An "A" for effort

So yesterday was a very positive outcome kind of day for both myself and Cody! I am NO Betty Crocker, never have been and probably never will be! BUT....my kids LOVE Chicken N' Dumplings and I have never attempted to make them. I seen where a friend of mine from high school had posted on her Facebook page that she was having this for supper and a couple comments later, I seen where she told someone how EASY it was, so I asked for the recipe and tried it out last night....I didn't mess it up, the whole gang approved which made me feel pretty good (considering I'm not Betty)

Yesterday was 6th grade basketball tryouts for my oldest and he was nervous and so was I, he is left handed and has this crazy left handed shot that he can make from a pretty far distance back, but it's not using the "Proper" form for shooting but it's the only way he has been shooting since Kindergarten and he was worried this might possibly cause him to not make the team. I went to pick him up and he gets in the car with an envelope and says "Coach said we could open these once we were in our cars and it's gonna tell me if I made the first cut or not from tryouts"...I was so anxious/nervous for him! When he opened up his envelope, I knew  without asking when I seen his little eyes light up and get big with excitement, he had made the 1st cut!!!

It was a good feeling when my husband and kids liked my Chicken N' Dumplings, but it was a GREAT feeling to see my son so excited and happy to have made the 1st of 2 tryouts for basketball.  Now I get to have the same feelings again of nervousness and worry until I pick him up from the 2nd and final round of tryouts tomorrow night.

Can't we just enjoy Fall for now....

Fall is my FAVORITE time of year, next to Christmas.  I love seeing the leaves change to the pretty orange, red, and yellow colors. I love the decorating that comes with Fall, scarecrows, pumpkins, haybales, etc etc.  My family also enjoys visiting a couple orchards and corn mazes this time of year as well, not to mention the festivals with all the yummy foods like Deep Fried Oreo's...YUM!!  Scott and I had a "date night" this past weekend and several of the stores we went in already had Christmas trees out and Christmas decorations, can I say WOW!!!  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Christmas and snowmen, snowflakes, Santa and most importantly,  celebrating Jesus' birth, but can't we just get through the prettiest season of the year and take time to enjoy it and also get through Halloween and costumes and all kinds of candy corn and treats before we start thinking about Christmas?? (not to mention Thanksgiving) when we spend time with family and being Thankful for all we have been blessed with!!

A Day in the life of my Dog

I am having one of those "blah" kind of lazy days where you just want to be closed off from the world and not answer your phone, don't leave your house, and just lay on the couch covered up and watch movies all day.......well, I am beginning to wonder if my pet toy poodle, "Pepper" has anything to do with it? I have these big ideas of all these things I need to do around here since the kids are back in school and so far I have only accomplished shampooing my living room carpet and re-arranging some furniture yesterday with the help and company of my best friend. Today's task was to clean the kids room and go through toys and books and shampoo their carpet. Instead, I have woke up with a headache, overslept causing the kids to miss the bus and me take them to school, then I come home and look at my poodle laying all snuggled up in a little ball on the couch and it looked so peaceful and relaxing......6 hours later I have blew off hanging out with good friends, no cleaning or shampooing has been done...instead I have kept my couch, blanket, and "Pepper" company, watched my 2 soap opera's and done absolutely NOTHING!!   Dogs have it so easy, they eat, go potty, and sleep all day without a worry in the world and today, I have been my pooch's BFF.  (I am slightly jealous of my dog's life...LOL)

Back to School Again

Where has the Summer gone? It seems like it goes faster each year!! Chloe started 1st Grade and it makes me sad =( She is my last baby left and there will be no more, both my boys said they were "too old" for first day of school pictures and Cody did not even want me to go with him to see his classrooms and meet his teachers, he thought he needed to run along with his buddies, without Momma, and he's just entering 6th grade! Time sure doesn't stand still anymore, instead it passes us right on by.  There is definitely pro's and con's that come with starting school back (at least in my house) One good thing is Mom gets her sanity and 8hrs of quiet time to enjoy during the day for whatever purpose: Cleaning, reading, watching a movie all alone with no interruptions, or going to the store to get a few things or groceries without kids screaming they want this and that!!! Then there are the cons: none of the three of them want to go to bed at night at 8:30, which I think is a decent time and they get TV until 9:30 and then it gets turned off. That is a battle in itself because they want to lay there awake all night and watch it and then gripe when you turn it off. Also there is the wanting to rush out the door as soon as they get off the bus and think they can do homework later and that is a big NO! Chloe actually sat with me and did hers yesterday with no complaints and she was rewarded with a sticker and gets a ice cream cone at the end of the week, if she gets a sticker every night for doing homework without complaining......so far, Day 1 of homework was successful with a sticker, now I am anxious to see how Day 2 goes and the rest of the year....Haha

Come See.....

   "Come See".....this is the title of the little Inspirational thought for the Day that I read this morning and it sure made me stop and think! 
  
   All 3 of my children are growing up right before my eyes, and it's like I'm not even realizing this is happening.....does that make sense?  I am taking every day, every little moment they want to share something with me, show me something they have discovered, etc. etc. for granted and instead telling them "Not right now, wait just a minute (and then not going to look) or I'm busy right now...usually these moments come at a time when I am cooking supper, on the phone with my mom or a friend, folding laundry, etc.  These are the things that can be put to a halt and never get older, where as my children are going to be grown and out living their own lives within the blink of an eye!!  You always hear mother's asking that same question "When did my baby grow up?" or "Where does the time go?"  I hope that when mine are grown, both them and myself are able to look back at pictures and have precious, fun memories of things we have done together, and know that I spent as much time as possible with them while they were little. 

                                              

~~Coupon Craziness~~

I was so excited to open my mailbox yesterday to find my little yellow pkg. containing my Tide Sample that I had registered for on Facebook just a week before!! I am new to the whole Coupon Craziness that seems to have taken over with everyone these days!  I remember my mom when I was a little girl, clipping coupons and using them in the grocery store, and at that time, I don't remember people being as coupon crazy then?  Now, in this day and time, the way the economy has gotten, we need all the help we can get!! I have a family of 5 and a dog.  It takes alot to feed 3 growing kids and a dog twice a day, so every little bit helps me!!

I just recently purchased a binder, trading card pages, and a pencil pouch to start organizing my coupons.  I took my coupon binder with me this past weekend to Kroger and was very satisfied for my first "organized coupon binder" shopping experience.  Between Kroger Card Plus savings and manufacturing coupons, I saved $100.00 and even had a couple ladies ask me how I had my binder set up and they were going to have to look into fixing them one up as well =)

This has led me to scheduling a coupon class at my church next week with "The Classy Coupon Clipper" for anyone who wants to attend and learn more about the whole Coupon Crazy World!  I am lucky to have a mother and a mother-in-law who clips coupons and hands me down what they have left over and it sure does help to have 2 or 3 of the same coupon! One of my favorite things about Kroger is they will double coupons up to 50 cents off as well =)  I look forward to sharing any tips or ideas that I learn at the coupon class here on my blog and hope that it helps someone else as well.....

Wildcat Fever...

   STANFORD WILDCATS 5TH GRADE TEAMS 2011

Wow!! Time flies when your having fun huh? So, I haven't written in like 2 weeks but I am back and full of stories ;)  This past weekend has been awesome!!  Both my boys are basketball players and have been since they were old enough to sign up! For the past 2 years they have attended Stanford Elementary which are known as the Stanford "Wildcats" This past weekend was the Championship Tournament for their school and both their teams made it into the tournament.  In the end Cody's (my oldest) team had to play against the other 5th grade team which also happens to be full of players he has became very good friends with, so it was kind of hard for him =(  I was very proud of him and the good sportsmanship he showed yesterday. It was the last few minutes of the game and Cody's team was winning, one of his team mates was shooting a free throw and Cody takes about 3 steps towards a player (also one of those friends I mentioned on the other team) and pats him on the back and gives him a low-five...in the end Cody's 5th grade B-team won the championship and the other team had players crying and Cody told me after the game how he wanted to give his medal to one of those opposing players for playing such a good game because that player was upset.....I have never been more proud of my son then when he made that remark!!  This was a sad ending as well for these boys because it is the last year that some of them will get to play together, next year for the sixth grade team they have to try-out.  In the end we got a team picture of both 5th grade teams together and told them, no matter who won the trophy, it was going to be displayed at Stanford Elementary and they were ALL Stanford "Wildcats"  and "Winners"

  Also this weekend was the SEC Tournament and The Kentucky "Wildcats" (my home state) WON today making this a GREAT weekend to be a "Wildcat Fan" for me!!!

(Below) This is Cody(blue#1) portraying his good sportsmanship moment...So proud of him!!! My baby boy is growing up on me right before my eyes!! Where has the time gone to =(  Sniff, sniff

Love and Basketball

So I haven't written in a few days but after this weekend I found there was something that I wanted to vent about.  My boys both play basketball and have since they were old enough to learn the game. With that being said,  I have always had my own secret thoughts about some of the coaches I have had the pleasures of watching from afar...I would like to know what these guys are thinking when they are always yelling and screaming at their players!! THEN, what are they showing as leaders of our kids when they are mouthing off at the referees and slamming their dry erase boards on the chair behind them, not to mention when they SCREAM at a child for not making a basket, or throwing a 3 pointer when they maybe shouldn't have.....uugghhh  just really upsets me!!! These kids are only kids once and they are playing for FUN!!!!  They are going to have enough of hard core coaches when they reach jr. and high school, so let them enjoy while they can and are young....jeeez!!!  I am sooo THANKFUL that my boys have GREAT coaches who do not act that way and know what the "heart" of the game is for these kids!  Thanks to my followers for letting me "vent" today too =}

Laundry Tip: Socks

I am going to pass along a laundry tip that I came across today involving socks!!!  I am not sure if it is everybody or just my house but I have a sock thief, and it's either the washing machine or the dryer.  Anyways, we are always having to buy socks and I am always fussing at my boys for not tossing their dirty socks in the hamper together as a PAIR!!! Today I was reading somewhere that it's probably not my boys fault (sometimes) but actually to point blame in the direction of my washer and dryer. The tip I was given that has been proven to work for many AND the appliances can't eat them is:  Before you toss your socks in the washing machine, pair them up and mate them with a safety pin before washing and they will stay together throughout your wash.....yes I realize this might be a little time consuming when it comes to washing white clothes BUT it's also money saving (or at least for my house) because I am not going out and buying new bags of socks all the time!! Hope that this laundry tip is one that you will want to try and that it works out for you just as it has me!!  Try it out at least for one wash and I would love to hear some feedback to whether or not it worked to beat your sock monster  =)

Laundry Days

Just thought I would share with you guys what is on my mind today! Yesterday was the first pretty, warm spring like day we've had for 2011. I was actually able to turn my heat off and raise my kitchen, sink window and was loving it!!  If only it would stay this way and no more coldness or snow!  I was doing laundry allday (which seems like everyday when your washing for 5) and I could smell my fabric softener from outside.  My mom has always used either Tide or Gain and pink Downey. Anytime you stop by her house for a visit and she is doing laundry it smells like Downey coming from her laundry room when you walk in her back door. Her clothes, sheets, towels, etc. it all has the smell of Downey .....soo why when "I" use Gain and pink downey can I never smell that strong smell on my sheets,  towels and clothes?  I have also tried it with Tide too??  I have often wondered this and have never discovered the answer?  Just thought if I shared maybe someone new would have an answer?  Needless to say I can't smell it strong so I use a different Fabric softener =)  The window raised and the smell of fresh, clean laundry is making me want to twitch my nose, close my eyes and open them back up to spring weather!!!

The Day for Love

So today is Valentine's  Day and I am not able to spend mine with my Valentine =(  My husband works in FL for the winter and we live in KY. He comes home about every three weeks usually. The last time he was home, he went ahead and surprised me with my "early" Valentine's present since he knew he wasn't going to be home...which was sweet!!  The view of a vase of  flowers is beautiful but it only lasts a short time, therefore I think my gift of a new  camera was AWESOME!! Any of you that know me personally know that I LOVE to take pictures, especially of my kids! But one of the best  gifts ever, is to share my "Day of Love "with my kids and to be surprised this morning with "homemade cards". The artistic touches on them were priceless.....I feel truly blessed!  About to go surprise my baby girl at school for her Kindergarten Valentine's Party and use my "perfect" gift =) 

Giggles & Curlz Bowtique

Hey blogger friends! I have a friend who is also a Mother and trying to get her business going strong. She is fixing to open her new shop locally and also has a  Facebook page where you can see a wide variety of her work! She makes hair bows of all sizes and about any kind you would want, baby hair clips, bow holders, keychains, all sorts of monogramming and she has just recently started doing decals for your vehicles or anything else! Purses, totes, mini/children's  backpacks, etc. etc. Way to many neat things that God has blessed her with talent to create for you that you just need to click the link and start shopping! Please let her know Kacey sent ya.....Thanks!!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Giggles-Curlz-Bowtique/115576405139358

 Also my friend BrandyAnn which is the author of  a blog I follow titled:  "A Dab of Pink in A World of Blue" has a link on her page for a cute lil' store called Molly's and Giggles & Curlz will make hairbows to match any of Molly's precious little outfits, so all you mom blogger followers or visitors of my page, looks like you have some shopping to do =)

www.facebook.com/pages/Mollys/126797890716035

Snow Days....

So today was yet another snow day for my kids. We have had so many snow days this year that the kids just don't realize that while they are loving these days off from school, they will  possibly  be going till mid June or longer and missing out on their summer vacation!! Everybody seems to be tired of the snow already including me =)  Today was a different story.......always happens to me that on days we have school you can't scream loud enough to get them out of bed, but on "snow days" it's up and at it by 8 a.m. (why is that ?) So today they were ready to go outside and build a snowman first thing this morning! We go out to try and build one and the snow just isn't sticking together =( Chloe and Cody decides to make snow angels and write their name in the snow. Then there are also a few snowballs throwed too. Poor Dylan is just determined to build a snowman and continues to work on that...........as I stand around in the background and see the smiles and hear the laughter from my kids in the snow, it gave me a new perspective on "snow days", while the parents are moaning and groaning over the snow and the roads being bad, etc etc. our children are so excited to get out and play in it just as most of us should remember being at our ages.  What I have learned today is:  I am NOT a fan of all this snow ALL the time BUT the looks of joy on my 3 "snow angels" faces just now and the fun we have had playing in the snow is PRICELESS !! Today I LOVE THE SNOW and I have seen my eager Dylan, who wanted to build a snowman decided to create his own "snow turtle"

Basketball Picture Night......

Last night was basketball pictures at school.  Keep in mind I have 3 kids who are playing which means 3 individual pictures and 3 team pictures. Needless to say I was spending my night at the gymnasium from 5:30 until 7:30. I get in the parking lot and shut my door and of all times to do it, my driver side window falls down in my door. So it's like 28 degrees outside, snow and my husband is in FL working!!  Then I get in the gym and Chloe doesn't want her picture taken, doesn't want everybody looking at her!  So.....I did what I shouldn't have done (I bribed her with her free Book It pizza coupon) if you will take this picture, we will go get your free pizza for reading =)  Well.....20 minutes later we had a picture. Luckily my husband got in contact with a good friend of his who lives about 25 minutes away and sent him to repair my window so we didn't freeze! What a night! But the awesome thing is I was spending it with my kids and they were happy especially the free pizza winner =)