If you don't hear from me for a few days, it's because I am here ...

Yes, there are snow forecasts in Oklahoma for anywhere from 12 to 20+ inches in the next couple of days! Ummmmm .... we don't do snow like that here!

I'm from Missouri, so I love huge snows! But, in Oklahoma a couple of inches of snow shuts down the state. As long as we don't lose power (yeah, right) we will be fine. We have plenty of food, water and t.p. What else do you need???

So, if you don't hear from me it's because I have lost all power to communicate, as well as my mind.

Menu Plan Monday ~ Snowed-in Edition

We are getting ready to get some NASTY weather, and will likely be homebound for the better part of three or four days. It's supposed to start snowing this afternoon and not stop until Wednesday morning. So, I have re-thought my already-planned menu for this week and have come up with the following ...

Monday ~ Chicken fettucine

Tuesday ~ Crock pot Broccoli cheese soup and crackers

Wednesday ~ Fend for Yourself

Thursday ~ BBQ Pepperjack chicken, grilled veggies, pasta

Friday ~Chicken and noodles

Saturday ~ Easy chicken parmesan

Sunday ~Chicken quesadillas

And the winner of the Li'l Critters Immune C Gummies is ....

Alicia at Murry Mayhem! (Timestamp: 2011-01-29 14:41:54 UTC, Random.org). I'll get these in the mail to you on Monday, Alicia! Hope Caroline gets to feeling better soon!

Thanks to all who entered!

Yummy and Easy ~ My Two Favorite Ingredients in a Meal!

I've had requests for the following recipe and realized I never posted it. We had it again last night, so I thought I would pass it along. It is SO YUMMY and SO EASY!!

Crock Pot Lasagna

At 11:00 a.m., I browned a pound of ground beef with a garlic clove and some onion powder. Then I added a large jar of spaghetti sauce.

In the crockpot I layered 1/2 of the sauce, two layers of uncooked lasagna noodles (broken to fit my crockpot), 1/2 tub of cottage cheese, a big handful of shredded mozzarella cheese, and a good sprinkling of shredded parmesan cheese. Then I repeated the process.

I cooked it on low for about 5 hours. (And I smelled it's amazing fragrance all afternoon!)

It was delicious!!

Try it and enjoy!


Another favorite, that I don't have a picture of, is:

Homemade Calzones

This is another easy one!

Take a can of refrigerated pizza dough and cut it in half. Press both rectangles out flat. Spoon on a small amount of pizza sauce on half of each of the dough rectangles and top with your favorite toppings. I usually do a pepperoni one for the kids and a veggie one for Rick and I. Fold the dough over and roll the edges to seal it. Then I usually take a fork and press it around all of the edges. Brush on some butter and sprinkle with garlic salt and grated parmesan cheese. Cut a couple of slits into the top of each so that steam can escape.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes, or until crust is browned to your desire.

My Husband Says I'm Making Him Fat!

Winter makes us pudgy. I don't get out and run like I should. Rick doesn't get to play golf. And we eat lots of comfort foods.

So in response to this, Rick asked me to do the unthinkable ... not fix him dinner at night! What? Isn't that what a wife is supposed to do? Isn't a wife supposed to prepare her husband a meal to eat when he gets home from working a long day?

What he really meant was this: When he gets home in the evenings he's really not hungry. But, I've prepared a meal and he isn't one to turn down food. So, he eats and then is miserable the rest of the evening and isn't getting any exercise to burn it off. If we ate meals later in the evening, that would probably alleviate that problem. But, that doesn't work very well for us.

I told him that, in good conscience, I could not just not fix an evening meal. I don't want me and the kids to get into the habit of eating convenience foods. I want them to have a healthy meal. And, I don't get to eat anything good during the day so I look forward to the meals I fix for dinner. But I did tell him that I am willing to change what I cook to be more kid-friendly, things they enjoy, and not worry about him eating it. In turn I want him to know that it won't hurt my feelings if he doesn't want to eat what I have prepared for dinner. And, the kids are usually starving between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m., so I'll just have dinner prepared and ready for them to eat by 5:00 p.m., and it will likely be cleaned up and put away by the time he gets home from work anyway.

He told me that he would prefer to have some kind of breakfast prepared for him. And then if there are leftovers from the night before, he can take that in his lunch or I can make him a lunch of sandwiches and stuff.

I don't mind doing that.

That brings up the topic of just doing things "our way" without worrying about what we think we "should be" doing. This has become a big deal to me lately. For instance, what is wrong with handling meals this way if it's what works for our family? In fact, it will probably make Rick's arrival in the evenings smoother because I won't be in the middle of fixing dinner, the kids won't be starving and cranky, and he can come in and just spend time with us instead of walking into a rushed around mess!

No we're not eating a meal together as a family. But, we are never very successful at it anyway. There. Stress gone.

We like to sit and watch t.v. together in the evenings anyway. That's how we spend time together. Naysayers would say that is wrong. Who cares what they say. It works for us and draws us closer together.

There are so many of "those things" we are told that marriages should do and families should do to be successful and thriving. But shouldn't we just do the things together that make us happy and stress free and that express love and devotion to each other? Yes.

So, in response to the request of my husband, I will be changing our meals around. I am kind of excited about it. It's a change. It's something new. It gets me out of a rut.

You'll have to stick around to see how it works out. My Menu Plan Monday will look different starting in a couple of weeks (I already have meals planned and purchased through February 4th, so we'll keep doing the norm until then.)

Now to research some yummy, easy breakfast foods and kid-friendly healthy dinners.

Additional Ways to Enter My Current Giveaway

Would you like additional ways to enter for a chance to win two bottles of L'il Critters Immune C gummies and a Healthy Habits Fun Pack?

Here they are:

1. Go to http://www.nwnaturalproducts.com/ and choose some products you would like to have.

2. "Like" the L'il Critters Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/gummybearvitamins/ and leave a comment that I sent you there.

3. Follow L'il Critters on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lilcritters/.

4. Join L'il Critters' Kids Club at http://gummybearvitamins.com/kidsclub/join/.

After each one of these things is done, go to the original Giveaway Post **here** and leave a separate comment for each.

You have until 11:59 tomorrow night, Friday, January 28th to enter. I will draw the winner first thing Saturday morning.

Good Luck!
   

Sickness Update ...

Yeah, you're gonna want to stop right now and go HERE to register for those bottles of L'il Critters Immune C gummies!

I checked on Brynne a couple of times in the night, and she was still cool as a cucumber and sleeping soundly.

She slept until 9:15 this morning and when she came out she said, "I'm all better." She has no fever, no stuffy/snotty nose, no cough.

Our next door neighbor, who is her age, had this same thing for 4+ days. Brynne had it for about 36 hours.

You need those gummies!

Piece of (My) Mind

(written Tuesday afternoon)

How ironic that I am giving away an immune booster in my current Giveaway, but this post is about my sick daughter! Oh well. I never said the Immune C would keep your kids from ever getting sick. But, experience has shown that it dramatically helps in the decrease or duration of symptoms when sickness does hit. You can go here to register to win two bottles of Li'l Critters Immune C gummy vitamins. Tomorrow I will give you a couple of new ways you can earn entries, and I will draw for the winner on Saturday.

Now back to the current post.

I remember when my older two were little and my insurance co-pay for doctor's visits was $10 and prescriptions were $5. It was worth a trip to the doctor for any little thing because the most I was going to be out-of-pocket was $15 and I had the assurance that my kids would not get any sicker.

Fast forward to 2011. Our insurance sucks! I don't know about yours. Ours got so bad that we switched to an HSA which basically does not afford us any coverage unless someone has a major illness or injury. Other-than-that, we are on our own.

So, when one of the kids comes down with flu-like symptoms, I have to weigh the options. I either take him or her to the doctor for a $200 appointment (with flu test) to be told it's not the flu and sent home to take over-the-counter medications (that I have to pay for on top of that), or take my chances that it's just a virus and treat with those same over-the-counter medications and worry incessantly that it will turn into something worse than the flu.

Peace of mind costs a heck-of-a-lot-more than $15 these days.

With Brynne I have decided to take my chances.

I thought about what I do for one of the older kids, or Rick or I, if we come down with something like this: We take DayQuil and Mucinex and Ibuprofen all day and take NyQuil and Mucinex and Ibuprofen all night. We drink lots of fluids. And I spray the heck out of my house with Lysol.

So I wrote down all of the ingredients contained in those various drugs above and headed out to Wal-Mart this morning. I stood in the children's medicine aisle and compared ingredients to come up with a children's form of the above regimen. A mere $60 later I came out with six bottles of medications, lots of grape juice and white grape juice, chicken noodle soup, crackers, Puff's with Lotion, some new cups with straws, PediaCare Gentle Vapors vapor plug refills and her a new pair of pjs.

She has now been medicated and changed into her new jammies. She's sipping grape juice from one of her new cups and wiping her little sore nose with her new tissues. She ate a tiny bit of soup and some crackers. She's laying on the couch watching whatever she wants on t.v. surrounded by the swirl of Lysol fumes. And she's getting lots of hugs from her family.

Thankfully her piece of mind comes solely from the love of her family. She has told me several times today that Dawson loves her because he has taken care of her.

And we'll hope nobody else comes down with it.

Nicole's Daybook

Outside my window... The snow is almost melted. It was fun. We'll miss it!

I am thinking... about beaches. I'd love to be on one.

I am thankful ... that I have the opportunity to stay home with my family (and not work outside the home), so that I am available to take care of them when they are sick without the stress of having to take off work. I just don't know how two-income families and single parents do it today.

I am wearing... gray yoga pants, a striped long-sleeved t-shirt and my Hawaii zip-up hoodie.

I am planning... the next unit of Dawson's curriculum.

I am creating... Valentine's cards.

I am going... to run into town this morning and stock up on medicines. Brynne is sick and it's been so long since we have had anyone sick that my supplies are completed depleted or expired!

I am reading... A Woman after God's own Heart by Elizabeth George (a chapter a week), Love Letters from Ladybug Farm by Donna Ball (the last in the series), Stepping Heavenward by Mrs. E. Prentiss and the Book of Psalms (daily devotional), Meet Josefina by Valerie Tripp (Brynne's read-aloud) and The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare (Dawson's read-aloud).

I am hoping... that Brynne gets to feeling better, and that my mom and dad's offer on the house they want to buy in Pensacola gets accepted!

Scripture I'm memorizing ... "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me ... Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me." ~ Psalm 51:10-11

From the learning rooms... Brynne is learning from the couch this week, at a slow pace, because she is sick. Eli's grade has now divided their kids up for phonics into three groups based on skill level. I was so glad to hear that he has all of the concepts down, so he will be staying with his teacher (who does not have the lowest skill class). Dawson is at peace again and has really been showing me some good effort and good attitude. Kyndal completed the rough draft of her report on Carrie Underwood and it was longer than it was supposed to be!

Noticing that ... Brynne didn't eat anything yesterday but about 10 pringles. Today I'm going to push foods and liquids.

From the kitchen... We're having yummy french dip sandwiches tonight, with a sirloin steak I got on markdown. Yum!

Around the house... are dead plants and flowers that I need to get cleaned out of my pots to get the pots ready for Spring that will be here before you know it!

One of my favorite things... is homeschooling. Really, I love it!

A few plans for the rest of the week... Another pretty quiet week. Kyndal is going to a concert on Saturday night. Other than that, the calendar is once again clear!

From my picture journal.

I just think he's adorable!

Lots of women Daybook. See what they have to say at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Menu Plan Monday

Monday ~ Chili cheese burritos

Tuesday ~ French dip sandwiches and homemade fries

Wednesday ~ Fend for Yourself

Thursday ~ Sweet and spicy chicken stirfry

Friday ~ Crock pot lasagna

Saturday ~ Ham and swiss stromboli and chips

Sunday ~ Chicken tetrazinni

**** Don't forget to enter for a chance to win my favorite sick-season product! Go HERE to register! ****

Freeze

Do you ever have those periods of your life where you just want to freeze time? .. Where things are just really good? .. Where there doesn't appear to be any turmoil going on? .. Where every member of your family seems to be very happy, all at the same time?

This is our life right now. For the better part of two years it seemed like someone was in some kind of crisis mode all the time. It wears on you. You wonder if happiness is really possible.

And then it seems that a light is switched and happiness is there.

And the flipping of that switch is the decision to be happy. It's a choice. When you wake up each day you make a decision to either be happy or not. Sure, life throws you curve balls and unfair things happen. But, ultimately, the choice is yours whether to let it get you down, to destroy you, or to rise above it and just be happy in spite of those circumstances. The hard part is really when those around you are deciding to not be happy, and you can't do anything about it. Even then, it's still your choice.

Nowhere does it say that you are entitled to happiness.The Bible doesn't say it. In fact, the Bible is quick to point out that life will give you troubles! The Declaration of Independence says that we are entitled to "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness", not happiness! We're entitled to a pursuit! And it's a choice of each of us individually whether to pursue it.

Well, in any event, the members of my little family have each decided to be happy .. to each love each other despite our annoying character flaws .. to smile .. to enjoy each other and our lives.

Freeze!

The Best Snow Day!

I mentioned yesterday that I thought my day would consist of taking snow clothes on and off all day. I was wrong. I got everybody dressed at 11:30 a.m. and they didn't come in until 3:00 p.m.! They played for three hours straight! There were even some sun-burned faces! It was the funnest day ever!

You can see more fun photos at Taulman Times: Special Edition.

Snow Day ~ FINALLY!!!!

We got about 2-3 inches of snow last night and the kids are thrilled! We are out of school and the kids are thrilled! We have cancelled homeschooling for today and the kids are thrilled!

My day will no doubt be spent wiping the wet paws of puppies as they come in from pottying, dressing and undressing little snow bunnies wanting to play but realizing it's bitter cold outside, and fixing multiple meals and picking up multiple messes.

But, I am thrilled!

I love snow days!

** Don't forget to register for my current Giveaway (here). With the snowy, cold weather, you'll definitely want this! **

ANOTHER Giveaway!

I've told this story many times, and I just have to tell it again. I believe THAT MUCH  in the product I have the honor of giving away this week!

Eli was born at a whopping 5 1/2 pounds, full-term. He had a weak immune system right from the start. The older he got, the sicker he was. He was pretty much sick from October to March for the first 3 years of his life. He would catch any little cold that would then move into a respiratory infection and onto bronchitis or pneumonia. He was hospitalized once. When he would be in a coughing mode, he would do it continuously for a couple of weeks straight. There were times when I thought I would go crazy. Our pediatrician finally gave up and put him on a prescription cough medicine that contained a narcotic, just so we could all sleep. Many nights I would hold a breathing machine in his face while he slept. We were at the doctor's office very often.

In September before Eli turned 4, my mom mentioned that she had heard about an immune boosting gummy vitamin. We thought, "what the heck .. we'll give it a try." That December I took him to his 4 year well-child appointment and my doctor said, "Why haven't I seen you this year?" I told her about the gummy vitamins, and what was in them. She told me to keep giving them to him. She told me about the healing effects of zinc and how you don't hear much publicity about it because it's such a cheap drug. Pharmaceutical companies would not get rich off of zinc.

That was three years ago. I have religiously given Immune C gummies to both Eli and Brynne since then. With the exception of a minor case of the flu a couple of years ago, neither one of them have had more than a cold or a very short-term illness since then. Brynne's flu lasted a couple of days and Eli's didn't get near as bad as it would have gotten without the gummies (I believe.)

I recently wrote a guest post at "Or So She Says ..." where I gave my "expert" advice on how to help keep your kids well during the sick season. The Immune C gummy by L'il Critters was on my list of things to do.

Somehow someone from Northwest Natural Products, Inc., saw my post and contacted me to thank me for my support. I asked them if they would be interested in allowing me to do a giveaway of Immune C. They graciously allowed me to do that. So here's the giveaway ....

TWO bottles of L'il Critters Immune C gummy immune booster vitamins and a Healthy Habits Fun Pack.

I believe in this product so much that I am even bearing the cost of postage to send it on to the winner. I want you to have it and give it to your kids and experience a healthier sick season for them, and you. Once you do I know you will continue to buy it and give it to your kids.

To register, just leave a comment on this post and become a public follower, if you aren't one already. If you are not a blogger, be sure you leave me your e-mail address so I can contact you if you win. You will have until next Friday, January 28th to register.  

Good Luck!!

Nicole's Daybook

Outside my window... Overcast and wet from last night's rain. Looks pretty dreary out there.

I am thinking... about how I wish I could freeze time right now. Our little family is in such a great place, in our relationships. Everything is so 'give and take', with a whole lot of 'give'.

I am thankful ... for the life Rick works so hard to provide me.

I am wearing... a purple tye-die long-sleeved t-shirt, jeans and white tennis shoes.

I am planning... Valentine boxes and next year's curriculum.

I am creating... no real creating going on right now, but I will be soon with Valentine's Day coming up.

I am going... to take my daughter to drop of a job application today. Wish her luck!

I am reading... A Woman after God's own Heart by Elizabeth George (a chapter a week), At Home on Ladybug Farm by Donna Ball (need to get this finished so I can read the last book in the series by the end of the month), Stepping Heavenward by Mrs. E. Prentiss and the Book of Psalms (daily devotional), Meet Josefina by Valerie Tripp (Brynne's read-aloud) and The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare (Dawson's read-aloud).

I am hoping... that my mom had a nice weekend with us and feels rejuvenated. We love having her here all to ourselves.

Scripture I'm memorizing ... "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." ~ Psalm 51:10

From the learning rooms... Brynne is learning about owls this week. Eli is doing a little better getting back into school after Christmas Break. Dawson has, at least at this time, made the decision to continue homeschooling next year. Kyndal seems to be doing well.

Noticing that ... I have a great life.

From the kitchen... Tonight it's crock pot chicken and egg noodles. Tomorrow the family will fend for themselves, as they do every Wednesday night. On Thursday we are having pork fajitas. On Friday it's chicken tetrazinni with the leftover chicken from tonight. I haven't planned the weekends' meals yet.

Around the house... The laundry is completely done, folded and put away! Yea!

One of my favorite things... is how much my kids love their grandma!

A few plans for the rest of the week... We have another quiet week. In fact, other than school we have no plans.

From my picture journal.

Rick and I before our last date. I love it when we get dressed up to go somewhere.

Lots of women Daybook. See what they have to say at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

CSN Giveaway Winner is ....

Tamara at Catching up with the Conners. I used Random.org and it picked Comment #13 (Timestamp: 2011-01-17 18:29:04 UTC). Tamara said:

"If I win, I would put it towards a rug. I need several area rugs in my home and I just haven't found the ones I like until I looked at CSN."

Congratulations, Tamara! I'll get you your gift code!

LAST CHANCE ~ CSN Giveaway Drawing in Two Hours!!! Register Now!

Time is REALLY running out to register to win a $25 Gift card to use at one of the over 200 CSN online stores! Go here to register by NOON today !!!!

CSN Giveaway

Time is running out to register to win a $25 Gift card to use at one of the over 200 CSN online stores! Go here to register by noon tomorrow!!!!

It's My Favorite Day of the Year, and Yours!

Don't Miss It!!!

Internet Down

Our Internet is down at our house (I'm sitting at Homeschool Coop scamming off them). We are considering changing our internet service, so it may be a while before we have it again. Hopefully I'll be up and posting again soon.

3 in 30

Those pesky organization, cleaning out and remodeling projects that just stare at me all year. My mental list of, "I need to do that" just keeps growing and growing!

Meghan at The Tuckers Take Tennessee along with Ashley at AP Freewriting have introduced the concept of 3 in 30, making a list of only 3 of those things you want to accomplish in 30 days. Doable? Much more doable than that list in my head.

For January, my list consists of:

1. Cleaning out both of our glassware cabinets and disposing of those miscellaneous pieces that only take up space. Done.

2. Getting on my belly with a heavy duty cleaning product and cleaning out from under our entertainment center. Oh gag!

3. Taking our ever-growing basket of paper recycling to the school's recycling bin (Shouldn't be too hard since I drive by it EVERY day! I've even got it in the back of my Suburban now. Wonder how many days it will take me to actually pull over and dump them out?)  DONE ... ha!

And since the month is already half over, I better get started.

Backstreet's Back .. ALRIGHT!

On November 18, 1999, I took Kyndal to see Backstreet Boys for her 5th birthday. Yes, she was that into BSB even at that young age. My mom and I didn't think they were half bad, either, and we had more fun than she did. But she beamed for weeks after that concert. We still talk about it today!

Backstreet Boys have given this mom and her teenaged daughter a commonality now for over 10 years. Sometimes we plug Kyndal's ipod into the speaker in the kitchen and just jam out to them.

Even before BSB was warming the heart of a 5 year old girl (and her mama), New Kids on the Block was warming the heart of my sister. My sister was the biggest NKOTB geek fan! I wasn't into them quite as much as her, but she still has their posters and things.

So ..... on July 17th my sister and niece and my daughter and I will be in Section 111 of the BOK Center in Tulsa jamming out to NKOTBSB!!  Yes! The combined concert of New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys! Am I dreaming? Somebody pinch me! The pre-sale tickets are gone nationwide (which we are the lucky recipients of) and regular tickets go on sale Saturday morning. If you want to go ... get online and get 'em before they're gone!!

If you happen to be at the concert on that date, we'll be the old gals acting like a couple of ridiculous teenagers next to the two actual teenagers who are completely humiliated. Oh, wait, that will be the majority of the ampitheatre. Never mind.

Giveaway Time!

I was so excited to be contacted by CSN to see if I would be interested in doing a review and/or giveaway of any of the products from one of their 200 websites! I was more than interested!

I really thought about just using the whole amount offered to review the products of my choice! I really considered it! But, in the end I decided to share the wealth and use part of the offered amount for a Giveaway!

So what can you win? A $25 Gift Card to be used at any one of CSN's 200 online stores! I have been looking at the websites for about two weeks now, trying to determine what I should review! They have everything from clothing to toys to Delsey luggage to Le Creuset cookware! If you want it, they have it!

I am planning to review some educational materials from toysandgamesonline.com. As a homeschool mom, having an opportunity to try free products (that I need anyway) is an invaluable opportunity! I can't wait to decide exactly what I'm going to review! It's been such a hard decision! The products are almost endless. I'll be posting my reviews at Journey to Excellence.

How can you win? All you have to do is head over to CSN and look at the available websites. Come back and leave a comment on this post and let me know at which online store you will spend your $25.

You have until noon on Monday, January 17th to enter. I will announce the winner that afternoon.

** The giveaway is limited to US and Canadian residents only. If you are a Canadian winner, international shipping charges may apply.

Good luck!

Versatile

I have received The Versatile Blogger award a few times, from different bloggers. And I have appreciated it every time! I usually don't pass it on or do the meme attached. But today I received The Versatile Blogger from Mama Keene at Mama's Simple Blessings and I just felt differently about it. I think it's because I haven't had a lot of contact with Mama Keene, and she's not someone I know very well. And, I just felt honored that she chose me, and only me, for this award. (I hope I am not offending anyone else who has given me an award. Like I said, I appreciate them all. This time it just feels a little more personal.)

Anyway, I am going to answer the questions in the meme and then I'm going to send it on to ONE blogger. And I am going to take some time to try to give it to someone who I feel is really Versatile, like the award says.

Now onto the questions ...

1. Why did you create this blog?
Honestly, it started out as a way to keep my out-of-state family and friends apprised of what all we were doing. Then it quickly became my narcissistic way of hearing my own thoughts. It continues to be that. I have branched out, though, and created a blog just about the kids' activities and one with our homeschooling activities. But, Taulman Times is really all about me.

2. What kind of blogs do you follow?
My favorites change all the time, depending on what I'm going through. I really just love blogs where the authors are real about their lives, both the good times and bad. I can't stand blogs where it's all "ushy gushy" when I know personally about how that blogger's life really is. (This is one of the reasons I stopped Facebooking. It became all about trying to look better than everyone else.) I also love homeschooling blogs. I get so inspired by them!

3. Favorite Make-up Brand?
I use pretty basic brands, nothing expensive. I've used expensive makeup before and never saw much difference. I'm a Cover Girl!

4. Favorite Clothing Brand?
I have nothing to do with brands, more with styles. I have a classic style and do lots of coordinating. I try to buy basic colors and styles and then add small splashes of trend, in jewelry or scarves or patterns in shoes. I hardly ever get rid of clothes because I always find a way to pair them with other things further down the road. Oh, and I'm cheap.

5. Indispensable Make-up Product?
Equate brand facial wipes. They make me feel so clean.

6. Favorite Color?
I love all fall colors ... browns, golds, reds, dark purples.

7. Favorite Perfume?
I don't wear perfume. I usually buy body sprays from Bath and Body Works when they are having their clearance sales (right now!!) and alternate between a couple of different fragrances.

8. Favorite Film?
Geeezzzz ... I don't know. Probably Father of the Bride II. Although I also love the Saw movies. Very psychological!

9. What country would you like to visit and why?
Greece, Greece, Greece!! It was actually my greatest desire just for the scenery. But now that Dawson and I have studied Ancient Greece, there's the whole ancient side I am interested in seeing.

10. Would you rather forget to put mascara on one eye or forget to put blush on one side of your face?
Blush, because I wear so little that you probably wouldn't notice.

Now, who should I pass this onto???

The definition of Versatile, according to thefreedictionary.com is "Capable of doing many things competently."

When I looked down my Blogroll I stopped at Down Memory Lane. Rhonda and I found each other through Blogland a long time ago. We have become good friends. She is very real and has an extreme love for her family! She is also very crafty and creative! (In fact I am copying her Valentine card idea from last year!) She is an excellent photographer. And she is a preschool teacher. Since starting back at teaching this year, she hasn't been able to blog as often as I would like! But, I always get so excited when I see that she has a new post. Go check out her blog! Rhonda is very Versatile and just plain awesome!

Thank you, Mama Keene, for the award!

Nicole's Daybook

Outside my window... It's a balmy 12 degrees and just enough snow to be an inconvenience, but not enough to really play!

I am thinking... about how I would love to spend the day wrapped up in a blanket in my favorite chair looking at the snow outside and drinking coffee. But since that's not going to happen, I better get the next round of kids up and ready for school ...

I am thankful ... for weekends like this past one where everybody had good attitudes, got to do a little of what they liked to do, and pitched in when work needed to be done.

I am wearing... a gray t-shirt, blue and gray striped hoodie, gray fleece pants and my gray boot slippers.

I am planning... nope .. still nothing!

I am creating... ideas for Brynne and Eli's valentines for school. Probably going to copy my favorite idea from last year.

I am going... to get on my cell phone to my sister, and Ticketmaster, all at the same time on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m., and work at getting tickets to NKOTBSB in either Kansas City or Tulsa, depending on which tickets are best. Ten bucks if you know who I'm talking about! I'm gueesing nobody under age 35 does.

I am reading... A Woman after God's own Heart by Elizabeth George, At Home on Ladybug Farm by Donna Ball, Meet Josefina by Valerie Tripp (Brynne's read-aloud) and The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare (Dawson's read-aloud).

I am hoping... that Dawson is able to make an informed decision about his schooling next year and have peace with whatever decision he makes.

Scripture I'm memorizing ... "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." ~ Proverbs 3:5-6

From the learning rooms... Second semester is starting out strong for most of the kids. Kyndal always starts out with a renewed energy. I'm hoping that it will last this time. She tends to start to fizzle out. Dawson is doing great on his independent work, but seems very disinterested in the schoolwork he normally seems to enjoy. Brynne is "flying high" with her Bird study and other work. Eli is my difficult one because after a break he has a hard time getting back into things. He's still struggling so we are having to push him a little hard.

Noticing that ... it's so easy to slip back into a mindset of thinking I "should" be doing a particular something (in this case, getting up at a certain time in the morning) when I have made a decision to stop doing things only because, for whatever reason, I feel like I "should".

From the kitchen... I am going to be creating a new kind of cheesy enchilada tonight for dinner, at Rick's request. He's told me how he thinks he would like it to turn out, and I'm going to try to make it happen. Hmmmm ....

Around the house... It's quiet for about 1 more minute.

One of my favorite things... is watching/hearing my 5 year old play checkers with Rick or the older kids.

A few plans for the rest of the week... This is a actually a very quiet week until the weekend, and even then it's not too crazy. Other than just school this week, Brynne will have PE and Music at Coop on Friday. Then on Saturday she has a birthday party to attend. We are hopeful that the weather will cooperate so my mom can come for a visit from Saturday to Monday. Other than that .... nothing!!! I love January!

From my picture journal.

Three of my favorite "people" in the world.

Lots of women Daybook. See what they have to say at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Menu Plan Monday

It's Snowing! Finally we are getting the snow that everyone in the country has been enjoying! We love snow! My kids have been waiting impatiently for snow! Makes me wish I would have planned a big pot of soup this week. Oh well.

Here's what we are having ...

Monday ~ Cook-to-order burgers, chips, beans and cottage cheese

Tuesday ~ Cheesy enchiladas and spanish rice

Wednesday ~ Fend for Yourself

Thursday ~ Manicotti (from the freezer)

Friday ~ Sub sandwiches and chips

Saturday ~ Bowtie chicken pasta

Sunday ~ Tomato soup and grilled cheese

** Please continue to pray for my friend, Vee. Her husband has now been gone for 2 months and her baby is due in a month. She can still barely breathe due to the anguish she suffers daily. She needs prayers for strength.

** And check back later. I've got a Giveaway announcement.

My Reading Problem .. a Good Problem to Have!

Okay, so you remember that I decided to join in on Shannon's Classic Reading Challenge? And, I really want to do that. I haven't read hardly any classics, and I know I would enjoy them!

My problem? I keep reading suggestions for books that I want to read, which puts off my start date for reading those classics!

For instance, someone blogged about a series of books written by Donna Ball about Ladybug Farm. I read the first book in about 5 days and am now in the middle of the second book. There is still one book left in that series. My plan was to finish that series in January, finish The Pillars of the Earth in February (lots left to read on that huge book) and then start Pride and Prejudice in March.

But, I read another blog suggestion for a book called Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand. And I want to read it!!! What do I do???

Here's my plan ... starting in March I will read a classic, with an intention to have it finished that month. If I get it done before the end of the month, then I can check out the other fun books I am wanting to read and read one by the end of that month when it will be time for the next classic.

Our library has a great "List" tool which allows you to save book titles to it for your future reference. I have started one for "Future Books I Want to Read". When I see a suggestion about a book I think I'm interested in, I can add it to my list and check it out later.

So, that's the solution to my "Problem". We'll see how it works out.

Family Game Night

Eli LOVES Family Game Night on the Hub channel. Because of that show my little ones have developed an extreme love of board games ... Connect 4, Sorry, Twister, Yahtzee and Checkers, to name just a few.

Instead of going out and partying on New Year's Eve, Rick and I planned a Family Game Night of our own at home with the kids. The host's name is Todd Newton but Eli thinks his name is Tom Newter. Since I was the hostess he told me my name was "Mommy Newter". I've been called worse.

Dawson and Brynne were the Pink Team and Rick and Eli were the Blue Team.

We made Monopoly Crazy Cash Cards. Eli, Brynne and Dawson drew the pictures. On the back we taped an envelope that contained an index card with a money amount on it.

They played six different games, the ones above plus Wii Bowling. After each game the winning team got to pick a Crazy Cash Card. After all of the games were completed we added up all of the dollar amounts in the envelopes each team had and the Blue Team won. There was weeping from the Pink Team, but once Brynne dried Dawson's tears we were able to move on.

In true New Year's Eve Fashion, I was in bed by about 10:30 and asleep by 11:00. Kyndal was home two hours after I went to sleep. Dawson was bummed that his parents were so lame that they wouldn't ring in the new year with him.

The kids had a really great time! Rick and I had gone out to dinner with some friends on Thursday night to celebrate together without all of the crowds and late night. Making individual pizzas and hanging out with the family is what I prefer to do!!

God was in the mood to brag about his creation ...

This morning, while driving home from taking Kyndal to her friend's to catch a ride to school, I was presented with the most amazing views! I almost felt like I had a private viewing of God's creation at its finest! Every car was driving away from what I was driving toward. So, I felt completely alone with God for that short 5 minute drive.

Quite a view, huh?

I was so excited about the pictures that I took the camera into the house to show Rick. An hour later when I took Eli to school, I pulled around the back of the school and a man was out of his car taking a picture of something in one of the trees. I really couldn't see anything, but thought I saw something like a black vulture in the branches. Then another car pulled over and got out. I still didn't see anything. After I dropped him off I looked back and there were two more cars stopped and the owners were taking pictures. I looked more closely and there was a BALD EAGLE in all it's majesty sitting in the branches of the tree. Then it soared into the sky. Breathtaking! I was so bummed I didn't have my camera.

I felt so honored to have the opportunity to see these things today.

** I am linking up to Handbook of Nature Study Winter Wednesday #1  World of Color Challenge.

What Happened to 'Rick Rocks'?

For a year and a half, every single Friday without fail, I posted about how Rick rocked in my life that week. It honestly wasn't very difficult to come up with things to say about him because he really is a great husband.

However, it occurred to me, and had been occurring to him for quite some time that ..."If I'm not showin' it, he's not knowin' it!"  I could say, in as many words as I wanted, how great I thought he was. But, if I hadn't made him feel great by my actions, they were just words. And sometimes they were even a slap in the face. I can be a grouch (shocker, I know) and it was difficult to believe I really felt the way I said I was feeling in my writing when I had been a grouch to him personally all week. By writing to him each week telling him how great he was, I had found a way that made it unnecessary to express it to him personally. I didn't do it on purpose, but that is ultimately what started to happen.

So, you won't be seeing regular "Rick Rocks" posts anymore, although I reserve the right to throw one in here and there. But the exercise was a good one .. it got me in the habit of looking for Rick's positive qualities. But instead of just writing about them, I am just going to do my darndest to make sure he knows every week how great he is to me and how much I appreciate and need him in my life.

So Many Things to Blog About .. So Little Time!

But I am going to try to get caught up over the weekend.

Here are some previews ...

Why am I not doing my Rick Rocks posts anymore? I'll tell you why.

I saw the most amazing skyscape this morning on my drive home from taking Kyndal to her school drop-off spot. It was amazing and beautiful and, did I say, amazing? I pulled over a couple of times to take photos (which totally do not do it justice). I'll be posting those.

I have an emotional issue I could really use some help with. I think I have pinpointed that "one thing" that keep surfacing in my life and knocking me off my feet. Closet psychologists get ready!

My Classic Reading Challenge ... how am I supposed to start it when I keep seeing recommendations for books that are right up my alley? I've already been delayed with the Ladybug Farm series by Donna Ball. I just started the second book. And now I saw a recommendation for a book called Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand that I want to read. I'll be posting about this solution to my "problem".

I have not one but two giveaways coming up! You have been rewarded for my faithfulness to a certain product and the ever-popular CSN contacted me with an opportunity to pass on to you! I'll have the first giveaway started on Monday.

And we had a Family Game Night on New Year's Eve with our kids. I'll be posting about how you can have one, too.

See, you have lots to check back on! Come back often!

What Mama Got for Christmas

Mama was a good girl this year. And she was rewarded by her Santa and elves. She kind of wanted a hodgepodge of weird things this year, and she got them and more.

She wanted a variety of books. So, instead of making Santa guess what she wanted, she got on Amazon and ordered them for Santa (using his debit card, of course). She was just as excited when she got them as if they had all been a surprise!

Here is what she wanted. She has plans for them all!!

Published in 1937.

Published in 1964. I have already read this book and plan to read it several more times. It is very inspiring if you are a woman who is content with caring for her home and family.

I had this book years ago and it definitely takes you outside your comfort zone, which I could always use a little of.

Wow. The art projects and lessons in this book are AMAZING! I can't wait to take Brynne through the classic artists contained in this book!

I have been wanting this 800+ page book for a long time! It guides a teacher/mom through teaching of a nature study. It was featured in Karen Andreola's A Pocketful of Pinecones that I absolutely adored!

I imagine that after reading this list of books I actually wanted for Christmas you are thinking that I am a weirdo. I am.

Mama's sweet little elf, Dawson, got her these two things:

And her beautiful elfette, Kyndal, gave her this:

Her littlest elflings got her a hand-crocheted scarf (from the coop bartering day) and Toy Story 3 for her and Santa to share. He and mama have already watched it and cried.

 

Mama's own mama and daddy gave her money, which she always appreciates and she got some beautiful baubles from her sister.

It was the Merriest of Christmases for mama.

Nicole's Daybook

Outside my window... Cold, brrrrr ...... !!!!!

I am thinking... about keeping relationships strong during the cold months of winter.

I am thankful ... that Rick likes to put together Lego's, so that he's the one putting together Eli's new ones instead of me.

I am wearing... a Crested Butte ski resort long-sleeved t-shirt, jeans and my slippers.

I am planning... oh my Gosh ~ NOTHING! And, it feels so good !!!

I am creating... oh my Gosh ~ NOTHING! And, it feels so good !!!

I am going... to relish in the fact that I am not planning or creating anything right now, stay immersed in some books, watch some t.v., hang out with my family. Because, I'm sure it won't be long and I'll be doing some planning or creating for something else. (Valentine's Day, Easter ...)

I am reading... A Woman after God's own Heart by Elizabeth George, A Year at Ladybug Farm by Donna Ball, Meet Josephina by Valerie Tripp (Brynne's read-aloud) and The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare (Dawson's read-aloud). I was supposed to be starting my Classics reading, but got hooked into the 3-book Ladybug series. I love the first book, have almost finished it in just a couple of days, and the second one is waiting for me at the library. After I read those three I'm going to finish The Pillars of the Earth and then I'm onto Pride and Prejudice.

I am hoping... that the good and happy attitudes of the members of this little family continue on. It's so nice!

Scripture I'm memorizing ... "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." ~ Proverbs 3:5-6

From the learning rooms... Yesterday marked the first day of 2nd semester. A new semester always finds Kyndal digging in hard (hope she can keep it up and not fizzle out). Dawson told me yesterday morning that he has decided he wants to be homeschooled next year, too, so that now has me thinking about curriculum changes. Eli had a "rough" first day back, which is to be expected from him as he doesn't transition well. And Brynne had a great first day yesterday, which is to be expected from her. She was very excited about our new Bird study and about some Spanish words we are learning while reading Meet Josephina.

Noticing that ... the yearly theme of 2011 for so many women I know is "less, simple, love, family."

From the kitchen... I have a new under-counter light above my coffee pot and it's nice to have! Thanks, mom! You'll love it!

Around the house... Are reorganized rooms, but closets and drawers need to be purged.

One of my favorite things... is a good book and a cup of hot green tea in the evening.

A few plans for the rest of the week... This week has us back to the norms of daily school, some physical therapy for Kyndal and balancing homework and playing. On Saturday evening Rick and I are going to a New Year's dinner for his company. Then on Sunday we plan to try another church.

From my picture journal.

Brynne used some of her Christmas money to buy a vanity set. She has done everyone's hair, including Eli's and the dogs'. It came with an iPhone-like pink cell phone (that's a sign of the times, what vanity set needs a cell phone?) and she would "get texts" while fixing hair and then "need to take a picture to send to my friend." She's  a trip.

Lots of women Daybook. See what they have to say at The Simple Woman's Daybook.