A Breath of Fresh Air

Life On Ashley Ethridge's Planet

2010-03-04T07:27:00.001-05:00

I drink OJ when I eat chocolate. I know. It sounds gross, but you should really try it. There's nothing like a Hershey bar with a cold glass of OJ.
At the age of 16, I followed an old boyfriend of mine one time when he was on a date with another girl. While I was following him, I thought I was flashing my lights at him when I realized my headlights were closed (it was an old Honda accord that had the "flip-up" lights). Talk about embarrassing.
It aggravates me beyond belief when people park in the fire line and get out of their car to run into the store. For crying out loud, people, park your car like the rest of us!
I eat chocolate for breakfast on a regular basis.
I dislike anything that taste like coffee.
I secretly want to be a "Martha Stewart", but I have a long ways to go.
My junior year in high school I was the MVP for our girl's basketball team.
I "covet" time with JUST my husband.
When I was in middle school, I once ran out of a classroom and had a teacher chase me all the way around the building.
At weddings, my sister-in-law and I share a piece of cake because she likes the icing and I like the cake.
One of my dream jobs is to be a sleep consultant. I would love to help new moms as they try to get their babies to sleep through the night.
Babywise is what I call my "Baby Bible". My friend actually calls me the babywise nazi! I couldn't have made it through the early months without it!
I love to spend money...any body's money. I don't even have to be buying for myself. In fact, I'd rather spend other people's money because then my husband won't ask me about it.
My favorite movies are The Sound of Music, Father of the Bride (Part 1 and 2), My Best Friends Wedding, Sweet Home Alabama...just to name of few.
Roller coasters use to scare the daylights out of me. Now I'll ride almost any ride you put me on.
I won't swim in the ocean because I'm scared of jellyfish.
When I was young, I use to sing "Walking in a Winter Wonderland". Only I would sing "walking in a window one day" because I thought that's what they were saying. Yes, I was a little confused.
My all time favorite restaurant is Ruth's Chris. And no, I don't get to go very much.
Whenever we plan a vacation, we instantly start thinking of all the food we'd like to eat. It's as if we center our vacation around restaurants.
Being late is a pet peeve of mine. Although I often stay in bed too long and end up being late. Especially if I'm going somewhere with my husband.
When I was in sixth grade, I had a poodle perm. You just can't imagine how bad it was. Really, really bad!
Because the Sound of Music is one of my favorite movies, I can recite almost the entire movie by heart. Trust me, you don't want to watch it with me . I'm quite annoying.
My dream house is a renovated old house with lots of refurbished materials (i.e. reclaimed hardwoods from an old barn, old doors)
I'm afraid to make a mistake, which keeps me from trying things out of my comfort zone.
I am addicted to fabric...it's a serious problem.

Positive Parenting

2010-03-03T07:21:00.000-05:00

I was blessed and encouraged to hear Rodney speak about the discipline of our children. It is so important to begin the process of discipline early and I am beginning to see the fruit of that in my eight year old son. So, I would like to share with you something that I use in my home that works well for me. You can, of course, modify it as you wish to suit your own personal family needs.

Although I am a strong believer in consistent and firm discipline, I also like to focus on the positive things my children do. So, I developed a system that I call "Pennies in a Jar". My children can earn a penny for a variety of things such as sharing a toy, helping each other put clothes away, comforting one another if one gets hurt, taking turns on the swing in the backyard, compromising rather than fighting over a movie, etc. Anything that is positive, selfless, or encouraging of harmony in our home. When I catch them doing a positive thing, I tell them "penny in the jar" and then let them put a penny in their own jar. I have a separate jar for each child. Then, when they reach 25 pennies they have earned a small prize. This system has worked well to encourage positive behavior and my children love it. They do not necessarily get a penny every day or for every little thing, or I don't think it would have as much meaning to them. Yes, we must discipline our children, but it is also great to encourage and celebrate the positives they do as well.

Kyra

Kids Bible Study Book

2010-02-09T20:00:00.001-05:00

In our busy lives its easy to forget to do devotions with our kiddos. Well that was until I found this nifty book.

The Dinnertime Bible

Its filled with great short bible stories. It also gives little things to think about and discuss with the kids. To top it off each story includes a bite size prayer. The principal of each story is worked into the prayer. It's awesome to help kids build up confidence to pray on there own.

One more thing to love about this book is it's wire bound, so you can lay it flat on the table. That way you don't have to worry about dirty fingerprints. And we all know how messy dinner time can get.

Life on Lori Pew's Planet

2010-02-08T21:57:00.002-05:00

I am an absolute sports junkie! I call it a good day if I can squeeze in Sports Center before my 3 year old wants cartoons.
I've been married for almost 11 years to an amazing man...but we've been together since we were 15. I am so blessed!
I am a FRIENDS fanatic!!! I can watch re-runs all day and say "this one is my favorite" to each one of them!
I have an amazing, quirky son, who was diagnosed with Autism at 3 years old....what a journey it has been, but it has made me a better mom because of it!
My daughter is the ultimate girly girl, and I have NO IDEA where she gets it from...I am NOT!!! I didn't wear pink by choice until I was 28!
I am a facebook junkie!!! It's probably easier to get in touch with me on there rather than calling me on the phone...sad, I know!
I'm the oldest of 3, but I was pretty much like an only child...they're 8 & 10 years younger than me.
My dream car is a 1980 Chevy Corvette Stingray...white t-top with red interior.
Baseball is my favorite sport...I'm a die hard Detroit Tigers fan...I'm counting down the days til Opening Day.
Last year, for mother's day my husband took me to Opening Day for the Tigers in Toronto...yep, I like baseball!
In college, I worked for Meijer (like Walmart) and arrested shoplifters...nothing gets your adrenaline pumping like seeing someone steal...there is something really wrong with that!!
My first car was a 1985 Pontiac Sunbird station wagon that's roof leaked when it rained! Fun!
My husband bought me an awesome guitar and I took about 4 lessons...still cannot play it...it's on my to do list!
I have a passion for college students. My husband & I ran that department at our church in Michigan for 6 years...it is the most crucial time in their christian lives...to make God their God...I miss them all soooooo much!!!
I went on a missions trip to the Bahamas in '03 and almost came home with a little boy from an orphanage we visited...I still get choked up every time I think about him!
I love watching House Hunters!! I'm glued to the tv wondering which one they'll pick! :)
I sang "More than Words" by Extreme at my high school music concert.
I am proudly a Twilight Mom!! I've read all the books about 4 times each!!! Go Team Edward!
Since we've moved, I've realized how good my relationship with my mom is and how much I really do value her opinion.
I tear up whenever anyone wins anything...seriously, anything....it's ridiculous!!!
We heard our son's heartbeat for the first time on our 1 year wedding anniversary...nothing can ever top that present!
My all time favorite show is Mr. Bean...I love watching British tv and movies!
I love music and a wide variety of it...Casting Crowns to Metallica, to Michael Buble to Joss Stone...Michael Buble is my new favorite.
I've watched every season of American Idol and contrary to most people, I LOVE Ryan Seacrist!
Most people think that a job moved my family down here, but I know it was the Lord!! I've met amazing, godly women down here and honestly couldn't imagine my life without them in it now!!

Life on Kim Roundtree's Planet

2010-01-23T08:00:00.001-05:00

I have a late-in-the-year birthday, so I was always the youngest kid in school.
The older I get, the darker God makes my hair. I'm just thankful I still have lots of it!
I am a TV junkie since we got our DVR- how cool to forward through those annoying commercials.
I think I am a fantastic driver. (Except for the ambulance I scrapped up at the new Base 2...but in my defense, that yellow pole WAS in a bad spot!!:) )
Don't laugh, but when I hear a snippet of C& C Music Factory, I immediately think of my friend Alaini and I dancing all night at the Athens clubs.
I love tomatoes in a sauce form, like salsa and spaghetti, but I detest them raw like in a salad or on a burger.
I freely admit I send a chatty Christmas newsletter. In it, I usually include photos of the girls, and news about what we've been doing. After all, we can't see all our friends every year.
The idea of growing an organic garden sounds wonderful, but I have a black thumb. I can't even keep pansies alive!
I don't think you are ever too old to decide what you want to be when you grow up. After all, I still don't know myself, but I do believe we have different seasons in our career journey.
That said, working for EMS was the BEST JOB Ever. I truly felt led to my job, that I made a tangible difference in the lives of many patients, and that I prayed for every person I dealt with during the day. I still remember the first patient that I saw die after an unsuccessful CPR, and I remember the 3 SIDS babies that didn't make it. Some things don't ever leave you.
I converted to Catholicism in my early 20's. I'm not completely sure what my parents thought about it- they were probably just glad I was in a church at all!
When I'm with my friend April, we have been known to laugh so hard we peed our pants. Everyone needs a friend like that!!
Before I had children, I had cats. When I had to put my precious Van Gogh to sleep when he developed cancer, I literally cried for a month at the very thought of him. He was the coolest, most loving cat I ever knew.
Eco-friendly? I really try hard but I'm just not so sure. I recycle as much trash as I throw away, but I drive a big SUV. I make sure my cleaning folks only use organic, green cleansers, and my girls only bathe with organic/chemical free shampoos and lotions, yet I turn around and let them occasionally have super-processed McDonalds chicken nuggets. Can't win every Mom of the Year contest!
As a teen I prayed for larger breasts, but after nursing 2 children for over a year each, I realized this wasn't what I had envisioned. OK God, you can take them back now!!
I completely believe in angels.
Everyone needs to have one boy/girlfriend in their past that is filthy-stinkin' rich, so you can fully appreciate that money is NOT everything if you have to put up with them. **Thank you, Gianni, for helping me with this lesson. Your Ferrari was nice, and I loved dinners at La Biblioteque, but no thanks to dating someone as old as my father.
I had really bad post-par tum depression after I stopped nursing both my children. It doesn't have to begin right after birth, it can start with any great hormonal shift. But it is serious, so don't mess around if you think you have it- call me to talk!
I just don't get the Justin Timberlake appeal- he's a scrawny kid who needs to shave and sings like a girl. Whatever.
I like to have big, no expense-spared birthday parties for my girls. I can only think my parents must have neglected me in some way to make me like this...One day, maybe I can go on Oprah to figure it out. :)
Last summer I had Maddie Grace over-scheduled with VBS, Summer camps, vacation weeks, tennis lessons, etc. This year I want to have a lazy, boring summer just hanging out at the club pool and staying at the beach. Bums- I want us to be big bums.
OK- I confess it- I rarely check my voice mails. Not at home, or on the cell, Sorry, I just don't. I have no idea why, it is just one of those things.
I love my Georgia Bulldawgs, but I haven't been back to a game in years and years. I would love to, I just kept putting it off with children. Maybe I'll try to get there this year for a football game!
When Maddie Grace was born, for the first 3 years, I whispered in her ear as she went to sleep, "You're going to Duke on a scholarship", over and over. Wishful thinking on my part, trying to save myself a little cash down the road! 2 years ago, I broke down and bought her a Duke piggy bank, just in case, as a back up plan.

Thanks for putting up with my insanely long list- if you think this is bad, you should hear my voicemails...

"The Omnivore's Dilemma" Review

2010-01-22T19:26:00.001-05:00

If one of your New Year's Resolutions is to eat more healthy foods, then I have a great book for you. The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan is a look into the food we eat from grocery stores, from conventional ones to Whole Foods. He starts by examining corn and how it is grown. I was shocked to learn that corn is in many things we eat and comes under many names. Then, he looks at what he calls "industrial organic" food. Although it seems quaint to think that our organic milk, eggs, and veggies come from a family farm, that is often far from the truth. He takes a look at Whole Foods Market and where our food actually comes from. He even visits the farm that grows the organic spring mix salad that I buy at Costco. Then, he visits a truly sustainable organic farm in Virginia called PolyFace Farm. It is amazing how balanced their farm is and they waste nothing. Their meat and eggs are prized in the area and supply some of DC's finest restaurants. Pollan's writing style is very easy to read and the topic is interesting and informative. If you liked Fast Food Nation (another great book by the way) and SuperSize Me (one of my favorite documentaries), then you will love the Omnivore's Dilemma.

Thanks,
Kyra

What to do with all those cute Christmas Cards

2010-01-07T21:43:00.006-05:00

Are you like me and enjoy getting all those cute photo christmas cards? If you do, you probably ask yourself the same question every year. What do I do with them after Christmas?

So here is an idea for you.

Make a Christmas Coffee table book out of them. Even if the world scrapbooking makes you run the other way, you CAN do it. And every year you can look back and see how much your friends and family have changed.

Get a 12x12 scrapbook (yes, there's that evil word again). I prefer the three ring type. Three ring books allow you lay the open book flat on the table, but any kind will work. Purchase a few pieces of 12x12 cardstock or patterned paper. If you want to save a dollar or two, ask me for a few sheets. Everyone knows I have plenty to share.

Simply tape or glue the cards on and stick them in the book. And drumroll please..... instant coffee table book. I told you it was easy!

Every year just add a few new pages and enjoy. Your families will love to see their cards being cherished. It never hurts to score a few bonus points when you can{wink}.

Chocolate Chip Cake

2009-12-05T08:00:00.001-05:00

Here is a recipe for Chocolate Chip Cake. It is easy to make with ingredients you may already have on hand. If you need something quick for a party or gift that most people will like-this is it.

1 box yellow cake mix
1 box chocolate pudding
4 eggs
½ cup oil
1 8oz. container sour cream
About 2 cups chocolate chips

Mix together and pour in bundt pan or 2 loaf pans. Cook on 350 for about 45 minutes or until done. When it is cool, I like to sprinkle it with powdered sugar.

Life on Amy Andraza's Planet

2009-12-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

A few blurbs about me…

My favorite job is being Mom to Colin (6), Ethan (4) and Anna Claire (2). I do work outside the home as a nurse anesthetist.
My husband is a better cook than I am.
My favorite lipstick: Bamboo Pink by Clinique
Not so proud mommy moment: I gave my two-year-old M&M’s at 8:00 this morning to persuade her to wear her itchy Tinkerbell Costume to preschool.
Guilty pleasure: Pedicures
Embarrassing guilty pleasures: Eating in bed (drives my husband nuts!) and listening to Air Supply (some of you youngsters may need to google this 80’s “band”…My husband is not a big fan of this one either)
My favorite fictional book is To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
I can drive a stick shift.
I had a deep fried Snickers at the NC State Fair a couple weeks ago…YUMMY!!
Things that scare me: speaking in front of people and snakes…Not speaking in front of snakes, just snakes in general

Life on Kelly Woody's Planet

2009-12-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

Here are a few interesting things about me:
My favorite TV shows are The Office, Biggest Loser, The Apprentice, and The Mentalist.
Like everyone else, I love pizza and cheesecake!
I enjoy doing crafts, especially jewelry making.
Reading is typically not my a high interest for me; the one exception was the Twilight series. Read them all in about a month! Can't wait to see New Moon!
I love spending time with my family and friends, and quiet times with the Lord.

Surviving The Holidays

2009-12-01T22:18:00.003-05:00

We are in the midst of one of my favorite times of year, but it can also be one of the most stressful. Here are some of my tips for surviving and thriving with preschoolers in this busy season.

Have realistic expectations about your decorations. As a mom of at least one preschooler, your house is not going to look like Martha Stewart’s house. Remember, she has a staff to do all of that for her. Besides the fact that she is not pregnant, nursing, or caring for a two-year old. If you have a young child who likes to grab, you may need to save your heirloom ornaments for another year so you are not upset if one gets broken. Your young children will not remember whether or not you had a fully decorated tree in each corner or not. They will remember new traditions you start with them about the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of spending time with family.

Speaking of spending time with family, this may well be the number one source of holiday stress. If you are spending time with relatives that you may not get along with very well it can create tension. My strategy is to allow myself down time whenever possible. Can you go for a walk, offer to help in the kitchen, lie down for a brief nap with your baby, or offer to run an errand? I find that if I have a little time to myself, then I am much more equipped to handle difficult situations.

Defend nap time and bed time no matter what. If your young child is accustomed to taking a nap every day, then do not expect them to be fine without it. I have carried my pack and play to more places than I can even remember. If you are spending an afternoon with friends or relatives, politely remind them that your child needs a two hour nap or they will be cranky. It will not do your or your child any good to be tired all day. I’ve been ridiculed for my adherence to nap time, but if my child is fussy all day, then I will be irritable, too. Also, put them to bed at a decent time. I have excused myself from many Christmas parties to put a baby to bed.

Make some time for yourself. I know it can be difficult to fit in one more thing this time of year and there always seems to be so much to do. However, still try to take care of yourself by exercising even if it is only 30 minutes. Go to bed a little early if you know you have a busy day coming up. Don’t try to do too much extra so you can enjoy yourself some. I need to have some alone time each day or I will get irritable, as evidenced by my Thanksgiving when I had people staying in my house Wednesday through Sunday. I try to go to bed a few minutes early to give myself some down time and quiet.

Make time for your husband. Christmas can seem like its all about family and your children. Try to take some time for just your husband whenever possible. My husband and I always go out for a quiet dinner, without children or place mats you can color, so we can reconnect and focus on each other. My husband and I also have a couple of movies that are a tradition for us to watch at Christmas time. We put our children to bed a little early so we can have a date night at home.

Listen to worship music and read the Bible. I have a play list that I listen to when I am under stress and need to have rest for my soul. One of my favorites is a CD of Psalms set to music. I listen to it while I work in the kitchen or when I am in the car traveling and it helps me to be calm. Do not neglect your quiet time with God. I admit, some of my Thanksgiving week would have gone smoother if I focused more on prayer and Bible study. I am committing to spending more time with the Lord these next few weeks to have peace and calmness in my holiday instead of just stress and busyness.

Enjoy it! Christmas with young children is simply magical. They get excited by the most simple things and serve as a great reminder to us adults who are not as easily impressed. I’m pretty sure I could simply have the Charlie Brown Christmas tree up and my children would be thrilled. Cherish each moment with your precious children because you will be making memories for years to come.

Your ideas???

Innisbrook Warehouse Sale

2009-11-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

For people not familiar with Innisbrook, they are a company that runs fundraisers at schools. They specialize in small gifts, books and wrapping paper. This is not just any wrapping paper. Each role has a generous amount of high quality paper. Some of the paper is double sided and the ones that aren't have a grid print on the back. Let me tell you, it makes wrapping a breeze. Checkout the flyer below.
Innisbrook/Shamrock Sale Flyer

The Holidays Are Here

2009-11-19T21:41:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone had a chance to attend the Candlelight Coffee here at Lawndale last Friday. It was a night of beautiful tables, great fellowship, and giveaways. If you missed it, here are a few pictures from that night.

Let the Shopping Begin

2009-11-19T21:38:00.002-05:00

Nothing screams shopping like the day after thanksgiving. If your like me and want to plan your shopping attack plan in advance. Check out www.bfads.net .They will provide you with the adscans of the big sales.

Life on Christina Blake's Planet

2009-11-17T22:09:00.000-05:00

1. I love, love politics.
2. I can name all the Presidents in under 90 seconds
3. I thought studying the Bible was boring until I discovered Beth Moore Bible Studies. Now I am sad when it’s over.
4. I talk way to much, just can't seem to stop myself.
5. My husband Jason and I hardly ever fight. If we do it’s over him being messy. We are really exciting I know
6. I seek approval and am never happy with any thing I do.
7. I love clearance shopping. I swear I dream of target red stickers.
8. I love organizing. Even though nothing I do stays that way, hence #5
9. My oldest son has aspergers and I'm okay with it. I am actually intrigued at how his mind works.
10. I love my kids who are 9, 5 and 13 months.
11. I go to a playgroup almost every week. Its more for me than the kids.... there I admitted it.
12. I have ADHD that went untreated till I was 25.
13. Growing up I had more guy friends than girlfriends.
14. Because of #13 I had a man of honor in my wedding in addition to a matron of honor.
15. I did not own a single craft item until four and a half years ago. And anyone who knows me knows I have made up for lost time.
16. Before landing on Planet Mom I was a health insurance claims adjuster. And I worked at Bed and Breakfast at night.
17. I got married at 20, bought a house at 21, and had a baby at 22. I am goal oriented can't you tell.
18. I have a GREAT husband and I know it. And he "gets me", most of the time.
19. I love to read but don’t do it too often because when I do I tend to forget important things. You know like feed the kids
20. I was shocked that Candace Harrison recommended me for crafts on the Mops steering team. I think she's the best crafter I know. I am so not on the same level as her.
21. I was even more shocked that everyone seemed to have no doubt that I could do it.
22. I married a trumpet, baritone and tuba player. The problem is I hate instrumental music it gives me a head ache. But I go watch him play anyways.
23. I am sometimes the only mom at Panara Monday Mom’s Minute, but would love for any of you guys to stop by.
24. I spend lots of time discussing God (religion), politics and money with my kids. And believe it’s the foundation they need to be successful adults
25. I am very blessed and I know it.

Saving Cents

2009-11-16T07:12:00.002-05:00

Do you like to save money? I know I do. Who doesn’t get excited when they feel like they have scored a deal. If you have a money saving tip please leave a comment and share.

Life on Deborah Brown's Planet

2009-11-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

1) Don’t think I am that interesting to have 25 random things about myself.
2) I love to read- especially Inspirational Novels. My favorite author is Karen Kingsbury, and then Beverly Lewis.
3) I also like crime novels- those without a lot of language and sex- Hard to find, I know. - Ted Dekker is a really good author for these types, but you have to be careful- some of his novels are horror novels.
4) I have 2 kids, age 3 3/4 and 5 and have been married for 11 years.
5) Met my husband right out of high school and we have been pretty much together since then.
6) I am really odd- I actually love teaching the middle school age. I know- some people think I am strange.
7) I love dance and drama
8) All though high school I was part of the drama crowd, but preferred the tech side of the drama.
9) The only way my drama teacher could get me on stage was when my grade depended on it. I hate speaking in front of people-still do.
10) I also danced and was involved in the drama ministry at my last church, as well as directing the mime team “Silent Witness” Notice the “Silent” part- still don’t like speaking in front of people
11) Love to organize things, plan things- not a spur of the moment type of person.
12) Before I had children, my house contained a place for everything, and all my bills, paperwork and checkbook were organized down to the last dot.
13) After having kids- lets just say- we have been here for a 2 1/2 years and I just organized my bedroom, and got a spot for everything. Up until now- my room was a dumping ground for everything that did not have a spot, or I did not want to deal with.
14) As far as the checkbook goes- very glad that Chris pays the bills now, or we would be in trouble. Pregnancy really does cause you to loose brain cells- lots of them.
15) I have had the same best friend for 35 years- shout out to Jennifer Booker.
16) I have only been off the east coast 2x- to go to visit Jennifer when she lived in Oklahoma
17) And I have never been any farther up the east coast then Washington DC.
18) I am definitely not a world traveler, much prefer to stay home.
19) Unlike my husband, who has been to Europe and many of the 50 states
20) My favorite Speaker/ Teacher is Beth Moore- love her Bible Studies and try to listen to her every week.
21) Really love it when my mother in law comes to visit- I am very blessed with all of my in laws.
22) My kids don’t think I am as fun as daddy- he is another kid for them to play with. I should have more fun, but there is always so much to do.
23) I love to read so much, that when Chris hears Joshua going “mommy, mommy, mommy”, the first thing he asks “Joshua, Is mommy reading.” The answer is usually “yes”. Sad, I know.
24) I actually love to clean house- I feel so much better when the house is clean and organized. I do not however, like to do dishes, or fold clothes- why is that?
25) I can never say things in short, concise sentences. Can you tell from all the above.

Life on Kyra Houser's Planet

2009-11-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

One thing that most people know about me is that I love to read. One thing you may not know is that I like to read multiple books at one time and I normally am in the midst of 4 or 5 books at any given time. My preference is non-fiction, although I have been reading more fiction in the past few months. I have two books that I would like to recommend. First, over the summer I decided to go back and revisit classic books that I loved when I was younger. I re-read To Kill a Mockingbird and fell in love with it all over again. I also love memoirs because it is inspiring to read about how someone overcame a struggle. One of my favorites in this genre is one you may never have heard of but can be found in your local library. The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio by Terry Ryan is a true story about the author’s mother, Evelyn, who managed to raise, feed, and clothe her 10 children by entering and often winning commercial jingle contests. Her husband was often unemployed and when he did make money he frequently spent it all before giving it to his family. So Evelyn used her wit and humor to win jingle contests in the 50”s and 60”s to support her 10 children. This is one of my favorite stories and perfectly illustrates the resourcefulness of a mom!

What's For Dinner

2009-11-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

“What’s for dinner?” Does that question haunt you as much as it does me? It’s not that I hate cooking. I actually love to cook. But after a day of running after my kids, doing the zillionth load of laundry, and re-cleaning my house. Cooking a Food Channel worthy meal is not a top priority. Although I love the look on my husbands face when he comes home to a nice meal. Come on chicks, you know the look.

In my quest to simplify my life, I have started freezing meals in advance. Something I actually have been meaning to do for years. I just didn’t know where to start. Buying cookbooks is something I deem risky. I always fear I won’t like it and it will disappear into my stack of dusty cookbooks. I finally broke down and bought “Don’t panic it’s in the freezer” by Susie Martinez, Vanda Howell & Bonnie Garcia.

To my complete surprise this book rocks. Very rarely do I get something right on the first try.
Below is a recipe that my family has enjoyed from this book.

Cheesy Chicken Bundles

1 cup bread crumbs (I use Panko)
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 cup freshly Parmesan cheese, grated
1 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
6 boneless chicken breasts
1/2 cup butter, melted

Serving day
2 T. butter, melted
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Recipe yields
6 servings

Cooking day instructions
Mix together bread crumbs, cheeses, salt, and pepper. Dip chicken pieces in melted butter, then in cheese mixture. Tuck sides of chicken breast under to form individual bundles. To freeze, wrap each bundle in plastic wrap, and then place in freezer bags.

Serving day
Thaw, then place chicken bundles in large, shallow baking dish. Melt remaining 2 T. butter and pour over bundles. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees approximately 1 hour, until chicken is crispy.

Life On My Planet

2009-11-02T22:00:00.003-05:00

We see each other every month, but it is impossible to really get to know each mom. So for fun, we are going to try to make it a little easier. Every week we are going to post a little about a couple of moms in our group. To keep it fresh we are going to change it around as we go. Some times it might be Q & A and other times it might be random facts about a certain mom.

To start things off we will do the steering team. Often times we get busy during meeting and we don’t get a chance to chat . At any time you have any questions, feel free to leave comments. We all hope you enjoy this. You never know know which mom will be next!

Easy Peesy Fall Décor

2009-10-28T23:44:00.004-04:00

As much as I love crafting, home décor is not my thing. Decorating is something I always mean to get to. But fall is the one exception to the rule. So today I thought I would share an extremely easy craft.

First pick up seven little pumpkins. I found mine at the Guilford College United Methodist pumpkin patch. They ranged from 50 cents to a dollar a piece. Then I picked up some foam stickers. You can use any sticker or rub on you like. I just prefer Thickers from American Crafts. They can be found at any craft store for about 3.00. Line your pumpkins up and apply your stickers. What could be easier then that?

MOPS Important Dates

2009-08-31T09:43:00.005-04:00

Monthly MOPS meetings for 2009-2010, as well as MOPS play dates, and ALL MOPS outings for 2009

September 8th, 7:00 PM - MOPS orientation (Fellowship Hall)
September 15th, 9:00 AM - First MOPS meeting (CLC)
October 1st, 7:00 PM - Game Night (Fellowship Hall)
October 6th, 10:00 AM - Pumpkin Patch (Tentative)
October 20th, 9:00 AM - MOPS (CLC)
November 3rd, 7:00 PM - Jewelery Night (Fellowship Hall)
November 10th, 9:30 AM - Story time (Kathleen Clay Library)
November 17th, 9:00 AM - MOPS (CLC)
December 8th, 7:00 PM - Dinner (Jason’s Deli)
December 15th, 9:00 AM - MOPS (CLC)
January 12th, 9:00 AM - MOPS (CLC - date change due to GCS Workday)
February 16th, 9:00 AM - MOPS (CLC)
March 16th, 9:00 AM - MOPS (CLC)
April 20th, 9:00 AM - MOPS (CLC)
May 18th, 9:00 AM - MOPS (CLC)

Childcare Notes:

Childcare is provided for Monthly MOPS meetings
No childcare is provided for Night Time All MOPS outings
Daytime ALL MOPS play dates are activities for moms and preschoolers

Keep checking back on this blog for more information and times.

Who doesn’t love a giveaway?

2009-08-17T17:20:00.004-04:00

With great excitement we announce the first Lawndale MOPS blog giveaway. After a summer of surviving the elements on planet mom, we figured you could use a little pampering.

This great Burt’s Bees gift set is up for grabs. It includes.

A lovely Spearmint & Lime Body Wash: Perfect for washing that mommy grime away.
Peppermint Foot Lotion: A great treat for feet that are exhausted from chasing little ones all day.
Fabulously Fresh Peppermint & Rosemary Body Bar: We’re sure it will make you feel like a woman again. Well at least for a quick moment that is.
Beeswax lip balm and lip balm tin: Ideal for weathering the ever changing climate on planet mom. A girl’s got to be prepared.
Burt’s Bees peppermints: Great for all the times you don’t have a spare moment to freshen up. At least you can have fresh breath!

To be eligible, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post or sign up to follow our blog on Google. On orientation night we will randomly draw a winner. Good Luck!!!!!!!!

Under the Sea

2009-08-17T16:57:00.006-04:00

As many of us wrap up our summer, and enjoy those last few lazy days of freedom……oh, wait a second….we’re all moms of preschoolers… lazy days of freedom… what are those? Never the less, here’s a couple of fun, ocean themed ideas to enjoy all year long.

You say mac and cheese. I say ocean adventure. And that’s not broccoli, it’s seaweed.

In case your in the mood for a craft or you are just in need of a diversion because your kids are running around like crazed lunatics .

This super cool octopus is really simple to make. All you need is a paper bag, a rubber band, and a little trash to stuff the head. You can paint it, like the one shown above. But, if you are like me, and not thrilled with the thought of clean up. You can simply let your kids colored it. Google eyes are completely optional. Eyes can be drawn on, or made of what ever you can find laying around the house. At my house that could be very interesting.

Welcome to the new Lawndale MOPS blog

2009-08-07T21:13:00.005-04:00

This year we are proud to introduce our first Lawndale MOPS blog. Being a mom is the hardest job a woman will ever do; and, at times, it can also seem to be the loneliest.
Since our MOPS group only meets once a month, this blog is your quick “breath of fresh air“. A reminder that you are not alone or forgotten. We hope that this blog will be a blessing and help you feel more connected to your fellow MOPS moms.