A Humorous Proposal

There is nothing like finding a little humor in the day! Especially when that humor happens to highlight a special event occuring that same day.

Today is a very special day for my oldest brother, Dennis, and his wife, Kim, as they celebrate 28 years of marriage. I have been truly blessed to see first hand the love they have for each other and the godly marriage they have created.

I know your asking, "so where does the humor come in?" Well, after seeing the movie Frozen (which I highly recommend) with Dave and the kids, we decided to head to Taco Bell for a quick lunch. I ordered my usual two crunchy taco supremes. On taco number two, I happened to look at the packet of Salsa Verde I had used and a smile came to my face. The packet said "will you marry me?" which I of course showed with a big smile on my face to my love, Dave. Then came the funny part. The next one I looked at said "I'm up for it if you are". I had to laugh and showed it to Dave as if it was a response to the previous "proposal". Finding humor in the whole thing, I looked at the last packet I had used and it said "you have chosen wisely". 

Its funny how on the day my brother and his wife are celebrating their marriage, a marriage proposal and response occurred on my sauce packets. Who knows maybe some day someone will be able to use those packets to do a real proposal but for today it made me smile and think of how blessed my brother and his wife are with their 28 years together and myself in my own 18 years of marriage.

Happy Anniversary Dennis and Kim!

Oh, and thank you Taco Bell for bringing some humor and love to my day.

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Play Dates? Not at the Wessel House

Another  one of my "bad mother" admissions is that I've never been a big fan of the "play date". The reason, sadly a selfish one, is that when the kid were younger it seemed that I always ended up being the one having to do the entertaining of the kids invited. Emily and Matt loved the idea of a play date but after 10 minutes they would have no idea what to do anymore leaving the task of entertaining my job. This being the case, when young, play dates were very few.

As the kids have gotten older, play dates or as Emily likes to say "get togethers" are more palatable because the kids are more independent and able to think of things to keep their guests occupied.

One thing is for sure though, if planned accordingly, a "play date" usually doesn't occur. Why? because 9 times out of 10 it turns into a craft date. 

One of Emily's friends, who is also a neighbor, loves to craft. So, last week we made the plan that she would come over for a "craft date". The kids (including Matt) were able to choose paint, paper and embellishments to "create" a notebook clipboard and picture frame. The kids were excellent at taking direction on how to cut and modge podge the papers on to the frame and clipboard. Of course, the most fun was when they styled the items with the embellishments they found in my bins of supplies in the craft room. 

Matt chose a patterned paper that resembles a sheriff's badge star and embellished his frame with fireman stickers.

Emily and Gianna chose the same paper for their clipboards. Emily's frame has cupcake paper and sweets embellishments. Gianna's paper is a colorful zebra stripe embellished with jewels.

At the end of the day, everyone was very happy with their creations.

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Disorderly Realization

As most of you know, I'm a woman who thrives on routine and schedules. It is my comfort zone. 

For the last 4 months, I've been thriving on a routine/schedule of the gym at 5 a.m., kids to school, house or bulletin board work during school time, a Friday afternoon craft class, school sport practice or games for Emily, homework, dinner, bedtime, repeat. The weekends tend to have their routines too but we do it together as family - one of the best "routines" (or I would say blessings) is the time we spend at church on Sunday with our church family.

Last Friday changed everything!! Friday was the last day of "routine" for the next week and a half with Christmas break beginning for my kids and the start of the Christmas holiday activities. Routine is basically out the window with the kids being off and Dave taking a few days of vacation during the holidays. For most people this would seem like a welcome change, but for someone like me it throws me into an abyss of confusion. 

Already the housework has been put on a slight hold as trying to keep things "clean" with kids afoot seems impossible, laundry piled up (but thankfully is now under control), dinner has not been planned as a day off here and back to work the next makes meal planning a little crazy, and a trip to the food store for a full week of groceries seems long over due. My sleep seems to be being effected by this change as a few sleepless nights have fallen upon me which in turn has effected my workout routine - falling asleep at 3 doesn't mix well with rising at 4:30. 

Today I was asked lovingly by a very good friend "what is going on with you?" I explained briefly the routine conundrum but told her I am truly trying to embrace what is happening. Yes, this is not my comfort zone at all but there has to be something that I am to learn or be blessed by in the midst of this state of "discomfort". 

Her question made me think a little more this morning as I was getting ready for the day. Where has some of my joy gone? You see for the last 3 months very little has stopped me from my workout routine, a routine that has given me a lot of joy - joy of being with friends, getting healthy and stronger. Yet, for the last few weeks it has been a bit of a struggle to get going and more so this past week. Excuses are being made to not go, etc

In the conversation with my friend, she suggested I use the rest/quiet time I'm experiencing to set new goals. But what I had to think of first is what has changed over the time. You see it didn't take long for me to pinpoint the problem. Its been something I've know has been changing and not for the better. You see 4 months ago a part of that same routine was after I was blessed to workout my body, I would come home and "workout" my spiritual body by doing devotions, praying and reading God's Word in those quiet moments before the kids had to get up for school. I have to be honest and say that the last month that has not been in my routine. I started getting busier earlier in the morning, trying to fit in tasks before the kids rose. 

My heart knows that this is where the source of my conundrum all starts. When I am not in tune with God, my life as organized as it may seem to others becomes a mess. God has been speaking to me through the messages of our pastor regarding living the life God wants us to live but how can I do that if I do not every day "check in" with him and find out what I am to do. 

Its funny how God knows just how to get your attention in order to bring you back to where you NEED to be - in His will. For me, it is taking my order and making it disorder.

Now how do I know this is the case. Because God confirmed it today when I picked up the devotional "Jesus Is Calling" by Sarah Young. You see there He did teach me there was something to learn in this "rest" period of disrupted routines. 

Here is the devotional:

"I am preparing you for what is on the road ahead, just around the bend. Take time to be still in My Presence so that I can strengthen you. The busier you become, the more you need this time apart with Me. So many people think that time spent with Me is a luxury they cannot afford. As a result, they live and work in their own strength - until that becomes depleted. Then they either cry out to Me for help or turn away in bitterness. 

How much better is it to walk close to Me, depending on My strength and trusting Me in every situation. If you live in this way, you will do less but accomplish far more. Your unhurried pace of living will stand out in this rush-crazed age. Some people may deem you lazy, but many more will be blessed by your peacefulness. Walk in the Light with Me, and you will reflect Me to the watching world." - Isaiah 64:4; John 15:5; Psalm 36:9

You see God confirmed that the time I spend with Him is far more precious and brings His order to my life which results in want I want and that is to reflect and be a testimony for Him. 

So even though my life of order and routine won't return until everyone is back to their respective schedules, I know I can bring a new order, a better order, one that will give me more joy than anything else by spending more time with my God. 

Another thing I learned from this whole day of "revelation" is that God has blessed me with a few friends, sisters who can call me out in love, make me accountable for my actions, listen and encourage me to be the best me that God wants me to be. For that, I am so very grateful.
As always, thanks for stopping by! 

Merry CHRISTmas!!!

From our entire family, which includes Mr. Jingle our bunny, to your family, we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas!

As you spend time today with family and friends, remember the true gift of this day - the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God gave us the most beautiful and precious gift of His love in the giving of His one and only Son. Love did come down from heaven on that blessed day! 

Merry Christmas!!

And, as always, thanks for stopping by!

Snow Bells - 4th Grade Arts & Crafts Project

Leading up to Christmas, I wanted the 3rd & 4th grade classes to work on an arts & crafts project appropriate for the holiday. Sadly, I was only able to work with the 4th grade in getting the project done before Christmas but it is one I can definitely do with the 3rd grade come January. 

I found this craft for "door bells" which I changed to "snow bells" at Martha Stewart. Most of the supplies I already had on hand in my craft room. 

One of the items I did not have were the egg cartons for the bells. Thankfully the art room had several deli egg cartons on hand so that problem was solved. I used a utility knife to separate the carton into individual egg holders. This is definitely not a part for the kids to do and I definitely recommend using a utility knife as it creates a much cleaner cut than scissors. I cut three bells per student. 

The next step was to paint the "bells". We used a metallic blue acrylic paint. The color was perfect for the snow theme - cool and icy!

Painting of the "bells" took one class period. The kids were to do two coats, painting a small canvas for an upcoming project between, but only one coat was completed.

The supplies needed for the next class session were darning needs (for threading the ribbon), ribbon, bells, modge podge, glitter and Epsom salts - the coffee of course was my aid to get me through class. The kids first threaded the ribbon on to the bell and through the top of the carton "bell" knotting the ribbon to secure the bell in place. Once they did all three we tied/knotted the three ribbons together. An assembly line of silver, blue and turquoise glitter was set up. The kids put modge podge on each bell and "glittered" them to their liking. Of course, this was the messiest part of the project. Finally, we added a little more modge podge and sprinkled on Epsom salt so the bells had the look of being snow covered. 

The kids were so excited with their completed project. 

As always, thanks for stopping by! 

Sunday Crafting - Christmas Trees

My love of crafting has spilled over to the  4's and 5's Sunday School class I teach.

Of course, I have to give credit to a little someone who has requested crafts the last two months. Danny is a sweet, smart & curious boy who loves to learn and most of all craft. Last month he requested turkeys for Thanksgiving which led to Christmas trees this month. 

Now, I can't take full credit for this craft. I did find it at the website I Heart Crafty Things. We did use a smaller "dessert" paper plate. Also, instead of painting the plates we colored them. The only issue we did have is that the "garland" sticker tape had trouble sticking to the wax of the crayon but a little glue fixed that. The jewels were adhered with glue dots and I am not sure if you can tell but we did add some "snow" glitter to the trees.

Next month, I think we will be doing a variation of a snowflake or snowman or snow globe - okay the only thing I am positive of is that snow will be involved.

As always, thanks for stopping by! 

Hard Work Pays Off

This is the second year Emily and Matt are attending Hackensack Christian School. 

Last year went well for their first year in a new school and we were very pleased with their academic performances. We did know going into this year it would be a whole new ball game.

Matthew is now in 3rd grade (hard to believe) where the work is getting harder and more detailed. This year he has started learning "true" American History. I was somewhat concerned on how he would take to it but let me tell you he LOVES it. Every day he tells me more and more facts he is learning about the characters from history - Squanto, Miles Standish, William Penn, George Washington, etc. He loves imparting his new knowledge on me even when he isn't studying. His easiest subject but not his most favorite is math. Clearly he has his dad's mathematical mind. Matt's report card showed he is doing extremely well earning him a place on the school's "Principal's List" (their highest academic achievement list). The funniest part is that his lowest grade was in PE. What can I say he is not a "gym" kid.

Emily has now started 5th grade. This year the 4th, 5th and 6th grade teachers are teaching their strength subjects for the 3 grades and the kids are changing classes accordingly. Emily surprised us from the onset taking very easily to this system and the teacher's different teaching styles. This year we are having her work more independently. Although we help her with questions she has on homework, we do not correct her work before it is turned in allowing her teachers to see the areas in which she struggles. Dave and I do help her with studying for quizzes and tests and have helped her develop a few systems, especially in history, that help her retain large chunks of material when it comes to the  comprehensive chapter tests. We also recognize the fact that because she does struggle on the larger comprehensive tests that that grade may not be as high as her quizzes and that is okay. Our feeling is that if we see and know that she has worked hard the grade she receives will truly reflects her knowledge.....we also know when she does not put effort or time into her work and for that she does have consequences. As parents of a child with learning issues, we find that each year we are learning more about how to help Emily by being involved in some area, staying out of others but always being firm and keeping her informed on her progress. This year we are really striving to get her to understand her need to study over the course of a few days and not just the day before. We also do not allow her needs to be an excuse for not trying or lack of effort. Being in tune with her abilities allows us to be able to work with her to be successful no matter what letter grade is earned. As parents, we know when a lower grade is hard earned and when it is a lack of effort.  

Now Emily did start school sports this year and because we knew this would help her socially, we decided to be a little more lenient on our overall "grade" expectations. When she started soccer, we told her we were looking for B's. Knowing the work of 5th grade, the time for practice and games and the time left over for school work we didn't think this was unreasonable. We also thought it would help her to not put too much pressure on herself and enjoy both the sports and academics of school.

Emily's work this first marking period was amazing considering the addition of sports. She also earned a place on the Principal's List for her academic achievements. Now, we do realize that this may be only a first period achievement but we will continue to help her strive to achieve her best work. 

I don't want to say we are proud of our kid's for their grades, we are proud of them for all the work they have put in achieving those grades. Hard work does truly pay off!
As always, thanks for stopping by!

A Family Fall Saturday

Today was one of those warmer fall days that you just had to take advantage of and we did!

As most of you know during the week, I'm up at 4:30 each day in order to get to the gym by 5 and a workout in by 6. Well, Saturday is my day to sleep in and I'm happy to say that I was not disturbed and got out of bed after 8. I know, some of you are saying that is still early but for me it is 3 1/2 more hours of shut eye. 

Most Saturday mornings Dave heads to the gym by 7 and brings home bagels and coffee.  Today he was right on schedule for my rising.

After a short quiet time in the morning, I headed to the basement to start laundry and Dave to the store to by a second rake. 

I knew that the day was an "at home" day so I chose to make a Crock Pot recipe from my weekly chosen recipes. I got that started to be ready around 5:30 as we would be heading to our church tonight for movie night.

When Dave returned from the store, he and the kids got busy raking the leaves. It is funny, we have no trees on our property and our neighbor's huge oak tree was removed about 2 years ago but we still get a good amount of leaves on our lawn and caught in our shrubbery. It was fun seeing the family pitching in on a home chore. While I was taking pictures, there happened to be an elderly lady walking with her care giver (you can see them in the first picture). I said "good morning" to which they responded "good morning". I took the next two pictures and walked a short distance behind them heading to our side door when I heard the elderly lady say, "It is so nice seeing a family working together." It warmed my heart that the actions of our family made an impression on her. It is those small acts that show God's love through us. 

The kid's were good at pitching in and I didn't hear any complaints. Then again, I was mainly in the house doing inside chores of laundry, dinner prep, coupon clipping and a handful of other tasks. I think they most enjoyed the shoveling of the leaves ...... little do they know this is preparation for this winter's snow shoveling. 

It is always nice after a day of  housework (and to be honest a little napping on the couch in the sunshine), to know that a hot meal is being prepared in the Crock Pot and dinner decisions do not need to be made.

Tonight I decided to make Crock Pot Cheesy Italian Tortellini that I found through Pinterest at the website Keeley Mcguire. This is such a simple meal with the sauce cooking for 6 hours and the tortellini and cheese going in for 15 extra minutes at the end of the cooking process.

Let me tell you this was absolutely yummy!! Everyone gave it a big thumbs up and I will be making it for our company that is coming at Thanksgiving time.
As always, thanks for stopping by!

A Comfort Food Favorite

Tonight's dinner was a take on the classic comfort food favorite Chicken Pot Pie.

Because of the amount of "work" needed to make this meal, I chose to make it tonight seeing this is the only night Emily has no basketball practice.

I found this recipe for Cheddar Bay Biscuits Chicken Pot Pie through Pinterest at the website Seeded at the Table. 

There are several steps to this recipe as I stated previously. First, there is the prepping of the chicken. Earlier today I poached several chicken breasts in broth and then shredded it using my Kitchen Aid mixer. I chose to shred the chicken to make it more palatable for Emily who is a bit of a chicken "snob". When I brought the kids home from school, I started the remaining steps which included prepping the veggies and making the sauce. While that was cooking, I made the biscuits that would top the "filling" along with the garlic butter that was put on top of the biscuits for the browning process.

Yes, it tastes as good as it looks. Emily believe it or not gave it a thumbs up - I think the biscuits won her over. Matt liked it but wasn't thrilled with all the veggies - carrots, peas, corn and the ever awful potato. He picked out his favorites - peas and corn. I was able to keep it in the oven on a "warming" setting so that Dave was able to eat when he came home. He gave it a thumbs up.

There is a slight downside to this recipe for our family.

This is the portion all four of us ate for dinner. Being a non-leftover eating family, this poses a bit of a problem. Next time, I will definitely half the recipe. Oh, and don't be concerned I didn't throw the leftovers away, I will try and get one more meal out of it. 

Seeing I've made new recipes the last two nights, I'm going to give the family a break tomorrow night and make some pita pizzas but I'll be back using the Crock Pot Friday night. 

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Cookies and Cashew Chicken

Today was my day to get back into cooking mode when it comes to our evening meal. 

Well, I was so inspired by the thought of cooking the meal I decided to make today also a "homemade, from scratch cookie baking day". I admit that I usually use cookie mixes just to make things go a little faster. 

Okay another confession, I've had the ingredients for these Pumpkin Scotchies cookies on had for several weeks but just haven't been inspired to bake. Today's cold, flurry flying morning put me in such a mood. I found the recipe for these cookies off Pinterest from the website The Girl Who Ate Everything. They are very yummy and perfect for this time of year. Love the combination of pumpkin and butterscotch!! 

Of course, I made these while the kids were at school and sampled a few (just 2) to make sure they were edible. When I went to pick up Matt who waits with me at the school for Emily's hour and a half of basketball practice, I surprised him with two of the cookies, which he gave a big thumbs up!!! Emily tried one when she came home...also a thumbs up!! Dave has yet to try them but if he approves there is a batch waiting to accompany him to work tomorrow. This recipe made a lot of cookies....too many for us to eat. 

All this cookie excitement did not distract me from my mission to make dinner. I decide to make the Crock Pot Cashew Chicken recipe I found also through Pinterest at the website  Daydream Kitchen. 

The cooking time is for 3 hours on low so I assembled the ingredients and turned on the Crock Pot just before heading to the kid's school. I heated some rice to serve the cashew chicken atop. So, the rating are thumbs up from me and believe it or not my "chicken snob" Emily. Matt was a so so mainly because he didn't like the cashews. Fortunately, my Crock Pot has a warmer setting so I was able to feed Dave this same meal just a little while ago when he came home from work. He gave it his approval so it looks like we have another recipe to add to the family binder. 

As always, thanks for stopping by! 

What on the Menu? is back!!!

Woohoo!! I finally got my act together when it comes to dinner. Well, at least for the next 8 meals.

Sunday night I pulled recipes from my "to try" folder to be made during the upcoming week. Monday morning I made my list, shopped my pantry shelves for items already on hand then headed out to the food store. 

Last night for dinner I pulled meatloaf mix from the freezer and made our family favorite mini Italian meatloaves. They were served with mashed potatoes and corn. A yummy meal with all the ingredients already on hand.

When choosing the week's meals, I focused on ones that would work well with Emily's new basketball practice schedule. Three of the meals are made in the crock pot, which I LOVE!!!

Here is the list:

• Crock Pot Cashew Chicken
• Cheddar Bay Biscuits chicken Pot Pie
• Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
• One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta
• Crock Pot Cheesy Italian Tortellini
• Italian Baked Chicken and Pastina
• Cheeseburger Pasta

Looking forward to trying some new recipes and I promise to keep you informed on the success of these meals.

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Get Out Your Checkbook

Last week was a very busy week for me making a new bulletin board at my church. Normally, I would post a "sneak peek" picture on Facebook to spark interest but not this time. Because of the content, I had to be "mum" about it and let me tell you that was hard.

The majority of the boards I do at my church do not coordinate with a specific sermon series or themed event. Of course, God always uses them in the capacity He chooses to effect those who see them. 

The week before last, I was suppose to get working on putting up a new board for the main hallway. I knew the board I wanted to create (it was an idea off a graphic I saw) but was lagging in getting started. Little did I know that God was keeping me from starting on something that was not a part of His timing. I received a call from my friend Debbie, who works at the church and is my co-creator in the making of these boards, and she told me of a financial challenge that was going to be put out to the congregation.  She felt that a coordinating bulletin board regarding the challenge would be a great idea. In the middle of our conversation, I knew why God was having me lag on getting the other board started.....He had a better plan. We met later that week and formulated the idea for the board.

Okay, so the financial challenge that has been set before the church congregation is to pay down the church mortgage of $80,000 and build up capital by tithing an extra $20 a week per family for the next 6 months. 

Immediately when I heard this idea, a big personal check came to mind. We brainstormed from that idea and came up with the concept of a board that looked like a person's bill paying session and a check written for the $20.

Here is a picture of the completed board.

So, let me give you a run down of the board and all the elements that were made. 

The first element made, which is my favorite, is the checkbook. 

The outer part of the checkbook is a black display board that would be used for science projects, etc. I cut this to fit the standard size piece of white foam board being used for the check "stack". On top of the white foam board, I place the check which was created freehand on a sheet of 2 sided blue poster board. The one side looks exactly like a check and the other is the royal blue color used at the top of the check where the perforation would be. The check is being written/coming from "Your Faithful Steward Sojourner on Earth Heaven Bound" and is made out to "God's House". On the top of the checkbook flap, a "post-it" has been place with the verse Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." As I said before, the check is my favorite element of this board.  

The next element is the note pad ledger. I used a piece of left over foam board from another project. What I like about this piece of board is that the surface is paper and not glossy like most foam board giving it that true paper look. It also makes it a lot easier to erase pencil marks from.  Also, to make it truly look like a note pad, I put two lines of black artist tape at the top mimicking the binding/perforation part of the pad and wrote "mead" in silver sharpie. Of course, I put the purpose of our challenge at the top of the "note pad" and then made a ledge sheet portion for the date paid, amount paid and balance. This will allow the congregation to see the progress that is being made on the challenge. I did not do all 24 lines for the 6 months of updates because the board would be too busy.....so when we do run out of lines I plan on putting a piece of paper/card stock over the ledger portion with a ripped top so it looks as if a portion of the page has been ripped exposing another page to continue the ledgering. 

Now when it comes to note pads and notes, I'm a doodler so we only felt it was appropriate to include a little doodling on this note pad. As Debbie and I were talking about this, it came to mind that most of my doodlings tend to be bulletin board driven. Jokingly I told her that I should doodle a picture of the bulletin board I had intended to put up. Well, I did exactly that and let me tell you that board doodle is so appropriate to the theme of this current board. It is a picture of a moving box and on the outside of the box is Philippians 4:19 "And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." God will supply that $20 extra dollars a week or the "need" that has to be met via that $20 we give to Him. 

I know I have post it notes strewn all over my "home central" area where family paperwork is done so it seemed appropriate to include some on the board. These are just pieces of 8 1/2 x 11 paper cut into 8 1/2 x 8 1/2 squares with written messages on them. 

Now you can't write a check if you don't have a pen, so using a left over piece of the paper style foam board I cut a replica of our church's ballpoint pen. Using a Copic marker in red and a silver sharpie, I colored the pen appropriately.

The only item cut with the Cricut was the title "Paying Down Building Up" which we done in the appropriate "accounting" colors of red and black. They were shadowed in ivory so they wouldn't blend into the brown background. 

This board is a longer term board than normal so I may add one or two other small elements as the months go by..... we'll see.

I really enjoyed making this board and am looking forward to seeing the progress that is made in meeting the challenge of paying down the mortgage and building up capital. May God bless those abundantly who give cheerfully for the purpose of further His Kingdom. 

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Dinner's on the Table

My meal planning/cooking "schedule" has been so off lately.

I only got Emily's soccer schedule somewhat under control where I could plan meals, when it ended and a week later basketball season started. With a short practice time (3:15 - 4:30), I find myself staying at the school with Matt every weeknight with the exception of Wednesday. Thankfully Matt and I do use that time to get his homework completed. However, if I don't have my act together prior to school pick up and practice dinner becomes a rushed mess!

In the midst of all this craziness, I did make a few meals that turned out somewhat successful and have been added to our family menu planner. 

The most recently successful meal was Baked "Fried" Chicken. I found this recipe at the website bakerette. The meal was very easy to make the longest part being the soaking of the chicken in the buttermilk, which was only for 30 minutes. I used Smart Balance butter to make it a little more "healthy". It truly did have that "fried" chicken flavor. Emily is my chicken "snob" so if she likes it I know that it is good. Well, she liked it. Matt was the only one that wasn't all that thrilled with the meal but it is worth another attempt to see if I can get him to give it a thumbs up. What was also nice about this meal is that it was easily reheated for when Dave came home a little later that evening and it didn't dry out. 

One of the pluses to this Pesto Chicken Alfredo casserole is that it makes two portions one of which can be frozen. I found this recipe at the website Amanda the Virtuous Wife. We did eat the one portion which was fantastic. Out of that portion, we still had enough leftovers for another meal. This meal tastes good enough even to serve to company. We have yet to eat the frozen portion, so I cannot advise whether or not it truly does freeze well. Everyone gave this meal a thumbs up with the only ingredients being left on their plates the diced tomatoes and spinach - I try to get those veggies in there but they always push them aside. 

This is another freezer-friendly pasta casserole I made. I found it at the website Money Saving Mom. It was very easy to make. Instead of ground beef, I did opt for using sweet Italian sausage which in my opinion gave it a kick of flavor.  In the future, I would half this recipe for our family as the 9x13 casserole portion fed us for one night, two of us for leftovers and we still had more left. Being not a big "leftover" eating family the better option for us would be to do a half recipe. 

The final recipe I want to share is slow cooker Honey BBQ Chicken Sandwiches (no picture taken) which I found at the website Uncommon Designs. We had company over for dinner one Saturday and I served these sandwiches. I myself am not a big BBQ fan but my husband is so I gave it a try. They were very yummy. I served it with coleslaw and potato salad. Definitely a good option for a football party. 

Well, there you have it the few recipes I've made lately. I'm hoping to get my "meal planning/cooking" act together and use the crock pot a little more now that basketball season has started. 

As always, thank you for stopping by!

Autumn Trees - 3rd & 4th Grade Projects

For the kid's second arts and crafts project, we continued to stay with the tree theme but used a different method.

I found this idea on Pinterest at hello little one. The basic premise is that you have the kids draw a tree shape and then they dot paint them using Q-tips. These are two sample trees I made for them to use as reference material when they were creating their trees. Each child drew their own style of tree and then chose their painting process. The only requirements were that it had to be a tree and they had to do the leaf portion in the dot method. For the trunk, they could either dot paint it or use the Q-tip as a "paintbrush."
Our first class was just the painting of the tree. It is important that the leaf section is painted first saving the trunk for last. This helps avoid the smearing of the tree trunk paint all over the paper.

Here is a picture of the 3rd grade's painted trees (the top 3 trees, against the chalkboard, are my samples): I so love how each tree shows each child's individual personality. Ah, the beauty of art! 

This week I worked with the 4th grade completing their trees by giving them a sky and ground/grass. The requirements for this portion of the project were that the sky needed to be dot painted and the grass brush painted with the Q-tip.

Here are the 4th grade's finished trees: (the tree at the top of the second picture was the sample tree they could reference when competing this portion of the project.)

I was so pleased with their projects!
Once again, their individually shined through. Quite a few of them chose, on their own, to make "patterns" of color in their skies.
Next class we will be making small cornucopias for the Thanksgiving holiday.
As always, thanks for stopping by!

An Divine Idea

The ideas I get for bulletin boards come in multiple forms. It could be a picture, a graphic, a verse or song that triggers an image, etc. No matter how they come I know that it is God who gives me the idea and the ability to make it come into existence on the board.

It was March 10, 2013 Sunday morning service. Our pastor was doing a series "Journey to the Cross". I remember growing up there being an evangelistic tract with a picture that had man on one side, God on the other and the cross as the bridge between. Of course, through the years, I've seen variations of this theme. That morning in church on my sermon notes, I sketched this idea for a possible upcoming board. 

Toward the end of summer I knew a new board would need to go up soon, so I took out this sketch along with a few other ideas. I decided (well, God chose) to make this sketch "come to life". So, I asked one of the elders from our church if he could give me some verses I could use on the board regarding man's condition, Jesus' payment and God's feelings toward man. He returned his copy of my little sketch with quite a selection of verses. 

This is the result of that idea and little sketch.

Now, for a brief detour of thought. I always like to give details regarding the materials used for the boards in case someone has the desire to recreate them. For this board, I used pieces of left over black, white and red bulletin board paper. On the red portion, I layered red cellophane that would be used for wrapping gift baskets. 

The title words, man and God, along with the verses were cut using my Cricut cutter.

The cross is an element I used on two other bulletin boards at the church. It was crafted by a gentleman at the church using balsa wood that was stained. On the cross, I layered pieces of parchment paper and wrote portions of the verse from John 14:6 "I AM the way the truth the life" in bronze metallic sharpie. I aged the edges of the parchment using a brown stamp pad and dauber. 

Now to get back on track. When showing the condition of man and how we need to come through Jesus to have access to God, many familiar verses come to mind John 14:6; John 3:16, etc. What I appreciated was that the elder, who gave me the verse options, gave me verses I had never even thought of in this context. 

The verse used for man is Ephesians 2:1 "And you were dead in trespasses and sins". The verse used for God, when I read it,  I knew it was meant for this board. It is I John 3:1 "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God..." Why I felt strongly about using this verse is how the "see what kind of love" refers back to the cross and the bridge Jesus' death has made for sinful man to a pure and holy God allowing us to be His children. Although a simple board in in elements, it's message speaks in volumes.

Now I know that all of these ideas and the execution of these boards are a gift that God has bestowed upon me in order to bring Him glory. I don't need verbal affirmation that this was the right board at the right time. But let me tell you, God knows when to speak to me in order to affirm that He is working in me and through me. This "idea" came to mind when our former pastor, who only just retired at the end of September, was still our Shepherd. The board was completed and up last Sunday and do you know that our new pastor's message related to every part of this board. As God spoke through him, God spoke to my heart, not only of this amazing gift of love, Christ's death, that allows me to be His child but also that I am using the talents He has given me for His glory. I pray that I will continue bring Him glory through this ministry. 

As always, thanks for stopping by!

I Love When Autumn Comes Indoors

For me it is an understatement to say, "I love the fall season". If only one season could exist, I would choose autumn. This year I was late in getting the seasonal decorations displayed in our home. The task was on my "to do" list for many weeks but other projects took precedence. Finally, one Saturday I put the decorations at the top of the list and took action. 

I started in the living room. My goal was not to have to buy any new decor this year using the items I have in a different way. The fireplace and mantle tend to be the place that I always begin. Last year, I used the swag of leaves in a basket outdoors with artificial gourds. This year I brought it indoors and wrapped it on the iron scroll work that hangs above the mantle. Usually I would scatter the wooden pumpkins through the house but I saw on Pinterest how one person filled their fireplace with pumpkins, so I did my own version of that by placing the pumpkins in front of the fireplace opening. I love the look of candles glowing this time of year so I placed a few of my lantern/candle holders on the mantle. To say I am pleased with the outcome is an understatement.

To the left of the fireplace, we have a CD cabinet. Usually I would do a flower arrangement for the dining room table but chose to make one and place it here in this "alcove". In the vase covering the artificial flowers stems, is Spanish moss, a small artificial pumpkin and some mini pine cones. Surrounding the base of the vase, are some artificial gourds. There is a funny story about this arrangement. When I finished it and was walking it through the living room toward the cabinet Matt was following me and said very seriously, "Is that your best idea?" I have to say I was a little taken back by his comment. I asked him what he meant by that to which he replied again, "Is that your best idea?" I guess my kids have come to expect more from me when it comes to my creations. Even with Matt's unexplained comment, I'm so pleased with how this looks.

I do have a few other fall themed vignettes on tables in the living room but did not photograph them. What I love is how the whole look makes the room have that fall warmth I love!

In the dining room, I used a "vased" candle for the table centerpiece. Surrounding the candle is Spanish moss topped with artificial acorns and pine cones. On top of the computer cabinet, I places 3 different sized artificial pumpkins.  I kept the decorations very simple in here as we utilize this room not only for meals but homework and some craft projects that "spill out" of my craft room. 

The only other area that I had left to decorate was the window sill of the the dining room picture window. I purchased a long metal tray several years ago which fits perfectly on the sill. I filled it using 3 wooden pumpkins and laid some acrylic fall colored leaves in the tray.

As for the outdoor fall decor (which I don't have pictures of), last year Dave and the kids carved artificial pumpkins so we don't have to carve new ones each year. I did take the kids to get real pumpkins, Emily and I placed ours outside but Matt chose to keep his in his room. The only other decor are autumn themed flags, and two metal corn cob stakes.....oh and of course, the front and back doors both have wreaths.

One thing I love about the fall decor is that it stays out for not only October but the majority of November (we put up our Christmas decorations the weekend after Thanksgiving). Now the smell of my Yankee Candle apple cider candle and the taste of warm apple cider make the whole fall ambiance come together. Ahhh...yummy autumn, so glad you are here!

Welcome Fall! Trees and Falling Leaves

As most of you know, I have the amazing privilege of being a stay at home mom. I constantly keep busy keeping our home and family activities running like a fine oiled machine. My family coordinating is supplemented with home projects, crafting and for the last 3 years creating bulletin boards for our church, another local church and our kid's school. I'd say I keep myself busy! 

The day before the school year began I was approached about teaching an arts and crafts class for one period every Friday alternating weekly between the 3rd & 4th grade. Although this is right up my alley, I took the time to talk to Dave and pray about it before saying "yes". I also gathered some ideas and showed them to the principal, making sure we were on the same page regarding arts & crafts before I accepted. 

Well, today was my 4th class and we completed our second project. The first project was more of a "test" project checking out the classes, seeing how they learn and getting my bearing on how to teach art seeing I've never done this. Yes, I'm a crafter and you would think showing someone how to do something would be easy but that isn't the case. Add in the fact that I'm teaching 8, 9 and 10 year olds....well you get the idea, there is a learning curve here I am still adjusting.

The project we finished today were paper bag trees. This is an idea I found at the Pikadilly Charm blog.

She provides step by step picture instructions. 

Here is a picture of our trees prior to getting their leaves.

We used extra large lunch bags which helped produce a longer tree trunk. Basically you cut vertical strips from the top of the bag about 2/3's down the length of the bag (the strips are used to create the branches), open the bag, then twist the middle of the bag to create the trunk. The branches are made by twisting 2 or three of the strips together. 

Prior to class, I ripped strips of yellow, orange and red paper into small squares. The kids glued these onto their trees representing leaves. If they wanted, they could make the paper pieces smaller. There was no set plan on how many leaves or what color needed to be used. It was to be their creation. 

This is one of my favorite trees. The kids got to take these home today. The 3rd grade still need to dress their trees and then both classes will be starting another tree project only this time instead of paper, we will be using paint. After that we will have a few weeks before Thanksgiving, having just enough time to make mini cornucopias. 

I know I am having fun, I hope the kids are enjoying the class too. 

Repurposing is Key!

When I started "creating" bulletin boards, I enjoyed the task of taking one down and putting up a new one. Those feelings have changed.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the task of creating and installing new boards. It is the taking down and disposing of the old one that has gotten a little more difficult. Over the three years of creating bulletin boards, the elements created have become more involved making them harder to part with. 

Thankfully, on the recent "makeover" of bulletin board outside the school office of HCS (my kid's school), I was able to reuse elements that were being replaced with new items on the school's side entrance board. 

This is a picture of the previous information board that was outside the school office.

The perpetual calendar was a concept we wanted to continue; however, we decided that the box top fundraising information was not being utilized accordingly and needed to be eliminated. Although not shown here, the senior class tribute area was completed. The decision was made to do a different application for this year, so that also needed to be eliminated.

The first task was to create a new calendar. In order to make it useful for many years, I decided to put it on foam board. This way if the background needs to be changed the calendar can be used again. This was not the case of the previous calendar, it was created directly on the background paper.

Using a large piece of foam board, I measured out equal boxes for the days of week. Because some events occur over the weekend, Saturday and Sunday were included on the calendar. I also created two additional horizontal columns so that all days of the month will appear no matter when they fall. In each square, there is a clear adhesive pocket which can hold a 3x5 card and also a small repositionable dot that the date can be attached to.

I'm able to reuse all of the month titles and date numbers created last year. The school emblem, which was used for the senior's tribute, was placed by the month placard.

It was so nice reusing items but the main repurposing was the "Words of HCS" game board that was being used on the school's side entrance bulletin board. We placed the game title, game board and academic achievement boards (Principal's List, Dean's List & Honor Roll) here. This is information that is more relevant to parents and students who usually pass by this area close to the school office. 

The last thing I did was take the "Words of HCS" ABC border and place it throughout the board to giving it a little color and drawing your eye through the entire board. 

It gives me great joy to be able to reuse these elements. Yes, repurposing is key!!!