Eh, not quite what I expected...

Well, I am going to cross of #50 Try a new recipe. We did BUT it wasn't what I expected. The recipe we tried was Tater Tot Casserole by the Duggar Family. I mean the little bite I took tasted great. The problem was it wasn't cooked, rather the meat wasn't cook through. *GAG* *GAG* *SPIT* (that is what I did - exactly! :)) It was not my fault!! Robby decided he was going to cook dinner. And he got in a hurry...and that was the end result. A pan full of delicious food IF it had been done. :( Now today we are going to make this from Woman's Day...



BUFFALO POTATO SKINS
Active Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS
4 medium (about 8 oz each) baking potatoes, scrubbed
2 Tbsp butter, melted
1 Tbsp hot-pepper sauce
1⁄2 tsp salt
1⁄4 tsp onion powder
1⁄2 cup bottled lite blue cheese dressing

PREPARATION
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Pierce potatoes in 2 or 3 places with a fork. Bake directly on middle oven rack 45 to 55 minutes until tender when pierced. Increase oven temperature to 450°F. Have a rimmed baking sheet ready.
2. When cool enough to handle, cut potatoes lengthwise in quarters. With a spoon, scoop pulp from skins, leaving a 1⁄4-in.-thick shell (reserve pulp for another use). Place skin side down on ungreased baking sheet.
3. Mix butter, hot sauce, salt and onion powder in a small bowl. Brush evenly on potatoes. Bake 15 minutes or until browned at edges and crisp. Serve with blue cheese dressing for dipping.

The only thing I am going to substitute is the blue cheese dressing. I am going to use ranch. I don't like blue cheese. :)

Fireproof DVD Giveaway!

I found this awesome giveaway on 5 Minutes for Mom. They are giving away 3 copies of the Fireproof DVD to some lucky readers. All you have to do is leave a comment here. Go to their site to find out more.

Mom Questionnaire

How long were you married when you found out you were pregnant?
Gracie: 1 yr 4 months
Matthew: 6 yrs 4 months

What were your reactions when you found.. out you were pregnant?
Gracie: Shocked and totally excited - Robby was in denial LOL
Matthew: So happy, worried about how Gracie would deal...and scared b/c of the health issues

How old were you?
Gracie: 24
Matthew: 29

How did you find out you were pregnant?
Gracie: I was sick, sick, sick and went to the doctor. He told me I had a UTI and even did a pregnancy test which was negative...a week later I was thinking it was possible...took the test and a big fat +!
Matthew: I was late and had NEVER been late except for the pregnancy with Gracie...Robby & his dad bought me a test a Wal-Mart (he got the 3 pack) and by that evening he had made me take all 3. LOL

Did you want to find out the sex?
Yes both times! When I found out Gracie was a girl my mom and sister with me....and when we found out Matthew was a boy I was with Robby and Gracie.

Due date?
Gracie: September 21st
Matthew: August 26th

Did you deliver early or late?
Early both times!
Gracie: August 13th @ 34.5 weeks
Matthew: July 31st @ 36 weeks

Did you have morning sickness?
Gracie: yes, but it lasted the WHOLE time
Matthew: no

What did you crave?
Gracie: pizza, cheesesticks, any fast food and peanut butter
Matthew: oranges and veggies

Who irritated you the most? Ummm, Robby I guess

How many pounds did you gain throughout the pregnancy?
Gracie: 42.5 lbs
Matthew: 25 lbs

Did you have any complications during your pregnancy?
Gracie: I started bleeding @ 13wks and was scared of a miscarriage...then developed toxemia around 28 wks.
Matthew: We kept a watch on my blood pressure and had NSTs from week 30 until week 36 when he slowed movement.

Where did you give birth?
Gracie: Raleigh General
Matthew: Princeton Community

How many hours were you in labor?
Gracie: about 9 hours before they did a c-section due to her heart rate dropping
Matthew: ummm, never did have labor direct c-section

Who drove you to the hospital?
Robby

Who watched?
Gracie: Robby - LOL he didn't watch the c/s but sat at my head
Matthew: I was alone...it was an emergency c-section and there was no one at the hospital to sit with Gracie

Was it natural or c-section?
c-section both times

How much did your child weigh?
Gracie: 3 lbs 2 oz
Matthew: 5 lbs 9 oz

What did you name him/her?
Elizabeth Grace
Matthew William

How old are they today?
Gracie: 5.5 yrs
Matthew: almost 6 months

Love Dare - Day 16 to 23

Love Dare - Day 16

Pray for three specific areas where you desire for God to work in your spouse's life and in your marriage.
3 John 2

Love Dare - Day 17

Determine to guard your mate's secrets and pray for them.
Proverbs 17:9

Love Dare - Day 18

Prepare a special dinner at home and focus this time on getting to know your spouse better.
Proverbs 3:13

Love Dare - Day 19

Ask God to show you where you stand with him, and ask for the strength and grace to settle your eternal destination.
I John 4:7

Love Dare - Day 20

Dare to take God at his word and trust Jesus Christ for salvation.
Romans 5:6

Love Dare - Day 21

Make time to pray and read your bible today.
Isaiah 58:11

Love Dare - Day 22

Choose to be committed to love even if your spouse has lost most of their interest in receiving it.
Hosea 2:20

Love Dare - Day 23

Remove anything that is hindering your relationship, stealing your affections and turning your heart away from your spouse.
I Corinthians 13:7

BFS Assignment #118 - All You Add Is Love

Memory Verse: Psalms 127:3 (New Living Translation) Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.

Intro: This week we continue with shaking things up a bit. Children are often so pure in what they say. There is no sugar coating it, they just say it as they see it. Their thoughts can make us laugh, touch our hearts and open our eyes.

Assignment: This week are going to do an “Interview With Mom” and post it to your blog. There are a list of questions below to interview your children with. Feel free to add your own questions or remove any question you don’t want to use. You will then ask your children the questions and post the answers that they give you.

WHAT DOES MOM ALWAYS SAY TO YOU? To clean up my room

WHAT MAKES MOM HAPPY? If I clean up my room

WHAT MAKES MOM SAD? When I don't clean my room (Ok, can you tell today she had to clean her room?)

HOW DOES MOM MAKE YOU LAUGH? When you say funny things

HOW OLD IS MOM? 29

HOW TALL IS MOM? Taller than wood when Daddy cuts it

WHAT DOES MOM LIKE TO DO? Play with Bubby

WHAT IS MOM’S JOB? Make sure we have food and take care of us

WHAT IS MOM’S FAVORITE FOOD? Taters

HOW DO YOU KNOW MOM LOVES YOU? Because you say I love you all the time

I added these questions because she was having funny answering them.

HOW MUCH DOES MOMMY WEIGH? I think you weight 35 lbs. (This is what she weighs LOL)

WHAT IS MOMMY'S FAVORITE DRINK? Black pop

WHAT IS MOMMY'S FAVORITE STORY? Princess stories

WHO DOES MOMMY LOOK LIKE? You look like me.

WHAT IS MOMMY'S FAVORITE TV SHOW? Hospital (I watch General Hospital, Grey's Anatomy & Private Practice so I'm not sure which one she is talking about.)

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT MOMMY? You do things good

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS WORST ABOUT MOMMY? I never think anything is worst.

WHAT HOUSE CHORE DOES MOMMY HATE? Laundry (yep!)

WHAT HOUSE CHORE DOES MOMMY LIKE BEST? Play with me & Matt (this is a chore??)

A Busy Weekend!

All of this completed!!

4. Cook dinner every night for a whole week (7/7)

41. Write my husband a love letter

47. Write a heartfelt thank you note to my parents for all that they have done for me

55. Help someone in need

71. Go a whole day without checking my email

77. Have a day when ALL the laundry is clean, folded and put away

Well, we went to my parents house this weekend...we were supposed to just stay one night and all day Saturday, but we decided to stay Saturday night and into Sunday so Gracie could play with my sis's kids after church.

I did #41, #47, #55, and #77 there. Saturday night after the babies were asleep, Mom was in bed...Robby, Dad and I were just watching t.v. I got a notebook and wrote the letters to Robby and Mom & Dad. Going a whole day without checking my email was easy because they have NO internet access, no computer either. *shock* I know very unusual. And helping someone in need? Well, with mom having so many side effects from the chemo and then having an allergic reaction to the chemo she is just now starting to get energy back. I just helped with a little cooking, straightening up, and doing dishes. I didn't think it was much, but mom kept saying how much she appreciated it. She has had to rely on dad to do lots and she hates for him to have to do it. So I was gad I could help.

#4 and #77 was completed here at home. We cooked 7 out of 7 meals in a row! It wasn't really because I wanted to...it was lack of money to go out. hehe :) #77 was done Friday. I had ALL of my laundry done ALL day. WOW! I was sooo glad. And it was nice to come home and not have to do any cleaning. :)

Homeschool Memoirs #22: ABC’s, Describing Me

I actually did this meme not too long ago when I found it on Jocelyn's blog...I'll just copy & paste what I did then. :o) This was a lot of fun, but much harder than I had originally thought it would be.


Anxious
Blogger
Christian
Daughter
Entertaining
Forgiven
Gracious
Honest
Imaginative
Joy
Kisses
Loving
Mother
Noisy
Open
Passionate
Quiet
Reader
Serious
Tough
Understanding
Vocal
Wife
Xtreme (:o) No X words came to mind)
Young
Zealous

BFS #117 — Say It In Signs!

Memory Verse: Genesis 1:14 (King James Version)And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years.

Intro: This week the other Teachers and I want to shake things up a bit! We wanted for everyone to have some fun and have an assignment that would be easy and enjoyable too. This is a creative blogging assignment but hopefully it will offer help to some newer bloggers still trying to learn “how” to add pictures to their blogs and also help learn your classmates names to easily identify them…and it’s just FUN!

Assignment: This week you are to use your Blog Name (or your own pen/real name) and create signs.

This was a super fun assignment...I think I could just keep making new signs. It's addictive!!






ImageChef.com Poetry Blender

Love Dare - Day 12 to 15

Love Dare - Day 12

Demonstrate love by willingly choosing to give in to an area of disagreement between you and your spouse.
Philippians 2:4

Love Dare - Day 13

Talk with your spouse about establishing healthy rules of engagement and resolve to abide by them when the next disagreement occurs.
Mark 3:25

Love Dare - Day 14

Purposefully neglect an activity you would normally do so you can spend quality time with your spouse.
Ecclesiastes 9:9

Love Dare - Day 15

Choose a way to show honor and respect to your spouse that is above your normal routine.
I Peter 3:7

Love Dare - Day 11

Love Dare - Day 11

What need does your spouse have that you could meet today?
Example: Choose a gesture that says “I love you" and do it with a smile.
Ephesians 5:28

#21....Done!

21. Take a bubble bath w/o interruption

I did it!! Wooohooo! A nice, long, HOT bath with nobody running in and out. It was wonderful! :oD Usually, I'm in such a hurry I just don't take the time to relax and enjoy a bath or shower even. But I know that I need to take time for the little things, so I'm going to try to do better. :)

Homeschool Memoirs #21: School Days

THEME:
This week I want YOU to post your school photo, whether from the 90’s, 80’s, 70’s, or do we have anyone from the 60’s? lol I know you should have one for every year so find your best one and post it. Make sure post year and grade!

80s
This was taken when I was in 2nd grade which would have been in 1986/1987. I had just won the title of Queen for raising the most money in a contest. My mom grew and sold turnips and all the money was donated...so I was Turnip Queen and my little sis got Turnip Princess. :o)


90s
This was my senior pic in 1997.

BFS #116 Now You’re Playing With Power

Memory Verse:Genesis 7:24 The water held power over the earth for 150 days.

Introduction: The only witnesses to the Flood are Noah, his wife, his three sons and their wives - 8 people. And then there’s the animals, 2 of every unclean animal and 7 pairs of every clean animal. When Noah and his family emerged from the ark, they offered sacrifices and praised the Lord for preserving them.

Assignment: What kind of catastrophe have you lived through? Weather? Fire? Car crash? Did you feel the oppression of the power of the disaster, or the protection of the Power of the Lord? Tell us the story of how you rejoiced and praised Him through it and after it.

I think that probably the biggest catastrophe to happen to my family would be when Robby was injured at work. Robby worked in construction as a roofer. This was his profession. What he was doing when we met...and what we felt was his future. Which wasn't really what we wanted, but when you live paycheck to paycheck - how do you do anything else? We had talked about him going to school. Money was an issue. But also time. Winter would have been ok, but during the summer you work as much as you can to get as much overtime as possible.

September 28, 2005. I'll always remember that date...it changed our lives. He went to work that morning at the normal time - 6:30am. I remember feeling "off"...like I wanted to scream come back and stay home. But I would have looked stupid. There was no reason for him to not go to work. Just the night before we had decided to have a yard sale the coming weekend...so after Gracie was up I started digging through our bedroom closet. I was in such a mess. Clothes were everywhere. It was around 11am and the phone rang but I couldn't get to it. The answering machine picked up, it wasn't working though so I wasn't able to hear the message. Immediately the phone rang again...so I went for it, but missed it. I dialed *69 and it was a cell number. I recognized it as a friend that worked with Robby. So I called it back. Bill answered the phone and I asked if Robby had tried to called. He said no, he had. He said Robby had fallen off of the roof and my heart sank. Breathless, I asked how bad. He told me that they thought he had broken an arm and leg. He said they were taking him to the hospital, he had told Bill to make sure I knew he was fine...and as soon as they knew anything he'd let me know.

I got off the phone and I remember sitting down and just repeating "Oh God, Oh God, please let him be okay". I felt numb. This was one of my greatest fears. I had always worried about him falling at work. I didn't cry. Which is strange for me. I'm a crier. That's what I do. I called my parents and I got my dad and I said "You need to come get me" (we only had the one car) he asked why and I said Robby fell off a roof. He asked how bad he was. I told him what I knew and he said "Let me let you talk to your mommy". LOL I definitely needed my mommy then. We got everything straight and between my parents and my sister and a lot of running around we were able to get Gracie's car seat from our car and get my parents here to take me to the hospital a little over an hour away. I kept in touch with his boss, who was amazing, he went straight to the hospital and kept me informed. At first they thought Robby would have casts put on and released. Mom, being the best at working through problems, immediately went to work on my bedroom and closet. By the time we knew we would have to go to the hospital because they had to set a bone and would need to put him under - it was sparkling! Robby had never been put to sleep and he finally asked that we come. When we got there he was a mess! He was in such pain and they kept putting off giving him meds because of the surgery...but it kept getting bumped. His boss was still there and it was around 8:00pm and he gave us a minute alone. I finally let a few tears drop but NEVER so that Robby saw them. When he came in he asked Robby if he had told me the good news. Robby had asked him to pray with him and he was saved that night. It was so amazing! Right then I knew everything would be ok. Finally, they took him away and we waited...and waited. Mom and Gracie fell asleep while dad and I just sat there. It was over around 2:30am. I got to see him for just a minute...but he was doing so much better already and I didn't feel at all bad for leaving him. He came home 2 days later. Another surgery followed...and we anticipate more.

This incident has changed a lot of things in our life. Robby will never be able to go back to construction work. He has been able to go to school and he will graduate this year with a drafting degree. He was able to form a bond with his daughter, and watch me through this second pregnancy and see the little amazing things a new baby does. Things he missed the first time. We've had our moments were we've questioned why...and if things would get better. Financially, it's been extremely hard. Our relationship has taken a toll, but we are really working hard to get to an even better place then we were before. I believe that God gave us an opportunity to better our lives and to grow in His love. So even though it's been tough, I believe that it's been worth it and that we will be better because of what has happened.

Love Dare - Day 10

Love Dare - Day 10

Do something out of the ordinary today for your spouse.
Romans 5:8

Love Dare - Day 9

Love Dare - Day 9

Think of a way to greet your spouse today to reflect your love for them, and then do it with a smile and enthusiasm.
I Peter 5:14

Love Dare - Day 8

Love Dare - Day 8

Share with your spouse how glad you are about a success he or she recently enjoyed.
Song of Solomon 8:6

He's not home from school yet...but I know just the thing! BTW we are doing better today! :o)

Love Dare - Day 7

Love Dare - Day 7

On a sheet of paper, write out positive things about your spouse. At some point during the day, pick a positive attribute from the list and thank your spouse for having the characteristic.
I Corinthians 13:7

I'm a little behind no this one...we still haven't gotten over yesterday. So while I'm trying really hard we still aren't there yet.

Love Dare - Day 6

Love Dare - Day 6

Choose to react to tough circumstances in your marriage in loving ways instead of with irritation.
Proverbs 16:32

Well, I got my email about this one. I read it. Thought okaaaaay (which was my first mistake - I should have went into it thinking I can do this). And then in a few short hours we were yelling at each other. So I failed big time. I have lots of things that I hold grudges about that I'm trying to get over. Unfortunately, I'm not there yet. So I didn't do well at all on this assignment.

101 Things

Ok, here is my list...not totally complete, but it will be soon! I just hope I can stick with it.

1. Read at least 25 books (25/25)
2. Take the pictures from my computer and put them in a safer place (ie. memory stick or external hard drive)
3. Lose 50 lbs
4. Cook dinner every night for a whole week (7/7)
5. Organize the master closet
6. Clean & organize our spare bedroom
7. Turn the spare room into Matthew's room
8. FINALLY organize all homeschool materials
9. Print all photos from my computer
10. Get a new bedding set
11. Get window treatments for all 5 kitchen windows (0/5)
12. Go to a movie in the theater
13. Make something handmade for Gracie & Matthew
14. Baby proof the house (again)
15. Get a new vehicle
16. Visit 1 state I have never been to before (0/1)
17. Learn ACDSee Photo Editor 2008
18. Blog at least once a week
19. Buy a new purse
20. Visit the zoo
21. Take a bubble bath w/o interruption
22. Take 1 picture everyday of both Gracie & Matthew for a month (0/31)
23. Buy a flat screen TV for the living room
24. Go through all my clothes to clean them out
25. Get a Sam's Club card
26. Learn to knit
27. Make a chore/rewards chart for Gracie & use it
28. Put the laundry away after it comes out of the dryer
29. Set up a savings account for Gracie & Matthew
30. Tell my husband everyday how much I love him
31. Keep up with Matthew's professional photos
32. Buy a new DVD player
33. Buy a new sewing machine
34. Take my bp medicine everyday
35. Have more patience with people
36. Tell my children everyday how much I love them
37. Stop stressing over the little things
38. Continue building a stronger relationship with my husband
39. Read the Bible
40. Create a scrapbook page every other week for 1 year (0/26)
41. Write my husband a love letter
42. Go stargazing with my family
43. Show Matthew his first full moon
44. Get an eye exam
45. Kiss in the rain
46. Put $$$ in a savings account for me & Robby
47. Write a heartfelt thank you note to my parents for all that they have done for me
48. Go on vacation - not a trip to see ILs, a REAL vacation
49. Buy myself some fresh flowers
50. Try a new recipe
51. Stop biting my nails
52. Buy my husband a laptop
53. Get a haircut
54. Stop cussing so much
55. Help someone in need
56. Go on a picnic
57. Buy myself something guilt-free
58. Pay off my Kohl's card
59. Take a bite of fish (yeeeeeuck!)
60. Make a new friend
61. Take Gracie to the New River overlook
62. Go to a ballgame
63. Reconnect with an old friend
64. Drink more water
65. Organize my sock/undies drawers
66. Put all my digi scrap files on CD
67. Clean out my kitchen cupboards
68. Enforce Gracie's 9:30 bedtime
69. Buy a photo album for Matthew
70. Put Gracie's pictures IN the photo album
71. Go a whole day without checking my email
72. Write a children's story
73. Clean off the top of my refrigerator (It catches EVERYTHING!)
74. Read a bedtime story every night to the kids
75. Learn a new language
76. Make a family/friend birthday organizer
77. Have a day when ALL the laundry is clean, folded and put away
78. Get a haircut and not complain about the cost
79. Organize recipes
80. Shampoo all my carpet
81. Keep up with filling out Matthew's baby book
82. Complete a Bible study
83. Refill my ink cartridge or buy new! (This hurts b/c it costs SO much)
84.
85.
86.
87.
88.
89.
90.
91.
92.
93.
94.
95.
96.
97.
98. Finish this list!
99. Donate $1 for each task that isn't completed
100. As I complete each task, blog about my experiences, accomplishment and everything else in between (7/101)
101. Write a new 101 Things list before this one is over

Love Dare - Day 5

Love Dare - Day 5

Ask your spouse to tell you three things that cause him or her to be uncomfortable or irritated with you. You must do so without attacking them.
Proverbs 27:14

Honestly, I didn't do this one. I know I'm a chicken...but even when I mentioned it to him he didn't answer. So I think we both knew not to go there that day. One thing about us are we really are able to read each other pretty well, so we already know how the other one feels.

What is this?

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Why I want to do this:
A friend of mine, Lori, from BeckleyMommmies started this, then a few of us have followed along. I still need to compose my list but am very excited to do so! It is a long term goal and not just a 'New Years Resolution'. Wish me luck!

Love Dare - Day 4

Love Dare - Day 4

Contact your spouse sometime during the day and ask how he or she is doing and if there is anything you could do for them.
Psalm 139: 17-18

This was super easy...because I'm always asking him if he's okay, does he need anything. Sometimes I think it gets annoying for him...

Love Dare - Day 3

Love Dare - Day 3

Buy your spouse something that says, "I was thinking about you today."
Romans 12:10

Robby likes those energy drinks...and usually I complain because I don't really think they work and they cost so much. BUT today I bought him two without him asking me to!

Homeschool Memoirs: Happy New Year!

THEME
For this week, since I’m quite curious, post about what you did for New Year’s and what your traditions are each year.

My New Years Eve was relatively boring! I got the kids asleep at a decent hour thinking that maybe, just maybe I would have a little time alone with the hubby. BUT then he fell asleep on the couch. So that idea went out the window. So I just played around on the computer and then watched the ball drop by myself. :( BTW I left hubby on the couch. hehe The next day was just a lazy day. Gracie ran around and played. Matthew and I took a little nap. Then I fixed cabbage and beef with cornbread, because cabbage is suppose to bring you luck. So we will see...LOL

Love Dare - Day 2

Love Dare - Day 2

Do at least one unexpected gesture to your spouse as an act of kindness.
Ephesians 4:32

I let him lay around after school and I didn't bug him about getting up and doing anything.

Love Dare - Day 1

Love Dare - Day 1

Resolve to say nothing negative about your spouse today.
Ephesians 4:2

This was really easy for me. I had no problem not saying anything negative about or to him.

40-day Love Dare Challenge

What is the 40-day Love Dare Challenge?

Starting this month, FamilyLife® is challenging couples to "love like you mean it" by joining our 40-day Love Dare challenge. Based on the Love Dare book from the movie Fireproof, the challenge is a practical way for you to practice unconditional love and transform your marriage by applying simple, biblical principles to your everyday life.

Every day from January 5th to February 13th, we’ll give you a Love Dare for the day for you to put into practice and show love to your spouse. Then, at the end of the challenge, we encourage you to celebrate your spouse with a special Valentine’s Day date.

You can receive your daily Love Dare one of three ways:

* Visit the FamilyLife website (this page) each afternoon to see your daily Love Dare.
* Register to receive your daily Love Dare via email each morning.
* Tune in each day to FamilyLife Today™ to hear your Love Dare for the day.

ABC's of Me

Jocelyn @aponderingheart did this back in October and I just ran across it. Looked fun...but was actually VERY hard! :o)

Anxious
Blogger
Christian
Daughter
Entertaining
Forgiven
Gracious
Honest
Imaginative
Joy
Kisses
Loving
Mother
Noisy
Open
Passionate
Quiet
Reader
Serious
Tough
Understanding
Vocal
Wife
Xtreme (:o) No X words came to mind)
Young
Zealous