Praises of a Wife and Mommy

It's so nice to go out once in a while to a fancy restaurant or even a nearby steak house and treat your family to a delicious dinner. However, unless you have money to burn, everyday meals at home can also get pretty costly. Is there a way to reduce what you usually spend on groceries? If so, you could quickly save a lot so let's take a look at some ideas which may change your buying habits. Here it is. My five essential tips to eating well at home without breaking the bank.  Apply these tips consistently and you will see results.     TIP 1: Try to only go shopping for groceries when you have a specific list of the items that you need. This helps prevent impulse buying of additional items, and of course helps ensure that you got everything (no running back out to the store for that pesky forgotten item)! Also try to avoid food shopping if you are very hungry or thirsty as you will probably purchase more. TIP 2: Waste not, want not. Try to keep track of e...

About the book: Miracle of Jesus   is a level two I Can Read! based on the  NIV Adventure Bible . In it, young readers read about how great God’s love is for all people. At this read-alone level, newly independent readers follow Jesus as he travels, spreading the Good News of his Father’s love. Along the way, Jesus shows in wondrous ways just how powerful God’s love is when he brings health back to a young girl and a long-suffering woman, and how he gives comfort to thousands of believers with a delicious meal as well as the precious word of God. Written for the newly independent reader, vocabulary and content is at a more advanced reading level, making this series appropriate for children almost ready for their first chapter books. This I Can Read! series of Bible stories makes use of the unique features found in the  NIV Adventure Bible  such as “People in Bible Times” and “Words to Treasure”. Content aligns with the Common Core Standards for infor...

So my daughter had a school dance this weekend and it was an 80's theme.   I can't help but laugh and feel very old at my daughters comments leading up to her dance.   Hope this makes you laugh and feel old like me!  Selah-"Mom, my dance is coming up and its the 1980's so I have to dress like the olden days!"  Olden days... since when did the 1980's become the olden days?  I guess it makes sense since it was the 1990's when I was her age and I thought the 1960's was olden!  HA! 

Maybe it's the young adults influence or maybe it's his sense of humor but my little guy sure can turn a normal picture into a forever memory.    I had to leave church early so I asked the interns to keep an eye on him while Anthony does all the pastoral duties.   When I got home and logged onto Instagram I see these two hilarious pictures.    Maybe they each convinced him to pose or maybe just maybe he just happen to make these faces.   He also happen to dress himself that morning in his little white suit so he was already looking sharp.   (he added a train hat which might have been a bit much but in these pictures its awesome)   Well Tman, Thanks for the humor on this day... and every day I look at this picture!   I wonder if anyone can come up with a funny saying for each picture to create a meme?   I love you and your silliness more and more!   As you read this when you are older I pray you c...

About the book: Catie Conrad is a typical, tween, Christian girl and the humorous new voice in a series of books called "Desperate Diva Diaries" by author Angie Spady. The first book in the series for girls aged 9 to 12, titled "Catie Conrad: Faith, Friendship, and Fashion Disasters," chronicles Catie's attempt at normalcy with the school dance underway and her families surprising plans to spend spring break on an Indian reservation. Conrad is a typical Christian girl with the weight of the world on her shoulders. Between the upcoming school dance, a bratty little brother and his pet skunk, a big art competition and not to mention the school’s resident bully “princess,” her life is full of drama. The book is written in the popular diary format, as Conrad chronicles her life as a “wannabe diva,” and also includes her prayer journal. She learns that there is nothing the combination of her best friend and faith can’t get her through, and never ceases to...

Online specialty Food Company stands the test of time - Spice Company creates custom spice blends, sesonings and dry soups. Olde Westport Spice & Trading Company is a 33-year-old spice manufacturer that is still going strong. This online company operates a small plant in Goodland, Kansas, and knows a thing or two about spices, seasonings and soups. This family owned and operated company was originally founded in the Kansas City area and has stayed true to its mission of making custom spice blends for main meal dishes and appetizers as well as nearly 20 varieties of dry soups. The products are available online at www.oldewestportspice.com; at food-related craft and trade shows throughout the Midwest; and at gift and gourmet food shops. Olde Westport's spice blends and seasonings include Italian, Cajun, Taco, Fajita, Chili, Jalapeno, Beef Sauce, Salsa, Garlic and many more. All of the products use quality ingredients for a balanced flavor that compliments meats, pastas a...

One quote I loved when I was younger was, "Reach for the moon, if you don't land there you will fall among the stars."    As a behavioral teacher working with kids who struggle setting goals and expectations is a common thing.   I want them to set a goal succeed and build their self esteem.   So to start the year off we filled out some goal sheets and made these hands to decorate our door.   They now will see their goals each time they walk through the classroom!   How are you helping your students set goals and have expectations for their own lives?  

About Bunny's First Spring When a bunny is born in spring, he sees the world as green and new and full of hope.  But as the seasons change, the bunny worries that the earth may be dying.  In bestselling author’s Sally Lloyd-Jones’ latest picture book celebrating the Easter season and rebirth, nature speaks to the bunny, assuring him of something more. Award-winning artist David McPhail’s whimsical illustrations reflect the beauty of the world around us as Lloyd-Jones’ inspirational text prompts readers to celebrate the changing seasons and the miracle of nature’s rebirth. My Review: Thanks Zondervan for sending me this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are 100% mine and I was not paid for this review.   I have reviewed other books written by Sally Lloyd-Jones and am really becoming a fan.   This book makes the reader wonder about other animals as she playfully writes about Bunny.   I enjoyed the book but...

Who wants white teeth but not spend a fortune?  SmileBrilliant !  is a national dental lab designed to help our customers receive professional strength teeth whitening without ever visiting a dentist! Our lab was specifically created to curb the high cost of cosmetic teeth whitening that is charged at dental offices around the world. Our clients can trust our lab-direct professional teeth whitening service to deliver dramatic results at the very best price, worldwide. We truly believe that if you become our customer - then we'll have you, your family and friends as clients for life! By doing so we'll have a solid, reputable business that will grow to be the largest of its kind. So go ahead and become our next teeth whitening client. We believe that you'll be satisfied with your decision! My Review: I was a very giving person and I let our intern here be the lucky one to use this review item.   When our package came we read the easy to understand d...

I have to start planning his 4th birthday party already!!!  I still call him my baby sometimes but that results in him yelling at me and telling me he is a boy and not a baby.    This picture is one that really captures how big he is getting!  I also love how he put his baseball hat.  He really wanted to be outside driving his new toy but since the snow the 4-wheeler is in his bedroom just tempting him and reminding him so he often sits on it making car noises.    Dear Goose...Tman... Titus, Sure seems like ages ago when your sister named you Goose while you were in my belly.   The name did stay for awhile after you were born but then a friend started to call you t-man and that stuck for a little while but now you just want to be called Titus.  If I even attempt to call you "my baby" you make sure to remind me you are not a baby.   (Even though you are still my baby since you are the youngest... you just have to wait and see if ...

HAPPY NEW YEAR- 2015 It has taken me a few days to write this post... so far 2015 has been a sick one for myself.   I was at the doctors getting checked for strep which was negative but I swear it was the worst sore throat I have ever experienced.   The doctor did notice the inflammation in my neck and throat so he did give me a steroid.   The steroid though makes people more susceptible to infections which caused an eye infection.   I am better now but it sure was the longest week ever!    I will admit I did not stay up till midnight to bring the new year in, I again watched the ball drop at 11 pm my time then went to bed.   I kissed my daughter as my new years kiss which I do believe made my hubby a little jealous.  ;) January 1st started us on our journey in the Daniel Plan which is different than the Daniel Fast... confused us at first so right now we are doing a fast for a couple days. ...

Three Types of Mobility Scooters and Their Uses One of the greatest things technology has granted is increased independence for those who are disabled. Many technological devices empower the disabled to live on their own, when just fifty years ago, they would be forced to live with a family member or in an institution in order to receive care. One of the greatest inventions is the mobility scooter, and in our current age, there are several models and features out there. Here is a run-down of just a few of the types and their uses. Two-Wheel Electric Scooters Electric Bicycles or Mopeds, are a great, low-noise, zero-emissions form of transportation that are also suitable for persons with limited mobility. These  electric scooters for adults are classified as a power-assisted bicycles, so in most states (depending on the size of the motor) you do not need a driver's license to ride the bike on the street, nor does it have to be registered, plated, or insured. Consult Pride...

In the age of fingertip access to answers and a limitless supply of ambitions, where do we find the God who was birthed in dirt and straw? Sara Hagerty found him when life stopped working for her. She found him when she was a young adult mired in spiritual busyness and when she was a new bride with doubts about whether her fledgling marriage would survive. She found him alone in the night as she cradled her longing for babies who did not come. She found him as she kissed the faces of children on another continent who had lived years without a mommy’s touch. In Every Bitter Thing Is Sweet, Hagerty masterfully draws from the narrative of her life to craft a mosaic of a God who leans into broken stories. Here readers see a God who is present in every changing circumstance. Most significantly, they see a God who is present in every unchanging circumstance as well. Whatever lost expectations readers are facing—in family, career, singleness, or marriage—Every Bitter Thing Is Sweet w...

Didn't find the time to do Christmas cards this season?  If your like me I have missed the last two years.  So how about creating "Happy New Year" cards to send to family and friends with Minted .  At Minted they have a huge selection of stationary, cards, photo gifts, art frames, and much much more! One of the really neat items I found were these photo states.   They used photos and created them in the shape of a state.   I found the Iowa one and Wisconsin one since those are the states I have lived in.   They both look fantastic and I think I could find a few great pics to put in them as like a highlight for the year.  :)  I bet you can find your state too!   If you are just looking for the Happy New Year cards then get your search on there are many fun ones to pick from.   Go have some fun and look at the many items you can create on  http://www.minted.com/   

HAPPY NEW YEAR- 2015 With a new year comes Resolutions!  Have you made yours yet?  I started reading The Daniel Plan a couple weeks ago as I wanted to truly make a life change in my eating habits.   What is your goal or focus for 2015?  Revolutionize Your Health … Once and for All During an afternoon of baptizing over 800 people, Pastor Rick Warren realized it was time for change. He told his congregation he needed to lose weight and asked if anyone wanted to join him. He thought maybe 200 people would sign up, instead he witnessed a movement unfold as 15,000 people lost over 260,000 pounds in the first year. With assistance from medical and fitness experts, Pastor Rick and thousands of people began a journey to transform their lives. Welcome to  The Daniel Plan . Here’s the secret sauce:  The Daniel Plan  is designed to be done in a supportive community relying on God’s instruction for living. When it comes to getting healthy, two ar...