Monday, July 27, 2009

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Cleaning the Shower

I was a poet and I didn't even know it! This literally came to me while standing barefoot in the tub scrubbing my heart out and inhaling terrible fumes.

Cleaning the shower is such a chore
It's never some thing that I adore
In fact it's quite the bore
Nothing like going to the store
Or playing with my girl on the floor
Oh if only it could clean itself
I would have more time for myself

Thursday, July 16, 2009

A Big "THANK YOU!" To All That Donated to Highland MOPS



Above is the widget that's been on my blog for some time now. I would just like to thank all of you that contributed to the Abilene MOPS Group. I was able to exceed my fund raising goal of $500! Your donations were much appreciated. I am removing the widget now but if you would still like to contribute to MOPS just shoot me an email and I can work that out with you. Our annual fundraiser is now over but you are more than welcome to help us out at any time.
Again, thank you for all your support. MOPS is a wonderful organization and I am proud to be a part of it.

If you would like to learn more about MOPS you may visit any of the sites below.
http://www.mops.org/
http://www.abilenemops.com/
http://www.abilenemops.com/index.php
http://highlandmops.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Pic of the Week

Curious Baby

Shelby's a very curious little girl. She is always on the go...scooting and rolling all over the room to grab anything and everything that has been left on the floor or that is within her reach.
The other day she scooted over to where Jason's guitar was on it's stand and began to push against it with her little feet. Needless to say I shot across the room and scooped her up. She could have pushed the guitar over right on top of herself!
I have some board games stacked on the bottom of the TV stand and she loves to pull the boxes out and kick them and even tries to eat them. :)
And then today she discovered something new and even more fun. While she was sitting in her BUMBO Seat on the kitchen counter "helping" me cook dinner she discovered the toaster oven. Through trial and error she learned how to open the toaster oven door and then would open it and then slam it shut...over and over and over and over again she did this. I could not even cook; I kept watching her learn and play!

Target's Heartbeat Bear Review

When Shelby was first born Jason and I decided to purchase a heartbeat bear to help her sleep. For those of you who have not heard of them they are just a teddy bear that makes the sounds of a heartbeat and is supposed to remind the baby of the womb and soothe them to sleep. Kinda like the puppy and the clock.
The one that we bought was from Target and was called the Summer Infant Momies Melodies Gund Bear and is pictured below. It sells for $19.99.
Product Image
My personal review is that the bear, while very adorable, was not worth the money. Let me explain...IT DOES NOT STAY ON! Seriously. The way in which you turn the bear on in located on the back of the bear and is a button. My problem is that the switch is super sensitive and with the slightest movement turns off. They should have used a switch instead. Maybe mine was just defective and others are not as sensitive but you have to just tap the button to turn it on and off. So if you are looking ot buy a heartbeat bear avoid the Target brand.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Another milestone already!



Shelby started cereal on Friday. I can hardly believe it!!!
She had never eaten from a spoon before (Well, except for the times I caught Jason sneaking her mashed potatoes form the table.) so I knew it would be something she'd have to get the hang of. Her 1st feeding she wasn't sure what to do and kinda just spit it out. She was more interested in playing with the spoon and trying to shove her hands in the bowl of cereal rather that actually eating. She didn't seem to be figuring out the whole swallowing thing. When I put the cereal in her mouth she would just move it around in her mouth mixing it with her saliva and then it would ooze back out her mouth.
During her 2nd ever cereal feeding about half way through the bowl something clicked....she figured out how to swallow! It is now Monday and she is eating up to ~3-4 tbs of rice cereal.
I'll try to post some pictures of the cutie chowing down very soon! Her messy little face is adorable.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

This is SO gross!

WARNING: This is a gross post!
So earlier this afternoon Shelby had a poop explosion while sitting in her BUMBO Seat. In reference to an earlier post that you can read HERE...Yes, I decided to get her one and I love it.
Ok so back to the story. Well, by the time I finished dealing with the poop (Here's some poo, there's some poo, everywhere there's some poo!) and bathing Shelby I had forgotten all about the BUMBO. So later when I thought to clean it the poo had dried. EHW! So what did I do you ask...or maybe you didn't! ;) I reconstituted the poo. Yup that's what I said. I sprayed it and sprayed it with antibacterial cleaner until it was loose enough to wipe up. I warned you this post was gross. TMI!

Oh no...DIAPER RASH!

Diaper rash is the result of irritation, usually caused by prolonged exposure to a diaper that is moist.
Yesterday I noticed Shelby's bottom was a little red. What could it be? The dreaded diaper rash! She has never gotten diaper rash before so I didn't have any of the special creams. However I did find two sample packs of Destine so that's what I used all day yesterday and today the redness is almost gone. Thanks goodness because I know that has to hurt! :( I felt so bad for her when I had to change her diaper yesterday and I did it as gingerly as I possibly could.

So my mommy to mommy question is... Do you have any special techniques, methods, creams, or remedies that you use for diaper rash? Keep in mind the cheaper the better.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Yummy Goodness

In keeping with the Hillbilly Housewife's $70 Low Cost Menu today's lunch consisted of Red Beans & Rice, Candied Carrots, and Cornmeal Muffins. It was inexpensive and super yummy too! I also had plenty of leftovers; I may freeze some because isn't always nice to have a lazy day of no cooking with home cooked meals?! :D Check out all the links for the recipes; let me know if you like them!

Pic of the Week

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Yup, I'm a Hillbilly Housewife.

Tonight when I was getting Shelby dressed for bed I sneezed out of the blue and was caught off guard when my cranky, tired baby laughed! So I fake sneezed and she laughed again! I probably sneezed like 20 times just to watch her face light up and hear her giggle. It's so funny to see the things that make her laugh and to discover new things. I had been trying to make her laugh earlier today and all I could get was a smile...what do ya know?! :D

On a different note I feel like today has been crazy. I have been on my feet all day preparing food ahead of time. I enjoy Susanne's site the Hillbilly Housewife and love to read up an all her $$$ saving tips. In lue of the fact I am trying to be thrifty in the kitchen I wanted to try her $70 Low Cost Menu this week. So today I prepared 2 loaves of homemade bread (1 for this week and 1 to freeze for later), a batch of 15 Tender Cornmeal Muffins (a few for this week and the rest frozen), and Blondies which are a yummy treat (Half were frozen for a later time which will also ensure that I don't eat the whole batch this week! ;) That's not to mention the Rock Botton Salmon Patties and rice for lunch or the coleslaw, and Boston Baked Beans with chopped hot dogs I made for dinner! WHEW! I have been a busy bee. By the way, my total at the grocery store was $64.33 so it was under $70 and I even found that a few of the items at my grocery store costs more that she had anticipated. Also, much of the food I bought will carry over to next week. What a deal! She also has a $45 Emergency Menu if you need it.
Well as Porky Pig would say, "Th th th th th th th that's all folks!" Ta ta for now. ;)

Sunday, July 5, 2009

SuperCook

I just wanted to share a website that I stumbled upon. It's called SuperCook. I have yet to make any recipes from it but I hope to soon. On their website they have a great tutorial to help get you started.
You can watch it by clicking on the following link - SuperCook | Tour

Anyway give it a try and let me know what you think. I am trying to save money in the kitchen and I thought that using up the ingredients that I bought for exotic recipes long forgotten would be a good start.

Sunday Stealing: The I've come to realize" Meme



I stole this from Shannon over at Shannon Blogs Here. She has a great blog and you should definantly check it out!

1. I’ve come to realize that my chest-size. . .is just what it's going to be.

2. I’ve come to realize that my job. . .is very important and that being a good wife and mother is the most important job I will ever have and reaps the best rewards.

3. I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving. . . I scare easily. Thank you Mr. Drunk driver who terrified me!

4. I’ve come to realize that I need. . . to be loved.

5. I’ve come that realize that I have lost. . . no weight...at all. :(

6. I’ve come to realize that I hate it when. . . my hubby has to go to work.

7. I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk. . . huh??? buzzed I get super silly.

8. I’ve come to realize that money...is not everything however, to not let money rule me I have to rule it.

9. I’ve come to realize that certain people. . . have let what society teaches get the best of them.

10. I’ve come to realize that I’ll always. . . be a control freak.

11. I’ve come to realize that my sibling(s). . . have many varied talents and interests.

12. I’ve come to realize that my mom. . . is an amazingly strong woman.

13. I’ve come to realize that my cell phone. . . is always by my side when my hubby's away but when he's home I tend to misplace it.

14. I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning. . . I had slept in and had to hurry to get to church.

15. I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep. . . I wanted to catch up on some of my favorite blogs since I wasn't tired yet.

16. I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking. . . about how much cussing is in the movie Grand Torino which my husband is watching. It's so appalling that I am distracted to the point of not even following the plot (hence, the fact I'm blogging).

17. I’ve come to realize that my dad. . . is very wise.

18. I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook. . . I am able to keep up with friends and acquaintances that I otherwise could not.

19. I’ve come to realize that today. . . was a wonderful day spent with family.

20. I’ve come to realize that tonight. . . is my last night visiting my parents, then back to reality.

21. I’ve come to realize that tomorrow. . . I will be stuck in the car for 6 hours! BLAH!

22. I’ve come to realize that I really want to. . . try to start saving more money when it comes to groceries...tuna casserole and PB&J anyone?

23. I’ve come to realize that the person mostly likely to re post this is. . .maybe The Nutty Mama???

24. I’ve come to realize that life. . . throws you curve balls.

25. I’ve come to realize that this weekend. . . was tons of fun and a time to celebrate our freedom.

26. I’ve realized the best music to listen to when I am upset. . . is Taylor Swift!

27. I’ve come to realize that my friends. . . are non existent.

28. I’ve come to realize that this year. . . has been crazy but wonderful.

29. I’ve come to realize that my exes. . . had it good.

30. I’ve come to realize that maybe I should. . . put myself out there more often.

31. I’ve come to realize that I love. . . to try new recipes.

32. I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand. . . how people can make promises to your face and the never keep them.

33. I’ve come to realize my past. . . is just where it will stay...in the past.

34. I’ve come to realize that parties. . . can be enjoyable or awkward.

35. I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified. . . to drive in big cities.

36. I’ve come to realize that my life. . . is as it should be.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

It's Independance Day!


Why Do We Celebrate The 4th Of July?

Author: NS Kennedy

The 4th of July has been an important holiday but today, more and more people do not know why we actually celebrate this day. If you are not up to date on your history of the United States, July 4th, 1776 is the day that the colonies decided to declare themselves independent of Britain. By writing a very detailed decree, they decided that they no longer would need to be governed by the Kings of England that had been so very unjust to the colonists in the years before. On July 4th, America was born. We call the 4th of July Independence Day because this day was the day they declared independence from Great Britain.

Today, we celebrate the fact that we are a free nation that is no under the rule of another. But, there is more to the celebration of independence than just the fact that this is the birthday of the United States. In fact, there are many goals and ideas that are represented in this celebration that until this day we fight for and protect around the world.

The Declaration of Independence, the actual decree in which was signed the independence of the United States, stands as a symbol for all of the things that we, as Americans, believe in. What are the symbols that it stands for?

The right to live with the freedoms of religion, without persecution and with the ability to think and do for yourself.

The courage it takes to protect freedom. It took the individuals that signed the Declaration a great deal of courage to do so as they could have been hung for treason. We use this symbol as a means to remind us that courage is often needed in times when our freedoms are threatened.

A symbol that people can live in a country that is governed by its people and that every person in that country is a very important person for its well being.

We celebrate the 4th of July for a number of reasons. We talk about how the United States of America was born and how many have died for that to happen. We celebrate the fact that we, as a nation, want all people to be free. And, we realize that without the courage and bravery of all those that came before us, we would not have the freedoms that we hold so very dear to us.


This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. All rights reserved. Copyright Your-Holiday.info


Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_65050_32.html

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

I'm back!

Okay, so we kinda are getting internet now. Jason discovered a new wireless signal that we are picking up from the neighbors...shhh...don't tell them! :)
Wow, I feel like I haven't blogged in forever and now I am experiencing writers block. Until I come up with something interesting to say I'll just post some pictures.
DISCLAIMER: I have not blogged in so long that these pictures are just one's that I have wanted to share. They are in no particular order.

Nap time

A weekend at Uncle Josh's.

Josh put his glasses on her. SO CUTE

All dressed up.

Yup, she's a thumb sucker!

Snuggling with my girl.

They were just having a chat.

Helping Mommy cook.

Sucking on Uncle John's finger. Yummy ;)

Special time with Grandpappy.

Playing with Jedidiah.

Uncle Jared's got me!

Rebeca meeting Shelby!

Now it was Mike's turn.

Emmalee was so sweet and always wanting to hold Shelby.

Aunt Erzsi-Janay and Shelby were having some girl time.

Shelby playing with Aunt Erzsi's necklace. She made the mistake of giving it to Shelby and then Shelby refused to give it back! :)

Josiah graduated from high school!

Congratulations Joe!

Brother's

Gradmother Lisa

Dan posing on a gator at the Dallas Zoo.

My strong and brave hubby was able to keep the creature's mouth away from him!

Ben also making a brave attempt to shut his mouth.

Allison offering up Shelby as a sacrifice to the Gator Gods to save herself!

I almost lost my head!

Up close and personal

We were checking out the gorilla exhibit.

Shelby didn't want to take a group picture.

Shelby, how can you sleep at the zoo?!

Great Uncle Frank and Shelby getting aquainted.

Kisses!!!

Look at that precious face.