ teaching money to kids (kids in kitchen)
  49. Hiding a Messy Background in Photos {and GIVEAWAY}
  50. The Craziness of Tantrums
  51. Natural Health Goodies (How to Make Coconut Milk)
  52. Yogurt Smoothies and Diaper Boxes
  53. Bird Tree Canvases @ Simply Modern Mom
  54. Kara ($50 shopping spree)
  55. The laundry – a common tool for uncommon learning
  56. Mara@Mission : Organization (grocery shopping tips)
  57. Winter Wonderland Decor on the Cheap
  58. Frugalhomekeepin g (Zesty BBQ Steak)
  59. Jenni – giant chalkboard family organizer
  60. Tales of a Horvath Housewife (all – natural cleaner)
  61. leslie @ our soft spot {farmhouse table DONE!}
  62. AdventureMomJann a – Battle 4 children on your knees
  63. Saving unused onion (Moms in the Fishbowl)
  64. Young Wife (Make your own laundry detergent)
  65. Leslies Gong Show – WFMW Cleaning as punishment
  66. mistie (baby coming on jan 22nd)
  67. Kirstin@Loving Life : Appreciation Book
  68. Top 10 Organizing Tools Under $10
  69. Little Llamas – Lets go Junkin!
  70. Jamie (Homework stations)
  71. A Virtuous Woman (Establishing New Habits)
  72. Easy Valentine Basket Re – Do
  73. Adorkable : HandCream. Workouts. Filing.
  74. WFMW – Edible Toddler Glue
  75. Amber @ClassicHousewife (low fat high protein tip)
  76. Amber : Easy and Inexpensive Dinners
  77. Carrie (quick and easy pizza dough)
  78. Buffie @ Never Quite Perfect (tax paperwork)
  79. Candace (Dating My Kids)
  80. momstheword (saving childhood memories in a box)
  81. Rebecca at Turned Loose (pet peeves)
  82. Frugal and Healthy Semi – Homemade Pizza
  83. Alea @ Premeditated Leftovers (Half.com)
  84. Country Living Mom (color coding)
  85. Fun scripture art – SHD
  86. Elaine H ~ Cast Iron
  87. Chocolate World – - no cost sight seeing
  88. Home made Snugglies
  89. PeacefulHome (clean – up tip)
  90. Brandi (Make your own fondant!)<
    /a>
  91. Kelli @ SustainingCreativity (Cold Tangerines)
  92. The Sullivan Sitcom (photo Christmas cards)
  93. Anthropologie Earrings @ Robins Nests
  94. Pam – making French Baguette with 5 ingredients
  95. Sonja@GranolaGir l This is NOT working!
  96. Holly @ A Mommys Blessings (I love labels!)
  97. Jenny@LoveBeingI nMySouthernKitch en – Bourbon Cherrie
  98. Alison @ Hospitality Haven – homemade condensed soup
  99. WFMW : Multiplication War
  100. 16 waiting games and ideas (Amy @ withpurpose)
  101. Molly (Closet Cleaning)
  102. Life With Liane (Mexican Pizza)
  103. Mrs. Money (MAKE YOUR OWN SHAMPOO!!)
  104. Carolina Mama (Tips on Noodles&Co;)
  105. Judi@FrugalFroli c – Useless Kitchen Tools!
  106. Homemade laundry detergent
  107. Tuesdays Tips Organize
  108. My Heart My Home (Jesus Calling devotional)
  109. Simplified Saving (How to Earn More Swagbucks)
  110. The Eclectic Dabbler : Toddlers & Bedrest
  111. Fun Office re – do & an awesome burlap chair @ TLGB
  112. Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional!
  113. Cassie – Portuguese Sweet Bread Recipe
  114. Amy – Date Night with Hubby
  115. Frugal Avon Chick (Free Weight Loss Help!)
  116. Papier mache plate and felt cookies
  117. Anjies Blog : Toddler Tantrums


Get your free Mcklinky here…

Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

I’m Going to…..

Two years ago something amazing happened that changed my life.

I was brand new to the blog world and discovered a community of bloggers, like Rocks in My Dryer and Boo Mama. They were both talking about going to Africa with Compassion International and blogging their trip.
It was during that week on their amazing journey, that we welcomed our first Compassion child, Bereket from Ehthiopia, into our hearts. I’ll never forget explaining the work of Compassion to my children over dinner, showing them his picture.
We set out to help him. In doing so, he’s helped us. We see the needs of others more clearly now because of that boy.
We chose Ethiopia because we knew my twin sister and her family would be bringing home a new daughter from there. She’s home and, oh my, has my heart grown for the continent of her birth. I think of her sisters, left behind, working as slaves and worse, every day. I whisper prayers over them.
And then, I discovered Kisses from Katie in Uganda. I shared my heavy, heart-burden for the unbelievable life of sacrifice this young woman leads. You helped me carry the burden and together we bought $3,200 in chickens and blankets in just 24 hours.
Just this past Christmas, under the tree, was a package with our new sponsored child, Judith from Uganda, where Katie lives. She’s ten, like my daughter and they have already written to each other.
And today, just two hours ago, I sat with my kids as they lovingly and longingly chose a third child to sponsor.
Her name is Makena, she’s 6 and she’s from Kenya. (She was chosen because a little red heart marked her Compassion picture which signified that she has been waiting for a sponsor for at least six months. My son, “Mom, no child should wait that long.”)
My heart has grown.
And now, my life is going to change forever.
It’s surreal, that two years after discovering the blog world and sponsoring our first Compassion child, and even more recently, falling in love with a strange land I’ve only seen in pictures, that I’m going….
Many details, papers, arrangements need to be made, but one thing is heavy on my heart as I type this…I need to ask, will you pray for me?
Compassion Bloggers: Kenya 2010
Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

La Bella Jewels {Giveaway}

UPDATED w/WINNERS: Congratulations to Stephanie from Musings of a Modern Day Mom and SamnHal of The Married Couple (y’all email me, k?) The rest of you go buy yourself something nice at La Bella Jewels. You deserve it.

Four Layers of Love Sterling Hand Stamped Necklace - Thicker CharmsAll in the Family Sterling Coin Necklace - Hand Stamped and Personalized Just for YouAll In The Family 7 Name Hand Stamped Bracelet

Sometimes you don’t need words to describe something beautiful.
La Bella Jewels speak for themselves.
La Bella has been a long-time sponsor of my blog and she has fallen in love with the life-changing blog of Kisses From Katie. She created this gorgeous necklace, specifically for the amazing ministry that feeds, clothes, covers and even provides chickens for poverty-ridden orphans: Amazima (translated to mean truth).
And she’s sending Katie one!

This sterling silver dainty necklace is gorgeous, $30

She is generously donating HALF of the proceeds from this necklace to Amazima!!

La Bella Jewels is also offering TWO $50 gift certificates, to two readers today, winner’s choice.

Would you consider supporting Amazima by purchasing this beautiful necklace too, so others will know the truth?

Please leave a comment as your entry. This giveaway will close Thursday.
Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

Community Question #1

Today, in my community (sidebar) we’re talking about the parenting book Have a New Kid by Friday .

Question: What are some parenting areas you’d like to discuss: battle with a picky eater, talking back, sibling rivalry, bedtime, etc…??? Have you/are you reading this book?
You can post a question, comment, opinion any time, but I will be on there for LIVE discussion at 10 A.M. CST and again 1:30 P.M.
Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS

Guitar Hero 3 Year-O

Debuting her new title “Cinderella, the Witch and Rudolph on a Froggy Night”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98MVyqHiYuc]
I think I’m going to like the threes, mostly. (I added the mostly part, because this weekend, she locked herself in the bathroom, decorated the walls with soap and then couldn’t get out because of slippery hands. Oy.)
What’s your favorite age?

Kristen
If you have enjoyed or learned from this post, please share it:
  • email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • del.icio.us
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Add to favorites
  • RSS