"Yes" Mom Challenge

ok, this is so hard for me, but i do find myself saying "no"so much more than "yes". so i'll focus on saying more "yes" to the kids and harmless fun. if you read in jill savage's blog-i find myself guilty of being selfish with kid activities-like i don't want to have to clean up more, or just plain end up with anything more to do that i already have going on. you know my day is a full plate of busy! but they need fun! so here's to having more "fun mom" days, won't you join me?!

jill is having a giveaway when you post on her blog your "yes" mom stories...here's what she has to say "Anyone who posts a "yes mom" story to this post from today through the month of July, will be entered to win a Hearts at Home mom gift package, full of mom resources designed to encourage you! And here's the best part: the more you say "yes," and share your "yes" stories, the more times you are entered into the August 1 drawing. And the more we are all encouraged!"

sounds like a plan- i wonder what fun will the kids suggest we have today??? i'd love to hear what you all say "yes" to. take pics, share & document all the fun, crazy things :)

Happy Homemaker Monday

thanks sandra at diary of a stay at home mom for hosting :)

The weather in my neck of the woods: i'm wishing for rain, none in sight.
One of my simple pleasures: going to the movies with the family
On my bedside table: about 1/2 way into "the host" really good reading while working out at the gym. time flies!

On my TV: disney :)
On the menu for tonight:chicken alfredo and country italian bread
On my To Do List: make grocery lists and menu, and the regular fun stuff around here
New Recipe I tried last week: ok, i love making my cake balls and i tried something new- chocolate banana one with pecans sprinkled on top. perfection!!!

In the craft basket: working on nothing right now.
Looking forward to: my little man coming home on sunday. i miss trav!
Homemaking Tip for this week: trading and bardering is awesome! we traded our atv for a jet ski.

Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other): not much time for blog reading this week

Favorite photo from last week: ok, i know it's not a photo, but it made me smile!!!

Lesson learned the past few days: god always provides...in unexpected ways.
On my Prayer List: my good friend sarah going through some transistions, my family & for our country on her bday this 4th :)

Slow it Down Thursdays

so, this is one of the songs that gets stuck in my head all week. i love it! what brings you closer to love? always hits me when we do something out of love, care, & genuine concern we do something for god.

Giveaway Fun with Julie

100th Post Giveway on This is Me Then

this week julie is having a ton of fun stuff going on all week on her blog in celebration of her 100th blog post. so drop on over by her blog and say hi!

Happy Homemaker Monday

thanks sandra at diary of a stay at home mom for hosting :)

The weather in my neck of the woods: hot & humid- no shocker there, tx in the summer.

One of my simple pleasures: morning phone call from friends checking in

On my bedside table: omg! got "the host" by stephenie meyer as a bday gift from dad & linda (thank you!). good so far...really different.

On my TV: it's summer-- disney channel!

On the menu for tonight: we have so many wonderful left overs from my dad and linda visiting and cooking.

On my To Do List: get trav's suitcase and things ready for his big boy vacation to granparents' houses for 2 weeks! i am going to really miss him, but he's so super excited!

New Recipe I tried last week: well, i tried my hand at some sushi rolls! our fave "shaggy dog" and it was gooood!

In the craft basket: working on nothing right now.

Looking forward to: seeing results from all the hours at the gym the last few weeks.

Homemaking Tip for this week: with meals- do as much prep work as you can while the kids aren't under your feet. mine seem to always need me when i am busy making dinner, lol.

Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other): my goodness! i found this blog and have been looking over it. this guy cracks me up. twilight guy and his commentary on the books!

Favorite photo from last week:

Lesson learned the past few days: each of my children are so precious and unique to me! when one isn't here, life isn't the same. --that hits me so hard just from the anticipation of trav leaving :(

amazing how kids raised the same way, same parents can be such individuals. what an amazing god we have to create us!

On my Prayer List: of course for trav & my parents & family- hope they all have a wonderful visit. for family & friends and their unknown struggles.

Father's Day

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Love you Tim

xoxo

Slow it Down Thursdays & A Comfort Food Dinner Recipe

i love quick comfort food! so, here's an easy one for ya:

Chicken & Stuffing Bake

what you'll need:

boiled chicken cut up into bite size pieces

can of cream of chicken

handful of cheese

boxed stuffing mix prepared

and random veggies to sneak in ;) i won't tell!

mix everything together in a big bowl and season with salt, pepper, sage or poultry seasoning, & garlic powder.

i had carrots on hand, so i shredded some in to add some color and vitamins. but no one will notice.



spray a casserole dish with some non stick spray and pour everything in

bake at 350 for about 20 minutes. i'm serving my meal tonight with mashed potatoes & green beans. enjoy!