Joyful Mother

Would You Turn Down Pearls?

I bought some pearls recently thinking they would be a good Christmas gift. Now, to be honest, I'm not sure who I will give them to. Oh well, I suppose I might have to keep them for myself! One place online that offers some of the best pearls you can find with one of the largest selections is Pure Pearls. Just take a look at the beautiful images of pearls on their front page - they are so gorgeous! If you don't know where to begin, they can educate you on which pearls would be perfect for you and they offer savings of up to 85% below what you would pay retail. They don't use middlemen so you get the best in quality and price.

A Beautiful Day

Now this is the kid of weather I am talking about - bright and sunny and 75 degrees.  Can't go wrong with that!

Today I counted all the Box Tops For Education tops that our school has collected.  We made $40 which is pretty good for our small school.  The boys and I got out and went to the post office to mail them.

I think tonight we are going to go out to dinner.  I doubt there will be any trick or treaters in our area.  We live kinda far out.

Finding Reliable Contractors

My husband is a painting contractor and, when he's not working for a local company, he is getting jobs mainly by word of mouth.  His work speaks for itself.  If you are looking for a good painter or any type of contractor, you need to ask your friends who they would recommend.  They will be honest, believe me!  So what do you do if you have just moved to a new location and you don't know who or where to ask?

If you will head on over to ConstructionDeal.com, you will find all the help you need.  ConstructionDeal.com will help you find reliable contractors in your area.  Since 2004 they have developed a network of contractors and service professionals that are ready to help you with your next big project.  At this site, you can post requests for free and will be connected locally with professionals in your areas, usually within a day or two.  They are a member of the Better Business Bureau also - doesn't that make you feel better?

Works For Me Wednesday: Recipe List Generator

I think I'm in love!! I love software and extensions and add-ons and this one, The Grocery List Generator, has went straight to the top of my All Time Favorites list!!  I've used this Shopping List program for a couple of years and have loved it and this new one is similar but is a bit more, bumped up, I guess you could say.

This week after I installed it, instead of adding a bunch of grocery items (which I will do over time) I added the recipes that I was going to prepare this week.  For each recipe, I entered what ingredients I needed and how many and whether or not to add it to the main list (for example, if a recipe calls for salt, I'm not going to necessarily add that to my list because I always have it on hand).

Over time, when I have all my basic recipes added to the generator, all I will have to do is click on the recipes I want to prepare and it automatically adds the ingredients to my list.  I made a double batch of chili over the weekend so I just clicked the recipe twice and added double the ingredients.  I think it is so cool.  I kind of customized it for myself and instead of adding a recipe called "Tuna Noodle Casserole", I added the whole meal "Tuna Noodle Casserole | Steamed Broccoli" and added the broccoli as one of the ingredients.  Makes mean planning SUPER easy. For the items you buy, without fail, every week, you can add a "recipe" called "Buy Weekly" and the ingredients would be those items, such as toilet paper, paper towels, bottled water, etc.  Clear as mud? 

Another tip, put your grocery items in categories that match the aisles of your favorite grocery store - makes shopping quicker and easier!! If you are a Firefox user, download Recipe List Generator and play with it some - I bet you'll love it. 

For more WFMW tips, please visit Shannon's Blog over at Rocks In My Dryer.

Blog Tour: Boo Humbug

Readers have come to love the eccentric characters from Skary, Indiana, in Rene Gutteridge’s popular Boo! series. Now, in Boo, Humbug! they’re back – and they’re stirring up a large amount of holiday havoc.  

It’s Christmastime in Skary, and the town is planning an original production of A Christmas Carol with a horror spin. As showtime approaches, things go very awry for director Lois Stepaphanopolis. She panics when she discovers that her marketing director loathes Christmas and that the audience has been promised not Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, but the real Christmas story. Can the actors pull off the improv of all improvs and convince their community to embrace the true meaning of the Christmas season?

Boo, Humbug! offers readers a delightful glimpse into small town, community life with heartwarming humor and winsome characters. And in the end, the true meaning of Christmas shines out bright and clear, in a decidedly un-Skary way.

Rene Gutteridge is the author of 10 novels, including the Boo series, the Storm series, The Occupational Hazards series and My Life as a Doormat, a Women of Faith selection for 2006. She has been published over 30 times as a playwright, and holds a degree in screenwriting, graduating magna cum laude from Oklahoma State University. Rene is married to Sean, a musician, and they have two young children. They make their home in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

You can find this book at Amazon by following this link.

Homeschool Happenings

I have family members who are interested in how things are going with the boys schooling.  I know I could start another blog - but I'm not going to do it!  I believe Joyful Mother encompasses schooling too so this is where I am going to put this!  I don't know if I will post daily or not but I will try to post regularly about what we are working on, how they are doing and what I am learning, too!!

Everyday William is working on different reading rules - such as the sounds different letter combinations make (oo, ay, ar).  He is doing very well and is reading beginning readers.  He is pretty excited about the fact that he can read and of course we are very proud of him.  He especially likes the days that we read a Bible story, he writes one line about the story and then gets to illustrate it.  He loves anything where he gets to draw!!

Jonathan knows a lot of the stuff he is supposed to learn in Kindergarten such as sounds, letters, numbers etc.  He is not too keen on writing but he doesn't mind practicing and I see an improvement daily.  He especially enjoys working on science activities with William.  I'll keep you posted!

Menu Plan Monday

My menu planning usually begins on Saturday - the day I usually go grocery shopping.  I am looking forward to this weeks menu - a lot of it will be using the crockpot which equals easy!

Saturday Dinner:  Chili with cheese, Crackers, Tortilla Chips
 
Sunday Lunch:  No Peek Beef Stew, Noodles, Salad

Sunday Dinner:  TV Dinners/Left Overs

Monday Dinner:  Spinach Tortellini Soup, Breadsticks

Tuesday Dinner:  Chicken & Dumplings, Cabbage

Wednesday Dinner:  Tuna Noodle Casserole, Steamed Broccoli

For more Menu Plan Monday goodness, head on over to the Organized Junkie - she has a new site!!

A Sunday Recipe

For all of you meat lovers, here is the easiest recipe in the stratosphere for you to make your family.  It's called No Peek Beef but it is basically beef tips and gravy.  I put it in the crockpot this morning before we left for church and when we got home it was ready.  All I had to do was boil some noodles and make a salad (and I used a bagged one).  I've been trying to be more frugal these days and I KNOW that eating out too much takes a big chunk of our money so having something ready to eat after church was a big deal.  I kind of balked at paying almost $8 for the beef tips but when I calculated how much the entire meal cost (around $12) compared at how much eating out would have cost us (at the very LEAST about $30) then I felt a lot better about it. 

No Peek Beef

2 lbs beef stew meat
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 small jar of sliced mushrooms (opt)
1 envelope Onion Soup Mix
1 cup water (more if you want more gravy)

Dump Place all the ingredients in your crockpot and cook on low 6-8 hours or high for about 4 (I did 5) hours.  Serve over cooked noodles or rice.

And there you have it.  I feel so domestic!!

Friday Felicities

Friday Felicities was started by Nattie as a meme where you list your felicities - which are things that make you happy.  Please participate with us by linking your Friday Felicities on the list below and letting your friends know where they can participate also. 

1. Sunshine in the forecast today - yippe
2. Going to see a production of School House Rock today
3. A visit from my sister and her family on Saturday
4. A clean house (with help from my guys)
5. A great realtor
   

This & That

No one participated in Time Out Thursday! That makes me sad - it's not like you had to do a full disk encryption or anything, just a little something nice for yourself!!  :)  We'll give it another try next week!

Today is the last Friday school for the month.  Today after lunch we are taking the students to see a play called School House Rock.  I am looking forward to that myself.  Anyone remember How A Bill Becomes A Law?  That was my favorite.  We are getting a ride to school today because the car is down - we have to be ready to go at 8:10!!  Yawn!  Later Gators!

Want My Car?

No, I don't suppose you do! I'm not too happy with it myself right now.  I've decided that I can be real patient and not complain for something for quite a few days in a row - and then, I'm over it!  I've been without my car since Monday and stuck in the house with all of this rain and now I'm ready for a little change of scenery.  It's ruined my plans for the weekend too.  Hopefully we'll be able to get it in the shop today but that will take some arranging.  Think about it - to get my car to the shop is no problem but then how do I get home?  Dick has a vehicle - a work van - but it only has one seat in front, the back in has all his work equipment and there's no seats for boys or car seats.  We'll figure it out though.

Time Out Thursday

I found this article on Nattie's blog and thought it was a wonderful addition for Time Out Thursday.  I am sorry I am so late posting this today - I just can't think of what I am going to do for myself today!  We've had rain all week and it is hard for me to get motivated to doing anything around here!  I think I am going to grab an hour after lunch, fix myself some coffee with my gingerbread creamer and curl up with one of my books.  That sounds like fun to me!

If you want to participate, please sign Mr. Linky below and leave the url of your Time Out Thursday post!  Point  your readers back here so they can participate, too!!

Take some time out for yourself!!

Works For Me Wednesday: Personalized Reminders

I didn't think I really had a WFMW post for today until I realized that I had just shared a new idea with a group of friends - so I'll share it with you, too!  Most all of us know and love FlyLady!  She has been such an inspiration and a great help to so many ladies!  (I was actually the first person to sign up when she started her list in 1999!)  I have joined and unsubbed from her list so many times.  I really like the daily reminders but some of them don't apply to me and I'm not really one to read all the extra stuff she sends.

So, here's my idea:  I started a new group on Yahoo groups and called it "Homemaking Becky Style".  I used the calendar function to set up my daily schedule and set up reminders for the items that I wanted to get an email about.  I add things to it as they come up.  I made the group private with no members because really, no one would benefit from my group but me!  I keep FlyLady's web address handy because I do love to keep up with her new projects and I love the daily missions.

Personalized Reminders - they work for me!  Catch lots more wonderful Works For Me Wednesday tips at Shannon's blog:  Rocks In My Dryer.

Hello - Who's Out There!?

I know I read a lot of blogs on a regular basis - some that I don't even comment on!  I know - bad me!  That got me to thinking, I wonder if I have any readers that I don't know of - the ones that don't comment? So, I guess this is my version of Delurking Day - but I have made it easy - you don't even have to leave a comment (unless you want to).  If you read my blog - would you please sign Mr. Linky below?  Please leave your URL also so I can visit you.  Yes, yes it is true - I do love Mr. Linky!!

Taking A Look At Monday

I spent a little time last night preparing for today and it has made a difference already because I felt like I could actually face my day!  Our carport/porch (no driveway up to it) was getting on my last nerve last night.  Jonathan had dumped the Rubbermaid containing the Thomas trains so he could fill it up with dirt so I had trains everywhere!  If that wasn't enough, he also dumped a lot of dirt on the porch.  So, while Dick and William were at a meeting at church, Jonathan and I cleaned off the porch but this time, the trains went into Dick's shop.  I'll get them out again if they show any interest in playing with them but I don't want them just hanging around, that's just asking for a mess!

I also cleaned up the school room.  It got trashed Thursday night while Dick and I went out and since we had Friday school at church on Friday, we didn't use the room.  Now it is all ready for school this morning.  I think the boys see it as their alternate play room and I'm glad they enjoy being in there but I can't be having that!!

Tuesday night the homeschool moms at from our school have a "faculty meeting" so I will be doing that this week - we take care of business but it is also a fun time to get together, too.  I hope you all have a great week!  What do you have on YOUR plate this week?

Menu Plan Monday

Well, it's that time of the week again - and I haven't done that well at following my menu's.  Isn't that the whole point?  It is a brand new week though and a chance to get it right.  I'm still stumped for Thursday.

Monday:  Spaghetti, French Bread, Salad
Tuesday:  Vegetable Soup, Crackers, Fruit
Wednesday:  Stir-Fry, Chicken, Rice, Egg Rolls
Friday:  Eat Out

Join me this Thursday for Time Out Thursday - where we take a day to do something just for ourselves!

Dryer Reviews

How many of you check out Dryer Reviews when you are about to purchase a dryer?  I know I didn't - it's not a purchase that you make too often and I know I personally go to a chain such as Lowe's or Sears and find one for the best price.  That's not necessarily a bad way to do it but I believe now that I would check out dryer reviews online before making such a purchase.

The main reason for that is because there are so many features to choose from - some necessary and some are more for ease and convenience. So, where can you find these dryer reviews?  There's a great site called wize.com that reviews all the features you could ever think of - such as cool down features and moisture sensors.  So, if you are buying a dryer, don't forget to visit them first!yu

School Pictures 2007 - 2008

What's interesting about this picture is that the week it was taken, William got hit in the forehead (I photoshopped that out) and he cut his own bangs!  I combed the bangs over so I don't think they look too bad.  He couldn't get that smile of his right this year but I still think it is wonderful!  Jonathan still has that boyish look on his face that I love!  Yep, I love those guys!!  (More than an Orlando rental home:)

Friday Felicities

If you have participated in Friday Felicities, please sign Mr. Linky below - be sure to add the URL where your Felicities are found.  Please click the image below to see Nattie's archive of Friday Felicities.  Don't forget - Felicities are things that make you happy!!

1. a night out with my husband
2. boys that enjoy having a babysitter come and play with them
3. no gray hair (for 4-6 weeks anyway!  hee hee)
4. new books to read
5. the ladies of W@H
6. fashion jewelry
   

My Son Truly Keeps Me Laughing and Laughing!!

Tonight the hubby and I went out - got a babysitter and everything!  We went to a Wycliffe banquet and enjoyed ourselves very much.  A lot of our friends were there and one of them, also William's teacher at Children's Church, had to tell us a funny story.

He said last Sunday in Children's Church one of the workers (Miss Sally) was talking about idolatry and what that meant when Williams eyes lit up and he raised his hand and said, "I've been to the Dollar Tree!!"  Doesn't that crack you up?  He said Sally cruises right along and said something like "that's good, William."

Idolatry - Dollar Tree.  LOL!

I Have A Reader On My Hands!

My six year old is laying beside me on the bed reading a book.  I love watching his face light up as he realizes and often exclaims "I can read!"  I have heard that often boys don't pick up on reading until they are little older - I was prepared for that but am also pleased as I can be at watching him read.  To be honest, I'm kinda psyched too that I actually taught him! I think he is enjoying reading more than he would chia pets.

Can I Be Honest?

One of our WAH girls has written a devotional book. I thought it was really cool that she had written and had published a book - not just anybody can do that, but you know what, I don't really do devotional books. Nothing personal, I just don't.

However, today I saw that Zoe had posted on her blog a link to a sneak preview of the book. I have to say I agree with Zoe, it IS amazing. It wasn't fluffy stuff that I think a lot of devotional books are (sorry). It's material that *I* can relate to. I wanted to answer the questions on both pages that were previewed. SO, let me say that I have learned a lesson today about assuming things. I very much recommend you check this book out!!

The book is called Pure & Simple Devotions by Marisa Gary.

Time Out Thursday

I have known for some quite time that I need to take time out to do something for myself.  I love being a wife and a mom but sometimes I let myself get lost in the day to day activities.  My plan is to start doing something just for me at least once a week.  I thought maybe creating a new meme might be fun to help me remember.  If you want to participate, please do!  Feel free to use my graphic (you can even direct link directly to it) and if you would like, come back here and sign Mr. Linky saying you  participated - I'd love to visit and maybe get some other ideas of things I can do for myself.

Today I am going to color my hair.  Now I know what you are thinking - that is part of someone's regular routine and can't really be considered as doing something just for you.  Normally I would agree with you but I have let it go for so long - putting in off in favor of other things, that I do indeed consider it as taking some time out for myself this week!

So, what are you going to do for you this week? Wouldn't it be fun to have a slumber party via telepresence?  I think it would.  You could do my nails and I could do your hair!

Fall Fever

It's been another beautiful fall day around here.  The word I think about to describe it is "blustery."  We've had lots of clouds and sunshine and it has been windy enough to fly a kite!  The boys have spent a lot of their day outside playing in the red clay dirt behind the barn.  It's 85 degrees out but feels a bit cooler I think.  It's a perfect day!

We had a good school day and I am happy that I found my groove when it came to teaching place value.  I mean, I know what place value is but for some reason had a hard time thinking of how to get the concept across for William.  I shouldn't have worried though - he picked up on it right away and even said, "this is easy, mom!"

Last night we went to our favorite Mexican restaurant and William was down right charming our waitress.  He tickled me quite a bit but it was getting to the point of embarrassment.  I want the boy to be confident for sure but not too stuck on himself!! *giggles*  When we were ready to leave she wanted hugs from both boys! 

I've been looking forward to making sloppy Joe's all day - and such a simple meal, too.  Actually, I make Manwiches because, you know, A sandwich is a sandwich, but a Manwich is a meal!

Oh yeah, if you are looking for a good gift idea, take a look at this animal jewelry.

Works For Me Wednesday

I have found some great kitchen tips online to share with you for Works For Me Wednesday.  Whenever possible, and especially if I am having guests over, I like to do as much preparation beforehand as possible.  If your dessert is scoops of ice cream - and this is especially wonderful for children's birthday parties, scoop the ice cream into a muffin pan that is lined with paper liners.  You can keep it in the freezer until it's time for dessert and then pop them right out into dishes.

An electric knife slices right through chilled cookie dough.  You can make mini pizzas with flour tortillas just like you do with English muffins.  Sealing a piece of bread in a bag with brown sugar will keep the sugar soft.  Revive wilted celery in a bowl of ice water for an hour.

These are just some of my favorites - you can find tons more by doing a simple internet search.  Anyone have a good way to organize jewelry without buying a box?  What are your favorites?

Ready For Another Giveaway?

I have another book that I would like to offer as a giveaway - actually two copies of the book.  The book is called Boo Humbug by Rene Gutteridge.  It is #4 in the Boo series.  I will be giving the book away on October 29th so if you are ready for a Christmas read, just in time for the holidays, you might just enjoy this one.  This giveaway is open to US residents only - sorry!   (If you are looking for a plasma mount, click the link) Please follow these instructions to qualify:

1. Leave a comment that includes your web address
2. Link back to my blog letting others know about the giveaway - you can copy and paste this into your blog if you like:
   

Becky from Joyful Mother is giving away the book, Boo Humbug by Rene Gutteridge. Sign up by October 29th for a chance to win one of two copies.

Wise Decisions

Yesterday I thought a credit card was the answer to my problems and wish I had one and today I was glad I didn't have one in my pocket. I am just not one that can control them very well so I stay away.  Some people know how to handle them and some people would be able to handle one if they could just get one but often can't because of poor credit.  When your credit is damaged, it can get you down in a hurry but there is help available.  At CreditNet you will find people and resources that you need to help you repair your credit - resources such as discussion boards, chat rooms and more.  People are ready to help you make wise decisions!

Mosaics by Amy Grant

Here are our winners:

1. ABC...Life at the Beginning of the Alphabet
   
2. Jen at My 3 Boys and I
   
3. Stacey at My Unfinished Daze
   

Congratulations!  Please contact me with your address.  I will get the book out in the mail tomorrow (maybe today if I hear from you early enough!)

A little summary of the book:  Grammy Award–winning artist Amy Grant has lived in the spotlight since bursting onto the Christian music scene as a teenager thirty years ago. In that time her work, marriage, and spiritual life have been subject to varying degrees of adulation and criticism. Now, in her first autobiographical book, Grant bares her heart and soul, giving readers an intimate glimpse into her everyday life and the lessons she’s learning along the way. From lighthearted reminiscences of her Tennessee childhood to painfully honest reflections on the journey of faith, her vivid writing draws readers into her world while simultaneously creating space for them to rethink their own perspectives on life. 

With honesty and depth, Grant offers poignant and often startling insights on motherhood, marriage, friendship, faith, loss, forgiveness, and redemption. Never-before-shared stories about her husband, country music star Vince Gill, provide a look into her life as a celebrity, while intimate portraits of her mother and musings on the past reveal the various pieces of a life blessed with jagged edges as well as vivid colors. Readers will find their preconceived notions of this music icon stripped away as they settle in for a warmly satisfying conversation with a gracious and wise friend.  To purchase a copy of Mosaic, CLICK HERE.

Special Books For Children

I received this book, "God's Special Gift To Me", in the mail last week and I just love it.  I've never had any personalized childrens books before so I did not know what to expect.  I was not disappointed at all with this book.  I am going to give it to Jonathan for Christmas if I can wait that long.  Actually I have to wait that long because the book came personalized with his name and from Mom and Dad and I had them put the date, "Christmas 2007" on there.  I did that mainly so I wouldn't give it to him early - I am that bad!

It's the greatest little book.  When ordering, I gave details such as Jonathan's age, his hometown and state, names of two of his friends to be incorporated in the book.  I can't wait to give it to him and to see his face when I read those familiar details to him.  This company, Personalized Stories, has a number of books to choose from - they have a great selection of Christian books but they also have fun favorites such as "My Trip To The Fire Station" and "Three Little Pigs".  Be sure to check out the personalized options for teens and adults, too!

This Is A Great Resource!

I am not very good at meal planning.  I never know what I want to prepare and trying to think of something drives me crazy!!  I do a lot of surfing around the internet looking for ideas, too.  Today I went over to Laura's site where she hosts "Menu Plan Monday."  Just this past Monday she had over 200 participants!  If you have time to look at different blogs, then I am sure you'll find something to prepare that your family will like.  Some of the bloggers prepare very elegant meals and some are very simple (in case you are wondering, I go for the simple).

After looking around for awhile I was reminded that I haven't made Sloppy Joes and I love Sloppy Joes!!  I also found some great blog reads!  So head on over to Laura's for some good meal ideas!!

Amy Grant Giveaway This Monday

This Monday is the giveaway for three copies of Amy's book Mosaic.  You have till midnight on Sunday to enter the drawing.  In order to qualify, leave a comment on this post and then link back to the same post letting others know about the giveaway.  I'll draw the three names on Monday morning!

I hope you win!!

Baby Steps Challenge

Heather has posted the first challenge on The Nattie Challenge called "The Baby Steps Challenge" and it reads like this:  Pick 3 books that you own but have not read and read them before 2008 or 3 books you have on a To Be Read list (but don't necessarily own) and read them before 2008.  My books are:

1. Saint by Ted Dekker
2. Illuminated by Matt Bronleewe
3. Try Dying by James Scott Bell
   

Complimentary

William has found that he likes to compliment people - it might be a waiter, a stranger - anyone really.  He told a lady behind the counter at McDonald's that he thought she was a nice lady - and then he ran off to play.  She told me that kids usually want a toy when they told her that.  I knew that wasn't the case but I didn't say anything (and she really didn't go out of her way to be nice so I think William was wrong there).

Yesterday at Friday School one of the other moms helped out in his class (I had the morning off).  She's a great lady and her makeup especially always looks pretty good.  She told me at playtime that William said, "You have nice lips".  She thanked him and told him that was very nice of him and he replied, "you didn't know that I was a nice boy?"  She thought he was cute and very funny.  It's just one of those things you like to remember - so you get to hear it too!

The Nattie Challenge

If you knew Nattie, you knew she LOVED books!  I've seen pictures of the books she had and she had stacks and stacks!  Heather has started a Challenge blog to honor Nattie and her love for reading.  There will be a challenge going on at all times and sometimes maybe more! 

If you want to participate, head on over to The Nattie Challenge and check it out.  (Yes, you can use this graphic!) Thanks to Heather for starting and maintaining this blog - it is a wonderful idea!  Miss you Nattie!

The first challenge is The Baby Steps Challenge - Pick 3 books you have not read and read them before 2008. 

Friday Felicities

Friday Felicities was started by my dear friend Natalie Rose, who returned home to heaven in June of this year.  I know a lot of you participate in Friday Felicities and I would like to see us all come together - a gathering of Nattie's friends.  So, if you are participating, please sign Mr. Linky below and let's visit each other.  Clicking on the graphic below will take you to Nattie's Friday Felicities archives.  If you would like to use this graphic, please upload it to your own computer first - thanks!!

(If you are new to Friday Felicities - Friday Felicities are things that make you happy!!

My Felicities:

• Gas heat (I never liked our electric heat pump)
• little boy giggles
• boys quoting scripture
• hot coffee on a chilly fall morning

1. Zoe 2. Cheri 3. Deidre\' 4. stephanie

5. Dawn 6. Jen 7. Jen 8. Lesley

9. Cynthia 10. Heather R.

Powered by... Mister Linky's Magical Widgets.

Spanish Autumn

Something you may not know about me:  years and years ago, Dick and I had a Spanish Exchange Student.  She stayed a grand total of maybe 2 months.  Apparently she was from a very high class area and our little school (and probably our little life) didn't appeal much to her.  I often wonder what it would be like for a student to leave their homes for a year.   If I were to visit Spain, I think  Barcelona and Madrid would be a good place to start.

There are plenty of Hoteles en Barcelona or (in English) Hotels in Barcelona - you just have to know where to look.  Cheaperthanhotels can help find the right hotel for you.  Hotels in Madrid?  No problem!  You can find last minute accommodations at not only hotels but also apartments and hostels in Spain.  The prices are great, too!

You can find more information on Spain by clicking here.  There is so much to do and the country is just so beautiful!  With the arrival of autumn, this time of years is also when the grapes are picked.  Know that that means?  Harvest festivals!  Grape stomping - sounds fun to me!

OK, I Have To Ask...

Are any of you Alias fans?  I know the show is now off the air but thanks to the internet you can watch every episode that was ever aired and that's what I have been doing.  I really like the show.  I'm particularly a fan of Michael Vartan, ever since Never Been Kissed with Drew Barrymore but there's another character that's pretty funny and provides plenty of comic relief - Marshall, the geeky tech guy.  Have you seen it?  Does he just crack you up?  I am going to share a drug rehabs link with you today.

Pants

The boys were given a really nice pair of pants a couple of years ago.  Trouble is, they were too big so I put them back to wait until they grew into them.  They are the weirdest pair of pants.  Jonathan just put them on and he is still holding them up with his hand otherwise they will fall off but you know what?  They are about two inches too short!  I don't think we'll get much use out of those - maybe a pair of shorts in a few years?  LOL!!

Works For Me Wednesday

(Don't forget the Amy Grant book giveaway)

I have tried a chore chart or two but I think the reason mine didn't work very well is because they got too complicated for my children's age.  Even though there are a lot of things that an (almost) 7 year old and a 5 year old can do, you don't have to put every single one of them down on a chore chart, at first anyway!

Last week I made a chore chart for my oldest out of a file folder.  I opened it up and made four pockets - two on each side - out of 3x5 cards.  You can get creative and decorate them anyway you like but for this one I just taped down 3x5 cards horizontally to create a pocket.  I wrote down two chores on each card that were fairly simple.  For instance, the first card said "Make bed, Pick up toys in room"

On the back of each card is a sticker that he picked out.  When he finishes a chore, he turns the card over to show the sticker, with his goal being to show all four stickers.  Like I said, it is very simple but it has been working well for us.  Today we are making a chart for the youngest.  When asked what he thought his chores should be he said, "mow the grass, play outside"  Heh heh!

Reminders and Stuff

Today is Works For Me Wednesday.  If you are in need of some helpful tips for your life, head on over to Shannon's blog where you will find plenty of them.  Who knows, I might just post a WFMW tip myself today!

Don't forget my book giveaway coming up this Monday of Amy Grant's new book Mosaics.  I have three copies to give out - all you have to do to win is leave a comment and put a link on your blog pointing people back to the giveaway.  Stay tuned for more giveaways!!

Tomorrow I will be reviewing the book Nobody (by Creston Mapes) on my Savvy Mom blog.  This was book was a mystery and I enjoyed it to the end!

Have a great day - the weekend is coming!  If I'm not mistaken, we are for some more fall-like weather this weekend - yippee!!  Need a Hublot?  Click the link!

Menu Plan Monday

Monday:  Pinto Beans, Cornbread, Coleslaw (Ham Hocks)
Tuesday:  Lasagna, Buttered Toast
Wednesday:  Chicken, buttered noodles, green beans
Thursday:  Scrambled Eggs & Pancakes
Friday:  Soup & Crackers

If you want to see what everyone else in the blog world is preparing, check out more menus from Organizing Junkie. By the way, I've never blogged about Mesothelioma cancer before but I thought someone might benefit from the link.

Do You Grind Your Teeth?

Sometimes I wake up with my jaws sore and I wonder if I grind my teeth at night or what.  That's what got me interested in looking at this product, a NightGuard treatment for TMJ.  It's a mouth piece that you wear at night that helps treat TMJ and will help get rid of your head aches, jaw aches, ear pain and other symptoms.  As their website says, stop grinding and start sleeping!

Happy Weekend To All

I love being a stay at home wife and I love homeschooling my kids - I do, but by the weekend, I am truly ready to do something different! Last night our city was doing "something" downtown. I am not sure what we were celebrating but the business' were open later and some were having sidewalk sales and live music. We took the boys and walked up and down for awhile. My oldest is a very social little guy and enjoyed meeting people and talking to them. He kept telling us "we're having a good time!" It was lots of fun and even the fact that flashing blue and red lights pulled us over on the way home dampened our fun (we had a headlight out).

Today was spent with regular stuff like grocery shopping but it was fun being together. This afternoon we were organizing William's "Drawing Room" aka the boys play area. This afternoon we plan on watching Pear Harbor again - chicken is cooking in the crockpot - life is good! If you are looking for something to do this weekend, check out the vessel sinks at Faucet Direct.

The Day Before

The world can change in a day. If you will follow this link: The Day Before, you will see four shots of places the day before world changing events took place. Among them include September 10th, 2001 and August 5, 1945. Just thought I would share this with you guys.

Another Reminder

I wanted to remind those of you who haven't heard that I am giving away three copies of Amy Grant's book Mosaic on October 15th.  You can sign up by clicking here.  All you have to do is leave a comment and link back to this post to let your readers know about the giveaway.  Three names will be drawn by using a random number generator.

And just in time for Christmas - I will be reviewing a Christmas book, Boo Humbug, on October 29th and will be giving away 2 copies on that day.  More details will follow after the Mosaic book tour on the 15th.  Stay tuned!!

How About That Design?

Fall is officially here whether the temperatures are or not so I thought it would be an okay time to put up a fall-looking layout.  We took the boys to a local pumpkin farm last week so I thought those were the perfect pictures to use in my banner.  They really catered to the children and besides tons and tons of pumpkins to choose from, they also had goats to pet (at your own risk) and feed and some sheep.  There was also a hayride going on which we skipped because it was still a bit too warm.

I think the children like the big haystack the most - or at least my guys did.  Odd though - they put it out there and then tell the kids not to throw it at each other because it might get in their eyes.  This is true enough and I'd just as soon that not happen but it is a bit unrealistic to say "go jump in this" and then tell them not tot hrow it around.  Maybe that is just me.

We ended up buying one big pumpkin at 19½ pounds and three "pie sized" pumpkins just for decorations.  I'd say a good time was had by all!

Massage Chairs

Have you sat in one of those massage chairs that you see in the mall?  I haven't, mostly because I usually have little ones and what would be the point for all three of us to sit in one, know what I mean? ::grins::  Can you imagine having your very own massage chair in your home?  I think that would be just divine!

Massage-Chairs.com can help you pick out the perfect chair just for you - massage chairs are all they do!  They have a buyers Guide consultation page where you enter your height, age, weight and physical condition, plus other information, and they will recommend a chair that is a perfect fit for you.  I'm not picky - I think any of them would be awesome!!  For more information, be sure to request the brochure that they have available in both print and online.

Couldn't Ask For A Nicer Day

I've got to tell you, it is a very lovely day in my part of the country.  We're having "recess" right now.  The boys are playing chase under the pecan trees and I am enjoy their smiles and hearing their laughter as they have so much fun.

I decided to bring the laptop outside while they play.  There is a warm breeze blowing and it is just so nice.  Part of the time I feel the warmth of the sun on my face and part of the time a very slight chill that brings the promise of Fall weather that is surely just around the corner.  My life is not without problems but I can very easily say that I live a blessed one.  Want to hear some of my blessing?

I have two happy, healthy, active little boys.  Sometimes the active part can get a little frustrating but I wouldn't trade any of the times I've had with them for anything.  It wasn't that long ago that I was still in waiting and wondering mode - hoping and trying to believe that someday I would have children.  Blessed indeed.  Joyful even.

I have a husband that is my opposite in many ways but has actually turned out to be a good thing!  My wish list of qualities in a husband were not very long when I was younger.  I wanted a godly man who lived lived out his faith everyday - not just have a Sunday relationship and I wanted a man who loved me.  I have truly received these things and so much more.

My family is awesome and my friends are beyond compare.  My home, although it has a long to do list of home improvement projects, is a dream come true for us.  Lots of room inside and out.

I could just as easily focus on my health issues, flaws and inconsistencies but have found that does nothing for my attitude or well-being.  Counting your blessings really does help!           

!Wednesday Me For Works

That's right, today is the backwards edition of Works For Me Wednesday.  Instead of leaving a tip, we are asked to ask for a tip. 

Mine is very simple.  I would like for as many people as possible to leave me a comment letting me know what kind of home management system they use.  You can be as brief or as long as possible.  You may just say FlyLady and leave it at that OR you might give me a tip that you found works for you that nobody has ever mentioned before.  That would be awesome!  We are all different and what you might think should work for everyone just doesn't.  I don't have to deal with ironing shirts but I do have constant laundry..see what I mean?

So that is what I am interested in.  You can check out other requests by clicking the banner above.

And don't forget about my book Giveaway (Amy Grant's new book)

Coverplay

Mommies of young ones will want to know about this product, coverplay.  It is a product for play yards and it solves the problem of dirty play yards and if you are worried about germs then you can rest easy since using the cover reduces the amount of contact your child has with the play yard.  Covers for the pack and play are also available.  Not only does it cover and protect but it also turns your boring blue (or whatever color) play yard into a colorful and fun play yard that is sure to tickle your children (plus it is also pediatrician recommended!).

I'm Giving Away Three Copies!!

I just received my copy of Amy Grant's new book, Mosaics.  I am looking forward to finding a few minutes this afternoon to start reading.  I first saw Amy in concert when I was a teenager - probably somewhere in the late 80's.  I've always liked her music and now I am eager to read more about her life and her family and her faith.

Interested in winning a (one of three) copy of Amy's book?  Here's how you can win:

• Leave a comment below, if you have a favorite song of Amy's please share!
• Comments will be open until Monday, October 15.  A random number generator will be used to draw 3 winners
• Link back from your blog to let your readers know about this giveaway.

Good Luck

Consider This

It will be no surprise to anyone that I struggle with my weight. I won't even go there but I will share something that gives me hope - something that says to me "this is it". Sure there are a lot of different ways to lose weight - I guess I would share and say this is one of them - and I will daresay it is one of the most healthiest ways to lose weight. I'm still trying and this is my goals: to eat healthy and live long, not just be thin.

http://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2007nl/sep/if.htm