Confessions of a Wacky SAHM!!!!

Blog has moved

2010-01-18T20:23:00.001-06:00

I have moved my blog over to our family website, so please stop by anytime!

The Leslie Family table of 4!

Long awaited update

2009-03-29T22:35:00.004-05:00

Well I have been a slacker, a blog slacker, and for that I am sorry. Let's see hmmm... what's been going on...

Tyler loves going to school and I think that is so awesome! I talked with his teacher at parent teacher conferences and he is improving and she thinks he would benefit by going to school a third day. I think he would as well. He asks me everyday if he can go, now I know at some point that will change. So he will now go M,T,W. We have his IEP meeting in a few weeks so I will have more to report then. I am thinking of getting him into some sort of KDO program through a church or the zoo, if we can swing the tuition part. He needs that during the summer, I need that, because he will be lost without school and friends.

Eric thankfully is still employed at Cessna. He has been quite the handyman around here the last few months. He has installed new ceiling fans in the living room and in the boy's room. He has also put up a new sensor light out front above the driveway. Oh and how can I overlook the new swing set he put together for the boys. I am so very blessed to have him as my husband.

Owen is a busy little guy. He is getting taller, watch out Tyler I think he may catch up to you soon! Owen is in Rainbows, every other week Karen comes and works with him. He is behind in his speech, we think he may be able to say/do more than he lets on. His new trick is to get on the dinning room table and sit in the middle of it. Little stinker!

As for me I am trying to keep busy and sane.

Hope you all have a great week and I will get some pictures posted soon!

Spring Break 2009

2009-03-15T22:30:00.002-05:00

I guess you would say we had our "Spring Break" early, so now I have to figure out what to do to keep my children occupied this week. Tyler would go to school every day if he could, just wait a few years and it will be the polar opposite, I'm sure!LOL He asks me EVERYDAY to go. I know we can go to the zoo and parks. I think we may go hang out at a church playgroup or two.

I might even do some spring cleaning and planting this week.

MAKE UP YOU MIND!

2009-03-12T22:25:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I am well aware I live in Kansas and it is notorious for weather changes, but this is nuts!

10-Day Forecast

NEW: Larger Radar Maps & No Ads

		High / Low (°F)	Precip. %
Tonight Mar 12	Cloudy	27°	10 %
Fri Mar 13	Cloudy	43°/30°	10 %
Sat Mar 14	Mostly Cloudy	54°/36°	10 %
Sun Mar 15	Partly Cloudy	64°/40°	10 %
Mon Mar 16	Mostly Cloudy	71°/43°	10 %
Tue Mar 17	Partly Cloudy	74°/46°	10 %
Wed Mar 18	Mostly Sunny	73°/43°	0 %
Thu Mar 19	Partly Cloudy	69°/46°	0 %
Fri Mar 20	Few Showers	62°/40°	30 %
Sat Mar 21	Partly Cloudy	61°/40°	10 %
Last Updated Mar 12 10:11 p.m. CT

Going forth

2009-03-12T22:18:00.002-05:00

While I was on vacation it was brought to my attention that I sometimes forget, not intentionally, to update family on all aspects of our lives. So from here on out I will try my best to do a family update at least weekly.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-11T09:12:00.002-05:00

I let Owen get in the back seat of the van to crawl in his seat while I put the cart up( right next to the van) and walk around to his side to strap him in and this is what I found.

Myrtle Beach Trip!!

2009-03-10T12:12:00.007-05:00

As I promised here are some of my favorite pictures/ video. There is a link to all the pictures at the bottom of post.

Tyler running on the beach!

Tyler,Kory, and Owen playing in the sand!

Good morning!

Tyler on Grandpa's sholders at the aquarium.

Grandma and Tyler working on a puzzel

More fun in the sand

Tyler and mommy on the beach together

The sand feels so good on my feet!

Owen running toward the ocean!

Please ignore my commentary in this first video, just yelling at my children. LOL

Now for some details from the trip. The plane trip out was ok, until the last flight. Mommy had had enough and the rude flight attendant at the gate in Atlanta did not help! In short we made it there, stressed out mommy but we got there!

While there I got to see many family members I have not seen in 18yrs, and some I have never met.
We went and played on the beach every good weather day we could.
Grandma took Tyler to the library twice for story time.
We went to George Town and walked around and went to a cool bakery and had some yummy snacks.
The boys and I went for walks and got souvenirs at the gift store.
We went out to eat with the family twice.
We went to Ripply's Aquarium
Ate at The Hard Rock cafe
Went to the Mall and walked around and had lunch.

We had so much fun seeing everyone! Thank you to all that made it possible for us to be there!

Where oh where is my post??

2009-03-08T23:01:00.002-05:00

I know I said I would be making a post about vacation. It is forthcoming! I have just been trying to get back in the swing of things here. I think we are all catching or have this lovely cold/cough thing for the second time. So I have been going crazy with the Clorox and Lysol. I do not want any more sickies!

I am off to bed, so I will post more later.

Back from Vacation!!

2009-03-04T07:46:00.003-06:00

We are back from Myrtle Beach, Sc. We got back a day late due to weather in Atlanta. I need to get back into the swing of things today. Tyler has school and Owen has the Rainbow lady coming to work with him. I will be posting my picasa link in my next post about our trip.

TTFN!

Jen

Menu Plan Monday

2009-02-01T20:47:00.004-06:00

Let me start by saying I LOVE TO MENU PLAN!!! I can plan two weeks out sometimes, but most often it is just weekly. I am a member of a Cooking Co-opp. We swap meals once a month. The number of meals vary depending of the number of participants for the month.

I also feed my freezer once a week or so. This way I always have extra meals on hand. I also plan mine out Sunday through Saturday.

Sunday	Chicken & Cheese Enchiladas (I used Beef) FREEZER MEAL
Monday	French Bread Pizza (SWAP MEAL)
Tuesday	Crockpot Brown Sugar Chicken FREEZER MEAL
Wednesday	Spaghetti Meat Balls (Spaghetti sauce in place of bbq)
Thursday	Mini Shepherd's Pies Recipe (Swap Meal)
Friday	3 Cheese baked ziti (Swap Meal)
Saturday	CROCKPOT BARBECUED CHICKEN

...AND For more Menu Plan Monday participants jump on over to visit Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie! Lots of good eats over there... :)

Talk about Tuesday

2009-01-27T09:52:00.002-06:00

As you can see I have a countdown to my Myrtle Beach trip. It is going to be just me and the boys (2) and (4) years old. Does anyone have helpful tips for:

Packing
Traveling with two by myself
Any list that might help in packing
How do I handle flying with them?
How would you handle all the carry on bags and two small children?

In general I am looking for alll the helpful advice I can get. The trip just seems so overwhelming to me right now.

Thank you for any advice you have!

Visit Lara at the Lazy Organizer to see what others are talking about.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-01-25T22:59:00.004-06:00

Monday, January 26, 2009
	Dinner	Eating at Home	Crock Pot~ Pot Roast
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
	Dinner	Eating at Home	Freezer Meal~ Stuffed Shells
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
	Dinner	Eating at Home	Left Overs
Thursday, January 29, 2009
	Dinner	Eating at Home	CROCK POT MAIN DISH ~ see blog
Friday, January 30, 2009
	Dinner	Eating at Home	Lasagna ~ Freezer meal
Saturday, January 31, 2009
		MNO~ Boy's eat pizza

For more great menu plans, check out Menu Plan Monday.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-01-17T22:46:00.009-06:00

Monday: Chicken & Cheese Enchiladas (Substituting Beef for the Chicken)
Tuesday: Crockpot Brown Sugar Chicken
Wednesday: BUNCO NIGHT Mac & Cheese and Nuggets
Thursday: LEFTOVERS
Friday: Taco soup ans homemade bread
Saturday: Ravioli casserole
Sunday: LEFTOVERS

Please visit Laura for more Menu talk!

A walk down memory lane, Owen's birth story

2009-01-17T21:09:00.003-06:00

Short version:

Owen Patrick

01/18/2007

12:29 pm

9lb/ 13oz/ 21inch

8 and 9 on apgards

Owen’s original due date was 01/15/07; well he had to be evicted!! We had to be at Wesley at 5:00am on Thursday the 18^th. We got there and to our room and all settled in. I had an older nurse who was a bit flaky if I do say so myself, although she had been at Wesley a long time.

Here is my last prego belly shot at 40 weeks and 3 days.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

This time around I was calmer and knew what to expect. With Tyler the whole induction experience was good, but I felt totally off in la,la land. That was before the drugs even!! LOL

They started the pit at 6:00am. I was at a 3-4 cm when they checked me the first time. I was able to handle the contractions very well, seeing how I could not feel them. I did get to get out of the bed and walk around and what not for about 20 min. That was nice, last time I felt like I was held captive in the bed.

Around 9:00am they broke my water, started to feel a little of the contractions but not much. They only had to have the pit up to 20. When they checked me about 30 min after my water breaking I was at 4-5 cm. I started to feel the contractions a bit more and had asked about Newbain to take the edge off. Well I am glad I went for the Epi instead.

At around 11:30 the WITCH that gave me my Epi came. I have no clue if she knew what the HELL she was doing, but I was hunched over sitting up putting all the presser on my belly. It took her 30 FLIPPEN minutes!!!! She kept hitting bone and it hurt like hell on top of being in what I now know was full blown hard labor. When she got done I was still in much pain and said that I was having some pressure, like having to poop. So the nurse checked me and I went from a 4-5 to being at 10cm and complete and baby was right there!!!! They had to hurry and get the epi caught up so they had to get the head guy to come and ok it. The contraction pain had stopped, but I was still feeling presser in my tail bone area. Well that finally moved to where it needed to be at in the birth canal.

My Mom made it just in time to be there!!! So did Dr. Craddock!!! I started to push and only did so for about 5 minutes or so. Owen did get his shoulders stuck coming out but just for a sec.

He was born at 12:29 pm. I only had a 2^nd degree tear. I had a 3^rd degree with Tyler. Owen was healthy. I on the other hand had some issues with my blood presser being low. I normally have a lower bp so it did not take much to make me feel like crap. It was due to the Epi meds, this also happened last time as well. I was unable to start Breast feeding right a way.

We did try to BF and thought it was going to work, but in the end it did not. So we are a bottle fed baby just like big brother was!!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-01-14T09:27:00.002-06:00

BABY NO MORE

You can find more Wordless Wednesday here.

Talk about Tuesday

2009-01-12T23:36:00.002-06:00

Wow I have not done one of these in a while. Here goes! This week I am talking about a movie I made for my youngest 2nd birthday. I make one every year for each of my boys.

Visit Lara at the Lazy Organizer to see what others are talking about.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-01-11T23:15:00.004-06:00

I have not done one of these in a while. Here is a rundown of how it works.

Each week over 200 ladies share what’s on their menus for the week and we’d love to have you join us! It’s a wonderful opportunity to keep your menu planning efforts on track week after week not to mention the many great ideas and recipes that come from reading the menus of the many other participants.

Sorry I don't have more links to go with this.

Monday: Chili

Tuesday: Leftovers

Wednesday: BUNCO ~~~ Boy will be having sandwiches

Thursday: Breakfast for dinner

Friday: Lasagna

Saturday: Swap meal- Tuna casserole

A 10 !!

2009-01-10T13:15:00.002-06:00

So today I thought to myself, hummm.. your size 12 jeans keep falling down, maybe you should just for laughs try on the size 10 pair. I did and........

THEY FIT!!! THEY FIT!!!

They may be just a little snug, but I can get into them without laying on the bed!!!!
OMG!! I am so happy!! I have not been in a 10 since before (3yrs ago) I got pregnant with Monkey Boy!!!!

I know to some this may seem silly or like a brag, but it is neither! For my height and stature this is great!! At my heaviest I was in a size 14. I still have 21 more pounds to loose to be at my goal.

Meals,Meals,Meals!

2009-01-09T12:46:00.003-06:00

I have talked about this before on my other blog. I just thought I would share again.

I participate in my Moms group Meal Swap (Cooking Co-opp)

Here are the details:

Make the same meal to be frozen for each member of the exchange. This can be something that is precooked and just needs to be warmed, or something that needs to be cooked completely. So, like this time we had 6 participants , 3 of us are counted twice, so that made 9. I made two different meals, 9 of each. We meet up at the mall and all trade meals. So we all go home with a freezer worth of food.

Here are some pictures I took while making my second meal.

Ravioli Casserol

This is the cottage cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese mix

Here we have the Ravioli cooking

Spaghetti Sauce ready and waiting

I made 4 at a time

The finished product!

Here are pictures of my two freezers full.

TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!!

2009-01-08T09:07:00.003-06:00

I got Owen's blanket done last night. I am very pleased with myself. I actually finished a project that I started!! These blankets are sooooo freaking easy to make. I think I know what the gifts will be next year for Christmas!! Thanks for looking!!

Routines??

2009-01-07T09:02:00.004-06:00

So I need to get a better routine established. One that includes working out in it along with all the other glamorous things I get to do every day. Not sure how to do this. I thought I had a schedule that would work, but I just need to figure out how to stick to it, or even get in the grove of it here it is. Should I change it around? What parts if so? Thanks for any input!!

	Jen's Daily Routine
7:00	Wake Up/coffee/check calendar/email	Daily
7:30	Wake Up boys/breakfast/vitamins/unload dishwasher & reload	Monday/Wednesday
	Get meat/dinner out to thaw/put in crockpot if needed	Monday
8:00	Get self dressed and ready for day	Friday
9:00	Get boys dressed for day / brush teeth	Tuesday/Thursday
9:15	Start daily task (work at it 15 minute at a time)	Monday/Wednesday/Friday
9:45	Run errands (library, mail letters, bank) if needed	Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday
9:45	Play dates/walks/playroom
10:15
10:30	Leave for Musikgarten @10:45
11:15	Lunch
11:45PM	Tyler on bus
12:00	Owen nap time/ quite time
12:30	Work out dvd/video elliptical
12:30	Alternate Work out dvd/video elliptical
1:15	daily task (finish up)
3:50	Eric comes home
4:00	Play time with daddy - both
3:45	Tyler gets home from school
4:15	Start dinner
4:50	Boys clean up toys
5:00	Dinner time
5:30	clean up dinner
5:45	Start bedtime routine/ get pjs / get the giggles out/clothes read for next day
6:00	bath night
6:15	PJs on / brush teeth
6:25	Read books in bedroom
6:45	Last drink/potty
6:55	Lights off- bed time
7-10:30	me/daddy time
10:00	shower/read
11:15	bedtime

A bit of heaven for the mouth!

2009-01-05T15:22:00.001-06:00

The other day while doing the grocery shopping, I thought I would treat my-self by using my Starbucks gift card. I thought I would try something new, so I did.

Starbucks' Caramel Apple Cider is the best!!!!

You must try this if you have not!!!!

Fleece Throw No Sew Free Pattern

2009-01-05T11:39:00.002-06:00

Here is the link I found, I am sure there are more if you Google it. http://collectibles.about.com/od/valuableresources/ss/blfleecethrow.htm

Although the throws can be made in any size desired, since most fleeces are sold in approximately 54' widths, the ones I've done are 54" by 54.

Gather supplies

1 1/2 yards of patterned fleece
1 1/2 yards of coordinating (solid) fleece
sharp scissors
large straight pins

Instructions

Spread out both pieces of fabric on a large flat surface.
With right sides facing OUT, smooth fabric out until there are no wrinkles or fabric bunching.
Pin the two pieces together a few inches from the edges, don't worry if one piece is slightly larger than the other.

Trimming the edges

Trim off the unsightly selvage edges of the fabric
Also trim the fabric so that both pieces are the same size,
After trimming, smooth fabric out again so there is no bunching or wrinkles in the two pieces

Cut a 4" square out of each corner of the fabric.

The size of the fringe depends on your personal preference. The width and length can be adjusted to the look desired. Do a few test "ties" before cutting all the fabric.

This picture shows the reverse side of the throw, with 5" cuts.

Cut 4" to 5" slits in the fabric, approximately 3/4 to 1" wide
If a 5" cut provides the desired look, you will have to adjust the 4" corner cut to a 5" corner cut.

Now the fun part -- tying the fringe.

Starting at one corner tie the first two pieces of fringe together. Remember you are tying the patterned fleece to the plain fleece.
Tie with a double knot -- the knot shouldn't be super tight.
Tie a few fringes in on each corner (which helps keep the fabric straight).

I have a secret...

2009-01-04T23:19:00.002-06:00

Bet you thought this was going to be a juicy post!! LOL

Sorry had to get your attention to share a little know secret about me. I in the closet about the fact I have hobbies!! Here they are...

Crocheting and cross stitching

Oh and scrap booking about my sons life's

The reason I am in the closet with them is that I do not do them but once or twice every 10 years or so, (does not apply to scrapping). For instance I have been cross stitching a blanket for my mother in law for ummm... about 12 years and it is no were near being done. My MIL does not even have the same colors in her bedroom anymore!!

The other night I picked up a blanket I have been crocheting on for about 17 years and worked on it. So you want to know how big this "blanket" is? It is about 6ft long and may be 10inc wide.. HA, HA!! Oh and I have another "project" I need to start on as they are for my boys birthdays. I am going to make them each a no-sew blanket. I told Hardworker (my DH)that I would have them done by the time they go to college, so they can have Toy Story bankets on their beds!! LOL

Background grove thang!!

2009-01-04T21:55:00.002-06:00

I think I have finally picked my blogs new background. I hope to keep this background for a while at least. Have I said I am not very good at this blogging thing? I am not sure what to write about and if anyone in their right mind will even care or read it. However I am going to try to do this, I think it maybe a good outlet for me.

So thank you if you read my blog, I will try to make it interesting for you!!

Birthday party plans in motion

2009-01-03T23:08:00.004-06:00

The other day I realized that I needed to get going on the planning for my soon to be two year old's birthday party. I looked at Party city online for ideas. I knew it was down to a monkey theme or Yo Gabba Gabba themed. I went with the monkey theme, Owen is a little courious monkey after all. His party will be.......

Resolutions.....

2009-01-02T13:44:00.002-06:00

It is once again that time of year to make a list of things I would like to accomplish in the new year.

1. Be more organized.
2. Continue to loose weight, down 10lbs, 23 more to go!
3. I WILL try harder to have a clean house everyday!
4. sticking to the budget better and track every cent so we know where the money goes.
5. more exercise, I have an elliptical I need to use it every day!
6. Drink my water like I should.

Really, I am alive

2008-12-30T14:08:00.007-06:00

I am very bad at this whole blog thing! I promise to be better. I guess I need to do up dates on the boys and Christmas. I am down 10lbs from my starting weight!!!! I am so happy about that. I guess having the flu right after the holidays is a good thing, I did not gain any weight eating all that yummy food, HA!

Let's see....

Christmas was great! I have tons of pictures/video so I will only post a few.

Here is a video of Christmas eve activities, i.e. leaving cookies for Santa.

Tyler being Deago

Owen with his stocking stuffers

LOOK WHAT SANTA LEFT!!

The family herd all 5
My mom's 2, grandpas 1, and of course Sampson and Molly

Owen playing with his new Blocks, Thanks Aunt Shelby!

Me and my mom with the gift bag we exchange every year.

Picture of The bag

Bobo and Owen

Tyler, Daddy and the kitchen

Link fixed

2008-11-19T09:16:00.000-06:00

Jupitermoonphotography.com

I am finally done!

2008-11-18T23:39:00.002-06:00

I am done with my website updates!!! Jupitermoonphotography.com
Check it out!

Still here....

2008-11-18T08:24:00.002-06:00

I have been busy as of late with photography and editing for clients. I will do a real update soon. Hey I am loosing weight!!! YEA!!! Size 10 here I come!! I have some pictures to post of the kids and some other updates I will post about. Until then feel free to check out my other two blogs http://jupitermoonphotography.blogspot.com and http://potspansrecipesohmy.blogspot.com

Thanks for looking!

2008-09-18T09:37:00.001-05:00

JupiterMoon Photography

Fall Daze Special

Book your fall outdoor pictures from October 1^st through November 1^st and your sitting fee will be waved, a $25.00 savings!

Normal prices for the prints and CDs apply.

Summer is at an end, kids are back to school and scary enough, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is just around the corner. My fall portrait schedule is getting busy, so make sure you schedule your appointment today! Whether it be a picture of your little baby sitting up on his/her own or even walking, or your kids in sweaters with the beautiful fall colors in the background or playing in a pile of leaves, or a portrait of the entire family for holiday cards or to give to family members as gifts. There is no doubt, that fall is the BEST time of year to schedule your portrait. Call today to book your session.

Jupitermoonphotography.com

Jen Leslie

316-371-8659

Down 5lbs....

2008-09-08T13:52:00.001-05:00

Just thought I would chime in and say ..... I HAVE LOST A TOTAL OF 5LBS ON MY WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY SO FAR. As I stepped on the scale this A.M. I dreaded it, I knew I was going to be at the same previous weight or higher.

But to my surprise I has lost 2lbs! WOW

My new photo blog

2008-09-07T16:59:00.001-05:00

http://jupitermoonphotography.blogspot.com

My new photo blog

2008-09-07T16:59:00.000-05:00

http://jupitermoonphotography.blogspot.com

Revisiting the past

2008-08-12T22:21:00.004-05:00

I am in need of revisiting a past post to help motivate me, yet again. I am needing to set a small goal and see if Ican follow through on it. So my first goal I will set will be to loose 10 lbs by October 1st 2008.

Long time no blog

2008-08-04T22:00:00.003-05:00

We (me and the boys) got back from our mini vacation in one piece. We had a blast. I took the boys to the Zoo in OKC. I drove them by my old schools and neighborhood. Of course they had a blast with Nana and BoBo.They enjoyed seeing their uncle Todd. My little bro.

From there it was on to Tulsa to visit more family. We went to the aquarium and zoo. It was great. My Aunt and Uncle have a pool so we went swimming almost everyday.

Now I am just counting down the days till preschool starts!

Leslie Look-alike Meter

2008-07-29T13:51:00.001-05:00

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebs - Collage - Morph

Leslie Look-alike Meter

2008-07-29T13:46:00.001-05:00

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Geneology - Family web page

Mini Vacation

2008-07-14T08:22:00.003-05:00

I am just sitting here thinking of all I need to do this week, oh and drinking coffee. We (me and the boys) are going on a mini vacation. We are headed to see my mom and her soon to be hubby on Friday morning. We will stay there until Tuesday morning and then go to Tulsa/Broken Arrow area to visit my Aunt, Uncle, cousins, and their families. We will be there until either the 26th or 27th.

TO DO LIST:

Get all laundry caught up and put away.
Clean floors, sweep/mop
Dust, clean glass doors
Clean kitchen
Go grocery shopping for Hubby
Clean out van, vacuum it out
Get gas
Go through car wash
pack for me and the boys
Print out maps

Summer of Wackyness

2008-07-11T08:55:00.005-05:00

I have not posted in a while and really need to get back to it. Here are some pictures of the 4th and a video.

Talk about Tuesday on Thursday!

2008-07-03T12:01:00.002-05:00

This is the once a month Home Tour edition of TAT where everyone posts photos of a spot or feature inside or outside their home. I am a little late with my Talk about Tuesday post, but here it is.

I am talking about my front yard and our duck!

Mama duck made her nest in my front flower bed behind my hosta.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

She and her 9 eggs have been there for like a month maybe. The all hatched last week. The duckies are gone now, Mama took them all to the neighborhood lake.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Here are my flower beds.

ignore the hosta that looks dead, or dying. I replaced it.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

This is our front porch **GO BRONCOS**

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

There are now also 4 red and green elaphant ear plants planted every other with the Hostas.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Oh and here is a video of my duckies, sorry about the poor cinematography.

To see more TAT open houses, visit Lara's blog, The Lazy Organizer.

You Are a Little Messy

2008-06-22T11:58:00.001-05:00

You Are a Little Messy

You aren't the cleanest person in the world, but you're definitely not a slob.

You clean up when you have the time, but you're realistic about what you can get done.

Generally, you're pretty organized and tidy - though you may have a few hidden messes.

You eventually get around to making things spotless, but you do it on your own schedule!

Are You Messy?

365 Days of De-cluttering Challenge...

2008-06-22T11:06:00.005-05:00

I have challenged myself to de-clutter at least one item from my live per day for the next year. I have accepted the 365 Days of De-cluttering Challenge...Want to join us?

Today I will be working on my basement area. I will take before and after pictures and post.

Smart Habit Saturday

2008-06-21T12:42:00.002-05:00

WOW! I have not done one of these in what seems like forever!! Let me do an update of habits.

Habits:

* Read a chapter or more a day in a book

Here are my goals I am working on for the months of June & July .

Goals:

Exercise - Not doing so good at this
get back into scrap booking
Drink more water
Form Laundry habits ( a load a day start to finish)-really need to work on this!
Be on time to play dates
go to bed by 11:00
Track my WW points daily

HAVE A SMART-- WEEK!!
Do you have a smart habit you would like to share? Visit the Lazy Organizers blog for more Smart Habit Saturday.

test

2008-06-21T12:28:00.001-05:00

Test

2008-06-21T12:25:00.001-05:00

Summer Fun

2008-06-17T09:21:00.002-05:00

I have put together some pictures of our summer time fun so far!!
The boys love the little pools we have and to go to the park. I hope you enjoy!

For more Talk about Tuesday visit Lara’s blog, she is having a giveaway!

New Look!!

2008-06-16T23:33:00.001-05:00

Ok so I am one for change every now and then.

Menu Plan Monday

2008-06-16T08:56:00.002-05:00

Weekly Meal Planner

Sunday

FREEZER MEAL

Monday

Chicken & Cheese Enchiladas

FREEZER MEAL

Tuesday

Beef Pastitsio

BUNCO NIGHT

Wednesday

LEFTOVERS

NEW

Thursday

BBQ CHICKEN PASTA

NEW

Friday

Taco Pie

Saturday

LEFTOVERS

Visit Organizing Junkie for more menu planning ideas.

10 year wedding anniversary!

2008-06-09T10:15:00.009-05:00

Well this is an early post for Talk about Tuesday. I have been bad at sitting down to blog lately. I meant to do it last week and show you a room in my house.

This week I am going to talk about my 10 year wedding anniversary!

We got married on June 6, 1998 at Prairie Pine's Christmas Tree Farm, in Wichita, Ks.

10 years latter we are still happily married!!!!

We went out to eat at Red Lobster on Saturday. This is a picture from that night. Ok to back track to Friday here is what my sweet hubby brought home for me....

There are 5 dozen red roses!!!!

So what did I do for him? I made a special dinner of Steaks and potatoes. I also made a cake.

I did make a DVD of some photos from the past 10 years as well! Some of the pictures are not the best, but most are from before digital cameras. I had to take a video of the video to get it on here, sorry I think you can hear my son's in the background! LOL

I can not get the darn thing on here so I will keep trying....

Our song!

2008-06-06T10:51:00.000-05:00

Rhett Akins Lyrics
She Said Yes Lyrics

Basket Carnival

2008-05-27T17:34:00.002-05:00

Laura over at Organizing Junkie has a fascination with baskets. She invited us fellow bloggers to share our spaces that were organized using baskets of any kind.

This is part of a past blog I did showing my organizational skills. I have been spring cleaning and organizing, so I thought I would share that with all of you today.
Here is my kitchen drawers & cabinets, sorry only after pics!

Menu Plan Monday, on Tuesday!!!

2008-05-27T09:00:00.002-05:00

Weekly Meal Planner

Sunday

Monday

Cookout @ In Laws

Tuesday

Crockpot Brown Sugar Chicken (Whole chicken)

Wednesday

Spaghetti

Thursday

Chicken & Cheese Enchiladas

Co-Op meal

Friday

Meatballs & Rice

Saturday

Leftovers

Menu plan Monday

2008-05-19T11:11:00.003-05:00

Monday

Beef Pastitsio

Tuesday

Corn Beef Chicken

Wednesday

Bunco

*LEFTOVERS*

Thursday

Chicken Lasagna

Friday

Pizza night

Saturday

*LEFTOVERS

Sunday

Crockpot Brown Sugar Chicken

MommyFest blog party

2008-05-12T08:58:00.003-05:00

The Linky in the MommyFest is now up which means the blog party has begun. To start off let me give you a brief introduction of myself.

I am a PROUD SAHM of two wonderful little boys! Tyler is 3yr & Owen is 1yr. I have been married to a great guy named Eric for 10yrs in June. We live in Wichita, Ks. We have two fur-babies Sampson & Molly.


..

2008-05-12T08:36:00.002-05:00

MommyFest will be on May 12-16, 2008 and moms all over the net will be blog hopping through other participating mom blogs. We will have a list of participants in a special post in the Mommyfest 2008 blog with Mr. Linky. Moms will have an opportunity to meet, learn a bit more, share and chat with other moms in cyberspace.

What is a party without presents and treats? Well, Mommyfest is giving away fun prizes so make sure to join us for all the fun. A list of prizes will be listed in a special post in the Mommyfest blog. Prize drawing will be open to all participants of Mommyfest.

For more information on how to join in please visit the Mommyfest blog

Talk about shoes Tuesday

2008-05-05T14:03:00.005-05:00

This week we are talking about our shoes! Please excuse my lack of being a good cinematographer.

Here are some of my favorite summer wear!

Visit Lara at The Lazy Organizer to see what others are talking about!

Talk About Tuesday!

2008-04-29T09:49:00.004-05:00

A new blog layout

I am one who has to have change every so often. I did a search for free blog designs and came across this one! I love it! I spent most of the day toying with it to make it just right. Sorry I know this is not a long post.

What do you want to talk about? Check out Lara’s blog for more Talk about Tuesday.

A new blog layout

2008-04-28T11:37:00.001-05:00

I am playing with this new layout today. I need to add some stuff back on the side bars.

menu plan Monday

2008-04-27T19:18:00.005-05:00

Sunday	BBq Brisket sandwiches






Monday	Ravioli Casserole






Tuesday	Leftovers






Wednesday	Hamburger Pie






Thursday	Chicken Casserole






Friday	Lestovers





	CrockPot
Saturday	Brown sugar Chicken

...AND For more Menu Plan Monday participants jump on over to visit Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie! Lots of good eats over there... :)

SMART Habit Saturday

2008-04-26T09:30:00.002-05:00

What I am working on this week:

* Drink more water---- I am doing much better with this.
* Exercise -- Started back at the GYM Thursday!!! And also went today!!!
* go to bed by 11:00--- I am getting closer to this- 11:15 ish lately
* I am on my 4rd book since starting to read again every night.
* I really need to work on laundry and house work before I get fired!! HAHA

Re-cap

Here are my goals I am working on for the months of March and April.

Goals:

* Exercise - Was doing good if I had not gotten sick. I can not wait to get back at it!
* get back into scrap booking
* Drink more water
* Form Laundry habits ( a load a day start to finish)-really need to work on this!
* Be on time to play dates
* go to bed by 11:00

Habits:

* Establish a morning routine
* Establish a bedtime routine
* Read a chapter or more a day in a book

HAVE A SMART-- WEEK!!
Do you have a smart habit you would like to share? Visit the Lazy Organizers blog for more Smart Habit Saturday.

Talk About Tuesday! PART TWO

2008-04-22T12:19:00.002-05:00

Ok so I went to Target this morning to look around. I found me a GREAT MOM BAG!!! In reading the other posts on Laura's blog I got inspired to get organized. Here are the pictures.

Just had to share my find and say thank you for the inspiration Laura!!!

Talk About Tuesday!

2008-04-22T08:47:00.002-05:00

This week we are talking about our purses.

I have my beloved Coach bag and the dreaded big diaper bag that I use. I need a MOM bag! Just have not found the right one yet! Here are the pictures.

Here is a view of the inside, the opening is small, but I love my Coach!!

Let's see I have my wallet, calendar-planner, a little photo book, receipts, keys, pens.

Here is my monstrosity of a diaper bag!

I need to find the right mom bag for me and get organized!!

What does your purse look like? To see other people's bags , visit Lara's blog)

I am still here.....

2008-04-21T14:26:00.002-05:00

I have just been sick. I think it is some sort of bronchial infection. So yeah being a SAHM of two active little boys for the past week has been a challenge. I would like to take them to the park or something but am waiting the dr's office to call me back.
I really hope they give me some better meds or I am almost over this crap!!! I have a big family photo client I need to be working on and I am fixing to get a new client for a web site design. Oh and I really want to be outside in my yard. I have seeds to plant and some mantinace work to do before everything starts growing well.

Co-op Cooking, How it is done

2008-04-15T09:29:00.003-05:00

My moms group did this last month and will be doing it again at the end of this month. It is great to not have to think what is for dinner every night of the week! I got the idea from my e-book Co-op Cuisine
Co-op Cuisine introduces a new twist in bulk cooking. Each participant cooks one, or more, recipes multiplied by the number of participants. Everyone distributes their meals and ends up with a variety.

Click here to read more about the book and download a free sample book!

I did have pictures of my meals as I was making them, but in my last system restore it looks like I lost them.

Benefits of Co-op Cooking

There are many other benefits to Co-op Cooking besides being able to figure out what‛s for dinner. You will quickly see the benefit of knowing and sharing with others! What would have been an ominous task of days of planning shopping and cooking by yourself will suddenly become a team adventure! Knowing that there are others to share the load will make more people likely to join the adventure with you. And you will have helped to make their lives a little less stressful each day at dinnertime! Co-op Cooking is also a tremendous way to bless a friend in need. When my friend Tracy had surgery our cooking group was able to give her a gift too help her family out in there time of need. Instead of the 9 of us making 9 of each of our recipes we made 10 and were easily able to give Tracy's family a few week‛s worth of dinnertime peace! Even bringing one meal to a friend that is sick or dealing with stress or tragedy will help her bring balance to her world that day and lighten her load. And you will be able to do it without upsetting the balance in your own world!

How it Works, here is how Co-op Cooking works:

You will pick a recipe for a casserole and post what you are making on Assignment Day.

On Preparation Day each member will cook the chosen recipe but multiply the ingredients by the number of people participating. For example, if you have ten participants, each participant will cook only one recipe but multiply it by ten and then put it/freeze it in ten separate or pans ( I use Glad wear or the tin foil ones) We can reuse the same ones if we want every month. (When your group gets the hang of it you can then each do two recipes, etc.)

Then they will bring the frozen meals to Swap Day and distribute the meals so that each participant ends up with one of each of the meals that were cooked. Each of the ten participants will have a different recipe, so on Swap Day everyone will end up with ten different meals.

Preparation Phase

Assignment Day
After we have established the participants, we need to post what we are making.

choose recipes
Answer any questions

If one family doesn’t care for a particular meal they may choose to give that one away to a family in need or they may choose to swap for another recipe with another participant that doesn’t care for some other meal.

Swap Day

On Swap Day all of the participants should bring their frozen meals to the designated meeting place. It is best if they can bring the meals in a large cooler (or more than one) in order to keep the food frozen. If they don‛t have coolers, even a cardboard box will be more insulating and more convenient than just bags. Plan a large area and have each person put their name on a full sheet of paper in front of their coolers or boxes. Then have each participant go and distribute their meals into the appropriate boxes or coolers matching the name on the meal to that person‛s cooler or box. Everyone should have a copy of the Meals/Cooked By Sheet and should double-check that they have every meal on the sheet. If they are missing one then they will be able to tell by the sheet what is missing and who it is coming from.

What do you want to talk about? Stop on by the Lazy Organizer’s blog to see what everyone is saying this week.

menu plan Monday

2008-04-13T13:37:00.003-05:00

I have not forgotten that some are interested in hearing about my cooking co-op I started up and belong to. I will do this as a separate post on Tuesday. So check back!!! I would do it now, but I had a photo shoot today and need to be working on that.

	New**Did not get to last week
Sunday	Pasties





	Co-Op freezer meal
Monday	Baked Spaghetti






Tuesday	Stove top Chicken Bake





	Bunco night
Wednesday	Leftovers






Thursday	Beef Enchiladas






Friday	Store bought Pizza





	~~~~NEW~~~~
Saturday	Taco Pie

...AND For more Menu Plan Monday participants jump on over to visit Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie! Lots of good eats over there... :)

SMART Habit Saturday

2008-04-12T14:36:00.002-05:00

What I am working on this week:

Drink more water---- I am doing much better with this.
Exercise -- Started back at the GYM Thursday!!! And also went today!!!
go to bed by 11:00--- I am getting closer to this- 11:15 ish lately
I am on my 3rd book (almost done with) since starting to read again every night.
I really need to work on laundry and house work before I get fired!! HAHA

Re-cap

Here are my goals I am working on for the months of March and April.

Goals:

Exercise ( I have a gym membership I need to use)
get back into scrap booking
Drink more water
Form Laundry habits ( a load a day start to finish)
Be on time to play dates
go to bed by 11:00
To try to cut back my online time--- YEAH RIGHT! This is very hard, I am ~~Working~~ Struggling on this one.

Habits:

Establish a morning routine

Establish a bedtime routine

Read a chapter or more a day in a book

HAVE A SMART-- WEEK!!
Do you have a smart habit you would like to share? Visit the Lazy Organizers blog for more Smart Habit Saturday.

I got off my fat A$$ and did it!!!!

2008-04-10T19:13:00.002-05:00

I went back to the gym for the first time today!@!!! I walked/ran on the treadmill for 40 mins and then got on the bike and was only able to do 6 minutes. I walked around the track once to cool off.

I will start going three days a week and on the off days I will try my best to workout at home, I have tones of videos.

SO YEA!!! ME!!!!

Talk About Tuesday!

2008-04-08T18:50:00.004-05:00

Ok so I need to loose weight and exercise more. What better way to get myself motivated than to post the before kids pictures and what I look like now.

Before having baby #1 March of 03

After baby# 1

Before baby #2

After baby #2 (current day)

For more Talk About Tuesday, visit Lara.

Menu Plan Monday

2008-04-06T10:14:00.002-05:00

	Crock Pot
Sunday	Cheesy Crockpot Chicken





	Meatless Co-Op freezer meal
Monday	Ravioli casserole





	New*******
Tuesday	Pasties





	Bunco night
Wednesday	Leftovers





	Co-op freezer meal
Thursday	Baked spaghetti





	New*******
Friday	Chicken Enchiladas






Saturday	Leftovers

...AND For more Menu Plan Monday participants jump on over to visit Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie! Lots of good eats over there... :)

SMART Habit Saturday

2008-04-05T09:18:00.003-05:00

I have not posted in a few weeks. We went out of town last weekend and the previous weekend I had a photo shoot and Hardworker (DH) was off all weekend.

Re-cap

Here are my goals I am working on for the months of March and April.

Goals:

Exercise ( I have a gym membership I need to use)
get back into scrap booking
Drink more water
Form Laundry habits ( a load a day start to finish)
Be on time to play dates
go to bed by 11:00
To try to cut back my online time--- YEAH RIGHT! This is very hard, I am ~~Working~~ Struggling on this one.

Habits:

Establish a morning routine

Establish a bedtime routine

Read a chapter or more a day in a book

What I am working on this week:

Drink more water---- I bought some propell and liptons tea powder packs you add to water and I am doing pretty good, BUT COULD DO BETTER!
Exercise ( I have a gym membership I need to use) REALLY NEED TO START THIS ONE!
go to bed by 11:00

HAVE A SMART-- WEEK!!
Do you have a smart habit you would like to share? Visit the Lazy Organizers blog for more Smart Habit Saturday.

March budget is a bust!!!

2008-03-28T13:05:00.001-05:00

Ok so March budget is a bust!!! I did start mid month with the new budgeting system so we shall see what April will bring!!

House Hold

$875

$500

Gas

$100

$230

Savings

$470

Menu Plan Monday

2008-03-24T09:52:00.002-05:00

Sunday	Dinner at inl's





	Crock pot meal
Monday	Whole Baked Chicken In A Crock





	Using Deer Meat
Tuesday	Spaghetti






Wednesday	Baked Round Steak






Thursday	LEFTOVERS





	Ground Turkey
Friday	Cheeseburger Casserole






Saturday	STOVE TOP Easy Cheesy Chicken Bake

...AND For more Menu Plan Monday participants jump on over to visit Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie! Lots of good eats over there... :)

Talk About Tuesday!

2008-03-18T16:52:00.006-05:00

Ok so I am finally posting about my bedroom reorganizing / cleaning venture. It is not spotless at the moment, but a lot better. We have also moved my computer and desk in the room.

Before

After

Before

After

For more Talk About Tuesday, visit Lara.

Household Buget for March - Part 1

2008-03-16T21:59:00.005-05:00

I have recently started a new budget system. What I found was astounding!! We were spending around $1300.00 a month at Target, Wal-mart, & Dillon's alone! No wander we had some money issues!!

I sat for a day and a half imputing all of out out going expenses, from bills to every single transaction done at the above mentioned stores, into my budget program.

To keep me accountable I am going to start to post my household budget, ie. groceries, extra.
I will make my first post with updated totals tomorrow morning.

Menu Plan Monday

2008-03-16T17:53:00.004-05:00


Sunday	Sandwiches






Monday	Crock pot Pizza





	Freezer Meal
Tuesday	Tuna casserole





	Bunco night
Wednesday	Leftovers






Thursday	Jumbo Meatballs






Friday	Leftovers






Saturday	Chicken Casserole

...AND For more Menu Plan Monday participants jump on over to visit Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie! Lots of good eats over there... :)

SMART Habit Saturday

2008-03-15T16:53:00.001-05:00

Re-cap

Here are my goals I am working on for the months of March and April.

Goals:

Exercise ( I have a gym membership I need to use)
get back into scrap booking
Drink more water---- I bought some propell and liptons tea powder packs you add to water and I am doing pretty good!
Form Laundry habits ( a load a day start to finish)
Be on time to play dates
go to bed by 11:00
To try to cut back my online time--- YEAH RIGHT! This is very hard, I am ~~Working~~ Struggling on this one.

Habits:

Establish a morning routine

Establish a bedtime routine

Read a chapter or more a day in a book

What I am working on this week:

Drink more water
Exercise ( I have a gym membership I need to use)
go to bed by 11:00

Visit the Lazy Organizers blog for more Smart Habit Saturday.

Have a SMART WEEK!!

Menu Plan Monday

2008-03-08T17:25:00.003-06:00

	_______________ freezer meal
Sunday	Ravioli casserole





	Made with Beef
Monday	Slow Cooker Enchiladas






Tuesday	Parmesan Chicken





	Bunco night
Wednesday	Leftovers






Thursday	Tator tot casserole






Friday	Leftovers





	crock pot
Saturday	Chicken Spaghetti

...AND For more Menu Plan Monday participants jump on over to visit Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie! Lots of good eats over there... :)

2008-03-07T21:34:00.010-06:00

SMART Habit Saturday

Re-cap

Here are my goals I am working on for the months of March and April.

Goals:

~~Establish a morning routine~~
Exercise ( I have a gym membership I need to use)
get back into scrap booking
~~Establish a bedtime routine~~
Read a chapter or more a day in a book--- Doing well at this! I am reading Bitter is the New Black, By Jen Lancaster, I LOVE IT!!!!
Drink more water---- I bought some propell and liptons tea powder packs you add to water and I am doing pretty good!
Form Laundry habits ( a load a day start to finish)
Be on time to play dates
go to bed by 11:00
To try to cut back my online time--- YEAH RIGHT! This is very hard, I am ~~Working~~ Struggling on this one.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Establish a morning/Daily routine: Here are some pictures of my new HOUSEHOLD HUB.

To Make this I simply took poster board as the background, and I printed off my charts. I then took clear packing tape and covered the whole thing so It is like a dry erase board.

Have a SMART week!!

Head over to The Lazy Organizers Blog to read about more Smart Habits Saturday participants!

Shameless post

2008-03-06T09:41:00.002-06:00

Many of you may not know, but I do have my own photography business. Right now is a slow time and I am ok with that but I am needing to figure out some advertising for the JBFsale.org Smart packs. I will be reaching 500 potential customers!! YEA! Here are some pictures and the link to my site feel free to look around and tell me what you think! JupiterMoon Photography

I am having problem getting pictures up right now, but if you go to my site you can see them too.

Jen