Despite what this picture tells you....

 

our girls have learned to stand clear of the door when HE comes bounding in......

My Day With Tilex

My husband and I got the day off yesterday to work on a few non kid friendly house projects. My mom (who is about to start school again) watched the girls all day so we could spend our day with tilex and paint.

It wasn't until last night that I finally started to smell clean air again. Or not feel totally stoned. But my floors look awesome. The kind of awesome where you can't stop looking at them. Kind of like when you get your eyebrows done and they are ALL YOU SEE.

When I dropped the girls off I happened to go to a garage sale. And I just happened to buy one of these......





Except mine only cost $20!!!!!!!!!! (And just so you know....I actually got the jeep BEFORE spending my day with tilex--shocking I know)


And a super cute Janie and Jack dress (for five bucks!) for my nearly SIX YEAR OLD.


Man, I used to think moms with school age kids were SO DIFFERENT. Well, I guess it's time to count me in. I'm a little sad, but I know she's ready. I just hope I am.


School starts next week.

And p.s. don't tell my daughters about the jeep. They don't know yet.....and I'm not sure when they will.

Quick and Easy (and cheap!!!) Necklace!

Last week while on a trip to Michael's with my oldest, I found the Making Memories line of jewelry supplies. They're pretty cute with a funky vintage vibe. I have a ton of beads and findings in my desk right now but neither the time (well...) or inclination (YES) to work on any of it. But this little chain and pendant was calling my name.




(obviously I took the picture after I put them together)

Both were $2.49 each which seemed like a STEAL. Especially for Michaels.....





So for five bucks I was able to VERY QUICKLY come up with a necklace that's all my own! Or at least not sold at Forever 21 and worn by teeny boppers everywhere. And it gave me a boost in my self esteem for actually finishing something!!!

Greek Night! Opa!

Last night (because it's just too darn hot to cook anything longer than 10 minutes) I made Greek Chicken, Foccacia (frozen) and a green salad. I've been working on resetting my pantry these past few months and it was so wonderful to have EVERYTHING I needed for the greek chicken topping.




When I say "resetting" my pantry, I should use the word emptying. I've had the most random cans of "food" in there for years. Hoarding tomatoes, beans and the like and never really using them. Instead I've been eating only what we have in there and adding a couple of items at a time. I realized I was searching for security in a full house and full pantry. We're working on that!

Back to dinner!

It has always been a dream of mine to have a little garden. Well, our yard is like a Disney movie, so a garden on the ground without significant security would be ridiculous. We have at least 3 bunnies in our yard at all times. They eat my flowers (which I've learned to just get over) but I don't think I could take them eating OUR food.




Instead I have my little garden atop a defunct patio table. And I'll tell you, my tomatoes look terrible but they are some of the few actually sprouting fruit in this area. The heat has been ridiculous.



My favorite part of gardening this time around has been my little selection of herbs. I use the basil and mint almost daily. To be able to run out back and snip a little flavor from my own backyard has been short of heavenly.

The greek chicken was EXACTLY what we needed in this heat wave. With the greek salsa it was cool and fresh. And lovely to run outside and collect a little mint!




And to add to the ambiance........

Edit: this was also the same day the Greek bail out was announced. We are SO with it.

Patchwork Turtles!

Once I saw THIS TUTORIAL on Make it and Love it, I just knew my nephew had to have one!!!

I loved the fabric she used as well and was inspired to go digging through my own scrap basket!

The only change I would make (and will make before I mail it) is add a bell inside. I think the turtle needs a little jingle in his life. And make him more appealing to my bouncy little buddy!




And this is totally worth it just to learn the hidden stitch trick!

It will change the way I finish projects FOREVER!!!

Show Us Your Life--Breakfast Recipes

It is SUYL Breakfast recipes over at Kelly's Korner this week!

Ok-I realize this might be selfish that I'm posting a one serving breakfast recipe. But breakfast time is my ONE selfish alone time of the day. It's quiet. The girls are still upstairs and usually my husband has just left for work.

My mom gave me this idea. And it's awesome.

Start with either a multi grain sandwich round (2 ww points) or an english muffin (typically 3 ww pts). Toast it lightly.

Then cook 2 egg whites in a tiny bit of butter (about 1 ww pt).

Put the egg whites on the lightly toasted bread and sprinkle a little bit of shredded cheddar (or whatever you have---this morning I used mozzarella because we were out of cheddar).




And last but not least, I use Jimmy Dean turkey sausage (1 per item--not serving). It heats quickly in the microwave and then I slice it up so I get some in each bite!

It's easy and SEEMS like a splurge, but it's not!!!

All in all it's about a 4 point weight watchers breakfast!




Enjoy!!!

Outside treasures

Each morning I take a walk or bike ride. I rise quite early, enjoy a cup of coffee (although I wouldn't say a GOOD cup of coffee until I run out of the yuck I have now) and start off. I love using the runkeeper app so I can try to maintain a decent pace. And it's fun to figure out where the tough points of my walk/ride were. I love being able to tell where the hills are. We live in a big valley, so there's not an easy walk in the entire 'hood.

I've been looking for treasures for my girls while out.



And even one for my husband.

I like to hide them for the girls in the mailbox. As long as we remember before our mail lady arrives!

I've even done a little urban foraging for flowers. Someone dumped a hanging basket over the edge of the ditch. It definitely wasn't accidental. I watched it for a few days and finally decided I could use it in my backyard!

Although discovering this big guy....

(dead, of course) near the ditch where I procured my find, I will think twice about jumping down there again.

I highly value this alone time. I enjoy listening to the Sara Groves pandora station and talking to my God.

With this set alone time every morning, I no longer have to ask "how is it between us, when did I talk to you last and what has happened since...." How is it between us by Sara Groves.

Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.