Internet Issues

Just wanted to pop in and let everyone know that I am having issues with the internet. We have not been happy with our phone/cable/internet service and are in the process of switching our phone and cable service. It is a big mess and because our provided received notice that our phone service will be switched on Monday and somehow we aren't being allowed to access the internet. I hope that soon we will also have a new internet provider and I will be back in business.

VBS: Crocodile Dock

Last week was the first time that I have ever participated in VBS. It was exhausting, but so much fun! All the years I waited for Megan this is one of the things that I dreamed. I know that might sound silly, but I am so happy to be a mom and so grateful that I am able to do the mom things I always dreamed about.

All of the pictures from the week are on my mother-in-law's camera. All I have is from the evening the kids put on their program. There was a slide show with pictures from the week. All of the kids had a great time looking for their picture.

Megan said that she was not going to get on stage and sing and dance with her group. Much to our surprise she got up on the stage and did sing and dance to "Get Down." After getting down and lifting up several times I think she realized that there was an audience. She proceeded to the edge of the stage and started to cry as I helped her down. Bless her heart! We were very proud of her for trying.

Since the theme was Crocodile Dock the night ended up with a program by Silly Safari. There was an actual alligator for the kids to touch. Megan wanted nothing to do with it!

I am already looking forward to next years program.

Bulletin Board Makeover

After opening the refrigerator and everything sliding off of the front I knew that I had to come up with a better solution for Megan's creations. Especially since we had all the additional things from VBS and the start of our Homeschool Preschool approaching.

I saw a fabric covered memory board at the craft store. It was priced at $14.99 and wasn't very large. I started thinking about what I had at home and this is what I came up with.

There was a bulletin board that use to hang over our old computer desk. It has just been sitting in our third bedroom for a couple of years. I painted the frame purple using paint from my craft stash.



I had leftover wrapping paper from our birthday madness month. I used some spray adhesive Chuck had for drywall corners to attach the paper to the board. (I did paint a band of purple around the perimeter of the cork. That way if the paper was not perfect you would not see the cork.)

Next I attached ribbon using my glue gun. At the points where the ribbon crossed or ended I added a button with embroidery thread tied through it. I thought this made it look like the ribbon was sewn on.


After hanging up this up I wrapped ribbon around the pegs on shelf and tied a bow. I then glued the bows to the frame to make it look like the board was handing from the pegs.


Once it was hung up I realized that the placement of Megan's bed would give her too much access to the stuff hanging up. The solution was to switch the placement of her bed and dresser. Now little hands won't be all over this.


Since I had most of the material on hand this was a economical solution. The cost break down is $1.99 for grosgrain ribbon and $2.29 for the package of buttons. The total cost was $4.28. Megan is so proud to have a special place to display her things and that my friends is priceless!

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Sunny and about 64*. The high is predicted to be 84*. I am loving this summer!

One of my simple pleasures:
The smell and look of a fresh cut grass.

On my bedside table:
A Bride in the Bargain by Deeanne Gist

On my TV:
Disney this morning and Little House on the Prairie late this afternoon.

On the menu for tonight:
Per hubby's request: Meatloaf, Baked Potatoes, Corn on the Cob, Green Beans

On my To Do List:
Laundry
Clean Kitchen
Sort a container of Megan's toys
Babysit

New Recipe I tried last week:
None

In the craft basket:
Gift tags

Looking forward to:
A week at home. Only a dentist appointment on the calendar this week.

Homemaking Tip for this week:
Place a cookie sheet on the rack under what you are baking. If it spills over it is easier to clean the cookie sheet then the whole oven.

Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other):
Leanne had a great post titled Plan B.

Favorite photo from last week:
None this week. I still haven't downloaded my camera from last week.

Lesson learned the past few days:
To cut down on my clutter I really need to clip coupons, sort mail and magazines and put them away right away. If not I end up with piles of things to do and put away. Yuck!

On my Prayer List:
My husband and daughter
My niece to be, Faith

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
...I am with you always... Matthew 28:20

Please visit Sandra to see what other Happy Homemakers are up to.

Home...

is the nicest word there is.

~Laura Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie show

Aww, home. I have been volunteering at VBS this week so I haven't been home as much as I like. When I heard Laura speak those words on today's episode I thought how true!

We recently started receiving the Hallmark Channel. They show Little House on the Prairie weekdays from 3-5. I have started to watch the episode from 4-5 while making dinner. Such a simple thing that brings me so much joy! Although Waltons is my favorite show Little House is a close second.

I had it on in the living room and the kitchen since I was back and forth. I noticed that Miss Megan was very interested in the show. She even said "Mama, I haven't seen this show. I like it." Bestill my heart!

I have a very energetic little group at VBS this week. I am hoping to be around for the rest of the week, but if not you will know the little sweeties have wiped me out!

Bon Fire!

For some family fun we went to my father-in-law's for a bon fire. It was the first time that Megan had been at a fire.

We roasted hot dogs and marshmallows.

It felt strange to have a fire in the middle of July and to be wearing jackets!

I am always looking at fun, inexpensive things to do for family fun. I would love to hear what you all have been doing.

Happy Homemaking Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Sunny and cool. It is about 63* and the high for today is only 78*. I am wondering what happened to summer.

One of my simple pleasures:
Anything in a canning jar. It just feels so old fashioned and homey!

On my bedside table:
Bible, remote and kleenex.

On my TV:
Nothing. No time for tv this week.

On the menu for tonight:
Fish and chips.

On my To Do List:
VBS
Laundry
Clean Kitchen

New Recipe I tried last week:
None

In the craft basket:
Chore chart
Christmas gift tags
Craft display board for Megan

Looking forward to:
VBS

Homemaking Tip for this week:
Clean the grill after every use. That way when you are ready to grill you don't have to stop and clean it.

Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other):
Mandy had a great post about finding striving for a joyful life.

Favorite photo from last week:


Lesson learned the past few days:
Yesterday morning our pastor was talking about how having a simple life is not necessary about slowing down. He said sometimes it is about priorities. He went on to say that prayer and time in God's word should be a top priority. It really has me thinking. I guess the lesson I am taking away is that if I put God as my top priority then all else will fall into place.

On my Prayer List:
My husband and daughter
My niece to be, Faith

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17


Please visit Sandra for more Happy Homemaking Monday post.

Garden Bounty

The garden is finally starting to produce. I don't know about you but I am always anxious for the garden fresh goodies to start appearing. We had the green beans for dinner tonight and they were melt in your mouth good!

I am looking forward to a warm slice of zucchini bread and steamed broccoli to dip in cheese sauce. Yum! It really doesn't take much to make me happy!

Wishing everyone a great weekend!

Birthday Madness!

For the past few weeks it has been birthday party crazy around here! We started off the madness with my niece, Alison's sweet 16 pool party.

Then it was cousin Hillary's 4th birthday party. It was held at a place with go-cart, games and bumper boats.


Then it was off to Chucke Cheese for cousin Ethan's second birthday party.


We had Megan's party last Saturday.

We had it at my parent's with hopes of getting in the pool. It poured almost all day so there was no swimming. Luckily it cleared up enough that we were able to go outside to play "stick the kiss on the frog."

The last stop was Sunday afternoon at friend Reagan's 3rd birthday party. It was held at Bounce U. At first I wasn't sure about it because the kids were a little overwhelmed. The dad's jumped in on the fun and it ended up being a blast.



I am not sure who had more fun, Megan or Daddy!

Luckily this weekend there is no party to attend so we can recover. Since we have been on the go so much we decided to make this weekend a no commitment weekend. I have to say it has felt nice to say no to outside activities.

Even though it has felt crazy at times we have made some wonderful family memories.

Wendi's Homespun Laundry Soap

I decided to try my hand at homemade laundry soap. I decided to make a powder because it was easier then cooking it and I wasn't crazy about the idea of having to stir it before I did a load of laundry.

This is what you need to make a batch.


1 1/2 cups Fels Naptha bar soap grated ( 1 1/2 cup is what I got from one bar) $1.39
3/4 cup Arm & Hammer Washing Soda $3.36 for 55 oz
3/4 cup Borax $3.36 for 76 oz

The price break down is $2.07 to make this batch. It makes approximately 19 loads. That breaks down to $0.11 per load. I use a coffee scoop which is 1/8 cup per load.

To store my laundry soap I bought this snack container on clearance at WM. I believe it was $3.00.
I printed off "Wendi's Homespun Laundry Soap" and used double stick tape to attach it on over the word snacks. I thought about just using my previous cardboard container but after a spill of fabric softener I thought this would be better. It is certainly more attractive and will last for a very long time.


I also have a recipe for fabric softer. I am waiting until I run out to try it. I would love to hear if you make your own laundry soap or fabric softener and what your experience has been.

July 1957 Farm Record

My parents had this record book at their house.

It is my grandparents farm journal from January 1957 - October 1963. I could have done a little happy dance when I was told I could take this home! I hear that my parents have another record book but I haven't seen it yet.

I thought it would be neat to share an entry with you each month. I thought I would start with the July 1957 entry. My mom was 7 years old that year.



I find it very interesting to see the price of things from years past.

The handwriting in most of the book belongs to my grandmother, Mom. When I see her handwriting it brings back so many memories of her. Later in the book there is sometimes handwriting that I don't recognize. It looks to be the writing of a child. My guess is that Mom was teaching her children bookkeeping.

There are also receipts, bills and even a W-2. I love family history and the ability to have a peek at what life was like in days gone by.

Happy Homemaking Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Sunny and in the 60's. The high temperature today should be a pleasant 81.

One of my simple pleasures:
Watching children running, laughing and playing in the yard.

On my bedside table:
Nothing. I am hoping to make a library run this week.

On my TV:
Disney

On the menu for tonight:
Hamburgers and veggie packets on the grill.

On my To Do List:
Laundry
Clean Kitchen
Mow Grass
Work on Thank You Cards
Babysit

New Recipe I tried last week:
French Bread. I used the recipe from the Betty Crocker cookbook.

In the craft basket:
Nothing, but I am itching to do some crafting.

Looking forward to:
A quiet week at home.

Homemaking Tip for this week:
I can't think of any great tips.

Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other):
At this moment none are coming to mind.

Favorite photo from last week:


Lesson learned the past few days:
I really need to stop stressing about things I have no control over. Life is what it is and I can't control everything.

On my Prayer List:
My husband and daughter

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
A man travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it.
-- George Moore

Sun Dried Clay

Shortly after bringing Megan home she received gift of a subscription to Highlights Magazine. She was really to young at the time so I saved all of the issues. Now that she is older we are having fun going through the magazine and trying some fun activities. Recently we made sun dried clay.


2 cups baking soda
1 cup cornstarch
1 1/4 cup water
food coloring

Heat all except the food coloring over medium heat until the consistency of mashed potatoes. Allow to cool. Divide into fourths and add food coloring. After making your creation place in a sunny spot and allow to dry.

It was fun and I am thinking that instead of adding food coloring you could allow your creation to dry and then paint them. Possibly making Christmas ornaments for the grandparents. Have fun!

Princess Wands

The Farmchick made these pretzel sparklers for the 4th. As soon as I saw them an idea was born. I had been on the lookout for princess wands to go in the treat bags for Megan's birthday party. I didn't want to spend much money and thought these would be perfect.

I think they turned out really cute.


I bagged them in some leftover lollipop bags and put on a special princess tag.


I don't know about you, but it seems we are on toy overload much of the time. These were simple to make and I love that I wasn't including something to end up in the bottom of the toy box.

Snacking Made Fun!

I try to serve snacks that are fairly healthy. I have noticed that when serving veggies Megan and friends are not very excited about them. Here is the solutions to make eating veggies more fun.


I can not claim this as my idea. I saw it on a blog, but for the life of me I can't remember where. The kids loved it! There was nothing left at the end of snack. While eating we were brainstorming on some other combinations. A couple of good suggestions were celery, peanut butter and raisin. Making ants on a log would be fun! Crackers, cheese, grapes and pretzels was another suggestion. Who knew using the muffin tin would make the kids gobble up the veggies!

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Sunny and warm. It is suppose to be a pleasant 83* today.

One of my simple pleasures:
Laying in bed at night with the windows open listening to the sound of the crickets. Music to my ears!

On my bedside table:
Nothing. I will be sorting books this week and making a list for the library.

On my TV:
Nothing.

On the menu for tonight:
Spaghetti, salad & french bread

On my To Do List:
Megan 3 yr doctor appointment
Laundry
Tidy Living Room
Babysit
Make french bread

New Recipe I tried last week:
None.

In the craft basket:
Putting together party favor bags for Megan's Birthday party.

Looking forward to:
Megan's party

Homemaking Tip for this week:
Clean out the frig and straighten the pantry before going to the grocery store. It makes it much easier to put things away.

Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other):
None.

Favorite photo from last week:



Lesson learned the past few days:
I don't have to make everybody happy. As long as my little family is happy that is what is important.

On my Prayer List:
My husband and daughter

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
Does your life portray Him or betray Him?

Be sure to stop by and visit Sandra to see what other Happy Homemakers are up to.